Empowered Learning Podcast

Why Kids Should Start Businesses with Leah Ellis

What if the next generation of leaders didn’t have to wait until adulthood to start learning leadership?
In this inspiring episode of the Empowered Learning Podcast, Andy Bennetts sits down with Leah Ellis, founder of the Society of Child Entrepreneurs (SoCE), a nonprofit helping children ages 6–17 build confidence, leadership, and real-world business skills through hands-on experiences.
Leah shares how watching her own children turn simple ideas into action sparked a bigger vision: creating a community where young people are trusted with responsibility and supported as they develop real skills.
Through business fairs, mentorship, and entrepreneurship curriculum, SoCE gives kids the opportunity to launch real ventures, learn financial literacy, and develop resilience through experience—not just theory.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
Why entrepreneurship builds confidence in young people
How real responsibility helps kids develop leadership skills
The power of environment and community in shaping mindset
Why identity and self-belief are key to long-term success
How small actions and habits compound into transformation
Leah also shares the deeper philosophy behind her work: when children are trusted, supported, and given meaningful opportunities, they rise to the challenge.
This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership development doesn’t have to start in college—or even high school.
Sometimes it starts with a lemonade stand, a creative idea, and a parent who believes in what their child is capable of.
Connect with Leah Ellishttps://www.facebook.com/SocietyofChildEntrepreneurs
https://www.instagram.com/societyofchildentrepreneurs/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahkellis/
https://societyofchildentrepreneurs.org/
https://leahkellis.com/
https://bit.ly/m/SoCEHub

Prosper in Spirit, Soul, Body & Finances with Mary Lesperance Held

What if true prosperity meant more than just money?
In this inspiring episode of the Empowered Learning Podcast, Andy Bennetts sits down with Mary Lesperance Held to explore a holistic view of freedom—one that includes spirit, soul, body, and finances.
Mary shares how many people feel stuck in one area of life because another area is out of alignment. Someone may be financially stable but emotionally burdened, physically healthy but unable to fund their calling, or spiritually grounded yet trapped in limiting beliefs about money.
Drawing from her faith, personal experience, and ministry work, Mary explains how breakthrough often begins by challenging long-held assumptions—especially around finances and purpose.
In this conversation, you’ll discover:
Why many people unknowingly live inside financial systems built on long-term debt • How shifting from a debt mindset to a cash-flow mindset creates new possibilities • The emotional and spiritual beliefs that shape our relationship with money • Why financial freedom often begins with awareness and education • How purpose-driven “businesstry” can fund both livelihood and ministry
Mary also shares the biblical foundation behind her message, referencing 3 John 2: "I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers."
This episode challenges listeners to rethink prosperity—not just as wealth, but as alignment across every dimension of life.
If you’ve ever felt called to something greater but unsure how finances, purpose, and faith fit together, this conversation will both encourage and challenge you.
Connect with Mary Lesperance Held
Website: www.maryloveslife.org 

The Hidden Filters Shaping Your Reality with Lisa Riegel, Ph.D

What if the biggest barrier to better leadership, relationships, and mental wellness isn’t the world around you—but the filters inside your brain?
In this fascinating episode of the Empowered Learning Podcast, Andy Bennetts sits down with educator, researcher, and author Lisa Riegel to explore how brain science shapes the way we perceive reality.
Lisa explains that much of our perception happens unconsciously. When information enters the brain, it first passes through the thalamus, then is filtered through the amygdala, where past emotional experiences are stored. The result? We often respond not to what’s actually happening—but to our brain’s interpretation of it.
These mental “filters” act like a strainer, allowing certain information through while blocking or distorting other parts of reality. That’s why two people can experience the same situation yet walk away with completely different interpretations.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
Why perception is often shaped by past emotional experiences • How unconscious brain filters influence behavior and communication • Why self-awareness is essential for effective leadership • How understanding brain science improves mental wellness • Practical ways to pause, reflect, and respond more intentionally
With over two decades of experience helping schools, leaders, and organizations align brain science with human systems, Lisa offers powerful insights into how understanding the brain can transform relationships, decision-making, and leadership.
If you’ve ever wondered why misunderstandings happen so easily—or why certain situations trigger strong reactions—this episode will help you see those moments through an entirely new lens.
 
