Self-Improvement EPISODES

In this lively episode of The Balancing Act Podcast, Jamie Wanko and Joe Vitale welcome back tech-in-education expert Merve Lapus for a timely “tech reset” conversation that feels equal parts honest, hopeful, and real-life relatable. Together, they unpack how the post-pandemic rush to integrate tec…

In this episode, we sit down with Marcy Samayoa, a Los Angeles chemistry teacher, to unpack her bold “tech reset” in the classroom—and what happened next. After noticing how constant screen time (especially post-pandemic) was impacting her students’ focus and engagement, Marcy made the surprising m…

In this episode of the Balancing Act Podcast, we’re joined again by Jessica Hawk, who shares her journey from a 32-year teaching career into full-time content creation—and what that transition has revealed about the value of educators beyond the classroom. We keep things real (and a little nostalgi…

In this special 100th episode of The Balancing Act, we celebrate in style from the New Jersey Hall of Fame—and yes, it feels just as cool as it sounds. We take a trip down memory lane, from recording in a kitchen with one microphone to building a podcast shaped by incredible guests and a supportive…

In this episode of The Balancing Act, we welcome back Mitch Weathers and chat with Sarah Oberle about their new book, Executive Functions for Every K-3 Classroom, diving into the critical role executive functioning plays in young learners. We keep things light and relatable while unpacking how skil…

In this episode of The Balancing Act, we blend humor and real life as we swap stories—from a much-needed raspberry Snapple boost to saying goodbye to a trusty old car and even a beloved classroom pencil sharpener. We dive into the emotional rollercoaster of parenting teens through the college decis…

In this episode, we engage with Gillian Ober, the 2026 New Jersey Teacher of the Year, as she shares her inspiring journey from undecided college student to passionate educator. We delve into her experiences teaching abroad in Spain and Thailand, which ignited her commitment to education and shaped…

In this episode, we examine the challenges of self-care for educators, particularly women, as they juggle multiple roles at home and in the classroom. We discuss the mental load and guilt associated with prioritizing personal well-being amidst end-of-year responsibilities. Highlighting systemic iss…

In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, our hosts speak with Dr. Allison Hitchens, a doctoral graduate specializing in teacher burnout and mentoring novice educators. We discuss the challenges faced by teachers, particularly during the pandemic and in rural areas, and the systemic issues cont…

In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, Jamie Wanko and Joe Vitale engage in a candid discussion that merges personal anecdotes with educational reflections. They kick off by celebrating Joe's milestone birthday, sharing humorous insights on aging, staff culture, and societal perceptions shap…

Jamie Ruffner breaks down the reasons she has decided to step away from the classroom, all while keeping her mind on education and how to make things better for all classroom teachers and students. Executive functioning tips for parents and teachers come through during each and every segment of thi…

Our hosts are siding with other teachers on the issues that seem to be shared with teachers across America. Teachers have collectively been scratching their heads with students' lack of common developmental norms. Kids are not coming to school on time, not able to complete basic tasks like cutting,…

Meeting Morgan and Nicole at the NJEA convention in the fall meant that our hosts just widened their New Jersey teacher friend group, and in the meantime basked in the glow of that newer teacher energy they so desperately seek. “The Math Girls” as they have affectionately come to be called, are giv…

Having a high school senior can be an overwhelming process, and our hosts have three of them between them. How do you pay for college? How do you apply to college? How do you choose a college? How can we balance the stress of parenting senior students through this process? Questions parents ask the…

As a classroom teacher for nearly 30 years, Melissa Antinoff has experience and boots on the ground with every type of student, and she has a brilliant point of view on education and learned helplessness. Questioning her experience and background was thrilling and beyond eye opening for the hosts a…

Jamie and Joe discuss their personal experience with S.A.D or seasonal affective disorder and mental health issues that arise in the winter months and how to combat them. Both long time teachers try to rely on their humorous levity to get through some tough times together. Join them to celebrate Jo…

Stand up and clap for the amazing New Jersey educator, Stefanie Lachenauer. Winner of the 2025 NJ State Teacher of the Year award, mindfulness expert, passionate published author of Let the Glitter Settle, and current middle school teacher Lachenauer joins the pod to share her wisdom, experience, a…

For the first episode of 2026, our hosts will explore their podcasting year in review as they look back on all the highlights from the past year, like interviews with Nick Ferroni, Tyler Tarver, Noelle Santorelli, Mo Lapus, Courtney Varner and Courtney White. Listen for their 2026 word of the year …

Join our hosts as they talk all things executive functioning with Dr. Lethco, an expert in the field. She shares research and daily applications of researched tools that can improve executive functioning for neurodivergent individuals and so many others who are just trying to make their way through…

Joe and Jamie talk about the current holiday season and all the trimmings to boot! Listen as they talk about what it means to teach during this hyper-busy season and how much stress can come your way in and out of the classroom. These two veteran educators discuss their tips on holiday greetings an…

Hosts Joe and Jamie hit the road all the way to Atlantic City, New Jersey to the 2025 New Jersey Educators Association Convention. Speakers, teachers, leaders, companies and the one and only Malala Yousafzai were highlights of this year's NJEA convention and Joe and Jamie were there to cover all of…

Leaning into the gratitude of the season, our hosts play a fun game of Thanksgiving: Would you Rather.  The hilarity of that is just a twist and turn onto the street of the newest learning challenge for teachers everywhere: learned helplessness in students.

Listen as our hosts speak to four day school work week teacher Courtney White. Straight from the Dallas Fort Worth area of Texas, teacher sensation Courtney White shares all the benefits and positive outcomes she has encountered in her four day work week school district as a teacher and as a parent.

Join Joe and Jamie as they talk about parenting high school seniors through the steps of visiting, applying, waiting and stressing. When our hosts went to college way back in the 1900’s paper and pen was the only option, but now there are codes and apps and portals too.  Listen as they update their…