Annie sits down with Samantha Foote, a board-certified music therapist, to explore how music can transform classrooms and support students of all abilities, especially neurodivergent learners.

To connect with Samantha, check out her website here:https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com

With her expertise in music therapy and education, Samantha offers practical, teacher-friendly strategies for using music to enhance engagement, support emotional regulation, and improve learning outcomes across subjects.

🎯 What You’ll Learn:

How music therapy helps students regulate emotions and thrive 🎵

Simple strategies teachers can use—even without musical training 🧑‍🏫

Ways to make transitions easier and boost engagement 🔄

How collaboration with music therapists strengthens classroom outcomes 🤝

The science behind music’s impact on learning and brain development 🧠

(00:00) Why Music Matters

(03:16) Benefits of Music for Students

(06:59) Music Hacks That Work

(09:13) Supporting Neurodivergent Students

(12:03) Simple Music Tricks for Teachers

(15:14) Smooth Transitions with Music

(18:12) Boost Learning Across Subjects

(21:06) Collaborate with Music Therapists

(24:05) No Musical Skills Needed

Packed with practical strategies, insight, and inspiration, this episode shows teachers how to unlock the power of music in the classroom to support every student and create a calmer, more engaging learning environment.

#MusicTherapy #Teachers #ClassroomStrategies #NeurodivergentStudents #EmotionalRegulation #StudentEngagement #MusicInEducation #TeachingTips #TeacherResources #ClassroomTransitions

Annie sits down with Dr. James Lane to unpack what really happens behind the scenes in education leadership—from navigating complex decision-making to staying connected to the teachers and students at the heart of every school.

To connect with Dr. James Lane, check out his website here: https://leadingwithlaserfocus.com

(00:00) Inside Education Leadership
(02:55) Why Decisions Are So Hard
(06:15) Staying Connected to Classrooms
(09:18) How Federal Policy Really Works
(12:07) How Teachers Influence Decisions
(15:15) Fixing the Teacher Pipeline
(23:56) The Future of Assessment
(30:28) Building Strong School Communities
(36:30) Leadership Lessons That Stick

What You’ll Learn:
✅ Understand how educational decisions are made—and who’s really involved
✅ Learn why teacher voices are essential in shaping policy and practice
✅ Discover how federal education systems impact classrooms
✅ Gain insight into innovative teacher and student assessment practices
✅ Explore how strong leadership and community support drive student success

Packed with wisdom, transparency, and years of leadership experience, this episode shows how thoughtful, people-centered leadership can empower teachers, elevate student outcomes, and create systems where everyone can thrive.

#EducationalLeadership #TeacherVoice #EducationPolicy #StudentSuccess #TeacherAdvocacy #FederalEducation #SchoolLeadership #EducationalInnovation #Assessment #JamesLane

Annie sits down with architect Milton Shinberg to explore how people-centered school design can completely transform the way students learn and teachers work. With decades of experience in architecture and education, Milton breaks down what makes a school truly supportive, functional, and inspiring.

To connect with Milton, check out his website here: https://www.miltonshinberg.com

(00:00) Fixing What Feels “Off” in Schools
(03:00) Why Architects Must Listen to Teachers
(06:12) Escaping Rigid Classroom Layouts
(09:18) Acoustics & Lighting That Actually Work
(12:19) Shared Spaces That Build Community
(15:09) Inside the “Dream School”
(20:12) How Color Shapes Learning
(26:02) Flexible Spaces That Help Kids Thrive

What You’ll Learn:
✅ Discover how school architecture shapes learning, behavior, and well-being
✅ Learn why teacher and student voices must guide design decisions
✅ Understand the impact of acoustics, lighting, and color on focus and mood
✅ Explore how flexible classrooms empower collaboration and engagement
✅ Gain insight into creating shared, community-centered spaces that foster belonging

Packed with wisdom, real examples, and years of architectural insight, this episode shows how thoughtful school design can support educators, inspire students, and create environments where learning thrives.

#SchoolDesign #ArchitectureInEducation #LearningEnvironments #PeopleCenteredDesign #FlexibleClassrooms #AcousticsInSchools #EducationInnovation #StudentCenteredLearning #TeacherVoice #MiltonShinberg

Annie chats with Dr. Jagdeep Johal, a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, about how teachers can manage stress, reset their nervous systems, and find true ease amidst the emotional demands of the classroom.

