Intermission

Testing season is upon us, and things are getting hectic around here, but that’s not stopping the students from rolling out some of the best episodes yet. In this teaser, I wanted to give a heads up to what’s coming to With Honors as we wind down the school year and rev up the podcast.

First up? A major crossover event: our next full episode features a live, in-class recording with Mr. Drew Haston of A Deadman’s Books as we dig into The Great Gatsby in front of a live student audience. Coach Haston was a senior here when I started teaching, and now he teaches freshman English and journalism for my department. I've grown pretty close to him these last few years, and the class podcast wouldn’t even be here if it weren't for his influence. This episode was a neat trick to record. It’s got everything: literary insights, baseball metaphors, marriage stories, dad jokes, and even student questions at the mic. It was one of those singular moments of my school year, the kind you know you’ll never forget.

You’ll also hear previews of what’s ahead: episodes from Solomon and Hunter as they tackle censorship, propaganda, and Fahrenheit 451 (and somehow deliver one of the funniest episodes yet). Also, Alondra teams up with Coach Haston, who was her freshman English teacher, for a co-hosted conversation that’s relaxed, smart, and full of heart (with a little caffeine-fueled pep, too). These aren’t just assignments. They’re honest, reflective, thoughtful conversations that mean something.

We’re planning to release multiple episodes a week until summer break, capturing as many student voices as we can before the school year ends. You’ll also hear some bonus episodes with former students looking back on their time in class and how it shaped where they are now, plus a few summer surprises, if Coach Haston keeps jogging and continues getting genius ideas.

Season 1 has been all about finding our sound, our rhythm, and our purpose. These episodes are full of voice, vulnerability, humor, and wisdom, and we’re so glad you’ve come along for the ride.

Stick around. It’s about to get even better.

Follow A Deadman’s Books on Spotify at http://open.spotify.com/show/4HtulwbO10pOjV5hbdWOty?si=6b05d146fff94c84

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jcrock.substack.com