Oxygen for Educators

By: Michelle Kinder M.Ed. LPC & Chris Kent Phelps | Produced By: Katie Worden
  • Summary

  • Oxygen for Educators explores the overwhelming demands placed on today's educators, often leading to burnout and emotional exhaustion. As anxiety, depression, and behavior incidents rise among students, kids need more, and the adults in the building are overextended and under-resourced. This podcast features inspiring interviews with educators, administrators and counselors making a difference in the lives of countless students. In each hopeful conversation, we acknowledge hard truths and real challenges while simultaneously mining for light-lift, high-impact ideas, practices, and solutions. *Oxygen for Educators is produced by Ripplemaker Project and proudly sponsored by Tacky Box®. Follow on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/oxygen-for-educators/id1775510846 Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2i21QueuqVqmEPmI7gzFfQ?si=1bef3354bff2402c Follow on Audible: https://www.audible.co.uk/podcast/Oxygen-for-Educators/B0DKL68DLX?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEdbuPy-L7p4RZKZ_VWKCXwK_j8vbjZF2&si=7SHeSWZRllrseygs Website: https://www.tackybox.com/podcast Thank you to our sponsor, Tacky Box! Website: https://tackybox.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tacky_box/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheTackyBox/ X: https://x.com/thetackybox Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thetackybox/
    2024
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Episodes
  • PART 1 Alex Vesely M.A. Dr. h.c.
    Apr 11 2025

    SUMMARY:

    In this special episode, we interview Alex Vesely, grandson of the legendary Viktor Frankl. Alex continues his grandfather's impactful work on logotherapy and the importance of finding meaning in life. We discuss how meaning, rather than happiness, can guide us through modern challenges, emphasizing the role of educators in fostering purpose and resilience in students. Tune in to explore the profound insights of Viktor Frankl and Alex Vesely on our podcast!

    LINKS:

    • Man Search For Meaning: https://a.co/d/iS2XrjX

    Logotherapy-online.com

    • Logotherapy Institute of America Courses: https://courses.viktorfranklamerica.com/

    KEY TAKEAWAYS:

    • Meaning is a protective factor against life's challenges
    • Educators play a crucial role in fostering meaning in students' lives
    • Young people are naturally inclined to seek meaning
    • Freedom to choose comes with the responsibility of those choices
    • Navigating modern stressors requires a return to one's purpose
    • Living with purpose can transform stress into a positive force
    • Questions about life purpose can guide students' journeys
    • Educators can create environments that encourage exploration of meaning

    CHAPTERS:

    Chapters

    00:00 The Pursuit of Meaning Over Happiness
    03:02 Introducing Alex Vesely and His Legacy
    05:49 Viktor Frankl's Life and Work
    08:55 The Essence of Logotherapy
    11:47 The Role of Meaning in Education
    14:52 Navigating Modern Challenges with Meaning
    18:13 The Search for Meaning in Youth
    21:05 The Freedom to Choose Meaning
    23:58 Finding Solace in Purpose
    27:01 Internal Cues for Meaningful Living
    29:51 The Importance of Responsibility in Freedom
    37:02 The Meaningful Role of Educators
    38:45 Exploring the Concept of Meaning
    39:40 The Protective Power of Meaning
    43:02 Viktor Frankl's Insights on Suffering
    46:07 The Pursuit of Meaning in Education
    49:10 Creating a Meaningful Environment for Students
    51:45 The Shift Towards Meaning Over Pleasure
    54:12 Flipping Maslow's Hierarchy
    57:31 Finding Meaning in Attitudes and Actions
    01:00:44 Navigating Chaos with Purpose
    01:02:59 The Essence of Meaning in Life

    *Oxygen for Educators is produced by Ripplemaker Project and proudly sponsored by Tacky Box.

    Follow on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/oxygen-for-educators/id1775510846

    Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2i21QueuqVqmEPmI7gzFfQ?si=1bef3354bff2402c

    Follow on Audible: https://www.audible.co.uk/podcast/Oxygen-for-Educators/B0DKL68DLX?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

    Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEdbuPy-L7p4RZKZ_VWKCXwK_j8vbjZF2&si=7SHeSWZRllrseygs

    Website: https://www.tackybox.com/podcast

    Thank you to our sponsor, Tacky Box!

