PODCAST · business
Two Wacky Teacherpreneurs Tell All
by Jessica Martin & Amanda Werner
Jess and Amanda have been friends and teacherpreneurs for over ten years! They are excited to share their silly banter and business acumen with teachers who are looking to start a business and begin making recurring revenue online!
-
75
How to Create a One-Pager That Sells Your PD to Schools (Selling to Schools, Part 2)
You've built a course, a membership, or a year-long curriculum — but how do you actually get a school to pay for it? In Part 2 of the Selling to Schools series on Two Wacky Teacherpreneurs Tell All, Amanda screen-shares the actual one-pager she created to sell her Empowered English Classroom course to schools, and she and Jess break down what goes on it, why it works, and how teacherpreneurs can use the same approach to get their offerings in front of principals — even if the idea of cold-emailing a school district makes them want to hide under a desk.This is a short, practical episode focused on the nuts and bolts: what to include on a one-pager, how to handle purchase orders, why you should go through teachers instead of approaching administrators directly, and where the hidden money in school budgets actually lives.In this episode, you'll learn:Amanda's one-pager walkthrough: what she included at the top (total PD hours), in the middle (course overview, goals, learning outcomes), and at the bottom (pricing, payment options, and address for purchase orders)Why listing total PD hours matters — teachers and administrators think in time chunks, and this is the first thing they look forJess's design takeaway: keep it clean, bold headings, easy to scan — more like a professional resume than a Canva templateThe "go through the teachers" strategy: instead of cold-emailing principals, give teachers a one-pager they can hand to their administrator to request school fundingWhy Amanda frames it as "I don't want you paying for this out of your own pocket" — and how that positions you as an ally, not a salespersonHidden school budgets: why many schools have $250+ per teacher set aside for PD that goes unspent and gets shuffled elsewhereThe end-of-year budget panic: why March and April are prime time for schools that need to spend money before they lose itJess's in-person approach: dropping off flyers with treats and pens for office staff to get your offering in front of decision-makersHow to create a purchase order using Canva templates — and why keeping it basic (not cutesy) matters for secondary schoolsThe LLC question: do you actually need one to sell to schools? Amanda and Jess's honest take on the costs ($700–$800/year in California), the legal protection, and whether it's worth it for a small teacherpreneur businessWhy even in a year of slashed budgets and teacher layoffs, there's still room to sell — a $1,000 course for five teachers is nothing compared to a teacher's salaryTools mentioned:Canva (for creating one-pagers and purchase orders)Kajabi (Amanda's former course platform)This is Part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 1 first for the big-picture overview of selling PD to schools, pricing tiers, real contract numbers, and whether this pivot is right for your personality.Watch this episode on YouTube to see Amanda's screen-share of the actual one-pager, her poppy-sized-head background, and Jess's brick wall vibes — plus an unexpected detour into Arizona mobile home real estate.Subscribe and leave a five-star review — and remember, if you share this podcast with 10 other people, you'll have good luck forever.
-
74
Selling to Schools Instead of Teachers: How Teacherpreneurs Can Land PD Contracts (Part 1)
What if instead of selling a $5 product to one teacher, you could sell a $10,000–$58,000 package to an entire school? In this episode of Two Wacky Teacherpreneurs Tell All, Amanda and Jess explore one of the biggest untapped opportunities for teacherpreneurs: selling professional development and curriculum directly to schools and school districts.Neither Amanda nor Jess is doing this full-time right now — and that's exactly what makes this episode valuable. Instead of a polished pitch from someone selling a course on how to do it, you're getting an honest, exploratory conversation between two teacherpreneurs who have dabbled in it, turned down opportunities, learned from friends who do it successfully, and are trying to figure out whether it's the right move. If you've ever wondered whether your expertise could translate into school-level contracts, this is the episode that lays out what's actually involved.In this episode, you'll learn:The three pricing tiers every teacherpreneur should start with when selling PD to schools: a one-hour talk, a half-day session, and a full-day workshopReal contract numbers: Get Your Teach On charges $58,000 for a year of school PD, and the Seven Habits program costs around $50,000 — what does that actually include?Why writing a book (even self-published) is one of the fastest ways to establish the credibility schools look for when hiring PD providersAmanda's experience being contacted by principals who were in her membership — and why she turned down PD opportunities despite the moneyThe honest reality of selling to schools: purchase orders, district contracts, billing delays of 3 months to a year, and why it's a long gameWhy Zoom-based PD is a real option — even major curriculum companies deliver training virtually, so teacherpreneurs can tooJess's case for why now — when budgets are being slashed and PD is getting cut — is actually the perfect time to build your PD offeringAmanda's niche sweet spot: helping ELA teachers navigate AI and student writing, delivered via Zoom from UruguayThe personality factor: why selling to schools isn't for everyone (Amanda's honest take on why teaching adults makes her uncomfortable as an autistic person)Monica Genta and Jen Manley Consulting as examples of teacherpreneurs who've built successful school-facing businessesMentioned in this episode:Get Your Teach On (PD conference company)The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens (school PD program)Monica Genta, author of 180 Days of AwesomeJen Manley Consulting (Instagram)Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (Jess's current read — no relation to PD, just vibes)Stay tuned for Part 2, where Amanda and Jess will break down what goes on a landing page and one-pager when you're pitching your PD or curriculum to school administrators.Watch this episode on YouTube to see Amanda's leaf close-up background, Jess's galaxy background, and the existential question of what that says about their mindsets.Subscribe and leave a five-star review — and remember, if you share this podcast with 10 other people, you'll have good luck forever.
-
73
How to Build an Email List as a TPT Seller (Even If You've Failed Before)
Every successful TPT seller Amanda and Jess have ever talked to credits the same thing for their success: their email list. Not their TPT store. Not their social media. Their email list. So why is it the one thing most teacherpreneurs never actually follow through on? In this episode of Two Wacky Teacherpreneurs Tell All, Amanda and Jess have a raw, numbers-on-the-table conversation about building, neglecting, and trying to revive an email list — including what it actually costs, what a good conversion rate looks like, and why Jess keeps starting over while Amanda hasn't emailed her list of 5,000 subscribers in two years.This isn't a polished masterclass. It's two teacherpreneurs doing math on screen, confessing their email marketing failures out loud, and trying to figure out the next move together.In this episode, you'll learn:How Amanda originally built her email list using Mailchimp, WordPress, and OptinMonster — and the pop-up strategies that actually workedThe real cost of email list tools: OptinMonster ($313/year), ConvertKit pricing tiers, and why Kajabi at $200/month wasn't worth it for JessMailerLite as the best free starting point: 1,000 subscribers free, recommended by Claude for teacherpreneurs just getting startedWhat a good email opt-in conversion rate actually is (3–5% is solid) and how to calculate yoursJess's real numbers: 100 subscribers in one weekend from Instagram stories, a 2.5% conversion rate, and why she still felt like a failureAmanda's real numbers: a 28.5% conversion rate on her podcast-to-opt-in campaign — but only 7 total visitors (and why that's still useful data)Why Amanda is mining her 5,000-subscriber list for her top 1,000 "super fans" (à la Pat Flynn) instead of emailing everyoneThe critical difference between owning your audience (email list) and renting it (TPT, Instagram, Facebook) — and what happens if a platform disappears tomorrowHow to scrub a dormant email list and re-engage cold subscribers without getting flagged as spamAmanda's secret locked page strategy: using podcast episodes to drive listeners to a hidden page with editable slides behind an email opt-inAI agents for email: Amanda's vision (and fear) of using Claude Code to automate email replies and list managementWhy big lists aren't everything — and why Amanda would rather have 1,000 people who love her than 35,000 strangersTools and platforms discussed:OptinMonster (pop-ups and opt-in forms)ConvertKit (email marketing platform)MailerLite (free for first 1,000 subscribers)Mailchimp, AWeber, ActiveCampaign (alternatives)Kajabi (course platform with built-in email)Claude by AnthropicSuperfans by Pat FlynnWatch this episode on YouTube to see Amanda surrounded by puppies (and one is her real dog) while Jess interrogates her about email strategy.Subscribe and leave a five-star review — and remember, if you share this podcast with 10 other people, you'll have good luck forever.
-
72
3 AI Prompts Every TPT Seller Needs for Market Research (We Tested Them Live)
What if you could do hours of market research in minutes — and actually get answers specific to your TPT niche? In this episode of Two Wacky Teacherpreneurs Tell All, Amanda and Jess test three powerful AI prompts live on screen using Claude to uncover exactly what middle and high school English teachers are buying, complaining about, and searching for on Teachers Pay Teachers right now.The results are surprisingly specific — and packed with product ideas. From the SEL and neurodiversity gap in secondary ELA, to the AI cheating crisis breaking the homework model, to what's almost completely absent on TPT that teachers desperately need, this episode is basically a free business strategy session powered by AI.The 3 market research prompts tested in this episode:Prompt 1: "What are my customers buying right now?" — Claude identified SEL resources, adolescent literacy and reading intervention, AI literacy and digital citizenship, neurodiversity-affirming classroom resources, and no-prep engagement-driven formats as the top categories where demand is surging for secondary ELA.Prompt 2: "What are my customers complaining about right now?" — The top pain points: AI cheating has broken the homework model, student behavior and disengagement are worsening, parents are becoming adversaries, burnout from non-teaching work is at an all-time high, students can't read at grade level, and there's no clear AI policy from administration.Prompt 3: "What's missing in the Teachers Pay Teachers marketplace?" — The biggest gap Claude identified: neurodiversity resources for general education secondary teachers. When you search neurodiversity on TPT, you get bulletin board crafts for awareness month and self-contained special ed resources for early elementary — almost nothing for the regular 7th or 10th grade ELA teacher with neurodivergent students already in their classroom.Also discussed:Why Claude's memory feature matters for market research — and how it personalizes results based on your store and nicheThe difference between Claude Opus, Sonnet, and Haiku (and which one to use for this)Why you should pair AI market research with SEO keyword tools like YDP to validate demand on TPTWhat AI gets wrong: why you still need real human conversations to spitball ideas and validate assumptionsJess's cautionary tale about a three-ingredient AI recipe that was pure slopWatch this episode on YouTube.Subscribe and leave a five-star review — and remember, if you share this podcast with 10 other people, you'll have good luck forever.
-
71
Can TikTok Actually Make You Money as a TPT Seller? Real Teacherpreneur Success Stories
A TPT seller posted one TikTok about test prep strategies — and made $200 in an hour instead of her usual $15 for the whole day. A teacher influencer made $900,000 in three years just filming her daily life. So should you drop everything and start posting on TikTok? In this episode of Two Wacky Teacherpreneurs Tell All, Amanda and Jess dig into the real numbers behind teacherpreneur TikTok success stories and debate whether this is a real opportunity or just the latest shiny object.Jess brings the proof — screenshots from the Wallflowers Facebook group and a juicy Reddit thread — while Amanda plays devil's advocate, asking the questions every skeptical seller is thinking: How long has this person been posting? How many followers do they have? And can you really replicate someone else's viral moment? The result is an honest, unfiltered conversation about social media strategy, the attention economy, and why consistency matters more than any single platform.In this episode, you'll learn:The real story behind a TPT seller who made $200/hour after one TikTok went viral — and the context most people leave outThe teacher influencer making $900K in three years on TikTok by filming her entire day, including brushing her teeth and grading papersWhy Amanda calls this "shiny object syndrome" — and why Jess thinks TikTok has crossed over from fad to permanent platformThe 80/20 content rule: 80% entertaining content, 20% sales content — and how the viral seller broke itHow reframing your product with a creative spin (like calling test prep a "hack book") can be the difference between $15 and $200 in a dayWhy Jess deleted all her websites but Amanda still swears by email marketing — and how both approaches make about the same moneyAmanda and Jess's different marketing philosophies: social media vs. email lists, and why both workUsing AI to brainstorm creative product angles and viral hooks for existing TPT productsAmanda's potential TikTok idea: documenting her family's move to UruguayThe attention economy explained: why being in the right place at the right time matters, but consistency is what gets you thereMentioned in this episode:Wallflowers Facebook Group (5,800 TPT seller members)Claude by AnthropicCassie the English Teacher (YouTube channel about moving to Uruguay)Watch this episode on YouTube to see Amanda in her magical fairy butterfly field and doing jazzercise moves while Jess tries to have a serious conversation.Subscribe and leave a five-star review — and remember, if you share this podcast with 10 other people, you'll have good luck forever.
-
70
Stop Trying to Beat AI: How to Stand Out as a Teacherpreneur When the Market Feels Impossible
AI can generate a slideshow in two seconds, a video you can't tell from real life, and an email that sounds just like you. So what's the point of even trying anymore? In this episode of Two Wacky Teacherpreneurs Tell All, Amanda and Jess tackle the scarcity mindset head-on and share why the market isn't actually as saturated as it feels — and what teacherpreneurs can do right now to find their people instead of trying to beat AI.The conversation kicks off with a reality check: Jess sent Amanda an AI-generated nostalgia video that looked completely real — until Amanda's kid instantly identified it as fake. If we can't even tell what's AI anymore, how do teacherpreneurs compete? Amanda and Jess break down the three things AI can never replicate about your business, debate Claude's list of "moves that work right now," and get honest about imposter syndrome, invisible TPT stores, and why chasing hot takes on social media might be making you blend in more, not less.In this episode, you'll learn:- The 3 things that differentiate you from AI and every other teacherpreneur: your story, your opinions, and your specific people- Why AI content feels "too perfect" — and how that's actually your competitive advantage- Amanda's bestselling TPT product story: how the worst year of her teaching career accidentally created her most successful resource- Jess's secret to building a loyal customer base: treating every follower like a friend, not a transaction- What makes TPT sellers invisible: low-effort products, jumping on cringey trends, and "hot takes" that aren't actually hot- Why Amanda left social media — and how she reframed "standing out" as "finding my people"- The Superfans mindset: why 25 real people engaging with your content is a room full of supporters, not a failure- Claude's controversial list of strategies for standing out (and which ones Amanda hated)- Why the real reframe isn't "how do I beat AI?" — it's "how do I become undeniably me?"- Amanda's idea for creating AI video versions of the hosts (and Jess's very real concern about being turned into a political puppet)Mentioned in this episode:- Superfans by Pat Flynn- Claude by Anthropic- YDP (Your Data Playbook) for TPT analytics- Speechify for AI voice cloningWatch this episode on YouTube to see Amanda's jazzercise moves, her balance ball, and Jess bouncing around the screen from 10 feet away.Subscribe and leave a five-star review — and remember, if you share this podcast with 10 other people, you'll have good luck forever.
-
69
When to Pivot Your Teacherpreneur Business (and When to Stay the Course)
Should you pivot your teacherpreneur business — or are you just chasing the next shiny object? In this episode of Two Wacky Teacherpreneurs Tell All, Amanda and Jess have an honest conversation about every major pivot they've made in their teacher businesses — what worked, what flopped, and what they wish they'd done differently.From starting on TPT to launching blogs, memberships, web design services, webinars, and podcasts, Amanda and Jess have tried it all. They share the real reasons behind each pivot (spoiler: most of them started because someone else said they should), what they'd go back and change if they could, and why the ability to pivot might actually be your biggest asset right now as AI reshapes the teacherpreneur landscape.In this episode, you'll learn:- Why Amanda has pivoted her business so many times — and the one pivot she's genuinely glad she made- The pivot both Amanda and Jess regret most: not going all-in on TPT product creation during the 2020–2022 digital product boom- How "shiny object syndrome" shows up differently for neurodivergent entrepreneurs and AuDHD business owners- Why Jess's blog getting hacked and held for ransom taught her a hard lesson about owning your platform- How AI is forcing even massive companies like Grammarly, WordPress, and Squarespace to pivot — and what that means for small teacherpreneur businesses- Jess's latest pivot idea: physical bookmark products suggested by Claude, sold on both TPT and through a membership- Amanda's take on building websites with Claude Code and GitHub instead of WordPress or Squarespace- Why sitting in the "pivot zone" for a few months and thinking it through beats making snap decisions — even when you're someone who loves to just go for itMentioned in this episode:- Hard Fork podcast (New York Times) — the Grammarly story about using writers' likenesses without permission- Claude by Anthropic — for brainstorming business ideas and product strategy- TPT (Teachers Pay Teachers)Watch this episode on YouTube to see Amanda's Montevideo, Uruguay background and Jess bouncing around the screen thanks to Zoom's latest "feature."Subscribe and leave a five-star review — and remember, if you share this podcast with 10 other people, you'll have good luck forever.
