BustED Pencils

Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci have sharpened their pencils, straightened their ties, and trimmed their beards. Why? Because winter break is over! The holidays have come and gone, so it's time to get back to homeroom and get ready to learn! Highlights; Johnny gets stuck in a snowbank and Tim gets stuck singing a random song from the 1980s. BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message!

Every year on BustED Pencils we like to start things off by making a few predictions for the new year. Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci aren't just two educated educators; they're also two predictable predictors who predict predictions. What will change in education? What storylines do we see coming? And how can our challenges be turned into opportunities? We discuss it all as we deliver our predictions for 2026! BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message! Guest: Jakob

Happy New Year! As the Producer's Choice Show wraps up its first year on the air, host Producer Jakob has invited Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci back on their own show to discuss their resolutions for 2026. What do we want to see change for education? How can we be better educated educators? And what does the future hold for BustED Pencils in the new year? We talk about it all on THIS sentimental episode of the Producer's Choice Show! The Producer's Choice Show with Producer Jakob is part of BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk which is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message! Guests: Dr. Tim Slekar, Dr. Johnny Lupinacci

Every year Tim and Johnny celebrate the New Year by making predictions for how they think the next year is going to go. The problem is that they have NEVER been held accountable for their predictions... UNTIL NOW. Producer Jakob has dug up Tim and Johnny's 2025 predictions and on the final day of the year we will now judge their powers of divination. Can these educated educators really see the future? Find out if our 2025 predictions were any good on THIS special Class in Session as we're looking back at 2025! BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message!

On the final Homeroom episode of 2025, Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci are joined by Producer Jakob to reflect on the past year. What moments really stuck in our minds? Which episodes are our favorites? And what changes to the show helped make it even better in 2025? We discuss it all on the ultimate episode of BustED Pencils Homeroom 2025 edition as we're reflecting on 2025. BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message! Guest: Jakob

Today on the Producer's Choice Show Jakob is interviewing education expert Dr. Tim Slekar about the supposed war on Christmas. Has the way in which the holidays are celebrated within public schools changed since Tim was a wee lad? How should teachers approach the holidays in a way that lets the whole class participate in the fun? And do we have to completely marginalize Christmas or can yuletide whimsy and inclusive classrooms coexist? We discuss it all on THIS inoffensive holiday episode of the Producer's Choice Show! Click here to see Tim and Jakob discuss controversial nativity scenes! The Producer's Choice Show with Producer Jakob is part of BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk which is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message! Guest: Dr. Tim Slekar

Today we have a rare treat; Dr. Tim Slekar is actually teaching something! Producer Jakob dons his dunce cap, brings in his freshest apple for Mr. Slekar, and prepares to learn the true history of Santa Claus. Where did jolly old Saint Nick come from and how did he become the treasured simple of Christmas that we all know and love today? Find out in this spectacular episode of BustED Pencils! BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message! Guests: Santa Claus, Jakob

Today Dr. Tim Slekar and Producer Jakob are going nativity after a series of inflammatory news stories about controversial nativity displays at churches spark conversation. How do we feel about using the nativity as a venue for protest? Do religious people have a right to practice their beliefs as they please even if some find it offensive? And how can people of different religious beliefs coexist peacefully in a society? We talk about it all on this local civics packed edition of BustED Pencils Homeroom. BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message! Guest: Jakob

We're talking publicization and Mamdani with Jonathan Gyurko as one of our favorite guests makes his return to the show. Author of the fantastic book Publicization, Gyurko is back at it again with two fantastic articles that have set the education world ablaze. Whether it's giving educated educators the framework they need to "strengthen the public education narrative" or covering Zohran Mamdani's plans to improve public ed in New York City, Gyurko's on top of it all. BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message! Guest: Jonathan Gyurko

On the final Producer's Choice Show before Christmas, Producer Jakob has brought in movie expert Dr. Johnny Lupinacci for a discussion of their favorite festive films! Every era has its own classics, every family has their own tradition, and every person has their own personal favorite. Today we'll be finding out which Christmas classics put Johnny in the holiday spirit on THIS festive episode of the Producer's Choice Show! The Producer's Choice Show with Producer Jakob is part of BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk which is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message! Guest: Dr. Johnny Lupinacci

Today Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci are doing their best VJ impressions as they discuss their recollections of MTV, its cultural impact, and the importance of music education. With MTV continuing to wind down the last vestiges of its music content, now seems like as good a time as any for a good old fashioned retrospective. Has TikTok killed the video star? You tell us! BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message!

