Shows
TEPSA TalkThe Surprising Power of Affirmations with Barbara GruenerJoin Barbara Gruener as she shares her 40-year journey in education, revealing how self-love and mindset shifts can reignite passion and purpose. Discover practical tips to combat burnout, embrace new roles, and transform your outlook with simple daily affirmations. Perfect for educators and leaders seeking inspiration and growth.
2026-02-2216 min
Unlocking Unlimited Potential Stories"Knit Back Together" with Barbara Gruener (E133)In episode 133 of the Unlocking Unlimited Potential STORIES Show, Dr. Brandon Beck sits down with Barbara Gruener, a 40-year educator and award-winning children’s book author.Barbara’s journey began on a dairy farm in Wisconsin, where she was inspired by her Great Aunt Norma, a dedicated teacher for 50 years. She started her career as a Spanish teacher before finding her true calling in school counseling. Throughout her career, Barbara has empowered others to discover the leader within themselves—a mission she now carries forward through her heartfelt stories.Her books, Mr. Quigley’s Keys and Bird...
2025-09-2236 min
Leaning into LeadershipEpisode 183: Empowering Leaders Through Story, Positivity, and Purpose with Barbara GruenerAre you ready to lead with clarity and purpose in 2025? Join me on Monday, December 30, at 3 PM ET for a FREE webinar: Take Control of Your Leadership: Clear Priorities, Real Results. In just one hour, you’ll learn actionable strategies to define your priorities, recognize and reinforce values, and reclaim your time for the work that truly matters.Save your spot today at www.theprincipalacademy.com/realresults—let’s kick off 2025 as your best leadership year yet!Are you feeling overwhelmed and struggling to prioritize your time as a school leader? In this episode, I share some...
2024-12-2243 min
The CharacterStrong PodcastNames Are Important - Barbara GruenerToday our guest is Barbara Gruener a seasoned consultant, mentor, author, and coach. Barbara sheds light on the significance of names in fostering respectful and compassionate relationships, particularly in school settings. We explore how using names thoughtfully can help nurture a more inclusive and caring environment for both students and staff. Barbara also introduces her latest book, which delves into the power of understanding and respect in personal relationships, offering valuable insights for educators and beyond. Learn More About CharacterStrong: Learn more about the NEW Tier 3 Solution Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Attend our next live pr...
2024-10-1117 min
The Dave Burgess Show#61 Reaching Hearts to Teach Minds with Barbara GruenerCharacter education is the passion of my wonderful guest, Barbara Gruener, on this episode of the show. Barbara is the author of 3 books, including two award-winning children's books, Mr Quigley's Keys and Birdie & Mipps. Connect with Barbara at her website or on X at @BarbaraGruener.Share your thoughts on social media using the #DaveBurgessShow hashtag!Connect with Dave:Dave Burgess Consulting, IncDaveBurgess.comX at @burgessdaveInstagram at @dbc_incTikTok at @pirate.teacher
2024-10-0354 min
Rethinking Learning PodcastReflection #19: Power of Gratitude with the BarbarasWe are Barbara Gruener and Barbara Bray excited to talk about “Gratitude” which is close to our hearts. We discuss why it is important to have gratitude as a daily habit. The post Reflection #19: Power of Gratitude with the Barbaras first appeared on Rethinking Learning.
2024-08-0931 min
Grow Your Why PodcastPower of Gratitude with the Barbaras (Reflection #19)We are Barbara Gruener and Barbara Bray excited to talk about “Gratitude” which is close to our hearts. We discuss why it is important to have gratitude as a daily habit.
The post Power of Gratitude with the Barbaras (Reflection #19) first appeared on Grow Your WHY.
2024-08-0930 min
The Counter Narrative: Changing the Way We Talk (and think) About EducationEpisode 175: Interview w/ Barbara GruenerIn this episode, I chat with Barbara Gruener, a passionate and connected educator embarking on her 40th year in this field and who is blessed to have grown alongside thousands of children and adults of all ages and stages. This nationally-recognized and sought-after speaker and coach holds a BS from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and two MS degrees from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, but more importantly, she gets to hold and dynamically shape the hearts of the people whom she has the delight to teach, mentor, coach and love. Barbara truly thrives on connecting by heart...
