LEAP Into Wellness Podcast Network

EOU LEAP Lab
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The Leap Into Wellness Podcast Network is a place of support for teachers and professionals who find that being busy, overwhelmed, and stressed interferes with their ability to prioritize self-care. This collaboration between La Grande School District and Eastern Oregon University provides content to inspire, teach, and support the ongoing professional and wellness journeys of school employees. Programming includes: La Grande School District Podcast- A series of inspirational, humorous, and informative interviews with educational professionals Fit 2 Teach - Weekly series that provides evidence based health information with sustainable and attainable action items to improve wellness

  1. 5h ago

    Practical Nutrition Q&A for Teachers—Protein, Skipping Breakfast, Diet Trends, and Snacking

    Fit2Teach: Practical Nutrition Q&A for Teachers—Protein, Skipping Breakfast, Diet Trends, and Snacking Kyle Pfaffenbach and LEAP intern Abby host a Fit2Teach episode focused on nutrition questions rather than a research paper, aiming to give teachers an achievable weekly action item. Kyle discusses protein needs, suggesting 1.6–2.0 g/kg/day (higher than the 0.8 g/kg RDA) for satiety and maintaining muscle, and recommends basing targets on moving about five pounds toward a goal weight. He addresses skipping breakfast, noting 12–14 hour daily fasts may have benefits but excessive fasting can risk muscle loss and make it harder to meet daily protein; he suggests prioritizing higher protein, moderated carbs, and steady fat intake. They caution against extreme “Instagram diets,” emphasizing sustainability, variety, minimally processed foods, and using “north stars” like protein goals, vegetables, limiting snacking/liquid calories, and avoiding carbs for snacks. Kyle explains frequent snacking can keep insulin elevated and hinder fat breakdown, recommends finishing dinner 90–120 minutes before bed, and connects disrupted sleep/travel (“social jet lag”) with cravings. They invite staff to use LEAP wellness testing, wearable checkout, and contact/book appointments via EOU links. 00:00 Welcome to Fit2Teach 00:59 Why Nutrition Today 02:49 Protein Needs Explained 08:39 Skipping Breakfast and Fasting 12:58 Instagram Diet Myths 18:29 Sustainable Nutrition North Stars 24:25 Meal Timing and Snacking 29:28 Habits Chrononutrition and Travel 37:42 Resources and Wrap Up

    Practical Nutrition Q&A for Teachers—Protein, Skipping Breakfast, Diet Trends, and Snacking

  2. Oct 27

    Understanding Teacher Burnout and How to Respond

    Fit to Teach 2027 Episode 1: Understanding Teacher Burnout and How to Respond Kyle Pfaffenbach (EOU associate professor and LEAP director) and LEAP intern Abby Atkins introduce the 2027 Fit to Teach series, which weekly summarizes research and offers an achievable wellness action for teachers and school staff. They outline EOU’s partnership with La Grande School District, including lab-based wellness assessments and a wearable checkout program (e.g., continuous glucose monitors, Oura Rings, HRV monitors, continuous EKG/HRV, core temperature and sweat sensors). The featured paper is a 2022 systematic review of longitudinal studies on teacher burnout, defined as inability and unwillingness to expend necessary work effort, with dimensions of physical exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy. They discuss how determinants can be environmental or personal, the value of reflection, social support, and job satisfaction, and Kyle shares burnout experiences from a demanding prior job and coping tools like therapy, sleep, exercise, perspective, and breaking tasks into small steps. They invite topic requests via humanperformancelab@eou.edu. 00:00 Welcome to Fit to Teach 01:00 This Week Burnout Study 02:10 LEAP Wellness Program 06:21 Why Burnout Matters 09:12 Defining Teacher Burnout 12:23 Abby Burnout Check In 15:16 Kyle Burnout Story 24:06 Control Versus Environment 33:21 Determinants Table Breakdown 37:42 Preventing Burnout Steps 47:54 Reflective Wrap Up 50:14 Next Week And Topics

