# 377. Boredom, Frustration and Task Avoidance Busters: Featuring Katie Powell

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/aspire-to-lead-881344/377-boredom-frustration-and-task-avoidance-busters-featuring-katie-powell
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/aspire-to-lead-881344/377-boredom-frustration-and-task-avoidance-busters-featuring-katie-powell.md
Podcast: [Aspire to Lead](https://stenobird.com/podcast/aspire-to-lead-881344)
Published: 2026-04-18T22:15:00+00:00
Episode link: https://joshstamper.com/boredom-and-frustration-busters-featuring-katie-powell
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/210ba136-e9fe-46dc-abb9-3443681d5a11.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/aspire-to-lead-881344/episodes/377-boredom-frustration-and-task-avoidance-busters-featuring-katie-powell
Duration seconds: 1913

## Resource

What happens when students are not just disengaged, but quietly deciding school is too hard, too boring, or too risky to try? In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with Katie Powell, Director of Middle Level Programs for AMLE, to unpack the realities of middle school learning, the brain science behind engagement, and how teachers can better support students who struggle with boredom, frustration, and task avoidance. About Katie Powell Katie Powell is the Director for Middle Level Programs for AMLE and author of the books Boredom Busters and Frustration Busters. As part of her role with AMLE, Katie works closely with schools, districts, and affiliate organizations through the Successful Middle School book study, assessment, and Schools of Distinction programs as well as providing professional development and coaching on a variety of middle grades topics. Follow Katie Powell Website: teachbeyondthedesk.com Twitter (X): @beyond_the_desk Instagram: @teach_beyond_the_desk Linkedin: katiepowellbeyondthedesk/ https://www.amazon.com/Boredom-Busters-Worksheets-Meaningful-Experiences/dp/1949595684?crid=1MZTWT5ULGRO2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vpRmV7sEFwc-1gsCCWLUB0NbA095Kfh6cTQxDPbv37OP_GkCLIvnP1yXxxCRfoEgeXZRWCAOCKnQaizH6XoW6Qi4IC3Tv3cjyELffTyOqw_n5jQaQUcAuIX7XbatyohvOwSfUPpy1gX1pMweirnSlHYJMHJULMtKO3F5obIzbmOyxgMOYEYOrDLsmnpgJJpxWzmta3UppGB3Cjo4O4NphSyYLVum0LsSWCzsQv-ydds.WmGB3BPVszNQS204qZyXOlGxLZJsNfj2Uq7z2ZNYVGQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=boredom+busters&qid=1776551659&sprefix=boredome+buster%2Caps%2C218&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=0f11279fb77c48d92f943d180919bdbc&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl https://www.amazon.com/Frustration-Busters-Responding-Management-Challenges/dp/195630603X?&linkCode=ll2&…

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## Transcript

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