The Leadership Educator Podcast

Teaching with AI: Creativity, Simulations, and Technology-Enhanced Learning with Dr. Cris Wildermuth

In this episode, Dan and Lauren are joined by Dr. Cris Wildermuth, Professor of Leadership and Program Director for the Master of Science in Leadership and Innovation and the B.S. in Organizational Leadership at Barry University. Cris is also a member of the ILA Leadership Education Academy facilitation team and brings more than two decades of experience as a leadership educator, researcher, and consultant.

The conversation explores how generative AI and technology-enhanced tools are changing what is possible in the leadership classroom — not by replacing good pedagogy, but by dramatically expanding the range of experiences educators can design and deliver. Cris shares how she uses vibe coding tools like Lovable and AI voice platforms like ElevenLabs to build immersive branched scenarios, simulations, and themed course experiences that would have been impractical or impossible before. She walks through concrete examples: an ethics course built around Game of Thrones, an online simulation using John Rawls' theory of justice played out through a dukes-knights-and-peasants game, and an alien-invasion metaphor for leading change. Dan and Lauren reflect alongside her on what it means for educators to be willing to fail, to stay curious, and to use AI as a lever for the kind of creative teaching that has always been at the heart of good leadership education.

Resources and works mentioned in this episode include:

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Community-Engaged Learning and Civic Leadership with Dr. Jason Headrick

In this episode, Dan and Lauren are joined by Dr. Jason Headrick, Associate Professor of Leadership and Community Development at Texas Tech University. Jason's work sits at the intersection of leadership education, rural community development, and inclusive leadership practices. He also serves as director of the Civic Leadership Academy at Texas Tech's Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources — a yearlong program that helps students develop civic leadership principles.

The conversation explores how leadership educators can move students from the classroom into genuine community engagement — and why that shift matters. Jason shares how his own roots as a first-generation college student from Kentucky, deeply involved in 4-H, shaped his understanding of leadership as something lived in community. He discusses community-engaged learning as a pedagogical approach that centers community partners in the learning process, and walks through concrete examples from his Civic Leadership course, including an interdisciplinary asset-mapping project spanning multiple departments and multiple semesters. Dan and Lauren reflect alongside Jason on their own teaching experiences with civic engagement, stakeholder analysis, and helping students see their capacity to lead and make change — now, not later.

 

Resources and works mentioned in this episode include:

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NDSL Issue 185: Pop Culture’s Contributions to Leadership Development with Dr. Kat Callahan and Dr. Sean Connable

In this episode of The Leadership Educator Podcast, Lauren and Dan talk with Dr. Kat Callahan and Dr. Sean Connable about New Directions for Student Leadership Issue 185, Pop Culture’s Contributions to Leadership Development. The conversation explores how leadership educators can use pop culture as more than an attention-getter and instead treat it as a serious tool for examining storytelling, cultural values, identity, and leadership development. Listeners will hear examples from podcasts, sports, comic books, television, and other cultural spaces, along with practical ideas for helping students critically examine the stories that shape how society defines leadership.

Resources and works mentioned in this episode include:

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Intro to Season 12

In this episode, Dan and Lauren are back for Season 12 of The Leadership Educator Podcast. Before diving into the season, they catch listeners up on where they have been since May 2025 — what they have been working on, what they have published, and what is ahead. This season focuses on specific instructional strategies leadership educators use to facilitate learning across curricular and co-curricular spaces. Guests will discuss strategies such as reflection, community-engaged learning, teaching with film and media, team building, AI, and more.

Updates and resources mentioned in this episode include:

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Season 11 Outro Episode: Teaching Activities in Leadership Spaces

In this episode of The Leadership Educator Podcast, Dan and Lauren wrap up Season 11 by reflecting on the innovative tools and themes explored throughout the series. They explore how reflection, healthy competition, storytelling, gamification, and online simulations are transforming leadership education. Guests from the season share insights on designing meaningful learning experiences, using digital tools with purpose, and creating emotionally resonant leadership development environments. The conversation offers practical strategies and key reflections for leadership educators and practitioners seeking to level up their impact.

What to Expect When Attending the 2025 ILA Leadership Education Academy with Drs. Corey Seemiller and Nathan Eva

In this episode, Dan and Lauren go behind the scenes of the 2025 International Leadership Association’s Leadership Education Academy with co-founder and co-chair Dr. Corey Seemiller and co-chair Dr. Nathan Eva. They talk about what’s new in the evolving curriculum, the energy and fun that make the experience unforgettable, and how LEA continues to foster a strong, inclusive community of leadership educators.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

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Teaching Leadership in Real Time: Inside the Interactive Skills Lab with Gary Lloyd

In this episode, hosts Dan and Lauren speak with Gary Lloyd, founder of The Leadership Skills Lab and author of Gardeners Not Mechanics: How to Cultivate Change at Work. With decades of experience leading change in financial markets and banking, Gary shares how his interactive, web-based platform leverages coaching, role play, and AI to support leadership growth. He challenges traditional approaches to change management, advocating for adaptive, organic leadership development. Gary also reflects on his recent keynote conversation at the ILA’s AI in Leadership Summit, offering insights into the evolving role of AI in leader learning and performance.

NDSL #184: Advancing Student Leadership Through Intentional Training and Facilitation

In this episode, Dan and Lauren speak with the co-editors of New Directions for Student Leadership #184, Drs. Jonathan R. Kroll, Cameron C. Beatty, and Amber Manning-Ouellette. They explore Facilitating Leadership Development in Training Contexts, released in Winter 2024. This special issue centers on student leadership training and emphasizes the need for leadership educators to both understand the theories, history, and complexities of the field and to model healthy leadership habits that help individuals thrive and organizations flourish. The editors share their collaborative process and underscore the importance of self-reflective practice, authentic identity development, and the creation of belonging in leadership spaces. The issue highlights facilitation strategies that move beyond lecture-style delivery to support meaningful leadership learning and application.

