Shows
The Legacy Project PodcastHow to Forgive Yourself in Your Story Featuring Don Fessenden and Harper SmithSend us a text "Welcome back to The Legacy Project Podcast, the space where life stories become legacies and everyday reflection becomes timeless wisdom. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and I’m excited to introduce someone new who’ll be joining us from now on—Harper Smith, our thoughtful and curious intern who’ll be asking the kinds of questions many of you are probably thinking as you listen. Welcome to the podcast, Harper." TheLegacyProject.mePurchase copies of The Legacy Project book at Amazon.comYou can also get a copy of Se...
2025-05-2705 minThe Legacy Project PodcastHow to Write About Moments of Fear or DoubtSend us a text"Welcome back to The Legacy Project Podcast, where we explore the power of storytelling to preserve truth, pass on wisdom, and connect hearts across generations. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re digging into one of the most vulnerable and powerful parts of any life story: how to write about moments of fear or doubt.These are the parts of our stories we often hesitate to share—the questions we didn’t have answers to, the decisions we weren’t sure about, the nights we lay awake wondering if we were...
2025-05-2305 minThe Legacy Project PodcastDocumenting Family Heirlooms and Their SignificanceSend us a text"Welcome to The Legacy Project Podcast, the show where your memories, mementos, and milestones become the foundation of a lasting family legacy. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re exploring a powerful and often overlooked part of storytelling: documenting family heirlooms and the stories behind them.Every family has objects—sometimes simple, sometimes ornate—that carry meaning far beyond their physical form. Maybe it’s your grandmother’s wedding ring, your father’s toolset, a faded quilt, a recipe card, or even a military medal. These items don’t just sit on sh...
2025-05-1206 minThe Legacy Project PodcastHow Your Story Can Inspire Positive ChangeSend us a text"Welcome to The Legacy Project Podcast, where we explore how your life story—your truth, your journey, your experiences—can become a powerful legacy. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today, we’re stepping into one of the most personal and transformative reasons to write: the therapeutic benefits of writing your story.You don’t need to be a published author to find healing in your words. Writing your story can offer clarity, peace, and perspective. It can help you make sense of the past, find strength in the present, and shape...
2025-04-1406 minThe Legacy Project PodcastThe Therapeutic Benefits of Writing Your StorySend us a text"Welcome to The Legacy Project Podcast, where we explore how your life story—your truth, your journey, your experiences—can become a powerful legacy. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today, we’re stepping into one of the most personal and transformative reasons to write: the therapeutic benefits of writing your story.You don’t need to be a published author to find healing in your words. Writing your story can offer clarity, peace, and perspective. It can help you make sense of the past, find strength in the present, and shape...
2025-04-1106 minThe Legacy Project PodcastSharing Stories of Intergenerational WisdomSend us a text"Welcome to The Legacy Project Podcast, where we explore the art of storytelling and the lasting power of personal history. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re talking about one of the richest forms of storytelling you can pass down: sharing stories of intergenerational wisdom.Every family has its keepers of knowledge—grandparents, elders, aunts and uncles who lived through experiences we can only imagine. Their voices carry lessons not found in textbooks. Their stories offer insights forged through time, hardship, joy, and change. And when we listen—really l...
2025-04-0407 minThe Legacy Project PodcastHow to Write About Family Without Causing ConflictSend us a text"Welcome to The Legacy Project Podcast, where we explore the art of telling your story in a way that honors the past, reflects the present, and inspires the future. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re talking about something that every storyteller eventually faces—how to write about your family without causing conflict.When you sit down to write your life story, your family inevitably becomes part of it. Parents, siblings, children, cousins—they’ve shaped your journey. But what happens when your truth doesn’t paint everyone in the best...
2025-04-0306 minThe Legacy Project PodcastCapturing the Emotions Behind Major Life EventsSend us a text"Welcome to The Legacy Project Podcast, where we explore the power of storytelling and how sharing your journey can create a lasting impact. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today, we’re talking about something that every storyteller struggles with at some point: how to capture the deep, raw emotions behind major life events.We all have defining moments—times when our world shifted, when we experienced love, loss, triumph, or transformation. But how do we translate those powerful emotions onto the page in a way that feels real? How do we...