-
68
Is AI Killing Women-Owned Businesses? What Teacherpreneurs Need to Know Now
Watch this Episode on Youtube! Don't forget to subscribe:)Is AI threatening your teacherpreneur business — or is it the biggest opportunity you've never had? In this episode of Two Wacky Teacherpreneurs Tell All, Amanda and Jess break down a viral Substack article from Risky Women and Anthropic's recent labor market report that reveals which jobs and businesses AI is disrupting the most — and why women-owned businesses are taking the hardest hit.If you've noticed your TPT sales dropping 20–40% over the past couple of years, you're not alone. Amanda and Jess share what they're seeing across the teacherpreneur community and dig into what the data actually says about who's most at risk: older, female, more educated, higher-paid knowledge workers. But this isn't a doom-and-gloom episode — it's a strategy session.In this episode, you'll learn:What Anthropic's AI labor market report reveals about women in business and white-collar job displacementWhy TPT sellers and teacherpreneurs are seeing 20–40% sales dips — and what's really driving itThe "4% rule": how to identify the work AI can't touch and make it 80% of your businessWhy community, human connection, and authentic personality are your biggest competitive advantagesHow to audit your offerings and pivot toward high-judgment, relationship-intensive, creative workThe case for showing up on social media as your real self (and why AI influencers like "Jessica Foster" make it even more urgent)Dollar sales, hashtag sales, and physical products: alternative revenue strategies TPT sellers are exploring right nowAI agents explained: what they are, what they can do, and why most people still need help using themThe one reflection question every teacherpreneur should be journaling about right nowArticles discussed:"Your Business Isn't Failing — The World Is Changing" on Risky Women SubstackAnthropic's "Labor Market Impacts of AI" report (March 2026)Washington Post coverage on AI's impact on women in white-collar jobsSubscribe to Two Wacky Teacherpreneurs Tell All and leave a five-star review. And remember — if you share this podcast with 10 other people, you'll have good luck forever:) :)
-
67
TPT Seller Discounts: How to Use the New Discount Feature to Boost Your Sales
TPT just rolled out a brand new Seller Discounts feature — and in this episode of Two Wacky Teacherpreneurs Tell All, Amanda and Jess walk you through it in real time. They screen-share the new Discounts dashboard, activate every available discount type, and talk through how TPT sellers can use these tools to increase sales without slashing prices across their whole store. Here's what you'll learn in this episode:- Where to find the new TPT Seller Discounts feature (under Shop → Promotions → Discounts)- How to activate the first-time buyer discount, abandoned cart discount, and follower discount- How to customize and schedule discounts (including the 20% cap and "ends never" option)- How discounts differ from TPT sitewide sales and the auto opt-in feature- Dollar sales and hashtag sales: how TPT sellers use Facebook groups to run flash promotions- Why half-price launch day pricing can train your followers to buy on day one- The role of email lists in driving TPT sales — and whether AI is changing that- Tips from Jess on Shelly Rees's TPT Seller Success Facebook group and collaborative selling strategiesResources mentioned:- TPT Seller Discounts page (found under Shop → Promotions → Discounts in your TPT dashboard)- TPT Seller Success Facebook Group- TPT Share: Teachers Pay Teachers Share Ideas Facebook Group (73,000+ members)Subscribe to Two Wacky Teacherpreneurs Tell All wherever you listen to podcasts, and leave us a five-star review if this episode helped you out.Check out our course here: https://www.wackyteacherpreneurs.com/
-
66
ChatGPT vs. Claude: Ethics, Privacy, and Which AI Teacherpreneurs Should Use
Jess and Amanda discuss major AI platforms for teacherpreneurs, focusing on ChatGPT versus Claude. Jess admits she used ChatGPT exclusively until Amanda introduced her to Claude about four to six months ago. Amanda explains that Claude is Anthropic’s large language model, led by CEO Dario Amodei (a former OpenAI employee), and describes Anthropic’s emphasis on ethics and user privacy settings, including an option not to let the company see chats. They discuss reports about a Pentagon/Department of Defense controversy in which Anthropic set “red lines,” including no use for fully autonomous weapons or mass domestic surveillance, contrasted with OpenAI’s involvement. They also reference Anthropic’s “Constitution of Claude,” framing Claude as values-driven rather than rule-driven. Jess and Amanda compare outputs and prompting styles, describing Claude as more long-form and complex (a “PhD”) and ChatGPT as simpler with strong brand recognition.00:00 Cold Open Banter00:39 Tell All AI Showdown02:03 Podcast Intro Theme02:41 Why Jess Switched04:55 What Claude Is07:26 Ethics and Privacy Angle08:43 Pentagon Contract Controversy11:30 Jess Reacts Values Clash14:48 Claude Constitution Explained17:19 Head to Head User Experience21:02 When Bots Trash Talk22:47 Grok Joke Wrap Up23:21 Final Outro and CTA
-
65
The Ethics of Using AI to Create and Sell Classroom Resources
Amanda Werner and Jessica Martin discuss their evolving views on AI, debating the ethics of using tools like Claude to create teacher resources and whether it’s acceptable to sell AI-assisted products on Teachers Pay Teachers. They describe earlier anti-AI concerns about uncredited “borrowing,” environmental impact, and threats to creative work, alongside current reliance on AI for heavy workloads, including generating 35-page weekly lesson plans that save significant time. Amanda shares she has created multiple AI-assisted, password-protected free slide decks via an email opt-in and feels tempted to sell them, while weighing transparency and the risk that AI “flatters” users. They also consider how AI could flood marketplaces, reduce value, reshape educators into editors, and push classrooms away from busywork toward discussion-based learning and human connection, including time outdoors.00:00 AI Ethics Debate Setup01:19 From Anti AI to Hypocrisy Fears03:20 Using AI for Lesson Plans05:42 Selling AI Made Curriculum Dilemma08:58 Amanda Uses Claude for Slides15:18 Claude Weighs In on Ethics19:58 Transparency and Market Flooding25:40 AI Changes Classroom Learning31:29 Human Connection in AI Age33:36 Nature Unplugging and Wrap Up
