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*Trigger Warning* #suicide

She had a key, but it was almost too late. Letters written, music on, pills taken… then, a friend’s voice cuts through. "Leave me alone, let me die," but she didn't. Sometimes, rescue comes when we least expect it. #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #YouAreNotAlone #Hope #Friendship

**If you or someone you know is at risk of harming themselves or others, please call or text 988.**

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This week on the Mindful Miri Podcast - Diandra Ford-Wing, in her words:

"Driven by a deep passion for the art of storytelling, I thrive on creating narratives that both entertain and provoke thought. My debut novel, Red Bird, is more than just a story—it is a heartfelt love letter to my mother and Aunt Audrey, a tribute to their strength, wisdom, and the impact they’ve had on my life. Through this novel, I hope to offer solace to those navigating the challenging waters of loss and grief, providing a safe haven amidst their emotional storms.

At my core, I am dedicated to writing stories that explore the complexities of the human spirit. With every word, I strive to capture the essence of what it means to be human, from our deepest joys to our most painful struggles. As I continue on my journey as a writer, I invite you to join me in discovering powerful narratives that not only entertain but also leave a lasting imprint on the world—both in literature and in life."

Follow Diandra: 

https://www.booksbydiandra.com

Instagram: @diandrafordwing

Book: Red Bird

**If you or someone you know is at risk of harming themselves or others, please call or text 988.**

Support the show

✨ Before You Go…

If this episode spoke to you—even in a small way—would you take 10 seconds to share it?

With just one woman. One friend. One person who might need to feel a little less alone in her struggle.

Tell her what resonated for you. Ask what landed for her.
Because when we share what moves us, we create deeper connection—with others and with ourselves.

🎧 And if you haven’t already, tap Follow, Subscribe, or + so you never miss an episode. Email me with episode guest and topic ideas at [email protected]

Want to stay in the loop with everything I’m creating and exploring?
📲 Follow along on Instagram: @mindful_miri

Until next time, I’m Miriam Burlakovsky Correia for the Mindful Miri Podcast.
Let’s leave everyone better than we found them.

I see you. I appreciate you. 💛
xo,
Miri

#MindfulMiriPodcast #MentalHealthMatters #WomenSupportingWomen #EducatorWellness #TeacherBurnout #MindfulnessForMoms #TherapistLife #NeurodivergentVoices #YogaAndMentalHealth #CompassionateLeadership #WellnessJourney #BodyLove #HealingTogether #MentalHealthAwareness

⚠️ Listener Note:
This podcast is not intended to replace professional mental or medical care. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988 for immediate support.

Send a text

Paula Mathias is a writer of both fiction and nonfiction books aimed at inspiring women to speak out, step up, and take charge. She discovered her passion for storytelling at sixteen after a happy accident landed her in the wrong English class. A California native, she finds inspiration in family adventures, creative cocktails, and dancing in her kitchen to ABBA songs. With over a decade in the tech industry, Paula has firsthand experience navigating male-dominated spaces. A recognized expert in workforce development and diversity in STEM, her insights have been featured in Forbes, TalentCulture, and Authority Magazine, and she shares industry trends through her weekly LinkedIn newsletter.

Website: paulamathias.com

IG: @paulamathiasauthor

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulamathiasfryer/

Support the show

✨ Before You Go…

If this episode spoke to you—even in a small way—would you take 10 seconds to share it?

With just one woman. One friend. One person who might need to feel a little less alone in her struggle.

Tell her what resonated for you. Ask what landed for her.
Because when we share what moves us, we create deeper connection—with others and with ourselves.

🎧 And if you haven’t already, tap Follow, Subscribe, or + so you never miss an episode. Email me with episode guest and topic ideas at [email protected]

Want to stay in the loop with everything I’m creating and exploring?
📲 Follow along on Instagram: @mindful_miri

Until next time, I’m Miriam Burlakovsky Correia for the Mindful Miri Podcast.
Let’s leave everyone better than we found them.

I see you. I appreciate you. 💛
xo,
Miri

#MindfulMiriPodcast #MentalHealthMatters #WomenSupportingWomen #EducatorWellness #TeacherBurnout #MindfulnessForMoms #TherapistLife #NeurodivergentVoices #YogaAndMentalHealth #CompassionateLeadership #WellnessJourney #BodyLove #HealingTogether #MentalHealthAwareness

⚠️ Listener Note:
This podcast is not intended to replace professional mental or medical care. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988 for immediate support.

