In this heartfelt solo episode, Rachel explores the idea that we are all mentors—whether we realize it or not—and reflects on the unexpected teachers who have shaped her life in powerful ways. Inspired by a passage from Siri Lindley’s Finding a Way, she dives into the lessons she’s learned from three deeply personal influences: her grandmother, her significant other, and her biological parents.

Rachel also shares the profound insight she’s gained over the past 90 days and how she's preparing to continue learning as she transitions into a new professional and personal chapter. Through stories and thoughtful reflection questions, you’ll be invited to consider your own life lessons and the people—good or bad—who helped teach them.

In this episode, Rachel discusses: ✨ The quiet strength and grounding love of Grandma Weibel ✨ What Brett has taught her about simplicity, gratitude, and not settling ✨ The complicated lessons that come from painful family relationships ✨ Learning from podcast guests and the power of trusting your gut ✨ Looking ahead: learning from new roles, new people, and from within

Reflection Questions to Ponder:

• Who are the unexpected teachers in your life?
• What have you learned—good or bad—from them?
• What did you learn over the past 90 days?
• Who (or what) will you be learning from next?

Mentioned in this Episode: 📚 Finding a Way by Siri Lindley (especially page 228) 🧭 Podcast guests: Laura, Traci, and Betsy

Connect with Rachel: 🌐 Patreon: Live & Learn Community 📸 Instagram: @lifesnextlessonplan

If this episode moved you, share it with someone who’s been one of your teachers. And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—your support helps us keep growing.

In this episode of Life’s Next Lesson Plan, I sit down with Laura Flowers, a former school psychologist turned life coach and Reiki master. Laura and I connected through a podcasting group, and I recently had the pleasure of being a guest on her show, Rediscovering You. Like me, she’s passionate about helping people navigate crossroads, reconnect with their values, and live authentically.

After 18 years in education, Laura found herself at a breaking point—disconnected from her purpose and feeling like she was doing the work, but not the right work. She made a bold decision to step away, investing in herself, energy healing, and personal growth. Now, she helps women stop playing small and start living with confidence, alignment, and purpose.

🔍 In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The funniest (and most awkward) questions middle schoolers have ever asked her
• Why she knew her time in education was coming to an end
• The tipping point in public education—larger class sizes, dwindling support, and the teacher shortage crisis
• How teachers are questioning their long-term future in education
• Her transition to life coaching and Reiki, and how she helps women rediscover their passions
• The importance of listening to your intuition and how journaling can help

💡 Free Resource from Laura: Laura is offering a free 28-day journaling guide to help you tap into your intuition with quick 5-10 minute prompts each day. Free 28 Day Self-Discovery Journal

📌 Connect with Laura Flowers:

• Website: lauraflowersll.com
• Instagram: @lauraflowersll
• YouTube: Laura Flowers
• LinkedIn: Laura Flowers

This week, I’m facing a huge milestone—my daughter, my only child, is turning 18. And in just a few short months, she’ll be heading off to college in another state. While I always knew this day would come, the reality of it has hit me in a way I wasn’t entirely prepared for.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing my personal journey through the stages of parenting that led to this moment—co-parenting, divorce, shifting family dynamics—and how I’m embracing this transition with trust and optimism. I’ll also explore the unexpected joys that come with an empty nest, from rediscovering personal passions to redefining what home and family mean in this next phase of life.

If you’re navigating—or preparing for—this major life shift, this conversation is for you. Let’s figure out how to move forward with purpose, curiosity, and maybe even a little excitement.

Resources & Links Mentioned: 🔹 Join the Live & Learn Patreon community for deeper reflections & exclusive content – [Insert Patreon Link] 🔹 Follow me on social media for daily insights and updates – [Insert Social Media Handles] 🔹 Listen to Episode 22: Reagan’s Journey to MIT & Leaving the Nest coming up on Patreon: www.patreon.com/liveandlearn

Announcements: 📢 We’re shifting to one episode per week—with more content coming to YouTube and Patreon! Stay tuned for exciting new updates.

Thanks for listening to Life’s Next Lesson Plan! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need to hear this today.

In this episode of Life’s Next Lesson Plan, I sit down with Tracy Weber, a Transformational Nurse Health & Wellness Coach, to discuss her journey from traditional nursing to holistic health, the healing power of nature, and how hiking can be a path to wellness.

