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EPISODES & TRANSCRIPTIONS

The Stories That Connect Us with Upworthy's Gabriel Reilich and Lucia Knell
Nov. 21, 2024

The Stories That Connect Us with Upworthy's Gabriel Reilich and Lucia Knell

In "The Stories That Connect Us", I sit down with Gabriel Reilich and Lucia Nell from Upworthy to discuss their heartwarming book, Good People: Stories from the Best of Humanity. We explore the power of small acts of kindness, the impact of storytelling, and how positivity can counteract the negati…
The Stories That Connect Us with Upworthy's Gabriel Reilich and Lucia Knell
How To Survive The Classroom
The Stories That Connect Us with Upworthy's Gabriel Reilich and Lucia Knell
The Problem with Sleepy Stickers: A Teacher’s Perspective with Denver Riley
Nov. 14, 2024

The Problem with Sleepy Stickers: A Teacher’s Perspective with Denver Riley

This week Denver Riley is back to dive into the quirky and chaotic moments that make up daily life in the classroom. From a “bagel ban” created by Denver’s students to navigating E.E. Cummings' poetry with skeptical high schoolers, they share the ups and downs of engaging students. Denver recalls b…
Guest: Denver Riley
The Problem with Sleepy Stickers: A Teacher’s Perspective with Denver Riley
How To Survive The Classroom
The Problem with Sleepy Stickers: A Teacher’s Perspective with Denver Riley
Family Trolls and Hosting Goals
Nov. 7, 2024

Family Trolls and Hosting Goals

This week I welcome my sister Becca Cousins, creator of Host in Your Home, for a lively discussion about the ups and downs of party hosting. From family trolling on social media to sharing tips on how to host stress-free gatherings in less-than-perfect homes, this episode has it all. Becca and I di…
Family Trolls and Hosting Goals
How To Survive The Classroom
Family Trolls and Hosting Goals
Haunted Classrooms and Mormon Wives with Denver Riley
Oct. 31, 2024

Haunted Classrooms and Mormon Wives with Denver Riley

This week Denver Riley and I tackle the rollercoaster of being a teacher, from Denver’s near-miss with HR over a missing credential to the spooky fun of Halloween in the classroom. But the real fun begins when they hilariously compare the cast of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives to the types of teacher…
Guest: Denver Riley
Haunted Classrooms and Mormon Wives with Denver Riley
How To Survive The Classroom
Haunted Classrooms and Mormon Wives with Denver Riley
Homework Horror Stories: When Parents Say ‘No Way! with Gabe Dannenbring
Oct. 24, 2024

Homework Horror Stories: When Parents Say ‘No Way! with Gabe Dannenbring

This week I chat with Gabe Dannenbring about the challenges of modern-day education. From managing work-life balance post-pandemic to evolving classroom dynamics, we explore how teachers and students alike are navigating an ever-changing landscape. Gabe shares his perspective as a middle school tea…
Homework Horror Stories: When Parents Say ‘No Way! with Gabe Dannenbring
How To Survive The Classroom
Homework Horror Stories: When Parents Say ‘No Way! with Gabe Dannenbring
Turning Stickers into Classroom Gold with Andrea Miller
Oct. 17, 2024

Turning Stickers into Classroom Gold with Andrea Miller

This week I chat with the ever-popular "Sticker Teacher" Andrea Miller, known for her viral classroom content and sticker-based student motivation. Andrea shares her journey from middle school math teacher to content creator with millions of followers, and how her love of stickers has transformed c…
Turning Stickers into Classroom Gold with Andrea Miller
How To Survive The Classroom
Turning Stickers into Classroom Gold with Andrea Miller
Pep Rally, Tooth Picks, and Gen Z Teachers with Jennifer Cerda & Denver Riley
Oct. 10, 2024

Pep Rally, Tooth Picks, and Gen Z Teachers with Jennifer Cerda & Denver Riley

This week I am joined by Jennifer Cerda & Denver Riley who share their experiences in teaching and leadership, along with some unforgettable classroom moments. From managing classroom dynamics to the infamous pep rally incident that shocked the entire school, they dive deep into the challenges and …
Pep Rally, Tooth Picks, and Gen Z Teachers with Jennifer Cerda & Denver Riley
How To Survive The Classroom
Pep Rally, Tooth Picks, and Gen Z Teachers with Jennifer Cerda & Denver Riley
Dropped in the Classroom: WTF are State Standards with Valerie Dominy
Oct. 3, 2024

Dropped in the Classroom: WTF are State Standards with Valerie Dominy

This week I'm joined by Valerie Dominy, a high school business teacher and the founder of The Highest Standard. Valerie shares her insights into teaching, from navigating state standards and alternative certification to helping new teachers survive their first years in the classroom. They discuss t…
Dropped in the Classroom: WTF are State Standards with Valerie Dominy
How To Survive The Classroom
Dropped in the Classroom: WTF are State Standards with Valerie Dominy
Mastering Work-Life Balance in Teaching with Natalie Ringold
Sept. 26, 2024

