Best Taming The Hustle Podcasts (2025)

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November Music Lesson Plans (That Save Your Sanity) 12:41

Play Pause

8h ago12:41

12:41

Stop scrolling for low-prep ideas! This episode reveals your complete, ready-to-use November Music Lesson Plans Trio. We cover meaningful cultural inclusion, fun Thanksgiving-themed skills, and a low-pressure entry into winter concepts, guaranteeing you save your sanity and keep your students engaged this November. ---------------------------------…

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Accessible Curriculum and PD: The New Standard for Music Teacher Support 39:23

7d ago39:23

39:23

In this conversation with former elementary music teacher Kris Brown, we dive into his journey and the creation of Sound Thinking Interactive. Learn how his platform is setting the new standard for music teacher support by providing an accessible, Kodály-inspired curriculum and professional development that integrates directly into your daily teach…

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I Thought My Lesson Flopped: What to Do When Your Lesson Plan Fails 14:53

14d ago14:53

14:53

Stop beating yourself up over a lesson flop! I'm sharing the F.A.I.L. Framework, a simple, four-step tool that will forever change your narrative about failure. Learn exactly what to do when your lesson plan fails and how to give yourself the grace you give your students to build true resilience. ----------------------------------------------------…

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How to Survive Chaos October: High Energy Music Lessons for Crazy Kids 22:41

21d ago22:41

22:41

Chaos October got you down? In this survival guide episode, we share the secret to channeling student energy! I'm diving into our best high-energy music lessons for October and sharing easy, seasonal activities like Room on the Broom and Spooky Scary Skeletons to help you keep kids focused and your sanity intact. -----------------------------------…

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You Don't Have to Be a Tech Genius: Smart AI Lesson Planning for Music Teachers 44:45

28d ago44:45

44:45

Feel overwhelmed by the idea of using AI? In this episode, AI consultant E.Lisa Jansen-Jones gives us the simple C.A.L.M. framework for mastering AI lesson planning and professional communication. Learn how to use tools like Custom GPTs and Claude to save time and reduce your workload—no tech genius required! ---------------------------------------…

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The Magic of Scarf Dancing - A No Prep Guide for Music Teachers 31:36

1M ago31:36

31:36

Are you looking for a fun, engaging, and no-prep way to get your students moving in music class? In this episode, I sit down with Leanna O'Brien, founder of Soaring Scarves Academy, to talk about the power of movement-based learning. Leanna shares how scarf dancing for kids can be a game-changer for engagement and literacy and how her academy provi…

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Choir Rehearsal Tips: Answering Your Biggest Questions 47:27

2M ago47:27

47:27

Standard YouTube Outro: Have you ever wished you could get personalized advice for your choir challenges? In this special Q&A episode, we're answering your most-asked questions about choir, covering everything from warm-ups to two-part harmony. You'll get practical choir rehearsal tips that you can use today! ---------------------------------------…

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From Planning to Performance Your Stress-Free Guide to Concert Prep 18:32

2M ago18:32

18:32

The pressure of concert season can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. This episode is your stress-free playbook for how to plan a school concert. I'll share simple strategies for simplifying your repertoire, streamlining rehearsals, and reducing your workload, so you can make your next performance a truly joyful one. --------------------…

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From Stressed to Singing: How to Make Choir Fun Again 27:14

2M ago27:14

27:14

Looking for tips on how to make choir fun? In this episode, I'm joined by my friend and colleague Bethany Main to talk about the "foundation of fun" in a choir. We'll share our strategies for creating a joyful, engaging program that benefits both you and your students. Plus, we're announcing the first-ever Choir Tune-Up Summit! --------------------…

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How to Supply Your Music Room on a Budget (with West Music) 30:10

2M ago30:10

30:10

Feeling overwhelmed by a huge wish list and a tiny budget? This episode is your definitive guide to how to supply your music room on a budget. We're talking with Jessica Palmer from West Music to get the inside scoop on how their team helps teachers maximize their funds, build a long-term plan, and find the resources they need. --------------------…

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The Secret to Music Teacher Work-Life Balance (with Sara Campbell) 26:25

3M ago26:25

26:25

Feeling burnt out and overwhelmed? In this episode, I sit down with my mentor, Sara Campbell, to talk about achieving a sustainable music teacher work-life balance. We discuss common challenges, the importance of setting boundaries with ourselves, and how to build a career that truly supports your life. ---------------------------------------------…

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Sanity-Saving Strategies: How to Manage a Crazy Music Teacher Schedule 11:13

3M ago11:13

11:13

Are you feeling overwhelmed by your crazy music teacher schedule? Today, we're cutting through the noise with a three-part plan to help you not just survive, but thrive. In this super quick episode, I'm sharing sanity-saving strategies on prioritizing, using lesson prep hacks, and setting boundaries. Tune in to learn how to manage a crazy music tea…

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First-Year Music Teacher Survival Guide: Essential Music Teacher Tips for First Year Teachers 20:01

3M ago20:01

20:01

Just landed your first music teaching job and feeling a mix of excitement and pure anxiety? Don't worry—we've got you. This episode is packed with essential music teacher tips for first year teachers, breaking down those big questions into manageable steps. We'll walk you through a simple three-phase plan: what to do before day one, how to build a …

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Marketing Rapid Fire and Your Financial Ego Tax 27:35

3M ago27:35

27:35

Some episodes entertain you. This Season Finale might change you. As season three wraps, Darryl's coming in hot with a rapid-fire round of marketing truths your business actually needs. No fluff. No filters. Just the clarity you've been craving... and the kick in the ass your brand's been waiting for. Then René drops a truth bomb about the ego tax……

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Why Your Lesson Plans Are Exhausting (And How to Fix Them) 18:56

3M ago18:56

18:56

Do you find yourself staring at a blank page, feeling overwhelmed by the thought of planning your next music lesson, or does it feel like an energy drain? We're uncovering why your music lesson planning might be secretly exhausting you, and sharing one strategic shift that can begin to fix it right now. Learn about common pitfalls like the "blank p…

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

4M 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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Downsizing and Brand Declutter 45:08

4M 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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The #1 Myth About Classroom Management (And What Actually Works!) 19:51

4M 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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Teacher Mental Health Hacks Coming Now! 36:10

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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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Inflation’s Impact on Retirement and the Cost of Confusion 35:33

4M 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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The Strategy Spiral and the Snowball Debt Strategy 30:40

5M 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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Don't Wait...Advocate - Quick & Creative Ideas to Advocate for Your Music Program 14:01

5M 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

5M 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

6M 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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May Mayhem...Meet the Outdoor Music Classroom 10:35

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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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Exhausted Teacher Barely Holding it Together - Mindset Shifts to Make it To the End of the Year 10:47

6M 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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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

8M 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

8M 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

8M 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

8M 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

8M 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

8M 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

9M 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

9M 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

9M 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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Rental Properties and Branding on Your Terms 30:42

9M 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

9M 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

10M 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

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

10M 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…