Oxygen for Educators™

SUMMARY

Michelle Kinder unpacks what self-compassion really looks like in everyday life. She talks about both the tender, nurturing side we usually think of and the fierce, protective side that helps us set boundaries and stay grounded.

Using the idea of the "two arrows," Michelle explains how self-compassion changes the way we handle challenges: the first arrow is the pain we can't avoid, the second is the unnecessary suffering we create for ourselves.

With practical tools and real-life examples, she shows how being kinder to ourselves can ease anxiety, strengthen resilience, and even boost motivation, creating ripples that benefit both us and the people around us. She also points to go-to, real resources from some of the most credible voices in the field that you can start using today, and you'll discover them all in the episode.

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Oxygen for Educators is proudly sponsored by Tacky Box.

Follow on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/oxygen-for-educators/id1775510846

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Website: https://www.tackybox.com/podcast

Thank you to our sponsor, Tacky Box!

Website: https://tackybox.com/

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SUMMARY

This episode feels like sitting down for coffee with someone who's walked the walk and really cares about people. Brenda Scott, now the Director of Cultural Intelligence for SMU Athletics, shares her story from being a first-generation college student to becoming a leader who helps others reach their full potential. She talks about why cultural intelligence matters, how truly seeing and understanding someone's background can change everything, and why relationships are the heartbeat of student success.

Through personal stories and hard-earned wisdom, Brenda reminds us that educators can be real-life superheroes, creating safe spaces, celebrating milestones, and giving students the confidence to dream bigger. It's an inspiring conversation that will leave you thinking about the small, intentional ways we can make others feel seen, supported, and capable of more than they imagined.

Brenda Scott is the author of All I Need Is My Tablet, a great story for children when it comes to technology and family. She is also the founder of BScott Visions, LLC, a company dedicated to helping people reach their full potential and improve their quality of life. Her work emphasizes building strong structures, safe, supportive environments where individuals can discover their strengths, develop skills, and prepare for the future.

You can connect with Brenda on LinkedIn or reach her by email at [email protected] or [email protected].

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Impact of Educators 03:01 Introducing Brenda Scott 06:08 Brenda's Journey and Mission 09:04 Cultural Intelligence in Education 11:47 Advice for Educators 14:54 Building Relationships in the Classroom 17:44 Understanding Different Backgrounds 20:55 Navigating Current Challenges 23:44 The Importance of Belonging 26:54 Personal Stories and Legacy 29:56 Real-Life Impact of Support 32:42 The Role of Educators 35:37 Cultural Language and Connection 38:42 The Power of Empathy 41:35 Magic Wand for Cultural Intelligence 44:36 The Role of Teachers as Superheroes 47:32 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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Oxygen for Educators is proudly sponsored by Tacky Box.

Follow on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/oxygen-for-educators/id1775510846

Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2i21QueuqVqmEPmI7gzFfQ?si=1bef3354bff2402c

Follow on Audible: https://www.audible.co.uk/podcast/Oxygen-for-Educators/B0DKL68DLX?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEdbuPy-L7p4RZKZ_VWKCXwK_j8vbjZF2&si=7SHeSWZRllrseygs

Website: https://www.tackybox.com/podcast

Thank you to our sponsor, Tacky Box!

Website: https://tackybox.com/

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SUMMARY

Ever feel like some days you're calm and grounded, and others you're just… barely holding it together? In this episode of Radical Hope, Michelle Kinder unpacks neuroception, your nervous system's built-in radar that constantly scans for danger or safety (without you even knowing it).

She explains how our state creates our story, when we're stressed or shut down, we see the world differently than when we feel safe and connected.

"Sometimes long after the threat has passed, we're still carrying the cat hair." Even subtle past experiences can shape how we show up today.

Michelle shares tools for tuning into your nervous system and stacking your day with moments that move you toward calm, connection, and purpose. It's not about mastering your nervous system, it's about being in relationship with it.

Short, powerful listen. Totally worth it.

