Best Joseph Vitale and Jamie Wanko Podcasts (2025)

1
Middle School Minds Need Organized Systems 42:58

6d ago42:58

42:58

Whether it's grading, studying, or even navigating google classroom, organized systems don’t really exist for our students. How can we expect them to succeed when they have to adapt and change every hour of the day? Joe and Jamie discuss their methods for teaching and learning with middle schoolers as well as their frustrations with lack of uniform…

1
Never stop dating… your co teacher? 47:27

13d ago47:27

47:27

Jennifer Mazzochi joins the pod this week to discuss co teaching connections. Special education teacher and coteaching aficionado Jennifer Mazzochi explains how to make the unique relationship between co teachers thrive in the best interest of the partnership and the students in their charge. — We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say …

1
The Kids are Not Alright, but Why? 47:32

21d ago47:32

47:32

Learned helplessness and lack of perseverance and grit are plaguing our schools and children across America, but why? Join Jamie and Joe as they explore possible reasons and solutions to the very big questions that keep many educators and parents awake each night. — We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.…

1
We’re Not Foolin’, We love AnnaK 47:24

28d ago47:24

47:24

Joe and Jamie welcome Insta sensation AnnaK, also known as ReadAwaywithMissK, as they share their love of teaching, reading, and being funny. Anna shares her experiences in the classroom beginning in the Bronx and continuing all the way down to Louisville. Anna shares with us her love of teaching, teachers, and the profession she “never wants to le…

1
What Grinds Our Gears 47:13

1M ago47:13

47:13

Jamie and Joe are all about balance… and sometimes you need to bark out all your pettiest complaints to a friendly and compassionate ear to find your sense of zen. Listen to their hysterical banter as they swat things that drive each of them nuts both in and out of school. — We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancinga…

1
Believe’ment is Achievement with Ed DeShazer 47:17

1M ago47:17

47:17

Director Edward DeShazer joins us to discuss teacher well being, how to maintain boundaries and his latest book, Closing the Believe’ment Gap. His powerful belief in positive behaviors, teacher support and pouring it back into the teachers of America will inspire even the most critical cynic. — We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say …

1
The Sandwich Generation Revisited 51:40

2M ago51:40

51:40

Being a part of the sandwich generation means having to spread your love and care between your children, spouse and your elderly, aging parents. Jamie and Joe know and live these challenges all too well, and want to update listeners on hospice care, estate planning and balancing their daily life challenges as members of this not so super fun club. …

1
Middle School Maniacs with Courtney Varner 47:31

2M ago47:31

47:31

Join Instagram and TikTok teacher/ comedian Courtney Varner as she waxes poetic on all things she loves about teaching middle school. Straight from the snowy streets of Missouri, hi_its_me_mrs._v joins forces with our hosts to share her secret to laughing her way through middle school. — We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: pod…

1
No Tech Teaching Review 48:06

2M ago48:06

48:06

Listen as our hosts discuss their “no tech teaching experience” when their boss challenged them to discard their student chromebooks for weeks. Hear their open and honest reviews of their time without tech in their classrooms. We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: [email protected] Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us …

1
The Child Code with Dr. Danielle Dick 54:41

2M ago54:41

54:41

In this episode, we delve into child development with Dr. Danielle Dick, professor at Rutgers University and author of "The Child's Code." She discusses the genetic and environmental factors influencing children's behaviors, drawing from her experience as a mother of a high-risk child. We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: hello…

1
Cell Phones and Valentine’s 47:57

3M ago47:57

47:57

In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, we humorously discuss our personal food favorites, including nostalgic tomato soup. The conversation shifts to the impact of recent cold weather in New York on societal behavior and local traditions like Groundhog Day. We address NJ Governor Murphy's proposed cell phone restrictions in schools, examinin…

