The Old School

Your two loveable hosts draw on a topic that is near and dear to their hearts - the wonderful culture of the Germans. Using an episode of the German language podcast Easy German as inspiration, the Old School look at a few characteristics and quirks of the German culture and see to what it extent it applies to them in particular and the American culture in general. And in many cases, given the long history of German immigration to the United States, these are not foreign ideas. These are fun comparisons, looking at the some of the great, unique and quizzical qualities of both countries. d

Your two favorite podcasters tackle the deep and complicated issue of rootedness. The United States has one of the most dynamic social mobility of any other country in the world - a statistic that is often defined by how far one lives compared to the birthplace of their parents. Additionally, many social commentators often speak to a lack of community, which can be a by-product of how little social mobility. The two hosts attempt to discuss and tease out the characteristics of rootedness and what are the advantages of it and what is lost without it. Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller address these issues, leaning on their own experience and how they see the idea. A very interesting topic that you will want to pass around to all your friends and family - those that live far and near from you.

Your two masters of the message (whatever message that may be) take a look at volcanoes, with a particular attention to the one whose last eruption will soon be observing its 46th anniversary - Mount St. Helens. Despite Dr. Bourgeois' assertion that he knew little about it despite living mere hours away, the two tackle the events that led to the explosion and the lives lost. In discussing the volcano, we also discuss those who refused to leave and what might justify such a decision, even though in this case, it proved fatal. An interesting look at an event that left a lasting impression on Mr. Miller and created a lifelong interest in the forces that impact our planet.

Your two jet-setting hosts take a deeper look at plane travel. Dr Bourgeois and Mr. Miller consider the pros and cons of traveling by plane. They recount our favorite and least favorite parts of the experience. For all of the technological wonders that planes represent, the hosts also detail their scariest experiences. This is all preceded by controversies surrounding Southwest Airlines, as the attempt to re-brand their operations.During the discourse on planes, the hosts discussed Mr. Miller's guided trip to Germany in October to visit some of the sites that represent some of the biggest moments in the life of Martin Luther. For more information or to book one of the limited spots on this trip, please click the link below.https://tsatours.wetravel.com/trips/footsteps-of-luther-2026-with-ross-miller-tsa-tours-inc-6764922849

In this episode, your two favorite intrepid podcast hosts tackle the spine-tingling topic of fear. As they attempt to define it, the two learned gentlemen speak first of phobias but then, tackle the messier notion of personal fears - things that cannot be defined by some Greek mish-mash word but rather speaks to an internal insecurity. The hosts finish by discussing how to tackle fear and whether it works to hold on to some fear - are people better with fears or seeking to banish them all?

Your two forward thinking, future loving hosts celebrate the podcast's 150th episode by looking at changes in language. Inspired by an episode of Words Unraveled with Rob Watts and Jess Zafarris (link below), the hosts take a look at changes in language and whether they are ultimately good, bad or just a part of the dynamic nature of language as seen in the centuries before. They will look at profanity, euphemisms, the downgrade of grammatical importance and the growing informality of language. All the while, trying to figure out the level of which they are comfortable with the changes and how AI could exacerbate the changes or wipe out language completely. Another wholesome and optimistic look at the developments of language. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JYqGa_-UZE

Your two favorite curmudgeons set their sights on doctors in particular and the health care system in general. While there is much to love and admire about our health system, there are idiosyncrasies that annoy the hosts - from quick primary doctor visits to the tone that some physicians have when speaking to us to a host of other little things that lead to one big episode. What are you biggest pet peeves about going to the doctor? Leave a comment. The pod would love to hear from you.

The Old School podcasters celebrate the Olympics as the final events conclude in Milan on 22 February. There is a great deal of talk on what makes it special, what makes it annoying and what the hosts would add or subtract to the list of events. Mr. Miller regales in his story of his visit to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver while Dr. Bourgeois dwells in the wonder of watching track and field events. All of this Olympic talk of finely tuned athletes with bodies at the peak of their power is preceded by a discussion on the wonders of SPAM. 

