Fun Fact: If you draw a venn diagram of the circus and being an educator you get a perfect circle! At least, that’s what Jamie and Joe have learned. Straight out of Central New Jersey, join two seasoned teachers as they try to make sense of balancing their teaching careers with parenting multiple children, helping with aging parents, supporting their loving spouses, and navigating the very strange landscape of education in a post-Covid world. With guest interviews, deep dive explorations on contemporary topics, and so much more – we’re here to look at the highs and the lows that come with being an educator. Whether you’re fresh to the job or a seasoned vet, we can’t wait to share in this journey together!
Visit our website for feedback, love letters, or guest/general inquiries.
Senator Cory Booker on Teacher Pay, Education & the RAISE Act
In this episode we speak with New Jersey Senator Cory Booker about his background, his path through public service, and the people and places that shaped him. He shares how growing up in New Jersey, with support from teachers, coaches, and neighbors, influenced his sense of responsibility to give back.
We also discuss public education, including teacher pay, student debt, and classroom expenses. Senator Booker explains his RAISE Act and argues that public schools are central to opportunity and democracy, while also reflecting on Newark, his family’s connection to education, and what he sees as distinctly New Jersey about himself.
Season 4 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote.
http://bit.ly/4mQC27G
Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees.
Select Episodes from Season 4 sponsored by:
For more information about NJSchoolJobs.com check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities.
We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.com
Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment!
Follow
Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamie
Instagram - @podthebalancingact
TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast
Twitter - @podbalact
Youtube Channel - The Balancing Act - YouTube
Part of the Human Content Podcast Network
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13 Oct 2026
Senator Andy Kim on MediKids, Education & Raising Healthy Kids
Senator Andy Kim discusses his background in South Jersey, his path from public service and diplomacy to Congress, and how the September 11 attacks shaped his focus on national security and public service. He outlines his priorities on foreign policy, health care, and support for families, and describes his MediKids proposal to automatically enroll children in a child-focused health program with an opt-out option.
He also talks about the connection between children’s health and learning, the need for more access to pediatric, dental, vision, and mental health care, and his concerns about federal education policy and IDEA funding for students with disabilities. The interview ends with brief personal questions about teachers, New Jersey sports, and favorite local spots.
Season 4 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote.
http://bit.ly/4mQC27G
Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees.
Select Episodes from Season 4 sponsored by:
For more information about NJSchoolJobs.com check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities.
We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.com
Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment!
Follow
Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamie
Instagram - @podthebalancingact
TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast
Twitter - @podbalact
Youtube Channel - The Balancing Act - YouTube
Part of the Human Content Podcast Network
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
6 Oct 2026
HRT, Perimenopause & the NJ Hall of Fame: What We’re Balancing
Joe and Jamie are back to talk about Joe’s foot injury and the importance of comfortable footwear for teachers who spend long days on their feet. We also share personal updates, including a book club pick, reactions to a thriller, and how the podcast has grown through new visuals, more time spent on the show, and recent appearances.
Jamie discusses starting hormone replacement therapy and perimenopause, including how much better it has made us feel and the need for support from spouses, friends, and others. We also recap our experience at the New Jersey Hall of Fame induction event, where we handled interviews, met public figures and student ambassadors, and spoke with people connected to New Jersey organizations.
We finish by previewing the next two episodes, which will feature Senator Andy Kim and Senator Cory Booker. Exciting couple weeks ahead for The Balancing Act!
Season 4 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote.
http://bit.ly/4mQC27G
Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees.
Select Episodes from Season 4 sponsored by:
For more information about NJSchoolJobs.com check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities.
We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.com
Don’t forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment!
Follow
Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamie
Instagram - @podthebalancingact
TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast
Twitter - @podbalact
Youtube Channel - The Balancing Act - YouTube
Part of the Human Content Podcast Network
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
1,730
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
13 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 65 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
75
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
71
Contact The Balancing Act
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