    Website: https://tackybox.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tacky_box/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheTackyBox/

    X: https://x.com/thetackybox

    Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thetackybox/

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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Byron Sanders
    Apr 4 2025
    Byronsanders.com Aretehealth.com SUMMARY Byron Sanders shares his journey from Oak Cliff to becoming a champion for educational equity. He discusses the urgent need for trauma-informed education and transformative teaching amidst systemic challenges. His school board candidacy is a call to action for community involvement in shaping the future of education. The conversation highlights: The need for educational transformation in TexasChallenges of standardized testingImportance of social-emotional learning and restorative practicesInnovative approaches to discipline and integrating art in education Byron emphasizes equipping future generations with human skills and empathy to foster a cohesive society. The dialogue also covers community engagement, healthcare access, radical care, nonprofit work, purpose-driven leadership, and generational responsibility. KEY TAKEAWAYS The world should be trauma-informed to improve education and transform interactions.Public education faces significant ideological challenges.Radical imagination is needed to transform education and is essential for envisioning a better future.21st century skills are essential for student success.The education system must adapt to modern realities.Educational transformation in Texas must serve all students equitably.Standardized testing creates challenges for real-world learning.Restorative practices can improve discipline and student engagement.Art in schools is essential for emotional wellbeing and creativity.Building human skills is vital for future generations.We must reframe social-emotional learning to gain broader acceptance.Nonprofit work serves as research and development for policy change.Educators need validation in challenging environments.We have a generational responsibility to multiply our inheritance. CHAPTERS: 00:00 The Need for Trauma-Informed Education 03:08 Byron Sanders: A Mission for Educational Equity 06:05 Personal Journey: From Oak Cliff to Educational Advocacy 08:59 The Role of Family and Community in Shaping Identity 12:06 Running for School Board: A Call to Action 15:02 Challenges Facing Public Education Today 18:07 The Vision for a Transformative Education System 21:00 Empowering Teachers Amidst Systemic Challenges 23:58 The Future of Education: Adapting to Change 32:40 The Impact of the Pandemic on Emotional Expression 35:42 Navigating Educational Transformation in Texas 37:37 Challenges in Education: Balancing Testing and Real-World Learning 39:53 Reframing Social-Emotional Learning for Broader Acceptance 43:03 The Importance of Restorative Practices in Education 45:00 Innovative Approaches to Discipline and Student Engagement 50:09 The Role of Art in Education and Emotional Wellbeing 56:53 Building a Future with Human Skills and Empathy 01:06:03 Gratitude and Support for Community Engagement 01:07:59 Radical Care and Access in Healthcare 01:08:47 Reflections on Byron's Impact and Leadership 01:10:16 Nonprofit Work as R&D for Policy Change 01:12:45 Purpose-Driven Leadership and Responsibility 01:13:50 Radical Imagination and Hope for the Future 01:15:56 Navigating Language and Strategy in Advocacy 01:18:06 The Importance of Diverse Narratives in Education 01:21:59 Validating Educators' Experiences in Challenging Times 01:24:35 The Role of Trauma-Informed Practices 01:30:51 Investing in Restorative Practices for All 01:32:41 Honoring Generational Responsibility and Legacy *Oxygen for Educators is produced by Ripplemaker Project and proudly sponsored by Tacky Box. Follow on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/oxygen-for-educators/id1775510846 Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2i21QueuqVqmEPmI7gzFfQ?si=1bef3354bff2402c Follow on Audible: https://www.audible.co.uk/podcast/Oxygen-for-Educators/B0DKL68DLX?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEdbuPy-L7p4RZKZ_VWKCXwK_j8vbjZF2&si=7SHeSWZRllrseygs Website: https://www.tackybox.com/podcast Thank you to our sponsor, Tacky Box! Website: https://tackybox.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tacky_box/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheTackyBox/ X: https://x.com/thetackybox Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thetackybox/
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    1 hr and 37 mins
  • Amanda Muhammad, MA
    Mar 28 2025
