Unlearn16: Class is in Session artwork

Unlearn16: Class is in Session

145 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★★ - 71 ratings

A teacher with a sarcastic wit who’s passion for debate and discussion spans the political, social and pop culture spectrums. PS - a solid metaphor can solve all life’s problems 

Society & Culture unlearn politics movies television debate education gender societal norms teacher film
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Episodes

The One Where I Have Lunch With Mama Tot

April 23, 2024 11:00 - 53 minutes - 36.7 MB

In this episode, I got to spend an hour with the authentic, the powerful, the empathetic, and the one and only Mama Tot.  She creates a safe space for ANYONE who sit with her,  she empowers those who need it and she, with every plate of pickled ocra, makes this world a better place. Tiktok @shoelover99 Instagram @ophelianichols Youtube  @ophelianichols9249  

The One Where I Stand On Stage In Vegas

April 16, 2024 14:00 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MB

In this episode, Ana and I take three days and turn it into two weeks of adventures in Las Vegas.  Pool party, Eiffel Tower, hat store, Luke's light saber and eventually, me on the stage in Vegas. PS - I'm in a little in love with Vegas 

The One Where The Total Eclipse Proved Thoughts Matter More Than Fact

April 09, 2024 11:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MB

In this episode, using the total eclipse (song AND real life event) as a metaphor, I dive into the base of human nature - the need to feel important and the need for community.  AND, I prove that the 'facts over feelings' crowd are scared and insecure humans who are not ready to understand the power and transformative nature of the human emotion.  It starts revolutions, it paves the way to progress and it is the best proof of the human soul.  

The One Where The School Boards Sue Social Media

April 02, 2024 11:00 - 49 minutes - 33.7 MB

In this episode, Dean and I dig deep into the whys, whats and hows of a school board led lawsuit against the major social media companies in Ontario.  Why are the doing it?  What do they hope to gain?  And does social media really rot your brain?? Twitter @itsdeanblundell  - Crier Media

The One Where I Get To Know Endo (And no, that's not a Star Wars reference)

March 26, 2024 11:00 - 1 hour - 41.5 MB

In this episode, I sit down with Katie and Rosanna as the educate ME on the realities of endometriosis, its symptoms, pain management strategies, impacts on the individuals who suffer with this disease, research failures AND the real reason we don't have cure - LACK OF POLITICAL WILL. Website knowendo.ca 

The One Where I Used Jaws 3 To Shape the Curriculum

March 19, 2024 11:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MB

In this episode, I highlight some of the most important movies created in the 80s and how they can be used to help shaped and implement educational curriculum.  Just wait until you see how I use Raiders of the Lost Arc in science class!

The One Where I Hospitalize Soft Skills

March 12, 2024 11:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MB

In this episode, I begin to unravel the need for soft skills in our health care system - the skills of empathy, communication and education that are slowly being eradicated from the scope of health care.  Why?  To save money.  The impact?  A higher cost to the patient, our health care system AND the tax payer.

The One Where I Teach Mental Health Though TV Theme Songs

March 05, 2024 12:00 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MB

In this episode, I attempt to highlight the roots of a good education, the place from which a strong student and person begins - 80's TV show themes.  You want to change the world you have to show kids how to do 2 things - struggle while facing adversity AND singing at the top of your lungs while you laugh with your friends.  Show me a better model for building healthy, strong, intelligent and powerful people.

The One Where We Get Brave

February 27, 2024 12:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MB

n this episode, I speak about Nex Benedict and their lost life.  And rather than simply blame a person for passing a law, or banning a single book or spouting hateful words, I decided to take responsibility for what I didn’t do.  It is about time we got as loud on the podcast mic, as powerful on social media, and as determined at voting booths to out do that wave of intolerance.  No more blaming others, only engaging what you have and what you can do to make this world a better place.  Get b...

The One Where I Wear The Letterman Jacket

February 20, 2024 12:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MB

In this episode, I ask ALL my listeners - 'What are you wearing'? AND 'Why do we all care so much'? Wear you favourite outfit and give me your opinion in the comment section.

The One Where I Tell You Why Grandma Ruby Was 'My Person'

February 13, 2024 12:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MB

In this episode I walk down memory lane of 'my person'.  And if you have ever watch Grey's Anatomy you will know exactly what I mean by that. Happy birthday Grandma - you made my world better, forever.

The One Where Dean and I Address Political Elephants in the Room

February 06, 2024 12:00 - 43 minutes - 30.2 MB

In this episode, Dean and I sit down to discuss the finer points of political game play and the embarrassing way the right tries to consistently dumb down important issues, create scapegoats in the process, and then pretend to save the day. Creating an enemy so you give them all the power to fight...how very Thomas Hobbes of them.

The One Where Liberty Dies with Thunderous Applause

January 30, 2024 12:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MB

'So this is how liberty dies, with thunderous applause'.  You want to teach history, politics, philosophy - tap into the world of movies with your students.  It is in the light saber fights, the gene mutations and the Cylon's soul where you will find the art of understanding the why.

The One Where I Honour Matt Anderson

January 23, 2024 12:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MB

In this episode, I speak about the loss of one the best men I have known - Matt Anderson.  He threw a great fastball,  empowered all those around him and learned how to truly love himself. I hope you can take a piece of Matt with you where ever you go.  I know I always will   One of my first's podcasts with Matt 'The One Where I Talk About Catching a Fastball'  Big Matty Memorial Fund https://gofund.me/3b7956cf 

The One Where I Write My Social Media 'Life Story"

January 16, 2024 12:00 - 46 minutes - 32 MB

In this episode, I take take you down my four year history 'as seen on TV'.  Ok fine, not as seen on TV - but definitely 'as seen on Tiktok'.  What made me jump into this world?  What the best and worst of it?  And how did my Grandma gain immortality because of it?  Also, who put this phone in my hand in the first place??? This may be only ONE chapter of a book - do you think I should write my own?

The One Where We Deconstruct the Power of Social Media

January 09, 2024 12:00 - 50 minutes - 34.5 MB

In this episode, Brandon the Entertainer and I go all in speaking about the power of social media.  Fundraising, Spread the Cheer Charity, the Cheer Choice Awards, Stand Up Comedy and the Impact of Social Media. Don't forget to buy the book.

The One Where I Create School Rules For 2024

January 02, 2024 12:00 - 1 hour - 46 MB

SOLUTIONS NOT REACTIONS. All politicians, administrators and parents - please take notes.

The One Where I Saved The Island of Misfit Toys

December 26, 2023 12:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MB

Ok, ok, ok, I didn't save the Island of Misfit Toys - I did WATCH the claymation on Christmas eve - and in my mind I saved them all.  However, I did find the spirit of Christmas, authentic love, the perfect gift and the power of 'chosen family'.  So, I DID save the Island of Misfit Toys after all. I did not get a bebe gun for Christmas...disappointment abounds.

The One Where The 'N' Was Backwards

December 19, 2023 13:00 - 38 minutes - 26.8 MB

In this episode, Ana and I take you on many of our pre-Christmas adventures.  Mostly, it us trying to find a parking spot.

The One Where I Talk About Divorce

December 12, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 45.7 MB

In this episode, Stacey Green and I talk about hard marriages, divorce and what's on the other side.  What was on the other side for me?   Authentically being myself, love and boundaries AND TikTok Lip syncs.   PS - go buy Stacey's book 'You'll Eat It and You'll Like It'

The One Where I Educate TikTok 'Steve'

December 05, 2023 12:00 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MB

In this episode, I respond to a tiktoker who claims that teachers are over educated and therefore overpaid for being professional babysitters.  Needless to say, this podcast does not go well for Steve.

The One Where I Put On My 'Comfy Knit Sweater'

November 28, 2023 12:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MB

In this episode, Ana, my mom and I take a road trip to do some Christmas shopping and along the way answer ALL of your Christmas related questions.  Ana sings a little and mom steals the show. Be sure to call shotgun when you see the car!

The One Where I Use 'The Seige' To Teach A Class

November 21, 2023 12:00 - 37 minutes - 26 MB

In this episode, I drive into about 8 different fictional movies that will take your in class learning and teaching to the next level.  These movies give you so much versatility in theme, context, application and deep thought - your students won't even know they are learning when engaged in this typed of enlightened discourse. I did however, forget to add Buffy The Vampire Slayer - but that will be in the TV edition of 'Teaching with the Telly'

The One Where I Finally Ask 'What Do You Need'?

November 14, 2023 12:00 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MB

In this episode, I talk about violence.  The violence we ignore, the violence we sweep under the rug and the violence we pretend is not there.  I also get a lesson at one the most controlling emotion we have - shame.  How do we get rid of it?  How do you expose shame?  How do we protect the vulnerable?

The One Where Dean Blundell and I Compare Hair and Fix Politics.

November 07, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 52.7 MB

Part 2 - You can find part one on 'The Dean Blundell Show' (Podcast) In this episode, Dean Blundell and I jump into the complex world of censorship, discrimination, personal responsibility, the ultimate power of education AND determine that I was ghosted because his chicken broth was ready. Twitter @ItsDean Blundell  Crier Media - The Dean Blundell Show (Podcast)

The One Where I Become a Vampire

October 31, 2023 11:00 - 14 minutes - 9.7 MB

In this vlog, Ana I take you along for the ride as we get ready for our halloween party, get teeth put in and order McDonalds for a full house party. Wait until you see Micheal Myers.

The One Where Jann Arden and I Decide to Change The World

October 24, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 50.7 MB

In this episode, Jann Arden graced me with her intelligence, her wit, her charm and her talent.  But most of all, she showed me that true and authentic humans still exist and want only to make this planet a better place. You would think her award winning voice, her status as an author or her ability to create one of the funniest shows I have ever seen on TV would be the reasons I am in awe of her.  However, I was most impressed that her prime drive that Sunday morning was to make sure the b...

The One Where Lee Harvey Oswald Brought My Students To JFK

October 17, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MB

In this episode, I take you with me as a simple question in 7/8 Global Issues - 'Who is that' (Lee Harvey Oswald - Time's cover) inspired me to pivot and create an entire unit based on the assignation, research diversity, critical analytical skills and we even stepped into the wonderful world of art (full scale models of the parade route coming soon) If you can let students lead you to what may inspire them, as teachers, we have the ability to create a learning environment I hope they never...

The One Where We Shuffle Off to Buffalo and Smuggle in Health Care

October 10, 2023 11:00 - 26 minutes - 18.1 MB

In this episode, Ana and I vlog our road trip to Buffalo - we drive, we shop, we shop some more and we eat.  Watch us as we try to get across the boarder, go through a haunted drive thru and find a giant Dumbo.

The One Where I Bring Alberta To Ontario To Talk Politics

October 03, 2023 11:00 - 57 minutes - 39.6 MB

In the episode, Janis Irwin (MLA - Alberta) and I sit down to discuss education, curriculum, political parties, fiscal realities and, why we seem to dress so similar. I'm pretty sure between her and I we could fix most problems in both provinces. Janis Irwin - MLA (Alberta) Instagram and TikTok @janis.irwin

The One Where We Buy the Pumpkin and Get The Chicken On Sale

September 26, 2023 11:00 - 26 minutes - 17.9 MB

In this episode, Ana and I take you on a Sunday 'day in the life' vlog of exactly what we do with our spare time.  Halloween decorations, food shopping, a new outfit and cheap chicken. Oh...and pumpkins.

The One Where I Ran Up The Stairs When I Should Have Run Out The Door

September 19, 2023 11:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MB

In this episode, I avoid 'The Blob', I Scream with Neve, I DON'T jump out of a chairlift and I gain some understand for Ms. Voorhees. Never say 'I'll be right back' and we should all get through this one together. 

The One Where I Use Truth To Get To Reconciliation

September 12, 2023 11:00 - 27 minutes - 18.7 MB

In this episode, I navigate through the cultural genocide of the Indigenous Peoples by the Canadian government.  I do so in order to hopefully build a powerful educational reflection within my school to reflect the need for a honest account and ownership of the harm perpetrated.  I will be create a day long workshop and educational experience to help guide my students through this reality in order to better meet the future. Please leave comments, criticisms and connections to those in the I...

The One Where I Give Solicited Car Advice

September 05, 2023 11:00 - 40 minutes - 27.9 MB

In this episode, Ana and I take you to 7-Eleven and answer all your pressing questions about relationships, careers and the right choice of a slushie.  PS - I don't know why I haven't invested in 7-Eleven yet.

The One Where I Kindergarten Teacher Takes Politicians To School

August 29, 2023 11:00 - 28 minutes - 19.3 MB

In this episode, I address the Minister of Education in Quebec who stated with all the confidence in the world that 'new teachers should all get experience as a kindergarten teacher because it is the easiest'.  You have to be kidding me.  Listen as I completely destroy this minister and his broken educational philosophy.

The One Where I Deconstruct Those Rich Men North of Richmond

August 22, 2023 11:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MB

In this episode, I sit down and dive into the lyrics and meaning behind the Tiktok smash hit 'Rich Men North of Richmond'.  Oliver Anthony is definitely an endearing soul, with a beautiful voice, however I don't believe this is the anthem of the working class some of touted it as.

The One Where We Drove to Montreal, Saw a Huge Apple and Got A Migraine

August 15, 2023 11:00 - 52 minutes - 36.4 MB

In this episode, Ana and I take you on a road trip with us while we head to Montreal and answer ALL your most vital questions.  We find candy apples, closed highways and really bad Denny's all in a single trip.  Pick the playlist and buckle up for the best of highway 401 has ever shown you.

The One Where I Refuse To Go Back To The Basics

August 08, 2023 11:00 - 40 minutes - 27.8 MB

In this episode, I deconstruct the educational catch phrase 'Back to the Basics' as the dog whistle of idiocy it truly is.  Some conservative government officials are trying to envision a system of education that costs less, allows for a high rate of success (even if it is an illusion) and rests squarely on the pretence of objectivity.   Choose wisely.

