Take Notes with Jen Rafferty
Jen Rafferty
Are you caught in the whirlwind of overwhelming responsibilities, forgetting the fiery passion that once fueled your teaching journey? Do Sundays fill you with dread, and does the very thought of Monday morning send chills down your spine?
It’s time to toss those feelings out the window!
Welcome to Season 3 of the Take Notes podcast, where you get to give yourself a permission slip to disrupt the status quo, reclaim your agency, and step into a world where you get to make yourself the priority in order to show up as your best-self.
I’m your host Jen Rafferty - a former music teacher, Emotional Intelligence Practitioner, mom of 2, and founder of Empowered Educator, and I’ve been where you are.
In this season, we’re not just talking about surviving; we’re diving deep into thriving!
We’re rewriting the educator’s narrative and tearing down the walls of perfectionism, people-pleasing, and that crippling guilt that has held you captive. It’s time to liberate yourself from the chains of conventional education and step into a world of empowerment and freedom.
This is a space where your well-being is the core curriculum, where taking care of yourself isn’t just encouraged – it’s a requirement. Where your empowerment translates into the transformation of lives, creating a ripple effect that shapes future generations.
In these electrifying episodes, we’re moving from mere inspiration to tangible integration. Each conversation is a stepping stone to transform your practices, breathe life into your passion, and ignite the change to live a healthier, happier, and more balanced life. We’re about taking action and turning those “how’s” into now’s!
The transformation begins HERE and NOW. Say goodbye to the mundane, and hello to a world where you are unstoppable. Buckle up and get ready to explore territories unknown because, in this space, we are unearthing the extraordinary in every educator.
Are you ready to take the lead in your life? To not just be an educator, but a revolutionary and make transformational generational change?
Let’s do this!
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Struggling to thrive in a neurotypical world? Understanding the unique challenges and triumphs of adults with ADHD with Shane Thrapp
Take Notes with Jen Rafferty
06/08/23 • 38 min
Struggling with adult ADHD? Feeling overlooked by doctors and mental health professionals?
There's a place for you here.
In this episode, I got to delve into an enlightening conversation with Shane Thrapp, a certified ADHD life coach and advocate.
His personal journey with ADHD has empowered him to help others like him find their unique purpose and steer through the ordinary bustle of daily life.
Shane shares his frustration with the lack of information and support for adults with ADHD and how he became an advocate for the condition. We discuss the importance of self-advocacy in seeking a diagnosis and treatment and how individuals with ADHD can navigate professional environments by identifying their strengths and needs and communicating them to HR.
A focal point of our discourse was the imperative of spreading education among parents, teachers, and students about neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD and autism.
This consciousness can be a cornerstone in crafting a society that welcomes differences and fosters understanding and acceptance.
So, are you ready to take the reins of your ADHD and become your own advocate?
Tune into this conversation with Shane Thrapp, and gain a fresh perspective on adult ADHD, self-advocacy, and education.
Stay empowered,
Jen
Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:
Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | Linktree
Instagram: @jenrafferty_
Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room
About Shane:
Shane Thrapp is a Certified ADHD Life, Relationship, and Career Coach. He is the founder of Creating Order From Chaos, an ADHD coaching and consultation business aimed at empowering individuals with ADHD to discover their true purpose and conquer their goals. Alongside his work with individuals, he collaborates with businesses, facilitating their understanding of neurodivergence and implementing necessary accommodations.
In addition to his coaching endeavors, he holds the position of Operations Director for the nonprofit Men's ADHD Support Group, and he also proudly serves as a board member for the Inattentive ADHD Coalition. Through these roles, he passionately advocates for ADHD awareness through public-speaking and podcast or YouTube appearances.
His mission is to make a lasting impact in the lives of neurodivergent people, guiding them on their unique journeys through the chaos of life with ADHD, and empowering businesses to provide the support that neurodivergent people deserve.
