The Adult Education Wellness Podcast-Balance & teaching tools for everyone

What does it take to start over in a new country, build a new identity, and launch a business from the ground up? In this inspiring episode, we welcome Lena Neumann , founder and CEO of Kinora Travel , a boutique travel company dedicated to creating thoughtful, personalized, and meaningful travel experiences. Originally from Germany, Lena shares her journey of immigrating to the United States, nav...

In Part 2 of our conversation with Abhinaya Rajasekaran , educator, researcher, and mindfulness advocate, we explore a topic that affects nearly all of us: technostress . ✅ What technostress is and how it impacts our daily lives ✅ The hidden costs of constant notifications and digital overload ✅ Why humans cannot truly multitask—and what task switching does to our brains ✅ The concept of "atte...

In this powerful episode of the Adult Education Wellness Podcast, Bettina Watkins and Stacy Ramirez welcome Professor Abinaya “Abi” Rajasekaran from Austin Community College’s School of Career Readiness. Drawing from her own journey as an immigrant, former adult education student, educator, and scholar, Abby shares the inspiration behind her workshop:“Mindful Transitions: Cultivating Belonging and...

👂 When was the last time you felt truly heard?  Not just listened to… but understood. 👄 What would change in your conversations  if you spoke not to respond… but to care? 👁️ And what if the most powerful thing you could give your students… was your full attention? In this episode, Betina and Stacy explore deep listening and speaking from the heart — two simple practices that can transform your c...

Two Tranquil Teachers Podcast Teaching is one of the most stressful professions — and stress affects both teachers and students more than we realize. In this episode, we explore the science of stress and the science of mindfulness, and three powerful tools anyone can use in seconds to balance uneasiness: 1) Breathing, 2) Visualization, 3) Measuring bar. In this first episode of our mindfulness ser...

Welcome to Season 3 of the Adult Education Wellness Podcast! In this premiere episode, hosts Betina & Stacy (the Two Tranquil Teachers) interview Rebecca Stanley, Career Pathways Coordinator for the Internationally Trained Professionals (ITP) program at Austin Community College Adult Education. We begin the episode with 4-7-8 breathing then dive in. We explore how  The Culture Map (book)  help...

In this powerful and deeply human episode, Irma shares her extraordinary life journey—from profound loss and fear in Mexico to rebuilding her life in the United States through education, work, and inner strength. Her story reflects the realities many immigrant women face: abandonment, economic hardship, language barriers, trauma, and health crises—yet it is ultimately a story of resilience, dignit...

In this episode, we sit down with Martha Dorow and Marie Trzeciak—two ACC professionals deeply experienced in student success, disability services, and inclusive program development—to explore executive functioning skills , neurodivergence , and what it really looks like in the classroom for both students and instructors. Opening Theme – Presence Before Problem-Solving • How slowing down and truly...

Hosts: Betina & Stacy– Two Tranquil Teachers In this episode, Stacy and Betina explore how gratitude connects science and spirit — calming the mind, rewiring the brain, and deepening our sense of connection at work, in class, and in life. 1️⃣ Opening Meditation – Guided 5 minute gratitude meditation. 2️⃣ What Is Gratitude? – Research from Robert Emmons & UC Berkeley on how gratitude reshap...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with  Dr. Melissa Langley Biegert (Dr. B) —Director of Academic Success for High School Programs at  Austin Community College —to explore what  soul care  really means at work. Dr. B shares her journey from small-town Arkansas to Harvard and Vanderbilt Divinity School, and her unique role as chaplain and crisis negotiator at UT. Together, we discuss spiritual...

In this inspiring and practical episode, Stacy and Betina explore Universal Design for Learning (UDL)—a proactive approach to creating classrooms that welcome  every  learner. Whether your students are neurodivergent, English language learners, or adults returning to school, UDL helps remove barriers and build confidence through flexibility, accessibility, and empathy. In this episode you'll learn...

In this episode of the  Adult Education Wellness Podcast , Two Tranquil Teachers (Betina & Stacy) explore the science and joy behind  sound healing  and  laughter practices —two powerful, research-backed tools for stress relief and focus in the classroom. Learn how simple practices like  humming, chanting, and vowel sounds  can calm the nervous system, boost energy, and create a positive learn...