With over two decades of experience in nursing, massage therapy, yoga, meditation, and somatic emotional release, Tracy has created a comprehensive wellness practice that empowers clients to take control of their health. But her journey wasn’t always clear-cut—she shares how burnout led her to explore alternative healing, the challenges of changing career paths, and the surprising ways that hiking helped her navigate stress, personal loss, and major life transitions.

Key Topics & Lessons from Tracy’s Journey:

🔹 Leaving traditional healthcare: Tracy’s path from bedside nursing to creating her own practice 🔹 Blending holistic modalities: How she integrates massage, yoga, qi gong, and electroanalgesia to support health 🔹 Nature as medicine: How hiking became her therapy during life’s hardest seasons 🔹 Lessons from the trail: How stepping into nature can reduce stress, promote healing, and boost overall well-being 🔹 Career transitions: Finding courage to pivot, shadowing a mentor, and going all-in on a new career 🔹 Knowing your worth: The importance of advocating for yourself in work, health, and life

Memorable Moments & Personal Stories:

🌿 Tracy’s first backpacking trip—what she packed (and shouldn’t have!) and why she ended up in a condo with hot chocolate instead of on the trail 🌿 The 12-hour solo hike challenge that changed her perspective on life 🌿 A wise mentor who shaped her approach to holistic care

Your Wellness Challenge: Take the First Step

1️⃣ Identify one area of your health or life you want to improve. 2️⃣ Find a local trail (or just step outside) and commit to a short walk in nature. 3️⃣ Journal your experience: How do you feel before, during, and after your time outside? 4️⃣ Reflect: What did the movement, fresh air, and stillness bring up for you?

Resources & Ways to Connect with Tracy:

🌎 Website: www.tranquiljourney.net 📱 Socials: @tranquilnursecoach (FB, IG, LinkedIn) Join the Conversation:

Do you use nature as a way to de-stress or reset? Have you ever experienced a major career pivot like Tracy? Let’s talk! Drop a comment, share your story, and tag us using #LifesNextLessonPlan

💡 Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring conversations about life transitions, personal growth, and finding purpose in unexpected places.

🎧 Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify!

In this special episode, the tables are turned as I step into the guest seat on Rediscovering You with life coach and school psychologist Laura Flowers. Rediscovering You is dedicated to empowering women to break free from feeling stuck—whether in career, relationships, or personal growth.

Laura and I dive deep into my decision to leave my long teaching career behind, the emotions and challenges that come with such a major life shift, and how I’m navigating my next steps with intention. We explore the power of manifestation, storytelling, and aligning my future with my core values. If you’ve ever faced a career transition or felt the pull to redefine your purpose, this conversation is for you!

I also answer my juiciest question yet for Ask the Teacher Anything! You guys went THERE!

🎧 Tune in for an honest and vulnerable discussion about embracing change, trusting the process, and creating a life that truly aligns with who you are becoming.

📌 Don’t forget to check out Rediscovering You on YouTube and Apple Podcasts for more inspiring conversations. And if you’ve been following my journey, be sure to subscribe to Life’s Next Lesson Plan on YouTube and follow along on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes content from my final days in the classroom!

In this episode of Life’s Next Lesson Plan, I sit down with Brittany Emond, a former student whose career journey has taken her from aspiring magazine journalist to a thriving role in employer branding. Brittany shares her personal story of self-discovery, career pivots, and valuable lessons learned along the way.

Memorable Moments & Lessons Learned:

• Brittany recalls a pivotal moment in high school: choosing between prom and attending a national journalism conference in San Francisco. Inspired by The Hills, she made her own version of "going to Paris"—and never looked back.
• Her early love for magazines was fueled by pop culture icons and films like 13 Going on 30 and Sex and the City, leading her to the University of Missouri to study magazine journalism.
• The excitement of visiting top magazines in NYC transformed into uncertainty as she questioned the future of print journalism, teaching her an invaluable lesson—dreams evolve.

Career Pivots & Growth:

• Initially determined to work at a top magazine, Brittany found herself questioning that path after seeing the rise of digital media and job instability.
• She bravely shifted her focus from magazine journalism to strategic communication, opening doors to advertising, PR, and social media.
• Her decision to intern at a small, women-led company gave her hands-on experience and creative freedom that larger corporations couldn't offer.

