Healthy Teacher Happy Teacher

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when a friendship you thought would last forever… just ends?In today’s episode, I’m sharing something I never expected to go through in my 40s—the sudden loss of a best friend of many years (a span of decades). This wasn’t a slow drift or a mutual fading out. We were talking every day, sharing life, making plans… and then it ended in two emails.No conversation. No closure. Just silence.In this episode, I walk through what that experience has actually felt like—the confusion, the grief, the disbelief—and why losing a close friend can be just as painful (if not more) than a romantic breakup.I also reflect on some of the things I’ve been learning along the way:the moments I ignored when I didn’t feel fully supportedhow different attachment styles (anxious vs. avoidant) can shape relationshipswhy closure doesn’t always come from the other personand what it looks like to rebuild your life when a core relationship disappearsThis isn’t a perfectly wrapped-up story. I’m still in it. Still processing. Still healing.But if you’ve ever lost a close friend and struggled to make sense of it—you are not alone.In this episode:What it’s like to lose a best friend suddenly after years of daily connectionWhy this kind of heartbreak feels so disorientingThe “red flags” I didn’t fully recognize at the timeAnxious vs. avoidant dynamics (and how they might show up in friendships)The reality of healing when there’s no clear explanationRebuilding identity and connection after a major friendship loss If This ResonatesIf you’ve ever experienced a friendship breakup, I’d love to hear from you. These kinds of losses aren’t talked about enough, and you’re not as alone as it can feel.

Send us Fan MailIn this deeply personal episode, I share the story behind my quieter presence over the past six years. Since moving to Las Vegas, I’ve taught at three very different schools and experienced a wide range of leadership, support, and challenges. Teaching in new environments reshaped not only my professional life, but my emotional capacity and creative energy.This episode is an honest reflection on how difficult seasons, leadership experiences, and personal growth can change how  and whether...we show up publicly. If you’ve ever felt like you’ve lost momentum, changed as a teacher, or needed to step back to protect your well-being, this episode is for you.Sometimes going quiet isn’t disappearing. Sometimes it’s surviving, recalibrating, and healing.

Send us Fan Mail“When It’s Time to Leave And How to Do It with Dignity”Sometimes the healthiest choice is the hardest one: leaving a toxic school.In the final part of this series, we talk about how to recognize when it’s time to go and how to do it in a way that protects your mental health, your finances, and your future.In this episode, we cover:Signs it’s time to leave: when the environment is harming your health or identityPreparing to exit: emotional, financial, and logistical steps to takeHealing afterward: rediscovering joy and rebuilding your teacher identityThis episode is filled with compassion, honesty, and permission.No shame, no guilt: just clarity and support.

Send us Fan Mail“How to Survive a Toxic School Without Losing Yourself”You can’t always fix a toxic school, but you can protect your peace.Part 4 of the Toxic Schools Mini-Series is all about real, doable survival strategies that help you stay grounded, healthy, and yourself.In this episode, we talk about:Micro-boundaries you can set this week: small shifts that create real breathing roomFinding allies & emotional support  & why community is essentialReclaiming your power:  small ways to find joy, creativity, and autonomy againThis is the “you can do this” episode: compassionate, practical, and designed to bring you a little relief right away.If you're interested in a life coach after this episode, please check out https://www.jenchieco.com/services

Send us Fan MailWhat Toxic Schools Do to Teachers: Mind, Body & HeartIn Part 3, we’re shifting the focus to you:  your health, your emotions, your identity as a teacher. Toxic schools don’t just make work hard. They seep into your body, your confidence, and your self-worth.In this episode, we explore:Physical burnout & chronic stress: headaches, insomnia, anxiety, and the Sunday dreadSelf-doubt & feeling unappreciated: how toxic systems make great teachers feel “not enough”Emotional fatigue & moral injury: carrying the weight of a broken system while trying to care for kidsThis episode is a giant exhale. If you’ve been feeling tired in ways you can’t explain… this one will make you feel seen.

Send us Fan MailHidden Cultural Red Flags That Make School Emotionally UnsafeSome toxicity isn’t loud: it’s quiet, subtle, and woven into the culture of a school. In Part 2 of the Toxic Schools Mini-Series, we’re talking about the emotional undercurrents that drain teachers’ confidence, joy, and mental health.In this episode, we unpack:Gossip, negativity, and cliques — the staffroom dynamics that make school feel tenseMicromanagement & lack of trust — when leadership watches every move instead of empowering teachersBlame culture — fear-based environments where mistakes aren’t allowedIf your school feels emotionally heavy or “off,” this episode will help you understand why. This is the toxicity you feel even if you can’t always describe it.

