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PODCAST · education

Matchstick Musings

by Brent Coley

Love educational podcasts but don't have time for lengthy episodes? Want something a bit more bite-sized (like just two or three minutes per episode)? Matchstick Musings is just what you're looking for!Though small, a matchstick carries the fire to start something big. In the same way, while episodes of the podcast may be short, they have the potential to spark a fire in educators, reminding them of what's most important.Proving inspiration can come from just about anywhere (Brent records episodes in his car), Matchstick Musings are the perfect motivational morsel for educators everywhere.

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Episodes

  1. Episode 44 - But Not Today

    If it’s sunny today, don’t focus on the clouds that may roll in tomorrow.

  2. Episode 43 - Imposter Syndrome

    Swimming in deep water and drowning are not the same thing.

  3. Episode 42 - Sacrificing Some Efficiency for Effectiveness

    Sometimes taking a little extra time, doing it a little less "efficiently," can be more effective.

  4. Episode 41 - I Wish I Didn’t Do It

    “I didn’t do it” vs. “I wish I didn’t do it”Here’s a strategy I’ve found to be helpful when young people need a little help digging themselves out of the ditch they’ve dug for themselves.

  5. Episode 40 - Collateral Kindness

    Acts of kindness don’t just positively impact the recipient of the act.

  6. Episode 39 - The Gandalf Connection

    Making connections through lanyards and The Lord of the Rings

  7. Episode 38 - Smart Again

    Share the idea, tool or encouraging thought. You never know who it might impact.

  8. Episode 37 - Making Others Feel Seen

    Can something as simple as saying, “Goodnight” make someone feel seen? Yes. Yes, it can.

  9. Episode 36 - Classroom Tour Video

    Teachers, want to lessen any potential nervousness or anxiety your incoming students may be feeling about the upcoming school year? Create a classroom tour video!

  10. Episode 35 - Free Refills

    How the World Cup can remind us not to take things for granted

  11. Episode 34 - Hope in Our Next Generation

    Despite some of the negative stories we may see in the media, I’ve got a lot of hope in our next generation.

  12. Episode 33 - On What Will We Focus?

    Will we choose to be grateful or focus on the negatives?

  13. Episode 32 - A Guilt-Free Break

    Happy summer break to all the educators out there! May you enjoy a summer sabbath, a time of pressure-free relaxation, free from work!

  14. Episode 31 - Eat Lunch

    Hey, school site administrators! You shouldn’t feel guilty about eating lunch.

  15. Episode 30 - Submit the Survey

    What if we submitted the surveys not just for our negative experiences, but for the positive ones as well?

  16. Episode 29 - Look Where You Are

    What a blessing to be exhausted by the things we used to pray for

  17. Episode 28 - Be Like Theo

    What if we were genuinely so uncommonly kind and friendly that it made those around us suspicious…in a good way?

  18. Episode 27 - What's Your Green Sauce?

    A reminder that the main dish isn’t always what gets people in the door.

  19. Episode 26 - Talking to Strangers

    When talking to strangers can be a good thing

  20. Episode 25 - One Small Word

    A reminder about how changing just a single word in a sentence can have a profound impact

  21. Episode 24 - Your Favorite Teacher

    Who was your favorite teacher growing up? Follow-up question: Why?

  22. Episode 23 - Notifications Off

    It's OK to turn notifications off.

  23. Episode 22 - Feeding the Stray Cat

    Protecting work/personal boundaries isn’t just OK, it’s essential.

  24. Episode 21 - It'll Keep

    It’ll keep. It’ll still be there tomorrow. It’s OK to go home.

  25. Episode 20 - The Dark Side???

    A reminder about the need to avoid overgeneralizing

  26. Episode 19 - Leaders Need Encouragement Too

    Don't forget about your leaders. They need encouragement too.

  27. Episode 18 - What Is Said, What Is Heard

    What is said is not always what is heard.

  28. Episode 17 - "I'm Special"

    What’s in a name? The power to make someone’s day.

  29. Episode 16 - Broken Window Theory

    What we choose to do...and not do...sends a message to anyone watching.

  30. Episode 15 - Nothing on the Walls

    A simple "Thank You" note. Thoughtful. Encouraging. Office decoration?

  31. Episode 14 - The Soap Dispenser

    Encouragement from an unlikely source

  32. Episode 13 - Brain Surgery

    A reminder that it isn't easy for everyone

  33. Episode 12 - A Random Compliment

    Have something nice to say? Say it. Have a compliment to pay? Pay it.

  34. Episode 11 - The Other Four-Letter Word

    The other four-letter word we need to stop using in certain contexts

  35. Episode 10 - 10 Months Later

    A reminder that it's often the small acts of kindness that are remembered

  36. Episode 9 - Be Curious, Not Judgmental

    A quick story reminding us to always seek more information before jumping to a conclusion

  37. Episode 8 - 40 Cents

    A reminder that you’re impacting more people than you realize

  38. Episode 7 - My Favorite Socks

    A reminder not to overlook the little things in our lives we have to be thankful for

  39. Episode 6 - When I Grow Up

    A short story about a 5-year-old delivering a truth bomb

  40. Episode 5 - A Lesson from McDonald’s

    Brent shares how a recent visit to McDonald’s can serve as a great reminder of what we want our schools to be like…and what we DON’T want to emulate.

  41. Episode 4 - "Nice Shoes!"

    A great reminder about how much power is contained in a few simple words

  42. Episode 3 - We See What We Look For

    Look for negativity and you'll find it. But the good news is the same is true of positivity.

  43. Episode 2 - Sprinkles

    Who knew a sprinkled donut could provide inspiration?

  44. Episode 1 - Don't Focus on the Mud

    A quick story to remind us we don't have to solely focus on the annoyances in our path

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Love educational podcasts but don't have time for lengthy episodes? Want something a bit more bite-sized (like just two or three minutes per episode)? Matchstick Musings is just what you're looking for!Though small, a matchstick carries the fire to start something big. In the same way, while episodes of the podcast may be short, they have the potential to spark a fire in educators, reminding them of what's most important.Proving inspiration can come from just about anywhere (Brent records episodes in his car), Matchstick Musings are the perfect motivational morsel for educators everywhere.

HOSTED BY

Brent Coley

CATEGORIES

education

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Matchstick Musings have?

Matchstick Musings currently has 44 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Matchstick Musings about?

Love educational podcasts but don't have time for lengthy episodes? Want something a bit more bite-sized (like just two or three minutes per episode)? Matchstick Musings is just what you're looking for!Though small, a matchstick carries the fire to start something big. In the same way, while...

How often does Matchstick Musings release new episodes?

Matchstick Musings has 44 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Matchstick Musings?

You can listen to Matchstick Musings on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Matchstick Musings?

Matchstick Musings is created and hosted by Brent Coley.
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