Best Project ACHIEVE Educational Solutions Podcasts (2025)

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EP 246: He Ain’t Broke But He Still Needs Fixing When Your High-Value Man Is Actually a Project 28:11

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2d ago28:11

28:11

Queen, let's talk about the confusion that nobody prepared you for: when your high-value man checks every box society told you mattered, but your nervous system is screaming that something ain't right. You're not crazy, and you're not asking for too much—you're just dealing with an emotional project disguised in designer suits and six-figure succes…

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Student Mental Health, the Dangers of AI, and the Need for Human Connection 21:47

3d ago21:47

21:47

Your Podcast Hosts Angela and Davey discuss Dr. Howie Knoff's newest Project ACHIEVE Blog that highlights the pervasive mental health crisis among preschool through high school students, emphasizing that a significant number are struggling with internalizing and externalizing issues, often compounded by trauma. Dr. Knoff argues that schools frequen…

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EP 245: LOVE WITHOUT CHAINS - 5 REASONS TO DE-CENTER MEN WITHOUT DISMISSING THEM 25:36

9d ago25:36

25:36

Hey, it’s Brig! In this episode, I’m diving into de-centering men without dismissing them. This isn’t about being anti-men but becoming "pro-you." I unpack the stress women carry when our worth is tied to relationships with men, and how we can reclaim sovereignty. What You'll Learn: Historical Conditioning: How laws and culture, like credit restric…

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EP 244: From Stuck to Sovereign How CJ UNKAGED™ Her Next Chapter 36:21

16d ago36:21

36:21

In this powerful episode, I sit down with a special guest, CJ, who recently completed the UNKAGED™ six-month coaching program. CJ shares her transformative journey from feeling unsafe and overwhelmed in her high-powered career to reclaiming her sovereignty and creating space for her passions. What You'll Learn: How feeling "unsafe" in professional …

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Beyond Overwhelmed: How AI Can Empower Administratively-Taxed School Leaders (Season 3, Episode 16) 20:16

18d ago20:16

20:16

Your Podcast Hosts Angela and Davey discuss Dr. Howie Knoff's newest Project ACHIEVE Blog that begins by recognizing that today’s superintendents, principals, and other district leaders are not just busy—they are overwhelmed. Compliance reporting, budget oversight, parent communication, board preparation, transportation, facilities, staff recruitme…

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EP 243: 5 Signs You’re Abandoning Yourself Without Realizing It 14:44

23d ago14:44

14:44

Today, I'm talking about a pattern that's silently robbing high-achieving Black women of money, joy, and energy: self-abandonment. What is Self-Abandonment? Self-abandonment happens when you leave yourself emotionally, mentally, or physically to secure someone else's comfort, approval, or validation. It's when you side with others over yourself. We…

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EP: 242 Internalized Wrongness – When You Mistake Your Identity for a Flaw 19:16

30d ago19:16

19:16

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “Something about me is just… wrong”? In this episode, I’m getting real about internalized wrongness — that quiet, exhausting belief that your identity is a defect to fix instead of something to celebrate. I’ve lived this, and I know how sneaky it is. From code-switching until you don’t recognize your own voic…

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Improving School Climate and Student Engagement: The Final Piece of (and Assembling) the School Success Puzzle (Season 3, Episode 15) 20:01

1M ago20:01

20:01

Your Podcast Hosts Angela and Davey discuss Dr. Howie Knoff's most recent Project ACHIEVE Blog as the final part of a five-part series, aiming to assemble "the school success puzzle.” This comprehensive series emphasizes that truly effective schools evaluate, strategically plan for, and attend to five interdependent components: Quality Instruction,…

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EP 241: Cognitive Violence How Mindset Work Became Another Way to Shame Black Women 29:11

1M ago29:11

29:11

Why I Had to Name This I created this episode because I’ve seen too many high-achieving Black and Brown women—myself included—blame ourselves for the very thoughts that helped us survive. We’ve been told to “think better,” “stay positive,” or “change our mindset,” without anyone asking where those thoughts came from or what they were protecting us …

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EP 240: The Math Ain’t Mathing - With Guest Anita Miller 47:37

1M ago47:37

47:37

Hey y’all, it’s Brig. This one is personal. Equal Pay Day just passed—and it’s not a celebration, it’s a correction. A reminder that Black and Brown women are still months behind in earnings, every single year. This episode is for every woman who’s been grinding, staying late, over-preparing, and still being undervalued. I brought in the powerhouse…

