The We Are All Awesome Show

30. Your Success Is Not My Demise: Building Confidence, Community & Culture with Collin Binko

In this powerful episode of We Are All Awesome Show powered by WiddyUP, we sit down with award-winning educator and music director Collin Binko, who shares how he's using the universal language of music to create culture, build confidence, and ignite student potential. From turning nervous students into confident soloists to empowering kids through intentional practice and high-performance routines, Collin reveals his methods for building safe spaces where students can thrive both on and off the stage. And yes, he’s the teacher who makes you do jumping jacks before your solo!
Collin dives into the mindset behind success, emphasizing that real confidence is built through preparation, not praise. We talk about leadership, setting boundaries to avoid burnout, and why being flexible with your career path can lead to unexpected breakthroughs. Whether it’s guiding on mountains or leading choirs with hundreds of voices, Collin proves that mentorship, mindset, and mission-driven work can echo far beyond the classroom. This is a must-listen for educators, creatives, and anyone passionate about community-driven impact.
#WeAreAllAwesome #WiddyUP #StudentVoices #EducationMatters #ChoirToCommunity #MilkenEducator #ConfidenceThroughPractice #MentorshipMatters #TeacherLife #EmpoweredStudents
What you’ll learn:    
Celebrate Others: Your success is not my demise. Support and uplift those around you
Practice = Confidence: Preparation builds real confidence, not hype, but hard work.
Protect Your Yes: Saying no helps you say yes to what truly matters.
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29. From Vapes to Valves: Danny Aguilar's Journey to Purpose

On this episode of The We Are All Awesome Show, powered by WiddyUP, we dive deep into the raw, real, and inspiring story of Danny Aguilar, a young man who didn’t just talk, he owned his story. From early sparks of curiosity in auto mechanics to getting lost in challenges like vaping, Danny opens up about the moments that almost derailed him,  and the mentors, moments, and mindset that brought him back. Now thriving in trade school and building a future he’s proud of, Danny shows us that passion and purpose can sometimes take the scenic route, and that’s more than OK.
Hosts Randy and Carter unpack the stigma surrounding non-traditional career paths, the power of early exposure to real-world skills, and the transformational role of educators who see their students. They also touch on the importance of creating intentional experiences for all kids,  not just the privileged few, so they can discover what truly makes them come alive. If you’ve ever wondered how to help a young person find their fire, this is your episode.
#WeAreAllAwesomeShow #WiddyUP #DannyAguilar #OwnYourStory #PurposeOverPerfection #TradeSchoolSuccess #YouthVoicesMatter #RealTalkRealGrowth #NonTraditionalPath #FromStruggleToStrength #StudentSuccess #AutoMechanicLife #FutureReady #MentorshipMatters #BreakTheStigma #InspirationForTeens
What you’ll learn:    
Purpose Beats Perfection: Danny's journey proves progress matters more than looking polished
Trade Schools Deserve Respect: They’re not a fallback, they’re a launchpad for passion.
Support Systems Save Stories: Educators, family, and belief can turn pain into purpose.
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28. Lena Podeska: The Grind Behind the Glory

In this inspiring episode of We Are All Awesome powered by WiddyUP, we catch up with Nordic skier Lena Podeska just days after her stunning qualification for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Hosts Carter and Randy dive deep into the journey behind the achievement, exploring the grit, mental discipline, and powerful support network that helped Lena reach elite status. More than a story of athletic excellence, this episode is a masterclass in self-motivation, sacrifice, and the mindset it takes to pursue greatness without losing yourself along the way.
From 4:30 AM training sessions to affirmations and mental reps, Lena’s story shows us what it really means to be awesome. But here's the twist, whether or not she skis another day, her growth, resilience, and character still shine. This episode isn’t just for athletes, it's for parents, students, and anyone navigating the fine balance between high achievement and healthy identity. Tap in now to hear how passion, balance, and belief fuel success far beyond medals.
#WeAreAllAwesome #WiddyUP #LenaPodeska #OlympicJourney #StudentAthlete #MentalPerformance #TrainLikeAChampion #ChasingGreatness #YouthSports #SupportTheGrind #StudentAthleteLife #EliteMindset #VisualizeSuccess #RiseAndGrind #FutureOlympian #AthleteMotivation #TrainLikeAChampion #NoDaysOff #GoalGetter #ParentingAthletes
What you’ll learn:    
Elite performance starts with elite mindset,  Visualization, affirmations, and mental coaching.
Let kids lead their passion , Self-driven goals are more sustainable than parent-imposed pressure.
The journey matters more than the title ,  Who you become chasing the goal is just as important as reaching it.
 
