PODCAST · news
BustED Pencils
by Civic Media
BustED Pencils; Fully Leaded Education Talk is a powerful radio show/podcast dedicated to public education. BustED Pencils is known for its commitment to the hard facts with a humorous twist. Hosts Dr. Tim Slekar and Dr. Johnny Lupinacci cover the “real” issues in education. The show establishes an alternative space and discusses education reform from an entirely progressive perspective. Our approach is funny, edgy, passionate, witty and gritty and features an array of guests. BustED Pencils explores the political and commercial influences behind education policy. We deliver trending education news without the jargon, and most importantly, we promote a vision of public schools that all children deserve. BustED Pencils appeals to ”your neighbor”—parents, grandparents, guardians, teachers, policymakers, taxpayers and students alike.
Episodes
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Keeping Promises to Public Education
Friend of the show Heather DuBois Bourenane returns to talk about a number of pressing topics in public education. As we spoke about with Rep. Angelina Cruz, Heather and the Wisconsin Public Education Network are working on keeping promises to fund special education, WPEN is leading the way on...
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Groundhog Adjacent. PCS#37
With America coming together to celebrate Groundhog Day this week, the Producer's Choice Show is posing a medley of groundhog adjacent questions. Host Producer Jakob asks his guests Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci about the magic of Groundhog Day, inquires about the validity of superstition,...
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Quality Screentime with Britni Walz
You know her, you love her, it’s Britni Walz! Britni has made her exciting return to the podcast to update the educated educators on recent developments with friends of the show CESA 4 and LIFToFFS. Britni talks about the process of finding constructive, useful ways to integrate technology into...
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Zohran vs Snow Days
As we brace ourselves for frigid temperatures and a cascade of snow blanketing our streets, Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci are thinking about snow days. We love them, don't we folks? But someone who DOESN'T love snow days is New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani who has announced that snow…
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Putting Politicians to the Test
Today on BustED Pencils Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci discuss a new bill in Nebraska which would require their state senators to take a civics test. Passing the test would not be mandatory, but the results would be made public. Is this a good idea? Tim and Johnny CLASH over this vital...
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Education Trends in January. PCS#36
Welcome to the final Producer’s Choice Show of the month of January. Today your host Producer Jakob is looking back on the first month of this year to see what trends we’ve noticed developing in the world of education. Equipped with a list of 4 education trends to watch out for in 2026 provided…
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Gravity, How Does That Work?- Class in Session
Today Dr. Tim Slekar is breaking through the paradigms through which we see the world by highlighting an interesting scientific question; gravity, how does that work? Dr. Johnny Lupinacci does his best to answer Tim's question using facts and logic. Producer Jakob has no idea what's going on. The...
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Yes, DEI Is Back, Here’s Why That’s a Good Thing
Today Dr. Tim Slekar has found an interesting news story about the ongoing battle to roll back the Trump Administration's efforts to implement sweeping right-populist reforms in education. After a long legal battle, the government has given up efforts to appeal a court ruling that limited its...
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Trust-Based Observations
Today Dr. Johnny Lupinacci and Producer Jakob are joined by Craig Randall to talk about a better way to approach teacher observation. It's something all teachers have experienced; having their work evaluated. It's a stressful time that can make teachers feel like they're being judged and often...
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Who’s Your Hero? PCS#35
Producer Jakob is joined by special guest Dr. Johnny Lupinacci to talk all about heroes! What is a hero? Why do we build people up into heroes just to tear them down? Should we have heroes at all? And who are Jakob and Johnny's heroes? Find out on this HEROIC episode of the Producer's Choice…
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MLK Day Thoughts- Class in Session
This week we're looking back and remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci are sharing their thoughts. How are we celebrating Dr. King in 2026? Has his image and the way he's remembered changed since MLK Day became a holiday in 1986? And how can Dr. King's...
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Teacher Mercenaries- Homeroom
Today Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci are talking about alternative career paths for teachers. Do all teachers need to end up in a school? Or are the skills of an educator applicable and, indeed, VALUABLE in other walks of life? We discuss these teacher mercenaries that rake in the big bucks...
