493
Downloads
7
Episodes
WDF is a look at societal understanding of well-being. Come along with Sam & Dr. Kat (not that kind of doctor), 2 sisters who are both public educators who are trying to find joy in the wellness-minefield of life.
Episodes
Jul 25, 2026
Jul 25, 2026
58 min
Join Dr. Kat and Sam as they discuss the book, "The Empowered Educator" with author, Dr. Jen Rafferty. We'll discuss how Dr. Jen "really gets it" about teacher burnout and she'll remind of us of tools that educators (and anyone) who is burned out can utilize to reset their nervous system. Many thanks to Dr. Jen for being the kick butt Petal of Power she is and sharing her book with us! Find Dr. Jen's book at https://empowerededucator.com/book
More episode info: Burnout isn't a badge of honor—it's a signal. Dr. Jen Rafferty, a former middle school music teacher turned educator, TEDx speaker, and author of The Empowered Educator, reveals how understanding neurobiology and embracing all emotions can transform your teaching—and your life. This episode is a wake-up call for overwhelmed teachers, school leaders, and anyone feeling stuck in a cycle of exhaustion and toxic positivity. You’ll discover how toxic positivity prevents us from truly addressing our feelings, and why leaning into disempowering emotions like frustration and rage is essential for authentic growth.
Email: WellnessDumpsterFire@gmail.com
Music: "Master of the Feast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Book Release: “The Empowered Educator” by Dr. Jen Rafferty
Dr. Jen’s Book Recommendation: “Laziness Does Not Exist” by Devon Price
Petals of Power
Highly recommended: a Google search for cute, polarized, rose colored glasses
Iowa Teachers Who Were Who Were Suspended for “Wholesome” Drag Show Win $150K Settlement; One school district learned the hard way that targeting teachers for helping students can be a real drag.” By Matthew Rodriquez
And Many, Many, thanks to Dr. Jen Rafferty for being our Petal of Power! …Crystal castle!
Jun 28, 2026
Jun 28, 2026
1 hr 40 min
Inclusion isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a matter of life or death for countless disabled children and adults. What if the systems meant to support us are actually designed to keep us invisible? This episode unpacks the real history of disability rights, from Judy Heumann’s pivotal activism to the elusive goal of true accessibility. Discover how legal battles like the Section 504 sit-in transformed societal perceptions and the architecture of support that shapes daily life for millions.
Email: WellnessDumpsterFire@gmail.com
Music: "Master of the Feast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Timely Viral Event : Mom of Disabled Child Speaking to Ohio Reps About Medicaid Cuts
Dr. Jen Rafferty: The Empowered Educator: Release date Aug 4, 2024
The People’s Coalition of Michigan
Extra Credit: Watch Crip Camp (free on Netflix YouTube)
Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist by Judith Heymann with Kristen Joiner
Rolling Warrior: The Incredible, Sometimes Awkward, True Story of a Rebel Girl on Wheels Who Helped Spark a Revolution by Judith Heumann with Kristen Joiner
Judy Heumann on the Daily Show with Trevor Noah
The Ed Roberts’ Campus article
The Ed Roberts’ Campus video
Big Bad Able-ism: Hockey Douchebro Pushing a Wheelchair Down The Stairs
Interview with Victim/Survivor of Able-Ist Douchebro
Flinn Scientific Lab Poster: Carol Never Wore Her Safety Goggles
Exploring Name Signs in Deaf Culture: Article and Video
A History of Cross Colors Fashion Legacy (I learned so much from this video!):
Amazon link: Poster Sometimes Things Explode
“When we know better we do better.” Maya Angelou said to Oprah
American Sign Language: Puberty
Sesame Street “Nope” Aliens montage
Sesame Street “Nope” : Aliens Discover a Radio
“Elopment: The Unexpected Workout” T-Shirt on Etsy
LeBron James Family Foundation “I Promise School”
Understanding Michigan’s Medicaid Waiver Programs
History of Eugenics in the United States
Petals of Power
“Get It in Writing: The Utimate Guide to Your Rights At Work” by: Ryan Stygar
Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary D. Schmidt
All the Way to the Top: How One Girl’s Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything
Barbie Fashionistas Doll #228, Blind Barbie Doll Wearing Pink Top And Ruffled Skirt With Cane And Sunglasses in Partnership With The American Foundation For The Blind
The Ed Roberts’ Campus article
The Ed Roberts’ Campus video
Disabled in Action of New York
Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution
Upcoming Film : Being Heumann
Section 504 and ADA through the Wrights Law Website
Introducing Disability Studies, 2nd Edition
Mental illness, Civil Liberty, and Common Sense. Psychiatric Times. (2018)
Senator Robert Kennedy’s Visit to Willowbrook (scroll down for the video with Senator Robert Kennedy)
1970 - Present : Close the Institutions - Video archive of Geraldo Rivera’s Expose on Willowbrook
Special Olympics: Eunice Kennedy Shriver
Special Olympics: Rosemary and Eunice Kennedy
Buzzfeed Accessible Design Fails
Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki
May 10, 2026
May 10, 2026
1 hr 49 min
This episode explores the history and current challenges of disability rights, systemic inequities, and their impact on well-being. Join us as we discuss advocacy, policy, and personal stories to understand how societal structures affect marginalized communities. This episode features a deep discussion on the history of disability rights, intersectionality, and systemic ableism, highlighting key figures like Judy Heumann and Ed Roberts. It explores the evolution of accessible spaces, the impact of neoliberalism, and the ongoing fight for equity and inclusion.
