Oxygen for Educators

By: Michelle Kinder M.Ed. LPC & Chris Kent Phelps | Produced By: Katie Worden
Listen for free

  • 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 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://www.instagram.com/tacky_box/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheTackyBox/ X: https://x.com/thetackybox Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thetackybox/
    2024
    Show More Show Less
Show More Show Less
Episodes
  • Kem Edwards, M.S., LPC-S

    Kem Edwards, M.S., LPC-S
    Jan 31 2025
    Summary In this conversation, Michelle Kinder and Kim Edwards delve into the challenges educators face, highlighting the importance of mental health and relationships. They address the toll of leadership, the necessity of self-care, and the value of being trauma-informed. Kim shares her educational journey, emphasizing authenticity and connection in the classroom while acknowledging the collective trauma impacting both educators and students. The discussion offers practical strategies for creating supportive school environments and recognizing the struggles of all involved. Hosts Michele Kinder and Chris Kent Phelps explore the profound effects of love, kindness, and humor in personal and professional relationships, discussing daily rituals that enhance well-being and the significance of shared experiences. They underscore the collective trauma of recent years and the need to regulate our nervous systems to cultivate compassion and connection within our communities. Takeaways Love and kindness are essential for transformation.Educators are feeling overwhelmed and under-resourced.Building relationships is key to addressing mental health.Burnout is a significant issue in education.Acknowledging collective trauma is crucial for healing.Self-care is not a luxury; it's a necessity.Authenticity in leadership fosters better connections.Trauma-informed practices can enhance educational environments.Safe relationships lead to better learning outcomes.Educators must prioritize their well-being to support students. Love and kindness are essential in addressing global issues.Daily rituals can significantly enhance personal well-being.Shared experiences, like reading together, strengthen relationships.Humor plays a vital role in connecting with others.Self-care is crucial for educators to support their students effectively.Acknowledgment of trauma is necessary for healing.Understanding one's nervous system is key to emotional regulation.Collective trauma impacts our communities and relationships.Creating a culture of compassion starts with individual regulation.Empathy and creativity thrive in a safe and connected state. Chapters 00:00The Power of Love and Kindness 03:38Kim Edwards: A Journey Through Education 04:33Navigating Mental Health in Education 07:53The Importance of Relationships 10:20Overcoming Burnout in Education 15:05Acknowledging Collective Trauma 19:58The Toll of Leadership 22:56Finding Balance in Education 24:41Authenticity and Congruence 28:44The Case for Self-Care 36:28Understanding Trauma-Informed Practices 40:23Building Safe Relationships in Education 47:56The Importance of Humor and Connection 48:52Daily Rituals for Well-Being 51:46The Power of Shared Experiences 53:39Love as a Transformative Force 56:53The Role of Kindness in Education 01:01:43Navigating Personal and Professional Relationships 01:05:59Understanding Trauma and Its Impact 01:10:38The Collective Experience of Trauma 01:14:11Regulating Our Nervous Systems 01:30:34Creating a Culture of Compassion *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://www.instagram.com/tacky_box/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheTackyBox/ X: https://x.com/thetackybox Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thetackybox/
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 35 mins
  • Dr. Tom Brandt

    Dr. Tom Brandt
    Jan 17 2025
    SUMMARY "You can do both. You can have this job and self-care." "Self-care is not selfish; it’s essential." "Burnout is a real thing." In this episode of Oxygen for Educators, hosts Michelle Kinder and Chris Kent Phelps dive into a candid conversation with seasoned educator Tom Brandt, who shares wisdom gained over 26 years in education. From the joy of shaking hands with kids every morning to the weight of systemic challenges, the discussion shines a light on the balancing act of leadership in schools. Tom, Michelle, and Chris unpack the urgent need for self-care, not as a luxury but as a non-negotiable foundation for effective teaching and leadership. They explore the power of humor, the value of support networks, and the resilience required to navigate an education system often constrained by limited resources. Through laughter, vulnerability, and profound insights, this episode reminds educators that they are not alone and that it’s possible to lead with both purpose and balance. Tune in for a dose of inspiration, practical strategies, and a renewed sense of hope for the future of education. CHAPTERS 00:00The Importance of Self-Care in Education 03:08Tom Brandt's Journey in Education 07:52The Role of Resiliency in Leadership 12:31Building Support Networks for Principals 15:19Lessons Learned from 26 Years in Education 19:59Understanding the Public Perception of Education 23:39Essential Resources for Educators 25:34Resilience in the Face of Challenges 28:24Taking Charge of Professional Development 31:14The Ripple Effect of Self-Care 33:31Challenging the Culture of Sacrifice 34:25Rapid Fire Questions and Reflections 41:15Embracing the Chaos of Parenting 43:12Finding Balance in Seriousness 45:08The Importance of Humor in Leadership 48:30Reflections on Leadership Vulnerability 51:22Navigating Leadership Without Training 54:21The Quiet Commitment of Effective Leaders 56:39The Courage to Prioritize Self-Care 01:00:03The Narrative of Suffering in Service 01:03:25Making Choices in Unsupportive Environments 01:06:01The Impact of Leadership on Organizational Culture 01:10:25Funding Challenges in Education 01:12:55The Role of Office Managers in Schools 01:17:52Infusing Joy and Humor in Education
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 21 mins
  • What Kids Need in Times of Crisis and Uncertainty

    What Kids Need in Times of Crisis and Uncertainty
    Jan 13 2025

    Summary

    In this conversation, Michelle Kinder discusses how to support children during times of crisis, particularly in the context of natural disasters. She emphasizes the importance of self-care for adults, creating a sense of safety for children, encouraging open communication, and connecting to family values and hope. The conversation provides practical tips for parents and caregivers to help children navigate their feelings and maintain a sense of stability during uncertain times.

    Takeaways

    • Be gentle with yourself as the adult in this scenario.
    • Your regulated nervous system is the best thing you can offer your child.
    • Children can navigate a lot of uncertainty with supportive relationships.
    • Monitor media exposure to protect children's nervous systems.
    • Stick with and keep rituals and routines intact as much as possible.
    • Check in often with reassurance, not anxiety.
    • Don't minimize fear or anxiety; acknowledge feelings.
    • Connect children to family values that provide guidance.
    • Hope is powerful medicine during crises.
    • We're all sending love and strength to those affected.

    Chapters 00:00. Supporting Children in Crisis 08:05. Creating a Sense of Safety 12:06. Encouraging Open Communication 17:41. Connecting to Family Values and Hope
    Show More Show Less
    19 mins

What listeners say about Oxygen for Educators

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.co.uk reviews

Amazon reviews
No Reviews are Available