Best Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcasts (2025)

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71: Building Smarter, Leading Braver: 2024 Awards Honoree Audree Grubesic 26:24

11d ago26:24

26:24

In this episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, we feature Audree Grubesic, an ambassador for offsite construction and a 2024 Compassionate Leaders Circle Awards honoree. As a trailblazer in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Audree opens up about the pressures women face to adopt masculine energy to succeed — and the burnout tha…

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Start Small, Lead Big: Building Culture with Student Leaders - Julia Kennedy 15:56

3d ago15:56

15:56

Today our guest is Julia Kennedy the SEL Coach at Meduxnekeag Consolidated School in Woodstock, NB. We talk with Julia about her school’s CharacterStrong journey and the intentional steps they’ve taken to build a stronger culture. She shares how they’ve created meaningful opportunities for student engagement—like having 200 students sign up to gree…

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Character Traits That Connect: A K–12 Approach - Dr. Mark Chapin 14:17

9d ago14:17

14:17

Today our guest is Dr. Mark Chapin, Principal at Meyer Middle School. We talk to Dr. Chapin about how his district takes a purposeful approach to character development—from monthly character kickoff presentations to unifying yearly themes. He explains how each trait is clearly defined and modeled across all grade levels, K–12, and how community inp…

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From Curriculum to Connection: Building Belonging with PBIS 19:41

17d ago19:41

19:41

Today our guest is Mariah Reed-Brown, School Counselor at Paradise Valley High School. We talk to Mariah about how she’s customized the CharacterStrong curriculum to strengthen her school’s PBIS framework. She shares how getting into classrooms and intentionally connecting Tier 1 practices to PBIS has helped foster a stronger sense of belonging for…

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70: Reimagining Health Beyond the Prescription Pad: 2024 Awards Honoree Emily Cordes 27:35

18d ago27:35

27:35

In this episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, we speak with Emily Cordes, Lead Physician at Root, Inc. and a 2024 Compassionate Leaders Circle Awards honoree. With a bold vision for the future of healthcare, Emily is challenging the conventional “pill for the ill” mindset and advocating for a more holistic, sustainable approach to we…

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69: Investing in Women, Investing in Impact: 2024 Awards Honoree Laina Greene 33:55

24d ago33:55

33:55

In this episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, we’re joined by Laina Greene, CEO of Angels of Impact and a 2024 Compassionate Leaders Circle Awards honoree. A passionate advocate for women entrepreneurs and impact-led businesses, Laina is reshaping how funding works — and who gets access to it. She shares why women often face more bar…

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Equipping Students To Navigate Conflict With Compassion - Jocelyn Pajimula 17:02

24d ago17:02

17:02

Today our guest is Jocelyn Pajimula the Social and Emotional Learning Coordinator & Restorative Practices Coach at Ewa Makai Middle School. We talk to Jocelyn about how her school have created a system to give students tools to repair and prevent broken broken relationships. She breaks down their two key strategies when conflict arises and introduc…

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Living Out Your Purpose - Taryne Dismuke 18:39

1M ago18:39

18:39

Today our guest is Taryne Dismuke, Culture Catalyst at DO EWE Coaching & Consulting. We talk to Taryne about the concept of living out your pillars of purpose. She unpacks how easy it is to get pulled away from our core purpose in education—and how that drift can lead to burnout. Taryne offers practical insights on staying grounded in our “why,” an…

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68: Redefining Inclusion Through Storytelling and AI: 2024 Awards Honoree Jyl Feliciano 34:37

1M ago34:37

34:37

Join us for an important episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast featuring Jyl Feliciano, Vice-President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at Highspot and a 2024 Compassionate Leaders Circle Awards honoree. With extensive experience in shaping inclusive cultures, Jyl candidly addresses the misconceptions surrounding DEI and em…

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Helping Students Stay Present And Focused - Cara Newman 15:49

