The Balancing Act

The Balancing Act

Fun Fact: If you draw a venn diagram of the circus and being an educator you get a perfect circle! At least, that’s what Jamie and Joe have learned. Straight out of Central New Jersey, join two seasoned teachers as they try to make sense of balancing their teaching careers with parenting multiple children, helping with aging parents, supporting their loving spouses, and navigating the very strange landscape of education in a post-Covid world. With guest interviews, deep dive explorations on contemporary topics, and so much more – we’re here to look at the highs and the lows that come with being an educator. Whether you’re fresh to the job or a seasoned vet, we can’t wait to share in this journey together! Visit our website for feedback, love letters, or guest/general inquiries.

Episodes

Monumental Moments from Season 3

June 23, 2026 • 48 mins
In this season finale, we reflect on Season 3 of the Balancing Act Podcast and look ahead to Season 4. We revisit key conversations about education, parenting, caregiving, grief, and life in and around the classroom, including topics like technology, AI, screen time, class size, school funding, and the challenges new teachers face. We also discuss standout moments from the season, such as interviews with educators and experts, our...
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College Success for Students: Accommodations & Independence with Tara Williams

June 16, 2026 • 50 mins
This episode we speak with Tara Williams about supporting neurodivergent students as they transition to college. We discuss preparing early for accommodations, differences between high school and college support, and how parents can help without managing everything for their student. We also cover common first-semester challenges such as self-advocacy, roommate issues, and communicating with professors and school offices. Tara sha...
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Indy 500 Traditions, Teacher Joy & Happiness Habits That Actually Work

June 9, 2026 • 50 mins
In this episode, we talk about Joe’s annual trip to the Indy 500, including what keeps him coming back, from the size of the crowd and the tailgating to the Memorial Day weekend ceremonies. We describe the most memorable race-day moments, including the invocation, flyovers, and taps, and we note how well the event handles transportation and crowd flow. We also discuss school awards and the importance of recognizing students, ...
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College Admissions 2026: What Students and Parents Need to Know with Jen Foldvary

June 2, 2026 • 50 mins
In this episode we catch up on the college admissions process as our families move through graduation season and prepare for the fall. We discuss the challenges of applications, changing requirements, test policies, and the pressure created by social media during this period. We also talk about what helps students stand out, including strong essays and meaningful extracurricular depth, and we encourage students to apply to schools...
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College Decisions, Graduation Stress & Surviving Maycember

May 26, 2026 • 48 mins
In this episode we talk about the end-of-school-year rush, including birthdays, graduations, family events, and the feeling of “Maycember.” We also share a family graduation story, a practical item for keeping caps in place, and a bedazzling kit that has become popular in our family. We discuss our appearance in the NJEA Review magazine and the article about the podcast and our interviews with county teachers of the ye...
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Toxic Mom Groups and Relational Aggression with Dr. Noelle Santorelli

May 19, 2026 • 58 mins
In this episode, we invite Dr. Noelle Santorelli back to the Balancing Act podcast to delve into the issue of toxic behavior among mothers and social groups. Dr. Santorelli discusses the impact of recent cultural discussions, including the viral article by Ashley Tisdale, on perceptions of maternal relationships. She offers insights into relational aggression and how it manifests in behaviors like gossip and gaslighting within mom ...
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Dealing with Loss: A Caretakers Journey

May 12, 2026 • 53 mins
In this episode, you’ll walk alongside Jamie and co-host Joseph Vitale as they navigate the emotional journey of loss, healing, and remembrance following the passing of Jamie’s mom. Together, they explore the complexities of grief—especially for those in the sandwich generation—and reflect on the deeply personal experience of caring for a loved one during their final days at home. You’ll hear about the...
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Navigating Kids, AI & Digital Learning with Merve Lapus: A Tech Reset

May 5, 2026 • 51 mins
In this lively episode of The Balancing Act Podcast, Jamie Wanko and Joe Vitale welcome back tech-in-education expert Merve Lapus for a timely “tech reset” conversation that feels equal parts honest, hopeful, and real-life relatable. Together, they unpack how the post-pandemic rush to integrate technology in classrooms didn’t always come with the training or intention needed to make it truly effective—and wh...
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Rethinking EdTech: Why Marcy Samayoa Is Leading a Tech-free Classroom “Tech Reset”

April 28, 2026 • 51 mins
In this episode, we sit down with Marcy Samayoa, a Los Angeles chemistry teacher, to unpack her bold “tech reset” in the classroom—and what happened next. After noticing how constant screen time (especially post-pandemic) was impacting her students’ focus and engagement, Marcy made the surprising move to scale back Chromebook use in favor of more traditional, hands-on learning. What she found was pretty eye-...
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From Teaching to Content Creation: Jessica Hawk on Education, Tech & Teacher Burnout

April 21, 2026 • 58 mins
In this episode of the Balancing Act Podcast, we’re joined again by Jessica Hawk, who shares her journey from a 32-year teaching career into full-time content creation—and what that transition has revealed about the value of educators beyond the classroom. We keep things real (and a little nostalgic) as we reflect on the shift from pre-tech classrooms to today’s device-filled learning environments, unpacking both ...
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100th Episode Special: Lessons in Teaching, Podcasting, and Building an Education Community

April 14, 2026 • 43 mins
In this special 100th episode of The Balancing Act, we celebrate in style from the New Jersey Hall of Fame—and yes, it feels just as cool as it sounds. We take a trip down memory lane, from recording in a kitchen with one microphone (and plenty of background noise) to building a podcast shaped by incredible guests and a supportive education community. Along the way, we share some laughs, reflect on how far we’ve come, a...
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Executive Functioning for K–3 Teachers with Mitch Weathers and Sarah Oberle

April 7, 2026 • 50 mins
In this episode of The Balancing Act, we welcome back Mitch Weathers and chat with Sarah Oberle about their new book, Executive Functions for Every K-3 Classroom, diving into the critical role executive functioning plays in young learners. We keep things light and relatable while unpacking how skills like focus, self-regulation, and impulse control develop—and why kids aren’t misbehaving, they’re still learning ho...
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Work-Life Balance for Educators: Parenting Teens, Caregiving, and Managing It All

March 31, 2026 • 47 mins
In this episode of The Balancing Act, we blend humor and real life as we swap stories—from a much-needed raspberry Snapple boost to saying goodbye to a trusty old car and even a beloved classroom pencil sharpener. We dive into the emotional rollercoaster of parenting teens through the college decision process, sharing both the stress and the perspective we try to keep. Along the way, we lighten things up with memories from ou...
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Teaching Multilingual Learners: Why NJ Teacher of the Year Gillian Ober Says Classrooms Are Changing

March 24, 2026 • 47 mins
In this episode, we engage with Gillian Ober, the 2026 New Jersey Teacher of the Year, as she shares her inspiring journey from undecided college student to passionate educator. We delve into her experiences teaching abroad in Spain and Thailand, which ignited her commitment to education and shaped her teaching philosophy, particularly concerning multilingual learners. Jillian discusses the complexities of teaching English Language...
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Teachers Are Burning Out—And Self-Care Isn’t the Solution

March 17, 2026 • 49 mins
In this episode, we examine the challenges of self-care for educators, particularly women, as they juggle multiple roles at home and in the classroom. We discuss the mental load and guilt associated with prioritizing personal well-being amidst end-of-year responsibilities. Highlighting systemic issues like weaponized incompetence, we share personal stories of finding joy while navigating demands. Ultimately, we stress the importanc...
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Teacher Burnout Crisis with Dr. Allison Hitchens

March 10, 2026 • 53 mins
In this episode of the BalancingAct podcast, our hosts speak with Dr. Allison Hitchens, a doctoral graduate specializing in teacher burnout and mentoring novice educators. We discuss the challenges faced by teachers, particularly during the pandemic and in rural areas, and the systemic issues contributing to high attrition rates. Dr. Hitchens advocates for redefined mentorship that focuses on emotional support and resilience rather...
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Grind My Gears 2: Teacher Pet Peeves, Parent Drama & Staff Culture

March 3, 2026 • 50 mins
In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, Jamie Wanko and Joe Vitale engage in a candid discussion that merges personal anecdotes with educational reflections. They kick off by celebrating Joe's milestone birthday, sharing humorous insights on aging and societal perceptions shaped by social media.  As seasoned educators, they delve into frustrations surrounding classroom management and the challenges of maintaining studen...
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Talking with @Balancedmindsedu Jamie Ruffner, your sarcastic teaching bestie

February 24, 2026 • 46 mins
Jamie Ruffner breaks down the reasons she has decided to step away from the classroom, all while keeping her mind on education and how to make things better for all classroom teachers and students. Executive functioning tips for parents and teachers come through during each and every segment of this week's chat. Follow Jamie Ruffner's hysterical take on teaching, and empathize with her real world struggles to balance motherhood and...
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Lack of Developmental Norms are a Societal Issue Affecting Schools

February 17, 2026 • 48 mins
Our hosts are siding with other teachers on the issues that seem to be shared with teachers across America. Teachers have collectively been scratching their heads with students' lack of common developmental norms. Kids are not coming to school on time, not able to complete basic tasks like cutting, coloring or following multi step directions, and everyone wants to know why. Check out the posts we referenced in today’s epis...
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Teacher Friends and Tik Toks with the Math Girls

February 10, 2026 • 43 mins
Meeting Morgan and Nicole at the NJEA convention in the fall meant that our hosts just widened their New Jersey teacher friend group, and in the meantime basked in the glow of that newer teacher energy they so desperately seek. “The Math Girls” as they have affectionately come to be called, are giving our hosts a refresher course on how to tackle middle school teaching and why teacher- friends make all the difference.&n...
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