Contagious Culture

#63 | A Culture of Reading: Building Lifelong Learners in Every Classroom

What does the data really show about literacy in America? Nearly 14% of adults can’t read beyond a fifth-grade level, and half of U.S. adults struggle with books written at an eighth-grade level. Among students, only about 30% are reading proficiently and recent scores reveal the lowest performance in three decades.
In this episode, Kyle S. King unpacks the crisis behind the numbers and shares practical, inspiring ways to build a true culture of reading. From the story of his son Carter learning new words, to strategies that blend student interests with reading practice, Kyle shows how small, consistent steps, like choosing texts that connect to students’ passions, reading aloud, and celebrating progress, can transform reading from a task into a habit.
Drawing parallels between training for an ultramarathon and developing literacy, this conversation reminds us that readers aren’t born overnight—they’re built, one page, one word, one choice at a time.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make reading stick in classrooms, homes, or communities, this episode will give you the data, the stories, and the strategies to help create lifelong readers.
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#62 | The Heart of Fundraising: Building Relationships That Drive Impact W/ Dr. Dan Freeman

Fundraising isn’t about transactions it’s about transformation. In this episode, Dr. Dan Freeman joins us to unpack the true heart of fundraising: relationships. Together, we explore how authentic connection, trust, and storytelling drive impact far more than numbers on a spreadsheet.
Dr. Freeman shares lessons from his years of experience in philanthropy and higher education, offering practical strategies for cultivating donors, sustaining partnerships, and aligning generosity with mission.
Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, school administrator, or someone passionate about making a difference, this conversation will give you tools to fundraise with integrity and to lead with heart.
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#61 | Your Worth is More Valuable Than Your Paycheck

In this episode, Kyle unpacks the tension so many of us feel between who we are and what we do. From titles and paychecks to cars, clothes, and neighborhoods, it’s easy to let our identity get tied to performance and possessions. But what happens when all of that disappears?
Kyle shares his personal journey of navigating career transitions, hitting rock bottom, and rebuilding with accountability. He reflects on the identity crisis that came when leaving leadership, the pressure to keep up in a success-driven culture, and the deeper questions of legacy, meaning, and self-worth.
If you’ve ever felt “behind,” defined by your role, or unsure of who you are outside of what you produce, this episode is for you. Walk away with a reminder that your worth was never meant to be measured by money or titles, but by the values you live out and the legacy you leave.
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#60 | Turning Failure into Fuel W/ Jacob Brown

Failure is often seen as the end of the road, but what if it’s the very spark that ignites growth, resilience, and success? In this powerful conversation, Jacob Brown joins Kyle to unpack how setbacks can become setups for something greater. Together, they explore the lessons hidden in loss, the mindset shifts that turn obstacles into opportunities, and the practical steps anyone can take to transform failure into fuel.
Whether you’re an educator, leader, or entrepreneur, this episode will challenge you to rethink the role of failure in your journey and inspire you to keep moving forward with purpose and persistence.
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#59 | Presence Centered Leadership W/ Christian Johnson

What does it really mean to lead with presence? In this episode of Contagious Culture, Kyle sits down with Christian Johnson for a conversation that goes beyond titles and tasks to uncover the deeper impact of showing up fully in leadership. Christian shares how presence, being grounded, authentic, and intentional, can transform not only how leaders carry themselves, but also how teams, families, and communities respond.
Together, they explore how presence builds trust, shapes culture, and sustains influence in a world that constantly pulls leaders in a hundred different directions. This dialogue is both a reminder and a challenge: leadership isn’t about doing more, it’s about being more. By choosing presence, leaders unlock the capacity to connect deeply, inspire authentically, and create environments where people can thrive.
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#58 | Becoming the Experience Maker in Every Day Interactions W/ Dan Gingiss

What if the difference between being remembered and being overlooked came down to the experiences you create in everyday moments?
In this episode of Contagious Culture, Kyle sits down with Dan Gingiss, international keynote speaker, customer experience expert, and author of The Experience Maker, to explore how leaders, educators, and organizations can stand out by making small, intentional choices that leave a lasting impact.
Dan shares why experience is the new differentiator, how to turn ordinary interactions into extraordinary ones, and practical strategies you can start applying immediately, whether you’re leading a classroom, a company, or a community.
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#57 | Growth Mindset, Restoring Confidence and Driving Impact

Do you feel like your confidence has been shaken at work, in education, or in life? This episode is for you.
We dive into how to restore confidence, embrace a growth mindset, and take courageous action to create real impact. From silencing your inner critics to healing past doubts and fears, we explore practical strategies for staying motivated and inspired, even when the system or people around you feel draining.
Learn how to transform your mindset, produce results, and drive impact in your community, classroom, or organization. You’ll hear actionable steps, reflective questions, and insights to help you reclaim your courage, lead with purpose, and create a contagious culture that multiplies impact.
Tune in and discover why confidence isn’t just a feeling, it’s the foundation for courage, growth, and lasting influence.

#56 | How Positivity Multiplies in Schools

In this episode, we explore how positivity isn’t just a “feel-good” idea, it’s a multiplier that transforms entire school communities. Drawing from research in psychology and education, we break down how positive emotions expand creativity, build resilience, and strengthen relationships among students, teachers, and families. 
You’ll hear practical examples of how small shifts in mindset and culture can spark ripple effects across classrooms, boosting academic outcomes and creating environments where everyone thrives. Whether you’re an educator, school leader, or parent, this conversation will show you how contagious positivity can be and why schools that intentionally cultivate it see lasting results.
Order Your Copy of Contagious Culture: Creating an Ecosystem of Academic Excellence
Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast
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📞 Schedule Your Call Here
🖥️  Visit The Website
👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn