The Green Heart Wellbeing Podcast - Life After Teaching

Send us Fan MailWhat if the way we structure work was never designed with human wellbeing in mind?In this episode of The Green Heart Wellbeing Podcast, I explore work and leadership through a matriarchal lens — not as a political argument, but as a systems reflection.We look at:Linear productivity vs cyclical human rhythmRelational labour and invisible emotional workPerformance culture vs care-based cultureHow current work structures shape wellbeingThis isn’t about replacing one power structure with another. It’s about questioning whether our workplaces — including schools — prioritise the values that truly sustain people long-term.If you’re interested in leadership, culture, and sustainable wellbeing at work, this conversation invites a broader way of thinking.For leadership and organisational wellbeing work: greenheartwellbeing.earth Instagram: @greenheartwellbeing.earth

Send us Fan MailWellbeing is now firmly part of the conversation in education. Schools are investing time, energy and intention into supporting staff and students.So why do so many initiatives struggle to create lasting impact?In this episode of The Green Heart Wellbeing Podcast: Life After Teaching, I explore the deeper, systemic reasons wellbeing efforts often fall short — even when leaders genuinely care.Through a positive psychology and coaching psychology lens, this is a reflective conversation about responsibility, leadership, and what sustainable wellbeing practice actually requires.If you work in education and have ever felt that your wellbeing efforts are well-meaning but fragmented, this episode invites a more strategic way of thinking.To explore working together, visit greenheartwellbeing.earth

Send us Fan MailWellbeing language is everywhere now. We know the terms, the research headlines, and the importance of “doing wellbeing.” But knowing about wellbeing isn’t the same as holding the responsibility for it.In this episode of The Green Heart Wellbeing Podcast: Life After Teaching, I explore the gap between awareness and application through a positive psychology and coaching psychology lens. I reflect on why good intentions don’t always translate into meaningful change, why wellbeing work is often underestimated, and what happens when the emotional and psychological weight of this work isn’t properly supported.This isn’t a how-to episode. It’s a reframing — one that invites a deeper respect for wellbeing as applied psychological work, not just a set of ideas.If you work in education, leadership, coaching, or any role where you hold responsibility for others’ wellbeing, this episode offers space to pause and reflect on what doing this work well really requires.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Green Heart Wellbeing Podcast: Life After Teaching, I explore an important question in education today: should wellbeing be developed in-house, or supported by specialist expertise?Wellbeing has become a familiar word in schools, but effective wellbeing is more than good intentions, theme weeks, or one-off sessions. I reflect on what meaningful wellbeing practice actually involves, why it deserves the same level of care and expertise as other specialist areas, and how schools can think more intentionally about long-term impact.As always, this episode isn’t about criticism. It’s an invitation to treat wellbeing as a discipline — one that supports children, staff, and school culture in deeper, more sustainable ways.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Green Heart Wellbeing Podcast: Life After Teaching, I explore why more families are questioning traditional schooling and turning towards alternative education, homeschooling, and unschooling.This isn’t an anti-school conversation. It’s a thoughtful look at what’s changing in education, what families are noticing in their children, and why different learning models are becoming more visible — particularly around wellbeing, pace, and connection.I talk about common misconceptions, what alternative education can look like in practice, and the wellbeing thread that runs through many of these approaches. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply curious about how education is evolving, this episode invites reflection rather than answers.Learn more about the Raising Hearts Homeschool Hub here - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCqAuYNprPy3hOZJaTEbWWw

Send us Fan MailThis is one of the topics I’m asked about most: leaving teaching.In this episode of The Green Heart Wellbeing Podcast: Life After Teaching, I talk honestly about what people often underestimate when they consider stepping away from the classroom — the loss of identity, the fear, the decision paralysis, and the practical overwhelm that can come with change.I also share how coaching can support this transition. Not by telling you what to do, but by helping you slow down, gain clarity, rebuild trust in yourself, and move forward without rushing or burning everything down.If you’re quietly questioning whether teaching is still right for you, this episode offers reflection, reassurance, and a calmer way of thinking about what comes next.

