EdYouWell
The EdYouWell Podcast is a space that helps teachers thrive rather than just survive the school year. Hosted by experienced teachers Alix Busch and Chelsea Henderson, this podcast explores the connection between being well and doing well, both at work and at home.Teaching is meaningful work, but it can also be demanding, overwhelming, and at times isolating. That’s why EdYouWell exists. Here you will find encouragement, practical ideas you can use, and reminders that you are not alone. Whether you are navigating daily classroom challenges, looking for ways to care for your own well-being, or simply wanting to fe...
85. Eventizing!
In this episode, we’re talking about how to bring a little more spark into your day by eventizing the moments that usually feel ordinary. From small classroom routines to the things you do at home, we’re sharing how a tiny shift in how you frame things can boost engagement, build community, and make teaching feel lighter. It’s simple, fun, and honestly a great way to bring the joy back into your week.
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84. 5 Things We’ve Learned About Hosting Teacher Candidates
Today, we’re reflecting on 5 things we’ve learned from hosting teacher candidates. We truly appreciate our pre-service teachers, and we’ve been there ourselves! We talk about creating a safe space for them, letting them take the lead, giving feedback that fills their well, sharing the small things we do automatically, and noticing how hosting can reflect back on our own teaching. It’s all about supporting growth on both sides while enjoying the process and learning together.
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83. Overthinking Overhaul
Ever have a conversation at school and then replay it in your head all night? Or wonder if you said the wrong thing, imagine what could go wrong, or keep thinking about something you have absolutely no control over? Yep. That’s overthinking.
In this episode, we’re talking about the difference between processing and overthinking, why our brains get stuck in those loops, and how easily teachers can carry school conversations, decisions and worries home with us. We share some of our own experiences with overthinking and some practical things that have helped us s...
82. 3-2-1 Workweek Wins: Strategies to Simplify Your Teacher Life
In this episode, we’re sharing simple ways to make your workweek feel a little lighter and more in control. Using our 3-2-1 approach, we break down three things you can prep at home, two ways to get ready for the classroom, and one routine that ties it all together. These small, practical shifts help save time, reduce stress, and let you start each day with intention so you can actually enjoy your week instead of just surviving it.
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81. Taking it Low and Slow
In this episode of Taking it Low and Slow, we’re talking about what it really means to take a step back when the teaching day starts moving too fast. In classrooms that are full, loud, and constantly shifting, we don’t always need to take more on, we often need to take something off, take a breath, and take things one small step at a time. Today, we’re sharing five simple “TAKE” mantras to help you slow the pace, steady your energy, and move through your day with more clarity, calm, and intention...
80. Where to Start Before You Start!
Going back to school can bring that little feeling of Where do I even start? In this episode, we're talking about three simple ways to ease back in: start small, start with a plan, and start trusting yourself. We'll chat about getting back into the swing of things without overdoing it, making a plan for your time, preparing ahead so you're not scrambling, and remembering that your classroom and your preparation don't need to look like anyone else's. We'll also talk about a few simple things you can do at home to make the...
79. August Anchors
Welcome back to Season 4 of the EdYouWell Podcast! In this episode, we're sharing five August Anchors to help you make the most of the final weeks of summer while preparing for the school year ahead. Join us as we talk about enjoying your time, setting personal goals, getting organized, resetting your mindset, and finding the balance that works best for you as you head into a new school year.
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78. Lemonading
Today we're talking about lemonading! Lemonading is about taking what life hands you, filtering out what doesn't suit you, and holding on to what does. We're talking about making adjustments, finding what works for you, and recognizing that you have a choice in how you respond. This mindset can help you navigate challenges, bring more joy into your work, and create a more sustainable way of teaching and living. Let’s dive into the well!
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77. Help or Hindrance?
Ever wonder why some things in your classroom make your day run like a dream while others leave you wondering how you got here?
Today, we’re taking an honest look at the tools we use and the routines we follow every day. Some are total lifesavers, but others? They might just be a hindrance in disguise. We’re diving into the well to laugh about the daily aggravations, celebrate the wins, and share a few hot takes on what it really takes to protect your flow and stay well. Let’s get into it!
