Bold By Choice Podcast
🎙️ Bold by Choice – Official Podcast Description
Bold by Choice is the podcast that tells the untold stories of the charter school movement—its origins, innovations, and ongoing evolution. Hosted by Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner of the National Charter Schools Institute, each episode brings together bold thinkers, doers, and trailblazers who are shaping the future of public education.
Whether you’re an authorizer, board member, school leader, teacher, or education advocate, Bold by Choice offers deep conversations, practical insights, and real-life stories from the frontlines of chartering. From navigating policy and governance to centering students and communities, this podcast is your go-to space for truth-telling, inspiration, and unapologetically bold ideas.
Because chartering isn’t just a process—it’s a promise.
- Update frequency
- every 7 days
- Average duration
- 39 minutes
- Episodes
- 13
- Years Active
- 2025
S2 E2 Ted Kolderie – You Can’t Expect New Results from Old Designs
In this episode, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner reflect on the life and legacy of Ted Kolderie, whose groundbreaking ideas reframed chartering not just as a type of school, but as a system re…
S2 E1 Where It All Began – The Roots of Chartering
In our Season 2 premiere, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner travel back to the spark that ignited a national movement. With guests Don Cooper and Ember Reichgott Junge, we trace the formative id…
S1 E10 What’s Next – Season 2 Preview & What We’re Excited About
In this special live episode recorded at the National Charter School Alliance Conference, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner celebrate 30 years of chartering and offer a preview of what’s ahead i…
S1 E9 Who We Serve – Authorizers, Boards, and School Leaders
In this episode of Bold By Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner shine a light on the three essential roles that uphold the charter school promise: authorizers, governing boards, and school …
S1 E8 Innovation & Support – Beyond Compliance
In this dynamic episode of Bold By Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner welcome special guest Don Cooper, Senior Fellow at the National Charter…
S1 E7 Closure Doesn’t Have to Be the END
In this heartfelt and candid episode of Bold By Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner tackle one of the toughest topics in charter school leadership—closure. Joined by Heather Wendling from …
S1 E6 Renewal – Earning the Right to Continue
In this insightful and reflective episode of Bold By Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner welcome Mary Bradley, Chief Operating Officer, and Heather Wendling, VP of Professional Services, f…
S1 E5 Oversight – Balancing Autonomy and Accountability
In this thoughtful and engaging episode of Bold By Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner welcome Alyson Murphy, Partner at the National Charter Schools Institute, to delve into the delicate …
S1 E4 Authorization & Start-Up – Getting Off the Ground
In this practical and insightful episode of Bold By Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner welcome Mark Weinberg, Vice President of Leadership and Learning at the National Charter Schools Ins…
S1 E3 The Charter Application: Co-Creating a Vision for a Great School
In this dynamic episode of Bold By Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner sit down with special guest Heather Wendling, Vice President of Professional Services at the National Charter Schools…
S1 E2 What Is a Charter School Life Cycle and Why Does It Matter?
In this insightful episode of Bold By Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner welcome special guest Mary Bradley, Chief Operating Officer at the National Charter Schools Institute, to explore …
S1 E1 Welcome to the Show – Who We Are & Why We're Here
Welcome to the Bold By Choice podcast — real talk about charter schools, from the boardroom to the classroom. In this inaugural episode, co-hosts Vashaunta Harris and Dr. Jim Goenner invite you into …
Bold Choice Podcast S1 trailer
What does it really take to lead in today’s charter school movement? In this season trailer, co-hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner set the stage for Bold by Choice—a podcast that brings together …