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.

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Want to Learn more about Denver Riley and Gaspare Randazzo?

Denver: @keepingupwithms.b_

Gaspare: @standuprandazzo

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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 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.

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Want to Learn more about Brooke Eby?

Everywhere: @limpbroozkit

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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 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.

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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 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.

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Want to Learn more about Tyler Jackowski?

Tiktok: @fishin4clout

Instagram: @tylerjackowskiofficial

Youtube: @fishin4clout

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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 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.

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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.

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A Human Content Production

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In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Gabriel Reilich and Lucia Nell from Upworthy to discuss their heartwarming book, Good People: Stories from the Best of Humanity. We explore the power of small acts of kindness, the impact of storytelling, and how positivity can counteract the negativity in today's world.

Takeaways:

The Ripple Effect of Kindness: Even small, seemingly insignificant acts can leave a profound and lasting impact on someone's life.

Combating 'Mean World Syndrome': Focusing on positive stories can restore faith in humanity and counteract the overwhelming negativity in media.

Storytelling as Connection: Sharing personal stories fosters empathy and reminds us of our shared humanity.

The Role of Teachers: Inspirational educators leave lifelong impressions, shaping the way students see the world and themselves.

Practical Positivity: Tips for curating your social media experience to balance information with uplifting content and mindfulness.

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Want to Learn more about Gabriel Reilich and Lucia Knell?

Instagram, X, Facebook: @upworthy

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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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This week Denver Riley is back to dive into the quirky and chaotic moments that make up daily life in the classroom. From a “bagel ban” created by Denver’s students to navigating E.E. Cummings' poetry with skeptical high schoolers, they share the ups and downs of engaging students. Denver recalls being humorously bullied by her middle schoolers and admits the trials of working within a scripted curriculum while keeping her teaching style fresh. Denver and I explore why teachers love (and sometimes hate) certain poems, how they handle student antics, the problem with sleepy stickers, and why staying flexible keeps their classrooms fun and productive. This episode brings both the humor and the honesty of what it's really like to teach English to a room full of teenagers.

Takeaways:

Student-Led Humor and Inside Jokes: Embracing humor, including quirky student terms like dependapotomus, helps teachers build a fun, inclusive classroom culture.

The Struggle with Scripted Curriculum: Scripted lessons often limit teacher creativity, highlighting the need for flexibility to make lessons more engaging and relevant.

Navigating Challenging Literature: Teaching poets like E.E. Cummings can be daunting, but breaking down difficult works offers students fresh perspectives and critical thinking skills.

Teacher Growth Through Reflection: Andrea and Denver emphasize that learning from students, sharing laughs, and adapting strategies keep teaching fresh and fulfilling.

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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.

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A Human Content Production

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

In this week's episode "Family Trolls and Hosting Goals", I welcome my sister Becca Cousins, creator of Host in Your Home, for a lively discussion about the ups and downs of party hosting. From family trolling on social media to sharing tips on how to host stress-free gatherings in less-than-perfect homes, this episode has it all. Becca and I dive into the joys of hosting on a budget, dealing with real-life hosting disasters (like rotting pumpkins!), and how growing up together shaped their party-planning skills. Plus, get insights into creating community and handling guests who just won’t leave.

Takeaways:

Hosting Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect: Becca emphasizes that anyone can host a great party, even if your home isn't picture-perfect. It’s about creating connections, not impressing guests with perfection.

Use What You Have: Becca shares creative ideas for budget-friendly decor and simple menu planning that makes hosting accessible for everyone.

How to Deal with Overstaying Guests: From Midwest goodbyes to sneaky tactics like turning off lights, Becca explains how to politely encourage guests to leave when the party is over.

Build Community through Hosting: Andrea and Becca discuss how hosting neighbors and friends can create a sense of community, even if you're an introvert or don’t know everyone well.

Sibling Rivalry in the Kitchen: The sisters relive their family baking competitions, with Becca accusing Andrea of using crowd-pleasing tricks like frosting on scones to win.

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Want to Learn more about Becca Cousins?

insta: @hostinyourhome

tiktok: host.in.your.home

web: hostinyourhome.com

pinterest @hostinyourhome 

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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 week's episode "Haunted Classrooms and Mormon Wives", Denver Riley and I tackle the rollercoaster of being a teacher, from Denver’s near-miss with HR over a missing credential to the spooky fun of Halloween in the classroom. But the real fun begins when they hilariously compare the cast of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives to the types of teachers they’d be. Would Demi be the no-nonsense English teacher? Is Jen Affleck the ultimate kindergarten teacher? Tune in to see how these reality stars would navigate the world of education! Alongside the humor, the episode delves into why facing tough situations in teaching leads to growth and resilience.

Takeaways:

Credential Panic is Real: Denver recounts her brush with HR over a missing teaching credential and the importance of staying on top of certifications as an educator.

Comparing Mormon Wives to Teachers: Andrea and Denver bring the fun by imagining which teacher roles the stars of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives would fill. From cheer coach to high school math teacher, the comparisons are both hilarious and spot-on.

Halloween Fun in the Classroom: Spooky season takes over as Denver shares how she incorporates Halloween themes into her teaching, from activities to costumes.

Union Support Matters: Denver discusses how crucial union representation is when facing issues with HR or administration, especially when your job is on the line.

Why the Hard Road Pays Off: Choosing not to take the path of least resistance in the classroom leads to stronger teacher-student relationships and a more fulfilling teaching experience.

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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.

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A Human Content Production

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In this week's episode "Homework Horror Stories: When Parents Say ‘No Way!", I chat with Gabe Dannenbring about the challenges of modern-day education. From managing work-life balance post-pandemic to evolving classroom dynamics, we explore how teachers and students alike are navigating an ever-changing landscape. Gabe shares his perspective as a middle school teacher, while I bring insights from the university level. Together, we reflect on the impact of the shifting attitudes toward education, homework debates, and what it takes to keep both students and teachers engaged. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on teacher burnout, student resilience, and the delicate balance between structure and innovation in the classroom.

Takeaways:

The Shift in Student Attitudes: Post-pandemic students exhibit a different approach to work-life balance, focusing more on mental health and less on pushing through discomfort.

Homework Debate: Some parents, like the TikTok mom mentioned, are pushing back on excessive homework for young children, raising questions about the balance between school expectations and student well-being.

Classroom Management Challenges: Teachers today are dealing with increasingly chatty, distracted students, but there's a need to push through discomfort and maintain structure.

Teacher Burnout is Real: A recent Wall Street Journal study shows that teacher satisfaction has dropped dramatically, with only 42% of teachers feeling that their job is worth the stress.

The Importance of Doing Hard Things: Andrea and Gabe both highlight the value of resilience and persistence in both teaching and learning, emphasizing the growth that comes from pushing through challenges.

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Want to Learn more about Gabe Dannenbring?

TikTok: @g_unit24

IG / YT / FB: @gabedannenbring

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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

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