76. AI in Education: Final Takeaways on What Teachers Need to Know with Anthony Carabache
AI is everywhere right now, and for many educators, it can feel like we're being asked to make decisions about a technology that is evolving faster than we can keep up. In this special takeaway episode, we welcome Anthony Carabache back to unpack some of the biggest ideas from our previous conversations, including the environmental impact of AI, concerns around student use, the importance of professional judgment, and why protecting human thinking, creativity, and connection matters more than ever. No matter where you currently stand on AI, this episode will challenge you to pause, think critically, and reflect...
75. AI in Education: Risk, Responsibility, and Reality | Anthony Carabache Part II
In Part II of our conversation with Anthony Carabache, we get into the risks, responsibilities, and realities of AI in schools. We talk about everything from the “flatterbot” effect and dopamine-driven technology to automation and why human connection, challenge, and critical thinking still matter so much in education. Come continue the conversation with us as we dig deeper!
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74. AI in Education: Risk, Responsibility, and Reality | Anthony Carabache Part I
Today, we are sitting down with Anthony Carabache to talk about what AI really means for teachers right now. We cut through the hype and get into what matters: understanding how it works, recognizing that it’s not neutral, and using it in ways that actually support our classrooms without replacing us. We also dig into privacy, responsibility, and what it looks like to guide students in a space that’s moving fast and not always clearly regulated. We are bringing the focus back to what we already know matters most in teaching. Let’s dive into the well!<...
73. Finishing the Year with Your Well Intact
Today we’re talking about what it really feels like to be in the final stretch of the school year. We get honest about the fatigue, the overwhelm, and that feeling of losing control, and we share some simple ways to move through it with more intention. From keeping structure in your classroom to bringing in purposeful activities, shifting your mindset, and making space for what you need, this episode is all about finishing the year in a way that still feels good.
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...72. Rebounding from Challenging Parent Conversations: Relate, Regroup, Reassure, Reclaim
Tough parent conversations are part of the job, but they don't have to ruin your week. In this episode, we share the ultimate "rebound" strategy for teachers. Learn how to use the 4 Rs—Relate, Regroup, Reassure, and Reclaim—to move past the stress of difficult phone calls and meetings. We’re diving into the well to help you process the "tough stuff" and get your teacher spark back!
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71. Mastering Tough Talks: 4 Key Approaches for Parent-Teacher Discussions
As parent-teacher conferences approach, this episode of EdYouWell focuses on effective strategies for handling challenging discussions with parents. We'll explore four essential tools to enhance your communication skills: crafting effective one-liners, executing graceful exits, building resilience, and fostering positive relationships. These techniques aim to equip you with practical methods to face those tough conversations with confidence and professionalism.
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70. The Homestretch Reset: Classroom Spring Cleaning Tips
Let’s be real: by this point in the year, the classroom clutter has a life of its own. Spring cleaning isn’t just for your junk drawer at home—it’s the mental reset your classroom (and your sanity) needs! In this episode, we’re sharing our favorite ways to clear the chaos and invite a little more calm back into your room. From involving students in the process to finally tackling those 'I’ll get to it later' piles, let’s create a space that feels light, organized, and ready for the homestretch.
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69. Generations Series: Teaching in Your 20s with Antonella Pinelli
In this instalment of our Generations series, we’re bringing things full circle. We’ve looked back at what it was like teaching in our twenties two decades ago, but now we’re flipping the lens to the present. We’re sitting down with Antonella Pinelli to explore what it’s really like to be a teacher today—from building confidence in the classroom to navigating life beyond the school walls.
Let’s dive into the well and learn from the next generation of educators.
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68. Our Favourite Perks of Teaching
Today we’re taking some time to focus on the perks of the job. Teaching definitely comes with its challenges, but it also brings those great moments that remind us why we do this work. It’s easy to get caught up in the tough days, so we’re slowing down to talk about the joy, the wins, and the little things that make teaching worth it. Sometimes we just need that reminder to look back, appreciate the perks, and keep moving forward with a bit more energy!
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67. Breaking the Blahs
January and February can feel like the longest stretch of the year when the days blur together and the “blah” feeling creeps in. In this episode of EdYouWell, we are breaking down the blahs and sharing simple, practical ways to move through them. From recognizing where they come from, to shifting classroom energy, to caring for your own mind, body, and personal time, you will find strategies to restore your spark and enjoy the weeks ahead instead of just wishing them away.
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66. Wellness and Resilience with Natalie Lehto
Today we’re chatting with Natalie Lehto, an inspiring instructor, coach, endurance athlete, author, and owner of Within You, a fitness and lifestyle studio. A trained kinesiologist, Pilates instructor, and one of Canada’s top-ranked fitness trainers, Natalie’s dedication to growth and supporting others shines in everything she does. On EdYouWell, we explore what it means to be well and do well, and Natalie gives us an inside look into how she lives that every day.