1M ago15:49

15:49

Today our guest is Cara Newman a 4th grade educator in the Plainedge School District. We talk to Cara about how a simple yet powerful practice—having students set intentions throughout the day—can increase focus, presence, and ownership in the classroom. She explains how this strategy fosters student buy-in, supports self-regulation, and ultimately…

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67: Leading with Heart and Purpose: 2024 Awards Honoree Geoffrey Roche 35:14

1M ago35:14

35:14

Join us for this inspiring episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast featuring Geoffrey Roche, a 2024 Compassionate Leaders Circle Awards honoree and proud son of a nurse. Geoffrey once planned a career in politics on Capitol Hill but found his true calling in healthcare, where he leads with compassion and dedication. In this candid discu…

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Building a Student-Centered MTSS: Mental Health Strategies That Work - Dr. Tinisha Parker 30:23

2M ago30:23

30:23

On this episode we are featuring content from our 2025 MTSS Summit! Dr. Tinisha Parker, Executive Director of Student Services for Gwinnett County Public Schools, shares her expertise on integrating mental health within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports. With over two decades of experience as an educator, school counselor, and district leader, Dr. …

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Building a Mental Health Continuum Within MTSS: Strategies for Schools - Dr. Sharon Hoover 25:52

2M ago25:52

25:52

On this episode we are featuring content from our 2025 MTSS Summit! Dr. Sharon Hoover discusses the critical intersection of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support and mental health. As a leading expert in school mental health, Dr. Hoover shares insights on how schools can effectively integrate mental health prevention and intervention services within an …

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The Power of Community Circles: Strengthening Student Relationships & Behavior - Charles MacGregor 16:07

2M ago16:07

16:07

Today our guest is Charles MacGregor, a School Counselor at Penrose Elementary and emerging leader with the Colorado School Counselor Association Board of Directors. We talk to Charles about how his school has embraced community circles as part of their morning meetings, fostering stronger relationships and positively impacting student behavior. He…

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Advocating For School Counselors As Mental Health Professionals - Jordan Blevins 18:23

2M ago18:23

18:23

Today our guest is Jordan Blevins, School Counselor at Pacific Law Academy & 2025 California School Counselor of the Year We talk to Jordan about the critical role school counselors play as student mental health professionals, often being the first point of contact for students in need. She discusses the importance of advocating for the counselor’s…

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Always Improving: Making Our Tier 2 Solution Even More Effective For Educators And Students - Dr. Clay Cook 15:38

2M ago15:38

15:38

Today our guest is Dr. Clay Cook, Chief Development Officer at CharacterStrong. We talk with Clay about the importance of Tier 2 interventions in schools. The discussion highlights key improvements to CharacterStrong’s Tier 2 solution, including reducing prep time for small group skill-building sessions, increasing engagement, and enhancing data tr…

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66: Cultivating Empathy and Inclusion: 2024 Awards Honorees Comfort Dondo and Asia A. Pope 41:28

2M ago41:28

41:28

In this special Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast episode, Laurel Donnellan speaks with 2024 Compassionate Leader Circle Awards honorees Comfort Dondo and Asia A. Pope. Comfort Dondo narrates her impactful journey from overcoming domestic violence in Zimbabwe to establishing Phumulani in Minnesota—a beacon for culturally tailored support for sur…

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Empowering First-Generation Students: Strategies For Counselors And Schools - Carrie Woodard 13:12

3M ago13:12

13:12

Today our guest is Carrie Woodard the Director Student Support Services - School Counselors at Pittsburgh Public Schools. We talk to Carrie about ways that school counselors can create a strong support system for first-generation students—offering personalized guidance on navigating the college application process, exploring financial aid options, …

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2025 NSCW: Beyond the Basics: Strengthening Student Support Systems - Dr. Damien Sweeney 16:02

