

Evolving with Gratitude
Lainie Rowell
Evolving with Gratitude examines the science and stories that optimize happiness, relationships, and performance in work and life. Host Lainie Rowell sits down with leading thinkers, researchers, authors, and practitioners to explore evidence-based insights on gratitude, well-being, resilience, leadership, and human connection. Each episode offers practical ideas we can apply immediately to thrive personally and professionally.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 25, 2023 • 28min
Episode 54 - Being In Tune with All Feelings with Guest Natasha Nurse
Are you ready to learn how being in tune with your feelings can turn you into a change agent? Join Tasha Nurse in this inspiring episode as she shares her insights on the power of gratitude. Tasha also reveals how gratefulness plays a crucial role in developing important life skills such as perseverance, resilience, and effective communication. Get ready to be uplifted and enlightened after listening to Tasha's episode.
Transcript available at LainieRowell.com
About Our Guest:
Natasha Nurse is a 6th grade science teacher in Long Beach, New York. She truly enjoys being a facilitator of learning! Throughout her 19 years as an educator, she has had the opportunity to teach grades 3-5, and was an instructional coach, who worked alongside amazing teachers. She also donates her time as a Long Beach Housing Authority Commissioner, giving back to the community she grew up in and loves!
Twitter: @natasha_nurse
Instagram: @tnurselb
About Lainie:
Lainie Rowell is an educator, international consultant, podcaster, and TEDx speaker. She is the lead author of Evolving Learner and a contributing author of Because of a Teacher. Her latest book, Evolving with Gratitude, was just released. An experienced teacher and district leader, her expertise includes learner-driven design, community building, online/blended learning, and professional learning. Learn more at linktr.ee/lainierowell.
Twitter - @LainieRowell
Instagram - @LainieRowell
Evolving with Gratitude, the book, is now available! Purchase here!
You can also get bulk orders for your staff (10 copies or more) at a discounted price! Just fill out the form linked below and someone will get back to you ASAP! bit.ly/ewgbulkdiscount

Apr 18, 2023 • 30min
Episode 53 - Being Present in My Life With Guest Alfonso Mendoza Jr.
In this episode, we'll dive deep into Fonz's recent trip to Mexico and explore the lessons he has learned about happiness, fulfillment, and the never-ending quest for more. It's a thought-provoking conversation that's sure to leave you with a new perspective on life.
So grab your headphones and get ready to join us on this educational journey with Alfonso Mendoza Jr.!
Update: Look who's on the cover of the Future of Education campaign launched by USA TODAY! Read Fonz's feature here!
Transcript available at LainieRowell.com
About Our Guest:
Alfonso Mendoza Jr., a passionate educator with over a decade of experience, holds a Masters in Educational Technology and is in his third year of doctoral studies. With the aim of providing engaging and effective learning experiences, Mr. Mendoza has served as the district Instructional Technologist for six years now, equipping teachers with tech tools to enhance student learning. His commitment to education does not end there; for the last six years, he actively participates on many social media platforms sharing his expertise through podcasts, blogs, and other education-related posts.
Website: www.myedtech.life
Twitter: @MyEdTechLife
Instagram: @MyEdTechLife
About Lainie:
Lainie Rowell is an educator, international consultant, podcaster, and TEDx speaker. She is the lead author of Evolving Learner and a contributing author of Because of a Teacher. Her latest book, Evolving with Gratitude, was just released. An experienced teacher and district leader, her expertise includes learner-driven design, community building, online/blended learning, and professional learning. Learn more at linktr.ee/lainierowell.
Twitter - @LainieRowell
Instagram - @LainieRowell
Evolving with Gratitude, the book, is now available! Purchase here!
You can also get bulk orders for your staff (10 copies or more) at a discounted price! Just fill out the form linked below and someone will get back to you ASAP! bit.ly/ewgbulkdiscount

