In this episode, we sit down with the radiant and deeply grounded Dr. Summer Rose, a clinical psychologist and leader at Communities In Schools of the Dallas Region. With warmth, clarity, and conviction, she shares her story from aspiring “baby doctor” to becoming a fierce advocate for youth mental health and educator well-being.

Dr. Rose opens up about the systems that shape young people’s lives—from child welfare to education—and the urgent need to support the adults who serve them. She reflects on the emotional toll educators face, the mental health crisis among students, and the power of proximity, presence, and community in healing and transformation.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership rooted in love, listening, and staying close to the work can change lives. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the weight of what students and educators are carrying, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone—and that there’s a lifeboat waiting for you.

💥 Impactful Takeaways:

• Everyone wants to be heard—listening is the first step toward healing and action.
• Educators are carrying more than ever—supporting them is essential to student success.
• Proximity matters—leaders must stay close to the work and the people doing it.
• Students need to see what’s possible—exposure to diverse futures expands hope.
• Community is a lifeline—especially for those leading through crisis.
• Mental health support must be accessible, integrated, and responsive to real needs.

00:00 Virtual Hugs and Warmth
01:15 Summer’s Journey from Science to Psychology
04:00 Discovering Her Calling Through CPS and Child Welfare
07:12 Graduate School and the Power of Systems Work
08:20 The Intersection of Mental Health and Education
09:41 A Story That Changed Everything: Catching a Student Mid-Jump
10:28 Equipping Adults to Support Youth Mental Health
11:29 What Communities In Schools Does
13:05 Expanding Mental Health Services Post-COVID
14:28 Family Engagement and Post-Secondary Success
15:41 Helping Students See All Their Options
17:32 What the Public Gets Wrong About Schools
18:18 Educator Burnout and Unrealistic Expectations
19:24 Parenting in a Digital World
20:14 Bridging the Gap Between Parents and Kids
21:40 The Power of Being Heard
22:27 Nervous System to Nervous System: Co-Regulation in Action
23:37 Transition Team: Moving Toward a New Normal
24:43 Finding Strength in Community and Shared Leadership
26:04 Lifeboats and Unexpected Support
28:43 What Keeps Her Up at Night: The Education Funding Crisis
30:02 What Gets Her Out of Bed: Her Team
31:13 How She Supports Her Staff with Presence and Love
32:37 Staying Proximate to the Work
33:03 Olaf, Warm Hugs, and Showing Up in Crisis
34:08 Final Reflections and Gratitude
35:16 A Prayer and a Promise

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Oxygen for Educators is produced by Ripplemaker Project and proudly sponsored by Tacky Box.

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In this episode, we sit down with the thoughtful and deeply grounded Rob Kowalski, an eighth-grade humanities teacher at Parish Middle School in Dallas, Texas. Rob shares his journey through education—from growing up in New Jersey and being shaped by powerful mentors to becoming the kind of teacher who helps students feel seen, safe, and inspired, even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rob talks about why relationships—not just academics—are at the center of his teaching philosophy. He opens up about the importance of vulnerability, the role of curiosity in learning, and why he believes education should evolve to better reflect the needs of today’s students. His reflections are honest, practical, and full of heart.

Whether you're an educator, a parent, or someone who cares about how kids grow and thrive, this conversation offers meaningful insights into what it looks like to lead with connection and purpose.

💥 Impactful Takeaways:

• Relationships come first—students learn best when they feel seen, safe, and valued.
• Vulnerability is a strength—modeling it invites students to do the same.
• Curiosity is a nervous system tool—it calms, connects, and fuels learning.
• Education needs a redesign—shorter days, real-world skills, and more joy.
• Middle schoolers are navigating high-stakes emotions—teachers must meet them there.
• Don’t coast—students deserve educators who keep evolving and asking, “How can we do better?”