    Amanda Muhammad, MA Psychological Safety Consultant Mako Mindfulness SUMMARY In this episode, Michelle Kinder and Chris Kent Phelps introduce an insightful interview with Amanda Muhammad, a mindfulness-based stress management consultant. Michelle leads the conversation with Amanda, exploring the importance of preventative self-care strategies, psychological safety in the workplace, and practical tools for educators. Amanda shares her personal journey into mindfulness, highlighting the significance of breathing and stretching as foundational practices for managing stress. The discussion delves into the need for community support and the power of shifting perspectives on stress and well-being. Amanda emphasizes the importance of honoring personal boundaries, the significance of self-care, and the power of silence in a noisy world. The speakers discuss resources available for educators, share rapid-fire fun questions, and reflect on the concept of creating a great day. Throughout the conversation, the themes of well-being, meaning, and self-regulation are explored. Amanda discusses the importance of not surrendering one's happiness to external systems and finding meaning in life's circumstances. The conversation highlights the significance of breath and grounding techniques, as well as the necessity of understanding and regulating the nervous system. They also touch on the power of perspective, the importance of choosing empowering narratives, and the essence of being versus doing in personal and professional interactions. TAKEAWAYS A preventative approach to self-care is essential.Breathing and stretching can significantly reduce stress.Psychological safety is crucial for a productive work environment.Self-awareness is key to advocating for personal needs.Community support enhances well-being and resilience.Mindfulness practices can be easily integrated into daily life.Shifting perspectives can change emotional responses to stress.It's important to recognize the impact of our beliefs on stress.Finding personal coping strategies is vital for mental health.Engaging in positive affirmations can improve self-perception. Know and honor your boundaries with yourself.Keeping promises to yourself is crucial.Engage with resources on LinkedIn for stress management.Silence can be a powerful tool for self-reflection.Choosing stillness is essential in a noisy world.Create a great day; the choice is yours.Your free time does not reflect your availability.What you pay attention to expands.Incorporate movement into mindfulness practices.You have the power to define your essence. Many people surrender their well-being to external systems.Finding meaning in life's circumstances is crucial.Breath is a powerful tool for self-regulation.Healthy coping mechanisms can be categorized into physiological and psychological.Understanding the nervous system helps in managing emotions.Expanding perspectives can infuse joy into life.Noticing your breath can ground you in the present.Questioning beliefs can open up new narratives.Choosing empowering narratives can shift your mindset.Prioritizing being over doing enhances personal interactions. CHAPTERS 00:00Preventative Self-Care Strategies 02:05Introduction to Amanda Muhammad 06:01Amanda's Journey into Mindfulness and Stress Management 10:11Understanding Psychological Safety 15:48Practical Tools for Educators 19:58The Power of Breath and Mindfulness 23:57Shifting Perspectives on Stress 29:52The Importance of Community and Support 38:30Honoring Personal Boundaries 41:08Connecting with the Audience 42:12Resources for Educators 43:28Rapid Fire Fun Questions 46:24The Power of Silence 49:10Choosing Stillness in a Noisy World 52:20Creating a Great Day 54:01Reflections on the Conversation 01:00:18Surrendering Well-Being to External Systems 01:01:20Finding Meaning in Life's Circumstances 01:02:49The Importance of Breath and Grounding 01:03:27Healthy Coping Mechanisms and Self-Regulation 01:05:22Understanding Nervous System Regulation 01:07:36Expanding Perspectives on Life and Interactions 01:09:24The Power of Noticing and Trusting Your Body 01:10:10Exploring Beliefs and Alternative Narratives 01:12:55Choosing Empowering Narratives 01:17:57The Essence of Being vs. Doing 01:21:51Creating an Empowering Narrative *Oxygen for Educators is produced by Business Hippie Productions and proudly sponsored by Tacky Box. Follow on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/oxygen-for-educators/id1775510846 Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2i21QueuqVqmEPmI7gzFfQ?si=1bef3354bff2402c Follow on Audible: https://www.audible.co.uk/podcast/Oxygen-for-Educators/B0DKL68DLX?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEdbuPy-L7p4RZKZ_VWKCXwK_j8vbjZF2&si=7SHeSWZRllrseygs Website: https://www.tackybox.com/podcast Thank you to our sponsor, Tacky Box! Website: https://tackybox.com/ Instagram: https...
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    1 hr and 25 mins

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