Episodes

Thursday Jun 04, 2026
Thursday Jun 04, 2026
In this episode, I sit down with Mayra Clay, a former teaching assistant turned meditation teacher and children's author, to explore how love, gratitude, and simple mindfulness practices can help both teachers and children feel more connected, calm, and resilient.
Mayra shares the story behind her children's book, The Boy and the Pink Light Technique, and introduces us to the Pink Light Technique, a simple yet powerful practice that has helped children feel safer, happier, and more emotionally grounded.
Together, we discuss why self-love is often the missing piece for many educators, how our thoughts influence our wellbeing, and practical ways to bring more gratitude into our daily lives—even during challenging seasons.
This conversation is a gentle reminder that small moments of kindness toward ourselves can create powerful ripple effects in our classrooms, homes, and communities.
In this episode:• Mayra's journey from teaching assistant to meditation teacher• The story behind the Pink Light Technique• Supporting children's emotional wellbeing• Love and gratitude as daily practices• Why teachers need self-compassion too• Practical strategies for finding calm in a busy world• The connection between mindset and emotional health
Resources mentioned:
Buy the Book: mayraclay.com
Mayra's meditation practice: TheBrightpath.com
Simplified pink light exercise for children: https://www.mayraclay.com/#mindful-exercises
More information on the Pink Light technique for grown ups: https://www.thebrightpath.com/en/exercises/#pink-light
Connect with me!:
Website: www.marisaecoaching.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/teacher_mindset_coach/YouTube: https://youtu.be/99ldBq7f7ZQ
If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review and share it with a colleague or friend who might benefit from this conversation.
Remember: you don't have to change your whole life to feel better. Sometimes the smallest shift creates the biggest transformation.
#TeacherMindset #TeacherWellbeing #TeacherBurnout #MindfulnessForTeachers #GratitudePractice #TeacherLife #SelfLove #Education #TeacherSupport #Meditation #MindsetMatters #Wellbeing #PersonalGrowth #TeacherPodcast #PinkLightTechnique

Tuesday Jun 02, 2026
Tuesday Jun 02, 2026
Teaching can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also leave you feeling emotionally exhausted.
In this episode, I sit down with marriage coach Lee Baucom to discuss a topic that isn't talked about nearly enough: the impact teaching can have on your relationships.
After more than 26 years of helping couples rebuild connection, Lee shares practical insights into why many relationships struggle when one partner is constantly pouring energy into others all day long. Together, we explore how teachers can strengthen their marriages, communicate their needs more effectively, and create meaningful connections even during stressful seasons.
If you've ever felt too tired to engage with your partner after a long day at school, or if you've wondered why your relationship feels disconnected despite your best intentions, this conversation is for you.
In this episode, we discuss:
• Why teaching can leave you emotionally depleted• Understanding the "Connection Account" in relationships• Small daily actions that strengthen marriages over time• Supporting a teacher spouse without trying to fix everything• Communicating needs without blame or criticism• Managing work stress before it impacts your home life• What to do when your partner doesn't understand the realities of teaching• How to begin rebuilding connection when a relationship feels stuck
Resources & Links
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Sae3H5l4xRM
Lee:
https://leebaucom.com/
Check out his books:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00FNRZEJC/about
Me:www.marisaecoaching.com https://www.instagram.com/teacher_mindset_coach/
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow teacher. Your support helps us reach more educators who need encouragement, practical strategies, and a reminder that they don't have to do this alone.
#TeacherMindset, #TeacherBurnout, #TeacherWellbeing, #MarriageAdvice, #RelationshipAdvice, #TeacherLife, #WorkLifeBalance, #TeacherSelfCare, #TeacherSupport, #HealthyRelationships, #TeacherCommunity, #TeacherMotivation, #MarriageCoach, #TeacherPodcast, #TeacherWellness #LeeBaucom #SavetheMarriage