The Department of Education has announced a deal to end Joe Biden's student loan repayment assistance program just in time for the holidays! Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci discuss the decision as well as its potential impacts. In addition, Tim shares his frustration with the Biden administration for failing to enshrine student loan forgiveness into law, leaving the door open for this reversal. Merry Christmas, here's some debt! Bah humbug... Jakob plays his 12 Shows of Christmas song again. BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message!

Today on BustED Pencils Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci talk about the value of post-graduate education for educators. Does earning a master's degree or doctorates make you a better teacher? What's the point of getting one of these degrees? And should teachers even bother with them? They also discuss efforts to eliminate some programs within the University of Wisconsin system and debate the merits of these moves. So, does a doctorate make you cool or is it more like doctor schmockter? BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message!

It's the middle of December, which means we're in the midst of what we like to call Finals Season here in the US of A. It's a time when students around America are buckling down, going over flash cards, and trying their best to make up for having not paid attention in class for the last few months. Today Producer Jakob has asked Drs. Johnny Lupinacci and Tim Slekar to recount their own study habits, give some friendly studying advice to current students, and tell some hilarious stories from finals' past. Whether you shall choose to cram, or not to cram, you'll be more than prepared thanks to THIS studious episode of the Producer's Choice Show! The Producer's Choice Show with Producer Jakob is part of BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk which is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message! Guests: Dr. Tim Slekar, Dr. Johnny Lupinacci

Today on BustED Pencils we're joined by author / educator Allen Levie and filmmaker Rommel Genciana to discuss the upcoming documentary film based on the book Thriving in Public Schools. We talk to Allen about his real life experiences teaching in Racine, Wisconsin, that inspired him to write the original book, and Rommel explains the process of bringing the book to the big screen. If you enjoyed this episode, consider joining the WEAC book club's special event for Thriving in Public Schools. BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message! Guests: Allen Levie, Rommel Genciana

It's December and that can only mean one thing; it's time for finals! Youngsters across this great nation are staying up late, cramming for their exams, and Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci are joined by Producer Jakob to talk about their memories of finals' past. BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message! Guest: Jakob

Today on BustED Pencils Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci take a look at a troubling article out of Wisconsin. According to the Department of Public Instruction, 36% of children who attend 4K through 3rd Grade are considered at-risk for reading proficiency. What does that actually mean? What are the primary causes behind children's struggles with reading? And what can the powers that be do to empower teachers to help their students? We're talking about it all on this full hour of blue collar scholars we like to call the Saturday edition of BustED Pencils! BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message!

Today on the Producer's Choice Show we have two amused musicophiles musing about music. Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci join host Producer Jakob to talk about the bands and artists they've been listening to this year, their policies about music in their classrooms, and the role of music education in schools. The show is alive with the sound of music on THIS melodic episode of the Producer's Choice Show! The Producer's Choice Show with Producer Jakob is part of BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk which is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message! Guests: Dr. Tim Slekar, Dr. Johnny Lupinacci

BREAKING NEWS; a student at the University of Oklahoma got a bad grade. Yes, this is the biggest education story in the country right now. The student, a Sooner undergrad, received a 0/25 on an assignment for using the Christian bible to defend traditional gender roles. Was the grade appropriate? Is this a massive free speech issue? And how would educated educators Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci deal with a similar situation if it occurred in their classrooms? We talk about it all on today's edition of BustED Pencils as we confront the dastardly tale of Oklahoma student gets bad grade! Happy birthday, Alex! BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message!

