Schooling Struggle

By Schooling StruggleHealth & Fitness Mental Health

Schooling Struggle episodes

August 15, 202230: A Relationship Pete Struggles With
Peter leans into a challenge he experiences personally, well quite a few come up in this episode. Family reunions, lobster dinners, COVID, pet deaths, self-image, parenting. The show is a continuation of a previous show where we lost time (surprise) and here we follow through to the end.

Mental habit / action / tool examples:
Hitting the gym can help exercise and build self-confidence.

Feeding one's ego can be tricky if attaching self-worth to egoic aspects.

Competition can help shift perspectives from extrinsic to intrinsic.

Eventually one's age will catch up in several ways. Anticipate and accept that our abilities slow as age increases.

What leads to a healthy and fulfilled physical and mental life? What leads to vitality later in life? If we can find things which move us in these directions we will flourish.

Consider using choice while raising children, allowing them to choose and understand the options while doing so.

Choose words wisely around children, words carry a lot of hidden connotation and signal. (⬅️Todd is terrible at this.)

Surround yourself with people who make you feel valued and loved.

Related points:
Pete was the fittest he has ever been in 2018.

Sometimes when challenges occur, they appear to compound

Emma the cat, was seventeen. Rest in peace, Emma.

Every human has a relationship with their body.

If anyone has "The Parenting Handbook", please let us know.

A special star tops Peters parents' tree at Christmastime.

Singing and dancing are not skills Peter currently possesses.

Quotes / quips:
"The only guarentee in life is that Struggle is going to come our way."

"Without difficulty, there is no progress."

"You can create cardio in months, but for strength it takes years."

Rando Mentions:
Reactive Airways Disease

The Rescue - Nat Geo

Jimmy Chin

Napoleon Complex

The Body Keeps the Score

Low trajectory, distant horizon.
44 min
August 08, 202229: Our Wasted Attention & Time
In this episode Peter and Todd get back together after some vacations on both sides. We discuss where we place attention and time (as the title suggests), each of us brings to the table three areas of life where we could use a higher level of mental strength, or three areas where we tend to get rattled more than we are comfortable. Sidebars include arbor speak and discussion, hosting snacks, and other small loosely related   yet interesting personal tie-ins.
Peters three (well two):
   - Being a fan of sports teams.
   - Longing for landscaping that meets some lofty expectations of the past (for self or others). (Massachusetts -vs- Vermont)
   - To be continued
Todd's three (two):
   - What are the things I know I do, that I observe other people do not do, that I wish I could do differently.
      - Constant procrastination.
   - Adopting irritation.
Related points:
Sometimes the pitter-patter of little feet can drive us nuts.

Age is just a number, and forty-six is not that many in the scheme of things.

We might all benefit from small helpings of 'ish' from time to time.

Depending on your friends and social circles, Fantasy Sports can have some allure.

The human condition is that we all want to feel noticed and enjoyed - connected.

In Brazil, you might find armed guards near the soccer pitch - during rivalry games.

Getting your federal income tax done, in July, is better than ignoring them altogether.

You'll be hard pressed to find someone in Vermont saying that the winter is great because there's no need to do yardwork.

~60% of Hawaii power comes from burring invasive vegetation.

When the company is over, pour the chips in the bowl, not all hands should be reaching into the bag.
Mental habit / action / tool examples:
Take a poll of things you spend your attention and time upon, and review how they make you feel.

Utilize your awareness to know when your thoughts are hijacking how you respond to others.

Writing lists can be a way to hold oneself accountable. Narrow a list to "the things" that you must accomplish. Checking the done box can help drive completion.

Small wins accumulate into large swaths of positive reinforcement.

Consider giving away the (perceived) ownership of things you hold on to for egotistical/selfish reasons.
Quotes / quips:
"Sports teams is simply rooting for laundry."
Rando Mentions:
Ragnar Relay - Northwest Passage

Los Angeles Rams

Stihl FS-94 Line Trimmer

Black Locust Tree

Danny Canzler - Canzler Tree Service (Tacoma WA)
38 min
August 03, 202228: 6 Tips We Take On Life's Journey
In this episode we touch on perspective (some may say advice), about embarking upon major life changes. As typically occurs we fall into some common themes of alignment, intention, purpose...

Housekeeping notice: Show notes are a thing I (Todd) love to do. I have been struggling to release them due to complications of my attention and situations of life, go figure. I intend to do better going forward so we can indeed have a consistent release cadence. I appreciate your patience and support as we grow and navigate our own paths. Ok, back to the shownotes...
Six (6) tips in total, three (3) from both of us.
Peter's Tips:
   - How we do anything is how we do everything.
   - Nobody owes you anything, you must earn everything.
   - When taking on something new, do not let your ego get in the way of your learning.