2025-02-2708 minThe Legacy Project PodcastHow to Incorporate Humor Into Your StorySend us a text"Welcome to The Legacy Project Podcast, where we explore the power of storytelling and the importance of preserving your journey with heart, depth, and meaning. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re diving into a topic that can add energy, charm, and authenticity to any story: humor.Now, I know what some of you might be thinking—'I’m not a comedian. I don’t know how to be funny in writing.' And that’s okay. The truth is, humor in storytelling isn’t about writing jokes—it’s abo...
2025-02-2508 minThe Legacy Project PodcastCreating a Daily Writing RoutineSend us a text"Welcome to The Legacy Project Podcast, where we explore the power of storytelling and the art of preserving your journey for future generations. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today, we’re talking about one of the most important habits every writer can develop: creating a daily writing routine.If you’ve ever said, 'I want to write, but I just don’t have the time,' you’re not alone. Life is busy. Responsibilities pile up. And somehow, the thing we say matters most—writing our stories—gets pushed to the bottom...
2025-02-2008 minThe Legacy Project PodcastThe Role of Gratitude in StorytellingSend us a text"Welcome to The Legacy Project Podcast, the show where we explore the art of storytelling and how to preserve your life’s journey in a meaningful way. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today, we’re diving into a powerful and transformative topic: the role of gratitude in storytelling.Gratitude is more than just saying thank you—it’s a mindset, a way of seeing the world and reflecting on your experiences. When you bring gratitude into your storytelling, you don’t just recount events—you honor the people, moments, and lessons th...
2025-01-1007 minThe Legacy Project PodcastThe Legacy Project Special - Featuring 'Service Before Self'Send us a textWelcome back to The Legacy Project Podcast, where we dive deep into the stories and strategies that help individuals leave a meaningful impact for generations to come. I’m your host, Don J. Fessenden. Today, we have a special episode that intertwines the heart of this podcast—capturing your legacy—with my own personal journey, as detailed in my book, Service Before Self: The Autobiography of Master Sergeant Don J. Fessenden (U.S. Air Force, Retired).This is more than just my story. It’s a testament to the power of...
2024-12-1604 minThe Legacy Project PodcastHow to Overcome the Fear of Writing Your StorySend us a text"Welcome back to The Legacy Project Podcast, the show where we explore the transformative power of storytelling and guide you in crafting a legacy that will last for generations. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re going to tackle something that stops so many would-be storytellers in their tracks: fear.If you’ve ever felt that tight knot of doubt in your stomach when you think about writing your story, you’re not alone. That fear can show up in so many ways. Maybe you’re worried you don’t have...
2024-11-2807 min
Teaching with Valor Podcast: A Veteran Teachers PerspectiveKickstarting Success with a Prioritized To-Do ListSend us a text"Welcome to the Teaching with Valor Podcast, where we focus on strategies that empower educators, inspire parents, and create impactful classrooms. I’m your host, Don J. Fessenden, and today we’re going to explore one of the simplest yet most powerful habits you can develop to transform your teaching day: starting each morning with a prioritized to-do list.This isn’t just about jotting down a list of things to do. It’s about creating clarity, setting the right focus, and approaching your day with intention. By the end of this epi...
2024-11-2208 minTeaching with Valor Podcast: A Veteran Teachers PerspectiveMastering Prioritization with the Eisenhower MatrixSend us a text"Welcome to the Teaching with Valor Podcast, where we explore the strategies and insights every educator needs to thrive in the classroom and beyond. I’m your host, Don J. Fessenden, a lifelong educator and proud veteran. Today, we’re diving into a powerful framework that can change how you approach your ever-growing to-do list. It’s called the Eisenhower Matrix, and by the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly how to use it to prioritize your tasks, reduce stress, and reclaim your time.""So here’s my challenge to you: Sp...
2024-11-2107 minTeaching with Valor Podcast: A Veteran Teachers PerspectiveHow Do I Ensure All Students Are Participating in Class Activities?Send us a textWelcome to another episode of Teaching with Valor, where we explore the questions that challenge us as educators and help one another become the best teachers we can be—one lesson, one day, one student at a time. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today, we’re tackling a fundamental issue: How do I ensure all students are participating in class activities?This is a question that every teacher, at every level, has asked at some point in their career. Whether you’re in an elementary classroom full of curious, energeti...
2024-10-2215 minTeaching with Valor Podcast: A Veteran Teachers PerspectiveWhat Resources Are Available for Instructional Planning?Send us a textWelcome back to Teaching with Valor, the podcast where we explore the everyday questions, challenges, and victories of teaching. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re diving into one of the most fundamental aspects of teaching: What resources are available for instructional planning?When it comes to planning lessons, having the right resources can make all the difference. But with so many books, websites, apps, and educational tools out there, how do you find what you need without getting overwhelmed? Whether you’re new to teaching or you’ve been...
