The Inspired Teacher Podcast

Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! This podcast is meant to help share inspiration, ideas & anecdotes to help educators be their best on a daily basis.

Will You Achieve Your Goals This Year? 02/19/2025

Will You Achieve Your Goals This Year? Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! Today, we’re diving into a powerful question: Will you meet your goals this year? Inspired by a recent episode on the biggest mistakes people make when setting goals, we’ll explore why keeping your goals to yourself might actually help you succeed, how an accountability system can keep you on track, and the role of energy, faith, and action in shaping your future. We’ll break down a compelling quote from Rachel Hollis about how our focus creates our future and connect it to insights from Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist, which suggests that when we truly desire something, the universe conspires to help us. Through the lens of effort, energy, risk-taking, and trust, we’ll discuss how competing daily sets you up for success and how faith in the process keeps you moving forward. Let’s get inspired to take bold action and make 2025 our best year yet! /episode/index/show/mybestlessonsocialstudies/id/35343915

Will You Achieve Your Goals This Year? 12/19/2024

Will You Achieve Your Goals This Year? Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! As the calendar year winds down, it’s that time when we all start thinking about goals, resolutions, and what the next year might bring. Whether your ambitions are small steps or bold, life-changing leaps, how do you set yourself up for genuine success? In today’s episode, I’ll share some powerful ideas inspired by and , explore the fascinating concept of the universe conspiring in your favor from a , author of the The Alchemist. The video, and I reflect on how effort, energy, and risk all play a role in achieving our dreams. I’m not claiming to have all the answers, but these insights have deeply impacted how I approach my goals, and I think they might resonate with you too. Let’s dive into the mindset and practices that can help you create a purposeful and inspiring year ahead! /episode/index/show/mybestlessonsocialstudies/id/34522765

It's the Little Things 12/16/2024

It's the Little Things 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! /episode/index/show/mybestlessonsocialstudies/id/34472790

Turn to Philosophy 12/12/2024

Turn to Philosophy 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. /episode/index/show/mybestlessonsocialstudies/id/34406145

We All Have Work to Do 12/09/2024

We All Have Work to Do 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. /episode/index/show/mybestlessonsocialstudies/id/34339995

Your True Purpose 12/04/2024

Your True Purpose 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! /episode/index/show/mybestlessonsocialstudies/id/34276255

Accept things As They Are 12/02/2024

Accept things As They Are 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! /episode/index/show/mybestlessonsocialstudies/id/34233255

It Takes Discipline 11/25/2024

It Takes Discipline Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! In today’s episode, we dive into a powerful idea that struck me while listening to 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! /episode/index/show/mybestlessonsocialstudies/id/34144856

You Need More Than Hope 11/22/2024

You Need More Than Hope 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 . In this episode, we’ll dive into the importance of having goals and a pathway to achieving them, and not just hope. /episode/index/show/mybestlessonsocialstudies/id/34101621

It's Up to the Playwright 11/18/2024

It's Up to the Playwright 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. /episode/index/show/mybestlessonsocialstudies/id/33972087

You Control the Output 11/13/2024

You Control the Output 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. /episode/index/show/mybestlessonsocialstudies/id/33920837

The Reward for our Work 11/12/2024

The Reward for our Work 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. /episode/index/show/mybestlessonsocialstudies/id/33891067

A Pathway to Purpose 10/30/2024

A Pathway to Purpose Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! In today's episode, we dive into a powerful reminder inspired by a recent post from Jon Gordon on X, encouraging us to see our work not necessarily as our purpose but as a vehicle to help us discover and reach it. Through the story of my cousin and some compelling insights from a recent Ed Mylett podcast, I explore how this lesson resonates deeply in the life of teachers. Join me as we reflect on how we can embrace our roles as educators not as endpoints, but as pathways to a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment. /episode/index/show/mybestlessonsocialstudies/id/33687747

Control What You Can 10/28/2024

Control What You Can Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast!In today’s episode, we’re diving into a powerful reminder inspired by a passage from Epictetus, highlighted in Ryan Holiday's The Daily Stoic. This timeless piece of wisdom encourages us to focus on what we can control and let go of what we can’t. I stumbled upon this passage during a particularly challenging moment in our wrestling season, and it struck me how perfectly it applies to teaching. As educators, we constantly face situations beyond our control, from student behavior to administrative changes. Today, let’s explore how we can shift our focus to what we can influence, and find greater resilience and peace in our daily lives. /episode/index/show/mybestlessonsocialstudies/id/33648412

Perfection is Impossible 10/25/2024

Perfection is Impossible Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! In today's episode, we're diving into a powerful message from tennis legend Roger Federer, who delivered a memorable commencement speech at Dartmouth University in June 2024. Federer reminded us that perfection is impossible—even the greatest tennis players lose nearly half of the points they play. His advice? Focus on the next point. This episode explores how we can apply that mindset to our daily lives as educators, reminding ourselves that progress, not perfection, is the key to success both in the classroom and beyond. /episode/index/show/mybestlessonsocialstudies/id/33606447

True Clarity 10/23/2024

True Clarity Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! In today’s episode, we dive into a concept shared by —the power of clarity. Clear reminds us that being clear about your purpose doesn’t mean you need to have your entire life figured out. Instead, the key is to focus on knowing your next step. We’ll explore how this simple but profound idea can help educators find direction, reduce overwhelm, and take meaningful action in both their personal and professional lives. Let’s get started! /episode/index/show/mybestlessonsocialstudies/id/33577877

It's About Energy 10/21/2024

It's About Energy Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! In today’s episode, we dive into one of the transformative ideas from Young Pueblo's book Clarity and Connection. The author reminds us how crucial the energy we put into the universe is—not only for our personal growth but also in shaping the world around us. I hope you enjoy this reminder about your attitude as much as I did! /episode/index/show/mybestlessonsocialstudies/id/33550092

Be Like Ike 10/16/2024

Be Like Ike Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! In today’s episode, we dive into a powerful discussion inspired by some recent conversations in class using the Second Step program. We’ll be exploring a chapter from Ryan Holiday’s book *The Obstacle Is the Way*, where we learn how to shift our mindset and start seeing obstacles as opportunities for growth. Tune in as we break down practical ways to reframe challenges and embrace them as stepping stones toward success—both in the classroom and beyond! /episode/index/show/mybestlessonsocialstudies/id/33482777

No More Trauma Bonding 10/14/2024

No More Trauma Bonding Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! In today's episode, we dive into an eye-opening TikTok I came across, where a teacher declared she was done with trauma bonding. This powerful statement got me thinking about how we, as educators, can reclaim our time and energy by removing negative influences from our lives. Drawing on the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius from his *Meditations*, we’ll explore how his advice on controlling our thoughts and actions can empower us to do just that. Let’s discuss how, like that teacher, we can choose to spread hope, positivity, and strength in our classrooms and beyond. /episode/index/show/mybestlessonsocialstudies/id/33453852

Be Enthusiastically Bored 10/11/2024

Be Enthusiastically Bored Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! In today's episode, we're diving into a powerful reminder from a recent email by James Clear. He emphasized the importance of staying enthusiastic about the mundane aspects of life, as they are often the key to achieving mastery. As educators, and in our personal lives, it's easy to overlook the small, everyday tasks, but they are what shape us into who we want to become. Join me as I reflect on how this concept can transform our approach in the classroom and beyond, helping us stay motivated and inspired even in the most routine moments. /episode/index/show/mybestlessonsocialstudies/id/33413422

The Seeds we Plant 09/25/2024

The Seeds we Plant Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! In today’s episode, we’re diving into a powerful reminder I picked up from a recent episode of the On Purpose podcast with Jay Shetty. Jay emphasized the importance of patience when it comes to expecting results in life. Whether you're striving for progress in your classroom, personal goals, or life in general, this episode will explore how embracing patience can lead to long-term success and fulfillment. Let’s unpack how this mindset can make a lasting difference in both our teaching and everyday lives! /episode/index/show/mybestlessonsocialstudies/id/33211542

Control versus Influence 09/11/2024

Control versus Influence Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! In today's episode, we dive into a powerful concept inspired by a conversation between Elena Aguilar and Jennifer Gonzalez on the Cult of Pedagogy podcast. We'll explore the distinction between what we can control and what we can influence, and how this understanding can empower us as educators. By focusing on what truly lies within our reach, we can cultivate a greater sense of agency, reduce stress, and ultimately create a more positive and effective learning environment for both ourselves and our students. /episode/index/show/mybestlessonsocialstudies/id/33001592