Your two intrepid podcast hosts tackle the subject of mysteries and conspiracies. Theories are debated regarding John F. Kennedy, fake pigeons and dodgy mattress stores. There is also a look at mysteries such as the cases of Amelia Earhart, D.B. Cooper and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. The two hosts also broach the subject of the psychology of believing in conspiracies and the lionization of such dubious figures as criminals Cooper, Bonnie and Clyde and Butch and Sundance. Dr. Bourgeois gets Mr. Miller's goat, Mr. Miller takes it head long and hilarity ensues. 

Returning to the field of education, your two favorite podcasters delve into a subject that has been touched on before but never elaborated upon and that is the hiring of teachers. The Old School first addresses how teachers are trained and whether, despite historical precedence, a nationalized and uniformed certification process is favorable to the various, and at times questionable, local and state-wide versions. Second, the hosts dive into the interview process and the best way to discover the best teaching prospects and finally, ending with the on-the-job training teachers get or don't. The podcast covers a lot of territory today to try and understand the best way to get the best people in the most needed classrooms.

As snow and temperatures fall on North Texas and nearly the entire eastern half of the country, your two intrepid hosts battle the conditions within their warm, cozy offices to deliver an episode on winter. The hosts focus on such conditions as seasonal affected disorder on one end of the spectrum but also the fact that some of the coldest countries in the world are also at the top of the happiness index. Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller consider the dichotomy of those two ideas and everything in between about the coming of winter. Not really coming anymore. Winter is here. 

Your two favorite podcast hosts tackle one of the touchiest subject they've ever discussed - a midlife crisis. In the course of the discussion, there is a great deal of digging into the myths associated with these phases of life, the symptoms and the extent of this condition. Much of what people know is a distortion created by media but the psychological evidence paints a different picture and the hosts will try to, in the modern parlance, unpack it.

The two loveable hosts welcome back the great Dr. Alex Fingers to discuss the idea of collecting things. From sports cards and comics as kids to music and more refined items as adults. Why do we collect things? How does it help us emotionally, socially and how does that help in other aspects of our lives? It is not just hoarding things - though it can certainly go in that direction. Rather, it is something that fires passions, fosters connections and in the end, become the things that define us.

Your two loveable hosts, in the midst of bowl games and the soon-to-begin NFL playoffs, talk about being a sports fan. The two attempt to draw out its positives but also the increasing number (of late) of negatives. What is acceptable? What should not be acceptable? Are fans using their status as paying customers to forget about social norms and mores? The hosts, while going down a few rabbit holes - including, whether Dr. Bourgeois can really call himself a "good fan" - attempt to answer these questions and discuss many other items.

The Old School Podcast welcomes Mr. Ferrell Yeokum to discuss classroom management and his new book, Mastering Classroom Discipline for New Teachers: A Practical Guide to Create an Orderly Classroom, Prevent Disruptions and Improve Student Performance. The three educators discuss the forces within the classroom, within the school and outside the school that can impact a well-run classroom and the teachers who attempt to accomplish their goals. In doing so, Mr. Yeokum provides some strategies and some approaches that can greatly assist new teachers with the incredibly difficult task to point their students in one, successful direction.

This week on the podcast, Mr. Miller reports live from the most magical place on Earth — and no, he’s not entirely sure how he got there.Join us as we unpack his family’s whirlwind trip to Disney World, including stops at EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and the infamous international pub crawl — all while trying to make sense of what Disney has become in the 21st century. Spoiler: this is not your granddaddy’s Disney.Between the fireworks and the funnel cakes, there’s plenty of room for reflection — on nostalgia, consumerism, and whether the collapse of Western culture might just be happening somewhere between the Norway Pavilion and Space Mountain.It’s a strange, hilarious, and occasionally profound look at America’s favorite theme park — and the culture that built it.Let’s get into it.