1
Tech-Spert Wisdom with Dr. Tyler Tarver 43:28

3M ago43:28

43:28

Join Joe and Jamie as they gab it up with fellow educator Tyler Tarver, and watch as they fan-girl over every bit of wisdom he has to share about his vast educational experiences. Whether it's YouTube teaching, administration experience or A.I. in the classroom, keep all eyes and ears focused toward your favorite tech-spert, Dr. Tyler Tarver. Check…

1
Shocked, Shooketh, Shaken. Why don’t these kids like me? Season 2 - Episode 19 47:40

3M ago47:40

47:40

Lack of respect for teachers is an ongoing issue for most of us in our daily classroom experiences. Are there any tips or tricks to help change relationship habits when it comes to mean students? Join Jamie and Joe as they hash out what it means to them when students are just not buying what they are trying to sell. Starting in February, The Balanc…

1
Vein Tests, Heart Tests and Praxis Tests, Oh My! Season 2 - Episode 18 47:20

3M ago47:20

47:20

Recently in New Jersey there has been discussion of the elimination of a step toward your teaching certificate. Where do tests begin and where should they end? Join our hosts as they discuss testing, personal and professional ones, and listen as they share their fears associated with failing them. Big announcement on today's episode! Can't wait for…

1
New Year, Same Old Friends - Season 2 Episode 17 45:11

3M ago45:11

45:11

New Year’s Resolutions? Are they a thing of the past, or a goal setting achievement? Join co-hosts Jamie and Joe as they recap their winter holiday vacations spent with family and friends, and listen in as they discuss what is coming up in 2025. Big announcments are on tap for 2025! Stay tuned friends...can't wait to share! Learn more about your ad…

1
2nd Annual Holiday Special - Season 2 Episode 16 38:37

4M ago38:37

38:37

Join co-hosts Jamie and Joe as they discuss their favorite holiday traditions from ornaments to dinners to gift giving galore. In the last episode of 2024, the Balancing Act podcast wishes you and yours a happy and healthy holiday season and a very Happy New Year. We will return in 2025 with regular episodes on January 14th, 2025! Exciting things a…

1
Holiday Stress? The Teachers Health Coach is in Session - Season 2 Episode 15 50:06

5M ago50:06

50:06

Join our hosts as they get some great guidance and advice from their new pal Charley Burley, who comes to the pod all the way from across the pond. Known as the.teachers.health.coach Charley, an educator himself provides advice and methods that are applicable to ensure our listeners make their way through this holiday season with less stress. Give …

1
Teacher Pay with K - Season 2 Episode 14 44:45

5M ago44:45

44:45

Join our hosts as they speak to a fellow New Jersey teacher and influencer getting to the root of the root and the bud of the bud of this thing called, Money. Teacher Pay with K talks about all things pension, contracts and what a strong union means to the teaching profession. Check out @teacherpaywithK on Instagram and TikTok for all things pensio…

1
Gobble Gobble, It’s Time to Talk Turkey - Season 2 Episode 13 45:06

5M ago45:06

45:06

Can you guess what was the first Thanksgiving food to be grown in space? How much did the largest pumpkin pie weigh? Join our hosts as they review their favorite parts and pieces for the upcoming holiday. Jamie and Joe talk sides, turkey, balloons and their plans for their Thanksgiving holidays with their favorite people. Learn more about your ad c…

1
Employable Teens? Dishin’ out advice with Nicholas Creamery owner Jodie Edwards - Season 2 Episode 12 53:40

5M ago53:40

53:40

Listen in as marketing and hiring expert Jodie Edwards sits with our hosts to provide insight into developing employable teens. The best generation? It's quite possible that you might be underestimating the wide open spaces your teen has yet to conquer. Co-owner of the popular New Jersey ice cream chain of small batch handcrafted ice cream, Jodi Ed…

1
Tech Break? Helpful or nearly impossible? - Season 2 Episode 11 45:54

6M ago45:54

45:54

We are discussing the town of Kenilworth, New Jersey, who recently implemented a tech free school day. All educators continually discuss the implications of tech on students and wonder if it is causing more harm than help. Listen in as we applaud Kenilworth public schools for trying something different and wonder if it is something we should all be…

