Engaging with Monique

Monique Henderson
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Society & Culture

Engaging with Monique is a podcast where you can find inspiration and hear from people who are engaging with the world in exciting and inspiring ways.

  1. 1d ago

    Creativity Has No Expiration Date | Daniel Ethridge | Engaging with Monique S2E5

    In Season 2, Episode 5 of *Engaging with Monique*, Dr. Monique Henderson sits down with longtime friend and colleague Daniel Ethridge, artist, graphic designer, educator, muralist, and creative professional, for a wide-ranging conversation about art, teaching, community, purpose, and what comes next. Daniel reflects on nearly three decades of public service and more than a decade teaching graphic design at Meridian Community College, where he has helped students develop their creative skills and prepare for careers in art and design. As retirement approaches, he shares his plans to devote more time to painting, travel, video, game design, and other creative pursuits—while continuing to pursue the dreams that have motivated him since childhood. The conversation also explores Daniel’s work with the Meridian Museum of Art mural group and the impact public art can have on a community. From large-scale murals honoring local figures such as David Ruffin to projects that invite community members to participate in the painting process, Daniel explains how murals can celebrate history, create pride, bring people together, and transform public spaces. Monique and Daniel also discuss the role encouragement plays in education and creativity. Daniel shares why he believes students often need someone willing to see their potential before they can fully see it themselves—and why the words of a teacher, mentor, or creative professional can have a lasting impact. At its heart, this episode is about continuing to learn, staying positive, showing up, and refusing to give up on the things that inspire you. Daniel’s story is a reminder that creativity does not have an expiration date, and that making a difference can happen through a classroom, a canvas, a mural, or simply by helping someone believe they are capable of more than they realize. #EngagingWithMonique #Creativity #ArtEducation #PublicArt #NeverStopCreating

  2. Sep 8

    Help Who You Can, While You Can | Adrian Cross Phillips | Engaging with Monique S2E3

    In Season 2, Episode 3 of Engaging with Monique, Dr. Monique Henderson sits down with Adrian Cross Phillips, community advocate, educator, entrepreneur, wife, and mother, for a heartfelt conversation about service, purpose, education, family, and what it means to make a difference in the lives of others. Adrian serves as a Parent and Community Engagement Specialist with the Meridian Public School District, where she works directly with families to help remove barriers and create opportunities for student success. She also shares her work as an entrepreneur and community advocate, including efforts to connect people with resources related to housing, education, financial planning, business development, mental health, and other essential needs. Throughout the conversation, Adrian reflects on the family and community values that shaped her commitment to service. Her personal mission is simple but powerful: help who she can, however she can, while she can. She discusses how that philosophy influences her work with parents, children, schools, and community organizations—and why improving a community often begins with helping one person at a time. Monique and Adrian also explore parenting, public education, personal responsibility, lifelong learning, and the challenge of staying flexible during times of rapid change. Their conversation touches on artificial intelligence and technology as well, including responsible AI use, the changing expectations facing students and educators, and how parents can help children learn to use new technologies without becoming dependent on them. Adrian also opens up about learning to say no, asking for help, accepting that we do not always have every answer, and allowing ourselves to remain open to new ideas and possibilities. Warm, candid, and often humorous, this episode is ultimately a conversation about purpose—how we discover it, how we live it, and how everyday acts of service can help strengthen families, schools, and entire communities. #EngagingWithMonique #CommunityEngagement #Education #CommunityLeadership #MakingADifference

  3. Sep 8

    AI, Education & Staying Human | Dr. Chris Chism on Engaging with Monique S2E2

    In Season 2, Episode 2 of Engaging with Monique, Dr. Monique Henderson sits down with Dr. Chris Chism, superintendent, educator, and nationally recognized speaker on artificial intelligence, for a timely conversation about AI, education, leadership, ethics, and the rapidly changing world around us. Chris shares how his interest in artificial intelligence unexpectedly grew into hundreds of presentations and training sessions across the country, including opportunities to work with educators, businesses, industry leaders, and even speak before a U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee on AI. He explains why so many people are curious—or even fearful—about this technology and why understanding how to use it responsibly is becoming increasingly important. Monique and Chris explore what ethical AI use looks like in schools and the workplace, including data security, academic integrity, student learning, teacher workloads, and the risks of creating policies that may unintentionally limit innovation. They also discuss the difference between allowing AI to do the work for us and using it as a tool to help people think, create, learn, and work more effectively. But the conversation goes beyond technology. Chris reflects on leadership, public service, social media, relationships, and the importance of treating people with empathy and respect in an increasingly divided world. He also shares why the messages and relationships he has built with students, parents, teachers, and colleagues ultimately mean more to him than professional awards or accomplishments. Thoughtful, practical, and filled with personal insight, this episode asks an important question: As technology becomes more powerful, how do we make sure we continue developing not only better tools, but better people? #EngagingWithMonique #AIinEducation #ArtificialIntelligence #EducationLeadership #EdTech

  4. Sep 8

    Marshall Ramsey on AI, Creativity & Reinventing Yourself | Engaging with Monique S2E1

    n the Season 2 premiere of Engaging with Monique, Dr. Monique Henderson sits down with award-winning editorial cartoonist, author, educator, and storyteller Marshall Ramsey for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, change, resilience, and finding new opportunities in an unpredictable world. Now working with the School of Journalism and New Media at the University of Mississippi, Marshall shares how he is helping students explore the rapidly changing world of media, digital storytelling, and communication. He and Monique discuss the growing influence of artificial intelligence, how AI may affect writers, artists, journalists, educators, and entry-level careers, and why learning how to use new technology may be just as important as understanding its limitations. Their conversation also goes far beyond technology. Marshall reflects on reinventing his career as traditional media changed around him, the importance of transferring creative skills into new opportunities, and the lessons he has learned from professional setbacks, family, teaching, and major life transitions. He also shares the deeply personal story of his experience with cancer and how helping others facing similar struggles gave him a renewed sense of purpose and agency. Filled with humor, honesty, and insight, this episode explores what it means to remain creative, adaptable, and human in a world that continues to change around us—and why sometimes the greatest opportunities come from the moments when our original plans no longer work. #EngagingWithMonique #MarshallRamsey #ArtificialIntelligence

  5. Sep 8

    Engaging with Monique Returns | Season 2 Guests, Education, AI & Inspiring Conversations

    In the first episode of 'Engaging with Monique,' Dr. Monique Henderson introduces her new podcast, designed to inspire and challenge listeners to make the world a better place. Monique shares her personal background, including her roles as an educator, business owner, wife, and mother, as well as her struggles and triumphs over the past years. She details upcoming guests for the season, who include a 'pickleball evangelist,' a foster parent for migrant teenagers, a school superintendent, and more. Monique emphasizes the importance of relationships, community, and showing up for others, drawing from her own experiences of loss, adoption, and personal growth. She also discusses her passion for education, particularly supporting multilingual students through her business, 'English Learners Engage,' and outlines her commitment to living a life of integrity, kindness, and continuous learning.

  6. Sep 1

    Staying Human in a Digital World | Elizabeth Stanga | Engaging with Monique S2E4

    In Season 2, Episode 4 of Engaging with Monique, Dr. Monique Henderson sits down with her friend and colleague Elizabeth Stanga for a thoughtful conversation about relationships, community, business, and the importance of staying genuinely connected to the people around us. After stepping away from her traditional career, Elizabeth launched her own consulting business focused on business development and marketing. Through her work, she has learned that selling professional services is ultimately about much more than a product or a pitch—it is about building relationships, earning trust, and creating meaningful connections with people. That philosophy extends far beyond Elizabeth’s professional life. She shares how intentionally connecting friends, colleagues, and even neighbors has become one of the ways she tries to make the world a little brighter. From creating a neighborhood birthday group to simply taking the time to listen, Elizabeth demonstrates how small efforts can create stronger relationships and a greater sense of community. Monique and Elizabeth also explore what authentic human connection looks like in an era increasingly shaped by social media, artificial intelligence, email, texting, and constant digital communication. They discuss why something as simple as a phone call or handwritten note can feel more meaningful than ever—and why maintaining the human element may become increasingly important as technology continues to evolve. The conversation also turns to personal growth, worry, confidence, and learning to live more fully in the present. Elizabeth shares lessons that have guided her life, including the importance of focusing on what truly matters, refusing to let negativity define your sense of self, and remembering that many of the things we worry about today may ultimately prove far less important than we imagine. Warm, humorous, and deeply relatable, this episode is a reminder that in both business and life, relationships matter—and sometimes making the world better begins with something as simple as reaching out to another person. #EngagingWithMonique #HumanConnection #DigitalWorld #Relationships #Community

  7. 12/02/2025

    S1 E7 | Rev. Bruce Case

    Dr. Monique Henderson sits down with Reverend Bruce Case to discuss his journey as a pastor, his role in community work, and how he finds balance amidst his busy life. Reverend Case shares his experiences from growing up in an integrated school system in Mississippi, the impact of COVID-19 on his faith, and his passion for justice. He also talks about his involvement in both church and community, his work with the Southern Poverty Law Center, and offers insights into maintaining mental and spiritual peace. The episode wraps up with two key pieces of advice that have shaped his outlook on life. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:54 Bruce's Life and Work as a Pastor 02:43 Impact of COVID on Bruce's Life 04:24 Transition to a Smaller Church 05:47 Bruce's Role in Justice and Community Work 07:52 Bruce's Personal Interests and Hobbies 08:40 Bruce's Reading and Spiritual Practices 14:09 Monique's Personal Story and Bruce's Background 18:54 Impact of Integration on Education 20:07 Navigating Cultural Dynamics 26:33 Gratitude and Resilience 28:20 The Power of Music and Humor 31:47 Curiosity and Empathy in Conversations 3 8:29 Final Thoughts and Reflections

  8. 11/18/2025

    S1 E6 | Dr. Melanie Nelson

    In this episode of 'Engaging with Monique,' host Dr. Monique Henderson interviews Dr. Melanie Nelson, a brain surgery survivor and superintendent. They discuss Dr. Nelson's remarkable journey, her balance between personal life and a demanding career, and the importance of movement and purpose. The conversation delves into Dr. Nelson’s work as an educator, her commitment to community, and her belief in love and forgiveness. The episode underscores the idea of leading with purpose and the significance of living life to the fullest.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:50 Balancing Personal and Professional Life01:06 Running and Finding Balance02:59 Inspirational Journey: Brain Surgery Survivor07:28 Purpose and Career Fulfillment08:39 Faith and Career Journey10:13 Community and Leadership13:24 Living Life to the Fullest18:48 Concert Adventures and Final Thoughts SOCIAL MEDIA Find us on Facebook and YouTube. Engaging with Monique is available on all major podcast apps SPONSORS Dr. Monique Henderson – Speaker/Coach (web: https://engagingwithmonique.com) English Learners Engage (web: https://englishlearnsengage.com) Strangely Warmed Media (web: https://strangelywarmed.media) CREDITS Host: Dr. Monique Henderson Guest: Dr. Melanie Nelson Editor: Jonathan Tullos Graphics/Website: Dani Polen Copyright 2025 Dr. Monique Henderson

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About

Engaging with Monique is a podcast where you can find inspiration and hear from people who are engaging with the world in exciting and inspiring ways.

Information

  • Creator
    Monique Henderson
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © English Learns Engage
  • Show Website
    Engaging with Monique