Unlearn16: Class is in Session

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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

Unlearn16


    • May 6, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 47m AVG DURATION
    • 173 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Unlearn16: Class is in Session

    The One Where Gremlins Beat Perimenopause

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 64:36


    In this episode, Kate Grosvenor and I sit down and talk about the crazy world of perimenopause and menopause.  What is it?  How do we mitigate the impacts?  Why is NO ONE talking about it?  And why aren't doctors educated on it?www.kategrosvenor.com 

    The One Where Fancy Takes My Book Cover Shot

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 70:47


    In this episode, I sit down with Elaine Fancy, photographer and philosopher, and discuss life, meaning and the truth behind the camera.  You aren't going to want to miss this conversation.  Just WAIT until you see the cover of my book!!!www.ripplemediagroup.comTiktok - @ e_fancyInstagram - @ e_fancy 

    The One Where Arlene Dickinson Gives The Lesson

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 58:54


    In this episode, Arlene and I sit down and discuss Canada and the US, the Chinese stance in the new world order and her favourite movie.Get your popcorn out

    The One Where My Grade 8 Class Questions Jagmeet Singh

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 16:37


    In this episode, I sit down with Jagmeet Singh, leader of the Federal NDP Party of Canada, and ask him some hard driving political questions - all coming from my Grade 8 class.  I personally loved how he handled the Messi question.BE SURE TO VOTE!!!!

    The One Where Get Shameless And Vote

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 67:39


    In this episode, I speak with 'Shameless Elle' - a tiktok star who made an impact with lip syncs but has repurposed her fame to focus on becoming politically education AND helping others do the same.@shamelesselle Want to talk politics?  We got ya

    The One Where I Make Democracy Behind The Scenes

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2025 41:52


    In this episode, I sit down a give a politics lesson directly out of my notebook - the indicators and limitations of democracy.  Maybe if we start here we will be able to have conversations that lead us down better roads than we are currently travelling.  The first lesson is free...but the next will cost ya.

    The One Where We Call Their Bluff

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2025 72:37


    In this episode, Leigh McGowan (I am Politics Girl), sit down and deconstruct the current US political and constitutional crisis.  It just figures it would take two Canadian women to fix this situation...you should have called us earlier.  Don't worry, we have all the answers...​ @PoliticsGirl  

    The One Where I Go To See The Wizard

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2025 30:22


    In this episode, I reflect on where the US is politically, economically, and socially - this isn't a new 'yellow brick road', this is just further on down the line towards the wizard.  PS - there is a reason the road is paved with gold.I wonder who the wizard will be?

    The One Where I Let It Rain with Amanda Marshall

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2025 50:56


    In this episode, I have the incredible privilege and, let's be honest, horse shoe carrying buckets of luck, to sit down with the Canadian artist - Amanda Marshall.  We talk about music, the business, politics and how she will dedicate her next single to me.  (ok, maybe not that last one).So, sit down, put on Tuesday's Child softly, and spend the next hour being inspired by one of Canada's greatest singers and song writers.

    The One Where I Enter The Dragon's Den with Arlene Dickenson

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2025 51:56


    In this episode, I have the honour of sitting down with Arlene Dickenson, where we discuss being a women, being an entrepreneur, and being single.  How much power can one woman wield?  You are about to find out.Check out 'Arlene is Alone' - coming on Youtube February 14 (PS - I get to make a guest appearance on an upcoming episode)

    The One Where Charisma Carpenter and I Save The World

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2025 112:47


    In this episode, I have the absolute privilege to sit down with none other than Cordelia Chase!!!  We get down to our 'childhood trauma', the uselessness of 'tact' and how sometimes 'we get the pieces'.If you understand all of those quotes...welcome to the Buffy the Vampire Superhero Club.