2023-09-2933 min
The Kindness PodcastBarbara Gruener, Author of Mr. Quigley’s Keys Author of the Mom's Choice Gold Award honorees What's Under Your Cape? and the picture book Mr. Quigley's Keys, Barbara Gruener is a bilingual educator, speaker, coach and beloved school counselor who works passionately to influence school culture. Barbara is in her 38th year in education. Barbara grew up on her family's dairy farm in Wisconsin, but today home is Texas, where she and her husband John raised their three now-adult children. Connect with Barbara at https://barbaragruenerauthor.com.
2023-02-1020 min
The Kindness PodcastBarbara Gruener, Author of Mr. Quigley’s KeysAuthor of the Mom's Choice Gold Award honorees What's Under Your Cape? and the picture book Mr. Quigley's Keys, Barbara Gruener is a bilingual educator, speaker, coach and beloved school counselor who works passionately to influence school culture. Barbara is in her 38th year in education. Barbara grew up on her family's dairy farm in Wisconsin, but today home is Texas, where she and her husband John raised their three now-adult children. Connect with Barbara at https://barbaragruenerauthor.com.
2023-02-1020 min
Inspiration, Influence and Impact#18. Laurie McIntosh: A Journey of AffirmationOur guest this episode, Laurie McIntosh, shares the role affirmation has played in her journey as an educator. She talks of her belief that schools should be a place of connection, community and healing, and her hope to be a teacher who leaves a legacy and who her students tell their grandchildren about. Laurie is most excited about, and proud of, the fact that she is helping nurture students who are 'really good people' who dream and plan really big; as well as seeing and supporting teachers to know they are 'enough'.
Laurie's inspirational, influential and impactful recommendations:
People - Dr...
2022-06-0442 min
Inspiration, Influence and Impact#10. Lisa Currie: Kindness RipplesOur guest this episode, Lisa Currie, shares how she found inspiration through tragedy, and that carrying out intentional acts of kindness brought light back into her life, which led to a calling to serve and connect with others. She discusses her passion and mission to improve the lives of children in some way, and how creating kindness ripples has impacted her life, and how she hopes to positively impact the lives of others.
Lisa's Inspirational, Influential and Impactful recommendations:
Person - Barbara Gruener
Book - 'How Full Is Your Bucket?' by Tom Rath and Donald Clifton
Podcast - Functional...
2022-02-1034 min
Inspiration, Influence and Impact#7. Barbara Gruener: Connecting by HeartOur guest this episode, Barbara Gruener, shares her mission for connecting by heart to make a world of difference, by helping elevate empathy, compassion and kindness in everyone she meets, while modeling what it means to stay centered by and rooted in gratitude, hope and love. Her passion for people is evident in her many acts of service during her 38 years in education, and in life. Barbara is a role model for learning from life’s experiences and seeking joy every day. Her genuine connections with others brings light into the world, and her passion, enthusiasm and energy leave others fee...
2021-12-1648 min
Inspiration, Influence and Impact#3. Tamara Letter: Inspired By KindnessOur guest this episode, Tamara Letter, shares where she finds inspiration to be a Kindness Cultivator, and how she aims to never miss an opportunity to show compassion, empathy and gratitude, intentionally starting each day with a kindness mindset. Tamara’s passion for kindness is inspiring. Her gift for showing love, compassion and gratitude is a lesson to us all. Just like the ripples in a pond, or the seeds of a dandelion, her influence and positive impact on the world will continue to spread for many years to come.
Tamara's Inspirational, Influential and Impactful recommendations:
People - Akilah Ellison, Rom...
2021-10-2142 min
KindSight 101Our Most Human Expression (With Barbara Gruener)Barbara Gruener is an author, school counsellor, and educator who has been in education for over 30 years. She has just written a book called Mr. Quigley’s Keys which has won several awards and is highly acclaimed throughout the education community for it’s beautiful approach to inclusion and kindness. In our conversation, we discuss the power of serendipity, creativity, and our ability as human beings to be resilient.
2021-10-0233 min
KindSight 101Our Most Human Expression (With Barbara Gruener)Barbara Gruener is an author, school counsellor, and educator who has been in education for over 30 years. She has just written a book called Mr. Quigley’s Keys which has won several awards and is highly acclaimed throughout the education community for it’s beautiful approach to inclusion and kindness. In our conversation, we discuss the power of serendipity, creativity, and our ability as human beings to be resilient.
2021-10-0233 min
In AWE Podcast with Sarah JohnsonJolt 75: Awe Inspiring Moments-Collaborative CreativitySarah reflects upon her conversation with Barbara Gruener from episode 120 and the power of collaborating in creativity.