Navigating Challenges & Taking Risks:

• From a difficult senior year full of job rejections to landing an internship with Disney, Brittany emphasizes the importance of perseverance and trusting the process.
• She shares the harsh reality of getting a full-time offer at her dream company but realizing she had undervalued herself by not negotiating her salary—an essential lesson for young professionals.
• Moving from Disney to Travel + Leisure Co., and eventually to Sephora, Brittany took calculated risks to accelerate her career, always prioritizing growth over comfort.

Key Takeaways:

• Be open to changing your path—your younger self didn’t have all the information your future self will have.
• Experience at smaller companies can be just as valuable, if not more, than big-name brands.
• Negotiation is key when accepting job offers—know your worth and advocate for yourself.
• Sometimes, making the hardest decision is the right one for your growth.

Follow Brittany:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanyemond/

Follow SephoraLife on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sephoralife/

Join the Conversation: Do you relate to Brittany’s story? Have you ever had to pivot from a childhood dream to a more fulfilling career path? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media using #LifesNextLessonPlan.

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify to never miss an episode!

Have you ever caught yourself scrolling through social media, wondering why someone else’s life seems so perfect? The career success, the happy family, the dream vacations—it can feel like everyone else has it all figured out. But here’s the truth: comparison is stealing your joy.

In this episode, I’m sharing my personal struggles with comparison—how it shaped my self-perception and the steps I’ve taken to break free. We’ll dive into why we compare, how it impacts our mental and emotional well-being, and most importantly, how to shift from external validation to internal fulfillment.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in the comparison trap, this conversation is for you. Let’s let go of unrealistic expectations and start embracing our own unique paths. 💡💛

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why comparison is a natural human tendency (and when it becomes harmful) ✅ The emotional toll of measuring yourself against others ✅ How social media fuels unrealistic expectations ✅ Practical strategies to shift from external validation to self-acceptance ✅ How to redefine success on your own terms

💬 Join the Conversation: Have you ever struggled with comparison? What helps you refocus on your own journey? Let me know in the comments or send me a message—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

👉 Support the Podcast: Join me on Patreon for exclusive content and deeper conversations about personal growth, self-love, and life’s transitions. Join here: patreon.com/liveandlearn

🎧 Listen & Subscribe: If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! It helps more people find the podcast and build a community around real, honest conversations.

Thanks for listening—remember, your journey is your own. No timeline, no competition—just growth at your own pace. 💛✨

#ComparisonTrap #SocialMediaComparison #PersonalGrowth #SelfAcceptance #MindsetShift #LifesNextLessonPlan #LetGoAndGrow

In this episode of Life’s Next Lesson Plan, host Rachel engages in a compelling conversation with Starr Sackstein, an educational consultant, TED speaker, and author renowned for her innovative approaches to assessment and student empowerment. Starr shares her journey from classroom teacher to educational leader, offering insights into transforming traditional education models.

Guest Introduction:

• Starr Sackstein
  • Massachusetts State Coordinator for Educators Rising
  • Chief Operating Officer at Mastery Portfolio
  • TED Speaker and Author of 16 books
  • Former High School English and Journalism Teacher

Key Discussion Points:

• Memorable Teaching Experiences:
  • Starr reflects on granting her journalism students autonomy in assignments and assessments, fostering a creative and engaging classroom environment.
• Career Highlights:
  • Transitioning from a high school teacher to a TED speaker and author, Starr discusses her path to becoming an educational consultant and leader.
• Current Projects and Goals:
  • Currently working on two new books, Starr is dedicated to reforming educational models and assisting educators in exploring opportunities beyond traditional classroom roles.

Lesson for Educators:

• Drawing from her book, Making an Impact Outside of the Classroom: A Complete Guide to the Exciting Job Possibilities for Educators, Starr advises educators to list aspects they enjoy in their current roles and explore related careers such as edtech, instructional coaching, or consulting.

Action Steps for Listeners:

1. Update your resume and cover letter to reflect your strengths and passions.
2. Identify what you value most in your current educational role.
3. Explore career opportunities that align with your purpose and interests.

Connect with Starr Sackstein:

• Website: MsSackstein.com
• LinkedIn: Starr Sackstein
• TEDx Talk: A Recovering Perfectionist's Journey to Give up Grades
• Amazon Author Page: Starr Sackstein

Follow Life’s Next Lesson Plan on social media platforms and join the Live and Learn Patreon for additional content and community engagement. Visit lifesnextlessonplan.com to join the email list and stay updated on future episodes.

For a deeper insight into Starr's perspectives, you might find this interview enlightening: https://youtu.be/sDYKwKw-cuU

This episode is different. It’s raw. It’s personal. And it’s something I’ve been holding in for a while. Today, I’m setting aside my planned script and following my heart.

I’m sharing my journey—one of resilience, anxiety, transformation, and finding my way forward after decades of living in survival mode. Inspired by Siri Lindley’s book Finding a Way, I’ll explore how the values we live by (or ignore) shape our lives and how we can realign ourselves with what truly matters.

If you’ve ever felt trapped by expectations, fear, or burnout—this episode is for you. You are not alone.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How I navigated debilitating anxiety while holding together my career, marriage, and motherhood ✅ The hidden weight of success and the cost of keeping up appearances ✅ The moment I realized I was surviving, not living—and what I did about it ✅ The 10 core values that guide my next chapter (and how to identify your own) ✅ Powerful reflection questions to help you realign with what truly matters

Key Moments & Takeaways

🔹 The Weight of Success & the Cost of Hiding “For years, I was barely holding it together—crippling anxiety, panic attacks, trying to be strong for everyone else. On the outside, I looked accomplished, but inside, I was breaking.”

🔹 The Turning Point: Finding My Own Way Inspired by the words ‘Life is short. What will matter most to you? Are you living life to reflect that?’ (Siri Lindley), I began re-evaluating my life. The decision to leave my career after 29 years wasn’t easy, but it was necessary.

🔹 Aligning with My Core Values I took time to identify my top 10 values: health, compassion, growth, love, freedom, happiness, contribution, safety, self-respect, and adventure. What are yours?

🔹 Reflection Questions for You 📌 What could you do differently to align more with your values? 📌 What must you stop doing to protect your happiness? 📌 If you lived in alignment with your values, how would your life change in 5 years?

Call to Action

💛 This is your invitation to pause, reflect, and realign your life with what truly matters.

👉 Share your thoughts with me: What resonated with you? What values guide your life? Send me a message or comment on this episode! 👉 If this episode spoke to you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. 👉 Check out Finding a Way by Siri Lindley if you’re navigating big changes.

🎧 Until next time—keep learning, keep growing, and most of all, keep finding your way.

In this episode, I sit down with my second cousin, Reagan Zimmerman Shrestha, a brilliant MIT graduate and engineer at Ford Motor Company. We dive into her journey from high school robotics to racing cars and breaking barriers as a woman in STEM. Reagan shares the unexpected way she ended up at MIT, her experiences in a male-dominated field, and the lessons she’s learned about work-life balance while building an exciting career.

🔧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How a spontaneous decision led Reagan to MIT 🎓 ✅ The impact of being a woman in STEM and how early experiences prepared her 💪 ✅ Behind-the-scenes of working as an engineer at Ford 🚗 ✅ The importance of mentorship in shaping her career 🔍 ✅ Why prioritizing work-life balance is key to long-term success 🌿

💡 Reagan’s Big Lesson: "Don’t wait to live your life. You have a long career ahead—find ways to enjoy the journey now."

📚 Homework for Listeners: 📝 Take a time audit—where is your time going? Are you filling your days with purposeful work and joy, or are you stuck in time-wasting habits?

All views are Reagan's own and she does not represent any companies or schools mentioned.

💬 Join the Conversation: What’s one small change you can make to create more balance in your life? Drop a comment or tag us on social media!

📢 Support the Podcast: 🎧 Subscribe to Life’s Next Lesson Plan on Apple Podcasts | Spotify 💡 Get exclusive content on Patreon: Live & Learn patreon.com/liveandlearn 📩 Know a great guest for the podcast? Visit lifesnextlessonplan.com

🚀 Until next time, keep learning, keep growing, and keep living with purpose! 🎙️