Episodes

  • Breaking the Silence on the Unspoken Rule in Education
    Jan 27 2026

    Summary

    This conversation explores the mental health challenges faced by teachers, highlighting the unspoken rules that contribute to burnout and stress. John shares personal experiences and statistics that reveal the alarming rates of anxiety and depression among educators. The discussion emphasizes the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and seeking support within a community to combat the negative impacts of teaching on mental health.

    All FREE Resources Mentioned in Video Can be found Here: https://teachertalkwithjohn.com

    ==Support Teacher Talk: https://buymeacoffee.com/Teachertalkwithjohn

    ==Suggested Reading For Teachers:

    A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: https://amzn.to/3YPWrQH

    Atomic Habits (HArdback): https://amzn.to/4aEYC0Q

    Atomic Habits (Free On Audible): https://amzn.to/49B2yi4

    Let Them Theory: https://amzn.to/4q8fgKy

    Sacred Rest: https://amzn.to/3Yzr4tE

    Think Ahead Kindle Version: https://amzn.to/4p77dNs

    Think Ahead Paperback: https://amzn.to/4pOkiM

    =

    00:00 Intro

    04:10 The Unspoken Rule: You Are the Problem

    06:59 Fear and Its Impact on Teaching

    09:11 The Confusion of Calling vs. Job

    10:15 The Importance of Community and Support

    10:43 Guarding Your Heart: Setting Boundaries

    13:16 Awareness and Permission for Self-Care

    15:25 Reframing Identity and Seeking Help

    16:39 Creating Safe Connections in Education

    17:33 Healing Beyond the System

    18:01 Introduction and Call to Action

    18:01 Encouragement for Teachers


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    18 mins
  • The Hidden Crisis: Student Aggression in Schools
    Jan 20 2026

    In this episode of Teacher Talk, John and Lisa examine student-on-student violence in schools, including fights, bullying, and sexual harm, and how these daily realities impact teacher mental health and classroom safety. They explore how systemic failures in education place teachers in a constant state of hypervigilance, forcing them to manage student behavior and mental health crises without adequate support. The conversation calls for systemic change, stronger support networks for educators, and a renewed focus on teacher well-being as essential to safe and effective learning environments.

    ==

    All FREE Resources Mentioned in Video Can be found Here: https://teachertalkwithjohn.com

    ==Support Teacher Talk: https://buymeacoffee.com/Teachertalkwithjohn

    ==Suggested Reading For Teachers:

    A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: https://amzn.to/3YPWrQH

    Atomic Habits (HArdback): https://amzn.to/4aEYC0Q

    Atomic Habits (Free On Audible): https://amzn.to/49B2yi4

    Let Them Theory: https://amzn.to/4q8fgKy

    Sacred Rest: https://amzn.to/3Yzr4tE

    Think Ahead Kindle Version: https://amzn.to/4p77dNs

    Think Ahead Paperback: https://amzn.to/4pOkiMP

    ==Gear Used for Recording: RIverside.fm: https://riverside.sjv.io/Z63NLX4K EMEET

    Web Cam: https://amzn.to/45iJCC2

    Mac Mini: https://amzn.to/4sedNV9

    ==

    ==


    00:00 Intro

    02:31 Recent Student on Student Incidents

    05:42 The Systemic Nature of School Violence

    09:04 Fear of Litigation in Education

    12:28 The Impact of the Home on The School Community

    15:21 Hypervigilance and Self Care

    18:09 Moral Injury

    22:25 A Broken System Creates Broken Academics

    24:31 When Did It Become Okay? Teacher Safety Concerns

    26:59 The Impact of Violence on Student Experience

    28:28 Reevaluating IDEA and IEPs

    32:41 Creating Safe Learning Environments

    34:05 The Importance of Teacher Well-being

    35:04 Introduction and Call to Action

    35:04 Encouragement for Teachers


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    36 mins
  • The Invisible Burden of Teaching
    Jan 13 2026


    In this conversation, John discusses the challenges teachers face, particularly the stress and emotional burdens that come with the profession. He emphasizes the importance of clarity in understanding and managing these challenges, introducing a principle that can transform a teacher's approach to their work and personal well-being. The discussion covers the invisible pressures teachers endure, the need for emotional regulation, and the significance of setting boundaries to maintain mental health. John encourages teachers to label their struggles and take actionable steps towards clarity and resilience in their careers.


    00:00 Intro

    02:00 Constant Pressure

    05:58 Clarity

    08:49 The Emotional Burden of Teaching

    11:21 Clarity Identifies The Real Problems

    12:18 Clarity Separates Endurance from Faithfulness

    14:45 Clarity Reveals The Unspoken Expectations That Enslave Us

    16:31 Clarity Overcomes Guilt

    18:17 Clarity Creates Boundaries to Protect What Matters Most

    19:55 What Do You Need to Deal With?

