Would You Be Ready? Chasing Dreams with Matt Eicheldinger

Mess and Meaning

Hello, this is Matt, and he's a teacher . . .
In this episode, I chat with one of the good guys of the internet, Matt Eicheldinger. He’s a veteran teacher and New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who knows a thing or two about the power of stories to connect and inspire us.
We talk about the significance of small moments, Matt’s fast rise to fame after unclogging a parking lot drain, and the profound journey of self-discovery that followed.
He urges us to really slow down to connect the dots and listen to the stirrings of our hearts. We muse on integrity and authenticity in a social media landscape that favors flashiness and followers, and he shares his best tips for listeners with big dreams.
LISTEN IN AS WE EXPLORE:
1) what makes stories powerful vessels for connection, learning, and meaning
2) playing long games, like teaching and parenting, where you never fully know your impact
3) how journaling and looking back can help propel you forward
4) identifying your transferable skills and bursting out of your bubble
5) how to really know yourself and discern which opportunities align with your values

LINKS + FOLLOW-UPS:
Follow Matt on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok @matteicheldinger.
You can also grab a copy of his books on Amazon:
Sticky Notes: Memorable Lessons from Ordinary Moments (for adults, especially teachers!)
Matt Sprouts and the Curse of the Ten Broken Toes (middle grade novel #1)
Matt Sprouts and the Day Nora Ate the Sun (middle grade novel #2)
Matt also shared a quote from NYT bestselling author Jason Reynolds, the 2020-2022 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, about stories as "baked-in empathy machines."
Note: If you purchase Matt's book(s) using my Amazon affiliate links above, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Links are provided for your convenience and help support the podcast.

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Looking for more ways to stay grounded in the good stuff?
Visit www.groundedingood.org for Dr. Kara's book, free newsletter, curated resources, and other offerings.
Disclaimer: This podcast is educational/preventive in nature and is NOT intended to be therapy. If you have relationship or mental health concerns, you can find qualified help on sites like BetterHelp or The Gottman Referral Network.
*Thanks to Alex Grohl for the intro/outro music.

Chapters

1. Preview (00:00:00)

2. Podcast Intro (00:00:50)

3. Guest Intro (00:01:28)

4. The Sticky Notes Story (00:03:06)

5. The Long Game: Understanding Our Impact (00:06:20)

6. Knowing + Being Known (Rejection + Vulnerability) (00:14:31)

7. Changing Goals + Shifting Strategies (00:18:08)

8. Realities of Social Media + Content Creation (00:20:16)

9. Slowing Down to Notice (00:27:01)

10. Jason Reynolds: Stories are "Baked-In Empathy Machines" (00:31:56)

11. Take Time to Process + Consider Alternatives (00:33:18)

12. Assumptions + Giving the Benefit of the Doubt (00:36:54)

13. First Impressions + Authenticity (00:38:07)

14. Transition from Teacher to Author (00:39:32)

15. Rediscovering Who We Are + Chasing Dreams (00:42:44)

16. "What Would Matt Do?" (00:51:26)

17. Integrity vs. Popularity (00:53:21)

18. Tip 1: It's Ok to Be New; Don't Compare (00:55:05)

19. Tip 2: Your Audience is Out There (00:56:28)

20. Would You Be Ready if You Got What You Wanted? (00:57:31)

21. How To Really Know Yourself (00:58:27)

22. Final Thoughts (01:01:01)

23. Podcast Outro (01:02:48)