-
64
Full Time Freedom? Part II
This is Part 2 of our conversation about leaving the classroom. In this segment, Amanda and Jess shift gears to talk about building a sustainable business outside of TPT. Jess has been working with Claude AI to create a backup plan, and shares what that looks like - including the membership website idea she's been debating. They talk about pricing strategies, passive income myths, and why it's so hard to build a business while teaching full-time. Plus, Amanda shares her experience running a membership that hit 120 members at its peak. If you're thinking about diversifying your income or wondering what comes next after TPT, stick around - this one's packed with real talk and practical insights.Jess shares Claude AI's recommendation: build a membership website as a TPT backup planDebate over pricing: Claude suggests $15/month, but Jess wants it lower (under $10)Examples of successful low-cost memberships ($1-$5) with high subscriber countsTwo membership concepts: Teacher health & wellness vs. picture book library resourcesThe challenge of being a full-time teacher while building a businessWhy the "wake up at 3:30 AM" advice from a TPT millionaire didn't workThe importance of not relying solely on TPT or InstagramPassive income myth: TPT spoiled us, but constant marketing is needed for membershipsAmanda's past membership experience: $25/month, 120 members at peak, years to buildThe motivation factor: memberships create accountability for consistent content creationDad's wisdom on getting rich: marry it, inherit it, or get really luckyKey Takeaway: Building a sustainable business requires strategic planning, consistent marketing, and finding what truly serves your audience - while accepting that luck and timing play a role.
-
63
Full-Time Freedom? Why Amanda Left the Classroom (Part I)
In this episode Jess and Amanda discuss the experience of leaving the classroom for good! This is part one in a two part series about leaving the classroom.Amanda shares why she left teaching after working part-time for two yearsThe reality of part-time teaching: working full-time hours for part-time payLife after the classroom: more time for passion projects like podcastingHow consistency in content creation led to an unexpected opportunity with Adrian Martinca (Kids Dream Dreams Matter)The inspiration that sparked new product creation around AI and future skillsNew stresses replacing old ones: homeschooling, household responsibilities, and limited time despite no jobTPT strategy insights from YDP: focusing on what people actually need vs. what you want to makeThe 80/20 rule: Only 5 of Amanda's 59 products generate most of her incomeThe importance of getting top products to page one for increased salesKey Takeaway: Leaving teaching doesn't mean less stress - it means different stress. Success comes from following your interests while being strategic about the marketplace.
-
62
TpT Product Creation Strategies for Teacherpreneur Success
In this episode of the Wacky Teacherpreneur Podcast, hosts Jess and Amanda share their personal processes for creating educational products, especially for the Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) platform. They discuss their early approaches and how they've evolved to more efficient methods using templates and skeletons. The episode also touches on the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve product titles, descriptions, and accommodate diverse learning needs. A 10-year-old 'Ultimate TPT Checklist' is revisited, revealing that many core strategies are still relevant today. The importance of understanding market demands and incorporating SEO into product creation is emphasized.00:00 Welcome Back, Teacherpreneurs!00:45 Introduction to Product Making01:56 Jess's Product Creation Journey06:20 Amanda's Product Creation Insights12:27 Using AI in Product Development19:11 SEO and Market Research24:02 Final Thoughts and Tips27:49 Conclusion and FarewellMake More Money Online Course
-
61
Are you being used in your business?
In this episode of the Wacky Teacherpreneur Podcast, hosts Jess and Amanda discuss the challenges teacherpreneurs face when they get used and exploited by business partners, clients, customers and friends. The conversation delves into personal experiences of feeling used, the importance of setting boundaries, and recognizing the signs of toxic relationships. Amanda also shares insights about how neurodivergent individuals might be more susceptible to exploitation. Tune in for real talk, personal stories, and advice on maintaining healthy business relationships.00:00 Welcome to the Wacky Teacherpreneur Podcast00:21 Getting Used as a Business Owner01:53 Personal Stories of Being Taken Advantage Of03:43 Challenges Faced by Autistic Individuals06:45 Emotional Labor and Attracting the Wrong People08:47 Partnership Dynamics and Red Flags18:49 Setting Boundaries and Agreements22:01 Concluding Thoughts and FarewellMake More Money Online Course
-
60
How to Not Get Burned When Collaborating with Other Online Business Owners
In this episode of the Wacky Teacherpreneur Podcast, hosts Jess and Amanda discuss crucial insights they wish they had known before entering business partnerships. They share personal anecdotes about the importance of having contracts, recognizing and avoiding being co-opted, understanding one's strengths and weaknesses, and building personal scaffolding to support oneself through entrepreneurial ventures. With conversational exchanges about their own business missteps and the emotional impact of these experiences, this episode provides valuable lessons for aspiring teacherpreneurs aiming to protect their interests while nurturing business relationships.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview02:04 The Importance of Contracts in Business Partnerships04:44 Recognizing Red Flags and Setting Boundaries06:48 Understanding Co-opting and Maintaining Individuality14:50 Dealing with Narcissism and Mental Health in Partnerships19:13 Building Independence and Personal Scaffolding23:25 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsMake More Money Online Course
-
59
Our Wildest Social Media and Biz Collaborations Revealed!