With Dr. Johnny Lupinacci in a turkey-induced coma, Dr. Tim Slekar and Producer Jakob discuss a hot topic in education. Across America, particularly in our high schools, young people are stomping out their cigarettes and picking up vape pens. What's the big deal with vaping? Why are kids doing it even though it makes them look lame? And what's the right way for schools to respond to it? Tim and Jakob discuss this and more as they're water vapor-in' in the boys room on THIS episode of BustED Pencils! BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message! Guest: Jakob

On this exciting post-Thanksgiving episode of BustED Pencils Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci start things off with a chat about the holiday and then move into the education news of the week. Various agencies are gobbling up the department of education, which makes us wonder, is Trump handing education back to the states? Or is he just making education dumber and less effective? And if so, why's he doing it? We discuss! BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message!

On this festive Thanksgiving edition of the Producer's Choice Show host Producer Jakob is joined by Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci to talk turkey! What are their favorite Thanksgiving food items? What did they do for Thanksgiving this year? And how soon is too early to take out the Christmas decorations? We talk about all this and more on THIS exciting Thanksgiving episode of the Producer's Choice Show! The Producer's Choice Show with Producer Jakob is part of BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk which is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message! Guests: Dr. Tim Slekar, Dr. Johnny Lupinacci

Today on BustED Pencils Dr. Tim Slekar and his comrade Producer Jakob take a look at a developing story out of Wisconsin. As enrollment continues to decline, Republicans in Madison have passed bills aimed at aiding and encouraging school consolidation, and while Democrats in the state are against it, Tim and Jakob think the Republicans are right (at least in part). What is school consolidation? What are the positive and negative aspects of it? And should people that love education reject it outright or take up the fight for doing consolidation right? We talk about it all on today's edition of Class in Session. BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message! Guest: Jakob

Today Dr. Tim Slekar and Producer Jakob grab their pencils and notebooks as Dr. Johnny "The Yoot" Lupinacci teaches them all about the viral meme six seven. What the heck is a six seven? Why are kids yelling it in classrooms across this great nation? And is it something about Satan or am I just too old to understand? Johnny breaks it all down for us on this episode of BustED Pencils! BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message! Guest: Jakob

It's been a whole seven days since the last BustED Pencils broadcast, and Dr. Tim Slekar has found this week's biggest stories in education for us to discuss! From Linda McMahon butchering the Department of Education with little regard for those impacted, to efforts by high schools to revive the dying art of meat carving, BustED Pencils is ready to report on education from the national level all the way down to the local communities in which we all live. It's America, it's Wisconsin, it's every city and town, but at the end of the day, it's about educated educators talking education on BustED Pencils! BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message!

Today on the Producer's Choice Show we're tackling a subject raised earlier this week on Class in Session; are teachers lazy? With the Wisconsin legislature enforcing new demands on what they guess it means for professors to be working hard, Producer Jakob has invited Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci on to discuss the work professors do. Experts in working hard / playing hard, they're just the right guests to answer Jakob's questions. What do professors do? Who makes sure they're doing their jobs? And should we live in an anarchist wonderland or a French Second Empire inspired enlightened despotism? We discuss on THIS hard-working episode of the Producer's Choice Show! The Producer's Choice Show with Producer Jakob is part of BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk which is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message! Guests: Dr. Tim Slekar, Dr. Johnny Lupinacci

Today on BustED Pencils Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci take a look at a developing story out of Madison, Wisconsin. The statewide budget passed earlier this year included $256 million in increased funding for the University of Wisconsin system, but that money comes with a price; newly imposed demands on the amount work that faculty members have to do. Are these demands what they seem? Are educators not working hard enough? And how many hours of work go into each hour of class time? We discuss it all as we get our lazy butts back to work on this episode of BustED Pencils! The Producer's Choice Show with Producer Jakob is part of BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk which is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message!

