Educate & Rejuvenate: The Podcast

Ever tried to balance teaching, family, and life—and felt like you’re spinning a dozen plates at once? In this heartfelt (and hilarious!) conversation with Joe and Jamie from The Balancing Act Podcast, we explore everything from beach mishaps and Gilmore Girls binges to hallway hugs and burnout. Together, we dive into what it really looks like to make time for rejuvenation, create supportive communities, and embrace your unique season of life as an educator.Get ready for real talk, belly laughs, and a refreshing reminder that you’re not alone in this balancing act. This episode will leave you inspired to give yourself grace—and maybe text your teacher bestie to listen too.

🎧 Replay: Open Coaching Call — The Real Shift Beneath Classroom ChaosIn our opening public coaching call, we explored The Self-Coaching Model together—and how it applies to real, everyday challenges educators face.One powerful scenario came up that become our main focus: when a student gets sent to the office for behavior and comes back with a treat. 😳Together, we unpacked the thoughts, emotions, and identity layers that show up in moments like these—and how to shift them from reactive to rooted.Inside this replay, you’ll hear:How to use The Model to pause, observe, and reframe—even when you’re feeling powerlessA real-time coaching example grounded in the messy, emotional parts of classroom lifeIdentity shifts around boundaries, resentment, and what it means to feel supportedBeautiful connection, mindset aha’s, and real teacher moments from the chatThis isn’t just a replay. It’s an invitation into a new way of navigating the hard stuff—with more compassion, clarity, and calm.Alright my friend, as we wrap up…What you just experienced is only a glimpse of the transformation that’s possible when you’re coached, seen, and supported.This public call was a special bonus—but normally, these kinds of honest, identity-shifting coaching sessions happen inside the Educate & Rejuvenate Club. It’s where we meet regularly, go deeper, and support each other all year long.💛 The best part? You don’t have to lose the momentum you’ve built during this event.You can stay with the cohort.Keep growing with the people who get it—who are walking this same “&” path and want to keep choosing both: educating and rejuvenating.If today gave you even one aha,even one exhale of “oh wow, I needed that,”imagine what it would feel like to be supported like that—every single month.This isn’t about adding more to your plate.It’s about finally having a space to process what’s already on it—so you can show up as the teacher, parent, partner, and person you want to be.✨ If this resonated… that’s your sign.Come be part of the Club. (Or simply join us this year for the Cohort!) We’re just getting started. And we’d love to have you with us.Learn more: https://educateandrejuvenate.com/sp/educate-rejuvenate-sales-page/

Want to walk into this school year feeling clear, grounded, and in control—not overwhelmed before it even begins?Join Kelsey live for a real-time walkthrough of the Educate & Rejuvenate Planner. You’ll learn how to plan in a way that supports your values, energy, and nervous system—not just your to-do list.This session is for the teacher (or homeschooler!) who wants more than just organization. You want alignment. You want peace. You want to feel like you again.✨ What you'll learn:How to create plans that actually serve you (not stress you out)The step-by-step planning flow that connects to your mindset workWays to use the planner to stay present and productive💡 Plus: We’ll show you how to get the planner FREE with your Club membership.👥 This session is open to all attendees and community members.🔗 Not in the Club yet? Get the planner for FREE and so much more: https://educateandrejuvenate.com/educate-rejuvenate-sales-page/

