Communities of Character Podcast

Communities of Character
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The Communities of Character podcast brings you leaders, experts, and practitioners in education, research, medicine, counseling, and other fields to share their wisdom and insightful conversations about character development and the impact on their work and lives. Their stories will leave you inspired and hopeful!

  1. Why Stories Matter: The Key to Connection, Belonging, and Culture

    3D AGO

    Why Stories Matter: The Key to Connection, Belonging, and Culture

    How do you build a stronger, more connected community? In this episode of the Communities of Character podcast, Jennifer Hogan and Laura Casey sit down with Lindy Walker of Storytellers Live to explore the powerful role storytelling plays in shaping connection, belonging, and culture. While Lindy’s work is rooted in creating spaces for people to share real, personal stories, this conversation focuses on what that means for leaders, especially those working in schools and organizations where relationships matter most. Together, they unpack how storytelling moves people beyond surface-level interactions and into meaningful connection and why that connection is essential for building a culture grounded in character. 🔑 In This Episode, You’ll Hear: Why stories create connection in ways facts alone cannot How storytelling helps individuals feel seen, heard, and valued What happens in a room when someone shares an authentic story How leaders can use storytelling to build trust without being performative Why vulnerability and transparency are essential for strong adult culture How stories help people internalize values like empathy and respect The role of listening in understanding and leading others well Simple ways to begin using storytelling to strengthen your community 💡 Key Takeaway People don’t connect through information, they connect through stories. And when leaders create space for those stories to be shared and heard, they lay the foundation for trust, belonging, and a culture of character. 📲 Stay Connected Follow Communities of Character on Instagram: @coc.podcastShare this episode with a colleague or leader who is working to build stronger community. 🔗 Connect with Lindy Walker Learn more about Lindy’s work and storytelling community through Storytellers Live. LindyWalker0 @ gmail.com RESOURCES from the episode: Story Tellers Live website - https://www.storytellerslive.org/ Story Tellers Live - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/storytellersliveministry Story Tellers Live - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/storytellers_live/ CoC Episode with guest, Kym Prewitt - https://open.spotify.com/episode/79uBINkU1A4MUYTKhwprkE?si=8ob51AdXQ4-vR0QhVm0lUA The Hope Institute - https://www.hopeinstitute.org/ Character.org - http://Character.org 👉 Follow us on Instagram @coc.podcast 👉 Catch up on previous episodes wherever you listen to podcasts 👉 Share this episode with a leader who is committed to modeling character every day

    31 min
  2. A Pause to Reflect on Character - Bonus Ep. #3 - March 2026

    MAR 15 ·  BONUS

    A Pause to Reflect on Character - Bonus Ep. #3 - March 2026

    In this mid-month Character Conversation, hosts Jennifer Hogan and Laura Casey pause to reflect on a key leadership insight from their recent interview with Dr. Greg Moore, principal of Auburn High School: Consistency over charisma. When leaders step into new roles—or work to strengthen the culture of their schools—there can be pressure to inspire people through big speeches, bold initiatives, or high-energy leadership moments. But as Dr. Moore’s leadership reminds us, trust and culture are rarely built through charisma alone. They’re built through consistency. In this short reflective episode, Jennifer and Laura unpack why steady, everyday leadership behaviors—listening well, showing up, responding thoughtfully, and modeling values in small moments—are what truly shape a community’s culture over time. The episode closes with a Quick Practice to help leaders reflect on how they can model one core value consistently in the week ahead. If you're working to build a culture of character in your school or organization, this conversation offers a simple but powerful reminder:People don’t follow values because they’re written down. They follow values because they see them lived. Join the conversation on Instagram @coc.podcast, and be sure to listen to the full interview with Dr. Greg Moore if you haven’t already. Keep building character in your community - one decision, one relationship, one conversation at a time.

    5 min
  3. Bringing Character to a New Campus - with Guest, Dr. Greg Moore

    MAR 1

    Bringing Character to a New Campus - with Guest, Dr. Greg Moore

    When Dr. Greg Moore left Springville High School after building a strong, character-driven culture, he stepped into a new chapter as principal of Auburn High School — a significantly larger, high-performing school with a rich tradition of excellence. In this episode, Greg shares the real emotions of “starting over,” the excitement of expanding his impact from 720 students to more than 2,200, and the intentional decisions he made to lead with character from day one. We discuss:• What to prioritize — and what to avoid — when stepping into a new leadership role• How listening builds trust and shapes culture• Why student culture always reflects adult culture• The power of visibility, name recognition, and early relational wins• How leading a larger school stretched and refined his leadership• Why building character must begin within the leader first Greg reminds us that culture isn’t imposed — it’s modeled. And when a leader consistently lives out character, others notice. If you’re stepping into a new role, rebuilding culture, or simply trying to lead with greater intentionality, this conversation will encourage and challenge you. Connect with Greg:X (Twitter): @servemoore52Instagram: @gregorymoore52Facebook: Gregory Moore Jr. Email - gdmoore @ auburnschools.org RESOURCES from the episode: Previous Interview with Greg in 2023 - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dr-gregory-moore-a-comprehensive-and/id1598728843?i=1000619313093 Auburn High School - https://ahs.auburnschools.org/ The Hope Institute - https://www.hopeinstitute.org/ The 11 Principles by Character.org - https://character.org/11-principles-in-schools/ Character.org - https://Character.org Follow the conversation and share what resonated most from this episode. 📍 Instagram: Communities of Character - @coc.podcast If this episode encouraged or challenged your thinking about leadership and character, consider sharing it with a colleague, coach, or educator who would benefit from the conversation. Until next time - keep building character in your community, one decision, one relationship, and one conversation at a time.

    36 min
  4. A Pause to Reflect on Character - Bonus Ep. #2 - February 2026

    FEB 15 ·  BONUS

    A Pause to Reflect on Character - Bonus Ep. #2 - February 2026

    In this February Character Conversation, Jennifer and Laura slow down to reflect on key takeaways from their recent interview with Dr. Ashley Bowling, principal of Florence Middle School. This mid-month pause centers on a powerful reminder: character culture doesn’t start with students — it starts with adults. Drawing from Ashley’s leadership, the hosts explore: Why modeling values matters more than mandating them How adult culture quietly shapes student behavior The role of traditions and rituals in turning values into identity What happens when values are posted, but not always lived Listeners are invited to sit with a leadership scenario that challenges them to examine whether their values are being enforced… or embodied. This short episode is designed to help leaders process what they’re learning, not just move on — because character work sticks when we stop long enough to reflect. Join the conversation on Instagram @coc.podcast, and be sure to listen to the full interview with Dr. Ashley Bowling if you haven’t already.

    11 min
  5. Character Isn't Extra - It's the Work of Adults First

    FEB 1

    Character Isn't Extra - It's the Work of Adults First

    What does it really look like to build a culture of character—especially in the pivotal middle school years? In this episode of Communities of Character, hosts Jennifer Hogan and Laura welcome Dr. Ashley Bowling, principal of Florence Middle School, for a rich conversation about developing the whole child by leading with purpose, clarity, and heart. With roots in special education and nearly two decades in education, Ashley shares how her journey with character education began in the classroom and deepened as she stepped into school leadership. She explains why character isn’t an “add-on,” but the foundation that allows learning, belonging, and hope to thrive. Listeners will hear how Florence Middle School has brought character to life through The Falcon Way, a district-wide focus that provides a shared language and clear expectations for both students and adults. Ashley walks us through intentional initiatives that shaped her first year as principal, including meaningful traditions, student voice, and a strong emphasis on adult culture. This conversation is full of practical ideas, reflective leadership practices, and reminders that modeling values always matters more than mandating them. How a background in special education shaped Ashley’s commitment to character education Why character must be woven into daily instruction—not taught as a separate program The launch of “FMS…Where Our Falcons Learn to Fly” and what it represents The Falcon Way Banner Signing and Flight Ceremony as powerful culture-building rituals Creative ways Florence Middle School celebrates staff through character recognition How teacher voice and collaborative leadership guide schoolwide decisions Student opportunities to study, discuss, and live out core values The impact of working with the Hope Institute to deepen shared ownership of character Why Ashley believes character work must begin with adults before it reaches students “Character is not an extra in education—it is the foundation that makes learning, belonging, and hope possible.” This episode is especially meaningful for principals, assistant principals, and aspiring leaders who want to build schools where values are lived, not laminated. 🎧 Listen, reflect, and take notes—you’ll walk away with ideas you can adapt in your own community. 👉 Follow us on Instagram @coc.podcast 👉 Catch up on previous episodes wherever you listen to podcasts 👉 Share this episode with a leader who is committed to modeling character every day RESOURCES from the episode: Florence Middle School - https://fms.florencek12.org/ Florence City Schools - https://www.florencek12.org/ The Hope Institute - https://www.hopeinstitute.org/ The 11 Principles by Character.org - https://character.org/11-principles-in-schools/ Character.org - http://Character.org NASSP New Principals Network: https://www.nassp.org/leadership-networks/new-principals-network-2/ Find Ashley on X.com: @mzbowlin11 Ashley’s email: abowling @ florencek12.org Florence Middle School on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/florencemiddleschoolfalcons/ If this episode encouraged or challenged your thinking about leadership and character, consider sharing it with a colleague, coach, or educator who would benefit from the conversation. Until next time—keep building character in your community, one decision, one relationship, and one conversation at a time.

    27 min
  6. A Pause to Reflect on Character - Bonus Ep. #1 - January 2026

    JAN 15 ·  BONUS

    A Pause to Reflect on Character - Bonus Ep. #1 - January 2026

    In this first-ever Character Conversation, hosts Jennifer Hogan and Laura Casey introduce a new mid-month format designed to help leaders slow down, reflect, and process what character-centered leadership really looks like in practice. Building off their January 1st conversation with Jack Williams of IDEALS Leadership, Jennifer and Laura unpack two key takeaways: the role of personal values in steady decision-making, and the reality that culture is shaped not by intention—but by behavior. This short episode invites educators and leaders to pause, reflect, and consider one powerful question that can shape how they lead in the weeks ahead. ------------------------------------------------------- Show Notes These shorter episodes are designed to help leaders move beyond consuming ideas and toward reflecting on what truly matters in leadership, culture, and character. In this episode, Jennifer and Laura reflect on their January 1st interview with Jack Williams, founder of IDEALS Leadership, and highlight two insights that stood out most. Why character serves as an anchor for leadership decisions, especially in seasons of pressure and uncertainty How clarity around personal values leads to steadier—not easier—decision-making Why culture is built through behavior, not intention The difference between being a thermometer (reacting to the environment) and a thermostat (setting the tone) A reflection question every leader should sit with this month What value is actually driving your decisions right now—not the one on the wall, but the one showing up in your actions? As we move into a new calendar year, this question invites leaders to align their beliefs with their behaviors and lead with greater intention. We’d love to hear how this question resonates with you. Join us on Instagram and share your reflections—we’ll keep the conversation going there. 📲 Instagram: @coc.podcast 🎧 Recommended Listening:Be sure to listen to our January 1st episode with Jack Williams of IDEALS Leadership for the full conversation that inspired this Character Conversation.

    4 min
  7. Developing Leaders with Purpose, with Jack Williams

    JAN 2

    Developing Leaders with Purpose, with Jack Williams

    Leadership doesn’t begin with a title—it begins with character. In this episode of Communities of Character, hosts Jennifer Hogan and Laura Casey sit down with Jack Williams, founder of IDEALS Leadership, to explore why personal character and core values are the foundation of effective leadership—especially for students, athletes, and emerging leaders. From his early days as a Georgia Tech quarterback and team captain to his work leading organizations in business and education, Jack shares how clarity around values shapes decisions, strengthens teams, and creates lasting impact. He reflects on founding the IDEALS Foundation over 30 years ago, the courage it took to leave the corporate world to pursue his calling, and what he’s learned about building strong cultures through intentional character development. This conversation is packed with wisdom for principals, coaches, educators, and leaders who believe leadership is built from the inside out—and who want to help others lead with integrity, purpose, and conviction. Why character is the foundation of effective leadership at every level The character traits Jack consistently sees in the strongest student and adult leaders How clarity around beliefs and core values shapes daily decision-making What inspired the founding of IDEALS Leadership and how its mission has evolved The connection between personal character and strong team culture Why courage and conviction matter when pursuing purpose-driven leadership One message Jack believes every leader should carry forward about character and life RESOURCES from the episode: --Jack Williams’ Website: ⁠https://www.jackwwilliams.com/ ⁠--IDEALS Leadership: ⁠https://www.idealsleadership.org/ ⁠--THE Question: A Guide to Answering Life’s Most Important Question: ⁠https://bit.ly/TheQuestionbyJackWilliams ⁠--KnowledgeCast podcast hosted by Jack Williams:⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/knowledgecast/id1586404828⁠ Follow the conversation and share what resonated most from this episode. 📍 Instagram: Communities of Character — @coc.podcast If this episode encouraged or challenged your thinking about leadership and character, consider sharing it with a colleague, coach, or educator who would benefit from the conversation. Until next time—keep building character in your community, one decision, one relationship, and one conversation at a time.

    35 min
  8. Creating Cultures Where Every Student Matters, with Kym Prewitt

    12/01/2025

    Creating Cultures Where Every Student Matters, with Kym Prewitt

    In this episode of Communities of Character, Jennifer Hogan and Laura Casey sit down with a powerhouse in student leadership and school culture: Kym Prewitt. With 37 years invested in education - as a teacher, community leader, program founder, and beloved mentor - Kym has shaped generations of students through her unwavering commitment to belonging and student agency. Kym’s work spans the founding of Youth Leadership Vestavia Hills, creating service-based initiatives like RISE, and designing structures that help large high schools feel smaller, more connected, and more human. From New Student Committees to Sisterhood Projects, from student-designed events to leadership development programs built from scratch, Kym has made belonging both intentional and sustainable. In this episode, Kym shares: How she transformed her vision of belonging into real structures that help students feel valued from day one Why small groups and student-led committees are essential for creating inclusive culture The role of student voice in building community, and why empowering students is “not the easy way, but the best way” Real obstacles she encountered in her work and how student leaders became the change agents What it takes to sustain a belonging-centered culture even as staff and students change The legacy she’s most proud of after being inducted into the Vestavia Hills City Schools Hall of Fame Three concrete steps any school can start next week to strengthen character and belonging Whether you're a principal, counselor, activity coordinator, or educator looking for actionable culture-building strategies, this episode is packed with wisdom, warmth, and practical ideas you can implement right away. Resources from the episode: Youth Leadership Vestavia Hills: https://sites.google.com/vhcs.vestavia.k12.al.us/ylvh/rise Vestavia Hills High School: https://vhhs.vhcs.us/ Community: The Structure of Belonging, by Peter Block Reach out to Kym at KymPrewitt @ gmail.com Connect with Kym on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kymprewitt/ -----About the Hosts Jennifer Hogan is a character and leadership coach and former high school principal who's passionate about building cultures of character and empowering leaders at every level. Laura Casey is the Athletic Director for Vestavia Hills City Schools, where she leads with a focus on integrity, teamwork, and student success. Want to reach out to the hosts? You can reach Jennifer at jhogan.hhs @ gmail.com. You can reach Laura at laurascasey @ gmail.com. Follow the podcast on Instagram at @coc.podcast 💡 Past seasons of the podcast have featured conversations with leaders like Scarlett Lewis, Dr. Michele Borba, Dr. Gregory Moore, Liz Huntley, and more. Go back and listen to those episodes to discover why they’re among the most popular with our listeners. 🎧 Tune in, be inspired, and take away practical steps to strengthen your own community of character.

    40 min
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The Communities of Character podcast brings you leaders, experts, and practitioners in education, research, medicine, counseling, and other fields to share their wisdom and insightful conversations about character development and the impact on their work and lives. Their stories will leave you inspired and hopeful!

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