“You can take all of my belongings. You can make me carry my life in a trash bag. I can be homeless. You can even take my family from me if that's what you must do, but you can't take Monica from Monica.”

Those are the words of Monica Juliana, a high school student from West Virginia who endured an especially challenging upbringing, the kind that would have prevented most children from succeeding in school…

Meet Adrian Macklin, the Tennessee high school music teacher honored as Music Educator of the Year at the 2025 Grammys. In this episode, you’ll hear the extraordinary music from his students that earned him this prestigious award.

You’ll learn how Adrian fosters a caring and creative environment where students flourish, both musically and personally. You’ll also hear Adrian describe his methods for connecting with students, empowering student leadership, and tapping into the emotional core of the words they sing. Hear touching reflections from one of Adrian's students and a school counselor who attest to his dedication.

Chris Flores, Keisha Orozco, and Tracy Baynes share how an outdoor leadership program in the Alaska wilderness transformed their perspectives on confidence, self-trust, and teamwork. Through three weeks of hiking and kayaking with STEP, a program for low-income students, they learned valuable life lessons beyond the traditional classroom. This episode explores how stepping away from technology and into nature fosters personal growth and leadership in unexpected ways.

Author Bob Katz shares the extraordinary story of a gifted 4th-grade teacher named Elaine Moore, the central character of his book Elaine’s Circle: A Teacher, a Student, a Classroom, and One Unforgettable Year. One reviewer writes, “There are books that you read that stay with you all your life—Elaine’s Circle will be one of them.”

Clarence Page reflects on 50+ years in journalism, inspired by his high school teacher and life lessons from his grandmother.

Meet Grammy-winning educator Pamela Dawson, who transforms lives through music, proving its power to connect and inspire.

Bruce Stewart, a champion for social justice and education, hears a heartfelt tribute from a former student on his transformative legacy.

Fred Shoemaker, one of America’s top golf instructors, reveals how empowering self-discovery over fixing flaws transforms teaching, parenting, and coaching. Hear insights on curiosity, contribution, and the power of feedback to inspire growth.

Once on a troubled path, Dr. Victor Rios credits a teacher for helping him turn his life around. Now a professor, he reflects on the power of educators to transform lives and how the Black Lives Matter movement can inspire learning.

Jennifer Vides is a civil engineer who helps build skyscrapers in Southern California. Her band teacher, Romeo Vera (at Manual Arts High School) helped Jennifer realize her childhood dream.

Rachell Auld shares an amazing story about her career path and how it was shaped by Dr. John Rosario from Riverside City College. This story is about finding one's true calling.