SUMMARY

In this rich and layered episode, Michelle Kinder and Chris Kent Phelps kick things off with a heartfelt introduction before handing the mic to Robert and Michelle for a deep, honest conversation about what it truly takes to support students—and the adults who serve them. They explore the power of representation, the importance of relationships, and the role adult behavior plays in shaping student outcomes.

From there, Chris and Michelle come back to unpack the conversation, highlighting the threads of emotional resilience, high expectations, and the need for educators to care for themselves as they care for others. Together, they reflect on how leadership, clarity, and capacity-building can help schools become places where everyone—students and adults alike—can thrive.

TAKEAWAYS

• Adult behavior significantly impacts student outcomes.
  How we show up—our presence, our tone, our consistency—shapes every student’s experience.

• Transformative relationships drive change in education.
  Real, lasting change doesn’t start with programs—it starts with people. Connection is the catalyst.

• Representation in leadership roles is essential for equitable decision-making.
  Who sits at the table matters. Students need to see themselves reflected in those who lead them.

• Creating a supportive environment is vital for educator well-being.
  Educators can’t pour into others when they’re empty. Support isn’t a bonus—it’s a necessity.

• Self-examination helps in understanding emotional responses.
  The inner work matters. Awareness of our own reactions is essential to leading with clarity and compassion.

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Reversing the Narrative on Education
04:09 – Meet Robert Selders Jr.: A Journey of Transformation
10:00 – The Importance of Representation in Education
13:48 – Empowering Students from Challenging Backgrounds
20:00 – The Role of Adult Behavior in Student Success
25:07 – Fortifying Education Systems Against Challenges
30:10 – Creating Conditions for Adult Thriving
38:50 – Self-Care and Resilience in Education
44:58 – The Lasting Impact of Educators
48:20 – Navigating Relationships and Expectations in Education
49:46 – The Importance of High Standards
52:11 – Embracing Challenges and Personal Growth
54:07 – Dealing with Fear and Emotional Resilience
58:24 – The Power of Reflection and Self-Examination
01:00:20 – Building Capacity and Mastery in Education
01:01:24 – The Role of Leadership in Supporting Educators
01:03:00 – Transformative Relationships in Education
01:10:20 – Anticipating Adversity and Fortifying Systems
01:15:51 – Creating a Supportive Environment for Educators

************************************************************************************************

Oxygen for Educators is produced by Ripplemaker Project and proudly sponsored by Tacky Box.

Follow on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/oxygen-for-educators/id1775510846

Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2i21QueuqVqmEPmI7gzFfQ?si=1bef3354bff2402c

Follow on Audible: https://www.audible.co.uk/podcast/Oxygen-for-Educators/B0DKL68DLX?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEdbuPy-L7p4RZKZ_VWKCXwK_j8vbjZF2&si=7SHeSWZRllrseygs

Website: https://www.tackybox.com/podcast

Thank you to our sponsor, Tacky Box!

Website: https://tackybox.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tacky_box/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheTackyBox/

X: https://x.com/thetackybox

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thetackybox/

SUMMARY

In this episode, Michelle Kinder sits down with Dr. John Gasko for a raw and powerful conversation about what it really takes to show up well in education. John doesn’t sugarcoat the reality — he talks honestly about the toll the work can take and why educator well-being isn’t just important, it’s essential. Together, they explore what happens when schools embrace healing, reflection, and connection — not just for students, but for the adults leading them.

After the interview, Michelle and Chris Kent Phelps unpack the conversation and reflect on the big takeaways — from the idea of “holding tension with a still point inside you” to what it means to lead with humanity in systems that often forget the human. This episode is about purpose, pain, and what it means to stay open and grounded in a profession that asks for everything.

TAKEAWAYS

• There is no such thing as getting to "great" when the adults in the system are weighed down by emotional and psychological suffering
• If you want to work in education, you have to be willing to step into the darkness — because that’s where the real work is
• Educators must anticipate adversity — and learn how to carry it with strength and steadiness
• We’ve shaped a generation of writers who need to be reflective, but we’ve trained them to operate inside a box
• Educators play a vital role as healers within their school communities
• Real hope begins with a clear-eyed understanding of the challenges we face

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Importance of Acknowledging Reality in Education
04:07 Introducing Dr. John Gasco: A Journey of Well-Being
09:57 The Impact of Educator Well-Being on Student Success
16:05 Creating a New Paradigm in Teacher Education
22:04 Transforming School Culture and Educator Support
29:54 Innovative Approaches to Well-Being in Education
40:07 Personal Steps Towards Prioritizing Well-Being
44:03 Building Relationships and Community in Education
45:32 The Triangle of Purpose: Healing, Joy, and Community
48:44 Facing the Meta Crisis: Hope and Challenges for Educators
52:38 Rethinking Education: Skills for a Changing World
56:21 Creating Conditions for Hope and Growth
01:00:14 The Power of Personal Development in Education
01:01:56 Anticipating Adversity: Becoming a Counterforce
01:07:14 The Importance of Self-Care and Reflection
01:11:01 The Healing Power of Educators
01:18:36 Finding Purpose and Hope in Education

************************************************************************************************

Oxygen for Educators is produced by Ripplemaker Project and proudly sponsored by Tacky Box.

Follow on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/oxygen-for-educators/id1775510846

Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2i21QueuqVqmEPmI7gzFfQ?si=1bef3354bff2402c

Follow on Audible: https://www.audible.co.uk/podcast/Oxygen-for-Educators/B0DKL68DLX?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEdbuPy-L7p4RZKZ_VWKCXwK_j8vbjZF2&si=7SHeSWZRllrseygs

Website: https://www.tackybox.com/podcast

Thank you to our sponsor, Tacky Box!

Website: https://tackybox.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tacky_box/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheTackyBox/

X: https://x.com/thetackybox

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thetackybox/