Mastering Work-Life Balance in Teaching with Natalie Ringold

This week I sit down with Natalie Ringold, founder of Always Upper Elementary, to talk about effective teaching strategies and work-life balance. Natalie shares her viral experience teaching kindness, discusses the impact of social-emotional learning (SEL), and explains how structured schedules hel…
Mastering Work-Life Balance in Teaching with Natalie Ringold
How To Survive The Classroom
Mastering Work-Life Balance in Teaching with Natalie Ringold
You Might Also Like: Opportunity Gap: How to get kids to talk about school, from Understood.org
Sept. 20, 2024

You Might Also Like: Opportunity Gap: How to get kids to talk about school, from Understood.org

We’re doing something a little different today. We’re sharing an episode from another podcast. It’s called Opportunity Gap: How to get kids to talk about school. It’s hosted by Julian Saavedra, an assistant principal in Philadelphia who has spent nearly 20 years working in public schools. Kids of c…
You Might Also Like: Opportunity Gap: How to get kids to talk about school, from Understood.org
How To Survive The Classroom
You Might Also Like: Opportunity Gap: How to get kids to talk about school, from Understood.org
Using Humor, Pranks, and Modern Tools to Thrive in Teaching with Kevin McClintock
Sept. 19, 2024

Using Humor, Pranks, and Modern Tools to Thrive in Teaching with Kevin McClintock

This week I sit down with Kevin McClintock, aka Mr. McTikTok, to discuss the realities of teaching in today’s classrooms. We dive into the use of humor and pranks as tools for engagement, and how Kevin navigates classroom dynamics with both humor, pranks, and care. We even reflect on how public fi…
Using Humor, Pranks, and Modern Tools to Thrive in Teaching with Kevin McClintock
How To Survive The Classroom
Using Humor, Pranks, and Modern Tools to Thrive in Teaching with Kevin McClintock
Managing Bias While Addressing Real-World Issues in Education with Sharon McMahon
Sept. 12, 2024

Managing Bias While Addressing Real-World Issues in Education with Sharon McMahon

This week I sit down with "America’s Government Teacher" Sharon McMahon, known for her clear, unbiased approach to current events. Together, we discuss the challenges teachers face in today’s polarized environment and how educators can help students think critically, understand media bias, and enga…
Managing Bias While Addressing Real-World Issues in Education with Sharon McMahon
How To Survive The Classroom
Managing Bias While Addressing Real-World Issues in Education with Sharon McMahon
In class with a rockstar: Bowling for Soup’s Jaret Reddick
Sept. 5, 2024

In class with a rockstar: Bowling for Soup’s Jaret Reddick

This week I sit down with the multi-talented Jaret Reddick, lead singer of Bowling for Soup and solo country artist. We dive into Jaret’s musical journey, from his pop-punk roots to his new adventures in country music, discuss the importance of educators who see potential in every student, and expl…
In class with a rockstar: Bowling for Soup’s Jaret Reddick
How To Survive The Classroom
In class with a rockstar: Bowling for Soup’s Jaret Reddick
What Are the Dangers of Suppressed Emotions in Students? with Jared Scott
Aug. 29, 2024

What Are the Dangers of Suppressed Emotions in Students? with Jared Scott

This week I sit down with motivational speaker Jared Scott to discuss his journey from a shy, small-town kid to a leading advocate for student mental health. Jared shares his personal experiences with loss, the power of vulnerability, and the importance of mental resilience in overcoming trauma. To…
Guest: Jared Scott
What Are the Dangers of Suppressed Emotions in Students? with Jared Scott
How To Survive The Classroom
What Are the Dangers of Suppressed Emotions in Students? with Jared Scott
How Does Solo Sailing Compare to Teaching? with Luke Hartley (Sailing Songbird)
Aug. 22, 2024

How Does Solo Sailing Compare to Teaching? with Luke Hartley (Sailing Songbird)

This week I sit down with Luke Hartley, also known as the Sailing Songbird. Luke shares his extraordinary journey from being a middle school music teacher in Seattle to sailing solo around the world on his 27-foot sailboat. Currently anchored in French Polynesia, Luke discusses the joys and challen…
How Does Solo Sailing Compare to Teaching? with Luke Hartley (Sailing Songbird)
How To Survive The Classroom
How Does Solo Sailing Compare to Teaching? with Luke Hartley (Sailing Songbird)
You Might Also Like: In It: Raising Kids who Learn Differently, from Understood.org
Aug. 20, 2024

You Might Also Like: In It: Raising Kids who Learn Differently, from Understood.org