    20:35 Introduction and Call to Action

    20:36 Encouragement for Teachers


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    21 mins
  • What Teachers Must Do in 2026 To Avoid Burnout
    Jan 6 2026

    In this conversation, John and Lisa discuss the challenges teachers face as they head into 2026, focusing on burnout, mental health, and the importance of self-care. They emphasize the need for teachers to slow down, set boundaries, and utilize tools like AI to enhance their teaching while maintaining their well-being. The discussion also highlights the significance of relationships in education and the necessity of guarding one's heart against the stresses of the profession.

    ==

    All FREE Resources Mentioned in Video Can be found Here: https://teachertalkwithjohn.com ==Support Teacher Talk: https://buymeacoffee.com/Teachertalkwithjohn==Suggested Reading For Teachers:A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: https://amzn.to/3YPWrQH

    Atomic Habits (HArdback): https://amzn.to/4aEYC0Q

    Atomic Habits (Free On Audible): https://amzn.to/49B2yi4

    Let Them Theory: https://amzn.to/4q8fgKy

    Sacred Rest: https://amzn.to/3Yzr4tE

    Think Ahead Kindle Version: https://amzn.to/4p77dNs

    Think Ahead Paperback: https://amzn.to/4pOkiMP==Gear Used for Recording: RIverside.fm: https://riverside.sjv.io/Z63NLX4K EMEET Web Cam: https://amzn.to/45iJCC2Mac Mini: https://amzn.to/4sedNV9==

    ==

    0:00 Intro

    01:02 The Emotional and Mental State of Teachers

    01:50 Teacher Have to Slow Down

    04:39 The Importance of Micro Breaks

    06:16 Navigating Fight or Flight

    09:09 Setting Boundaries and Managing Expectations

    12:33 You Don't Have to Fix Every Problem

    13:05 Compassion vs. Ownership in Teaching

    15:45 How Boundaries Help Teachers Make Decisions

    19:47 Connect Before you Correct

    23:11 Leveraging AI for Teacher Efficiency

    27:16 Guarding Your Heart in Education

    36:16 Prioritizing Self-Care for Educators

    40:26 Introduction and Call to Action

    40:26 Encouragement for Teachers

    *some links are affiliate and the creator may make a commission

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    39 mins
  • The 30-Second Video That Changed Everything
    Dec 30 2025

    In this episode, John reflects on the past year of Teacher Talk, sharing his personal journey and the challenges faced by teachers, particularly regarding burnout. He emphasizes that burnout is a systemic issue rather than a personal failure and encourages teachers to recognize their value and the importance of community support. John discusses the growth of Teacher Talk and the lessons learned along the way, ultimately calling for teachers to stay strong and keep teaching.

    Resources:

    All FREE Resources Mentioned in Video Can be found Here: https://teachertalkwithjohn.com ==Support Teacher Talk: https://buymeacoffee.com/Teachertalkwithjohn==Suggested Reading For Teachers:Let Them Theory: https://amzn.to/4q8fgKySacred Rest: https://amzn.to/3Yzr4tEThink Ahead Kindle Version: https://amzn.to/4p77dNsThink Ahead Paperback: https://amzn.to/4pOkiMP==Gear Used for Recording: RIverside.fm: https://riverside.sjv.io/Z63NLX4K EMEET Web Cam: https://amzn.to/45iJCC2Mac Mini: https://amzn.to/4sedNV9

    *Some links are affiliate links. The creator might receive a commission


    Chapters


    00:00 Reflections on Teacher Talk's Journey

    09:43 Understanding Teacher Burnout

    16:45 The Importance of Community and Support

    19:05 Introduction and Call to Action

    19:05 Encouragement for Teachers




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    20 mins
  • The Christmas Break Teachers Deserve
    Dec 24 2025

    In this conversation, John discusses the challenges teachers face, particularly focusing on the issue of burnout. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing that burnout is a systemic issue rather than a personal failure. John provides insights into the nature of burnout, its symptoms, and the impact of chronic stress on teachers' mental and emotional well-being. He also offers practical strategies for teachers to reset during the Christmas break, highlighting the need for intentional practices that promote healing and connection.

    ==All FREE Resources Mentioned in Video Can be found Here: https://teachertalkwithjohn.com ==Support Teacher Talk: https://buymeacoffee.com/Teachertalkwithjohn==Suggested Reading For Teachers:Let Them Theory: https://amzn.to/4q8fgKySacred Rest: https://amzn.to/3Yzr4tEThink Ahead Kindle Version: https://amzn.to/4p77dNsThink Ahead Paperback: https://amzn.to/4pOkiMP==Gear Used for Recording: RIverside.fm: https://riverside.sjv.io/Z63NLX4K EMEET Web Cam: https://amzn.to/45iJCC2Mac Mini: https://amzn.to/4sedNV9==

    Sound bites

    "You deserve a break!"