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SUMMARY

Get ready to meet a woman whose story will stay with you long after the episode ends. In this raw and transparent interview, Michelle Kinder sits down with Tausha Nickleberry—an educator, leader, and fierce believer in the transformative power of connection and hope. Tausha's journey from a traumatic childhood marked by domestic violence and instability, through a life-altering teen pregnancy at 16, to becoming a passionate advocate for students and school communities, is nothing short of remarkable.

She shares how one caring adult—her high school's teen pregnancy social worker—offered her not solutions, but something far more lasting: a safe space and unwavering belief. That quiet act of showing up sparked a ripple effect that changed Tausha's trajectory and, years later, that of her son—now a teacher and coach himself. Her story is a testament to the unseen impact educators can have, even when they feel like they aren't doing enough.

Michelle and co-host Chris Kent Phelps unpack the conversation with awe and admiration, calling Tausha's life a "love letter to educators." They explore the power of vulnerability, the quiet force of hope, and how deeply seeing another person can be the most radical, life-changing act.

This episode is more than inspiring—it's a reminder that every moment of connection matters. Listen in and be reminded why the work you do has the power to transform lives.

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Power of Connection and Hope 05:53 Tasha's Journey: Overcoming Adversity 16:55 The Impact of Educators 21:48 The Ripple Effect of Hope 29:21 Seeing Potential in Others 38:59 The Importance of Understanding Behavior 47:34 Embracing Our Stories 54:11 The Role of Self-Care in Education

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Oxygen for Educators is produced by Ripplemaker Project and proudly sponsored by Tacky Box.

Follow on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/oxygen-for-educators/id1775510846

Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2i21QueuqVqmEPmI7gzFfQ?si=1bef3354bff2402c

Follow on Audible: https://www.audible.co.uk/podcast/Oxygen-for-Educators/B0DKL68DLX?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEdbuPy-L7p4RZKZ_VWKCXwK_j8vbjZF2&si=7SHeSWZRllrseygs

Website: https://www.tackybox.com/podcast

Thank you to our sponsor, Tacky Box!

Website: https://tackybox.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tacky_box/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheTackyBox/

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SUMMARY

Join host Michelle Kinder in this episode of Radical Hope as she explores the transformative practice of befriending your nervous system. Discover how understanding and nurturing your inner state can lead to steadiness, interrupt shame spirals, and reconnect you with your truest self. Drawing from the insights of polyvagal theory, Michelle shares practical ways to move from survival mode into a state of clarity, compassion, and connection. Tune in to learn how this daily practice can unlock your potential and help you deliver your unique gifts to the world.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• "Befriending your nervous system changes everything."
• "You can't give what you don't have, and you don't have what you're disconnected from."
• Burnout is not a personal failure—it's a sign that something deeper needs care.
• Rest, presence, and boundaries aren't luxuries—they're lifelines.

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Regulated Leadership and Nervous System Wisdom 03:18 – The Science of Safety and Belonging 07:12 – The Inner Work of Showing Up 11:44 – Recognizing Burnout and Shame 15:06 – You Don't Have to Abandon Yourself 18:39 – Discomfort vs. Danger 22:03 – Practical Tools for Reconnection 26:55 – Slowing Down the Urgency 30:41 – Boundaries, Compassion, and Capacity 34:17 – Regulation as Contagious Leadership 38:26 – Final Reflections on Hope and Healing

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Oxygen for Educators is produced by Ripplemaker Project and proudly sponsored by Tacky Box.

Follow on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/oxygen-for-educators/id1775510846

Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2i21QueuqVqmEPmI7gzFfQ?si=1bef3354bff2402c

Follow on Audible: https://www.audible.co.uk/podcast/Oxygen-for-Educators/B0DKL68DLX?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEdbuPy-L7p4RZKZ_VWKCXwK_j8vbjZF2&si=7SHeSWZRllrseygs

Website: https://www.tackybox.com/podcast

Thank you to our sponsor, Tacky Box!