Stop One Heart from Breaking 09/09/2024

Stop One Heart from Breaking Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! In today's episode, we're drawing inspiration from Emily Dickinson's poignant poem, "If I can Stop." This beautiful verse serves as a powerful reminder that a life lived in service, no matter how small, is never wasted. As teachers, we have the profound opportunity to make a difference, even if it's just by helping one student each day. Join us as we explore how these simple yet impactful acts of kindness and support can shape not only our students' lives but also our own, turning every moment in the classroom into a meaningful contribution. /episode/index/show/mybestlessonsocialstudies/id/32965727

Want the Hidden Costs 09/06/2024

Want the Hidden Costs Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! In this episode, we're diving into a powerful message from James Clear, who recently reminded us in his weekly email that we need to embrace the hidden costs of things just as much as the rewards. For educators, this lesson is particularly crucial. So much of our work involves tasks that don't directly involve teaching—like grading, meetings, and planning—and it's easy to overlook the importance of these responsibilities and get agitated by them. Today, we'll explore why it's essential to want the whole package, not just the visible rewards, and how embracing this mindset can make us more effective and fulfilled in our roles as teachers. /episode/index/show/mybestlessonsocialstudies/id/32937542

Beware of Cognitive Overload 09/04/2024

Beware of Cognitive Overload Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! In today's episode, we're diving into a topic inspired by a thought-provoking post from James Clear on X, where he discussed the four causes of cognitive overload and how to avoid them. This episode will discuss these key factors contributing to cognitive overload and offer some tips to help you manage the mental load of your students this year. /episode/index/show/mybestlessonsocialstudies/id/32888162

Change Your Thoughts 08/30/2024

Change Your Thoughts Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! In this episode, we dive into the wisdom of Young Pueblo, who reminds us that what matters most is not our emotions themselves, but how we think about them. This insight hit close to home recently when a seemingly throw-away comment from my wife sparked some annoyed feelings in me, leading to a moment of reflection and ultimately, this episode. Join me as we explore how shifting our mindset around emotions can transform our responses and help us become more centered, thoughtful educators. /episode/index/show/mybestlessonsocialstudies/id/32802157

Do Less 08/28/2024

Do Less Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! In this episode, we're diving into a lesson inspired by Ryan Holiday, who reminds us of the power of doing less. As educators, it's easy to feel the pressure to do it all, but it's crucial to remember that we don't have to. Sometimes, the most effective way to make a difference is by saying no to certain things so we can focus our energy on what truly matters. Today, we'll explore how to embrace this mindset and prioritize what's essential in our teaching and in our lives. /episode/index/show/mybestlessonsocialstudies/id/32769642

Live Your Purpose 08/26/2024

Live Your Purpose Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! In this episode, inspired by a thought-provoking mix of Jay Shetty's wisdom and the nostalgic lyrics of MxPx, I touch on a recent argument with my son over the meaning of emo. This led me to reflect on the importance of understanding and embracing our purpose, both as individuals and educators. Join me as we explore how staying true to our passions and values can profoundly impact our lives and the lives of those we teach. /episode/index/show/mybestlessonsocialstudies/id/32734567

Be the First to Apologize 08/21/2024

Be the First to Apologize Welcome to this episode of The Inspired Teacher podcast! Today’s conversation is sparked by a powerful interview between Emmanuel Acho and Ed Mylett, which I listened to during a recent drive. Emmanuel Acho shares a profound message on the importance of apologizing in leadership—a lesson that resonated deeply with me. In this episode, we'll explore how embracing the humility to apologize can make us better leaders, both in the classroom and beyond. /episode/index/show/mybestlessonsocialstudies/id/32665442

Learn to Accept Mediocrity 08/19/2024

Learn to Accept Mediocrity Welcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! The title for this episode might strike you as odd if you know me or have spent any time listening to this podcast, however, the message is a great one. The inspiration for today's episode comes from an interview with Jerry Seinfeld on the Tim Ferris show that I heard in mid-June of 2024. I hope you enjoy this message and it helps you to ease up with some of the pressures you might place upon yourself as a teacher. /episode/index/show/mybestlessonsocialstudies/id/32545392

The Inspired Teacher Podcast

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