We Not Me: Reed Hepler

We Not Me: Globe Aware, International Travel with a Purpose

In this episode, learn how an entrepreneur turned her passion into a global business with a purpose. She has spent the last 20 years helping people find meaning and build connections around the world!

We Not Me: I AM Foundation

Step inside the energy of youth leadership, genuine connection, and powerful transformation with this special episode of the We Not Me: Inclusion in Action podcast—hosted by Dr. Nikki Harding, live from the Kansas State School for the Blind. What happens when a vibrant crew of high schoolers from across Kansas City gathers to share their stories? You get laughter, candid confessions, and a masterclass in student-led inclusion, ambition, and leadership with the dynamic IM Foundation in the spotlight. Meet inspiring teens like Levyon (speech & debate champ/gardener/sporty volunteer), Diego (the tall skater and quiet influencer), Kendell (artist and IM Foundation ambassador), Raven (Broadway hopeful and hair stylist), and more—as they open up about their journeys, leadership growth, and the impact of finding a place where every talent is valued. You’ll hear: * Why real leadership isn’t all about being the loudest voice in the room—and how every kid brings a unique gift to the table. * How the I AM Foundation’s all-summer program exposes students to businesses, colleges, and hands-on service for true career discovery. * Teen perspectives on balancing program commitments, navigating procrastination, and learning to thrive in a group with diverse personalities and dreams. * Raw stories of overcoming social anxiety, building confidence, and what happens when students get lost on field trips, plus Elijah’s secret for staying calm under pressure (spoiler: he credits his faith—and the importance of “praying and acting at the same time!”). * Insights on the real struggles Kansas City youth face—and how positive engagement, mentorship, and belonging flip the narrative from risk to growth. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or youth advocate, you’ll be inspired by these honest voices and the everyday leadership lessons that shape future changemakers. Tune in for authentic student voices, unforgettable moments, and a celebration of inclusion and leadership—right at the intersection of community, purpose, and possibility.

We Not Me: Tim Terrentine

Episode Title: Cultivating “Somebodiness” in School Leadership with Tim Terrentine Episode Overview: In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Nikki Harding sits down with Tim Terrentine, founder of Translators Consulting Group, to explore how school leaders can foster belonging, build high-trust teams, and tackle tough conversations head-on. Tim shares his journey from executive burnout to developing the “somebodiness” framework—helping educators recognize the unique genius in every individual and create systems that sustain meaningful change. 📋 Key Topics & Timestamps * 00:00 – 03:00 Introduction & Tim’s personal journey from adoptee to leadership coach * 03:00 – 07:00 Defining “Somebodiness”: Why every team member needs to feel valued * 18:00 – 21:00 Urgency in Education vs. Business: Creating a sense of purpose and momentum * 24:00 – 27:00 Navigating Taboo Conversations: Practical steps for leaders to go first and set the stage * 44:00 – 46:00 Transforming Draining Meetings: One small change to honor people’s time and boost engagement * 31:00 – 34:00 Avoiding Burnout: Aligning your purpose, relationships, and work to stay effective 🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Lead with “Somebodiness.” Cultivate environments where everyone—from students to CFOs—knows they matter and can bring their full gifts to the table. 2. Honor People’s Time. Challenge your most soul-draining meeting by adding recognition moments, clear agendas, or turning bullet points into thought-provoking questions. 3. Go First on Tough Topics. Leaders must model vulnerability: send discussion prompts in advance, frame agendas as questions, and invite healthy conflict to spark growth. 4. Balance Urgency & Intentionality. Embrace a culture of accountability—ask, “What matters most this semester?”—while slowing down enough to build sustainable systems. 5. Align to Avoid Burnout. Ensure your personal values, relationships, and daily work wheel remain in alignment to keep serving effectively over the long haul. 🎧 Listen & Resources * Stream or download * Connect with Tim: Visit translatorscg.com [http://translatorscg.com] or find him on YouTube and LinkedIn. “It’s not about fixing people; it’s about creating spaces where they already belong.” Ready to cultivate belonging and lead with purpose? ▶️ Listen now

