The Balancing Act

Indy 500 Traditions, Teacher Joy & Happiness Habits That Actually Work

In this episode, we talk about Joe’s annual trip to the Indy 500, including what keeps him coming back, from the size of the crowd and the tailgating to the Memorial Day weekend ceremonies. We describe the most memorable race-day moments, including the invocation, flyovers, and taps, and we note how well the event handles transportation and crowd flow. We also discuss school awards and the importance of recognizing students, families, and the people who organize these ceremonies. Later, we reflect on a NEA Today article about the joy of teaching, while emphasizing that salary and working conditions still matter, and we review ideas for staying connected to the work, including curiosity, relationships, and advocacy for students. We close with a few happiness habits from The Happiness Project, such as decluttering, walking, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and getting enough sleep. Use the link below for registration for the Educate and Rejuvenate conference on June 30th and July 1st!  Lots of awesome sessions.  Be on the lookout for our special recording with Kelsey on July 1st at 11:30 am. https://educateandrejuvenate.com/op/summer-2026-registration-organic?aff=238 [https://educateandrejuvenate.com/op/summer-2026-registration-organic?aff=238] Check out our article in the NJEA Review magazine!   https://www.njea.org/for-podcasting-teachers-life-is-a-balancing-act/ Season 3 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote. http://bit.ly/4mQC27G⁠ [http://bit.ly/4mQC27G%E2%81%A0] Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees. Select Episodes from Season 3 sponsored by: For more information about NJSchoolJobs.com [http://njschooljobs.com] check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities. We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment!    Follow  Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamie Instagram - @podthebalancingact TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast Twitter - @podbalact Youtube Channel - The Balancing Act - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfuU8o5mC4kwy1AOaTi7n3w] Part of the Human Content [http://human-content.com] Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

College Admissions 2026: What Students and Parents Need to Know with Jen Foldvary

In this episode we catch up on the college admissions process as our families move through graduation season and prepare for the fall. We discuss the challenges of applications, changing requirements, test policies, and the pressure created by social media during this period. We also talk about what helps students stand out, including strong essays and meaningful extracurricular depth, and we encourage students to apply to schools they truly want to attend. Finally, we cover what to do if college is not the right fit, and how rising sophomores and juniors can start preparing early by exploring preferences, visiting campuses, and building a college narrative. Check out our article in the NJEA Review magazine!   https://www.njea.org/for-podcasting-teachers-life-is-a-balancing-act/ Season 3 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote. http://bit.ly/4mQC27G⁠ [http://bit.ly/4mQC27G%E2%81%A0] Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees. Select Episodes from Season 3 sponsored by: For more information about NJSchoolJobs.com [http://njschooljobs.com] check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities. We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment!    Follow  Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamie Instagram - @podthebalancingact TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast Twitter - @podbalact Youtube Channel - The Balancing Act - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfuU8o5mC4kwy1AOaTi7n3w] Part of the Human Content [http://human-content.com] Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

College Decisions, Graduation Stress & Surviving Maycember

In this episode we talk about the end-of-school-year rush, including birthdays, graduations, family events, and the feeling of “Maycember.” We also share a family graduation story, a practical item for keeping caps in place, and a bedazzling kit that has become popular in our family. We discuss our appearance in the NJEA Review magazine and the article about the podcast and our interviews with county teachers of the year at the NJEA convention. We also reflect on our children’s college decisions, comparing schools, financial aid, campus size, housing, and programs, and talk about why one child chose Stockton and the other chose TCNJ. We look back on how different this process is from when we went to college and how the podcast has developed over time, including reaching the end of season three. We close with a few lighter personal stories, prom planning, and ideas for summer outings. Check out our article in the NJEA Review magazine!   https://www.njea.org/for-podcasting-teachers-life-is-a-balancing-act/ [https://www.njea.org/for-podcasting-teachers-life-is-a-balancing-act/] Season 3 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote. http://bit.ly/4mQC27G⁠ [http://bit.ly/4mQC27G%E2%81%A0] Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees. Select Episodes from Season 3 sponsored by: For more information about NJSchoolJobs.com [http://njschooljobs.com] check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities. We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment!    Follow  Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamie Instagram - @podthebalancingact TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast Twitter - @podbalact Youtube Channel - The Balancing Act - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfuU8o5mC4kwy1AOaTi7n3w] Part of the Human Content [http://human-content.com] Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Toxic Mom Groups and Relational Aggression with Dr. Noelle Santorelli

In this episode, we invite Dr. Noelle Santorelli back to the Balancing Act podcast to delve into the issue of toxic behavior among mothers and social groups. Dr. Santorelli discusses the impact of recent cultural discussions, including the viral article by Ashley Tisdale, on perceptions of maternal relationships. She offers insights into relational aggression and how it manifests in behaviors like gossip and gaslighting within mom groups. Emphasizing the systemic nature of these issues, we explore their effects on mental health and the importance of recognizing and challenging these dynamics. Dr. Santorelli shares strategies for confronting uncomfortable situations and encourages listeners to foster supportive environments, aiming to empower women and cultivate healthier communities for future generations. Check out our article in the NJEA Review magazine!   https://www.njea.org/for-podcasting-teachers-life-is-a-balancing-act/ Season 3 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote. http://bit.ly/4mQC27G⁠ [http://bit.ly/4mQC27G%E2%81%A0] Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees. Select Episodes from Season 3 sponsored by: For more information about NJSchoolJobs.com [http://njschooljobs.com] check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities. We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment!    Follow  Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamie Instagram - @podthebalancingact TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast Twitter - @podbalact Youtube Channel - The Balancing Act - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfuU8o5mC4kwy1AOaTi7n3w] Part of the Human Content [http://human-content.com] Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Dealing with Loss: A Caretakers Journey

In this episode, you’ll walk alongside Jamie and co-host Joseph Vitale as they navigate the emotional journey of loss, healing, and remembrance following the passing of Jamie’s mom. Together, they explore the complexities of grief—especially for those in the sandwich generation—and reflect on the deeply personal experience of caring for a loved one during their final days at home. You’ll hear about the power of community support, the importance of leaning on others during difficult moments, and the ways grief can shape your perspective on life and family. This heartfelt conversation honors a mother’s legacy while encouraging you to embrace your own healing journey with compassion and grace. Season 3 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote. http://bit.ly/4mQC27G⁠ [http://bit.ly/4mQC27G%E2%81%A0] Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees. Select Episodes from Season 3 sponsored by: For more information about NJSchoolJobs.com [http://njschooljobs.com] check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities. We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment!    Follow  Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamie Instagram - @podthebalancingact TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast Twitter - @podbalact Youtube Channel - The Balancing Act - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfuU8o5mC4kwy1AOaTi7n3w] Part of the Human Content [http://human-content.com] Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]