The Adult Education Wellness Podcast-Balance & teaching tools for everyone
This podcast serves as a resource for adult education instructors and staff. Hosts Betina Watkins and Stacy Ramirez, known as Two Tranquil Teachers, share practical wellness tools, teaching tips, and workplace insights. As both educators and wellness practitioners, they highlight the importance of balance, energy, and joy so that listeners can thrive in their work and life while supporting adult education students.
Episodes
#26 Mindful Teaching – Part 3: Grounding, Feelings & Visualization
How do you stay calm when life feels overwhelming?In the final episode of our Mindful Teaching series, Betina and Stacy share three simple yet powerful practices that can help educators—and anyone navigating a busy life—become more present, resilient, and compassionate.In this episode, you'll discover:🌿 Grounding is more than touching the grass with your bare feet.💙 Why recognizing your emotio
#25 Starting Over with Courage: Lena Neumann & the Journey Behind Kinora Travel
What does it take to start over in a new country, build a new identity, and launch a business from the ground up?In this inspiring episode, we welcome Lena Neumann, founder and CEO of Kinora Travel, a boutique travel company dedicated to creating thoughtful, personalized, and meaningful travel experiences. Originally from Germany, Lena shares her journey of immigrating to the United States, naviga
#24 Mindfulness, Technostress, and Human Connection with Abhinaya Rajasekaran
In Part 2 of our conversation with Abhinaya Rajasekaran, educator, researcher, and mindfulness advocate, we explore a topic that affects nearly all of us: technostress.✅ What technostress is and how it impacts our daily lives✅ The hidden costs of constant notifications and digital overload✅ Why humans cannot truly multitask—and what task switching does to our brains✅ The concept of "attentional bl
#23 Mindful Transitions, Belonging & Adult Learning | Part 1
In this powerful episode of the Adult Education Wellness Podcast, Bettina Watkins and Stacy Ramirez welcome Professor Abinaya “Abi” Rajasekaran from Austin Community College’s School of Career Readiness.Drawing from her own journey as an immigrant, former adult education student, educator, and scholar, Abby shares the inspiration behind her workshop:“Mindful Transitions: Cultivating Belonging and
#22 Integrating Deep Listening & Speaking from the Heart into your Classroom & Life
👂 When was the last time you felt truly heard? Not just listened to… but understood.👄 What would change in your conversations if you spoke not to respond… but to care?👁️And what if the most powerful thing you could give your students… was your full attention?In this episode, Betina and Stacy explore deep listening and speaking from the heart — two simple practices that can transform your classro
#21 Three simple ways to integrate mindfulness into the classroom
Two Tranquil Teachers PodcastTeaching is one of the most stressful professions — and stress affects both teachers and students more than we realize.In this episode, we explore the science of stress and the science of mindfulness, and three powerful tools anyone can use in seconds to balance uneasiness: 1) Breathing, 2) Visualization, 3) Measuring bar.In this first episode of our mindfulness series
#20 Cross-Cultural Communication in Adult Ed: The Culture Map Book Study
Welcome to Season 3 of the Adult Education Wellness Podcast! In this premiere episode, hosts Betina & Stacy (the Two Tranquil Teachers) interview Rebecca Stanley, Career Pathways Coordinator for the Internationally Trained Professionals (ITP) program at Austin Community College Adult Education.We begin the episode with 4-7-8 breathing then dive in.We explore how The Culture Map (book) helps ad
#19 Never Too Late: An Adult Learner’s Journey of Transformation
In this powerful and deeply human episode, Irma shares her extraordinary life journey—from profound loss and fear in Mexico to rebuilding her life in the United States through education, work, and inner strength. Her story reflects the realities many immigrant women face: abandonment, economic hardship, language barriers, trauma, and health crises—yet it is ultimately a story of resilience, dignit
#18 Executive Functioning, Neurodivergence & Mindful Teaching
In this episode, we sit down with Martha Dorow and Marie Trzeciak—two ACC professionals deeply experienced in student success, disability services, and inclusive program development—to explore executive functioning skills, neurodivergence, and what it really looks like in the classroom for both students and instructors.Opening Theme – Presence Before Problem-Solving • How slowing down and truly li
#17 The Science and Spirit of Gratitude
Hosts: Betina & Stacy– Two Tranquil TeachersIn this episode, Stacy and Betina explore how gratitude connects science and spirit — calming the mind, rewiring the brain, and deepening our sense of connection at work, in class, and in life.1️⃣ Opening Meditation – Guided 5 minute gratitude meditation. 2️⃣ What Is Gratitude? – Research from Robert Emmons & UC Berkeley on how gratitude reshapes
