Welcome to Leading Adam, a podcast hosted by Adam Binkerd, a national expert in student success who has defied the odds to transform from a landscaper to a thought leader in education and innovation. With over a decade of research and real-world experience, Adam shares compelling stories and actionable insights on how leading oneself, leading others, and cultivating a strong culture are key to both personal and organizational success. Whether you're an educator or simply passionate about leadership, this podcast offers practical takeaways and engaging discussions that can help you make a lasting impact.
Co-hosted by Erika Crabtree, the Leading Adam podcast is brought to you by 240 Solutions. Connect with us at 240solutions.com.
S3E4: Raised in Pain, Rooted in Peace: Sara Sanders’ Story of Grit and Grace
In this heartfelt episode, Adam and Erika sit down with Sara Sanders to explore what real success looks like—beyond social media highlights and stereotypes. Sara opens up about her remarkable journey from a difficult childhood and foster care to earning multiple degrees, becoming an executive enrollment counselor, and raising two children with faith and perseverance. Through her story of grit, grace, and unshakeable love, Sara reminds us that peace, healing, and purpose come from walking in love and doing the hard work each day.
15 Oct 2025
S3E3: From Safety Pins to Service: The Grit and Grace of Diane Binkerd
In this heartfelt episode, hosts Erika Crabtree and Adam Binkerd sit down with Adam’s mother, Diane Binkerd, to explore a lifetime defined by faith, grit, and compassion. Diane shares her story growing up in a strict but loving Christian home, becoming a nurse, raising a family, starting a wallpaper business, and founding a nonprofit to help others with transportation and care. Through humor and humility, she reflects on perseverance, service, and finding joy in every season of life.
3 Oct 2025
S3E2: From Addiction to Authentic Leadership: Cody Knuckles’ StoryFrom Addiction to Authentic Leadership: Cody Knuckles’ Story
In Season 3, Episode 2, we sit down with Cody Knuckles, a plumber from Indiana whose journey from addiction and incarceration to leading 40 employees across five locations is nothing short of remarkable. Cody shares how he started as a drain cleaner, built a department, broke sales records, and now serves as a mentor and leader at Summers Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. He opens up about his struggles, faith, and the lessons in resilience, authenticity, and leadership that continue to guide his life and work.
00:00 Introduction & Cody's Early Struggles
01:48 What Drives People?—Podcast Overview
03:02 Meet Cody Knuckles: Background & Family
04:41 Cody’s Career Growth & Leadership Role
07:01 Handling Leadership Pressure
10:21 From Hands-On Work to Leading Teams
13:46 Starting From Nothing: Cody’s Turning Point
17:58 Building Skills and Gaining Confidence
21:25 Mentorship, Growth, and Leaving the Comfort Zone
24:28 Breaking Sales Records & Leading Bigger Teams
27:33 Reflecting on a Wild Career Journey
30:33 Cody's Early Life & Path to Addiction
32:36 Years Incarcerated—Dark Times and Rock Bottom
35:36 Transformation Through Faith—and Recovery
39:41 Rebuilding After Prison: Mindset & Moving Forward
43:03 Discovering Calling & Purpose
46:54 Value, Belonging, and Feeling Unconditional Love
48:46 Remaining Authentic in All Areas of Life
51:24 Influence of Role Models & Importance of Vulnerability
54:28 Celebrating Small Wins and Building Teams
56:04 The True Meaning of Authenticity
01:00:06 The Power of Authentic Leadership
01:02:30 Knowing Your Why—and How It Changes
01:03:45 Final Lessons for Leaders: See the Whole Person
01:05:46 From a Number to a Name—Claiming Your Identity
01:07:32 Reflections, Farewell & Final Thoughts
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
58,376
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 55 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
79
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
0
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