Shows
The Inspired Teacher PodcastRemember, You FloatWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! It's been a while, and in this episode, I talk about why I'm back behind the mic and how this podcast still fits into my life right now. I share my love for that quiet stretch between Christmas and New Year's—a rare bit of downtime to slow down, read, and reflect—and how a short piece called "Float" from Mike Travisano's Refuge and Small Things really hit home as I was preparing to head back to school. January can feel heavy for a lot of educators and students, when the break is over...
2026-01-0504 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastJust BeWelcome 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...
2025-05-0905 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastYou Bring the DignityWelcome 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...
2025-05-0705 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastIt's Always About TimeWelcome 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 Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, 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 simp...
2025-05-0207 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastWho'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 spac...
2025-04-3006 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastYou're Not AloneWelcome 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 Teaching in Magenta: 100 Pathways to Joy and Well-Being for You and Your Students 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 comp...
2025-04-2804 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastWe Are All MashupWelcome 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 youn...
2025-04-2503 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastOne Simple Trick With AIWelcome 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 Edutopia, I'll walk you through an assignment 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...
2025-04-2307 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastBe Mindful of Your MemoriesWelcome 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 in...
2025-04-2106 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastThe Participation Myth & Process over ProductWelcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! Today's episode is inspired by a powerful post from educator and podcaster Trevor Muir called "The Participation Myth." 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 mea...
2025-04-1105 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastStop 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...
2025-04-0905 min
The Inspired Teacher PodcastGrow Happiness Under Your FeetWelcome 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. Th...
2025-03-2404 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastIt's Okay to Not Always Love Your JobWelcome 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 The Connection with Marty Moss-Coane, 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 ov...
2025-03-1706 min
The Inspired Teacher PodcastWill 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 Compete Every Day 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...
2025-02-1906 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastIt's the Little ThingsWelcome 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 ma...
2024-12-1605 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastTurn to PhilosophyWelcome 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.
2024-12-1206 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastWe All Have Work to DoWelcome 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 reflec...
2024-12-0906 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastYour True PurposeWelcome 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...
2024-12-0405 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastAccept things As They AreWelcome 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 yo...
2024-12-0205 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastIt Takes DisciplineWelcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! In today's episode, we dive into a powerful idea that struck me while listening to Dr. Michael Gervais 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...
2024-11-2504 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastYou Need More Than HopeWelcome 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 The Wisdom of the Bullfrog: Leadership Made Simple (But Not Easy) by Admiral William H. McRaven. In this episode, we'll dive into the importance of having goals and a pathway to achieving them, and not just hope.
2024-11-2204 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastIt's Up to the PlaywrightWelcome 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.
2024-11-1804 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastYou Control the OutputWelcome 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.
2024-11-1304 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastThe Reward for our WorkWelcome 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...
2024-11-1206 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastA Pathway to PurposeWelcome 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...
2024-10-3006 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastControl What You CanWelcome 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...
2024-10-2804 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastPerfection is ImpossibleWelcome 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.
2024-10-2504 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastTrue ClarityWelcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! In today's episode, we dive into a concept shared by James Clear in one of his insightful weekly 3-2-1 emails—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!
2024-10-2305 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastIt's About EnergyWelcome 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!
2024-10-2104 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastBe Like IkeWelcome 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!
2024-10-1605 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastNo More Trauma BondingWelcome 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...
2024-10-1403 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastBe Enthusiastically BoredWelcome 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...
2024-10-1104 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastThe Seeds we PlantWelcome 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!
2024-09-2604 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastControl 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.
2024-09-1105 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastStop One Heart from BreakingWelcome 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.
2024-09-0903 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastWant the Hidden CostsWelcome 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 embr...
2024-09-0605 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastBeware of Cognitive OverloadWelcome 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.
2024-09-0405 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastChange Your ThoughtsWelcome 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.
2024-08-3004 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastDo LessWelcome 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.
2024-08-2804 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastLive Your PurposeWelcome 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.
2024-08-2606 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastBe the First to ApologizeWelcome 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.
2024-08-2104 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastLearn to Accept MediocrityWelcome 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.
2024-08-1906 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastFall in Love with SomethingWelcome to the Inspired Teacher Podcast! Today's episode was inspired by a post I saw on X and memories of my older son when he was a toddler at our community pool. I hope you enjoy the message and fall in love with something this summer!
2024-07-0305 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastTime to Start HackingWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! This summer, I'm committed to delivering a new episode every week to keep you motivated and inspired. In this week's episode, we delve into the art of cutting back. Drawing from the daily emails I receive from a wonderful group called Love What Matters, specifically their Living Better series, I'll share actionable insights to help you create the life you desire. Tune in for practical tips and heartfelt inspiration to enhance your journey.
