The Sanctuary of the Stage: Reconnecting with Mrs. McCormally

Every once in a lifetime, if you are lucky, you encounter a teacher who doesn't just teach a subject—they teach you who you are. For Kris, that teacher was Kathie McCormally. Entering a tight-knit rural high school as a freshman trying to figure himself out, Kris found a safe haven in Mrs. McCormally's drama class. In this profoundly moving episode, Kris sits down with his favorite teacher to say the "thank you" he has held onto for over three decades. In this episode, Kris and Kathie explore: The Sanctuary of the Stage: How the drama classroom became a safe space for an outsider to find his voice, build confidence, and learn to exist authentically. Seeing the Unseen: How a great teacher can spot your potential and your true self long before you have the language to understand it yourself. A Legacy of Empathy: Kris shares how the lessons learned in Mrs. McCormally's class directly influenced his career, his parenting, and his recent company-wide recognition for how he shows up for others. The Letter: Grab a tissue as Kris reads a beautifully raw letter to Mrs. McCormally, thanking her for planting the seeds of authenticity that would bloom decades later. If there is a teacher who changed the trajectory of your life, let this episode be the catalyst that encourages you to reach out and tell them.