Teaching Bites 2.0 - We help teachers create a more fulfilling lifestyle.

Adolescence hit me hard. I explore it in epsiode 1 season 5 It showed me what happens when boys grow up without direction — when fathers stay silent. It botheres me. So I built a framework. In this episode, I share the 4 roles I hold as a father. The 4P's. Roles I fail at. Roles I return to. Roles that help me protect what matters. There's also a 5th role — one most men ignore. But without it, we drift. This isn't about being perfect. It's about showing up — shield in hand, heart still open. Press play. Because your kids don't need a flawless father. They need a present one. ___________________________ Ambiment - The Ambient by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100630 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

The 2025 Netflix film Adolescence shook me. It showed a generation growing up in isolation, addiction, and quiet desperation— and it made me realize: No one is coming to save our kids. We must save our kids.  We have to become the shield and the sword against forces that are manipulating and twisting and influencing our kids into a warped sense of reality. In this first episode, I open up about the fear, urgency, and hope that reignited The Beautiful Struggle podcast. I share the hard lessons every parent, mentor, teacher, and guide must face — and the daily commitments I'm making to fight for my sons' future. If you feel the weight too... you're not alone. Let's walk this hard, messy yet beautiful road — together. __________________________________ Song: I Am a Man Who Will Fight for Your Honor by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://chriszabriskie.com/honor/ Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/  

2024 was good to me. Not gonna lie.  I succeeded. It wasn't easy for sure.  Here is what worked and what I need to continue to do for a thriving 2025. Two questions to ask: What were your biggest lessons in 2024? How did they change you or shape the way you approach life? Contact me at:  thebeautifulstruggleshow@gmail.com PIXABAY LICENSE CERTIFICATE ============================================== This document confirms the download of an audio file pursuant to the Content License as defined in the Pixabay Terms of Service available at https://pixabay.com/service/terms/ Licensor's Username: https://pixabay.com/users/denis-pavlov-music-35636692/ Licensee: u_cznjjphu Audio File Title: Podcast Lo-fi Music Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-podcast-lo-fi-music-205515/ Audio File ID: 205515 Date of download: 2025-01-01 23:26:17 UTC Pixabay, a Canva Germany GmbH brand Pappelallee 78/79 10437 Berlin Germany Pixabay is a user-contributed stock content website. The above-named Licensor is responsible for this audio file. Pixabay monitors uploaded audio files only to a reasonable extent. Pixabay cannot be held responsible for the acts or omissions of its users and does not represent or warrant that any required third-party consents or licenses have been obtained. For any queries related to this document please contact Pixabay via info@pixabay.com. ==== THIS IS NOT A TAX RECEIPT OR INVOICE ====

This is Part 3 of the Japan Summer Trip! Answering your top questions about visiting Japan:  How do Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka differ in terms of atmosphere and vibe? What festivals and events should you experience in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka? What is the best time of year to visit Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka? How much does it cost to travel by bus/train in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka? How can you find affordable accommodation in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka? What are the top things to do with kids in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka? What are some essential Japanese phrases to know when visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka? How safe is it to travel in Japan? What are the best ways to experience the nightlife in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka? How can you travel between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka? What are some recommended itineraries for a first-time visit to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka? How do you connect to the internet? What's the best way to handle money and payments in Japan? How do you deal with the language barrier in Japan? What are the best souvenirs we got for us? For friends/family? What would I do differently?

Answering Your Top Questions About Our Trip to Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka)   Part 2 What are the must-see cultural experiences in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka?   Which famous landmarks and historical sites should you visit in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka?   What are the best local dishes to try in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka?   What are the top neighborhoods to explore in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka?   How can you experience traditional Japanese culture in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka? What are the best tips for navigating public transportation in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka?   Where are the best shopping spots and markets in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka?   What hidden gems should you visit in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka?    