2024-06-2606 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastThis is Not Your Life's WorkWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! Today's episode is all about enjoying different seasons of your life. The thoughts on today's episode include references to the following sources: Jay Shetty's Interview of Jenna Kutcher Moral Letters from a Stoic
2024-06-0505 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastMaybe You Shouldn't Always SucceedWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! Sure, we all love to succeed, but is it good if we are always winning? Today's episode discusses the importance of not always succeeding. Here are links to the resources discussed in the episode. The School of Greatness Podcast Liferider: Heart, Body, Soul and, Life Beyond the Ocean by Laird Hamilton Jerry Seinfeld's Commencement Speech
2024-06-0304 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastWe All Have Bad Days, But are They That Bad?Welcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! As we near the end of the year you might find yourself struggling to get past some of the "bad" days you are having. Today's episode is inspired by a post on X by Dr. Brad Johnson and some of the teachings from Seneca in the Enchiridion.
2024-05-3105 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastIt's Not About the Thank You'sWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! In today's episode, we are reminded to focus on the things that truly matter instead of on things that are beyond our control. The thoughts on in this episode come from Ryan Holiday's Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance and the Art of Living and Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning.
2024-05-2205 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastStand Straight, Not StraightenedWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! The thoughts on today's episode were inspired by Marcus Aurelius in his book, Meditations as well as Matthew McConaughey from his book Greenlights.
2024-05-2004 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastWords are ImportantWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! Words are important--and if you're like me, sometimes you are a little to careless with the words you use. Today's episode includes some thoughts and insights from Jake Thompson and his book Lead Better Now, as well as Marcus Aurelius in Meditations.
2024-05-1505 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastMake the Most of Each MomentWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast. As the school year draws to a close I tend to get a little sentimental--and I think this episode reflects that. Inspired by recent events in my life, Marcus Aurelius and Dave Burgess, this episode reminds us to be present-minded and live in the moment.
2024-05-1307 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastAttach Your Bootstraps to Other People's BootsWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! Today's episode was inspired by author and professor, Adam Grant from his book Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things and Lewis Howes from his School of Greatness podcast. The message is a simple one, but it's important and bares repeating--you simply cannot do your best work alone.
2024-05-1005 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastReal Learning is Often MessyWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podast! If you're anything like me you find planning to be a little extra challenging this time of year. The weather is getting nicer, the students are experiencing spring fever and so are we! Today's message is a reminder to myself to keep learning the main goal over compliance at this time of year. The episode was inspired by a post on X by Naomi Fisher.
2024-05-0304 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastIt's About MeaningWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! On today's episode we discuss the importance of living a meaningful life. The thoughts on today's episode were inspired by the guest Michael Gervais had on episode 441 of his podcast Finding Mastery. This episode highlights the importance of living a life of meaning, not just making the means to live.
2024-05-0105 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastSee the Awe Behind the ObviousWelcome to the 200th episode of the Inspired Teacher podcast! Thank you so much for taking the time to listen, whether this if your first time or you've been here for them all. Today's message is a fitting one for this milestone episode since it's basically the reason I do this podcast--it's a reminder to see the awe in the little things that are around us each and every day. I started recording this podcast as a reminder to myself to slow down and take some time to think about things that are important to me as an educator...
2024-04-2906 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastChoose ConfidenceWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! Today's episode was inspired by a post on X from Brian Cain. Brian is a consultant, speaker, and creator of The Mental Performance Mastery Coaches Certification program. The post, which was oringally made on August 4, 2022, serves as a reminder that we can choose to be confident every day.
2024-04-2404 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastDon't Just Dodge RaindropsWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! I recently found myself on the treadmill listening to 311 when their song "Dodging Raindrops" came on and hit me like a ton of bricks. It made me realize that so much of the lethargy and malaise I've been feeling toward lesson planning lately has been due to my desire to simply dodge raindrops. Today's episode serves as a reminder to me (and maybe you) to focus on the outcomes I do want--not the ones I want to avoid.
2024-04-2205 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastYou're Not the Only OneWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! Sometimes we find inspiration in the places we least expect it. The thoughts on today's episode were inspired by conversations I have with my son from time to time and Matthew McConaughey's book Greenlights. I hope that this podcast serves as reminder that you also are not the only one from time to time!
2024-04-1904 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastChase ContentednessWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! I'm very excited about the message in today's episode because I believe it's so important to hear. If you're anything like me, you may find yourself chasing growth a little too often and forgetting to stop and smell the proverbial roses. The message in today's episode comes from Jenna Kutcher from an interview she did with Jay Shetty on his podcast, On Purpose. I hope you enjoy it!
