The Power of Pausing: Why Empathy Beats Being Right

What if the real strength in teaching isn’t in winning arguments—but in understanding others? 💡

In this thought-provoking episode of the Why Edify Podcast, Jeremy Jorgensen dives into a transformative idea for educators and leaders: the "empathy pause." When tension sparks—in classrooms, meetings, or even at home—what happens when we pause to listen instead of rushing to correct?

Drawing on timeless wisdom from Dale Carnegie and everyday teaching moments, Jeremy explores how a simple phrase—"Help me understand your perspective"—can build trust, disarm conflict, and deepen connection. This is emotional intelligence in action, and it’s how we model the kind of world we want our students to inherit.

✅ If you're a teacher, administrator, or lifelong learner seeking more compassion, clarity, and calm in your work, this episode is for you.

🌀 Reflective journal prompt included

🫶 Practical affirmation for tense moments

🌱 A powerful shift from judgment to understanding

Check out the STRONG Teacher's Lounge: https://www.skool.com/the-strong-teachers-lounge-3476/about

👉 Share this with a colleague who needs it, and join the conversation in the Strong Teachers Lounge, our growing community of educators making the world better—together.

Takeaways:

- Frustration is common in classrooms and workplaces.

- Defensive reactions can escalate tension rather than resolve it.

- An empathy pause can transform communication dynamics.

- Asking 'help me understand' promotes active listening.

- Understanding others' perspectives is crucial for resolution.

- Empathy does not equate to agreement, but to listening.

- Small phrases can have a significant impact on interactions.

- Recognizing what others are trying to express is key.

- Building trust requires intentional communication strategies.

- Effective conflict resolution starts with empathy.

📬 Get Involved:

✉️ Sign up for the Friday Five Newsletter for Teachers:

https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/newsletter

💪 Take the 30-Day Educator Challenge (Mind, Body & Spirit):

https://bit.ly/3PS4zM7

☕ Support Why Edify:

https://buymeacoffee.com/whyedify

🤝 Connect with Jeremy:

https://linktr.ee/whyedify

👕 Shop Why Edify Gear:

https://www.bonfire.com/store/why-edify/

🌐 Connect with Jeremy Jorgensen:

👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/why_edify/

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-jorgensen321/

👉 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/why-edify.bsky.social

👉 Website: https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/

Eat That Frog: The Time Management Trick Every Teacher Needs

Feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list? Start your day with purpose by eating your frog. 🐸

In this episode of the Why Edify Podcast, Jeremy Jorgensen unpacks the timeless wisdom behind Mark Twain’s "eat the frog" metaphor and Brian Tracy’s book Eat That Frog—reimagined for educators. Learn how to overcome procrastination, reduce stress, and take back control of your day with one intentional habit: tackling your biggest challenge first.

Whether it’s grading, lesson planning, or that one email you’ve been avoiding, this practical approach to time management can help you reclaim your energy and focus. Jeremy also shares insights from the Strong Teacher framework and offers a daily affirmation to help you start strong.

✨ If you’re an educator looking to thrive—not just survive—this episode is for you.

👉 Join the Strong Teachers Lounge: https://www.skool.com/the-strong-teachers-lounge-3476/about

👍 Like, comment, and share with a colleague who needs this reminder.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly inspiration, habits, and mindset shifts that empower educators.

Takeaways

- Mark Twain's frog metaphor highlights the importance of tackling tough tasks first.

- Procrastination can create a low level of stress that affects productivity.

- Identifying your 'frog' can help you focus on what truly matters.

- The 80-20 rule suggests that a small percentage of tasks yield the most results.

- Starting your day with the hardest task can set a positive tone.

- Momentum builds once you start working on a challenging task.

- Daily habits can lead to consistent progress and discipline.

- Perfection is not attainable; focus on progress instead.

- Facing challenges head-on can lead to a clearer mind and better control of your day.

- Joining a supportive community can enhance your growth as an educator.

Chapters

00:00 Tackling Procrastination: The Frog Concept

04:19 Strategies for Effective Time Management

06:09 Building Productive Habits and Mindset

📬 Get Involved:

✉️ Sign up for the Friday Five Newsletter for Teachers:

https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/newsletter

💪 Take the 30-Day Educator Challenge (Mind, Body & Spirit):

https://bit.ly/3PS4zM7

☕ Support Why Edify:

https://buymeacoffee.com/whyedify

🤝 Connect with Jeremy:

https://linktr.ee/whyedify

👕 Shop Why Edify Gear:

https://www.bonfire.com/store/why-edify/

🌐 Connect with Jeremy Jorgensen:

👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/why_edify/

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-jorgensen321/

👉 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/why-edify.bsky.social

👉 Website: https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/

Why Laziness Might Be Your Secret Teaching Superpower

Check out the STRONG Teacher's Lounge - https://www.skool.com/the-strong-teachers-lounge-3476/about

What if everything you've believed about laziness is wrong? What if it's not a flaw—but a powerful signal your body and brain are sending to spark creativity and restore balance?