Send us Fan MailThe Big 3 Structural Red Flags Your School Might Be ToxicIn this first episode of the Toxic Schools Mini-Series, we’re looking at the structural issues that create unhealthy school environments: the big-picture problems that can make any teacher feel overwhelmed, drained, or defeated.If you’ve ever wondered, “Is it me… or is it my school?” — this episode will help you name what’s really going on.In this episode, we cover:Workload that never ends: chronic understaffing, nonstop initiatives, and a culture of overworkLeadership chaos: shifting rules, unclear expectations, and inconsistent communicationUnfairness & favoritism: when opportunities, support, and treatment aren’t equalThis episode will help you realize: you are not the problem: the system might be.Let’s break down these red flags and bring clarity to the chaos.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Healthy Teacher Happy Teacher, Jess shares the real story behind her Australia trip: the one that was supposed to be magical, adventurous, and full of teacher-travel joy… but ended up turning into a crash course in listening to her body.What begins as an exciting journey across the world quickly shifts when Jess gets unexpectedly sick far from home. Through humor, honesty, and a whole lot of vulnerability, she unpacks what that experience taught her about rest, burnout, and the way teachers push themselves long past their own limits.This episode dives into:Why teachers wait until they’re forced to restHow our bodies whisper before they screamWhat happens when adventure and exhaustion collideThe guilt we feel when we actually slow downPractical ways to rest before reaching a breaking pointJess connects the dots between travel burnout and teacher burnout, reminding listeners that rest isn’t something we earn: it’s something we need in order to stay human. If you’ve been running on fumes, pushing through every ache, or telling yourself “I’ll rest when things calm down,” this episode will feel like a deep exhale.Come for the story, stay for the reflection, and leave feeling seen, understood, and a little bit softer toward yourself.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Healthy Teacher Happy Teacher, Jessica dives into one of the most common and painful experiences educators face: emotionally draining friendships, burnout from “being the strong one,” and why highly empathetic teachers often attract people who take more than they give.You’ll learn the psychology behind why emotionally avoidant or self-centered people gravitate toward warm, grounded teachers, how to recognize the early signs of one-sided relationships, and practical strategies for protecting your mental health, setting clear boundaries, and rebuilding your confidence after a friendship fallout.Jessica shares personal insights, emotional recovery tools, and uplifting reminders that help teachers reconnect with their worth, refocus their energy, and create healthier, more balanced connections.If you’ve ever felt used, dismissed, or drained—inside or outside the classroom—this episode will help you understand what happened, validate your feelings, and guide you toward friendships that feel supportive, reciprocal, and real.Keywords: teacher wellness, teacher burnout, friendship breakup, boundary setting, emotional avoidance, healthy relationships, empathic teachers, teacher mental health, toxic friendships, emotional labor, educator self-care.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Healthy Teacher Happy Teacher, Jess breaks down one of the most damaging myths in education: the belief that teachers earn their worth by absorbing endless stress. She opens up about what this year has taught her — that exhaustion isn’t a character flaw, burnout isn’t “negativity,” and struggling doesn’t make you weak.Jess explores how school culture conditions teachers to push beyond their limits, hide their feelings, and carry responsibilities that no single human should be expected to manage. She reframes the truth: your capacity is not your identity. Your worth doesn’t rise and fall with your workload, your productivity, or your ability to remain cheerful in impossible circumstances.Listeners will learn simple, compassionate ways to reclaim their emotional space, challenge the martyr myth, and remind themselves that they are more than what they can carry. This episode is a soft landing for any teacher who’s tired, overwhelmed, or quietly questioning whether they’re “enough.”You don’t have to be strong to be worthy. You don’t have to handle everything to be valuable. You are enough — on your best days, your messy days, and every day in between.

Send us Fan MailThis episode is all about how teachers can take tiny little actions or change thoughts into seeing true progress each day.  The truth is that we're all progressing, but happy and healthy teachers are the ones feeling it, noting it and growing from it!  

Send us Fan MailThis episode discusses why teachers transfer schools or positions and what happens when they do.  A lot of teachers still feel unhappy at their new positions and this episode talks about what to do if you are feeling this way. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Jess dishes on why she hasn't podcasted in 2 years and what's happening with her career right now.  She also opens up about her struggles with diabetes and having to use a prescription medication called Ozempic. Stay and listen to this fun and whimsical welcome back episode and feel free to reach out to Jess about your own ozempic journey!  

Send us Fan MailI think all teachers would love to feel like they are thriving instead of just surviving in their career.   I see a couple of ways to feel thriving and successful sometimes, and I share these ideas with you in this podcast! 

Send us Fan MailOn this episode, I dish on my international trips with Bookbag Tours  and share my big takeaways from visiting Egypt this last summer.  Egypt was nothing like I imagined!  It was so different and in this episode I attempt to share my experience! 

Send us Fan MailI recently transferred from a 4th grade classroom position to a position in an elementary school library where I teach grades K-5 daily!  Here are the ups and downs of my journey so far as a licensed librarian. 

