Best Samantha In Secondary Podcasts (2025)

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35. No More Either/Or: How to Integrate Choice Reading with Your Curriculum 11:45

3M ago11:45

11:45

Today, we’re talking about one of my favorite topics- independent reading. And more specifically, how to make it work alongside your full-class novels. It doesn’t matter if you’re new to lit circles or you’ve been using them for a while, this episode is full of tips and tricks for everyone Highlights: Use Independent Reading Time as a Daily Bellrin…

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34. 5 Budget-Friendly Ways to Refresh Your Classroom Library 8:38

4M ago8:38

8:38

Tune in to hear five practical and budget-friendly ways to stock your shelves, along with some of my own favorite strategies that helped me create a diverse and engaging collection of books—without breaking the bank. Whether you’re starting from scratch or just looking to refresh your library with new titles, this episode is packed with ideas to he…

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33. Imagining the Impossible: Brigid Kemmerer on the Power of Speculative Fiction 23:22

4M ago23:22

23:22

Brigid Kemmerer is a New York Times bestselling author known for her captivating fantasy and contemporary novels, including A Curse So Dark and Lonely, Defy the Night, and Letters to the Lost. Her books have a way of pulling in teens and adults alike. In today’s episode, we’ll talk about Brigid’s own journey to becoming a joyful reader and what mak…

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32. Speculative Fiction 101: A Teacher’s Guide to Fantasy, Sci-Fi & Dystopia 14:32

4M ago14:32

14:32

What if time travel were possible? What if magic and science collided? What if we lived in a world where artificial intelligence developed emotions—or where humanity had to fight for survival in a distant galaxy? These "what if" questions are the foundation of speculative fiction, a genre that invites readers to imagine worlds beyond our own. Highl…

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Lisa’s Cervical Cerclage + Navigating Medical Trauma 48:30

4M ago48:30

48:30

In this episode, Lisa opens up about the cervical cerclage—or “stitch”—she received at 24 weeks pregnant to help prevent preterm labor. While the procedure was medically “simple” and technically successful, the emotional experience left her feeling raw, vulnerable, and deeply shaken. Lisa shares her story to help you feel more empowered, choice-ful…

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31. Lesa Smith on Using Poetry to Create Joyful Readers 39:30

5M ago39:30

39:30

Today, we’re unpacking the world of poetry and its powerful potential to hook even the most reluctant readers. Joining me is an incredible educator, Lesa Smith. With a Master’s degree in English and Film Studies, Lesa is a master at blending literature, poetry, pop culture, and creativity to make her lessons unforgettable. In this episode, Lesa sha…

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30. Verse Novels 101: Why You Should Give Them a Try in ELA 11:36

5M ago11:36

11:36

Verse novels—a format that’s as beautiful as it is powerful. Whether you’re new to the genre or already a fan, you’ll leave with practical tips and recommendations to bring verse novels to life in your classroom. Highlights: Benefits of Teaching Verse Novels Verse Novel Activities Best YA Verse Novels Resources Mentioned: If you’re loving these ide…

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29. Press Play: How Audiobooks Inspire Joyful Readers 12:12

5M ago12:12

12:12

Are audiobooks really reading? Spoiler alert: they absolutely are! Whether you're reading with your eyes or your ears, the heart of reading is comprehension, connection, and storytelling. In this episode, I’ll break down why listening to audiobooks counts as reading, backed by research and classroom experience. Plus, I’ll share some of my favorite …

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Path to Pregnancy: Secondary Infertility, Luteal Phase Defect, and Ditching “Natural” 48:46

5M ago48:46

48:46

After a 14-month surprise infertility battle, Lisa is emerging from what she calls the “infertility underworld” to share her path to pregnancy. Getting pregnant with her first child was effortless, but this time, she felt like a science project. Determined to solve her fertility challenges naturally, she spent months trying to “fix” things on her o…

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28. Why Graphic Novels Matter: A Talk with Librarian Amanda Hunt 42:23

