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Live Well & Educate

Live Well & Educate

by Becky & Phil Halamka

Self-Improvement Mental Health

Season 2

Summer Vacation is Not a Luxury, It's a Necessity

In this episode, Becky & Phil explore the reasons why summer vacation is a necessity, not just a luxury, for educators.

Assess & Adjust

We're back from a tiny hiatus and ready to have some big conversations! Join us as we talk about why we paused, and where we're hoping to head next. As always, send us a topic or question you'd like to hear us discuss!

Season 1

They Didn't Teach Us This in Teacher School: Part 2

In this episode, Becky and Phil dive into listener suggestions about what they wish they had learned in their education programs. They reflect on the reality that, at the end of the day, much of our work relies on common sense and lived experience, something that isn’t always taught or guaranteed. From breaking up fights to knowing when (and how) to ask for help, Becky and Phil share real-life lessons they’ve learned along the way, and the moments they wish they hadn’t had to learn the hard way.

They Didn't Teach Us This in Teacher School

This episode dives into the emotional and relational lessons educators learn on the job, not in textbooks. Becky and Phil share a simple prompting activity that helps kids (and adults) open up in meaningful ways. This episode highlights the power of tools we were never formally taught, but deeply need.

Rest, Reflection, & What's Next

Winter break offers more than time off. It gives us space to breathe, reflect, and reset. In this episode, Becky and Phil slow things down and talk honestly about what it means to truly rest, especially after a demanding season in education. They share personal reflections as they celebrate their anniversary, discuss their unconventional decision to join the military later in life, and explore how life transitions can clarify what matters most. The episode wraps with a meaningful look ahead, including the announcement of a big event on the horizon. This is a quiet, thoughtful conversation about honoring where you’ve been, allowing yourself to recharge, and staying open to what’s next.

To Call or Not to call?

In this episode, Becky and Phil talk through real scenarios, guiding principles, and the fine line between empowering students to handle challenges and knowing when a grown-up needs to be looped in.

Screens, Stress, and Student Success

In this episode, we dive into the impact of technology on students, exploring both its benefits and drawbacks. From digital learning tools that enhance engagement to the stress and distractions that screens can bring, we discuss how technology shapes focus, well-being, and academic success. Our hope is that educators and families will gain insights and practical strategies to help students navigate a balanced, healthy relationship with screens.

Lazy? Or Something Deeper?

In this episode, Becky and Phil unpack the tricky topic of student (and athlete) motivation. Sometimes a lack of effort is just that: low motivation or comfort with the bare minimum. But other times, there’s more beneath the surface: fear, overwhelm, unmet needs, or burnout. Join us as we talk through how to tell the difference, how to respond with empathy and accountability, and how to help kids tap into their “why.”

Your Local Gas Station Clerk Needs to Hear This

In this episode, Phil and Becky tackle a listener’s question about setting boundaries with parents, but not before Phil pitches a few creative ideas for promoting the podcast.

You Survived the Day....but Does Your Body Know That?

You made it through the day: lesson plans, chaos, and all. But does your body know you’re not still in survival mode? In this episode, Becky and Phil dive into what it really means to complete the stress cycle. They’ll share practical (and realistic) ways to help your mind and body finally hit “reset,” so you can stop running on adrenaline and start actually recovering.

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