Burnt Out Educator Podcast

In this episode of Burnt Out Educator , Coach Joe sits down with Aaron Schwen , founder of Charter Select, to discuss why he walked away from a successful career in the insurance industry to build a company centered around service instead of sales quotas. Aaron shares how growing up around farms in Iowa and Minnesota shaped his work ethic, why helping charter schools became more important than max...

Coach Joe Marino sits down with Derek Tranchina to break down the real impact of AI in schools. This isn’t just about ChatGPT—it’s about outdated systems, broken assessments, and the pressure on educators to adapt faster than ever. If AI can do the assignment, was it ever effective to begin with? A raw conversation on what needs to change and what’s coming next.

In this episode, Aaron Coalson, CEO of Visionary Ventures, shares how he went from losing his job and DoorDashing to building a $3M business in two years. It’s a conversation about mindset, betting on yourself, and creating a life that actually feels fulfilling.

At CCSA, we sat down with Daniel Caselli from BUYQ to talk about something most educators don’t see… but definitely feel. Behind every school is a small team juggling procurement, compliance, budgeting, and systems that were never designed for charter schools. And that invisible workload? It’s a major driver of burnout. Daniel breaks down how BUYQ is helping over 4,000 schools nationwide save time...

What actually changes a life? In this episode, Coach Joe sits down with Diamond Dallas Page to break down the mindset, discipline, and daily habits required to turn things around. From rebuilding his body after a broken back to helping others overcome addiction and reclaim their lives, DDP shares why success isn’t about talent. It’s about consistency, belief, and doing the work most people avoid.

In this episode of The Burnt Out Educator , Coach Joe Marino sits down with Morgan Nugent, Superintendent of Fall River Joint Unified School District , to explore what education should really look like in today’s world. From the rise of AI in classrooms to the decline of foundational skills, this conversation challenges the idea that more technology automatically leads to better outcomes. Morgan s...

Coach Joe is back, and this time he’s calling out one of the biggest problems in education: broken systems. Live from Long Beach, he sits down with Noah Fichter and Scarlett Sobo from Scout (YC W25), an AI-powered student information system built for the realities of modern schools. From charter and hybrid learning to compliance and data overload, today’s educators are juggling more than ever—and...

What does a UFC Hall of Famer have to teach educators, coaches, and anyone feeling burned out? A lot more than you’d think. In this episode of The Burnt Out Educator , Coach Joe sits down with former UFC Lightweight Champion and Hall of Famer Frankie “The Answer” Edgar to talk about grit, lifelong learning, and what happens after the dream career. From wrestling mats in New Jersey to the world’s b...

Coach Joe sits down with Boddle co-founder Edna Martinsson, customer success leader Rachel Stout, and educator Cathleen White to explore how Boddle turns K–6 math, ELA, and science into a game kids actually want to play. They discuss engagement, safety, adaptive learning, and why this platform is changing how students experience screen time and learning. This episode is for informational purposes...

In this episode of The Burnt Out Educator Podcast , Coach Joe Marino talks with Tim Pereira, who walked over 3,000 miles across America after facing deep burnout and depression. Tim shares how stepping away from traditional success, slowing down, and embracing presence helped him reconnect with purpose, mental health, and meaning. A powerful conversation for educators and professionals who feel ex...

In this episode of The Burntout Educator , Coach Joe Marino sits down with Jeanne (Abate) Allen, Founder & CEO of the Center for Education Reform and co-creator of the Yass Prize. Together, they dig into why American education is struggling, why parents deserve meaningful options, and how funding should follow students—not systems. Jeanne shares her journey from Capitol Hill to national educat...

In today’s episode, Coach Joe Marino sits down with Mando Sallavanti, a young financial advisor whose journey from pre-med student to entrepreneur is fueled by discipline, humility, and mentorship. Together, they unpack how setting boundaries, learning from failure, and asking for help can transform not only your career — but your confidence and purpose.

