Downright Mindful
Downright Mindful
Podcast Description
Downright Mindful: Exploring People, Perspectives, and Purpose
Hosted by Matt Parris and Paul Sausville, Downright Mindful is a podcast that dives deep into the stories, moments, and musings that define us. From the classroom to the community, history to human connection, we share thought-provoking conversations with everyday people who leave an extraordinary impact.
Each episode brings candid discussions, insightful reflections, and a touch of humor as we explore life’s big questions: What shapes our choices? How do our perspectives evolve? And what does it truly mean to live with purpose?
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores themes of personal connection, historical narratives, and societal issues, with episodes covering the impact of music on history, discussions around legal concepts in education, and personal reflections on individualism and masculinity. Topics often dive deep into cultural commentary, exemplified in episodes like 'Buffalo Soldiers' which examines the power of music and language, and 'From Corrections to the Classroom,' where personal career stories intersect with broader societal discussions.
Real conversations. Real people. Real life.
Hosted by Matt Parris and Paul Sausville, Downright Mindful is a long-form podcast that blends humor, reflection, and storytelling. From small-town life and teaching to fatherhood, faith, and the human condition — every episode aims to slow things down and think a little deeper.
Produced by Downright Mindful Media in Cleveland, Tennessee.
In Episode 65, Paul and Matt sit down with Richard Jackson and Katie DelBonis, two educators whose work often happens quietly but makes a lasting impact.
Richard, a former school counselor turned career coach for Bradley County Schools, shares how he now helps students explore career paths as early as middle school and even fifth grade. His work opens doors to CTE opportunities, workforce training, and real-world decision making long before students are asked to choose what comes next.
Katie, a school counselor at Walker Valley High School, talks about a powerful student-led project where teens identify real needs in their own peer community and step in to help. From coordinating anonymous giving to delivering Christmas support to families, Katie plays the role of protector, organizer, and sometimes Santa Claus all at once.
Along the way, Richard and Katie share hometown stories, Lee University connections, and what it really means to walk alongside students during the most formative years of their lives.
This episode is about guidance, dignity, and showing up in ways most people never see.
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Disclaimer
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