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

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]

Navigating Kids, AI & Digital Learning with Merve Lapus: A Tech Reset

In this lively episode of The Balancing Act Podcast, Jamie Wanko and Joe Vitale welcome back tech-in-education expert Merve Lapus for a timely “tech reset” conversation that feels equal parts honest, hopeful, and real-life relatable. Together, they unpack how the post-pandemic rush to integrate technology in classrooms didn’t always come with the training or intention needed to make it truly effective—and why it’s time to rethink when tech actually adds value versus when it just adds noise. Merve brings a refreshingly balanced perspective, pushing back on the idea that technology is either all good or all bad, and instead encourages a thoughtful, “scalpel-not-sledgehammer” approach—especially when it comes to student well-being and social media. The conversation also dives into the very real pressures parents feel, with Merve sharing his own experiences navigating his kids’ digital lives and emphasizing the power of open, judgment-free communication. From gaps in everyday life skills to the growing divide between kids and adults in understanding AI, this episode keeps things grounded while looking ahead, reminding listeners that the goal isn’t to fear technology—but to raise humans who know how to use it wisely, creatively, and with confidence. 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]