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Tethered and Whole

by Matthew Weld

"Tethered and Whole," hosted by Matt Weld, is your weekly guide to thriving in education. Designed specifically for educators, this podcast explores essential personal and interpersonal skills crucial for preventing burnout and boosting teacher retention. Each week, Matt provides actionable insights and strategies, empowering you to cultivate self-awareness, enhance well-being, and navigate challenges with resilience. Learn to show up as your best self, fully present and effective, so you can wholeheartedly support the students in your classroom and rediscover the joy in your vital profession. Tune in every week to become more tethered to your purpose and whole in your practice.

From the show's RSS feed, refreshed Oct 2, 2026. Source feed.

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Episodes

  1. Ep 40: The Ultimate Power of Hope

    Exploring the transformative power of hope in education, this episode delves into how hope fuels resilience, motivation, and growth among educators and students. It emphasizes practical ways to cultivate hope and sustain it amidst systemic challenges. RESOURCES: Tethered and Whole (Book) -...

  2. Ep 39: Choose & Tell Your Story Wisely

    Exploring how storytelling influences healing, growth, and future success, especially for educators reflecting on the past year. Resources: Narrative Psychology - The Power of Stories in Healing - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/narrative-psychology Self-Care Strategies for Educators -...

  3. Ep 38: The Quiet Power of Patience in a Loud Profession

    Exploring the multifaceted nature of patience and its vital role in education, this episode delves into three types of patience—interpersonal, long-term, and short-term—and offers practical strategies for cultivating patience amidst the fast-paced demands of teaching.

  4. Ep 37: Building Confidence is a Skill

    Exploring the multifaceted nature of confidence through real-life stories, psychological research, and practical strategies. Learn how confidence impacts decision-making, leadership, and personal growth, and discover actionable tips to build and sustain it. RESOURCES: Carol Dweck's Growth Mindset...

  5. Ep 36: Curiosity - The Most Underrated SEL Skill

    Exploring the power of curiosity as a vital yet underrated strategy for growth, decision-making, and relationships. Learn how curiosity fosters humility, improves judgment, and transforms interactions in personal and professional life.

  6. Ep 35: The Anger Issue

    In this episode of Tethered in Hole, Matthew Weld delves into the complex emotion of anger, exploring its roots, cultural implications, and how to manage it effectively. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging anger rather than suppressing it, and discusses how personal experiences shape…

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  7. Ep 34: Reframing Failure

    In this conversation, Matthew Weld explores the concept of failure, emphasizing its role as a crucial part of growth and learning. He discusses how reframing failure from a negative experience to a source of information can lead to greater resilience and innovation, particularly in educational...

  8. Ep 33: Combatting Anxiety with Calm

    In this conversation, Matthew Weld explores the complex nature of fear, worry, and anxiety, emphasizing their impact on human behavior and emotional well-being. He discusses how fear manifests in various forms and how it can influence our responses in different situations. Weld highlights the...

  9. Ep 32: Why Your To-do List Feels Too Big

    In this episode of Tethered in Whole, Matthew Weld delves into the Zygarnik effect, a psychological phenomenon that explains why unfinished tasks linger in our minds, often causing stress and mental clutter. He illustrates how our brains are wired to remember incomplete tasks more vividly than...

  10. Ep 31: Vanquishing Energy Vampires

    In this episode of Tethered in Whole, Matthew Weld delves into the concept of 'energy vampires'—individuals who drain emotional energy from others without consent. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing these energy vampires in various settings, particularly in educational environments, and...

  11. Ep 30: Tackling Trust

    In this episode of Tethered in Whole, host Matthew Weld delves into the intricate concept of trust, exploring its significance, formation, and the potential for its breakdown. He begins with a poignant story about a woman named Linda and her dog Rudy, who alerted her to a serious health issue,...

  12. Ep 29: Pointing a Finger at Toxicity

    In this episode of Tethered in Whole, host Matthew Weld reflects on the importance of healthy school culture, drawing inspiration from his second-grade teacher, Mrs. Heinz. He emphasizes that a nurturing environment is foundational for students, especially those who feel out of place. Through...

  13. Ep 28: Not To Decide Is To Decide

    In this conversation, Matthew Weld explores the complexities of quitting and the psychological biases that influence our decision-making. He discusses how societal views on quitting can lead to a reluctance to let go of commitments, even when they drain our energy. Weld introduces the concept of…

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  14. Ep 27: When Everyone Is Right

    In this episode of the Tethered and Whole podcast, Matt Weld discusses the complexity of truth in human relationships, emphasizing the importance of accepting multiple truths and the role of empathy in understanding different perspectives. He shares personal experiences from his time as an...

