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.
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Jake is Here!
07/02/2025
Jake is Here!
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
06/26/2025
Components of Excellence
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 little better every day, this episode will give you simple, powerful steps to grow in the right direction.
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One at a Time
06/14/2025
One at a Time
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 into manageable pieces, and in our own teaching lives when everything feels impossible. Whether you're dealing with a rough class period or questioning your entire career, this episode reminds us that we don't have to solve everything at once - just focus on what's right in front of you and keep moving forward, one step at a time.
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Words are Important
06/03/2025
Words are Important
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 as what we say to others. So today, we’re exploring how intentional language can transform not just our classrooms, but our everyday lives. Let’s get into it!
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It's About Awareness
05/19/2025
It's About Awareness
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 little help from the poet and a conversation with a wise colleague, I was reminded of what truly matters. Tune in for a candid look at the inner work that helps us grow as educators—and humans.
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Don't Be a Know It All
05/14/2025
Don't Be a Know It All
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 a veteran who's been around the block, this is your reminder that the best educators are lifelong learners. So today, let’s talk less, listen more, and make room for growth—because the smartest person in the room might just be the room itself.
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A Few Minutes for a Possible Big Change
05/12/2025
A Few Minutes for a Possible Big Change
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 chaotic mornings when the squirrels are out in full force. If you’ve ever felt stuck with your journaling or just want a new way to reflect, this one’s for you.
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Just Be
05/09/2025
Just Be
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, I’ll share reflections from that chat, plus insights from Laird Hamilton’s story in and Srikumar Rao’s book . It’s a reminder that maybe we don’t always need to chase the next level—maybe we just need to show up, be present, and appreciate the amazing people we already are.
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You Bring the Dignity
05/07/2025
You Bring the Dignity
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 talking about today, inspired by a Daily Stoic podcast episode from titled “Greatness is Up to You?” We’ll unpack how our character is revealed not in grand gestures, but in how we show up for the small, unseen, or unglamorous tasks. As Ryan and the Stoics remind us, it’s not about the job itself—it’s about the attitude we bring to it. Let’s talk about how that idea can transform the way we teach, lead, and live.
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Nothing is Permanent
05/05/2025
Nothing is Permanent
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 letting go of our need to control outcomes can help us find peace and purpose in the unpredictable rhythm of teaching.
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It's Always About Time
05/02/2025
It's Always About Time
Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! Today, I’m reflecting on how my relationship with time has changed—from lingering in hallways with friends to rushing through the day just to get home. Inspired by Oliver Burkeman’s , I explore the idea that time is a network good—something that gains value when shared with others. In my effort to be productive, I had unintentionally cut myself off from the connection and joy that come from community. This episode is a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful use of our time as teachers is simply spending it together.
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Who's Talking?
04/30/2025
Who's Talking?
Welcome to the Inspired Teacher Podcast! In this episode, I’m sharing a moment from right before spring break when I had a big plan for a Socratic Seminar… and then totally bailed on it. But here’s the thing—I’ve got an awesome grade-level team, and one of our newer members keeps pushing us to try new things, which got me thinking. I want my students to talk. I like the noise. I want them talking about social studies and thinking out loud together. But somewhere along the way, I let “keeping them on task” win out over giving them space to actually discuss. I’m diving into some great ideas from Catlin Tucker and Katie Novak’s book and talking about why it’s okay to step back and let students lead the conversation—even if it gets a little messy. Because let’s be honest: teaching is exhausting, and we don’t need to be the ones doing all the talking all the time.
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You're Not Alone
04/28/2025
You're Not Alone
Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! Last time, we talked about how important it is to surround yourself with the right people—but today, I want to flip that around a little. What about when you feel like the one bringing the bad vibes? I’m pulling from James Sturtevant’s book to dive into this idea. I’ll read a piece straight from the book and share the part that really stuck with me. The truth is, we all have tough days where everything feels heavy, and that’s completely normal. So today’s all about giving yourself—and the people around you—a little more grace when things get tough.
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We Are All Mashup
04/25/2025
We Are All Mashup
Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! In today’s episode, I share a powerful reminder of why teaching is such a gift: getting to witness our students grow into the people they’re meant to be—and sometimes, if we’re lucky, cheering them on from the sidelines long after they leave our classrooms. I recently had the chance to watch one of my former students, Jordan Dissin, now a professional baseball player, catch for the Reading Fightin Phils. But what truly inspired me wasn’t just his performance on the field—it was his character off of it. Watching him connect with young fans, and having my own sons see that moment, reminded me of the profound impact our role models can have. We’ll explore how this ties into idea that we are “a mashup of what we let into our lives,” and reflect on what it means for us as educators to be intentional about the influences we allow into our own lives and classrooms.
