Kickin' It New School with Jimmy Leonard artwork

Kickin' It New School with Jimmy Leonard

37 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 months ago - ★★★★★ - 5 ratings

We already know the old way of doing things no longer works in education. It's time for something NEW. "Kickin' It New School" is a one-stop shop for parents, teachers, and anyone interested in ed policy. We explore current events, talk about practical educational strategies, and unpack what makes modern learning different from previous generations. You'll find everything from deep dives into a particular topic to lesson plan ideas. Ask a question or inquire about appearing as a guest at https://JimmyLeonard.com.

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Episodes

Why ChatGPT's Assault on Homework Is Good for Education

May 05, 2023 11:00 - 13 minutes - 9.28 MB

ChatGPT has made it easier than ever for students to cheat on homework — good. Instead of fearing AI, teachers and homeschool educators should reevaluate the types of assessments they're giving and the kinds of projects they're asking students to complete. Jimmy explains why students feel tempted to use a chatbot to cheat and gives examples of outdated math and ELA assignments that leave students disengaged.  If you're looking for fresh ideas in education that can embrace technology withou...

Why The Great Teacher Resignation Is Not the End of Education

October 22, 2022 16:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MB

Teachers are quitting like it's going out of style (and, well, maybe it is). As The Great Teacher Resignation continues, it can definitely feel like public schools are doomed. But learning  isn't! Join in as Jimmy unpacks the most significant paradigm shift in education of the last century, argues why online learning doesn't have to be terrible, and tries to be cool by making TikTok references. Could it be that instead of trying to save the system that isn't working we need to embrace someth...

Vouchers and School Choice: 5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a School

April 11, 2022 10:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MB

Choose your own adventure—sort of? As vouchers become an increasingly talked about and politicized topic, Jimmy breaks down what school vouchers are, the pros and cons of using them, and key questions that every family should ask before choosing a new school. Journey from Sweden to Wisconsin, from struggling public schools to elite private academies, from standardized tests to controversial catechisms. Wizards, mutants, and Delta SkyMiles Members are welcome. If you're considering a new sch...

Thinking Critically about Critical Race Theory

November 12, 2021 12:00 - 22 minutes - 15.3 MB

Ethnic studies requirements on one side, public-school censorship of CRT on the other. But instead of focusing so much on *what* we're teaching our students, let's consider *how* we're teaching them. From 3rd-grade history projects to high school indoctrination, from Bluey to Elon Musk, Jimmy examines the debate on critical race theory and what it shows us about a much deeper need in education. Kickin' It New School is a podcast about challenging some of the long-standing assumptions in edu...

Writing for Math People: What the Riemann Hypothesis and Stolen Art Have in Common

September 10, 2021 11:00 - 19 minutes - 13.8 MB

How do I make my math kid interested in writing? More vexing than the Reimann hypothesis and more elusive than an international art thief is the secret formula to make a "left-brained" person understand literary analysis. Leave complexity to those imaginary numbers—with nerdy jokes and proven lesson ideas, Jimmy shares practical strategies and productive mindsets for teaching writing to "math" kids.  Kickin' It New School is a podcast about challenging some of the long-standing assumptions ...

New School is Nanolearning (Part 2)

August 20, 2021 14:00 - 19 minutes - 13.5 MB

Everything you've ever wanted to know in two minutes or less. Impossible? Maybe not. In this miniseries, Jimmy lays out the future of education, explains why nanolearning is all the rage, and gives an example that is (in fact) rocket science. Come for the teacher hacks and lesson plan ideas, stay for the Neil deGrasse Tyson and boomer jokes. Kickin' It New School is a podcast about challenging some of the long-standing assumptions in education and exploring how we can reach this current gen...

New School is Nanolearning (Part 1)

August 20, 2021 10:00 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MB

Everything you've ever wanted to know in two minutes or less. Impossible? Maybe not. In this miniseries, Jimmy lays out the future of education, explains why nanolearning is all the rage, and gives an example that is (in fact) rocket science. Come for the teacher hacks and lesson plan ideas, stay for the Neil deGrasse Tyson and boomer jokes. Kickin' It New School is a podcast about challenging some of the long-standing assumptions in education and exploring how we can reach this current gen...

Blinded by the Test: Effective College Preparation in a "Test Blind" World

August 06, 2021 11:00 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MB

Post-COVID, it seems like nobody cares about the ACT and SAT. As many colleges adopt "test-blind" or "test-optional" admissions policies, how can students distinguish themselves from the crowd? Bye, bye, expensive test prep classes. From course rigor to extracurriculars, Jimmy explores what matters—and what doesn't—in the modern admissions process. Kickin' It New School is a podcast about challenging some of the long-standing assumptions in education and exploring how we can reach this curr...

Why Robots Aren't Readers: Rethinking Literacy (Part 2)

July 20, 2021 15:00 - 18 minutes - 12.9 MB

Does LITERACY always mean BOOKS? From The Great Gatsby to alarmist predictions about the internet ending civilized society, history shows a poor track record of embracing culturally relevant literature in the American education system. Part 1 of this miniseries makes the case for why digital media should be included in every literature curriculum. Part 2 gives practical strategies for how to do so at all ages and grade levels. Kickin' It New School is a podcast about challenging some of the...

Why Robots Aren't Readers: Rethinking Literacy (Part 1)

July 20, 2021 14:00 - 19 minutes - 13.2 MB

Does LITERACY always mean BOOKS? From The Great Gatsby to alarmist predictions about the internet ending civilized society, history shows a poor track record of embracing culturally relevant literature in the American education system. Part 1 of this miniseries makes the case for why digital media should be included in every literature curriculum. Part 2 gives practical strategies for how to do so at all ages and grade levels. Kickin' It New School is a podcast about challenging some of the...

SERIES TRAILER: What Is Kickin' It New School?

July 20, 2021 13:00 - 1 minute - 743 KB

Covid-19 didn’t create problems in education as much as it exposed them. For a long time, educators, parents, and students have known that the old way of doing things no longer works for this current generation, but change has been slow. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I do have a lot of questions that I want to explore. Whether you are a parent, teacher, administrator, or just someone interested in ed policy, this show is for you.  Every episode is about the length of an averag...

Special Message: Why I Want People to Disagree with Me

October 04, 2020 18:00 - 7 minutes - 5.3 MB

America is divided—have you noticed? In this web special, Jimmy contemplates the dangers of polarization and political extremism. It's nice to be right. Compromise sucks. But should we still hope for a world where people disagree? And if so, how can we disagree better than we do right now? This episode is also available on YouTube. https://youtu.be/SlWWoWRTftI https://jimmyleonard.com Twitter: @authorjleonard Support the show (https://jimmyleonard.com/asp-products/support-world-on-fire/)

#24: Defund the Police | Guest: Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

June 12, 2020 09:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MB

Black Lives Matter. The merits of building a safe community rather than policing a "dangerous" one; Rochelle Wisoff-Fields discusses her art, books, and inspiration. If you're moved by the topic of this episode and want to learn more, I invite you to visit Campaign Zero at https://www.joincampaignzero.org/. Show some love! Read PLEASE SAY KADDISH FOR ME and other books: https://amzn.to/30tiFv8 Visit Rochelle Wisoff's Website: https://rochellewisoff.com/ World on Fire is a news satire pod...

#23: Public School Funding | Guest: Ben McQueeney

May 22, 2020 09:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MB

Budget cuts, broke schools, and what we can do about it; AMC Theatres get trolled; Ben McQueeney discusses his book, The Spirit of Things. Show some love! Read THE SPIRIT OF THINGS: https://amzn.to/3g4jvDX Visit Ben McQueeney's Website: https://www.benmcqueeney.com/ World on Fire is a news satire podcast that brings a fresh perspective to burning questions about current events and culture. This podcast is supported by listeners like you. Learn more and make a contribution at https://jimmyl...