We’re doing something a little different today. We’re sharing an episode from another podcast. It’s called In It: Raising Kids who Learn Differently. It’s a show for parents and educators of children who have challenges with reading, math, focus, and other learning differences, like ADHD and dyslex…
You Might Also Like: In It: Raising Kids who Learn Differently, from Understood.org
How To Survive The Classroom
You Might Also Like: In It: Raising Kids who Learn Differently, from Understood.org
Why Is Honest Sex Education Essential in Schools? with Leslie Rob
Aug. 15, 2024

Why Is Honest Sex Education Essential in Schools? with Leslie Rob

This week I sit down with Leslie Robinson, a dynamic stand-up comedian, speaker, and Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) teacher. The conversation dives into Leslie’s unique teaching experiences, from navigating the shift from Home Economics to FACS, to engaging students in practical life skills th…
Why Is Honest Sex Education Essential in Schools? with Leslie Rob
How To Survive The Classroom
Why Is Honest Sex Education Essential in Schools? with Leslie Rob
What Are the Realities of Being a Teacher and a Mom? with Melissa Rabaya & Lauren Antonio
Aug. 8, 2024

What Are the Realities of Being a Teacher and a Mom? with Melissa Rabaya & Lauren Antonio

This week I spoke with my long time friends Melissa Rabaya & Lauren Masulit ! We discuss the realities of balancing teaching and motherhood, by sharing candid stories about the challenges and joys of raising young children while managing demanding teaching careers. From dealing with decision fatig…
What Are the Realities of Being a Teacher and a Mom? with Melissa Rabaya & Lauren Antonio
How To Survive The Classroom
What Are the Realities of Being a Teacher and a Mom? with Melissa Rabaya & Lauren Antonio
How Do Conspiracy Theories Affect Our Students? with Katy Kahn
Aug. 1, 2024

How Do Conspiracy Theories Affect Our Students? with Katy Kahn

This week I spoke with Katy Kahn! Together we explore a range of topics, from the humorous misunderstandings in pickup basketball to the serious challenges of media literacy in today's digital age. Katy shares her unique journey as a teacher and content creator, discussing the importance of teachin…
How Do Conspiracy Theories Affect Our Students? with Katy Kahn
How To Survive The Classroom
How Do Conspiracy Theories Affect Our Students? with Katy Kahn
What Are the Secrets to Longevity in Teaching? with Jessica Hawk
July 25, 2024

What Are the Secrets to Longevity in Teaching? with Jessica Hawk

This week I spoke with Jessica Hawk! Together we discuss the importance of administrative support in achieving long-term success in teaching, the challenges and rewards of starting a Gay-Straight Alliance in the early 2000s, and the humorous yet touching moments of Jessica's last days at school. Th…
What Are the Secrets to Longevity in Teaching? with Jessica Hawk
How To Survive The Classroom
What Are the Secrets to Longevity in Teaching? with Jessica Hawk
How Can We Keep Teachers in the Classroom? Insights with Charles Fournier
July 18, 2024

How Can We Keep Teachers in the Classroom? Insights with Charles Fournier

This week I spoke with Charles Fournier! Together, we dive deep into the critical issues of teacher attrition, workload, and the cultural challenges within the education system. Charles shares insights from his podcast, discussing the systemic problems that lead to teachers leaving the profession a…
How Can We Keep Teachers in the Classroom? Insights with Charles Fournier
How To Survive The Classroom
How Can We Keep Teachers in the Classroom? Insights with Charles Fournier
Teach for America Critiqued with Joe Dombrowski
July 11, 2024

Teach for America Critiqued with Joe Dombrowski

This week I spoke with Joe Dombrowski! He shares his journey from elementary school teacher to full-time touring comedian. Joe shares some wild classroom stories, including his infamous viral April Fool's prank, and offers hilarious insights into the world of teaching and comedy. Plus, don't miss h…
Teach for America Critiqued with Joe Dombrowski
How To Survive The Classroom
Teach for America Critiqued with Joe Dombrowski
Mentor Moments with Mr. Eugene Williams
July 4, 2024

Mentor Moments with Mr. Eugene Williams

This week I spoke with Mr. Eugene Williams! He shares some stories and we reminisce about the early days of my teaching career under his guidance, share some wild and hilarious classroom stories, and discuss the invaluable lessons I learned from his mentorship. From navigating tricky student situat…
Mentor Moments with Mr. Eugene Williams
How To Survive The Classroom
Mentor Moments with Mr. Eugene Williams
Bathroom Fan Encounters with Sam Salem
June 27, 2024

Bathroom Fan Encounters with Sam Salem

This week I spoke with Sam Salem! He shares his journey as a substitute teacher and comedian, his wild experiences on the road, and the challenges of balancing comedy with teaching. From awkward encounters with fans to navigating the unpredictable world of subbing, Sam shares it all with humor and …
Bathroom Fan Encounters with Sam Salem
How To Survive The Classroom
Bathroom Fan Encounters with Sam Salem
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