The Inspired Teacher Podcast

Welcome to the Inspired Teacher Podcast! In today’s episode, I’m talking about something I think we all wrestle with—our tendency to chase comfort and try to avoid anything that feels tough or unpredictable. The truth is, life’s never going to be smooth sailing, and as Marcus Aurelius reminds us, what stands in the way can actually become the way. As teachers, we see this every day in those lessons that go sideways or those students who surprise us in the best possible ways. So let’s dive into why leaning into challenges, instead of running from them, is where the real growth and joy happen.

Welcome to the Inspired Teacher Podcast! This week, I’m coming to you from Cary, North Carolina, just a few days before the school year kicks off. I’m here with my two sons for a big baseball tournament—one competing on the field, the other supporting from the stands while still rehabbing an injury from months back. Watching one play and the other choose to show up for his brother—even though it wasn’t easy—filled me with pride in ways I can’t fully describe. Later that weekend, a conversation with my son reminded me of a powerful truth I’ve been reading in Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy: real strength and fulfillment come not from clinging to our own wants, but from serving and celebrating others. In this episode, I share that story, the lessons it sparked, and a reminder for all of us as teachers, parents, and leaders—that life gets richer when we step outside ourselves and pour into others.

Welcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! In today’s episode, I talk about starting restorative practices at our school and the powerful reminder that it’s not the big, flashy events that build relationships—it’s the small, intentional moments we share with our students, our colleagues, and even ourselves. I connect this to the Stoic wisdom of Zeno, who taught that well-being is built little by little, and how that truth applies as I begin a new school year. From recovery and mobility, to better eating habits, to simply taking a few minutes each night to reflect, I share how focusing on the small, daily choices can shape us into the teachers, parents, and people we aspire to be.

Welcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! In this episode, I reflect on a question my son Gray asked me about what separates the most successful wrestlers I’ve coached from the rest. After more than 20 years in the wrestling room, I’ve had the privilege of coaching some incredible athletes—state medalists, champions, and even guys who went on to compete at the highest levels. At first, I thought the answer was simply about controlling the controllables, but the more I reflected, the more I realized it goes deeper. The best wrestlers weren’t just obsessed with winning—they were driven by the love of competing, by becoming the best versions of themselves, and by bringing others along for the ride. And while that’s easy for me to see in coaching, it’s just as true in teaching: greatness doesn’t come from the short-term wins, but from the dedication, consistency, and purpose we bring to the process every day.

Welcome to the Inspired Teacher Podcast! In this episode, I talk with Bryon Carpenter—a fellow educator, podcaster and lifelong learner who’s all about showing up, reflecting, and growing a little bit every day. We dive into why paying attention to your experiences matters, how consistency (even in small ways) can lead to big change, and how podcasting helps him process and share what he’s learning. Bryon’s not doing it for likes or followers—he’s doing it to make a difference, and it’s a message that’ll definitely resonate.

Welcome to the Inspired Teacher Podcast! Today’s episode comes to you from the beach—one of the few places where I consistently feel calm and grounded. But wouldn’t it be great if we could find that kind of peace everywhere? Inspired by a powerful reply from Dr. Nate Fulton to a quote from Yung Pueblo, we’re digging into what it means to truly “protect your peace.” As teachers, parents, and people, it’s so easy to let the energy of those around us dictate how we feel. But calm isn’t something that just happens—it’s a skill we have to develop and practice, especially in a world that constantly pulls at our energy. So today, let’s talk about learning to stay grounded, owning our emotional space, and giving ourselves grace when we get it wrong—because we will, and that’s okay.

Welcome to the Inspired Teacher Podcast! Today’s episode is a special one—an honest, heartfelt, and wide-ranging conversation with Chris Nesi, the "EduPodfather" himself. Chris opens up about his journey in education and podcasting, the importance of showing up with integrity, and how being a great educator—or parent—is about letting others catch you in the act of doing good. We talk coaching, content creation, overcoming imposter syndrome, and why sometimes the bravest thing you can do is simply take the next step. If you’ve ever been hesitant to start something new or wondered if you’re doing enough, this episode will speak directly to you.

Welcome to the Inspired Teacher Podcast! In this episode, we look at the story of General Dan Sickles at Gettysburg—a leader who made a bold move that helped slow down the enemy, but came at a huge cost to his own men. Was it brave or reckless? We dig into that question and connect it to a powerful message from Admiral William McRaven’s book The Wisdom of the Bullfrog. As teachers, we know we can’t just play it safe all the time. We need to try new things and take smart risks—but always with care, knowing our students are counting on us. Let’s talk about what it means to be bold, thoughtful, and growing right alongside our students.

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!

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 Tom Bilyeau’s Impact Theory Podcast—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.

Welcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! In this episode, I share a powerful lesson from Admiral William McRaven's 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.

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!

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 Yung Pueblo 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.

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.

Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! In this episode, I’m diving into my winding journey with journaling—from Ryan Holiday’s Daily Stoic Journal to blank Moleskines and even a couple rounds with Permission to Pause. 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 shared by Andrew Huberman. 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.

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 Liferider and Srikumar Rao’s book Modern Wisdom, Ancient Roots. 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.

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 Ryan Holiday 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.

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 Jay Shetty 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.

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 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 simply spending it together.

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 The Shift to Student-Led: Reimagining Classroom Workflows with UDL & Blended Learning, 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.