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Denver Riley

Nov. 27, 2025

BONUS EPISODE: A Thanksgiving Special: Gratitude and Turkey Butts with Denver Riley

A re-release from last years thanksgiving episode!In this special Thanksgiving episode I sit down with Denver Riley to dive into a blend of holiday trivia, teacher humor, and unexpected insights. As we tackle Thanksgiving history questions (with some questionable accuracy), Denver and I find ourselves navigating through fun facts, turkey anatomy, and relatable teaching stories. We also discuss Denver’s “Jersey Shore” spirit day look, the challenges of historical memory, and the little moments that make teaching worth it.
Guest: Denver Riley
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Jan. 30, 2025

Beware of Koala Chlamydia with Denver Riley

In this wild episode, Denver and I dive into our travel adventures filled with unexpected twists and valuable life lessons. From Denver’s dreamy yet disastrous trip to Australia—featuring koala chlamydia myths, and rental car struggles—to my questionable choices while backpacking through Europe, no stone is left unturned.
Guest: Denver Riley
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Jan. 23, 2025

Idiocracy in Education with Denver Riley

In this lively episode I talk with Denver Riley about everything from classroom humor to the challenges teachers face post-pandemic. We also reflect on the new administration's pick for Secretary of Education and the similarity it may be to the movie Idiocracy. Takeaways: Secretary of Education : Talking about did the new administration's pick for the job and how it may be too similar to an old movie. Grace and Accountability in Balance : Navigating the line between supporting students and holdi...
Guest: Denver Riley
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Jan. 9, 2025

Managing Student Trauma Dumps with Care with Denver Riley and Lauren Antonio

In this episode Denver Riley and Lauren Antonio join me for a heartfelt and humorous discussion about teaching, empathy, and navigating unexpected challenges. From recounting chaotic airport experiences in Newark to exploring the emotional weight teachers carry in the classroom, we reflect on the importance of creating safe spaces for students. We also share anecdotes about students’ "trauma dumps," our strategies for fostering emotional well-being through initiatives like Wellness Wednesdays, and the challenges of staying neutral during heated election seasons.
Guest: Denver Riley
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Dec. 26, 2024

Loose Meats and Radiator Cuisine with Gaspare Randazzo and Denver Riley

In this chaotic and laugh-out-loud episode I am joined by Denver Riley and Gaspare Randazzo for an unforgettable conversation about teaching, creativity, and hilariously unconventional approaches to classroom life. From Gaspare’s infamous “radiator cuisine” featuring Ziploc-bagged pizza and loose hot dogs to a surprising deep dive into teacher fashion choices, we cover it all. We discuss everything from historical trivia to Christmas memories, with plenty of outrageous stories along the way, including why a Nathan’s hot dog sponsorship might just be Gaspare’s ultimate dream.
Guest: Denver Riley
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Dec. 12, 2024

The Art of Social Correction with Denver Riley

In this episode Denver Riley returns to explore the hidden meanings behind teacher language, focusing on the art of social correction and phrases that say one thing but mean another.
Guest: Denver Riley
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Nov. 28, 2024

A Thanksgiving Special: Gratitude and Turkey Butts with Denver Riley

In this special Thanksgiving episode I sit down with Denver Riley to dive into a blend of holiday trivia, teacher humor, and unexpected insights. As we tackle Thanksgiving history questions (with some questionable accuracy), Denver and I find ourselves navigating through fun facts, turkey anatomy, and relatable teaching stories. We also discuss Denver’s “Jersey Shore” spirit day look, the challenges of historical memory, and the little moments that make teaching worth it.
Guest: 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 being humorously bullied by her middle schoolers and admits the trials of working within a scripted curriculum while keeping her teaching style fresh. Denver and I explore why teachers love (and sometimes hate) certain poems, how they handle student antics, and why staying flexible keeps their classrooms fun and productive. This episode brings both the humor and the honesty of what it's really like to teach English to a room full of teenagers.
Guest: 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 teachers they’d be. Would Demi be the no-nonsense English teacher? Is Jen Affleck the ultimate kindergarten teacher? Tune in to see how these reality stars would navigate the world of education! Alongside the humor, the episode delves into why facing tough situations in teaching leads to growth and resilience.
Guest: 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 rewards of teaching today. The discussion touches on everything from building relationships with students and administrators to the importance of humor and leadership in the classroom. They also reflect on how these moments shaped their careers, and why sometimes, things don’t go as planned—especially at school events. This episode offers a blend of humor, insight, and advice for educators navigating the unpredictable world of teaching.
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