The Make Learning Magical Podcast

Have you ever walked into a room and wondered where you belonged? This past month, while attending a conference where I didn’t know many people, a simple invitation reminded me of something powerful: belonging often begins with someone choosing to make space. A group of educators welcomed me into their conversations, invited me to dinner, and pulled up a chair. It brought me right back to my first...

This time of year can feel loud. The grades, the messes, the exhaustion, the unfinished to-do lists. And somewhere in the middle of all of it, it becomes really easy to focus on everything we didn’t do this year. In this reflective episode, I want to encourage educators to pause long enough to also notice what went right . The relationships built, the moments of joy, the risks taken, the students...

A field of daffodils outside my window brought me back to a childhood memory of my grandfather reciting Daffodils by William Wordsworth. But the story doesn’t end there. In this deeply personal episode, I share how that same quote unexpectedly found its way back to me years later—on a family shopping trip, in the first year without my grandma, through a simple clearance find that felt anything but...

A quick game of Uno before school almost didn’t happen. There was too much to do, too little time. But choosing presence over productivity changed everything. In this episode, I reflect on the power of small moments, the connection they build, and why sometimes the most important thing we can do… is pause and play. Connect with me: X @tishrich Instagram @tishrichmond LinkedIn @tisharichmond Websit...

Even though the Olympics have passed, one moment from a curling match has stayed with me. When a mistake changed the course of a play, both teams chose communication and integrity over competition. In this episode, I connect that moment to real classroom experiences where students are learning to own mistakes, support one another, and grow through the unexpected. Because it’s not the mistake that...

Milestones are powerful moments for reflection and celebration. In this special 100th episode of the Make Learning Magical Podcast , I’m joined by author, educator, and publisher Dave Burgess. As the founder of Dave Burgess Consulting, Dave recently celebrated an incredible milestone of his own: 200 books published. Together, we reflect on the journey behind these numbers and explore the deeper me...

There’s something unexpectedly freeing about walking into a 5 a.m. gym with no makeup, messy hair, and zero desire to impress anyone. In this reflective episode, I share what those quiet early mornings have been teaching me about authenticity, comparison, and the freedom that comes when we stop performing and simply show up. Because the truth is, it’s easy to slip into performance mode...especiall...

In this episode, inspired by powerful clips from America's Got Talent & Britain's Got Talent , I reflect on what really makes those glitter-filled moments unforgettable. It’s not just about talent. It’s about affirmation. It’s about someone being seen, heard, and told, “You belong here.” And it got me thinking… What if we have the power to create gold buzzer moments every single day in...

Have you ever shared something meaningful and felt like it disappeared into silence? In this episode, I reflect on what it means to keep sharing your ideas, stories, and creativity — even when there’s little visible feedback. Silence can feel loud. It can make us question whether our voice matters. But what if impact is happening in ways we simply can’t see? I share a personal moment that reminded...

This past weekend, I had the honor of watching my dad and his 1962 Mt. San Antonio state championship track and field team be inducted into the Hall of Fame more than sixty years after their victory. As I sat in that room listening to stories of gratitude, mentorship, and lifelong impact, two powerful phrases shared during the ceremony by Hall of Fame inductee, Laura Beeman stayed with me: “It’s t...

People often ask me, “How do you do all the things that you do?” In this episode, I reflect on that question and share how understanding the way my ADHD brain works, rather than fighting it, has changed everything. I talk about the predictable morning routine that grounds me, why quiet and momentum matter so much for my focus, and how I’ve learned to work in bursts instead of forcing productivity...

What happens when two things you love pull on your heart at the same time? In this episode, I’m going deeper into a reflection I introduced last time...what it means to be away from the classroom for meaningful work beyond it, and how to hold both without guilt. Two Callings, One Heart explores loving your students fiercely, expanding your impact, including your students in your story, and learnin...

In this episode, I’m reflecting on The Long Walk to the Stage —from recording in a sound booth at the Salt Lake City airport to standing on a stage in Michigan in front of approximately a thousand educators. I share the moment a poised high school student introduced me, the walk up a long ramp that felt like a metaphor for a decade of growth, and a flashback to twelve years ago when I sat in the a...