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Cultivating School Cohesion and Staff Efficacy- The 7 C's of Success (Season 3, Episode 14) 20:05

2M ago20:05

20:05

In the newest podcast, co-hosts Angela Jones and Davey Johnson discuss the seven characteristics of staff cohesion and collaboration. Drawing on the themes from Dr. Howie Knoff’s latest blog and research within Project ACHIEVE Educational Solutions, the episode dives deep into why staff cohesion isn’t just a feel-good concept—it’s a fundamental dri…

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EP 239 – When Your YAS Is Buried Under Their Opinions 27:30

2M ago27:30

27:30

I missed y’all! Life hit me with a virus, and instead of pushing through, I practiced what I preach—I rested. And in that stillness, something clicked: too many of us are walking around disconnected from our inner YAS—our sacred, soul-level yes—because it’s been buried under other people’s voices. This episode is for the queens who feel stuck, conf…

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The Characteristics of an Effective Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS): What You Need to Assess to Ensure Your Fall Success (Season 3, Episode 13) 19:39

2M ago19:39

19:39

Your Podcast Hosts Angela and Davey discuss Dr. Howie Knoff's most recent Project ACHIEVE Blog on how to analyze the effectiveness of a district, school, or educational setting’s MTSS system. The Podcast first summarizes the organizational characteristics of an effective MTSS system identified by Dr. Knoff: System-Wide Principles and Practices, Col…

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EP 238 When All They See Is Who You Used to Be (But You’re Not That Gurl No More) 20:27

2M ago20:27

20:27

I recorded this episode on the 4th of July, a day that symbolizes freedom — but for many of us, true freedom starts when we stop shrinking to make others comfortable. Last week, we talked about the invisible ways we try to stay lovable by making ourselves small. This week, I want to speak to the sting of being seen as your old self — even after you…

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EP 237 Are You Stuck Playing Small to Stay Loved? 23:45

2M ago23:45

23:45

Hey y’all—Brig here. Today I’m bringing you a topic that might hit close to home: playing small just to stay loved. Whether it’s at work, in relationships, or even around family, too many of us shrink ourselves to make others feel more comfortable. I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to silence your voice, tone yourself down, and wear outdated r…

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School Discipline, Classroom Management, and Student Self-Management: The Summer Preparations Needed for Excellence This Fall (Season 3, Episode 12) 28:25

2M ago28:25

28:25

Your Podcast Hosts Angela and Davey discuss Dr. Howie Knoff's most recent Blog from Project ACHIEVE Educational Solutions. The Blog discusses the ongoing issues with student behavior and classroom management in schools since the pandemic, highlighting a significant increase in discipline referrals. The Blog emphasizes that student behavior is not i…

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EP 236 What HYROX Taught Us About Power, Pain, and Pushing Through 46:00

3M ago46:00

46:00

This episode isn’t just about fitness—it’s about redefining what’s possible. HYROX challenged me in ways I never expected. It wasn’t just about the workouts or the competition—it was about pushing through pain, breaking mental barriers, and proving that power doesn’t have an expiration date. I’m joined by my training partner Cynthia and our incredi…

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EP 235 RETURN TO SELF: The Race That Reminded Me—This Ain’t the End. It’s the Becoming. 17:37

3M ago17:37

17:37

What if the moment you thought signaled the end… was really the beginning? In this episode, I share what the "Old Lady Division" taught me about purpose, identity, and the quiet power of coming back to yourself—stronger, clearer, and more grounded than ever. This isn’t about reinvention. It’s about returning to the version of you that always knew. …

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EP 234 What the K in UNKAGED Really Means 20:47

3M ago20:47

20:47

This week, I’m pulling back the curtain on why I spell Unkaged with a “K.” Spoiler alert: it’s not just branding—it’s a sacred declaration. We’re diving into what it means to know yourself so fully that no one can gaslight, shrink, or silence you again. This episode is for every Black woman who’s ever felt like she had to perform, conform, or stay …

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Preparing Classroom Instruction This Summer for Enhanced Success this Fall (Volume 3, Episode 11) 33:57

3M ago33:57

33:57

Podcast Hosts Angela and Davey discuss Dr. Howie Knoff's most recent Blog from Project ACHIEVE Educational Solutions. The Blog and Podcast focus on the importance of strategic summer planning to drive school improvement during the coming new school year. They begin by contrasting two low-performing middle schools in the same school district that ap…

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EP 233 I Burned My Coaching Offers Down—Here’s Why The UNKAGEDTM Revolution Begins Here. 29:17

3M ago29:17

29:17

High-achieving Black women aren’t stuck because we’re doing it wrong—we’re stuck because we’ve been conditioned to survive, not to thrive. In this episode, I get real about why I burned down all my coaching offers. I share the moment that changed everything, what I discovered underneath all the mindset work, and why I’m no longer coaching around th…

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EP 232 Redefining Recovery: The Radical Self-Care Black Women Deserve 27:50

4M ago27:50

27:50

We’ve been taught to push through. To hold it all. To never drop the ball. But what if the reason we feel like we’re breaking… is because no one ever taught us to recover? In this episode, I’m finally unpacking the radical concept that changed my life: 💥 Recovery is not rest. It’s reclamation. Reclaiming your time. Your energy. Your breath. Your ba…

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EP 231 Which KAGE Are You Living In? (The 4 Stress Archetypes + Quiz Reveal) 13:48

4M ago13:48

13:48

A lot of many high-achieving women are stuck in cycles that feel personal—but are actually patterns of survival. Overgiving, overworking, staying quiet, or doing it all alone… these aren’t just habits. They’re adaptations. In this episode, I finally introduce something I’ve been working on for a while: the Uncaged Stress Impact Assessment—a powerfu…

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Understanding Seizure Types, Causes, and Connections to Stress and Brain Injury (Volume 3, Episode 10) 47:35

4M ago47:35

47:35

Your Podcast Hosts Angela and Davey discuss Dr. Howie Knoff's most recent Blog (Part III of a comprehensive Series) from Project ACHIEVE Educational Solutions. It begins by highlighting how important it is for school personnel to understand students who present with seizures—initially, through the lens of a recent Supreme Court case involving a stu…

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EP 230 It's NOT Sabatoge It's your Nervous System 35:08

4M ago35:08

35:08

Too many times, I see high-achieving women of color stuck in cycles of overgiving, over-performing, and people-pleasing—not because we’re broken, but because we’re in survival mode. In this episode, I get personal. I share what cracked open for me, why I broke down on mic, and how that moment brought radical clarity: what we call self-sabotage is o…

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The Impact of Headaches vs. Migraines on Students in School (Volume 3, Episode 9) 20:21

4M ago20:21

20:21

Your Podcast Hosts Angela and Davey discuss Dr. Howie Knoff's most recent Blog (Part II of a comprehensive Series) from Project ACHIEVE Educational Solutions. This Podcast(and the Blog) explains the difference between common headaches and migraines, highlighting how migraines are a distinct neurological condition with more severe and complex sympto…

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EP. 229 I Cried While Recording This: A Call to the UNKAGED™ Revolution 20:13

5M ago20:13

20:13

Too many high-achieving women of color are stuck in cycles of over giving, over performing, and people-pleasing—not because they're broken, but because they're surviving. In this compelling episode, Brig uncovers how these patterns are rooted in history and trauma, not personal failure, and makes the case for a radical shift: nervous system recalib…

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EP. 228 [Throwback] You Were Pruned This Way: How Your Patterns Formed & What to Do Now 28:05

5M ago28:05

28:05

Are you ready to break free from the patterns that keep you playing small? In this powerful throwback episode, Brig revisits a pivotal moment in her own journey to reveal how past experiences can silently shape our present-day reactions. She unpacks the concept of being "Kaged"—a survival state where your nervous system shrinks, suppresses, and ada…

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Connecting Students’ Sensory and Neurological Functioning with Learning, Socialization, and Disabilities: A Primer on Vision, Hearing, and Respiratory/Nasal Functioning (Volume 3, Episode 8) 20:16

5M ago20:16

20:16

Your Podcast Hosts Angela and Davey discuss Dr. Howie Knoff's most recent Blog from Project ACHIEVE Educational Solutions. This Podcast (and the Blog) emphasizes the crucial connection between students' sensory and neurological functions and their educational experiences. As a school psychologist, Dr. Knoff asserts that educators must understand th…

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EP. 227 In the Middle of the Mess—And Still Moving 23:10

5M ago23:10

23:10

Are you feeling overwhelmed or uncertain in your personal or professional life? This episode is for you! Join Brig as she explores the emotional journey of being in the middle, where self-doubt and vulnerability often reside. This episode is a reminder that it's perfectly okay to be in the messy middle and she encourages you to honor your feelings,…