Get ready for an exciting live demo where Kelsey introduces the 4 new GPT-powered Educate & Rejuvenate Coaches—custom-built to help you save time, reduce stress, and actually feel supported in your week. These are a BRAND NEW BONUS inside the Educate & Rejuvenate Club!(NOTE: This bonus is for CLUB MEMBERS only, not included in the individual Cohort purchase) The VIDEO version of this call is available inside the Educate & Rejuvenate App!You’ll get to meet and see in action:💬 Coach GPTYour go-to mindset and emotional support coach. Helps you work through anything from overwhelm to identity shifts using Kelsey’s 3-step framework from her book.🗓 Intentional Schedule CoachStruggling to find time? This bot walks you through a full weekly plan, helps you prioritize what matters most, and shows you how to create a time-blocked schedule that works with your teacher or homeschool life.📚 Lesson Curator CoachLooking for the perfect resource? This bot searches our E&R library for you—and if we don’t have it, it’ll build a custom lesson idea in our signature style!💵 Savings CoachWant to stay in the Club but your budget’s tight? This one helps you find $50–100+/month in savings without giving up what you love. Because investing in yourself matters.You’ll learn:How each coach supports a different area of your life (and how they work together)Real-life examples of what they can help withWhy this is just the beginning of our AI support systemHow to start using them today (if you're in the Club!)🎁 BONUS: Club price is going up soon—so now is the time to join and lock in lifetime access to these coaches (and future ones we’re adding!).Join the Club: http://educateandrejuvenate.com/join-the-club(NOTE: This bonus is for CLUB MEMBERS only, not included in the individual Cohort purchase) This is not just a tech demo—it’s a game-changer for your teaching, parenting, and mental health. Don’t miss it!

The countdown is officially ON! Educate & Rejuvenate 2025 starts TOMORROW—and whether you’ve already grabbed your ticket or you’re still on the fence, this episode is for YOU.In this special pre-event message, Kelsey breaks down:✨ Exactly how to access your sessions (yes, replays are included!)✨ What to do once you’re inside the event platform✨ How this isn’t just another PD week—it’s a full mind-body recharge✨ Why this low-cost, high-impact event was intentionally created for YOUYou’ll also hear a mindset shift to help you push past the guilt, hesitation, or overwhelm that might be holding you back from joining—and how saying YES to this experience can be your first step toward a more joyful, aligned school year.💬 Real talk: You deserve professional development that fills your cup while equipping you with real strategies. This is the only event built to do both.

In this jam-packed episode, Kelsey Sorenson is joined by a group of amazing presenters from the upcoming Educate & Rejuvenate 2025 event, happening July 15–21! This special speaker panel gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what’s coming, who’s speaking, and why this event is exactly what teachers and homeschool parents need this summer. 💡 Here’s what you’ll get in this episode:✔️A preview of each speaker’s session topic✔️Real, actionable tips you can start using NOW to teach and live with more joy✔️FREE downloadable resources from each presenter✔️An exclusive walkthrough of the event platform, bonus sessions, and insider tips to get the most out of your experience🎟️ Don’t have your ticket yet? This event is all about helping you reconnect with your purpose, boost your energy, and walk into the school year with JOY.Get your ticket now at 👉 https://educateandrejuvenate.com/summer2025⭐️ Featured Presenters & Freebies:✔️ Aja McNair – Phonics Assessment Tool 👉 ttps://www.everythingaja.com/phonicstest✔️ Emily Metzler – Free Affirmation Cards 👉 https://www.canva.com/design/DAFnUNLr2hI/FSlnmOLRJyd_DPXkPScHwg/view?utm_content=DAFnUNLr2hI&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink&mode=preview✔️ Cara – Informational Paragraph Writing Organizer 👉 https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Informational-Paragraph-Writing-Graphic-Organizer-EDITABLE-10461847✔️ Jennifer – 3 Teaching Strategies Ebook 👉 https://www.gapimpact.org/3-teaching-strategies-ebook🎥 Want to see the full platform walkthrough?Watch it inside the E&R app in the “podcast” section here:👉 https://educateandrejuvenate.com/app✨ Whether you’re already signed up or still thinking about it, this episode will get you pumped and prepared for an event that’s going to pour into YOU as much as you pour into others.🧘‍♀️📚💬 From practical classroom ideas to emotional support and nervous system tools, Educate & Rejuvenate is where professional development meets personal transformation.🎟️ Get your ticket and come hang with us this July at:👉 https://educateandrejuvenate.com/summer2025We cannot wait to see you inside! 💛🎧 Tune in, subscribe to the podcast, and let’s get rejuvenated together!

