Rob Kowalski
Oxygen for Educators
SUMMARY In this episode, we sit down with the thoughtful and deeply grounded Rob Kowalski, an eighth-grade humanities teacher at Parish Middle School in Dallas, Texas. Rob shares his journey through education—from growing up in New Jersey and being shaped by powerful mentors to becoming the kind of teacher who helps students feel seen, safe, and inspired, even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rob talks about why relationships—not just academics—are at the center of his teaching philosophy. He opens up about the importance of vulnerability, the role of curiosity in...
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Dr. Laura Lockhart
Oxygen for Educators
SUMMARY In this episode, we sit down with the wise and wonderful Dr. Laura Lockhart to talk about something every educator wrestles with—how we show up for ourselves and others when things get hard. From the way we talk to ourselves, to understanding our triggers, to breathing through stressful moments, Dr. Lockhart brings so much heart and practical wisdom. We explore how self-awareness and self-compassion can shift everything—from how we manage conflict to how we connect with students (and ourselves). She shares powerful takeaways from her journey and research, like why overusing your...
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Brent Beasley
Oxygen for Educators
SUMMARY: In this conversation, Brent shares his journey from ministry to education philanthropy, offering deep insight into the role of love, community, and collaboration in transforming education. Set against the backdrop of Fort Worth’s innovative philanthropic efforts, the discussion explores how addressing both social needs and academic performance is essential for student success. The episode sheds light on the realities educators face in today’s political climate, the emotional toll of social media, and the urgent need for community support and authentic connection in schools. Brent...
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Dr. Laura Latta
Oxygen for Educators
In this episode, Chris and Michelle introduce the brilliant Dr. Laura Latta, Executive Director of the Tulsa Higher Education Consortium—who Chris has aptly nicknamed “the queen of collaboration.” From there, Michelle and Laura dive into a powerful conversation about leading with empathy in education. Laura shares her belief that education is people work, not a system where you plug in inputs and expect predictable outcomes. It’s human, relational, and deeply complex. They explore how psychological safety creates space for innovation, how communities of practice can break through...
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Mrs. Careli Lopez
Oxygen for Educators
SUMMARY “When You Love the Student First” For the first time on Oxygen for Educators, the guest was nominated by students—and not just any students! Will and Max, the nephews of our host Chris Kent Phelps, wanted to honor someone who has left a lasting mark on their lives: their beloved 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Lopez from Linda Lyon Elementary in Rockwall ISD. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to the kind of teaching that transforms lives. Will and Max share what has made Mrs. Lopez unforgettable—the way she leads with love, sees each student as a whole person, and creates a...
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Dr. Maricela Helm
Oxygen for Educators
SUMMARY This episode is extra special—our producer, Katie Worden, had the privilege of working under the incredible leadership of Dr. Maricela Helm at Amy Parks Elementary in Rockwall ISD. As Katie's principal, Maricela left a lasting impression, showing her that when we focus on the well-being of each child, academic success will naturally follow. In this episode, host Michelle Kinder sits down with Maricela for a heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation about what it truly means to be an educator today. They talk about the power of being present, building authentic relationships...
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Dr. Jeannie Stone
Oxygen for Educators
SUMMARY This episode is a special one. Michelle Kinder sits down with Dr. Jeannie Stone, a former superintendent and fierce advocate for equity in education, for a deeply honest and inspiring conversation. Hosts Michelle Kinder and Chris Kent Phelps set the stage, sharing why this episode—and Jeannie herself—means so much. Jeannie shows up with warmth, transparency, and wisdom as she reflects on her experience in public education. From navigating the complexities of leadership to standing firm in her commitment to equity, she opens up about what it really means to lead with heart....
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Robert Selders Jr.
Oxygen for Educators
SUMMARY In this rich and layered episode, Michelle Kinder and Chris Kent Phelps kick things off with a heartfelt introduction before handing the mic to Robert and Michelle for a deep, honest conversation about what it truly takes to support students—and the adults who serve them. They explore the power of representation, the importance of relationships, and the role adult behavior plays in shaping student outcomes. From there, Chris and Michelle come back to unpack the conversation, highlighting the threads of emotional resilience, high expectations, and the need for educators to care for...
