Edspire

Edspire Podcast interviews Annette Zapp to go deep with what it means to practice self-care. Educators are a type of first-responder...we can experience trauma directly or indirectly while in the field of education. We cannot discount the impact it has on us...we need to know what is happening, how to get help, and how to lean on each other. We are honored to have Annette with us, to share her expertise. She is a 17-year veteran of the fire service who holds the rank of Lieutenant, owns FireSQFitness, and is a coaching business elevating the wellness of firefighters worldwide.  She earned a Master's degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of South Dakota School of Medicine and is also credentialed as a NSCA CSCS and TSAC-F, Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach, a CSNS through the Society of Neurosports and a CISSN through the International Society of Sports Nutrition. She was recently named to an Illinois Senate task force focused on mitigating first responder suicide. Zapp is an adjunct faculty at the University of Denver in the graduate program for Sport Coaching and is a proud member of the panel of experts that recently reviewed and revised the TSAC Practitioner Course for the NSCA.   She is also a highly sought-after public speaker and has appeared on a dozen podcasts in the last year.   Brene Brown Podcasts Link--click here! Well, Not Perfect Podcast ---SO GOOD!! Contact information: Website: www.firerescuewellness.org E-mail: Info@firerescuewellness.org Instagram: @firesqfitness https://www.firesqfitness.com/post/audrey-off-the-cuff-podcast

What's your super power? This episode will help you find your super powers and get you pumped to start using them...we promise! We are so excited to bring on Vernon Brown from What's Your Happi? Vernon kept Danny and Holly on their toes for this episode. One simple question had us struggling! Find out what it was! In education, we try to teach our students to develop their own intrinsic motivation and source of happiness, well, us adults have to start with ourselves. We are the models for our students. Vernon, Danny, and Holly discuss how to tap into our experiences and find those super powers that will help us bring happiness to our own lives, but the people around us. Enjoy and let us know what you think!  Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcast and show us some 5-Star love!  https://www.whatsyourhappi.com/  --Check out Vernon's website! VERNON@WHATSYOURHAPPI.COM --Email him! 

What does it mean to revolutionize education? Danny and Holly discuss this with Jorge Valenzuela-- education coach, prolific author, in-demand speaker, adjunct professor at Old Dominion University, and certified game-changer! He provides sessions for educators that are inspirational, actionable, and fun. His work aims to redesign schools and classrooms by empowering educators to improve their teaching with project-based learning, computational thinking and computer science integration, STEM Education, and Equity and SEL integration in lessons. “...If we don't know what we are experiencing ourselves, and then have a strategy for self managing and restoring peace, then how are we going to do that with our kids?” -Jorge Valenzuela, Edspire Podcast He is the lead coach at Lifelong Learning Defined

Let's talk teaching! Old-school teaching versus new-school teaching...virtual or in-person...what is more effective? Teaching is looking different these days, and we sit down with our guest, Avery Lieske (Lee-ski), to find out what makes the most impact with students. Avery is a highly innovative, ALL-IN, motivated, creative, experienced, Ron-Clark Academy-inspired, 3rd grade Elementary Teacher in Alabama. Avery is a Level 1 - Google Educator, Club RCA member, and Scholastic Book Insider. She has presented and facilitated various professional developments and is skilled in relationship building, collaboration, creating engaging learning environments with the use of whole brain teaching, community building, family involvement, classroom management, and integrating technology. Avery is currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Learning, Design, and Technology.  She is bold and courageous in her teaching and believes with a passion that educators must have a servant's heart.  Avery's Instagram Avery on Twitter How to Use The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! with Your Class with Avery Lieske and Scholastic Fun Reading Activities Your Family Can Do Together with Avery Lieske and Scholastic  https://ronclarkacademy.com/

We sit down with Ryan Gallagher to talk about it all! Ryan's story inspired us and we wanted to share it with you. We talk about the impact game-changers had in our own lives and why the little things matter. In this episode, we will hear from Ryan, as he shares what he believes is the most valuable tool we have that can make a difference in the lives of others! Enjoy! Check out Ryan's website and information to his podcast! Click here! How to actively listen! About Ryan and Mental Edge Lifestyle Podcast: I started the Mental Edge Lifestyle Podcast because I want to have an open, honest conversation about mental health. I've had my own struggles — I lost my father when I was 16 and used alcohol to help me cope. Through my own journey, I discovered the importance of opening up about your problems and realizing how many people around you are dealing with similar struggles can go a long way in helping you overcome life's challenges and become a stronger person. But, saying it is one thing and doing it is another. So to let you know that you are not alone in this, I will be opening up and talking to professionals in the mental health field, as well as professionals in a variety of other fields to discuss how to keep a healthy mind. I will also be talking to others who have overcome mental health issues and letting them share their stories. Included will be episodes featuring experts from around the world on subjects like addiction, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), financial stress, the mind-body connection, and the importance of sleep and fitness. The goal of this podcast is to give you the tools and resources you need to maintain a healthy mind and body to allow you to operate at peak performance for whatever life demands of you.