5M ago42:23

42:23

I’m thrilled to introduce you to someone who is truly shaping the future of school libraries—Amanda Hunt. She’s here to talk with us about the importance of graphic novels in education, how they can transform classroom engagement, and her top recommendations for building an incredible graphic novel collection. If you’ve ever wondered how graphic no…

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27. Kaycee Racer on Tropes That Make Us Swoon in YA Romance 42:34

6M ago42:34

42:34

Today, I’m joined by storyteller extraordinaire Kaycee Racer—a Young Adult author, devoted reader, and retro media podcaster. Kaycee is the author of two heartfelt contemporary YA novels that capture the ups and downs of growing up with authenticity and heart. Influenced by childhood favorites like Sweet Valley High, The Baby-Sitter’s Club, and Ram…

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26. Kristy Boyce Shares the Secrets of a Great YA Romance 41:51

6M ago41:51

41:51

I’m so glad you’re here for Creating Joyful Readers, your go-to show for tips, strategies, and inspiration on nurturing avid readers in secondary schools. I’m your host, Samantha, and today we’re exploring the secrets of what makes a great YA romance. I’m so excited to be joined by Kristy Boyce, the nationally bestselling author of Dungeons and Dra…

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25. Teaching YA Romance with Joy: The Best Books and Creative Classroom Tips 12:07

6M ago12:07

12:07

Whether you’re a fan of epic love stories or just looking for creative ways to bring romance into your classroom, this episode is for you. I’ll be sharing some engaging strategies to teach YA romance, from exploring common tropes to designing activities your students will love. Plus, I’ll reveal some of my favorite YA romance books that are perfect…

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24. Love, Tropes, and Trends: A Deep Dive into YA Romance 15:14

6M ago15:14

15:14

If there’s one genre that has the power to make hearts race, ignite endless daydreams, and leave us with a serious case of the feels, it’s YA romance. Today, we’re diving deep into this beloved genre that has captured the hearts of readers young and old. In this episode, we’ll: Define what makes a YA romance truly shine Explore the formulas and cha…

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23. The Role of Knowledge in Literacy and Learning with Natalie Wexler 40:01

6M ago40:01

40:01

Don't miss this conversation with literacy expert Natalie Wexler. Connect with our guest: https://nataliewexler.com/ The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America's Broken Education System--and How to Fix it https://amzn.to/3BBt4cZ The Writing Revolution: A Guide to Advancing Thinking Through Writing in All Subjects and Grades https://amzn.to/3ZJz…

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22. Keeping It Real: Isaac Blum on the Power of Contemporary Fiction in YA Literature 42:53

7M ago42:53

42:53

Enjoy this conversation about contemporary YA writing with author Isaac Blum. Resources Mentioned: https://www.isaacblumauthor.com/ The Judgment of Yoyo Gold - https://amzn.to/3ZEH1yQ The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen - https://amzn.to/3ZDnNcR Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no a…

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21. Fresh and Relatable: Contemporary YA Authors You Can’t Miss 15:24

7M ago15:24

15:24

Let's talk about 5 contemporary YA authors you should have on your classroom and library shelves. These authors create books that resonate with young readers, sparking important conversations and helping students connect to the literature in meaningful ways. Whether you're looking to update your library, introduce a fresh unit, or build a stronger …

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20. Contemporary YA: Teaching the Stories That Matter to Teens 11:22

7M ago11:22

11:22

If you’re looking to make literature feel more relevant and relatable for your students, this episode is for you. Listen in and let’s bring contemporary lit to life in your classroom. Highlights: What is Contemporary YA Literature? The Evolution of Contemporary YA Big Themes in Contemporary YA Criticisms in Contemporary YA Why Teach Contemporary YA…

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19. The Best YA Books of 2024 22:30

7M ago22:30

22:30

Young Adult books are one of my favorite things so today I'm sharing the 10 best YA titles I read in 2024. Whether you’re an educator looking to add new reads to your classroom library, a media specialist keeping up with the latest releases, or just a book lover hunting for your next great read, this episode is for you. Highlights: How I read so ma…

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18. The Only Close Reading Routine You'll Ever Need 8:56