Send a text

 In this episode, Caprial Sides shares her passion for equity, effective teaching, and sustainable work-life balance. She reflects on her journey as a teacher, mentor, and instructional leader. She also dives into her content creation work with @thesidesofteaching, where she offers honest, humorous takes on instructional strategies and the real-life highs and lows of teaching. From the challenges she’s faced in the classroom to the personal rituals that keep her grounded, she explains what it means to find joy and meaning in this demanding profession. Tune in to hear why a supportive teaching partner, self-care, and a mission-driven mindset are essential to thriving as an educator—and how she’s working to make her future self proud.

Follow Caprial Sides at:
https://www.tiktok.com/@thesidesofteaching
https://www.instagram.com/thesidesofteaching/ 

Support the show

✨ Before You Go…

If this episode spoke to you—even in a small way—would you take 10 seconds to share it?

With just one woman. One friend. One person who might need to feel a little less alone in her struggle.

Tell her what resonated for you. Ask what landed for her.
Because when we share what moves us, we create deeper connection—with others and with ourselves.

🎧 And if you haven’t already, tap Follow, Subscribe, or + so you never miss an episode. Email me with episode guest and topic ideas at [email protected]

Want to stay in the loop with everything I’m creating and exploring?
📲 Follow along on Instagram: @mindful_miri

Until next time, I’m Miriam Burlakovsky Correia for the Mindful Miri Podcast.
Let’s leave everyone better than we found them.

I see you. I appreciate you. 💛
xo,
Miri

#MindfulMiriPodcast #MentalHealthMatters #WomenSupportingWomen #EducatorWellness #TeacherBurnout #MindfulnessForMoms #TherapistLife #NeurodivergentVoices #YogaAndMentalHealth #CompassionateLeadership #WellnessJourney #BodyLove #HealingTogether #MentalHealthAwareness

⚠️ Listener Note:
This podcast is not intended to replace professional mental or medical care. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988 for immediate support.

Send a text

In this honest conversation, Jana Parker—school psychologist turned private practice owner—opens up about her winding journey from public education to entrepreneurship, and the personal growth, burnout, and breakthroughs along the way.

We talk about:

• 🧠 Why she left a “dream district” to pursue something more aligned
• 💡 The burnout cycle in special education and how she broke free
• 🏋️‍♀️ Her lifelong dedication to movement, from dance to CrossFit
• 📱 Navigating guilt, digital parenting, and 20-somethings' attention shifts
• 🌱 Her self-care rituals, including 5AM workouts, whole foods, and boundaries
• 💬 The pressure on educators to do it all—and how she found another way
• ✨ Advice to her younger self and the beauty of evolving purpose

Jana offers a refreshing, grounded perspective on being a professional woman who balances care for others with true care for self. Her story is both inspiring and validating for anyone seeking to transition, grow, or just find permission to pause.

🔗 Learn More About Jana Parker:

• 🧠 Website: mindbydesign.com | empowerlep.com
• 📧 Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
• 📍 Practice based in Campbell, CA (serving families across the Bay Area)

Support the show

✨ Before You Go…

If this episode spoke to you—even in a small way—would you take 10 seconds to share it?

With just one woman. One friend. One person who might need to feel a little less alone in her struggle.

Tell her what resonated for you. Ask what landed for her.
Because when we share what moves us, we create deeper connection—with others and with ourselves.

🎧 And if you haven’t already, tap Follow, Subscribe, or + so you never miss an episode. Email me with episode guest and topic ideas at [email protected]

Want to stay in the loop with everything I’m creating and exploring?
📲 Follow along on Instagram: @mindful_miri

Until next time, I’m Miriam Burlakovsky Correia for the Mindful Miri Podcast.
Let’s leave everyone better than we found them.

I see you. I appreciate you. 💛
xo,
Miri

#MindfulMiriPodcast #MentalHealthMatters #WomenSupportingWomen #EducatorWellness #TeacherBurnout #MindfulnessForMoms #TherapistLife #NeurodivergentVoices #YogaAndMentalHealth #CompassionateLeadership #WellnessJourney #BodyLove #HealingTogether #MentalHealthAwareness

⚠️ Listener Note:
This podcast is not intended to replace professional mental or medical care. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988 for immediate support.

Send a text

Join us as we journey alongside Zaira Armendariz, who has a BFA in Film Production and her own podcast, Complex, Like Wine.  Together, we peel back the layers of her own experience with depression and anxiety.

Zaira shares her strategies for maintaining mental wellbeing, from embracing hobbies like reading to the importance of setting boundaries. She also offers valuable insights on her journey in job searching post lay-off, breaking down the shame and stigma often associated with it.

We also delve into societal pressures associated with work and dating, and the contrasting views of different cultures regarding work-life balance, offering a refreshing take on the challenges of maintaining identity in codependent relationships and the impact of cultural programming on women. Finally, Zaira's personal experience of racism and bullying further highlights the impact of societal pressures on mental health. Tune in, to be enlightened, encouraged, and inspired by Zaira’s journey.

Follow Zaira's podcast, Complex, Like Wine, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.   
Podcast Website: Complex, Like Wine: https://www.complexlikewine.com
IG: @complexlikewine
Other links: https://linktr.ee/complexlikwine
While you're there, check out her interview with me on Episode 55!

Support the show

✨ Before You Go…

If this episode spoke to you—even in a small way—would you take 10 seconds to share it?

With just one woman. One friend. One person who might need to feel a little less alone in her struggle.

Tell her what resonated for you. Ask what landed for her.
Because when we share what moves us, we create deeper connection—with others and with ourselves.

🎧 And if you haven’t already, tap Follow, Subscribe, or + so you never miss an episode. Email me with episode guest and topic ideas at [email protected]

Want to stay in the loop with everything I’m creating and exploring?
📲 Follow along on Instagram: @mindful_miri

Until next time, I’m Miriam Burlakovsky Correia for the Mindful Miri Podcast.
Let’s leave everyone better than we found them.

I see you. I appreciate you. 💛
xo,
Miri

#MindfulMiriPodcast #MentalHealthMatters #WomenSupportingWomen #EducatorWellness #TeacherBurnout #MindfulnessForMoms #TherapistLife #NeurodivergentVoices #YogaAndMentalHealth #CompassionateLeadership #WellnessJourney #BodyLove #HealingTogether #MentalHealthAwareness

⚠️ Listener Note:
This podcast is not intended to replace professional mental or medical care. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988 for immediate support.

Send a text

Picture your favorite teacher. Got them in mind? Now imagine if they were given the freedom to teach without the constraints of standardized testing. That’s what Kristen Powers, the founder of Math Superpowers, is advocating for.

With over a decade of teaching experience and a master's in elementary and math education, Kristen is on a mission to transform our education system. She believes in putting the power back into the hands of educators and allowing students to show their intelligences and gifts in ways that standardized tests may not capture.

Join us as we journey with Kristen through her early days in a challenging school district, grappling with social issues that her students faced and striving to create a nurturing classroom environment. She opens up about the struggles and joys of teaching, reflecting on the importance of work-life balance in education. Kristen's own experiences underscore the need for educators to take care of themselves, nurture their passions outside of work, and set healthy boundaries.

Kristen’s inspiring story culminates in the launch of her platform, Math Superpowers, a resource designed to support educators. She discusses the crucial role veteran teachers can play in guiding new teachers, reflecting on her own early days in the classroom and the mentoring that made a difference. Kristen’s vision is bold and transformative, challenging us to reimagine education and the value of a high school diploma. Tune in for a conversation full of insight, passion, and practical advice for navigating the complex world of education.

Follow Kristen:
https://www.instagram.com/math_super_powers/

Support the show

✨ Before You Go…

If this episode spoke to you—even in a small way—would you take 10 seconds to share it?

With just one woman. One friend. One person who might need to feel a little less alone in her struggle.

Tell her what resonated for you. Ask what landed for her.
Because when we share what moves us, we create deeper connection—with others and with ourselves.

🎧 And if you haven’t already, tap Follow, Subscribe, or + so you never miss an episode. Email me with episode guest and topic ideas at [email protected]

Want to stay in the loop with everything I’m creating and exploring?
📲 Follow along on Instagram: @mindful_miri

Until next time, I’m Miriam Burlakovsky Correia for the Mindful Miri Podcast.
Let’s leave everyone better than we found them.

I see you. I appreciate you. 💛
xo,
Miri

#MindfulMiriPodcast #MentalHealthMatters #WomenSupportingWomen #EducatorWellness #TeacherBurnout #MindfulnessForMoms #TherapistLife #NeurodivergentVoices #YogaAndMentalHealth #CompassionateLeadership #WellnessJourney #BodyLove #HealingTogether #MentalHealthAwareness

⚠️ Listener Note:
This podcast is not intended to replace professional mental or medical care. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988 for immediate support.

Send a text

How often do you, as a teacher, take time to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul? 

This 10-minute Recess Reset was made just for you: grab a bathroom break, and shake off the funk by employing deep breathing techniques and visualization to cultivate a tranquil space filled with unconditional joy, love, and learning.