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65. The Digital Drain: Reclaiming Peace from Pings
Have you ever felt like you’re never truly off the clock? In this episode of EdYouWell, we explore the digital fatigue many teachers face. From endless notifications to the pressure of instant replies, we discuss how to set firm boundaries and protect your mental space. Stop the scroll and reclaim your peace!
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59. When “More...
64. Blending Teaching, Music, and Meaning with Jason Haraschuk
Today we’re chatting with Jason Haraschuk, a teacher, podcaster, DJ, and all-around multi-hat-wearer, who brings his passions into the classroom and keeps his own well full along the way. From music and podcasting to union work and beyond, Jason shares how he balances it all, inspires his students, and stays energized. Discover how pursuing interests outside the classroom can make your teaching more joyful and sustainable.
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63. Becoming Through Doing
Today, we’re talking about becoming and how showing up, taking action, and practicing consistently helps us grow into the teachers we want to be. We explore how confidence leads to competence, how small daily choices shape our skills and habits, and how embracing mistakes actually fuels our growth. Along the way we realize that we are already the teacher we set out to be, not because everything is perfect, but because our actions are building the version of ourselves we’ve been aiming for.
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63. Rebounding from Challenging Parent Conversations: Relate, Regroup, Reassure
Welcome back to EdYouWell! In this episode, we tackle a challenge every teacher faces at some point: difficult conversations with parents, including phone calls, meetings, and emails. We’ll dive into the well to uncover the 3 Rs for rebounding from these tough interactions: Relate, Regroup, and Reassure. Join us as we share personal stories and practical strategies to help you navigate and bounce back from these challenging moments with confidence and resilience.
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62. From Hectic to Hygge
In this episode, we're sharing real tips from real teachers on how to actually feel like you've had a break even when life and holidays get busy. We all know the feeling of returning to school after time off and still being exhausted. So we asked fellow educators what they do to reset, recharge, and make their days off count. From simple rituals to smart planning moves, you'll walk away with doable ideas to help you protect your downtime, find your calm, and come back feeling more like you had a break that counts!
...
61. Sensei Susan: Using Passion and Self-Regulation to Inspire Beyond Teaching
In this episode of EdYouWell we sit down with Sensei Susan, a lifelong educator, martial artist, and author. She shares how she brought her passions into the classroom, how movement and martial arts supported her well-being, and what teaching looks like now in her semi-retirement. It is an inspiring conversation about living with purpose and keeping your well full.
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60. Life Edits for Teachers
In this episode, we’re talking about life edits, the small, intentional tweaks that make teaching and everyday life run a little smoother. From organizing resources and simplifying systems to keeping clutter (and chaos) in check, we’re sharing the edits that help us work smarter, not harder. These aren’t major overhauls, just simple shifts that save time, ease your mind, and keep you focused on what really matters.
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59. When “More” Becomes the Norm: Expectation Inflation
Ever notice that no matter how much you give, it never seems to be enough? You’re not imagining it. In this episode, we dive into expectation inflation. We’re talking about the rising tide of responsibilities and pressures placed on educators, often without increased support. From shifting policies to the unspoken “good teacher” myth, we chat about what’s fueling the pressure and how it’s affecting teacher well-being, student experience, and school culture.
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58. Generations Series: Teaching in Your 50s Part II
In Part II of Teaching in Your 50s, we continue our conversation with Cheryle Harrison as she reflects on family, work, and life across the decades. We talk about how her favorite decades shaped her, the small wins that keep teaching sustainable, the importance of support, and preparing for life’s next stages—including retirement. Let’s dive back into the well!
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57. Generations Series: Teaching in Your 50s
In this episode of our Generations in Teaching series, we’re exploring what it’s like to teach in your 50s with veteran educator Cheryl Harrison. We talk about the clarity and confidence that come with years in the classroom, the friendships that grow stronger over time, and the changes and trends you see circle back in the cycle of education. Cheryl shares her perspective on keeping your energy up, navigating both family and work life, and offers thoughtful advice for teachers in every stage of their career.