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27. From Vapes to Valves: Danny’s Drive Toward Purpose

In this episode of The We Are All Awesome Show powered by WiddyUP, Danny returns to share how leaving vaping behind led him to discover his true passion in the trades. Now 10 months into an auto and diesel program at UTI in Phoenix, Danny opens up about living independently, staying mentally strong through positive routines, and aiming for a coveted spot in the Mercedes-Benz training program. His story is an honest reflection of what it takes to stay focused, trust your pace, and turn tough decisions into a powerful future.
Danny also dives into how social media pressures young people to succeed too fast and why it's okay to go at your own speed. From living with roommates and missing his family to sticking with small daily goals, he shows how growth comes from consistency, not perfection. If you’re a student, parent, or mentor looking for real talk on resilience and purpose, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
#WeAreAllAwesome #WiddyUP #VapeFreeJourney #PurposeOverPressure #TradeSchoolSuccess #MentalHealthMatters #StudentStories #ResilienceInAction #YouthEmpowerment #PickUpYourPurpose #OwnYourStory #StayTheCourse #LifeAtYourPace #DieselTechJourney #PositiveHabits
What you’ll learn:    
Dropping bad habits can open the door to your purpose.
Everyone moves at their own pace, comparison kills clarity.
Consistent daily habits are the key to long-term success.
 
 
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🎯 Ready to Find Your WiddyUP?
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26. Do It Scared: Building Courage, Curiosity & Confidence in a Tech-Driven World

In this energizing episode of We Are All Awesome Show, powered by WiddyUP, we’re joined by Chris, an insightful educator and leader on the cutting edge of AI and learning, who reminds us that personal growth often starts where comfort ends. From parenting lessons to classroom takeaways, Chris shares how “doing it scared” becomes a mindset that builds resilience, encourages risk-taking, and fuels authentic learning in a fast-changing world.
Together with hosts Will and Randy, the conversation digs into the intersection of nature vs. nurture, the art of teaching agency, and how tech like AI can deepen, not dilute, human connection and purpose. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or student, this episode offers a playbook for fostering meaningful growth, embracing fear as excitement, and unlocking the unique potential within every learner.
#WeAreAllAwesome #WiddyUP #DoItScared #EducationInnovation #StudentAgency #AIinEducation #GrowthMindset #CourageOverComfort #PurposeDrivenLearning #TryReflectIterate #FutureReady #EdLeadership #CuriosityFirst #LearnBrave
What you’ll learn:    
Courage ≠ Fearlessness: The feeling of fear and excitement are biologically similar, lean into that overlap.
Agency Can Be Taught: Risk-taking and personal agency aren’t fixed traits; they can be nurtured with the right support.
Try, Reflect, Iterate: Success doesn’t require having it all figured out, treat life like an experiment, not a final exam.
 
 
 
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25. From Passion to Podium: Lena’s Journey & the Power of Just Trying Everything

Summary:
On this episode of The We Are All Awesome Show, powered by WiddyUP, we sit down with rising ski star Lena Paduska to talk about her incredible journey from small-town roots to the national ski stage, and now, to the collegiate circuit. Lena opens up about the pressures and possibilities of the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) landscape, her mental preparation, and how being fearless in trying new things paved her way to success.
Whether you're a student-athlete, parent, or fan of stories fueled by grit and growth, Lena's mindset is one to remember. From biking and trail running in the summer to racing down icy slopes in winter, Lena shares her approach to building resilience, independence, and joy in the face of pressure, and why companies should absolutely remember her name.
#WeAreAllAwesome #WiddyUP #LenaPadua #StudentAthlete #NILopportunity #YouthSports #TryEverything #SkiChampion #MentalToughness #CollegeAthlete
What you’ll learn:    
Try Everything: Lena credits her success to exploring many sports and interests before finding her true passion.
Mindset Matters: Mental training is just as important as physical prep for high-performing athletes.
NIL Readiness Starts Now: Even athletes outside the spotlight can build their brand and attract sponsors with the right visibility.
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24. Bridge Year, Not Gap Year: Finding Your Path Before College

In this episode of The We Are All Awesome Show powered by WiddyUP, we explore how teens can embrace nontraditional paths, like the increasingly popular "bridge year," to discover purpose, sharpen focus, and build momentum before college. Our hosts share powerful personal stories, like Liam’s transformative year off and a student who leveraged the California Proficiency Program, to illustrate how stepping off the beaten path can actually accelerate success. Whether it’s community college, trades, or Ivy League dreams, the message is clear: there’s no one-size-fits-all.
 
We also dive into the importance of identifying interests, values, and skills early on, before costly detours. From building meaningful portfolios outside the classroom to finding peer validation and supportive communities, this episode is a call to rethink how we prepare students for life. Bonus: reflections on our latest guest, Chris Agnew, and why AI will never replace being human.
 