In this episode, I share how and why we decided to take a big family trip to Japan even though we were trying our best to save for our future.

A quick message from our family trip to Japan!

On this episode, I share how I was so naive back when I started teaching 23 years ago. I didn't know anything about how to save my low paycheck and how to make my precious dollars work for me so I could retire comfortably.  This will be a series of episodes on the mistakes I did in my personal finance, and how I've begun to turn it around so that I can leave teaching on my own terms. Even if Larry Fink of Blackrock says I need to work past 70.

I had to make this episode. I had to in order to move forward.  This can sound heavy and metaphysical.  Yet, I think once you listen to this, you might relate to it.   Come, let's hear how Desparius, no matter how insidious it can be, it can be tamed. 

Gratitude: a simple design for our complex lives. Less take, more give. Less me, more we. This Thanksgiving, let's redesign our perspective. Be grateful, be great, be full. Music by Ivan Ohanezov from Pixabay

This episode, I'll share how social capital is NOT transferrable and how it can make you stuck in old ways.

Today, I share some insights on how tough the past year of job hunting, the lessons I learned, what I did and what you can do to help you on your own job hunting journey. Tim Slade's excellent eLearning / Instructional Design book on Amazon (Affiliate Link)      

I share insights on the 3 Ways How I Research for Non-Teaching Jobs.  How I use Google and YouTube How I use LinkedIn How I use connecting (networking) with real people Bonus tip! We teachers, at least me, did not learn or have to use outside teaching job boards.  We usually went on the district school websites or EdJoin, and occasionally Indeed.  In this episode, I share how I use the above 3 ways effectively and efficiently when looking for non-teaching jobs.  I'd love to hear from you to get your take, or if you have feedback on what I'm missing.   fred@teachingbites.com DM on Instagram Our version of the Ikigai Concept **************************************** ⭐ All of the recommended resources we share, we actually use and believe in. We do make a small commission on some of the resources listed at NO EXTRA COST TO YOU. ⭐⭐ Get CANVA PRO for 30 Days here: Canva Pro for 30 Days Free! (affiliate link) ⭐⭐⭐ Some of our favorite things we use and love on Kit:  Our top Kits (affiliate link) ****************************************

In this episode, I go over how I connect with important people in my life to get their insights on what they see around their part of the career world.  I'm at a critical moment where I have to decide on taking a big risk or not.  Stay in K12, or go beyond it, at this point in my career of 23 years.  Maybe some of these insights can be useful to you.  Let me know what you think once you listen to this episode.  You can contact me at fred@teachingbites.com fred@teachingbites.com DM on Instagram Our version of the Ikigai Concept **************************************** ⭐ All of the recommended resources we share, we actually use and believe in. We do make a small commission on some of the resources listed at NO EXTRA COST TO YOU. ⭐⭐ Get CANVA PRO for 30 Days here: Canva Pro for 30 Days Free! (affiliate link) ⭐⭐⭐ Some of our favorite things we use and love on Kit:  Our top Kits (affiliate link) ****************************************

fred@teachingbites.com DM on Instagram Our version of the Ikigai Concept **************************************** ⭐ All of the recommended resources we share, we actually use and believe in. We do make a small commission on some of the resources listed at NO EXTRA COST TO YOU. ⭐⭐ Get CANVA PRO for 30 Days here: Canva Pro for 30 Days Free! (affiliate link) ⭐⭐⭐ Some of our favorite things we use and love on Kit:  Our top Kits (affiliate link) ****************************************

After weeks of low morale and anxiousness, I actually did it.  Please consider following this show as this is a journey of a veteran teacher navigating through all the uncertainties of the teacher lifestyle. ********** ⭐ All of the recommended resources we share, we actually use and believe in. We do make a small commission on some of the resources listed at NO EXTRA COST TO YOU. ⭐⭐ Get CANVA PRO for 30 Days here: https://partner.canva.com/teachingbites (affiliate link) ⭐⭐⭐ Some of our favorite things we use and love on Kit: https://kit.co/teachingbites (affiliate link) **********

In this episode, I share the number one thing teachers need to do now.  As teachers are determining their next steps in their teaching careers, they may start to experience a lot of fear and uncertainty.  The past three years have been tough on teachers and it is forcing us to reexamine ourselves.   Before you do make any hard decision, consider this one thing you can do before you do so.  I truly believe it'll help lessen those fears.  Follow us for more tips, ideas, and insights like this!

