The We Are All Awesome Show

Summary:

In this episode of The We Are All Awesome Show powered by WiddyUP, hosts Carter Higley and Randy Narciso dive deep into the evolving definition of success in the K–12 education system and beyond. They explore the powerful idea that college isn't the only path—and sometimes, it's not even the best one. From trade schools to entrepreneurship, they break down how families can support their kids in discovering their unique strengths and choosing the path that aligns with their passions, purpose, and real-world opportunities. Carter shares how he'd "jump for joy" if his daughter chose trade school, while Randy reflects on how his own perspective on success has dramatically shifted over the years.

The conversation also covers vital insights into navigating today’s financial aid landscape, the importance of applying no matter your income level, and how different forms of aid (merit, need-based, institutional) can unlock unexpected possibilities. Plus, the duo recaps their recent chat with Impact Maker Jacob Doss, highlighting how early career planning, mindset, and breaking stigmas around non-traditional routes can truly empower students. If you're a parent, educator, or student rethinking what success looks like in the 21st century—this episode is a must-listen. 💡🎓

#WeAreAllAwesome #WiddyUP #YouthEmpowerment #TeenConfidence #OvercomingFear #PublicSpeakingJourney #PerformingArtsLife #StageConfidence #StudentVoices

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At WiddyUP, we believe everyone has something that makes them…them. Whether you're an athlete, musician, student, leader, dreamer,or tinkerer, we help you showcase your things in life, connect with relevant opportunities, and fuel your journey. 🔥

👉 Join the movement and discover what drives you! Visit WiddyUP 🚀 #FindYourWiddyUP

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In this episode of The We Are All Awesome Show powered by WiddyUP, Carter Higley and Randy Narciso dive deep into discovering your "why"—the driving force behind your passions and purpose. Carter reflects on the journey of his daughter, Selah, who has found her calling in marine biology, demonstrating how early identification of interests can shape one's academic and career path. They discuss the significance of focusing on values, skills, and passions rather than simply checking off boxes or chasing outcomes. Parents, educators, and coaches are encouraged to guide students to explore what excites them and align their goals with what truly matters to them.

Throughout the conversation, Randy offers advice on what parents should stop doing, including trying to live vicariously through their children or forcing them into predetermined paths. He and Carter also emphasize the importance of setting both short-term and long-term goals to help students define their future, and why gap years or taking time to self-reflect can sometimes be the key to success. Tune in for an inspiring and practical conversation about navigating the challenges of growing up, the power of emotional intelligence, and how the right mindset can lead to making a lasting impact on the world.

#FindingYourPath #StudentJourney #PersonalGrowth #CareerGuidance #EmotionalIntelligence #GoalSetting #InspirationForTeens #ParentingAdvice #YouthSuccess #WiddyUP

The Importance of Finding Your "Why" – Identifying your passion early, like Carter’s daughter Salah, helps guide decisions and makes the journey more fulfilling. It’s not about building a resume but aligning activities with your values and purpose.

Avoid Pressuring Your Kids – Parents should avoid imposing their own career dreams on their children. Instead, they should help their kids explore their interests and skills, allowing them to chart their own path.

The Power of Goal-Setting – Setting both short-term and long-term goals helps students stay focused and motivated. Writing down goals and tracking progress leads to greater success and personal growth.

Quotes: 

Find The We Are All Awesome Show on:

🎯 Ready to Find Your WiddyUP?

At WiddyUP, we believe everyone has something that makes them…them. Whether you're an athlete, musician, student, leader, dreamer,or tinkerer, we help you showcase your things in life, connect with relevant opportunities, and fuel your journey. 🔥

👉 Join the movement and discover what drives you! Visit WiddyUP 🚀 #FindYourWiddyUP

In this episode of THE WE ARE ALL AWESOME SHOW powered by WiddyUP, we sit down with Jacob Doss, a former Division 1 football player turned entrepreneur, who is on a mission to revolutionize trade education. Jacob takes us through his incredible journey—from leading on the field to leading in business—and how he’s building a powerhouse brand of trade schools that could become the Harvard of hands-on learning. He shares his vision for scaling trade schools nationwide, creating top-tier training programs, and forming game-changing partnerships with major employers to ensure students land high-paying jobs.