  15. Ep 26: Happiness Is Closer Than You Think

    In this episode, Matt shares a poignant story about an emperor and a nightingale, illustrating the contrast between superficial beauty and authentic joy. He explores the themes of happiness, contentment, and the importance of living in alignment with our values. Through insights from psychology…

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  16. Ep 25: Self-Compassion Is Not Selfish

    In this episode of "Tethered and Whole," host Matt Weld shares a heartfelt story from his seventh-grade experience that shaped his journey into teaching. Through personal anecdotes, Matt explores the profound impact of compassion and empathy in education. He delves into the importance of...

  17. Ep 24: Save Frustration by Managing Expectations

    n this episode of Tethered in Whole, host Matt Weld explores the concept of expectations, particularly in the context of gifting and education. He reflects on how our expectations shape our happiness and experiences, emphasizing the importance of understanding where these expectations come from....

  18. Ep 23: Reframe to Rebuild Your Relationships

    In this episode, Matthew Weld explores the transformative skill of reframing, which allows individuals to reinterpret moments, comments, and behaviors through a more generous lens. He shares personal anecdotes from his teaching career, illustrating how reframing can shift perceptions and improve...

  19. Ep 22: The Sound of Silence

    In this episode of "Tethered in Hole," host Matthew Weld delves into the profound impact of silence on our lives. Explore the science behind silence, its role in well-being, and how it can transform our interactions and environments. Through stories and insights, discover how silence can be a…

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  20. Ep 21: Gold in the Gap

    In this episode of "Tethered and Whole," host Matthew Weld delves into the profound concept of "The Gold in the Gap"—the powerful yet often overlooked freedom to choose our responses. Drawing inspiration from Viktor Frankl, Mahatma Gandhi, and Nelson Mandela, Matthew explores how true freedom…

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  21. Ep 20: Decisions, Biases, and The Illusion of 'Right'

    In this episode, Matt Weld explores how every decision — from a teacher’s quick hallway “yes” to a life-altering choice — carries more weight than we realize. Using Stephen Covey’s wisdom that “we are not products of our circumstances, but of our decisions,” Matt unpacks the unseen biases and...

  22. Ep 19: The House of Resilience: A New Definition

    In this episode, Matt Weld explores the concept of resilience through the inspiring story of Maya Shankar, who transformed her life after losing her identity as a violinist. He defines resilience as the ability to adapt and move forward in the face of challenges, emphasizing that it is accessible...

  23. Ep 18: Self-Awareness to Self-Advocacy and the Pieces in Between

    In this episode of Tethered and Whole, host Matt Weld explores the journey from self-awareness to self-advocacy for educators. The discussion highlights the importance of self-compassion, self-care, and well-being in preventing burnout and fostering resilience. Key insights include the role of...

  24. Ep 17: Three Proven Ways to Damage Your Relationships

    In this episode of Tethered in Whole, Matthew Weld explores the emotions of shame, defensiveness, and guilt that often arise in the teaching profession. He discusses how these emotions can cloud judgment, strain relationships, and hinder growth. By understanding the nature of these emotions and...

  25. Ep 16: Ms. Alvarez's Story: From Overwhelm to Burnout to Wholeness

    In this episode of Tethered in Whole, Matthew Weld explores the critical distinction between overwhelm and burnout, particularly in the context of teaching. Through the story of Ms. Alvarez, he illustrates how overwhelm can lead to burnout if not addressed properly. He emphasizes the importance…

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  26. Ep 15: How Luther Burbank Shifted My Perspective: Seeing the Spectrum

    In this episode of Tethered in Whole, host Matt Weld explores the concept of spectrum thinking, inspired by the story of horticulturist Luther Burbank. Matt discusses how viewing life on a spectrum rather than in absolutes can lead to deeper understanding, stronger relationships, and genuine...

  27. Ep 14: Forgiveness and the Power of Starting Over

    In this episode, Matt Weld explores the transformative power of forgiveness through the poignant story of Mary Johnson, who forgave her son's murderer. He emphasizes that forgiveness is a personal journey that allows individuals to reclaim emotional freedom and create new relationships. The...