Todd's Tips:
   - Just start.
   - Say it aloud. Tell the world, or at least the people in proximity.
   - Question everything. Especially what is humbling.
Related points:
Stay tuned for info about Peters behind the scenes release, in upcoming episodes.

If you're not making mistakes, you're not really learning much.

People who are passionate about something are extremely excited and willing to share what they have learned.

Always accept what others offer, especially in Brazil and if coconuts are involved.

There is no failure if you are trying new things and chasing what interests you.

AMA = Ask Me Anything
Mental habit / action / tool examples:
Allow intentional changes, if possible, to spill into other events of your day. With the idea of being comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Act in a manner which you would even if nobody is watching.

We can get out of our own way, by just taking the first shaky step. If we wait until we're ready, we'll never begin.

Do the things which you must, to the highest degree of your ability.

When you look in the mirror, ask yourself, deeply, how you can be the best.

If we can admit our faults / shortcomings... that is where we are open to learning most/best.

Instead of trying to be the best, try to start something new.

Don't do what you don't want to do. Absolutely just chase what you love.
Quotes / quips:
"It's hard to find fault in an honest human being."

"I don't provide advice; I only provide perspective."

"If you say the word can't, you must follow it with yet."

"If you don't invite yourself places, you'll never do anything cool."

"In order to be the best, you need to do what you hate as if you love doing it."
Rando Mentions:
Karate Kid (film)

Over the Top (film)

PaleoPushers (Todd's previous cookie side hustle)

Iron Mike Tyson
33 min
July 13, 202227: The Hardest Thing We Face Everyday
An AMA session (Ask Me Anything) where students of Peter's ask him at the conclusion of the school year. We ported this into a five-by-five, again, then a speed round, then created two of our own. Each question (of 5) we each try our best to stick to 2:30 for each response. The questions come from a grab bag, so we answer and discuss in real time for flair.
Mailbag Questions:
What is your single best childhood memory or moment of specific amazement?

What is something that you once steadfastly believed, and now you have changed your tune?

At age 18, did you see yourself being what you are today, if not, what did you see yourself being at your current age when you were eighteen?

What is one thing that you would change about yourself?

What is the hardest thing you must wake up and do every day?
Lightning Round Questions:
First car?

If you could make any food in the world healthy, what would it be?

Do you love yourself?

If you could meet anyone, alive or dead, and spend 24 hours with them, who would it be?

If you could be any age for the rest of your life, what age?

At what age were you at your lowest?

What is a set of words that you'd like to model your life by/after?
Totally off the cuff Questions:
What's the first toy you remember as a child?

Tell me in succession the jobs you've had in your life?

Related Points:
Sometimes sleep is illusive.

Fat free foods are not a proper nutritional balance for longevity.

Would you rather have a loose cannon, or no cannon at all?

It can be difficult to see, but teachers (by and large) are typically not the enemy.

Enduring cumbersome events, although a challenge, can be acceptable if doing so allows work on things which are meaningful.

In Vermont educational systems, teachers don't make sense, but they do make dollars.
Mental habit / action / tool examples:
Try to have gratitude in the moment. Being grateful for the/a thing as its occurring.

Beware of the sources of news you consume. The media is a machine solely based upon profiteering.

Try to sharpen your awareness of addictive mechanisms in your day, news, tech, social media, eating. These things steal our time in tricky ways.
Quotes / quips:
"Win the morning, win the day."

"The youth is wasted on the young."

"When you get older, you lose hair in places where you want it, and get it in places you don't."

"You can't change the world, but you can change your neighborhood."

"When times are sweet, say thank you and enjoy. When times are challenging, say thank you and grow."
Rando Mentions:
Jury Duty

Typhoon Lagoon

Westport, Washington (USA)

Razor Clams

Jack In the Box - Loaded Breakfast Sandwich

See 'n Say
35 min
June 23, 202226: Where Did Y'all Go?
In this episode, Peter rides a shotgun seat - Todd takes the bull by the horn. Topics range from compassion to parenting mishaps - through a lens of... as you may guess lived, raw, enduring struggle. Uncovered herein is a huge realization of how being part of this podcast has unearthed unlikely and surprising benefits in multiple ways.
Related points:
No stoplights and two post offices in Hartland Vermont.

Communication is key and sets intention for all those involved. Lack thereof leaves gaps and places for confusion.

It's hot in Arizona, but it is a dry heat.

Sometimes the celebration of an event pales in contrast to attending the event itself, and in its entirety.

Laundry rooms, although small, can hold large topics and host huge conversations.

At the spot where words turn into emotion, or flirt right on that edge. This is the spot where being truly alive and present demands attention.

Perspectives differ between every individual. What one person sees in us, oftentimes is something we are completely blind to ourselves.