Send us Fan MailIn this short episode of The Green Heart Wellbeing Podcast: Life After Teaching, I’m easing back in with a midwinter reflection and sharing my word for the year: awareness.January can come with a lot of pressure to rush, reset, and move faster. This episode offers a quieter alternative. I reflect on midwinter as a season of noticing rather than forcing, and why awareness feels like a more supportive place to begin the year — especially if you’re navigating change, burnout, or uncertainty.This is a gentle pause, not a push. An invitation to notice where you are before deciding where you’re heading next.

Send us Fan MailWhen I left teaching, one of my biggest fears wasn’t just about identity or burnout — it was about money. After 14 years of a reliable monthly salary, how was I going to pay my bills through my own company?In this episode of The Green Heart Wellbeing Podcast: Life After Teaching, I get honest about the financial side of starting a wellbeing business. I share what it’s really like to move from stability to uncertainty, how I’ve diversified my income through clubs, coaching, women’s circles, and holiday camps, and the mindset shifts that help me keep going.This is the behind-the-scenes story of financing life through Green Heart Wellbeing — the challenges, the emotional rollercoaster, and the freedom of building something that’s truly mine.

Send us Fan MailOver the first six episodes of this podcast, I’ve shared a lot about life after teaching, the ups and downs of starting a business, and what wellbeing in schools often gets wrong. In this episode, I’m responding to some of the questions and comments that listeners often have after those conversations.I talk about how to know when it might be time to leave teaching, the identity shift that comes with stepping away, whether it’s possible to stay in the classroom and still protect your wellbeing, how I deal with imposter syndrome and founder panic, and what meaningful wellbeing in schools actually looks like.This is an honest, reflective episode that pulls together threads from earlier themes — and hopefully opens the door for you to send in your own questions for future episodes.

Send us Fan MailWhen schools say they’re “doing wellbeing,” it too often means donuts in the staffroom, a yoga day, or a mindfulness app. Lovely gestures meant with kindess, but they don’t fix burnout.In this episode of The Green Heart Wellbeing Podcast: Life After Teaching, I explore why surface-level wellbeing isn’t enough, and share what meaningful wellbeing looks like when it’s embedded in school culture. From strategy and teacher voice, to leadership modelling, consistency, and measurement — this is about moving from token gestures to real impact.I also share how my own work with Green Heart Wellbeing clubs and coaching builds lasting skills in resilience, emotional literacy, and confidence — the foundations of true wellbeing for both staff and students.This podcast is for teachers, ex-teachers, and school leaders who want to move beyond quick fixes and create environments where everyone can thrive.

Send us Fan MailWhen I left the classroom after 14 years, I thought starting a business would be the natural next step. I imagined freedom, balance, and meaningful work. The reality has been much more of a rollercoaster.In this episode of The Green Heart Wellbeing Podcast: Life After Teaching, I get honest about the challenges of building a wellbeing business after teaching — from the gap between expectation and reality, to imposter syndrome, to managing the inevitable panic and struggles that come with starting something new.I’ll also share why, even on the hardest days, this journey still feels worthwhile and why creating something that supports teachers, children, and adults is worth the ups and downs.This podcast is for teachers, ex-teachers, and anyone considering a career change who wants an authentic look at what life after teaching can really be like.

Send us Fan Mail(24 Mins Long!)Leaving teaching is never an easy decision, but there are signs that can help you know if it’s time.In this episode of The Green Heart Wellbeing Podcast: Life After Teaching, I share five clear indicators that it might be time to step away from the classroom — from burnout and misaligned values, to losing the joy in teaching, noticing the impact on your health and relationships, and dreaming of something new.If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “Should I stay, or should I go?” (What a song!), this episode will give you honest reflections and helpful insights from my own journey and coaching work.This podcast is for teachers, ex-teachers, and anyone curious about career change, wellbeing, and what life beyond the classroom can look like.