    The One Where I Try To Break Into The Legislature With Marit Stiles

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2024 33:00


    In this episode, Marit Stiles (Leader of Ontario's NDP) and I take a tour of Queen's Park, discuss foundational ideas for Ontario, talk about federal politics, debate changes that need to be made, try to break into the chamber floor and discovered where they keep the best snacks for the government.

    The One Where I Discover Oil

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2024 58:35


    In this episode, I have the great pleasure to sit down with 'Mr Global', aka Matt, as he is know all over social media to discuss the energy needs, wants and must have across the USA.  I'm going to get to the bottom of the over used tag line 'drill baby drill'.

    The One Where EVERY Student Gets Breakfast AND Lunch

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2024 37:45


    In this episode, I speak to Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development of Canada.  Together, we discuss the dynamics of creating a national food program for all Canadian students.  I promise to ask ALL the tough questions to see just how effective this will be.

    The One Where I Chose To Skip Perimenopause

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2024 27:49


    In this episode, I address the complete and utter lack of focus on women and women's health care - primarily focused on menopause.  It is about time WE take control of our bodies, our lives and our futures. And I am going to bring you with me along the journey of finding the right health care providers to educate and fight for our health.

    The One Where You RESPECT My Body Will Always Be My Choice

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2024 21:01


    In this episode, I face the horrific social media reality in the wake of the infamous 'your body, my choice' threat.  In the dark basements of some incel, a man is plotting his next threat and possible attack.  It's not free speech...it's criminal.

    The One Where I Watch The US Vote For Their President

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2024 21:59


    In this episode, I discuss, debate and rant about the impending presidential election.  Who do you think will win?  And what will be the consequence?

    The One Where I Paint My Nails Black

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2024 25:46


    In this episode, I dress up as Frankenstein (I know it's the monster, but he will always be Frankenstein to me) and Ana puts on her best Bride for our annual Halloween Party.  That's not the point of the podcast though.  I paint my nails black for the character - and the severe gender dysphoria I have over painted nails, which I enjoy doing, is incredibly weird.  So, as anything that makes me uncomfortable I immediately dive into to figure out 'why'.  

    The One Where I Forgot To Shut Off The Water

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2024 20:41


    The One Where I Deliver The Consequences - Teacher Edition

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2024 20:09


    In this episode, I attempt to answer a couple of age old teaching questions.   One, what are the most vital things we are meant to teach?  Two, when a student doesn't meet expectations what consequences will make them change their course?

    The One Where We LISTEN to the Truth to Change the World

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2024 17:39


    In this episode, I recap what Metro Prep Academy did on Truth and Reconciliation Day.  Spoiler Alert - the next generation will always do better than we did - just get out of their way.

    The One Where AI Destroys the Internet

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2024 21:18


    In this episode, I jump into what real?  Can't trust an email, a text message, a phone call...you can't trust what you hear or see across any medium.  Now what?  I guess it's time we met up in person, had a conversation and lived in the actual moment??

    The One Where I Teach The History of History

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2024 23:49


    In this episode, I jump into the past...jump into the past to decide if perception matters more than fact.  If you believe it to be true, does it matter if it isn't?  And if you write the history books, can you solidify perception into fact?

    The one where we build an international school

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2024 29:42


    In this episode, the FIRST of season 4, I jump right into the international student controversy within the halls of Canadian classrooms - both secondary and post secondary.  The question I ask is simple - why aren't we building an educational system that can directly compete with student from all over the world so we become the centre of education?  Answer - no one is willing to spend the money and would rather complain their kid, who has mastered all levels of Zelda, should have gotten a full scholarship to U of T.

    The one where money always does the censorship

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2024 26:21


    In this episode, I dive into the muddy waters of censorship, oligarchies, rebellions and delusions.  Which side do you think the billionaires fall on?

    The One Where I Throw a Javelin and Buck the System

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2024 28:59


    In this episode, I dive deep into the controversy surrounding Algeria's boxer and into the pool of sexism, bias and and the wide wide world of sport.  Do you think it is time to create a fair playing field in sport?  We are going to need a bigger boat.

    The One Where I Throw the Javelin and Get a Red Card

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2024 32:41


    In this episode, Ana Pac and I sit down to discuss the 2024 Summer Olympics - the opening ceremonies, the best events and the worst outfits.  We also make some informed decisions on events we would be best suited to win.Ana Pac  @HeyTeamAnaPacVlogs  

    The One Where Metro Prep Academy Gets 'Character(s)'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2024 37:00


    In this episode, I jump into the world of running a school.  Am I scared?  Terrified?  Nervous?  Yes, to all of the above.  Is it the best thing I have ever done?  Again, yes.Let's see what kind of magic we can create.

    The One Where I Teach Through the Learning or Learn Through the Teaching

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2024 27:34


    In this episode, I discuss how you learn how to teach while you teach.  If you aren't trying to learn and better yourself every single year then you have stopped teaching.  The two are intrinsically connected.

    The One Where I Leave Ana...For Ireland

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2024 38:53


    In this episode, Ana and I discuss my trip in Ireland in which Ryan and I are taking 15 students on a historical trip!  After she stops being mad at me for not taking her we then move on to discuss and analyze the new movie Inside Out 2.Please stand by for Irish content to come.

    The One Where Ana and I Review Lesbian Witches and the Force

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2024 34:17


    In this episode, Ana and get deep and discuss the force, her love of Anakin, the blame that lies at the feet of Yoda and the lesbian witches of The Acolyte.  Is that enough for you?

    The One Where Ryan and I Find The Authentic Metro

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2024 59:18


    In this episode,  Ryan Seeley (New Principal of Metro) and i discuss how our history, friendship and ability to lip sych helped save Metro Prep.  23 years of him trying to get me into a school play (which he did) and me trying to get him to watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer (which he hasn't) created the magic we needed to start Metro again.Stayed tuned for all the moments 

    The One Where We Save Metro Prep

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2024 32:05


    In this episode, I get you all caught up in the trials and tribulations of saving the the school you believe in.  Whether that means saving the name, creating a new one or grabbing a hold of a little piece of magic and making dreams comes true.What do you think will happen next?

    The One Where I Went Over The Falls To Build a School

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2024 21:24


    In this episode, I take you on a trip to Niagara falls with 14 students (7/8s).  Not only did this trip teach me about what kind of beautiful humans I teach BUT it also shed some light on the beautiful community of parents, teachers, administrators and students that I am about to build a brand new school with.  You want to know my teaching ethos...you are going to have to watch the episode.Out of chaos comes a beautiful power.

    The One Where Transitions Suck...But Change is Magical

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2024 19:05


    In this episode, I discuss the power of the transition.  It is painful, arduous, horrific and chaotic.  We hold onto what we know because we fear change, meanwhile, it is that exact change that will make us whole.  What a pain in the ass.

    The One Where I Colour Outside The Lines And Start A School

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2024 27:10


    In this episode, I take you on my first step to starting a brand new school with an incredible teaching staff, a powerful student population and supportive parent cheer squad.  I have no idea how this will go, but I do know that all involved will give everything they can to make it happen.  First things first...what's my educational philosophy?

    The One Where I Have Lunch With Mama Tot

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2024 53:19


    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 @shoelover99Instagram @ophelianichols Youtube  @ophelianichols9249  

    The One Where I Stand On Stage In Vegas

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2024 17:07


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2024 26:23


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2024 49:05


    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)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2024 60:19


    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.Websiteknowendo.ca 

    The One Where I Used Jaws 3 To Shape the Curriculum

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2024 33:16


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2024 33:06


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2024 28:10


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2024 31:47


    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 brave.

    The One Where I Wear The Letterman Jacket

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2024 31:24


    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'

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2024 28:53


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2024 43:53


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2024 31:38


    '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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2024 28:27


    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 Fundhttps://gofund.me/3b7956cf 

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2024 46:30


    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?

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