The Old School

As the two venerable hosts return, they do so with the man and the legend - Dr. Alex Fingers. During the course of the podcast, the three gentlemen discuss the nature of security in schools, the efficacy of such measures and questions related to personal liberties and freedom in the face of security issues. For the sake of the podcast, Dr. Fingers and Mr. Miller avoid any direct discussions about either the Steelers or the Ravens and as a result, a good time was had by all. Worthy of a listen and thought provoking. 

The two estimable hosts, after a detour of a survey that highlighted the best college football helmets, tackle the subject of creative tension. Starting with some of the greatest jazz groups and their work, the hosts debate whether tension among bandmates is essential for each to be at their best. The hosts then attempt to broaden this concept not only to other types of music but any form of collaboration - in industry or in education. What does it mean to lead a group of people, managing personalities, conflict and attempt to reach the best of what they can do? The hosts address all of these issues in what is certainly an episode worth listening to.

Your two favorite but underrated podcasters take a closer look at phones. Consulting the latest data from the Pew Research and other legitimate surveying companies, the two hosts take a look at some of the data on how people use their phones, at what point people get phones and the prevalence of them in American and foreign societies. 

Your two favorite podcasters take a look at a psychological condition that has been studied for well over a century but without a great deal of clear answers - our sleep. The hosts first tackle the state of our own sleep habits and what scientists believe is the reason for sleep. Afterwards, Mr. Miller discusses the four main behaviors that shape our sleep and my students attempt to tinker with one or another to judge their own sleep. The two old codgers round things out with a discussion of the idea of "catching up" on sleep. Is it real or even possible? They discuss the medical answer and their own anecdotal observations. It is an interesting conversation that is well worth a listen - even a comment or two on your favorite podcast platform. 

The boys are back and today, in a rather muted but still fascinating episode, the gurus discuss the merits of grumpiness. What does it mean to be grumpy? What it is not? How and why is differs from the attitude of younger generations or at least, their aspirations? Personal anecdotes, philosophy and the importance and role of being are all discussed about how people should approach life, what they should expect of it and what should they not want...in their humble opinion.

Your two intrepid hosts enter the choppy waters of politics but not directly. Mr. Miller brings up a topic for discussion where he bemoans the inability of people to discuss politics without generalizations and ad hominem attacks. He brings up his experience first in the classroom, where less than ideal forms of discussion take place and can be tolerated to the adults who should know better, yelling and screaming at one another. The two hosts discuss options about how to fix this but at present, the two discuss how much of this type of political discourse is ubiquitous, from the people down the street, to the pundits on television and online to the politicians walking the halls of our most treasured institutions. The hosts have repeatedly said they would never discuss politics but on this occasion, they do a deep dive in a political discussion adjacent. 

Your two hosts tackle the subject of American football. While the podcast has spent considerable - some would say too much - time discussing baseball and soccer, the hosts have only given marginal attention to the sport that defines much of our childhood and since, shared experiences. The two elder statesmen discuss our first experiences with football, how it connects them to their childhood and their fathers and how the changes in football - both professional and collegiate - have changed their affection for and attention to the sport. 

The highly rated "State series" has returned and this time, with Mr. Stanton Cole - history teacher extraordinaire and Washingtonian. The hosts and guest discuss the state of Washington, its history, Mr. Cole's experience and memories of growing up there as well as some of the more quirky and fun traits of this Pacific northwest state. Personally, Mr. Miller was hoping for harsh words between the fans of the University of Washington and Oregon, respectively, but alas, a great time was had instead. Enjoy this dive into the Evergreen State.

Your two musically adroit podcasters tackle the notion of live music in the aftermath of Mr. Miller's experience at a concert. The hosts discuss their first concerts, how they experience live music and what they see as the benefit of such experiences. They also discuss some of the downsides and how might live music change in the years to come. Two music lovers, one who has both attended and performed in concerts and other, rarely an attendee, discuss concerts, live music and the wonders of the medium. 

Your two aging podcasters defy their age and speak about all things books - reading them, carting them around and moving them from one residence to another. Evidence to our stage of life, we discuss the empty nest syndrome, homes will smaller capacities and what to do with all those books? Of course, it would not be an Old School podcast without a discussion of the state of books and how we consume them and how present trends could effect the future of how books will be consumed and benefited from. It is an easy, breezy discussion about the things near and dear to our hearts - our books.