In this real-talk solo episode, host Marcia Nicole opens up about why she had to step away from the podcast and what it really means to pause when life gets overwhelming. From burnout to family obligations to the guilt that comes with stepping back, Marcia shares honestly about her own messy, beautiful, and unpredictable “life-ing” season.

She also reveals the hard truths her community shared with her truths that stung but ultimately inspired growth and the strategies she’s using to rebuild with more clarity and strength.

What you’ll take away from this episode:

Why pausing isn’t failure, it’s being human

How to embrace rest and let go of guilt

The importance of leaning on community during tough seasons

Three ways to reframe the pause so you come back stronger

✨ Whether you’re an educator, entrepreneur, or parent juggling it all, this episode is your permission slip to hit pause, reset, and remember: you are not alone.

Follow our Instagram: @‌ispyrtoeducate

Connect on LinkedIn: LinkedIn

Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join Our Newsletter

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of the Inspiring ECE Podcast, your host, Marcia Nicole, takes you on a journey into the wondrous world of nurturing meaningful relationships with the young minds in our care. Discover the magic behind crafting bonds that not only inspire but also shape a child's future.

From the simplicity of saying "hello" to understanding emotional check-ins, Marcia shares tips and insights that will empower educators to create a world of positive connections within their classrooms. Explore the art of being an inspiring role model and building a community that bridges the gap between home and school life.

Tune in for expert advice and the joy of celebrating every success with your fellow educators. Don't miss this episode filled with wisdom, warmth, and the promise of building an extraordinary educational community.

It’s the final week of Motivational May, and this episode is a heart-full celebration of the journey we've walked together.

This week, Marcia Nicole reflects on the magic of community how finding your people (or building your own village) can breathe life back into your purpose. She shares personal stories from the month, moments that reignited her own motivation, and the incredible messages and support that reminded her why this work matters so deeply.

We revisit the themes of the month celebrating invisible victories, the power of presence, and reconnecting with the person behind the profession. And in case you missed last week’s intended message? She weaves it right in: a gentle, joyful reminder that being perfectly imperfect is powerful, too.

This episode is more than a wrap-up. It’s a love letter to every educator out there doing the work seen or unseen.

Follow our Instagram: instagram.com/ispyrtoeducate/

Connect on LinkedIn: LinkedIn

Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join Our Newsletter

Email: [email protected]

This week on The Inspiring ECE Podcast, we’re taking a breath literally and figuratively to focus on someone often left behind: you.

In this soul-filling episode, Marcia Nicole invites educators to pause and reconnect with the parts of themselves beyond the classroom. Who are you outside of lesson planning, snack prep, and endless documentation? What makes you feel alive, creative, curious?

You’ll explore what it means to reclaim space, rediscover old passions, and bring that spark back into your practice not as another task on your to-do list, but as a way to fill your cup from the inside out.

This is your permission to be more than your title and to take up space unapologetically. Because when you thrive, your classroom does too.

In this episode:

Why finding yourself outside of the classroom matters

How to make space for joy (without guilt!)

Simple ways to bring your passions into your teaching

A powerful reminder: You are enough

Follow our Instagram: instagram.com/ispyrtoeducate/

Connect on LinkedIn: LinkedIn

Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join Our Newsletter

Email: [email protected]

This week is the second week of motivational May on The Inspiring ECE Podcast, we’re diving into one of the most heartfelt truths about early childhood education: your presence is powerful.

Even on the days when you're not at 100%, even when you feel unseen or unheard your presence matters. In this episode, Marcia Nicole reminds us that showing up with authenticity, care, and heart no matter how imperfect is an act of strength, love, and purpose.

She invites you to reflect on what grounds you, what keeps you going, and how the quiet impact you make every day is creating real change in your classroom, your centre, and your community. This is your weekly dose of motivation and a powerful reminder that even in your hardest moments, you are deeply needed.

Follow our Instagram: instagram.com/ispyrtoeducate/

Connect on LinkedIn: LinkedIn

Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join Our Newsletter

Email: [email protected]

Welcome to Motivational May on The Inspiring ECE Podcast a month-long series created to uplift, recharge, and re-energize early childhood educators just like you.

May can be a whirlwind full of evaluations, transitions, celebrations, and big to-do lists that leave you running on empty. But this year, we’re shifting the energy. This is your invitation to pause, reflect, and refill your cup because you matter, and the work you do is nothing short of extraordinary.

Each week, Marcia Nicole brings you a joyful, real, and motivational pep talk to help you feel seen, supported, and inspired because you deserve it.

In this kickoff episode, Marcia dives into the unseen and uncelebrated moments the invisible victories that often go unnoticed in your day-to-day work. From wiping spills and calming tears, to observing growth and helping children through emotional challenges, these small wins are the heartbeat of early childhood education.

She reminds us that these tiny but powerful moments help build resiliency, confidence, and joy not just in the children you support, but in you as an educator. You won’t find trophies or applause for every one of them, but they are just as important maybe even more.

So today, take a deep breath. Celebrate the wins that no one sees. And remember you’re making magic in the everyday moments, and your impact is massive.

