Amplify Hope Today

Simon T. Bailey and Sherri Wear
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Amplify Hope Today is a raw and deeply human podcast hosted by Simon T. Bailey, exploring what it means to lead, rebuild, and remain hopeful in a world marked by constant change and uncertainty. Through honest conversations about the topics most people avoid—grief, identity shifts, leadership under pressure, entrepreneurship, faith, communication, resilience, and the courage to begin again—each episode challenges listeners to expand their capacity and navigate life with clarity and purpose. This is not surface-level positivity. It is a practice of choosing goodness, taking action, and becoming hopeful so you can be helpful. Amplify Hope Today invites listeners into meaningful conversations that remind us hope is not passive—it is intentional, transformative, and necessary for the world we live in today.

  1. 11h ago

    21. Critical Thinking: The One Skill AI Can't Replace | Dr. Lawrence Drake

    The short answer: AI should strengthen human judgment, not substitute for it. The leaders who thrive in the AI era are the ones who keep asking better questions than the machine can answer. Can AI make us smarter — or is it quietly replacing our ability to think? On this episode of Amplify Hope Today, Simon T. Bailey sits down with Dr. Lawrence Drake — leadership expert, media psychologist, and former Fortune 500 CEO who has led global organizations across more than 60 countries — for a conversation about what stays human when the machines get good. Most organizations are asking the wrong question. They're asking what AI can replace. The better question is what AI can amplify. Is AI actually replacing critical thinking? Not on its own. But outsourcing judgment is a habit that forms quietly, one convenient shortcut at a time. Dr. Drake explains the difference between using AI to think faster and using it to avoid thinking — and why the second one costs organizations far more than it saves. What's the difference between media literacy and media fluency? Literacy is knowing that a message was constructed. Fluency is knowing who constructed it, what it was built to make you do, and whether you're going to let it. Dr. Drake draws the line clearly, and it reframes how leaders should evaluate every piece of information crossing their desk. How do great CEOs build a culture of critical thinking? It isn't a training module. It's what leaders reward in meetings, what questions they ask first, and whether it's safe to disagree with the person who signs the checks. Dr. Drake shares what he learned building these cultures from the top seat. Why is the Socratic Method still the most underused leadership tool? Because asking is slower than telling — and most executives are optimized for speed. Dr. Drake makes the case that the quality of your questions sets the ceiling on the quality of your organization's thinking. Is curiosity really a predictor of leadership success? It may be the strongest one. Curiosity is what keeps a leader learning after the title stops requiring it — and it's the trait most visible to the people deciding whether to follow you.What does grace have to do with performance? More than most performance frameworks admit. Dr. Drake explains how grace changes what people are willing to risk, admit, and attempt — and why that shows up in results. Why should learning be a lifestyle instead of a corporate event? Because a two-day offsite expires. A learning habit compounds. Dr. Drake describes what it looks like when an executive treats learning as an operating discipline rather than a line item. Who this episode is for: Business leaders, C-suite executives, entrepreneurs, educators, HR and people leaders, coaches, and anyone building a career that has to outlast the current wave of technology. About the guest: Dr. Lawrence Drake is a leadership expert, media psychologist, and former Fortune 500 CEO with decades of experience leading global organizations across more than 60 countries. About the show: Amplify Hope Today is hosted by Simon T. Bailey, author of the forthcoming Amplify Hope: Lead From Where You Are Standing (Vital Intelligence Press, October 1, 2026). ----------------------------------------------------- Watch full episodes on YouTube:   http://www.youtube.com/@AmplifyHopeTodayShow Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/amplify-hope-today/id1881115485?i=1000752112808  Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1OJS29kGxgcYTJnzZCoehb?si=b36e8692245b4551 STAY CONNECTED Follow Simon at: Website: https://www.simontbailey.com/ Instagram: @SimonTBailey LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/simontbailey Follow our podcast at: Website: https://www.amplifyhopetoday.com/ Instagram: @AmplifyHopeToday ----------------------------------------------------- Special thanks to our partners: Hi Hello Labs in Orlando, Florida, for powering and producing this show. Sponsored by: Hi Hello Labs Produced at Hi Hello Labs Learn More: https://www.amplifyhopetoday.com/