1
Tommy Ho!!! It's our Canadian amie, Dawn Wiseman - Season 2 Episode 10 43:52

6M ago43:52

43:52

Dawn Wiseman is officially our first international guest. Bonjour to our new amie (that’s French for friend) Dawn Wiseman who has been teaching for 17 years, and has morphed into an AI enthusiast. Her tips and tricks for teachers on how to maximize their AI experience with multiple platforms will have you running to the computer to try them all. Ch…

1
To Halloween or Not to Halloween - Season 2 Episode 9 47:10

6M ago47:10

47:10

Jamie and Joe wax poetic about Halloween past, and what it was like to be a Mom in the 80’s before the invention of Trunk o Treat. Should schools promote Halloween activities or not? Favorite candy and memories of the holiday make us all nostalgic for the romanticized version of this fall festival. Check out videos of our episodes on our Youtube Ch…

1
Coworkers: True Friends or Trauma Bonded? Season 2 Episode 8 47:31

6M ago47:31

47:31

Our hosts discuss coworkers: true friends or trauma bonded? Which is a topic close to their hearts. Are your co-workers really your true friends, or are you just not that close? Listen as they share their point of view and experiences in different schools with various groups of coworkers who became their lifelong friends. Learn more about your ad c…

1
The Queen of Mean Girl Moms - Dr. Noelle Santorelli Season 2 Episode 7 50:48

7M ago50:48

50:48

Join us for an enthralling conversation with relationship and Mean Girl Mom expert Dr. Noelle Santorelli as we unravel the generational issues faced by those in the know, how to navigate being a mom, or a dad in today's culture parenting of exclusivity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Ho Ho Homework - Season 2 Episode 6 48:39

7M ago48:39

48:39

To homework or not to homework, that is the question. But why is it always the question? Teachers across America face this ongoing dispute and data of whether homework is good, bad or does little to improve students' understanding of the material covered in class. Our hosts give their input on homework and a few other things along the way too. Lear…

1
Theeeee Dee Hankins - Season 2 Episode 5 1:00:46

7M ago1:00:46

1:00:46

Left coast sensation and inspirational speaker Dee Hankins wows the hosts with his life experiences and optimistic approach to each day. Dee talks about parenting, challenges, and the ever changing students in the United States. Mr. Hankins uses his sass and humor to inspire, enthrall, and educate on how we can all do better for our kids from an em…

1
There will always be time for canoodling - Season 2 Episode 4 43:00

7M ago43:00

43:00

Joe and Jamie talk about the new school year and the ongoing use of technology in their classrooms. Tune in for the continued debate on exactly how to be relevant, how to be fun, and just when exactly gamification in the classroom goes too far. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
AI in the classroom: A Learning Revolution - Jonathan Mast Season 2 Episode 3 47:31

7M ago47:31

47:31

Part Two: The AI Guy, Jonathan Mast In Part Two, the AI guy talks classroom usage and real world applications of AI with our hosts, while offering numerous AI suggestions. Join Jamie and Joe as they learn tons of new and applicable techniques and processes for searching and understanding how to use AI with their students in an ethical and practical…

1
Teacher's and AI - Jonathan Mast Season 2 Episode 2 46:29

8M ago46:29

46:29

Part One: The AI Guy, Jonathan Mast AI and all of its newness is a hot topic for everyone, whether in education or not. Our hosts agree to start slowly to understand the moral implications of its use along with some of the ideology behind AI from the point of view of the self proclaimed “AI Guy,” Jonathan Mast. Learn more about your ad choices. Vis…

1
Season Two Premiere! - And We're Back! Season 2 Episode 1 49:59

8M ago49:59

49:59

Drumroll please… we are now a weekly podcast! Joe and Jamie are back with big news… they are now dropping weekly episodes. Summer has come to a close, and the hosts are ready to explore new topics with fantastic guests. Join the Balancing Act hosts for an exciting new season filled with opportunities to live, learn, and of course, balance. Learn mo…

