The We Are All Awesome Show

We Are All Awesome Show is the go-to podcast for parents, students, educators, and changemakers in the K-12 space. Hosted by Carter Higley and Randy Narciso, co-founders of WiddyUp, this show spotlights the dreamers, doers, and impact-makers shaping the future of education. Each episode dives into the inspiring stories of students, parents, and leaders making a difference while tackling key topics that affect schools today. From fundraising strategies and scholarship insights to game-changing education trends, We Are All Awesome is your resource for making a bigger impact in the K-12 world. Brought to you by WiddyUp—the fun, video-driven fundraising platform flipping the script on traditional school fundraising. Tune in, get inspired, and start making waves! Let’s WiddyUP!

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Episodes

5 hours ago

In this inspiring episode of The We Are All Awesome Show powered by WiddyUP, we sit down with Jaime Cabot a former educator turned edtech sales leader who breaks down the importance of equity in education, the true impact of school vouchers, and why AI still can't replicate the soul of a musician. From the classroom to the boardroom, she shares how leading with what’s best for kids — or customers — is the secret to sustainable success. Her perspective on mentorship, curiosity, and leadership provides a grounded yet energizing look at what it really means to grow with purpose.
Later in the episode, we dig into her experience with Girls Club, a women-in-sales mentorship program that helped fuel her rise to leadership in a new industry. From soaking up wisdom as a “master thief” to embracing the unglamorous grind of working mom life, she gets real about what drives her every day: helping others succeed. Her mantra? "Keep the main thing the main thing" — a simple but powerful reminder to stay focused on what truly matters.
#Leadership #Mentorship #PersonalGrowth #CareerDevelopment #Education #WomenInLeadership #EquityInEducation #Teaching #StudentSuccess #LeadershipJourney #WorkplaceSuccess #Inspiration #KeepTheMainThingTheMainThing #WeAreAllAwesome #WiddyUP #Podcast
What you’ll learn:    
Equity ≠ Equality: Fairness in education means meeting students where they are—not giving everyone the same, but giving everyone what they need.
Mentorship Matters: Transitioning industries is smoother (and faster) when you're willing to seek mentorship and stay curious.
Lead with Purpose: Whether teaching kids or leading teams, success begins when you focus on helping others thrive.
Find The We Are All Awesome Show on:
Website
Youtube 
Apple
Spotify
🎯 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:
Website: WiddyUP
Instagram: WiddyUP

2 days ago

In this powerful follow-up episode of the We Are All Awesome Show, powered by WiddyUP, we sit down with Eve Julian, a passionate coach and expert in swimming technology, to discuss her journey in both coaching and her role at IST. From understanding the nuances of advanced timing equipment in swim meets to the impact of coaching young athletes, Eve shares her unique insights. She talks about the integration of high-precision timing systems, the importance of supporting coaches in their work, and how to make a meaningful impact both in and out of the pool. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or tech enthusiast, Eve's perspective on the intersection of sport and technology is sure to resonate.
Eve also shares her personal philosophy on coaching, emphasizing the importance of watching athletes grow into confident leaders. She explains how her experiences coaching boys' teams shaped her approach to leadership and how technology can make coaching more efficient. Tune in to hear about her favorite coaching moments and how she’s helping make swim meets run more smoothly with cutting-edge tech.
#GenZEntrepreneurs #YouthLeadership #AlternativeEducation #FinancialLiteracy #StudentSuccess #ParentingTips #FutureOfWork #K12Voices #WeAreAllAwesome #WiddyUPWhat you’ll learn:    
Technology in Aquatics: Learn how advanced timing systems are transforming swim meets, from touchpads to wireless programmable pace clocks.
Coaching Impact: Discover the profound impact of coaching as Eve reflects on her experience seeing young athletes mature from high school to adulthood.
Tech Meets Coaching: Explore how integrating technology into sports can help coaches focus on what matters most: their athletes' growth and success.
Find The We Are All Awesome Show on:
Website
Youtube 
Apple
Spotify
🎯 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:
Website: WiddyUP
Instagram: WiddyUP

