Feeling the mid-semester pressure? You’re not alone. That’s why KGPC Peralta Community Radio is thrilled to spotlight a fantastic new resource born right here at Peralta: "The Recharge," a radio show dedicated to educator wellness, hosted by Peralta's own Staff Development Officers Marla Leech and Chelsea Cohen.
Launching this month, "The Recharge" seeks to explore the essential tools and practices that help Peralta’s dedicated faculty and staff navigate the demands of their vital roles. Each episode will feature candid conversations with educators from across the District, focusing on practical strategies for resilience, mindfulness, and sustainable passion in their sometimes stressful—but always rewarding—profession.
For their premier episode, Marla and Chelsea go straight to the heart of academic support by interviewing the head librarians from three of the four colleges: Laney College, Berkeley City College, and Merritt College, talking with Yiping Wang, Jenny Yap, Jane McKenna, and Adoria Williams. These cornerstone professionals share their unique insights on managing stress, curating resources for self-care, and fostering calm, focused environments for both them and Peralta students. It is a must listen.
When asked about producing their first episode, Chelsea reflects, “I was nervous to record, but once we got into a flow, I actually had a good time. I think I mentioned before, but I’m just along for the ride as this was really Marla’s idea. But I love the idea of continuing to profile different faculty and staff and learning more about them on air. It’s a great opportunity to connect with people across our District.”
The inspiration for the podcast came directly from their work. Marla recalls how she and Chelsea mulled over ideas, “Chelsea and I had been talking about doing a podcast for the last few months, to be sort of an extension of the Speaker Series, which we created when we first became the Staff Development Officers. This just felt like a natural accompaniment.”
As for the direction of the show, Marla says, “Plans for future episodes are not quite solid yet, but the theme will always be around how each person recharges their battery, mentally, physically, and spiritually. That part won't change, though the interviewees will.”
This show is more than just talking; it’s a community-building mission. By sharing collective wisdom, "The Recharge" aims to strengthen the well-being that fuels the entire District. To listen, click here.