  2. Jul 26

    20. 26 Years in the Navy Taught Him This About Leadership

    Great leaders aren't built by titles—they're built by transformation. In this powerful episode of Amplify Hope Today, our host Simon T. Bailey welcomes internationally recognized leadership expert Enrique Acosta Gonzalez for a conversation about authentic leadership, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, faith, and personal growth. After serving 26 years in the United States Navy and coaching leaders around the world, Enrique shares why leadership isn't about managing others—it's about first learning to lead yourself. In this episode you'll discover: -The hidden “shadow parts” every leader must confront -Why most leadership failures begin with a lack of self-awareness -How vulnerability became his greatest leadership strength after 26 years in the Navy -How faith provides an anchor during life’s toughest seasons -Why your past doesn’t have to define your future Whether you're an executive, entrepreneur, manager, parent, ministry leader, or someone pursuing personal growth, this conversation offers timeless leadership principles that will help you become a more authentic, courageous, and impactful leader. If this episode encouraged you, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and share it with someone who is committed to becoming the best version of themselves. ----------------------------------------------------- Watch full episodes on YouTube:   http://www.youtube.com/@AmplifyHopeTodayShow Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/amplify-hope-today/id1881115485?i=1000752112808  Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1OJS29kGxgcYTJnzZCoehb?si=b36e8692245b4551 STAY CONNECTED Follow Simon at: Website: https://www.simontbailey.com/ Instagram: @SimonTBailey LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/simontbailey Follow our podcast at: Website: https://www.amplifyhopetoday.com/ Instagram: @AmplifyHopeToday ----------------------------------------------------- Special thanks to our partners: Hi Hello Labs in Orlando, Florida, for powering and producing this show. Sponsored by: Hi Hello Labs Produced at Hi Hello Labs Learn More: https://www.amplifyhopetoday.com/

  3. Jul 19

    19. Feeling Stressed? Change This One Perspective

    In this episode, Simon reframes the stress conversation entirely. Anxiety before the big presentation. Pressure in a season of change. The emotional weight of leading when nothing feels certain. These aren’t signs you’re breaking — they’re signs you’re being stretched into someone new. You’ll learn how to read stress as a signal instead of a sentence, why growth almost never feels like growth while it’s happening, and one perspective shift that turns pressure into fuel. If you’ve been carrying tension and quietly wondering if something’s wrong with you — this episode is your permission slip to see it differently. Listen now, and lead from where you are standing. ----------------------------------------------------- Watch full episodes on YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/@AmplifyHopeTodayShow Listen on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/amplify-hope-today/id1881115485?i=1000752112808  Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1OJS29kGxgcYTJnzZCoehb?si=b36e8692245b4551 STAY CONNECTED Follow Simon at: Website: https://www.simontbailey.com/ Instagram: @SimonTBailey LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/simontbailey Follow our podcast at: Website: https://www.amplifyhopetoday.com/ Instagram: @AmplifyHopeToday ----------------------------------------------------- Special thanks to our partners: Hi Hello Labs in Orlando, Florida, for powering and producing this show. Sponsored by: Hi Hello Labs Produced at: Hi Hello Labs Learn More: https://www.amplifyhopetoday.com/

  4. Jul 12

    18. How to Change your Life: Make the U-Turn

    Need a Fresh Start? Here's How to Make the U-Turn That Changes Your Life Have you ever looked around and wondered, "How did I get here?"In this powerful solo episode of Amplify Hope, motivational speaker and leadership expert Simon T. Bailey shares a transformational message about making the U-turn that can completely change your life. After being unexpectedly locked out of all of his devices during a business trip, Simon discovered an important truth: sometimes life forces us to slow down so we can reconnect with what truly matters. This episode explores personal growth, leadership, purpose, discipline, habits, resilience, vision, and the importance of taking ownership of your future. You'll discover: How to know when it's time to change directionWhy vision is the foundation of lasting successThe three habits every successful leader developsHow discipline creates freedomWhy character matters more than talentPractical steps to regain control of your lifeThe mindset shifts that create lasting transformationLeadership lessons that apply to every season of life Whether you're navigating a career transition, rebuilding after failure, searching for purpose, or simply feeling stuck, this episode will help you identify your next right step. ----------------------------------------------------- Watch full episodes on YouTube:   http://www.youtube.com/@AmplifyHopeTodayShow Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/amplify-hope-today/id1881115485?i=1000752112808  Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1OJS29kGxgcYTJnzZCoehb?si=b36e8692245b4551 STAY CONNECTED Follow Simon at: Website: https://www.simontbailey.com/ Instagram: @SimonTBailey LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/simontbailey Follow our podcast at: Website: https://www.amplifyhopetoday.com/ Instagram: @AmplifyHopeToday ----------------------------------------------------- Special thanks to our partners: Hi Hello Labs in Orlando, Florida, for powering and producing this show. Sponsored by: Hi Hello Labs Produced at: Hi Hello Labs Learn More: https://www.amplifyhopetoday.com/