Send us Fan MailWhen I was in the classroom, a huge part of education was all about academics, data, and assessment results. Since leaving teaching after 14 years, my perspective has shifted completely.In this episode of The Green Heart Wellbeing Podcast: Life After Teaching, I share what education looks like for me now. It’s less about grades and more about building the skills children and adults really need to thrive: resilience, confidence, emotional literacy, creativity, and wellbeing.I’ll talk about:Why I believe education should go beyond academicsThe lessons I carried with me from teaching into coaching and businessThe mindsets I had to unlearn after leaving the classroomWhy I see wellbeing as a curriculum for lifeTakeaway for you, as always.This podcast is for teachers, ex-teachers, and anyone interested in wellbeing, positive psychology, and creating new ways to flourish beyond the classroom.

Send us Fan MailWhen I left the classroom after 14 years, I thought I knew what life after teaching would look like. The reality was very different.In this episode of The Green Heart Wellbeing Podcast: Life After Teaching, I share five things I wish I’d known before leaving teaching — from the surprise of having too much freedom, to the importance of getting your finances in order, and how isolating it can feel to step away from the staffroom.I’ll also talk about identity shifts, the patience it takes to grow a new career, and some bonus reflections around wellbeing, grief, and messy progress.Takeaway for you: What’s one small “seed” you could plant this week that might grow into the life you want beyond teaching?This podcast is for teachers, ex-teachers, and anyone thinking about a career change who wants to protect their wellbeing, use positive psychology in daily life, and explore what’s possible beyond the classroom.

Send us Fan MailWelcome to the very first episode of The Green Heart Wellbeing Podcast: Life After Teaching — formerly known as Diary of an Ex-Teacher: Navigating the World of Wellbeing.After 14 years in the classroom (12 of them in Dubai), I stepped out of teaching to follow my passion for wellbeing. In this episode, I share how I planted the first seeds of Green Heart Wellbeing and how it’s grown into a business supporting teachers, adults, and children through coaching, creative wellbeing clubs, and positive psychology.💡 In this episode you’ll hear:My journey from teacher to wellbeing business owner & coachThe first “seeds” that grew into Green Heart WellbeingLessons I’ve learned about career change, identity, and resilienceA simple wellbeing takeaway you can try this weekIf you’re curious about life after teaching, need a boost for your own wellbeing, or want practical tools rooted in positive psychology, this episode is for you.Connect with me:Instagram: @greenheartwellbeing.earth Website: greenheartwellbeing.earth🎶 Music: Benjamin Tissot (Bensound.com) | License IDRMQVFWQHRTHBN8

Send us Fan MailWhat does Continuing Personal Development look like in your life? Do you learn vaulable things to support you professionally or even personally?Very often, CPD can feel forced. But, what if you flip the narrative and choose what feels important to you to learn.Here are some links to the sites of the ladies I mention in the show.Dr. Robyn WalserDr. Louise Hayes

Send us Fan MailFollowing on from some insta reels I made, teachers, this episode is for you.I know you know this stuff...but sometimes a wee reminder helps you to take action!

Send us Fan MailAs promised, I'm sharing about some of the learning and self discovery that's been happening over the last year. The Divine Feminine is such a blessing for me: my world has changed since reawakening to the understanding of DF.I respond to a listener message to start with and update you one the happenings of the week!What does Divine Feminine mean to you?

Send us Fan MailThese episodes are waaaay more unstructured than the first series. Perhaps, that is because now that I'm not teaching, my life isn't timetabled to the n'th degree! But, it has taken some getting used to...This episode focuses on chat about mentoring vs. coaching, some reflections on the start of the academic year and which steps I've taken towards starting my own business - eeeek!

