

The Bright Morning Podcast with Elena Aguilar
Elena Aguilar
It’s possible for every coaching conversation to build connection and spark change, and Elena Aguilar will show you how. Elena Aguilar is one of education’s leading voices on coaching. Educators around the globe use her research-based coaching method to transform their organizations. Her company, Bright Morning, brings the ideas in her best-selling books to life by providing world-class professional development to mission-driven leaders. In The Bright Morning Podcast, Elena teaches you how to make every conversation count by demonstrating Transformational Coaching conversations. Every episode tackles a pressing coaching challenge. Resistance. Racism. Burnout. Overwhelm. Struggling new teachers. You’ll find it all here. If you’re ready to thrive in your work, listen in. New episodes drop every Monday. To learn more about Elena, go deeper into every episode, find the resources and tools she mentions, or join one of her workshops, check out https://brightmorningteam.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 26, 2026 • 10min
You Want to Coach Emotions? Start Here: Episode 277
In this foundational episode, Elena Aguilar shares why understanding emotions is essential for Transformational Coaching. You’ll walk away with a reflective practice to deepen your emotional fluency. This episode sets the stage for a new way to show up—for yourself and your team.Keep learning: Attend Coaching for Retention and Resilience Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC for 24/7 supportRead Arise. Chapters 7 and 8 dive deep into coaching emotionsWatch The Bright Morning Podcast on YouTubeFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show:Rate and review usReflection questions: What emotions do you find hardest to witness or sit with in others?What did you learn about emotions in your own upbringing—and how might that shape how you coach?How could honoring emotions more intentionally transform your coaching conversations?Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.Episode Transcript

Jan 19, 2026 • 10min
Coaching Through Core Values: Episode 276
If you’re looking for a way to start the year with depth and clarity in your coaching conversations, this episode is for you. Elena explores the power of coaching through core values—especially at the beginning of a new year. You’ll learn how to bring values into your coaching conversations to help others reconnect with who they are and how they want to lead. Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC for 24/7 support all year longFree community webinars Watch The Bright Morning Podcast on YouTubeReceive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show: Rate and review usReflection questions: Which of your core values do you want to live into more fully this year?How could revisiting values support a client who’s struggling with self-doubt or disconnection?What’s one question you can ask this week to bring values into the coaching space?Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.Episode Transcript

Jan 12, 2026 • 8min
When Energy is Low and Needs are High Episode 275
If you’re returning from break and feeling like your energy is low but the demands are already high, this episode is for you. Elena shares a practical tool to help you stay anchored when your energy is low and the demands are high. Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC for 24/7 supportWatch The Bright Morning Podcast on YouTubeFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show:Become a Friend of the Podcast Rate and review usReflection questions: What do you most need to remember about yourself in this season?What truths help you stay grounded when your energy is low?What would your leadership mantra be right now—and how could you keep it close?Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.Episode Transcript

Jan 5, 2026 • 7min
Restarting with Intention: Episode 274
If you’re coming back from winter break and want to start this next chapter with clarity and calm, this episode is for you. Elena shares a powerful ritual to help coaches and leaders return from winter break with clarity and intention. Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Starting the Year Strong Skill SessionsWatch The Bright Morning Podcast on YouTubeFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show:Rate and review usReflection questions: What are you bringing with you into this new year—and what do you want to leave behind?Who do you want to be in this next chapter of your work?What’s one small action you can take this week to align with that intention?Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.Episode Transcript

Dec 29, 2025 • 5min
How to Re-Enter with Intention After Break: Ep 273
Returning from break doesn’t have to mean jumping back into the chaos. In this special episode, Elena offers three reflection questions to help you re-enter your work with clarity, peace, and power.Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLCFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxWatch the Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube and subscribe to our channelBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show:Rate and review usReflection questions: Who do I want to be as I re-enter my work?What do I want to prioritize this season?What can I let go of to move forward with more ease?Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.Episode Transcript

Dec 22, 2025 • 5min
How to Sign Off for Winter Break with Intention: Ep 272
How do you leave the year behind and truly rest? In this special episode, Elena offers five powerful questions to help you reflect, release, and step into winter break with intention.Notable moments: Keep learning: Free community webinars Elena’s reflection prompts:What am I proud of?What did I learn?What am I carrying that I want to set down?What do I want to remember?What do I need in order to rest?Coach Learning Library and PLCReceive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxWatch the Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube and subscribe to our channelBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show:Rate and review usReflection questions: What am I proud of this season?What do I need to set down before stepping into rest?What would it look like to come back in January feeling renewed?Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.Episode Transcript

Dec 15, 2025 • 6min
What If They Don’t Want to Come Back?: Ep 271
Dreading January? You’re not alone—and neither are your clients.In this episode, Elena shares how to help educators return from break with renewed clarity, compassion, and a plan they actually want to follow.Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Preparing for January Skill SessionFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxWatch the Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube and subscribe to our channelBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show:Rate and review usReflection questions: What emotions do your clients (or you) tend to bring into January?What’s one question you could ask to help someone reconnect with their purpose?How do you want to feel in the first week back—and what will help you get there?Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.Episode Transcript

Dec 8, 2025 • 6min
How to End the Year on a High Note: Ep 270
December is a blur—but it doesn’t have to be a missed opportunity. In this episode, Elena shares how to help your clients reflect, celebrate, and close out the calendar year with clarity and pride.Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Closing Out the Calendar Year Skill SessionFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxWatch the Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube and subscribe to our channelBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show:Rate and review usReflection questions: How do you usually close out the year with your clients—and what might be missing?What would it mean for you to end this year feeling proud and grounded?Who in your client roster most needs a moment of reflection and recognition right now?Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.Episode Transcript

Dec 2, 2025 • 7min
Updating Admin About a Struggling Teacher: Episode 269
Worried about a struggling teacher—and not sure what to tell your admin? In this episode, Elena shares how to raise concerns with honesty, integrity, and care for everyone involved.Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Updating an Admin on a Struggling Teacher Skill SessionFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxWatch the Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube and subscribe to our channelBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show:Rate and review usReflection questions: What are your current beliefs about updating admin on a struggling client?What emotions come up for you in these situations—and what might those emotions be trying to tell you?What would it look like to navigate this kind of conversation with both courage and compassion?Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.Episode Transcript

Nov 24, 2025 • 6min
How to Bring Your Coaching Skills to the Thanksgiving Table: Ep 268
What if your coaching skills could help you navigate Thanksgiving? In this special episode, Elena Aguilar shares how to bring curiosity, presence, and boundaries to your holiday gatherings—and build connection even across lines of difference.Notable moments: Keep learning: Free community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxWatch the Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube and subscribe to our channelBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show:Rate and review usReflection questions: What emotions do you typically carry into holiday gatherings—and where do they come from?What coaching skills or stances could support you this week?What’s one small action you can take to feel more grounded during your Thanksgiving meal?Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.Episode Transcript