#22: Swedish Social Distancing | Guest: Jolie Reynolds

May 08, 2020 09:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MB

Sweden's controversial approach to social distancing; stormtroopers and vegetarian steaks; Jolie Reynolds discusses her book, The Beloved Disciple. Show some love! Read THE BELOVED DISCIPLE: https://amzn.to/2A6QCGH Visit Jolie Reynolds on Lulu: https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/JolieAReynolds World on Fire is a news satire podcast that brings a fresh perspective to burning questions about current events and culture. This podcast is supported by listeners like you. Learn more and make a contri...

#21: Not Your Granddaddy's Chickenpox | Guest: Chad Lehrmann

May 01, 2020 09:00 - 26 minutes - 18.1 MB

Why self-infection is Tiger-King-level crazy; Jimmy gives Veep ideas to Joe Biden; Chad Lehrmann discusses his book, Rites of Passage. Show some love! Visit Chad Lehrmann's website: https://www.chadlehrmann.com/ Read RITES OF PASSAGE: https://amzn.to/3bFI4ED World on Fire is a news satire podcast that brings a fresh perspective to burning questions about current events and culture. This podcast is supported by listeners like you. Learn more and make a contribution at https://jimmyleonard.c...

#20: Sports Gambling is a Winning Bet

January 31, 2020 09:00 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MB

How legalized sports gambling helps the economy and deters match fixing. Also: Your best bet is knowing your news podcast consumption limits. If you laughed or learned something, please share this episode with a friend. World on Fire is a news satire podcast that brings a fresh perspective to burning questions about current events and culture. This podcast is supported by listeners like you. Learn more and make a contribution at https://jimmyleonard.com/worldonfire/. Twitter: @authorjleon...

#19: Ghost Town Real Estate — Italian Villas for a Euro

January 24, 2020 09:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MB

Bargain hunting on the hilltops: Rich people, refugees, and what dying Italian villages can teach us about the future survival of small-town America. If you laughed or learned something, please share this episode with a friend. World on Fire is a news satire podcast that brings a fresh perspective to burning questions about current events and culture. This podcast is supported by listeners like you. Learn more and make a contribution at https://jimmyleonard.com/worldonfire/. Twitter: @aut...

#18: Caller ID Spoofing and How to Stop a Phone Scam

January 17, 2020 09:00 - 13 minutes - 9.6 MB

How phone scammers are stealing one million dollars per day in the US and what you can do to stop it. Also, the TRACED Act inspires a TV show. Stop scammers. Contact the FTC at https://ftc.gov/complaint  If you laughed or learned something, please share this episode with a friend. World on Fire is a news satire podcast that brings a fresh perspective to burning questions about current events and culture. This podcast is supported by listeners like you. Learn more and make a contribution a...

#17: Minimum Wage and the Gig Economy

January 10, 2020 09:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MB

The conversation we need to have when fifty million Americans work for a phone app. Jimmy's hot take on California Law AB5: Don't be a Goober. If you laughed or learned something, please share this episode with a friend. World on Fire is a news satire podcast that brings a fresh perspective to burning questions about current events and culture. This podcast is supported by listeners like you. Learn more and make a contribution at https://jimmyleonard.com/worldonfire/. Twitter: @authorjleo...

#16: The 2020 Census (Why Counting Is Hard)

January 03, 2020 09:00 - 17 minutes - 12.4 MB

What should be the most boring thing in America has turned into a political power grab. Also, a nationwide conspiracy and the easiest way to earn millions of dollars. Get the facts about the US Census here: https://2020census.gov/ If you laughed or learned something, please share this episode with a friend. World on Fire is a news satire podcast that brings a fresh perspective to burning questions about current events and culture. This podcast is supported by listeners like you. Learn mor...

#15: Why Is The Amazon Burning?

August 30, 2019 08:00 - 18 minutes - 12.5 MB

In the summer series conclusion, Jimmy ventures to the Amazon. The rainforest is vast, bewildering, and dangerous enough on a normal day. Imagine it on fire. Sponsored by QuickBooks, the absolute best accounting solution for any freelancer or small business. Try it today at 50% off: https://quickbooks.grsm.io/WorldOnFire Subscribe to catch new episodes all summer. Also view the podcast on YouTube. Twitter: @authorjleonard World on Fire is a news satire podcast that brings some fresh per...

