Today I’m excited because this podcast episode with my publisher dropped first thing this morning. What a fun way to kick off the week of Christmas 2024.
It can be a little daunting to record a visit without knowing the questions ahead of time, but that’s exactly what I did with my Character Speaks podcast, to keep it fresh. I loved the authenticity and vulnerability of the on-the-spot responses that always came straight from the heart. Our visit is about 45 minutes long, so lace up your walking shoes and listen in on what we have to say about our leadership practices, habits and recommendations.
Spoiler alert: Darrin does get a little emotional at the end, a podcast first for this leadership guru!
Speaking of emotional, I just returned from WI, where I had not only a lovely early Christmas with my extended family, but also a chance to visit with two first-grade class families and then two second-grade classes. At the first school, I got to read Mr. Quigley’s Keys.
I left them each with an empaKEY on a red string, to remind them that they hold the key to unlock hearts by listening and loving, sharing compassion and kindness.
The teacher realized that she’d forgotten to order one; thankfully I always carry extras!
After the visit, I received this kind affirmation from her:
Hello Barbara,
Your presentation was absolutely wonderful! I thorughly enjoyed it and the kids were so engaged! You have such a gift. Thank you for sharing it with us! I look forward to seeing your future books … maybe about Winthrop … maybe a whole series! 
The kids adored him!
Thank you again for sharing your holiday time with us. Have a very blessed Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
In His Service, Deanne
Who’s Winthrop, you ask?
He’s the bird that helps me set the stage for my empathy explanation since that’s one of the themes of Birdie & Mipps. Don’t you just love how the two girls on the left are responding to him? Perhaps he does need a book of his own … hmmmmm.
In the middle of our read-aloud, one of the boys wondered aloud: “Hey, is this a personal narrative?” Then he added, “Wait, are you the girl?”
I gave this group each a sticker with a cardinal on it and we talked about what the American male cardinal is said to represent.
On his way to recess, one boy showed his teacher his sticker and said, “I’ll use this to remember my dad.” Be still my soul.
So many text-to-self connections that morning; you just never know how each reader will engage and respond, and what they will take away and remember from the story and the visit.
And that’s how I’ve been leaning into leadership lately.
Thank you for visiting my blog today; do let me know if ever I can visit the superheroes in your class family either in person or via Zoom.
Barbara Gruener 