Website: https://tackybox.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tacky_box/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheTackyBox/

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SUMMARY In this episode, we sit down with the wise, wholehearted, and purpose-driven Dr. Shanon Zais, principal of Rockwall High School's ninth-grade campus and a woman who leads with both conviction and care. With a deep belief that educators deserve the same level of support as students, Dr. Zais shares how she has built a school culture where rest is honored, community is cultivated, and core values aren't just slogans—they're the heartbeat of the building.

She opens up about her unexpected journey into education, the pivotal influence of teachers in her own life, and how a singular focus on intentional, relational leadership has created what some call "the Disneyland of campuses." With humor, humility, and fierce clarity, Dr. Zais reminds us that real school transformation starts with how we treat one another—moment to moment, marble by marble.

If you've ever wondered what it looks like to lead a school where no one dreads Mondays, where substitutes ask to come back, and where fun is foundational—this conversation will leave you inspired, challenged, and more hopeful than ever.

💥 Impactful Takeaways:

• Rest is essential for productivity, clarity, and showing up well.

• Creating a positive school culture starts with authentic, lived values.

• Small, consistent actions drive deep, sustainable change.

• Professional learning communities thrive when rooted in trust and care.

• Educators must prioritize their well-being to support students better.

• Time with students is finite—make every marble, every moment count.

• Leadership is about modeling, not just messaging.

• Community, fun, and connection are not extras—they're the foundation.

CHAPTERS

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Oxygen for Educators is produced by Ripplemaker Project and proudly sponsored by Tacky Box.

Follow on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/oxygen-for-educators/id1775510846

Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2i21QueuqVqmEPmI7gzFfQ?si=1bef3354bff2402c

Follow on Audible: https://www.audible.co.uk/podcast/Oxygen-for-Educators/B0DKL68DLX?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEdbuPy-L7p4RZKZ_VWKCXwK_j8vbjZF2&si=7SHeSWZRllrseygs

Website: https://www.tackybox.com/podcast

Thank you to our sponsor, Tacky Box!

Website: https://tackybox.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tacky_box/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheTackyBox/

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SUMMARY

In this special mini-sode, host Michelle Kinder launches Radical Hope: Inner Work with a Ripple Effect—a new short-form series from Oxygen for Educators. These shorter episodes are designed to offer grounded, actionable insights for educators navigating complex realities with courage and heart.

Michelle opens this first installment with a powerful question: How do we hold the truthiest truth about what is—without abandoning what could be?

With clarity and compassion, she explores what it means to practice radical hope, not as a feeling, but as a decision and a daily practice. Drawing on the work of Charles Snyder, David Emerald, Donna Zajonc, and bell hooks, Michelle shares a roadmap for how to hold space for both realism and possibility—while remaining tethered to community, creativity, and purpose.

This episode is a breath of fresh air for anyone feeling the weight of uncertainty, burnout, or disillusionment. It reminds us that radical hope is not naive—it's a bold and strategic act of leadership.

💥 Impactful Takeaways:

• Hope is not fluffy—it's a teachable, research-based strategy grounded in goals, pathways, and agency.

• The discomfort of dynamic tension is actually creative fuel—it means you care.

• Community is essential—radical hope thrives in connection, not isolation.

• Leadership begins with presence, truth-telling, and a commitment to what's possible.

• None of us were meant to carry hope alone.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Radical Hope 02:46 Balancing Realism and Possibility 05:48 Hope Theory: A Cognitive Process 08:59 Dynamic Tension Fuels Change 11:51 The Power of Community in Hope

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Oxygen for Educators is produced by Ripplemaker Project and proudly sponsored by Tacky Box.

Follow on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/oxygen-for-educators/id1775510846

Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2i21QueuqVqmEPmI7gzFfQ?si=1bef3354bff2402c

Follow on Audible: https://www.audible.co.uk/podcast/Oxygen-for-Educators/B0DKL68DLX?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEdbuPy-L7p4RZKZ_VWKCXwK_j8vbjZF2&si=7SHeSWZRllrseygs

Website: https://www.tackybox.com/podcast

Thank you to our sponsor, Tacky Box!

