Best Instructional Design Coach Podcasts (2025)

1
63- Best Practices For LinkedIn 32:29

Play Pause

10h ago32:29

32:29

LinkedIn is a social networking tool used by professionals all over the world, and acts like a digital resume. Many teachers are headed to the platform for the first time ever. In this episode, I'll share best practices about using LinkedIn! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Ep 396: Building a Microschool Through Life’s Biggest Transitions: Maddie Baird’s Story of Faith, Family, and Fearless Leadership 56:07

2d ago56:07

56:07

If you’ve ever wondered how to build a microschool while managing major life transitions—or if fear of stepping away has kept you from taking the leap—this episode will encourage and empower you to move forward with faith and clarity. In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of talking with Madeline Baird, founder of Peak Learning Microschool i…

1
204-Teaching in Higher Education with Charles Fournier 29:25

7d ago29:25

29:25

Join us today as we chat with Charles Fournier who is now teaching in higher education. We learn about what it is like, how it is different from K-12 and we discuss the ways education is changing in our current world. Hope you enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Daphne Gomez

1
Ep 395: From Overwhelmed to Organized: How Lisa Woodruff of Organize 365 Helped Me Transform My Home, School, and Business Systems 1:11:44

9d ago1:11:44

1:11:44

If you’ve ever felt buried under to-do lists, school planning, paperwork, and the constant pressure to do it all — today’s episode is your breath of fresh air. 🌿 In this deeply personal and transformative conversation, I sit down with Lisa Woodruff, the brilliant founder and CEO of Organize 365, and the woman who completely changed the way I struct…

1
203- How AI Is Changing the Job Market 20:32

14d ago20:32

20:32

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Daphne Gomez

1
Ep 394: The Future of Joyful Learning: A Conversation with Kerry McDonald, Host of The Liberated Podcast and Author of Joyful Learning 56:52

16d ago56:52

56:52

This isn’t just an interview! Today’s podcast is an inspiring dialogue between two passionate women who are transforming education from the ground up in numerous ways. 🌟 In this episode, Makenzie Oliver, founder of Lighthouse Learning Microschool and host of Teacher Let Your Light Shine, sits down with Kerry McDonald — Senior Fellow at the Foundati…

1
202 - Productivity Strategies for When You're Already Running on Empty 23:47

21d ago23:47

23:47

Discover practical productivity strategies tailored for exhausted educators— from naming stressors and reframing self-talk to creating a step-by-step plan for leaving the classroom. Learn how to manage time wisely, prioritize tasks like networking and resume building, and make steady progress toward a fulfilling new career, even on empty. Perfect f…

1
Ep 393: Grit, Grace, and Growth: The Power of Consistency and Community for Teachers, Founders, and Dreamers Leaving the System 25:27

23d ago25:27

25:27

This month, I’m slowing down — not to plan more, but to see more. In today’s episode, I’m talking about something I believe every microschool founder needs before stepping into a new year: an Autumn Audit. I know how it feels to get caught up in the whirlwind of running your school — the lesson plans, family communications, finances, tours, and eve…

1
Rising Above Imposter Syndrome with Dr. Albert Bramante 28:02

27d ago28:02

28:02

Send us a text Dr. Albert Bramante is a New York-based talent agent, psychology professor, certified hypnotist, and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) practitioner whose new book, Rise Above the Script, challenges actors to overcome imposter syndrome and self-sabotage. Connect with Dr. Bramante: Albert Bramante's Instagram Albert Bramante's Linked …

1
20 - The Pros and Cons of Leaving Teaching 18:37

28d ago18:37

18:37

In this episode of The Teacher Career Coach Podcast, I’m addressing one of the biggest (and most common) questions I’m receiving from teachers right now, “Should I leave teaching after this year?” Now, this is always a common question, but with the ongoing pandemic leading to new levels of burnout and frustration, so many teachers are struggling. I…

1
Ep 392: Why Every Microschool Founder Needs an Autumn Audit Before the New Year: How to Reflect, Refresh, and Realign Your Vision, Team, and Space for 2025 20:54

1M ago20:54

20:54

This month, I’m slowing down — not to plan more, but to see more. In today’s episode, I’m talking about something I believe every microschool founder needs before stepping into a new year: an Autumn Audit. I know how it feels to get caught up in the whirlwind of running your school — the lesson plans, family communications, finances, tours, and eve…

