337: The Long-Awaited Special Guest Episode

Higher Ed AV PodcastEpisode 337The Long-Awaited Special Guest EpisodeIn this special episode of the Higher Ed AV Podcast, Joe welcomes a long-awaited guest, his wife, Amy, for a candid, hilarious conversation that pulls back the curtain on their life behind the scenes. Together, they reflect on the sacrifices, support, and real-world tradeoffs that shaped Joe’s career journey, balancing ambition, family, and the grind of leadership. The episode closes on a powerful note as Amy shares a message about grace and contentment, reminding listeners they don’t have to build their lives alone.The conversation opens with pure “Way household” energy, Joe and Amy playfully spar over his signature intro, the pressure of being on video, and what it’s like stepping into a space where thousands of listeners feel familiar, even if Amy would rather stay behind the scenes. Joe admits he rarely scripts episodes, but tries this time… only to watch it immediately go off the rails in the best way. It’s light, authentic, and sets the tone for an episode that feels more like a front-porch conversation than a formal interview.From there, they move into the real stuff: their blended family, the behind-the-curtain reality of Joe’s career trajectory, and the seasons where Amy carried extra weight at home while Joe pursued degrees and chased the next calling. Amy speaks candidly about what that looked like day-to-day with kids, schedules, dinner, the emotional load while Joe acknowledges the cost and names something many leaders forget. Career growth is rarely an individual accomplishment… it’s often built on unseen support, shared sacrifice, and a partner willing to hold the rope while you climb.They also take a fun detour through “conference life” as Amy describes being dropped into the pro AV world with trips to Barcelona and Bangkok, rooftop bars, industry personalities, and the moments that made her realize this community is both nerdy and genuinely relational. But her sharpest insight comes as an outsider looking in… Titles don’t impress her, character does. That perspective becomes a mirror for Joe’s imposter syndrome and constant drive for “more,” and it lands as a timely lesson for leaders: not everyone is chasing the same ladder, and success isn’t always promotion, it’s alignment with what matters most.By the end, this episode stops being “Joe finally got Amy on the mic” and becomes an enduring a reminder that the best leadership is anchored before it’s amplified. The laughs are real, but so is the message… Ambition without connection will always feel hollow, and achievement without gratitude will never feel like enough. Whether you’re building a career, a team, or a legacy, the takeaway is simple, don’t do it alone. Let faith, community, and the people who truly know you keep you grounded, so the life you’re building is one you can actually live.Connect with Joe Way:Web: https://www.josiahway.comLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/josiahwayX (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/josiahwayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/josiahway