We’re kicking off a refreshed season of the podcast with a new pace and a slightly reworked format, shorter episodes, more current updates, and plenty of room for real life catch ups. This episode is less about a single topic and more about reconnecting, checking in, and easing into what this next season will look like.Katie is in full marathon weekend mode, from carb loading and expo crowds to race day traditions that have become events of their own. Allyson and Becky share what it’s been like stepping back into teacher life after break. Planning ahead when you can, adjusting on the fly when you can’t, and navigating testing season, class sizes, and the never ending juggle of work and home life.It’s the same friends, the same chaos, and the same relatable conversations, just with a new rhythm that fits real life a little better.

A fresh start without the pressure—just real talk, small wins, and big-picture goals for 2026.

It’s officially post-Christmas, winter break is here, and the girls are in that weird in-between space where Friday feels like a month ago—but the new year is right around the corner. In this episode, they debrief the last chaotic days before break (winter performances, a surprisingly peaceful “three-kids-left” classroom miracle, sock exchanges, escape rooms, and finally an approved Grinch watch), while also looking ahead to what January can bring.

From running goals and race planning (Katie heads into marathon season with a January 11th finish line in sight) to the teacher “fresh start” that hits differently than a typical calendar-year reset, the conversation is a mix of practical, funny, and honest. They chat gym crowds, travel chaos, why teachers think in school-years instead of calendar years, and how it feels when former students are suddenly grown enough to work alongside you.

Plus: a little elf mischief, a lost tooth surprise, and a reminder that New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be intense—bulleted lists are welcome, vision boards are optional (and may cause anxiety). The girls wrap up by inviting listeners to share their own resolutions, traditions, or goals so they can spotlight them in the next episode.

From half marathons to holiday breakfasts, faith, food, and family traditions—December is about holding on and letting evolve.

In this cozy December holidays episode, the girls reflect on the traditions that shaped them—and the new ones they’re building now as moms, teachers, runners, and partners. Becky kicks things off fresh from a half marathon, celebrating strength, growth, and the quiet pride that comes with showing up for yourself during the busiest season of the year.

From there, the conversation turns heartfelt and real. Allyson shares the story behind her family’s beloved gooey rolls (and the year a dog nearly ruined Christmas), while Katie talks about French toast casserole, blended traditions, and what it looks like to celebrate in a mixed-belief household.

Together, they unpack how December holidays can be full of magic and stress—how traditions evolve through marriage, loss, faith shifts, and school pressures—and why the small things (food, music, performances, cozy moments) are often what we remember most. If your holiday season feels joyful, complicated, tender, or all of the above… this one will feel like a warm table conversation with friends who get it.

Between school shows, field trips, elf drama, and mile-a-day runs… we’re surviving December one checklist at a time.

December hits and suddenly everything is happening at once. Becky’s kindergarten world is pure holiday mayhem—gingerbread houses (hot glue and all), Holidays Around the World lessons on repeat, Grinch/Reindeer/Pajama days, and a surprise circus field trip in the middle of it all. Allyson’s juggling snow days, remote learning curveballs, school improvement-plan expectations, and the nonstop family chaos that comes with elf season, gift planning, and keeping holiday “magic” alive. Meanwhile Katie’s work calendar slows down while her running schedule ramps up, and she’s here for the Texas-sized holiday energy—parades, Christmas towns, and all the festive extras. From classroom celebrations to family traditions to the reality of doing all the things (even when June-You thought it was a great idea), this episode is a real-talk snapshot of the holiday hustle.

This week, the catch-up is equal parts cozy and chaotic. Katie recaps a birthday week full of office decorations, nonstop “people-ing,” and filming in classrooms where the flu and strep have officially been rebranded as the “pioneer plague.” She also meets a first grade teacher who gives full-on Miss Honey vibes. Meanwhile, Allyson updates everyone on life after reshuffling reading and math groups with no official curriculum—just bins, data, AI experiments, and a whole lot of flying-by-the-seat-of-her-pants teaching victories.

Then the crew dives into all things reading: the thrillers that keep them hooked (hello, Freida McFadden and brain-bending twists), the emotional gut-punch of Colleen Hoover, Holocaust and historical fiction that linger long after the last page, memoirs that move them, and the very real appeal of “smut” and escape reads after a long school day. They also get honest about professional development books—like The Growth Mindset Coach, Grit, Teach Like a Pirate, The Writing Revolution, and The Complete EdTech Coach—what actually inspires them, what feels like “one more thing,” and how much teaching has changed since they left college.

If your bookshelf is a confusing mix of murder, memoir, education, and romance, this episode is your reminder that reading can be both an escape and a tool—and that your TBR list is absolutely a form of self-care.

This week, the holidays come in hot. Allyson, Becky, and Katie kick things off with a classroom confessional: Becky’s “Feet Up Friday” turns into five kindergartners giving themselves haircuts while she’s out, plus a rhyming lesson that goes very sideways with the word “ick.” Meanwhile, Allyson is gearing up to switch groups for reading and math with zero official curriculum, and Katie is bouncing between campuses with a camera, catching kids saying the wildest things on mic.From there, the conversation laces up and heads into full Thanksgiving mode—Turkey Trots in snow, heat, and everything in between. The trio swaps race traditions, carb-loading wins and fails, age-group competitiveness, and why some turkey trots are starting to feel more like pricey speed workouts than hometown fun runs.Then it’s onto Black Friday now vs. back in the “camp out at midnight and fight for a TV” era, and Katie introduces everyone to Houston’s legendary Nutcracker Market—10 convention halls of Christmas chaos, mimosas, and maxed-out wallets. They wrap with the softer side of the season: kid traditions, Christmas tees, decorating classrooms, and how to stay grateful (and somewhat sane) in the middle of data meetings, germs, and holiday overload.

This episode is one big seasonal reality check. Allyson wakes up to snow, Becky is tracking “falling iguana season” in Florida, and Katie is dodging lizards in her office—because apparently the weather has jokes now. Between the chaos, we catch up on what training looks like for each of us as temperatures drop (or swing from 85° to 40° overnight).

We break down what’s getting us through our miles: hybrid training plans, double-run days, how to fuel without regretting it later, and why certain gels are basically Jell-O shots for runners. Off the pavement, real life is just as wild—preschool germs, new students, school data meetings, football weekends, and a wedding-dress-shopping trip that somehow turns into a stealth game-day mission.

It’s an episode full of weather drama, mom-life curveballs, teacher chaos, and running talk that feels like chatting with friends who get it. Whether you’re training, hibernating, or somewhere in between, this one will meet you right where you’re at.

Halloween’s over, but the sugar rush (and the chaos) isn’t. In this episode, we catch up after fall break and dive into the whirlwind that kicks off the holiday season. Becky shares how her DIY cupcake costume and calm kindergarteners surprised her, Allyson takes us inside her black-light “haunted math room,” and Katie introduces a genius twist—Jack Skellington on the Shelf.

Between the candy highs and checkpoint lows, we get real about teacher burnout, district pressure, and finding ways to keep fun alive without losing your sanity. From themed lessons to low-prep November routines and much-needed teacher grace, this one’s all about surviving the season—and remembering why we show up in the first place.