Teachers welcome to our show!  Join us as we figure out how to build a better, more enjoyable lifestyle. Whether you're in the classroom or looking for a way out of it, follow us as we share valuable insights and ideas on how to do it the smart way.   

Part 3 of our origin story: We screwed up more as we tried to get ahead.  

We struggled when life hits us hard. But it has also found a way to nudge us forward into a new path that we weren't truly ready. 

We had everything going for us, but life has a messed up tendency to punch us in the face knocking us out.  This is part 1 of our origin story. Note: This was originally part of a different podcast we had. We decided to not do that anymore and focus on TB's Beautiful Struggle instead.  

After constant changes, iterating and wasting even more time, we're finally putting our foot down and made a decision.  Listen to this episode for the big change we're doing for us, this show and for you. Let us know what you think! https://www.facebook.com/teachingbites

The new 2021-22 school year is off to an anxious start for as the new Covid Delta variant is spreading and smoke is suffocating Northern California.  What can we do with all this? In this episode, we'll share what we are facing, and what small things we can do to take care of ourselves.  

Many of us lose focus when we interview for a new teaching job.  Even after anticipating a challenging question, we start to go on tangents that doesn't really answer the question. This can be frustrating for you, and for the principal or interviewing team.  You won't get the job. On this episode, we'll dive in on how the S.T.A.R. Method of answering teaching job interview questions. This framework will help you focus, have clarity and more importantly, will demonstrate to the principal and/or teaching team how you think, reflect and communicate challenging situations in the classroom.   Whether you are looking for a new teaching job, or looking for something outside of eduction, like business, tech or medical, this will help you. To get you even more prepared for your next teaching job interview, get your free copy of the Tough Teacher Interview Questions here. Over 70 principals shared their favorite interview questions they ask teachers looking for a new job. You won't want to miss out on this. https://linktr.ee/teachingbitestv

We look back at 2020, one of the worst years ever.  Many were greatly affected and impacted by the COVID pandemic. In this episode, we share some of our losses and our small wins that you can hopefully do this new year. Subscribe and let us know what you think! F & S Amazon Resource & Tool Kits Super Secret Facebook Group   Instagram Teaching Bites YouTube Channel Music by Joakim Karud

Are you looking for something new in your professional career but you're feeling stuck? Do you want to start doing something more meaningful at this stage in your career? Yeah, we did too and we were able to do it and we know you can do it too! Guest co-host Marissa Feliciano and I will break it all down in this newest episode. Make sure you keep this episode as it'll be very valuable for you.  Also, subscribe and share our show! Make share you ❤️ and bookmark this! Marissa’s LinkedIn profile   Marissa's highly recommended book: The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks

This episode features my friend and former colleague, Caroline Zoba.  She is a well experienced teacher and reading specialist who has worked in some of the top schools in the country. Caroline has a new website for busy families that promises to bring a new and exciting way to build children's reading comprehension, a skill so important that it will last a lifetime--if done right. If you're looking to have your child learn to be accountable for their reading, with a diverse choices of stories, this is it! Caroline kindly created, specifically for you, a special 10% discount offer when you sign up!  Use the code BEAUTIFULREADER  when you register at:  www.professorbookworm.com  You can also get a free customized book list for your child, featuring books with diverse characters. Make sure you follow Caroline, and her dog Louie on Instagram: @professor.bookworm Subscribe to our show and share with everyone! Join our Super Secret Facebook Group  and on Instagram Music by Joakim Karud

