Belly Up to the Blackboard

In this conversation, educators share their fears and experiences related to teaching, including the anxiety of surprise observations, real-life classroom incidents, and the challenges of classroom management. They also discuss how their experiences have shaped their perspectives and coping mechanisms over time. The conversation explores various themes surrounding ghost stories, personal experiences with the paranormal, and the psychological impact of horror films. It also delves into the challenges of teaching, the importance of authenticity in education, and how personal experiences shape perceptions of fear and reality.

Takeaways

• Teaching brings real fears
• Experience fosters resilience Ghost stories evoke deep emotions
• Authenticity enhances teaching effectiveness

Chapters

• 00:00 The Scary Reality of Teaching
• 02:50 Nightmares and Classroom Fears
• 06:09 Real-Life Classroom Horror Stories
• 08:52 Desensitization in Education
• 12:02 The Growth Mindset of Teachers
• 14:45 Hypothetical Scares and Ghost Stories
• 21:21 Ghostly Encounters and Family Stories
• 23:44 Haunted Schools and Urban Legends
• 25:34 The Psychology of Fear in Movies
• 27:57 Cinematic Coincidences and Tragedies
• 29:51 Personal Experiences with the Paranormal
• 31:20 Murder Houses and Their Histories
• 32:44 Unexplained Phenomena in Everyday Life
• 33:43 Teaching Challenges and Professional Development
• 39:08 Authenticity in Education and Coaching

In this episode of Belly Up to the Blackboard, we sit down with Matt Sandoval, the CEO of Free Arts (soon to be Art Heals Arizona), to explore how educators can support students experiencing significant adversity and trauma. Matt draws on his extensive background as a former math teacher, school counselor, and licensed social worker to provide a unique "toolkit" for the modern classroom

In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Irwin, a serial entrepreneur whose passion for performance extends far beyond the gym. From fitness and nutrition coaching to bodybuilding promotion, real estate investing, and writing, Ryan has built a life rooted in discipline, growth, and purpose.

He shares how the principles that drive success in fitness—focus, consistency, and mindset—translate into business and life. Whether you’re chasing personal goals, building a brand, or striving for balance, Ryan’s story will inspire you to push beyond limits and unlock your peak potential.

🎙️ Tune in to learn how discipline fuels drive—and how you can live with purpose across every domain.

📱 Phones in schools—are they the biggest distraction of our time, or an essential part of modern learning? In this episode, we dive into the growing trend of Yondr pouches—lockable cases that keep students’ phones sealed away during the school day.

We’ll break down the pros and cons, from increased focus and reduced cyberbullying to concerns about safety, freedom, and cost. You’ll hear perspectives from teachers, students, and parents as we ask the big question: Are Yondr pouches the solution to classroom distractions, or just a quick fix?

👉 Join the conversation and decide for yourself: Lock it or leave it?

In this episode, we dive into what real leadership looks like in high school sports. From creating a leadership course for athletes, to debating whether captains should be appointed by coaches or voted on by teammates, we break down the pros and cons of each approach. We explore how leadership shows up in the classroom, why captains aren't the only leaders on the team, and practical ways to build leadership through mentorship, accountability, and community service. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or parent, this conversation offers insights into developing the next generation of leaders on and off the field.

I welcome my new cohost to the show and we discuss how the school year is beginning for her and get her thoughts on the 4 day school week!

Justin and I give an update on how the four day week is going so far this year and the positives and negatives of it.

In this episode I talked with John Halbrook about his educational experience, and how the excitement for learning can fade. We talked about getting kicked out of school, and how that can change your path in life.

Today we were able to interview our good friend Nic and talk about coaching and discuss the similarities that we see between coaching and teaching.

Today we recap our most recent Professional Development and then we get into a discussion on whether it is a good idea or not to arm staff in schools.