Apr 11, 2023 • 27min
S2 Episode 52 - Small Shifts Bring the Biggest Gifts with Guest Suzanne Dailey
In both her book and podcast, Teach Happier, Suzanne Dailey gives us small yet powerful practices to feel more balanced, content, and aligned. And here on this pod, she shares how gratitude anchors her during both positive and challenging seasons, and how it sustained her during the last few years of her professional and personal life. Plus, discover what we can learn from how planes turn!
Transcript available at LainieRowell.com
About Our Guest:
Suzanne Dailey is an instructional coach in the Central Bucks School District. She teaches model lessons, facilitates professional development sessions, and mentors teachers to be the best for the students in front of them. She is dedicated to nurturing and developing the whole child and teacher and presents these topics at a local, state and national level. Suzanne is the author of Teach Happier this School Year: 40 Weeks of Inspiration & Reflection and the host of the popular weekly podcast, Teach Happier.
Website: suzannedailey.com
Twitter: @DaileySuzanne
Instagram: @TeachHappier
About Lainie:
Lainie Rowell is an educator, international consultant, podcaster, and TEDx speaker. She is the lead author of Evolving Learner and a contributing author of Because of a Teacher. Her latest book, Evolving with Gratitude, was just released. An experienced teacher and district leader, her expertise includes learner-driven design, community building, online/blended learning, and professional learning. Learn more at linktr.ee/lainierowell.
Twitter - @LainieRowell
Instagram - @LainieRowell
Evolving with Gratitude, the book, is now available! Purchase here!
You can also get bulk orders for your staff (10 copies or more) at a discounted price! Just fill out the form linked below and someone will get back to you ASAP! bit.ly/ewgbulkdiscount

Apr 4, 2023 • 33min
Episode 51 - Identifying Your Superpowers with Guest Stacey Ross Cohen
Dive into this convo where Stacey Ross Cohen spills the tea on the importance of personal branding and how kids can discover their superpower so they can slay college admissions, snag that dream job or internship, and live their best lives. Get ready to be inspired to stretch beyond your comfort zone and learn how her new book, Brand Up: The Ultimate Playbook for College & Career Success in the Digital World, can empower each of us to tap into our unique talents and bring our A-game to any situation.
Transcript available at LainieRowell.com
About Our Guest:
Stacey Ross Cohen is an award-winning brand professional who earned her stripes on Madison Avenue and major television networks before launching Co-Communications. A TEDX speaker, Stacey is an author (Brand Up) and contributor at prominent media outlets (Entrepreneur, Huff Post, Thrive Global). Stacey has been recognized as PRSA practitioner of the Year, City & State NY/Power 100, and Forbes Enterprise. She holds an MBA from Fordham University and Media/Technology certificate from NYU Leonard Stern School of Business.
Website: cocommunications.com; brandupbook.com
Instagram: @staceyrosscohen
Twitter: @StaceyRossCohen
Stacey's book Brand Up: The Ultimate Playbook for College & Career Success (Post Hill Press/Simon & Schuster) is out!
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About Lainie:
Lainie Rowell is an educator, international consultant, podcaster, and TEDx speaker. She is the lead author of Evolving Learner and a contributing author of Because of a Teacher. Her latest book, Evolving with Gratitude, was just released. An experienced teacher and district leader, her expertise includes learner-driven design, community building, online/blended learning, and professional learning. Learn more at linktr.ee/lainierowell.
Twitter - @LainieRowell
Instagram - @LainieRowell
Evolving with Gratitude, the book, is now available! Purchase here!
You can also get bulk orders for your staff (10 copies or more) at a discounted price! Just fill out the form linked below and someone will get back to you ASAP! bit.ly/ewgbulkdiscount

Mar 28, 2023 • 34min
Episode 50 - Narrating the Beauty You Notice with Guest Paige Couros
In addition to making my cheeks hurt from a serious case of the giggles, Paige Couros delights us with her wisdom and strategies for raising grateful kids. She also shares the importance of appreciating the hopes and dreams of yesterday that are now our reality. We get a cameo from Kallea and Marino Couros and stayed tuned to the very end for some bonus content!
Transcript available at LainieRowell.com
About Our Guest:
Paige Couros is an experienced elementary educator and an innovative entrepreneur. Passionate about teaching and learning, Paige amplifies the voices of educators around the world as a leader of IMPress, a publishing company. The mother of three amazing young kids, Paige shares inspiring ways to promote learning through play on Instagram @teach.me.mom.
You can also connect with Paige on Twitter using @PaigeCouros and Instagram @PaigeCouros.
Website: linktr.ee/teach.me.mom
About Lainie:
Lainie Rowell is an educator, international consultant, podcaster, and TEDx speaker. She is the lead author of Evolving Learner and a contributing author of Because of a Teacher. Her latest book, Evolving with Gratitude, was just released. An experienced teacher and district leader, her expertise includes learner-driven design, community building, online/blended learning, and professional learning. Learn more at linktr.ee/lainierowell.
Twitter - @LainieRowell
Instagram - @LainieRowell
Evolving with Gratitude, the book, is now available! Purchase here!
You can also get bulk orders for your staff (10 copies or more) at a discounted price! Just fill out the form linked below and someone will get back to you ASAP! bit.ly/ewgbulkdiscount

