It’s Episode 50, and honestly… what better way to celebrate than with a voicemail about a student who threatened to poop on a teacher’s desk? This week, I’m unpacking end-of-year exhaustion (May energy is real and it’s violent), plus the wildest school stories you sent in—including kids confessing their sex…
This week, I’m talking to literal Grammy-nominated musical legend John Ondrasik—aka Five for Fighting—about education, mentorship, Costco carts, and how he’s working to put real music teachers back in underfunded schools. (Also, I tried not to ugly cry while listening to “100 Years” on loop. Mostly succeeded.) But before we…
Teachers, you know it's gonna be a weird week when you're prepping comedy for a room full of principals—including ones you still have to work with. Am I nervous? Yes. Am I planning to open with “remember your why”? Also yes. Let chaos reign. This week, I’m sharing my behind-the-scenes…
The tornado didn’t get us, but this week’s episode might. After surviving Midwest storm warnings and Shrek-related trauma from a former student with a decade-long vendetta, I’m back with a full breakdown of things you can’t predict in teaching—like a kid gasping for air mid-presentation, or another casually announcing their…
What do a lead-painted door, a rubberized body part in a middle school backpack, and the KKK showing up to a school in the ‘80s have in common? Absolutely nothing—except they’re all packed into this episode. Today, I’m kicking things off solo with chaotic home improvement updates (including which stripper…
So, we changed the name. Welcome to How To Survive the Classroom—you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. In this kickoff to the new era, I’m diving into two of the most unhinged teacher submissions I’ve ever heard—one involving a movie mishap that will haunt you and another featuring a…
We’re back! No, you’re not crazy — we’ve got a new title (How to Survive the Classroom) and a new mission in life. Thanks to your feedback (and my team’s deeply concerning need for gossip), we’re kicking off Season Two with a brand new twist: real call-ins, real confessions, and…
This is our Season 1 finale! Come reflect on the first year of podcasting with me, where I share my gratitude for this amazing journey so far and tease what's to come for Season 2. You can take the survey here: http://survey.podcasterandrea.com/ You can join the book club at https://www.patreon.com/thosewhocanread…
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 koalas, chlamydia myths, and rental car struggles—to my questionable choices while backpacking through Europe, no stone is left unturned. Takeaways: Travel Builds…
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…
In this episode I talk with Jerry Kolber, the creative mind behind hit edutainment shows like Brain Games and Brainchild. With a background in reality TV and a passion for making learning interactive, Jerry shares how he transformed passive viewing experiences into engaging, educational content. We discuss everything from his…
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…
In this captivating episode I welcome New York Times bestselling author Jeneva Rose to share her journey from aspiring writer to literary sensation. Known for her hit thriller The Perfect Marriage, Jeneva talks about her writing process, balancing multiple genres, and the thrill of creating memorable characters. Takeaways: The Evolution…
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,…
In this heartfelt and humorous episode Brooke Eby, social media advocate and ALS warrior, shares her journey of living with and raising awareness about ALS. From her initial symptoms to her diagnosis years later, Brooke talks candidly about the misconceptions surrounding ALS, her work with Salesforce to support the ALS…
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. Takeaways: The Value of Social Correction: Teachers use subtle language as a way of guiding behavior and managing classroom dynamics…
In this high-energy episode I am joined by Tyler Jackowski, an educator and content creator, for a hilarious and heartfelt conversation about teaching, ADHD, mental health, and the wild world of classroom chaos. From unforgettable freak outs in the classroom to advice on thoughtful teacher gifts and even the unexpected…
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…
In this inspiring episode of 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 negativity in…
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…
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…
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…
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 teacher, while I bring insights from the university…
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 classroom behavior and engagement. We…