Email: WellnessDumpsterFire@gmail.com
Music: "Master of the Feast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Extra Credit: Watch Crip Camp (free on Netflix YouTube)
Judy Heumann on the Daily Show with Trevor Noah
Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary D. Schmidt
All the Way to the Top: How One Girl’s Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything
Barbie Fashionistas Doll #228, Blind Barbie Doll Wearing Pink Top And Ruffled Skirt With Cane And Sunglasses in Partnership With The American Foundation For The Blind
Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist by Judith Heymann with Kristen Joiner
Rolling Warrior: The Incredible, Sometimes Awkward, True Story of a Rebel Girl on Wheels Who Helped Spark a Revolution by Judith Heumann with Kristen Joiner
The Ed Roberts’ Campus article
The Ed Roberts’ Campus video
Disabled in Action of New York
Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution
Upcoming Film : Being Heumann
Section 504 and ADA through the Wrights Law Website
Introducing Disability Studies, 2nd Edition
Mental illness, Civil Liberty, and Common Sense. Psychiatric Times. (2018)
Senator Robert Kennedy’s Visit to Willowbrook (scroll down for the video with Senator Robert Kennedy)
1970 - Present : Close the Institutions - Video archive of Geraldo Rivera’s Expose on Willowbrook
Special Olympics: Eunice Kennedy Shriver
Special Olympics: Rosemary and Eunice Kennedy
Buzzfeed Accessible Design Fails
Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki
keywords
disability rights, systemic inequity, advocacy, policy, well-being, history of disability, activism, accessibility, systemic change disability rights, ableism, Judy Heumann, Ed Roberts, accessibility, neoliberalism, systemic discrimination, disability history, inclusion, advocacy
Mar 15, 2026
Mar 15, 2026
1 hr 10 min
In this episode of Wellness Dumpster Fire, Sam and Kat have their first guest: Uncle Jay! Uncle Jay is a cartoon character from amaze.org that asks some questions about gender and trans allyship that many people are thinking but are afraid to ask. Join Sam as her cat messes with her microphone, Dr. Kat while she deals with a migraine, and Uncle Jay while he’s trying to figure out when did gender become more complicated than having “a hoo hoo or a hee hee.”
Note: Content warning for trans youth suicide, trans discrimination.
Also Note: Our ADHD is strong in this episode;
So just in case this was never made verbally clear:
LGBTQIA+: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and +
2SLGBTQIA+: 2 Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and +.
Also, the name of the trans student who died by suicide in Oklahoma was Nex Benedict. Sam incorrectly said Nez. Our hearts are still with Nex and their family, as well as all of the trans folk harmed by discriminatory and genocidal legislation.
On an editing note, Dr. Kat had to pause our recording to take care of her migraine and somewhere when that happened, my microphone switched to the computer mic. Sorry about that and thanks for sticking with us. Email us with your Petals of Power!
Email: WellnessDumpsterFire@gmail.com
Music: "Master of the Feast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)1
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975…oops)
Understanding the New Kansas Law Targeting Transgender People: The ACLU of Kansas
Wikipedia: Ten stages of genocide
Holocaust Memorial Day Trust: The Ten States of Genocide
Joey (Oops, Chuck) Gets His Girlfriend Pregnant: A special 3 part series : “TV 101”
“Advocate Shares History of LGBT Acronym as Federal Websites Erase the “T”
San Francisco's Gay Mens Chorus: LGBTQIA+ Meaning: Acronym Breakdown and Definitions
Tribal-Institute.Org (2014) “Walking in Two Worlds: Understanding the Two-Spirit & LGBTQ Community”
2SLGBTQ+ in print article: CBC Canada: “Nex Benedict full autopsy report released: What we non about the non-binary teen’s death”
Paid Subscriber Episode: Podcast: “You’’re Wrong About”: Princess Diana, The Crown, and Responsible Storytelling
Free article from Elle about Princess Diana and the AIDS crisis: The True Story of Princess Diana’s Groundbreaking AIDS Advocacy: The Princess of Wales helped to raise awareness and dismantle stigma around the disease.