2024-04-1604 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastDon't Take Life Too SeriouslyWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! Today's a great reminder to not take yourself too seriously. The thoughts on today's episode were inspired by Marcus Aurelius in Meditations.
2024-04-1504 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastStop Blaming OthersWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! Today's episode was inspired by the book Extreme Ownership: How US Navy SEALs Lead & Win by Jocko Willnick & Leif Babin. The authors remind us of the importance of accountability and controlling the only thing we can really control--ourselves
2024-04-1203 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastSee What Others Don'tWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! The thoughts on today's episode come from Ryan Holiday and Sir Ken Robinson. I also mentioned one of my favorite tools for tracking productivity and gratitude--the 3x5 Life (not a sponsor) so check them out!
2024-04-0504 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastYou Can't Buy PeaceWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! Today's episode brings great insights from Lewis Howes and his book The Greatness Mindest. In his book, Lewis reminds us that you cannot purchase your way to peace in life--and it's so important for us to remember as educators.
2024-04-0305 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastThe Relentless Always WinWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! It's been about a month since I've put out a podcast episode for a number of reasons, but it was time to get behind the mic again and "just hit record" has Chris Nesi would say! Today's episode includes some thoughts about my wrestling season and lyrics from the song "Too Late" by my favorite band 311. I hope you enjoy!
2024-04-0104 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastWe Are Made for This MomentWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! I'm going to be honest, today was a tough day for me in the classroom. I had a few things happen that made me pretty upset and questioning whether or not I was doing the right thing and it's quite serendipitous that this is the message I would record tonight. I hope you enjoy the words of Matthew McConaughy in his book Greenlights and a post on X from Jon Gordon.
2024-03-0105 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastBe Patient With Your GoalsWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! The episode today is a quick one--but done is better perfect. Earlier this week I was listening to The Rachel Hollis Podcast and she mentioned a great line about goals being like kitchen remodels so I had to share my thoughts.
2024-02-2803 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastNothing is Ours Except TimeWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! Time is one of our most precious commodities, yet too often we waste it. We turn back to the Stoics in today's episode and listen to the words of Seneca the Younger in one of his Moral Letters to Lucilius.
2024-02-2605 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastYou May Be a PioneerWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! In his book Like Streams to the Ocean: Notes on Ego, Love, and the Things that Make Us Who We Are, Jedediah Jenkins reminds us that we can be our own pioneers and that we don't always have to follow the paths of others. Today's episode combines the thoughts of Jenkis with the practical wisdom of Admiral William H. McRaven in his book The Wisdom of the Bullfrog: Leadership Made Simple (But Not Easy).
2024-02-2105 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastBuild MomentumWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! The thoughts on today's episode were inspired by a passage in Rick Alexander's book Burn Your Couch: A Manifesto for the Average Averse. Rick reminds us to take small imcremental steps towards our goals and I love his message.
2024-02-1605 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastBe Like JessWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! Like many teachers, I've been thinking a lot about balance lately--especially finding an appropriate balance between being a kind and caring teacher and maintaining high expectations in my classroom. The thoughts on today's episode were inspired by Robert Greene's Daily Laws: 366 Meditations on Power, Seduction, Mastery, Strategy, and Human Nature.
2024-02-1405 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastIt's About Our ResponseWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! I was struggling with feeling a lack of motivation this past week and I came across a great book that helped to remind me what's really important--how we respond. I hope you enjoy this episode and be sure to check out the resources and links I discuss throughout the episode. Innovate Inside the Box: Empowering Learners Through UDL and the Innovator's Mindset by George Couros and Katie Novak The Insight Timer Meditation App Ed Mylett on the Reticular Activating System
2024-02-0907 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastMind Your EmotionsWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! We've all fallen victim to our emotions from time to time and could certainly use a reminder of the fickle nature of them. Today's episode was inspired by an episode of the Impact Theory podcast with Tom Bilyeau and Tony Robbins' book Unlimted Power: The New Science of Personal Achievement.
2024-02-0703 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastDefining True PotentialWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! We throw around the term "potential" so callously it seems--but what does it truly mean? Today's episode was inspired by Adam Grant. Grant is an author and professor and gives a fantastic explanation of what potential means in his latest book Hidden Potential: The Science of Ahcieving Great Things.
2024-02-0505 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastWhy Difficulties are GreatWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! I often spend time mindlessly scrolling X and I came across this simple, yet thought-provoking post. I then turned to Meditations for some of Marcu Aurelius's thoughts on the importance of adversity in life.