To connect with Dr. Jagdeep Johal, check out his website here: https://www.drjagjohal.com/

(00:00) Intro
(01:04) Why Stress Hits Teachers Hard
(03:29) Ease vs. Comfort: The Key Difference
(08:20) The Biology Behind Stress
(11:53) Move & Shake: Nervous System Reset
(16:07) Balancing Brain & Energy for Calm
(23:52) The Empty Boat Story: Empathy Lessons
(32:29) Daily Tips to Reduce Stress & Find Ease

What You’ll Learn:
✅ Discover how stress impacts your nervous system—and what teachers can do to reset
✅ Learn the difference between comfort and ease, and why it matters for your well-being
✅ Understand the concept of the “threat bucket” and how to discharge built-up stress
✅ Explore movement and shaking techniques to reset the nervous system
✅ Gain practical ways to integrate self-care and holistic practices into your teaching routine

Packed with insight, humor, and real-life examples, this episode helps teachers understand the biological basis of stress, reset their nervous systems, and find balance—no matter how demanding the classroom gets.

#TeacherStress #TeacherBurnout #NervousSystemReset #TraditionalChineseMedicine #TeacherSelfCare #EmotionalRegulation #HolisticHealth #StressReliefForTeachers #EducatorWellness #DrJagdeepJohal

Annie chats with Avonley Lightstone, author, advocate, and trauma survivor, about how educators can better understand student trauma, build resilience, and create classroom environments rooted in compassion and empowerment.

To connect with Avonley, check out his website here: https://avonleylightstone.com/

(00:06) Hidden Struggles Students Face
(10:36) From Pain to Purpose
(18:17) Finding Strength Through Adversity
(22:49) Healing Through Storytelling
(26:04) The iShed Method Explained
(29:36) Mindset Shifts for Teachers
(35:22) How Teachers Change Lives
(43:20) Embracing Imperfection in Teaching

What You’ll Learn:
✅ Discover how unrecognized trauma can shape student behavior and learning
✅ Learn how mindset shifts can foster resilience in both students and teachers
✅ Understand why small acts of kindness can have a life-changing impact
✅ Explore how forgiveness and empathy can transform classroom culture
✅ Gain strategies for creating trauma-informed, supportive learning spaces

Packed with honesty, inspiration, and actionable insights, this episode reminds educators that every scar tells a story—and every teacher has the power to help rewrite it.

#Education #TraumaInformedTeaching #Resilience #Teaching #StudentSupport #MentalHealth #Advocacy #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #Scars #AvonleyLightstone #EducatorUniversity

Annie chats with Rafi Bilek, a marriage counselor and author of The Couple’s Communication Handbook, about how teachers can strengthen their relationships and improve communication with their partners amidst the emotional demands of the classroom.

To connect with Raffi, check out his website here: https://www.thecommunicationbook.com/

(00:09) Feeling Drained? Here’s Why
(03:10) Say What You Need (Without Guilt)
(06:15) Feel Close Again
(09:14) Stop Fighting Over Chores
(12:02) Talk Without Tension
(15:09) Stay Connected Every Day

What You’ll Learn:
✅ Discover how teacher overload can impact relationships—and what to do about it
✅ Learn how to communicate your needs clearly using “I” statements
✅ Understand how empathy and validation strengthen emotional connection
✅ Explore conflict resolution tools that focus on listening before problem-solving
✅ Gain practical ways to balance work, home, and self-care without guilt

Packed with empathy, humor, and real-life examples, this episode helps teachers and their partners reconnect, communicate effectively, and find balance—no matter how busy life gets.

#TeacherRelationships #CommunicationStrategies #EmotionalConnection #RafiBilek #CouplesCommunicationHandbook #ConflictResolution #TeacherOverload #MarriageCounseling #TeacherSelfCare #EducatorUniversity

Annie chats with Doug O’Brien, a master hypnotist, trainer, and storyteller, about how hypnosis and storytelling can help teachers manage stress, improve focus, and create calmer, more connected classrooms.

To connect with Doug, check out his website here: https://ericksonian.com/

(00:13) Intro: Hypnosis for Teachers
(02:49) Hypnosis Myths vs. Reality
(05:43) Manage Stress Fast
(08:48) Storytelling Boosts Teaching
(14:08) Neo-Eriksonian & Self-Hypnosis
(24:36) Beat the Sunday Scaries
(28:50) Havening & Anchoring Techniques
(34:04) Calm Classroom Strategies

What You’ll Learn:
✅ Discover how hypnosis can support teacher well-being and stress management
✅ Learn simple self-hypnosis techniques you can use anytime, anywhere
✅ Understand how storytelling can boost student engagement and emotional connection
✅ Explore havening and anchoring methods to stay calm in high-stress moments
✅ Gain actionable strategies to create a peaceful, positive classroom environment

Packed with insights and easy-to-apply strategies, this episode inspires teachers to care for their minds, use the power of story in their classrooms, and cultivate calm—for themselves and their students.