Send us Fan MailThis episode is all about why I left this podcast hanging for over a year!  Teaching is so hard and we all have a different story. This is mine. 

Send us Fan MailThere are so many problems in the teaching career right now.  Every source of media complains about the world of education constantly, and it can be hard to see any positive aspects to the teaching career right now. In this episode, Jess (the whimsical teacher) talks about how to identify problems and use 4 different activist- based pathways to living your best teacher life. So many avenues, so little time~!  Let's get on with the show! 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I dish all about setting boundaries at school. **Here are tips for speaking up for yourself**Write down on paper why you need to do this. What are your feelings if you don't do it?  Will you be resentful? Honor these feelings as being valid.  They are real. They are yours. **Setting boundaries at any job**Know your limitsCheck in with your feelingsGive yourself permissionConsider the environment and consequences. ++Take time off- use technology to cut corners, tpt hello!  Google forms for surveys, less paper, less stress. ++

Send us Fan MailShow Outline:How will I survive this school year!  Another pandemic year?!  EEEK My Self Care comes firstDaily self careMeal Planning/shopping on weekendsFixing my breakfast, and my lunchPreplanning all my outfits for the weekDoing a toiletry/personal care check on the weekendsSpending time with my dogs and husband phone freePracticing things that lower my blood pressureShoe check - because of gout/etc, In school At school.  It’s inevitable- contract hours are not enough to lesson plan and copy all the things.  So you need a planI like choosing late or early.  Will I come in early or stay late.?  But never both.  Or a balance of both. Check to see if your school’s pta or something like it will make you copies?  This can save a ton of time. Embrace activities that don’t feel like work.  Don’t guilt yourself over that time.  The job is so diverse there are things that don’t feel like work, and I just let myself feel that FLOW. Each week, fix your space. Clean organize, beautify an area.  I start the week asking.. What can I do to make this week easier for myself and my students?So much drama over papers, and work, and grading, streamline the processes. PEOPLE WILL SURVIVE I”””F YOU DON’T MICROMANAGE AND PLAN EVERY LITTLE THING FOR THEM!!!!  Everything will work out.  Sometimes we need to let go.  Duder always says “why do you care about that?”  She’ll just keep asking me why until I run out of answers and I realize that everything I’m worried about is just stuff that I’m imposing on my own belief system If you need a little paper with 180 days, that you can shade in each day to see progress.. Do it. 

Send us Fan MailI did it!  I survived!  I hope my tricks and tips for surviving the first week will help you survive as well!  WE got this teachers! 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Jess discusses the year of pandemic teaching and how it impacted her teaching and career. The episode is chalked full of insight, healing, and lessons learned. 

Send us Fan MailTeacher Life is not for the faint of heart.  There are a lot of hard parts.  If you struggle, listen to this episode, and you might walk away with something that can help your daily routine! 

Send us Fan MailI am coming up on the one year anniversary of buying a house in Las Vegas, so I thought that I'd give an honest review of the city and my teaching situation.  

Send us Fan MailListen to this episode for some hot tips about leaving the classroom.  

Send us Fan MailThis episode has practical tricks and tips for how to remain positive when everything around you sucks. :)   

Send us Fan MailLet's dish on how to recognize and leave a toxic work environment.  If you're contemplating leaving your job right now or very soon, listen to this episode!  

Send us Fan MailI'm back to podcasting after taking a one-year hiatus.  In this episode, I quickly review the year and what it was like being a pandemic teacher while balancing all the other duties of life. It's good to be back friendsies.  Thank you for listening. 

Send us Fan MailHello and welcome to episode 56.  This episode I look back on my podcast journey and health journey as a teacher. This year was full of health problems, but I'm on a new track and I'm not looking back. gahaha  I just wanted to rhyme.  Anyways, I hope I inspire you to go get a full health scan at the doctors this year, so we can both start out on the right foot.  If you leave me a written review on itunes, you can win a happy mail box from me!  Please fill out this form if you have left a review!  Happy mail delivered every 8 weeks!  Thank you! Happy Mail Form here! 

Send us Fan MailHere are my best tips from the King of Kindness himself, Mr. Rogers.  Give the episode a listen and I promise it will give you some new things to think about to help get you through until winter break. Fill out my happy mail form! https://forms.gle/t63K1SzsJZVtQwwa6

Send us Fan MailWell, the title said it best, I am a bit of a hoarder, and with plans to move next summer, I decided to start Marie Kondo-ing my life asap.  This is my story about how it's going so far. If you leave a review, please use my form to get on my happy mail list!  Thank you!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode I dish about what it's like being a teacher and constantly getting your feelings hurt because of the nature of our job.  It's okay to have hurt feelings.  Your feelings should be validate, but you should also have a game plan of action for when they are hurt. Self care is a top priority in this episode as I give you several ideas for how to heal after we've dealt with the person who has hurt us.  