Connect with Lisa Riegel, Ph.D
Website: lisariegel.com 
Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisariegel/ 
Book: https://www.amazon.com/NeuroWell-Applying-science-supportive-proactive/dp/B0F1N5DJQF/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2IX1K7Z3A0G1W&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.h2bwJ7MeQVukaqADM_1Q9w.80pV7yYQUz72cwFOf_lZBhDOV76fuyYKKPXE60evO0c&dib_tag=se&keywords=neurowell+riegel+book&qid=1767901632&sprefix=neurowell%2Caps%2C177&sr=8-1
 

Why Most Leaders Fail (And How to Build Teams That Actually Work) with Simon Mont

Why do so many talented teams struggle to work well together?
In this thought-provoking episode of the Empowered Learning Podcast, Andy Bennetts sits down with Simon Mont, co-founder of Harmonize, to explore why leadership and collaboration often break down inside organizations.
Simon shares a powerful insight: expertise does not equal leadership.
Most organizations assume that if someone is great at their job, they’ll naturally be great at leading others. But Simon explains that three completely different skill sets are at play:
Subject-matter expertise • Organizational development • Leadership
When those skills get confused, teams suffer. Leaders become overwhelmed, systems break down, and collaboration becomes chaotic.
Drawing from more than a decade of working with 500+ organizations, Simon reveals why effective teamwork must be intentionally designed—not left to chance.
In this conversation, you’ll discover:
Why teamwork rarely happens naturally • The difference between leadership and organizational development • Why most workplace problems are actually human behavior problems • The importance of psychological safety and clear expectations • How leaders can build systems where people thrive
Simon also shares insights from his uniquely interdisciplinary background—blending law, facilitation, mysticism, yoga, and indigenous wisdom to help organizations transform from the inside out.
If you lead a team, run an organization, or care about building healthier workplaces, this episode will challenge how you think about leadership and collaboration.
Connect with Simon Mont
Website: www.harmonize.work
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HarmonizeWork
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonize.work/?hl=en

Leadership Is Responsibility with Lieutenant Colonel Richard Crossley Jr.

What does real leadership look like over the course of a lifetime?
In this episode of the Empowered Learning Podcast, Andy Bennetts sits down with retired Lieutenant Colonel Richard Crossley Jr. to explore leadership through the lens of military service, education, and mentorship.
Colonel Crossley began his career as an enlisted soldier in the 82nd Airborne Division, eventually rising through the ranks to serve in multiple leadership roles across the U.S. Army. But some of his most meaningful leadership work came after his military career—mentoring young people through JROTC programs in Fort Worth, Texas.
Throughout the conversation, Colonel Crossley shares how his understanding of leadership evolved—from commanding soldiers as a young officer to helping thousands of students develop character, discipline, and purpose.
This episode explores:
Why leadership is about responsibility, not rank • Lessons from military leadership and the Desert Storm era • How JROTC helps students develop discipline and executive function • The role mentorship plays in shaping future leaders • Why character development is essential for long-term success • How leadership continues even after retirement
Colonel Crossley also discusses how he continues serving others today—through veteran organizations and by writing a book that captures the lessons, mistakes, and leadership principles he’s learned throughout his journey.
If you're interested in leadership, mentorship, education, or public service, this episode offers timeless wisdom from someone who has spent decades helping others grow.

