How To Survive The Classroom

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.

—

Want to Learn more about Denver Riley?

Instagram: @keepingupwithms.b_

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.

—

Want to Learn more about Denver Riley?

Instagram: @keepingupwithms.b_

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.

—

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.

—

A Human Content Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.

—

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 of a Story: Jeneva shares how her idea for The Perfect Marriage took years to develop, proving that patience and persistence pay off in creative endeavors.

Navigating Publishing Pressure: Even after achieving bestseller status, authors face constant expectations from publishers to outdo their past successes.

Writing Through Emotions: Jeneva talks about how writing during personal grief led to some of her most meaningful work, showcasing the therapeutic power of storytelling.

The Role of Humor in Advocacy: From her TikTok fame to hilarious interactions with fans, Jeneva uses humor to connect with her readers and build a supportive community.

Creating Relatable Characters: Through detailed character sketches and psychological insights, Jeneva crafts characters that feel authentic yet keep readers guessing.

—

Want to Learn more about Jeneva Rose?

Instagram: @jenevaroseauthor

TikTok: @jenevaroseauthor

Facebook: jenevaroseauthor

X: @jenevarosebooks

—

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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, we cover it all. We discuss everything from historical trivia to Christmas memories, with plenty of outrageous stories along the way, including why a Nathan’s hot dog sponsorship might just be Gaspare’s ultimate dream.

Takeaways:

Humor Keeps Teachers Sane: From radiator-cooked meals to unconventional classroom management techniques, teachers find unique ways to keep things interesting for themselves and their students.

Embrace the Chaos: Gaspar’s approach to teaching is proof that embracing the unexpected can create memorable, impactful moments in the classroom.

Teacher Lore Runs Deep: Teachers have hidden quirks and fascinating backstories that emerge in the most surprising ways, showing their humanity beyond the classroom.

Balancing Professionalism and Fun: Even while maintaining control of their classrooms, teachers can inject humor and personality into their daily routines.

Holiday Trivia Sparks Joy: The episode’s lighthearted trivia segments highlight the importance of creating space for fun and connection, both in teaching and life.

—

Want to Learn more about Denver Riley and Gaspare Randazzo?

Denver: @keepingupwithms.b_

Gaspare: @standuprandazzo

—

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 community, and her viral social media content that combines advocacy with humor. With anecdotes ranging from her dating life, as she swipes right and left, to running a nonprofit, Brooke shares how she navigates challenges while inspiring others to get involved in the fight against ALS.

Takeaways:

Misconceptions About ALS: Many people, including Brooke herself, associate ALS with older men, but 90% of cases are not genetic, and the disease affects diverse populations.

The Power of Humor: Brooke uses humor on social media to engage audiences and raise awareness, proving that tough conversations don’t always have to be heavy.

Community Matters: From starting a Slack-based support group to building connections with others diagnosed with ALS, Brooke emphasizes the importance of community in fighting the disease.

Advocacy Through Storytelling: Sharing personal experiences helps humanize ALS and creates a relatable entry point for people to learn about and support the cause.

Innovative Solutions for ALS Support: Brooke’s nonprofit leverages technology, like Slack, to centralize resources and make navigating life with ALS easier for patients and caregivers.

—

Want to Learn more about Brooke Eby?

Everywhere: @limpbroozkit

—

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 without resorting to direct confrontation.

Decoding Teacher Speak: Phrases like “They have a great personality” can serve as humorous but coded descriptions, often used to address unique student or colleague quirks diplomatically.

Humor Softens the Message: Humor is a critical part of social correction, allowing teachers to communicate effectively while keeping interactions light-hearted and professional.

Balancing Tact and Truth: Using indirect language helps teachers address potentially sensitive issues with empathy, reinforcing a positive classroom culture.

Teaching Social Awareness: By modeling these subtle forms of communication, teachers help students pick up on social cues and emotional intelligence, preparing them for social dynamics beyond school.

—

Want to Learn more about Denver Riley?

Instagram: @keepingupwithms.b_

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 perks of online fame, this episode delivers laughs, insights, and a strong sense of camaraderie among educators. Get ready for an unfiltered look at the teacher life—and maybe even a few lessons on self-care.

Takeaways:

Teaching Isn't All Chalkboards and Apples: From surprise gifts like used socks to classroom pranks gone wrong, teaching is full of unexpected (and often hilarious) moments.

ADHD and Anxiety in Education: Tyler and Andrea share their experiences with late ADHD diagnoses and the importance of embracing creative outlets for self-expression and connection.

Teacher Gifts Done Right: Practical gifts like self-care items and humorous merch make meaningful presents, while funny mishaps like cowbells and banana hammocks bring memorable stories.

The Power of Authenticity: Tyler’s journey shows how sharing your unique voice online can resonate with others, helping to inspire and connect in meaningful ways.

Prioritizing Mental Health: Teaching is tough—taking care of yourself is essential to thrive in and out of the classroom.

—

Want to Learn more about Tyler Jackowski?

Tiktok: @fishin4clout

Instagram: @tylerjackowskiofficial

Youtube: @fishin4clout

—

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 also discuss Denver’s “Jersey Shore” spirit day look, the challenges of historical memory, and the little moments that make teaching worth it.

Takeaways:

Thanksgiving Fun Facts Gone Wrong: Andrea and Denver tackle Thanksgiving trivia, with some hilarious (and incorrect) guesses on everything from turkey consumption to historical dates.

Teacher Humor and Real Talk: The episode highlights the lighter side of teaching, where even everyday classroom mishaps can make for memorable stories.

Celebrating Spirit Week in Style: Denver’s “Jersey Shore” inspired spirit day outfit brings humor and nostalgia, showing the fun side of school traditions.

The Perils of Classroom Management: Through laughter, Andrea and Denver reflect on how to balance classroom humor with the need to stay grounded.

Learning Through Laughter: Even as teachers, Andrea and Denver show that learning new facts—especially holiday-related ones—can be fun, relatable, and full of surprises.

—

Want to Learn more about Denver Riley?

Instagram: @keepingupwithms.b_

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices