Best Taming The Hustle Podcasts (2025)

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Downsizing and Brand Declutter 45:08

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6d ago45:08

45:08

What do clunky branding, shrinking square footage, and existential identity crises have in common? They’re all screaming for a reset... and this episode delivers. First up, René breaks down the when, why, and how of downsizing not just decluttering, but making a smart, strategic move to a smaller space that supports your financial goals. If your re…

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If You Believe: Why Curiosity, Craft and Courage Are Your Greatest Teachers 1:09:25

5d ago1:09:25

1:09:25

Send us a text In this episode we explore what comedians can teach us about timing, tenacity, and the transformative power of failure. From the brutal honesty of open mic nights to the uncanny pattern recognition honed through relentless practice, we unpack why everyone should step onto a stage at least once in their life, not for applause, but for…

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Steal This! 3 Quick Wins to Get Students Engaged TOMORROW. 18:24

5d ago18:24

18:24

Ever wish you had a magic spell to instantly capture your students' attention the moment they walk into your music room? As elementary music teachers, you need ideas that work right now. Today, we're going to literally steal three quick, practical wins you can use to get students engaged in your music classroom TOMORROW! Discover simple, actionable…

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The #1 Myth About Classroom Management (And What Actually Works!) 19:51

12d ago19:51

19:51

Do you spend more time managing behavior than making music? Feeling stuck in a cycle of chaos in your elementary music classroom? It's time to debunk the biggest myth about classroom management! Jeanette shares her own journey from exhausting "control-first" tactics to a powerful truth: true classroom harmony comes from deep student engagement, not…

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The Prime Meridian of the mind: Holding Empathy and Your Ground in Critical Conversations - with Craig Harper 41:20

13d ago41:20

41:20

Send us a text In this episode, we take a journey from the Prime Meridian to the emotional equator, where gratitude, fragility, and fierce compassion intersect. Drawing inspiration from Emile Durkheim, Jonathan Haidt, Marshall Rosenberg and Dr. Bernie Siegel, we explore how to stay grounded and emotionally regulated in high-stakes conversations wit…

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Teacher Mental Health Hacks Coming Now! 36:10

20d ago36:10

36:10

Feeling the strain? Is the daily grind of teaching impacting your well-being? In this candid conversation, Jeanette interviews Kevin Mecchella, a former music teacher and now a youth motivational speaker. Kevin understands the unique pressures educators face, sharing his own journey from burnout to prioritizing mental wellness. Discover practical, …

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Brand Bottlenecks and True Value of Buying Time 42:53

21d ago42:53

42:53

What do micromanaging, skipping vacation, and refusing to hire a house cleaner have in common? They’re all ways you’re wasting your most valuable asset... time. First up, René breaks down the true value of delegating, automating, and investing in help. Because the fastest way to retire later is trying to do everything yourself. Whether it’s outsour…

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Taming Your Inner Critic: Mindset Shifts with Health Coach Stefani Scotch 27:52

27d ago27:52

27:52

Feeling like your inner critic is louder than your choir? 😩 Or constantly pouring from an empty cup as a music teacher? In this powerful episode, Jeanette chats with health coach Stefani Scotch, who candidly shares her incredibly relatable journey through people-pleasing and negative self-talk to finding true self-worth and joy. You'll discover pra…

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The Music Class Revolution: Aileen Miracle's Secrets to Engagement & Saving Hours/Ep112 26:30

1M ago26:30

26:30

Feeling like you're navigating the music room all alone, or constantly searching for fresh, engaging lesson ideas that actually save you time? In this episode of The Happy Music Teacher, I chat with the incredible Aileen Miracle – a veteran elementary music teacher and current Unified Arts Curriculum Supervisor. Aileen shares her unique journey, fr…

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Don't Try: The Art of Letting Go of Performance Anxiety by Fully Showing Up - with Jo Groves 51:56

1M ago51:56

51:56

Send us a text What if your best performance doesn’t come from trying harder, but from letting go? In this electrifying episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Jo Groves, coach, presenter, trainer, and unapologetic story teller, who breaks down the art and science of authentic presenting. We explore what it really means to show up: not just to deliver…