Sunday May 31, 2026
Sunday May 31, 2026
Why are so many teachers feeling frustrated, exhausted, and increasingly disconnected from the profession they once loved?
In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with investigative reporter Chris Papst to explore what nearly a decade of reporting has revealed about the realities of public education in Baltimore City.
Chris shares insights from his investigations into school funding, accountability, academic outcomes, grade inflation, and the systemic pressures that many teachers experience every day.
Together, we discuss:
• How school funding structures can influence decision-making
• Why academic achievement and funding are often disconnected
• The impact of lowered expectations on students and teachers
• Why teacher morale continues to decline
• The role of leadership and accountability within education systems
• Practical insights for teachers navigating challenging environments
This episode isn't about blaming teachers. It's about understanding the systems in which they work and exploring how awareness can lead to meaningful conversations and positive change.
Whether you're a classroom teacher, school leader, parent, or education advocate, this conversation offers valuable perspective on some of the biggest challenges facing education today.
Get Chris' Book:
https://www.amazon.com/Failure-Factory-Baltimore-Taxpayers-Students/dp/B0FNDQQY1T
Connect with Me:
www.marisaecoaching.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teacher_mindset_coach/
Watch the Video: https://youtu.be/b7RGlQDgFSU
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow educator.
Together, we can continue having the conversations that matter.
#Teachers, #TeacherLife, #Education, #Teaching, #TeacherBurnout, #PublicEducation, #EducationReform, #TeacherSupport, #TeacherWellbeing, #TeacherMindset, #SchoolLeadership, #EducationalLeadership, #TeachingCommunity, #EducationPodcast, #TeacherMotivation, #EducationMatters, #TeacherCommunity, #SchoolCulture, #TeacherInspiration, #FutureOfEducation #chrispapst #failurefactory #Baltimore

Monday May 25, 2026
Monday May 25, 2026
In this episode of Teacher Mindset with Marisa E, I sit down with educational leader and author of You Have a Story to Tell, Bridget Gengler, for a powerful conversation about supporting new teachers, preventing teacher burnout, and creating stronger classroom connections through social-emotional learning.
If you’re a new teacher feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or questioning whether you’re “doing enough,” this episode will feel like a deep breath and a practical pep talk all rolled into one.
Bridget shares realistic, easy-to-implement strategies to help teachers build calm, connected classrooms without adding more pressure to their already overflowing plates. From morning meetings and student check-ins to classroom mindset shifts and behaviour support, this episode is packed with practical tools you can start using immediately.
Together, we also explore:✨ Why connection matters before content✨ How to support students emotionally while protecting your own energy✨ Simple social-emotional learning activities for busy classrooms✨ What struggling teachers actually need most✨ Ways to stay calm during challenging classroom moments✨ Why every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued
Bridget also shares the inspiration behind her book, You Have a Story to Tell, and explains how storytelling can help students build confidence, empathy, and connection in the classroom.
Whether you’re in your first year of teaching, mentoring new educators, or simply needing encouragement, this episode will remind you that small moments of connection can completely transform your classroom experience.
💛 Remember: You do not have to be the perfect teacher to make a powerful difference.
Check out Bridget's book:You Have a Story to Tell
Connect with me:
▶️ YouTube – Teacher Mindsethttps://www.youtube.com/@teacher_mindset
📸 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/teacher_mindset_coach/
🎵 TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@mindset_with_marisa
💼 LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/marisa-campagna-esterhuizen-2a5a63138/
#TeacherMindset #TeacherBurnout #NewTeachers #TeacherSupport #SocialEmotionalLearning #SEL #ClassroomManagement #TeacherWellbeing #GrowthMindset #TeachingTips #ElementaryTeacher #TeacherPodcast #EducationPodcast #TeacherLife #MindsetMatters

Friday May 15, 2026
Friday May 15, 2026
What if the only thing standing between you and the life you want is a belief you’ve never questioned?
In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Ndzaba Mngomezulu, artist and founder of Art Creators Academy, to talk about how he overcame limiting beliefs and rediscovered his creative calling.
For years, Ndzaba believed that art was something he had left behind. Like many of us, he absorbed messages from school and society that told him to focus on practical subjects and put his creative dreams aside. But deep down, his passion for drawing never disappeared.
In this conversation, Ndzaba shares the exact mindset shifts and practical habits that helped him rebuild his confidence, make time for his passion, and turn it into a thriving business that now helps others unlock their own creative potential.
Whether you’re a teacher dreaming of starting a side business, writing a book, launching a podcast, learning a new skill, or simply reconnecting with something you once loved, this episode will show you that it is never too late to start.
In this episode, you’ll learn:How to identify the limiting beliefs holding you backThe mindset shift that changed everything for NDZABAPractical strategies for building confidence through small daily actionsHow to make time for your passion, even with a busy scheduleWhy creativity is a skill that can be developedSteps teachers can take to pursue goals beyond the classroomKey takeaway:
You do not need to become a different person to achieve your dreams. You need to challenge the beliefs that are keeping you stuck and take one small step forward.
Connect with Ndzaba:
https://www.artcreatorsacademy.com/contact
Connect with Marisa
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Mindset_with_Marisa
IG:
https://www.instagram.com/teacher_mindset_coach/
Recommended Resources:Atomic Habits by James ClearThe Four Agreements by Don Miguel RuizU Squared by Price PritchettSubscribe and Review
If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a teacher or friend who needs a reminder that their dreams are still possible.
#LimitingBeliefs, #TeacherMindset, #PersonalGrowth, #Creativity, #AtomicHabits, #TeacherWellness, #MindsetShift, #ArtCreatorsAcademy, #TeachersWhoCreate, #SelfDevelopment, #GrowthMindset, #OvercomingFear, #CreativeConfidence, #TeachersWithSideHustles, #PurposeDrivenLife, #MindsetMatters, #TeacherInspiration, #UnlockYourPotential, #HabitsForSuccess, #BelieveInYourself