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56. Teaching in the Goldilocks Zone – Not Too Much, Not Too Little
Today, we’re exploring the Goldilocks Principle and how it shows up in teaching. Not too much, not too little—just right. From classroom management to tech use, teacher talk time, and building connections, we dig into the balancing acts teachers navigate every single day. Finding that “just right” groove isn’t always easy, but when you do, it not only creates a classroom where students feel supported and engaged, it also leaves you feeling more grounded, confident, and connected in your role as a teacher.
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55: Mindfully Mapping Your Calendar
A new calendar can feel like a fresh start, but it can also bring overwhelm. In this episode, we’re slowing things down to help you map your time with intention. Whether your schedule is already packed or still coming together, this conversation is here to support your energy, your peace, and your priorities.
We’ll walk through self-awareness, planning around your natural rhythms, and looking ahead to anchor what matters most. You’ll hear tips on scheduling habits, adding rest, and protecting time for the things that fill your well.
This...
54: 5 Quick & Fun Icebreakers to Help Students Connect Fast
In this episode, we share five icebreakers that are fast, fun, and meaningful. These low-prep activities help students feel seen, spark conversation, and build classroom connection without adding more to your plate. These ideas will help you start the year strong and set the tone for a welcoming and engaged learning space.
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53. Appreciating August
Season 3 is here, and we’re starting it off with heart and intention! In this August episode of EdYouWell, we’re embracing the moment, soaking in the slower days, and reflecting on the power of appreciation. From setting goals to letting go of unrealistic expectations, we’re talking about how to make the most of what you have, whether it’s time off, your home space, or your creative energy. Dip into the well with us! Grab your bucket and celebrate the beauty of watering your own grass before the new school year begins.<...
52. Season 2 Wrap-Up: Goals, Growth, and What’s Next
In this season finale, we pause to reflect on our goals, the growth we've experienced, and the unexpected lessons we've learned along the way. We discuss what worked, what didn't, and what's coming next for us—and for you. EdYouWell is packed with real talk, tips, and ideas to support teachers both in and out of the classroom. Season 3 will explore topics like 'Expectation Inflation,' continue our Generations Series, and introduce our new newsletter! Our newsletter delivers podcast highlights, book recommendations, and smart tips for busy teachers—right to your inbox. 👉 Click here to sign up <...
51. Mobile Tasks: Making the Most of On-the-Go Moments
In this episode of EdYouWell, we dive into the concept of Mobile Tasks—tasks you can tackle on the go to maximize productivity during downtime. Learn how to be intentional with your time, get more done, and create space for rest and relaxation.
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18. FIVE Sma...
50. Our Hot Takes: Cursive Writing, TikTok, Lunch Perks, and the Four-Day Week
Today we’re dishing out our unfiltered opinions in a Hot Takes episode that covers everything from cursive writing and free lunch to memorization, TikTok, the “it” factor, and the four-day work week. We’re not solving the world’s problems—but we are sharing what we really think. Join us as we go topic by topic, giving our gut reactions, asking big questions, and having a few laughs along the way. Nothing too polished—just honest thoughts and real talk from the classroom and beyond.
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49. How to Pause Before Reacting: Strategies for Teachers to Stay Calm Under Stress
In this episode of EdYouWell, we’re focusing on the power of learning to pause before reacting. As teachers—and as people—we often face moments that trigger our fight, flight, or freeze responses. Responding thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively can make all the difference in how we manage our classrooms, relationships, and daily stresses.
We’ll share real-life examples from teaching and home life, break down what happens during stress responses, and offer practical strategies to help you create space for better decision-making. Learning to pause can protect your well-being, strengthen your connections with oth...
48. Generations Series: Teaching in Your 40s
In this episode, we explore what it’s like to teach in your 40s—where confidence, experience, and a bit of exhaustion meet. We discuss how to navigate the constant changes in education, prioritize well-being, and embrace the wisdom that comes with years of teaching. If you’re in your 40s, this episode is a reminder that you’ve got the experience to thrive, and self-care is key to staying strong in the classroom!
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Rel...
47. Boundaries Part IIII: Handling Pushback
Setting boundaries is one thing—enforcing them when met with resistance is another. In this episode, we’re tackling how to handle pushback from students and family members when setting limits in the classroom and at home. We’re having a conversation about staying firm yet empathetic, communicating your needs clearly, offering choices within boundaries, and remaining consistent. Whether you're dealing with classroom disruptions or family dynamics, we’ll explore ways to navigate these challenges with confidence. Tune in for actionable insights on maintaining boundaries while fostering respect and understanding.
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