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 help her manage time efficiently in a busy classroom.…
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…
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 engage with controversial topics without feeling overwhelmed.…
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 explore…
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. Together, they explore…
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 challenges of…
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 that they’ll use beyond the classroom.…
This week I spoke with my long time friends Melissa Rabaya & Lauren Antonio ! 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 fatigue to handling discipline…
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 teaching students to…
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. This episode offers valuable…
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 and potential solutions to these issues.…
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 his candid take on…
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 situations to growing…
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…
This week I spoke with Rebecca Rogers! She shares hilarious and heartfelt stories from her early teaching years, the challenges of handling mean girls, and the memorable pranks her students played. Rebecca also opens up about setting boundaries with difficult parents and the surprising experiences that shaped her teaching career.…
This week, I had an inspiring chat with Carey Arensberg! She shares the heartwarming story behind her Care Closet, opens up about being diagnosed with ADHD later in life and how an earlier diagnosis could have changed things, and discusses the challenges of navigating social media. Plus, hear about some…
This week I spoke with the amazing Lauren Chela! Discover how she transforms history lessons with storytelling, her memorable experience at Disney's Abe Lincoln exhibit, and her journey from subbing for two years to becoming a full-fledged teacher. Plus, don't miss the hilarious story of how she recreated a battlefield…
This week I spoke with Devin Siebold! He shares stories about the teacher who inspired him in his youth, the time he volunteered to be pied in the face by students, and what led to him vomiting in the classroom. — Want to Learn Devin Siebold? All Social Media: @devinsiebold…
This week I spoke with Lauran Woolley She shared her teaching dress code philosophies, how middle school girls are terrifying, and how turning 30 means getting old and becoming uncool. — Want to Learn About Lauran Wooley? TikTok / Youtube / Facebook / Instagram / Threads / Snapchat: @Mrs.Woolleyin5th —…
This week I spoke with Andrea Caspari! She shared her experiences teaching in the inner city, discussed how to embrace what kids are into and develop those interests and skills, and recalled a crazy possum stand-up act she saw. — Want to Learn About Andrea Caspari? Facebook: Andrea Caspari Comedy…
This week I spoke with Matt Eicheldinger! He told us about how being a soccer camp coach in high school and that experience working with kids led him to teach, shared moments of how technology in the classroom failed him, talked about the books he wrote for middle schoolers, and…
This week I spoke with Mr Philip Lindsay, about how he is about to finish his Masters in Special Education, how he strategizes reaching kids who just can’t pay attention learning math, using Gen Z and Alpha language in the classroom, and shares his most embarrassing story. — Want to…
This week I spoke with Gabe Dannenbring, about how he comes from a family of teachers and got into teaching to bring something to society, the time he tore his pants at school, when a meth head broke into their school, and shared his opinions on what the US can…
This week I spoke with Gaspare Randazzo, about how a dare sent him to China, which in turn led him to teaching, as well as talking about Abe Lincoln being his favorite historical figure, his stand-up career, and his time on the Netflix reality show, The Trust. — Want to…