Joy Over Happiness

Jon Eckert, Baylor’s Center For School Leadership
  • 5.0 (24)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Jon Eckert, Executive Director, Baylor Center for School Leadership interviews leading experts, both educators and parents, who have evidence and experience that kids can become more of who they were created to be. The Joy Over Happiness podcast, showcases inspiring stories of joy through adversity, belonging, and curiosity. In just 20-30 minutes per episode, we offer actionable tips and uplifting messages to empower everyone to continue doing the critical work that shows kids that joy is better than happiness.

  1. Get the Story: Tige Watson

    1D AGO

    Get the Story: Tige Watson

    Tige Watson has spent years leading students by starting with their story. In this episode of JOY over Happiness, Dr. Jon Eckert talks with the former deputy fire chief turned school leader about why understanding what’s beneath student behavior is often the most effective way to support growth, belonging, and joy. Tige shares how shifting from punishment to listening reshaped discipline, mentorship, and student life at Valor Christian High School. From getting the full story before making decisions to creating phone-free spaces that restore connection, this conversation reminds us that joy isn’t circumstantial happiness. It’s formed slowly, relationally, and intentionally. JOY over Happiness is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership. Lean into the struggle. Live with joy. Connect with us: Center for School Leadership at Baylor University LinkedIn Baylor MA in School Leadership

    32 min
  2. Joy Through Phone Freedom: Alison Smith

    JAN 27

    Joy Through Phone Freedom: Alison Smith

    Alison Smith has spent a decade leading Midway High School, and this year brought one of the biggest shifts yet: going phone-free. In this episode of JOY over Happiness, Jon Eckert talks with the veteran principal about what happens when schools remove phones and restore attention, connection, and calm. Alison shares how phone-free days have reshaped hallways, classrooms, and student well-being, lowering anxiety, reducing conflict, and strengthening relationships. JOY over Happiness is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership. Lean into the struggle. Live with joy. Mentioned: The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon Connect with us: Center for School Leadership at Baylor University LinkedIn Baylor MA in School Leadership

    36 min
  3. Gen Z Says Thank You: Brad Livingstone

    JAN 13

    Gen Z Says Thank You: Brad Livingstone

    Brad Livingstone has spent 35 years teaching history, but what he’s really been teaching is how joy is formed. In this episode of JOY over Happiness, Jon Eckert talks with the legendary educator and Baylor University’s First Gent about gratitude, presence, and honoring others! From inviting veterans into his classroom to walking campus with his dog BU, Brad shows how joy grows when we choose to see people and honor their stories. JOY over Happiness is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership. Lean into the struggle. Live with joy.  Mentioned: The Book of Philippians (Bible) Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand Devil at My Heels by Louis Zamperini Connect with us: Center for School Leadership at Baylor University LinkedIn Baylor MA in School Leadership

    44 min

  4. 12/16/2025

    2025 in Review: BCSL Team

    In this episode of Just Schools, Jon Eckert is joined by Sahira Kodra, Krystle Moos, and Erik Ellefsen for a year in review conversation reflecting on the Just Schools podcast in 2025. Together, they look back on favorite episodes, memorable guests, and the relationships that have shaped the work over the past year.  They also share personal moments where struggle led to joy, discuss what gives them hope for the year ahead, and introduce the podcast’s shift toward a renewed focus on joy over happiness.  The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership. Be encouraged. Mentioned: The Teacher of Nomad Land: A World War II by Daniel Nayeri Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros 10 to 25 by David Yeager Primal Intelligence by Angus Fletcher Connect with us: Center for School Leadership at Baylor University Jon Eckert LinkedIn Baylor MA in School Leadership

    42 min

  5. 12/02/2025

    Retrospective: BCSL Team

    In this episode of Just Schools, Jon Eckert is joined by the rest of the Baylor Center for School Leadership team. Erik Ellefsen, Krystle Moos, and Sahira Kodra look back on the last three years of the podcast and the changing landscape of schools since 2022.  The team reflects on shifts in education, share their favorite episodes, and dream about guests they wish could be on the podcast. Their conversation highlights the opportunities and mistakes facing school leaders today. They end with the signature lightning round sharing favorite books, schools visited, and what they appreciate most about working together. The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership. Be encouraged. Mentioned: My Friends by Fredrik Backman Do Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving by Celeste Headlee How to Know A Person by David Brooks Forgive by Timothy Keller Connect with us: Center for School Leadership at Baylor University Jon Eckert LinkedIn Baylor MA in School Leadership

    33 min

  6. 11/18/2025

    "I Don't Want To See My Students Here Again": Bing Parks

    Education within the prison system is a challenge. From access to technology to access to books. Bing Parks is an educator who loves her students but never wants to see her students in her classroom again. That's because she works in the Texas Juvenile Department. Her students range in age from 11 to 18 years old. Today she joins host Jon Eckert to discuss how she uses engagement to drive her students' well-being.  The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership. Each week, we'll talk to catalytic educators who are doing amazing work. Be encouraged. Connect with us: Center for School Leadership at Baylor University Jon Eckert LinkedIn Baylor MA in School Leadership

    20 min
  7. AI-informed Learning Design: Amy Emmanuel

    11/04/2025

    AI-informed Learning Design: Amy Emmanuel

    In this episode of Just Schools, Jon Eckert talks with Amy Emmanuel, Director of Digital Learning and Innovation at Christian Heritage College in Brisbane, Australia. She discusses how artificial intelligence can enhance education when used as a tool, not a replacement, and the importance of maintaining human connection and critical thinking in digital spaces.  Amy also reflects on how educators can model integrity, help students engage with AI appropriately, and keep learning personal in an increasingly automated world. The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership. Be encouraged. Connect with us: Center for School Leadership at Baylor University Jon Eckert LinkedIn Baylor MA in School Leadership

    37 min

  8. 10/21/2025

    Accomplishment Contingent Self-Worth: Elizabeth Bounds

    In this episode of Just Schools, Jon Eckert talks with Elizabeth Bounds, current psychologist and former athlete, coach, and minister whose work explores how faith, identity, and virtue shape human flourishing.  Elizabeth shares how her experience as a college athlete facing injury and performance pressure led her to study the connection between worth and achievement. Together, they discuss the difference between happiness and joy and how cultivating patience, courage, and virtue leads to deeper well-being. The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership. Be encouraged. Mentioned: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara Never Enough by Jennifer Wallace Connect with us: Center for School Leadership at Baylor University Jon Eckert LinkedIn Baylor MA in School Leadership

    25 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

Jon Eckert, Executive Director, Baylor Center for School Leadership interviews leading experts, both educators and parents, who have evidence and experience that kids can become more of who they were created to be. The Joy Over Happiness podcast, showcases inspiring stories of joy through adversity, belonging, and curiosity. In just 20-30 minutes per episode, we offer actionable tips and uplifting messages to empower everyone to continue doing the critical work that shows kids that joy is better than happiness.

Information

  • Creator
    Jon Eckert, Baylor’s Center For School Leadership
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    86
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Joy Over Happiness