Send us a text

Tune in as Gina reflects on the importance of honoring students’ everyday lives, celebrating unexpected “aha” moments, and letting the real world into our classrooms. It’s a funny, feel-good story with a side of educational wisdom—and maybe a craving for nacho fries.

Because sometimes, the key to a student’s learning journey starts with a double-L and a crunchy taco.

Support the show

Send us a text

In this laugh-out-loud (and tear-a-little) episode, Dr. Gina Pepin shares the unforgettable tale of Hutch—a golden doodle turned honorary assistant principal—and the surprisingly profound lessons he teaches about emotional regulation, trauma-informed practice, and the power of a well-timed head tilt.

Join Gina as she reflects on a high-stress parent meeting that took an unexpected turn thanks to a dog with impeccable timing and better counseling instincts than most humans. Spoiler alert: Hutch doesn’t say a word, but he speaks volumes.

This episode reminds educators that calm is contagious, relationships are the real safe spaces, and sometimes, the best interventions have wagging tails. Whether your "Hutch" is a dog, a donut cart, or a dance party in the hallway, this one’s for you.

🐾 Listen in for:

• A golden doodle who crashes meetings and hearts
  
  
• Why humor and humanity matter more than ever in education
  
  
• How to create emotionally safe spaces—even in the chaos
  
  
• A fresh take on self-regulation (and the power of floppy ears)
  
  

💬 Got a Hutch in your building? Email Dr. Gina with your story—we'd love to feature it!

Support the show

Send us a text

In this heartwarming episode of Let’s Talk Teacher to Teacher, Dr. Gina Pepin reflects on the unexpected, yet powerful, moments that remind us of the importance of curiosity and understanding in the classroom. Dr. Pepin shares a story from her experience with a student named Lucas, who asked, “Do birds live in your hair?”

Instead of dismissing the question, Dr. Pepin saw it as an opportunity to embrace her student’s unique perspective, one shaped by his fascination with birds. This episode emphasizes the value of engaging with students’ curiosity—no matter how unusual their questions may seem—and using those moments as teachable opportunities that enrich the learning experience.

Takeaway:
By embracing the questions that come from our students, we open the door to deeper connections and learning experiences. Don’t be afraid to lean into the curiosity of your students—it may just lead to the most meaningful moments in your classroom.

Support the show