Enjoy!
Miri xo 

Support the show

✨ Before You Go…

If this episode spoke to you—even in a small way—would you take 10 seconds to share it?

With just one woman. One friend. One person who might need to feel a little less alone in her struggle.

Tell her what resonated for you. Ask what landed for her.
Because when we share what moves us, we create deeper connection—with others and with ourselves.

🎧 And if you haven’t already, tap Follow, Subscribe, or + so you never miss an episode. Email me with episode guest and topic ideas at [email protected]

Want to stay in the loop with everything I’m creating and exploring?
📲 Follow along on Instagram: @mindful_miri

Until next time, I’m Miriam Burlakovsky Correia for the Mindful Miri Podcast.
Let’s leave everyone better than we found them.

I see you. I appreciate you. 💛
xo,
Miri

#MindfulMiriPodcast #MentalHealthMatters #WomenSupportingWomen #EducatorWellness #TeacherBurnout #MindfulnessForMoms #TherapistLife #NeurodivergentVoices #YogaAndMentalHealth #CompassionateLeadership #WellnessJourney #BodyLove #HealingTogether #MentalHealthAwareness

⚠️ Listener Note:
This podcast is not intended to replace professional mental or medical care. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988 for immediate support.

Send a text

What happens when you land your dream job and it feels more like a battlefield than a classroom?

Kindergarten teacher Gina Venancio knows that feeling all too well. After years of struggling to manage her classroom, a heart-to-heart with her teaching partner gave her the wake-up call she needed to take control.

Gina embarked on a journey of researching classroom management and student behavior, learning that effective control doesn't rely on threats or bribes but a sustainable approach tailored to each student.

Gina’s teaching journey didn't stop with mastering classroom management. She had to learn how to balance her roles as a teacher, a coach for other educators, and maintain her personal life. Gina shares how she sets boundaries, lets go of perfectionism, and manages her time intentionally. Trust us, you won't want to miss her thoughts on the art of ‘doing nothing’ and how strategic rest periods can boost your productivity and well-being.

But a teacher's life isn't just about classroom management and work-life balance. Gina and I dive into the challenges of the teaching profession, from the often frustrating reality of micromanagement to the vital role of student advocacy. She passionately speaks about the need for teacher autonomy and the importance of having a team approach to avoid feeling isolated.

Gina has some great tips on how to access resources online without breaking the bank. And, for those considering leaving the profession, she offers some valuable advice and a heartfelt reminder of why you started teaching in the first place. Join us for a conversation filled with practical tips, invaluable insights, and inspirational moments. You won't regret it.

Follow Gina for tips, tricks, and trainings:
IG: @teachingwithheart
https://linktr.ee/Teachingwithheart

Support the show

✨ Before You Go…

If this episode spoke to you—even in a small way—would you take 10 seconds to share it?

With just one woman. One friend. One person who might need to feel a little less alone in her struggle.

Tell her what resonated for you. Ask what landed for her.
Because when we share what moves us, we create deeper connection—with others and with ourselves.

🎧 And if you haven’t already, tap Follow, Subscribe, or + so you never miss an episode. Email me with episode guest and topic ideas at [email protected]

Want to stay in the loop with everything I’m creating and exploring?
📲 Follow along on Instagram: @mindful_miri

Until next time, I’m Miriam Burlakovsky Correia for the Mindful Miri Podcast.
Let’s leave everyone better than we found them.

I see you. I appreciate you. 💛
xo,
Miri

#MindfulMiriPodcast #MentalHealthMatters #WomenSupportingWomen #EducatorWellness #TeacherBurnout #MindfulnessForMoms #TherapistLife #NeurodivergentVoices #YogaAndMentalHealth #CompassionateLeadership #WellnessJourney #BodyLove #HealingTogether #MentalHealthAwareness

⚠️ Listener Note:
This podcast is not intended to replace professional mental or medical care. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988 for immediate support.

Send a text

Have you ever found yourself struggling to maintain a healthy balance between your work and personal life, especially in a demanding profession like teaching? Our conversation with Brittany Wheaton, a K-8 art educator from Grand Rapids, Michigan, may hold some profound insights for you. Brittany takes us along on her journey, discussing the highs and lows of her teaching career, her innovative side hustle, and her candid reflections on teacher burnout. Listen to her emphasis on the power of a reframed mindset and the pivotal role it plays in ensuring our professional sustainability.

Brittany shares her wisdom on creating a mindful balance between work and life. She explores the concept of self-awareness, urging us to recognize times when we are the source of our own struggle and stress. Her insights into developing professional confidence and competency are equally engaging and valuable. She also dialogues about the essentiality of teacher mental health and self-care, generously sharing her personal strategies to manage stress. Her emphasis on seeking help and taking time to rest is a reminder we all need.