Sunday May 10, 2026
Sunday May 10, 2026
What if mindfulness didn’t have to mean sitting silently for an hour trying to “clear your mind”?
In this conversation, I’m joined by Aaron Hendon to talk about meditation, stress, overwhelm, and practical mindfulness for real people — especially teachers.
Aaron shares his personal journey into meditation and explains how mindfulness practices transformed the culture and performance of his real estate team. We also unpack why so many people struggle with meditation at first, how to make it feel approachable, and why small moments of awareness can have such a powerful impact on your nervous system, mindset, and daily life.
This episode is full of practical takeaways for anyone who:
feels overwhelmed or emotionally drained
Struggles with overthinking
Wants to feel calmer without adding more pressure
Is curious about meditation but doesn’t know where to start
Inside this episode:
The simplest way to begin meditating
How mindfulness changes the brain
Why teachers are especially vulnerable to burnout
Practical ways to slow down during a busy day
The role gratitude plays in emotional wellbeing
What to do if you think you’re “bad” at meditation
Aaron’s audiobook:https://app.hiro.fm/channel/audio-version-how-to-live-a-grateful-life-in-a-fckd-up-world
Connect with Aaron:The Mindful CEO
Download the free meditation guide:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EbOEvPDDlSYuF3hNxYZaP5kN6F1xjyhz/view?usp=drive_link
#mindfulness #meditationforbeginners #teacherburnout #teacherwellbeing #overthinking #stressrelief #gratitudepractice #mentalhealthforteachers #teacherpodcast #guidedmeditation

Thursday May 07, 2026
Thursday May 07, 2026
If your classroom feels louder, busier, more emotional, more anxious lately... you’re not imagining it.
In this episode, I sit down with Veronica to talk about mindfulness, emotional regulation, and the simple classroom practices that can help children feel calmer, safer, and more ready to learn.
And before you think...“I do not have time for another thing” 😅
This conversation is actually about doing LESS.Less chaos.Less overwhelm.Less emotional overload for both teachers and students.
We talk about practical mindful breathing routines teachers can use with young children, how to introduce these practices naturally in class, and why consistency matters more than perfection.
This episode is especially helpful for teachers working with younger learners who are noticing more anxiety, emotional dysregulation, difficulty focusing, or overstimulation in the classroom.
CONNECT WITH VERONICA:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe0uwZmsuHMBdTZV-XhhvnQ
DOWNLOAD MY 5 MINUTE MINDFUL CLASSROOM TOOLKIT:https://teachermindsetmarisa.etsy.com/listing/4500772071/5-minute-mindful-classroom-toolkit
If this episode resonated with you, screenshot it, share it, and tag me so I can hear your biggest takeaway ❤️
#TeacherPodcast, #MindfulnessForKids, #CalmClassroom, #ClassroomManagement, #TeacherBurnout, #EmotionalRegulation, #MindfulBreathing, #TeacherWellbeing, #SocialEmotionalLearning, #SELActivities, #AnxietyInChildren, #OverwhelmedTeachers, #ElementaryTeacher, #TeacherTips, #ClassroomCalm, #MindfulnessActivities, #TeacherSupport, #MentalHealthInSchools, #TeacherMindset, #MindfulClassroom