Website: https://tackybox.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tacky_box/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheTackyBox/

X: https://x.com/thetackybox

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SUMMARY

Texas is grieving. Even for those once or twice removed from the direct impact, it's hard to think about anything other than the catastrophic flooding in Central Texas and the rising death toll. Each life lost represents a devastated family, a shaken community, and a school doing its best to help children make sense of the senseless.

We're re-releasing an episode we originally recorded for educators and parents in California during the recent wildfires, in hopes that it might now support Texas families as they process the devastation from this past weekend's flooding.

• "Be gentle with yourself as the adult."
• "Hope is powerful medicine in times of crisis."
• "We hold hope and believe in love."

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Oxygen for Educators is produced by Ripplemaker Project and proudly sponsored by Tacky Box.

Follow on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/oxygen-for-educators/id1775510846

Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2i21QueuqVqmEPmI7gzFfQ?si=1bef3354bff2402c

Follow on Audible: https://www.audible.co.uk/podcast/Oxygen-for-Educators/B0DKL68DLX?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEdbuPy-L7p4RZKZ_VWKCXwK_j8vbjZF2&si=7SHeSWZRllrseygs

Website: https://www.tackybox.com/podcast

Thank you to our sponsor, Tacky Box!

Website: https://tackybox.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tacky_box/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheTackyBox/

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In this episode, we sit down with the radiant and deeply grounded Dr. Summer Rose, a clinical psychologist and leader at Communities In Schools of the Dallas Region. With warmth, clarity, and conviction, she shares her story from aspiring "baby doctor" to becoming a fierce advocate for youth mental health and educator well-being.

Dr. Rose opens up about the systems that shape young people's lives—from child welfare to education—and the urgent need to support the adults who serve them. She reflects on the emotional toll educators face, the mental health crisis among students, and the power of proximity, presence, and community in healing and transformation.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership rooted in love, listening, and staying close to the work can change lives. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the weight of what students and educators are carrying, this episode will remind you that you're not alone—and that there's a lifeboat waiting for you.

💥 Impactful Takeaways:

• Everyone wants to be heard—listening is the first step toward healing and action.
• Educators are carrying more than ever—supporting them is essential to student success.
• Proximity matters—leaders must stay close to the work and the people doing it.
• Students need to see what's possible—exposure to diverse futures expands hope.
• Community is a lifeline—especially for those leading through crisis.
• Mental health support must be accessible, integrated, and responsive to real needs.

00:00 Virtual Hugs and Warmth 01:15 Summer's Journey from Science to Psychology 04:00 Discovering Her Calling Through CPS and Child Welfare 07:12 Graduate School and the Power of Systems Work 08:20 The Intersection of Mental Health and Education 09:41 A Story That Changed Everything: Catching a Student Mid-Jump 10:28 Equipping Adults to Support Youth Mental Health 11:29 What Communities In Schools Does 13:05 Expanding Mental Health Services Post-COVID 14:28 Family Engagement and Post-Secondary Success 15:41 Helping Students See All Their Options 17:32 What the Public Gets Wrong About Schools 18:18 Educator Burnout and Unrealistic Expectations 19:24 Parenting in a Digital World 20:14 Bridging the Gap Between Parents and Kids 21:40 The Power of Being Heard 22:27 Nervous System to Nervous System: Co-Regulation in Action 23:37 Transition Team: Moving Toward a New Normal 24:43 Finding Strength in Community and Shared Leadership 26:04 Lifeboats and Unexpected Support 28:43 What Keeps Her Up at Night: The Education Funding Crisis 30:02 What Gets Her Out of Bed: Her Team 31:13 How She Supports Her Staff with Presence and Love 32:37 Staying Proximate to the Work 33:03 Olaf, Warm Hugs, and Showing Up in Crisis 34:08 Final Reflections and Gratitude 35:16 A Prayer and a Promise

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Oxygen for Educators is produced by Ripplemaker Project and proudly sponsored by Tacky Box.

Follow on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/oxygen-for-educators/id1775510846

Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2i21QueuqVqmEPmI7gzFfQ?si=1bef3354bff2402c

Follow on Audible: https://www.audible.co.uk/podcast/Oxygen-for-Educators/B0DKL68DLX?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEdbuPy-L7p4RZKZ_VWKCXwK_j8vbjZF2&si=7SHeSWZRllrseygs

Website: https://www.tackybox.com/podcast

Thank you to our sponsor, Tacky Box!

