HumanizEDU Podcast

Ep. 9: From Burnout to Belonging: Redesigning School Culture with iWellness

What happens when we stop managing crisis and start designing for healing? In this powerful episode of the HumanizeEDU podcast, host Sandi sits down with the inspiring founders of iWellness—Nicole, AJ, and Adam—for a conversation that goes straight to the heart of what schools could be. Together, they explore how we can move from fear-based systems to thriving school cultures rooted in proactive care, emotional safety, and sustainable wellbeing—for educators, students, and leaders alike. You’ll hear real stories, visionary insights, and actionable strategies for flipping the script from burnout to belonging—because when we put the human back at the center of education, transformation begins. 🎧 Tune in if you’re ready to: * Shift from reactive to proactive culture-building * Design schools where wellness is foundational * Lead with empathy and strategy—not survival Let’s humanize education, together. -- www.humanizedu.com [www.humanizedu.com] www.iwellness.com [https://iwellness.com/]

Ep. 8: After the Shooting - Leading with Humanity in a Broken School System

The Minnesota Catholic school shooting shattered more than just a community—it reignited urgent questions about what schools are and what they should be. In this raw, real, and necessary conversation with Eyenga Bokamba who is the Director of Minnesota Institute for Trauma-Informed Education (MITIE), School of Education, we unpack what happens after the headlines fade: 1. How educators are navigating trauma while still showing up 2. Why school leadership must shift from control to care 3. What it looks like to rebuild systems that are truly safe—not just secure 4. The role of mental health, equity, and community in real prevention This episode isn’t about politics. It’s about people. It’s for every educator who's asked, How do we keep going? Let’s talk about what healing really takes—and why culture is our greatest form of protection.

Ep. 7: Teaching Through the Heart: Chali Davis on Healing, Reading, and the Mental Health Crisis in Education

In this soul-stirring episode of the HumanizEDU Podcast, Sandi sits down with longtime educator and literacy advocate Chali Davis—a woman whose love of learning began in first grade and never let go. Together, they unpack the emotional weight educators carry today and the deeper systemic roots of the mental health crisis unfolding across schools. From personal burnout and rediscovering purpose, to the power of reading as liberation, Shay shares her truth with vulnerability and clarity. Whether you're a teacher, leader, or simply someone who believes in the healing power of human connection—this conversation will meet you where you are and invite you to imagine what’s possible when we center care in education.  In this episode: * The origin story of a teacher’s calling * Why literacy is emotional, not just academic * What the system misses in supporting educators’ mental wellbeing * Radical honesty about burnout and boundaries * Shay’s vision for a more human-centered education future *  Real talk. Deep insight. And a reminder that healing isn’t extra—it’s essential. 🎧 Listen in, reflect deeply, and keep showing up for the future of education—on purpose. Become a Culture & Wellbeing Coach Today! More details here: https://humanizedu.com/cwcc

Ep. 6: From Safe Classrooms to Whole-System Healing - A Principal’s View on the Real Mental Health Crisis

In this powerful episode of the HumanizEDU Podcast, we sit down with longtime educator and assistant principal Anna Slidhing for a no-holds-barred conversation about the emotional weight educators carry—and the systemic shifts needed to truly support them.From the frontline realities of trauma-informed care to the silent stressors educators face daily, Anna shares what it really takes to create psychologically safe schools—not just for students, but for the adults too. You’ll hear about the deep trust her school community has cultivated, the ripple effects of restorative justice done right, and the raw truth behind why some classrooms still aren’t safe spaces for emotional growth.If you’ve ever wondered what’s really fueling the mental health crisis in schools—or how to start healing it—this episode brings clarity, compassion, and a few truth bombs you won’t forget.🧠 Topics We Cover: 1. How school culture shapes mental health—for everyone 2. Why empathy and policy don’t always align 3. What self-care really means in EDU 4. How leaders can model psychological safety 5. A bold vision for restorative, emotionally fluent schools 🎧 Listen in, reflect deeply, and keep showing up for the future of education—on purpose.--Become a Culture & Wellbeing Coach Today! More details here:https://humanizedu.com/cwcc

Ep. 5: Reimagining School Mental Health With Barry Wissman: A Teacher's Perspective on Healing and Hope

In this powerful conversation, 3rd-grade teacher Barry Wissman opens up about the critical mental health challenges facing our schools today. Discussing the current state of education, Barry shares candid insights into the overwhelming needs of students and educators, the limitations of existing support systems, and the urgent need for a proactive, holistic approach to mental wellness. With passion and hope, he explores why putting teachers' well-being first is key to creating healthier learning environments and ultimately supporting students more effectively.