Mar 21, 2023 • 32min
Episode 49 - Vulnerability Can Be Our Greatest Strength with Guest Debbie Tannenbaum
If there is one thing that we can all agree on it might be that technology has a way of humbling us! With empathy and compassion, Debbie Tannenbaum works with her peers to find purpose-driven ways to use technology to improve teaching and learning without overwhelming kids or adults. Together, we can focus on removing barriers and celebrating the opportunities!
Transcript available at LainieRowell.com
About Our Guest:
An educator with over twenty years of experience, Debbie Tannenbaum works each and every day to “transform” learning using technology. During her time in education, she has served both as a classroom teacher in various grades and as an elementary technology coach. Outside of the classroom, Debbie promotes using technology tools to amplify student learning in her work as an educational technology consultant, author, blogger and speaker. You can connect with Debbie at TannenbaumTech.com .
Book: TRANSFORM: Techy Notes to Make Learning Sticky
Website: tannenbaumtech.com
Twitter: @TannenbaumTech
Instagram: @TannenbaumTech
About Lainie:
Lainie Rowell is an educator, international consultant, podcaster, and TEDx speaker. She is the lead author of Evolving Learner and a contributing author of Because of a Teacher. Her latest book, Evolving with Gratitude, was just released. An experienced teacher and district leader, her expertise includes learner-driven design, community building, online/blended learning, and professional learning. Learn more at linktr.ee/lainierowell.
Twitter - @LainieRowell
Instagram - @LainieRowell
Evolving with Gratitude, the book, is now available! Purchase here!
You can also get bulk orders for your staff (10 copies or more) at a discounted price! Just fill out the form linked below and someone will get back to you ASAP! bit.ly/ewgbulkdiscount

Mar 14, 2023 • 23min
Episode 48 - Overflowing with a Humble Heart with Guest Zac Bauermaster
It’s all about P.E.O.P.L.E. and in this episode, Zac Bauermaster reveals his strategies for relieving pressure points for others. He also shares how “little moment walks” help him destress. Plus a shoutout to his family and how their impact guides his vision for his school.
About Our Guest:
Transcript available at LainieRowell.com
About Our Guest:
Zac is an educational leader, author, and speaker passionate about people. He currently serves as principal of Providence Elementary in Lancaster, PA. Zac has the tremendous opportunity to lead teachers, support staff, families, and most importantly, the next generation daily. His greatest joy in education is seeing adults leverage their God-given talents and abilities through inspiring kids to find and use their gifts. Most importantly, Zac is a husband to his wife Carly, and father to three young kids, Olivia, Eliot, and Isaac. Zac is a firm believer in leading his family first.
Website: zacbauermaster.com
Twitter: @ZBauermaster
About Lainie:
Lainie Rowell is an educator, international consultant, podcaster, and TEDx speaker. She is the lead author of Evolving Learner and a contributing author of Because of a Teacher. Her latest book, Evolving with Gratitude, was just released. An experienced teacher and district leader, her expertise includes learner-driven design, community building, online/blended learning, and professional learning. Learn more at linktr.ee/lainierowell.
Twitter - @LainieRowell
Instagram - @LainieRowell
Evolving with Gratitude, the book, is now available! Purchase here!
You can also get bulk orders for your staff (10 copies or more) at a discounted price! Just fill out the form linked below and someone will get back to you ASAP! bit.ly/ewgbulkdiscount

