Real Life Lessons for Humanizing Education and AI: Darren Spyksma

Work is Making the Unseen Seen: David Kim

In this episode of JOY over Happiness, Dr. Jon Eckert talks with Rev. Dr. David Kim, CEO and co-founder of Goldenwood, [https://goldenwoodnyc.org/] about AI and vocation. David's passion is to help people and organizations see the unseen realities that give rise to the world we create. David shares why the future will belong not just to efficiency, but to people who can cultivate curiosity, connection, and creativity in a rapidly changing world. Mentioned: Every Good Endeavor [https://a.co/d/0hsXhVGM] by Tim Keller and Katherine Leary Alsdorf Unreasonable Hospitality [https://a.co/d/04hdpki6] by Will Guidara “The Tune of Things” [https://harpers.org/archive/2025/12/the-tune-of-things-christian-wiman-consciousness-god/] by Christian Wiman Connect with us: Center for School Leadership at Baylor University [https://bcsl.soe.baylor.edu/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/baylorcsl/] Baylor MA in School Leadership [https://maschoolleadership.soe.baylor.edu/]

Real Life Lessons for Humanizing Education and AI: Darren Spyksma

In this episode of JOY over Happiness, Dr. Jon Eckert talks with Darren Spyksma about what it really means to humanize education in a world that keeps pushing toward efficiency and shortcuts. Darren shares how the real work in schools isn’t fixing kids, it’s helping adults grow in how they show up for them. From turning conflict into an opportunity for deeper relationships to helping teachers and parents stay present instead of outsourcing responsibility to technology, this conversation is a grounded look at what “humazing” education actually looks like. It’s a reminder that the best learning still happens through real relationships, honest conversations, and choosing to do the slower, harder work of being human together. Mentioned: 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People [https://www.amazon.com/10-25-Groundbreaking-Approach-Generation/dp/B0CWMSFSXG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1VJ1INSODUF40&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.2NxDdoMCYTNb9f1uMcbaqA08VCWr_FJd6yVCVKlcbBKXy6v3u-8fEa5JU2lOXuErf56hVdmbN6K8oroLU590g8BiOodUTBR2QKVIsABeWARUgockPOOSyjs-gEiXAxjBkK11g6lqpLi0PQXSbK66TMdwqu9U-ahwGZriHqa0IwOKX_NNqUkE0q3DqMpP9Tj73U8xG6N1Oa_h50opemffK6ciIowku4lCPC4XJ79fJXI.4KKtlWtXzRttBg31WdreFHn7IBJZAPY0y0RlsqRpE70&dib_tag=se&keywords=10+to+25&qid=1777931228&s=books&sprefix=10+to+25%2Cstripbooks%2C239&sr=1-1] by David Yeager  The Anxious Generation [https://www.amazon.com/Anxious-Generation-Rewiring-Childhood-Epidemic/dp/0593655036] by Jonathan Haidt JOMO: Joy of Missing Out [https://www.experiencejomo.com/] Connect with us: Center for School Leadership at Baylor University [https://bcsl.soe.baylor.edu/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/baylorcsl/] Baylor MA in School Leadership [https://maschoolleadership.soe.baylor.edu/]

A Blacksmith's Son Turned AI Education Expert: Sean Riley

In this episode of JOY over Happiness, Dr. Jon Eckert talks with Sean Riley, who’s spent nearly two decades at The Stony Brook School and is now a leading AI expert, about what it looks like to navigate AI in education with wisdom and purpose. Sean shares his journey from a blue-collar upbringing into education and leadership, and how that formation shapes the way he approaches technology today. From helping schools move beyond fear and policy toward thoughtful, mission-aligned strategy, to reminding educators that AI should serve human relationships, not replace them. This conversation is a reminder that even in the middle of disruption, joy is found in meaningful work, wise decisions, and staying rooted in what matters most. Mentioned: That Hideous Strength [https://www.amazon.com/That-Hideous-Strength-Space-Trilogy/dp/0743234928/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2KSV0PR94EHJ0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.OyLFiX9ovIzIS2uMTan_GhBwWDrmYD0JeKczCdTozDRnb0cJ6hVmPYvLVwMQ6L7G_QezIQWfm4J-wI_vCIoTkPydz4fmKtOCq5zVFAVOMkT78zvrsao47m4dYe2wBmoR3Zk9jQCYe0pDhwazGspYKOtpjM3XaSaBKZ1aqKuZ0bGhhHxLR5XbEAYHSneYQLXUIjKfEWb8te32sGgYIUCgoDWHGSeN9QRTxWAlhsTywEk.q-bXmmTuU0ct1H3NMdTRmAimh-rfpCrdCbeCM_emLD4&dib_tag=se&keywords=that+hideous+strength&qid=1776737595&sprefix=that+hideous+strength%2Caps%2C179&sr=8-1] by C.S. Lewis Edified Strategies [https://edifiedstrategies.com/] AI Daily Brief [https://aidailybrief.ai/] Connect with us: Center for School Leadership at Baylor University [https://bcsl.soe.baylor.edu/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/baylorcsl/] Baylor MA in School Leadership [https://maschoolleadership.soe.baylor.edu/]

Joy Over Happiness in Hollywood and at Home: Alison Sweeney

In this episode of JOY over Happiness, Dr. Jon Eckert talks with Alison Sweeney, actress, director, and host known for her work on Days of Our Lives, The Biggest Loser, and Hallmark films, about how she has learned to pursue joy both in Hollywood and at home. Alison shares what it’s looked like to grow up in the spotlight while building a family and staying grounded in what matters most. From finding joy in everyday moments as a parent to navigating the pressures of a public career, this conversation explores how joy is not found in achievement alone, but in relationships. Mentioned: Connect with us: Center for School Leadership at Baylor University [https://bcsl.soe.baylor.edu/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/baylorcsl/] Baylor MA in School Leadership [https://maschoolleadership.soe.baylor.edu/]

AI and Hope for a Better, More Equitable World: Elaine Howard Ecklund

In this episode of JOY over Happiness, Dr. Jon Eckert talks with Elaine Howard Ecklund [https://profiles.rice.edu/faculty/elaine-howard-ecklund], Professor of Sociology and Director of the Boniuk Institute for the Study and Advancement of Religious Tolerance, about what it means to stay human in a world increasingly shaped by AI. Drawing on her research and conversations with students, Elaine shares why many young people are less worried about cheating and more concerned about relationships, identity, and what it means to be human. From slowing down in the classroom to resisting a culture obsessed with efficiency, this conversation explores how educators can create spaces for deep learning, connection, and belonging. It’s a reminder that joy isn’t found in speed or productivity, but in the relationships, practices, and shared struggle that help us grow. Connect with us: Center for School Leadership at Baylor University [https://bcsl.soe.baylor.edu/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/baylorcsl/] Baylor MA in School Leadership [https://maschoolleadership.soe.baylor.edu/]