#16 Soul Care in the Workplace: Dr. Melissa Beigert on Spiritual Wellness and Belonging at Work
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Melissa Langley Biegert (Dr. B)—Director of Academic Success for High School Programs at Austin Community College—to explore what soul care really means at work.Dr. B shares her journey from small-town Arkansas to Harvard and Vanderbilt Divinity School, and her unique role as chaplain and crisis negotiator at UT. Together, we discuss spiritual wellne
#15 Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in Higher Ed.-Designing for Every Learner
In this inspiring and practical episode, Stacy and Betina explore Universal Design for Learning (UDL)—a proactive approach to creating classrooms that welcome every learner.Whether your students are neurodivergent, English language learners, or adults returning to school, UDL helps remove barriers and build confidence through flexibility, accessibility, and empathy.In this episode you'll learn: Wh
#14 Tips & Tricks to integrate laughter & sound healing into your classroom
In this episode of the Adult Education Wellness Podcast, Two Tranquil Teachers (Betina & Stacy) explore the science and joy behind sound healing and laughter practices—two powerful, research-backed tools for stress relief and focus in the classroom.Learn how simple practices like humming, chanting, and vowel sounds can calm the nervous system, boost energy, and create a positive learning envir
#13 Finding Your Life's Purpose through Dharma & Ikigai 🌿💖
Welcome Back!Join your Two Tranquil Teachers, Betina and Stacy, as they explore two ancient frameworks—Dharma (India) and Ikigai (Japan)—to help you live with intention, balance, and joy. In this self-care month episode, discover how to align with your purpose and make meaningful daily choices. 🌟Grounding Exercise 🧘♀️: Start with a heart-centered meditation, focusing on your feet and body to feel
#12 Resilience & Purpose with Maricela Juarez
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Maricela Juarez, Career Pathways Enrollment Specialist at Austin Community College, whose journey from teen mom and manual laborer to college graduate and community advocate is a testament to perseverance and purpose.Maricela opens up about:Overcoming personal loss and turning pain into purposeThe mindset, time management, and wellness practices that kep
#11 Navigating Change-Practical Tips!
Welcome to a New Season!Join hosts Stacy Ramirez and Betina, your Two Tranquil Teachers, as they kick off Season 2 with a fresh look, a new name, and a renewed focus on transformation, clarity, and practical change. This episode is all about embracing change in education and personal growth, inspired by the wisdom of modern Kabbalah. 🌟Rebranding Journey 📓💖: Discover the revamped Adult Education We
#10 Season One Finale: Reflections, tools and looking ahead
Today’s episode is the closing chapter of our very first season! Since January, we’ve shared 10 powerful episodes full of wellness practices, honest stories, and transformative tools. In this final episode, we hit pause to reflect on where we started, what we’ve learned, and where we’re headed next.Start listening if you want to discover what we found along the way—and follow along with our specia
#9 Aligning with Purpose: Exploring Dharma & Education with AE Program Director, Susan Gusler
🎙️ Welcome Back to episode 9 of the Adult Education World Podcast! Join Bettina Watkins & Stacy Ramirez and as they dive into the world of adult education, exploring the passion and dedication that drives educators and impacts communities.🌟 Special Guest: Susan Gusler is the Program Director of the Adult Education Department at ACC. Discover her inspiring journey from teaching ESL to leading a
#8 Journaling and Self-Compassion in Adult Education with Jessica Listi
In this episode, Stacy and Betina welcome Jessica Listi, a passionate language arts instructor in the College Prep department. Jessica shares her journey from teaching middle school to adult education, highlighting her innovative approach to incorporating journaling and self-compassion into her teaching practice. The conversation delves into the transformative power of journaling, the importance o
#7 Spring into Renewal: Revamping Resolutions with Ancestral Wisdom
🌸 Welcome to Spring!- In this episode, Betina and Stacy embrace the fresh start that spring offers. In this episode you’ll learn:🌱 Reframing Resolutions- Stacy shares her experience of feeling like her resolutions have been on the back burner, while Betina talks about her goal of financial recovery and the steps she's taking to achieve it.🌿 Family Constellations Therapy- Betina introduces Family C
#6 Mastering the Art of Teacher Training with Staff Development Supervisor, Amber Miller.