Send us Fan MailSo - the last episode (a year and a half ago...) was the most popular download. It was called 'Thinking of leaving teaching" and then...I fell off the face of the earth lol!But, I'm back again with updates, where I've been, what I've been doing and what I'm going to do next!As always, the upcoming episodes will be about you and your wellbeing. I also plan to share 'diary entries' just like before but more so in real time!My new mantra....'Consistency is key' :)Ashley x

Send us Fan MailIf you live in the UAE, contract time is looming. Schools are awash with whispers of 'Who will stay?  Who will go?' as teachers pass each other in corridors and grab a mere moment of adult conversation.In all seriousness, many people would love to try something new but, the reality is, that monthly salary is what keeps us surviving. What would you do if money wasn't an issue? What really makes your heart sing?This little episode talks about decisions and change. I share three experiences of mine that could be useful to you. (They're in the wrong order though cos I had to record this twice and I was also annoyed that my cat took my comfy chair).I love sharing the thoughts of others during episodes. Get in touch after listening and tell me what you want to say, I can share it anonymously!Be Well,Ashley x

Send us Fan MailI always feel like I try and squeeze really big topics into twenty minute episodes and today is no different lol! So let's say it is a bit of a starter on the topic.I talk a bit about my own self care, self love, self worth journey. They are all different things, hence this episode being more introductory into my thoughts on these areas.I share some of the ways you can care and love for yourself more because we could probably all use a little more of that in one way or another.I loved sharing the thoughts of others in this episode too. Get in touch after listening and tell me what you want to say, I can share it anonymously!Be Well,Ashley xIn the UAE? Visit The Free Spirit Collective to learn more about how we can help you flourish.Website - www.mindfulmissgreen.com (for free stuff)Insta - @mindfulmissgreenLinkedIn - Ashley Green MSc (MAPPCP)Twitter - @mindfulmissgYouTube - Mindful Miss GreenIn the UAE? Visit The Free Spirit Collective to learn more about how we can help you flourish.My Website - www.mindfulmissgreen.com (for free stuff)Insta - @mindfulmissgreenLinkedIn - Ashley Green MSc (MAPPCP)Twitter - @mindfulmissgYouTube - Mindful Miss Green

Send us Fan MailAlthough the clue is in the title -  'balance' - I know from experience, listening to friends, nosying on social media etc, the scales often tip in the favour of work. So, does it change our perspective if we think of it as life/work balance?There is nobody on this planet that can tell me the main reason we are here is to work day in day out. We are expressive, creative beings and although many find their true purpose, passion or calling, for lots of us, we end up settling in order to makes ends meet, pay bills, keep up with the neighbours/housewives of _______, whatever it may be.In this episode I share some very brief ideas on shaking up the perspectives a little around work and considering our 'life hours' first.These are just my pondering and ideas - I'd love to hear from some of you and what you think about balance in life when it comes to work and enjoying life.Ashley x

Send us Fan MailEven saying the word 'procrastination', even thinking it, writing it, gives that feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach - why do we do this to ourselves?I've been procrastinating over a big thing I have to do. I will share more about it once it is finished lol! So, this episode is basically my personal plan of how I'm going to battle the procrastination and get started. I thought it would be good to share this with you too! (Two birds, one stone - combatting procrastination already, right?)How do you stop procrastinating? Tell me, the more help we can share with me and listeners the better :)Ashley xPS: The book I couldn't remember the name of is 'Digital Minimalism' by Cal Newport.In the UAE? Visit The Free Spirit Collective to learn more about how we can help you flourish.Website - www.mindfulmissgreen.com (for free stuff)Insta - @mindfulmissgreenLinkedIn - Ashley Green MSc (MAPPCP)Twitter - @mindfulmissgYouTube - Mindful Miss Green

Send us Fan MailCoaching. It's my new day job! I love being a Wellbeing Coach and like teaching, it is an occupation where you never stop learning and the more experience you gain, the better.In this episode, I want to chat a bit about how coaching has helped me in different aspects of life and what I am enjoying about being a coach. I also share some tips on what to look out for when you are looking for a coach to walk beside you on the path to your goals.Ashley xPS: Thanks for your patience while I upload this episode. I have no excuse other than I spent most of the day watching old 'British Bake Off' reruns and eating cake :) In the UAE? Visit The Free Spirit Collective to learn more about how we can help you flourish.Website - www.mindfulmissgreen.com (for free stuff)Insta - @mindfulmissgreenLinkedIn - Ashley Green MSc (MAPPCP)Twitter - @mindfulmissgYouTube - Mindful Miss GreenFacebook - Mindful Miss Green