Connect with Shane:
Website: creatingorderfromchaos.com
Facebook: Creating Order From Chaos Consulting
IG: @creatingorderfromchaosconsult
Men’s ADHD Support GroupTranscript
Discover Your Musical DNA with Guy Michel, the Cello Assassin
Take Notes with Jen Rafferty
07/20/21 • 23 min
Guy Michel is a marital artist and well-known professional cellist. He began his music career at the age of 5 in his native country, Haiti. He believes that music goes beyond Bach and Beethoven, or simply playing complex notes to showcase an individual’s talent. It is a form of self expression; A vehicle in which to awaken and stimulate the imagination and inspires others to discover it. He loves exploring new possibilities on the cello with a repertoire ranging from easy listening to Hip Hop and EDM...so cool!
https://www.guymichelmusic.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guymichelmusic/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guymichelmusic
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/guymichelmusic
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@guymichelmusic?lang=en
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and share with a friend!
Have a question? Want to suggest a topic for the show? Email me at [email protected]
website: jenrafferty.com
FB & IG: @jenraffertymusic
Clubhouse: @jenrafferty
Cover Art: https://goodneighborart.com/
Struggling to keep your students engaged? Discover the keys to a classroom they'll love with Elijah Carbajal!
Take Notes with Jen Rafferty
05/25/23 • 31 min
Do you feel like your students hate the idea of going to school? Are you running out of ideas to keep them engaged and excited about learning new things?
In this episode, I had a conversation with Elijah Carbajal, a teacher whose main drive is to make school a place for students to love. We dive into how he views school culture and how he transforms the teaching norms into what young kids would understand.
Elijah emphasizes how much better learning could be by using language or games or pop culture references that kids would understand. And by telling captivating stories and incorporating the subject matter within it as moral lessons, the students are kept engaged and wanting for more. As his book says, school becomes “A Place They Love.”
We also talked about the ways of keeping the school fun, engaging, and safe, and we challenged the notion that learning can either be fun or rigorous and hard. Elijah dials in on the truth that when things get more fun, learning becomes even more rigorous, except it becomes less hard and more engaging for the students.
Elijah’s stories will encourage you to be bolder, more creative, and more engaged with your students more than ever.
Ready to transform your classroom into a place that the students will love?
Tune in to this episode filled with inspiring stories and valuable takeaways!
Stay empowered,
Jen
Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:
Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | Linktree
Instagram: @jenrafferty_
Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room
About Elijah:
Elijah is a teacher, like his mom, uncle, and grandparents before him. He has been teaching in the state of New Mexico since 2014, currently working in the Albuquerque Public School district. Elijah enjoys podcasting about all things educational and listening to podcasts created by his friends in education, some of which he has been honored to be a guest on. He is the host of The Shut Up and Teach Podcast and the author of the book A Place They Love: Creating a Healthy School Culture and Positively Impacting Students. Elijah strives to make school a place that students love to be at by creating fun, safe, and engaging experiences and environments for all students. By challenging the norms of what education should look, act, and feel like, Elijah has created exciting opportunities for authentic learning to take place. Outside of the classroom, he can be found running, listening to or creating music, reading, or relaxing with his cat, Nala.
Connect with Elijah:
Twitter: @carbaeli
IG: @carbaeli
Want to revolutionize your life? Embrace your inner child, let go of control, and elevate your thinking with Liz Svatek
Take Notes with Jen Rafferty
07/06/23 • 44 min
Ready to unlock the wisdom of your inner child and embrace the power of reinvention?
In this episode, we're diving deep into the importance of healing our inner child and the transformative nature of reinvention!
I had the pleasure of chatting with Liz Svatek, the CEO of Warrior Women Inc and the host of the Conversations with Warrior Women podcast. We talk about healing our inner child and the importance of embracing our emotions.
During our conversation, we explored the importance of stillness, emotional release, and the power of community. Liz shared her personal experience of suppressing emotions in the past and how embracing emotional release has expanded her capacity for joy.
This episode is going to leave you feeling inspired and ready to make some positive changes in your life. Listen in!
Stay empowered,
Jen
Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:
Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | Linktree
Instagram: @jenrafferty_
Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room
About Liz:
Liz is the CEO of Warrior Women INC, a 6 figure personal growth business founded upon women unleashing their inner warrior and becoming the most powerful versions of themselves. She is the creator of the Warrior Women Experience, a transformational live event bringing women together across the country, and she is the host the Conversations With Warrior Women Podcast- which is globally ranked in the top 1.5%. Liz travels all over the world speaking, healing and empowering women to live into their Limitless Possibility, Reclaim their POWER and HEAL their Little Girls.