Your two favorite hosts are back as we discuss the nature of building and fixing things. With Mr. Miller's recent foyer into woodworking and carpentry, the two gentlemen discuss some of the ideas of famed woodworker Nick Offerman and expound upon that to touch on topics of self-efficacy, the happiness index and blue zones. The hosts expertly weave the seemingly disparate ideas while discussing the importance of being handy and how it could help the individual and the community as well. Next week - Mr. Miller rings in from Florida as we discuss the history of the state in general and Disney World in particular. You won't want to miss it.

Your two favorite hosts are back to talk about the advantages of taking the hard road. What are the lessons, what is the value of not seeking the easier path but one filled with potholes and detours. Often, it is these things that define a person and their ability to endure. The Old School endeavors to tease out some of the lessons that can be learned and the dangers in seeking the easier path. Additionally, Mr. Miller pays tribute and honor to a great man who left us way too soon. 

Your two loveable hosts go back to their bailiwick and speak to the dynamic Dr. Ericka Johnson who details her journey from teacher to education consultant and the traits needed to be a good leader. We cover the full scope of the education experience, as seen by Dr. Johnson throughout her career as an educator. It is an interesting and thoughtful conversation that you will enjoy.If you want to find Dr. Johnson's entire story unabridged, check out her book From Sub to Sup: The Journey of a Transformational Leader: The Turnaround Blueprint. 

Building on the previous episode on dinner parties, Dr. Steven Bourgeois and Ross Miller tackle other bygone ideas, these stemming from the 1970s and whether we are better off without them or should we bring them back. There is a bit of reminiscing as the hosts think back to days gone by and share some laughs along the way.

Your two favorite podcasters tackle a dying art - the dinner party. The hosts discuss the qualities of a good dinner party, drawing on the experiences growing up in a socially active household as well as their own efforts. They then segue into dissecting what has happened to the art - what are the reasons they are not as prevalent as they used to be. Additionally, what has been lost with the lack of them and what can be gained by bringing them back. 

Your two favorite podcast hosts tackle the notion of resiliency and the ability to stay focus in the face of leisure and relaxation. The allure, the benefits and the drawbacks of dedication and commitment becomes the focus on the episode. The hosts evaluate their own behavior during their working years and compare it with others and other examples of dedication. They look at the words of wisdom from the ancients as well as the more modern concepts of resiliency, dedication and stick-to-itiveness. 

Your two favorite hosts dive into a product of their times - albums. They discuss the nature of albums, how they were used and what we've lost or not from their disappearance. They have reemerged but has technology changed the way we consume music and is that a negative, neutral or a positive? 

Weathering a series of technological issues, your two tech-savvy hosts managed to encapsulate some of the brilliance that is Dr. Alex Fingers. It is a shorter episode than most but in the short time available, the hosts and Dr. Fingers take a look at a principal's job in setting the tone of a new school year and the three also speak on the nature of mentoring - one administrator to another.

The great Dr. Matt Post rejoins the Old School podcast to discuss the research that he and Dr. Bourgeois are conducting on the notion of character and virtue among undergraduates. This study seeks to identify what these students do or don't do that can be identified as virtuous but also why. Mr. Miller seeks to tease out what these two learned scholars have done over the last five years and what they hope to achieve when the research project comes to an end. This is a fascinating discussion, with one of our favorite people, about issues that can have implications how how we teach, how we parent and how we interact and relate to one another. 

After an unexpected break, brought on the thousands of miles and week-long ailments, your two intrepid heroes seek to come to a better understanding of the North - the stereotypes of the North and the promise that people have held about the North. Additionally, the hosts seek to draw comparisons with characteristics of the South - all of this not necessarily specific to the U.S. but with a more global understanding. Additionally, the hosts discuss their own perceptions and where they view their future taking place. All of this and a little vacation discussion regarding the wonderful Canadian province of Quebec.Be sure to follow the Old School on Instagram at theoldschoolpodcast2021. 