Uncle Jay’s Amaze.org video: Range of Gender Identities
BridgeMI: Michigan adopts updated sex education standards after contentious meeting
Michigan Dept of Education: Sex-Education Advisory Boards Commonly Asked Questions: 2012
SIECUS: Michigan State of Sex-Ed
Amaze.org Sextortion: Online Coercion and Blackmail
Dr. Kat’s Circles Shoulder Pad fave:
Circles Curriculum Purchase Site
John Oliver Slams Centrist Dems Who Think Trans People Cost Them The Election
Sophie LaBelle: Trans Cartoonist and Activist:Wikipedia: Bluesky;: Patreon
Gardens Of Peace Project (not Olive Oil): https://www.gardenofpeaceproject.org/
Podcast: Making Gay History Hosted by Eric Marcus
The Difference Between Trans and Drag:
PETALS OF POWER!
Sam’s Friend Juniper Moving to Thailand to Open a Duck and Pug Sanctuary/Cafe: GoFundMe Link
Taylor Tomlinson: The Prodigal Daughter
Alyssa Liu Skating
Feb 22, 2026
Feb 22, 2026
58 min
When life feels like a dumpster fire, Dr. Kat and Sam deliver a hilarious, unapologetic dose of joy, memes, and real talk to lighten your load and remind you that you're not alone. In this episode, these educator-sisters take you on a mild ride through their favorite memes, unexpected Benito Bowl moments, and their own saga of spine surgery and a rental car that smells like Amsterdam. They share their favorite PETALS OF POWER! and reveal how humor and community can cut through the doom scrolling gloom.
Email: WellnessDumpsterFire@gmail.com
Music: "Master of the Feast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
Regina George in a neck brace Tenor gif; Mean Girls
“PETALS OF POWER” inspirational jingle: 1980’s She-Ra Princess of Power commercials
Meme: Godzilla with a photocopier: [ID: Godzilla using a photocopier with a dissociated expression on his face. Text reads "I'm under a lot of pressure to finish this report it's bullshit I don't even work here"] source text: GeekySteven Facebook page
Meme: Godzilla baking cookies
Mr. Williams PreK Pause: Jesus interviewing Aunt Karen “We all got that one aunt…”
Mr. Williams PreK Pause: Satan Interviewing Jeffrey Epstein Satan does NOT like what he’s reading .
Meme: “When my FBI agent realizes she looks forward to my memes…”
Bad Bunny “Benito Bowl Potluck” (SuperBowl Half Time Show)
Bad Bunny 2026 Halftime show Grass People Walking and Grass People Highlights
Bad Bunny and Pedro Pascal: Protective Mom 2: SNL link
Bad Bunny: Domingo Vow Renewal SNL link
Bad Bunny: Couples At the Bar SNL link
Marcello Hernandez: Spanish Class (not referenced in the podcast…but should have been): SNL link
Meme: So brave: Getting Married in front of Bad Bunny
Meme: Conservatives in the Corner; vs Bunny
Monty Python and the Holy Grail: Killer Rabbit
Reading Rainbow Reboot with Mychal the Librarian
Maple Layne Market Bestselling Stickers
We Rate Dogs: Golden Puppy Jumps in the Bushes
We Rate Dogs: “Tell Your Dog I said Hi” and the 15/10 Foundation
Ryker…Epic Service Dog Training Failure
The Onion: Kid Rock and CheeseBalls
RIP: The Great Catherine O’Hara
Link: Erstwilder Brooches to decorate your neckbrace
Marcello Hernandez Netflix Special “American Boy” (not mentioned in the podcast but totally a good time if you aren’t in the mood for Happy Gilmore 2).
What was Columbia House?