3M ago16:02

16:02

Dr. Damien Sweeney shares his expertise on supporting students through strong relationships, collaboration, and culturally sustaining practices. Drawing from his diverse career in education, counseling, and leadership, Dr. Sweeney discusses the importance of student trust, multi-tiered systems of support, and integrating student voices into decisio…

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Providing A Safe Environment In An Overcrowded Middle School - Rebecca Thompson & Charlee Breeden 19:06

3M ago19:06

19:06

Today our guests are Principal Rebecca Thompson & Associate Principal Charlee Breeden at Tomahawk Creek Middle School in Midlothian, VA We talk to Rebecca & Charlee about how they create a safe, supportive environment in an overcrowded middle school. They highlight the power of knowing names, servant leadership, and safety. Rebecca emphasizes the i…

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65: Choosing Love Over Hate: 2024 Awards Honorees Ish Orkar and Devon Henry 50:37

3M ago50:37

50:37

In this compelling episode of The Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, we delve into the transformative journeys of Ish Orkar and Devon Henry, two leaders who are reshaping the landscapes of equity and social justice. Ish Orkar, Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer at the ACLU, draws from her rich background in law, social work, and nonprofit leader…

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The Power Of A Warm Welcome: Creating Connections One Greeting At A Time - Josh Holbrook 18:08

3M ago18:08

18:08

Today our guest is Josh Holbrook, SEL Specialist at Rowan County Middle School in Kentucky . Josh dives into the impact of a simple warm welcome and shares about the fun way they partnered with student-athletes to build relationships by greeting students at the door for Fist Bump Friday. Josh also breaks down the four essential components of the wa…

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64: Navigating Care: The MedZed Mission 38:17

4M ago38:17

38:17

In this enlightening episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, we delve into the impactful work of MedZed, a pioneering organization transforming healthcare for the Medicaid population. With a staggering 3-5% of this group accounting for up to half of all medical expenditures, MedZed's mission is crucial: "To inspire and enable better he…

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Creating Connections: Cultural Intelligence And Family Engagement - Andrea Freile 22:10

4M ago22:10

22:10

Today our guest is Andrea Freile the Family Engagement and Communications Coordinator at Wayne County Public Schools. We talk to Andrea about Cultural Intelligence and she highlights the critical work around helping teachers and staff to engage with families empathetically. She emphasizes the importance of striving for greater understanding to bett…

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Building A Community Of Support Around Students - Jorge Torres 19:29

4M ago19:29

19:29

Today our guest is Jorge Torres the lead school counselor, at Foster High School in Tukwila, WA. Jorge shares heartfelt reflections on his own upbringing and the profound impact that a strong community of support can have on students’ lives. He challenges us to ask, “Who else can I invite to the table?” when fostering relationships and creating mea…

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Top 6 of 2024 - The Law Of The Lid - John Norlin 8:56

4M ago8:56

8:56

Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Attend our next live product preview Visit the CharacterStrong WebsiteBy CharacterStrong

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Top 6 of 2024 - Supporting Women In Educational Leadership - Dr. Lillie Cox 22:21

4M ago22:21

22:21

Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Attend our next live product preview Visit the CharacterStrong WebsiteBy CharacterStrong

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Top 6 of 2024 - Using Data To Monitor And Enhance Student Success - Leandra Torra 18:35

4M ago18:35

18:35

Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Attend our next live product preview Visit the CharacterStrong WebsiteBy CharacterStrong

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Top 6 of 2024 - The Importance Of Progress Monitoring & Data Collection - A.J. Howard 16:50

5M ago16:50

16:50

Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Attend our next live product preview Visit the CharacterStrong WebsiteBy CharacterStrong

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Top 6 of 2024 - Supporting Implementation As An Administrator - Robert Mueller 14:19

5M ago14:19

14:19

Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Attend our next live product preview Visit the CharacterStrong WebsiteBy CharacterStrong

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Top 6 of 2024 - Gratitude In Action: Cultivating Well-Being Through Intentional Practice - Colton Moore 14:05

5M ago14:05

14:05

Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Attend our next live product preview Visit the CharacterStrong WebsiteBy CharacterStrong

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HUMANITY'S MOMENT OF CHOICE: HOLOMOVEMENT 1:31:53

5M ago1:31:53

1:31:53

“HUMANITY’S MOMENT OF CHOICE: HOLOMOVEMENT” explores what “Holomovement” means-- and the global community “THE HOLOMOVEMENT” (at holomovement.net) that is advancing Holomovement vision and action-- excitingly toward Love and a world that works for all. This Special also marks the occasion of the Holomovement’s new free e-publication which we direct…

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Proactive School Safety Starts With Connection - Rachelle Finck 15:25

5M ago15:25

15:25

Today our guest is Rachelle Finck a Director of School Support at CharacterStrong. We talk to Rachelle about the powerful connection between proactive school safety and a positive school culture, emphasizing how these two must work hand in hand. She highlights the critical role teachers play in fostering connection and belonging for every student, …

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Empowering Students To Lead The Way: Boosting Attendance And Transforming School Culture - Dr. Christian D’Annibale 19:12

5M ago19:12

19:12

Today our guest is Dr. Christian D'Annibale - Principal at Pottstown High School. We talk to Dr. D'Annibale about how his school achieved a 60% reduction in suspensions and a 90% decrease in class skipping—not by changing disciplinary responses but by shifting the focus to students themselves. He shares how the creation of a student advisory counci…

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Unlocking The Power Of Grouping Strategies - Callie Robinson 19:42

5M ago19:42

19:42

Today our guest is Callie Robinson the Student Success Coordinator at Oak Ridge Schools. We talk to Callie about the impact of grouping strategies in education. Callie shares her experiences with these strategies, highlighting how they’ve fostered meaningful connections among students and how teachers are integrating them into their classrooms. She…

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63: Mastering LinkedIn with Paul Angles of Angles Inc. 31:00

5M ago31:00

31:00

In this episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, Laurel Donnellan sits down with Paul Angles, founder of Angles Inc., to uncover the secrets behind his expertise in leveraging LinkedIn for individuals and organizations. Paul shares how he helps companies connect with their most strategic partners, build impactful networks, and unlock th…

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The Impact Of A Student Safe Team - Jennifer Sack 13:17

5M ago13:17

13:17

Today our guest is Jennifer Sack - Lead School Counselor, Booker T. Washington High School in Oklahoma. We talk to Jennifer about the student safe team, a student group that works to create and foster a positive school culture. She outlines why it started, the different focuses that the team has, and what it looks like during the different seasons …

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Supporting Implementation As An Administrator - Robert Mueller 14:11

6M ago14:11

14:11

Today our guest is Robert Mueller, Middle School Assistant Principal at Platte County R3 Schools. Robert shares his unique approach to implementing CharacterStrong at his school by personally leading an advisory class as an administrator. He highlights how this hands-on strategy fostered meaningful connections with staff and students, setting the s…

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Fostering Belonging Through The Power Of Student Voices - Ty Harris 18:57

6M ago18:57

18:57

Today our guest is Ty Harris the Director of the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Virginia Beach City Public Schools. We talk with Ty about the powerful ‘why’ behind his work and how his own high school experiences paved the way for what he does today. Ty shares insights on building a community of practice that fosters a genuine sense…

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Gratitude in Action: Cultivating Well-Being Through Intentional Practice - Colton Moore 13:51

6M ago13:51

13:51

Today our guest is Colton Moore an amazing intern on our Secondary team! We talk with Colton about the importance gratitude and well-being. Colton shares how CharacterStrong integrates gratitude into lessons and highlights the impact of being specific when expressing appreciation. He also discusses how embracing constraints can spark creativity. To…

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62: Growing Together: Inside Mohawk Global’s People-First Approach 35:17

