In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Meghan and Candace sit down with Barbara Bray — educator, author, speaker, and host of Rethinking Learning. From her early days as a dental hygienist to becoming a global voice in personalized learning, Barbara shares how she found her true purpose and built a life centered around passion, courage, and connection.
Barbara opens up about her journey through education, resilience in the face of personal challenges, and her mission to help others define and grow their “why.” She discusses her books Define Your Why and Grow Your Why, her belief in storytelling as a form of healing, and the importance of community and imagination in both teaching and life.
Stay tuned for the “Why Lightning Round,” where Barbara reflects on curiosity, courage, community, and what it means to live with purpose — even in the hardest seasons of life.
Defining your “why” and living with purpose
The power of storytelling in education
How to guide others in rediscovering their passions
Courage and gratitude through life’s challenges
Building community and listening to understand
Why educators need to embrace imagination and authenticity
Define Your Why and Grow Your Why by Barbara Bray
Rethinking Learning Podcast
Make Learning Personal and How to Personalize Learning
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Ikigai: The Japanese concept of life’s purpose
“You’ve got to do what you love. When you’re passionate about something and you model that, you help your kids find their own why.” – Barbara Bray
Website: barbarabray.net
Podcast: Rethinking Learning
Twitter/X: @bbray27
Instagram: @barbarabray27