In this episode of the Why Edify Podcast, Jeremy Jorgensen explores the surprising truth about laziness and how it can actually lead to smarter, more sustainable teaching practices. Inspired by a quote from Agatha Christie, this reflective and practical talk reframes rest and idleness not as weaknesses but as essential tools for innovation, problem-solving, and teacher well-being.

Whether you're simplifying lesson plans or giving yourself space to reset after a long day, you'll discover how honoring moments of stillness can enhance your effectiveness in and out of the classroom.

🧠 Affirmation of the Week:

“I embrace rest and relaxation. I recognize the balance between rest and work—it enhances my performance.”

👥 Join the Strong Teachers Lounge – a free, supportive space for educators to grow, share, and thrive together.

👍 Like, 💬 comment with your biggest takeaway, and 🔔 subscribe for weekly inspiration that helps you teach with strength, clarity, and heart.

Takeaways:

- Laziness can be a strength, not a weakness.

- Rest and idleness fuel creativity and problem-solving.

- Agatha Christie's quote on invention and laziness.

- Simplifying lessons can lead to better results.

- Relaxation can enhance focus and energy.

- Balance between rest and work enhances performance.

- Listening to your body can improve mental state.

- Challenge: Embrace lazy moments for strength.

- Join the Strong Teachers Lounge for support.

Chapters:

00:00:01 Introduction to Laziness as Strength

00:00:30 Agatha Christie's Perspective

00:01:00 Laziness and Creativity

00:01:28 Rest and Problem Solving

00:02:25 Affirmation for the Week

00:03:25 Challenge: Embrace Laziness

00:03:53 Join the Strong Teachers Lounge

00:04:23 Conclusion and Invitation

Permission to pause can be productive.

📬 Get Involved:

✉️ Sign up for the Friday Five Newsletter for Teachers:

https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/newsletter

💪 Take the 30-Day Educator Challenge (Mind, Body & Spirit):

https://bit.ly/3PS4zM7

☕ Support Why Edify:

https://buymeacoffee.com/whyedify

🤝 Connect with Jeremy:

https://linktr.ee/whyedify

👕 Shop Why Edify Gear:

https://www.bonfire.com/store/why-edify/

🌐 Connect with Jeremy Jorgensen:

👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/why_edify/

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-jorgensen321/

👉 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/why-edify.bsky.social

👉 Website: https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/

How Teachers Can Find Daily Joy Through the Practice of Savoring

What if happiness isn’t something to chase, but something you create—moment by moment?

In this episode of the Why Edify podcast, Jeremy Jorgensen explores how teachers and educators can cultivate real joy through the practice of savoring. Drawing wisdom from the Dalai Lama and insights from Psychology Today, this episode offers simple, powerful strategies to help you slow down, notice joy, and amplify positivity—even during the busiest school days.

You'll learn:

- Why savoring is a research-backed path to emotional resilience

- 3 practical ways to savor joy (in and out of the classroom)

- How small moments can spark lasting happiness and impact

- An affirmation to re-center your mindset before the day begins

Whether you're an educator, leader, or lifelong learner, this episode is your reminder that joy is not a luxury—it’s a skill you can build.

👇 How do YOU savor small moments in your day? Drop a comment and let’s reflect together.

🧠 Subscribe for weekly insights to help you thrive in education and beyond.

👥 Join the Strong Teachers Lounge to grow with a supportive community. Learn More: https://www.skool.com/the-strong-teachers-lounge-3476/about

Chapters

00:00 The Essence of Happiness

01:16 Savoring: A Path to Joy

05:03 Cultivating Joy in Daily Life

📬 Get Involved:

✉️ Sign up for the Friday Five Newsletter for Teachers:

https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/newsletter

💪 Take the 30-Day Educator Challenge (Mind, Body & Spirit):

https://bit.ly/3PS4zM7

☕ Support Why Edify:

https://buymeacoffee.com/whyedify

🤝 Connect with Jeremy:

https://linktr.ee/whyedify

👕 Shop Why Edify Gear:

https://www.bonfire.com/store/why-edify/

🌐 Connect with Jeremy Jorgensen:

👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/why_edify/

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-jorgensen321/

👉 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/why-edify.bsky.social

👉 Website: https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/

5 Daily Rituals That Build Stronger Student-Teacher Relationships

Want a better classroom culture without overhauling your entire system?