1
201- From Teacher to Trade Desk Consultant with Lauren Fulbright 26:45

1M ago26:45

26:45

Lauren Fulbright is a former teacher who is now a trade desk consultant. Join us today for discussion around her entry into sales to where she is now! Hope you enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Daphne Gomez

1
Ep 391: Building a Microschool in a Yurt: Kami Melton’s Journey from Homeschool Mom to Educational Trailblazer 57:20

1M ago57:20

57:20

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Kami Melton, founder of Arkwright Microschool, to hear how her journey from homeschooling mom to microschool builder unfolded—inside a yurt! Kami began her homeschooling journey in Virginia, later moved with her family to Poland, and returned to rural southwest Georgia during the pandemic. In a county of f…

1
Beyond Soccer: Mentoring Scholars and Leaders with JT Dorsey 57:48

1M ago57:48

57:48

Send us a text Host Thembi Duncan speaks with JT Dorsey, former professional soccer player and founder of the JT Dorsey Foundation, about how the game of soccer has become a powerful tool for guiding young people toward greatness. Coach-Mentor JT shares how an elementary school teacher first introduced him to the sport, and how that moment evolved …

1
200 - 5 Biggest Myths About Career Clarity 21:49

1M ago21:49

21:49

In today’s episode, I’m going over five of the biggest myths about career clarity that may be holding you back from your career transition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Daphne Gomez

1
Ep 390: Weaving the Tapestry of Calling: How Microschool Mastermind Lauren Talbot Built a Thriving Microschool in Just 4 Months with her Mother 1:06:20

1M ago1:06:20

1:06:20

How do you go from hearing a quiet tug on your heart to building a thriving microschool in only four months? In this episode, I sit down with Lauren Talbot—former accountant, middle school math teacher, and now the founder of The Anchor Learning Center in Louisiana. From her one-stoplight town, Lauren followed God’s unmistakable call to leave publi…

1
Ep 199 - What I Learned From Our 2025 Job Market Survey 23:19

2M ago23:19

23:19

Daphne shares the key findings from the 2025 Job Market Survey for transitioning teachers, featuring insights from 717 former educators. Learn what the data reveals about application numbers, salary trends, job security, and the most common career paths teachers are taking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Ep 389: What Microschool Leaders Need Most in October! Building Strong School Culture, Engaging Parents and Community, and Planning for Growth with Clarity and Confidence 17:41

2M ago17:41

17:41

By Makenzie Oliver| Micro-School Mentor| Homeschooling Business Coach| Homeschool Teacher Consultant | Micro-school Mom #micro-school #homeschool #teacherletyourlightshine

1
Coaching Leaders in the Age of AI with Dr. Julie Donley 33:11

2M ago33:11

33:11

Send us a text In this episode, Thembi sits down with Dr. Julie Donley, a leadership coach, award-winning author, and behavioral health expert with nearly three decades of experience helping people lead with empathy and purpose. Dr. Donley shares insights from her latest book and opens up about how leaders can balance empathy with accountability, m…

1
52-Breaking Your Teaching Contract 25:51

2M ago25:51

25:51

In this episode, I'm going to discuss the consequences around teachers breaking contract, weighing the pros and cons of leaving your teaching contract mid-year, and how to take the next steps. I'll also share some suggestions about resigning gracefully as well. Free Quiz: ⁠What career outside of the classroom is right for you? ⁠ Explore the course …

1
Ep 388: Reconnecting to Your Roots as a Microschool Leader: Preventing Burnout, Building Parent & Community Advisory Boards, and Using Personality Frameworks to Grow a Thriving Microschool Culture 22:25

2M ago22:25

22:25

As a microschool founder or homeschool hybrid leader, it’s easy to get caught up in curriculum, enrollment, finances, and the daily logistics of running a school—but one of the most powerful growth multipliers you have is reconnecting to your roots and knowing your people. In this episode of the Teacher Let Your Light Shine Podcast, Makenzie Oliver…