#WeAreAllAwesome #BridgeYear #EducationPathways #CollegeReadiness #WiddyUP #YouthEmpowerment #FindYourWhy #AlternativeEducation #ParentingTeens #LifeSkills #AIinEducation #SoftSkillsMatter
 
What you’ll learn:    
 
Bridge Years Matter: Taking time before college can be the most transformative year of a student’s life.
Know Yourself Early: Identifying your interests, values, and strengths helps avoid wasted time and costly detours.
You’re Not Alone: Support groups and shared experiences help validate and strengthen your personal journey.
 
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🎯 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
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23. The Real Edge: Why Networking Beats a Perfect Resume

In this episode of The We Are All Awesome Show powered by WiddyUP, we dive deep into the underestimated yet powerful force of networking. Hosts Randy and Carter explore how authentic conversations,like one student's chance encounter at Trader Joe's,can open real-world doors to internships, careers, and lifelong connections. From personal stories to hiring insights, the conversation highlights that connection isn't just for the privileged; it's a skill anyone can develop.
 
We also explore the importance of informed decision making when it comes to college and career paths. Whether it's evaluating the value of a degree or discovering your "why" through lived experiences, our hosts challenge the conventional narrative.Tune in to learn why self-awareness, curiosity, and the willingness to engage may be the most underrated career tools out there.
 
#NetworkingMatters #LifeAfterHighSchool #CareerGrowth #WeAreAllAwesome #WiddyUP #FutureReady #LearnAndLead #StudentSuccess #DecisionMaking #CollegeOrCareer
What you’ll learn:    
Networking is a learnable skill, not just a privilege conversations lead to opportunities.
Making informed life decisions starts with aligning your interests, values, and skills.
Learning is a mindset, not a location college is one of many valuable learning paths.
 
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🎯 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
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22. Finding the Best Job on the Planet: Bernie’s Journey from Quito to the Galapagos

What if your dream job wasn’t just a job, but a purpose? In this episode of The We Are All Awesome Show, powered by WiddyUP, we dive deep with Bernardo Jacome, a young eco-entrepreneur navigating life between the highlands of Quito and the crystal waters of the Galapagos. From building his own business to redefining success on his own terms, Bernardo shares the raw, unfiltered truth of what it takes to chase passion over perfection.
Join hosts Carter and Randy as they explore the value of showing up, the myth of balance, and how embracing hard work, failure, and fun can shape your purpose. Bernardo’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to follow a conventional path to find fulfillment, you just have to start where you are, trust the process, and protect what matters most.
#WiddyUP #WeAreAllAwesome #Entrepreneurship #GalapagosDreams #YouthVoices #PurposeDrivenLife
 
What you’ll learn:    
Start with Passion You don’t need it all figured out, just begin with what excites you.
Hustle with Heart Hard work pays off when it’s fueled by purpose.
Purpose is Local Look around—your next big thing might be right where you are.
More about Bernard:
Expedition
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🎯 Ready to Find Your WiddyUP?
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👉 Join the movement and discover what drives you! Visit WiddyUP 🚀 #FindYourWiddyUP
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21. AI, College, and the Great Divide: Rethinking Education in a Digital Age

Is AI the great equalizer—or the next big divider—in education? In this thought-provoking episode of The We Are All Awesome Show powered by WiddyUP, Carter and Chris unpack the fast-evolving role of artificial intelligence in shaping the classroom and redefining college readiness. From generative AI in lesson planning to students leveraging ChatGPT, the discussion explores how access (or lack thereof) to these tools is deepening the digital divide and forcing educators and families to reconsider what success looks like.
The hosts tackle bold questions: Is traditional college becoming obsolete? Should we prioritize real-world learning, soft skills, and apprenticeships over standardized test scores? And how do we shift the mindset of parents and educators to support students in discovering their own unique paths? With Stanford’s Chris Agnew leading the charge on AI in education, this episode offers valuable insights for students, teachers, and parents navigating the future of learning.
#AIInEducation #DigitalDivide #FutureOfLearning #EdTech #CollegeAlternatives #ParentalMindset #WeAreAllAwesomeShow #WiddyUP #StudentSuccess #EducationReform
What you’ll learn:    
Access is Everything AI has the power to personalize learning, but without equal access, it risks deepening the digital divide between students who have resources and those who don’t.
College Isn’t the Only Path Real-world learning, apprenticeships, and trade skills are rising as powerful alternatives to the traditional four-year college model—especially for students whose strengths lie outside standardized academics.
Mindset Over Mandates The biggest shift needed. Parental and educator mindset. Encouraging kids to discover and pursue their own path—rather than follow outdated expectations—is key to future-ready success.
 
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🎯 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. 🔥
 
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