In this episode of the Wacky Teacherpreneur Podcast, hosts Jess and Amanda discuss their experiences with social media collaborations, sharing personal stories of challenges, successes, and lessons learned. Jess opens up about being overwhelmed by popularity on platforms like Periscope and Instagram and dealing with failed collaborations, while Amanda reflects on misunderstandings and periods of awkwardness in their long-standing friendship. Together, they offer insights on identifying genuine collaborations, managing self-esteem in partnerships, and the importance of getting to know collaborators deeply before committing to long-term projects. Listeners will gain valuable tips to help avoid common pitfalls in social media collaborations.00:00 Welcome to Wacky Teacherpreneur Frenzy!00:25 The Perils of Social Media Collaborations01:34 Introducing the Wacky Teacherpreneur Podcast02:12 The Longstanding Collaboration with Amanda02:58 The Drama and Falling Out03:38 Reconnecting and New Collaborations14:58 Lessons Learned from Failed Collaborations20:26 Wrapping Up and Future PlansMake More Money Online Course
-
58
How to Avoid the Cringe Factor When Selling
In this episode of Two Wacky Teacherpreneurs Tell All podcast, hosts Jess and Amanda dive into the challenges of marketing without being cringey. They discuss their personal experiences with feeling cringey in marketing efforts, with Jess sharing a detailed story about her woodworking business and its fluctuating success. The discussion explores the fine line between authentic self-promotion and desperate sales tactics, emphasizing relationship-building and genuine engagement. They also highlight the role of AI tools like ChatGPT in offering non-cringey marketing strategies and touch on the effectiveness of email marketing. Throughout, humor and real-life anecdotes keep the conversation lively and relatable, concluding with a soft sell of their course on making money online.00:00 Introduction and Breaking News00:09 Promoting Our YouTube Channel00:40 Today's Topic: Being Cringey02:44 Jess's Struggles with Cringey Marketing08:40 Amanda's Insights on Cringey Marketing09:20 Email Marketing Strategies11:19 Soft Selling vs. Hard Selling14:00 Personal Stories and Authenticity16:35 Course Promotion and ConclusionMake More Money Online Course
-
57
A Special 2026 New Year Psychic Archetypal/Tarot Reading for the Whimsical Teacher!
Watch this episode on Youtube! In this lively and humorous episode, Jess and Amanda from the Wacky Teacherpreneur Podcast engage in a whimsical New Year's themed session, filled with archetypal readings, tarot insights, and reflections. Amanda sets the stage with playful psychic props like candles and holistic sprays, while Jess delves into tarot readings to explore Amanda's impending move to Uruguay. The duo also share comical and thoughtful moments around meditation, predictions, and the meaningful connections found in their teacherpreneur journey. Tune in for a blend of fun, spirituality, and teacherpreneur wisdom as they navigate 2026's potential challenges and joys.00:00 Introduction and New Year's Reading Setup01:07 Cleansing and Preparing the Deck04:14 Meditation and Setting Intentions05:31 Drawing Cards for Each Month12:20 Interpreting the Cards and Yearly Theme17:57 Identifying and Addressing Psychic Venom19:20 Discussing Relationships and Psychic Awareness20:22 Exploring Tarot Readings and Their Meanings23:16 Reflecting on Past Tarot Readings34:17 Tarot Reading for a Major Life Transition39:02 Astrology and Birth Chart Insights40:39 Conclusion and Podcast Outro
-
56
Wtf are teachers buying in 2026?!?
