Advertise on podcast: Unsupervised Leadership: A podcast for fun, fab, & fierce females

This week, we're talking autism, advocacy, the power of public education, and why it doesn't have to be a fight to make a difference.

Courtney's 51 and Kate will no longer have singing parties in the office. Social media, constant criticism, and the pressure to defend public education are adding to the emotional weight that educators carry. This week on UL, we're talking about what's changed in education and why burnout goes beyond the walls of the classroom. We've decided we'll make this a series. Tune in.

We’re back with a conference rundown, the mildly alarming realization that people actually listen to this podcast, and Courtney asking ChatGPT what we should—and absolutely should not—be doing to make the pod better. We’re also asking the bigger question: four years later, are we actually any better when it comes to women in leadership supporting women? Plus, Kate shocks everyone by liking a new Taylor Swift song, and Courtney enters the college application process only to discover she knows approximately…nothing. Leadership, life, Taylor, college apps, and a little podcast self-improvement. Basically, us.

We’re FINALLY back - again- and turns out, finding time to actually record a podcast might be harder than writing a book. We’re catching up on ALL the things: being featured in a new book about sister circles, what women supporting women REALLY looks like, and why conversations about women in leadership were never supposed to be men vs. women - OR women vs. women. Four years after we started this work, are we actually any better at it? Because the workforce needs us to be...so let's be better. We’re also talking about how amazing it is that an entire district is using Unsupervised Leadership for a book study this year, some incredible guests we’ve had the privilege of learning from, and—because some things never change- Kate still despises Taylor Swift. And we’re just getting warmed up. Again... Next episode: We’re taking on the way social media is portraying education right now—and we have some thoughts. You definitely don’t want to miss that one.

Should districts have Tik Tok? We're talking about surviving a flood, institute day ideas, and was there a tornado? Kate thinks so...it's her first experience...join us to hear about our amazing institute- at least we think so...

Why aren't we seeing any Taylor wedding pics? From Guess Jeans and favorite middle school escapades to rectangle pizza and school-dance classics, this episode is packed with memories and plenty of “I forgot about that!” moments. Join us as we celebrate decades of excellence and relive the school days that shaped us as we get ready for back to school!

We're back and we're talking about our upcoming Institute, who we need to still hire, our ideas for the upcoming year to get more teachers in the pipeline, and we are talking about writing notes- in middle school and for staff. Don't miss this short drop!

It's Taylor Swift's wedding day... and yes, we're absolutely here for it. 💍✨ But we're also tackling a question every candidate (and every hiring team) should be thinking about: Should you ask about work-life balance during a job interview? Let's just say... we have a LOT to say. Don't miss this episode!

On this end-of-year episode, we’re wrapping up the final week of school and covering a little bit of everything — from the emotions of graduation season and the speeches that have stayed with us, to what we’ve learned sitting on interview teams and what really matters when hiring great people. We’re also diving into teacher retention data, why culture matters , team environments, and reflecting on the moments, memories, and lessons that defined this school year. A little laughter, a little honesty, and we're back...even though it's almost summer!

In this quick-hit episode, we’re back with our favorite co-host-in-crime, DJ Joe Sweeney, as the countdown to summer officially begins. We’re talking end-of-year survival, what’s actually on deck for the summer (spoiler: it’s not all rest), and why this season always brings a mix of excitement and reflection. We also get real about the noise—because as Joe steps into his new role, there are already whispers and doubts. But if you know Joe, you know one thing: doubt doesn’t slow him down… it fuels him. Plus, a quick update on the momentum behind Unsupervised Leadership—districts are reaching out, and we’re hitting the road to connect, speak, and build with leaders everywhere. Let’s finish strong.

We’re not saying we’re superstitious… but we are dropping a bonus pod because something is working. From Final Four energy (and of course some Illini love) to all things Masters week—yes, including Tiger talk—we’re covering it all. Then we've got what really matters: our Summer House update, where Kate has A LOT to say (and none of it is calm). Sports, chaos, hot takes, and Joe's back again!

Courtney is feeling just superstitious enough that we had to drop an impromptu pod today—because when Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball wins and punches a ticket to the Elite 8, you don’t mess with the vibes. We’ve got special guest (and colleague/podcaster) Joe Sweeney joining us as we dive into all things March Madness, sports hot takes, and the kind of chaos you only get when we hit record with zero plan. Meanwhile, Augusta would like a word with Kate…who confidently thought The Masters was played in “Augustana.” Yes. Augustana. Despite owning a golf simulator business. You truly can’t make this up. Courtney also shares a heartfelt note a student left for Joe, and let’s just say…we’re closing in on an April Fools’ Day prank that Joe will not see coming. It’s unfiltered, it’s sports-meets-superstition—and honestly, we’re just over here trying not to jinx the run.

We’re baaaack—and this episode is giving workplace reality check. We’re diving into generational differences at work , breaking down the madness of companies forcing people back into the office, and honestly? We’re just over here hoping it pushes a few of you to join us in education—because we’re basically saving the world over here. We also hit on how everything online gets twisted (why is that and anonymous posting even a thing?!) and how the hardest job is being a parent. And finally—our new academy is officially LIVE and getting RAVE reviews 🔥 Come join us in June and see what everyone’s talking about. Unfiltered. Unsupervised. Slightly unhinged. Let’s go.

Go buy this book! Today on the Unsupervised Leadership podcast, we’re joined by author Amanda Neary, who is turning big feelings into powerful lessons for young learners. Amanda recently released her children’s book, Ellis Learns to Let it Out: Monday Morning, a gentle and reassuring story that helps children navigate emotions like frustration, worry, and overwhelm—especially during those tough Monday-morning moments. Through Ellis’s experience, Amanda opens the door for important conversations about emotional expression, resilience, and helping kids learn that it’s okay to feel their feelings and let them out in healthy ways.

This episode is a choose-your-own-adventure of chaos and clarity. We let ChatGPT tell us what it’s learned about us (👀… some truths were LOUD), unpack the Ashley Tisdale mom-group drama that has the internet spiraling, and gush over our current obsession—The Traitors . We also make our very official, absolutely debatable Super Bowl prediction and wrap it all up with a rapid-fire round of Would You Rathers that proves—once again—we should probably not be left unsupervised. Pop culture, leadership lessons, hot takes, and laughs… all in one episode. Press play and buckle up.