Follow our Instagram: instagram.com/ispyrtoeducate/

Connect on LinkedIn: LinkedIn

Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join Our Newsletter

Email: [email protected]

Join me, Marcia Nicole, on this heartfelt episode of Ispyr to Educate as we dive deep into the real impact of mentorship from a veteran educator’s perspective. In today’s conversation, I share my journey of mentoring over the years the ups, the challenges, and the transformative moments that remind us why taking on a student is not just another responsibility, but a legacy-building act. We explore how mentoring enriches our practice, reawakens our passion, and ultimately builds a stronger future for early childhood education. If you’re a seasoned educator grappling with the question, “Do I have the energy to mentor right now?” or wondering how to find balance in an ever-demanding profession, this episode is for you. Let’s reframe mentorship together as the essential, intentional practice that elevates us all.

Follow our Instagram: instagram.com/ispyrtoeducate/

Connect on LinkedIn: LinkedIn

Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join Our Newsletter

Email: [email protected]

STEAM in early childhood education—what does it really look like? How can we move past the idea that STEAM is just about science experiments and tech gadgets and instead see it as a natural part of how children learn and explore the world?

In this episode of The Inspiring ECE Podcast, I sit down with Paula Walsh, an early childhood educator, lecturer, STEAM researcher, and author of Full STEAM Ahead. Paula is passionate about making STEAM practical, playful, and accessible for all educators—because let’s be real, we don’t need to be scientists or engineers to bring rich learning experiences to young children!

We’re talking about:

The real difference between STEM and STEAM and why the Arts are a game-changer

How STEAM fits naturally into play-based and inquiry-driven learning

Simple, everyday ways to introduce STEAM—no expensive resources required

Why “unplugged technology” is just as important as screen-based learning

How educators can build confidence in STEAM (even if it feels intimidating)

Paula’s book Full STEAM Ahead and how it helps educators bring STEAM into their classrooms with ease

This episode is all about breaking down barriers and empowering educators to embrace STEAM in a way that feels fun, engaging, and meaningful.

Paula's most recent book, entitled "Full STEAM Ahead" is a guide to implementing STEAM in the early years and is also available now from Boru Press here. You can contact Paula or learn more about her work here.

LinkedIn: Paula Walshe

Twitter: @‌walshe_paula

Instagram: @‌paulawalshe77

You can also email her: [email protected]

Guest bio: Paula Walshe is a published author, Assistant Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at South East Technological University in Carlow, Ireland and a PhD candidate at Dundalk Institute of Technology. Her PhD research focuses on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts and maths) in early childhood education and care (ECEC).

In this empowering episode of The Inspiring ECE Podcast, your host Marcia Nicole welcomes a true trailblazer in the field of Early Childhood Education—Anisha Angella. As an entrepreneur, author, Registered Early Childhood Educator, and dynamic leadership coach, Anisha is on a mission to inspire educators to think beyond the classroom and embrace leadership roles with passion and purpose.

This episode is a heartfelt conversation filled with practical insights, contagious energy, and powerful lessons from Anisha’s own journey from classroom teacher to influential leader and coach. Whether you're just starting out or looking to make impactful changes in your ECE career, this episode is packed with golden nuggets to keep you motivated and focused on your personal and professional growth.

What You’ll Learn/Show Notes:

The pivotal moments and mentors that shaped Anisha's journey from educator to entrepreneur

Practical tips for new entrepreneurs looking to branch out beyond the classroom

How to find the right mentor and build a supportive professional community

Realistic strategies to manage burnout while keeping your passion alive

The evolving landscape of leadership in ECE, including addressing mental health, diversity, and educator empowerment

Tune in, take notes, and get ready to be inspired! Anisha’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the ECE community.

Website: www.anishatheecc.com

Instagram: Instagram (@theecc.community)

Facebook: The Early Childhood Coach | Mississauga ON

Twitter: Anisha.theecc (@AnishaAngella) on X

Youtube: The Early Childhood Coach Channel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anishaangella/

TikTok: Anisha | Early Childhood Coach on TikTok

The ECE Hub (Facebook Group): The ECC Hub | Facebook

The ECC Academy (Podia): ECC Academy

Book A Workshop or Speaking Engagement with The ECC: Get in touch with The Early Childhood Coach

In this heartfelt episode of the Inspiring ECE Podcast, we delve into the profound reasons why choosing and remaining in the field of Early Childhood Education (ECE) is not just a career choice but a transformative journey. Amidst discussions of burnout and staffing shortages, it's crucial to reconnect with the passion and purpose that drew us to this vocation.

Key Takeaways:

Navigating Negative Narratives: Learn strategies to shift your perspective from challenges to the impactful moments that define your teaching journey.

Building a Supportive Community: Discover the importance of surrounding yourself with positive, passionate educators who uplift and inspire.

Personal Growth Through ECE: Understand how your role as an educator not only shapes young minds but also fosters your own personal and professional development.

Be on the lookout for our Special Offering:

To support your well-being, we're excited to offer a FREE Wellness and Self-Care Course tailored for educators. This resource provides practical tips and strategies to nurture your mental and emotional health, ensuring you can continue to inspire and educate with enthusiasm.

Join Our Community:

By subscribing to our mailing list, you'll receive updates on future podcast episodes, special guest interviews, and exclusive content designed to empower and motivate. It's also a platform for you to share your thoughts, suggest topics, and become an active participant in our growing community.

Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join Our Newsletter

Call to Action:

Reflect on the positive moments in your teaching journey and share them with a colleague or within our community. Let's collectively shift the narrative towards the rewarding and joyful aspects of ECE.

Follow our Instagram: instagram.com/ispyrtoeducate/

Connect on LinkedIn: LinkedIn

Email: [email protected]