Website: https://tackybox.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tacky_box/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheTackyBox/

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In this episode, we sit down with the thoughtful and deeply grounded Rob Kowalski, an eighth-grade humanities teacher at Parish Middle School in Dallas, Texas. Rob shares his journey through education—from growing up in New Jersey and being shaped by powerful mentors to becoming the kind of teacher who helps students feel seen, safe, and inspired, even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rob talks about why relationships—not just academics—are at the center of his teaching philosophy. He opens up about the importance of vulnerability, the role of curiosity in learning, and why he believes education should evolve to better reflect the needs of today's students. His reflections are honest, practical, and full of heart.

Whether you're an educator, a parent, or someone who cares about how kids grow and thrive, this conversation offers meaningful insights into what it looks like to lead with connection and purpose.

💥 Impactful Takeaways:

• Relationships come first—students learn best when they feel seen, safe, and valued.
• Vulnerability is a strength—modeling it invites students to do the same.
• Curiosity is a nervous system tool—it calms, connects, and fuels learning.
• Education needs a redesign—shorter days, real-world skills, and more joy.
• Middle schoolers are navigating high-stakes emotions—teachers must meet them there.
• Don't coast—students deserve educators who keep evolving and asking, "How can we do better?"

00:00 "Let's Keep Asking Questions" – Opening Quote 00:45 Welcome to Oxygen for Educators 01:09 Introducing Rob Kowalski 02:35 Rob's Impact on Sophia During COVID 04:00 Rob's First Year at Parish and Teaching in a Pandemic 06:00 Building Connection Through a Screen 07:45 Why Rob Became a Teacher 10:19 The Petty School Experience and Early Influences 13:15 Career Journey: From Boston to Dallas 14:50 Teaching, Coaching, and Being a Stay-at-Home Dad 17:06 Returning to the Classroom with Purpose 19:29 Why Content Isn't the Point—Relationships Are 20:55 Teaching Relevance in a TikTok World 22:55 Vulnerability and the Courage to Evolve 23:55 The Challenge of Making History Feel Real 25:57 Understanding the Stakes for Middle Schoolers 28:03 Using AI and Tech to Stay Relevant 29:47 Designing a Better School Model 31:03 What School Could Look Like in 2025 33:01 Real-World Skills, Curiosity, and Joy 35:04 Rethinking Curriculum and Student Fit 38:15 Cherishing Childhood and Slowing Down 40:59 Practical Shifts Educators Can Make 42:23 Taking Pressure Off Students 44:09 Fit Over Prestige in School Choices 46:06 Creating Space for Wonder and Balance 48:23 The Many Hats of a Teacher 50:11 Empathy for the Middle School Experience 52:30 Grace, Humor, and the Joy of Teaching 56:13 Reflections on Mistakes and Growth 58:01 COVID, Connection, and What We Learned 59:24 The Return to Normal and What We Missed 01:00:07 Advice for New Educators: Build Relationships 01:01:34 Finding Your Tribe and Belonging 01:03:03 What Students Remember Most 01:04:04 Rob's Family and the Empty Nest Ahead 01:04:51 Final Reflections and Gratitude 01:05:35 Hosts Reflect on Rob's Wisdom and Joy

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Oxygen for Educators is produced by Ripplemaker Project and proudly sponsored by Tacky Box.

Follow on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/oxygen-for-educators/id1775510846

Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2i21QueuqVqmEPmI7gzFfQ?si=1bef3354bff2402c

Follow on Audible: https://www.audible.co.uk/podcast/Oxygen-for-Educators/B0DKL68DLX?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEdbuPy-L7p4RZKZ_VWKCXwK_j8vbjZF2&si=7SHeSWZRllrseygs

Website: https://www.tackybox.com/podcast

Thank you to our sponsor, Tacky Box!

Website: https://tackybox.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tacky_box/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheTackyBox/

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