  28. Ep 13: The Power of Apologies

    In this episode, Matthew Weld shares a transformative experience from his early teaching career that reshaped his understanding of apologies. He discusses the importance of genuine apologies, the nuances of accountability, and the need for self-healing beyond waiting for others to acknowledge…

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  29. Ep 12: When Kids Are Under the Table: From Dysregulation to Co-regulation

    In this podcast episode, Matthew Weld explores the concept of regulation, emphasizing its importance in self-management and education. He discusses self-regulation as the ability to manage emotions and behaviors, co-regulation as the process of calming others, and practical strategies for…

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  30. Ep 11 Grounded in Gratitude: A Teacher's Daily Practice

    In this episode, host Matt Weld explores the profound impact of gratitude on our bodies and relationships, particularly in the context of education. He shares personal experiences and scientific research that highlight how gratitude can reshape our nervous system, enhance emotional well-being…

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  31. Ep 10: The Fence at the Cliff - Boundaries for Teachers

    We explore the concept of boundaries, emphasizing their importance in fostering safety and freedom in relationships. Through a story about two brothers and insights from Nedra Tawwab's work, this episode illustrates how boundaries can enhance emotional regulation and job satisfaction…

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  32. Ep 9 When Your Brain Spills Its Coffee: Understanding Your Emotions

    In this episode of "Tethered in Whole," host Matt Weld delves into the science of emotions and their impact on teachers. Drawing insights from Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett's book, "How Emotions Are Made," and psychologist Susan David's concept of emotional agility, Matt explores how our brains…

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  33. Ep 8: When Perfect Hurts: Perfectionism in K–12 Schools

    Join us as we explore the multifaceted nature of perfectionism within educational settings. In this episode, Matthew Weld unpacks the psychological dimensions of perfectionism, its impact on educators, and the pervasive culture that fuels it. Discover practical strategies to manage…

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  34. Ep 7: Tethered to Gratitude - Escaping Envy and Jealousy

    In this episode of Tethered in Whole, host Matt Weld explores the pervasive issue of comparison in our lives, particularly among students and adults. He delves into the psychological roots of envy and jealousy, explaining how these emotions manifest in our daily lives, especially in the age of...

  35. Ep 6: Self-Discipline, Apathy, Distraction, and Grit

    In this episode of "Tethered and Whole," host Matthew Weld delves into the transformative power of discipline in personal growth. Explore how discipline, rooted in love and relationships, can reshape our approach to education and life. Matthew shares insights on building resilience, managing...

  36. Ep 5: Engaging, Not Enraging - Dealing With Rude People

    In this episode of "Tethered in Whole," host Matt Weld delves into the challenging yet common issue of rudeness in the classroom. Discover how to transform these difficult interactions into opportunities for growth and connection. Matt shares personal stories and practical strategies to help...

  37. Ep 4: Community and Belonging - Why We Can't Do Life Alone

    In this episode of Tethered and Whole, host Matt Weld delves into the profound impact of social-emotional learning and the essential human need for belonging. Through personal insights and expert perspectives, Matt explores how belonging transcends mere fitting in, emphasizing the importance of...

  38. Ep 3: Unleashing Your Inner Lion - The Power of Self Awareness

    Self-awareness is the key to all of the social-emotional competencies, and foundational to the inner work we must do to remain whole and grounded in our busy days as educators. Learn the two types of self-awareness, as well as a quick tweak in your language that can help boost your self-awareness.

  39. Ep 2: The Power of Identity

    Learn about the two types of identity, where it comes from, and how our identity is the basis for our behaviors, beliefs, and actions. Learn some tricks to bring your own identity into focus so that you can better understand your understanding of yourself.

  40. Ep 1: Daily Detox Ritual

    Learn about the power of rituals and gratitude in this foundational episode. Host Matt Weld introduces his SIMPLIFY daily ritual, a quick set of actions and mindsets designed to be performed at the end of your busy school day so that you can leave work at work and be fully present for your family...

About this show

"Tethered and Whole," hosted by Matt Weld, is your weekly guide to thriving in education. Designed specifically for educators, this podcast explores essential personal and interpersonal skills crucial for preventing burnout and boosting teacher retention. Each week, Matt provides actionable insights and strategies, empowering you to cultivate self-awareness, enhance well-being, and navigate challenges with resilience. Learn to show up as your best self, fully present and effective, so you can wholeheartedly support the students in your classroom and rediscover the joy in your vital profession. Tune in every week to become more tethered to your purpose and whole in your practice.

Hosted by

Matthew Weld

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Frequently asked questions

How many episodes does Tethered and Whole have?

Tethered and Whole has 40 episodes on PodParley. The most recent episode was published on April 6, 2026.

What is Tethered and Whole about?

"Tethered and Whole," hosted by Matt Weld, is your weekly guide to thriving in education. Designed specifically for educators, this podcast explores essential personal and interpersonal skills crucial for preventing burnout and boosting teacher retention. Each week, Matt provides actionable...

How often does Tethered and Whole release new episodes?

Tethered and Whole publishes weekly, based on its 40 episodes since July 2025.

Who hosts Tethered and Whole?

Tethered and Whole is created and hosted by Matthew Weld.
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