1
Best of Season 1: Host Picks - Episode 28 32:42

8M ago32:42

32:42

In our final best of episode of the summer, we look back at the important topics that we discussed during season 1. These 4 clips speak to our passion, our life, and what drives us as educators. Get a glimpse of some of the struggles that we deal with as well. Season 2 drops the first week fo September! Big things are coming.... Learn more about yo…

1
Best of Season 1: Parenting Advice - Episode 27 30:14

9M ago30:14

30:14

On this best of episode from Season 1, let’s look back with our hosts as they listen to some of Season One's top guests as they talk about how to parent, how to help parents, and how they strive to guide their own children in this ever changing world that challenges parents and kids alike. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoi…

1
Best of Season 1: New Teacher Advice - Episode 26 30:22

9M ago30:22

30:22

Episode 26 Best of Season One Let’s rewind the year and check out bits and pieces of the best of the best with Jessica Hawk, Tyler Tarver and Andrea Forcum. Our episode will highight some of the great advice they have for first year teachers. Our best of episodes are great to share with new listeners! Please feel free to share our message and thank…

1
Season One Finale: Summer…She is finally here! Episode 25 42:32

10M ago42:32

42:32

Let’s talk about how to recharge the batteries, because teachers are solar powered! Listen as Joe and Jamie reflect on the first season of The Balancing Act podcast, and how much the discussions informed and influenced the hosts' lives. Special thanks to all of the wonderful guests who stopped by to share a slice of their lives with the pod. The ho…

1
An Interview with M.C. Reckognize: Mrs. Phyllis Reckhow - Episode 24 42:38

10M ago42:38

42:38

Steps away from her final year of teaching we meet to talk to the formidable and beloved bestie-buddy of our co-host Jamie. Call her Reckie, Reckless, MC Reckognize, or Phyllis, the long time “student favorite” language arts teacher sits with us and happily shares wisdom, laughter and much needed perspective on how NOT to become bitter and tainted …

1
Closing out the Year with a Skibbidy - Episode 23 40:10

11M ago40:10

40:10

Let’s look back at the good, the bad, and the “skibbidy” of the 23-24 school year. Self reflection, exit surveys, and a giant thumbs up from students means that the summer is heading this way. Join in and hear what worked, what didn’t and what the “gyat” might mean. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Empathy, Sympathy and Adulting - Episode 22 49:43

11M ago49:43

49:43

The pod is back to update listeners about some of the ongoing family struggles that have continued throughout the course of the school year. In this heart to heart listen as our hosts share the ongoing difficulties that led to the development of the podcast. The hosts share how they continue to work on their approach to balancing family, health and…

1
Tuh Tuh Tuh Teacher Face, Jessica Hawk - Episode 21 52:04

12M ago52:04

52:04

On this episode of The Balancing Act, we happily welcome influencer Jessica Hawk as she shares her 32 years of wisdom and experience inside and out of her New Jersey classroom. On her self proclaimed victory tour, Jessica is approaching retirement with bittersweet memories of her years as a high school teacher. Listen as the one and only “My Teache…

1
We are “ALL IN” with Gian Paul Gonzalez - Episode 20 55:49

12M ago55:49

55:49

Credited with inspiring the New York Giants towards their winning season, former teacher and current motivational speaker, Gian Paul Gonzalez, sits down with us for an end of the school year pep talk. Hailing from Union City, New Jersey, Gian Paul is here to talk us through the muddled end of the year where finding balance can be extra tough to ach…

1
Dear parents, we need YOUR support… Part II with Katie Schneider - Episode 19 52:17

1y ago52:17

52:17

We welcome teacher and author Katie Schneider this week to discuss her extremely potent and thought provoking “viral” letter written to parents. Shared by so many across the country over many social media platforms, Katie brings her point of view to the discussion on how to help teachers balance parents' reactions, and what other daily concerns we …