Connect with Barbara:
Barbara's Website
Barbara on Twitter
Episode 21: In AWE of Barbara Gruener-Motherhood Series
Sarah Johnson:
Sarah's Website
Sarah on Twitter
Sarah on IG
Sarah on LinkdIN
Sarah on Facebook
In AWE Podcast
Subscribe to the Podcast
Need a high-energy, authentic presenter for your organization?
Contact Sarah Johnson for presentations on Going Beyond Balance, Leadership Foundations, Affirming Purpose, and...
2021-05-1208 min
RISE for EducatorsEpisode 52: A Conversation with Barbara Gruener on Life, Loss and her new book Mr. Quigley's Keys!In this episode, I have a heartfelt conversation with Barbara Gruener. Barbara is an amazing human being who embodies kindness and compassion. Barbara is a master people connector and her passion for uplifting others is truly special. Be sure to order a copy of her latest book, Mr. Quigley's Keys which will be available June 1st! Connect with Barbara and learn more about her work on her website barbaragruenerauthor.com. She can also be found on The Corner On Character and on Twitter @BarbaraGruener.
Thank you Barbara for your support of RISE for Educators...
2021-05-0350 minIn AWE Podcast with Sarah JohnsonEpisode 120: In AWE of Barbara Gruener-Creator SeriesAuthor of The Corner on Character blog and the book, What's Under Your Cape?, Barbara Gruener is a beloved school counselor, speaker, mentor and coach who works passionately to influence school culture and climate change while helping to foster healthy habits and nurture caring connections among school families and their stakeholders. She positively thrives on stretching empathy. In addition to spending time connecting with family and friends, Barbara loves inspiring people to savor being in the moment as they unwrap the present with gratitude and hope. She and her husband John live in Friendswood, TX.
In this...
2021-05-0134 minRISE for EducatorsEpisode 48- A Conversation with Melisa Hayes on Using Technology to Uplevel ConnectionsThis week we had the pleasure of talking to virtual second grade teacher Melisa Hayes. We met Melisa through Barbara Gruener, a former guest and now friend. This inspired us to take a deeper look at the power of these kinds of connections- the ones that aren't in our lives everyday- and in this case, people we've never met in person. The research is really interesting- "weak ties" have the power to uplift and inspire us in so many different ways. We are grateful for our chat with @hayes_melisa!
---
Send in a voice message: https://anchor...
2021-03-2235 minThe CharacterStrong PodcastSelf-Care: Beyond The Bubble Bath - Barbara GruenerNationally-recognized speaker, counselor, and author Barbara Gruener thrives on positively influencing character change, passionately helping people create caring connections, and intentionally improving school climate and culture. Her innovative, inspirational ideas are sparked by her 37 years in education growing alongside learners from every age and stage and helping them to find their purpose and pursue their passion. Her 2014 Mom's Choice Gold Award Winner, What's Under Your Cape?, is filled with engaging empowerment strategies to serve all stakeholders stretch and soar. When she's not working, Barbara enjoys spending time with her husband John and their adult children.
2020-12-1417 min
Joyful in Primary PodcastThe TRUTH about Self-Care that EVERY Teacher Needs to Hear w/ Barbara GruenerFeeling worn down, discouraged, or burned out? Join Toni and special guest, Barbara Gruener, to learn what self-care REALLY is (it's doesn't only mean a spa) and why you should absolutely be practicing it.We'll talk about self-talk, saying no, and how to avoid feeling guilty for giving your best self to the world.Links mentioned in today's episode: Blog post with Self-Care Boosters: https://teachertoni.com/selfcare/SEL blog post: https://teachertoni.com/sel/Barbara Gruener's blog: http://corneroncharacter.com/Primary Teacher Friends Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/primaryteacherfriends
2020-10-2926 minKindSight 101Make Kindness Normal (With Barbara Gruener)SHARING MY STORY - About BarbaraGrowing up on my family's dairy farm in Wayside, Wisconsin, I learned what it meant to work hard and make a living off the land. My parents always welcomed people into our home including foreign exchange students and foster children, so I learned to cook and manage a household at a fairly young age. I also grew to appreciate diversity and culture! These skills have all served me well as an adult. I got my education at a parochial grade school, a public high school and a Big 10 University. I love the challenge...
2020-10-1054 minKindSight 101Make Kindness Normal (With Barbara Gruener)SHARING MY STORY Growing up on my family's dairy farm in Wayside, Wisconsin, I learned what it meant to work hard and make a living off the land. My parents always welcomed people into our home including foreign exchange students and foster children, so I learned to cook and manage a household at a fairly young age. I also grew to appreciate diversity and culture! These skills have all served me well as an adult. I got my education at a parochial grade school, a public high school and a Big 10 University. I love the c...
2020-10-1054 minJoyful in Primary PodcastConnecting with Students by Heart: 3 Easy SEL Routines for your Primary ClassroomPrimary grade students count on us for content and for emotional support. Today, Barbara Gruener and I are going to share 3 strategies for social emotional learning that you can start using in your classroom now, whether you are in person or meeting virtually for distance learning. These strategies are actually routines that, with a little practice, can be completed quickly every day in your class and still bring vital growth to your students' ability to manage their emotions.Links mentioned in today's episode:Primary Teacher Friends Facebook Community: https://facebook...
2020-08-2023 minRISE for EducatorsEpisode 19: Tips on Empathy and Compassion & A Pep Talk with Barbara Gruener Today we have a lovely discussion with Barbara Gruener. Barbara is a counselor, author, speaker, life coach, and an expert on character education. Her website The Corner on Character is chock full of SEL resources for kids and adults. Her book What's Under Your Cape? SUPERHEROES of the Character Kind is an inspiring read, take a look at the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/WhatsUnderYourCape/ Be sure to check out her Virtual Classroom Survival Guide on Teachers Pay Teachers! She also has an amazing collection on Pinterest! https://www.pinterest.com/bgruener/ Find...
2020-08-1735 minJoyful in Primary PodcastHow to Build Authentic Relationships in the Virtual Classroom: Advice from true EXPERTS.Join all four Co-Authors of the Virtual Classroom Survival Guide as they share their BEST advice for creating real, authentic connections with students during distant learning. Virtual teaching may seem stressful, but deep relationships can make all the difference. You'll hear from: Dr. Jean Feldman (Early Childhood Author & Expert)Barbara Gruener (Nationally recognized Counselor, Speaker & Character Coach)Laura Buonadonna (Pre-K Expert & Digital Learning Activity Designer)Toni Mullins (Primary Teacher & Digital Curriculum Developer)
2020-08-0624 min
The Pixel Classroom PodcastEpisode 18: Build like a PirateI reflect on a previous blog post from 2016 on the 6th anniversary of reading Teach like a Pirate by Dave Burgess thanks to Barbara Gruener. This episode is about what lead me to teaching and the 5th grade teacher who influenced my life since.
2020-03-0812 min
The Compassionate Educators ShowEpisode 10: Compassion Fatigue, Part 2 of the Helper's Risk TrifectaIn part 2 of "The Helper's Risk Trifecta" series, we explore compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue is similar to burnout, but the root causes are different. In order to alleviate a problem, we have to understand the cause, so join in to discover how compassion fatigue may be impacting you or your colleagues. Additionally, I share a behind-the-scenes clip with Barbara Gruener as she shares insights on her perspective of Compassion Fatigue and her personal journey through it.As always, I give simple yet effective strategies to help.Enjoy the show.___________________________________________
2020-01-1122 minThe Compassionate Educators ShowEpisode 3: Empathy in the Classroom with Barbara GruenerJoin me as I have an enlightening conversation with Barbara Gruener about empathy. We discuss the significance of teaching children empathy in schools and how we need to build empathy "like a muscle." Discover simple yet effective strategies for incorporating empathy and SEL activities into your classroom!Barbara is a published author whose work has appeared in magazines such as Teaching Tolerance, Teaching K-8, and Daughters. She writes at The Corner on Character blog and guest posts over at the Character Educator every month. On May 30, 2014, her first book - What's Under Your Cape: SUPERHEROES of the...
2019-11-2322 minThe CharacterStrong PodcastCultivating Empathy In Our Schools - Barbara GruenerBarbara Gruener thrives on positively influencing change, passionately helping people create caring connections, and intentionally improving a school's climate and culture. Her innovative and inspirational ideas are sparked by 34 years as a Spanish teacher and school counselor growing alongside students from every age and stage, Pre-K through 12th grade. A connected educator, Barbara loves leading supercharged character-development growth sessions with students, parents, teachers and administrators. Her book, What's Under Your Cape? SUPERHEROES of the Character Kind, earned a Mom's Choice Gold Award for supporting caregivers with stories and strategies to use as they help develop character strengths in young...
