Shows / Happy While Teaching Podcast
Happy While Teaching Podcast
This podcast is dedicated to helping educators maintain their joy and wellbeing while engaging in their passion for teaching. My goal is to provide thoughtful conversations around a variety of wellness and real-world teacher topics. I do this through solo episodes and thought-provoking interviews with people in the wellness and education spaces. Teacher wellness remains at the heart of this podcast.
Episodes
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 50: Fostering Intrinsic Motivation in Students
I this episode, what scholarly research tells us about the challenges of fostering intrinsic motivation in our student living in a digital world. I also…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 49: The Best Education Comes from the Bottom Up: A Conversation w/Curriculum Specialist Amity Kea
In this episode, I speak with Amity Kea, a 23-year classroom Social Studies Teacher and, now Curriculum Specialist. She offers her unique perspective on what…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 48: Our Students Have Changed and So Must We
In this episode, I discuss changes I have seen in my students in recent years and how I am adjusting to meet them where they are at while still holding high…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 47: From English Teacher to Assistant Principal with Dr. Shruti Upadhyay
In this conversation with Dr. Shruti Upadhyay, we discuss how she uses her life experience, including studying in India, teaching dance and English, to inform…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 46: What the Heck Just Happened to My Life? Adjusting to the New School Year
In this episode, I discuss the energetic adjustment it takes to transition from summer vacation mode to school mode. I bear witness to the challenges and…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 45: Preparing for Civil Discourse with Co-Authors Joe Schmidt & Nichelle Pinkney
Anxiety around engaging in civil discourse in the classroom can be a source of stress for educators, but my guests remind us that it doesn't have to be! In…
- Happy While Teaching Podcast
Episode 44: Tips for a Great 2026-27 School Year
In this episode, I want to welcome everyone to your 2026-27 school year. Whether you are new to teaching, 5 years in or a seasoned veteran, I provide some tips…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 43: We The Teachers Congress Reflections w/Ashley Adams and Jessica Culver
In this episode, I reflect upon the incredible We The Teachers Congress , in partnership with the College of William and Mary, with fellow participants Ashley…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 42: Benefits of Qigong w/Dr. Suzannah Stason
In this episode, we explore Qigong, an ancient Chinese healing modality, with Dr. Suzannah Stason. She shares the many benefits to our wellbeing and offers a…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode41: Mid-Summer Bonus Episode
In this episode, I share about my European travels and what I'm doing to get the most out of my summer vacation. I explore the lessons I will bring into to my…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode40: Year-End Reflection and Next-Year Vision
In this episode, I provide tools to reflect on the past school year so you can get clear on what you want to create next year. I love doing this at the end of…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode39: Dr. Janet Duckham Shares Wisdom from Retirement
In this episode, Dr. Janet Duckham shares her wisdom from retirement. She reminds us that relationships are at the heart of teaching, to follow what we know is…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 38: HAPPYWHILETEACHING.COM is Here!!!
In this episode I discuss the launch of happywhileteaching.com, including why I created it and the kinds of resources you will find there. I can't wait to…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 37: You're Not Crazy: It's That Frickin Hard!
In this quick episode I want to bear witness to the fact that this time of year is frickin hard! You are not crazy, and more importantly, you are not alone. I…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 36: Art Practice for Teachers with Patricia Chavez
In this conversation with art teacher Patricia Chavez, we discuss her life as an artist, how therapeutic art can be for educators, and how to get started with…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 35: Are you doing too much?
In this episode, I explore my own dilemma of being too busy and overbooking myself. This can be a recipe for burnout, so I share the steps I took to change…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 34: Things I learned from Montessori Educator Florence Kramer
In this episode, I speak with my dear friend and Montessori School owner and educator, Florence Kramer. She shares her wisdom from decades of being a…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 33: Taking Care of Yourself When You Are Sick
In this short episode, I discuss the importance of taking care of ourselves when we are sick. We all know how challenging it can be to take time off from this…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 32: The Benefits of Pilates with Tara Jeffery
In this episode, we explore the benefits of a pilates practice with Tara Jeffery, owner of Ojai Pilates and Fitness. We discuss what made her want to become a…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 31: How to Start a Mediation Practice
Are you curious about starting a meditation practice but don't know where to begin? In today's episode I discuss how I started my meditation practice, what…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode30: Applying Human Wisdom to Artificial Intelligence
In this episode, I interview my school districts IT Coordinator, Adam Stirrat, about how we can approach AI with wisdom and a human touch. That way we can…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode29: Are We Getting Enough Sleep?
In this episode, I dive into the research about the importance of getting enough sleep and the impacts when we do not get the sleep we need. I also share their…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 28: Are We Grading Too Much?
