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 prep for the wildest PD gig of my life… plus two fire-filled fan submissions, literally. One backpack goes up in smoke, and another student brings lint specifically to start a fire during class. And no, that’s not a euphemism.

Also, I’ve got two ELA-friendly resources that won’t make you scream into the void, thoughts on classroom routines that actually work, and a major update on my teacher survival guide book (coming soon to save your first year and your mental health).

Fires. Comedy. Forced inspiration. And a dress rehearsal for getting heckled by superintendents. Let’s go.

Takeaways:

I’m performing stand-up for a room full of local principals—and yes, I plan to give them “the gift of time.”

A student lit lint on fire inside a classroom drain. And that’s not even the worst part.

Another student's backpack combusted mid-class—so naturally, he just shrugged and said “You’ll smell smoke.”

A resource that turns writing prompts into a literal game—and somehow still helps students actually write.

I’m writing a book for new teachers that starts with everything I personally screwed up. (You’re welcome.)

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Join our Book Club: www.patreon.com/thosewhocanread

Don’t Be Shy Come Say Hi: www.podcasterandrea.com

Watch on YouTube: @educatorandrea

A Human Content Production

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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 itchy situation mid-kickball.

We’re talking magic tricks that turn into emotional damage, AI that actually helps (seriously), and the question that won’t leave me alone: should we be forcing students to present in front of the class… even if they stop breathing?

Plus: teacher confessions, wild voicemails, a PE teacher who deserves a raise, and my brain slowly unraveling over Kansas geography.

Takeaways:

A student literally stops breathing in the middle of a class presentation—and that’s not even the wildest part.

The return of the Shrek kid. Yes, he found me again. And yes, he’s still doing magic.

A third grader makes an unforgettable anatomy announcement in the middle of kickball.

I found an AI tool that might actually save you time and sanity in the classroom (and I tested it).

Should we still be making students present in front of their classmates, or is it time for a better way?

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Join our Book Club: www.patreon.com/thosewhocanread

Don’t Be Shy Come Say Hi: www.podcasterandrea.com

Watch on YouTube: @educatorandrea

A Human Content Production

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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 works hardest) and a couple of voice memos from listeners that are… honestly, you just have to hear them to believe them. One will have you gasping, the other might make you text your admin “hazard pay?”

Then, I sit down with the brilliant Charles Fournier—creator of the hit podcast Those Who Can’t Teach Anymore—to talk about why his show is haunting the top podcast charts, how he captured an entire year of real teacher audio diaries, and why his new season might wreck you (in the best way).

If you’ve ever wanted to throw your backpack out a window, doubt your life choices mid-project, or just feel wildly validated in this teaching life—you’re in the right place.

Takeaways:

I tried to fix a door and accidentally launched a home reno nightmare featuring citrus strippers and maybe lead poisoning.

A student brought something to class that no one—NO ONE—was emotionally prepared for.

What happens when you realize your friend's dad is leading a hate rally outside your school?

Charles Fournier returns with raw teacher audio journals and a season that might just gut-punch you into catharsis.

I’m begging you—send me your wildest confiscation stories. Because we might need a dedicated episode.

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Join our Book Club: www.patreon.com/thosewhocanread

Don’t Be Shy Come Say Hi: www.podcasterandrea.com

Watch on YouTube: @educatorandrea

A Human Content Production

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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 hallway hair war that somehow became my own personal reality TV show.

Plus, I’m revealing the AI tool that actually doesn’t feel sketchy (teachers, I got you), bragging on some simulation drama happening at my university, and prepping for a secret meeting with superintendents that may or may not end in tears (theirs, not mine... probably).

If you’re into rogue four-year-olds, teacher gossip, resource hacks, and hearing someone say “nipple” way too many times on a podcast—hi, hello, press play.

Takeaways:

That documentary you downloaded for class? Double-check the title. Seriously.

Find out how my four-year-old gave two teachers a complex with one innocent comment.

A battle between student barbers escalates—thanks to me. And I regret nothing.

The AI tool that’s not sketchy, actually cites its sources, and might save your sanity.

What I’m going to say to a room full of superintendents (yes, I want them to cry a little).

—

Join our Book Club: www.patreon.com/thosewhocanread

Don’t Be Shy Come Say Hi: www.podcasterandrea.com

Watch on YouTube: @educatorandrea

A Human Content Production

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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 real chaos from educators everywhere. This season, we’re diving into your craziest war stories, burnout moments, impossible classroom situations, and all the glorious disasters none of us ever saw coming after teacher training.