In the next installment of our state series, the Old School hosts take a look at Oregon - the home state of Dr. Bourgeois. The hosts take a look at the history, topography and the many cultural factors that make up this wonderful state. The hosts then end while waxing philosophically about what draws Dr. Bourgeois home often and won Mr. Miller's heart on his only trip to the Beaver State - Oregon. 

Your two amicable hosts look into a topic that has plagued parents for centuries - what to do with the kids during the summer break. Since the hosts do not have the great minds of history to lean on, the listener will have to make do with The Old School as they consider and reflect on the various activities kids can partake in - where they are not checking their brain at the door. Not only do they reflect on the old days that so many speak of today and wish for the children of today, but the two also provide a means to explore those options and more. During the course of the conversation, Mr. Miller brought up letplay.org. Letplay provides resources, ideas and scheduled events for the parent or grandparent of today. It also provides methods to push for greater independence within your child in a world that is increasingly fear-based and ultimately, instills uncertainty and anxiety in children today.This episode is sponsored by Ahart Solutions.

Your two favorite hosts peal back the curtain to unveil the happenings in a school prior to and after the school day - as well as a few things during the day. From custodians, to early birds, administrators and secretaries, the hosts take you through the aspects of a typical day in American education that most people may be unaware of. In doing so, it is hoped that some light is shined on the hard working people that do not get many accolades. This episode is sponsored by Ahart Solutions.

Your two estimable hosts address the events of this week - the birthday of the United States of America. While plenty of people are commenting on the problems the country faces, and rightly so, Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller decide to focus on the positive. During the episode, both hosts present the five reasons why they love this country so much. In doing so, they take the opportunity to highlight the reasons why this country is great - a needed reminder in tough times. This episode is sponsored by Ahart Solutions. 

In the aftermath of Mr. Miller's surgery, your two friendly hosts discuss the operation as well as the notion of growing old. The two discuss limitations, changes in latitudes and attitudes (thank you Mr. Buffett) and what they see as the purpose and direction older people take and take on. Of course, though perhaps on the face, a dour topic, the two address it with their typical thoughtfulness and humor under the notion that not everything is as it seems. This episode is sponsored by Ahart Solutions.

Your two gregarious hosts take a look at Mr. Miller's return to retirement - for the umpteenth time. There is also a discussion about the possibility of working in a lighthouse as part of a larger project - one that combines the loves, interests and abilities of our hosts. In the meantime, the two hosts tackle notions of work and loneliness as they work through the opportunities that lie ahead.  Be sure to follow us on Instagram at theoldschoolpodcast2021. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider sharing it, liking it and leaving a comment. We'd love to hear from you...really. The episode is sponsored by Ahart Solutions.

Your two loveable hosts tackle a couple of stories coming out regarding schools, technology and the hijinks that follow. From AI teachers to the cumulative effect of technology on a student's ability to learn, the hosts look at recent developments in the U.S. The hosts also dive somewhat into a major (probably minor) programming note on a possible hiatus. The two stories the hosts refer to can be found at:https://www.foxnews.com/media/teacher-goes-viral-after-saying-tech-ruining-kids-education-farewell-videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRe61oMX9lYThe episode is sponsored by Ahart Solutions.

Your two favorite amicable hosts tackle the thorny and omnipresent problem of procrastination. Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller explore the notion of procrastination, what causes it, ways in which it can be good or bad and how to address fixing the problem. In the process, experience, history, philosophy and problem-solving are used to address this and to examine the forces that make it seemingly worse than ever before. Want some great reading on our current education system? Check out The Center Cannot Hold: A Critical Look at Contemporary Education. Written by yours truly. This episode is sponsored by Ahart Solutions.

Your two favorite hosts welcome Dr. David Baillargeon from the University of Texas at Arlington to discuss the importance and impact of the British Empire. Dr. Baillargeon focuses on what can be seen and studied with regards to British action in Myanmar (or Burma) and Malaysia. The three do a deep dive in what made the Burmese and Malay experience unique but also, the esteemed professor also highlights the commonalities that can be seen in nearly all colonizing experiences. Oh, and the three also throw in some soccer talk as well...you know, elements of colonization, of course.This episode is sponsored by Ahart Solutions.