6M ago35:17

35:17

In this insightful episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, Laurel Donnellan sits down with Gar Grannell, CEO of Mohawk Global and a 2024 CLC Awards honoree, along with Rachael Marwood, Mohawk’s Director of Marketing. Together, they share how Mohawk Global has become a model of compassionate leadership, prioritizing the well-being of bo…

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61: Meet Darryl: Chapter 4 37:44

6M ago37:44

37:44

In this reflective and heartwarming episode of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast, co-host Laurel sits down with Darryl to discuss his journey into what he calls "retirement"—a life chapter full of purpose, connection, and legacy-building. Darryl shares the transition from a demanding corporate career to prioritizing his most important role y…

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Creating Trauma-Informed And Restorative School Environments - Justin Moorman & Katie Thornton 43:12

6M ago43:12

43:12

Today our guest are Justin Moorman & Katie Thornton from Centerville City Schools & the (Re)Education of Schools Podcast. We talk to Justin & Katie about how they have integrated the CharacterStrong curriculum with additional resources like on-demand professional development to foster trauma-informed, restorative, and inclusive school environments.…

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Using Data to Monitor and Enhance Student Success - Leandra Torra 18:21

7M ago18:21

18:21

Today our guest is Leandra Torra - Social Emotional Learning and Trauma Informed Care Manager at Jefferson County Public Schools. We talk to Leandra about best practices for using data to track and enhance social and emotional learning. Leandra discusses how data not only informs decision-making but also requires careful monitoring, prioritization,…

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HUMANITY'S MOMENT OF CHOICE: IMPACT FOR CHANGE 1:16:10

7M ago1:16:10

1:16:10

This VoiceAmerica Special—“Humanity’s Moment of Choice: Impact for Change” is on the occasion of the annual GLOBAL ONENESS SUMMIT a six-day free online event, Oct. 19-24-- and follows on our previous, September, program on the United Nations September 2024 “Summit of the Future”-- and the event “The Deep and Rapid Transformation Convergence”, held …

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Names Are Important - Barbara Gruener 17:49

7M ago17:49

17:49

Today our guest is Barbara Gruener a seasoned consultant, mentor, author, and coach. Barbara sheds light on the significance of names in fostering respectful and compassionate relationships, particularly in school settings. We explore how using names thoughtfully can help nurture a more inclusive and caring environment for both students and staff. …

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Using a Universal Tier 1 In A Homeroom Setting - Cindy Bourget 15:57

7M ago15:57

15:57

Today our guest is Cindy Bourget - Middle School Counselor, Elk Mound Area School District and also a 2024 ASCA School Counselor of the Year finalist. We talk to Cindy about how she integrates CharacterStrong as a Universal Tier 1 support, helping teachers effectively use it in their homeroom settings. Cindy emphasizes that Tier 1 is about the day-…

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The CharacterStrong Tier 3 Solution - Dr. Clay Cook 12:59

7M ago12:59

12:59

We talk with Dr. Clay Cook the Chief Development Officer at CharacterStrong about the brand new Tier 3 Solution. Clay shares valuable insights into how this tool is designed to provide targeted support for students with more intensive needs. He discussed the key features of the solution, how it aligns with CharacterStrong’s overall mission, and the…

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60: Meet Laurel: Chapter 3 49:33

7M ago49:33

49:33

Darryl Brown interviews Laurel Donnellan in a deeply personal and reflective conversation in Laurel's powerful conclusion to the "Meet the Co-Hosts" series on the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast. Laurel opens up about her father’s declining health and the emotional complexity of anticipating grief while continuing to build a life of purpose. S…

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The Law Of The Lid - John Norlin 8:19

8M ago8:19

8:19

In today's episode, CharacterStrong Co-Founder John Norlin discusses the 'Law of the Lid,' reminding us that we are all leaders with more influence than we often realize. He also offers three powerful insights for educators, providing practical reminders that can inspire and elevate our leadership in and out of the classroom. Learn More About Chara…

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Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen