We mark our fourth annual Halloween special by sharing family and community traditions, school-year routines and fall-break plans. We compare spooky Halloween scenarios with everyday teaching challenges, read teachers’ accounts of classroom “hauntings,” and discuss unsettling school situations, checking in with young people, and responding to mistreatment. We close with…
In this episode we speak with New Jersey Senator Cory Booker about his background, his path through public service, and the people and places that shaped him. He shares how growing up in New Jersey, with support from teachers, coaches, and neighbors, influenced his sense of responsibility to give back.…
Senator Andy Kim discusses his background in South Jersey, his path from public service and diplomacy to Congress, and how the September 11 attacks shaped his focus on national security and public service. He outlines his priorities on foreign policy, health care, and support for families, and describes his MediKids…
Joe and Jamie are back to talk about Joe’s foot injury and the importance of comfortable footwear for teachers who spend long days on their feet. We also share personal updates, including a book club pick, reactions to a thriller, and how the podcast has grown through new visuals, more…
This episode we speak with Jere Chang, also known as @mrschanggifted, about her work as a classroom teacher, gifted education teacher, speaker, and author. We discuss her teaching path from university administration to high school English and ESOL, and then into elementary and gifted education while balancing family life. We…
We talk with Stephanie Lachenauer, the 2025 New Jersey Teacher of the Year, about her work as a middle school teacher and her focus on global leadership, skills for success, and teen mental health. We also discuss her travel experiences in southern Africa and her participation in an international student…
The interview features educator Nicholas Ferroni discussing his recent travel in Europe, where visits to historic sites and schools reinforced his interest in history, preservation, and teaching. He also talks about his current projects, including preparing for the school year, creating teacher-focused content, and continuing his series *Historically Correct*. Ferroni…
In this episode we kick off season four from the New Jersey Hall of Fame and talk about recording in a new space, upcoming guests, and new opportunities connected to education and public policy. We also reflect on changes in our own lives over the summer, including empty nesting, grief,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 (and plenty of background noise) to…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
In this episode of the BalancingAct 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.…