🎶 Ready to get your co-teaching groove on?Ready to remix your co-teaching routine? Join Erica Terry and Lynea Laws—authors of Teaching In Sync: The Ultimate Playlist for Co-Teaching Success—for a high-energy conversation on all things collaboration, classroom harmony, and AI-powered lesson planning. We’re breaking down how to get your co-teaching in sync (literally!) and what’s coming up in their must-watch session at the 2025 Educate & Rejuvenate event.✔️ Mindset shifts that help co-teachers thrive ✔️ Small tweaks that make a huge impact ✔️ How ChatGPT can revolutionize your co-planning flow ✔️ Plus a behind-the-scenes peek at the book and the event!🎟️ Grab your ticket: educateandrejuvenate.com/summer2025 🔔 Get reminders for upcoming streams: educateandrejuvenate.com/livepodcastsJoin Erica and Lynea LIVE at the 2025 Educate & Rejuvenate virtual event! Whether you're teaching in tandem or trying to find your flow, their session will help you sync up, stress less, and use AI to supercharge your planning.👉 Don’t miss your chance to catch their full session, explore their book, and grab all the behind-the-scenes inspiration for co-teaching success.🎟️ Grab your ticket now and get ready to remix your classroom routine—because collaboration never sounded so good!Let’s Educate & Rejuvenate together →

 Student motivation can feel like a mystery—especially when we’re trying to reach every learner in an inclusive classroom. In this episode, I’m joined by returning E&R speaker and special education expert Rebekah Poe to unpack what really works when it comes to boosting engagement, building buy-in, and helping students show up for learning.We’re diving into:✔️ The mindset shift that helps teachers move from compliance to confidence ✔️ One of Rebekah’s go-to strategies from her Educate & Rejuvenate session ✔️ Practical examples of motivation in action—especially for students with IEPs or other learning needs ✔️ Why a strong classroom community is often the secret to stronger achievementPlus, we’ll tease what she’s sharing live at this summer’s event and how her new book, Blueprint for Inclusion, is helping teachers everywhere build inclusive practices that actually work.🎟️ Grab your ticket: educateandrejuvenate.com/summer2025 🔔 Want reminders for future podcast streams? educateandrejuvenate.com/livepodcasts✨ Loved this conversation with Rebekah? This is just a taste of what’s waiting for you at Educate & Rejuvenate 2025. Inside the event, you’ll get access to her full session—plus 30+ others designed to help you reignite your spark, support every learner (including YOU), and build a classroom that runs on both compassion and confidence.This isn’t just PD. It’s a full-on permission slip to teach and live in the &.🎟️ Snag your $5 ticket (yep, less than a latte!) at educateandrejuvenate.com/summer2025 and come see what it feels like to rejuvenate on purpose.Because when you’re thriving, your students do too.

What if your math block became the most joyful part of your teaching day?In this inspiring episode, I’m joined by the brilliant team from Rainbow Sky Creations to share six practical strategies you can implement right away to bring more joy, creativity, and clarity to your math lessons. Whether you’re a brand-new teacher or a seasoned pro ready to shake things up, these tips are:✔️ Curriculum-aligned✔️ Differentiated✔️ Creative & engaging✔️ Backed by real classroom results✨And here’s the best part—Rainbow Sky Creations is one of our incredible presenters at Educate & Rejuvenate 2025! If you love what you hear in this episode, you’ll definitely want to join us at the event for their full session (plus dozens more) to feel reignited and supported again. This is the event of the year for educators who want to feel inspired, encouraged, and re-energized—and it’s all virtual and super affordable.Grab your ticket here: https://educateandrejuvenate.com/sp/summer-2025-event/Learn more about Rainbow Sky Creations and follow them here:Facebook: facebook.com/rainbowskycreations/Instagram: @rainbowskycreationsTikTok: tiktok.com/@rainbowskycreations?lang=en