  5. Jun 28

    17. AI Took Her Job - Here’s Why She Won Anyway

    Can AI replace your job? More importantly... can AI help you build an even better career? In this powerful episode of Amplify Hope, Simon T. Bailey interviews AI entrepreneur Tara Weisner, founder of Weisner AI Ads, to discuss how artificial intelligence is changing careers, entrepreneurship, and the future of work. After watching AI eliminate over 1,000 corporate jobs—including her own—Tara chose curiosity over fear. Today she helps entrepreneurs, business owners, creators, and professionals leverage AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and generative AI to build businesses, create marketing content, generate new revenue streams, and confidently navigate career transitions.If you're worried about AI replacing jobs, wondering how to future-proof your career, or looking to start an online business, this conversation offers practical strategies and hope for what's possible. Throughout this interview you'll discover: How AI is transforming today's workforceWhy career reinvention is becoming a necessityThe best mindset for navigating AI disruptionHow ChatGPT can help uncover new business ideasWays entrepreneurs can use AI marketing toolsBuilding passive income with digital productsWhy resilience is your greatest competitive advantageThe importance of faith during major life transitionsFinding purpose after job lossUsing AI without losing your humanity Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, employee, creator, coach, consultant, or someone simply trying to understand artificial intelligence, this episode will help you embrace change with confidence instead of fear. ----------------------------------------------------- Watch full episodes on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@AmplifyHopeTodayShow Listen on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/amplify-hope-today/id1881115485?i=1000752112808  Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1OJS29kGxgcYTJnzZCoehb?si=b36e8692245b4551 STAY CONNECTED Follow Simon at: Website: https://www.simontbailey.com/ Instagram: @SimonTBailey LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/simontbailey Follow our podcast at: Website: https://www.amplifyhopetoday.com/ Instagram: @AmplifyHopeToday ----------------------------------------------------- Special thanks to our partners: Hi Hello Labs in Orlando, Florida, for powering and producing this show. Sponsored by: Hi Hello Labs Produced at: Hi Hello Labs Learn More: https://www.amplifyhopetoday.com/

  6. Jun 21

    16. The Ding: How to Let Go of the Past and Move Forward

    The Ding is the moment when the doorbell of your soul rings and invites you to move in a new direction — even after divorce, loss, illness, or failure. What happens when you finally decide that enough is enough? In this powerful solo episode of Amplify Hope Today, motivational speaker, leadership expert, and bestselling author Simon T. Bailey shares one of the most vulnerable stories of his life. After experiencing divorce, financial hardship, business loss, prostate cancer, grief, and years of carrying emotional weight, Simon found himself at a breaking point. At 3 a.m., during a trip home to Buffalo, New York, he experienced what he now calls "The Ding"—the moment when the doorbell of your soul rings and invites you to move in a new direction. Drawing from psychology, faith, personal development, resilience research, and his own healing journey, Simon explores the concept of cognitive reappraisal and how changing your perspective can transform your life. In this episode: -How to overcome adversity and setbacks -Letting go of regret and self-blame -Healing after divorce and disappointment -Finding hope during difficult seasons -Personal growth and self-awareness -The power of forgiveness and faith -Why writing can help you heal -Mental resilience and emotional health -How to create a better future after hardship -The mindset shift that changes everything If you're struggling with loss, grief, failure, uncertainty, or feeling stuck in life, this conversation will encourage you to answer the "ding" and take your next step forward. ----------------------------------------------------- Watch full episodes on YouTube:   http://www.youtube.com/@AmplifyHopeTodayShow Listen on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/amplify-hope-today/id1881115485?i=1000752112808  Listen on  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1OJS29kGxgcYTJnzZCoehb?si=b36e8692245b4551 STAY CONNECTED Follow Simon at: Website: https://www.simontbailey.com/ Instagram: @SimonTBailey LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/simontbailey Follow our podcast at: Website: https://www.amplifyhopetoday.com/ Instagram: @AmplifyHopeToday ----------------------------------------------------- Special thanks to our partners: Hi Hello Labs in Orlando, Florida, for powering and producing this show. Sponsored by: Hi Hello Labs Produced at: Hi Hello Labs Learn More: https://www.amplifyhopetoday.com/