Posture Is Brain Health with Dr. Brett Hill

What if posture wasn’t about appearance… but about your brain?
In this episode of the Empowered Learning Podcast, Andy Bennetts sits down with Dr. Brett Hill to unpack one of the most misunderstood concepts in modern health: posture.
Dr. Hill explains that posture isn’t about pulling your shoulders back or “sitting up straight.” It’s a neurological function that develops in early childhood—through crawling, balancing, and learning to stand against gravity. When that system becomes disrupted by modern lifestyle habits, the body compensates. Over time, those compensations show up as migraines, vertigo, lower back pain, plantar fasciitis, chronic tension, and more.
This conversation dives into:
Why posture is controlled by your brain—not your muscles
The connection between the visual system, inner ear, and upper spine
How chronic pain often stems from neurological miscommunication
Why symptom-based medicine misses the root cause
How small posture corrections can unlock long-term health
Dr. Hill also shares his personal journey—building a clinic from scratch and later creating an online program that brings neurological posture correction to people worldwide.
If you’ve struggled with recurring pain or unexplained tension, this episode will challenge how you think about your body—and give you hope that real correction is possible.
Connect with Dr. Brett Hill:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/XperienceLifeChiropractic/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xperiencelifechiro/
Website:  https://www.yourpostureprogram.com/
CTA (Podcast Offer): https://www.yourpostureprogram.com/videos 

Curiosity Is the Fountain of Youth | Andrew Panella

What if curiosity—not supplements, not shortcuts—was the real fountain of youth?
In this episode of the Empowered Learning Podcast, Andy Bennetts sits down with Andrew Panella for a practical and deeply personal conversation about health, discipline, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning.
After battling chronic inflammation and undergoing five surgeries, Andrew spent nearly a decade searching for answers within the traditional healthcare system—with little success. Frustrated but determined, he turned to books. Hundreds of them. What started as desperation became transformation.
Now a Certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach, and Corrective Exercise Specialist, Andrew runs a full-time coaching business and shares daily health insights with a community of over 130,000 followers. His philosophy is simple but powerful: health is the foundation of everything.
In this conversation, you’ll discover:
Why Andrew organizes his life into “buckets” instead of chasing balance
How discipline is really about alignment—not restriction
Why health fuels leadership, business, and family
How curiosity compounds into transformation
The trade-offs required to live intentionally
This episode is a refreshing reminder that growth doesn’t happen by accident. It happens by design.
If you care about longevity, leadership, and living fully engaged—this one is for you.
 
Connect with Andrew Panella:
LinkedIn: ⁠in/andrewpanella⁠
YouTube: ⁠@Longevity_EDU⁠
Instagram: ⁠@Longevity_EDU_⁠
TikTok: ⁠@Longevity_EDU⁠
X: ⁠@Longevity_EDU

Write, Fail, Repeat: The Creative Discipline of Caleb Stephens

What does it take to become an award-winning author? Talent? Inspiration? A lightning-bolt idea?
According to thriller author Caleb Stephens, it takes something far less glamorous—and far more powerful: discipline, humility, and the courage to fail.
In this episode of the Empowered Learning Podcast, Andy Bennetts sits down with Caleb to unpack the real story behind his success. Caleb shares how he spent five years writing his first novel—only to realize it wasn’t good enough. That humbling realization became the turning point that shaped his career.
Together, they explore:
Why starting small builds stronger foundations
How to separate ego from your work
Why revision is where real growth happens
The power of consistency over inspiration
How to balance creativity with family life
Caleb’s journey—from early missteps to becoming a two-time Colorado Book Award finalist—offers powerful lessons not just for writers, but for anyone pursuing mastery in their field.
If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, creative frustration, or the slow grind of improvement, this conversation will remind you that skill compounds—and perseverance wins.Connect with Caleb Stephens:Website: www.calebstephensauthor.com
Tiktok & Instagram: @calebstephensauthor 

The Energy of Money & Power of Connection with Chella Diaz

What if your money story isn’t just about dollars—but about energy, beliefs, and inherited patterns?
In this empowering episode of the Empowered Learning Podcast, Andy Bennetts sits down with Chella Diaz, a money mindset coach and spiritual entrepreneur, to explore the deeper layers of how we think, talk, and feel about wealth.
From her entrepreneurial childhood and early real estate wins to guiding women into confident, abundant pricing today, Chella shares how personal experiences and subconscious beliefs shape our financial lives. She challenges listeners to reframe limiting beliefs as gifts, build confidence around value, and reconnect with their innate strengths.
You’ll also hear Chella’s take on:
Why many women underprice—and how to fix it
The energy of money and its hidden influence
Building real relationships through intentional networking (like on the OWL app)
How simplifying and staying curious helps future generations thrive
A practical, spiritual, and motivating conversation—perfect for entrepreneurs, educators, and anyone ready to shift their money story.
 