These 5 simple relationship-building rituals can completely shift how students feel in your classroom—starting today.

In this episode of Why Edify, Jeremy Jorgensen shares five powerful, under-a-minute rituals that foster trust, belonging, and engagement. These are practical strategies you can begin using immediately—like greeting students by name, weekly check-ins, shared reflections, and even small moments of teacher vulnerability.

You’ll also hear why the attempt at connection matters just as much as the outcome—and how small consistent efforts can transform how students show up and succeed.

Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned educator, this episode offers hopeful, human-centered practices to help your students feel seen, valued, and supported.

Which ritual will you try first? Drop a comment and share your favorite connection strategy!

💬 Join the Strong Teachers Lounge to keep the conversation going — https://www.skool.com/the-strong-teachers-lounge-3476/about

👍 Like, subscribe, and help spread tools that make education more human.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Relationship Building Rituals

02:33 The Importance of Strong Relationships in Education

05:26 Five Effective Rituals for Building Relationships

08:38 Creating a Supportive Teacher Community

Takeaways

- You don't need an elaborate system to build relationships.

- Strong relationships are foundational for classroom success.

- Rituals create consistency, predictability, and trust.

- Students learn better when they feel seen and valued.

- The attempt at relationship building is what matters most.

- Daily greetings can significantly increase student engagement.

- Weekly check-ins help build emotional literacy.

- Celebrating student achievements fosters a positive environment.

- Exit reflections provide closure and encourage reflection.

- Sharing personal stories as a teacher builds authentic connections.

📬 Get Involved:

✉️ Sign up for the Friday Five Newsletter for Teachers:

https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/newsletter

💪 Take the 30-Day Educator Challenge (Mind, Body & Spirit):

https://bit.ly/3PS4zM7

☕ Support Why Edify:

https://buymeacoffee.com/whyedify

🤝 Connect with Jeremy:

https://linktr.ee/whyedify

👕 Shop Why Edify Gear:

https://www.bonfire.com/store/why-edify/

🌐 Connect with Jeremy Jorgensen:

👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/why_edify/

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-jorgensen321/

👉 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/why-edify.bsky.social

👉 Website: https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/

🔔 Never Miss an Update!

🔔 Subscribe Here:

https://www.youtube.com/@Why_Edify?sub_confirmation=1

Embracing Discomfort: A Weekly Boost for Teachers and Leaders

Feeling the weight of the week? This short, powerful message is your midweek lift. In this first audio/video edition of the Strong Teacher newsletter, Jeremy Jorgensen explores the theme of discomfort—why it’s inevitable, how it shapes us, and what it means for educators, leaders, and everyday humans striving for growth.

Featuring a reflective quote from Nikola Tesla, a practical reminder about the power of managing discomfort, and a grounding affirmation, this episode helps you pause, breathe, and realign with purpose.

Whether you're in the classroom or navigating life beyond it, this message is for anyone who believes in becoming stronger, more resilient, and more intentional—one challenge at a time.

👉 Subscribe for weekly inspiration

💬 Share this with a friend or colleague who needs it

🌱 Join our Strong Teachers Lounge for meaningful community - https://www.skool.com/the-strong-teachers-lounge-3476/about

📬 Get Involved:

✉️ Sign up for the Friday Five Newsletter for Teachers:

https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/newsletter

💪 Take the 30-Day Educator Challenge (Mind, Body & Spirit):

https://bit.ly/3PS4zM7

☕ Support Why Edify:

https://buymeacoffee.com/whyedify

🤝 Connect with Jeremy:

https://linktr.ee/whyedify

👕 Shop Why Edify Gear:

https://www.bonfire.com/store/why-edify/

🌐 Connect with Jeremy Jorgensen:

👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/why_edify/

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-jorgensen321/

👉 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/why-edify.bsky.social

👉 Website: https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/

🔔 Check out my YouTube Channel, Subscribe Here:

https://www.youtube.com/@Why_Edify?sub_confirmation=1

Hooked on Learning: 3 Creator Tricks Teachers Can Use Today

Ever feel like your students are tuning you out? You’re not alone—and you’re not out of options.

In this video, Jeremy from Wiredify shares three creative strategies inspired by content creators that you can bring straight into your classroom to boost student curiosity, engagement, and connection. You’ll learn how to:

Turn bland lesson titles into irresistible invitations to learn

Start class with cold opens and quick challenges that snap attention to life

Structure your lessons like episodes to build narrative momentum and anticipation

These aren’t gimmicks—they’re grounded in how the brain works and how curiosity fuels real learning. Whether you’re trying to revive a tired unit or inspire deeper focus, these tools will help you frame your teaching with purpose and excitement.

