THE RIPPLE EFFECT PODCAST EPISODES
Latest Episode
September 10, 2025
Episode 2 – Seeing with the Witness: Self-Awareness and Compassion in the Classroom, with Special Guest Martha White MA, LMHC-NCC-Licensed Mental Health Counselor & Founder of Keala Kea Counseling.
Martha White, clinician and mindfulness educator, introduces “The Witness”—a powerful concept for noticing without reacting. We explore how nervous system awareness and compassion work together to create safer, more responsive classrooms.
💡 Bonus: Practice a 1-minute Witness meditation during the episode.
🔗 Includes a link to Martha's article "The Witness" and more resources on her website.
🎧 Listen to the Episode on Spotify
🎧 Listen to the Pilot on Apple Podcasts
SEASON 1: Module 1
Pilot Episode: Welcome to The Ripple Effect: Helping Teachers Thrive
The Ripple Effect is a podcast dedicated to helping educators reconnect with themselves, protect their energy, and create thriving classrooms.
In this pilot episode, host Aimee Donoho—educator, therapist, and advocate for teacher wellness—shares the story of how The Ripple Effect began. Born from the Aloha Connect program. This podcast was inspired by in-depth conversations with teachers and the realization that educator wellness must be addressed differently.
Why This Podcast Exists:
Post-pandemic education is different. Teacher stress is different.
We cannot offer our students safety, empathy, and presence if we don’t experience those things ourselves.
Caring for ourselves as educators isn’t selfish—it’s the foundation for everything we do.
What You’ll Hear in the Pilot:
How the Aloha Connect lunch-and-learn sessions brought teachers together for connection, learning, and laughter
Why nervous system awareness matters in teaching
The Four S’s (safe, seen, soothed, secure) and how they apply to educators
How small acts of self-regulation can transform school culture
Monthly Podcast Structure:
Each month will focus on one theme—such as Awareness, Grace, Gratitude, or Renewal—and feature:
Solo reflection from Aimee introducing the theme
Expert interview bringing science-based strategies
Real teacher’s story
Cultural/community perspective
Signature Question: Who was the teacher who made you feel seen, valued, or capable—and what would you say to them today?
🎧 Listen to the Pilot on Spotify
🎧 Listen to the Pilot on Apple Podcasts
💌 Subscribe for updates & resources
Episode 1 – What Is Emotional Awareness and Why It Matters
In this episode, we explore emotional self-awareness—what it is, why it matters for educators, and how it connects to the nervous system. You’ll learn practical strategies for tuning into your body’s cues so you can respond with presence, empathy, and clarity.
💡 Tool of the Week: The 3-Minute Daily Check-In – a quick way to build awareness and reset throughout your day.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Polyvagal Theory by Dr. Stephen Porges – Learn More
The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy by Deb Dana – Book Link
Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory by Deb Dana – Book Link
Deb Dana’s Clinical Resources – Rhythm of Regulation
Reticular Activating System (RAS) – Healthline Article
🎧 Listen to the Episode on Spotify
🎧 Listen to the Episode on Apple Podcasts
Additional Tools:
DBT House Worksheet – Mind Remake Project | Therapist Aid | Behavioral Tech
Nervous System Mapping –The Movement Paradigm
Episode 2 – Seeing with the Witness: Self-Awareness and Compassion in the Classroom, with Special Guest Martha White MA, LMHC-NCC-Licensed Mental Health Counselor & Founder of Keala Kea Counseling
Martha White, clinician and mindfulness educator, introduces “The Witness”—a powerful concept for noticing without reacting. We explore how nervous system awareness and compassion work together to create safer, more responsive classrooms.
💡 Bonus: Practice a 1-minute Witness meditation during the episode.
🔗 Includes a link to Martha's article "The Witness" and more resources on her website.
🎧 Listen to the Episode on Spotify
🎧 Listen to the Pilot on Apple Podcasts
Episode 3 – Tide, Time, and Turtles: Self-Awareness through the Lens of Nature, with Special Guest Laura Jim
Science teacher and sea turtle researcher Laura Jim shares how the rhythms of the ocean helped her reconnect with herself during a season of burnout. Through nature, photography, and presence, she offers a grounded model of self-awareness in action.
🌊 Reflection prompts included: Ocean Awareness, Nature as Regulator.
📸 Follow Laura on Instagram: @laurajimphotography
Episode 4 – Roots & Resilience – What Forests Teach Us About Ourselves, with Special Guest Kumu Kuwalu
Join host Aimee Donoho in conversation with cultural practitioner and kumu hula, Kumu Kuwalu. In this episode, they explore the power of ecological awareness, cultural wisdom, and nervous system grounding for educators. Kumu shares how hula and land-based practices have helped students reconnect to themselves and how educators can apply these principles in the classroom.
Includes:
Grounding breath practice guided by Kumu
Reflections on teaching through cultural identity and community care
A featured video clip: Forests as reflections of our societies
3 reflection prompts for classroom and personal use
🎧 Listen now and share with someone who teaches from the heart.