    Understanding Teacher Burnout and How to Respond

  3. Oct 26

    LGSD Podcast-Guest: Dr. Jess Roberts

    From PhD to Principal Pathway: Social-Emotional Learning and the Real Work of Administration On the La Grande School District Podcast, Brett Smith and host Scott Carpenter talk with Dr. Jess Roberts about his recent PhD completion and his current administrator licensure work during National Principal Appreciation Month. Carpenter recaps a positive teacher writing training day while Smith describes subbing in a fifth-grade class and being reminded of classroom management demands. Roberts explains his seven-year doctorate in psychology of learning and technology, focusing his dissertation on why teachers practice social-emotional learning (SEL), finding that many post-COVID teachers use SEL as self-care as much as for student benefit. The group discusses how culture-of-care efforts take years to spread, the unseen workload and isolation of administrators, and the extensive coursework and internship hours required for licensure. Roberts expects to finish his initial admin license by June, while Smith describes earning Oregon’s professional administrator license and learning district-level work. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:44 A Day in the District 02:31 Why Pursue a PhD 05:22 Dissertation on SEL 09:52 Admin Life and Mentorship 12:23 Admin Licensure Hours 14:11 Brett Professional License 16:18 Behind the Scenes Leadership 25:25 Authenticity and School Culture 27:04 Principal Appreciation Closing 28:02 Final Reflections and Sign Off

    LGSD Podcast-Guest: Dr. Jess Roberts

  4. Oct 22

    La Grande School District Podcast - Feat. Travis Moran

    Head Custodian Travis Moran on Early Mornings, Teamwork, and Caring for La Grande Middle School On the La Grande School District podcast, hosts Brett Smith and Scott Carpenter talk with Travis Moran, head custodian at La Grande Middle School, about his role, routine, and approach to supporting students and staff. Scott shares he is visiting a third-grade class at Greenwood to teach social studies. Travis explains he has been in the job 11 years after leaving a stressful career as head chef at Mamacita’s, and notes he and his wife (also at the middle school) will celebrate 20 years of marriage. He starts at 5:30 a.m., opens rooms, turns on lights, checks prior work, and prepares for weather and events. Travis emphasizes listening to students, creating a safe environment, and the importance of custodial work in keeping schools functional, especially with new facilities like the Wildcat Center and challenges such as vandalism and maintenance for community use. 00:00 Welcome to the Podcast 00:27 Scott Heads to Third Grade 01:10 Meet Custodian Travis 02:12 Working With His Wife 02:43 From Chef to Custodian 03:22 A 5 30 AM Routine 05:20 Middle School Moments 07:50 Connecting With Kids 10:27 Why Custodians Matter 12:59 New Building New Challenges 17:05 Vandalism and Staying Calm 18:02 Appreciation and Wrap Up

    La Grande School District Podcast - Feat. Travis Moran

  5. Oct 7

    La Grande School District Podcast: Interview with Margaret Spence

    Building Connections Through the Middle School Library: Clubs, Battle of the Books, and Student Support with Margaret Spence Brett Smith and Scott Carpenter welcome La Grande Middle School librarian Margaret Spence, who shares her path from Youth in Transition liaison (McKinney-Vento) to kindergarten para, behavior interventionist, and then librarian. Spence describes expanding the library into a hub for students by launching clubs such as Chess Club, Art Club (maker-style projects), and a monthly “choose your own book” book club with a tea-party format. She restarted Oregon Battle of the Books at the middle school, leading a team to win regionals in Baker City and compete at state in Salem, finishing 11th, after securing sponsors to reduce parent costs. She also received a grant to start a drama/theater club and started a yearbook, noting time constraints as her main challenge. Spence emphasizes building relationships so students trust her, engage in reading, and have a safe after-school space with snacks. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:30 Scott’s Life Updates 02:46 Margaret’s Education Path 05:30 Building Library Clubs 06:55 Battle of the Books 10:04 New Drama Club Plans 10:34 Why Clubs Matter 12:31 Growing Student Interest 14:22 Powerful Student Moments 16:14 Challenges and Time Balance 17:04 Closing Appreciation