🎨🤖 What do you get when you mix robots, emotions, and augmented reality? A wildly creative new way to teach SEL through art and tech—and this week’s guest is leading the charge.In this Summer Sips episode, I’m joined by Tricia Fuglestad, award-winning art teacher, tech integration specialist, and author-illustrator of PETER O’METER—a picture book that helps kids explore their emotions in a truly interactive way.We’re talking about:✔️ Why she wrote PETER O’METER and what kids can learn from his “emotions meter”✔️ How her read-aloud uses animation and augmented reality to bring the story to life✔️ The intersection of art, emotion, and digital storytelling in the classroom✔️ A sneak peek at her LIVE session at Educate & Rejuvenate Summer 2025💥 Tricia’s session alone is worth more than the $5 ticket. But that’s just the beginning.You’ll get access to inspiring speakers, creative tools, rejuvenating strategies, and a community of educators who get it.✨ If you’re ready to reignite your passion for teaching (without burnout), this is the event you’ve been waiting for.🎟️ Grab your ticket now: educateandrejuvenate.com/summer2025📖 Get the book: amzn.to/4lS5QB5🔔 Want reminders for upcoming live podcast streams? Sign up: educateandrejuvenate.com/livepodcasts

Ever feel like food has way too much control over your day? Former teacher and certified Health Coach Laura Banks (of bhealthyhabits) joins me for a down-to-earth convo on why cravings happen, what they really mean, and why willpower isn’t the answer.We’re breaking down: ✔️ The two types of cravings (and how to tell them apart in the moment) ✔️ The surprising connection between your schedule and your snack habits ✔️ The truth about why so many teachers feel out of control with food ✔️ How awareness alone can start to change everythingLaura also gives us a sneak peek at her session for Educate & Rejuvenate Summer 2025—where she’ll go even deeper into science-backed strategies to help teachers ditch the guilt, feel more in control, and build a healthy lifestyle that actually lasts.🔔 Want reminders for upcoming podcast streams?Sign up here: educateandrejuvenate.com/livepodcasts🎟️ Ready to transform your teaching (and your summer)?Grab your ticket to Educate & Rejuvenate Summer 2025: educateandrejuvenate.com/summer2025

Feeling overwhelmed every time writing block rolls around? You're not alone. In this special co-hosted episode, I’m joined by Susan Swensen—elementary teacher and host of The Shared Teaching Podcast—to chat about simple, effective ways to take the stress out of writing instruction.We’re talking real talk around:What’s actually essential in a writing blockHow to keep lesson planning simple and flexibleCommon writing challenges and how to troubleshoot themHow Susan’s approach helps students grow as writers and helps you breathe easier as a teacherPlus, we’re sharing what’s coming up at this year’s Educate & Rejuvenate summer event—including how Susan is showing up as a speaker and why this event was built for you.🎟️ Grab your ticket: educateandrejuvenate.com/summer2025🔔 Want reminders for upcoming podcast streams?Sign up here: educateandrejuvenate.com/livepodcasts🎟️ Ready to transform your teaching (and your summer)?Grab your ticket to Educate & Rejuvenate Summer 2025: educateandrejuvenate.com/summer2025

 Helping Kids Take Ownership of Their LearningWhat if your homeschool or classroom could feel less overwhelming—and more inspired? In this Summer Sips episode, I’m joined by Kami Wanous, homeschool mentor and creator of The Freedom Scholar, to talk about building a family learning culture that fuels curiosity, connection, and confidence.We’re chatting about: ✔️ Why giving kids OWNERSHIP of learning really matters ✔️ What it really means to raise leaders and lifelong learners ✔️ How to get intentional about your learning environment and family rhythms ✔️ The mindset shift that gives parents permission to homeschool on purposePlus, Kami gives us a sneak peek into her session at this year’s Educate & Rejuvenate—and why this event is the perfect space for homeschoolers looking to lead with purpose and love.Grab Kami's FREE love of learning assessment here: https://pages.thefreedomscholar.org/loloi0🔔 Want reminders for upcoming podcast streams?Sign up here: educateandrejuvenate.com/livepodcasts🎟️ Ready to transform your teaching (and your summer)?Grab your ticket to Educate & Rejuvenate Summer 2025: educateandrejuvenate.com/summer2025