1
Dear parents, we need YOUR support...Part I - Episode 18 47:36

1y ago47:36

47:36

Spring Break is heading our way and the hosts are ready to party like it's 1999 in Cancun, Mexico. Or maybe they are just ready for some couch time. Listen for an honest discussion about what is lacking from the real partners in education, the parents. Why is there such a disconnect with students these days, and how can all parties work together to…

1
Educator_Andrea: “Advice to the New Teachers, Stolen by the Old Ones” - Episode 17 49:26

1y ago49:26

49:26

Viral Instagram and Tik Tok wonder Educator_Andrea joins this week to discuss how to properly support and retain the “good ones”, the teachers who are meant to be in the game for a long time, and how we as seasoned veterans can show them all how to make the journey “a good time”. Andrea discusses the best ways she has learned to support and develop…

1
Parents Just Don't Understand - Episode 16 40:57

1y ago40:57

40:57

Can teachers really do their jobs effectively without parental support? Where is the team? Where is the backup system? Where is the empowerment? Join us as we discuss the ever popular and deeply controversial topic that plagues the American education system: Can we do our jobs effectively without the support and efforts by the parents? Learn more a…

1
bELieve in the Power of Daily Routines: Our talk with Hometown Hero Eric LeGrand - Episode 15 42:58

1y ago42:58

42:58

Local hero and beloved business owner Eric LeGrand joins us for a trip down memory lane. Listen as we laugh, learn and enjoy a cup of bELieve, as Eric takes us through his morning routine, nightly pleasures and tips for taking each day as it comes. We can’t wait for you to indulge in this hilarious and heartfelt chat with #52 himself, Mr. Eric LeGr…

1
Flipping the Switch - Ms. Brady had Alice and we're on our own. - Episode 14 55:09

1y ago55:09

55:09

If Mrs. Brady had Alice, how are we supposed to tackle all of this on our own? Today your hosts tackle the never ending subject of how to flip the switch from teacher to parent and back again. Whether it is helping at homework time with your own kids, driving them all over the place, dealing with their emotions while handling your own, or even drow…

1
The Modern Learner: Thirsty for Knowledge or Just Thirsty for Water? - Episode 13 46:07

1+ y ago46:07

46:07

Our hosts are back in action and ready to focus on the new year ahead. Listen for their words of the year and how they plan to put these words to good use in 2024. Jamie and Joe discuss the modern learner and how to attempt to adapt their classrooms to what students seem to need in their everyday struggles to learn efficiently and effectively. How …

1
An Interview with Influencer Nick Ferroni - Episode 12 44:14

1+ y ago44:14

44:14

Join us as we excitedly talk to Nick Ferroni, a teacher advocate working at Union High in Union, New Jersey. Nick was gracious enough to meet with us for a cup of coffee and talk about our favorite topic: teachers. Nick is working with various news outlets to highlight the positive influence of teachers as he advocates for his peers. As a teacher f…

1
A Holiday Delight - Curmudgeons Need Not Listen - Episode 11 40:42

1+ y ago40:42

40:42

Jamie and Joe are singing their way towards the New Year with a lighthearted walk through their Christmas favorites. Join the Balancing Act podcast hosts as they share a holiday Would You Rather, discuss their opinions about Snow Days, and recount their personal “peach and pit” of 2023. Warning ahead: Merriment and lightheartedness are coming your …

1
EdcampNJ: The best PD is the teacher down the hall - Episode 10 37:35

1+ y ago37:35

37:35

Join us as we take the pod on the road with our first live recording at EdCamp NJ. Our early November morning began with amazing guests who shared with us their first hand experiences in the field of education. Listen as they share how they lean on their fellow teachers not just for pedagogical support but emotional support as well. Proudly in its …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Joseph Vitale And Jamie Wanko Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen