EPISODES & TRANSCRIPTIONS

In this season finale, we reflect on Season 3 of the Balancing Act Podcast and look ahead to Season 4. We revisit key conversations about education, parenting, caregiving, grief, and life in and around the classroom, including topics like technology, AI, screen time, class size, school funding, and the challenges new teachers face. We also discuss standout moments from the season, such as interviews with educators and experts, our conversations at the NJEA convention, and our visit to The College of New Jersey. We close by sharing plans for more audience participation, new segments, and continued conversations with educators in the next season.

This episode we speak with Tara Williams about supporting neurodivergent students as they transition to college. We discuss preparing early for accommodations, differences between high school and college support, and how parents can help without managing everything for their student. We also cover common first-semester challenges such as self-advocacy, roommate issues, and communicating with professors and school offices. Tara shares practical strategies for studying, organization, and accountability, and we talk about how students can assess whether a school or major is the right fit after the first semester.

In this episode, we talk about Joe’s annual trip to the Indy 500, including what keeps him coming back, from the size of the crowd and the tailgating to the Memorial Day weekend ceremonies. We describe the most memorable race-day moments, including the invocation, flyovers, and taps, and we note how well the event handles transportation and crowd flow. We also discuss school awards and the importance of recognizing students, families, and the people who organize these ceremonies. Later, we reflect on a NEA Today article about the joy of teaching, while emphasizing that salary and working conditions still matter, and we review ideas for staying connected to the work, including curiosity, relationships, and advocacy for students. We close with a few happiness habits from The Happiness Project, such as decluttering, walking, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and getting enough sleep.

In this episode we catch up on the college admissions process as our families move through graduation season and prepare for the fall. We discuss the challenges of applications, changing requirements, test policies, and the pressure created by social media during this period. We also talk about what helps students stand out, including strong essays and meaningful extracurricular depth, and we encourage students to apply to schools they truly want to attend. Finally, we cover what to do if college is not the right fit, and how rising sophomores and juniors can start preparing early by exploring preferences, visiting campuses, and building a college narrative.

In this episode we talk about the end-of-school-year rush, including birthdays, graduations, family events, and the feeling of “Maycember.” We also share a family graduation story, a practical item for keeping caps in place, and a bedazzling kit that has become popular in our family. We discuss our appearance in the NJEA Review magazine and the article about the podcast and our interviews with county teachers of the year at the NJEA convention. We also reflect on our children’s college decisions, comparing schools, financial aid, campus size, housing, and programs, and talk about why one child chose Stockton and the other chose TCNJ. We look back on how different this process is from when we went to college and how the podcast has developed over time, including reaching the end of season three. We close with a few lighter personal stories, prom planning, and ideas for summer outings.

In this episode, we invite Dr. Noelle Santorelli back to The Balancing Act podcast to delve into the issue of toxic behavior among mothers and social groups. Dr. Santorelli discusses the impact of recent cultural discussions, including the viral article by Ashley Tisdale, on perceptions of maternal relationships. She offers insights into relational aggression and how it manifests in behaviors like gossip and gaslighting within mom groups. Emphasizing the systemic nature of these issues, we explore their effects on mental health and the importance of recognizing and challenging these dynamics. Dr. Santorelli shares strategies for confronting uncomfortable situations and encourages listeners to foster supportive environments, aiming to empower women and cultivate healthier communities for future generations.

In this episode, you’ll walk alongside Jamie and co-host Joseph Vitale as they navigate the emotional journey of loss, healing, and remembrance following the passing of Jamie’s mom. Together, they explore the complexities of grief—especially for those in the sandwich generation—and reflect on the deeply personal experience of caring for a loved one during their final days at home. You’ll hear about the power of community support, the importance of leaning on others during difficult moments, and the ways grief can shape your perspective on life and family. This heartfelt conversation honors a mother’s legacy while encouraging you to embrace your own healing journey with compassion and grace.

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 technology in classrooms didn’t always come with the training or intention needed to make it truly effective—and why it’s time to rethink when tech actually adds value versus when it just adds noise. Merve brings a refreshingly balanced perspective, pushing back on the idea that technology is either all good or all bad, and instead encourages a thoughtful, “scalpel-not-sledgehammer” approach—especially when it comes to student well-being and social media. The conversation also dives into the very real pressures parents feel, with Merve sharing his own experiences navigating his kids’ digital lives and emphasizing the power of open, judgment-free communication. From gaps in everyday life ski…

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 move to scale back Chromebook use in favor of more traditional, hands-on learning. What she found was pretty eye-opening: more collaboration, deeper thinking, and students who were actually present again. We also dive into her approach to test prep—ditching gamified tools for structured practice and reflection—and her belief that teaching students how to learn matters more than ever. It’s a thoughtful, honest conversation that challenges assumptions about edtech while offering a hopeful look at what classrooms can become when we slow things down and get intentional.

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 nostalgic) as we reflect on the shift from pre-tech classrooms to today’s device-filled learning environments, unpacking both the benefits and the challenges that come with it. Jessica brings a thoughtful perspective on why critical thinking, authentic connections, and depth of learning matter now more than ever, especially as teachers navigate burnout, increased demands, and the realities of screen-heavy classrooms. We also dip into the role of AI in education—what excites us, what concerns us, and where we need to stay grounded. It’s an important conversation, but one that stays true to our style: honest, practical, and rooted in the joy (and complexity) of teaching.

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 education community. Along the way, we share some laughs, reflect on how far we’ve come, and highlight ideas that have inspired us in and out of the classroom. We also tease what’s ahead, including exciting conversations about technology in education. Most of all, this episode is a big thank you to our listeners for being part of the journey—and we’re just getting started.

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 skills like focus, self-regulation, and impulse control develop—and why kids aren’t misbehaving, they’re still learning how to learn. The conversation blends practical classroom strategies with real-life moments, showing how small changes in routines and environment can make a big difference. We also explore how to recognize when students may need extra support without jumping to conclusions. It’s a fun but meaningful discussion that leaves educators and parents with simple, actionable ways to better support kids from the start.

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 decision process, sharing both the stress and the perspective we try to keep. Along the way, we lighten things up with memories from our own college days and how different things feel for students today. We also open up about the challenges of balancing work, family, and caregiving during difficult times. Through it all, we focus on staying connected, finding the humor, and doing our best to balance it all.

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 her teaching philosophy, particularly concerning multilingual learners. Jillian discusses the complexities of teaching English Language Learners (ELLs) and the importance of changing mindsets among educators to recognize the strengths ELL students bring. She highlights her advocacy work with the New Jersey Department of Education, focusing on supporting multilingual learners and the need for professional development across all teaching staff. The conversation blends serious educational insights with light-hearted anecdotes, culminating in Gillian's vision for a more inclusive educational landscape that honors the diversity within our classrooms.

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 issues like weaponized incompetence, we share personal stories of finding joy while navigating demands. Ultimately, we stress the importance of recognizing mental load, advocating for better support, and encouraging guilt-free self-care.

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 contributing to high attrition rates. Dr. Hitchens advocates for redefined mentorship that focuses on emotional support and resilience rather than just instructional methods. The episode also addresses the "reality shock" novice teachers encounter and the need for supportive networks.

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 shaped by social media.  As seasoned educators, they delve into frustrations surrounding classroom management and the challenges of maintaining student engagement amidst distractions. Highlighting their experiences, Jamie and Joe unpack various pet peeves, from snow removal to driving etiquette, while sharing relatable stories about school drop-off dilemmas.

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 this week's chat. Follow Jamie Ruffner's hysterical take on teaching, and empathize with her real world struggles to balance motherhood and teaching.

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, coloring or following multi step directions, and everyone wants to know why.

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 giving our hosts a refresher course on how to tackle middle school teaching and why teacher friends make all the difference.

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 themselves all the time. Listen as they navigate the mid year college update for their own kids in real time.

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 and the listener needs to hear more of her perfect brand of wisdom and practical applications in the present day classroom.

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 Joe’s big win in his 2025 fantasy  football league and look to the future for some sweet action.

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, and positive energy setting the bar way up high for the second half of season 3 guests.