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Inflation’s Impact on Retirement and the Cost of Confusion 35:33

1M ago35:33

35:33

What do rising prices, confusing marketing, and your old vacation photos have in common? They all deserve a second look... especially in this episode. First up, René tackles the impact of inflation on your retirement... because the only thing scarier than running out of money is realizing your retirement plan was based on 2014 grocery prices. He br…

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Unfiltered, Unhinged, and Digitally Confused: A journey through hustle culture, childhood chaos, AI conversations, and the questionable virtue of “just being honest.” – with Craig Harper 57:22

1M ago57:22

57:22

Send us a text In this episode, we dismantle the sacred cows of self-help and hustle culture with equal parts honesty and introspection. We start by questioning one of the most glorified slogans in fitness and life: “Go hard or go home.” Is it a motivational mantra… or just a socially acceptable way to ignore your body and trauma? From there, we di…

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Beyond Borders: Strategic Leadership, and the Human Element of Change - with Jeffrey Sanow 52:05

2M ago52:05

52:05

Send us a text In this episode, we’re joined by Jeffrey Sanow—former Senior Intelligence Officer for the CIA, strategic leadership presenter, author of Humint for Humanity, and a storyteller with a wealth of real-world experience in the highest-stakes environments. Together, we unpack why change management is never just about systems—it’s about peo…

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The Strategy Spiral and the Snowball Debt Strategy 30:40

2M ago30:40

30:40

What do marketing plans, debt payments, and random compliments have in common? Turns out… they can all spiral in the best way possible. First up, Darryl breaks down the Marketing Strategy Spiral... how one great idea can snowball into five marketing wins. If you've ever watched your “big post” disappear into the void, this is your comeback moment. …

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The Curiosity Code: Breaking the Approval Habit and Leading With Curiosity - with Craig Harper 49:46

2M ago49:46

49:46

Send us a text Episode Description: Are you living your life… or managing everyone else’s reactions to it? In this episode, we dig into what happens when your self-worth gets tangled in the opinions of others. From the exhausting pursuit of universal approval, to the sneaky trap of meta-perception; how we think others see us. We explore how this me…

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Don't Wait...Advocate - Quick & Creative Ideas to Advocate for Your Music Program 14:01

2M ago14:01

14:01

Feel like your amazing music program is flying under the radar? Do you wish more people understood the incredible impact you have on your students? You're not alone in wanting more support and recognition! This week on The Happy Music Teacher, we're tackling the need for music advocacy with a fresh perspective: quick music advocacy ideas that fit i…

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Timing the Markets and Mistimed Marketing 35:01

2M ago35:01

35:01

What do investing, marketing, and life plans have in common? Timing. Screw it up, and even your best ideas crash harder than a piñata at a kid’s party. First, René tackles the age-old question... Can you time the market? And more importantly, should you even try? From lucky guesses to costly mistakes, he breaks down why chasing perfect timing might…

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Survival Secrets - Five Tips for When You're Just Done 12:02

2M ago12:02

12:02

Feeling like you're sprinting towards the edge of disaster with no way out...and you just might collapse before you get there? 😩 Let's talk about Survival Secrets for music teachers because you deserve to make it through the school year with a smile (and your sanity intact!). As an elementary music teacher, the pressure is ALWAYS ON – concerts, ass…

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The Right Way Is a Lie: On Truth, Tribalism, and Transformation - with Craig Harper 1:00:00

2M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

Send us a text In a world obsessed with certainty, group identity, and the illusion of "the one right way," what happens when we choose to live in the question instead of clinging to the answer? In this episode, we challenge the seductive comfort of tribalism and explore how identifying too strongly with a single worldview can shrink our humanity. …

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Scripted by Shadows: Taming Your Inner Critic and Finding Your Voice 40:30