1
198- Contract Work as an Instructional Designer with Gwen Karaba 24:53

2M ago24:53

24:53

Gwen Karaba is an Instructional Designer contractor for Microsoft through Oxygen Learning, a consulting firm specializing in sales enablement and workplace learning programs. Based in Dallas TX, Gwen collaborates with clients to design impactful learning experiences that drive organizational growth and employee development. With a background in edu…

1
Faith, Music, and Authenticity with Karen Saxon 1:30:21

2M ago1:30:21

1:30:21

Send us a text In this episode of KeyBARD, Thembi sits down with Karen Saxon, music educator, performer, and co-founder of Ansari Saxon Productions. Karen shares: Why she “tripped into” teaching and what keeps her in the classroom. The biggest lesson she’s learned from her students after over 25 years of teaching. What authenticity means in her wor…

1
Ep 387: From Library Meetings to Leading Logos Homeschool Academy: How Jennifer Pinto Built a Homeschool Hybrid in Iowa with Faith and Microschool Masterminds 53:55

2M ago53:55

53:55

What does it look like to step out of traditional education and wait on God’s timing to build something completely new? In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Jennifer Pinto, co-founder of Logos Homeschool Academy in Iowa. After leaving traditional schooling in 2023, Jennifer connected with a like-minded friend—whom she met in the library—and t…

1
197- 5 Steps To Take Even If You're Not Sure You're Leaving 23:00

2M ago23:00

23:00

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Daphne Gomez

1
Ep 386: How Microschool Founders Can Overcome Parent Pressure. Setting Boundaries, Building Confidence, and Communicating Expectations to Create Thriving Schools Without Burnout 24:05

2M ago24:05

24:05

Starting a microschool comes with incredible joy—but it also comes with the pressure of making everyone happy: parents, students, even your staff. If you’ve ever felt the weight of parent expectations on your shoulders, this episode is for you. In today’s conversation, I’m pulling back the curtain on how new founders can manage parent pressure with…

1
196- Answering Questions From Our Social Media Accounts 21:44

3M ago21:44

21:44

This week on the Teacher Career Coach Podcast, Daphne answers questions sent in directly from this audience including how to stand out in a competitive market and where to begin if you're just starting to evaluate a career change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Daphne Gomez

1
Ep 385: A Mother’s Heart, a Founder’s Struggle: Navigating the Heartbreak and Hope of School Choices 41:57

3M ago41:57

41:57

For six years, I’ve poured my heart into building a microschool—creating a place of freedom, belonging, and personalized learning. My daughters were the reason I started this journey. And yet, today, neither of them are with us at our microschool. In this episode, I open up about: My daughter’s transition from a small, nurturing microschool environ…

1
195 - Hi, It's Daphne. I'm Back To Lead Teacher Career Coach. 32:53

3M ago32:53

32:53

A deeply personal episode, Daphne explains why she walked away 16 months ago, and what her vision is for the future of Teacher Career Coach now that she's back. Trigger warning: this episode talks about birth injuries and children with complex medical histories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Ep 384: What’s Saving My Sanity (and What’s Not) as a Microschool Founder. Behind the Scenes: All the Fun Things, The Routines and Systems Keeping Me Sane as a Microschool Leader 30:06

3M ago30:06

30:06

Behind every thriving microschool is a leader who is juggling 1,000 spinning plates — curriculum, enrollment, parent communication, staff management, and personal life. In this candid behind-the-scenes episode, I’m sharing the honest truth about what’s actually saving my sanity right now as a microschool founder…and what’s not. You’ll hear the dail…

1
Ep 383: Reset Your Microschool Systems Before Burnout Hits The 4 Week System and Routine to Finally Get Organized and Free 23:02

3M ago23:02

23:02

Running a microschool requires relentless focus, clarity, and strong systems. If you’re spinning your wheels every September—re-creating lesson plans, re-building operations, and re-learning the same organizational habits—you’re headed straight for overwhelm. In this episode, I walk you through a 4-Week Reset System that will help you: Audit what’s…

1
194- Where to Start in Marketing with Jaclyn Mullen 28:08

3M ago28:08

28:08

With a dynamic background in startups and digital marketing education, Jaclyn Mullen brings deep expertise in B2B and B2C marketing. She is currently serving as Head of Marketing at TheLoops AI. Jaclyn also spent four years teaching Digital Marketing. Join us today to discuss all things marketing, education and more! Find Jaclyn on Linkedin. Free Q…