  7. Jun 14

    15. CEO of You Incorporated: How to Take Control of Your Life

    How do you become the CEO of your own life? In this inspiring episode of Amplify Hope Today, Simon T. Bailey welcomes entrepreneur, business strategist, author, and Women of Principle founder MK Morales for a transformational conversation about personal growth, leadership, mindset, resilience, recovery, entrepreneurship, and living with purpose. After overcoming addiction and rebuilding her life from the ground up, MK shares the exact principles that helped her create lasting change and become what she calls the "CEO of You Incorporated."If you're struggling with limiting beliefs, toxic thinking, lack of confidence, fear of failure, leadership challenges, relationship growth, or finding clarity in your purpose, this episode offers practical wisdom and actionable strategies to help you move forward. Topics discussed: Becoming the CEO of You IncorporatedOvercoming addiction and personal setbacksPersonal development and mindset transformationLeadership principles for business and lifeHow to build high-performing teamsThe power of vision, clarity, and purposePeople, Process, and Product frameworkFaith, resilience, and recoveryHealthy relationships and marriage growthThe importance of community and mentorshipWhy your words shape your futureSuccess habits of transformational leaders MK also shares insights from leading multi-million-dollar teams, raising nearly $200 million in philanthropy, and building the Women of Principle movement that empowers women to become who they are called to be. If you're looking for leadership development, personal growth inspiration, mindset coaching, entrepreneur success strategies, faith-based encouragement, or motivational content that creates real transformation, this conversation is for you. ----------------------------------------------------- Watch full episodes on YouTube:   http://www.youtube.com/@AmplifyHopeTodayShow Listen on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/amplify-hope-today/id1881115485?i=1000752112808 Listen on  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1OJS29kGxgcYTJnzZCoehb?si=b36e8692245b4551 STAY CONNECTED Follow Simon at: Website: https://www.simontbailey.com/ Instagram: @SimonTBailey LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/simontbailey Follow our podcast at: Website: https://www.amplifyhopetoday.com/ Instagram: @AmplifyHopeToday ----------------------------------------------------- Special thanks to our partners: Hi Hello Labs in Orlando, Florida, for powering and producing this show. Sponsored by: Hi Hello Labs Produced at: Hi Hello Labs Learn More: https://www.amplifyhopetoday.com/

  8. Jun 13

    14. Parenting Adult Children: How to Stay Connected Before They Go Silent

    What if the most important parenting skill isn't teaching... but listening? In this powerful episode of Amplify Hope Today, Simon T. Bailey shares a personal story about his daughter Madison, a difficult season following divorce, and the parenting lessons that transformed their relationship. As parents, it's easy to become fixers, protectors, and problem-solvers. But Simon discovered that meaningful connection often happens when we stop talking and start listening. In this episode, you'll learn: • How to build stronger relationships with your children • The difference between listening and advising • Parenting lessons learned through divorce and family transitions • Why daughters need emotionally available fathers • How to strengthen trust and communication with adult children • The importance of validation, affirmation, and encouragement • Why "roots and wings" matter more than "loot and things" Whether you're a parent, grandparent, mentor, coach, or caregiver, this conversation offers timeless wisdom about connection, communication, leadership, and love. If you're looking for parenting advice, fatherhood encouragement, relationship-building strategies, or ways to become more present with the people you love, this episode is for you. ----------------------------------------------------- Watch full episodes on YouTube:   http://www.youtube.com/@AmplifyHopeTodayShow Listen on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/amplify-hope-today/id1881115485?i=1000752112808  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1OJS29kGxgcYTJnzZCoehb?si=b36e8692245b4551 STAY CONNECTED Follow Simon at: Website: https://www.simontbailey.com/ Instagram: @SimonTBailey LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/simontbailey Follow our podcast at: Website: https://www.amplifyhopetoday.com/ Instagram: @AmplifyHopeToday ----------------------------------------------------- Special thanks to our partners: Hi Hello Labs in Orlando, Florida, for powering and producing this show. Sponsored by: Hi Hello Labs Produced at: Hi Hello Labs Learn More: https://www.amplifyhopetoday.com/

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Amplify Hope Today is a raw and deeply human podcast hosted by Simon T. Bailey, exploring what it means to lead, rebuild, and remain hopeful in a world marked by constant change and uncertainty. Through honest conversations about the topics most people avoid—grief, identity shifts, leadership under pressure, entrepreneurship, faith, communication, resilience, and the courage to begin again—each episode challenges listeners to expand their capacity and navigate life with clarity and purpose. This is not surface-level positivity. It is a practice of choosing goodness, taking action, and becoming hopeful so you can be helpful. Amplify Hope Today invites listeners into meaningful conversations that remind us hope is not passive—it is intentional, transformative, and necessary for the world we live in today.

Information

  • Creator
    Simon T. Bailey and Sherri Wear
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Amplify Hope Today
  • Show Website
    Amplify Hope Today

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