Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education

📄 Episodic Synopsis In this powerful episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education , Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with Dr. Andrea Mata (aka Dr. Dre), a clinical child psychologist and founder of Bright Spot Families . From her transition out of academia to launching a high-impact private practice, Dr. Dre shares how presence, consistency, and adaptability are foundational for both parenting...

📘 Episodic Synopsis: In this deeply reflective and empowering episode, Joey sits down with former educator and wellness guide Kim Brooks to unpack the reality of teacher burnout—and how educators can reclaim their energy without guilt. Drawing from nearly two decades in the classroom and her journey into breathwork, yoga, and healing, Kim shares practical tools and heartfelt wisdom to help educat...

📘 Episodic Synopsis In this episode, Dr. Joey Weisler is joined by nationally recognized trauma expert Dr. Tom DeMaria to explore what it really means to support students and educators through loss. Drawing on decades of experience responding to crises like 9/11, Sandy Hook, and Parkland, Dr. DeMaria offers powerful insight into how grief shows up in schools—and how we can meet it with compassion...

📖 Episodic Synopsis What does it mean to keep students safe—and what happens when it costs you everything? In this episode, I sit down with Megan Farison, author of Dissonance and a passionate music educator, to unpack the delicate intersections of trauma, boundaries, and educator resilience. Together, we explore what it looks like to build trust in the classroom while navigating the invisible sc...

📘 Episode Synopsis In this powerful and honest episode, Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with clinical psychologist and neurodiversity advocate Dr. Matt Zakreski for a transformative conversation about what it really means to teach and support gifted and neurodivergent students. Together, they unpack failure, challenge superhero narratives in education, and explore how flexible pedagogy can create spac...

📝 Episode Synopsis What does trauma-informed education really look like on the front lines? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Joey Weisler speaks with Supriya Budhiraja, an educational leader and former Teach For India fellow, who shares raw stories from her classrooms in India—stories of resilience, systemic challenge, and radical compassion. From navigating classrooms filled with 60+ students to...

📝 Episodic Synopsis In this powerful conversation, Rob McLeod—educator, podcaster, and author of the forthcoming book Schools That Give a F —joins Joey to unpack the hidden forces that shape educational systems. From his international teaching experience to his deep dives into school culture and leadership, Rob explores how misalignment in values can lead to burnout, and how understanding the "ty...

📘 Episode Synopsis What happens when a student who’s expelled just weeks before graduation becomes a national voice for youth mental health and suicide prevention? In this powerful episode, Nathan Wray shares his deeply personal story of addiction, adversity, and transformation. From hitting rock bottom to winning the Tennessee Governor’s Award for Suicide Prevention, Nathan now leads with vulner...

📘 Episodic Synopsis In this heartfelt and empowering episode, Dr. Joey Weisler welcomes Hannah Judson, ACC, an executive coach and head of coaching at CLICC, to explore how coaching transforms burnout into balance. With deep roots in art, education, and leadership, Hannah shares her unique journey and philosophy around coaching the "whole person"—not just their job title. Together, they discuss m...

📘 Episode Synopsis: What if being a great teacher means being a great salesperson—not in the traditional sense, but in how we influence, inspire, and connect? In this episode, Rob Durant, author of The Social Enablement Blueprint: Stop Pitching, Start Selling , joins Dr. Joey Weisler to explore how the roles of educator, mentor, and salesperson intersect in powerful and surprising ways. From his...

Episode Summary: In this powerful episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing and Education , Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with Erin Shook, a high school AP Psychology teacher and advocate for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), to explore the real work of sustaining joy and connection in the classroom. From flexible lesson planning to yoga cards and Patrick Mahomes check-ins, Erin shares how she's re...

📘 Episodic Synopsis In this episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing and Education , Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with high-energy science teacher and motivational speaker Phil Januszewski. Known for his tattooed arms and contagious positivity, Phil shares how he blends chemistry instruction with principles of positive psychology to create a classroom culture rooted in connection, resilience, and g...

