Leave the Pile Higher
"My job is to leave the pile higher for you and your sister."
That was my father's philosophy long before I understood it—and decades before I ever thought about launching a podcast. He never used the word legacy.
He simply lived it.
In 1983, faced with financial sacrifices and difficult choices, my father made a decision that changed the trajectory of my life. Rather than take the easier path, he chose to invest in my future. At the time, I didn't fully appreciate what that sacrifice meant. It wasn't until after his passing in 2018 that I truly understood the depth of his commitment and the legacy he was building.
On what would have been my father's 75th birthday, I launched Leave the Pile Higher as a way to honor his legacy and explore a question we all face:
What are we leaving behind for those who come after us?
Through honest conversations with guests from all walks of life, we explore leadership, faith, family, resilience, service, personal growth, and purpose.
While this podcast often speaks directly to Black men navigating fatherhood, leadership, purpose, and life's responsibilities with intention, the lessons shared here are universal. Legacy belongs to all of us.
Whether through guest interviews, Legacy Notes, or Legacy Blueprint panel discussions, every episode is designed to challenge, encourage, and inspire you to think differently about the impact you're making right now.
Because legacy isn't something you leave someday.
It's something you build every day.
One decision.
One sacrifice.
One conversation.
One rep at a time.
Let's Build.
Leave the Pile Higher
Emmett Burns: Transforming Education for Future Generations
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Have you ever wondered how someone turns life’s challenges into a powerful legacy? In this episode, I connect with Emmett Burns, an educator and founder of ClaraRuth Homeschool, who’s doing just that. Emmett and I first met years ago on a commuter train, quickly bonding over our shared love of football—we both played in college—and our diehard loyalty to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Beyond our love for the game, we’re both entrepreneurs with a deep passion for uplifting our community and those we encounter.
Emmett shares his inspiring journey from being an IT professional and fitness trainer to following his heart and his family’s legacy. He not only embraced the role of an educator but also took the bold step of opening and establishing a homeschool, named in honor of his two grandmothers. His story is one of dedication, innovation, and heart, shaped by the blessings and challenges of carrying the same name as his late father, Emmett Burns, Jr., a well-known civil rights activist.
But it’s not all serious talk—Emmett’s wife, Vanessa, stepped in as our “technical director” for the day, joining in on some fun and laughter. This episode is filled with personal stories, inspiration, and a bit of humor that you won’t want to miss. Tune in and join us as we dive into Emmett’s powerful vision for legacy-building and personal growth.
For those interested in homeschooling or exploring alternative education, the Clara Ruth Education Institute, founded by Emmett Burns, is a fantastic resource based in Baltimore, Maryland. Feel free to contact them at 443-804-1377 for more information.
But no matter where you are, don’t hesitate to reach out to Leave the Pile Higher, Grow Your Legacy. We're here to support you on your journey, offer resources, and help you build a lasting legacy through education. Together, we can shape the future.
Looking to protect what you've built, strengthen your foundation, or create a plan for the future?
Whether you're a family focused on protecting what matters most or a business owner building something bigger than yourself, Savage Family Office can help you think through the risks, opportunities, and strategies that support your long-term goals.
Schedule a complimentary 15-minute Legacy Snapshot and let's explore ways to help you protect, build, and preserve the legacy you're creating for yourself, your family, your business, and future generations.
Book your Legacy Snapshot today and take another step toward leaving the pile higher.
Interested in being a guest on Leave the Pile Higher?
I'm always looking for individuals who are building, serving, leading, overcoming challenges, and making a difference in the lives of others.
If you have a story of faith, resilience, leadership, personal growth, entrepreneurship, or legacy-building, I'd welcome the opportunity to learn more about your journey and consider the possibility of featuring you on the podcast. Your story may be exactly what someone else needs to hear.
To be considered as a guest—or to ask a question about an episode—email: leavethepilehigher@gmail.com
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