Takeaways

- Students often tune out during lessons.

- Creating engaging titles can spark curiosity.

- Cold opens can grab attention effectively.

- Episodic teaching can enhance learning.

- Leaving students with cliffhangers increases engagement.

- These strategies are invitations to wonder.

- Building community is essential for educators.

- Writing can be a transformative tool.

- Engagement strategies are not gimmicks.

- Curiosity and intention drive better learning outcomes.

🎓 Want to grow beyond the classroom?

Join one (or both) of Jeremy’s new communities:

🧡 The STRONG Teacher’s Lounge: A private space for educators who want to be happier, healthier, and stronger. Early members get free lifetime access. Learn More: https://www.skool.com/the-strong-teachers-lounge-3476/about

✍️ The Write Path: A community for educators, creatives, and professionals ready to use writing for growth. Weekly prompts, real support, and a $50/year commitment to momentum. Learn More: https://www.skool.com/the-write-path-6422/about

👇 Drop a comment—Which strategy are you most excited to try?

👍 Like, subscribe, and share with a colleague who loves thoughtful, creative teaching.

Let’s keep growing—together.

📬 Get Involved:

✉️ Sign up for the Friday Five Newsletter for Teachers:

https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/newsletter

💪 Take the 30-Day Educator Challenge (Mind, Body & Spirit):

☕ Support Why Edify:

https://buymeacoffee.com/whyedify

🤝 Connect with Jeremy:

https://linktr.ee/whyedify

👕 Shop Why Edify Gear:

https://www.bonfire.com/store/why-edify/

🌐 Connect with Jeremy Jorgensen:

👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/why_edify/

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-jorgensen321/

👉 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/why-edify.bsky.social

👉 Website: https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/

Transforming Math Anxiety into Joy: The Math Happiness Project

What word comes to mind when you hear “math”? For many, it’s not “happiness.” But this episode might just change that.

Jeremy sits down with Erin O’Halloran and Liz Cutter-Lin, two passionate educators and founders of the Math Happiness Project, to explore how we can reshape the way students, parents, and teachers experience math. From personal stories of math trauma to practical tips for families, this conversation dives deep into the emotional landscape of math education.

Learn how simple shifts—like building number sense at home or rethinking speed as a marker of success—can help children develop a lifelong love for math. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or learner, you'll walk away with inspiring strategies and a renewed perspective.

Takeaways

- Math is the language of the universe, connecting various disciplines.

- Many individuals have experienced math trauma, impacting their confidence.

- Families play a crucial role in shaping children's attitudes towards math.

- It's essential to normalize struggle in learning math.

- Teachers wear many hats and contribute significantly to student development.

- Lifelong learning is vital for educators and students alike.

- Patience is key in allowing students to process and understand math concepts.

- Math can be beautiful and is present in everyday life.

- Changing the narrative around math can help reduce anxiety.

- Resources and support for families can enhance children's math experiences.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Math Happiness

03:09 Founders' Backgrounds and Experiences

06:07 The Importance of Supporting Families in Math Education

08:54 Lessons Learned from Colleagues

11:54 Wisdom to Share with Future Educators

14:52 Aha Moments in Education

18:02 The Role of the Math Happiness Project

20:45 The Role of Adults in Math Education

23:52 Changing Mindsets Around Math

29:57 Engaging Families in Math Learning

33:00 The Reality of Teaching and Educators' Impact

36:53 Recommended Resources for Math Education

💬 What word do YOU associate with math? Drop it in the comments and join the movement toward math joy.

🔗 Explore more from the Math Happiness Project = https://www.instagram.com/math_happiness_project/

❤️ If you believe in the power of education and lifelong learning, consider subscribing to the Why Edify Podcast and sharing this episode with a friend.

📬 Get Involved:

✉️ Sign up for the Friday Five Newsletter for Teachers:

https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/newsletter

💪 Take the 30-Day Educator Challenge (Mind, Body & Spirit):

https://bit.ly/3PS4zM7

☕ Support Why Edify:

https://buymeacoffee.com/whyedify

🤝 Connect with Jeremy:

https://linktr.ee/whyedify

👕 Shop Why Edify Gear:

https://www.bonfire.com/store/why-edify/

🌐 Connect with Jeremy Jorgensen:

👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/why_edify/

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-jorgensen321/

👉 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/why-edify.bsky.social

👉 Website: https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/

🔔 Never Miss an Update!

🔔 Subscribe Here:

https://www.youtube.com/@Why_Edify?sub_confirmation=1