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The Balancing Act

The Balancing Act

Joseph Vitale and Jamie Wanko

Fun Fact: If you draw a venn diagram of the circus and being an educator you get a perfect circle! At least, that’s what Jamie and Joe have learned. Straight out of Central New Jersey, join two seasoned teachers as they try to make sense of balancing their teaching careers with parenting multiple children, helping with aging parents, supporting their loving spouses, and navigating the very strange landscape of education in a post-Covid world. With guest interviews, deep dive explorations on contemporary topics, and so much more – we’re here to look at the highs and the lows that come with being an educator. Whether you’re fresh to the job or a seasoned vet, we can’t wait to share in this journey together! Visit our website for feedback, love letters, or guest/general inquiries.
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Top 10 The Balancing Act Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Balancing Act episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Balancing Act for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Balancing Act episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Steps away from her final year of teaching we meet to talk to the formidable and beloved bestie-buddy of our co-host Jamie. Call her Reckie, Reckless, MC Reckognize, or Phyllis, the long time “student favorite” language arts teacher sits with us and happily shares wisdom, laughter and much needed perspective on how NOT to become bitter and tainted by this challenging profession.

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Listen in as marketing and hiring expert Jodie Edwards sits with our hosts to provide insight into developing employable teens. The best generation? It's quite possible that you might be underestimating the wide open spaces your teen has yet to conquer. Co-owner of the popular New Jersey ice cream chain of small batch handcrafted ice cream, Jodi Edwards graciously meets with us to talk about all things teens.

Check out all things Nicholas Creamery at their website!

https://www.nicholascreamery.com/

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The Balancing Act - Empathy, Sympathy and Adulting - Episode 22
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05/28/24 • 49 min

The pod is back to update listeners about some of the ongoing family struggles that have continued throughout the course of the school year. In this heart to heart listen as our hosts share the ongoing difficulties that led to the development of the podcast. The hosts share how they continue to work on their approach to balancing family, health and teaching. Join is for what has helped, what continues to hurt and even a few laughs along the bumpy end of the school year road.

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The Balancing Act - Closing out the Year with a Skibbidy - Episode 23
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06/11/24 • 40 min

Let’s look back at the good, the bad, and the “skibbidy” of the 23-24 school year. Self reflection, exit surveys, and a giant thumbs up from students means that the summer is heading this way. Join in and hear what worked, what didn’t and what the “gyat” might mean.

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The Balancing Act - Tuh Tuh Tuh Teacher Face, Jessica Hawk - Episode 21
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05/14/24 • 52 min

On this episode of The Balancing Act, we happily welcome influencer Jessica Hawk as she shares her 32 years of wisdom and experience inside and out of her New Jersey classroom. On her self proclaimed victory tour, Jessica is approaching retirement with bittersweet memories of her years as a high school teacher. Listen as the one and only “My Teacher Face” gives us her refreshing perspective on the importance of setting boundaries as a public school employee.

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We welcome teacher and author Katie Schneider this week to discuss her extremely potent and thought provoking “viral” letter written to parents. Shared by so many across the country over many social media platforms, Katie brings her point of view to the discussion on how to help teachers balance parents' reactions, and what other daily concerns we all share as current educators across the country.

Check out the article referenced during our show!

An Open Letter To Parents - Katie Schneider

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Local hero and beloved business owner Eric LeGrand joins us for a trip down memory lane. Listen as we laugh, learn and enjoy a cup of bELieve, as Eric takes us through his morning routine, nightly pleasures and tips for taking each day as it comes. We can’t wait for you to indulge in this hilarious and heartfelt chat with #52 himself, Mr. Eric LeGrand.

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Spring Break is heading our way and the hosts are ready to party like it's 1999 in Cancun, Mexico. Or maybe they are just ready for some couch time. Listen for an honest discussion about what is lacking from the real partners in education, the parents. Why is there such a disconnect with students these days, and how can all parties work together to make things better for everyone? Raid the kids candy baskets and join us for an honest look at the parent: classroom connection.

Check out the article referenced during our show!

An Open Letter To Parents - Katie Schneider

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Viral Instagram and Tik Tok wonder Educator_Andrea joins this week to discuss how to properly support and retain the “good ones”, the teachers who are meant to be in the game for a long time, and how we as seasoned veterans can show them all how to make the journey “a good time”. Andrea discusses the best ways she has learned to support and develop the new generation of educators, while taking a note from their book on establishing boundaries at any stage of the game.

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Let’s talk about how to recharge the batteries, because teachers are solar powered! Listen as Joe and Jamie reflect on the first season of The Balancing Act podcast, and how much the discussions informed and influenced the hosts' lives. Special thanks to all of the wonderful guests who stopped by to share a slice of their lives with the pod. The hosts look forward to Season 2, coming this August.

We would like to thank EVERYONE who listened, shared, participated and became a part of our journey! A special thanks to EVERY SINGLE ONE of our guests from season 1 for taking a leap for two teachers looking to start something to help others. Big things coming for Season 2!!

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FAQ

How many episodes does The Balancing Act have?

The Balancing Act currently has 54 episodes available.

What topics does The Balancing Act cover?

The podcast is about How To, Podcasts, Self-Improvement and Education.

What is the most popular episode on The Balancing Act?

The episode title 'New Year, Same Old Friends - Season 2 Episode 17' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on The Balancing Act?

The average episode length on The Balancing Act is 44 minutes.

How often are episodes of The Balancing Act released?

Episodes of The Balancing Act are typically released every 10 days, 3 hours.

When was the first episode of The Balancing Act?

The first episode of The Balancing Act was released on Jul 20, 2023.

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