#14: Is Free College Viable?

August 23, 2019 08:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MB

With back-to-school season around the corner, 'tis the season to examine the high costs of education. But what's the real price of free? Sponsored by QuickBooks, the absolute best accounting solution for any freelancer or small business. Try it today at 50% off: https://quickbooks.grsm.io/WorldOnFire This episode references a study found at https://www.brookings.edu/research/lessons-from-the-end-of-free-college-in-england/  Subscribe to catch new episodes all summer. Also view the podcas...

#13: What Can 5G Do?

August 16, 2019 08:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MB

Technology that will blow your mind, read your mind, and generally invade your privacy in ways you'll definitely mind. Nah, the future's awesome! Just for listening, you're eligible for 50% off editing services on a personal statement, application essay, or resume. For details, contact me at https://jimmyleonard.com/ Sponsored by QuickBooks, the absolute best accounting solution for any freelancer or small business. Try it today at 50% off: https://quickbooks.grsm.io/WorldOnFire Subscribe...

#12: What the Heck is a Currency Manipulator?

August 09, 2019 08:00 - 11 minutes - 7.79 MB

Money stuff for the layperson—translating the economic mumbo jumbo of trade-war speech. Dollar dollar bill, y'all. Sponsored by QuickBooks, the absolute best accounting solution for any freelancer or small business. Try it today at 50% off: https://quickbooks.grsm.io/WorldOnFire Subscribe to catch new episodes all summer. Also view the podcast on YouTube. Twitter: @authorjleonard World on Fire is a news satire podcast that brings some fresh perspective to burning questions about current...

#11: Why Run for President If You Know You'll Lose?

August 02, 2019 08:00 - 15 minutes - 10.7 MB

The practical benefits of big ideas. Primary debates are fantastic for individuals, but are they so great for the nation? Sponsored by QuickBooks, the absolute best accounting solution for any freelancer or small business. Try it today at 50% off: https://quickbooks.grsm.io/WorldOnFire Subscribe to catch new episodes all summer. Also view the podcast on YouTube. Twitter: @authorjleonard World on Fire is a news satire podcast that brings some fresh perspective to burning questions about ...

#10: What's So Bad About Overtourism?

July 26, 2019 08:00 - 18 minutes - 12.8 MB

Crowdsourced erosion—why vacation selfies are not a victimless crime. Featuring cruise lines, Airbnb, and other ways to destroy a culture. Sponsored by QuickBooks, the absolute best accounting solution for any freelancer or small business. Try it today at 50% off: https://quickbooks.grsm.io/WorldOnFire Subscribe to catch new episodes all summer. Also view the podcast on YouTube. Twitter: @authorjleonard World on Fire is a news satire podcast that brings some fresh perspective to burning...

#9: Why Are People Raiding Area 51?

July 19, 2019 08:00 - 13 minutes - 9.16 MB

Sensationalism—apologies for the clickbait, but there's something serious we have to discuss. It involves aliens, Momo, and possibly a meth gator.  Sponsored by QuickBooks, the absolute best accounting solution for any freelancer or small business. Try it today at 50% off: https://quickbooks.grsm.io/WorldOnFire Subscribe to catch new episodes all summer. Also view the podcast on YouTube. Twitter: @authorjleonard World on Fire is a news satire podcast that brings some fresh perspective t...

#8: Should Women Receive Equal Pay in Soccer?

July 12, 2019 08:00 - 18 minutes - 12.6 MB

FIFA, USWNT, and why it's easier to score a goal than score a paycheck. Featuring guest appearances from sports that have already figured this out. Sponsored by QuickBooks, the absolute best accounting solution for any freelancer or small business. Try it today at 50% off: https://quickbooks.grsm.io/WorldOnFire Subscribe to catch new episodes all summer. Also view the podcast on YouTube. Twitter: @authorjleonard World on Fire is a news satire podcast that brings some fresh perspective t...

#7: What is Hispandering?