📘 **Episodic Synopsis In this emotional and deeply reflective episode, Joey sits down with Southern New Hampshire University English educators Bonnie Fox and InnaRae Guy to explore the profound responsibility teachers carry—often stepping into the role of caregiver, counselor, and listener. From supporting English language learners to navigating the emotional toll of student loss and burnout, thi...

Episodic Synopsis: In this episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education , Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with Mario Cornejo, Assistant Director of Academic Achievement at St. John’s University in Queens, NYC. A first-generation Salvadorian-American professional, Mario shares his personal and professional journey through nonprofit work, youth coaching, and higher education. He opens up about t...

📖 Episode Synopsis: In this episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education , Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with Dr. Adam Wolfsdorf, lead author of Navigating Trauma in the English Classroom and a founding educator at Bayridge Prep in Brooklyn. With an extensive background in education, the humanities, and the performing arts, Adam shares how trauma-informed teaching fosters emotional intellig...

Episodic Synopsis: In this episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing and Education , Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with Dr. Michael Dieter, an assistant professor of education at Trinity Christian College and a former high school social studies teacher in Chicago. Together, they explore the realities of modern teaching, from the long-standing impact of zero-tolerance policies to the myths surrounding...

Episodic Synopsis In this powerful episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education , Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with Florida State Representative and former Parkland Mayor Christine Hunschofsky . Christine led her community through the aftermath of the tragic 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting , offering unwavering support, advocacy, and a commitment to mental health awarenes...

Episode Synopsis (for podcast platforms): In this powerful episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education , Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with Dr. Scott Poland , an internationally recognized expert in school safety, crisis intervention, and youth suicide prevention. Dr. Poland shares firsthand insights from his work with school communities after tragedies like the Parkland school shooting, of...

In this episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education , Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with astronomy teacher and environmental advocate Mr. Kyle Jeter from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. As the visionary behind Marjory’s Garden, a thriving outdoor learning space dedicated to sustainability and healing, Mr. Jeter shares how a simple idea blossomed into a powerful symbol of resilience an...

In this special archived conversation, host Dr. Joey Weisler honors the remarkable legacy of his grandmother, Francine Langer-Weisler , an educator whose career spanned over 40 years in New York City schools . Recorded in March 2022, this episode takes us back in time to explore education in the 20th century , from classrooms during the Great Depression to progressive teaching methods in post-war...

Episodic Synopsis In this episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education , we sit down with Mike Earnshaw, a visionary school principal, author of The Educulture Cookbook , and co-host of the Punk Rock Classrooms Podcast . Mike shares his journey of intertwining the ethos of punk rock—authenticity, passion, and collaboration—with educational leadership. Discover actionable "recipes" for fos...

Episodic Synopsis In this compelling episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education , we sit down with mental health advocate, author, and founder of the i'Mpossible Project, Josh Rivedal. Josh shares his personal journey through grief, resilience, and advocacy, discussing how storytelling and community-building can change the way we address mental health and suicide prevention in education...

Episodic Synopsis: In this heart-opening episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education , Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with Maria Belanic, a certified grief educator who has turned profound personal loss into a calling to help others navigate grief and emotional exhaustion. Maria shares her journey through loss, her transformation into a grief educator, and actionable insights on resilience a...

In the Season 2 premiere of the Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education podcast, Dr. Joey Weisler, podcast host and thought-leader in the field of English and writing, reflects on the transformative journey of the past season of guests, while setting the stage for a powerful new season. This episode celebrates the impactful voices featured in previous episodes, such as educators, students, and...

In this season finale of The Classroom Narratives Podcast , we’re joined by students from St. John’s University’s Honors Global Literature class for a profound discussion on the intersection of trauma, storytelling, and resilience. These bright minds share their reflections on the literary works explored this semester—ranging from Speak to Maus —and discuss the critical role stories play in proces...