Send us Fan MailHappiness. Sometimes allusive, wanted by everyone. But does it have to be a relentless pursuit?Happiness looks different for everyone. Even some of the most mean people who have set foot on this earth, may have justified that their actions made them happy. But, true happiness goes beyond the individual needs/wants or momentary pleasure. It caters for community, for the other and contributes to better, to collective flourishing. Step in here, true Joy!This episode touches on this mammoth topic in a very tiny way. I just wanted to share some of my steps along the journey to my happiness and recommend a good book called 'Beyond Happiness' by Sir Anthony Seldon. He is a wonderfully interesting person.Do get in touch with any thoughts on the episode; I literally love chatting to you!Ashley xIn the UAE? Visit The Free Spirit Collective to learn more about how we can help you flourish.Website - www.mindfulmissgreen.com (for free stuff)Insta - @mindfulmissgreenLinkedIn - Ashley Green MSc (MAPPCP)Twitter - @mindfulmissgYouTube - Mindful Miss GreenFacebook - Mindful Miss Green

Send us Fan MailBurnout is a biggie! Prevention is possible.Most people have experienced burnout at some time in their life, whether it be personally or professionally. This really is a massive recurring theme within education. Staff in schools have a vocational attitude towards their job, but giving their all, 100% of term time, often leads to crashing and burning during those holidays we have (that the rest of the world love to remind us about! Tee hee). But in seriousness, burnout can lead to more severe mental health difficulties if not managed.This episode shares what burnout symptoms can look like and also offers suggestions on preventing burnout.Make your burnout prep plans when you are feeling well. Or, if you are a teacher and it is the beginning of term, it is a good time. You'll be glad you did when you've got a handy action plan in place when you find yourself shrieking your way down the Stressville pathway!Take care of yourself,Ashley xIn the UAE? Visit The Free Spirit Collective to learn more about how we can help you flourish.Website - www.mindfulmissgreen.com (for free stuff)Insta - @mindfulmissgreenLinkedIn - Ashley Green MSc (MAPPCP)Twitter - @mindfulmissgYouTube - Mindful Miss GreenFacebook - Mindful Miss Green

Send us Fan MailIt feels weird not be going back into school - and yet, teacher wellbeing still remains in my thoughts!This episode brings shares some teacher wellbeing tips to consider at the start of the year. I remember the feeling of 'I'm going to be better this year' or 'I'm really going to have a work/life balance this year.' Sound familiar? Before long, I'd be (un)merrily skipping down the burnout pathway in Stressville!Listen for some tips. Teacher wellbeing will come up again soon (probably after I catch up with my teacher friends and hear their chat about what works well/what they struggle with) but the tips in this episode can really be adapted for any industry.Look after yourself this year. Don't say 'yes' to everyone and 'no' to yourself.Chat to me on the socials xIn the UAE? Visit The Free Spirit Collective to learn more about how we can help you flourish.Website - www.mindfulmissgreen.com (for free stuff)Insta - @mindfulmissgreenLinkedIn - Ashley Green MSc (MAPPCP)Twitter - @mindfulmissgYouTube - Mindful Miss GreenFacebook - Mindful Miss Green

Send us Fan MailThere wasn't an episode last week...listen to my update to find out where I have been and what is coming next!I have still been writing in my diary everyday I promise :)Ashley

Send us Fan MailThe last few weeks have been wobbly but now, I'm settling into a place of HOPE and optimism for the future.This episode brings shares one of my go to Positive Psychology interventions called 'Best Possible Self' - that is definitely something I'm moving towards with hope in my heart and fire in my belly. This intervention is lovely for boosting hope and optimism when thinking about the future. Studies show the benefits of taking part in the intervention last long after you finish the task - pretty cool in my book.I HOPE you enjoy this episode. (See what I did there? :) Chat to me on the socials xPS: Here is a link to the LOT-R scale I mentioned Website - www.mindfulmissgreen.com (for free stuff)Insta - @mindfulmissgreenLinkedIn - Ashley Green MSc (MAPPCP)Twitter - @mindfulmissgYouTube - Mindful Miss GreenFacebook - Mindful Miss Green