Pour yourself some coffee. Grab a helmet. And settle in.

Class is officially back in session, and it’s going to get wild!

(Oh, grow up. I meant in a SFW manner… kinda…)

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Join our Book Club: www.patreon.com/thosewhocanread

Don’t Be Shy Come Say Hi: www.podcasterandrea.com

Watch on YouTube: @educatorandrea

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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

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Don’t be shy come say hi: [email protected] and podcasterandrea.com

Watch on YouTube: @educatorandrea

Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.

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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 Resilience: Whether it’s losing a passport in Spain or dealing with canceled flights in Australia, travel forces you to think on your feet and stay calm under pressure.

Koala Chlamydia is a Thing: Denver’s zoo trip led to an unexpected deep dive into whether humans can contract chlamydia from koalas (spoiler alert: they can’t…probably).

Hostel Life is Not for the Weak: Andrea’s experience in Amsterdam highlights the challenges (and questionable decisions) that come with budget travel.

Airline Woes Are Universal: Denver’s firsthand experience with canceled flights and unhelpful airline policies proves that air travel frustration knows no borders.

Always Have a Backup Plan: Whether traveling solo or in a group, it’s essential to have a plan for when things inevitably go wrong—because they will.

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Want to Learn more about Denver Riley?

Instagram: @keepingupwithms.b_

Tiktok: @keepingupwithms.b_

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Don’t be shy come say hi: [email protected] and podcasterandrea.com

Watch on YouTube: @educatorandrea

Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.

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A Human Content Production

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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 holding them accountable is one of the biggest challenges educators face.

Post-Pandemic Resilience: The Secretary of Education must understand the long-term impacts of the pandemic on students’ mental health and motivation.

Honest Conversations About Teaching: Sometimes the kindest thing teachers can do is to have tough conversations, even with students who aspire to teach themselves.

Community in the Classroom: Small activities like making hand turkeys can foster joy and connection, even in the midst of systemic pressures.

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Want to Learn more about Denver Riley?

Instagram: @keepingupwithms.b_

Tiktok: @keepingupwithms.b_

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Don’t be shy come say hi: [email protected] and podcasterandrea.com

Watch on YouTube: @educatorandrea

Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.

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A Human Content Production

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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 early days producing Queer Eye for the Straight Guy to partnering with Pharrell Williams on a Netflix show and launching the educational podcast Who Smarted?. Jerry also offers practical tips for teachers on using multimedia resources to enhance classroom engagement without adding extra workload. I

Takeaways:

Edutainment is the Future: Jerry Kolbert’s shows like Brain Games and Brainchild prove that education can be both engaging and fun through interactive, multimedia experiences.

Making Learning Relatable: Jerry emphasizes the importance of making educational content relatable to students’ lives, whether through storytelling or personalized teaching methods.

Lessons from Reality TV: Jerry’s experience in reality TV taught him how to create compelling narratives, a skill he now applies to educational content.

Support for Teachers: His Who Smarted? podcast and Brainchild show come with free resources and curriculum support, making it easier for teachers to bring new ideas into the classroom.

Navigating Tough Topics: Jerry shares how his team reframed sensitive topics, like sex education, into more classroom-friendly discussions about attraction, making learning accessible to all ages.

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Want to Learn more about Jerry Kobler?

https://www.atomicentertainment.com/jerry-kolber

https://whosmarted.com/

—

Don’t be shy come say hi: [email protected] and podcasterandrea.com

Watch on YouTube: @educatorandrea

Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.

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A Human Content Production

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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.

Takeaways:

Empathy is a Skill: Teachers often find themselves as emotional pillars for their students, making empathy a crucial skill that many educators refine daily.

Navigating Student Trauma: Teachers frequently act as the first point of contact for students dealing with deep emotional burdens, especially early in the school day.

Wellness Wednesdays Make a Difference: Creating weekly moments for stress relief, like walks or coloring, helps students and teachers decompress from the pressures of academic life.

Teachers as Role Models: Students look to teachers during uncertain times, such as election seasons, for stability and guidance on managing emotions.

Balancing Personal and Professional: Educators must navigate their own feelings while supporting students, often requiring them to leave personal stress at the door.

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Want to Learn more about Denver Riley and Lauren Antonio?

Instagram: @keepingupwithms.b_ & @msantonioec

Tiktok: @keepingupwithms.b_

—

Don’t be shy come say hi: [email protected] and podcasterandrea.com

Watch on YouTube: @educatorandrea

Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.

—

A Human Content Production

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