Between the Lessons

BtL talks Childhood

In this episode, Susan and Kavan share about their childhood and the impact it has had on their adulthood. They discuss being marginalized and searching for connection with their parents as they were growing up. What they come to realize is that so much of who they are, as educators and people in the world, stems from what they yearned for when they were younger. An enlightening episode about how the past always plays a role in the present, and how adulthood was the answer they had been looking for.

BtL talks Mental Health for Kids

In this special episode, we record live at the Asian Educators Alliance Conference in Los Angeles, CA. For this episode, we interview Reanne Young, a mental health practitioner and middle school counselor. We talk about some common trends and concerns, and Reanne shares what she’s been seeing working with kids and families today.

BtL talks Step Parenting

In this episode, Susan and Kavan welcome their first guest to the podcast, Lea Williams, for a conversation about step-parenting. Lea and Susan share their journeys as stepmoms and what it’s been like loving and raising children who are not biologically theirs. They talk about the beautiful moments with their stepkids, as well as the challenges that come with the role. Lea and Susan also reflect on how their relationships with their children’s fathers grew and evolved as they navigated this unexpected path together.

BtL talks Love

In this episode, Susan and Kavan talk about love at 50. They reflect on what love looked like in the families they grew up in, how they navigated love in their adult lives, and what love means to them now in midlife. As they move into this new season of life, they both believe that love is essential to living rich and meaningful lives. Join them as they reflect on their experiences and explore what love looks like for them now.

BtL talks A New Season of Life

In their first episode of 2026, Susan and Kavan reflect on transitioning into a new season of life. They look back on 2025 as a year of reflection and letting go of what no longer served them, and forward to 2026 as a year of intention, action, and living more fully. Together, they share how they spent many years in survival mode—and candidly explore what they’re leaving behind and what they hope to carry into this next chapter of life.

BtL talks Bucket List

In this episode, Susan and Kavan celebrate their 10th episode—and their final episode of 2025, the year they both turned 50—by sharing five bucket list items for themselves and five they wish for each other. With each reflection, they talk about why these hopes and experiences matter at this stage of life.
Join them for a thoughtful and lighthearted conversation about what feels meaningful, possible, and worth pursuing in midlife.

BtL talks Navigating School Relationships and Dynamics

In this episode, Susan and Kavan talk about the realities of working in schools—navigating relationships and communication with students, parents, and colleagues. They share specific scenarios where conflicts or challenges arise and reflect on how they’ve approached these moments over the years.
 
While there are no easy answers or quick fixes, Susan and Kavan offer their experiences and insights into the complex dynamics that come with working in schools.

BtL talks Grief

In this episode, Susan and Kavan talk about grief—and the many ways it can show up in one's life. They explore the pain of losing a marriage, the shifting sense of family, and the deep sorrow that comes from losing someone you love. Through their conversation, both reflect on how they found their way through those dark periods—by learning to love themselves and discovering gratitude on the other side.
An honest and uplifting reflection that shines light on the gratitude that can come from profound loss. 

BtL talks Educator Mental & Emotional Wellness

In this episode, Susan and Kavan dive into the mental and emotional wellness of educators. They reflect on how things have shifted since COVID and why seeking support and prioritizing personal well-being are more important than ever to prevent burnout among teachers and administrators. Both share their own mental and emotional health journeys—and why, despite the challenges, they still believe working in schools is one of the most meaningful professions there is.

BtL talks Relationships

On this episode, Susan and Kavan talk all things about relationships. And talking about relationships is different when you're young vs when you're in midlife. What does love mean after divorce? What does marriage mean when you've changed from the person you once were? Listen in as BtL talks love, toxic people, finding love and fulfillment at midlife.