“What If? And Why Not?” - Leadership in Christian Education with Casey Farris Artwork

Gladness & Hunger with Leanne W. Smith

Author/Professor Leanne W. Smith sits down with key individuals to mine the magic of their vocational stories. Inspired by Frederick Buechner who said the key to a career satisfying to both soul and pocketbook was to find “where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet," this podcast is geared to writers, students, story lovers, and anyone seeking inspiration for their own vocational journey.

As a fiction writer and business professor at Lipscomb University with a heart to teach students how to build sustainable careers that actually feed their soul, Smith's deep gladness is in sharing messages of hope and inspiration like these.

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Gladness & Hunger with Leanne W. Smith

“What If? And Why Not?” - Leadership in Christian Education with Casey Farris

February 17, 2026 • Leanne W. Smith • Season 6 • Episode 2

0:00 | 39:26

Bad weather and flight delays make some people surly, but one of the most enjoyable days I’ve ever had in an airport happened under these very conditions, all because Casey Farris was there to bring fun, curiosity, and perspective into the moment.

In this episode, I sit down with Casey Farris, a father, educator, leader, and the President of Madison Academy in Huntsville, Alabama, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, Christian education, and cultivating calm in chaotic environments.

Casey reflects on the people and experiences that shaped him, the path that led him into Christian education, and the leadership principles that continue to guide his work today.

Together, we explore:

The formative influences of childhood and mentorship
How Casey found his way into Christian education and school leadership
What healthy, effective leadership looks like in real life
The qualities that matter most when hiring, collaborating, and building strong teams
Staying calm, curious, and grounded during crisis situations
Choosing to learn something from every situation
The importance of family, presence, joy, and having fun along the way

If you want to grow as a leader, learn how to find silver linings, and bring calm and hope wherever you are, tune in and get to know Casey Farris, a man I’ve come to think of as a true national treasure.

0:00 Intro

0:52 Meet Casey Farris: Background & Story

3:24 Was Casey Always This Fun? Childhood & Personality

5:25 Major Influences That Shaped Casey’s Life

12:33 The Path Into Christian Education

17:38 Mid-roll on Mentorship

18:58 What Strong Leadership Really Looks Like

25:30 Hiring Well: What Casey Looks for in People

28:42 Staying Calm and Grounded in Crisis Situations

31:19 Leanne on Developing a Calm, Steady Spirit

33:01 The Gift of Family: Marriage, Kids & Being Present

36:25 Fi