Today, the hosts enter a brave new world - the world of social media. Even though they have railed against it for years, the hosts sell their souls in hopes for greater and broader listenership. The hosts discuss the changes, what we hope to gain from it and what it might mean for them and their posterity. 

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This episode is brought to you by Ahart Solutions.

The hosts dive into the ideas of grit and determination in an attempt to understand how it develops and how it can be engendered. In the course of the conversation, the hosts dive into examples of grit and determination in their own lives, with examples stretching from the classroom and the tennis courts to the parade grounds of bootcamp in Parris Island.

A show announcement: Our next episode will reveal our new Instagram account.

During the conversation, Dr. Bourgeois, who has researched the topic and read much upon the same, suggested two books which might be of interest to those willing and wanting to read further on the topic:

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink

This episode is brought to you by Ahart Solutions.

Going into the Christmas holidays and not wanting to discuss the aforementioned day, the hosts decide to channel Jerry Seinfeld and do an episode about nothing. Now, as Seinfeld himself explained it, nothing does not mean nothing but it allows for an organic exploration of whatever topics pop into the minds' of the hosts and in doing so, they cover topics such as vamping, radio, funerals and pianists and a few other topics in between. In addition, the hosts make an announcement about the podcast going forward at the end of the episode. 

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Following a recent trip to the nation's capital, Mr. Miller introduces the history of the city and then, both hosts delve into the culture of Washington. Comparing it to other great cities, the hosts discover how the city compares to many of the world's great cities - the bounty of great people, wonderful cuisine and, of course, unmatched historical monuments and places.

One of the museums that the Miller family explored was the Planet Word Museum. It is a remarkable visit and if you are ever in the city, please see the historical and national landmarks but don't forget this celebration of our language.

This episode is sponsored by Ahart Solutions. 

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller discuss anger and how it is manifested in modern culture and to what degree it is helpful. We also take a look at how religions and philosophies have attempted to address the issue of anger. In the discussion, we move from Christianity to Buddhism to Stoicism in search of an answer. And like most things, perhaps the answer lies within ourselves.

During the podcast, Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh's book Being Peace was referenced as a guide to disciplining one's mind from the chaos that surrounds us on a daily basis.

Prior to the episode's focus, Mr. Miller referenced two historically bent podcasts he finds particularly intriguing.

The first is The Ancients - a podcast found on all platforms that focuses on the ancient world, its people, civilizations and moments in time that altered the history of the regions set in.

The second is American Elections; Wicked Game - a podcast does a deep dive on each presidential election. This is a fascinating look at the forces and people that have shaped those who have sought the highest office in the land.

This episode is sponsored by Ahart Solutions.

There is no better way to start the second 100 episodes of The Old School then with a return appearance of Dr. Paul Weinhold. In this episode, the three readers discuss their first literary influences - either authors or literary characters. The three also discuss the notion of younger generations and the reading of entire books. This includes a look at curriculum as well as how testing has impacted the reading of books by students; be they good or bad ramifications.
 

Please check out Dr. Weinhold's first appearance, where the conversation took the episode into a deep dive of Shakespeare.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6M8FT60opIHa4QsTKVG8gB?si=c1b067ca7f69493f

Correction: Mr. Miller got tongue-tied with his two references of Sherlock Holmes' books - he meant to refer to the A Study in Scarlet and The Sign of Four. 

This episode of the Old School is brought to you by Ahart Solutions. 

The hosts, over some Scotch and snacks, sit side by side to look back at how the podcast has developed over the last 100 episodes and what might happen in the coming years. It is a collection of shared stories, ideas of what's ahead and the people who have listened to the hosts ramble - sometimes coherently and intelligently - about the issues facing education and some not-so-serious experiences such as travel, history and culture. The hosts also want to make sure that the listeners know how much they are appreciated and valued - the hosts are humbled by those who choose to listen and are forever grateful.

Consider leaving a comment about an episode or moment you've appreciated or enjoyed the most. 

During the Old School's 99th episode, the hosts dive into their favorite films - but not necessarily the best films. One film from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, the list is meant to show the films that most impacted the hosts throughout their lives. Additionally, the hosts asks listeners to consider joining the conversation in the comments, either to add your own favorite films or to tell the hosts how well they are doing. If you do not like the episode, in the words of Rich Lowery from The Editors podcast, forget anything was said about leaving a comment or rating the podcast.

This episode of the Old School is brought to you by Ahart Solutions.

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller, trying to sound as even handed as possible, discuss what they see as the future of the teaching profession. While good things and people exist in the profession, other forces could irrevocably alter the profession. The two hosts consider what teaching might look like, the training of teachers and what it means to educate the youth of America.

Some of the issues discussed in this episode are also discussed at length in the book The Center Cannot Hold: A Critical Look at Contemporary Education. Pick up a copy at Amazon.com.

Today is Dr. Bourgeois' turn to air his grievances. Unlike Mr. Miller, he has many more than one. The hosts go through a litany of issues in an attempt to bring solace and ultimate comfort to Dr. Bourgeois, as Mr. Miller experienced last week. The episode ends with the promise of more grievances in future episodes...but not right away...maybe.

This episode sponsored by Ahart Solutions.