Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! Today’s episode is all about the power of doing the little things well and how that philosophy connects to restorative practices in our schools. I’m part of a restorative practices committee at my school and will soon begin training to become a trainer myself—something I’m both excited and humbled by. Honestly, I wasn’t always on board with this approach. Skeptical at first, I joined the initiative out of a mix of curiosity and a desire to contribute rather than criticize. What I’ve learned is that restorative practices are fundamentally about building and maintaining relationships with students, and that simplicity is key. This week, a committee meeting and a moment of doubt reminded me how important it is to focus on the small, consistent actions that build trust, understanding, and connection. Inspired by Emmanuel Acho’s reminder that "little things done well make big things happen," we’ll discuss how paying attention to the small, intentional steps can transform not just our classrooms, but our lives. Let’s dive in!

Welcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! In this episode, we delve into the timeless wisdom of Seneca, exploring his profound understanding of philosophy as the art of learning how to be a friend to yourself. As educators, we often pour our hearts and souls into nurturing our students, but it's equally essential to extend that same kindness and compassion inward. Join me as I reflect on the importance of self-friendship and self-care in our teaching journeys, sharing practical insights and uplifting stories that remind us to prioritize our well-being while inspiring others.

Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! Every year, my pre-season wrestling trip is a chance to recharge and reflect, and this year’s visit to Ocean City, NJ, was no exception. From a thoughtful gift card from a student to battling nasty black bugs and relentless beeping, it wasn’t all smooth sailing—but as we left, the ocean reminded me of its timeless lesson: it continues its work, no matter what. Today, I’m sharing why I love the beach—the nostalgia, joy, and grounding it provides—and how Mary Oliver’s poem I Go Down to the Shore inspired me to reflect on the importance of perspective. Just as the ocean waves keep rolling, we all have work to do, even when life feels overwhelming. Whether you're dealing with challenges or celebrating victories, the key is finding meaning in the process—"chop wood, carry water." Let’s dive into this calming yet powerful reminder to stay grounded, focused, and present in every moment.

Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! Lately, I’ve been feeling a shift—a sense of returning to something better than just surviving in the classroom. Between blue-sky moments and inspiring ideas from podcasts like Check This Out and House of EdTech, I’m rounding the corner from simply managing post-COVID challenges to growing and thriving as an educator. Today’s episode is all about progress—how it fuels our happiness and purpose. Inspired by Tom Bilyeu’s Impact Theory, we’ll explore why progress is a pillar of fulfillment, why it’s hardwired into us as humans, and why, as teachers, we need to push past comfort to continue growing. As wrestling coach Nelson Stratton once said, "You either get better or worse, but you never stay the same." Growth isn’t just about becoming better educators—it’s about living a purposeful life that serves both ourselves and others. Let’s talk about how to embrace the hard work of progress and use it to reignite our passion for teaching!

Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! In our last episode, we explored Michael Gervais’ idea of being at peace with who you are while still striving for growth, and today, I want to dive even deeper into that journey. This week, I faced two personal challenges that reminded me just how far I have to go: being judgmental and constantly comparing expectations to reality. Both came to the forefront during our whirlwind three-day parent-teacher conference schedule, where my stress amplified these habits. I’ll share how Epictetus’ wisdom from The Enchiridion—"Wish for things to happen as they do, and you will have a tranquil flow of life"—helped me reframe these moments. We’ll explore why comparison and control can lead us astray, how I tried to navigate my disrupted routines, and what we can all learn about rolling with life’s unpredictability. Let’s get inspired together to embrace what is, rather than what we wish it to be!

Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! In today’s episode, we dive into a powerful idea that struck me while listening to Dr. Michael Gervais on a recent podcast while blowing leaves! Dr. Mike spoke about the discipline it takes to prioritize progress and growth over outcomes, a concept that feels especially relevant in the fast-paced world of education. He also highlighted the importance of not wrapping your identity in what you do, a reminder that staying grounded in your purpose allows you to embrace growth with clarity and resilience. Together, these ideas offer a transformative perspective on how we approach our roles as educators and lifelong learners. Let’s explore how these insights can fuel our passion and purpose in teaching!

Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! Today’s episode was sparked by a heartfelt conversation I had with my son about his goals in wrestling. His focus and determination reminded me of a powerful chapter from The Wisdom of the Bullfrog: Leadership Made Simple (But Not Easy) by Admiral William H. McRaven. In this episode, we’ll dive into the importance of having goals and a pathway to achieving them, and not just hope.  

Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! In today’s episode, we’re diving into the timeless wisdom of Epictetus as shared in Chapter 17 of his Enchiridion. Building on our conversation from the last episode, we’re focusing on a fundamental Stoic truth: we are not in control of events, but we are in control of how we respond to them and just how liberating this can be. 

Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! Today’s episode was sparked by a recent conversation on Dr. Michael Gervais' *Finding Mastery* podcast, where he interviewed Deryck Whibley, lead singer of Sum 41. Whibley shared a powerful reminder that “you can’t control the outcome, but you can control the output.” This line got me thinking deeply about the concepts in *Extreme Balance*, a book that emphasizes balancing results with the process it takes to get there. In this episode, we’ll explore how focusing on our own "output" can bring greater satisfaction and success, even when the final outcome feels beyond our reach.

Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! Today’s episode is inspired by a thought-provoking message I received from the Daily Insight email service. The email featured a quote from the renowned author Paulo Coelho, reminding us that the true rewards of our work lie not in what we gain but in who we become. As educators, it’s easy to focus on the tangible results of our efforts—grades, accolades, and outcomes—but Coelho's words offer a powerful perspective shift. Let’s dive into how embracing this mindset can transform our approach to teaching and fuel a deeper sense of purpose in the work we do every day.