2024-10-2114 minTeaching with Valor Podcast: A Veteran Teachers PerspectiveHow Do I Plan for Long-Term Projects?Send us a textWelcome to Teaching with Valor, where we take a deep dive into the practical aspects of teaching that help you improve from lesson to lesson and day to day. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re tackling a big question: How do I plan for long-term projects?Whether you’re teaching elementary students just getting used to managing time or high schoolers preparing for more independent, research-heavy work, planning a long-term project can be daunting. Long-term projects offer rich opportunities for deeper learning, critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity—but they...
2024-10-1814 minTeaching with Valor Podcast: A Veteran Teachers PerspectiveHow Should I Plan Lessons for Substitute Teachers?Send us a textWelcome back to Teaching with Valor, where we explore the practical, everyday strategies that help teachers become better educators, one lesson and one challenge at a time. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today’s episode is all about a crucial but often overlooked aspect of teaching: How should I plan for substitute teachers?We’ve all been there. Whether it’s due to illness, a family emergency, professional development, or even just a personal day, every teacher will need to rely on a substitute at some point. The challenge is, how...
2024-10-1713 minTeaching with Valor Podcast: A Veteran Teachers PerspectiveHow Do I Know If My Students Are Understanding the Material?Send us a textWelcome back to Teaching with Valor, the podcast where we dive deep into the world of education, uncovering the strategies that make teaching not just a profession, but a calling. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today’s episode focuses on a question that sits at the heart of every teacher’s practice: How do I know if my students are understanding the material?If you’ve ever been in front of a classroom—whether it’s elementary, middle, or high school—you’ve likely had that moment of doubt. You’ve just deli...
2024-10-1613 minTeaching with Valor Podcast: A Veteran Teachers PerspectiveHow Can I Make My Lessons More Engaging?Send us a textWelcome back to Teaching with Valor, the podcast where we explore the art of teaching, focusing on how you can improve your practice from lesson to lesson, day by day, to become the best educator possible. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re diving into a question that every teacher has asked at some point: How can I make my lessons more engaging?Let’s be honest—creating engaging lessons is no small task. You might have a classroom full of students who are easily distracted, who come in with...
2024-10-1513 minTeaching with Valor Podcast: A Veteran Teachers PerspectiveAligning Lessons with State StandardsSend us a textWelcome back to Teaching with Valor, the podcast that helps educators sharpen their skills, refine their practice, and deliver exceptional learning experiences for their students. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re diving into a crucial aspect of teaching that directly impacts student success: How do I align my lessons with state standards?Whether you’re a new teacher or have been in the classroom for years, aligning your lessons with state standards can feel like a daunting task. On one hand, you want to maintain the creativity and fl...
2024-10-1412 minTeaching with Valor Podcast: A Veteran Teachers PerspectiveHow Much Time Should I Spend on Lesson Planning?Send us a textWelcome back to Teaching with Valor, the podcast where we explore the strategies, insights, and day-to-day practices that help teachers become the best they can be, one lesson at a time. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re diving into a question that every teacher has asked at some point: How much time should I spend on lesson planning?If you’re an educator, you know that lesson planning is the cornerstone of a well-run classroom. But it can also feel overwhelming—especially when you’re balancing so many other...
2024-10-1111 minTeaching with Valor Podcast: A Veteran Teachers PerspectiveWhat Should Be Included in a Lesson Plan?Send us a textWelcome back to the Teaching with Valor Podcast, the place where we dive deep into the heart of teaching and explore how we can improve our practice from lesson to lesson and day to day. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re tackling a question that sits at the core of effective teaching: What should be included in a lesson plan?If you’ve been teaching for any length of time, you know that lesson planning isn’t just about throwing together some activities and hoping for the best. A...
2024-10-1011 minTeaching with Valor Podcast: A Veteran Teachers PerspectiveCreating Effective Lesson PlansSend us a textWelcome back to Teaching with Valor, the podcast that dives deep into the art and science of teaching, helping you grow from lesson to lesson and day to day. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today, we’re tackling a fundamental question that every teacher has to face: How do I create effective lesson plans?Creating a lesson plan isn’t just about filling time or covering content; it’s about crafting a meaningful learning experience that engages students, challenges them, and helps them build essential skills. Whether you’re teaching k...
2024-10-0912 min