Connect with Liz:
Website: lizsvatek.com
IG: @liz.svatek
LinkedIn: Liz SvatekGet your magic back! Come to Warrior Women Camp!
https://www.lizsvatek.com/camp
How teachers advocate and ally for transgender rights in education with Flint Huffman
Take Notes with Jen Rafferty
12/14/23 • 32 min
Creating a safe and inclusive environment is crucial not just in our homes and workplaces, but also in our schools.
In today’s episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Flint Huffman, a veteran transgender teacher and content creator. Flint is not only a figurehead in transgender advocacy but also an inspiring voice in education policy.
Flint shared his personal journey of transitioning in the public eye, both as an educator in front of hundreds of students and as an influential online presence.
We spoke about the complexities of creating safe spaces in schools and inclusive education, the current challenges facing trans teachers and students, and the importance of advocacy and allyship in education.
Flint's insights on the current climate surrounding transgender issues in education are both enlightening and thought-provoking.
Join us for this important conversation, where we learn, understand, and celebrate the courage it takes to foster inclusivity in our schools.
Stay empowered,
Jen
Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:
Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | Linktree
Instagram: @jenrafferty_
Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room
About Flint:
Flint (he/they) is a veteran transgender teacher and content creator with over a decade of experience in the classroom. In addition to working in policy and action in his community, he has more than 300,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram, where he makes videos about trans life and history, education, and "general teenage weirdness.”
Connect with Flint:
IG: @justflintisfine
Welcome to Season 2 of Take Notes with Jen Rafferty!
Take Notes with Jen Rafferty
09/07/22 • 1 min
Hello, everyone!
I know when you went into education, you had a passion for shaping young minds, creating community, and so much vision for how your work would impact this world.
But sometimes those days can feel like they're behind you. Because today, there are so many stressors that leave you feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and frustrated. And you might not even have anything left to give to the students that you care so much about.
But I'm here to tell you that it doesn't have to be like this.
In fact, the love of teaching never really went away. But it absolutely needs transformation.
Welcome to The Take notes Podcast. I'm Jen Rafferty, former music teacher, mom of two, and Certified Emotional Intelligence Practitioner.
I know you want to feel relaxed, abundant, and have time for yourself and the things you actually love to do.
And I'm here to light the way for you. It's time to unlearn that toxic culture of selflessness in education and relearn that the most generous thing you can do for other people, is take care of yourself!
So, in this podcast, you'll hear conversations that will help you reconnect with your purpose, create new boundaries, how to truly make generational change for our kids by shifting the paradigm away from the perpetual stress and overwhelm, and into a life of joy and fulfillment.
We'll be covering topics like creating a juicy vision, emotional intelligence, financial and physical health, metacognition, conflict management, shifting your identity, and how to advocate for what you need.
This is education 2.0, where you become a priority. Shift how you live your life, and how you show up both at home and at work.
So, take a sip of steamy morning coffee, grab your notebook, it's time to take notes
Stay empowered,
Jen
Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:
Click here to learn all the ways you can work with me:
Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | Linktree
Instagram: @jenrafferty_
FaceBook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room
How to recover from emotional trauma, rebuild your life, and thrive, with Nichole Myles
Take Notes with Jen Rafferty
11/10/22 • 43 min
What does it take to come back from trauma?
How do you move from surviving to thriving after a traumatic event?
There are amazing strength building opportunities when you come out on the other side of trauma. You don't have to get stuck in the negative parts of your story, and it’s even possible to leverage it into transformation.
Welcome to episode 10 of the Take Notes with Jen Rafferty podcast! In this episode, I’m speaking with Nichole Myles, who weaves together compelling storytelling with experience and expertise to engage listeners in a journey of self-discovery, the ups and the downs of growth, and how to recover from emotional trauma.
Nichole brings more than 20 years of experience in education, nonprofits and leadership. Having gone from a traditional upper middle class life to losing everything living in domestic violence shelters and having to rebuild an entire life while raising three children.
In our conversation we delve into why resilience is important, its true purpose, and how we are wildly overselling it in today’s society. Also, we discuss that trauma informed classrooms and teachers don't have to be heavy or hard- and how to get it right!
Today is all about finding a pathway to healing and feeling empowered about your external circumstances.