In this episode of the Wacky Teacherpreneur Podcast, hosts Jess and Amanda discuss a unique opportunity for teachers to join a professional development tour to Germany led by Jess! Message Jess if you want to talk to her about the details and or visit the website to learn more: Message Jess on InstagramBookbag Tours in Germany They then dive into their business plans for the upcoming year, sharing insights on potential high-demand educational products for 2026. The hosts leverage AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT for ideas, but emphasize the importance of a human touch in content creation. They also highlight the ongoing importance of SEL resources, math tools, and seasonal products in the education market. Join them for an engaging conversation filled with tips and personal anecdotes.00:00 Exciting Opportunity to Tour Germany with Jess01:44 Welcome to the Wacky Teacherpreneur Podcast03:09 Jess's Plans for the Year04:37 Amanda's Big Move and Plans09:54 AI-Generated Ideas for 202614:43 Claude's Insights and Specific Ideas20:33 The Human Touch in Teaching21:40 Seasonal Products and Final Thoughts
-
55
Navigating an Adult Autism Diagnosis
Watch This Episode On YouTubeIn this episode of the Wacky Teacherpreneur Podcast, hosts Jess and Amanda delve into the process and implications of receiving an autism diagnosis later in life. Amanda shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with autism, ADHD, OCD, and chronic pain, and discusses the impact of these neurodivergent conditions on her life and career. Jess opens up about her sensory sensitivities and the challenges she's faced, contemplating the value of a formal diagnosis. They offer resources for self-assessment and emphasize the importance of self-awareness in personal and professional growth. Listen in for a candid conversation about self-discovery and embracing neurodivergence.00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:36 Amanda's Autism Diagnosis02:04 Jess's Sensory Sensitivities05:11 The Cost and Process of Adult Autism Diagnosis06:07 Self-Diagnosis and Understanding Neurodivergence07:19 Impact of Diagnosis on Personal and Professional Life14:21 Resources and Assessments for Autism19:08 Sharing the Diagnosis with Family21:13 Conclusion and Farewell
-
54
Amanda is Autistic (and ADHD)! aka Audhd
Watch This Episode on YoutubeIn this episode of the Wacky Teacherpreneur Podcast, hosts Jess and Amanda discuss Amanda's recent autism diagnosis and its implications. Amanda shares her emotional journey and the significance of understanding neurodivergence. The conversation explores strategies for supporting neurodivergent students in educational settings, including the innovative use of AI tools like Claude for lesson differentiation. The episode also touches on societal perceptions of autism and the importance of recognizing and accommodating diverse needs in the classroom. Join Jess and Amanda as they candidly navigate this substantial and personal topic.00:00 Introduction and Initial Nervousness00:52 Revealing the Diagnosis01:56 Podcast Introduction02:38 Discussing Autism and Neurodivergence06:48 Using AI for Differentiation10:03 Challenges and Strategies for Neurodivergent Students14:19 Personal Reflections on Autism18:11 Concluding Thoughts and Next Episode Teaser24:14 Closing Remarks and Call to Action
-
53
Making Passive Income When You Have No Time...Is That Even Possible?
In this episode of the Wacky Teacherpreneur Podcast, hosts Jess and Amanda delve into the challenges and strategies of balancing a busy teaching schedule with building a Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) store. They share personal stories about the sacrifices they've made, including giving up sleep and personal time, to develop a successful passive income stream. The episode also explores various productivity methods, like body doubling and integrating work into daily routines, to help aspiring teacherpreneurs find the time for their businesses. Tune in for a mix of humor, relatable anecdotes, and practical insights into managing a teacherpreneur lifestyle.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:45 Episode Topic Introduction: Passive Income02:46 The Reality of Time Sacrifice06:06 Amanda's Journey to TPT Success10:01 Balancing Work and Personal Life14:15 Accountability and Community Support15:34 Closing Remarks and Fun Moments
-
52
Facing an Uncertain Future: Teacherpreneur Strategies for Post-TPT Survival
In this episode of the Wacky Teacherpreneur Podcast, hosts Jess and Amanda explore the hypothetical scenario of Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) collapsing due to the rise of AI and other market shifts. They discuss strategies for teacherpreneurs to diversify and future-proof their businesses. The conversation includes insights on the importance of pivoting, the relevance of having a website, the potential of email marketing, consulting, bundling products, and leveraging social media. They also touch on new business opportunities like homeschooling support and the need for human connection in the evolving educational landscape.00:00 Introduction: What If TPT Collapses?01:41 Welcome to the Wacky Teacherpreneur Podcast02:22 The Future of TPT and AI's Impact04:50 Debate: The Importance of Having a Website06:55 Exploring New Avenues for Teacherpreneurs08:45 Innovative Ideas from Influencers13:45 Consulting and Homeschooling Opportunities22:15 Final Thoughts and Wrap-UpMake More Money Online!
-
51
Is AI the End of Teachers Pay Teachers?
Watch This Episode on YouTubeIn this episode of the Wacky Teacherpreneur Podcast, hosts Jess and Amanda explore the future of Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) amidst the rise of AI technology. They discuss insights from a recent TPT seller survey conducted by the Terrific Teacher podcast, which reveals trends in sales and the possible impact of AI on TPT sellers. They delve into the growing role of AI in educational content creation, potential survival strategies for TPT sellers, and the importance of human elements in teaching. The episode concludes with a teaser for their next topic: alternative business ideas for teachers as they prepare for a potential downturn in TPT sales.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview01:56 Discussing the TPT Seller Survey02:59 Impact of AI on TPT Sales04:15 Survey Insights and Seller Strategies09:09 AI's Role in Content Creation11:32 Future of TPT and AI18:22 Preparing for a Post-TPT World19:19 Conclusion and Next Episode TeaserLinks Discussed: The Terrific Teacherpreneur PodcastTpt Seller Survey Results 2025Make More Money Online!
-
50
The Ethics of AI for Teacherpreneurs
Watch Us on YoutubeIn this episode of the 'Wacky Teacherpreneurs Tell All' Podcast, hosts Amanda Werner and Jess Martin discuss the ethical considerations of using AI chatbots in education and business. They delve into whether it's ethical to incorporate AI in creating educational products, noting how AI pulls content from existing sources without proper credit. The discussion covers the balance between utility and ethical responsibility, advocating for mindful and limited use of AI tools. They emphasize the importance of critical thinking and maintaining personal skill set and not outsource AI for those, while using AI for mundane productivity tasks. The episode also highlights recent AI-related controversies and offers guidance on making ethical decisions.00:00 Introduction to the Wacky Teacher Entrepreneurs00:32 The Ethics of Using AI Chatbots01:57 Concerns About AI in Education08:23 Amanda's Perspective on AI12:27 Using AI Ethically in Business23:59 Final Thoughts and Upcoming TopicsMake More Money Online!
