In this episode, I sit down with Mayra Clay, a former teaching assistant turned meditation teacher and children's author, to explore how love, gratitude, and simple mindfulness practices can help both teachers and children feel more connected, calm, and resilient.

Mayra shares the story behind her children's book, The Boy and the Pink Light Technique, and introduces us to the Pink Light Technique, a simple yet powerful practice that has helped children feel safer, happier, and more emotionally grounded.

Together, we discuss why self-love is often the missing piece for many educators, how our thoughts influence our wellbeing, and practical ways to bring more gratitude into our daily lives—even during challenging seasons.

This conversation is a gentle reminder that small moments of kindness toward ourselves can create powerful ripple effects in our classrooms, homes, and communities.

In this episode: • Mayra's journey from teaching assistant to meditation teacher • The story behind the Pink Light Technique • Supporting children's emotional wellbeing • Love and gratitude as daily practices • Why teachers need self-compassion too • Practical strategies for finding calm in a busy world • The connection between mindset and emotional health

Resources mentioned:

Buy the Book: mayraclay.com

Mayra's meditation practice: TheBrightpath.com

Simplified pink light exercise for children: https://www.mayraclay.com/#mindful-exercises

More information on the Pink Light technique for grown ups: https://www.thebrightpath.com/en/exercises/#pink-light

Connect with me!:

Website: www.marisaecoaching.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teacher_mindset_coach/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/99ldBq7f7ZQ

If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review and share it with a colleague or friend who might benefit from this conversation.

Remember: you don't have to change your whole life to feel better. Sometimes the smallest shift creates the biggest transformation.

#TeacherMindset #TeacherWellbeing #TeacherBurnout #MindfulnessForTeachers #GratitudePractice #TeacherLife #SelfLove #Education #TeacherSupport #Meditation #MindsetMatters #Wellbeing #PersonalGrowth #TeacherPodcast #PinkLightTechnique

Teaching can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also leave you feeling emotionally exhausted.

In this episode, I sit down with marriage coach Lee Baucom to discuss a topic that isn't talked about nearly enough: the impact teaching can have on your relationships.

After more than 26 years of helping couples rebuild connection, Lee shares practical insights into why many relationships struggle when one partner is constantly pouring energy into others all day long. Together, we explore how teachers can strengthen their marriages, communicate their needs more effectively, and create meaningful connections even during stressful seasons.

If you've ever felt too tired to engage with your partner after a long day at school, or if you've wondered why your relationship feels disconnected despite your best intentions, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why teaching can leave you emotionally depleted • Understanding the "Connection Account" in relationships • Small daily actions that strengthen marriages over time • Supporting a teacher spouse without trying to fix everything • Communicating needs without blame or criticism • Managing work stress before it impacts your home life • What to do when your partner doesn't understand the realities of teaching • How to begin rebuilding connection when a relationship feels stuck

Resources & Links

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Sae3H5l4xRM

Lee:

https://leebaucom.com/

Check out his books:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00FNRZEJC/about

Me: www.marisaecoaching.com https://www.instagram.com/teacher_mindset_coach/

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow teacher. Your support helps us reach more educators who need encouragement, practical strategies, and a reminder that they don't have to do this alone.

#TeacherMindset, #TeacherBurnout, #TeacherWellbeing, #MarriageAdvice, #RelationshipAdvice, #TeacherLife, #WorkLifeBalance, #TeacherSelfCare, #TeacherSupport, #HealthyRelationships, #TeacherCommunity, #TeacherMotivation, #MarriageCoach, #TeacherPodcast, #TeacherWellness #LeeBaucom #SavetheMarriage

Why are so many teachers feeling frustrated, exhausted, and increasingly disconnected from the profession they once loved?

In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with investigative reporter Chris Papst to explore what nearly a decade of reporting has revealed about the realities of public education in Baltimore City.

Chris shares insights from his investigations into school funding, accountability, academic outcomes, grade inflation, and the systemic pressures that many teachers experience every day.

Together, we discuss:

• How school funding structures can influence decision-making

• Why academic achievement and funding are often disconnected

• The impact of lowered expectations on students and teachers

• Why teacher morale continues to decline

• The role of leadership and accountability within education systems

• Practical insights for teachers navigating challenging environments

This episode isn't about blaming teachers. It's about understanding the systems in which they work and exploring how awareness can lead to meaningful conversations and positive change.

Whether you're a classroom teacher, school leader, parent, or education advocate, this conversation offers valuable perspective on some of the biggest challenges facing education today.

