The Adult Education Wellness Podcast-Balance & teaching tools for everyone

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Melissa Langley Biegert (Dr. B)—Director of Academic Success for High School Programs at Austin Community College—to explore what soul care really means at work.

Dr. B shares her journey from small-town Arkansas to Harvard and Vanderbilt Divinity School, and her unique role as chaplain and crisis negotiator at UT. Together, we discuss spiritual wellness, belonging, and how educators can nurture compassion and resilience in themselves and their communities.

In this episode we discuss:

• 🌿 The meaning of soul care and why it’s vital for educators and staff

• 🧘‍♀️ Simple practices for restoring balance and spiritual well-being at work

• 💔 How to support ourselves and each other through student or community crises

• 🤝 The power of “loving our students—and each other—to success”

• 💡 What it means to create systems of belonging and purpose in education

• ⚖️ How Qigong, Tai Chi, and mindfulness support resilience and clarity

• ❤️ The intersection of faith, service, and educational reform

  
  

  Click here for Dr. B's favorite books and podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/DrBiegertfavorites

  
  

  Follow and share the Adult Education Wellness Podcast for more stories that inspire balance, purpose, and well-being in and beyond the classroom and please email us if you have any questions or suggestions:

  [email protected] &

  [email protected]

In this inspiring and practical episode, Stacy and Betina explore Universal Design for Learning (UDL)—a proactive approach to creating classrooms that welcome every learner.

Whether your students are neurodivergent, English language learners, or adults returning to school, UDL helps remove barriers and build confidence through flexibility, accessibility, and empathy.

In this episode you'll learn:

• What Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is and why it matters

• The three core UDL principles: Engagement, Representation, and Action & Expression

• How to proactively design inclusive learning experiences instead of retrofitting accommodations

• Ways to make lessons more accessible using visuals, captions, choice boards, and audio support

• How to integrate  culturally responsive, and neurodiversity-aware practices into your teaching

• Simple tips to use UDL in your next lesson, meeting, or presentation

  
  

  Here are the links to the resources we mentioned in the show:

  • CAST: Universal Design for Learning Guidelines

  • Texas UDL Implementation Guide for Educators

Don’t miss out on this powerful conversation about designing with empathy and intention.

Follow the Adult Education Wellness Podcast on your favorite platform—Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts.

Share this episode with an educator or colleague who’s passionate about inclusion and accessibility.
And if you loved it, please leave us a rating and review—it helps others discover the show!

And of course if you have any suggestions or would like to be a guest on our show, email us at [email protected] or [email protected].

In this episode of the Adult Education Wellness Podcast, Two Tranquil Teachers (Betina & Stacy) explore the science and joy behind sound healing and laughter practices—two powerful, research-backed tools for stress relief and focus in the classroom.

Learn how simple practices like humming, chanting, and vowel sounds can calm the nervous system, boost energy, and create a positive learning environment. Plus, discover the benefits of laughter yoga, playful classroom activities, and even ways to use humor in professional development to foster connection and ease tension.

Whether you’re an adult educator, teacher, or lifelong learner, these quick, practical wellness tips can help you:

• Reduce stress and anxiety before tests or meetings

• Bring more joy and engagement into your classroom

• Cultivate focus, creativity, and compassion through sound and laughter

Stay tuned for easy-to-try exercises and real classroom stories that will inspire you to weave wellness into your daily routine.

✨ Don’t forget to subscribe, share this episode with a colleague, and leave us a review so more educators can discover these tools.

✨If you have any questions or ideas for the show or would like to be a guest on our show please email us at [email protected] and [email protected].

Welcome Back!
Join your Two Tranquil Teachers, Betina and Stacy, as they explore two ancient frameworks—Dharma (India) and Ikigai (Japan)—to help you live with intention, balance, and joy. In this self-care month episode, discover how to align with your purpose and make meaningful daily choices. 🌟

• Grounding Exercise 🧘‍♀️: Start with a heart-centered meditation, focusing on your feet and body to feel grounded. Ask yourself, “Am I wearing socks?” to spark a smile and presence. 😊

• Dharma Explained 🌌: Learn how Dharma, your soul’s “right path,” reflects your unique role—whether nourishing, teaching, or creating—and why living it prevents feeling stuck.