-
49
Navigating the Transforming TpT Marketplace
Watch Us on YouTubeIn this episode of 'Two Wacky Teacherpreneurs Tell All,' co-hosts discuss hot topics concerning the Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) platform. They focus on ethical issues of selling politically charged content, the rise of AI-generated and spam stores on TPT, and the growing problem of product theft. They explore whether there should be regulations on what types of content can be sold and deliberate on the impact of AI-produced low-quality resources flooding the market. The hosts also touch on the importance of maintaining genuine connections in an age of increasing digital interactions and deliver practical advice on protecting intellectual property from scammers. The episode concludes with a conversation around how rapid changes in technology are affecting both teacherpreneurs and the broader educational landscape.00:00 Welcome to Two Wacky Teacherpreneur00:12 Current Issues in Teachers Pay Teachers02:02 Controversial Political Content on TPT07:55 Spam Stores and AI-Generated Content16:11 The Impact of AI on Teacherpreneurs24:36 Protecting Your TPT Products30:00 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsMake More Money Online!
-
48
Tips (that actually work) for Neurodivergent Entreperneurs
In this episode of The Wacky Teacherpreneurs Tell All Podcast, hosts Amanda Werner and Jessica Martin delve into neurodivergent tips for small business owners and teacherpreneurs. They discuss how embracing neurodivergence and accepting diagnoses have influenced their personal and professional lives. Amanda and Jessica share strategies that have helped them, including mindfulness, self-compassion, and having an experimental mindset. The episode also covers the challenges of handling feedback, staying motivated, and balancing work with personal life. Tune in for helpful insights, funny anecdotes, and a candid discussion on thriving as a neurodivergent teacherpreneur.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:41 Neurodivergent Tips for Small Business Owners02:04 Amanda's Journey and Strategies07:05 Jess's Insights on Sales and Social Media12:12 Challenges and Self-Acceptance16:09 Practical Tips and Experiments22:46 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsWacky Teacherpreneur Accountability GroupWatch Us On YouTubeGirls and Women on the Autism Spectrum" by Sarah Hendrickx(Amazon Affiliate Link)https://www.neurodiversitypodcast.com/https://www.autism.org.uk/Make More Money Online!
-
47
The Hidden Impact of Neurodivergence on Entrepreneurship
Watch Us on YouTubeIn this episode of 'Two Wacky Teacherpreneurs Tell All', hosts Jess and Amanda explore the topic of neurodivergence and its impact on their personal and professional lives. They discuss various neurodivergent conditions, such as ADHD, autism, and social anxiety, and how these have influenced their business ventures and everyday activities. They also highlight the strengths and challenges of being neurodivergent entrepreneurs, sharing personal anecdotes and insights. The episode provides a raw and unfiltered look at how embracing neurodivergence can shape one's business journey.00:00 Introduction to Neurodivergence02:50 Jess's Journey with Social Anxiety07:37 Amanda's Insights on Neurodivergence10:50 Strengths and Challenges of Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs15:42 Resources and Future Discussions17:42 Conclusion and Next StepsMake More Money Online!
-
46
What the heck is a "Wacky Teacherpreneur" anyway?
Watch Us on YouTubeIn this episode of 'Two Wacky Teacher Entrepreneurs Tell All,' hosts Amanda Werner and Jess Martin dive into what it means to be a 'wacky teacherpreneur'. They describe wacky teacherpreneurs as creative and hardworking, often feeling like the odd ones out in their professional and social circles. The hosts discuss the value of forming an accountability community, especially for those who have trouble with accountability and consistency. Amanda and Jess promote their new accountability group, inviting listeners to join work sessions to enhance their TPT stores. Anyone interested can sign up on their website: wackyteacherpreneurs.comThe episode emphasizes the importance of finding like-minded individuals for support and collaboration, particularly for those who feel different from their peers.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:54 Defining a Wacky Teacherpreneur01:31 The Importance of Community and Accountability03:38 Personal Experiences and Challenges08:05 The Vision for the Patreon Community12:58 Encouragement and Final Thoughts
-
45
Wacky Teacherpreneur Reboot: Why We Left and Why We're Back!
After a two year hiatus, Wacky Teacherpreneurs is BACK! In this brand new episode of the Wacky Teacherpreneurs podcast, hosts Jess and Amanda discuss their two-year hiatus, including the challenges they faced such as burnout, health issues, and getting sidetracked by other projects. They explain why they've decided to return and share goals of creating a new supportive community on Patreon for other teacherpreneurs. Jess reveals a significant mistake in her business that led to substantial monetary loss, while Amanda elaborates on why the podcast disappeared and their renewed enthusiasm for the venture.00:00 Welcome Back to Wacky Teacherpreneur!01:17 Why We Left and What We've Been Up To03:36 The Power of Body Doubling and Accountability06:26 Jess's Biggest Business Mistake12:33 Amanda's Reaction 19:19 Wrapping Up and Looking Forward
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Jess and Amanda have been friends and teacherpreneurs for over ten years! They are excited to share their silly banter and business acumen with teachers who are looking to start a business and begin making recurring revenue online!
HOSTED BY
Jessica Martin & Amanda Werner
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...