In this heartfelt episode of "Reclaim the Room," hosts Howard and Ridley delve into Ridley's personal journey with anxiety and trauma. Ridley shares her transition from a career in criminal justice to teaching, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of working with special education students. The conversation emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness, community support, and the ongoing journey of reclaiming one's life and dreams. Join us for an inspiring discussion on resilience and personal growth. #MentalHealthMatters #ReclaimTheRoom #teachertrauma #educatorwellness #traumainformed

Content Note
This episode references educator trauma and school violence. Please listen with care.

Welcome to the very first episode of Reclaim the Room!
Veteran educators Howard and Ridley kick off a real, hopeful conversation about what it takes to reclaim your peace after burnout, secondary trauma, and years in the classroom trenches. This episode shares the story behind our name, our mission, and why this podcast is a movement for educators—and any professional—who’s felt overwhelmed, unseen, or stuck.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• How Reclaim the Room began and why it’s more than a podcast—it’s a community.
• Howard & Ridley’s “why” stories: surviving school violence, anxiety, and the long aftermath.
• The difference between stress, burnout, and trauma (and why bubble baths aren’t enough).
• A candid look at teacher life: secondary trauma, caring for 100+ kids, and carrying what the body remembers.
• What’s coming next: weekly episodes, weekly blogs, guests, and a launch giveaway.

Chapters & Timestamps

• 00:35 — Meet Howard & Ridley
• 03:00 — What “Reclaim the Room” really means
• 07:20 — The unseen emotional toll of teaching
• 15:00 — Howard’s story: coping after campus tragedy
• 23:00 — Ridley’s story: anxiety, recovery, and return
• 27:00 — Stress vs. Burnout vs. Trauma
• 31:00 — What’s next + launch giveaway

Connect with Us

• 🌐 Weekly blogs & resources: reclaimtheroom.org
• 📸 Instagram: @reclaim.the.room
• 📘 Facebook: reclaimtheroom
• 🎵 TikTok: @reclaimtheroom

New Episodes & Blogs

• 🎙️ New podcast episodes every Tuesday (after this launch).
• ✍🏾 New blog posts every Wednesday at reclaimtheroom.org.
• Want to be a guest? Look for the Guest Interest Form on our website.

Call to Action
If this resonates, follow/subscribe, leave a rating, and share with a colleague who needs a lifeline. Teachers deserve healing too.

Credits
Hosts: Howard & Ridley
Production: Reclaim the Room
Music/Brand: Reclaim the Room
Contact & resources: reclaimtheroom.org