What does Career and Technical Education (CTE) look like in the virtual world? We find out in this episode! Virtual learning isn't stopping our guest! Edpsire is excited to sit down with Matt Caratachea, Coordinator of Technology Integration & Innovation Goochland County, VA, #makered enthusiast, PhD student & adjunct professor at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Education, and music fanatic. He shares with us what his school district is doing to get ahead of the game in the area of career and technical education! Follow him on twitter! 

How do you address weight with your child? What are healthy routines? We have Dr. Melanie Bean with us to talk about nutrition and weight in children and teens. She is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry: Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, and the Co-Director of the Healthy Lifestyles Center at the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU (Virginia Commonwealth University). And more importantly, she is a mom. Dr. Bean talks with Edspire about the work she is doing to help teens and families struggling with weight issues. We also learn more about school lunches...bad or good? Dr. Bean gives Edpsire the verdict! Our co-host, Holly, who has her own personal weight-loss journey, knows first-hand the overwhelmingly positive impact that nutrition has on learning and mental health. Too often, educators are sitting in student support meetings trying to come up with interventions to help students learn and focus...nutrition is never addressed. Why? For families looking to make some changes but need help, Dr. Bean highlights the work she is doing at the Healthy Lifestyles Center, which offers a free program for families to help teens struggling with obesity to get healthy. We cannot underestimate nutrition and healthy habits and routines as a VALUABLE, game-changing tool to utilize when it comes to setting our children up for success. This episode is for parents and educators! Kids (ages 2-18) should have less than 25 grams or 6 teaspoons of added sugar daily for a healthy heart. SOURCE: American Heart Association statement Added Sugars and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Children.  FOR MORE INFORMATION: Information about the Healthy Lifestyles Program at VCU--click here! teens@vcuhealth.org or (804) 827 - TEEN Healthy Lifestyles Flyer

Steve Brostowitz, best known as Mr. B, is our energetic guest on Edpsire! Before you read any further, click on the links to his YouTube videos and his Instagram page and then come back here. Yes, go on. Ok, now you get it. Mr. B makes learning the best thing to happen to kids since video games. Mr. B has been an educator since 1999. He started as a social sciences teacher for high school students. In 2007 he went back to school to pursue his credential in special education with a focus on early elementary education. Shortly thereafter, his propensity for acting, games, humor, hands-on learning, and drive for high student engagement naturally flowed into the numerous characters and lessons featured here and on social media. Mr. B enjoys trying to bring energy to any common core standards that come his way. But his favorites to spice-up are counting, addition, subtraction, shapes, measurement, phonics, and phonemic awareness. In this episode, he talks about his tips and tricks for bringing energy to the younger grades and inspires us to capitalize on our passions when teaching students.  Mr. B shares that none of this would be possible without the help and encouragement from colleagues, friends, and family.  And there would be nothing to see without the many talented individuals who help bring each episode to life!   One of his viewers had this to say about Mr. B…”When I was younger, I had a difficult time learning math and wish I could tune in to the exhilarating Mr. B's Brain YouTube channel. On his YouTube channel, your child can learn fantastic math and spelling strategies for the kindergarten and early elementary school age. Don't worry, parents and teachers, because Steve Brostowitz also shares teaching methods that will keep your student excited about learning. Thank you so much, Mr. B,  for your love and enthusiasm about teaching and spreading your gifts to the masses.” And that is what it's all about. Share your gifts, my friends. Thank you, to Mr. B., for the time and energy you spend into sharing your energy, passion, and teaching strategies with the world.  https://www.instagram.com/mr._bs_brain/?hl=en www.youtube.com/c/mrBsBrain/videos

