School Sucks: Higher Education For Self-Liberation
829 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 331 ratingsSchool Sucks is a podcast, You Tube channel, and web community empowering parents and self-directed learners.
For 12 years we've promoted freedom in education, and we've called out covert indoctrination.
We discuss:
+ educational alternatives like homeschooling and unschooling
+ career freedom without college
+ the principles of self-directed learning
+ the strategies of critical thinking/information literacy
+ the rewards of self-knowledge/personal development
This is NOT a show about school reform.
The schools will not improve.
Higher education will not improve.
The politics around these institutions will not improve.
Only we can improve.
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Episodes
027: Let's Make A Hero! (Abraham Lincoln)
February 02, 2010 05:42 - 1 hour - 55 MBCritical Thinking Question: How compelling could a mythology be if it didn't have any gods? Topic: Honestly, Abe...aggression doesn't solve problems. The truth about the greatest American (government school) hero. Gardner Goldsmith of Liberty Conspiracy Podcast joins me for this discussion. Please visit schoolsucksproject.com for full show notes, references and links.
026: American Idol Worship
January 28, 2010 23:55 - 28 minutes - 26.3 MBCritical Thinking Question: How does the supposed mistreatment of a piece of cloth by the owner of said piece of cloth become a more serious offense than the violation of the property rights of the owner of this cloth? Topic: The Pledge of allegiance. Enough said. IDOL 1. An image used as an object of worship. A false god. 2. One that is adored, often blindly or excessively. 3. Something visible but without substance. [Middle English, from Old French idole, from Late Latin dlum...
025: The Way
January 19, 2010 15:02 - 1 hour - 55 MBFOREGROUND: The State BACKGROUND: The Future (American History F-ed #2) The second installment in a series of shows about government school's history curriculum. We'll explore the lies, myths, omissions and distortions used to indoctrinate blind patriotism (aka nationalism aka mysticism). Critical Thinking Question: In school we are led to believe that we are all living in someone's ideal vision of what society should be... But who's vision is it? And what were their ideals? And...
024: American History F-ed (Series Introduction)
January 12, 2010 18:14 - 36 minutes - 33.5 MBABOVE: Not the easiest place to look for those who have hidden their identity behind nationalism, bigotry and mysticism An introduction to a series of shows about government school's history curriculum. We'll explore the lies, myths, omissions and distortions used to indoctrinate blind patriotism (aka nationalism aka mysticism). Topic: The purpose of the American History curriculum in government school SEEMS to be two-fold: 1. Build up a mythology about America and government ...
023 (Supplemental): Collective Education, A Listener Email
January 11, 2010 18:40 - 1 minute - 1.77 MBABOVE: As you can see, private education is...not necessarily the answer. An issue that I've been meaning to cover for a while: The real difference between private and public schools, or pedagogical lack thereof. After reflecting on more recent business-related trips to schools, I want to make sure I'm not oversimplifying. Please visit schoolsucksproject.com for full show notes, references and links.
022 (Supplemental): School Sucks On A Student's Works Cited Page?
January 02, 2010 14:14 - 1 hour - 57.5 MBABOVE: If you want to get 30 extra guys in the NES game Metroid, start the game and quickly press up + down + up + down + left + right + left + right + A + B + Select + Start. Enjoy! Who said I wasn't tech-savvy? Topic: Paul, a fifteen-year-old high school student and listener to the show, asked me to provide some assistance with a psychology project he's working on. The topic is public education. He was actually told about the show by his English teacher.This is the discussion ...
001: The "Business" Plan
December 29, 2009 05:26 - 24 minutes - 22.6 MBThe problem with the "business?" of public education. And it's a big one. (An evaluation of the logic and ethics of the American public education system) Please visit the website for full show notes, references and links.
021 Keys (Installment One): The Decentralization of Information & Communication
December 28, 2009 03:16 - 1 hour - 66.2 MBAbove: If this picture isn't disturbing enough, read the article that goes with it. Imagine a door to complete freedom, abounding opportunity and greater personal satisfaction... Public education is the lock. This is the first in a series of non-sequential shows about finding keys. Topics: -What has changed in the last two decades? -Taking technological advancement for granted -Facebook -Wikipedia in High Schools -Alec Muller and Daniel Royer of Alekese.com join me to discuss the ...
020: The Hidden Lessons of School (Conclusion)
December 18, 2009 16:52 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MBThe concluding episode in a series aimed at detailing and dismantling specific elements of the destructive hidden curriculum in public education. Topic: A review of what I consider to be the three foundational lessons of public education. These are the most destructive to the individual. I go to Jonathan Taylor Gatto for reinforcements.I also recount my recent visit to three New Hampshire public schools. Please visit the website for full show notes, references and links.
019 Supplemental: The Civil Disobedience Onion (Peeling Layer One)
December 09, 2009 13:55 - 1 minute - 1.77 MBWes, Daniel and I continue our discussion, switching to the topic of civil disobedience. This topic will be an open forum in the near future. If you want to come on the show and discuss it, please let me know. Please visit the website for full show notes, references and links.
018 (Supplemental): Caribbean Holiday Spectacular!
December 07, 2009 17:15 - 1 minute - 1.77 MBAnother loose and unorganized non-episode installment of School Sucks. Wes Bertrand and Daniel Lakemacher join me to discuss my recent travels... -Pirate Paranoia -Did I participate in a voluntary society? Sure felt like it, but not really -US Customs and the TSA -My wonderful interactions with a very inquisitive three-year-old boy -Homesteading on the sea and the "Freedom Ship" -State predations on the cruise industry? Please visit the website for full show notes, references an...
017: The State's Facade of Honor and Benevolence
November 22, 2009 12:30 - 1 hour - 59.5 MBTopic: Kat Kanning (newhampshirefreepress.com) joins me to discuss the opposites of indifference and apathy: activism and civil disobedience. Please visit the website for full show notes, references and links.
016: Working Against Apathy
November 17, 2009 06:06 - 1 hour - 57.4 MBTopic: I record a podcast while driving a car. During the drive, I ponder a couple of important professional questions, veer off course (podcast-wise), channel Stewie Griffin, and discuss what I think the real job of an "educator" should be. My Embedded Curriculum: (Within Mainstream Tutoring Services) -Logical Reasoning -Critical and Creative Problem Solving -Revival of Childhood Curiosity -Building Positive Relationships with Adults Who Are Potential Mentors -A Healthy and Pe...
015: (Hidden Lesson Three) The Installation of Indifference
November 11, 2009 14:43 - 30 minutes - 27.9 MBThe third episode in a series aimed at detailing and dismantling specific elements of the destructive hidden curriculum in public education. Topic: The third embedded lesson of public education: Apathy and Indifference If the training in obedience and conformity doesn't properly sink in, or doesn't last throughout a person's life, this lesson provides a nice safety net for the status quo. Please visit the website for full show notes, references and links.
Freedomain: Wes Bertrand, Stefan Molyneux and I Discuss Education and the State
November 05, 2009 15:54 - 1 minute - 1.77 MBA rousing roundtable with Wes Bertrand http://www.completeliberty.com Brett Veinote http://www.schoolsucks.podomatic.com and Stefan Molyneux of Freedomain Radio http://www.freedomainradio.com Topics: Operant Conditioning, Parenting, Intrinic Verses Extrinsic Motivation, Conformity With a quick intro by me Please visit the website for full show notes, references and links.
014 (Supplemental): Expansion & Activation
November 01, 2009 15:27 - 1 minute - 1.77 MBAbove: 80s Teen Movie Antagonist William Zabka (This will make sense when you're done listening) An update on the future of the show... -Donations -Redesigning the website -Setting up a forum -Let's have a logo contest! (For people who don't care too much about winning big prizes) -Activism and incorporating that into the show as well -The next bump? Also... -Daniel Lakemacher's visit to NH -Ofer's incredible efforts -My failure to connect with public school teachers about ...
013 (Supplemental): Brett On The Peter Mac Show
October 22, 2009 19:03 - 1 minute - 1.3 MBMy interview on The Peter Mac Show from October 10th, 2009. I've added a quick introduction about the discussion and my "performance." Note: Because of the length, I've uploaded the MP3 at a lower bit rate (64 kbps). Please let me know if this is intolerable. Please visit the website for full show notes, references and links.
012: Why the Future Won't Be Like 1984
October 22, 2009 19:02 - 1 hour - 57.4 MBTopic: Wes Bertrand and I continue our discussion about conformity and collectivism. Wes touches on the impact of the family in conformity. (Part 2 of 2) This episode also includes some discussion about self-esteem, self-worth, and honoring the imagination and individualism of others. Please visit the website for full show notes, references and links.