Connect with Chella Diaz:Website: chelladiaz.com 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/chelladiaz/
Facebook: facebook.com/abundancefrominside/ 
Email: info@chelladiaz.com 

Hats, Ladders & Lifelong Learning: Scott Brewster on Rethinking Career Readiness

What if career readiness wasn’t just a checklist—but a journey of curiosity, identity, and lifelong learning?
In this episode of the Empowered Learning Podcast, host Andy Bennetts sits down with Scott Brewster, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Hats & Ladders—an edtech platform empowering youth (ages 14–24) to explore careers, build essential skills, and confidently navigate their future.
Scott shares how gamified learning, backwards design, and "trying on hats" help students develop not only job skills, but durable power skills like communication, emotional intelligence, and systems thinking. He opens up about missteps, pivots, the growing role of AI in learning, and what it takes to help students thrive in an ever-changing world.
✅ Career readiness reimagined 🎯 How game-based learning changes engagement 🧠 The “power skills” that truly matter 📊 Balancing data with human agency 🚀 What education could look like 10 years from now
Whether you're an educator, leader, or lifelong learner—this conversation will challenge how you think about careers, school, and success.
 
Connect with Scott Brewster:
Website: https://hatsandladders.com/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mscottbrewster/ 

Breaking Cycles & Becoming Her: Kylie Schneider’s Story of Transformation

In this heartfelt episode of the Empowered Learning Podcast, Andy Bennetts is joined by Kylie Schneider, a transformational leader and founder of Becoming Her and YANA, to explore the power of emotional healing, identity, and faith.
Kylie shares her personal story with honesty and vulnerability—growing up with fractured family dynamics, wrestling with abandonment, and questioning her place in the world. Rather than remaining stuck in pain, she leaned into transformation, allowing God to reshape her identity from the inside out.
Throughout the episode, Kylie introduces her signature methods—Emotional Transfiguration™ and Generational Transfer™—and explains how they help individuals break long-standing emotional and spiritual cycles. Together, Andy and Kylie unpack what it truly means to surrender, persevere, and trust God’s timing—especially when healing feels slow, uncomfortable, or messy.
Listeners will walk away with renewed hope, deeper clarity, and the reminder that even in seasons of isolation or confusion, they are never truly alone. Healing is possible. Identity can be restored. And God’s purpose is never wasted.
Connect with Kylie Schneider:
🌐 Website: www.kylieschneider.com
📸 Instagram: @IamKylieSchneider
🎵 TikTok: @iamkylieschneider
📘 Facebook: Kylie Schneider
🎙 Podcast: Lifeline Podcast (available on Amazon Music)
🤍 Movements & Communities: Becoming Her, YANA, and Profitable Christian Business

Reset Your Wealth, Rethink Your Life: Bonus Episode with Rich Schaffer

Rich Schaffer
BONUS EPISODE In this final bonus installment of the 2026 Wealth Reset Series, Andy Bennetts sits back down with veteran financial educator and strategist Rich Schaffer for a deep, unfiltered, and hope-filled conversation.
Together, they unpack the root reasons so many people feel stuck—financially, emotionally, and mentally—and why New Year's resolutions like "getting out of debt" are so hard to keep. Rich uses simple analogies (like the "magic fork") to explain complex ideas, from why budgeting often fails to how banks profit off consumer habits.
You'll hear practical strategies for building daily momentum, understanding how debt really works, and using real-time decision tools—like Financial GPS—to break free and build lasting wealth.
This isn’t just another finance talk. It’s a rally cry for personal transformation, a peek into future collaboration, and a powerful reminder:
“It’s not about being perfect—it’s about taking the next step with purpose.”