Mar 7, 2023 • 29min
Episode 47 - Never Take the Simplest Things for Granted with Guest Zandra Jo Galvan
Get ready, friends! Zandra is a podcast party! Known for her positivity and her ability to lift others up, ZJG still faces big challenges and her own imposter syndrome. Listen as she shares her secrets to winking at challenges and fixing her crown when it falls.
Transcript available at LainieRowell.com
About Our Guest:
Zandra Jo Galvan has served as Superintendent of the Greenfield Union School District since August 10, 2017 and in 2023 she received the ALAS Superintendent of the Year Award. Zandra has worked in public education since 1993 and began her career as an elementary classroom teacher for GUSD where she also attended kindergarten through graduation. Returning to serve as Superintendent allowed her childhood dreams to come true.
Twitter: @zjgalvan
Instagram: @zangalvan
About Lainie:
Lainie Rowell is an educator, international consultant, podcaster, and TEDx speaker. She is the lead author of Evolving Learner and a contributing author of Because of a Teacher. Her latest book, Evolving with Gratitude, was just released. An experienced teacher and district leader, her expertise includes learner-driven design, community building, online/blended learning, and professional learning. Learn more at linktr.ee/lainierowell.
Twitter - @LainieRowell
Instagram - @LainieRowell
Evolving with Gratitude, the book, is now available! Purchase here!
You can also get bulk orders for your staff (10 copies or more) at a discounted price! Just fill out the form linked below and someone will get back to you ASAP! bit.ly/ewgbulkdiscount

Feb 28, 2023 • 31min
Episode 46 - Stand Tall, "I Got You" with Guest Steve Bollar
Are you ready to be inspired and edutained by Stand Tall Steve!?!
"Edutained", did I just make up a new word???
Update: I Googled it, no, I didn't, but I'm loving it! Press play now and listen as Steve Bollar defines the difference between compliance and commitment. Plus he explains how gratitude is the fuel for motivation!
Transcript available at LainieRowell.com
About Our Guest:
Steve Bollar, a.k.a. Stand Tall Steve, is an educational thought leader, former Superintendent of Schools, principal, author and a school culture and motivation expert. He is known for his quick wit, creative thought, and humorous personality.
Steve is the author of the books Stand Tall Leadership, Ideas, Ideas, Ideas! and is a contributing author in Because of a Teacher.
Steve openly shares his knowledge, experiences and creativity with others. He currently speaks to students, staff and communities throughout the world about how to think differently about schools, education, and life.
Website: standtallsteve.com
Twitter: @StandTallSteve
Instagram: @standtallsteve
About Lainie:
Lainie Rowell is an educator, international consultant, podcaster, and TEDx speaker. She is the lead author of Evolving Learner and a contributing author of Because of a Teacher. Her latest book, Evolving with Gratitude, was just released. An experienced teacher and district leader, her expertise includes learner-driven design, community building, online/blended learning, and professional learning. Learn more at linktr.ee/lainierowell.
Twitter - @LainieRowell
Instagram - @LainieRowell
Evolving with Gratitude, the book, is now available! Purchase here!
You can also get bulk orders for your staff (10 copies or more) at a discounted price! Just fill out the form linked below and someone will get back to you ASAP! bit.ly/ewgbulkdiscount

Feb 21, 2023 • 30min
Episode 45 - Being Brave, Smart, and Kind with Guest PJ Brady
What the bubbles does gratitude have to do with being brave, smart, and kind? It turns out, quite a lot! American born, Belgian by marriage, and global by choice, PJ has so much wisdom to share as we discuss overcoming the things that scare us, the importance of critical thinking, and ways we can treat others and ourselves!
Transcript available at LainieRowell.com
About Our Guest:
PJ Brady is the father of three daughters and a values-based leadership coach. He is a recently published author of Raising Kids to be Brave, Smart and Kind; sharing his stories of using his leadership content in his efforts to raise confident kids. He is American and lives in Belgium with his wife, kids and Bernese Mountain Dog. After working with leaders around the globe, PJ noticed that all values are about how we overcome challenges, critically think, and treat others and ourselves. Now the BSK Framework is being implemented in organizations, families and schools in multiple countries.
Website: bravesmartkind.com
Twitter: @BraveSmartKind
Instagram: @pjbrady_bravesmartkind
About Lainie:
Lainie Rowell is an educator, international consultant, podcaster, and TEDx speaker. She is the lead author of Evolving Learner and a contributing author of Because of a Teacher. Her latest book, Evolving with Gratitude, was just released. An experienced teacher and district leader, her expertise includes learner-driven design, community building, online/blended learning, and professional learning. Learn more at linktr.ee/lainierowell.
Twitter - @LainieRowell
Instagram - @LainieRowell
Evolving with Gratitude, the book, is now available! Purchase here!
You can also get bulk orders for your staff (10 copies or more) at a discounted price! Just fill out the form linked below and someone will get back to you ASAP! bit.ly/ewgbulkdiscount