In this episode, I share evidence-based strategies to formatively assess student learning that do not involve more grading for teachers! In a field with…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 27: What Matters Most in Teaching with Brenda Wilson
In this episode, I interview Brenda Wilson about teaching at Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, where she works with teenagers to keep them on-track and…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 26: Sneak Peak of 2026 Podcast Episodes
In this episode, I discuss what I have in store for the podcast in 2026. I have some great interviews about, AI, grading less, Qigong, Montessori education and…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 25: End of the Year Reflection
In this episode I share I empowering strategies to reflect on your semester, acknowledge your achievements and hone in on areas of growth. The goal is to…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 24: Making it to Winter Break with Grace and Dignity
In this quick episode, I discuss things you can do to finish the semester with grace and dignity, rather than stress and panic. By keeping our eyes on a few…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 23: Eco-Education with Johanna Hill
In this episode, I interview Johanna Hill, coordinator of the Eco Act Environmental Leadership Program at the Missouri Botanical Gardens in St. Louis. The…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 22: The Happy While Teaching Workbook is Here!
In this episode, I tell you all about by new book, the Happy While Teaching Workbook: Practical Tools to Help Maintain Your Joy and Wellbeing While Teaching. I…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 21: Evidence-Based Teaching Strategies with Robyn Haug
In this episode I discuss evidence-based teaching strategies with Robyn Haug. She shares a treasure chest of strategies that support both teacher wellbeing and…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 20: Gratitude & A Little Planning Go A Long Way
What do you do when you are exhausted and feeling burned out? A little gratitude and planning can save the day! In today's episode, I discuss how I used these…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 19: Dealing with Student Anxiety
In this episode, I interview Adrienne Adkison about teenage mental health. She is a middle school counselor, mom and therapist who specializes in teen and…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 18: Getting Through the October-November Slump
Do you find yourself a little extra stressed these days? Are the papers piling up with parent-teacher conferences just around the corner? I call this the…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 17: The Healing Power of Nature for Educators
In this first of a series podcasts I am doing on the healing power of nature, I share my own transformative experience getting out into nature and the…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 16: Maintaining Your Light in Dark Times
Have you been struggling to maintain your wellbeing and positivity in these challenging times ? Has the news of the world been getting you down? In this…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 15: Tim Applebaum: Breathwork, Yoga & Living Your Best Life
In this episode, I interview Fox Company Yoga Studio owner Tim Applebaum about yoga, breathwork and living your best life. Tim is a former elementary school…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 14: How to Handle a Day from Hell
As teachers, we will all have days from hell, where everthing seems to just go wrong at school. In today's episode, I share a 5-step strategy to reflect upon…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 13: David Fouch on Teaching Advanced Placement Courses
In this episode I interview Advanced Placement teacher, David Fouch. He has taught all AP History classes and serves as an early table leader at the AP US…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 12: My Mom, My Mentor
In this interview with my mother, Ruth Brown, she shares her heartfelt wisdom and experience from 25 years of public school teaching. I hope you love her as…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 11: Conserving Your Energy during the School Year
In this episode you will learn 4 key strategies for conserving your energy so you can maintain your wellbeing throughout the school year. They are: 1. Movement…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 10: The Meditated Educator
In this podcast I introduce you to Emily Ann, aka, "The Meditated Educator," a school administrator and wellbeing advocate who shares her unique perspective on…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode9: New Teacher Toolbox
Are you are a new or "newish" teacher who could use some support, guidance and tools to start your school year? If yes, this is the episode for you! I…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 8: How Do You Want To Show Up This Year?
Have you thought about how you want to show up this school year? Well, today's episode is about creating a vision for how you want to show up as a teacher…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 7: Avoiding The End Of Summer Blues
In this episode, we'll talk about dealing with the end of summerblues and how you can enjoy every single last day of summer, while also getting mentally ready…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 6: Three Minute Meditation Practice Starter Kit
In this short bonus episode, I walk you through a three minute breath work meditation to get you started in your practice. It's quick and easy and the only…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode5: Summer Check-In
Are you getting the most out of your summer? In this episode we reflect upon our the summer goals we discussed in episode 3: Summer Vision Plan. You can…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 4: Reflecting on the School Year
This podcast is about taking some time to reflect on the past school year so we can acknowledge what we did well and get clear on what we want to improve next…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 3: Summer Vision Plan
In this podcast, I explore how to manage transitioning from the hectic school year to summer with clarity and purpose. I discuss the neuroscience behind…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 2: Yoga with Emily Hogan
Today's episode is a conversation with my colleague and fellow yoga instructor, Emily Hogan. We discuss all things yoga, including what brought us to our yoga…
Happy While Teaching PodcastEpisode 1: Avoiding Teacher Burnout
Teacher burnout is a real thing, especially this time of year! In this episode, we'll discuss the causes, impacts, and solutions for teacher burnout, so you…