Leaders Learning from Leaders Podcast

Conversations with Education Leaders

Leaders Learning from Leaders is an engaging and insightful educational leadership podcast designed exclusively for leaders in the field of education. This dynamic podcast is created by seasoned leaders for leaders, providing a valuable platform to exchange ideas, share effective strategies, and explore the stories of education leadership challenges and success.

Each episode features distinguished guests, including experienced education leaders and superintendents, who generously impart their knowledge and first-hand experiences. Through thought-provoking discussions and inspiring stories, this podcast equips education leaders with practical tools, innovative approaches, and invaluable insights to thrive in their roles.

Whether seeking fresh perspectives, expert advice, or inspiration to transform your leadership journey, Leaders Learning from Leaders is the go-to resource for educational leaders striving to continue learning and growing while positively impacting the communities they serve. 

Leaders Learning from Leaders Episodes

Sep 21, 2026 | Podcast - 40:26 mins

Episode 24: A Conversation with Aaron Bayer

In this episode of Leaders Learning from Leaders, host Steve Barkley speaks with Aaron Bayer, superintendent of the Oregon Trail School District, about purpose-driven leadership and lasting district success.

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Aug 13, 2026 | Podcast - 44:17 mins

Episode 23: A Conversation with Dr. Randy Poe

In this episode of Leaders Learning from Leaders, host Steve Barkley speaks with Dr. Randy Poe, Executive Director of the Northern Kentucky Education Council and former superintendent of Boone County Schools.

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Jun 25, 2026 | Podcast - 28:01 mins

Episode 22: A Conversation with Dr. Elida MacArthur

In this episode of Leaders Learning from Leaders, host Steve Barkley speaks with Dr. Elida MacArthur about community-centered leadership, belonging, and educational equity.

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Apr 9, 2026 | Podcast - 29:40 mins

Episode 21: A Conversation with Dr. Samuel Lee

In this episode of Leaders Learning from Leaders, host Steve Barkley speaks with Dr. Samuel Lee about leadership, relationships, and the evolving demands of public education.

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Feb 2, 2026 | Podcast - 38:38 mins

Episode 20: A Conversation with Dr. Nneka J. McGee

In this episode of Leaders Learning from Leaders, host Steve Barkley speaks with Dr. Nneka J. McGee, a leading voice at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and K–12 education.

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Dec 11, 2025 | Podcast - 32:41 mins

Episode 19: A Conversation with Dr. Khalid N. Mumin

In this episode of Leaders Learning from Leaders, host Steve Barkley speaks with Dr. Khalid N. Mumin, superintendent of the Reading School District and former Pennsylvania Secretary of Education.

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Sep 22, 2025 | Podcast - 22:09 mins

Episode 18: A Conversation with Dr. Cory Strasser

In this episode of Leaders Learning from Leaders, Dr. Cory Strasser, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for Rapid City Area Schools in South Dakota, shares insights on leadership, organizational excellence, and creating opportunities for students in a diverse community.

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Jun 12, 2025 | Podcast - 34:41 mins

Episode 17: A Conversation with Dr. Patrick Keeley

In this episode of the Leaders Learning from Leaders podcast, host Steve Barkley speaks with Dr. Patrick Keeley, superintendent of Mountain Empire Unified School District (MEUSD) in rural San Diego County and the 2025 California Small School Districts’ Association Superintendent of the Year.

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Apr 24, 2025 | Podcast - 32:33 mins

Episode 16: A Conversation with Dr. Brian Graham

In this Leaders Learning from Leaders episode, host Steve Barkley interviews Dr. Brian Graham, Superintendent of Grand Island Central School District and President of the Erie-Niagara School Superintendents Association. Dr. Graham shares insights from his extensive educational leadership journey, emphasizing the lasting impact of his early experiences as a special education teacher.

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Mar 17, 2025 | Podcast - 41:04 mins

Episode 15: A Conversation with Dr. Deborah Wortham

This episode of Leaders Learning from Leaders features Dr. Deborah L. Wortham, an award-winning educator, author, and superintendent recognized for transforming school districts, fostering success-driven school cultures, and empowering educational leaders. She shares insights from her distinguished career and her mission to inspire positive change in education.

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Jan 28, 2025 | Podcast - 27:27 mins

Episode 14: A Conversation with Mr. Aníbal Soler, Jr.

In this episode of Leaders Learning from Leaders, host Steve Barkley speaks with Anibal Soler, the superintendent of Yonkers Public Schools. Superintendent Soler shares insights into his leadership journey, the unique challenges and opportunities in urban school systems, and the role of community engagement in education.

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Dec 19, 2024 | Podcast - 41:08 mins

Episode 13: A Panel Discussion on School Transformation

This episode of Leaders Learning from Leaders explores transformative leadership in education with guests from the Schlechty Center. They discuss shifting schools from bureaucratic systems to learning organizations by fostering engagement, redefining leadership roles, and building capacity at all levels. The conversation highlights the systemic, long-term changes needed to create future-ready schools and communities through courageous leadership and collaboration.

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Nov 22, 2024 | Podcast - 20:58 mins

Episode 12: A Conversation with Dr. Edwin Quezada

In this podcast, Dr. Edwin Quezada, former Yonkers Superintendent and current Executive Director of the Philadelphia Academy of School Leaders, discusses his leadership philosophy and efforts to transform education systems. He emphasizes collaboration, transparent goals, and equity-driven practices while supporting school leaders through a two-year fellowship program. Dr. Quezada highlights the importance of culturally responsive instruction, community engagement, and empowering educators to address the growing demands of urban schools, calling on superintendents to champion collaborative, student-centered environments.