• Ikigai Unpacked 🗺️: Explore Ikigai, your “reason for being,” through a four-circle Venn diagram: what you love, are good at, can be paid for, and what the world needs.

• Dharma vs. Ikigai 🔄: Dharma is your spiritual essence; Ikigai is its practical expression in daily life (e.g., cooking, teaching, or photography).

• Reflection Exercise 📝: Answer:

  • What activities make you feel energized? (e.g., Stacy’s meal prepping, Betina’s reading)

  • When do you feel most useful to others? (e.g., listening, sharing knowledge)

  • What have people always sought you for? (e.g., health advice, book recommendations)

• Real-Life Examples 🚀: From ChatGPT:

  • Culinary Therapist: Combines cooking and healing (Stacy’s vibe).

  • Storytelling Strategist: Amplifies authentic voices (Betina’s passion).

  • ESL Student Maria: Teaches tech basics, empowering others digitally.

• Self-Care Commitment 💕: Try one act of kindness this week (e.g., a walk, journaling, or Betina’s nightly reflection: “What was joyful today? What am I proud of?”).

• Aligning with your Dharma brings purpose; Ikigai turns it into actionable joy.

• Small skills matter—the world needs your unique gifts!

• Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential for Adult Ed students and teachers.

• Reflect: Journal your answers to the Dharma/Ikigai questions. What’s your purpose?

• Practice Self-Care: Commit to one kind act this week and share it with us!

• Engage: Follow us on LinkedIn for updates and connect with our community.

• Subscribe & Review: Rate us on your favorite platform to help us grow! 🌱

Quote of the Episode: “Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s essential.” — Stacy & Betina

Recommended Books: https://tinyurl.com/IkigaiDharmabooks

Picture of the Ikigai diagram: https://tinyurl.com/IKIGAIDIAGRAM

Thank You for Listening!
Be gentle, stay grounded, and join us next time. Sha

Episode HighlightsKey TakeawaysCall to Action

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Maricela Juarez, Career Pathways Enrollment Specialist at Austin Community College, whose journey from teen mom and manual laborer to college graduate and community advocate is a testament to perseverance and purpose.

Maricela opens up about:

• Overcoming personal loss and turning pain into purpose
  

• The mindset, time management, and wellness practices that kept her going
  

• How she now pays it forward, inspiring other adult learners to keep going even when life doesn’t slow down
  

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Transformation can begin at any stage of life
  

• Education can be a powerful path to healing and purpose
  

• Small wins fuel momentum—persistence matters
  

• Nature, movement, and spiritual practices can be simple, powerful wellness tools
  

• Support doesn’t have to come from family—it can be built in community
  

Plus, we guide you through a short breathing exercise and a simple hand reflexology technique to help calm the nervous system anytime, anywhere.

📅 Mark Your Calendar:

• Sept 2 – Labor Day (U.S.)
  

• Sept 8 – World Literacy Day
  

• September – Self-Care Awareness Month
  

🎧 Tune in, take a deep breath, and be inspired to climb your own ladder—one step at a time.

Maricela's Picks: https://tinyurl.com/MaricelaPicks

Welcome to a New Season!
Join hosts Stacy Ramirez and Betina, your Two Tranquil Teachers, as they kick off Season 2 with a fresh look, a new name, and a renewed focus on transformation, clarity, and practical change. This episode is all about embracing change in education and personal growth, inspired by the wisdom of modern Kabbalah. 🌟

• Rebranding Journey 📓💖: Discover the revamped Adult Education Wellness Podcast—new logo, new name, and a commitment to wellness and heart-centered teaching. The hosts share how they used the SMARTER framework to align their podcast with their mission.

• Kabbalah & Wellness 🕉️: Explore how Kabbalah’s principles—transforming reactive to proactive behavior, letting go for clarity, and viewing challenges as growth opportunities—apply to teaching and life. Learn from authors like Michael Berg, Yehuda Berg, Karen Berg, and Kathy Heller.

• Real Classroom Stories 🎙️: Stacy and Betina get candid about their early teaching struggles with “wild” classes, sharing how setting boundaries and reflecting on their approach transformed their classrooms. 🧑‍🏫

• Guided Reflection Exercise 🧘‍♀️: Join Betina’s Kabbalah-inspired meditation to release what no longer serves you. Reflect on questions like: What am I procrastinating on? What opportunities could open if I embrace change?Perfect for journaling! 📝

• What’s Next? 🚀: Expect more student voices, instructor insights, and wellness tools this season, plus live LinkedIn events with scavenger hunts and resource lists.