8M ago8:56

8:56

You're in for a treat today! I'm sharing something I’ve developed and refined over my 15 years in the classroom: my tried-and-true process for close reading. If you're an ELA teacher looking for a practical, step-by-step method to help your students tackle complex texts with confidence, you’re in the right place. Close reading can feel daunting for…

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17. Why You Need a Strong Close Reading Routine 10:18

8M ago10:18

10:18

Reading isn’t joyful when it’s hard, right? We all want to share amazing books and do fun, engaging activities to get kids excited about reading, but we also can’t forget the importance of those foundational skills. So today, we’re diving into some research about why having a strong, predictable close reading routine can be a total game-changer in …

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16. Partnering for Literacy: Why ELA Teachers and Media Specialists Make the Perfect Team with Kimberly Dyar 32:47

8M ago32:47

32:47

Are you making the most of the resources available within your media center? Your media center specialist is a tremendous resource for your instructional planning and for connecting students with joyful reading experiences. I hope that today's conversation with Kimberly Dyar fills you with ideas and inspiration. Resources Mentioned: The Arrival by …

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15. Making Reading Joyful and Effective: The Science of Reading for Older Students with Allison McManus 25:22

8M ago25:22

25:22

Science of Reading isn't something secondary teachers should skip. If you have struggling readers in your classroom, today's guest, Allison McManus has tips that you won't want to miss. Resources Mentioned: Science of Reading in Secondary Toolkit - https://mrsmcmanusela.ck.page/sorin2 Planning a Science of Reading Aligned Unit for Secondary ELA htt…

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14. 5 Ways to Assess Your Historical Fiction Unit Without a Test or Quiz 13:47

9M ago13:47

13:47

Fresh assessment ideas, coming right up! Today we are wrapping up our exploration of the historical fiction genre with five assessment ideas you can use in your genre-based literature unit. These are creative projects that highlight all of the key knowledge students should gain from a unit like this while helping them hone those important 21st cent…

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13. How Explicitly Teaching Setting Can Make Historical Fiction Come Alive 11:41

9M ago11:41

11:41

Setting is your hook when we're talking about historical fiction. I know it might not sound like the most thrilling lesson idea in the world, but stick with me because I have a few ideas that are going to be both fun and educational. Working through these activities always had students laughing and learning, so I know your students are going to lov…

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12. Pairing Personality with Pages: Perfect Historical Fiction Picks for Your Students 15:14

9M ago15:14

15:14

I’ve got some great books to share today that I know are going to help your students fall in love with historical fiction, so hang on, joyful readers, you’re going to want to hear all about these recs! You’ll likely have a student or three in mind who you’re dying to suggest a title to. Today's episode includes recs for: The History Buff The Advent…

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11. The Power of the Past: Introducing Historical Fiction to Your Students 11:37

9M ago11:37

11:37

Over the next few episodes, we’re going to talk about a new genre that I’ve personally witnessed help to shape lifelong readers. I know that sharing this genre in your classroom is going to hook an entirely new set of students. Settle in, joyful reader, because today I’m going to encourage you to introduce your students to historical fiction. Highl…

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10. Case Closed: Bringing Mystery-Themed Activities into Your ELA Classroom 7:31

9M ago7:31

7:31

I know it often feels like you just don't have time to do all the things in your classroom. And it’s true, you don’t! But you do have plenty of time to choose a few things to do well. Today we’re going to talk about a few supplementary activities to include in your mystery unit and which skills are targeted through these purposeful additions. Hope …

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9. Cracking the Code: Effective Literature Circles and Mystery Book Picks for ELA 14:13

10M ago14:13

14:13

Maybe you’d love to try literature circles in your class, but you just don’t know where to start. Or maybe you’ve tried them before, but they didn’t go over well. Today I’m going to walk you through my framework for planning and executing a flawless literature circle in the mystery genre. Get ready, joyful readers, it’s going to be a good one! High…

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8. Solving the Reading Mystery: Integrating Anchor Texts with Student Choice 17:43

10M ago17:43

17:43

Like most other teachers, I was absolutely frightened when I was told I needed to run a choice reading unit. How will I keep track of everything? How do I manage a class full of students reading different books? These questions kept me up at night! I then realized that I was expected to do this alongside my regular curriculum and then my mind was R…

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7. Unraveling the Mystery: Engaging Students with Sleuthing Stories 8:01

10M ago8:01

8:01

Mysteries continue to dominate best-selling book lists worldwide. Huge names like James Patterson, Stephen King, Riley Sager, Freida McFadden, and so many more are consistently seen leading the charts when it comes to book sales. Why do people love this genre so much and how can we leverage that enthusiasm in the classroom? Stay tuned for today’s e…

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6. Best Practices for Independent Reading: 3 Strategies to Enhance Any System 10:06

10M ago10:06

10:06

You've got questions about independent reading and in today's episode I've got answers. It doesn’t matter if you’re brand new to the practice or a seasoned veteran, this episode has helpful strategies no matter where you are on your journey. Episode Highlights: How do I know this book will be appropriate for my students? How do I make sure students…

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5. The Low-Down on Literature Circles: How One Dynamic Practice Can Transform Your Students into Joyful Readers 9:08

11M ago9:08

9:08

Watching the power of literature circles in molding lifelong readers was transformative for me. Lit circles aren’t new. Maybe you’ve heard of them, but have been too afraid to try them, or maybe you’re a seasoned pro and have been running lit circles for a long time. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, tune into today’s episode because I’m go…

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4. From Research to Reading: A Guide for Secondary Literacy Educators 8:24

11M ago8:24

8:24

It’s hard to be in education right now. Anyone who has been inside of a school lately knows that it is not for the faint of heart. Teachers currently need more support than ever. This includes having tried-and-true strategies and relevant resources ready to implement so that you can feel confident and successful in helping students become joyful re…

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3. 5 Tips for Crafting a Strong Culture of Reading in Your Space 8:33

11M ago8:33

8:33

Creating a strong culture of reading in your classroom can feel like a daunting task, but today’s episode will walk you through a couple of actionable steps you can take to get started. Buckle up, joyful readers, you’re not going to want to miss this one! Resources Mentioned: --> Take a look at my favorite bookish tapestries in THIS ETSY SHOP and d…

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2. Let’s Get on the Same Page: Key Independent Reading Terms Explained 7:38

11M ago7:38

7:38

Pop Quiz: What do you call the instructional practice where students self-select a book or choose from a list of pre-selected titles before reading it independently and completing some kind of assessment? Did you know that most of the people listening to this podcast right now probably have a different answer? We’re going to dive into this strange …

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1. Why Literacy Matters: My Story and Mission 8:55

11M ago8:55

8:55

This podcast has been on my heart for a few years and I’m so excited to finally be able to bring it to you now. I’ve been working hard to plan episodes and create content that I know is going to help you nurture a love of reading with your students. I have so much to share and I’m confident that these episodes are going to be both helpful and relev…

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Not OBSESSED with you FRIENDS? Here's How to Get New Ones 29:59

1y ago29:59

29:59

This week I’m sharing how making friends in motherhood had me feeling like an alien. BUT, in a beautiful turn of events, I’m finding my way. I’ve shifted, and as a result, everything around me shifted too. In this episode, I’m sharing how my childhood Lisa got in the way, TRAPS to avoid when making new friends, and top actionable tips for finding y…

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Welcome to Creating Joyful Readers 1:30

1y ago1:30

1:30

This is the podcast for secondary educators who want to inspire a lifelong love of reading in their students. Each week, we’ll chat about the amazing benefits of independent reading, dig into the latest literacy research, cover practical tips and strategies to nurture lifelong readers, break down projects that help students show off what they’ve le…

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Toddler Tips: Parenting Swaps to Go From Chaos to Calm 51:43

1+ y ago51:43

51:43

At around 2 years old, I realized my daughter was no longer a baby. Melt downs without reason, less naps for “me time”, and a tiny brain that was sucking in all of its surroundings – I felt lost and exhausted and overwhelmed by the fact that I now had a very impressionable tiny human. Fortunately this was the summer I took off all work and used thi…

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MindBody Mentorship. New Program. March Only. 30:21