Emotional regulation isn’t just a personal growth tool—it’s one of the most powerful classroom management strategies you have.In this episode, I’m joined by Jenn Adams from Teach Love Autism to explore how your ability to regulate your own emotions can transform student behavior, reduce classroom chaos, and lead to a more peaceful and effective learning environment. Whether you're a teacher or homeschool parent, this conversation will help you shift from reactive to intentional—and from stressed to centered.☕ Come listen in as we talk about:Why emotional regulation is the real secret to classroom managementWhat it looks like to model regulation for students with diverse needsHow this connects to Jenn’s powerful session at the upcoming Educate & Rejuvenate event🔔 Want reminders for upcoming podcast streams?Sign up here: educateandrejuvenate.com/livepodcasts🎟️ Ready to transform your teaching (and your summer)?Grab your ticket to Educate & Rejuvenate Summer 2025: educateandrejuvenate.com/summer2025

Ready to sip on something sweet this summer? In this special kickoff episode of the Educate & Rejuvenate Podcast, Kelsey spills all the tea (and coffee!) on the 2025 Summer Event, the new Summer Sips podcast series, and the mission fueling a movement in education. Whether you're a classroom teacher, homeschool parent, or educator in another space, you're invited to join the “I Educate & ___” revolution.We had some tech hiccups (classic live stream life!), but once things got rolling, this episode became a celebration of everything Educate & Rejuvenate stands for: support, strategy, community—and a whole lot of fun.Take our Podcast QuizDo you love Educate & Rejuvenate: The Podcast? Take our podcast quiz to get a personalized playlist of episodes you don’t want to miss! Download the Educate & Rejuvenate App for daily inspiration, podcast episodes, and more!Get the app hereConnect with Kelsey:Follow her on Instagram, @educateandrejuvenateJoin our Facebook group: Educate & Rejuvenate Collective.Follow on Pinterest for more helpful resources.Educate & Rejuvenate: A Three-Step Guide to Revitalize Your Teaching, Renew Your Spirit, and Reignite Your Passion For Life

Key themes from Savor Your Summer: What Do You Actually Want?:The power of intentionality: What happens when we slow down and choose how we want to spend our summer?People-pleasing vs. authentic desires: Kelsey shares a personal bike accident story that hilariously (and insightfully!) highlights how we push ourselves too fast for others.How to transition mindfully: Using journal prompts and coaching tools from her book Educate and Rejuvenate, Kelsey walks you through a guided exercise to reconnect with your true summer vision.☀️ A Fresh Start for Summer: What Do YOU Really Want?School’s out—or almost! But before you fill your calendar with a million "shoulds" and burn out before July 4th, let’s pause. In this final episode of the Ease Into Summer podcast series, Kelsey shares a surprising bike crash story (yes, really!) that perfectly mirrors how so many educators approach summer: rushing, people-pleasing, and forgetting to ask what we actually want. 😅This episode is an invitation to slow down and savor your summer. Because summer isn't just about catching up—it's about coming back to you.