Beyond education, Jacob dives deep into the lessons he’s learned in business and life: the power of surrounding yourself with the right people, simplifying complex problems into bullet-point solutions, and embracing the long game in entrepreneurship. He also shares the advice he’d give his 10-year-old self, the importance of having fun along the way, and why success often comes down to persistence and preparation. If you’re an entrepreneur, an educator, or just looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Tune in now, and don’t forget to subscribe, comment, and share to keep the momentum going!

#TradeSchools #Entrepreneurship #CareerSuccess #WeAreAllAwesome #WiddyUP #EducationReform #SkilledTrades #FutureOfWork #BusinessGrowth #StartupLife

Quotes: 

Stop trying to live life through your child. Let them explore their own interests, values, and skills — and support them in the process.”– Randy Narciso

“It’s not about what you want to be when you grow up — it’s about what excites you right now and diving into that.” – Carter Higley

Find The We Are All Awesome Show on:

🎯 Ready to Find Your WiddyUP?

At WiddyUP, we believe everyone has something that makes them…them. Whether you're an athlete, musician, student, leader, dreamer,or tinkerer, we help you showcase your things in life, connect with relevant opportunities, and fuel your journey. 🔥

👉 Join the movement and discover what drives you! Visit WiddyUP 🚀 #FindYourWiddyUP

In this thought-provoking episode of The We Are All Awesome Show, powered by WiddyUP, we’re joined by Rohan Amin, a high school senior who is navigating the complex and competitive college admissions process. With a keen interest in behavioral science, economics, and psychology, Rohan shares his journey of applying to prestigious universities like UPenn, Duke, and Vanderbilt, offering valuable insights into how he strategically chose his top picks based on personal values, academic interests, and career aspirations. We also dive deep into his vision for future studies in decision sciences and the path he hopes to follow in business and consulting.

But Rohan's story isn’t just about academics—it’s about making a real impact in the world. Rohan has been running a fundraising tournament every year since his sophomore year in high school, raising money for the gastroenterology department at the Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, the same hospital where he underwent life-saving surgery as a child.  Rohan reflects on his personal journey with this rare medical condition and how his experiences have fueled his passion for giving back. This episode is not only an insightful conversation about navigating high school, college applications, and future ambitions but also a reminder of the power of community and generosity. Tune in for an inspiring episode filled with valuable advice on decision-making, leadership, and making a difference

"I think focusing on doing one thing that you really love... as much as it really is difficult to figure out what you like, the earlier that you figure it out, the easier it is to make a bigger impact within that field." – Randy Narciso

"You have to really have this kind of spike in you."– Carter Higley

Find The We Are All Awesome Show on:

🎯 Ready to Find Your WiddyUP?

At WiddyUP, we believe everyone has something that makes them…them. Whether you're an athlete, musician, student, leader, dreamer,or tinkerer, we help you showcase your things in life, connect with relevant opportunities, and fuel your journey. 🔥

👉 Join the movement and discover what drives you! Visit WiddyUP 🚀 #FindYourWiddyUP

Links:

In this episode of The We Are All Awesome Show, powered by WiddyUP, we sit down with Liam, a passionate adventurer whose love for skiing, climbing, and the great outdoors is shaping his future. He shares insights from his gap year, where he’s learned valuable lessons about maturity, overcoming failure, and finding success in pursuing your true passions. Liam’s journey to becoming a professional guide in mountaineering is an inspiring example of how embracing challenges and seeking mentorship can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.

Liam talks about the importance of role models in shaping his path and how his experiences with seasoned guides in the Tetons and beyond have influenced his approach to life and adventure. From the thrill of tackling Denali to the humility required to succeed in high-risk sports, this episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to turn their passion into a career. Tune in to hear about the highs and lows of mountain life, how to embrace failure, and why sometimes, it’s okay to turn back and try again.

#WeAreAllAwesomeShow #OutdoorAdventure #Skiing #Climbing #Mountaineering #GapYearJourney #AdventureLife #PassionToCareer #OutdoorGuiding #AdventureMentorship #LifeLessons #ChasingAdventure #SuccessThroughFailure #WiddyUP

"You really can't afford to not be mature about it when it comes to skiing and climbing." – Randy Narciso

"I mean, failure is part of it. It's how you get back up and keep going."– Carter Higley

Find The We Are All Awesome Show on:

🎯 Ready to Find Your WiddyUP?

At WiddyUP, we believe everyone has something that makes them…them. Whether you're an athlete, musician, student, leader, dreamer,or tinkerer, we help you showcase your things in life, connect with relevant opportunities, and fuel your journey. 🔥

👉 Join the movement and discover what drives you! Visit WiddyUP 🚀 #FindYourWiddyUP

Links:

In this episode of The We Are All Awesome Show, hosts Carter Higley and Randy Narciso share expert tips on college planning and K-12 fundraising. Learn how to align your student’s interests, values, and skills with their dream school, plus strategies for securing scholarships and financial aid. They discuss the importance of planning early and how to make the college application process less stressful for families.

The episode also covers how to craft standout applications, understand financial aid offers, and raise funds for your child’s education. Whether your student is in middle school or preparing for senior year, this episode provides essential insights to help make informed decisions and maximize your fundraising impact.

#CollegePlanning #K12Fundraising #StudentSuccess #DreamCollege #FinancialAidTips #EducationMatters #WeAreAllAwesome #ParentingJourney #ScholarshipStrategies #WiddyUP

Quotes:

 "This is an opportunity to set you, your family, your child up for success."– Carter Higley

Find The We Are All Awesome Show on:

🎯 Ready to Find Your WiddyUP?

At WiddyUP, we believe everyone has something that makes them…them. Whether you're an athlete, musician, student, leader, dreamer,or tinkerer, we help you showcase your things in life, connect with relevant opportunities, and fuel your journey. 🔥

👉 Join the movement and discover what drives you! Visit WiddyUP 🚀 #FindYourWiddyUP

Links:

In this episode of The We Are All Awesome Show, powered by WiddyUP, hosts Carter Higley and Randy Narciso explore key strategies for successful student fundraising. They share expert tips on engaging donors, from reaching out to family and friends to using digital tools like email, text, and social media to maximize donations. Carter and Randy also discuss the importance of early financial planning and how friendly competitions and fun incentives can drive student participation and make fundraising more enjoyable.

They dive into WiddyUP’s best practices for students, including how to effectively invite donors, the value of personal pitch videos, and how to keep participants motivated with regular updates. This episode is packed with practical advice for anyone looking to raise more funds and create a fun, successful fundraising campaign. Whether you’re a chairperson or a student, this episode will help you take your fundraising efforts to the next level!

#FundraisingSuccess #WiddyUP #StudentFundraising #EngageDonors #FundraisingTips #NonProfitFundraising #RaiseMoney #SocialMediaFundraising #FinancialAid #HighSchoolFundraising #WiddyUPFundraisers

Effective Donor Outreach: Using a combination of email, text, and social media is the most successful way to engage donors and maximize contributions for your fundraiser.

Incentives and Competitions Drive Participation: Friendly competitions between groups or individuals, along with fun prizes like gift cards or challenges, keep students motivated and involved in fundraising efforts.

Best Practices for Success: Active participation is key—students should upload personal pitch videos and invite at least 15 family or friends to their fundraising page for the best chance of hitting their goal.

"Kids see that and leading by example always wins and makes a big difference." – Carter Higley

Find The We Are All Awesome Show on:

🎯 Ready to Find Your WiddyUP?

At WiddyUP, we believe everyone has something that makes them…them. Whether you're an athlete, musician, student, leader, dreamer,or tinkerer, we help you showcase your things in life, connect with relevant opportunities, and fuel your journey. 🔥

👉 Join the movement and discover what drives you! Visit WiddyUP 🚀 #FindYourWiddyUP

Links:

In this exciting episode of The We Are All Awesome Show powered by WiddyUP, we dive into the world of event management with Bart Woodley, who shares his experience overseeing the chaotic yet thrilling preparation for the World Championships. With over 350 color guard groups and numerous performances happening across multiple arenas, Bart discusses how his organization stays organized and communicates effectively to make it all happen. He highlights the crucial role of teamwork and in-person collaboration in ensuring every moving part comes together seamlessly during peak season.

Bart also reflects on his leadership journey, sharing valuable advice on how to balance ambition with living in the moment. His insight into leadership, especially under pressure, offers listeners practical tips on how to manage challenges and focus on what truly matters. If you're looking for inspiration and behind-the-scenes knowledge on managing large events or honing leadership skills, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in for a mix of professional insight and personal wisdom that will leave you feeling motivated and ready to take on the next big challenge.

#WiddyUP #Podcast ##TheWeAreAllAwesomeShow #WiddyUP #Motivation #BehindTheScenes #PersonalGrowth #TeachersMatter #SuccessMindset #BeCurious #LifelongLearning

Effective Teamwork and Communication: Bart emphasizes the importance of in-person communication and collaboration, especially in a small office, to keep everything running smoothly during busy event seasons.

Leadership Through Preparation: Leadership for Bart came naturally but continues to be honed through consistent one-on-one check-ins with team members, ensuring they have what they need to succeed.

Living in the Moment: Bart reflects on the value of enjoying the present and not always focusing on the future, encouraging listeners to find a balance between ambition and being present in the moment.

"I think, and I'll butcher the quote, but I think Eleanor Roosevelt says, raise your hand for the job acting like you know what you're gonna do and get in there and figure out how to do it." – Carter Higley

Find The We Are All Awesome Show on:

🎯 Ready to Find Your WiddyUP?

At WiddyUP, we believe everyone has something that makes them…them. Whether you're an athlete, musician, student, leader, dreamer,or tinkerer, we help you showcase your things in life, connect with relevant opportunities, and fuel your journey. 🔥

👉 Join the movement and discover what drives you! Visit WiddyUP 🚀 #FindYourWiddyUP

Links:

In this exciting episode of The We Are All Awesome Show, powered by WiddyUP, hosts Carter Higley and Randy Narciso dive into their unforgettable experience at the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) conference in San Antonio. With thousands of passionate educators, students, and music lovers gathered to celebrate fine arts, the duo shares the most memorable moments from the event. From spontaneous interviews with band, choir, and orchestra leaders about what makes their groups awesome to an inspiring chat with Jamie Cabot about the power of people in education and business.

#WiddyUP #Podcast #Education #Coaching #Leadership #Curiosity #Motivation #SportsTraining #AthleteMindset #PersonalGrowth #TeachersMatter #SuccessMindset #BeCurious #LifelongLearning

Find The We Are All Awesome Show on:

🎯 Ready to Find Your WiddyUP?

At WiddyUP, we believe everyone has something that makes them…them. Whether you're an athlete, musician, student, leader, dreamer, or tinkerer, we help you showcase your things in life, connect with relevant opportunities, and fuel your journey. 🔥

👉 Join the movement and discover what drives you! Visit WiddyUP 🚀 #FindYourWiddyUP

Links:

In this episode of The We Are All Awesome Show powered by WiddyUP, we explore how small mindset shifts can lead to massive personal and professional growth. Our guest shares powerful insights on overcoming self-doubt, embracing resilience, and taking actionable steps toward success. Whether you're an entrepreneur, creative, or simply looking for motivation, this conversation will leave you inspired to push beyond limitations and unlock your full potential.

Join us as we dive into practical strategies for cultivating confidence, breaking through barriers, and staying committed to your goals. Learn how to reframe challenges as opportunities and turn setbacks into stepping stones. Don't miss this episode packed with wisdom, motivation, and actionable advice to help you thrive!

#WiddyUP #Podcast #Education #Coaching #Leadership #Curiosity #Motivation #SportsTraining #AthleteMindset #PersonalGrowth #TeachersMatter #SwimCoach #MathTeacher #SuccessMindset #BeCurious #LifelongLearning

What you’ll learn:    

 Quotes:

"I hear the word love come out of your mouth a lot and I think that's an indication of your witty up being God." - Carter Higley

Find The We Are All Awesome Show on:

🎯 Ready to Find Your WiddyUP?

👉 Join the movement and discover what drives you! Visit WiddyUP 🚀 #FindYourWiddyUP