🎙️ Meet Amber Miller, the Staff Development Supervisor at ACC Adult Education. Amber is a state and national presenter with expertise in ESL, reading, writing, pronunciation, and technology. Her diverse teaching experiences span Venezuela, South Korea, Japan, and the U.S.💡 Challenges and Innovations: Discussion on the challenges in adult education and the integration of technology in teaching.📖 Pe
#5 Where Are You Wasting Your Energy? Decluttering with Jean Friedman
The Adult Education World – Featuring Jean Friedman🎙 Episode Title: Where Are You Wasting Your Energy? Decluttering with Jean Friedman🔹 Guest: Jean Friedman – Coordinator of AE Assessment🔹 Hosts: Stacy & Betina🔹Theme: Energy management, decluttering (physical, mental, and emotional), and setting boundaries🔹 Jean’s Advice: Educators often waste the most energy on "what-ifs"—focus on the present
#4 Black History Insights & A Conversation with Mieca Johnson Peralta, HSE Supervisor + Debunking Hypnosis Myths
🎙 Episode Highlights: Special guest: Mieca Johnson Peralta, HSE Supervisor at ACC Adult Education Insights on supporting HSE/GED students and instructors The importance of Black History Month in education and leadership Challenges and experiences as a Black woman in leadership Hypnosis & self-improvement: myths, benefits, and a guided exercise🎯 Key Takeaways: A day in the life of an HSE/GED Pr
#3 Let It Go, Let It Be: EFT Tapping & the Path to Self-Love
In this Valentine’s season, love isn’t just about others—it’s about you, too! In today’s episode, Stacy and Betina explore the practice of self-love, emotional well-being, and feeling ‘enough’ even in challenging environments. They share personal stories, insights, and practical strategies—including breathing exercises, replace and reframe, and EFT tapping techniques—that you can use in your daily
#2 Vision Boards and Voices: Rajani's Journey in Empowering ESL Students
Welcome to Episode 2 of the Adult Education World Podcast! Join hosts Betina and Stacy as they welcome special guest Rajani Ramachandran, a dedicated ESL instructor with a rich cultural background and a passion for wellness and stress management. Rajani shares her journey from New Delhi, India, to the U.S., her love for teaching, and her commitment to helping students advocate for themselves in En
#1 Dean Kathy's Insights & Three Steps to Overcoming Blocks to Your Goals
Episode 1: Kathy's Insights & Three Steps to Overcoming Blocks to Your GoalsWelcome to the very first episode of our podcast! We’re kicking things off with an inspiring and motivational interview that’s both illustrative and fun. Memoirs happen to be one of my favorite genres, and while we didn’t quite get a full biography, we dug into some key moments that shaped the life and career of our gu
Podcast Sneak Peak
Join hosts Betina & Stacy on "The ACC Adult Education World" podcast, where dedicated instructors and staff in Adult Education find support and inspiration. Each episode is packed with updates, insights, and strategies—from stress management to innovative workplace ideas—designed to simplify your job and enrich your life. As experienced teachers and wellness practitioners, Betina &am
