What's Up, Buddy?

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I focus on recent blog posts I have written, share my thoughts on interpersonal connections, and observations I have of the world around. I may not have all of the insights needed to change the world, but I do have mine that carry me through the day.

AJ Bucon


    • Sep 1, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 36m AVG DURATION
    • 34 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from What's Up, Buddy?

    Episode 34: Recovery 4-32

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2022 33:24


    Finally, I return from a long-needed break. I share my thoughts on taking care of yourself, Richard Simmons, and learning to find balance. www.ajbucon.com https://www.etsy.com/shop/500MileCornerStore PROMO CODE: SEPT20 Music Credits: Blood (Instrumental) - Anthem of Rain Solo Acoustic Guitar - Jason Shaw

    Episode 33: Hey Mama

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2022 41:47


    Inspirational CCHS track standout Cooper Blair joins me for a poignant conversation about faith and inspiration.  www.ajbucon.com  https://www.etsy.com/shop/500MileCornerStore  Music Credits: Blood (Instrumental) - Anthem of Rain    Solo Acoustic Guitar - Jason Shaw

    Episode 32: Leftovers

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2022 30:35


    The podcast returns from a short break with a standalone, solo episode about dealing with life's pressures and finding unique moments in life. www.ajbucon.com https://www.etsy.com/shop/500MileCornerStore Music Credits: Blood (Instrumental) - Anthem of Rain   Solo Acoustic Guitar - Jason Shaw

    Episode 31.Spittin' Bars

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2022 33:11


    In this episode, young rapper Lil Zone and I sit down to talk about the creative process and even spit some bars together. www.ajbucon.com https://www.etsy.com/shop/500MileCornerStore Music Credits: Blood (Instrumental) - Anthem of Rain Mama Said Knock You Out - LL Cool J.

    Episode 30.Last Cheer

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2022 33:43


    Have a good look into exactly what so many high school cheerleaders experience outside of cheering at games. I sit down with five senior cheerleaders from CCHS for an insightful discussion about the challenges and wonderful memories of five student-athletes nearing the end of their high school cheering careers. www.ajbucon.com https://www.etsy.com/shop/500MileCornerStore Music Credits: Blood (Instrumental) - Anthem of Rain Solo Acoustic Guitar - Jason Shaw

    Episode 29.The Play's The Thing

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2022 48:17


    This episode breaks slightly from the norm as Jake Nixon (The Juicebox Podcast) joins me from a fantastic discussion about HBO's Euphoria. There are plenty of spoilers, so if you have not watched the first two seasons, you have been warned. Jake Nixon appears courtesy of The Juicebox Podcast. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGBTIW1df4w_TCN19cMfxig www.ajbucon.com Music Credits: Blood (Instrumental) - Anthem of Rain Solo Acoustic Guitar - Jason Shaw

    Episode 28.Full-Court Press

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2022 37:16


    In this episode, I have a fun and thoughtful conversation with the four seniors on the Central Catholic High School basketball team: Ryan Reasbeck, Caleb Ratcliffe, Mason Palmer, and Michael Toepfer. They all share their thoughts on the season, the tradition of Central basketball, and some insightful descriptions of one another's personalities. www.ajbucon.com Music Credits: Blood (Instrumental) - Anthem of Rain Space Jam (soundtrack) - Quad City DJs* *I make no claim and receive no profit from the use of this song excerpt. This is for educational purposes only.

    Episode 27. Young Lion

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2022 44:51


    In this episode, I have an enlightening conversation with Columbia University signee Ayden Baker. We talk about his senior year, his past, and racial issues in society before Ayden finally offers a great message about how to be successful in life. www.ajbucon.com Music Credits: Blood (Instrumental) - Anthem of Rain Solo Acoustic Guitar - Jason Shaw

    Episode 26.Hanlin Helmets

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2022 26:45


    I have the creator of Hanlin Helmets, Evan Hanlin, on the podcast today. We talk about the inspiration and creation of the remarkable helmets as well as some interesting thoughts about living life from Evan. Follow Hanlin's Helmets on Twitter @hanlin_helmets and Instagram @hanlinhelmets www.ajbucon.com Music Credits: Blood (Instrumental) - Anthem of Rain  Solo Acoustic Guitar - Jason Shaw

    Episode 25: What the Puck?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2021 35:29


    Join me as I welcome two captains from the school hockey team. We talk about the season and have a special hockey trivia challenge. www.ajbucon.com Music Credits: Blood (Instrumental) - Anthem of Rain Solo Acoustic Guitar - Jason Shaw

    Episode 24.Immersion

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2021 35:51


    What does it mean to immerse yourself in the moment you are experiencing or in your craft? www.ajbucon.com Music Credits: Blood (Instrumental) - Anthem of Rain Solo Acoustic Guitar - Jason Shaw