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EP. 226 Your Stress Ain’t Random—It’s a Pattern -What Your Body’s Been Trying to Tell You 19:47

5M ago19:47

19:47

Are you a high-achieving Black woman feeling overwhelmed by stress? Listen Queen, your stress isn't random; it's a pattern! Join Brig in this week's episode as she dives into the clues your body is giving you and how to break free from these patterns. Brig also introduces a new segment, "Pattern Break," where she guides us through a simple yet tran…

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Future-Proofing the Academic and Social Success of Middle and High School Students: Five Essential Skill Sets (Volume 3, Episode 7) 25:26

5M ago25:26

25:26

In this new Podcast, Angela and Davey address the concerning trend of declining independence and engagement among middle and high school students since the pandemic. Using Dr. Howie Knoff’s concurrently-released Blog, they discuss five essential "meta-skill" sets that are the foundation to students’ academic success. These Skill Sets focus on: Goal…

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EP. 225 Have You Been in Your Ruthless Era? If Not—It’s Time 22:00

5M ago22:00

22:00

It’s time to get ruthless. As the collective energy among Black women shifts, Brig emphasizes the importance of prioritizing self-care, setting unapologetic boundaries, and reclaiming your personal power. This episode is your invitation to step into your "Ruthless Era." Being ruthless doesn’t mean being harsh. It means being clear. Throughout this …

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EP. 224 She Had It All—But Felt Nothing: How Tessa Woke Up & Took Her Life Back 32:14

6M ago32:14

32:14

Join Brig and Tessa in a heartfelt conversation about the evolution of motherhood and the importance of self-advocacy. Throughout the episode, Brig and Tessa discuss the significance of self-compassion and the impact it has on relationships, both with oneself and others. Together, they explore the concept of "Mom 2.0," highlighting the shift from c…

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Essential Strategies for Educational Leaders During Uncertain Times: Future-Proofing Your School(s) for Today’s Sweeping Changes (Volume 3, Episode 6) 23:53

6M ago23:53

23:53

In this newest podcast, hosts Davey Johnson and Angela Jones discuss Dr. Howie Knoff's recent Blog that addresses the significant shifts in education policy under the Trump administration over its first two months in office. These changes include staff reductions and reallocations at the U.S. Department of Education, and relate to school choice pri…

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EP. 223 When Trust Is Lost: How to Rebuild Trust & Connection (Part 4 Of The Real Relationship Series) 35:17

6M ago35:17

35:17

The loss of trust in relationships is a painful experience that can leave you feeling vulnerable and unsure of yourself. But what if I told you that the key to rebuilding trust lies not just in your partner's actions, but primarily in your own self-trust? In our latest episode, Brig explores the complexities of trust and the crucial role self-trust…

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EP. 222 If They Weren't Right For Me, Why Do I Still Miss Them? - The Struggle Of Letting Go (Part 3 Of The Real Talk Relationships Series) 32:14

6M ago32:14

32:14

Missing someone after a breakup? You might be missing who you were with them! Join Brig as she unpacks the struggle of missing an ex and the profound realization that often, it's not them we miss, but rather the vibrant version of ourselves that existed in the relationship. Discover the science behind attachment and why breaking free from the past …

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Charlie Brown and Education: DEI, Fear, and Trump's Tactics (Volume 3, Episode 5) 14:28

6M ago14:28

14:28

Hosts Davey Johnson and Angela Jones discuss Dr. Howie Knoff's March 8th Blog post that uses the "Peanuts" comic strip saga of Lucy pulling away the football from Charlie Brown to illustrate the current political climate's impact on education. Knoff argues that the Trump administration is employing"Ready-Fire-Aim" tactics, particularly concerning D…

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EP. 221 When Love Feels Like Labor: The Trap Of Loving His/Her Potential (Part 2 Of The Real Talk Relationships Series) 36:30

6M ago36:30

36:30

In this second episode of our relationship series, Brig dives deep into the complexities of loving someone for their potential and the emotional labor that often comes with it. Brig shares her personal experiences and insights, highlighting how the weight of managing someone else's journey can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction. She challenges the…

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EP. 220 We're ROOMMATES Not LOVERS (Part 1 Of The Real Talk Relationships Series) 53:57

7M ago53:57

53:57

Ever feel like you're just co-managing a household instead of being in a loving relationship? In our latest episode, Brig dives into the concept of "roommate syndrome" and how chronic stress impacts intimacy. She shares insightful strategies on how to reclaim connection in your romantic life without waiting for your partner to change. Don't settle …

