This episode is different. It’s raw. It’s personal. And it’s something I’ve been holding in for a while. Today, I’m setting aside my planned script and following my heart.

I’m sharing my journey—one of resilience, anxiety, transformation, and finding my way forward after decades of living in survival mode. Inspired by Siri Lindley’s book Finding a Way, I’ll explore how the values we live by (or ignore) shape our lives and how we can realign ourselves with what truly matters.

If you’ve ever felt trapped by expectations, fear, or burnout—this episode is for you. You are not alone.

In this episode, I sit down with my second cousin, Reagan Zimmerman, a brilliant MIT graduate and engineer at Ford Motor Company. We dive into her journey from high school robotics to racing cars and breaking barriers as a woman in STEM. Reagan shares the unexpected way she ended up at MIT, her experiences in a male-dominated field, and the lessons she’s learned about work-life balance while building an exciting career.

What if I told you that managing time isn’t the secret to a fulfilling, high-performing life—but managing your energy is? All this time, I was aiming to create more time when maybe I’ve had it wrong.

In this episode, we break down key takeaways from The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz and explore how your energy—not your time—is your most precious resource. Learn how aligning your Performance Pyramid of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual energy can unlock performance, health, and happiness like never before.

In this episode of Life’s Next Lesson Plan, host Rachel sits down with award-winning educator, author, and speaker Michael Hernandez to explore innovative strategies for fostering authentic learning experiences in today's AI-driven educational landscape. Michael shares insights from his latest book, Storytelling With Purpose: Digital Projects to Ignite Student Curiosity, and discusses his online course, Uncheatable Assessments, which aim to enhance student engagement and integrity in the classroom.

I’m sharing something extra special—a sneak peek into the very first episode of my Live & Learn Patreon Podcast.

My Patreon is designed for content that deserves to be behind a paywall—more intimate stories from my life, deeper dives into topics we all wrestle with, and exclusive offers just for my Live & Learn Patreon community.

Like the episodes you hear here, these Patreon episodes include a thoughtful lesson, an engaging activity to help you connect with the topic, and some optional homework or action steps for you to take.

In this episode I follow up on a topic I mentioned back in Episode 3 of Life’s Next Lesson Plan: probably the most powerful writing lesson I taught in my 29 years in the classroom. This lesson reveals some deeply personal details about my childhood and, honestly, it’s probably the most engaging writing experience I ever shared with my students.

In this episode, I have another unbelievably inspirational former student story to share with you from Blake Leeson, who is now a professional volleyball player in Europe. Blake’s story will reinforce my main message of this podcast that taking that chance to live out your dreams means living with no regrets. His wisdom reaches far beyond any lesson I could teach, and I am honored to have him here to share his story and his life lessons with you

In today's episode, we'll explore how embracing action over hesitation can lead to remarkable achievements.

In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of small, consistent actions in achieving significant health improvements. Our guest, Traci D. Mitchell, a Mayo Clinic Certified Health and Wellness Coach and author of the national bestseller, The Belly Burn Plan, shares her personal journey and professional insights into women's health, nutrition, and wellness.

In this episode, we build upon the foundation laid in Episode 11, exploring advanced strategies to elevate your side hustle using social media. We'll discuss crafting compelling content, selecting effective platforms, and utilizing analytics to drive growth.

In this heartfelt episode of Life’s Next Lesson Plan, Rachel sits down with Ann Cook, a former educator turned mindfulness advocate, to explore the art of transitioning gracefully into the next chapter of life. Ann shares her journey from teacher to nomad, her discovery of mindfulness after a panic attack post-retirement, and how being present in the moment has helped her embrace change. Whether you're contemplating your next steps or just looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with wisdom and actionable takeaways.

Tired of feeling overwhelmed by endless to-do lists and daily decision-making? In this episode, I reveal how AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini can transform mundane tasks into moments of creative genius—so busy professionals and parents can reclaim precious time and reduce stress! Learn how to simplify meal planning, manage your schedule, and even plan vacations effortlessly.

In This Episode, We Cover:
🌟 Kelly’s journey from high school journalism to the bright lights of NYC
🌟 How early goal-setting and networking helped her break into the media industry
🌟 Behind-the-scenes stories from her career, including glamorous events and unforgettable interviews
🌟 Tips on effective networking and why it’s crucial for career growth
🌟 Valuable life advice for chasing dreams on your terms

In this episode, we’re diving into a topic that’s been changing lives everywhere: side hustles. Have you ever wondered why so many people are starting one? Or how that "little side project" could transform your finances, your mindset, and even your career? Whether you’re feeling stuck, striving for financial freedom, or just looking for a way to turn your passion into purpose, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I’m thrilled to be joined by Megan Grimord, a passionate coach helping people transform their relationships with food, exercise, and self-talk. In this inspiring episode, Megan shares her journey from unexpected career shifts to building her thriving coaching business, Team MG. Together, we dive into the steps you can take to break free from the all-or-nothing mindset and move toward lasting success in your health and life goals.

In this episode of Life’s Next Lesson Plan, I’m diving into the power of curiosity and how it can transform not just learning, but life itself. Inspired by my AP Capstone training and Brian Grazer’s A Curious Mind, I’ll share strategies, stories, and tools that can make a difference in the classroom, at work, or even at your next social gathering.

Anna Strehlow has transformed her passion for athletics into a thriving career as a professional Ironman triathlete and physical therapy business owner. Anna’s story is a testament to perseverance, gratitude, and pursuing your dreams on your own terms.

Five Topics Covered from The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

1. Overprotective Parenting

2. The Decline of Free Play

3. Technology and Mental Health

4. Rites of Passage

5. Education System Pressure

Tom Juran discusses life after teaching and his journey of finding purpose through creativity, meaningful connections, and entrepreneurship along with a special project with his daughter.

This episode delves into the profound importance of gratitude during the holidays.

• Learn how gratitude improves mental health, strengthens relationships, and reduces holiday stress

• Discover practical, festive activities for expressing gratitude

• Listen to the memorable gift idea that deeply impacted me—and how you can recreate it for someone special.

Hannah Kennedy shares her adventures studying abroad in Australia, how she crafted a life prioritizing travel, and the wisdom she's gained along the way. Whether you're planning your next adventure, guiding a child through big life decisions, or rethinking your career path, this episode is packed with practical advice and heartfelt insights.