How good does it feel when someone tells you they loved something you created? Maybe it was a teaching idea you shared online, a presentation you gave, or even a simple resource that helped a fellow teacher. Those small words of appreciation can make your whole week.

Now imagine all the creators, writers, and podcasters out there who might never hear that feedback, even when people love what they’re doing.

Too often we can be guilty of reading, scrolling and listening, and then we move on. I suggest that it’s time more of us took a few minutes to lift up the work that adds value to our lives.

Why it matters

Many of the people in our professional circles have put enormous time and energy into creating podcasts, books, blogs, and projects that inform and inspire. A quick rating or review can help those creators reach new audiences, move up in algorithms, and stay motivated to keep going.

Regular readers of the blog know that I’m a big fan of small acts of kindness that feel good for everyone involved.

If you’ve ever benefited from a podcast that challenged your thinking, or from a book that made you rethink your teaching practice, now’s the perfect time to say “thanks” in a way that actually helps.

From easy to effortful: ways to give creators a boost

Here’s a tiered guide, from low lift to more meaningful, for supporting the people and projects that make your feed (and your thinking) better.

Quick Boosts (30 seconds or less)

• Like or favorite their post. It might seem small, but every tap tells the algorithm, “Show this to more people.”
• Reshare or repost their content, especially on Instagram stories, X, Threads, or LinkedIn.
• Save their post if it’s something you might want to revisit. That engagement matters.

These actions take almost no time but keep good work circulating.

Meaningful Moves (a few minutes)

• Leave a comment. Even a short “Loved this episode!” or “Such a helpful idea” reminds the creator they’re not speaking into the void.
• Tag them when you share their work or mention it in your own post. It helps others discover new voices.
• Recommend their podcast/book/resource to a colleague or friend. Word of mouth still matters more than algorithms.

Mighty Acts (a bit more effort, a big impact)

• Rate and write a review. On Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Goodreads, or Amazon. A thoughtful, specific review can make a huge difference. Mention what you enjoyed and who else might benefit.
• Feature them in your own content, wether that be a blog post, newsletter, or faculty meeting shout-out.
• Invite them to share their expertise at your school, conference, or online chat. Amplifying voices takes the work you already admire and gives it even greater reach. I still get comments from faculty who were present during Chris Pepper‘s online presentation to them last year.

Beyond books and podcasts

Our community is bursting with creativity. From conference sessions and wellness projects to YouTube channels, social campaigns and even classroom initiatives that deserve to be seen. Think of the last time you bookmarked something because it inspired you. Could you revisit it, share it, or drop a supportive comment?

Supporting creators doesn’t just help them, it strengthens the network of ideas we all learn from. When we champion each other, we make the entire field a little more vibrant and connected.

A five-minute challenge

Some time this week, why not set aside five minutes to show some love to a creator who’s made a difference in your world. Leave a podcast review, rate a book, share a post, or send a quick message of appreciation.

You might be surprised by how much joy it spreads, and by how it encourages the next great idea to keep going. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m off to review Dale Sidebottom‘s book, Jen Heebink‘s podcast, and smash the like-button on Andy Horne‘s You Tube channel.

If you enjoyed this blog post, you might also enjoy:

Writing the Perfect Teacher Appreciation Thank You by Andy Milne

The Happiness Boomerang by Dale Sidebottom

Bite-Sized PD by Andy Milne

Positive Phone Calls Home by Mike Chamberlain