Clair Norman, with the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation (CKG Foundation), is our guest who talks to Edpsire about the CKG Foundation, mental health, self-care, and mindfulness. The CKG Foundation is an organization who's mission is to fulfill Cameron's dream and legacy by being a positive force that works to cultivate awareness and understanding of teenage depression and anxiety. Cameron Gallagher was a bright and talented teenager. Although ever-smiling, she faced her own personal battles with depression and anxiety. She began to grow weary of keeping her struggles a private battle, and knew that there were many teens just like her who were in great pain behind closed doors. Her dream was to create a 5k race in her community to raise awareness of teenage depression. She began making plans for the race, and titled the race the SpeakUp5k in order to draw attention to the issue of teen depression. She wanted to let other teens like herself know that it was okay to “SpeakUp” about their personal battles. During this time, Cameron also set a personal goal for herself and began training for the Shamrock Half Marathon. On March 16, 2014, sixteen-year-old Cameron completed her goal of finishing the race, and passed away suddenly from an undiagnosed heart condition after crossing the finish line. As her family discovered more and more of Cameron's plans for the 5k, her family fulfilled her dream by holding the first race in her honor. Over 10,000 people participated in the May 2014 launch party, and 3,500 participated in the inaugural 5k race in Richmond in September 2014. Since then, the SpeakUp5k race series has expanded, and Cameron's message has spread across the nation. Share this episode and get involved! Parents, educators, and teens! All are welcome in the effort to help teens who are struggling. They have Instagram and Facebook. Check out their website! No one is alone...let's help bring people out of the dark and "SPEAK UP!" This episode is dedicated to Cameron Gallagher. She is a true game-changer and her legacy is helping thousands... https://www.ckgfoundation.org/

We have Corey Calder with us! He is the administrative intern and former high school teacher at Varina High School in Henrico, Virginia. We are getting real about the unconventional start to the school year. Listen to our candid conversation as we recap and reflect on the highs and lows of virtual learning. It is our hope that educators relate to our shared experiences starting a school year in the middle of a pandemic. We talk about why teachers are super heroes and the resiliency we have seen in our students. This episode is dedicated to every single person working in the school...the bus drivers, the cafeteria workers, the office staff, the school nurse, instructional assistants, custodial staff, teachers, admin, counselors, and support staff! If you are reading this, find a way to thank any of these folks! Check out Corey's Twitter Page! Corey's Podcast: Staffulty Spilling the Tea...this is not your average education podcast...go listen! 

We have Ross Robinson with the Holistic Life Foundation, talking about why mindfulness is vital for students, especially in underserved communities and schools. He shares his experience starting off as a student who was taught by the Holistic Life Foundation and how he carries out his passion to help students benefit from developing a mindfulness practice. Ross is the Director of Training and Program Implementation for the Holistic Life Foundation, and has traveled all over the world teaching schools on how to incorporate mindfulness into their schools. Ross talks with Edspire about why mindfulness works and how to get started. Stay tuned until the end because Ross tells us what he thinks the most important thing is. Also, you will learn about Love Zombies and what it means to be where your feet are.  https://hlfinc.org/research/  ---Learn about WHY mindfulness is needed in underserved schools and urban communities! https://hlfinc.org/programs-services/bam-3/  Learn about BAM - Bridging Academics and the Mind  https://hlfinc.org/about-us/our-team/  --WHO is Holistic Life Foundation?

Joe Beasley, current Innovative Learning Coach, PBS Digital Innovator, and former classroom teacher, provides our listeners with his insight and experiences with his inclusion classroom and a project-based learning style called, S.C.R.U.M.  Your hosts believe this episode is full of effective strategies on how to create a project-based learning environment in your classroom to help your students/child to work on the life-ready skills that companies are looking for in today's world! Follow Joe Beasley's Twitter for Educators Awesome video that you don't want to miss!! Watch Joe Beasley and his students in action! 2017 PBS Digital Innovator 

Elizabeth Stowers, who works with Communities in Schools, and Ryan Kmetz, an elementary school counselor, are guests on today's show, and they had us laughing! Elizabeth and Ryan talk about their partnership to help bridge the gaps in their students' lives. Having successful relationships with children and their families requires a certain mindset of respect, openness, humility, grace, love...and humor. Ryan and Elizabeth remind us--as educators or parents--to find our people, that things aren't always what they seem, and laughing while crying is an essential and beautiful coping skill. If you liked this episode please give us a rating on Apple Podcast! Thank you! Feel free to contact us at edspirepodcast@gmail.com with questions or suggestions for upcoming topics...if we use your suggestion, we will give you a shout out on the show! Communities in Schools National Website: https://www.communitiesinschools.org/ Communities in Schools Virginia Website: https://cisofva.org/

Shirley Ramsey, our guest, shares her story about her 16-year-old son, Jackson. "He was compassionate, thoughtful, engaging, handsome and athletic. He was kind of kid others wanted to be around." But no one realized the depth of the Jackson's inner struggles with mental illness. Jackson died by suicide in February 2010. His mother, Shirley, has made it her mission to spread awareness and provide education about suicide prevention so this does not happen to anyone else. She will stop at nothing to break down the stigma and make having a #realconvo normal. Suicide can be difficult to talk about because people don't always know what to say or they are afraid they will put ideas into that person's mind, and in response, people say nothing or brush it off. I get why we do it, but it isn't the answer. When we know better, we do better. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for teens and young adults. Read that again...we have to do better. Danny and Holly learned so much talking to Shirley and we know you will, too. Please share this episode and reach out to us for questions and comments. We are on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Or you can email us at edpspirepodcast@gmail.com Are you in a crisis? Call 800-273-8255 or text TALK to 741741 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Have a #Realconvo https://afsp.org/realconvo Out of the Darkness Walk Info: https://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=cms.page&id=1370 Follow Shirley on Twitter! https://twitter.com/shoreyram 1) When someone is struggling, just listen 2) Let the other person share at their own speed 3) Don't pass judgement or offer advice — just be there 4) We all experience mental health differently, and that's okay 5) Check back in, and offer to connect them to help if they need it

Jentae Scott-Mayo is a professional school counselor, author, and holds a position on the Virginia School Counselor Association Board of Directors. On this episode, we talk about how we sometimes hide our true selves or dim our light in an effort to not be "too much" for other people or protect an image. When we do this; when we play it safe... we lose out on authentic and meaningful relationships with others, including our students and families. Jentae shares how being vulnerable and transparent, and how her own push to take risks makes big impacts in her relationships with her students. Through vulnerability, she has learned to burn her light bright, and to do so proudly. She brings authenticity and fire into her calling as a school counselor. Dare to be dynamic! Follow her on Twitter! Follow her on Instagram!

Former Director of Greater Richmond SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now) Advocacy Center and current Assistant Professor of Social Work at Longwood University, Ian Danielsen, shares his instrumental role in developing regulations of safety standards for the use of restraints and seclusion in public schools. Find out the lengths Ian goes to in order to advocate for children and how collaboration at all levels is necessary for real change.  Have an issue you are passionate about? Find a buddy and get to blazing!  Learn about Greater Richmond SCAN Advocacy Center and how to support them! http://grscan.com/ Ian Danielsen, Assistant Professor Of Social Work at Longwood University: http://www.longwood.edu/directory/profile/danielsenimlongwoodedu/ Regulations Governing the Use of Seclusion and Restraint in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools in Virginia: http://register.dls.virginia.gov/details.aspx?id=8093

Kerri shares her deeply personal story about her teenage son, Taylor's, battle with addiction and his tragic loss to this disease. Find out what she is doing to change the game for students and families struggling with substance use disorders. It's going to take out-of-the box thinking to treat and prevent addiction. Share with parents, teachers, administrators, and community partners...this episode will save lives. Resources and contact information are included. Please reach out and help! In Loving Memory of Taylor's Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/712476749181691 Link to Video about our Families Story:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2h7Cz37DzjM&feature=emb_title&fbclid=IwAR1X0-m1ZE52lUHLcYKY9BopqYkvZPEd2TxFeXLCJVriMv5W_30kHDrDRo8 Link to more information about Kerri's mission to prevent deaths related to addiction: https://richmond.com/news/state-and-regional/watch-now-website-for-loved-ones-of-fatal-overdose-victims-aimed-at-ending-the-silence/article_7b2c49d0-d804-57bd-be8e-d9ed896bc547.html Shatterproof: https://www.shatterproof.org/ Addiction Policy Forum:  https://www.addictionpolicy.org/ Silent No More Link:  https://www.dea.gov/press-releases/2020/01/14/silent-no-more-overdose-symposium-brings-opioid-crisis-experts-virginia Kerri's email:  Kerrijrhodes@gmail.com  EXPAREL is the non-opioid pain blocker discussed in the show

Schuyler VanValkenburg, Delegate for Virginia's 72nd district in Henrico County, shares what it's like to balance teaching, working in politics, and being a father. Holly and Danny want to know what is happening with student loans, school counselors, and how to connect with that last student. Listen to this one before work and feel inspired to make a difference in your school and community!  https://www.vanvalkenburg4va.com/

We're your hosts, Holly  and Danny, and we are bringing you real-life conversations with today's most inspirational game-changers in education. Guests come to the table to discuss hot topics, promote innovative ideas, and share how they turn their passion into purpose and inspiration into Edspiration! We cover addiction, mindfulness, suicide, project based learning, building relationships, innovative learning, exceptional education, nutrition, education policy, and more! Episodes launch December 1st!