Welcome Back! Join your  Two Tranquil Teachers , Betina and Stacy, as they explore two ancient frameworks—Dharma (India) and Ikigai (Japan)—to help you live with intention, balance, and joy. In this self-care month episode, discover how to align with your purpose and make meaningful daily choices. 🌟 Grounding Exercise  🧘‍♀️: Start with a heart-centered meditation, focusing on your feet and body...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Maricela Juarez , Career Pathways Enrollment Specialist at Austin Community College, whose journey from teen mom and manual laborer to college graduate and community advocate is a testament to perseverance and purpose. Maricela opens up about: Overcoming personal loss and turning pain into purpose The mindset, time management, and wellness practices that...

Welcome to a New Season! Join hosts Stacy Ramirez and Betina, your  Two Tranquil Teachers , as they kick off Season 2 with a fresh look, a new name, and a renewed focus on transformation, clarity, and practical change. This episode is all about embracing change in education and personal growth, inspired by the wisdom of modern Kabbalah. 🌟 Rebranding Journey  📓💖: Discover the revamped  Adult Edu...

Today’s episode is the closing chapter of our very first season! Since January, we’ve shared 10 powerful episodes full of wellness practices, honest stories, and transformative tools. In this final episode, we hit pause to reflect on where we started, what we’ve learned, and where we’re headed next. Start listening if you want to discover what we found along the way—and follow along with our speci...

🎙️ Welcome Back to episode 9 of the Adult Education World Podcast! Join Bettina Watkins & Stacy Ramirez and as they dive into the world of adult education, exploring the passion and dedication that drives educators and impacts communities. 🌟 Special Guest: Susan Gusler is the Program Director of the Adult Education Department at ACC. Discover her inspiring journey from teaching ESL to leading...

In this episode, Stacy and Betina welcome Jessica Listi, a passionate language arts instructor in the College Prep department. Jessica shares her journey from teaching middle school to adult education, highlighting her innovative approach to incorporating journaling and self-compassion into her teaching practice. The conversation delves into the transformative power of journaling, the importance o...

🌸 Welcome to Spring! - In this episode, Betina and Stacy embrace the fresh start that spring offers. In this episode you’ll learn: 🌱 Reframing Resolutions - Stacy shares her experience of feeling like her resolutions have been on the back burner, while Betina talks about her goal of financial recovery and the steps she's taking to achieve it. 🌿 Family Constellations Therapy - Betina introduces...

🎙️ Meet Amber Miller, the Staff Development Supervisor at ACC Adult Education. Amber is a state and national presenter with expertise in ESL, reading, writing, pronunciation, and technology. Her diverse teaching experiences span Venezuela, South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. 💡 Challenges and Innovations: Discussion on the challenges in adult education and the integration of technology in teaching....

The Adult Education World – Featuring Jean Friedman 🎙 Episode Title: Where Are You Wasting Your Energy? Decluttering with Jean Friedman 🔹 Guest : Jean Friedman – Coordinator of AE Assessment 🔹 Hosts : Stacy & Betina 🔹 Theme : Energy management, decluttering (physical, mental, and emotional), and setting boundaries 🔹 Jean’s Advice: Educators often waste the most energy on "what-ifs"—focus o...

🎙 Episode Highlights: Special guest: Mieca Johnson Peralta, HSE Supervisor at ACC Adult Education Insights on supporting HSE/GED students and instructors The importance of Black History Month in education and leadership Challenges and experiences as a Black woman in leadership Hypnosis & self-improvement: myths, benefits, and a guided exercise 🎯 Key Takeaways: A day in the life of an HSE/GED...

In this Valentine’s season, love isn’t just about others—it’s about you, too! In today’s episode, Stacy and Betina explore the practice of self-love, emotional well-being, and feeling ‘enough’ even in challenging environments. They share personal stories, insights, and practical strategies—including breathing exercises, replace and reframe, and EFT tapping techniques—that you can use in your daily...

Welcome to Episode 2 of the Adult Education World Podcast!  Join hosts Betina and Stacy as they welcome special guest Rajani Ramachandran, a dedicated ESL instructor with a rich cultural background and a passion for wellness and stress management.  Rajani shares her journey from New Delhi, India, to the U.S., her love for teaching, and her commitment to helping students advocate for themselves in...

Episode 1: Kathy's Insights & Three Steps to Overcoming Blocks to Your Goals Welcome to the very first episode of our podcast! We’re kicking things off with an inspiring and motivational interview that’s both illustrative and fun. Memoirs happen to be one of my favorite genres, and while we didn’t quite get a full biography, we dug into some key moments that shaped the life and career of our g...