Are you sending out tons of resumés and getting rejected?  Yeah, us too.  It gets depressing knowing that you can do the job, but are getting rejected. The anxiety level is through the roof as we try to survive and thrive in the pandemic world. Raising kids just amplifies things.   We completely understand what you're going through. In this episode, we'll share what we've been doing to stand out and finally get a new job. Listen in as we share some tips you may haven't heard about that may help you in your job search. Subscribe to our show and share with everyone! Join our Super Secret Facebook Group  and on Instagram Music by Joakim Karud

Announcement: There is a new course for your family available now!  On this episode, we discuss the hard work and the reasons why Sharon created this new course: Beginner's Coding + Life Skills for 3rd grade and up! Get the first chapter for FREE here! Share this with any families that may be interested in having their kids learn how to code in a way more meaningful and intentional way. Thanks! Subscribe to our show and share with everyone! Join our Super Secret Facebook Group  and on Instagram Music by Joakim Karud

In the last episode, we talked about the decision we were going with this fall's new school year.   As we turned in our choice, our state set guidelines on how schools will resume learning.   Find out our reaction and the action we'll be taking to get the best education for our family and yours. Subscribe to our show and share with everyone! Join our Super Secret Facebook Group  and on Instagram Music by Joakim Karud

We have to decide by 3PM today, on what we want for our kids' back to school schedule.  The pandemic continues to screw with our "normal" family life. On this episode, we struggle to decide which way will we have our kids attend school for the fall 2020-21 school year: hybrid/transitional or full on-campus.   Find out how we're thinking this through and what we decided. Subscribe to our show and share with everyone! Join our Super Secret Facebook Group  and on Instagram Music by Joakim Karud

Parents!  Check out this important message from our friends at The Getting It Together Summit https://getting-it-together.heysummit.com/ If you need more information please contact kohila@mathcodes.com On this episode, we proudly share our new and unique Beginner's Coding + Life Skills Course for kids. We'll go over the what, why and how we designed this course for a one of a kind experience. Books for teachers Subscribe to our show and share with everyone! Join our Super Secret Facebook Group  and on Instagram Music by Joakim Karud

Are you looking for a new teacher job or want to change careers? As schools/districts are sharing their plans for the new coming school year, teachers are heavily considering the potential consequences of returning to the classroom.  Teachers are one of the most giving people around, but with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is forcing many of us, especially those who do not like any kind of distant learning, or are immunocompromised, to reevaluate our jobs and careers.   On this episode, we dive in on what strategies you can do to help you find that new job or career and transition from teaching.   Tune in and let us know what you think or share what we're missing in our super secret Facebook group! Books for teachers Subscribe to our show and share with everyone! Join our Super Secret Facebook Group  and on Instagram Music by Joakim Karud

How are we supplementing our income while on summer break especially during the COVID-19 pandemic? We break down some viable options you can do now. Links mentioned: www.vipkid.com/teach www.outschool.com archive.org   Books for teachers Subscribe to our show and share with everyone! Join our Super Secret Facebook Group  and on Instagram Music by Joakim Karud

The past couple years have been a big struggle for us financially.  There were many times that we felt so overwhelmed and frustrated that it put a lot of pressure in our family.  Luckily, we hung in there and took necessary steps for the better.  In this episode, we'll share what we did/are doing to build a more solid financial footing so you can avoid the mistakes we've done and get back on track. Here is the link (pdf) that's guiding us in our personal finances.  This has been shared many times and is referred by many other people that have taken charge of their journey to financial freedom Books for teachers Subscribe to our show and share with everyone! Join our Super Secret Facebook Group  and on Instagram Music by Joakim Karud

The past two weeks have been full of anger, anxiousness, confusion and more importantly hope. We react to the murder of #GeorgeFloyd, the #BlackLivesMatter movement, #covid19 #racism #hope Video referred in the show Books for teachers Subscribe to our show and share with everyone! Join our Super Secret Facebook Group  and on Instagram Music by Joakim Karud  

