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

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.

What does leadership really look like when the awards are handed out and the spotlight fades?In this candid and wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Nick Polyak, 2026 Illinois Superintendent of the Year, joins us to talk about the journey behind the title. We dive into his leadership path, the impact of the Aspiring Superintendent Academy, and lessons learned across five books—and even more years of leading in real time.Nick gets honest about legacy, decision-making, and what he hopes people remember long after the role is gone. He shares meaningful advice for aspiring and sitting superintendents and leaders, reflects on the responsibility of mentorship, and offers thoughtful insights on the importance of supporting and elevating women in leadership.This episode is equal parts wisdom, humility, and truth—no scripts, no platitudes, just a real conversation about what it means to lead well and leave things better than you found them.

It’s our final episode of 2025, and we’re officially shedding skin and picking up speed. We’re closing out the Year of the Snake—the year of reflection, reinvention, and releasing what we hate—and getting ready to gallop into the Year of the Horse with momentum, confidence, and zero apologies.In this episode:What the Year of the Snake taught us—and what we’re shedding before midnightKate is deep in her 50 Cent era (energy: bold, unbothered, and highly quotable)Courtney is fully in her 50’s era—clarity over chaos, boundaries over burnoutThe wins, the wounds, the wild moments, and the lessons of 2025Why 2026 is about movement, courage, and going all inHit play. Shed the skin. Saddle up. 2026 isn’t waiting—and neither are we.

We’re back — and not waiting until January 1st because you don’t need a new year to make a new decision. After a little hiatus, we’re diving straight into the real talk: why leaders feel like they can’t be vulnerable, how constant criticism wears people down, and we’re still showing up, still supporting others, and still not asking for permission.We’re breaking down a new workplace study that says employees are actually more productive when they can step out for personal errands… and how that dream hits differently in education, where flexibility is basically a myth.Plus — Kate officially launches Country Club Social, Courtney is recovering from Jeff’s 50th birthday, and we’re reminding you that you don’t need a “fresh start Sunday” to reset your life. You just need today.Hit play. Let’s go.

It’s Courtney’s last day in her 40s, and we’re getting real about what the last decade taught her — from surviving surprise parties to juggling motherhood, leadership, and life. We’re talking lessons learned, dreams for her 50s, and the art of keeping it all (mostly) together. We're also talking about new student podcast, Unmuted, so check it out if you haven't!Grab your champagne, because this one’s part reflection, part revelation, and all kinds of fabulous. Cheers!

We're talking about us getting board members on the pod, interviewing, setting boundaries, and coachability - join us for a quick drop!

We're back and we've got friends with us today! What happens when we're staying late after our new student podcast? What keeps us up at night? What would we change about education? And now we've got sound effects too!

Dr. Stephanie Owens-Burkhart, Physical Therapist, and Courtney's PT, drops real-world hacks on pain, posture, movement, and burnout so leaders can feel fierce and sleep better, and we're here for all of it, and you will be, too!

We've been out, but we're back and committed to recording more episodes...we're talking about opening institute, we've got a great new gig open in our district, and we're of course bantering about the big engagement...you know who we're talking about!

We’re diving into the 5 ways to feel appreciated at work (spoiler: martyrdom isn’t one of them). We also unpack how to protect your peace when work tries to follow you home. Courtney goes off on her least favorite thing—yes, the dreaded 👍 text reaction—and we share highlights from our latest cohort session with Dr. Gabe (surviving hardship like a boss) and Carrie (burnout truth bombs).Oh—and Kate’s duck had ducklings who are now... gone? We’re confused, concerned, and emotionally invested. 🐥💔Press play. Your leadership sanity depends on it.

This week on Unsupervised Leadership, Kate introduces her new AI BFF, Nova (yes, she named ChatGPT), and let’s just say…it’s working. While sipping Michelob Ultra with limes, Kate and Courtney set the record straight on what actually happens at the District Office in the summer (spoiler alert: no bon bons involved). Plus, they spill on their incredible new cohort and how Nova accidentally helped them build an entire business model. If you've ever wondered what happens when leadership, tech, and lime-flavored genius collide—this is it.

Tony and his friend are launching Country Club Social—a golf simulator and bar that’s basically your new favorite hangout spot. Courtney gets a much needed text, while Kate breaks down her human design profile, and we’re kicking off our Unstoppable cohort tomorrow with nearly 100 incredible women from across the country!

This week on Unsupervised Leadership, we’re serving up something stronger than coffee—starting with the Texas parent who brought jello shots to school (and yes, this is exactly why food policies exist). We also dive into a “Would You Rather?” that’ll have you yelling your answer at your car stereo, unpack why protecting your peace and time at work is a leadership must, and hear Courtney’s candid take on lessons learned over the last three months. Plus, get the latest scoop on our Unsupervised and Unstoppable cohort—because leadership doesn’t need permission.

This week on Unsupervised Leadership, we’re sitting down with the fierce, fearless, and fabulous Dr. Brandi Kelly—and trust us, you’re going to want to hear this. In an exclusive interview, Brandi opens up about her bold decision to leave the superintendency to launch her own business, redefine her purpose, and take control of her next chapter.She also gives us a first look at her brand-new book, Lead with H.O.P.E. —a powerful, purpose-driven guide for anyone ready to lead from the heart and shake up the system. From school board meetings to boardrooms of her own making, Brandi is leading a movement, and we’re here for every unapologetic second of it.No supervision required—just real talk, real leadership, and a whole lot of HOPE. Let’s go.

