Hey! What's Your Deal?

In this episode, Mr. B sits down with Vivienne Hubler to discuss what Vivienne calls "normalization." What does she mean by this?  Tune in and find out! It might actually improve your quality of life. (Bonus: Vivienne gives Mr. B. a Vietnamese language lesson!). We hope you enjoy Vivienne's take on life, and as always: never forget to embrace your inner weirdo!

Mr. B sits down with Maggie Inge to talk about her love of Taekwondo.  Maggie talks about the hard work she has put in to receive her black belt, as well as why girls shouldn't be afraid to try things that might not be "typical."  Maggie also discusses her use of the Bullet Journal and how Leader in Me has been helping her with her leadership skills as well as forming new, positive habits.  Enjoy!

In this episode, Analena returns- but this time we aren't talking about strange foods!  This time she is here to talk about the Technology Student Association, also known as TSA.  Analena talks about what the organization is, what they do, and the many different types of activities and learning that they offer.  Mr. B had a blast welcoming Analena back, and we know you will enjoy it as well.  And as always, remember to never be afraid to embrace your inner weirdo!

In this episode, Mr. B sits down with the one and only Cora Lyon to talk about winning and participating in beauty pageants.  Cora talks about what she enjoys, what she doesn't, and her preparation for the many different pageants she has been in- and will be in.  We hope you find it as informative as Mr. Bridges did!  Enjoy, and always remember to embrace your inner weirdo!

In this episode Mr. Bridges sits down with Amber Moss, a client partner and representative for FranklinCovey's "Leader in Me."  Mr. Bridges has begun implementing the program with his gifted and talented students this year and has been extremely pleased with the results he is seeing.  Amber discusses the program and how it can benefit not only every student in the school, but also the faculty, administration, and even the parents at home.  If you are interested in speaking with Amber about Leader in Me, her email address is [email protected].  Thank you for tuning in, and remember to never be afraid to embrace your inner weirdo!

We are back in the new school year with a new episode! In the intro, Mr. B talks about how important communication is for today's children- gifted or otherwise.  He also discusses how the GT students at Alma are using the Leader in Me program to develop leadership skills and improve their behavior habits.  Our special guest this episode is Addison Rucker, and she does an AWESOME job telling us about NASCAR and all of the different experiences she has had at Talladega Speedway—as well as excellently expressing her love for food!  We know you will enjoy this episode, and remember- never be afraid to embrace your inner weirdo!

In this summer edition "special", Mr. B. sits down with Wyatt Brister to discuss the life of a high school senior- but maybe not your TYPICAL high school senior.  Wyatt talks about his interests, hobbies, classes, career goals, and his work ethic.  Mr. B and Wyatt even discuss the current state mandate on cell phones that is about to go into effect.  Wyatt has a lot going on, and we think you will really enjoy this discussion. Thank you for tuning in, and spread the word!

In this episode, we flip the script a bit.  Jade, a 4th grade GT student, turns the tables on Mr. B and interviews him.  In this podcast she asks how he came to be a GT Coordinator, what he was like as a kid, as well as what his interests are.  The questions are her's, and the answers are Mr. B's.  We hope that you enjoy!

In this episode, Mr. B sits down with Emmy and Jade to talk about stress and how a 4th grade GT student deals with it.  Many people often believe that kids have it easy, but that definitely is not the case.  Emmy and Jade also take time to discuss perfectionism, and how it can be a good AND bad thing.  They do an excellent job communicating their points, and they were a lot of fun- as you will here.  We hope you enjoy, and always remember to embrace your inner weirdo.

In this episode, Mr. B sits down with Charlotte Shores to talk about quiz bowl.  Charlotte talks about what quiz bowl is, how it is played, how she made the team, and some of her favorite things about quiz bowl.  She has a LOT to say. We really hope you enjoy the podcast, and as always- never be afraid to embrace your inner weirdo!

This is a much more serious episode for our podcast.  Mr. B sits down to interview Hunter Wilmoth about his parent's divorce, and Hunter is very candid and honest with the things that he shares and talks about. He hopes that this discussion can help other students whose parents may be going through the same thing.  We hope that by listening to this podcast you will realize that NO ONE is alone out there.  There is always someone to lend a helping hand; you just have to know where to look.  Our thanks to Hunter for being brave and coming on to discuss this topic, as well as to his family for allowing him to talk about it.  As always, we thank you for listening and supporting our gifted and talented students.

So THIS one is different.  Mr B sits down with 5th grade GT students Claire Wheeler to talk to her about.....raising possums.  Yes, you read that correctly!  Claire talks about what it takes to raise possums, how they behave, what they eat, and how raising possums is a family tradition.  One thing you can never say about our podcast is that the students or the subject matter is boring.  We know you will be entertained by this episode, and as always, never be afraid to embrace your inner weirdo!

The GT students return with a vengeance! Mr. B sits down to talk with Carson Kennedy, a 7th grade GT student.  Carson talks about what it is like to be a GT student at the middle school, playing in the band, competing in quiz bowl, his love for chess, and even his favorite video games.  Our goal at the podcast, as always, is to enlighten you as to what it means to be "GT," and this is a great episode to listen to and find out.  We hope you enjoy it, and remember to never be afraid to embrace your inner weirdo!