7 days ago

In this powerful follow-up episode of the We Are All Awesome Show powered by WiddyUP, Carter and Randy unpack their eye-opening conversation with teen entrepreneur Walter Stradley — a high school junior balancing AP classes with 30+ hours a week running his own landscaping business. They dive deep into the real-world lessons Walter is mastering early: client communication, pricing strategy, time management, and the bold decision to prioritize business over a traditional college path.
From debating whether they'd let their own kids delay or skip college to breaking down what education should look like in 2025, Carter and Randy challenge the status quo on success, financial literacy, and what it really means to walk the talk when supporting young entrepreneurs. This is a must-listen for parents, educators, and teens alike.#GenZEntrepreneurs #YouthLeadership #AlternativeEducation #FinancialLiteracy #StudentSuccess #ParentingTips #FutureOfWork #K12Voices #WeAreAllAwesome #WiddyUPWhat you’ll learn:    
Confidence beats credentials. Real-world communication skills open more doors than degrees.
College isn’t the only path. Students with legit businesses should be supported, not sidelined.
Start building your network early. Connections, referrals, and mentors are everything.
Find The We Are All Awesome Show on:
Website
Youtube 
Apple
Spotify
🎯 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:
Website: WiddyUP
Instagram: WiddyUP

Wednesday Apr 23, 2025

In this inspiring episode of The We Are All Awesome Show powered by WiddyUP, Carter and Randy sit down with Walter Stradley, a high school junior from Jackson, Wyoming, who’s not just managing grades and AP classes, but also running a thriving landscaping business. From balancing 30-hour work weeks with late-night study sessions to sharing insights on pricing, customer service, and confidence-building, Walter walks us through the hustle mindset that fuels his success. You’ll hear how he juggles school and entrepreneurship, why he’s considering online college over traditional routes, and what it takes to grow a small business before graduation.
Walter also opens up about the real-life skills that school doesn't teach: how to talk to adults, shake hands with intention, and build relationships that lead to referrals. He shares advice for middle schoolers and aspiring young entrepreneurs, emphasizing the value of mentors, mindset, and mapping your goals. Whether you're a student, parent, educator, or just someone who appreciates ambition, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and positive energy.
#entrepreneurship #studententrepreneur #landscapingbusiness #youthbusiness #k12education #careerreadiness #financialliteracy #schoolpodcast #widdyup #weareallawesomeWhat you’ll learn:    
How to build a real business before you can even legally work Walter started mowing lawns at 11 — now he’s running a full-service landscaping operation with 30+ clients as a high school junior.
Why confidence (not connections) opens doorsLearn how firm handshakes, eye contact, and clear communication helped Walter land clients and grow fast — no marketing degree required.
The real ROI of skipping the ‘college experience’Walter breaks down his plan to stay local, earn while he learns online, and scale his business — instead of spending $60K to “go out with friends.”
Find The We Are All Awesome Show on:
Website
Youtube 
Apple
Spotify
🎯 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:
Website: WiddyUP
Instagram: WiddyUP

Saturday Apr 19, 2025

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 #StudentVoicesWhat you’ll learn:    
Confidence is a Skill You BuildThis episode shows how stepping into the spotlight—whether you're ready or not—can help you grow. For teens, especially, simply taking the mic and showing up becomes the first step toward building true, lasting confidence.
The Power of Community and EncouragementWhen students are backed by supportive teachers, peers, and platforms like WiddyUP, even the most nervous voices can rise. This kind of positive reinforcement helps them face fears and discover strength they didn’t know they had.
Your Voice Can Inspire ChangeWhether it's a personal story or a creative talent, sharing your voice has an impact. The episode reminds us that by speaking up, teens not only gain personal growth—they also inspire those around them to be brave too.
Find The We Are All Awesome Show on:
Website
Youtube 
Apple
Spotify
🎯 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:
Website: WiddyUP
Instagram: WiddyUP

Monday Apr 14, 2025

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 #WiddyUPWhat you’ll learn:    
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: 
"It’s really that mindset shift that might keep kids going strong if it’s more, are you doing what matters to you?" – Carter Higley
"Trade careers are kind of a backup plan for students who really can't make it academically." – Randy Narciso
Find The We Are All Awesome Show on:
Website
Youtube 
Apple
Spotify
🎯 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:
Website: WiddyUP
Instagram: WiddyUP

Friday Apr 11, 2025

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 What you’ll learn:    
The Power of Trade Schools – Jacob Doss shares his vision for making trade schools a top-tier education option, bridging the gap between students and high-paying careers.
 Keep It Simple & Focused – Whether in business or coaching, breaking down complex ideas into clear, actionable bullet points leads to success.
Hard Work & Gratitude – Success comes from relentless effort, but it’s just as important to pause, reflect, and appreciate the journey.
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"The universe has this weird way of rewarding people for putting in the amount of hard work… you don’t know when your shot is coming." – Jacob Doss
 
Find The We Are All Awesome Show on:
Website
Youtube 
Apple
Spotify
🎯 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:
Website: WiddyUP
Instagram: WiddyUP

Thursday Mar 27, 2025

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#FundraisingForACause #Leadership #CommunityImpact #DecisionMaking #HigherEducation #StudentLeaders #EducationalJourney #CollegeBound #PersonalGrowth #FutureLeaders #Entrepreneurship #WiddyUPWhat you’ll learn:    
Navigating College Decisions: Rohan shares his personal journey through the college application process, emphasizing the importance of evaluating school culture, academic fit, and long-term goals when choosing between top universities.
Passion for Behavioral Science: Rohan discusses his passion for combining psychology, economics, and decision-making, highlighting how this unique interdisciplinary focus shapes his academic and career aspirations, including plans for an MBA.
Making an Impact through Leadership: Through his annual fundraising tournament for Lurie Children's Hospital, Rohan demonstrates how personal experiences can drive community leadership and philanthropic efforts, making a real difference in people's lives.Quotes: 
"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"My parents, I would say that naturally they were raised in a culture where they always wanted to do one better and to always keep on going. And I would say that it's partly because of where they're from."– Liam Sullivan
Find The We Are All Awesome Show on:
Website
Youtube 
Apple
Spotify
🎯 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:
Website: WiddyUP
Instagram: WiddyUP

Monday Mar 24, 2025

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 #WiddyUPWhat you’ll learn:    
Passion-Driven Career Path: Liam emphasizes the importance of pursuing what you love, like skiing and climbing, and how following your passion can lead to a fulfilling career, such as guiding or land management.
Mentorship is Key: The episode highlights the significance of finding role models and mentors in your field, learning from their experiences, and using their guidance to shape your own journey.
Embracing Failure for Growth: Liam shares how embracing failure and learning from setbacks is essential in both outdoor adventures and life, promoting the mindset that growth happens through trying, failing, and trying again.Quotes: 
"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"I think especially in climbing and skiing, like with how risky it is. You really can't afford to not be mature about it."– Liam Sullivan
Find The We Are All Awesome Show on:
Website
Youtube 
Apple
Spotify
🎯 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:
Website: WiddyUP
Instagram: WiddyUP

Tuesday Mar 18, 2025

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 #WiddyUPWhat you’ll learn:    
Align Interests, Values, and Skills: It’s crucial to match a student’s personal interests, values, and skills with the right college and career path to ensure long-term success and satisfaction.
Strategic College Applications: Focus on crafting standout applications by targeting a mix of safety, target, and reach schools. Aim for 10-12 applications to improve your chances without overextending.
Plan Early for Financial Aid: Start the college planning process early, including securing scholarships and understanding financial aid offers, to avoid stress and make informed decisions about how to fund your child’s education.
Quotes: "College is a business, and what they want is students who will accept their offers. The earlier you start planning and the more strategic you are with your applications, the better your chances." – Randy Narciso
 "This is an opportunity to set you, your family, your child up for success."– Carter Higley
Find The We Are All Awesome Show on:
Website
Youtube 
Apple
Spotify
🎯 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:
Website: WiddyUP
Instagram: WiddyUP

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