00:00 “Let’s Keep Asking Questions” – Opening Quote
00:45 Welcome to Oxygen for Educators
01:09 Introducing Rob Kowalski
02:35 Rob’s Impact on Sophia During COVID
04:00 Rob’s First Year at Parish and Teaching in a Pandemic
06:00 Building Connection Through a Screen
07:45 Why Rob Became a Teacher
10:19 The Petty School Experience and Early Influences
13:15 Career Journey: From Boston to Dallas
14:50 Teaching, Coaching, and Being a Stay-at-Home Dad
17:06 Returning to the Classroom with Purpose
19:29 Why Content Isn’t the Point—Relationships Are
20:55 Teaching Relevance in a TikTok World
22:55 Vulnerability and the Courage to Evolve
23:55 The Challenge of Making History Feel Real
25:57 Understanding the Stakes for Middle Schoolers
28:03 Using AI and Tech to Stay Relevant
29:47 Designing a Better School Model
31:03 What School Could Look Like in 2025
33:01 Real-World Skills, Curiosity, and Joy
35:04 Rethinking Curriculum and Student Fit
38:15 Cherishing Childhood and Slowing Down
40:59 Practical Shifts Educators Can Make
42:23 Taking Pressure Off Students
44:09 Fit Over Prestige in School Choices
46:06 Creating Space for Wonder and Balance
48:23 The Many Hats of a Teacher
50:11 Empathy for the Middle School Experience
52:30 Grace, Humor, and the Joy of Teaching
56:13 Reflections on Mistakes and Growth
58:01 COVID, Connection, and What We Learned
59:24 The Return to Normal and What We Missed
01:00:07 Advice for New Educators: Build Relationships
01:01:34 Finding Your Tribe and Belonging
01:03:03 What Students Remember Most
01:04:04 Rob’s Family and the Empty Nest Ahead
01:04:51 Final Reflections and Gratitude
01:05:35 Hosts Reflect on Rob’s Wisdom and Joy

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Oxygen for Educators is produced by Ripplemaker Project and proudly sponsored by Tacky Box.

Follow on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/oxygen-for-educators/id1775510846

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Thank you to our sponsor, Tacky Box!

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SUMMARY

In this episode, we sit down with the wise and wonderful Dr. Laura Lockhart to talk about something every educator wrestles with—how we show up for ourselves and others when things get hard.

From the way we talk to ourselves, to understanding our triggers, to breathing through stressful moments, Dr. Lockhart brings so much heart and practical wisdom. We explore how self-awareness and self-compassion can shift everything—from how we manage conflict to how we connect with students (and ourselves).

She shares powerful takeaways from her journey and research, like why overusing your strengths can actually burn you out, how delaying your response can improve outcomes, and why relationships are the true heartbeat of education.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in fight-or-flight or been your own harshest critic (hi, educators 👋), this conversation will breathe life back into your day.

• Talk to yourself like you would to a friend—because self-compassion is key to your well-being.

• Breathe to remind your nervous system you're safe—it’s a powerful tool we often overlook.

• Know your triggers—you can’t manage what you don’t understand.

• Overusing your strengths leads to depletion—balance is essential.

• Strong relationships are the nucleus of proactive conflict management—connection comes first.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Self-Talk and Compassion
03:08 Introduction to Dr. Laura Lockhart
06:05 Dr. Lockhart's Educational Journey
09:06 The Importance of Relationships in Education
12:06 Proactive Conflict Management
14:54 Self-Awareness and Well-Being
17:55 Dissertation Insights on Conflict Management
20:47 Understanding Triggers and Hot Buttons
24:12 Constructive vs. Destructive Behaviors
27:11 Practical Tips for Self-Compassion
29:47 Mindfulness Techniques for Educators
47:55 The Power of Breath and Nervous System Regulation
51:03 Understanding Triggers and Responses
52:11 The Importance of Community in Learning
55:30 Navigating Struggles Together
57:02 Strategies for Self-Awareness and Conflict Resolution
01:01:30 The Role of Self-Compassion in Education
01:03:59 Reflections on Strengths and Depletion
01:08:59 The Centrality of Relationships
01:13:55 Delaying Responses and Mindful Interactions

************************************************************************************************

Oxygen for Educators is produced by Ripplemaker Project and proudly sponsored by Tacky Box.

Follow on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/oxygen-for-educators/id1775510846

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Website: https://www.tackybox.com/podcast

Thank you to our sponsor, Tacky Box!

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SUMMARY:

In this conversation, Brent shares his journey from ministry to education philanthropy, offering deep insight into the role of love, community, and collaboration in transforming education. Set against the backdrop of Fort Worth’s innovative philanthropic efforts, the discussion explores how addressing both social needs and academic performance is essential for student success.