    "Burnout is not just stress."

    "Slow down and find peace."

    Chapters

    00:00 Welcome to Christmas Break Intro

    01:06 Understanding Burnout in Teachers

    05:26 Understanding Burnout

    08:56 The Nature of Burnout vs. Stress

    13:19 Fight or Flight as A way of Life

    15:29 The Impact of Chronic Stress

    22:41 Does Christmas Break Matter?

    28:21 Turning Christmas into a Reset

    33:54 Choosing Presence Over Performance

    36:02 Introduction and Call to Action

    36:02 Encouragement for Teachers


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    36 mins
  • Student Violence Against Teachers: The Crisis No One Is Talking About
    Dec 9 2025

    In this conversation, John and Dr. Lisa Pinder discuss the pressing issues of student violence in schools, the impact on teachers, and the need for better support systems. They explore the disconnect between home and school responsibilities, the importance of setting boundaries, and the mental health crisis affecting both students and educators. The discussion emphasizes the need for collaboration between parents and schools, the significance of teacher empowerment, and the necessity of addressing the root causes of student behavior to create a safer and more supportive educational environment.

    Free Resource==Buy me a cup of coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/Teachertalkwithjohn==Free resources: www.teachertalkwithjohn.com==


    Takeaways

    • Teachers need to support each other and share resources.
    • There is a significant rise in student violence towards teachers.
    • Parental involvement is crucial in addressing student behavior.
    • Consequences for student actions should not solely fall on schools.
    • Teachers often feel unsupported and overwhelmed by their responsibilities.
    • Setting boundaries is essential for teacher well-being.
    • Mental health issues among students are impacting classroom dynamics.
    • Teachers should feel empowered to advocate for their safety.
    • Collaboration between home and school is necessary for student success.
    • Teachers are not alone in their struggles; support is available.

    Sound bites

    "We need to work together."

    "What are the solutions?"

    "You're not alone."





    00:00 Intro

    00:25 This is Student Violence

    01:46 No Consequences at School

    09:45 Are administrators Afraid to Discipline Students

    12:13 How Does Violent Student Behavior Affect Teachers

    19:51 Is There a Spiritual Component

    23:15 disruptive students steal the education of others

    25:20 Teachers Are Not Mental Health Professionals

    28:49 Encouragement for Teachers Facing Challenges

    31:16 Introduction and Call to Action

    31:16 Encouragement for Teachers


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    32 mins
  • The Unspoken Rule of Education that is Destroying Teacher work-Life Balance
    Dec 2 2025

    In this conversation, John discusses the challenges teachers face, particularly the unspoken rule that good teachers never stop working. He emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries to prevent burnout and maintain mental health. John offers practical strategies for teachers to reclaim their time and prioritize self-care, encouraging them to join a supportive community.

    ==

    Buy Me A Cup Of Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/Teachertalkwithjohn

    ==========Free Guides

    Reclaim Your Limits: https://teachertalkwithjohn.com/b/Zu4Cd

    The 5 Minute Reset: https://teachertalkwithjohn.com/b/Hk32i

    Teach Without Burnout: https://teachertalkwithjohn.com/b/sTjnp

    Teacher Talk Community: https://teachertalkwithjohn.com/b/zkC5T

    =======

    Discovery CallCoaching Discovery Call: https://teachertalkwithjohn.com/b/tWDom

    Takeaways

    • Teachers often feel pressured to work beyond their limits.
    • The unspoken rule leads to a cycle of burnout and guilt.
    • Setting boundaries is essential for teacher well-being.
    • Teachers should not measure their worth by busyness.
    • Mandatory recess can help teachers recharge.
    • Creating resets during the day can improve focus.
    • Teachers need to prioritize their health to fulfill their calling.
    • Fear of letting others down can hinder teachers from taking breaks.
    • It's important to have a support system in place.
    • Resting is crucial for long-term success in teaching.

    Sound bites

    "Teachers need your five-star review!"

    "Busyness is not a badge of honor."

    "Resting is not being a bad teacher."





    00:00 Intro

    00:38 The Unspoken Rule

    04:43 How the Unspoken Rule Impacts Teachers

    10:34 How To Overcome the Unspoken Rule

    14:54 The Freedom of Boundaries

    16:12 Teacher Empowerment

    18:34 Introduction and Call to Action

    18:34 Encouragement for Teachers


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    19 mins