Dazed and Confused: Matthew McConaughey’s Breakout Role
Office Space: “Just remember, if you hang in there long enough…”
Book: “Becoming the Teacher I Needed: Lessons in Radical Kindness and Resilience”: by Jere Chang: link to webpage with book purchase links:
MsChangGifted: Ms White Celebrates Ramadan
Book: “Get It In Writing: The Ultimate Guide to Your Rights at Work”: by Ryan Stygar: link to webpage with book purchase links:
AttorneyRyan: Costco Suing the Trump Administration over Tariffs
Sep 7, 2025
Sep 7, 2025
55 min
Join Dr. Kat and Sam as they delve into the intricate connections between personal well-being and political landscapes. In this episode, they explore how individual health and education intersect with broader societal issues, offering insights from their extensive backgrounds in pedagogy. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that challenges the boundaries between personal experiences and political realities...with swearing, peri-menopause brain, and an amazing cousin story.
Email: WellnessDumpsterFire@gmail.com
Music: "Master of the Feast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Mr. Smith Goes To Washington
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Smith_Goes_to_Washington
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr;
Thoughts on Telling the Bootless Man to Pull Himself up by his Bootstraps
Or
https://www.instagram.com/addisnola/reel/DFD8jQsRZQh/?locale=de&hl=am-et
The Personal is Political by Carol Hanisch
https://www.carolhanisch.org/CHwritings/PIP.html
1st ever “I dissent” shout-out: To Cousin Katie on Mom’s side!
Way to tell Arnie Duncan that his ideas were sh** in real time!
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Bader_Ginsburg
Dr. Jen Rafferty
https://empowerededucator.com/
Rebecca Solnit
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebecca_Solnit
Robert Reich
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Reich
5 Calls App
Find My Rep at USA.gov
https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
https://action.aclu.org/give/now
NAACP
Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence
https://www.teachersunify.org/
The Onion: “No way to prevent this”
Boredwalk
Grievance Journal: https://www.boredwalk.com/products/grievance-journal?_pos=1&_sid=05d072746&_ss=r
The Personal Is Political Tee: https://www.boredwalk.com/search?type=product&q=the+personal+is+political
Video: Repel Jerks: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1124273432964308
Tik Tok: I don’t follow politics: https://www.tiktok.com/@boredwalk.lol/video/7502230930187128094
Red Stockings’ Speakout at the United Nations - 2007
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E14iJym0MpA
The Pay Teacher’s Act & The ParaEducators Act
https://www.aft.org/news/aft-rallies-pay-teachers-act-capitol-hill-town-hall
Why Cousin Katie on Mom’s Side was Right about Arne Duncan
Source on Arne Duncan’s comments about Hurricane Katrina (he was not the secretary of education during Katrina, but made insensitive and uninformed comments about the tragedy).
https://la.aft.org/news/lft-duncans-apology-demonstrates-why-silence-golden
Find my Representatives in Congress
Your representatives include 2 senators per state and a different number of representatives depending on the population in your area. Your house representative will be assigned by the district where you live and zip code.
https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member
Heather Cox Richardson
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heather_Cox_Richardson
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/
The Daily Beans: News. With Swearing.
https://www.dailybeanspod.com/
PoliticsGirl
Learning to ZOOM, memories from COVID lockdown
“I’m not a cat”: https://youtu.be/lGOofzZOyl8?si=D3Puh49sUIa9MOGb
“Potato boss” https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/laurenstrapagiel/potato-boss-video-call
Cat bowties just because
https://catinberlin.com/collections/bow-ties
Sunflowers clean up nuclear waste
https://www.iflscience.com/why-scientists-plant-sunflowers-after-nuclear-disasters-60380
Jul 20, 2025
Jul 20, 2025
54 min
Welcome to Wellness Dumpster Fire or WDF! Hosts Dr. Kat and Sam are sisters who delve into the complex world of wellness and its weaponization in modern society. They explore how societal pressures and neoliberal ideology have turned wellness into a tool of blame, pushing individuals to balance impossible demands. Through personal anecdotes and insightful discussions, they challenge the notion of work-life balance and highlight the systemic issues that make true well-being elusive. Join them as they navigate the intersection of wellness, neoliberalism, and the quest for genuine self-care. WE SEEK THE WELLNESS!
Music: "Master of the Feast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975…oops)
Sam Vimes “Boot” Theory of Socio-Economic Unfairness
Archies: ergonomic flip flops (not sponsored)
Nick Couldry: Why Voice Matters
Noam Chomsky: Profit Over People
Xennials or Oregon Trail Generation
Can Our Schools Run on Duncan?
Sam’s old wellness blog with meal plans
F*ck that: An Honest Meditation (ooh, there’s an app now!)
Podcasts we love:
Kenneth Saltman: The Gift of Education - Public Education and Venture Philanthropy
Wellne$$ Wallet Action: Community Builders of the Month
(Groups you can donate to if you’ve got some money to spare)
Native Tribal Designation for Oakland County, MI