Frogging can be fun.
Mental habit / action / tool examples:
If you think you know something about an event you've never attended - try to remain aware of that fact - the assumptive nature of what you think you know, and how that may impact your presence or decisions.

When a statement or message from someone triggers a sense of emotion in your body - listen closely and look for an opportunity to stretch and grow. It will be uncomfortable, even to look, but holds a wealth of education if you allow it in.

Seek feedback and when it's given, look at it as a gift.

Ask more questions than statements, as much as possible.

Quotes / quips:
"It's more important to be loving than to be right (in a marriage/relationship)." - Keith

"Do I want to be looked at as the person that is right, or do I want to be looked at as the person who is caring?"
Rando Mentions:
University of Arizona

Healthy resting heart rate.
35 min
June 13, 202225: Feelin' It? You Got Permission
In this prepisode (pre-episode) we set the stage for, well, our next episode. To be completely transparent Todd failed to complete his homework and gather up content to discuss around (self) compassion topics. Peter unveils his plans for a new experimental class in his community/school relying on the wealth of experience he has found, and how he can attempt to fill the gaps.

Related points:
In Vermont when the school year winds down, the yardwork season ramps-up.

Be vigilant employing awareness around areas of heavy investment in your life, seeking balance about where you place your largest efforts.

Research points to a shift/increase of health issues (in our younger populations) with the rise and adoption of social media.

How can we directly measure the efficacy of mental health initiatives, especially in learning environments?

Making rewind (cassette tape) sounds can be entertaining for those who are able to relate with the events of the era.

Many times, humas tell their stories of struggles, post experiences. Many things can be learned by sharing space, in the middle of the struggle itself.
Mental habit / action / tool examples:
Use your emotion, the sense felt in your body, to plant curiosity into deeper introspection.

Our perception is/or becomes our reality.

Learning that our feelings are fleeting – then – understanding what can be done about those feelings – let that sink in.

Do the best you can to keep genuine connections with those closest to you, at all costs. Time is involved here, and it slips through our fingers much faster than we ever recognize.
Quotes / quips:
"If you don’t make time for health (physical/mental) now, you will be forced to find time later.”
Rando Mentions:
Brene Brown

Dr. Kristin Neff

Dare to Lead (book - Amazon)

Permission To Feel (book - Amazon)
36 min
June 09, 202224: 10 Tips for Better Sleep
In this episode Todd and Peter dive a bit into sleep… its purpose, utility, restorative powers as well as learned tips, and tricks to get more and of better quality. As sometimes happens, our conversation wanders this way and that, but mostly related (this time) to the topic.

Related points:
Lead with gratitude, helps disarm overwhelm.

It is often difficult to get a good night’s sleep with newborns in proximity.

If you consistently disregard sleep, its loss will appear in numerous places.

R.E.M. = Rapid Eye Movement (not just an American rock band – see below).

It is more common than you might think, getting hooked/dependent on sleep masks.
Peters 10 tips for better sleep…
Treat sleep like medicine needed to maintain health.

Pre-bedtime routine is key to success.

Stay away from and/or block blue light.

The darker the room, the better the quality of sleep.

60-67 degrees (F) is the optimal sleeping temperature.

Try to keep from eating 2-3 hours before bed.

Keep your bed(room) a dedicated space for sleeping, purposefully.

Those who exercise on a regular basis, tend to have better sleep… this can be overdone.

Calm the mind and the body for solid sleep.
Mental habit / action / tool examples:
Sleep and hydration are the two biggest things we need to operate well.

Mileage may vary by individual, on what actions will help achieve harmony in sleep.

As sleepy time nears, you’ll get more effective sleep the longer it has been since you’ve peered into a device or screen.

Alcohol inhibits deeper cycles of sleep.

Breathing/meditative techniques can help calm the mind and body for sleep.

It’s been said that when counting sheep to get back to sleep, imagining them atop snowboards doing park tricks works wonders.

Sleep supplements can assist with making humans sleepy, again mileage varies.
Quotes/quips:
"Trying to get my life from being overwhelmed, to just whemled.”

“Moderation is for cowards, so let’s just go all in.”
Rando Mentions:
Bloomsday Run (Spokane WA)

Sleep deprivation

Whoop Strap

Stages of sleep

R.E.M. (The musical band)

Cooling mattress cover(s)

Box breathing technique(s)

CPAP Machine

Power broom in action

Power napping
39 min
May 29, 202223: Laughter, Death & What's In Between
The title hits the larger themes in this episode however Peter and Todd explore the intersection of Storytime and M3 (Magical Microphone Monday's) going into places unexplored. Might not be typical for these two, given the ‘structure’ of other releases – or – not. Hope you all enjoy it.
Related points:
Sometimes books are worth a revisit, depending on where you are along your life’s path.

Measure of success can be pinned to ‘some guy’ in Vermont asking you to co-host a podcast.

Death – what happens in the mind of the dying.