In this episode, Mr. B. sits down with Jen Lyon, the new principal of the Alma Intermediate School.  Mrs. Lyon talks about her background, the plans she has for AIS, and many other things.  For those of you who are wanting the "inside scoop" on the principal, this is a great way to get to know her.  We hope you enjoy the episode, and remember to never be afraid to embrace your inner weirdo!

In this episode, Mr. B sits down to talk with Harper Weaver and Kendall Kirby about their favorite hobby, dancing. They provide information on what type of dancing they do, where they started, the different competitions, and how to get started in dancing. We hope you enjoy this podcast, and please don't forget to embrace your inner weirdo this holiday season!

In this episode, Mr. B interviews and eats with Analena Garcia as she introrduces him to some weird food and drinks that he has never tried. This might not be for those with a squeamish stomach, but it is definitely for those that like to try new things! Listen in and enjoy, and don't forget to embrace your inner weirdo!

In this podcast, Mr. Bridges sits down with Alma Superintendent Dr. Bryan Duffie to discuss what exactly a superintendent does, Dr. Duffie's background and how he came to Alma, as well as future plans that he has for Alma that involve not only the curriculum but new opportunities that will be available to students in the school district. We hope that you will give it a listen, and don't forget to embrace your inner weirdo!

It is the first day of school and we are back! In this episode, Mr. B interviews Alma High School senior Denver Kelly. In this podcast, Denver talks about being a GT student in high school and what that means. Denver lets you know about his plans for the future and how he took advantage of opportunities that were presented to him, no matter how big the challenge. He also lets us know about some of the people who helped him to succeed and gives some advice to younger students that are maybe hoping to follow in his footsteps. It is well worth your time. Thank you for listening, and don't forget to embrace your inner weirdo.Contact: [email protected]

Season Two has begun!!!!! On this episode, Mr. B. is joined by friend of the podcast (and friend of the family) Levi Dobbs to discuss the many adventures that await someone at Universal Studios Florida. If you are thinking about making a trip to the park, you really want to hear what Levi has to say because he has been there several times and he can tell you about the things you need to do- and need to eat! Have a listen and let Levi be your tour guide. You won't regret it!

Mr. Bridges readily admits he is not the biggest soccer fan, so John Blake and Jude Walker are here to educate him on some of the players and positions, as well as why it might be a good idea to try soccer if you are looking for a challenge. Tune in to hear the teacher become the student!

In this episode, Mr. B. discusses how placement happens within the Alma School District and how the placement committee goes about determining which students require gifted and talented services within the district.

Layla Whittenburg joins us to talk about being in the foster care system as well as what it is like to be adopted. Layla very candidly and honestly talks about her life experiences and the difficulties and blessings of adoption and foster care. Layla is a GREAT interview, so do yourself a favor- tune in and listen to what this young lady has to say. And, as always, never forget to embrace your inner weirdo.If you enjoy our podcast, please tell your friends about it and drop us a like or two. If you REALLY enjoy our podcast, a review would also be greatly appreciated. Thank you!Contact Mr. B: [email protected]

Sabra Stout joins us to talk about being a young actor. Listen to her talk about her favorite roles, the work it takes to be in a play, and what it is like when you forget your lines onstage. Sabra and I would also like to remind you to never be afraid to embrace your inner weirdo!Contact Mr. B: [email protected]

Nora Dean joins us to talk about animal rescue and how her family has helped to save and relocate various animals in our area. Tune in and listen to what Nora has to say, and please remember to never be afraid to embrace your inner weirdo!Contact Mr. B: [email protected]

David Gillingham is our guest this week, and he is here to tell us all about disc golf. Listen in to hear David talk about equipment, how to play, and where to play. We hope you enjoy our podcast, and never forget to embrace your inner weirdo. #WeirdoNation

In this episode, Mr. B Interviews Zeke Kimmons, a 5th grade GT student at Alma Intermediate. Zeke has an interest in Bigfoot, so tune in and listen to him tell you all about.......his deal.

In this episode, Michael Bridges talks allergies, deep voices, hard work, teachers, Ric Flair, and.......Bigfoot? Let it never be said that the GT world is dull or boring. Thanks for listening, and don't forget to embrace your inner weirdo. It MIGHT just be your superpower!Mr. B's email: [email protected]

In this episode, we continue to look at what it means to be gifted with Karen Grady, the GT Specialist with the Guy Fenter Educational Service Cooperative. Karen discusses GT as it pertains to Arkansas, the positives and negatives of being a gifted student, as well as the strangest thing she has seen as a gifted specialist. We hope you enjoy this episode, and remember to always embrace your inner weirdo!Mr. B's email: [email protected] Grady's email: [email protected]

In the first episode, Michael Bridges, GT and AP Coordinator for the Alma School District, discusses the future plans for the podcast and what you can expect for upcoming episodes. At the 4:45 mark, Mr. Bridges explains what it means to be gifted and talented and what is involved in placement into the GT program at Alma and most other public schools. We hope that this will better educate the community on what a gifted and talented student is and how a student qualifies for the program. Listen in! You might be surprised by what you learn. If you have any questions, please feel free to email Mr. Bridges at [email protected].