• Change is messy but necessary—pause, reflect, and set boundaries to grow.

• Small shifts (like a glass of water or a quiet morning) are powerful wellness practices.

• Ask for help! Whether from a supervisor, friend, or even AI, external perspectives spark growth. 🤝

• Fall In-Service for HCC Adult Ed: Join in-person on Tuesday, August 19, at the HBC Boardroom, or online on Wednesday, August 20. Register via email to meet your 15-hour PD requirement!

• Follow Us: Stay connected on LinkedIn for updates, tools, and fun challenges. Share this episode with someone navigating change!

• Reflect: Try the episode’s meditation and journal your answers to the reflection questions.

• Engage: Follow on LinkedIn for live events and share your feedback to shape Season 2.

• Subscribe & Review: Rate us on your favorite podcast platform to help us grow! 🌟

Quote of the Episode: “It’s okay to do things differently. It’s okay to be me. I can do it my way.” — Betina

Thank You for Listening!
Whether you’re new or a Season 1 fan, you’re welcome here. Be brave, keep growing, and join us next time! 💪❤️

Click here to see a list of Betina & Stacy's favorite books: https://tinyurl.com/StacyandBetinaBooks

Today’s episode is the closing chapter of our very first season! Since January, we’ve shared 10 powerful episodes full of wellness practices, honest stories, and transformative tools. In this final episode, we hit pause to reflect on where we started, what we’ve learned, and where we’re headed next.

Start listening if you want to discover what we found along the way—and follow along with our special Scavenger Hunt for curious listeners:

🔎 Scavenger Hunt – Can you spot… 📚 How many book recommendations did Stacy and Betina gather? 📖 What trends and themes did they discover in this rich collection of titles? 🧘‍♀️ How many wellness techniques have been shared so far? 🌿 What practices did our guests bring to the table? 💡 What did we do well this season? 🔧 What can we improve moving forward? ⏭️ And… what’s coming in Season 2?

• Betina shares her lifelong connection to Oscar Wilde, and how his work helped her survive and thrive as a young artist.
  

• Stacy reveals four books that helped her align body, mind, and spirit—including Deepak Chopra, Joe Dispenza, and Alisa Vitti.  These aren’t just books—they’re blueprints for becoming.

If you’ve been walking with us on this journey, thank you for being part of the ACC Adult Education World community. And if you’re new—this is the perfect time to jump in.

Don’t forget to subscribe or follow this podcast on your favorite platform and leave us a review! It really helps us!

We’ll see you again at the end of July! Until then…

Let’s breathe, reflect, and grow—together. 🌱

You will also find: Betina & Stacy’s Book Reflections:
https://tinyurl.com/StacyandBetinaBooks

🎙️ Welcome Back to episode 9 of the Adult Education World Podcast! Join Bettina Watkins & Stacy Ramirez and as they dive into the world of adult education, exploring the passion and dedication that drives educators and impacts communities.

🌟 Special Guest: Susan Gusler is the Program Director of the Adult Education Department at ACC. Discover her inspiring journey from teaching ESL to leading adult education programs.

📚 Susan's Story:  Susan shares her personal connection to adult education, inspired by her father's journey from GED completer to teacher. Learn how her diverse experiences shaped her career.

🔍 Role of a Program Director: Susan describes her dynamic role, from supporting instructional teams to analyzing data and ensuring student success. Every day is an adventure!

🌿 Personal Insights:  Get to know Susan personally as she shares her love for gardening, exercise, and her favorite book, "Dare to Lead" by Brené Brown.

🌅 Wellness Practices: Susan's sunset practice and her passion for staying active highlight the importance of self-care and balance.

Susan's Favorite Books: https://teach.link/SusanFBooks

Susan's Favorite Podcasts: https://teach.link/SusanFavPodcasts

General Announcements:

🌸 Celebrating Mother's Day: Acknowledge the incredible mothers and caregivers in our community. Explore diverse cultural celebrations of parental figures in your classroom.

🎉 Upcoming Events in Austin: Check out the Mother's Day Market at Mueller Lake Park, Blues on the Green at Zilker Park, and the End of Term Celebration at ACC Highland.