The Role of Competition in Leadership Education with Drs. Lisa Kuron & Kris Gerhardt

In this episode of The Leadership Educator Podcast, hosts Dan and Lauren connect with Drs. Lisa Kuron and Kris Gerhardt from Wilfrid Laurier University, where they teach in the Leadership Program within the Department of Human & Social Sciences. Active in ILA, ALE, and MOBTS, both are closely involved with the Collegiate Leadership Competition (CLC), a global initiative that turns leadership into a high-impact, team-based learning experience. Lisa and Kris share how they use competition and team building in their leadership courses, offering evidence-based strategies and real-world examples to support student growth and engagement.

The Power of Team Building and Team Becoming in Leadership Education with Lacey Grey Hunter & Lori Throupe

In this episode of The Leadership Educator Podcast, hosts  Dan and Lauren sit down with Dr. Lacey Grey Hunter and Lori Throupe from Christopher Newport University. Lacey serves as Director of the President’s Leadership Program and adjunct faculty, while Lori is the Faculty Director of Academic Success and a leadership faculty member. Together, they explore the concepts of team building and team becoming as powerful strategies in leadership education. They discuss evidence-based practices, the role of followership, and how feedback supports the development of strong, collaborative teams across curricular and co-curricular settings.

NDSL #183: Applying the Leadership Learning Framework in Practice

In this episode, Dan and Lauren discuss the latest issue of New Directions for Student Leadership with special issue co-editors Drs. Brittany Devies and Ana C. Maia. They explore NDSL #183: Applying the Leadership Learning Framework in Practice, released in Fall 2024. Brittany and Ana share insights on how the Leadership Learning Framework can be applied to enhance student leadership development, improve organizational effectiveness, and create more intentional learning experiences.

 

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

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The Power of Storytelling in Leadership Education with Dr. Shannon Cleverley-Thompson

In this episode of The Leadership Educator Podcast, hosts Dan and Lauren sit down with Dr. Shannon Cleverley-Thompson, President of Cleverly Consulting and Dissertation-in-Practice Chair at Creighton University. With over 15 years of experience teaching in executive leadership programs, Shannon shares how storytelling can be a transformative tool in leadership education. She dives into evidence-based practices, real-world applications, and practical strategies that educators and leaders can use to enhance engagement and impact. Resources mentioned in this episode include:

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From Parenting to Pipe Cleaners: Dr. Paige Haber-Curran on Creative Leadership Activities

In this episode of The Leadership Educator, hosts Dan and Lauren talk with Dr. Paige Haber-Curran about creating engaging teaching activities for leadership education. Drawing from her experiences as both an educator and a parent, she reveals how inspiration for innovative classroom techniques can emerge from everyday life. Dr. Haber-Curran shares insights into the origins of the Great Ideas Teach & Share session at the International Leadership Association (ILA) conference and offers practical strategies for designing activities that motivate and inspire students.

Thinking as Reflection in Leadership Education

In this episode, Dan and Lauren discuss integrating reflection into leadership classes and programs with Dr. Jillian Volpe White. Jillian shares things to consider when adding reflection to your teaching and workshop plans. All share ways they have used it in the classroom or trainings.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

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Adding Gaming to Leadership Learning

In this episode, Dan and Lauren speak with Dr. Joe Lasley, an educator and scholar who integrates gaming into leadership courses and training. Together, they discuss their experiences incorporating games into classrooms and workshops. Joe also shares valuable resources for those looking to get started.

Incorporating Improv Into Leadership Education with Corey Seemiller & Jess Hill

In this episode, Dan speaks with Drs. Corey Seemiller and Jessica Hill about adding improv exercises to leadership courses and workshops.  Resources mentioned include:

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Season 11 Intro: Teaching Activities in Leadership Spaces

In this episode, Dan and Lauren preview the theme for this season, focusing on teaching activities within leadership classrooms and programs. They begin with a few professional updates before exploring the topics that will be discussed throughout the season.  Other updates mentioned in this episode include:

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Inside the Classroom: Season Finale

In the final episode of season 10, Dan and Lauren  reflect on their experiences from the season. They revisit conversations with faculty members about their innovative courses and explore the diverse approaches to teaching leadership. The duo shares key takeaways and lessons learned from various episodes, discussing classroom strategies and the challenges faced by educators.

Some resources from the episode include: 

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Inside the Classroom: Followership Courses

In this episode, Dan and Lauren dive into a masterclass on teaching followership with Drs. Mark Rennaker and Mike Linville from Indiana Wesleyan University's Division of Leadership & Followership Studies. They explore how followership education enhances leadership development, sharing insights from their undergraduate and graduate courses. The conversation delves into assignments, like charting leadership systems, and impactful readings, such as works by Kellerman and Chaleff, to help students reframe their understanding of roles, responsibilities, and hierarchies. Mark and Mike also discuss how personal beliefs and societal factors shape their teaching, providing leadership educators with tools to foster meaningful discussions and student engagement.

Inside the Classroom: Teaching Civility and Constructive Debate in Leadership

In this episode, Dan and Lauren dive into a conversation with Dr. Donnette Noble and Jesse New about their approach to teaching a civic leadership course. They discuss how leadership educators can foster civility and constructive debate in a polarized society by integrating critical thinking assignments, impactful texts, and reflective learning. All share practical strategies to help create meaningful classroom discussions and inspire students to engage with challenging topics.