It's a special Homeroom as Dr. Johnny Lupinacci and Producer Jakob talk about trust in media. Who better to do it than two of the most trusted voices in the media, right?! Johnny brings us a concerning article from Education Week showing that 84% of teens distrust the news, and Jakob brings info from a Gallup poll showing 72% of adults are in the same boat. What's going on? Is being able to trust the news important? And how can we restore some confidence in our ability to tell what's true or false? We discuss on this episode of BustED Pencils. Who can you trust? BustED Pencils, of course! Though you should still check our sources, just in case. Klein, A. (2025, November 7). 84% of teens distrust the news. Why that matters for schools. Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/84-of-teens-distrust-the-news-why-that-matters-for-schools/2025/11 Brenan, M. (2025, October 2). Trust in media at new low of 28% in U.S. Gallup.com. https://news.gallup.com/poll/695762/trust-media-new-low.aspx The Producer's Choice Show with Producer Jakob is part of BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk which is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message! Guest: Jakob

Today on BustED Pencils Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci discuss a new law coming into effect in Ohio. The law takes aim at higher education, listing out forbidden topics and tamping down discussion, but that's not all. The law also takes an axe to several programs of study. What's the real aim of this law? What is is doing to our Ohioan neighbors? And what happens to a democracy when higher education comes under threat? We discuss it all on this episode of BustED Pencils because when you bring education and democracy together, the people win! BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message!

Today on the Producer's Choice Show we look back at the history of Veterans Day and look forward to a future of supporting vets in education. Host Producer Jakob welcomes guests Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci to discuss the contributions veterans make on campus, the strengths of our system in helping veterans transition into civilian life through education, and the areas with room for improvement. It's a grateful, patriotic education discussion on THIS exciting episode of the Producer's Choice Show! The Producer's Choice Show with Producer Jakob is part of BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk which is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message! Guests: Dr. Tim Slekar, Dr. Johnny Lupinacci

With Tim out on assignment, Dr. Johnny Lupinacci is joined by Producer Jakob to talk about something near and dear to their hearts; the link between coaching and teaching. What are the similarities between coaching and teaching? What can coaches and teachers learn from each other? And what core aspects apply to both of these similar disciplines? Johnny lays it all out for us as he explores the coach-teacher connection on this episode of BustED Pencils! BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message! Guest: Jakob

Today on a special Monday edition of BustED Pencils Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci are joined by noted Taco Bell eating expert Producer Jakob to talk about a neat new program. Taco Bell is helping its employees afford to get a college education with their Tacos and Tuition program. Why don't more companies do that? And is it a good idea? We discuss! (Spoiler, we think helping your employees is a good thing to do). BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message!

Today Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci talk about a continuing phenomenon in American higher education. Colleges and universities across the country are seeing enrollment drop lower and lower, and many schools have had to cut back or close campuses. What lies behind this troubling trend? What can schools do to buck the trend? And how can higher education emerge stronger on the other side of this tumultuous time? The answers aren't certain, but we know one thing for sure; schools are closin' and times are a-changin'. BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message!

Today on the Producer's Choice Show we use the recent passing of former vice president Dick Cheney as a conduit through which to explore an important topic in education. How do we teach our students about controversial figures without A) forcing our views on them or B) watering down the truth? It's a tough one, and that's why Producer Jakob has asked two experts in controversy to join him on today's show. Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci are educators with decades of experience talking about things, and today they're joining Jakob for a Dick Cheney retrospective on THIS controversial episode of the Producer's Choice Show! The Producer's Choice Show with Producer Jakob is part of BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk which is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message! Guests: Dr. Tim Slekar, Dr. Johnny Lupinacci

Today on BustED Pencils Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci set sail on a daring adventure across the high seas. Their purpose? To check in on teachers from the rest of the world (OECD members, and especially Iceland)! How do teachers feel about their compensation? How long are new teachers sticking with their careers? And how do teachers in Iceland feel about their new partnership with AI purveyor Anthropic? We discuss all that and more on this episode of BustED Pencils! And by the way, we love A.I.celand! BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message!