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Protecting Disability Rights: Section 504, the ADA, and Chance Events (Volume 3, Episode 4) 12:44

7M ago12:44

12:44

In this newest “Improving Education Today: The Deep Dive” podcast, hosts Davey Johnson and Angela Jones discuss Dr. Howie Knoff's recent Blog post focusing on the importance of the recently-updated Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to better align it with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Blog highlights how Section 504 protects …

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EP. 219 Fixing Him or Freeing You? The Hidden Cost of Love Stress (and Six Figures Lost!) 35:41

7M ago35:41

35:41

As we recently celebrated Valentine's Day, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the hidden costs of love. This episode sets the stage for a four-part series focused on relationships, where Brig will provide insights and tools to help you navigate feelings of disconnect, the weight of emotional labor, and the challenges of rebuilding trust. Relations…

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EP. 218 From Daily Guilt to Daily Wins: How Ro Went from a Shot Glass to Gallon-Size Capacity for Life 57:35

7M ago57:35

57:35

In a world where the hustle and bustle of entrepreneurship often leads to stress and anxiety, finding the right path to personal growth and self-awareness can seem daunting. Join Brig for an enlightening conversation with her client, Roma, a sales and systems coach, as they share the profound lessons learned throughout their coaching journey togeth…

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Minimizing Classroom Distractions to Maximize Student Learning: Building Walls to Buffer Politics, Phones, Prejudice, and Preferential Treatment (Volume 3, Episode 3) 18:37

7M ago18:37

18:37

Angela and Davey discuss a new Blog by Dr. Howie Knoff about the impact of various external political and internal classroom distractions on education, and how they undermine good instruction and student learning. They review recent studies showing that students proficient in reading and math in eighth grade, and who takeadvanced courses in high sc…

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EP. 217 If I’m So Successful, Why Don’t I Feel Like It? The Key To Feeling Fulfilled 28:08

7M ago28:08

28:08

Welcome to part two of our exploration into why we don't feel successful, even when we've achieved our goals. For many, especially Black women, this misalignment is exacerbated by generational conditioning and cultural pressures. This episode highlights how societal systems have historically been designed to keep certain groups striving but never t…

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EP. 216 I’m Doing It All And It Still Feels Like NOTHANG! (How To Finally Feel Fulfilled) 28:40

8M ago28:40

28:40

Are you crushing your goals but still feeling like something's missing? You're not alone. Many high-achieving individuals, particularly black women, find themselves in a relentless cycle of doing more, achieving more, yet never feeling truly satisfied. In this episode, Brig challenges us to go beyond our to-do lists, planners, and habit trackers to…

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Improving Classroom Management: Lessons from the Detroit Lions (Volume 3, Episode 2) 18:47

8M ago18:47

18:47

Angela and Davey describe a recent nationally-representative Education Week Research Center survey of educators across the country that found that student discipline and classroom management continues to get worse post-pandemic. They then assert, using Dr. Howie Knoff's recent Blog, that students are not going to fix themselves, that there truly ar…

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EP. 215 The Hidden Cost of Doing It All Alone (And How to Stop Paying It) A conversation with friend and Profit Coach Roberto Candelaria 59:21

8M ago59:21

59:21

As we step into our ruthless era in 2025, it's more important than ever to prioritize peace, time, and strong support systems. Roberto, an expert in identifying and resolving financial gaps, joins us to share actionable strategies for unlocking new opportunities and creating a life of ease. In this episode, Roberto emphasizes the mental freedom tha…

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EP. 214 Why Am I So Tired All the Time? The Hidden Brain Chemistry Behind Your Exhaustion 39:16

8M ago39:16

39:16

Feeling drained no matter how much you rest? In this episode, Brig reveals the surprising brain chemistry driving your exhaustion. Meet glutamate—the brain’s most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter. When it builds up, it acts like an internal overload alarm, triggering mental fatigue, brain fog, and even anxiety. Learn how stress, decision fatigu…

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While You Can Write a Student’s Individualized Education Plan. . . It (Legally) Needs to be Acceptable, Actionable, and Appropriate (Volume 3, Episode 1) 17:31

8M ago17:31

17:31

In the first Podcast of the new year and new volume (2025; Volume 3), Davey and Angela summarize the January 11, 2025 blog by Dr. Howie Knoff. He reminds educators that--even though the current school year is half over, NEXT year's activities and budget are already being prepared. In this context, as Students with Disabilities (SWD) comprise 14% of…