Get Chris' Book:

https://www.amazon.com/Failure-Factory-Baltimore-Taxpayers-Students/dp/B0FNDQQY1T

Connect with Me:

www.marisaecoaching.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teacher_mindset_coach/

Watch the Video: https://youtu.be/b7RGlQDgFSU

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow educator.

Together, we can continue having the conversations that matter.

#Teachers, #TeacherLife, #Education, #Teaching, #TeacherBurnout, #PublicEducation, #EducationReform, #TeacherSupport, #TeacherWellbeing, #TeacherMindset, #SchoolLeadership, #EducationalLeadership, #TeachingCommunity, #EducationPodcast, #TeacherMotivation, #EducationMatters, #TeacherCommunity, #SchoolCulture, #TeacherInspiration, #FutureOfEducation #chrispapst #failurefactory #Baltimore

In this episode of Teacher Mindset with Marisa E, I sit down with educational leader and author of You Have a Story to Tell, Bridget Gengler, for a powerful conversation about supporting new teachers, preventing teacher burnout, and creating stronger classroom connections through social-emotional learning.

If you’re a new teacher feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or questioning whether you’re “doing enough,” this episode will feel like a deep breath and a practical pep talk all rolled into one.

Bridget shares realistic, easy-to-implement strategies to help teachers build calm, connected classrooms without adding more pressure to their already overflowing plates. From morning meetings and student check-ins to classroom mindset shifts and behaviour support, this episode is packed with practical tools you can start using immediately.

Together, we also explore: ✨ Why connection matters before content ✨ How to support students emotionally while protecting your own energy ✨ Simple social-emotional learning activities for busy classrooms ✨ What struggling teachers actually need most ✨ Ways to stay calm during challenging classroom moments ✨ Why every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued

Bridget also shares the inspiration behind her book, You Have a Story to Tell, and explains how storytelling can help students build confidence, empathy, and connection in the classroom.

Whether you’re in your first year of teaching, mentoring new educators, or simply needing encouragement, this episode will remind you that small moments of connection can completely transform your classroom experience.

💛 Remember: You do not have to be the perfect teacher to make a powerful difference.

Check out Bridget's book: You Have a Story to Tell

Connect with me:

▶️ YouTube – Teacher Mindset https://www.youtube.com/@teacher_mindset

📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teacher_mindset_coach/

🎵 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@mindset_with_marisa

💼 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisa-campagna-esterhuizen-2a5a63138/

#TeacherMindset #TeacherBurnout #NewTeachers #TeacherSupport #SocialEmotionalLearning #SEL #ClassroomManagement #TeacherWellbeing #GrowthMindset #TeachingTips #ElementaryTeacher #TeacherPodcast #EducationPodcast #TeacherLife #MindsetMatters

What if the only thing standing between you and the life you want is a belief you’ve never questioned?

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Ndzaba Mngomezulu, artist and founder of Art Creators Academy, to talk about how he overcame limiting beliefs and rediscovered his creative calling.

For years, Ndzaba believed that art was something he had left behind. Like many of us, he absorbed messages from school and society that told him to focus on practical subjects and put his creative dreams aside. But deep down, his passion for drawing never disappeared.

In this conversation, Ndzaba shares the exact mindset shifts and practical habits that helped him rebuild his confidence, make time for his passion, and turn it into a thriving business that now helps others unlock their own creative potential.

Whether you’re a teacher dreaming of starting a side business, writing a book, launching a podcast, learning a new skill, or simply reconnecting with something you once loved, this episode will show you that it is never too late to start.

In this episode, you’ll learn: How to identify the limiting beliefs holding you back The mindset shift that changed everything for NDZABA Practical strategies for building confidence through small daily actions How to make time for your passion, even with a busy schedule Why creativity is a skill that can be developed Steps teachers can take to pursue goals beyond the classroom Key takeaway:

You do not need to become a different person to achieve your dreams. You need to challenge the beliefs that are keeping you stuck and take one small step forward.

Connect with Ndzaba:

https://www.artcreatorsacademy.com/contact

Connect with Marisa

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Mindset_with_Marisa

IG:

https://www.instagram.com/teacher_mindset_coach/

Recommended Resources: Atomic Habits by James Clear The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz U Squared by Price Pritchett Subscribe and Review

If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a teacher or friend who needs a reminder that their dreams are still possible.

#LimitingBeliefs, #TeacherMindset, #PersonalGrowth, #Creativity, #AtomicHabits, #TeacherWellness, #MindsetShift, #ArtCreatorsAcademy, #TeachersWhoCreate, #SelfDevelopment, #GrowthMindset, #OvercomingFear, #CreativeConfidence, #TeachersWithSideHustles, #PurposeDrivenLife, #MindsetMatters, #TeacherInspiration, #UnlockYourPotential, #HabitsForSuccess, #BelieveInYourself

What if mindfulness didn’t have to mean sitting silently for an hour trying to “clear your mind”?

