Between the Lessons

In this special episode, we record live at the Asian Educators Alliance Conference in Los Angeles, CA. For this episode, we interview Reanne Young, a mental health practitioner and middle school counselor. We talk about some common trends and concerns, and Reanne shares what she’s been seeing working with kids and families today.

In this episode, Susan and Kavan welcome their first guest to the podcast, Lea Williams, for a conversation about step-parenting. Lea and Susan share their journeys as stepmoms and what it’s been like loving and raising children who are not biologically theirs. They talk about the beautiful moments with their stepkids, as well as the challenges that come with the role. Lea and Susan also reflect on how their relationships with their children’s fathers grew and evolved as they navigated this unexpected path together.

In this episode, Susan and Kavan talk about love at 50. They reflect on what love looked like in the families they grew up in, how they navigated love in their adult lives, and what love means to them now in midlife. As they move into this new season of life, they both believe that love is essential to living rich and meaningful lives. Join them as they reflect on their experiences and explore what love looks like for them now.

In their first episode of 2026, Susan and Kavan reflect on transitioning into a new season of life. They look back on 2025 as a year of reflection and letting go of what no longer served them, and forward to 2026 as a year of intention, action, and living more fully. Together, they share how they spent many years in survival mode—and candidly explore what they’re leaving behind and what they hope to carry into this next chapter of life.

In this episode, Susan and Kavan celebrate their 10th episode—and their final episode of 2025, the year they both turned 50—by sharing five bucket list items for themselves and five they wish for each other. With each reflection, they talk about why these hopes and experiences matter at this stage of life. Join them for a thoughtful and lighthearted conversation about what feels meaningful, possible, and worth pursuing in midlife.

In this episode, Susan and Kavan talk about the realities of working in schools—navigating relationships and communication with students, parents, and colleagues. They share specific scenarios where conflicts or challenges arise and reflect on how they’ve approached these moments over the years.   While there are no easy answers or quick fixes, Susan and Kavan offer their experiences and insights into the complex dynamics that come with working in schools.

In this episode, Susan and Kavan talk about grief—and the many ways it can show up in one's life. They explore the pain of losing a marriage, the shifting sense of family, and the deep sorrow that comes from losing someone you love. Through their conversation, both reflect on how they found their way through those dark periods—by learning to love themselves and discovering gratitude on the other side. An honest and uplifting reflection that shines light on the gratitude that can come from profound loss. 

In this episode, Susan and Kavan dive into the mental and emotional wellness of educators. They reflect on how things have shifted since COVID and why seeking support and prioritizing personal well-being are more important than ever to prevent burnout among teachers and administrators. Both share their own mental and emotional health journeys—and why, despite the challenges, they still believe working in schools is one of the most meaningful professions there is.

On this episode, Susan and Kavan talk all things about relationships. And talking about relationships is different when you're young vs when you're in midlife. What does love mean after divorce? What does marriage mean when you've changed from the person you once were? Listen in as BtL talks love, toxic people, finding love and fulfillment at midlife.

In today’s episode, Susan and Kavan explore the journey, challenges, and joys of parenting. Drawing from their own strict upbringings, they discuss how they’ve worked to create safe, intentional spaces for their children. Reflecting on the parents they encounter in schools, they share insights on supportive parenting—and also the pitfalls of snowplow parenting.

Susan and Kavan reflect on what they’ve observed in schools over the past two to three decades, covering topics from standardized testing and college pressure to student disengagement and navigating the educational system. As seasoned educators, they also share insights on how parent involvement has evolved alongside the changing school landscape. Looking ahead to the 2025–2026 school year, they explore strategies for engaging students in an era shaped by AI.

In this episode, Susan and Kavan share why they chose a career in education—and what has kept them there for so many years. They discuss the challenges that many new teachers face and what it takes to navigate those early, often difficult, years in the classroom. They also reflect on why they still love being in schools and offer a glimpse of where they see the future of education heading.

In this episode, Susan and Kavan share their feelings and perspectives about turning the big 5-0. What has the last 50 years taught them and how do they want to move forward in their next phase of life. Listen along as they candidly share what 50 means to them. 

Susan and Kavan are Gen X kids who grew up when Asians were 'invisible' in greater American culture, society, and textbooks. They share what it was like to be children of Asian immigrants - how they felt and what they experienced as young people. They reflect on being marginalized but also talk about how these experiences influenced their lives as adults where they wanted to make sure that those that followed them did not have the same experiences that they did in their youth.

In this introduction episode, Susan and Kavan share who they are, why they started a podcast, and what you can expect in the episodes ahead. As Asian American Gen X educators, Susan and Kavan know all the in-betweens of school life, so they are here to share along in the journey with you. Thanks for joining and coming along for the ride.