The Play Ed3 Podcast
The Play Ed3 Podcast
Podcast Description
Welcome to The Play Ed3 Podcast — where educators, learners, and behind-the-scenes change-makers all have a voice. Hosted by Tisha Poncio and Rick Butterworth, this show brings real stories, practical insights, and meaningful conversations from across the world of education. Whether you’re in the classroom or reimagining systems, you’re a recurring guest here. Join us to learn, grow, and play your part in the future of education.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores various themes related to education and technology, focusing on topics such as teacher resilience, the integration of AI, student agency, and innovative teaching strategies. Episodes feature discussions on the AIM framework for student success, strategies for catering to neurodiversity, and the crucial role of community and authenticity in learning environments.

Welcome to The Play Ed3 Podcast — where educators, learners, and behind-the-scenes change-makers all have a voice. Hosted by Tisha Poncio and Rick Butterworth, this show brings real stories, practical insights, and meaningful conversations from across the world of education. Whether you’re in the classroom or reimagining systems, you’re a recurring guest here. Join us to learn, grow, and play your part in the future of education.
In this episode, Tisha and Rick reflect on their experiences in 2025, discussing the challenges and growth they faced. They explore the disparity between social media portrayals and real-life struggles, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and setting boundaries. The conversation shifts to the daily realities of teachers, the significance of self-care, and the need for reflection over goal-setting in the new year. They challenge the hustle culture, advocate for celebrating small wins, and encourage listeners to find joy in simple activities while navigating societal expectations.
00:00 Reflections on 2025: A Year of Contrasts
02:46 The Reality of Social Media vs. Personal Struggles
05:49 Navigating Change: Personal Growth and Boundaries
08:44 The Teacher's Experience: Stress and Responsibility
11:52 Understanding the Teacher's Role: A Day in the Life
17:40 Advocating for Educators: The Need for Support
20:46 Goal Setting and Systemic Change in Education
25:45 Challenging Goal Setting Norms
29:39 The Importance of Reflection
36:17 Changing Systems Over Goals
42:04 Rediscovering Joy and Passion
50:23 Celebrating Micro Wins
55:05 Looking Ahead to 2026
Follow Tisha Rick on:
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📱Follow Play Ed3 Podcast on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/played3podcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/played3podcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlayEd3Podcast?sub_confirmation=1
🙋♀️Follow Tisha on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tishaponcio
X (Twitter): https://x.com/tishaponcio
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tishaponcio
🙋♂️Follow Rick on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickbutterworth
X (Twitter): https://x.com/r1ck11
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rickbutterworth
Want to be a guest?: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCaEyQrrPcYsKdQHaSlFbVXVVC_eNyXMMfy5NTj0aRNcR6Vw/viewform?usp=header
🧠 Let’s learn, grow and play together

Disclaimer
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