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Epidemic of Loneliness
Today on BustED Pencils we're talking about the epidemic of loneliness impacting millions of young Americans. Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci delve into the problem, talking about the sources and how schools can step in and play a role in finding a solution. BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded...
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Reacting to Reddit Teaching Advice. PCS#34
Today on the Producer's Choice Show we're taking a look at some of the advice being shared around on the internet forum Reddit. Our host, Producer Jakob, has found three pieces of advice for new teachers posted to r/teaching. Does the internet give good advice? Today Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny...
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Do What You Say- Class in Session
Today on Class in Session we're joined by Wisconsin State Legislator Angelina Cruz from the Fightin' 62nd District. Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci talk to Representative Cruz about her fight to pass the Keep Our Promise on Special Education Reimbursement Act, a bill which aims to hold the...
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Greenland; From Erik the Red to Donald the Orange
Today Dr. Tim Slekar and Producer Jakob share the Greatest Story Ever Told; the history of Greenland. From Erik the Red to Donald the Orange, Greenland has a rich history. Vikings, Hitler, and delicious shrubbery being killed by climate change; Greenland's history takes us into discussion of...
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Talking About the Minnesota Fraud Scandal
Today on BustED Pencils, Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci are joined by Producer Jakob to break down the Minnesota fraud scandal. A recent viral video has brought nationwide attention to investigations into an alleged mass fraud scheme involving childcare in Minnesota. What happened? Who's to...
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The Students Are Revolting. PCS #33
On today's fantastic edition of the Producer's Choice Show we're talking about student protests and how teachers should handle those moments that stoke the flames of youthful passions. Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci join host Producer Jakob to talk about creating healthy classroom…
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A Decade of Emergency- Class in Session
Today Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci teach Producer Jakob about the subject of "emergency teaching licenses". With Wisconsin Public Radio reporting that the state issued 20% more emergency licenses in 2025 than in 2022, Tim reminds us all that the teacher staffing issue isn't about a lack…
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End of Winter Break- Homeroom
Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci have sharpened their pencils, straightened their ties, and trimmed their beards. Why? Because winter break is over! The holidays have come and gone, so it's time to get back to homeroom and get ready to learn! Highlights; Johnny gets stuck in a snowbank and…
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Our Predictions for 2026!
Every year on BustED Pencils we like to start things off by making a few predictions for the new year. Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci aren't just two educated educators; they're also two predictable predictors who predict predictions. What will change in education? What storylines do we see...
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Happy New Year! PCS #32
Happy New Year! As the Producer's Choice Show wraps up its first year on the air, host Producer Jakob has invited Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci back on their own show to discuss their resolutions for 2026. What do we want to see change for education? How can we be better educated…
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Judging Our 2025 Predictions- Class in Session
Every year Tim and Johnny celebrate the New Year by making predictions for how they think the next year is going to go. The problem is that they have NEVER been held accountable for their predictions... UNTIL NOW. Producer Jakob has dug up Tim and Johnny's 2025 predictions and on the final day of...
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Reflecting on 2025- Homeroom
On the final Homeroom episode of 2025, Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci are joined by Producer Jakob to reflect on the past year. What moments really stuck in our minds? Which episodes are our favorites? And what changes to the show helped make it even better in 2025? We discuss it all on the...
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THE WAR ON CHRISTMAS. PCS #31
Today on the Producer's Choice Show Jakob is interviewing education expert Dr. Tim Slekar about the supposed war on Christmas. Has the way in which the holidays are celebrated within public schools changed since Tim was a wee lad? How should teachers approach the holidays in a way that lets the...
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The History of Santa- Class in Session
Today we have a rare treat; Dr. Tim Slekar is actually teaching something! Producer Jakob dons his dunce cap, brings in his freshest apple for Mr. Slekar, and prepares to learn the true history of Santa Claus. Where did jolly old Saint Nick come from and how did he become the treasured simple of...