#TeacherWellness #StressManagement #HypnosisForTeachers #EducatorUniversity #StorytellingInEducation #TeacherSelfCare #CalmClassroom #DougOBrien

Annie chats with Matt Bauman, a former teacher, author, and founder, about the transformative power of personalized learning in education. Matt shares how tailoring learning to students’ interests can unlock critical thinking, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial skills, offering practical insights for teachers, parents, and students at any experience level.

To connect with Matt, check out his website here: https://opened.co/

(00:00) Personalized Learning
(02:39) Challenges in Public Education
(05:29) Teachers Driving Personalized Learning
(11:15) Using Student Interests
(14:21) Entrepreneurship & Problem-Solving
(20:20) Classroom Implementation Tips
(28:28) Advocating for Change
(36:47) Growth Mindset & “Not Yet”

What You’ll Learn:
✅ Discover how personalized learning can improve student engagement and outcomes
✅ Learn practical strategies for implementing personalized learning in the classroom
✅ Understand how tapping into student interests fosters critical thinking and problem-solving
✅ Explore how entrepreneurship can support interdisciplinary learning
✅ Gain actionable tips to advocate for change in public education

Packed with insights and actionable advice, this episode inspires teachers, parents, and education advocates to embrace personalized learning, empower students, and rethink traditional approaches to public education.

#PersonalizedLearning #TeacherStrategies #StudentEngagement #CriticalThinking #ProblemSolving #EducationAdvocacy #GrowthMindset #EntrepreneurshipInEducation #EducationInnovation #MattBauman

Annie chats with Rachel Lundberg, a 20+ year yoga teacher and founder of Yoga Oak University, about the transformative power of yoga for teachers.

To connect with Rachel, check out her website here: https://www.thriveyogaoc.com/

(00:00) Why Yoga Matters for Teachers
(02:40) Finding the Right Yoga Class
(05:18) Recognizing Stress in the Body
(07:50) Breathwork & Relaxation Techniques
(12:59) Co-Regulation & Moving Meditation
(18:07) Benefits of Yoga Beyond the Physical
(24:01) InBodyWise Yoga: Mind-Body Approach
(31:36) Advocating for Teacher Wellness

What You’ll Learn:
✅ Discover how yoga can reduce teacher stress and support well-being
✅ Learn simple moving meditation and restorative practices for busy educators
✅ Understand how breathwork and gentle movement can improve focus and clarity
✅ See how to find the right yoga class or practice at home
✅ Gain actionable tips to integrate yoga into daily teaching life

Packed with inspiration and practical advice, this episode encourages teachers to prioritize self-care, manage stress, and use yoga to bring calm, focus, and balance to their classrooms.

#TeacherWellness #YogaForTeachers #StressManagement #MindBodyConnection #TeacherSelfCare #Breathwork #MovingMeditation #RestorativeYoga #EducatorUniversity #RachelLundberg

Annie chats with Marcia Familio-Enright about the journey of founding schools. Marcia shares how she built the Council Oak Montessori School and Reliance College, offering teachers and leaders practical insights.

To connect with Marsha, check out her website here: https://reliancecollege.org/

(00:00) Starting a School: Marsha's Journey
(09:06) Montessori Education Explained
(17:51) Overcoming Challenges in School Founding
(26:40) Accreditation, Growth, and the Future

What You’ll Learn:
✅ Discover how Montessori education fosters independence and creativity
✅ Learn why school founders need both teaching and business skills
✅ Understand the role of strong parent and community relationships
✅ See how teachers’ skills transfer to leadership and innovation
✅ Gain inspiration to stay adaptable and confident in education

Packed with inspiration and actionable advice, this episode encourages teachers, parents, and aspiring school founders to think bigger, trust their skills, and bring bold ideas to life in education.

#MontessoriEducation #SchoolFounding #TeacherLeadership #EducationInnovation #CommunityInSchools #TeacherSkills #EducationalEntrepreneurship #RelianceCollege #CouncilOakMontessori #EducatorUniversity