Sometimes the body fails, yet the mind is 100% intact.

How can you make every interaction, personally, result in someone feeling noticed and enjoyed?

Jumping across breezeways sixteen floors up might not be the best idea – sober or not.

Irritation can help some drivers remain awake.
Mental habit / action / tool examples:
Leaning into scary or uncomfortable experiences in our lives can reshape who we are, in many ways.

Share, if you can, the experiences and actions which have shaped your life with others. To share what we learn is to add to the wellbeing and growth of those around us.

Thoughts which are outside our control / comprehension are often fruitless to ponder. Fruitless in contrast to our forward intentions in the present.

If you feel uncomfortable when leaving a situation, when you ponder it and feel there is something undone / left unstated – this is an opportunity to lean in and take a step into discomfort.

Listen to your emotions, the felt sense of how they feel in your body… these feelings have utility but are often discounted or ignored.
Quotes/quips:
“Definition of focus – paying close attention to the detail while always keeping the big picture in mind.”

“The human condition is that everyone wants to be noticed and enjoyed.”
Rando Mentions:
How to Win Friends & Influence People – book

The Top five regrets of the Dying – book

Robert Waldinger: What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness | TED

Logan Raymond – Raymond Construction Hartland VT
32 min
May 23, 202222: Fast, Furious, & Out of Control
In this episode Peter digs a bit deeper into Todd’s backstory… several of our listeners expressed their hunger for additional depth in this department – so let this serve as an extended play (the first was episode three). When/if we look close into the things which drive our decisions and behaviors, sometimes we can see what unfolded outside our knowing in real time.
Related points:
Peter has been a PE teacher for 16 years, so now he has known the current class since kindergarten. Shoutout to Alex.

Differences found against others’ expectations, at an early age, can be the place where labels are applied.

Parenting is difficult – should you hear differently, lean in, and ask questions.

Rarely (in our current times) are students ‘held back’ in school (redo grade 5 as an example).
Mental habit / action / tool examples:
Create interesting ways to allow others to discover themselves, in unique ways.

Find things which interest you, and as much as possible allow those to pull you into learning more.

If you don’t feel like what you are doing has value, you may discover an aversion to being in that environment and/or what is found there.

You cannot run fast enough to escape the real world, self-imposed, financial problems.

If you are willing to look, opportunity exists in EVERYTHING. Every event in our lives.
Quotes/quips:
"The baggage we carry stays with us for much of our life’s journey."

"You can’t know what you don’t know, but how else can you find out if you’re not willing to go see."
Rando Mentions:
Population of Tacoma Washington

What is Snocross (Adam)?

What is a savant?

ADHD

Synchronicity
42 min
May 16, 202221: Calling Attention to Our Attention
Time. Attention. How it’s spent, and what that expenditure aligns with is the topic Todd and Peter cover in this episode. They discuss how understanding where time goes can highlight points where making intentional adjustments can help us create a path to fulfillment and purpose.
Related points:
In Vietnam, the busses have vomit bags for everyone, which get used. But when they clean up, they throw the bags out the windows into the motor scooter commuters.

We end up paying attention to things, but many times on an unintentional basis.

How do we add value to our life, through our attention?

How do we add value to other people’s lives, through how we employ our attention?

Sleep is key and underpins all we do and can accomplish as humans.

Shout out to Rory for helping to lift points of awesome in others.

Mental habit / action / tool examples:
If something is of importance to us, we will give it our attention.

Try to observe your time, and document it to understand where it goes and how it's spent.

What our values are is often what makes our attention most useful.

Understanding / Defining our values is a long endeavor, but one which is essential to understanding how what we do adds value.

Make slight changes to shift attention and action toward things which we value as essential – and – away from things we realize are less fruitful.

If you are able, solicit feedback from those closest to you to uncover things often obfuscated from our self-perception.

Save amounts of time to entertain new thoughts and ideas – or even just allow intentional quiet.

Quotes/quips:
"As long as we’re alive, we have time.”

“It’s not that I didn’t have time, it’s that I chose not to make time.”

“We all have the same 24 hours in a day, how we spend them determines what we become.”

“Discipline is the difference between what we want now and what we want most.” – Abe Lincoln

“Don’t let life do you, go do life.”

Rando Mentions:
Stand by Me – Barf-O-Rama

Route 2 through Boston

Muppets - Swedish Chef
41 min

About Schooling Struggle

From the publisher's feed

The only guarantee in life is that all humans struggle at various times throughout their journey. The Schooling Struggle Podcast dives deep into the real life theories and tactics that we can use to navigate obstacles. The discussions of this podcast center around the most integral skill needed for a life driven by purpose and fulfillment - How to cultivate a mindset to embrace struggle.

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Schooling Struggle

Schooling Struggle episodes

About Schooling Struggle