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One Simple Trick With AI
04/23/2025
One Simple Trick With AI
Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! In today’s episode, we're diving into an exciting and practical way to bring AI into your classroom—by turning it into a powerful, personalized tutor for your students. Inspired by a recent blog post from I’ll walk you through I’m trying with my own students that encourages them to use AI to review and reinforce classroom content on their own time. Whether you're brand new to AI tools or already experimenting, this simple yet effective strategy could be a game-changer for student learning. Please tune in and consider giving it a shot in your own classroom!
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Be Mindful of Your Memories
04/21/2025
Be Mindful of Your Memories
Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! In this episode, “Be Mindful of Your Memories,” we take a deep dive into how nostalgia and memory shape not only our emotions but our present-day realities, especially as educators. Sparked by everything from Rex Manning Day to some late-90s punk rock and a great Rich Roll conversation with memory expert Charan Ranganath, I’ve been reflecting on how our memories aren’t perfect snapshots—they’re more like paintings, shaped and reshaped by time and feeling. We explore how this impacts the way we view our students, our work, and even ourselves. You’ll hear insights from Dr. Joe Dispenza and The Connection podcast about how our emotional state, often rooted in memory, can distort our current perceptions and reactions. Whether it’s longing for the “good old days” or carrying identity and emotion from seasons past, this episode is a reminder to pause, breathe, and stay grounded in what’s real, not just what we remember.
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The Participation Myth & Process over Product
04/11/2025
The Participation Myth & Process over Product
Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! Today’s episode is inspired by a powerful post from educator and podcaster Trevor Muir called “T” It hit me hard—in the best way—because it’s all about shifting our focus as teachers from outcomes we can’t control to the efforts we can. So often, we judge our lessons and even our worth as educators by how engaged every single student seems in the moment. But the truth is, expecting 100% participation all the time is not only unrealistic—it’s a fast track to burnout and imposter syndrome. Let’s talk about what it means to teach with purpose, give our best, and let go of the rest.
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Stop Wasting Your Time (Let Them)
04/09/2025
Stop Wasting Your Time (Let Them)
Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! Today’s episode was planned on a pretty special day—my oldest son turned 15, which has me feeling all the things. It’s true what they say: “time flies,” but you never really get it until you're watching your own kid grow up in the blink of an eye. And as I look around and realize this school year is three-quarters over—and that I’m wrapping up my 21st year in the classroom (seriously, what?!)—I’ve been thinking a lot about time, how we spend it, and how little of it we actually control. Inspired by the early chapters of Mel Robbins’ new book The Let Them Theory, I want to share a powerful mindset shift that’s already changing how I think about my time and energy. It’s all about letting go—letting people think what they think, do what they do, and freeing ourselves from the exhausting habit of trying to manage the unmanageable. Because when we stop wasting energy on things outside of our control, we finally get to focus on what really matters. Let’s talk about reclaiming your time, your energy, and your peace.
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Grow Happiness Under Your Feet
03/24/2025
Grow Happiness Under Your Feet
Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! This past week was one of those where I was just loving life—engaging with students, enjoying the creative process of planning (especially with AI), and taking time off for wrestling. It’s easy to feel happy when things are going well, but the real challenge is learning to cultivate that same joy regardless of circumstances. Today’s message, inspired by James Oppenheim’s quote, "The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet," reminds us to stop chasing happiness in future events and instead find contentment in the present. The Stoics echo this wisdom, with Marcus Aurelius reminding us that true peace comes from within, not from external retreats. This weekend gave me amazing moments with family and wrestling, but it also tested my ability to remain present—whether comforting my son after a tough loss, overcoming nerves in a new volunteer role, or resisting the urge to let to-do lists steal my Sunday joy. So today, let’s reflect on where we’re placing our happiness—are we waiting for it, or are we growing it right where we stand?
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It's Okay to Not Always Love Your Job
03/17/2025
It's Okay to Not Always Love Your Job
Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! Today, we’re tackling a topic that many of us wrestle with—what happens when you don’t always love your job? As someone who’s spent decades immersed in wrestling, I know firsthand how identity can be tied to our work, and how challenging it can be when that work shifts or disappears. Inspired by a recent episode of , we’ll dive into why it’s okay to not always love your job, how unrealistic expectations can create unnecessary stress, and what we can do to regulate our emotions when work feels overwhelming. From setting psychological boundaries to avoiding the stress contagion, this episode is all about learning to navigate the ups and downs of work without letting it define us.
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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