📆 Looking Ahead: Summer is coming! Explore courses offered at ACC for personal growth and learning opportunities.

• Adult Education Programs: https://adulted.austincc.edu/

  
  Career Pathways: https://adulted.austincc.edu/career-pathways/adulted.austincc.edu+2adulted.austincc.edu+2adulted.austincc.edu+2
  

• College Prep Program: https://adulted.austincc.edu/college-prep/adulted.austincc.edu
  

• Community Education: https://continue.austincc.edu/corporate/community-education
  

• Lifelong Learning: https://continue.austincc.edu/lifelong-learningACC Continuing Education
  

• Workshops & Events: https://students.austincc.edu/welcome-center/workshops-events/ACC District 

🌟If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe/follow this show, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite platform. Share this episode with friends and colleagues who might appreciate Susan’s episode.  

If you have suggestions or want to get in touch with us feel free to email us at [email protected] and [email protected].

In this episode, Stacy and Betina welcome Jessica Listi, a passionate language arts instructor in the College Prep department. Jessica shares her journey from teaching middle school to adult education, highlighting her innovative approach to incorporating journaling and self-compassion into her teaching practice. The conversation delves into the transformative power of journaling, the importance of self-love, and the unique challenges and rewards of working with adult learners.

 🎙️ Jessica's background in education and her transition to adult education.

 📚 Journaling in the Classroom: How Jessica uses journaling to help students reconnect with themselves and build self-confidence.

 🌟 Student Success Stories: Inspiring anecdotes about students who have thrived through journaling and self-reflection.

🧘‍♀️ Incorporating Yoga and Self-Compassion:Jessica's journey to becoming a yoga instructor and how she integrates mindfulness practices into her teaching.

 🌍 Diverse Student Experiences: The rich diversity of adult learners and the unique perspectives they bring to the classroom.

 📖 Podcast Recommendations: Jessica shares her favorite podcasts & Yoga teachers that inspire her teaching and personal growth.

Tara Brach Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tara-brach/id265264862

Cole Chance Yoga: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCao6WJ3ryV6IjLmZa-PCv8w

David O Yoga: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidOYoga

Jessica's Favorite Books: https://tinyurl.com/JessicaFavBooks

Jessica's Favorite Speeches: https://tinyurl.com/SpeechesJessica

Adult Ed Announcements:

Click here to register for Blackboard Ultra Training.

DLTI Conference Registration Link:  https://dlti25.vfairs.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe/follow this show, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite platform. Share this episode with friends and colleagues who might benefit from Jessica's insights on journaling and self-compassion in education.

If you have suggestions or want to get in touch with us feel free to email us at [email protected] and [email protected].

🌸 Welcome to Spring!

- In this episode, Betina and Stacy embrace the fresh start that spring offers. In this episode you’ll learn:

🌱 Reframing Resolutions

- Stacy shares her experience of feeling like her resolutions have been on the back burner, while Betina talks about her goal of financial recovery and the steps she's taking to achieve it.

🌿 Family Constellations Therapy

- Betina introduces Family Constellations Therapy, explaining how it can help release hidden family patterns that might be holding us back. She guides listeners through a powerful letting-go exercise. 

 https://tinyurl.com/AncestralWisdomintheClassroom

🧘‍♀️ Letting Go Exercise

- A guided exercise to help listeners release old family beliefs and step into the new season with clarity and support from their ancestors.

🌼 Embrace Growth

- Betina and Stacy remind listeners that growth happens in seasons, just like nature, and encourage them to be kind to themselves as they adjust their goals.

📅 Exciting Announcements

🎓 Applications for the CPW Summer Program are now open! A great opportunity for students to improve language skills and earn valuable certifications.

🎉 A big thank you to everyone who participated in the successful ITP end-of-term celebration.

👗 Spring cleaning? Donate gently used items to the Student Advocacy Center pop-up thrift stores in April.  Thrifting at ACC

🌍 Celebrate Earth Day at Huston Tillotson University on April 12th. EarthDay

🐣 Easter is coming on April 20th! Consider creating a class to explore the traditions and history of the holiday.

💬 Join the Conversation

Please remember to follow this podcast and if you know someone who could benefit from listening, please share it with them!

If you have any questions, comments or would like to be a guest on this show please email us at [email protected] or [email protected].