Artwork for podcast The Language of Behavior
48. Understanding Student Stress Responses by Decoding Fight, Flight, and Freeze
18th November 2025 • The Language of Behavior • Joshua Stamper and Charle Peck
00:00:00 00:15:34

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In this week's episode of The Language of Behavior, Josh Stamper welcomes back Charlie Peck for a deep dive into the fight, flight, and freeze responses often witnessed in classrooms. Together, they break down why these instinctual reactions matter for both students and staff, helping educators shift from misinterpretation and power struggles to empathy and effective support.

Josh and Charlie share practical insights and classroom examples to help listeners:

  • Recognize and accurately categorize student behaviors as fight, flight, or freeze
  • Decode what’s driving challenging actions—beyond common labels and misconceptions
  • Develop proactive strategies to address triggers and support regulation before issues escalate
  • Foster classroom conversations that build awareness, empathy, and self-control

Educators and leaders will leave with actionable ideas to rethink discipline, connect with students beneath the surface, and create safer, more responsive school environments for all.

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Do you have any questions for the podcast? Fill out this quick Google Form: https://forms.gle/u5axHazzuyN5pry76

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About Charle Peck:

Charle Peck is the co-creator of Thriving School Community, a revolutionary program designed for schools to improve mental health. She holds an MS in Education and an MS in Social Work as a 20+ year veteran in education (K-12). As a global keynote speaker, she delivers powerful messages of hope to educators and facilitates meaningful professional development. Charle successfully equips school staff with practical tools to mitigate teacher burnout and the youth mental health crisis providing relief to schools all across the country. Her unique lens as a high school teacher turned clinical therapist specializing in trauma makes her stories relevant and captivating to educators struggling in today’s system. You can purchase her book “Improving School Mental Health: The Thriving School Community Solution” on Amazon and connect with her on X @CharlePeck.

Follow Charle Peck: 

  • Website: www.ThrivingEducator.org   
  • Twitter: https://twitter.com/CharlePeck 
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlepeckconsulting?mibextid=LQQJ4d  
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlepeck/
  • Other: charle@thrivibgeducator.org 
  • Podcast: Thriving Educator
  • Book: https://www.amazon.com/Improving-School-Mental-Health-Community/dp/B0BTS3MN2P?crid=EIKAGWZ4V006&keywords=charle+peck&qid=1705780803&sprefix=charle+peck%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=6456f4f1bc2440be71d094a5d14656a4&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl  

About Joshua Stamper:

Joshua Stamper is the Director of Innovation for the Teach Better Team, a multifaceted role that encompasses his talents as an author, podcaster, leadership coach, and education keynote speaker. With a rich background as a middle school administrator, classroom art educator, and athletic coach, Joshua brings a wealth of experience to his work in education.

Joshua is passionate about implementing trauma-responsive techniques, exploring alternative student discipline methods, and promoting healthy leadership habits. He is deeply committed to enhancing leadership capacity through self-care practices, ensuring that educators are equipped to lead with empathy and resilience. As the author of The Language of Behavior and Aspire to Lead and host of two popular podcasts, Joshua continues to inspire and empower educators and leaders worldwide.

Follow Joshua Stamper: 

  • Contact: https://joshstamper.com/contact/ 
  • Twitter: www.twitter.com/Joshua__Stamper 
  • Instagram: www.instagram.com/joshua__stamper 
  • Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-stamper 
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AspirePodcast 
  • Subscribe to Aspire to Lead: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aspire-the-leadership-development-podcast/id1384210762?mt=2 
  • Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1953852386/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1953852386&linkCode=as2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=0d9c336e3db6ab16cbb08421ef3e4175 

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Need a Presenter for a conference or school PD?

Contact Brad Waid at techbradwaid@gmail.com to book Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper for your next event on Improving Student Behavior, Impacting School Mental Health, or Creating healthy habits.

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Review the Podcast

I want to give a huge shout out to those who have taken the time to provide a review on Apple, Spotify or any other podcast platform. It truly means the world to us that you would take the 30- 90 seconds to share how the podcast has positively impacted you or why other educators should check out the show.

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Teach Better Podcast Network

This podcast is a part of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Explore the Teach Better Podcast Network—your hub for insightful conversations covering diverse education topics. Our podcasts empower educators, fostering progressive, student-focused classrooms. Choose a podcast, subscribe, and dive into recent episodes now at https://www.teachbetterpodcastnetwork.com/ 

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