The Old School welcomes the great Dr. Peter Worthing of TCU to discuss the Boxer Rebellion. The three gentlemen discuss the origins of the movement, what it was and how it influenced China going into the 20th century and beyond. It is a great conversation that highlights not just the philosophical ideals that modern historians attribute to the Boxers but the real world circumstances that motivated agrarian Chinese to attack the western presence in their country. Patriots, rebels or a desperate lot frantically hoping their efforts will approve their lives? All three? The Old School attempts to address these ideas and more.In the course of the discussion, Dr. Worthing references a couple of great books on the Boxer Rebellion if one is interested in learning more about this very fascinating topic.The Origins of the Boxer Uprising by Joseph W. Esherick History in Three Keys: The Boxers as Event, Experience and Myth by Paul A. CohenFor a more popular but still riveting account of the uprising, check out:The Boxer Rebellion: The Dramatic Story of China's War on Foreigners that Shook the World in the Summer of 1900 by Diana Preston. This episode is sponsored by Ahart Solutions.

Your two favorite hosts tackle the growing crisis surrounding boys and men and how education could potentially turn those indices around. The podcast takes a look at an article on the re-emergence and saving qualities of an all-boys education and how truly effective something like that could be. The hosts also try to tip toe around various political issues and paradigms this type of action could engender.A New Case for All-Boys EducationThe episode is sponsored by Ahart Solutions.

Your two favorite hosts discuss the idea of traveling the world and selecting the six spots they would choose to stop and visit. Mr. Miller is planning something for her daughter in a few years so this conversation is a part theoretical and a part practical discussion on the wonderful places we would love to check out. In the comments below, please leave a list of six places where you would visit. This episode is sponsored by Ahart Solutions.  

Your two favorite hosts welcome Boston College retired professor, Patrick McQuillan, to speak on his research as well as his new book that looks to shape how school leadership is to be taught and carried out. It is a methodology designed to build greater trust through all parties involved in our education system and in doing so, offer opportunities for all of our students to achieve their goals. Along with Anna Noble Dunphy, Brad Kershner, Ksenia Filatov and Laura Schall-Leckrone, Dr. McQuillan has published his book on the methods discussed in the episode. It is available on Amazon - Complexity Theory and Educational Leadership in Schools: Toward a Systems Transformation Heuristic. During the episode, Dr. McQuillan referenced the work of Anthony Bryk and Barbara Schneider - Trust in Schools: A Core Resource for Improvement, as well as The Coalition of Essential Schools. This episode is sponsored by Ahart Solutions.

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller welcome back Ksenia Filatov, as the three discuss new trends in education that are highlighted by a new superintendent in Houston, Texas and his controversial methods to increase test scores and efficiency. The trio look at the philosophy behind such techniques, the degree to which they are new at all and what needs to be considered when assessing such strategies. During the episode, Ms. Filatov brought up two books she feels offers interesting perspectives on education in particular and society in general:The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power by Shoshana Zuboff.Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy by Cathy O'Neil.Is Micromanaging Classes a Recipe for School Success? by Tony Closson and David GoodmanCheck us out on Instagram at theoldschoolpodcast2021 as well as our website www.aharteducation.com This episode of the Old School Podcast is brought to you by Ahart Solutions.

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller dive into the merits of the latter's home state of Maryland. Mr. Miller goes through the history of his state, touching on its qualities, characteristics and what sets it apart from other states. Meanwhile, Dr. Bourgeois takes shots across the bow, aiming at such low hanging fruit like the HBO show, The Wire. Mr. Miller sets the record straight and in the process, everyone has the chance to learn a bit more about the 7th state of the United States.