In the final part of our conversation, Brittany illuminates the crucial subject of mental health within the education sector. She discusses her experiences working with students with emotional impairments and the importance of fostering a safe and supportive environment. Brittany passionately argues for the need for mental health resources for teachers and urges for more open conversations around this topic. This episode is not only a testament to Brittany’s resilience but also an inspiration for teachers grappling with similar issues. So, join us for a deep, meaningful conversation about the challenges and triumphs of teaching.

Brittany is a teacher, advocate of inclusive learning spaces, lifetime adventurer, founder of Teaching to a Riot, and a new mom.

With over 10 years of experience in the field of special education, she has mentored, instructed, and presented on diversity, equity & inclusion, teacher burnout, and student advocacy. She is currently teaching in a center-based program for students with emotional impairments and has narrowed her focus to helping educators stay happy, healthy, and inspired.

Follow Brittany:

Support the show

✨ Before You Go…

If this episode spoke to you—even in a small way—would you take 10 seconds to share it?

With just one woman. One friend. One person who might need to feel a little less alone in her struggle.

Tell her what resonated for you. Ask what landed for her.
Because when we share what moves us, we create deeper connection—with others and with ourselves.

🎧 And if you haven’t already, tap Follow, Subscribe, or + so you never miss an episode. Email me with episode guest and topic ideas at [email protected]

Want to stay in the loop with everything I’m creating and exploring?
📲 Follow along on Instagram: @mindful_miri

Until next time, I’m Miriam Burlakovsky Correia for the Mindful Miri Podcast.
Let’s leave everyone better than we found them.

I see you. I appreciate you. 💛
xo,
Miri

#MindfulMiriPodcast #MentalHealthMatters #WomenSupportingWomen #EducatorWellness #TeacherBurnout #MindfulnessForMoms #TherapistLife #NeurodivergentVoices #YogaAndMentalHealth #CompassionateLeadership #WellnessJourney #BodyLove #HealingTogether #MentalHealthAwareness

⚠️ Listener Note:
This podcast is not intended to replace professional mental or medical care. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988 for immediate support.

Send a text

When I first started the Mindful Miri podcast, I set out to explore being a woman, having a body, and healing our relationship to our bodies.   

As I worked with clients individually, I noticed that those who came to me for body issues often had overall difficulty taking great care of themselves.  And most of the requests and feedback I was getting came from educators and caregivers.  Plus, teachers were coming to me for support during my day job,  which inspired me to start focusing on supporting educators and preventing teacher burnout.   

Which led me to creating a nonprofit called The Association for the Wellbeing of Educators (AWE).  I thought about starting a podcast just for educators, but I think that all of us need to learn how to take better care of ourselves and I’m still curious about a lot of things outside of the education realm, including science, technology, psychology, art, social justice and DEI, spirituality, fitness, leadership, and personal development.  

All that being said, I’m back with a new season of great stories of women who are overcoming adversity, fostering resilience, making an impact (even the tiniest), and celebrating this thing called life from across the globe.  

Please send feedback to me and [email protected] or DM on Instagram @mindful_miri

As always, stay light, healthy, confident, and free..
And may you be safe, healthy, happy, peaceful, and loved,

Miri xo

Support the show

✨ Before You Go…

If this episode spoke to you—even in a small way—would you take 10 seconds to share it?

With just one woman. One friend. One person who might need to feel a little less alone in her struggle.

Tell her what resonated for you. Ask what landed for her.
Because when we share what moves us, we create deeper connection—with others and with ourselves.

🎧 And if you haven’t already, tap Follow, Subscribe, or + so you never miss an episode. Email me with episode guest and topic ideas at [email protected]

Want to stay in the loop with everything I’m creating and exploring?
📲 Follow along on Instagram: @mindful_miri

Until next time, I’m Miriam Burlakovsky Correia for the Mindful Miri Podcast.
Let’s leave everyone better than we found them.

I see you. I appreciate you. 💛
xo,
Miri

#MindfulMiriPodcast #MentalHealthMatters #WomenSupportingWomen #EducatorWellness #TeacherBurnout #MindfulnessForMoms #TherapistLife #NeurodivergentVoices #YogaAndMentalHealth #CompassionateLeadership #WellnessJourney #BodyLove #HealingTogether #MentalHealthAwareness

⚠️ Listener Note:
This podcast is not intended to replace professional mental or medical care. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988 for immediate support.