July 05, 2019 08:00 - 14 minutes - 9.7 MB

The unintended consequences of courting voters in Spanish. Also: Cuban history and Dora the Explorer. Sponsored by QuickBooks, the absolute best accounting solution for any freelancer or small business. Try it today at 50% off: https://quickbooks.grsm.io/WorldOnFire Subscribe to catch new episodes all summer. Also view the podcast on YouTube. Twitter: @authorjleonard World on Fire is a news satire podcast that brings some fresh perspective to burning questions about current events and c...

#6: Who Wants to Buy An Elephant?

June 28, 2019 09:00 - 18 minutes - 12.5 MB

Ivory trade, wildlife conservation, and Zimbabwe's master plan to sell elephants. Also, Jimmy does an Ariana Grande impression. To learn more about how you can get involved, please visit https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/elephant. Subscribe to catch new episodes all summer. Also view the podcast on YouTube. Twitter: @authorjleonard World on Fire is a news satire podcast that brings some fresh perspective to burning questions about current events and culture. Want to share your fire?...

#5: Why Is Anyone Against Banning Single-Use Plastics?

June 21, 2019 08:00 - 14 minutes - 10.3 MB

Why single-use plastic bans are popping up like empty bottles in the ocean and some people don't like it. Also: Turtles live in shells, not grocery bags. Subscribe to catch new episodes all summer. Also view the podcast on YouTube. Twitter: @authorjleonard World on Fire is a news satire podcast that brings some fresh perspective to burning questions about current events and culture. Want to share your fire? Inquire about appearing as a guest at https://jimmyleonard.com/ Support the show...

#4: Should We Break Up Google?

June 14, 2019 05:00 - 19 minutes - 13.6 MB

Umpire/empire—wondering why we should break up big tech? Just google it! Subscribe to catch new episodes all summer. Also view the podcast on YouTube. Twitter: @authorjleonard World on Fire is a news satire podcast that brings some fresh perspective to burning questions about current events and culture. Want to share your fire? Inquire about appearing as a guest at https://jimmyleonard.com/ Support the show (https://jimmyleonard.com/asp-products/support-world-on-fire/)

#3: Mexican Tariffs

June 07, 2019 11:00 - 14 minutes - 6.79 MB

Chipotle, lemonade stands, and why Mexican tariffs are no bueno for the United States of America. Subscribe to catch new episodes all summer. Also view the podcast on YouTube. Twitter: @authorjleonard World on Fire is a news satire podcast that brings some fresh perspective to burning questions about current events and culture. Want to share your fire? Inquire about appearing as a guest at https://jimmyleonard.com/ Support the show (https://jimmyleonard.com/asp-products/support-world-on...

#2: Snowdays

June 07, 2019 10:00 - 13 minutes - 6.12 MB

Snowday reform for the 21st century—keep the snowman; lose the abomination. Subscribe to catch new episodes all summer. Also view the podcast on YouTube. Twitter: @authorjleonard World on Fire is a news satire podcast that brings some fresh perspective to burning questions about current events and culture. Want to share your fire? Inquire about appearing as a guest at https://jimmyleonard.com/ Support the show (https://jimmyleonard.com/asp-products/support-world-on-fire/)

#1: Follow Your Dream

June 07, 2019 09:00 - 15 minutes - 6.99 MB

Is "follow your dream" good advice? In the pilot episode of World on Fire, Jimmy gets meta about pursuing a passion and talks a lot about fried chicken. Subscribe to catch new episodes all summer. Also view the podcast on YouTube. Twitter: @authorjleonard World on Fire is a news satire podcast that brings some fresh perspective to burning questions about current events and culture. Want to share your fire? Inquire about appearing as a guest at https://jimmyleonard.com/ Support the show ...

Series Trailer: What is World on Fire?

May 31, 2019 11:00 - 1 minute - 660 KB

"World on Fire" is a news satire podcast that brings some fresh perspective to burning questions without all the tension and hostility often found on social media. Learn, laugh, and set the world on fire. Support the show (https://jimmyleonard.com/asp-products/support-world-on-fire/)