Coach Joe Marino sits down with educator and A.P.P.L.E. co-founder Cynthia Rachel to explore how personalized and flex-based learning is reshaping California’s education system. Cynthia shares her journey from the classroom to the Capitol, helping parents find their voice through bite-size advocacy and community action. A must-listen for anyone passionate about innovation, choice, and keeping stud...

In today’s episode, we sit down with Cody, a Community School Coordinator for the Butte County Office of Education—and a man whose journey through wrestling and education intertwines in fascinating ways. From competing at the state level in high school wrestling, coaching, and MMA championships, to navigating life as a type 1 diabetic, Cody credits his resilience and perspective to the lessons he...

Welcome back to the Burnt Out Educator Podcast! In this episode, Coach Joe Marino sits down with the multi-talented Steven G Norfleet for an inspiring conversation about the unconventional paths our careers—and lives—can take. You’ll hear Coach Joe reflect on his journey from studying mathematics at Morehouse College to becoming a professional dancer, educator, and actor on some of TV’s biggest sh...

In today’s energizing episode, Coach Joe gets “hyped” with special guest Nikki Spears—a dynamic educator, former principal, consultant, and true champion of positive school culture. Nikki’s journey into education began as a Head Start parent who became inspired by the difference early childhood programs made in her twin daughters’ lives. From there, she took her passion into the classroom, public...

In this episode, Coach Joe sits down with Melanie Matta, an Italian-American superintendent making waves in the California education scene. Leading a small but mighty TK-8 district in Porterville with just 237 students, Melanie brings heart, humor, and real-world wisdom to the table. With 24 years of experience—from teaching first grade to becoming a superintendent—Melanie shares her journey, the...

In today’s episode, Coach Joe sits down with Kristen Erickson from the Santa Cruz County Office of Education—one of Bright Thinker's biggest fans and a dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience. Together, they dive into why students today are gravitating back to print materials after years of digital learning and Zoom fatigue. Kristen shares valuable insights into how physical books...

Welcome to the Burnt Out Educator Podcast. In this heartfelt episode, Coach Joe Marino sits down with Amy Yamamoto Callahan, a passionate advocate for mental health and suicide prevention. Amy, who collaborates with the Cook Center for Human Connection and ParentGuidance.org, shares her mission to support educators, parents, and communities in tackling the growing mental health crisis. Drawing fro...

In this special on-the-road episode, Coach Joe catches up with Eric Bonniksen, one of California’s standout superintendents and the current president of the Small School Districts’ Association (SSDA). Get a behind-the-scenes look at what makes small and rural schools so powerful—where everything centers around the kids, and leaders wear multiple hats to keep things running smoothly.

Join host, Coach Joe, as he chats with Maria about her mission to bridge the gap in mental health services for students. Maria shares her personal journey of moving to the U.S. from Colombia, excelling in education, and eventually founding Clayful. Her company is revolutionizing how schools address mental health by providing on-demand coaching for students, ensuring they have the immediate support...

Coach Joe and Dr. Killingbeck also tackle big questions, like how to retain passionate educators and encourage those who might be contemplating leaving the profession to remember their purpose and impact. This episode is packed with heartfelt stories, motivational insights, and a shared commitment to the transformative power of education.

Today, we're diving deep into the world of educational technology with a special guest who needs no introduction if you're active in the ed-tech community on LinkedIn. Jeff Patterson, the pioneer behind Gaggle, joins Coach Joe to explore the powerful role technology plays in ensuring student safety and well-being. Patterson, often likened to the Simon Cowell of ed-tech for his straightforw...

Chuck shares his intriguing journey from Oklahoma, where he spent most of his life before moving to Kansas, driven by a love for small-town charm and a desire to make a difference in education. Dive into Chuck's story as he reflects on his career transition from a fry cook and director of operations for a fast food chain to an educator inspired to change lives—one math lesson at a time. Listen...

In this episode of the Burnt Out Educator Podcast, host Coach Joe Marino is joined by Jake Potter, the Director of Public Relations at Leavenworth School District in Kansas. They dive into a heated discussion about the controversial role of AI in education. With Coach Joe's skepticism of AI and Jake's passionate advocacy, they explore the potential benefits and challenges AI presents in th...