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Dr. John Gasko
Oxygen for Educators
SUMMARY In this episode, Michelle Kinder sits down with Dr. John Gasko for a raw and powerful conversation about what it really takes to show up well in education. John doesn’t sugarcoat the reality — he talks honestly about the toll the work can take and why educator well-being isn’t just important, it’s essential. Together, they explore what happens when schools embrace healing, reflection, and connection — not just for students, but for the adults leading them. After the interview, Michelle and Chris Kent Phelps unpack the conversation and reflect on the big takeaways —...
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Kathryn Kennedy, PhD
Oxygen for Educators
SUMMARY In this conversation, Michelle Kinder sits down with Katherine Kennedy to unpack the real challenges educators face—burnout, secondary trauma, and the emotional weight they carry in and out of the classroom. They talk about how personal experiences shape professional lives, and why supporting educator wellness isn't optional—it’s urgent. Katherine shares her journey and what pushed her to create wellness programs designed specifically for educators. She digs into the role of creativity, community, and somatic practices in healing, and why reconnecting with yourself is often the...
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In this episode, we sit down with the thoughtful and deeply grounded Rob Kowalski, an eighth-grade humanities teacher at Parish Middle School in Dallas, Texas. Rob shares his journey through education—from growing up in New Jersey and being shaped by powerful mentors to becoming the kind of teacher who helps students feel seen, safe, and inspired, even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rob talks about why relationships—not just academics—are at the center of his teaching philosophy. He opens up about the importance of vulnerability, the role of curiosity in learning, and why he believes education should evolve to better reflect the needs of today’s students. His reflections are honest, practical, and full of heart.
Whether you're an educator, a parent, or someone who cares about how kids grow and thrive, this conversation offers meaningful insights into what it looks like to lead with connection and purpose.
💥 Impactful Takeaways:
- Relationships come first—students learn best when they feel seen, safe, and valued.
- Vulnerability is a strength—modeling it invites students to do the same.
- Curiosity is a nervous system tool—it calms, connects, and fuels learning.
- Education needs a redesign—shorter days, real-world skills, and more joy.
- Middle schoolers are navigating high-stakes emotions—teachers must meet them there.
- Don’t coast—students deserve educators who keep evolving and asking, “How can we do better?”
CHAPTERS
00:00 “Let’s Keep Asking Questions” – Opening Quote
00:45 Welcome to Oxygen for Educators
01:09 Introducing Rob Kowalski
02:35 Rob’s Impact on Sophia During COVID
04:00 Rob’s First Year at Parish and Teaching in a Pandemic
06:00 Building Connection Through a Screen
07:45 Why Rob Became a Teacher
10:19 The Petty School Experience and Early Influences
13:15 Career Journey: From Boston to Dallas
14:50 Teaching, Coaching, and Being a Stay-at-Home Dad
17:06 Returning to the Classroom with Purpose
19:29 Why Content Isn’t the Point—Relationships Are
20:55 Teaching Relevance in a TikTok World
22:55 Vulnerability and the Courage to Evolve
23:55 The Challenge of Making History Feel Real
25:57 Understanding the Stakes for Middle Schoolers
28:03 Using AI and Tech to Stay Relevant
29:47 Designing a Better School Model
31:03 What School Could Look Like in 2025
33:01 Real-World Skills, Curiosity, and Joy
35:04 Rethinking Curriculum and Student Fit
38:15 Cherishing Childhood and Slowing Down
40:59 Practical Shifts Educators Can Make
42:23 Taking Pressure Off Students
44:09 Fit Over Prestige in School Choices
46:06 Creating Space for Wonder and Balance
48:23 The Many Hats of a Teacher
50:11 Empathy for the Middle School Experience
52:30 Grace, Humor, and the Joy of Teaching
56:13 Reflections on Mistakes and Growth
58:01 COVID, Connection, and What We Learned
59:24 The Return to Normal and What We Missed
01:00:07 Advice for New Educators: Build Relationships
01:01:34 Finding Your Tribe and Belonging
01:03:03 What Students Remember Most
01:04:04 Rob’s Family and the Empty Nest Ahead
01:04:51 Final Reflections and Gratitude
01:05:35 Hosts Reflect on Rob’s Wisdom and Joy
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Oxygen for Educators is produced by Ripplemaker Project and proudly sponsored by Tacky Box.
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