Busted Pencils

Busted Pencils

By Civic MediaNewsNews Commentary
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Busted Pencils episodes

  • Back in The Saddle!

    In this insightful episode of “Busted Pencils,” hosts Dr. Tim Slekar and Dr. Johnny Lupinacci delve into urgent discussions around Title IX, campus safety, and the evolving educational landscape. Recorded amidst a backdrop of significant societal shifts, they unpack the layered issues impacting LGBTQ+ students and explore the intersections of policy, public sentiment, and student activism. With vibrant contributions from diverse voices, including legal insights and live audience interactions, the episode serves as a powerful dialogue on the challenges and responsibilities facing educational institutions today.

    Dr. Tim and Dr. Johnny’s dynamic exchange, coupled with listener calls and expert opinions, paints a vivid picture of the current educational and social climate. They highlight the crucial role of academic freedom and the necessity of creating safe, inclusive environments that foster healthy debate and mutual respect. From discussing significant lawsuits challenging Title IX amendments to addressing the specific needs of diverse student populations, the episode is a rallying call for advocacy and informed action.

    Listeners are treated to a mix of serious discussion, personal anecdotes, and light-hearted moments, providing a well-rounded perspective on complex issues. The hosts’ engagement with the audience—both in-studio and online—adds a layer of immediacy and relevance, making this episode a must-listen for educators, students, and anyone interested in the future of democracy in educational settings.

    46 min
  • Busting Pencils Together

    Dr. Tim and Dr. Johnny are in the Civic Media headquarters for their first live show, together, EVER! The two recap the status of Title IX across the nation. Then Tim and Johnny provide an update on the proposal, now law, for arming teachers in Tennessee. Your thoughts always welcome as the doctors guide us through the education headlines each and every day.

    Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

    46 min
  • Keeping Tennessee Safe with Rep. Gloria Johnson

    Tennessee State Representative Gloria Johnson joins the show to discuss her staunch opposition to recent legislation allowing teachers to carry concealed firearms in schools. Johnson, a fervent advocate for public education, shares insights from the Tennessee state legislature, highlighting the intense emotions and protests surrounding this controversial bill. The episode delves into the broader implications of such laws on school environments, teacher responsibilities, and overall student safety, with Rep. Johnson articulating why putting guns in schools is not the solution.

    The discussion also touches on the significant resistance from local communities and educational professionals who are opting out of this directive. Johnson’s passionate plea for preventative measures rather than reactive ones offers a poignant perspective on how to genuinely protect our schools. As a former teacher, Johnson brings a deeply personal and professional viewpoint to the debate, stressing the critical need for solutions that address gun access and improve mental health resources rather than arming educators.

    Listeners will find this episode both enlightening and alarming, as it paints a vivid picture of the current state of educational policy and its intersection with gun control debates in the United States. The episode not only highlights the challenges faced by those fighting for sensible gun laws but also emphasizes the ongoing need for community engagement and legislative advocacy to safeguard democratic values and public education.

    46 min
  • Conflict from Classroom to Countries

    In this thought-provoking episode of Busted Pencils, hosts Dr. Tim Slekar and Dr. Johnny Lupinacci delve deep into the critical issues surrounding safety, protest, and education in our current social climate. They tackle the controversial topic of arming teachers in Tennessee, a reflection of the broader anxieties about safety in schools across the United States. The discussion doesn’t stop at the borders of the classroom; it extends to college campuses where the escalation of protests over international conflicts paints a vivid picture of civic responsibility and the challenging dynamics of peaceful dissent.

    Amid these discussions, the episode brings to light the real-world implications of policies and the palpable tension between policy and safety. The hosts also explore the intersection of education with current events, including the ongoing conflict in Israel and Palestine, providing a rich, educational discourse on how these issues are taught and understood in educational settings. As they weave through these topics, Tim and Johnny highlight the potent role of educators as advocates for critical thinking and civic engagement.

    Listeners are invited to reflect on the complexities of democracy, the right to dissent, and the urgent need for dialogues that foster understanding and change. This episode is a call to engage, question, and actively participate in shaping a more just society through education and peaceful protest.

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    46 min
  • Tennessee Arms Teachers

    After years of asking for it, the right has finally gotten their way: Tennessee will now allow teachers to arm themselves with firearms in schools. Will this stop school shootings? Will this increase them? Will this do anything??? Between Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny, Teacher Hallie and Teacher Joanna… we don’t know. But this is maybe one of the most important episodes this cohort has released thus far.

    In the heart of the discussion, the hosts engage with teachers and activists, sparking conversations about the impact of legislation on education. The episode covers a range of pressing issues, from local educational policies to broader societal impacts, making it a must-listen for educators, advocates, and anyone interested in the intersection of public welfare and private enterprise.

    Wrapping up, the episode takes an intriguing turn as Tim and Johnny tease a mysterious personal milestone, promising a reveal that listeners won’t want to miss. Tune in to find out what unique experience these educated educators share for the first time, adding a personal touch to their professional passions.

    And don’t forget – the BEP Boys are coming BACK to Wisconsin! Get your plans in place to join Johnny, Tim, and Anya at the Minocqua Taproom in Madison on April 30th at 6 PM!

    46 min
  • Revisiting Title 9

    In this electrifying episode of Busted Pencils, hosts Dr. Tim Slekar and Dr. Johnny Lupinacci dive into the heart of educational discourse, focusing on the newly proposed expansions of Title IX. They provide a compelling commentary on the impact of these changes on LGBTQ+ students and pregnant women, emphasizing the necessity of inclusive and equitable educational environments. The episode kicks off with an engaging discussion about the resistance to Title IX expansion, portraying it as a broader struggle for a more inclusive democracy. The hosts break down misconceptions and illuminate the real-world implications of the law’s expansion, including the potential for fostering safer and more inclusive school environments. The conversation also touches on the crucial role of public opinion and activism in shaping educational policies.

    46 min
  • Debunking "School Choice"

    From now on, Dr. Tim and Dr. Johnny will be joined every third Monday by educators from Wisconsin Public Education Network! Today, we have their Executive Director, Heather DuBois Bourenane, and Christian Phelps, their Director of Digital Organizing and Communications. In the wake of recent referendums around the state, Heather and Christian update us on Wisconsin’s escalating education funding crisis. Ultimately, saving education in our state is dependent on education itself. Make sure your family and friends know the struggles public schools face. Listen in to find out how else you can help!

    Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

    Guests: Christian Phelps, Heather DuBois Bourenane
    46 min
  • A Replay of Mrs K

    She was so nice, we just had to put her episode on twice. This weekend’s Best Of episode for Bust-Ed Pencils is a re-release of our interview with Mrs K, a veteran teacher on the modern circumstances surrounding teaching in America.

    46 min