1
Throwback-To-School: What to Do When You Ask Yourself: Do I Have The Time, Energy and Resources to Start or Grow Your Dream School or Teaching Business! 24:26

3M ago24:26

24:26

Welcome To The Teacher, Let Your Light Shine: Throwback-To-School Series! You are a teacher, a dreamer, and a builder. This new, refreshing month, we are bringing you something special. Our throwbacks series! Featuring hand-picked episodes from the vault that are JUST as powerful now as when they first aired! August is one of the most transformatio…

1
Throwback-To-School: Career Change! What Teachers Can Experience After Leaving Public School Teaching and What They Realized They Desperately Needed! 28:30

4M ago28:30

28:30

Welcome To The Teacher, Let Your Light Shine: Throwback-To-School Series! You are a teacher, a dreamer, and a builder. This new, refreshing month, we are bringing you something special. Our throwbacks series! Featuring hand-picked episodes from the vault that are JUST as powerful now as when they first aired! August is one of the most transformatio…

1
193- Replacing Fear-Based Thinking with Dr. Graeme Mitchell 32:31

4M ago32:31

32:31

Today we speak with Dr. Graeme Mitchell to learn about a program he runs at his school called the Institute for Global Solutions (IGS). It’s a public school initiative designed to empower students to tackle global challenges through innovative & actionable solutions. He also had the privilege of giving a TEDx Talk about their approach. We discuss t…

1
Throwback-To-School: Does a Homeschooling Business Have to be IN MY HOME? Pros/Cons and 8 Alternative Places for Success! 24:27

4M ago24:27

24:27

Welcome To The Teacher, Let Your Light Shine: Throwback-To-School Series! You are a teacher, a dreamer, and a builder. This new, refreshing month, we are bringing you something special. Our throwbacks series! Featuring hand-picked episodes from the vault that are JUST as powerful now as when they first aired! August is one of the most transformatio…

1
Throwback-To-School: From Traditional Teacher to Teacher Entrepreneur: Why I Left The Public School System and Started a Homeschooling Business 32:17

4M ago32:17

32:17

Welcome To The Teacher, Let Your Light Shine: Throwback-To-School Series! You are a teacher, a dreamer, and a builder. This new, refreshing month, we are bringing you something special. Our throwbacks series! Featuring hand-picked episodes from the vault that are JUST as powerful now as when they first aired! August is one of the most transformatio…

1
192- Middle & High School Reimagined with Monica White and Jackie Insinger 26:23

4M ago26:23

26:23

Monica White is the founder of Elevate Academy and co-creator of Spark Brilliance for Educators with Jackie Insinger. Monica was formerly a principal and teacher. Jackie Insinger is a leadership strategist, author and has a background in psychology. Today we learn about their new book, the charter network they’ve developed to support the trades and…

1
Ep 378: You're Pouring Into Everyone - Who Is Pouring Into You? What's NOT Optional for Microschool Leaders 30:33

4M ago30:33

30:33

Are you a microschool leader running on empty, juggling all the roles, and wondering how to keep going? In this powerful episode, we're diving deep into why professional development isn't a luxury—it's a lifeline. Whether you're starting out or deep in the trenches, this episode will show you how PD can radically transform your confidence, your sys…

1
An Actor's Purpose, Resilience, and Joy with Jefferson A. Russell 1:31:56

4M ago1:31:56

1:31:56

Send us a text In this episode of KeyBARD, Thembi sits down with the brilliant and beloved Jefferson A. Russell, a powerhouse stage actor and resident company member of Everyman Theatre in Baltimore, MD, USA. Jefferson’s path has taken him from law enforcement to the footlights, and his reflections on joy, grief, resilience, and the evolution of hi…

1
Ep 377: Mid-Year, Major Impact: How Adjusting Your Open House Plan Can Skyrocket Enrollment 19:13

4M ago19:13

19:13

Are you underestimating the power of your school’s open house? This episode breaks down why open houses are so much more than enrollment events—they're your most effective and affordable in-person marketing strategy to build community, increase visibility, and strengthen your brand. Whether you're running a microschool, homeschool hybrid, private s…

