Alison Smith has spent a decade leading Midway High School, and this year brought one of the biggest shifts yet: going phone-free. In this episode of JOY over Happiness, Jon Eckert talks with the veteran principal about what happens when schools remove phones and restore attention, connection, and calm.

Alison shares how phone-free days have reshaped hallways, classrooms, and student well-being, lowering anxiety, reducing conflict, and strengthening relationships.

JOY over Happiness is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership.

Lean into the struggle. Live with joy.

Mentioned:

The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon

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Brad Livingstone has spent 35 years teaching history, but what he’s really been teaching is how joy is formed. In this episode of JOY over Happiness, Jon Eckert talks with the legendary educator and Baylor University’s First Gent about gratitude, presence, and honoring others!

From inviting veterans into his classroom to walking campus with his dog BU, Brad shows how joy grows when we choose to see people and honor their stories.

JOY over Happiness is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership.

Lean into the struggle. Live with joy. 

Mentioned:

The Book of Philippians (Bible)

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

Devil at My Heels by Louis Zamperini

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In this episode of Just Schools, Jon Eckert is joined by Sahira Kodra, Krystle Moos, and Erik Ellefsen for a year in review conversation reflecting on the Just Schools podcast in 2025. Together, they look back on favorite episodes, memorable guests, and the relationships that have shaped the work over the past year. 

They also share personal moments where struggle led to joy, discuss what gives them hope for the year ahead, and introduce the podcast’s shift toward a renewed focus on joy over happiness. 

The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership.

Be encouraged.

Mentioned:

The Teacher of Nomad Land: A World War II by Daniel Nayeri

Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

10 to 25 by David Yeager

Primal Intelligence by Angus Fletcher

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Baylor MA in School Leadership

In this episode of Just Schools, Jon Eckert is joined by the rest of the Baylor Center for School Leadership team. Erik Ellefsen, Krystle Moos, and Sahira Kodra look back on the last three years of the podcast and the changing landscape of schools since 2022. 

The team reflects on shifts in education, share their favorite episodes, and dream about guests they wish could be on the podcast. Their conversation highlights the opportunities and mistakes facing school leaders today. They end with the signature lightning round sharing favorite books, schools visited, and what they appreciate most about working together.

The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership.

Be encouraged.

Mentioned:

My Friends by Fredrik Backman

Do Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving by Celeste Headlee

How to Know A Person by David Brooks

Forgive by Timothy Keller

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Baylor MA in School Leadership

Education within the prison system is a challenge. From access to technology to access to books.

Bing Parks is an educator who loves her students but never wants to see her students in her classroom again. That's because she works in the Texas Juvenile Department. Her students range in age from 11 to 18 years old. Today she joins host Jon Eckert to discuss how she uses engagement to drive her students' well-being. 

The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership. Each week, we'll talk to catalytic educators who are doing amazing work.

Be encouraged.

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Baylor MA in School Leadership

In this episode of Just Schools, Jon Eckert talks with Amy Emmanuel, Director of Digital Learning and Innovation at Christian Heritage College in Brisbane, Australia. She discusses how artificial intelligence can enhance education when used as a tool, not a replacement, and the importance of maintaining human connection and critical thinking in digital spaces. 

Amy also reflects on how educators can model integrity, help students engage with AI appropriately, and keep learning personal in an increasingly automated world.

The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership.

Be encouraged.

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Center for School Leadership at Baylor University

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Baylor MA in School Leadership

In this episode of Just Schools, Jon Eckert talks with Elizabeth Bounds, current psychologist and former athlete, coach, and minister whose work explores how faith, identity, and virtue shape human flourishing. 

Elizabeth shares how her experience as a college athlete facing injury and performance pressure led her to study the connection between worth and achievement. Together, they discuss the difference between happiness and joy and how cultivating patience, courage, and virtue leads to deeper well-being.

The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership.

Be encouraged.

Mentioned:

Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara

Never Enough by Jennifer Wallace

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Center for School Leadership at Baylor University

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Baylor MA in School Leadership

In this episode of Just Schools, Jon Eckert talks with Shaun Brooker, an educational leader from New Zealand, about the power of belonging, mentorship, and human connection in a rapidly changing world.

Shaun shares how his school’s innovative Tuakana program, which pairs middle school students with young adult mentors, has transformed engagement, confidence, and learning. Together, they explore the role of faith, culture, and community in education, as well as the promises and pitfalls of AI in classrooms.

Shaun reminds us that while technology can enhance learning, nothing can replace the human presence that builds belonging and hope.

The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership.

Be encouraged.

Mentioned:

10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People by David Yeager

Same as Ever by Morgan Housel

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Center for School Leadership at Baylor University

Jon Eckert LinkedIn

Baylor MA in School Leadership

In this episode of Just Schools, Jon Eckert talks with Chelsea Lippe, principal at Park Hill Elementary in Midway ISD. Chelsea shares how her journey from kindergarten teacher to campus leader has been shaped by saying “yes” to God’s call and by building a culture of presence, trust, and growth.

She reflects on the importance of prioritizing people over paperwork, creating space for peer observation, and leading with authenticity. Chelsea’s story highlights how putting “pulse over paper” helps schools thrive with joy, resilience, and hope.

The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership.

Be encouraged.

Connect with us:

Center for School Leadership at Baylor University

Jon Eckert LinkedIn

Baylor MA in School Leadership

In this episode of Just Schools, Jon Eckert talks with Dr. Tiffany Spicer, Superintendent of Waco ISD. Dr. Spicer shares her journey to Waco, the challenges of stepping into leadership mid-year, and her commitment to building a culture of trust, joy, and authenticity. 

She reflects on the importance of boundaries, balance, and modeling self-care for her team while keeping students at the center of every decision. Through it all, she leads with a smile, reminding us that the future of education rests in believing in and championing each student.

Mentioned:

Worthy by Jamie Kern Lima

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Center for School Leadership at Baylor University

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Baylor MA in School Leadership