Nichole doesn't just speak about post traumatic growth, she's lived it. She teaches how to really lean into these experiences in a way that amplifies your future and moves past survivorship to thrivership!
Stay empowered,
Jen
Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:
Click here to learn all the ways you can work with me:
Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room
About Nichole Myles:
Bringing forward more than 20 years of experience in education, nonprofits, and leadership, Nichole Myles weaves together compelling storytelling with experience and expertise to engage listeners in a journey of self-discovery – the ups and downs of growth – and what it takes to come back from trauma. Having gone from a ‘traditional’ upper-middle class life to losing everything, living in domestic violence shelters, and having rebuilt an entire life while raising 3 children – Nichole doesn’t just speak about post-traumatic growth, she’s lived it.
Nichole carries a CAGS in Nonprofit Management, a CFRE (certified fundraising executive) designation, a DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Certificate, and 2 levels of professional certifications in Trauma and Resilience. Her master’s in Organizational Psychology with a Coaching and Consulting concentration is expected early 2023. She uses her education to hone poignant personal stories into opportunities for participants to glean critical steps to their own growth – to examine what they’ve overcome, and how to lean into that experience to amplify their futures.
Nichole works as an ‘expert companion’ in the position of speaker, facilitator, consultant, or coach, helping move clients from ‘survivorship’ to ‘thrivorship’.
Connect with Nichole here:
Instagram: @myles.2goFacebook Mylestogo Speaking and ConsultingWebsite: MylestoGo.net
Sign Up for her email list and receive 20 phrases to avo
Struggling with financial stress? You’re not alone! A conversation about financial stress and mental health with Financial Literacy Coach Diana Greshtchuk
Take Notes with Jen Rafferty
09/15/22 • 28 min
Does the simple act of sitting down to look at your finances stress you out?
Do you avoid tapping on your bank app because you tend to think ignorance is bliss?
When you think about money, do you shift directly into scarcity mindset, and feel your body contract?
As we uncover our stressors, one thing that comes up over and over again is money. And while it may not have to do directly with the stressors at school, money can cause feelings of anxiety and worry, which directly affects how we show up for our students.
Welcome back to Take Notes with Jen Rafferty! In this second episode, I’m chatting with Financial Literacy Coach Diana Greshtchuk. As the CEO of Fan Your Flame, she teaches financial literacy to clients utilizing her 20 years of experience in the financial services industry.
We have an honest talk about what it takes to feel empowered in our actions and choices when it comes to money. We cover everything from the generational money stories that subconsciously guide us, to the disempowering beliefs that take control of our finances- and most importantly, how to heal and move forward.
Diana shares some trauma informed financial tips you may not have considered before, that I’m certain will change your perspective.
Today is all about creating curiosity around finances, financial planning for teachers and educators, changing the language we use when referring to it, and regulating your nervous system while not deluding yourself and perpetuating the problem.
You can figure this out! The tools are all here for you.
When you use intention coupled with awareness you become unstoppable!
Stay empowered,
Jen
Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:
Click here to learn all the ways you can work with me:
Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | Linktree
Instagram: @jenrafferty_
FaceBook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room
About Diana Greshtchuk
Diana (She/Her) is the CEO of Fan Your Flame LLC, a financial literacy coach, and your best financial friend. She is passionately committed to guiding entrepreneurs, businesses and individuals to achieve a wide variety of financial goals. Diana utilizes pioneering methods rooted in practical financial concepts, business acumen, and mindset work to educate and empower her clients to achieve goals of financial independence, transformation, and abundance.
Diana is a Certified Master Mind Magic PractitionerTM and is a Certified Emotional Intelligence Practitioner. By day, she is a VP of Fund Accounting & Finance at a private equity/venture capital firm based in Los Angeles, and holds an active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation in the State of California. She’s a seasoned investor, venture capitalist, and angel investor for aspiring female entrepreneurs with 20 years of experience in the financial services industry.
Diana gives back to the community by volunteering as a Board Member for the Point Foundation, a non-profit organization that empowers promising lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential – despite the obstacles often put before them – to make a significant impact on society.
Can Social-Emotional Learning unlock academic success and personal growth? With Dan Wolfe
Take Notes with Jen Rafferty
11/16/23 • 29 min
Do you wonder if our education system might be overlooking crucial elements beyond academics, such as emotional and social readiness for real-world challenges?