Send us Fan MailImposter syndrome - we all know what it's like to feel like we don't deserve to be somewhere, or that we aren't actually equipped to do the job we are being paid for. I mean, even Meryl Streep has openly talked about feeling like an imposter when acting in a movie - madness right?In this episode, I share a little about why I've had Imposter Syndrome tapping my shoulder and how I plan to flick it away like an annoying fly. I briefly introduce character strengths and how I'll use my top strength to help me through! You can try the exercise too. Ashley xWebsite - www.mindfulmissgreen.com (for free stuff)Insta - @mindfulmissgreenLinkedIn - Ashley Green MSc (MAPPCP)Twitter - @mindfulmissgYouTube - Mindful Miss GreenFacebook - Mindful Miss Green

Send us Fan MailI knew that making such a big career change would definitely cause me to have the odd wobble during the term I still had left at school. Well, there's been a good few!Am I doing the right thing? I must have asked myself that 100 times, even after my teacher position had already been filled! Feel down I knew/know it's right but I had to sit down and really reflect. I realised that I was falling into the comparison trap.The comparison trap affects us all. Once I became more aware of it in my life, I noticed just how much I had been doing it, especially through social media. I talk through all this during the episode and suggest two wellbeing tips you can do to move away from comparison.Let's lean towards being under the inspiration rather than under the influence of comparison.Ashley xWebsite - www.mindfulmissgreen.com (for free stuff)Insta - @mindfulmissgreenLinkedIn - Ashley Green MSc (MAPPCP)Twitter - @mindfulmissgYouTube - Mindful Miss GreenFacebook - Mindful Miss Green

Send us Fan MailI had to leave teaching, it was time. I'm so lucky to now to be able to try and pursue something I'm passionate about full time, as my daily bread and butter.This episode brings MEANING and PURPOSE into the conversation (I say the words meaning and purpose about 35,465 times, sorry not sorry!) I share why leaving teaching is making more space for me to find more MEANING and PURPOSE in my life. I mention some of the research and share a bit about one of the most thought provoking books out there on the theme of MEANING.What gives your life meaning and purpose?Chat to me on the socials xWebsite - www.mindfulmissgreen.com (for free stuff)Insta - @mindfulmissgreenLinkedIn - Ashley Green MSc (MAPPCP)Twitter - @mindfulmissgYouTube - Mindful Miss GreenFacebook - Mindful Miss Green

Send us Fan MailWell, here we go - the start of the journey to becoming an ex -teacher!In this episode I share some reflections about handing my notice in at school after 14 years in the classroom. It was an emotional rollercoaster to say the least and FEAR has been dancing around me the whole time. Like, literally spinning me around.I share some main points from a book about fear that did actually change my life a bit; it helped me to make this massive decision. Then I share some practical steps you can take to face some fears too. It worked for me, hopefully they can be useful for you too - I mean, that's why we're here, podcasting and listening and all that!Chat to me on the socials xWebsite - www.mindfulmissgreen.com (for free stuff)Insta - @mindfulmissgreenLinkedIn - Ashley Green MSc (MAPPCP)Twitter - @mindfulmissgYouTube - Mindful Miss GreenFacebook - Mindful Miss Green

Send us Fan MailHi Lovely People!It really is so, so lovely to have you here! This is just a little trailer to introduce myself and explain why I have jumped on the podcast bandwagon - I basically want to document my career change journey from teacher to coach and wellbeing consultant in Dubai, where I live.Each week I will share my experiences from my diary and talk about a wellbeing theme. I'm pretty sure the theme will resonate with you too. Hopefully, I can share helpful tips and topics that can support your growth and wellbeing as well as my own!We all want to flourish - so let's do it together. In you come, and let's have a wee chat.Ashley x