“Kids are so different now.” I heard that everywhere when I was out of the classroom...and honestly, I believed it. So when I returned to teaching, I was nervous. Would students still connect? Would joy and play still work? Would the classroom feel familiar at all? In this episode, I share what I actually discovered when I came back: what has changed about students, what hasn’t, and why the magic...

I thought I needed to slow down...but my students wanted to speed up. In this episode, I share how student reflections reshaped my own thinking, how AI supported my reflection process, and how listening deeply led to more intentional refinement for next semester. A thoughtful listen for educators reflecting, resetting, and refining their practice.

Reflection doesn’t have to be overwhelming to be meaningful. In this episode, I share how using AI as a thought partner helped me reflect on the semester I just finished, uncover key insights, and refine my focus for what’s next...all without adding more to my plate. Reflection Template Interactive Reflection Activity with Built-in Insights (created with Canva Code) Share your thoughts and reflect...

We’re often told that rest is the reset we need — that once we slow down, motivation and clarity will magically return. But what if that’s not how it actually works? In this honest and reflective episode of the Make Learning Magical podcast, Tisha Richmond shares what it looked like to truly rest… and then come home feeling unexpectedly stuck. From returning from vacation to binge-watching TV inst...

The Make Learning Magical Podcast is back with a brand new episode AND incredible guest! Dave Burgess is the New York Times Best-Selling author of Teach Like a PIRATE , co-author of P is for PIRATE , and the president of Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc. which delivers powerful, inspirational, and innovative books, keynotes, and professional development. In this episode we have a wonderful conversatio...

In this episode, I share some recent thoughts on living out a meaningful life story. Referenced in the episode: Morning Pages The Dave Burgess Show, episode 57, Getting Dramatic with Sam Marsden The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron Instagram reel by @grahamcweaver Hero on a Mission by Donald Miller The Den Crossfit

In this episode, I share 3 ways to bring Easter eggs into learning Taylor Swift-style. Come away with ideas you can bring into a variety of grade levels and subject areas to pique curiosity, boost engagement, and make learning fun! Swift-ify Learning with Easter eggs Swiftify Learning with Easter eggs Facebook Live

In this episode, I chat with my son and illustrator of Dragon Smart, Tommy Richmond. Learn the story and inspiration behind Dragon Smart illustrations. You will love hearing his story and perspective. Connect with Tommy on Instagram @tommyjrichmond Find Dragon Smart ⁠ HERE ⁠ Book Tisha or Tommy for speaking opportunities ⁠HERE⁠ Guest blog post: ⁠ Unleash Your Magic: Dragon Smart Lessons for Every...

In this episode, I share lessons learned during my recent 20 day fitness streak and challenge you to a 20 day streak of your own! Learn more about my crossfit gym, The Den ! Follow me: Twitter: @tishrich Instagram @tishrichmond Website: tisharichmond.com Learn more about my book, Make Learning Magical

In this episode I chat with Dr. Lynn Andrees, and incredible high school Family and Consumer Science teacher from Naperville, Illinois. Lynn shares about her amazing education pathway and how she gamifies her classroom with the Make Learning Magical framework. You are going to come away with so much hope for the next generation of educators after listening to Lynn share her story. Connect with Lyn...

In this episode I chat with co-founder of the Tumble Science Podcast for Kids, Marshall Escamilla. You will love hearing Marshall share strategies for igniting wonder and curiosity for science and how you can bring podcasts into learning. After spending 17 years in classrooms, Marshall Escamilla started podcasting full time in 2020. Starting as a math teacher and migrating to a music teacher, Mars...

In this episode I chat with educator and author of 3DU: A Guide to 3D Printing in Every Classroom. Keven and I discuss a variety of topics including: book writing tips, getting started with 3D printing, 3D printing project ideas, upcoming FETC conference, using digital tools to engage, enhance, and extend, and the Modern Classroom Project. You'll love learning from Keven! Follow Keven on Twitter @...