This special episode, I assigned my high school students to react to COVID19 and how computer science can help find a cure or vaccine for the Coronavirus. Subscribe to our show and share with everyone! Join our Super Secret Facebook Group  and on Instagram Music by Joakim Karud  

Find out the results from the anonymous survey I sent out to my students soliciting their experiences and advice on Fred teaching and other teachers as well. You don't want to miss this episode unless you don't want to be a better teacher. Subscribe to our show and share with everyone! Join our Super Secret Facebook Group  and on Instagram Music by Joakim Karud  

Subscribe to our show and share with everyone! Join our Super Secret Facebook Group  and on Instagram Music by Joakim Karud

136: If Emergency Distance Learning Becomes the Norm, Would You Still Teach?  We'll explore this very real possibility of the future of teaching and learning. Plus, Sharon gives us an important update on Fred's challenge! You can access our Teacher Tips to Teach Online document on Facebook.   Subscribe to our show and share with everyone! Join our Super Secret Facebook Group  and on Instagram Music by Joakim Karud

As we've entered the fourth week of the COVID-19 shelter in place, its time to go beyond our little bubbles.    You can access our Teacher Tips to Teach Online document on Facebook.   Subscribe to our show and share with everyone! Join our Super Secret Facebook Group  and on Instagram Music by Joakim Karud

Week 3 of Sheltering in Place and our kids don't think we can teach them, even though we've taught grades K-12!  We're getting a touch of cabin fever with some anxiety mixed in.   Links mentioned: The Kids Should See This TinkerCAD OpenMiddle Thingiverse 7 Minute Workout App Kim's Convenience on Netflix You can access our Teacher Tips to Teach Online document on Facebook.   Subscribe to our show and share with everyone! Join our Super Secret Facebook Group  and on Instagram Music by Joakim Karud

UPDATE during the COVID-19 Pandemic!  Don't mind the apples as we just had lunch.  Here are some tips and ideas that you can use when you teach online from home.   As promised, you can access our Teacher Tips to Teach Online document on Facebook.   Subscribe to our show and share with other awesome educators! Join our Super Secret Facebook Group  and on Instagram Music by Joakim Karud

On this episode, we find out about how you can make extra money teaching online!  Sharon shares her experience with VIPKID, challenges of getting her mindset aligned and tips on how to succeed teaching online. Checkout VIPKID  CODE: SHARO0201 Join our Facebook Group Music by Joakim Karud

Mental health is a huge challenge among teachers.  We talk about our journey on how and why The Happier Teacher Journal came about.  Listen in to the whole show to find out what happened and how we did to pull through those tough days. The Happier Teacher Journal is now available on Amazon!! Subscribe to our shows so you find out what is happening! Music by Joakim Karud

What is the Innovation Playground, and more importantly, why did we create this for families? Sharon and I dive in on why why created our Innovation Playground enrichment program in our new home in the Greater Sacramento Area and how we are uniquely different from other "playpens" out there.   Links mentioned: Innovation Playground website  MIT Lifelong Kindergarten Group Mariana Beyers Contact: fred.innovationplayground@gmail.com   Music by Joakim Karud

We share the 3 simple and free ways you can find and validate your passive income business idea. Music by Joakim Karud - Enjoy 

On this episode, we go through the 3 legit ways teachers can make extra money.  We break down the Freelance Model, Audience Model, and the Expert Model.   Music: Enjoy by JOAKIM KARUD

Have you ever looked at your direct deposit paycheck and wish that it was a little bit more? Yeah. Us too. Successful entrepreneurs today seem to get all the recognition and benefits.  They solve problems. They work 60-80 hours a week. They are passionate.  Hahaha!  That sounds like what teachers do every day!  This is the start of building a meaningful teacher lifestyle with passive income.