2024-01-3104 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastBe Happy, Not DependentWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! Today's episode was inspired by Kendall Jenner and Jay Shetty on the On Purpose Podcast.
2024-01-3004 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastSuspend JudgementWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! I know I can't be the only teacher who often finds himself or herself trying to truly understand the motivations of some of our students. I often catch myself assuming that I know what makes some students act the way they do--and as the message in today's episode reminds us, that can be a dangerous thing. The thoughts in today's episode were inspired by Robert Green's The Daily Laws: 366 Meditations on Power, Seduction, Mastery, Strategy and Human Nature.
2024-01-2604 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastThe Most Important Words EverWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! I was driving into an early morning wrestling tournament and listening to The School of Greatness podcast by Lewis Howes and this little nugget of wisdom that I share struck me. Today's episode is all about how you speak to yourself. I hope you enjoy it!
2024-01-2406 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastYou Messed Up Again? Great!Welcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! If you're anything like me you've found yourself making some of the same frustrating mistakes repeatedly. Today's message helps with just that and it comes from The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance and the Art of Living Life as well as Betting on You: How to Put Yourself First and (Finally) Take Control of Your Career.
2024-01-2206 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastWhat is Greatness?Welcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! Today's episode is a quick one but it's got an impactful message about what greatness truly means. Lewis Howes quotes Olympian, Shawn Johnson on her ideas of greatness in his book The School of Greatness: A Real-World Guide for Living Bigger, Loving Deeper, and Leaving a Legacy. I hope you enjoy this quick, yet powerful, episode. As always, please feel free to let me know what you think by rating and reviewing the podcast or leaving me feedback at this site.
2024-01-1903 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastThe Downside of ProgressWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! We've been discussing the idea of progress quite a bit lately and I felt like today's message from Laird Hamilton was a great one. Laird reminds the reader that sometimes too much progress isn't always a good thing. Liferider: Heart, Body, Soul & Life Beyond the Ocean by Laird Hamilton "Look Up" by Gary Turk
2024-01-1709 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastTrue ProgressWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! If you haven't figured it out by now I'm clearly on a personal growth journey. Today's episode comes from Marcus Aurelius and his Meditations (with a little help from the Huberman Lab podcast) and serves as a perfect reminder of what we should be chasing. I hope you are progressing towards your goals!
2024-01-1206 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastListen to JakeWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! If you're like me, and I'd bet some of you are, you are driven by lists and the feeling of accomplishment by checking things off your list. While it's certainly a great idea to stack wins and create good habits, this can also have a bit of a downside. In today's episode, we discuss two simply tips Jake Thompson gives in his new book Lead Better Now: A Practical Guide to Increase Your Influece as a Leader.
2024-01-1004 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastLive Like the StoicsWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! At the start of each new year, I often find myself thinking about resolutions and turning to things like the Stoic teachings, my faith, and some good books. Today's episode is based on three thoughts from the Stoics that come to us from Ryan Holiday in the two books below. I hope you enjoy it! The Lives of the Stoics: The Art of Living from Zeno to Marcus Aurelius The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living
2024-01-0805 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastYou Are Exactly Where You Need to BeWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! Although the title of this episode might seem to directly contradict the message from the last episode, I promise they fit together. The thoughts from today's episode were inspired by Lindsey Wilson and her Mindset Coaching Academy podcast from December 18, 2023.
2024-01-0505 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastIt's Never Too Late to Stop Wasting TimeWelcome back to the Inspired Teacher podcast! Today's episode is the first one I've recorded in a while and I hope you enjoy it. The message comes from Ryan Holiday in two different places. Be sure to heck out Ryan's Daily Dad podcast & his book The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living.
2024-01-0305 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastLive Your Purpose, Not Your JobWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! I recently started going through some of the books I read in the past and turned back to Laird Hamilton's Lirferider: Heart, Body, Soul and Life Beyond the Ocean. As I was thumbing through the early part of the book I came across the passage I discuss in today's episode and it really spoke to me.
2023-11-2904 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastListen to Van(& Michael)Welcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! I must have been feeling nostalgic when planning this episode because I drew some insipration from one of my favorite movies from the early 2000s, Van Wilder. I also draw some inspiration from one of my favorite podcasters & authors, Michael Gervais. I hope you enjoy this message and remember to not take yourself to seriously.
2023-11-2704 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastEmbrace the ChallengesWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! If you're anything like me you might be feeling a little tired and low on energy right now. As a result, I've been finding myself spending too much time looking at external things and, as much as I hate to admit it, complaining about them. Today's episode has some great reminders from Ryan Holiday in his book The Obstacle is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph.