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Going Nativity- Homeroom
Today Dr. Tim Slekar and Producer Jakob are going nativity after a series of inflammatory news stories about controversial nativity displays at churches spark conversation. How do we feel about using the nativity as a venue for protest? Do religious people have a right to practice their beliefs…
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Talking Publicization and Mamdani with Jonathan Gyurko
We're talking publicization and Mamdani with Jonathan Gyurko as one of our favorite guests makes his return to the show. Author of the fantastic book Publicization, Gyurko is back at it again with two fantastic articles that have set the education world ablaze. Whether it's giving educated...
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Favorite Festive Films! PCS #30
On the final Producer's Choice Show before Christmas, Producer Jakob has brought in movie expert Dr. Johnny Lupinacci for a discussion of their favorite festive films! Every era has its own classics, every family has their own tradition, and every person has their own personal favorite. Today…
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TikTok Killed the Video Star? Class in Session
Today Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci are doing their best VJ impressions as they discuss their recollections of MTV, its cultural impact, and the importance of music education. With MTV continuing to wind down the last vestiges of its music content, now seems like as good a time as any for…
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Merry Christmas, Here’s Some Debt! Homeroom
The Department of Education has announced a deal to end Joe Biden's student loan repayment assistance program just in time for the holidays! Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci discuss the decision as well as its potential impacts. In addition, Tim shares his frustration with the Biden...
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Doctor Schmockter?
Today on BustED Pencils Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci talk about the value of post-graduate education for educators. Does earning a master's degree or doctorates make you a better teacher? What's the point of getting one of these degrees? And should teachers even bother with them? They…
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To Cram, or Not to Cram? PCS #29
It's the middle of December, which means we’re in the midst of what we like to call Finals Season here in the US of A. It’s a time when students around America are buckling down, going over flash cards, and trying their best to make up for having not paid attention in class for the last few…
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Thriving in a Documentary- Class in Session
Today on BustED Pencils we're joined by author / educator Allen Levie and filmmaker Rommel Genciana to discuss the upcoming documentary film based on the book Thriving in Public Schools. We talk to Allen about his real life experiences teaching in Racine, Wisconsin, that inspired him to write the...
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The Finals Countdown- Homeroom
It's December and that can only mean one thing; it's time for finals! Youngsters across this great nation are staying up late, cramming for their exams, and Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci are joined by Producer Jakob to talk about their memories of finals' past. BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded...
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Are Our Kids At-Risk?!?
Today on BustED Pencils Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci take a look at a troubling article out of Wisconsin. According to the Department of Public Instruction, 36% of children who attend 4K through 3rd Grade are considered at-risk for reading proficiency. What does that actually mean? What…
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Musing About Music. PCS #28
Today on the Producer's Choice Show we have two amused musicophiles musing about music. Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci join host Producer Jakob to talk about the bands and artists they've been listening to this year, their policies about music in their classrooms, and the role of music...
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Oklahoma Student Gets Bad Grade- Class in Session
BREAKING NEWS; a student at the University of Oklahoma got a bad grade. Yes, this is the biggest education story in the country right now. The student, a Sooner undergrad, received a 0/25 on an assignment for using the Christian bible to defend traditional gender roles. Was the grade appropriate?...
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Water Vapor-in’ in the Boys Room
With Dr. Johnny Lupinacci in a turkey-induced coma, Dr. Tim Slekar and Producer Jakob discuss a hot topic in education. Across America, particularly in our high schools, young people are stomping out their cigarettes and picking up vape pens. What's the big deal with vaping? Why are kids doing it...
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Gobbling Up the Department of Education
On this exciting post-Thanksgiving episode of BustED Pencils Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci start things off with a chat about the holiday and then move into the education news of the week. Various agencies are gobbling up the department of education, which makes us wonder, is Trump handing...