Send us Fan MailIf you've ever felt bad about the actions of another on social media, you should listen to this episode!  You will learn what really drives people to behave the way they do and what you should do about it.  Please fill out my google form for happy mail if you've ever left a good review. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Vi0Lop0DpB5wkd7-Rmt0_KEVJ4Wh14KXxeirTIyDhtg/edit

Send us Fan MailPlease fill out this form to get happy mail if you've left written feedback for the show!https://forms.gle/twS19fbgMsH4GRgDAThis episode is all about how to become a happier person and teacher. I share information from two of my most recent reads. I think you're going to gain some insight into your own happiness and hopefully get some ideas for how to pursue it with more passion!

Send us Fan MailPositivity feels better.This episode recognizes that mental illness is not a choice and sometimes it's hard trying to be positive while still dishing on some practical tips for being more positive and feeling more joy throughout the day!  

Send us Fan MailSometimes as a teacher, I feel emotionally numb or meh and I can participate in self destructive behaviors in order to cope.  I wanted to address these feelings and talk about something called the Change Triangle and how it can help you move away from negative emotions and into more positive ones to make you a healthier and happier teacher.  

Send us Fan MailLooking back on my last 8 years, I started thinking about mistakes I've made and things I wished I could do differently.  Maybe this episode will help you reflect on your own teaching practice or at least avoid some of the oopsies that I've made over the years! 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I dish all about lessons learned from my New Zealand Bookbag Tours trip.In the first part of the episode, I explain a little about Bookbag tours and my experience with the company.  In the last 2/3rds of the episode I talk a bit about things I observed, the focus of the school I visited, and new ideas that I want to incorporated into my teaching this next school year! 

Send us Fan MailI went to the tpt conference, and I wanted to share all my juicy tidbits with you.  I hope you enjoy. This episode is long, but hopefully a smidge entertaining.  TPT conference is more about educational trends than anything because trends help sellers sell things.  As a teacher, it's good to know the trends, so you can be aware of those practices for next school year! 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I wanted to dish on certain ideas for going back to school.  Stop trying to balance so many things!  You really don't need to.  Prioritize your health, family, friends and finances above all else, and your teaching life will fall into place.  I end the episode with some actionable steps for improving your teacher work life balance! 

Send us Fan MailI've been listening to an audiobook called The One Thing by Gary Keller, and it got me thinking about how we can use this concept in our classrooms to have a better and more focused school year!  Enjoy! 

Send us Fan MailA lot of people are shocked to learn that I have been diagnosed with social anxiety disorder.  It is a very real and debilitating mental health disorder that impacts several areas of my life.  In this episode I talk about my whole history with it.  From where it all began to where it stands now and how I deal with it. I hope if you struggle with it too, that you will find some comfort in knowing that you are not alone on this journey. We can be great teachers and struggle with this disorder. It doesn't have to be one or the other. Thanks for listening! 

Send us Fan MailIt's hard to believe, but this weekend marks my 5 year journey on Teachers Pay Teachers.  Starting a small store on the site brought me down so many interesting roads that I had to take some time out to self reflect about my experiences so far.I explore some hard truths and reflect on things I should have done differently.  I hope it'll help you in your small business pursuits as well! 

Send us Fan MailThis episode sounds silly, but we all have people in our life that we just wish would go away.  Here are some practical tips for dealing with such people.  Along with a free side dish of whimsical antics.  

Send us Fan MailI pour my heart out in this episode about things going on in my mind recently. I talk about all the things that led me to having a near breakdown and needing a mental health day.  I hope I encourage you to do the same, and hopefully you can schedule yourself one before you get to a dark place.  Use your sick days before you make yourself sick. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode I dish on the 3 foundations of self care according to Rob Lowe.  It's a fun episode and might give you something to think about for summer self improvement and care!  

Send us Fan MailI got my new teaching assignment!  I'm sharing 3 ways I stay out of drama at school, my new assignment, and 3 worries I have about it.  3-1-3  It's going to be a blastie.  

Send us Fan MailI recently listened to some instagram stories from @mudandinkteaching about the time we invest in our schools.  Is it healthy to have a school "family"?  Are we neglecting our real families?  This is just one thing to get you thinking about before you spend another year unhappy and/or miserable!  

Send us Fan MailWhimsical Pre-Summer Smackdown will give you tips on surviving the end of the year, a collection of things to look forward to over summer, and book recommendations!  It's a fun filled, jam packed episode to make your May fly by and get you thinking about ALL THINGS SUMMER!  *insert all the screams*  :) 

Send us Fan MailLet's finish this school year with a bang! I know it's exhausting and grueling, but I want you to feel good about the work you've done this year, and feel confident strolling into summer!