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Sep 26, 2024 | Podcast - 31:23 mins

Episode 11: A Conversation with Dr. Wesley Smith, Superintendent

In this podcast episode, Dr. Wesley Smith, superintendent of Newport Mesa Unified School District, discusses his leadership journey and key strategies that have shaped his tenure. The episode begins with an overview of Newport Mesa, a diverse district serving both affluent and underprivileged communities. Dr. Smith highlights the importance of listening as his initial priority when assuming leadership. He emphasizes building a culture of inclusivity, belonging, and student-centered learning, while focusing on climate and culture as foundational elements of success.

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Jul 25, 2024 | Podcast - 30:27 mins

Episode 10: A Conversation with Dr. Genelle Morris, Superintendent

In this podcast episode, Dr. Genelle Morris, Superintendent of the Olean City School District in New York State, shares insights into her district, her background, and the strategic initiatives she has implemented since taking on her role in July 2022. Dr. Morris brings 30 years of experience from the Buffalo and Rochester school districts, which has equipped her to handle the diverse challenges in her current position.

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Jun 25, 2024 | Podcast - 21:51 mins

Episode 9: A Conversation with Dr. Darren J. Brown-Hall, Superintendent

In this episode of the Leaders Learning from Leaders podcast, host Steve Barkley interviews Dr. Darren J. Brown-Hall, Superintendent of the Williamsville Central School District, located in a suburb of Buffalo, New York. Dr. Brown-Hall shares insights from his extensive career in education, highlighting the impact of his previous roles in Buffalo public schools on his current position. He emphasizes the importance of visibility, approachability, and hard work in leadership, and discusses the critical role of senior-level decisions in shaping student outcomes.

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May 23, 2024 | Podcast - 22:57 mins

Episode 8: A Conversation with Dr. Gennaro Piraino, Jr., Superintendent

In this episode of Leaders Learning from Leaders, Dr. Gennaro Piraino, Superintendent of Franklin Regional School District, shares insights from his extensive career in education. With over a decade of experience as a superintendent and recognition as the 2019 Pennsylvania Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Piraino discusses the impact of his early career on his leadership, the importance of collaboration, and the founding of Educational Leadership and Innovation Consultants (ELI).

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Apr 11, 2024 | Podcast - 26:38 mins

Episode 7: A Conversation with Dr. George Fiore

In this episode of the Leaders Learning from Leaders podcast, Dr. George Fiore, the Executive Director of the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) in Pennsylvania and the President of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA), shares insights into the role of intermediate units in Pennsylvania's education system and the challenges and opportunities facing school leaders.

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Feb 27, 2024 | Podcast - 24:30 mins

Episode 6: A Conversation with Dr. Sherri Smith

Dr. Smith emphasizes the challenges facing superintendents, including building effective leadership teams, navigating increased politicization at the local school board level, addressing mental health and aggression among students, and managing teacher workforce shortages and burnout. Despite these challenges, she sees opportunities for innovation and creativity in education, advocating for outcome-focused policies over procedures and promoting collaboration among educators to meet the evolving needs of students.

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Nov 29, 2023 | Podcast - 28:34 mins

Episode 5: A Conversation with Dr. Gladys Cruz

In this episode of Leaders Learning from Leaders, host Steve Barkley interviews Dr. Gladys Cruz, the District Superintendent and CEO of Questar III BOCES in New York State and the current president of AASA (The School Superintendents Association). Dr. Cruz discusses her dual role as the district superintendent of BOCES and the commissioner's representative in the field, highlighting superintendents' collaborative efforts to address education challenges. She emphasizes the importance of collective wisdom and collaboration in finding solutions.

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Oct 18, 2023 | Podcast - 23:51 mins

Episode 4: A Conversation with Dr. Charles Dedrick and Jacinda Hall

In this episode of Leaders Learning from Leaders, host Steve Barkley welcomes Dr. Charles Dedrick and Jacinda Conboy, Esq. from the New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS). Chuck Dedrick serves as the Executive Director and Jazz Conboy is the General Counsel of NYSCOSS. The episode delves into their roles at the Council and their dedication to advocating for the success of children and communities served by their members.

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Sep 20, 2023 | Podcast - 23:58 mins

Episode 3: A Conversation with Dr. Luvelle Brown

Dr. Luvelle Brown is a highly accomplished educator with a diverse background in various educational roles. He currently serves as the Superintendent of the Ithaca City School District (ICSD) in Ithaca, New York, where he has overseen remarkable achievements during his tenure. Recognized as the 2017 New York State Superintendent of the Year, Luvelle Brown has received numerous accolades for his contributions to education.

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Aug 18, 2023 | Podcast - 39:31 mins

Episode 2: A Conversation with Dr. Jason Andrews

In this podcast episode, Steve Barkley interviews Dr. Jason Andrews, the superintendent of Windsor Central School District in New York State. He shares the importance of collaboration, high expectations, and support within the district.

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Jul 7, 2023 | Podcast - 27:50 mins

Episode 1: A Conversation with Dr. Kevin McGowan

Kevin McGowan, Ed.D., is the Superintendent of the Brighton Central School District, a suburban district in Monroe County, New York. In addition to being highly ranked in New York State and nationally, Brighton schools have been recognized as "Schools to Watch," Blue Ribbon award winners, and as a 2018 US News and World Report Gold Medal school.

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