Let’s talk pageantry—the good, the bad, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it. Sure, pageants can help kids build confidence, public speaking skills, and grace under pressure, but they can also bring stress, self-doubt, and an unhealthy obsession with perfection. So, as parents, how do we make sure our kids come out of it stronger, not struggling? And how does all of this play into their social-emotional growth at home and in the classroom? In this episode, we’re getting real with Sasha Jurado about the mental health side of pageantry and what it means for our kids’ confidence, resilience, and sense of self. We’re diving into four big areas: ✨ The Pressure to Be Perfect – From beauty standards to constant judgment, pageantry can shape the way kids see themselves—for better or worse. We’ll chat about how to spot perfectionism creeping in, why self-worth should go beyond appearance, and how to help kids feel confident no matter what. ✨ Competition vs. Collaboration – Winning is great, but what happens when kids start tying their self-esteem to trophies and titles? We’ll break down how competition can impact behavior at home and in the classroom, and how to help kids balance ambition with emotional well-being. ✨ Social Media and Self-Worth – Let’s be real—social media can amplify the pressure. The constant comparisons, the curated highlight reels, the need for validation—it’s a lot. We’re talking about how parents can help kids navigate the online world without letting it mess with their mental health. ✨ Life After the Spotlight – What happens when the stage lights go off? How do we help kids see that they are more than their achievements? We’ll dig into ways to help them build a strong identity, embrace who they are, and develop social-emotional skills that carry into school, friendships, and life beyond the crown. Whether your kid is deep into the pageant scene or just navigating the everyday pressures of competition and self-worth, this episode is for you. Grab a coffee, get comfy, and let’s chat about how we can raise kids who feel good about themselves—on and off the stage. Big shout out to 787Coffee and letting us chat in their beautiful backyard area. Vibes were immaculate! Be sure to call in and leave messages for inclusion in future episodes and 🎧 tune in now!…

Today, I’m joined by a very special guest—my niece! We’re sitting down to talk about mental health, how the importance of school has shifted over the years, and why those so-called “big” generation gaps don’t actually feel that big when we break it down. We’re diving into: 🧠 How mental health conversations have changed (or haven’t) between generations 📚 Whether school still holds the same weight it did back in my day (spoiler: things have definitely changed) ⏳ Why 10, 15, even 20 years apart doesn’t feel like the divide people make it out to be This one’s full of real talk, laughs, and maybe even a few “back in my day” moments. Whether you're a parent, student, or just someone trying to make sense of the shifting world of education and mental health, you won’t want to miss this one! 🎧 Tune in and let us know: Do you think school is as important as it used to be? Drop your thoughts in the DMs or tag us on social!…

In this episode, we dive into how education is evolving in the wake of the pandemic and the trends shaping the future of learning. We explore the reevaluation of traditional schooling, examining how hybrid and personalized approaches are reshaping the classroom experience. Next, we discuss the rise of asynchronous learning and its flexibility, empowering students to take control of their education and meet diverse needs. Finally, we shine a spotlight on the growing importance of parental involvement in social-emotional learning (SEL), sharing strategies for fostering emotional growth at home and creating a consistent support system for children. Are you ready to help reimagine education? Tune in to hear actionable tips, inspiring insights, and practical advice to make a difference in your child’s academic and emotional development. Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly insights, exclusive resources, and strategies to help your child thrive emotionally and academically. Don’t forget to share this episode with a fellow parent or educator and leave a review to help us spread the word!…

Welcome back! It feels good to be back behind the mic and ready to take on a whole new topic about something that gets very little attention these days... Teaching and Mental Health... My name is Isaac Medina and you may have heard my old stuff as Negative Possibilities. However, I've since decided to change my whole trajectory and talk about something that is a little closer to home, my time as a teacher and the things that we go through day in and day out. Its time that we have a platform and a way to speak our truths about the nature of teaching, what we all have experienced and how we deal with not only the mental stressors of teaching but also how it may impact our day to day lives.…

I delve into the emotion of "Scanning"—that heightened state of vigilance where you find yourself constantly seeking signs of potential issues, validation, or change in your surroundings and relationships. After a divorce, scanning can become a habitual response to trauma, leaving you hyper-aware of social cues, financial stability, and personal safety. Tune in as we unpack this complex emotion, offering insights and coping mechanisms to help you navigate the path to healing and rediscovery. Remember, it's a journey, and you're not alone in it.…

I focus on "Ambivalence and Resolving" after a divorce. Post-divorce, ambivalence often engulfs us—a mix of relief and regret, freedom and loneliness. We’ll explore why these conflicting feelings arise, drawing on personal stories. First, we'll unpack ambivalence, discussing its roots in the profound life changes and the mourning of lost futures. Then, we’ll move into the journey of resolving these feelings. We'll talk about the importance of self-compassion, the role of therapy, and how rebuilding your identity and new routines can help.…

"Covid and Coffee" is a special edition podcast exploring the challenges and triumphs of teaching online during the COVID-19 pandemic. This engaging series delves into the personal and professional lives of educators who adapted to remote instruction, balancing work and home life in an unprecedented global crisis. This episode features heartfelt anecdotal stories discussing the emotional rollercoaster, technological hurdles, and innovative solutions that emerged. "Covid and Coffee" provides a reflective and inspiring look at resilience, community, and the transformative power of education in times of adversity, all shared over the comforting ritual of a morning coffee.…

Welcome to a special edition episode of "Covid and Coffee," where we delve into the emotional toll of the COVID-19 pandemic. This episode focuses on the widespread feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and grief experienced during these unprecedented times. We'll hear anecdotal stories of the brunt of isolation and uncertainty. Grab your coffee, and join us for an honest, heartfelt conversation about the challenges we've faced and the resilience we've discovered. Let's connect, reflect, and find hope together.…

In this podcast episode, I delve into the transformative journey of starting over in various aspects of my life. I candidly discuss the challenges and joys of embarking on a new marriage, navigating the complexities of blending families, and reshaping my social circles. Sharing my experience of overcoming a devastating social media hack, I explore rebuilding trust and connections online. This episode captures the resilience and growth that come with embracing new beginnings, offering insights and lessons learned along the way.…

In this insightful podcast interview with John Vince, we delved into his remarkable journey from educator to Worship Leader and Director. John shared candidly about the pivotal moments that led him to pursue his passion for music and ministry full-time. He reflected on how his background in teaching has shaped his approach to leading worship, emphasizing empathy and communication. Looking ahead, John expressed excitement about the upcoming year, discussing new musical projects, community outreach initiatives, and his aspirations for spiritual growth within the church. Listeners gained valuable insights into the intersection of vocation and faith, as John illuminated the joys and challenges of his dual roles. Overall, the interview resonated with themes of purpose, service, and the transformative power of music in worship.…

In this episode, I sit with my good friend and colleague Emma Alcantar. We talk about life, and how the teacher's point of view is hardly, if ever, talked about in today's societal makeup.

I sit down with my former student Deborah Hill who (since this recording) has graduated from UT Austin. We talked about how life has been since I left the School where we met and her journey through college and experienced some journalism along the way

My first intercontinental interview with my friend and colleague Donte Nashiro. We talked about Life in Japan as a Teacher, the difference in teaching modalities, and one day making my way over there to experience a whole other world.

In this episode, I sat with my good friend Elizabeth Heflin, who lives in Denton Texas, and talked about Mental Health and Psychology, the raising of kids, and Dungeons and Dragons

I sat down with my good friend Brittaney and talked about all things dealing with relationships and how crazy they can get from time to time