Missed These? The Current School Health Educators 2026 Episodes

Before you dive into your next year of teaching health education, why not explore the School Health Educators’ Podcast? In this episode, Lori gives a quick, engaging roundup of every episode released so far this year, making it easy to discover the conversations, strategies, and teaching ideas that can inspire your classroom. Whether you’re looking for fresh lesson ideas or practical tips, you’ll find the perfect episode to press play on.

Remember you can watch this episode on the School Health Educators YouTube channel here.

To be a guest on the School Health Educators’ Podcast or to contact Lori about other things, email her at schoolhealtheducators@gmail.com or check out her websites at: www.schoolhealtheducators.org and www.lorireichel.com.

The 2026 HPE Summer Book Club Recommendations with Andy Milne

Returning guest, Andy Milne, shares his summer reading recommendations for HE and PE teachers. The four books are: Ditching Weight Stigma (by Cait O’Connor), The Way of Excellence (by Brad Stulberg), Getting Real About Sex Ed (by Shafia Zaloom), and On Sports (by David MacFarland).

Connect with Andy Milne through any of his social media accounts as well as at his website at www.slowchathealth.com. More information for the HPE Summer Book Club Recommendations is found at https://slowchathealth.com/2026/05/01/summer-book-club-2/

Remember you can watch this episode on the School Health Educators YouTube channel here.

To be a guest on the School Health Educators’ Podcast or to contact Lori about other things, email her at schoolhealtheducators@gmail.com or check out her websites at: www.schoolhealtheducators.org and www.lorireichel.com.

Ideas for How to Recharge over the Summer Months with Nicole Sheffer

As the school year comes to an end for many HE teachers, the summer provides us with time to recharge before another school year. In this episode Nicole Sheffer, SHAPE America’s Southern District Teacher of the Year for 2026, shares how she recharges to inspire others. Discussed ideas include professional development, connections with other educators, and supporting teacher morale.

You can connect with Nicole Sheffer by emailing her at:

Nicole.sheffer@jefferson.kyschools.us

Remember you can watch this episode on the School Health Educators YouTube channel here.

To be a guest on the School Health Educators’ Podcast or to contact Lori about other things, email her at schoolhealtheducators@gmail.com or check out her websites at: www.schoolhealtheducators.org and www.lorireichel.com.

Chatting with Drew Miller about Ensuring a Comfortable Environment in HE Classes

Want to know how health education teachers create a comfortable classroom environment? Drew Miller, the 2026 SHAPE Eastern Division Health Education Teacher of the Year, shares his advice, along with some of his favorite lessons.

To connect with Drew Miller, reach out on socials (Instagram, TikTok, X) @Millerhealthed

Remember you can watch this episode on the School Health Educators YouTube channel here.

To be a guest on the School Health Educators’ Podcast or to contact Lori about other things, email her at schoolhealtheducators@gmail.com or check out her websites at: www.schoolhealtheducators.org and www.lorireichel.com.

Not Your Momma’s Sex Ed… with Dr. Sue Milstein

Spring has arrived, and many health educators are getting ready to teach human sexuality lessons. In this episode, guest Dr. Sue Milstein offers helpful reminders to stay current on the topic. She also discusses how human sexuality education has evolved and shares resources to support best practices.

Contact Dr. Sue at/through:

email  MilsteinHC@gmail.com L

Linkedin  https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-milstein-16b4a49/

or Instagram @heydrsue

or through her website milsteinhc.com

Remember, you can watch this episode on the School Health Educators YouTube channel here.

To be a guest on the School Health Educators’ Podcast or to contact Lori about other things, email her at schoolhealtheducators@gmail.com or check out her websites at: www.schoolhealtheducators.org and www.lorireichel.com.

FHK Reminders for Puberty Lessons

In this episode, Lori reminds listeners of the typical changes children go through during puberty. She also suggests two standards to guide the development of a skill-based unit that incorporates functional health knowledge about puberty, along with resources to support planning these units and lessons.

Remember, you can watch this episode on the School Health Educators YouTube channel here.

To be a guest on the School Health Educators’ Podcast or to contact Lori about other things, email her at schoolhealtheducators@gmail.com or check out her websites at: www.schoolhealtheducators.org and www.lorireichel.com.

The Health Education Journey of Sandee Ortiz (SHAPE America’s 2025 HE TOY)

Being a passionate health educator helps us be more impactful teachers. Sandee Ortiz, SHAPE America’s 2025 Health Education Teacher of the Year, shares some of her passion, as well as why she cares so much about young people, in this episode. Sandee also reminds us how to maintain that passion (or how to re-ignite it).

Contact Sandee Ortiz at: sandeeortiz221@gmail.com

You can watch this episode on the School Health Educators YouTube channel here.

To be a guest on the School Health Educators’ Podcast or to contact Lori about other things, email her at schoolhealtheducators@gmail.com or check out her websites at: www.schoolhealtheducators.org and www.lorireichel.com.

Walking the Talk with Jess Lawrence

In this episode, Lori, the host of the School Health Educators podcast, chats with the inspirational Jess Lawrence to discuss her wellness philosophy of “walking the talk.” The woman behind Cairn Guidance, Jess shares the three focuses of Cairn Guidance as well as how choosing to be purposeful within all aspects of health supports everyone’s success, including one’s personal and professional life.

Contact Jess at: jess@cairnguidance.com

Cairn Guidance website: https://cairnguidance.com/

Remember you can watch this episode on the School Health Educators YouTube channel here.

To be a guest on the School Health Educators’ Podcast or to contact Lori about other things, email her at schoolhealtheducators@gmail.com or check out her websites at: www.schoolhealtheducators.org and www.lorireichel.com.

The Vagus Nerve Explained with Dr. Paula Youmell, RN

The Vagus Nerve has gotten more attention over the past years, including how to tone it to improve one’s overall health and wellness. As explained by Dr. Paula Youmell, this episode’s guest, this parasympathetic nerve supports us to relax, recover, and self-heal. We need to, and can,  teach young people habits to help this nerve be healthy.

Email Dr. Paula Youmell at pyoumell@gmail.com and check out her website at:  https://www.paulayoumellrn.com/

The document she shared at the NYS AHPERD 2025 Conference is found here: 5 Spinal Movements for Vagus Nerve Health

Remember you can watch this episode on the School Health Educators YouTube channel here.

To be a guest on the School Health Educators’ Podcast or to contact Lori about other things, email her at schoolhealtheducators@gmail.com or check out her websites at: www.schoolhealtheducators.org and www.lorireichel.com.

Wellness Planning Worksheet to Start 2026!

In this last episode for 2026, Lori shares her favorite worksheet for beginning the new year. The Wellness Planning Worksheet aligns with SMEEPS OF, her acronym for referring to the aspects/dimensions of wellness. Consider using it for your own wellness or in the classroom setting. Happy New Year!

Click here for a copy of the Wellness Planning Worksheet. The Who is Healthiest Worksheet and SMEEPS OF Assessment worksheets are linked on this episode of the School Health Educators podcast (from January 21, 2025).

Remember, you can watch this episode on the School Health Educators YouTube Channel here.

To be a guest on the School Health Educators’ Podcast or to contact Lori about other things, email her at schoolhealtheducators@gmail.com or check out her websites at: www.schoolhealtheducators.org and www.lorireichel.com.