    Episode 23.PAPAsanity

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2021 33:53


    Episode 23 is a companion podcast with my recent blog of the same name on Time and Space. I examine the need for people to understand the needs of others while acknowledging our own individual needs. We can be a part of their story, but our focus should also remain on our story. www.ajbucon.com Music Credits: Blood (Instrumental) - Anthem of Rain Solo Acoustic Guitar - Jason Shaw

    Episode22.Shitty First Draft

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2021 31:35


    Episode 21 explores how we struggle comprehending experiences in the specific moment because of the false narratives we write for ourselves. www.ajbucon.com Rising Strong - Brene Brown Music Credits: Blood (Instrumental) - Anthem of Rain Solo Acoustic Guitar - Jason Shaw

    Episode 21.Stories

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2021 31:45


    Episode 21 includes my thoughts on our own personal stories and the need for us all to make more of a direct impact on our own lives. www.ajbucon.com Music Credits: Blood (Instrumental) - Anthem of Rain Solo Acoustic Guitar - Jason Shaw

    Episode 20: Renewal

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2021 28:44


    Season 2 begins with my thoughtful reflection on renewal, its meaning, and how I have recently experienced it. www.ajbucon.com Music Credits: Blood (Instrumental) - Anthem of Rain Solo Acoustic Guitar - Jason Shaw

    Episode 19: Man with the Plan

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2020 32:36


    What better time to sit down with SGA President Spencer Helms than when the school year is about to begin in the middle of a pandemic. If we can adopt Spencer's attitude, we will be just fine. Music: Scott Holmes "Hot Shot" "Stomps and Claps" | Jason Shaw "Solo Acoustic Guitar" www.ajbucon.com

    Episode 18: Best-Laid Plans

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2020 30:33


    In this episode, I use Robert Burns' poem "To a Mouse" to talk about my current efforts to address upheaval in my life. Opening Music: Scott Holmes Closing Music: Jason Shaw

    Episode 17: Juice "Cancelled"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2020 49:36


    Join me for an award-winning episode with Jake "Juice" Nixon, host of The Juicebox Podcast. We talk exclusively about "cancel culture" and its effect on individuals and groups of people. Music Credits: Scott Holmes and Jason Shaw Production Credits: JT Nixon Jake Nixon appears on The Juicebox Podcast found on all major platforms. Time and Space blog at www.ajbucon.com My Corner of the World book available on Amazon.com.

    Episode 16: Masks

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2020 31:23


    Life in 2020 has been challenging enough without having to juggle so many masks. In this podcast, I talk about two different kinds of masks we have been wearing. I share my thoughts on being authentic in life.

    Episode 15: What We Must Do

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2020 52:36


    J.T. Nixon of The Juicebox Podcast sits down with me to talk about choices in life as well as traditions. He offers wise advice to the Class of 2020 as high school graduation draws near in the midst of a pandemic. Luke Combs "Six Feet Apart" https://youtu.be/Sayh8ZASxk8 || www.ajbucon.com

    Episode 14: Bad Teachers

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2020 43:56


    This is the audio version of the Special Event: Video Podcast with Bill, Betsy, and Lucy Knorr. We talk about distance teaching and play some Harry Potter trivia.

    Episode 13: Something Lost, Something Gained

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2020 37:36


    I put some added perspective as a teacher who now struggles with teaching from a distance because of school closing related to the coronavirus. I share my recent blog of the same name and offer additional context and reflection. Van Halen "Jump" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwYN7mTi6HM https://www.ajbucon.com/2020/03/something-lost-something-gained.html www.ajbucon.com

    Episode 12: Called to the Principal's Office

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2020 44:50


    Principal of Central Catholic High School in Wheeling, West Virginia sits down with me to talk the challenges the school community faces during the Coronavirus pandemic. How is this online learning affecting students, teachers, parents, and the community? "Odds Are" Barenaked Ladies  https://youtu.be/7Sw9Fh6uk4Q www.ajbucon.com

    Episode 11: Mercy, Just Mercy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2020 35:32


    This episode is about mercy and connection. I share an early blog post about the book Just Mercy  and have a fantastic discussion about the book and movie with one of my students during Catholic Schools Week. Me in Motion "Seek Justice, Love Mercy" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWC--TIIH3c | Bryan Stevenson Just Mercy https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/081298496X/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0 | Bryan Stevenson TEDTALK https://www.ted.com/talks/bryan_stevenson_we_need_to_talk_about_an_injustice?language=en

    Episode 10: Face the Nathan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2020 38:52