With food assistance under threat, millions of Americans are now unsure if they will be able to afford their next meals. Dr. Johnny Lupinacci and Producer Jakob discuss the impending suspension of SNAP benefits and the challenges these cuts pose for children as they attempt to get an education. BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message! Guest: Jakob

The ghosts and ghouls are out to play today on a special Halloween Spooktacular episode of the Producer's Choice Show! Your host Producer Jakob (aka Mix-Master-Jake) is joined by two TERRIFYING guests; Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci, to talk about all the spooky, scary, shocking, and scholastic Halloween themed adventures they've had as educators. What are their favorite Halloween costumes from over the years? Which students and colleagues have surprised them the most with the most creative festive outfits? And in the CHILLINGEST segment of the show we talk REAL HAUNTINGS that we've experienced!!! Oooooohhhhhhhhwwwwww (said like a ghost) on THIS spooky episode of the Producer's Choice Show! The Producer's Choice Show with Producer Jakob is part of BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk which is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message! Guests: Dr. Tim Slekar, Dr. Johnny Lupinacci

Today on BustED Pencils Dr. Tim Slekar comes to Dr. Johnny Lupinacci and Producer Jakob with a concerning article. Published by Wired, the article is critical of friend of the show Alpha School. Are these sincere, necessary criticisms? Are the critics missing the forest for the trees? Or is it a little bit of both? Be it critique or hit piece, we find out in this innovative episode of Class in Session! BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message!

Whatever remains of the Department of Education is giving out over $150 million for civics training. Pretty cool, right? Well as with everything with the current president, there's strings attached. Still, Dr. Johnny loves him some civics, so he's not ruling anything out! We preview our investigation into what's up with this program on today's episode. BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message!

Today on BustED Pencils Drs. Johnny Lupinacci and Tim Slekar discuss an interesting Substack article Tim was sent. Written by Hollis Robbins, the article sets out a vision for how artificial intelligence stands to disrupt existing structures within education. Will schools and faculty be able to adapt quickly enough to the changes caused by A.I. or will revolutionary technology result in a turbulent transition period? We get into it on today's episode of BustED Pencils! Ka-chow! BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message!

On today's unusual episode of the Producer's Choice Show, host Producer Jakob is joined for an intense 1 on 1 interview with Star Trek expert Dr. Tim Slekar. Together they discuss Star Trek as a means for introducing students to difficult concepts, reflect of some of Tim's favorite episodes, and ponder how the nature of a progressive vision for the future has evolved since Star Trek first debuted in the 1960s. It's Star Tim: the Next Johnny-ration on THIS exciting episode of the Producer's Choice Show! The Producer's Choice Show with Producer Jakob is part of BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk which is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message! Guest: Dr. Tim Slekar

From special education to the special educators that occupy classrooms all across this great nation, folks in education are facing tough times these days. Who do the people that look out for our kids call when they need someone to look out for them? Today's guest, Ted Kraig, that's who! Ted is regional director at WEAC Region 7, and he's here to give us an update on the challenges being faced in education in the United States in 2025. BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message! Guest: Ted Kraig

Today Dr. Tim Slekar and Producer Jakob talk about the tremendous cuts being made to the Department of Education. With massive reductions in staff, many essential functions which the DOE is involved with are struggling. Among those functions is working with children with special needs. Testing, creating Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), and providing kids with the care and opportunities they need. Every day that these services are delayed is a day that sets these kids back. So why is President Trump gutting the department that provides for them? We discuss, but more importantly; we want to hear from you. Text us via the Civic Media app to tell us what you need and let us know about how you or your loved ones have been impacted by the gutting of essential services in education. Dedicated to mr. ALEX MORGAN. BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message! Guest: Jakob

