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The Balancing Act: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Joseph Vitale and Jamie Wanko
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.
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- Yesterday50 min
College Success for Students: Accommodations & Independence with Tara Williams
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 shares practical strategies for studying, organization, and accountability, and we talk about how students can assess whether a school or major is the right fit after the first semester. Check out more from Tara Williams at her website. www.innovativecollegiateconsultants.com Also check out her book The Neurodivergent Student Journey: Breaking Out of the Box at select online retailers. Use the link below for registration for the Educate and Rejuvenate conference on June 30th and July 1st! Lots of awesome sessions. Be on the lookout for our special recording with Kelsey on July 1st at 11:30 am. https://educateandrejuvenate.com/op/summer-2026-registration-organic?aff=238 Check out our article in the NJEA Review magazine! https://www.njea.org/for-podcasting-teachers-life-is-a-balancing-act/ Season 3 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote. http://bit.ly/4mQC27G Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees. Select Episodes from Season 3 sponsored by: For more information about NJSchoolJobs.com check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities. We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment! Follow Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamie Instagram - @podthebalancingact TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast Twitter - @podbalact Youtube Channel - The Balancing Act - YouTube Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 1 weeks ago50 min
Indy 500 Traditions, Teacher Joy & Happiness Habits That Actually Work
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, families, and the people who organize these ceremonies. Later, we reflect on a NEA Today article about the joy of teaching, while emphasizing that salary and working conditions still matter, and we review ideas for staying connected to the work, including curiosity, relationships, and advocacy for students. We close with a few happiness habits from The Happiness Project, such as decluttering, walking, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and getting enough sleep. Use the link below for registration for the Educate and Rejuvenate conference on June 30th and July 1st! Lots of awesome sessions. Be on the lookout for our special recording with Kelsey on July 1st at 11:30 am. https://educateandrejuvenate.com/op/summer-2026-registration-organic?aff=238 Check out our article in the NJEA Review magazine! https://www.njea.org/for-podcasting-teachers-life-is-a-balancing-act/ Season 3 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote. http://bit.ly/4mQC27G Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees. Select Episodes from Season 3 sponsored by: For more information about NJSchoolJobs.com check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities. We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment! Follow Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamie Instagram - @podthebalancingact TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast Twitter - @podbalact Youtube Channel - The Balancing Act - YouTube Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 2 weeks ago50 min
College Admissions 2026: What Students and Parents Need to Know with Jen Foldvary
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 they truly want to attend. Finally, we cover what to do if college is not the right fit, and how rising sophomores and juniors can start preparing early by exploring preferences, visiting campuses, and building a college narrative. Check out our article in the NJEA Review magazine! https://www.njea.org/for-podcasting-teachers-life-is-a-balancing-act/ Season 3 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote. http://bit.ly/4mQC27G Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees. Select Episodes from Season 3 sponsored by: For more information about NJSchoolJobs.com check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities. We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment! Follow Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamie Instagram - @podthebalancingact TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast Twitter - @podbalact Youtube Channel - The Balancing Act - YouTube Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 3 weeks ago48 min
College Decisions, Graduation Stress & Surviving Maycember
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 year at the NJEA convention. We also reflect on our children’s college decisions, comparing schools, financial aid, campus size, housing, and programs, and talk about why one child chose Stockton and the other chose TCNJ. We look back on how different this process is from when we went to college and how the podcast has developed over time, including reaching the end of season three. We close with a few lighter personal stories, prom planning, and ideas for summer outings. Check out our article in the NJEA Review magazine! https://www.njea.org/for-podcasting-teachers-life-is-a-balancing-act/ Season 3 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote. http://bit.ly/4mQC27G Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees. Select Episodes from Season 3 sponsored by: For more information about NJSchoolJobs.com check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities. We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment! Follow Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamie Instagram - @podthebalancingact TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast Twitter - @podbalact Youtube Channel - The Balancing Act - YouTube Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 4 weeks ago58 min
Toxic Mom Groups and Relational Aggression with Dr. Noelle Santorelli
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 groups. Emphasizing the systemic nature of these issues, we explore their effects on mental health and the importance of recognizing and challenging these dynamics. Dr. Santorelli shares strategies for confronting uncomfortable situations and encourages listeners to foster supportive environments, aiming to empower women and cultivate healthier communities for future generations. Check out our article in the NJEA Review magazine! https://www.njea.org/for-podcasting-teachers-life-is-a-balancing-act/ Season 3 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote. http://bit.ly/4mQC27G Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees. Select Episodes from Season 3 sponsored by: For more information about NJSchoolJobs.com check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities. We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment! Follow Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamie Instagram - @podthebalancingact TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast Twitter - @podbalact Youtube Channel - The Balancing Act - YouTube Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- May 12, 202653 min
Dealing with Loss: A Caretakers Journey
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 power of community support, the importance of leaning on others during difficult moments, and the ways grief can shape your perspective on life and family. This heartfelt conversation honors a mother’s legacy while encouraging you to embrace your own healing journey with compassion and grace. Season 3 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote. http://bit.ly/4mQC27G Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees. Select Episodes from Season 3 sponsored by: For more information about NJSchoolJobs.com check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities. We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment! Follow Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamie Instagram - @podthebalancingact TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast Twitter - @podbalact Youtube Channel - The Balancing Act - YouTube Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- May 5, 202651 min
Navigating Kids, AI & Digital Learning with Merve Lapus: A Tech Reset
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 why it’s time to rethink when tech actually adds value versus when it just adds noise. Merve brings a refreshingly balanced perspective, pushing back on the idea that technology is either all good or all bad, and instead encourages a thoughtful, “scalpel-not-sledgehammer” approach—especially when it comes to student well-being and social media. The conversation also dives into the very real pressures parents feel, with Merve sharing his own experiences navigating his kids’ digital lives and emphasizing the power of open, judgment-free communication. From gaps in everyday life skills to the growing divide between kids and adults in understanding AI, this episode keeps things grounded while looking ahead, reminding listeners that the goal isn’t to fear technology—but to raise humans who know how to use it wisely, creatively, and with confidence. Season 3 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote. http://bit.ly/4mQC27G Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees. Select Episodes from Season 3 sponsored by: For more information about NJSchoolJobs.com check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities. We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment! Follow Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamie Instagram - @podthebalancingact TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast Twitter - @podbalact Youtube Channel - The Balancing Act - YouTube Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Apr 28, 202651 min
Rethinking EdTech: Why Marcy Samayoa Is Leading a Tech-free Classroom “Tech Reset”
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-opening: more collaboration, deeper thinking, and students who were actually present again. We also dive into her approach to test prep—ditching gamified tools for structured practice and reflection—and her belief that teaching students how to learn matters more than ever. It’s a thoughtful, honest conversation that challenges assumptions about edtech while offering a hopeful look at what classrooms can become when we slow things down and get intentional. Season 3 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote. http://bit.ly/4mQC27G Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees. Select Episodes from Season 3 sponsored by: For more information about NJSchoolJobs.com check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities. We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment! Follow Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamie Instagram - @podthebalancingact TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast Twitter - @podbalact Youtube Channel - The Balancing Act - YouTube Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
About 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.
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