Jake is Here!
The Inspired Teacher Podcast
Welcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! I’m beyond excited to share this episode with you—it’s the first-ever interview on the show! After over a year of planning, I finally sat down with none other than Jake Miller of Educational Duct Tape. We talk about everything from shared friendships and classroom strategies to cellphones and what keeps us inspired. Fair warning: I accidentally recorded with my laptop mic—but hey, you’re really here for Jake anyway!
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Components of Excellence
The Inspired Teacher Podcast
Welcome to the Inspired Teacher Podcast! Last week, we talked about Admiral William McRaven’s advice to take things one step at a time—and this week, we’re building on that by asking an important question: what are we actually growing toward? Growth without direction isn’t just unproductive—it can be harmful. In this episode, I break down Dr. Joe Dispenza’s three components to excellence that he shared on an episode of —confidence, accountability, and vision—and explore how each one can help us move forward with purpose. Whether you're in the classroom or just trying to be a...
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One at a Time
The Inspired Teacher Podcast
Welcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! In this episode, I share a powerful lesson from Navy SEAL training that can transform how we handle the tough days in teaching. When my son faced a challenging injury, I found myself caught up in the anxiety of "what if" thinking - something we've all experienced as educators when facing difficult students, overwhelming workloads, or career challenges. Drawing from McRaven's story about surviving Hell Week by focusing on "one evolution at a time," I explore how we can apply this mindset both in helping our struggling students break down big challenges...
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Words are Important
The Inspired Teacher Podcast
Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! I’m so glad you’re here. In today’s episode, we’re diving into the power of language in a conversation I’m calling “Words Are Important.” This topic was sparked by a recent training I attended on Restorative Practices, where we spent a lot of time reflecting on how the words we choose can either build connection or create distance. Around the same time, I started reading Don’t Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen, and it really drove the point home—our inner dialogue and the language we use with ourselves matters just as much...
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It's About Awareness
The Inspired Teacher Podcast
Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! This week’s episode is a real-life reflection on those long, draining May days when exhaustion runs deeper than just being tired—it comes from how we react to the daily challenges of teaching. I share a recent moment when I found myself overwhelmed by student behavior and how a simple line from a meditation—“respond, rather than react”—helped reframe my thinking. It’s easy to fall into old patterns and respond out of habit, but taking a pause to check in with how we really feel can lead to more thoughtful, compassionate responses. With a...
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Don't Be a Know It All
The Inspired Teacher Podcast
Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! You know that person who always has the best story, knows the best restaurant, and never misses a chance to prove they know more than you? Yeah... don’t be that person. In this episode, we’re digging into the power of intellectual humility—why admitting “I don’t know” can be one of the smartest things you do as an educator. Inspired by a sharp quote from Charlie Munger and grounded in the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, we’ll explore how curiosity, not certainty, leads to growth. Whether you're a new teacher still trying to find your footing or...
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A Few Minutes for a Possible Big Change
The Inspired Teacher Podcast
Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! In this episode, I’m diving into my winding journey with journaling—from Ryan Holiday’s to blank Moleskines and even a couple rounds with . While I’ve loved parts of each, I often find myself craving something new. That’s when I stumbled upon a simple, effective journaling protocol Originally designed to support recovery, it’s actually perfect for anyone looking to build positive habits and find a little more balance. I’ll walk you through how it works, what I’ve learned from using it, and how it’s helped me stay grounded—even on...
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Just Be
The Inspired Teacher Podcast
Welcome to the Inspired Teacher Podcast! Today, I want to be honest about something I think a lot of us struggle with—this constant drive to grow, improve, and be “better.” It sounds noble, right? But if you’re anything like me, that mindset can sometimes become exhausting. I’ve always been an all-in kind of person—wrestling taught me to push hard, and teaching just reinforced it. But recently, a conversation with a psychologist friend reminded me of something important: “Try to be better, don’t try to be perfect… and sometimes, just be.” That hit me. In this episode,...
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You Bring the Dignity
The Inspired Teacher Podcast
Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! Today’s episode starts with a confession—I used to hate lunch duty. Even worse, I was asked to help clean up afterward, and I’ll admit it: I was kind of a jerk about it. I was annoyed, even angry, and felt like it was beneath me. But here’s the thing—what began as a begrudging task has become one of my favorite parts of the day. There’s something unexpectedly cathartic about it: walking around, chatting with kids, modeling what it means to pitch in and do what needs to be done, no matter your role. That mindset shift is exactly what we’re...
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Nothing is Permanent
The Inspired Teacher Podcast
Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! Lately, the weather here in southeastern Pennsylvania has been just about perfect, and I’ve been making a point to enjoy it—with no earbuds, no distractions, just fresh air. It’s been good for the soul, but it also got me thinking about how easy it is to let external things—like the weather, a tough class, or a flopped lesson—dictate our mood. In this episode, I’m drawing inspiration from and the classic story of “Good thing, bad thing, who knows?” We’ll talk about how reframing events, embracing the power of the pause, and...
info_outlineWelcome 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.