In this conversation, I’m joined by Aaron Hendon to talk about meditation, stress, overwhelm, and practical mindfulness for real people — especially teachers.

Aaron shares his personal journey into meditation and explains how mindfulness practices transformed the culture and performance of his real estate team. We also unpack why so many people struggle with meditation at first, how to make it feel approachable, and why small moments of awareness can have such a powerful impact on your nervous system, mindset, and daily life.

This episode is full of practical takeaways for anyone who:

• feels overwhelmed or emotionally drained
• Struggles with overthinking
• Wants to feel calmer without adding more pressure
• Is curious about meditation but doesn’t know where to start

Inside this episode:

• The simplest way to begin meditating
• How mindfulness changes the brain
• Why teachers are especially vulnerable to burnout
• Practical ways to slow down during a busy day
• The role gratitude plays in emotional wellbeing
• What to do if you think you’re “bad” at meditation

Aaron’s audiobook: https://app.hiro.fm/channel/audio-version-how-to-live-a-grateful-life-in-a-fckd-up-world

Connect with Aaron: The Mindful CEO

Download the free meditation guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EbOEvPDDlSYuF3hNxYZaP5kN6F1xjyhz/view?usp=drive_link

#mindfulness #meditationforbeginners #teacherburnout #teacherwellbeing #overthinking #stressrelief #gratitudepractice #mentalhealthforteachers #teacherpodcast #guidedmeditation

If your classroom feels louder, busier, more emotional, more anxious lately... you’re not imagining it.

In this episode, I sit down with Veronica to talk about mindfulness, emotional regulation, and the simple classroom practices that can help children feel calmer, safer, and more ready to learn.

And before you think... “I do not have time for another thing” 😅

This conversation is actually about doing LESS. Less chaos. Less overwhelm. Less emotional overload for both teachers and students.

We talk about practical mindful breathing routines teachers can use with young children, how to introduce these practices naturally in class, and why consistency matters more than perfection.

This episode is especially helpful for teachers working with younger learners who are noticing more anxiety, emotional dysregulation, difficulty focusing, or overstimulation in the classroom.

CONNECT WITH VERONICA: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe0uwZmsuHMBdTZV-XhhvnQ

DOWNLOAD MY 5 MINUTE MINDFUL CLASSROOM TOOLKIT: https://teachermindsetmarisa.etsy.com/listing/4500772071/5-minute-mindful-classroom-toolkit

If this episode resonated with you, screenshot it, share it, and tag me so I can hear your biggest takeaway ❤️

#TeacherPodcast, #MindfulnessForKids, #CalmClassroom, #ClassroomManagement, #TeacherBurnout, #EmotionalRegulation, #MindfulBreathing, #TeacherWellbeing, #SocialEmotionalLearning, #SELActivities, #AnxietyInChildren, #OverwhelmedTeachers, #ElementaryTeacher, #TeacherTips, #ClassroomCalm, #MindfulnessActivities, #TeacherSupport, #MentalHealthInSchools, #TeacherMindset, #MindfulClassroom

50 years of life… and these are the lessons that stayed with me.

Some are simple. Some took me years to really understand. But all of them are real.

If you’re reflecting on your own life a little lately, or just craving a grounded, honest conversation, then this one’s for you.

Sending love and light, always 💛

Connect with me:

▶️ YouTube – Teacher Mindset https://www.youtube.com/@teacher_mindset

📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teacher_mindset_coach/

🎵 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@mindset_with_marisa

💼 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisa-campagna-esterhuizen-2a5a63138/

📌 Pinterest https://za.pinterest.com/teacher_mindset_coach/

📘 Facebook https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566369617115

📧 Email marisa@marisaecoaching.com

🛍️ My Shopify Store

https://www.mindsetwithmarisa.store

Timestamps:

0:00 Shifting limiting beliefs

6:41 Dealing with fear

9:16 Stop comparing yourself to others

11:47 We are all creators

14:03 Understanding the attention economy

16:40 Care less about other people’s opinions

19:28 Your friends: Helping you dive or thrive?

21:20 Respect your time and energy

23:30 How to be a good communicator

26:55 Forgiveness

Subscribe for more real-life reflections like this.

Hashtags: #LifeLessons #WomenOver40 #Over50Wisdom #PersonalGrowth #RealTalk #LifeAdvice