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller welcome the multi-talented Michelle Mayfield to the podcast. During the episode, the three will discuss the life of a musician, the songwriting process and the experience of being on stage. The three also spend time discussing influences and inspirations that can motivate a musician and help direct one's path. You can follow Michelle Mayfield on the following platforms:Spotify - open.spotify.com/artist/0g0WcBROEjuBbZZcgoBh5D?si=yHhLeYQtTwqy74cXvVBfXwYouTube - www.youtube.com/@MichelleMayfieldXXVInstagram - instagram.com/michellemayfieldxxvTiktok - tiktok.com/@michellemayfieldxxvThis episode is brought to you by Ahart Solutions.

The hosts tap into their love of music to first, characterize the art of drumming. This includes the stereotypes of drummers and the hosts tease out to the extent the stereotypes are true and why that might be. Second, each host will present their favorite drummers and what those artists brought to the instrument and the other musicians who played with them. Of course, this entire discussion is done with the charm, wit and charisma the hosts are known for.This episode of the Old School Podcast is brought to you by Ahart Solutions.Follow your favorite podcasters on Instagram at theoldschoolpodcast2021. Check for news, updates and of course, fun and frivolity. 

The hosts looks at digitalization efforts in Germany and the impact of the same in the United States. The hosts also connect the writings of social critic Neil Postman and his clarion calls for attention and caution to be used when technology are allowed unfettered access into our children's classes - our sacred spaces - to the developing situation both in the U.S. and Germany...and beyond.This episode of the Old School Podcast is brought to you by Ahart Solutions.Follow us on Instagram at theoldschoolpodcast2021 - follow, like, comment, share!

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller welcome back the great Dr. Alex Fingers to discuss the way teachers are evaluating and measured. Over the course of episode, the three discuss the way a principal assesses teachers - from the first interview to daily interactions - but also the way teachers are trained and educated. The hosts and Dr. Fingers also consider the degree to which the education system must be changed before measurable improvement can be seen.This episode brought to you by Ahart Solutions.

The hosts welcome Mr. Richard Marquez to the podcast. The famed educator has been known for his work in solving truancy issues as well as developing strategies for teaching students to read and use their ability towards their other studies as well as their life. An easy going conversation that is filled with wisdom and helpful ideas that can aide teachers and parents working to help students.The episode brought to by Ahart Solutions. 

Mr. Miller calls in from Liverpool, flushed from his soccer experiences and touring around the great port city, as well as Manchester. The two hosts spend some time comparing and contrasting the soccer experience in England to that in Germany and do a deep-dive into English culture. Throughout, the hosts share insights and laughs about our English-speaking cousins from across the Atlantic. This episode is brought to you by Ahart Solutions.

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller spend their 108th episode by tackling some of the ways in which education is making the news. The hosts address a cell phone ban in Massachusetts' public schools, a re-dedication to education by the Communist Chinese government and the International Day of Education, as established by the United Nations, gets the attention of the host with this year's focal theme on AI and automation. In speaking of China, the hosts bring up Dr. Carrie Currier's episode on the geopolitical forces China is currently dealing with. The link to episode 89 is below with the news that Dr. Currier will, hopefully soon, return to the podcast to speak on education in China.https://open.spotify.com/episode/5UAJiEYh2rjgXfZVdwSs2G?si=UR8UzkELQNeDoj9pNVJxDQThis episode is brought to you by Ahart Education. 

The hosts are joined by the dynamic Kyle Queal to discuss the nature of leadership within industry and the connective tissues that link those lessons to the classroom and to the athletic realm. The three seek to tease out such questions as what does a leader need to do when taking over an operation, how does a leader get the most from those working with them and how translatable are such skills and methods when applied to other areas and industries - be they non-profit groups, religious organizations, schools and, in this case, the Dallas Cowboys.Follow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theoldschoolpodcast2021/This episode is brought to you by Ahart Solutions.

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. Follow us on Instagram.https://www.instagram.com/theoldschoolpodcast2021/This episode is brought to you by Ahart Solutions.