Episode 124: Beyond Burnout: Supporting Educators with Lisa Danahy
40m | Aug 24, 2026In this episode of the Twinkl Talks EYFS Podcast, Shána is joined by Lisa Danahy for a powerful and reflective conversation about the realities of educator wellbeing across the UK and the US.
Together, they explore the growing pressures faced by educators today, from increasing expectations and accountability to the emotional demands of supporting children and families in complex times. Lisa shares her insights into how these pressures are experienced differently across systems, yet often lead to the same outcome: educator burnout.
They also discuss the role of parents, leaders and wider society in shaping expectations, and how these can unintentionally add to the strain felt by practitioners. Importantly, they consider what needs to change to create healthier, more sustainable environments for those working in education.
Lisa and Shána reflect on what meaningful support for staff wellbeing really looks like in practice, and how schools and settings can begin to build cultures rooted in trust, compassion and balance. They also look ahead to the system-level changes that would make the biggest difference for educators everywhere.
Finally, Lisa offers a heartfelt message for any educator feeling overwhelmed, reminding listeners that they are not alone and that small steps towards self-care and support can make a real difference.
In this episode, we cover:
- The biggest pressures facing educators in the UK and US today
- How expectations from parents, leaders and society contribute to burnout
- Ways schools and settings can build a culture that supports staff wellbeing
- The system-level changes needed to better support educators
- Advice for educators who are feeling overwhelmed
Want to hear more from Lisa? Explore her work, resources and support below:
https://createcalm.org/
https://www.youtube.com/@yogatherapywithlisadanahy
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisadanahy/
https://www.facebook.com/lisa.danahy.1
https://www.instagram.com/yogatherapywithlisadanahy/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DMJYD3HV?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_D6K4MHWKFGJD9CHZ0FN9&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_D6K4MHWKFGJD9CHZ0FN9&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_D6K4MHWKFGJD9CHZ0FN9&peakEvent=5&dealEvent=0&skipTwisterOG=1&bestFormat=true
🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.
🔗 Watch on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/GWZD9j_8F8w
📖 Explore related Twinkl resources:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/sq2xk