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The Thanksgiving Episode. PCS #27
On this festive Thanksgiving edition of the Producer's Choice Show host Producer Jakob is joined by Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci to talk turkey! What are their favorite Thanksgiving food items? What did they do for Thanksgiving this year? And how soon is too early to take out the…
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The Republicans Are Right? Class in Session
Today on BustED Pencils Dr. Tim Slekar and his comrade Producer Jakob take a look at a developing story out of Wisconsin. As enrollment continues to decline, Republicans in Madison have passed bills aimed at aiding and encouraging school consolidation, and while Democrats in the state are against...
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What the Heck is a Six Seven? Homeroom
Today Dr. Tim Slekar and Producer Jakob grab their pencils and notebooks as Dr. Johnny "The Yoot" Lupinacci teaches them all about the viral meme six seven. What the heck is a six seven? Why are kids yelling it in classrooms across this great nation? And is it something about Satan or am I just…
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Butchering the Department of Education
It's been a whole seven days since the last BustED Pencils broadcast, and Dr. Tim Slekar has found this week's biggest stories in education for us to discuss! From Linda McMahon butchering the Department of Education with little regard for those impacted, to efforts by high schools to revive the...
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Are Teachers Lazy? (No) PCS #26
Today on the Producer's Choice Show we're tackling a subject raised earlier this week on Class in Session; are teachers lazy? With the Wisconsin legislature enforcing new demands on what they guess it means for professors to be working hard, Producer Jakob has invited Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny...
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Get Back to Work! Class in Session
Today on BustED Pencils Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci take a look at a developing story out of Madison, Wisconsin. The statewide budget passed earlier this year included $256 million in increased funding for the University of Wisconsin system, but that money comes with a price; newly…
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Who Can You Trust? Homeroom!
It's a special Homeroom as Dr. Johnny Lupinacci and Producer Jakob talk about trust in media. Who better to do it than two of the most trusted voices in the media, right?! Johnny brings us a concerning article from Education Week showing that 84% of teens distrust the news, and Jakob brings info...
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Bringing Education and Democracy Together
Today on BustED Pencils Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci discuss a new law coming into effect in Ohio. The law takes aim at higher education, listing out forbidden topics and tamping down discussion, but that's not all. The law also takes an axe to several programs of study. What's the real…
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Supporting Vets in Education. PCS #25
Today on the Producer's Choice Show we look back at the history of Veterans Day and look forward to a future of supporting vets in education. Host Producer Jakob welcomes guests Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci to discuss the contributions veterans make on campus, the strengths of our system…
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The Coach-Teacher Connection. Class in Session
With Tim out on assignment, Dr. Johnny Lupinacci is joined by Producer Jakob to talk about something near and dear to their hearts; the link between coaching and teaching. What are the similarities between coaching and teaching? What can coaches and teachers learn from each other? And what core...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
BustED Pencils; Fully Leaded Education Talk is a powerful radio show/podcast dedicated to public education. BustED Pencils is known for its commitment to the hard facts with a humorous twist. Hosts Dr. Tim Slekar and Dr. Johnny Lupinacci cover the “real” issues in education. The show establishes an alternative space and discusses education reform from an entirely progressive perspective. Our approach is funny, edgy, passionate, witty and gritty and features an array of guests. BustED Pencils explores the political and commercial influences behind education policy. We deliver trending education news without the jargon, and most importantly, we promote a vision of public schools that all children deserve. BustED Pencils appeals to ”your neighbor”—parents, grandparents, guardians, teachers, policymakers, taxpayers and students alike.
HOSTED BY
Civic Media
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does BustED Pencils have?
BustED Pencils currently has 482 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is BustED Pencils about?
BustED Pencils; Fully Leaded Education Talk is a powerful radio show/podcast dedicated to public education. BustED Pencils is known for its commitment to the hard facts with a humorous twist. Hosts Dr. Tim Slekar and Dr. Johnny Lupinacci cover the “real” issues in education. The show establishes an...
How often does BustED Pencils release new episodes?
BustED Pencils is no longer actively publishing new episodes, but the existing catalog remains available.
Where can I listen to BustED Pencils?
You can listen to BustED Pencils on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening.
Who hosts BustED Pencils?
BustED Pencils is created and hosted by Civic Media.
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