The We Are All Awesome Show

20. AI, Apprenticeships & Access: The Future of Learning

In this episode of The We Are All Awesome Show, powered by WiddyUP, Randy and Carter sit down with Chris Agnew, Director of Generative AI for Education at Stanford's Education Hub. Chris shares his 25-year journey from outdoor classrooms to tech-enabled learning environments, shedding light on how generative AI can unlock powerful, equitable, and immersive education experiences once reserved for the elite. His work bridges groundbreaking research with real-world practice to help school system leaders implement AI policies that support students and educators alike.
Chris also dives deep into the evolving role of credentials in today’s workforce. From apprenticeships at companies like Verizon to digital badges that reflect real-world skills, Chris discusses how educational pathways must shift to remain relevant in a world where YouTube, TikTok, and AI tools like ChatGPT offer self-driven alternatives. It’s a candid, high-energy conversation about the future of learning, access, and innovation.
#GenerativeAI #AIinEducation #EdTech #K12Education #AIEquity #PersonalizedLearning #EdTechPodcast #AIforGood #FutureOfEducation #EducationInnovation #DigitalDivide #AIandBias #TeacherTools #WiddyUP #WeAreAllAwesomeShow
What you’ll learn:    
AI tutors can boost student outcomes, especially when paired with real human educators.
Access and equity are major challenges: students without internet or training risk being left behind.
Research, not hype, should drive AI decisions in education.
 
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

19. Keep Going: The Viral Teacher Changing How We Connect, Teach & Inspire

In this special Cinco de Mayo episode of The We Are All Awesome Show, powered by WiddyUP, the hosts reflect on the inspiring work of Mr. Dallas a teacher who's gained online attention and national visibility. They explore how his viral presence, including an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, is changing the conversation around education. The episode dives into how Mr. Dallas builds meaningful relationships with students, showing that care and connection can be powerful tools in both academic success and emotional development.
 
The conversation also dives into how students—no matter their age—can tap into the networks around them to unlock real opportunities. Whether through teachers, family, or sports coaches, the keys to growth are already within reach. It's not just about going viral—it's about making real impact and keeping going through every setback.
 
#WeAreAllAwesome #WiddyUP #ViralTeacher #EducationMatters #GrowthMindset #KeepGoing #GritAndGrace #FutureReady #StudentSuccess #TeacherInspiration #EmotionalIntelligence #MentorshipMatters #NetworkToSucceed #NextGenLeaders #SocialEmotionalLearning
 
What you’ll learn:    
 
Real relationships unlock real results: care before curriculum.
 
Grit is the new gold: teaching kids to fall, rise, and keep going.
 
Start networking now: teachers, coaches, and family are your hidden power connections.
 
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

18. From Burnout to Breakthrough: How One Teacher Sparked Global Inspiration

In this inspiring episode of The We Are All Awesome Show powered by WiddyUP, marketing educator Berhanu Dallas shares how he went from dreading the classroom to becoming a beacon of change, not only for his students in Atlanta but for a global audience. Through vulnerability, human connection, and the power of social media, Dallas transformed his approach to teaching, building trust, confidence, and community in and out of the classroom.
He opens up about pivotal moments that reshaped his career, including a life-changing encounter with a fellow educator and a reality check during a parent-teacher conference. From barely passing high school to inspiring students to believe in themselves, Dallas reminds us that real education starts with relationships—and a teacher who truly cares.#WeAreAllAwesome #WiddyUP #EducationPodcast #RealTalkInTheClassroom #StudentSuccess #AuthenticTeaching #YouthEmpowerment #FutureLeaders #MarketingInSchools #ChickFilAClassroom #TeachersMatter #EducationReform #TeacherLife #HighSchoolSuccess #MotivationalEducationWhat you’ll learn:    
Connection Over Curriculum: Building genuine relationships with students creates lasting impact.
Confidence is Built, Not Born: Repeated exposure to public speaking and personal growth opportunities fuels student self-belief.
Social Media as a Bridge: Leveraging digital platforms can amplify positive narratives in education.
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

17. College Planning Made Simple: 3 Keys to the Perfect Fit

In this insightful episode of The We Are All Awesome Show powered by WiddyUP, we dive into the crucial yet often overlooked early stages of college planning. From 6th grade interest tracking to sophomore-year strategy, our host shares a clear, step-by-step framework to help families align a student's passions, values, and skills with the right academic and social college environment. Learn how personality assessments, social media roommate hunts, and realistic expectations around housing and campus life can significantly shape a student's college journey.
Whether your child is in middle school or already narrowing down schools in junior year, this conversation breaks down how to identify strengths, connect them with college programs, and ultimately prepare a standout application. It's more than picking a college—it's building a path that leads to personal and academic success.
#CollegePlanning #CollegeAdmissions #EducationTips #HighSchoolToCollege #CollegePrep #ParentingTeens #FinancialAid #Scholarships #ChoosingACollege #CollegeBound #StudentSuccess #FuturePlanning #CollegeSearch #CollegeFit #EducationPlanning
What you’ll learn:    
Start Early: Track student interests as early as 6th grade to spot trends and make intentional academic decisions.
Focus on Fit: Academic, social, location, and financial alignment are all critical factors in choosing the right college.
Prepare with Purpose: High school years should build the resume—test scores, projects, and passion—to shine during applications.
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

Leadership, Equity & Lifelong Learning with Jamie Cabot

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

16. The Impact of Technology and Coaching: A Deep Dive with Eve Julian

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

15. From Class to Clients: The Teen Building a Business Instead of Debt

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

14. No Days Off: Meet The Teen Who Outworks Adults

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

13. The Real ROI of Education: What Success Looks Like Today

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

12. Discovering Your Path: Passion, Purpose, and Growth

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