We Not Me: Reed Hepler

Boost your classroom’s AI intelligence and digital literacy! In this episode of the We Not Me Inclusion and Action Podcast, Dr. Nikki Harding interviews Reed Hepler—an AI-focused instructional designer and digital initiatives librarian—about leveraging Boodle Box AI and Mike Caulfield’s SIFT toolbox to teach information literacy, combat disinformation, and build inclusive, accessible learning experiences. Tune in for actionable strategies on integrating AI into project-based learning, safeguarding FERPA compliance, and empowering students to critically evaluate online content. Here are all the links mentioned in the episode: SIFT Toolbox:Caulfield's Original: https://checkplease.neocities.org/My [https://checkplease.neocities.org/My] BoodleBox: https://box.boodle.ai/a/@SensemakingwithSIFTToolboxAll [https://box.boodle.ai/a/@SensemakingwithSIFTToolboxAll] podcast listeners can get a free month of BoodleBox by using code: ONEMONTHRCHSIFT Method: https://pressbooks.pub/introtocollegeresearch/chapter/the-sift-method/UEN [https://pressbooks.pub/introtocollegeresearch/chapter/the-sift-method/UEN] Book Chapter: https://uen.pressbooks.pub/teachingandgenerativeai/chapter/navigating-benefits-and-concerns-when-discussing-genai-tools-with-faculty-and-staff/Intro [https://uen.pressbooks.pub/teachingandgenerativeai/chapter/navigating-benefits-and-concerns-when-discussing-genai-tools-with-faculty-and-staff/Intro] to AI and Ethics in Higher Ed: https://edtechbooks.org/introduction_to_ai_and_ethics_in_higher_educationRelevant [https://edtechbooks.org/introduction_to_ai_and_ethics_in_higher_educationRelevant] COLLABORAITION posts: Most recent Copyright article which links to the first one too: https://reedhepler.substack.com/p/ai-and-copyright-a-new-type-of-userMis- [https://reedhepler.substack.com/p/ai-and-copyright-a-new-type-of-userMis-], Dis-, Mal-information: https://reedhepler.substack.com/p/identifying-mis-dis-and-malinformation [https://reedhepler.substack.com/p/identifying-mis-dis-and-malinformation] https://reedhepler.substack.com/p/identifying-mis-dis-and-malinformationInsta-Research: https://reedhepler.substack.com/p/the-perils-of-insta-researchAI [https://reedhepler.substack.com/p/the-perils-of-insta-researchAI] and Elections (Counterfeit): https://reedhepler.substack.com/p/the-phantasm-of-ai-and-electionsGenOER [https://reedhepler.substack.com/p/the-phantasm-of-ai-and-electionsGenOER], GenAI, GenLearning (project-based): https://reedhepler.substack.com/p/generative-oer-generative-learningThank [https://reedhepler.substack.com/p/generative-oer-generative-learningThank] you again for having me!

We Not Me: Jason Crippen

In this inspiring episode of We Not Me: Inclusion in Action, Dr. Nikki Harding sits down with Jason Crippen—transition coordinator at Goddard Public Schools and founder of What’s Next, a disability employment service making a real difference in the Wichita area. With over 20 years of experience in special education, Jason shares how he's bridging the gap between school and work by helping young adults with disabilities find meaningful, competitive employment. Together, they unpack: Why inclusive hiring isn’t harder—it’s just different How Jason builds relationships with businesses to create sustainable, supported job placements The systemic challenges—and creative solutions—surrounding postsecondary transition What schools and districts can do better to support students with disabilities into adulthood Real stories of transformation that highlight dignity, persistence, and possibility If you're a school administrator, special education teacher, or advocate for disability inclusion, this episode is full of practical insights and heartfelt moments. 🔗 Learn more about Jason’s work on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089917969813 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089917969813] 📞 Want to bring inclusive employment support to your district? Contact us to start the conversation.