Wellness Dumpster Fire (WDF)

About Wellness Dumpster Fire (WDF)

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.

Publisher

WellnessDumpsterFire

Category

education · health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

20 Jul 2025

Latest episode

25 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

7 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   25 Jul 2026

   S2E5: WDF: "The Empowered Educator" and our Petal of Power Experience with Dr. Jen Rafferty

   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 Licensehttp://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!

2. 

   28 Jun 2026

   S2E4: WDF: "Or Lasagna," Sorry Not Sorry for Advocating Part 2

   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 Dr. Jen Rafferty: Instagram Somatic Studios Witch Bitch Thrift The People’s Coalition of Michigan Chris and Dave- Instagram 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 Systemic Big Bad Able-ism: Hockey Douchebro sentenced to probation for pushing a wheelchair down the stairs. 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 The Pushy Lawyer vs Uber American Sign Language: Puberty Sesame Street “Nope” Aliens montage Sesame Street “Nope” : Aliens Discover a Radio “Elopment: The Unexpected Workout” T-Shirt on Etsy Payton’s Path- Carla Moore- “I wish there was the same viral outrage for the living children with disabilities…” New York Community Schools LeBron James Family Foundation “I Promise School” Understanding Michigan’s Medicaid Waiver Programs Accessible Playgrounds History of Eugenics in the United States Michigan Data Center Fight Play Spark Petals of Power Podcast: Screw the Hierarchy by Deborah Falzoy: “One advocate’s story of a pattern of able-ism at work with Emma Farley Podcast: The Middling Ninjio “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 Polio The History of Polio Section 504 and ADA through the Wrights Law Website IDEA 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 Starting Special Olympics Rosemary Kennedy Spread the Word Buzzfeed Accessible Design Fails Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki

3. 

   10 May 2026

   S2E3: WDF: "Veal Parmesan;" Sorry Not Sorry for Advocating

   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. 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

4. 

   15 Mar 2026

   S2E2:WDF: Migraine, Microphones, and Our First Guest: Uncle Jay!

   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)1Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://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 Human Rights Campaign Foundation & Lamda Legal File Lawsuit to Block Trump Administation’s Transgender Military Service Ban David Ross Lawn: Facebook: “...But did you know that genocide actually happens in stages? In fact. Do you know which stage we are in for trans people? It’s 8.” 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” Wikipedia: Molly Ivins Don Lemon: @TheDonLemonShow “Advocate Shares History of LGBT Acronym as Federal Websites Erase the “T” San Francisco's Gay Mens Chorus: LGBTQIA+ Meaning: Acronym Breakdown and Definitions Wikipedia: Two-spirit 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” Human Rights Campaign: “U.S. Department of Education Finds Nex Benedict’s School District Accountable for Fostering Hostile Climate in Response to HRC Complaint” Nov. 13, 2024 LGBTQNation: Good News: “Joe Biden said “there are at least three” genders and shut down a conservative activist: “Don’t play games with me kid,” Biden told a rightwing activist who tried to get him to say there are only two genders. Jan. 13, 2021 amaze.org: What is Intersex? 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. Black mold memes 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

5. 

   22 Feb 2026

   S2E1: WDF: "Aunt Sam, This Car Smells Like Amsterdam." A "PETALS OF POWER!" Episode

   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 Licensehttp://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 GoodBunnyFoundation.org 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 Happy Gilmore 2 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

6. 

   7 Sept 2025

   S1E2: Dr. Kat Goes To Washington

   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 philosophy and pedagogy. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that challenges the boundaries between personal experiences and political realities...with swearing, perimenopause brain, and an amazing cousin story.

7. 

   20 Jul 2025

   S1E1: WDF: Bootstraps, SUP Boards, and Burnout

   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 ideologies 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!

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

7 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Contact Wellness Dumpster Fire (WDF)

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.