In today's episode, we're joined by Dan Wolfe, an educator and Assistant Principal at Sunray Elementary. With over two decades of experience, Dan brings to life the transformative power of Social-Emotional learning (SEL).
We delved into the challenges and triumphs of implementing SEL in schools, the resistance it faces, and its broader implications for both children and adults.
Dan discussed the importance of individual morals and values in becoming our best authentic selves. He emphasized that there are different paths to personal growth and that it's essential to respect and honor others' perspectives, even if they differ from our own.
He also introduced his book, Becoming the Change, which provides practical tools for personal growth in SEL.
So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and join us to understand how embracing SEL can bring about transformative changes in education and beyond.
Stay empowered,
Jen
Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:
Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | Linktree
Instagram: @jenrafferty_
Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room
About Dan:
Dan Wolfe has served in Pasco County, Florida for more than 20 years. During this time, he has held roles as a teacher, instructional coach and administrator. He is currently an Assistant Principal at Sunray Elementary. He was selected as Pasco County’s District Teacher of the Year in 2011-2012 school year. He is a part of the district’s Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Committee that recently established Pre-K through Grade 12 SEL standards.
For the past two years Dan has written a blog called Becoming The Change (formerly Our Moral Compass) which focuses on a different quote each day and how we can best apply it towards becoming the change through our own moral compass and the five areas in SEL.
During his spare time Dan enjoys spending his time reading, listening to podcasts, and going to Disney with his wife and daughter.
For more information on his book, blog, podcast, social media links and other podcast interviews please go to: https://becoming-the-change.com/8258-2/
Connect with Dan:
Website: becoming-the-change.com
Twitter: @ServLeadInspire
LinkedIn: Dan Wolfe
Instagram:@serveleadinspirealways
Facebook: Dan Wolfe
Empower every student and teacher: Tailoring education for neurodiversity with Dr. Matt Zakreski
Take Notes with Jen Rafferty
12/21/23 • 41 min
Imagine a world where every child's unique learning style is not just recognized but celebrated.
That world is closer than you think!
Join us today as we explore neurodiversity in education with Dr. Matt Zakreski, a clinical psychologist and neurodiversity expert.
In this episode, you’ll discover how we can better teach and support neurodivergent children. Dr. Matt advocates for a shift from a one-size-fits-all approach to a more personalized learning experience.
You’ll also learn about inclusive education and how teachers and parents can work together for all students. We also talked about the importance of authenticity in teaching.
Grab your headphones and join us in our mission to transform the education system– this chat is full of ideas for anyone wanting to help kids learn in their own way!
Stay empowered,
Jen
Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:
Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | Linktree
Instagram: @jenrafferty_
Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room
About Dr. Matt:
Matthew “Dr. Matt” Zakreski, PsyD is a high energy, creative clinical psychologist and professional speaker who utilizes an eclectic approach to meet the specific needs of his neurodivergent clients. He is proud to serve the Gifted community as a consultant, a professor, an author, and a researcher. He has spoken over 400 times all over the world about supporting neurodivergent kids. Dr. Zakreski is a member of Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG), the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), the New Jersey Association for Gifted Children (NJAGC), and Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education (PAGE). Dr. Zakreski graduated from Widener University’s Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology (IGCP) in 2016. He is the co-founder of The Neurodiversity Collective: https://www.theneurodiversitycollective.com/
Connect with Dr. Matt:
Website: www.theneurodiversitycollective.com
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FAQ
How many episodes does Take Notes with Jen Rafferty have?
Take Notes with Jen Rafferty currently has 90 episodes available.
What topics does Take Notes with Jen Rafferty cover?
The podcast is about How To, Podcasts, Self-Improvement and Education.
What is the most popular episode on Take Notes with Jen Rafferty?
The episode title 'What does healthy conflict look like? How to hone your conflict management skills and have more productive conversations. A conversation with Rachel Teichberg.' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Take Notes with Jen Rafferty?
The average episode length on Take Notes with Jen Rafferty is 35 minutes.
How often are episodes of Take Notes with Jen Rafferty released?
Episodes of Take Notes with Jen Rafferty are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Take Notes with Jen Rafferty?
The first episode of Take Notes with Jen Rafferty was released on Apr 12, 2021.
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