1
Ep 376: Scaling Back to Show Up: From Burnout to Breakthrough in Microschool Leadership — Why Subtracting Is the Key to Thriving This School Year 34:54

5M ago34:54

34:54

Are you feeling the weight of trying to do everything as a microschool founder, homeschooling parent, or educational entrepreneur? You’re not alone. In this heartfelt and practical episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on what it really looks like to lead a microschool into a new school year — without burning out in the process. I’m sharing how I’m…

1
191- From Teacher to Account Management Lead with Natalie Williams 31:42

5M ago31:42

31:42

Natalie Williams taught for 13 years before pivoting careers. She’s now an Account Management Team Lead. In her role, she is an advocate for people, thrives on empowering individuals and loves building teams. Join us today as we discuss her journey from education to account management, her career growth from sales to where she is now, and how to ma…

1
The REALM: Redesigning Education with Victoria Forsman and Jessica Slayback 43:42

5M ago43:42

43:42

Send us a text Host Thembi Duncan welcomes Victoria Forsman and Jessica Slayback, co-founders of The REALM (Redesigning Education and Living Meaningfully), a vibrant educational community in Santa Monica California that’s been changing the way kids learn for 15 years. They share their inspiration for creating REALM and describe what it takes to cre…

1
Ep 375: Overwhelmed by Open Houses? How I Simplified, Scaled, and Finally Found My Flow - How to Plan a Successful Open House That Increases Enrollment Without Burning Out 26:12

5M ago26:12

26:12

Are you overwhelmed trying to plan your next school open house? 😩 You’re not alone. In this episode, I pull back the curtain on the chaos, confusion, and emotional weight that comes with trying to host a meaningful event that actually leads to enrollment. Whether you run a microschool, private school, or homeschool hybrid, this episode will help yo…

1
Ep 374: How To Market When You're Shy: A Real Talk and 5 Tips for Introverted & Neurodivergent Microschool Founders 17:44

5M ago17:44

17:44

I used to freeze at the thought of “marketing my school.” I’m not naturally outgoing. I’ve always been more of a behind-the-scenes, let-me-do-the-work-in-peace kind of woman. And for a long time, I thought that meant I wasn’t cut out to grow a successful microschool. All I kept hearing was: “You need to network more,” “You need to post every day,” …

1
Ep 373: Feeling Lonely as a Microschool Founder? How to Ask for Help, Build Support Systems, and Stop Carrying the Weight Alone—Even When You Don’t Know Where to Begin 20:02

5M ago20:02

20:02

There were so many days I felt completely alone. I didn’t even know how to ask for help—because I didn’t know what kind of help I needed. I just knew I couldn’t keep doing everything by myself. Maybe you're in that place too. You’re carrying the vision. You’re showing up for everyone else. But deep down, you’re tired… and wondering who’s showing up…

1
190- How to stay involved in education after leaving the classroom with Lindsay DeHartChuck 23:58

5M ago23:58

23:58

Today we chat with Lindsay DeHartchuck . She is the Senior Director at KIPP Foundation. Prior to moving here, she taught special education and had experience in higher ed at a graduate school. Join us today as we discuss supporting diverse learners and staying in education through a different lens. Hope you enjoy! Find Lindsay on Linkedin. Free Qui…

1
Faith and Fearlessness in Theatre with Deidra LaWan Starnes 1:13:30

5M ago1:13:30

1:13:30

Send us a text In this episode of KeyBARD, host Thembi Duncan talks with award-winning actor, director, and educator Deidra LaWan Starnes for an unfiltered conversation about her lifelong career in theatre. With honesty, humor, and heart, Deidra reflects on what it means to lead in the American theatre as a woman of faith. We talk about: Her journe…

1
Ep 372: Creating Community Through Events: How to Plan Meaningful Microschool Gatherings That Grow Connection & Enrollment- Letting Go and Letting Others Lead 23:45

5M ago23:45

23:45

Creating Community Through Events: How to Plan Meaningful Microschool Gatherings That Grow Connection & Enrollment As a microschool or homeschool hybrid leader, you’re not just teaching—you’re building a movement. And one of the most powerful (and overlooked) tools in your toolkit? Events. Whether you’re welcoming new families, showcasing student w…