3M ago40:30

40:30

Send us a text What if the voices in your head, your doubts, your drive, your deepest wounds, weren’t just background noise, but characters in a play that you could rewrite? In this episode of The Self Help Antidote, we dive into the transformative world of Anonymous Drama, a creative approach to emotional wellbeing that blends improv, wellbeing, p…

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May Mayhem...Meet the Outdoor Music Classroom 10:35

3M ago10:35

10:35

Feeling like your music room has turned into a bouncy house as the weather warms up? Are those end-of-year wiggles reaching critical mass? You're not alone in the May Mayhem! This week on The Happy Music Teacher, we've got a secret weapon to help you capture that energy and actually get some meaningful learning done – all while enjoying the sunshin…

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Music Teacher Side Hustle Secrets 25:47

3M ago25:47

25:47

Have you ever dreamed of making extra money sharing your music skills online? Our guest, Evan Price from Artist Collective, helps music teachers like you do just that! Learn simple ways to turn what you know into income and maybe even travel while you teach. Evan talks about finding your special skill, connecting with students online, and feeling g…

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Don't Sweat the Concert - It's Gonna be Fine 13:09

3M ago13:09

13:09

Are you feeling that familiar knot of anxiety tightening in your stomach as your concert approaches? You're pouring your heart into rehearsals, but all you hear are forgotten lyrics and excuses about why they can't be at the actual concert. Trust me, friend, you are SO not alone. We've all been there, staring into the abyss of a looming performance…

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Stealing confidence and accountability: Are you living by design or default? 1:15:23

3M ago1:15:23

1:15:23

Send us a text This episode dives into the real cost of living on autopilot, and how to reclaim your direction through honest self-awareness, emotional courage, and a bit of play. We cover everything from choosing your environment like your sanity depends on it (because it does), to why “discipline” is a form of self-care, not self-punishment. Most…

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Exhausted Teacher Barely Holding it Together - Mindset Shifts to Make it To the End of the Year 10:47

3M ago10:47

10:47

Feeling like you're running on fumes with the end of the school year in sight? Are you an exhausted teacher just trying to make it to the final bell? You are definitely not alone! This week on The Happy Music Teacher, we're tackling that end-of-year burnout head-on. Discover 7 powerful and unexpected mindset shifts specifically for music educators …

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Testing Week Doesn't Have to Suck - Quick Strategies for Quiet Activities 15:16

3M ago15:16

15:16

Testing week is here, and if your music room feels like a silent movie marathon with a side of stressed-out students, you're not alone. Their schedules are off, energy levels are low, and anything beyond the simplest task feels like climbing Mount Everest. But what if this challenging week didn't have to be a complete musical standstill? This week …

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Level Up Marketing and Transferring Assets 45:57

3M ago45:57

45:57

What do overloaded business owners, outdated bank processes, and cranky drive-thru Karens all have in common? They’re major obstacles to peace of mind... and in this episode, we’re tackling them all. First up, Darryl dives into the moment of truth every entrepreneur eventually faces: When should you stop doing your own marketing and hire a pro? If …

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Beyond the Bunny - 3 Spring Picture Books for Your Music Class 15:24

4M ago15:24

15:24

Picture this: Your students are completely engaged, their imaginations sparked by familiar stories, and they're learning key musical concepts without even realizing it. You'll discover how to: Explore dynamics with the hilarious mud puddle "attacks" in Robert Munsch's classic. Bring vocabulary to life through creative movement inspired by Dianna Hu…

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Non-Refundable Tax Credits and Trade War Marketing Trends 36:15

4M ago36:15

36:15

Think taxes, trade wars, and personal growth don't mix? Think again. This week, René is back with the least boring tax segment you'll ever hear (seriously), diving into non-refundable tax credits that could save you real cash—if you know where to look. From age amounts to caregiver credits, this one has nuggets that might make you fist-bump your ta…

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Conquer the Zombies by Gamifying Your Music Classroom 18:11

4M ago18:11

18:11

If your students’ energy level is more ‘zombie shuffle’ than of ‘happy dance, I’ve got the cure! It’s time to bring them back to life by gamifying your music classroom! Games are a game-changer (pun intended) when it comes to increasing participation, improving retention, and boosting classroom management. In this action-packed episode, we’ll dive …