Today on the Producer's Choice Show we're tacking a red hot subject; literacy. Can kids in America read? What's up with all these scary statistics that make it look like our kids can't? And does reading still matter, anyway? Or is it time to kiss reading goodbye? To answer these questions and more, your host Producer Jakob welcomes Drs. Johnny Lupinacci and Tim Slekar onto the show to check it out, dig in, and tell you what they believe in. So stay cool and don't be somebody's fool, because these righteous and bold guests are here to answer Jakob's big questions on THIS exciting episode of the Producer's Choice Show! The Producer's Choice Show with Producer Jakob is part of BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk which is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message! Guests: Dr. Tim Slekar, Dr. Johnny Lupinacci

Today on BustED Pencils Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci are joined by one of their favorite guests; Teacher Hallie! She's not just one of our favorite recurring guests, she's also a newly minted entrepreneur! With her new service Regulate 2 Educate, Teacher Hallie is helping educators get themselves into the right state so that they can be their best selves and help their students thrive. When teachers do good, students do good. It's not that complicated! Producer Jakob was adjusting his fantasy hockey depth chart during this episode. BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message! Guest: Hallie Schmeling

Social media, who needs it? Probably not children. So how do we keep our kids safe from the dangers of social media? Denmark thinks that they've found the answer. A proposed law in Denmark would ban children under 15 from using social media. Are rules like these good? How do you implement them? And should adults give up their rights for the good of the children? Join BustED Pencils today as we decide if Denmark's the spot to emulate when it comes to kids and social media! BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message!

Today on a very special episode of BustED Pencils Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci evaluate Zohran Mamdani's proposal to end gifted programs in early childhood education. Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist running for Mayor of New York City, presents his education proposals as more equitable and fair than the current system. What do we think about all of this? Find out in today's episode! BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message!

Should teachers and administrators be paid bonuses for the success of their students? Today on the Producer's Choice Show your host Producer Jakob presents that question to two extremely knowledgeable guests; Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci. Is it a good idea? How could it go wrong? Is it all about the money? And how do you measure student success anyway? We cover it all on THIS exciting episode of the Producer's Choice Show! The Producer's Choice Show with Producer Jakob is part of BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk which is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message! Guests: Dr. Tim Slekar, Dr. Johnny Lupinacci

Today on BustED Pencils Dr. Tim Slekar and his young ward Producer Jakob are joined by rural superintendent Mike Beighley to talk about the exciting innovations coming in education. Last time he joined us Mike told us about the innovative ways in which he and LIFToFFS Learning were using A.I. as a pilar of their innovative program. Now Mike has returned from a trip to China with a ton of new thoughts on education and the challenges facing kids in a rapidly changing world. How can teachers and administrators create a structure that let's them maximize their students' potential? It starts with getting out of kids' ways! BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message! Guest: Mike Beighley

Tim and Jakob talk about Halloween costumes, the joy of celebrating holiday seasons with children, and stories from Halloweens past on this first Homeroom of October. They talk about their favorite Halloween costumes, debate whether store bought is better than homemade, and have a HAUNTINGLY good time. But wait, where's Johnny? Could it be... no, it's not possible... but, perhaps... DID A GHOST GET HIM?!?!? It's spooky season, so anything is possible! BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message! Guest: Jakob

Guests? We don't need no stinking guests! Today on BustED Pencils Drs. Tim Slekar and Johnny Lupinacci are joined by Producer Jakob to talk about the hottest stories in education this week. Is it illegal for the Department of Education to come out against Democrats? Why are Harvard and other universities bowing to political pressure from the Trump administration? And how mad can Tim and Johnny get at Rahm Emanuel? Today we're talking about it all as we catch up on education headlines on another Saturday edition of BustED Pencils! Also, do you think Johnny is going to force us to talk about Chunk the Bear? Yes sir! BustED Pencils: Fully Leaded Education Talk is part of Civic Media. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! Go to bustedpencils.com for swag, all of our episodes, and for information on partnering with us! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Join the conversation by calling or texting us at 608-557-8577 to leave a message!