011: First-Person Plural Pronouns...and YOU
October 18, 2009 12:33 - 1 hour - 57.4 MBPictured ABOVE: Most of the people you know (Foreground) Topic: How does training in conformity scale up to collectivism in society? Wes Bertrand joins me to discuss conformity and collectivism (Part 1 of 2) I also talk about Ayn Rand's novelette, "Anthem" (1938) (NOTE: I have to apologize for a few snaps, crackles and pops; I was experimenting with a different call-recording process) Please visit the website for full show notes, references and links.
010: (Hidden Lesson Two) The Silencing of the Self
October 10, 2009 04:22 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBThe second episode in a series aimed at detailing and dismantling specific elements of the destructive hidden curriculum in public education. Topic: The second embedded lesson of public education: Conformity This is what Alexander Inglis called the "Integrating Function" of secondary education. We certainly pick it up in elementary school as well. And who has benefited? Please visit the website for full show notes, references and links.
009 (Supplemental): Brett On Freedomain Radio
October 03, 2009 12:11 - 53 minutes - 73 MBMy interview on Freedomain Radio from September 27th, 2009. I've added a quick introduction about the discussion and about my thoughts on Freedomain Radio. freedomainradio.com Please visit the website for full show notes, references and links.
008: Conformity & Compliance vs. Conscience & Consistency
September 26, 2009 14:52 - 1 hour - 57.4 MB(ABOVE: There's that tree I'm always talking about) Topic: Daniel Lakemacher (warisimmoral.com) joins me to discuss obedience. He also shares his personal story of how he freed himself (within the last year) from three types of crippling obedience training - public education, religion and military. Please visit the website for full show notes, references and links.
007: (Hidden Lesson One) - Obedience Is A Virtue?
September 26, 2009 14:51 - 39 minutes - 36 MBThe first in a series of episodes aimed at detailing and dismantling specific elements of the destructive hidden curriculum in public education. Topic: An experience I had with students last Saturday led to a web of ideas about the problem of obedience training and about the philosophical path toward the solution... The effect of this obedience training on 3 Values: Reason, Purpose and Self-Esteem “There is no neutral education. Education is either for domestication or for freed...
006: Conformity & Compliance
September 17, 2009 12:34 - 36 minutes - 33 MB(Introduction to the Hidden Lessons of School) Topic: Introducing the three aims of public education: blind obedience, assimilation, and the surrender of self-ownership The Matrix and Plato's Allegory of the Cave What if the Hokey Pokey IS what it's all about? Please visit the website for full show notes, references and links.
005: Authoritarian Absurdities vs. The Philosophy of Liberty
September 06, 2009 14:42 - 40 minutes - 37 MBA Young Person's Guide to Politics III(Conclusion) Topic: A comparison between a cluster of degrading and crippling ideas (referenced throughout the show as the "Authoritarian Absurdities") which I believe are prerequisites for embracing the political process and...The Philosophy of Liberty, based on the principles of self-ownership and property rights. A brief discussion of popular rationalizations for these absurdities and my rebuttals. Please visit the website for full show n...
004: Politics Is Force
September 01, 2009 13:08 - 46 minutes - 42.8 MBA Young Person's Guide to Politics II Topic: Continued explanation of why I am against political solutions for education or anything else, AKA using the system to change the system by working within the system. Further explanation of the political process in the United States. Shocking comparison between the government and the mafia. I also talk about Ron Paul's principles compared to other politicians, but let's be clear: a Ron Paul Presidency would solve nothing. (See article ...
003: The Myth of Democracy & The Illusion of Freedom
August 24, 2009 16:20 - 46 minutes - 42.6 MBA Young Person's Guide to Politics I Topic: Why I am against political solutions for education, AKA using the system to change the system by working within the system. To me, that sounds like a myth that came out of the system, like bears spreading rumors about staying still when you encounter bears (it's easier for them to eat you that way). Please visit the website for full show notes, references and links.
002: Pavement On the Road to Hell...
August 17, 2009 01:21 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MBTopic: Central Planning in Education and Beyond What if people tolerated the same system for their food as they did for their education? Please visit the website for full show notes, references and links.
000: An Introduction to School Sucks Podcast
August 05, 2009 20:52 - 20 minutes - 18.4 MBIntroduction: Explanation of the title, "School Sucks" and subtitle "The END of Public Education." Who I am, what I'm doing and why. This is not a show about public school reform, because that would suck nearly as much as school. Please visit the website for full show notes, references and links.