The episode sheds light on the realities educators face in today’s political climate, the emotional toll of social media, and the urgent need for community support and authentic connection in schools. Brent and the hosts highlight the power of high expectations, equity, and pronoia—the belief that the world is conspiring for good—to reshape the narrative in education. Through stories and insights, they call for a collective responsibility to support educators and ensure every child is seen, supported, and given the chance to thrive.

TAKEAWYS:

• “Love is such an essential ingredient in the mix.” True educational impact starts with love—for students, for the work, and for one another.

• “We don’t have to choose between those.” Social needs and academic performance are not competing priorities—they must be addressed together.

• “The world is conspiring for you.” In a time of uncertainty, embracing pronoia can help educators and students stay grounded in hope.

• “It's borderline criminalized to even talk about it.” Navigating today’s political climate requires courage and a commitment to honest conversations about student needs.

• “There’s a community out there that values your work.” Educators are not alone—when communities come together, lasting change is possible.

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Power of Love in Education
03:54 Brent's Journey into Education Philanthropy
06:51 Understanding the Role of Philanthropy in Education
11:30 Bridging the Gap: Philanthropy and Educators
19:10 Collaborative Approaches in Philanthropy
26:10 The Importance of Academic Performance and Social Needs
32:22 Integrating Love into Education
38:27 Expectations and Bias in Education
39:48 Navigating Expectations and Curiosity
40:45 The Impact of Social Media on Personal Well-being
48:11 Challenges in the Education System
54:18 Focusing on Kids Amidst Political Turmoil

************************************************************************************************

Oxygen for Educators is produced by Ripplemaker Project and proudly sponsored by Tacky Box.

Follow on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/oxygen-for-educators/id1775510846

Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2i21QueuqVqmEPmI7gzFfQ?si=1bef3354bff2402c

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Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEdbuPy-L7p4RZKZ_VWKCXwK_j8vbjZF2&si=7SHeSWZRllrseygs

Website: https://www.tackybox.com/podcast

Thank you to our sponsor, Tacky Box!

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In this episode, Chris and Michelle introduce the brilliant Dr. Laura Latta, Executive Director of the Tulsa Higher Education Consortium—who Chris has aptly nicknamed “the queen of collaboration.”

From there, Michelle and Laura dive into a powerful conversation about leading with empathy in education. Laura shares her belief that education is people work, not a system where you plug in inputs and expect predictable outcomes. It’s human, relational, and deeply complex.

They explore how psychological safety creates space for innovation, how communities of practice can break through isolation, and why reclaiming teacher agency is essential. Laura reminds us that educators are icons, innovators, and often the “parent profession”—creating something from nothing every single day.

Highlights from the conversation include:
✨ “It just takes one friend.”
✨ “Teaching is the parent profession.”
✨ “You can reclaim agency in your work.”
✨ “Education is people work.”

Chris and Michelle return at the end to unpack the conversation and reflect on the heart of Laura’s message. This episode is a meaningful reminder of the emotional depth, creativity, and community that fuel the work of educators every day.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Creating Spaces for Recognition

03:37 Introducing Dr. Laura Lata

04:30 Laura's Journey in Education

08:14 Balancing Perspectives in Education

11:34 Communities of Practice in Higher Education

13:23 Real-World Examples of Collaboration

19:28 Navigating Bureaucracy and Tradition

28:21 Addressing Educator Exhaustion

34:09 Fostering Psychological Safety for Innovation

43:11 Facilitating Authentic Conversations

47:10 Reclaiming Educator Agency

54:20 The Heart of Education: Connection and Community

57:52 Celebrating the Role of Educators

01:00:23 Reflections on the Conversation

************************************************************************************************

Oxygen for Educators is produced by Ripplemaker Project and proudly sponsored by Tacky Box.

Follow on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/oxygen-for-educators/id1775510846

Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2i21QueuqVqmEPmI7gzFfQ?si=1bef3354bff2402c

Follow on Audible: https://www.audible.co.uk/podcast/Oxygen-for-Educators/B0DKL68DLX?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEdbuPy-L7p4RZKZ_VWKCXwK_j8vbjZF2&si=7SHeSWZRllrseygs

Website: https://www.tackybox.com/podcast

Thank you to our sponsor, Tacky Box!

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