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Drowning in Sticky Notes? Get Your Music Teacher Life Organized 31:02

4M ago31:02

31:02

Are you drowning in planners, sticky notes, and to-do lists that never get used? You are NOT alone! We music teachers are BUSY, and staying organized feels like an impossible dream. But don’t worry—I’ve been there, done that, and found a system that actually WORKS. And today, I’m spilling all my secrets! Let’s be real—if you’re not organized, you’r…

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Reverse Marketing and Celebrating Financial Wins 41:13

4M ago41:13

41:13

This week, we’re flipping the script on everything you thought you knew about business, money, and productivity. Darryl reveals the magic of Reverse Marketing... the secret to getting customers to market your business for you. If you’ve ever wished someone else could do your advertising (for free), this is the strategy you need to hear. Then René b…

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Your New Teacher BFFs Await—How to Build Stronger School Connections 42:36

5M ago42:36

42:36

Ever feel like the only teacher in the building who isn’t in the loop? Connecting with colleagues and feeling respected as part of your school team can be a challenge—but it doesn’t have to be! In this episode, I chat with Kurtis Hewson about how music teachers can play a key role in collaborative response teams and build stronger connections with …

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Spring Books for the Music Classroom 26:29

5M ago26:29

26:29

Students bouncing off the walls? 🌸☀️ Keeping them engaged this time of year can feel like a losing battle, but don’t worry—I’ve got your back! In this episode of The Happy Music Teacher, we’re diving into the best spring books to bring into your music classroom. These books aren’t just cute—they’ll have your students singing, moving, and actually p…

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Decumulating Wealth and the Wow Moment Strategy 50:51

5M ago50:51

50:51

Ready to rethink your financial future, transform your business, and find life lessons in unexpected places? Buckle up for another high-energy episode of Taming the Hustle… or Something of the Sorts! René kicks thing off by diving deep into the art of decumulating wealth in retirement. If you think accumulating wealth is hard, wait until you try to…

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Teaching Music Shouldn’t Be This Hard! Tips for Music Teachers Who are Over It 48:31

5M ago48:31

48:31

Ever wish you had a secret diary full of tried-and-true tips to make your music teaching life easier? What if you could get a bunch of them—all in one place? Teaching music is an incredible job, but let’s be real—it can also be exhausting. Between lesson planning, classroom management, and keeping students engaged, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Th…

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Teaching Tiny Musicians - Make Music Magic for Your Littles 23:30

5M ago23:30

23:30

Teaching Tiny Musicians can be both adorable and overwhelming. Do you dread the days when PreK or Kinder walk through your door? I get it—I used to feel the same way until I figured out how to capture their attention and keep them engaged. In this episode of The Happy Music Teacher, I’m sharing my top tips for making music magic with your littlest …

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Spice Up Your Music Lessons for Big Kids 23:33

6M ago23:33

23:33

Spice Up Your Lessons for Big Kids in the Elementary Music Room Want to spice up your music lessons for big kids but find that fun activities quickly turn into chaos? In this episode of The Happy Music Teacher, we’re tackling how to keep the excitement without losing control. Big kids can be a tough crowd, but with the right structure, you can make…

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Engage Your Music Class with Brain Breaks and Play-Alongs 26:06

6M ago26:06

26:06

Engage Your Music Class with Brain Breaks and Play-Alongs Looking to revolutionize your elementary music classroom with more engaging activities and fun for everyone, even you? Join us for an illuminating conversation with Brielle D'Souza, the creative force behind the YouTube channel, Music with Brielle. On her channel, Brielle creates engaging vi…

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Avoiding the Comfort Trap 1:05:04

6M ago1:05:04

1:05:04

Send us a text Ever feel like you're stuck in the gravitational pull of your own comfort zone, orbiting the same problems like a satellite doomed to reruns of its own past mistakes? You’re not alone. Avoiding the Comfort Trap isn’t about radical, reckless change as much as it’s about understanding why we cling to familiarity, even when it holds us …

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Rental Properties and Branding on Your Terms 30:42

6M ago30:42

30:42

Ready for a laugh-out-loud episode packed with insights that’ll make you rethink your finances, business, and basic life skills? Strap in because we’re diving deep into topics that hit close to home... literally and figuratively. First up, René digs into the complex world of rental property and whether you should own them personally or through your…

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February Picture Books for Your Music Classroom 20:36

6M ago20:36

20:36

February Books for Music Class In this episode, we're diving into three powerful storybooks perfect for February: Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli, My Heart by Corinna Luyken, and Follow the Drinking Gourd by Jeanette Winter. These stories beautifully connect with themes of kindness, fitting in, and resilience while offering creativ…

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Self-Directed Brokers and False Advertising 40:50

6M ago40:50

40:50

Ready for a mix of laughs, insights, and a few truth bombs? This episode dives deep into topics that will make you think twice about your finances, your marketing, and your gift list. First, René teams up with Ryan Duncan to reveal why self-directed discount brokers might not be the deal they seem. From underperformance to dangerous messaging, they…

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How to Increase Engagement in Your Elementary Music Room with Friendly Competition/Ep95 17:31

6M ago17:31

17:31

🎶 Ready to discover how to increase engagement in the music room? In this episode, I’m sharing my favorite tips for using friendly competition to spark excitement and participation among your students. We’ll dive into why competition works and explore strategies like gamifying your lessons, dividing students into groups, and even turning quizzes in…

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Resilience in the Face of Uncertainty 38:57

7M ago38:57

38:57

Send us a text What if uncertainty isn’t a void to fear but a blank canvas daring you to create? In this episode, we dive headfirst into the unknown, exploring how to reframe uncertainty as an opportunity, take small, bold risks, and build unshakable resilience. Through relatable stories, sharp insights, and actionable strategies, we’ll show you ho…

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3 Ways to Fight Exhaustion in the Music Classroom/Ep94 10:33

7M ago10:33

10:33

3 Ways to Fight Exhaustion in the Music Classroom Are you ready to fight exhaustion in the music classroom and reclaim your energy? In this episode, we tackle a common dilemma faced by music teachers: how to manage the overwhelming demands of teaching up to 16 classes a day without completely burning out. From constant student interactions to endle…

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Creating a Vision for Your First Coaching Session 43:32

7M ago43:32

43:32

Send us a text The first session in a coaching relationship is the foundation for success. It’s where trust is built, values and vision are clarified, and actionable goals are set. In this episode, we explore why this initial meeting is more than a simple introduction, it’s a blueprint for meaningful change. Drawing on the VISION framework, we’ll g…

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Building Your Website and Renting vs Buying a Home 39:38

7M ago39:38

39:38

Ready to simplify your business, finances, and life? Join Darryl and René for humour and insights on three key topics you won’t want to miss. First, Darryl breaks down the wild world of websites. Should you go the DIY route, using platforms like Shopify, or hire a pro? Whether you’re tech-savvy or tech-terrified, you’ll get the scoop on building a …

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Running Your Elementary Choir - 3 Mistakes Teachers Make/Ep93 35:22

7M ago35:22

35:22

🎶 Running Your Elementary Choir - 3 Mistakes Music Teachers Make 🎶 In this episode of The Happy Music Teacher, Jeanette teams up with Bethany Main to tackle the chaos of running your elementary choir. Drawing from years of trial and error, they share the top three mistakes music teachers often make—and how to fix them. From not keeping rehearsals m…

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Winter Storybooks for the Music Classroom - Ep 92 21:33

7M ago21:33

21:33

Winter Storybooks for the Music Classroom In this brand-new monthly episode, I’m sharing my favorite winter-themed books and how you can use them to inspire meaningful lessons in your music classroom! This month, I’m highlighting The Mitten, The Snowy Day, and Owl Moon—each paired with creative activities that help students explore music concepts i…