You’ve made it to the final stretch of the school year, and while summer break is right around the corner, you might still be carrying mental baggage from the classroom. That inner voice telling you, “You should’ve done more,” or “You’re not allowed to feel this burned out”—yep, that’s exactly what we’re talking about today. In this live podcast episode from the Ease Into Summer series, we’re tackling the guilt and self-judgment many teachers face at the end of the school year and inviting in something more nourishing: self-compassion.Take our Podcast QuizDo you love Educate & Rejuvenate: The Podcast? Take our podcast quiz to get a personalized playlist of episodes you don’t want to miss! Download the Educate & Rejuvenate App for daily inspiration, podcast episodes, and more!Get the app hereConnect with Kelsey:Follow her on Instagram, @educateandrejuvenateJoin our Facebook group: Educate & Rejuvenate Collective.Follow on Pinterest for more helpful resources.Educate & Rejuvenate: A Three-Step Guide to Revitalize Your Teaching, Renew Your Spirit, and Reignite Your Passion For Life

What if the chaos of teaching was actually the perfect setup for a good laugh? In this heartwarming and hilarious episode of Educate & Rejuvenate: The Podcast, Kelsey sits down with middle school reading teacher, content creator, and comedy queen Anna Kowal. Together, they explore how laughter can be a form of healing, connection, and radical self-care—especially during the end-of-year madness.Whether you’re navigating middle school meltdowns or just trying to survive the final weeks of the year, this episode is your permission slip to breathe, smile, and remember: you’re not alone in the chaos.

As we near the end of the school year, many teachers and homeschool parents are feeling the pressure to hold it all together. You know the feeling: “If I can just fix this one thing… If I can just make it through the next two weeks… then I’ll be okay.”But in this episode of Educate & Rejuvenate: The Podcast, we’re flipping the script.What if you didn’t need to force it?What if curiosity could bring more peace than control ever could?Let’s explore how self-observation, emotional check-ins, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) can help you move from survival mode into something more grounded and clear—no fixing required.Take our Podcast QuizDo you love Educate & Rejuvenate: The Podcast? Take our podcast quiz to get a personalized playlist of episodes you don’t want to miss! Download the Educate & Rejuvenate App for daily inspiration, podcast episodes, and more!Get the app herConnect with Kelsey:Follow her on Instagram, @educateandrejuvenateJoin our Facebook group: Educate & Rejuvenate Collective.Follow on Pinterest for more helpful resources.Educate & Rejuvenate: A Three-Step Guide to Revitalize Your Teaching, Renew Your Spirit, and Reignite Your Passion For Life

You KNOW I’ve been bursting at the seams to share this… it’s time for the Educate & Rejuvenate 2025 SPEAKER REVEAL PARTY! 🎉In this special (and super cozy) episode, I went live to spill all the deets on our summer event—including our keynote speaker, the incredible speaker lineup, and some exciting new twists we’re doing this year. Think: more connection, more flexibility, and yes... more giveaways. 🎁This is your backstage pass to see what’s coming—and why this isn’t just another PD. It’s rejuvenation with your people. 🧘‍♀️💖🎧 Hit play to get all the scoop, and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a thing!In this episode, I went live to give you the full scoop on the 2025 Educate & Rejuvenate Virtual Conference—our fourth annual summer event, and honestly? I think it’s going to be our best one yet. 💃Here’s what you’ll hear:✨ Who our keynote speaker is (eek!)🎤 The full lineup of amazing educators & wellness experts💻 How the event will work this year (a perfect blend of live + on-demand)🎁 What giveaways and freebies you can snag (yes, including a planner and a free graduation resource!)💕 Why this event is more than PD—it's community, encouragement, and JOYLinks from this episode:c🎟️ Grab your ticket: educateandrejuvenate.com/sp/summer-2025-event📘 Snag my book Educate & Rejuvenate (affiliate link): amzn.to/4jiYqpl🎓 Free Graduation Certificates: Download them here☕ Just for fun: My cute personalized Starbucks cupWhether this is your first time hearing about the event or you’ve been with us since the Wife Teacher Mommy days (throwback!), this episode will get you pumped to grow, connect, and REJUVENATE this summer. 💛🎧 Hit that play button, subscribe for more encouragement, and I’ll see you at the event!