Friday Apr 03, 2026
Friday Apr 03, 2026
50 years of life… and these are the lessons that stayed with me.
Some are simple. Some took me years to really understand. But all of them are real.
If you’re reflecting on your own life a little lately, or just craving a grounded, honest conversation, then this one’s for you.
Sending love and light, always 💛
Connect with me:
▶️ YouTube – Teacher Mindsethttps://www.youtube.com/@teacher_mindset
📸 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/teacher_mindset_coach/
🎵 TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@mindset_with_marisa
💼 LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/marisa-campagna-esterhuizen-2a5a63138/
📌 Pinteresthttps://za.pinterest.com/teacher_mindset_coach/
📘 Facebookhttps://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566369617115
📧 Emailmarisa@marisaecoaching.com
🛍️ My Shopify Store
https://www.mindsetwithmarisa.store
Timestamps:
0:00 Shifting limiting beliefs
6:41 Dealing with fear
9:16 Stop comparing yourself to others
11:47 We are all creators
14:03 Understanding the attention economy
16:40 Care less about other people’s opinions
19:28 Your friends: Helping you dive or thrive?
21:20 Respect your time and energy
23:30 How to be a good communicator
26:55 Forgiveness
Subscribe for more real-life reflections like this.
Hashtags:#LifeLessons #WomenOver40 #Over50Wisdom #PersonalGrowth #RealTalk #LifeAdvice

Thursday Apr 02, 2026
Thursday Apr 02, 2026
Teacher to teacher… this one’s for you.
After years in the classroom, I’ve learned a few things – mostly through trial, error, and those long days that don’t end when the bell rings.
These are 10 teaching tips that genuinely helped me.
If you’re tired, overwhelmed, or just need a reminder that you’re doing okay, this one’s for you.
You’ve got this. Truly. 💛
Connect with me:
▶️ YouTube – Teacher Mindsethttps://www.youtube.com/@teacher_mindset
📸 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/teacher_mindset_coach/
🎵 TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@mindset_with_marisa
💼 LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/marisa-campagna-esterhuizen-2a5a63138/
📌 Pinteresthttps://za.pinterest.com/teacher_mindset_coach/
📘 Facebookhttps://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566369617115
📧 Emailmarisa@marisaecoaching.com
🛍️ My Shopify Store
https://www.mindsetwithmarisa.store
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
1:26 Incorporating breathwork and EFT into the classroom
3:18 Avoid gossip
5:17 Use affirmations
6:41 Set your boundaries
8:08 Focus on what’s in your control
10:44 Set goals
13:45 Different things work for different classes
15:49 Develop an organisation strategy
16:51 Find your teaching tribe
20:14 Dealing with a toxic teaching environment
If you’re a teacher and this resonated, hit subscribe — you don’t have to do this alone.
Hashtags:#TeacherLife #TeachingTips #TeacherBurnout #TeacherSupport #MindsetForTeachers #Education

Wednesday Apr 01, 2026
Wednesday Apr 01, 2026
Money… if you grew up in the 80s like me, you didn’t talk about it so openly.
So here’s my honest take.
At 50, I’ve (finally!) learned a few things – some through experience, some through mistakes I’d rather not repeat 😅
I’m sharing 10 money lessons that shaped how I think about finances today.
If you’ve ever felt unsure, overwhelmed, or just curious about doing things differently, you’re not alone.
You’ve got this 💛
Connect with me:
▶️ YouTube – Teacher Mindsethttps://www.youtube.com/@teacher_mindset
📸 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/teacher_mindset_coach/
🎵 TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@mindset_with_marisa
💼 LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/marisa-campagna-esterhuizen-2a5a63138/
📌 Pinteresthttps://za.pinterest.com/teacher_mindset_coach/
📘 Facebookhttps://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566369617115
📧 Emailmarisa@marisaecoaching.com
🛍️ My Shopify Store
https://www.mindsetwithmarisa.store
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
1:55 Learn how to manage your money
4:37 Read books about money
7:10 How gratitude is energetically linked to abundance
9:20 Talk about money
10:19 Money is energy; keep it flowing
11:11 Identify the habits that are keeping you poor
12:08 Change those habits
14:25 Pay yourself first
16:40 Start learning from people who have money
18:13 Harness the power of compound interest
Subscribe if you enjoy real, honest conversations like this — no pressure, just perspective.
Hashtags:#MoneyMindset #WomenOver40 #FinancialWisdom #LifeLessons #MoneyTips #Over50Life #MindsetCoach