    It is a Friday afternoon, I have a stack of scrapfolios to grade, and Nathan Blair stops in for a visit. What is a tired teacher to do? Stop everything to do an impromptu podcast to find out what a student has been doing at Indiana University. We talk politics, transitions to college, and current entertainment.  Music from the podcast. What's Up, Buddy YouTube Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSU-14jE2PDAk9oOsG2vPir2uX0Sxuzol

    Episode 9: These Gifts

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2019 32:33


    This is my Christmas special in which I slow down a bit to talk about some important aspects of the holiday. I share a post that I wrote one year ago on this very day and share my top five non-traditional Christmas songs. "Do Not Bother Wrapping These Gifts" https://www.ajbucon.com/2018/12/do-not-bother-wrapping-these-gifts.html What's Up, Buddy? Top 5 Non-Traditional Christmas Songs YouTube Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSU-14jE2PDBWEyhrvJiJXC-X2pdo1K8g I do not own any rights to the music used here and am not receiving financial compensation for this blog as it is educational in nature.

    Episode 8: Remember the Knights

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2019 66:44


    I had a great sit-down with three of the four captains from the Central Catholic High School Single A Football Champions. They were leaders on a team which just one its third consecutive title in football in West Virginia. I have with me Curtis McGhee, Adam Murray, and Jacob Rine. LL Cool J "Mama Said Knock You Out" 1990 CD of the same name https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vimZj8HW0Kg | Time and Space www.ajbucon.com | Email at podcast.whatsupbuddy@gmail.com

    Episode 7: Gratitude

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2019 34:47


    In this special Thanksgiving episode I am going to talk about Gratitude and how it impacts our lives. I am also going to share some interviews with some special guests as they share their perspectives on gratitude. “This One’s For You” Luke Combs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPcgIgVy1Dg | "In Praise of Gratitude https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/in-praise-of-gratitude | www.ajbucon.com Email at podcast.whatsupbuddy@gmail.com

    Episode 6: Getting Their Kicks

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2019 38:00


    This is a special episode in which I welcome my first guests to the podcast. They are Jacob Estep, Thomas Minor, and Cole Saseen, three members of the Central Catholic High School men's soccer team. We talk about their memorable experiences from playing soccer for the past three years together. "Wavin' Flag" K'Nann https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTJSt4wP2ME | podcast email podcast.whatsupbuddy@gmail.com | Time and Space www.ajbucon.com | My Corner of the World at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/My-Corner-World-Lessons-Classroom-ebook/dp/B07J49H42X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1AG7YN8PKUHYY&keywords=my+corner+of+the+world+aj+bucon&qid=1573329075&sprefix=my+corner+of+the+world%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-1

    Episode 5: In the Midst of the Rain

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2019 28:37


    In this episode I talk about my recent blog post entitled "In the Midst of the Rain." I share music which inspired this post, some of the background leading up to the actual writing of the post, and some feelings and ideas since the post was released. Bebe Winans "In the Midst of the Rain" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfjB6uMwwa4 | "In the Midst of the Rain" post https://www.ajbucon.com/2019/11/in-midst-of-rain.html | My Corner of the World book https://www.amazon.com/My-Corner-World-Lessons-Classroom-ebook/dp/B07J49H42X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=my+corner+of+the+world+aj+bucon&qid=1573084404&sr=8-1 | email address: podcast.whatsupbuddy@gmail.com

    Episode 4: Shut Down and Shut Out-Part Two

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2019 34:48


    I return to my discussion about technology in the classroom for a short time then jump into my thoughts about social media being such a big part of our lives. Bruce Springsteen "Radio Nowhere"    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtrOYsNCPmg  | Dr. Cal Newport "Why You Should Quit Social Media" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3E7hkPZ-HTk  | Lydia Denworth   "Social Media Has Not Destroyed a Generation"  https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/social-media-has-not-destroyed-a-generation/  | www.ajbucon.com mailto:podcast.whatsupbuddy@gmail.com

    Episode 3: Programmed to Shut Down and Shut Out-Part One

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2019 30:27


    In the first of a two-part episode, I forego a discussion of my blog and head straight for a conversation about the role of technology in the classroom and how it may be changing the culture of our society. "Astronaut" Simple Plan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-MgRkSh5Xk

    Episode 2: Where in the Hell Am I?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2019 30:38


    This podcast shares more of the backstory for my latest blog post about being on TheJuicebox Podcast as well as some continued reflection on how this entire experience reminds me of the importance of connection and creativity. 

    Proof of Something

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2019 26:06


    This is my first podcast. Be patient as I navigate how to do this. In Episode One I talk about my inspiration for my recent blog post "Proof of Something," my writing process amid distractions at home, and the response to the post.

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