Ep. 61 – The Weight of Excellence (Sophia Burnet and Sarah Mix)

Ep. 62 – Discipleship Through Drama (Lee Glover)

In Episode 62 of The Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Lee Glover, drama teacher at Hebron Christian Academy. They discuss the remarkable year of productions that have graced the stage, then explore Lee’s faith and professional journey that led her to HCA. They conclude their conversation by looking ahead to the future of the drama program. Ep. 62 Breakdown (0:00) Introduction (0:41) 2025-26 shows (4:54) Discipleship at the forefront (13:46) Upheaval and finding Jesus (26:15) Finding direction (34:35) Path to HCA (42:21) Future of drama at HCA (51:45) Closing If you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com [thejoyofleadership@gmail.com].

Ep. 61 – The Weight of Excellence (Sophia Burnet and Sarah Mix)

In Episode 61 of The Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Sophia Burnet and Sarah Mix, the valedictorian and salutatorian of the Class of 2026 at Hebron Christian Academy. Both are headed to Emory University in the fall. They reflect on their combined 23 years at HCA, sharing the successes and challenges they experienced throughout their academic journeys. They also discuss the cost of success they observed during their high school careers. Ep. 61 Breakdown Sophia (0:00) Introduction (1:50) High school experience (4:33) Favorite teachers (7:09) What’s next? (10:45) The cost of success (12:33) Impactful failures (13:37) Leadership goals (15:58) “What would you do differently?” (17:28) A life well-lived Sarah (19:12) Introduction (20:25) Passion for French (23:09) Debate Club (25:27) Mock Trial (27:15) What’s next? (30:54) Educational path (35:54) “Who are you becoming?” (38:00) The risks of excellence (39:44) Faith through disappointment (43:07) Advice to younger self (46:06) Closing If you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com [thejoyofleadership@gmail.com].

Ep. 60 – More Than Basketball (Coach Christi Thomas)

In Episode 60 of The Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Christi Thomas, the new Head Girls Basketball Coach at Hebron Christian Academy. They discuss Christi’s extensive basketball background, including her time playing at Buford High School, the University of Georgia, and professionally in the WNBA and overseas. They also explore her faith journey and how God worked in her life after she stepped away from basketball. Finally, Christi shares her excitement about stepping into a role where she can place her faith at the forefront of her coaching. Ep. 60 Breakdown (0:00) Introduction (0:37) Life is more than basketball (4:50) Early life and upbringing (10:36) College recruitment process (18:02) Balancing athletics and academics (22:58) Path to the WNBA (25:44) International experiences (36:42) Finding purpose after basketball (41:01) Turning point in faith (49:50) The next chapter at HCA If you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com [thejoyofleadership@gmail.com].

Ep. 59 – Hope Against Trafficking (Emily Leatherbarrow)

Ep. 59 – Hope Against Trafficking (Emily Leatherbarrow) In Episode 59 of The Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Emily Leatherbarrow, President and Founder of Sisters of Grace, a ministry in Northern Thailand that provides a safe haven for girls at risk of human trafficking in the surrounding region. They discuss the mission and vision of Sisters of Grace, her personal calling into ministry, Hebron Christian Academy’s partnership with the organization to open a Christian school in Thailand, and the sobering reality of human trafficking around the world today. Ep. 59 Breakdown (0:00) Introduction (0:54) About Sisters of Grace (10:58) Emily’s upbringing and background (24:00) Entering the mission field (30:56) Operations in Thailand (34:03) Future plans for expansion (40:20) Combatting human trafficking If you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com [thejoyofleadership@gmail.com].

Ep. 58 – The Chapter After Football (Malcolm Mitchell)

In Episode 58 of The Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Malcolm Mitchell, former UGA football standout, NFL Super Bowl Champion, author, and literacy advocate. They discuss his journey from a football-centered childhood in Valdosta, Georgia, to becoming a Super Bowl champion and passionate advocate for literacy. Malcolm shares how faith, family, and key mentors shaped his life, how learning to love reading transformed his future, and why setbacks and injuries opened the door to a deeper purpose beyond sports. Ep. 58 Breakdown (0:00) Introduction (0:25) Promoting literacy for kids (1:52) Upbringing and early life (6:11) Faith’s impact (19:28) College recruitment & experiences (26:50) Joining a book club (30:42) NFL stories (47:00) Share the Magic Foundation & current projects (51:26) Closing If you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com [thejoyofleadership@gmail.com].