  6. Apr 29

    Matt Wolcott: Teaching, Coaching, and Family Life in La Grande

    Matt Wolcott on Teaching, Coaching, and Finishing the School Year Strong in La Grande Brett Smith and Scott Carpenter host the Turning Point Podcast with guest Matt Wolcott, a 26-year La Grande School District educator who currently teaches high school physical education and health. Wolcott discusses additional work including teaching an officiating course to recruit young officials and helping launch the district’s driver’s education program after the regional program ended, ensuring compliance with ODOT. He outlines his coaching history as a head coach in wrestling, football, and track (now in his sixth year), and talks about the challenges of balancing teaching, coaching, and family life with four children, including coaching his own kids. The conversation highlights the busy spring schedule of field trips, testing, graduation, and state events, the flexibility required to support heavily involved students, and how students’ growth and resilience keep Wolcott motivated. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:25 End of Year School Rush 01:27 Meet Matt Wolcott 02:04 Teaching Roles and New Courses 02:58 Drivers Ed Program Story 04:03 Coaching Journey Across Sports 05:08 Balancing Coaching and Family 09:09 Coaching Your Own Kids 11:08 Springtime at the High School 16:13 Why Teaching Still Matters 18:36 Finish Strong Closing Thoughts

  7. Apr 9

    Springtime in the Front Office: A School Secretary’s Role at Island City

    Springtime in the Front Office: A School Secretary’s Role at Island City On a Friday morning Turning Point Podcast episode, the hosts talk with Island City head secretary Ms. Perry (with Mr. Carpenter) about her path from office administration work to stay-at-home parenting, then returning to school as a para and eventually becoming head secretary. They discuss the springtime rush in a school office, including field trips, awards, state testing, kindergarten roundup, year-end rollovers, Q files, and ordering supplies, while also planning the next school year. Mr. Carpenter describes how administrators and office staff manage overlapping school years, budgeting, staffing, negotiations, and district cuts. Ms. Perry explains the pressure of arranging substitutes, the learning curve of the role, confidentiality, supporting students and families in tough circumstances, and the importance of strong principal–secretary teamwork. They close by recognizing head secretaries across the district. 00:00 Podcast Welcome Banter 00:53 Diet Coke Ritual 01:37 Why Become Secretary 04:08 April Office Chaos 05:20 Two Years At Once 07:30 Sub Finder Pressure 09:04 Learning The Role 11:37 Confidential Heart Work 13:25 Admin Office Teamwork 16:54 Managing Stress Together 20:15 Shout Out Secretaries 21:24 Closing Thanks

  8. Apr 7

    From Overwhelm to Alignment: Navigating RTI & PLCs for Effective Teaching

    Turning Point Podcast: Clarifying Essential Standards and Strengthening Tier 1 Instruction Through PLC and RTI Work Host Brett Smith and assistant superintendent Scott Carpenter of the La Grande School District are joined by fourth-grade teacher Justin and visiting Solution Tree facilitator Eric from Arizona to reflect on district training focused on RTI, PLCs, and strengthening Tier 1 instruction. Scott explains the district’s shift from feeling overwhelmed by intervening on everything to prioritizing essential standards and realigning Tier 2 supports after attending an Idaho Falls RTI conference and bringing Eric to train staff. Justin shares his transition from 12 years in kindergarten to fourth grade and highlights key takeaways on learning targets and instructional clarity. Eric emphasizes “clarity precedes competence/confidence,” prevention as best intervention, and teams as the fundamental structure of the work, noting positive cultural and academic impacts. The group discusses assessment design, reducing stress around testing and finals, and the importance of vertical alignment of essential standards across grades. 00:00 Welcome and Guests 00:37 How Training Began 01:37 Justin Teaching Journey 02:55 Eric Solution Tree Story 05:09 Key Takeaways Clarity 06:57 Buy In and Testing Stress 08:39 Prevention and Teams 10:16 Districtwide PLC Teamwork 13:23 Hope for Education 14:29 Next Steps Island City 16:06 Thanks and Wrap Up

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The Leap Into Wellness Podcast Network is a place of support for teachers and professionals who find that being busy, overwhelmed, and stressed interferes with their ability to prioritize self-care. This collaboration between La Grande School District and Eastern Oregon University provides content to inspire, teach, and support the ongoing professional and wellness journeys of school employees. Programming includes: La Grande School District Podcast- A series of inspirational, humorous, and informative interviews with educational professionals Fit 2 Teach - Weekly series that provides evidence based health information with sustainable and attainable action items to improve wellness

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