2019-10-1413 minRethinking Learning PodcastEpisode #82: Connecting By Heart with Barbara GruenerBarbara Gruener loves the challenge of being an educator and staying current as things trend in and out of our field. She is a coach, mentor, consultant, speaker, and author of What’s Under Your Cape.Barbara especially enjoys working with people as they discover who they are, what they stand for, what motivates them, and what they want and need. Enjoy our conversation!Where you grew upGrowing up on my family's dairy farm in Wayside, Wisconsin, I learned what it meant to work hard and make a living off the land. My parents always we...
2019-09-0939 min
EduMagic Future Teacher PodcastKids before content: A conversation with Barbara Gruener 06Among being a coach, mentor, speaker, and author, Barbara Gruener is an educator with many years of experience teaching all grade levels K-12! Our conversation is full of laughs, advice, and amazing teaching stories. Let's connect on Twitter and Instagram @SFecich - share all that you are learning with #EduMagic. Please subscribe, rate, and review! Check out the show notes: https://www.sfecich.com/blog/kids-before-content-a-conversation-with-barbara-gruener Connect with Dr. Sam Fecich Do you want to continue the conversation beyond the podcast? You can connect with me for more resources, inspiration, and s...
2019-05-2831 minIn AWE Podcast with Sarah JohnsonEpisode 21: In AWE of Barbara Gruener--Motherhood SeriesVeteran school counselor Barbara Gruener had the pleasure of working with kids from every age and stage, preK - 12th, during her 34 years in public education. Author of the blog The Corner on Character and the book What’s Under Your Cape? SUPERHEROES of the Character Kind, Barbara enjoys positively influencing change through her inspirational keynotes and interactive workshops. When she’s not working, you can bet Barbara is knitting, baking, writing, reading, walking, gardening, napping, or spending time with her husband and their three children.
Wonderfully, AWE is Barbara’s one word for 2019 and through her story...
2019-05-0640 minThe CharacterStrong PodcastPurposeFull People: The Time for Character is Now! - Barbara GruenerBarbara Gruener enjoyed the gift of growing alongside learners from Pre-K through High School for 34 years, first as a Spanish teacher and then as a school counselor. She is the author of The Corner on Character blog and the book What's Under Your Cape? Her newest passions include hosting her Character Speaks podcast, being a Character Strong teammate, and serving as a mentor and coach. We talk with Barbara about the launch of PurposeFull People, CharacterStrong's new K-5 Character Toolkit coming in the Fall of 2019.
2019-05-0120 min
KindSight 101#17: Can You Teach Kindness and Empathy? : Actionable, Proven Tips You Can Implement in Your Class Starting Today (with Barbara Gruener)Some people believe that empathy is intrinsic, something you’re either born with or you’re not. Well, my guest today believes that all children have the capacity to be kind, compassionate contributors, we just have to be willing to teach them how. You’ll come away from this conversation inspired to start the 21-day kindness challenge, with a ton of easy to implement tips and strategies for the classroom, with lesson ideas, and with service-based projects to dig into with your students. Enjoy!
Currently having completed her 34th year school counselor in Friendswood, Texas, Barbara Gruener, has ha...
2018-07-1654 min
2018-06-0955 min
2018-06-0957 min
2018-06-0955 min
EdspirationEmpathy Matters | Preventing the Selfie AbsorbedThe root of kindness is empathy. It gives kindness the fuel it needs to be acted out. It’s important to help students by giving them the voice and choice they need to express empathy. Energetic author Barbara Gruener shares her tips and practical ideas to weave empathy into the lives of young people and gives important advice regarding how we can express empathy for ourselves too. Empathy works so spread it like confetti!
The Edspiration Inbox Answers…
“What things can we actually manage when it comes to bullying prevention in our school since there seem to...
2015-10-2832 min
Family Confidential: Secrets of Successful Parenting with Annie Fox, M.Ed.FCV034 Character counts. Big Time!, Barbara GruenerSchool bullying gets an awful lot of media coverage. Character education, not so much. And yet if we are truly serious about reducing peer conflict in school, we've got to be educating kids to be empathetic, compassionate humans with the social courage to do the right thing, online and off. Annie talks with school counselor Barabara Gruener about her new book "What's Under your Cape? Superheroes of the Character Kind". They also discuss why character counts and why teaching kids people skills needs to be a top priority for 21st century parents and educators.
About Barbara Gruener
School counselor and...
2014-10-2900 min