The One Where I Learn How to Say Goodbye to Grandma Ruby

August 01, 2023 11:00 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MB

In this episode, I try to talk through my amazing relationship with my Grandma Ruby and how I have to say goodbye to her at 97.  I never once seriously contemplated her passing - and now, when I am in the midst of sitting by her bedside in her last days I struggle for the right words. 

The One Where I 'Tried' That In A Small Town

July 25, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MB

In this episode, I take an honest look at Jason Aldean's 'Try that in a Small Town'.  Lyric by lyric, stanza by stanza - what was his intent AND what was the impact.  Both matter.

The One Where The Terminator Goes On Strike

July 18, 2023 11:00 - 39 minutes - 26.9 MB

In this episode, I open up the conversation about the SAG strike, AI, residuals, the threats of Hollywood executives, workers' rights and the ownership of a person.  Make no mistake, this strike is about who OWNS who and how they can manipulate a broken system to turn back time. (And not in a Cher way)

The One Where We Reveal 'Love, Lies and Videotape'

July 11, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 45.5 MB

In this episode, Vanessa Marcil and I do our very first podcast together AND give you a glimpse into the 15 episode show we are created and will air come the holiday season exclusively on YouTube. We will also - eat pickles, laffy taffy, pop rocks and force each other to try an array of food we would never eat on our own.  That's part of our show - if we are scared of it...we do it. Youtube -   @LoveLiesAndVideotape  @Vanessamarcilandjoannajohnson   TikTok  - @loveliesandvideotape 

The One Where I Prove We Can Do Better Than Affirmative Action

July 04, 2023 11:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MB

In this episode, I discuss the Supreme Court ruling to deem affirmative action in college admission unconstitutional.  But I can't stop there.  I will jump into how it is time to do better than affirmative action and how the supreme court's decision actually opened up the door for us to be MORE diverse, MORE inclusive, MORE equitable.  They think they shut down progress and change - they just forced us to up our game.

The Time Ana and I Vlogged All To New York

June 28, 2023 11:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MB

In this episode Ana teaches me how to vlog and we take you to New York.  Welcome to a brave new world.

The One Where Grandma Ruby Meets Me

June 20, 2023 11:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MB

In this episode, I try my best to recount the last few weeks of Grandma's life.  Her illness, hospital stay, transfer to a care facility, daily struggles to regain health and memory loss.  Throughout it all I try my best to do what she needs when she needs it - to always ensure there is love in her world even if she can't quite remember who I am at the time.2

The One Where I Take You to College

June 13, 2023 11:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MB

In this episode, I give you my ten best rules to rock your first year of college/university.  These rules are clear, concise and not to be altered in any way for maximum results.  Money back guarantee - or at the very least I'll buy you that university hoodie.

The One Where I Fight For Grandma Ruby

June 06, 2023 11:00 - 32 minutes - 22 MB

In this episode, I review my mom and grandma's experience within Ontario's hospital system.  And very quickly I have realized that Ontario sold out its seniors for $135 rebate on a license plate sticker.  How does our health care system NOT include caring for seniors?????  This is likely to be the first of many on this topic - please leave your experience below in the comments.

The One Where Viva Frei and I Debate the Power of a Teacher

May 30, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 76.5 MB

In this episode, Viva Frei and I discuss what is acceptable at schools?  What should the government be able to legislate?  How powerful teachers should be?  What role should the parents be able to serve in this dynamic?  And why does Frei's logo look like Beaker from the Muppets? Viva Frei www.vivabarneslaw.locals.com.    Twitter: https://twitter.com/thevivafrei YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/vivafrei Rumble: https://rumble.com/embed/v2ne9by/?pub=71v3 (my interview with Yeonmi Park – Nort...

Parents, Teachers and Students - Oh My

May 23, 2023 11:00 - 36 minutes - 25.3 MB

In this episode, I try to highlight the best path for parents, teachers and students to thrive in today's educational system.  My advice might not be perfect, but it comes from 20 years teaching experience.  Ask any questions I don't answer and I promise to do a part two to address what I can.

The One Where I Feel Ana Pac's 'Good Vibes'

May 16, 2023 11:00 - 51 minutes - 35.4 MB

In this episode, I sit down with my wife to be to discuss her new song drop 'Good Vibes', what here inspirations are, how she approaches life AND ask her to reveal the 'chicken story'.  We also take this time to answer ALL of your questions about love, our relationship and why Ana's favourite movie is STILL Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights. Ana Pac Twitter and Instagram: @anapacofficial  Tiktok: @ana_pac 

Twitter Mentions

@thevivafrei 1 Episode