1+ y ago30:21

30:21

Lisa shares the details of her new mindfulness and somatic March offering, MindBody Mentorship. She spills: The BTS of creating a program - chaos included How she channels ideas into programs Why she abandons a lot of ideas The personal inspiration for this program, why its a mentorship specifically, the purpose of emphasizing the nervous system, a…

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Is She Ever Coming Back? 53:21

1+ y ago53:21

53:21

Hi everyone! It’s been a *minute* – 6 months to be exact since my last episode. I’m popping on today to share with you: My future on social media What I’ve been up to professionally, personally, spiritually Why my intended 3-month break went a lot longer than expected The impact of 6 months without using ANY social media Being okay with being misun…

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IRL Besties Interviewing Lisa for her 35th Birthday 56:35

2y ago56:35

56:35

For my 35th birthday, I wanted to bring you something different. Share a part of myself you’ve probably never seen before — which is me when I’m with my best friends. Geri has been my best friend for 25 years, and when she met Lulu, her wife, I gained another best friend. I always understand myself better after being with them — this convo will hav…

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Nomad Life, Botox, Bloating, and Psychedelics ft. Carolyn Brown 54:34

2y ago54:34

54:34

Carolyn Brown, MS, RD, is back on TTL to share about her latest venture as a nomad — traveling across the globe while taking her business (and clients) with her. She spills: * Why you’re only a few choices away from a different life * Indigo Health: the business she co-created with her sister and the impact they’re making on women’s health * Unpopu…

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Follow Your Instincts in Life, Business, and Romantic Partnerships ft. Samantha Abrams 1:01:02

2y ago1:01:02

1:01:02

Samantha Spills: How she grew their homemade cookie company into a multimillion-dollar company without investors or raising outside money Why their unique approach to “profits” allowed them to build a business from their heart Value Clarification: how staying close to your values can help you build your unique business Why they eventually sold to t…

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How to Use Tarot Cards and Start Living Life on Purpose ft. Jessica Stone 58:40

2y ago58:40

58:40

Jessica Stone is a channel, Reiki Master, and teacher in all things tarot and expanding your human potential. She’s MAGICAL, and Lisa’s go-to “card puller” when everything feels uncertain and she needs to reconnect with her subconscious self. This conversation is energetically powerful – so buckle up! Jess spills: Tarot Cards: how tapping into our …

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How to Avoid the Trauma Bonding TRAP in Relationships ft. Natalia Rachel 59:31

2y ago59:31

59:31

Natalia Rachel is the founder of Iluma Health and author of “Why am I Like This?” As a therapist, she believes that the root of healing the world begins with healing our own trauma. Natalia spills: - The impact trauma has on our relationships and how we take in the world - Why trauma isn’t about what happened but rather how it’s left “unmetabolized…

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The METREAT Recap: BTS of Planning, Volcanic Eruptions and Emergency Evacuations, and the Importance of JOY When Healing 1:16:59

2y ago1:16:59

1:16:59

Lisa is back from hosting her first retreat- aka, the METREAT. She brought 20+ people to Guatemala for a once in a lifetime experience– no lie! In the first hour a volcano erupted causing an emergency evacuation and “plan b” to go into effect. Just like that, her 50 page “run of show” handbook went up in flames and the direction of the METREAT was …

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Emotional Release Toolkit ft. Elena Box and Hana Rakshani 1:04:25

2y ago1:04:25

1:04:25

Today’s podcast is pulled from The Ode To Joy Podcast, hosted by Elena Box. This episode features guest Hana Rakshani, Somatic Movement Artist, who shares brilliant tools for releasing emotion through movement. This episode leaves you better in touch with your own body, and provide life long tools for your own emotional release that feel REALLY GOO…

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The Power of SELF TOUCH with Charlotte Watts and Leonie Taylor 32:10

2y ago32:10

32:10

Charlotte Watts is one of Lisa’s favorite people to learn from. She’s currently learning yoga somatics with her. Self Touch! It’s been there all along as a FREE and easy way to find mind-body connection when it otherwise goes out the window. In this episode, Charlotte and Leonie share the science behind why self touch helps us connect to self – and…

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Samantha In Secondary Podcasts

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