Courtney and Kate dive headfirst into the generational trenches—yes, we’re talking Boomers, Millennials, Gen Z, and all the eye rolls in between. We unpack how leadership looks different (and sounds louder) across age groups, why flexibility matters, and how our upcoming Unsupervised Leadership Cohort in June is bridging the gap with real talk, zero fluff, and a dash of chaos. Oh, and ChatGPT? It's savage!

Dr. Dan Cox joins us for an honest, unfiltered convo on leadership, identity, and survival. In one of his first public interviews since announcing his separation from his district, Dan opens up about the emotional toll of leadership, the myth of "your job isn’t who you are," and what running ultramarathons has taught him about resilience.Raw. Real. Relevant.

Myles has acid reflux...Kate loves Zac Efron...and we're surrounded by feedback (not idiots!)...we've got a lot to say this week!

We lost a great educator this week...and she was the epitome of an F4Leader. We're back though, and we're committed to finding time to record this pod. Kate's telling us how motherhood is going, and we're talking about the importance of background checks...and don't worry- we're not afraid to share our pet peeves at work.

The time has arrived to hear ALL about Kate's new arrival, motherhood, what her maternity leave is really like, and much, much more! We're back...

It's Kate's last episode before she has a new title...mom...and we're here talking about everything- from T Swift (shocker) to Courtney's list of expectations to hiring season to our shout outs...we've got a jam packed episode you won't want to miss!

Bye, bye, 2024! Here's to us in 2025!

A quick rant for this Thanksgiving!

We've got Jimmy Casas! Kate is beginning today by sharing her love of Martha Stewart...and then we are hearing from Jimmy Casas...you will love what he has to say, leaders!

"You need to calm down...you need to just STOP"...you've been hoping for the concert update, and we've got it! Has Kate finally shown some respect for TS? What rants are we on today? Do high schools have PT conferences? Whose the guest next week? Tune in to find out what's happening!

We're talking about Kate's despise for T Swift...Courtney's exciting adventure this weekend, and we've got a few gripes in education to share with you today!

We've got Marissa Darlington on the pod! She's a superintendent, a principal, a mom...she literally does it all! And, she's one of our original 7 listeners, so you know she's going to be up for a great interview! We know you'll love her as much as we do!

Longtime Associate Editor for Sports Illustrated, executive coach, 12-time New York Times Best-Selling author and host of the Corporate Competitor Podcast...and he's on our pod!!! He's interviewed some of the most famous people in the world...Basically, he's a big deal and we've got THE DON YAEGER on the pod! You are going to hear about teams, leadership and storytelling...we love this guy and know you will too!

We've got a parent from our district who's also a teacher- and we're encouraging her to start her own podcast...tune in to hear about SEL, PD, and the secret wives of work wives!

We're back talking about everything but education today...if you need a frozen pizza or a 2 Liter, this is the episode for you!

We've got a special guest who we strongly encouraged to jump on with us...and she actually did! You'll love hearing from Dr. Daniela Fountain...from her take on being an educator mom to her talking about her passion for teaching and learning...you now get to see who we get to work with every day! And then, Kate decides to go on a rant about Taylor Swift...tune in!

Well, we've got our audio fixed, and we're telling you about our Opening Institute...and then we go on rants and you've got to listen to find out the secret password...this is a must listen if you need a good laugh!

We have one of our favorite guests stopping by to say hi...yes, it's Joe Sanfelippo! But first, we talk about Kate's pregnancy, Courtney's aging, and of course we then get into a less-than-serious talk with Joe!

WE ARE BACK...and we've waited until NOW because...well, you'll have to listen to find out! It's the MOST DRAMATIC SEASON OPENER EVER!

It's a special drop dedicated to Hank...we are talking Institute Day, hiring, and gearing up for Season 5 of the pod!

Happy Saturday! We're talking table topics, hiring season, and the importance of fit in your job and life!

Take two! We MEANT...FREMONT'S Finest! Listen into Dr. Trisha Kocanda's interview with us talking all things leadership!

We're here with a special drop to hear from Kate directly on her new position as the Assistant Superintendent of HR and Personnel...if you think you know, you don't...until you hear all about it from her personally!

We're back! We've got Kristen Ziman...the first woman Lieutenant, first woman Commander, and eventually the first woman Chief in Aurora, IL....she was on watch during a mass shooting in her hometown. Join us for a fun and candid conversation with this F4Leader!

Here we come, TMZ and Access Hollywood! Kate's networking skills have paid off because we've got an exclusive with Bachelor Clayton Echard, who quite arguably had the most dramatic season of the Bachelor EVER! He's talking about his lessons learned, but more importantly, he gives listeners his view on social media for adolescents...another don't miss episode!

We're here for a mid-week drop because we're previewing a reality celeb guest that we'll host this Saturday...and we've got an exclusive interview that you won't want to miss! And, we've got a few Would You Rathers that you'll be talking right along with us in your car on your way to the WELL Summit!