2023-11-1704 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastIt's About How You Show UpWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! I had the opportunity to sit in a great discussion today in an in-service all about student behaviors, expectations and what we might be able to do to help many of our students learn to "school" again. My takeaway from this discussion might have been different form others--I figure that as long as I'm doing my best to live by my values as an educator and helping my students to do their best, I can't go wrong. This mindset has helped take pressure off me and it came from an episode of The S...
2023-11-0806 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastSlow DownWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! Fall is always a crazy time of year for me and I once again feel myself getting stressed and harried. Today's message is a good reminder for me and anyone that might be feeling like me. The thoughts were inspired by Steve Moakler's song "Slow Down" and come from Ed Mylett's book The Power of One More: The Ultimate Guide to Happiness and Success.
2023-10-2706 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastBe Authentic, Be a LeaderWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! Today's episode is all about being authentically you so you can be the leader others might need. The inspiration for today's episode came from Phil Kornachuk in an interview by Michael Gervais on his Finding Mastery podcast.
2023-10-2507 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastLife is Like a SparklerWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! After a short break because of an insanely busy life and the success of my Phillies, I finally got behind the mic to record again. This episode is a little different--I had no show notes or outlines prepared and the inspiration didn't come from a podcast or a book. Instead, the inspiration for this episode was something my 11-year old son said to me in the truck on the way home from wrestling practice. I hope you enjoy it--I was seriously impressed with him!
2023-10-2308 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastBe ExcitedWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! Today's episode is a bit longer than the recent ones and I think it's because I really enjoy the message. I was recently listening to an episode of one of my fovorite podcasts, PodcastPD and it made me think of a message in an email I get each week from James Clear. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast & the email--you can thank me later.
2023-10-1109 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastIt's About GrowthWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! If I'm being honest I would have to say that I often struggle with finding the balance between trying to become a better version of myself and being content with who I am. That being said, chapter 11 in Jon Gordon's book Training Camp: What the Best Do Better Than Everyone Else really hit home with me. I hope you enjoy this quick discussion and check out the book!
2023-10-0905 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastYour Results Are Not Your IdentityWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! Today's episode was inspired by a tough conversation I had with my son that made me incredibly proud of him and some thoughts from Lewis Howes and his book The Greatness Mindset: Unlock the Power of Your Mind & Live Your Best Life Today.
2023-10-0406 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastWhat is Positivity?Welcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! Maybe you're like me now that we're entering the month of October and your motivation is starting to wane just a bit. As the days get shorter and the realization that we're back in school for real sets in, I often struggle to remain positive during this time of year. Join me as I discuss Jon Gordon's take on positivity that he recently shared on X.
2023-10-0204 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastNobody Does it AloneWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! Today's thought comes from legnedary-tennis coach Paul Annacone and is a simple one--we need a suport system in this life. For more of the interview with Paul be sure to check out this Finding Mastery podcast with Michael Gervais.
2023-09-2903 minThe Inspired Teacher PodcastThe Only Easy Day Was YesterdayWelcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! The thoughts on today's episode were inspired by Admiral William H. McRaven (Retired) in his book The Wisdom of the Bullfrog: Leadership Made Simple (But Not Easy). In this eipsode we discuss a popular SEAL slogan and how it can apply to your own life as an educator and a person.
2023-09-2705 min
The BeerEDU PodcastEpisode 098: Purpose & Balance with Mike BrillaThe BeerEDU Podcast Episode 098: Purpose & Balance with Mike Brilla. Kyle & Ben chat with Mike Brilla (@Mr_Brilla) about the usefulness of podcasts, Voxer and Twitter chats, how getting away from them has helped balance life and work, how coaching sports is very similar to coaching educators as a technology TOSA, and how a sense of purpose as an educator goes hand in hand with balance. Check out the shownotes for this episode at www.beeredupodcast.com.
Have any feedback or suggestions for Kyle and Ben? Want them to talk about a topic that interests you or want t...
2021-03-201h 02
PodcastPDTechnology for Student Success with Mike Brilla – PPD062We’re starting to wrap up 2019 and that means the 12 Days of PodcastPD is coming soon! From December 25 – January 5 we will be sharing a 1 podcast recommendation per day. We’d love for you to be a part of it and contribute! Go to podcastpd.com/feedback to send us audio and tell the PodcastPD community about an entire podcast or one episode we should listen to and why. Also, tell us about you and how people can connect with you. Get us your submissions by December 20, 2019.Featured ContentMike Brilla is currently a TOSA...
2019-12-1856 min