Philosophical and spiritual question concerning the significance of living or existence in general
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Jennifer Moss discusses her book "Why Are We Here? Creating a Work Culture Everyone Wants," exploring how the pandemic triggered a collective existential crisis about work. She emphasizes that meaningful workplace cultures can be built through small, intentional practices rather than major overhauls, focusing on hope, purpose, and community to combat burnout and disengagement in today's rapidly changing work environment. TAKEAWAYS Building hope through regular goal-setting and celebrating small wins helps combat workplace anxiety and burnout Flexibility should be treated as a right rather than a perk, with organizations using "pull" strategies rather than mandates Creating community requires authentic connection through simple practices like 20-minute check-ins and positive colleague recognition A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST
A conversation exploring the Jewish view of death, grief, and the afterlife. Drawing from her personal losses and decades of spiritual exploration, Elissa shares her journey, reflections from her work preparing bodies for Jewish burial, and powerful insights on mourning rituals and what they can teach us about what it means to truly live. Elissa Felder is the Coordinator for Core's Communities of Practice. Elissa started and actively manages Core's community of practice for women engaged with traditional chevrah kadisha. She is responsible for providing on-going professional development for the community. The knowledge she acquired through her work motivated her to write her book, From One Life to the Next Life: The Sacred Passage of Life After Death. Additionally, she is very active in her local chevrah kadisha and speaks widely on this topic. Elissa is the Founding Director of Core Connects RI, a non-profit organization that aims to deepen women's connections to one another, to Jewish wisdom, and to Jewish values, as well as to empower each other to find greater meaning, purpose, and possibility in life and to cultivate unity without uniformity. As director she is passionate about providing others with opportunities to grow and become. She runs programming both online and in person. Elissa is passionate about bringing Jews together and celebrating their commonalities rather than their differences. Through all of these experiences, Elissa mentors and encourages others on their journeys.You can purchase Elissa's book here: https://mosaicapress.com/product/from-one-life-to-the-next-life/?srsltid=AfmBOorymKsRPl9qZlNH91dglhkMuoqSkLUd1EdThXJfSxY72ARG1UeJElissa can be reached at elissafelder613@gmail.com To inquire about sponsorship & advertising opportunities, please email us at info@humanandholy.comTo support our work, visit humanandholy.com/sponsor.Find us on Instagram @humanandholy & subscribe to our channel to stay up to date on all our upcoming conversations ✨Human & Holy podcast is available on all podcast streaming platforms. New episodes every Sunday & Wednesday on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Sneak Peek 00:54 - Host's Intro03:30 - Welcome Elissa05:50 - Where Did My Son Go?07:33 - What Happens After Death? 09:28 - The Soul Separates From Its Body in Stages10:41 - Purification of the Soul 11:37 - Resurrection of the Dead: A Soul Reunited with Its Body 12:51 - The Deeper Meaning Behind Chevra Kadisha Practices15:09 - Talking to a Soul: Preparing for Life, Not Death 16:15 - Analogies for Resurrection18:18 - Why Return to the Body If the Soul Experiences Divine Bliss? 21:11 - Why Are We Here? 23:05 - Elevating Each Part of the Body 24:50 - Living with an Awareness of Life's Fragility26:27 - The Significance of Morning Prayers27:22 - Grief is Love28:36 - Communal Presence During Shiva29:34 - Witnessing Grief 32:12 - The Power of Small Acts of Love33:18 - Why We Let Mourners Lead37:00 - The Soul's Journey After Death38:50 - Grief as a Companion39:47 - The Chevra Kedisha's Love for the Deceased40:41 - The Rabbi Who Cared for My Father 42:44 - Caring For My Granddaughter45:04 - Welcoming the Soul 46:13 - Do We Access the Soul at its Grave?48:38 - It Is About Life49:16 - Navigating Grief 52:00 - Letting Our Emotions Flow 57:05 - Choosing Love Over Anger After Loss 01:00:12 - Host's Outro
On today's show: How sparing homebuyers the GST could impact Calgary's housing market; Changes are being made to how breweries are taxed in Alberta, and the Eyeopener's Dave Waddell joined us for a cold one to explain; According to the latest World's Happiness Report, Canadians are not as happy as we once were. We spoke with Jennifer Moss, the author of "Why Are We Here?" to take a look at some of the reasons why.
Welcome to episode #976 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Jennifer Moss has been a guiding voice in the evolving conversation around workplace culture, burnout, and what it truly means to find purpose in our work. Her latest book, Why Are We Here? – Creating A Work Culture Everyone Wants, takes a deep dive into how work has changed - sometimes for the better, often for the worse - and what leaders can do to fix it. Jennifer is also the author of The Burnout Epidemic and Unlocking Happiness At Work. In this conversation, Jennifer and I explore the shifting motivations of employees post-pandemic, the growing tension around remote and hybrid work, and why so many people are feeling disengaged in their careers. She shares insights from her extensive research, highlighting the erosion of trust between employers and employees, the disconnect between ideal career expectations and workplace reality, and the impact of AI on job security. We also discuss why organizations need to rethink productivity metrics, prioritize autonomy, and create spaces for in-person connection, even in remote work environments. Jennifer doesn't just diagnose the problems - she offers real solutions, drawing on examples of companies that are getting it right. As the workplace continues to evolve, her research and advice couldn't be more timely. If you're wondering how to build (or rebuild) a work culture that people actually want to be a part of, this is for you. Enjoy the conversation... Running time: 1:05:21. Hello from beautiful Montreal. Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts. Listen and subscribe over at Spotify. Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation. Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook. Check out ThinkersOne. or you can connect on LinkedIn. ...or on X. Here is my conversation with Jennifer Moss. Why Are We Here? – Creating A Work Culture Everyone Wants. The Burnout Epidemic. Unlocking Happiness At Work. Follow Jennifer on LinkedIn. Follow Jennifer on X. Follow Jennifer on Instagram. This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'. Chapters: (00:00) - Exploring Purpose: Why Are We Here? (02:52) - The Intersection of Work and Life. (05:56) - The Changing Landscape of Work. (09:06) - Generational Perspectives on Work. (12:04) - The Role of Technology in Work Dynamics. (15:08) - The Multiverse of Work: A New Paradigm. (17:58) - Trust and Expectations in the Workplace. (21:02) - The Evolution of Work Culture. (23:51) - Productivity and the Future of Work. (32:31) - Empowering Autonomy in the Workforce. (33:34) - The Importance of In-Person Connection. (35:02) - Rethinking Meetings and Communication. (36:55) - Navigating the Multiverse of Work. (39:40) - The Shifting Power Dynamics in the Labor Market. (43:24) - The Challenge of Meaningful Work. (46:21) - The Disconnect Between Ideal and Reality in Careers. (49:55) - Addressing Chronic Stress in the Workforce. (51:40) - The Impact of Disengagement on Business. (54:54) - Finding Light in the Current Work Landscape.
On today's episode of Allyship in Action, we're diving deep into the heart of purpose and well-being in the workplace with the insightful Jennifer Moss. Author of the brilliant book, "Why Are We Here?", Jennifer's work is a breath of fresh air tackling the often-overlooked aspects of what truly motivates us and how we can create a more fulfilling work experience. As someone who's spent years navigating the choppy waters of work-life balance and purpose, I can't wait to share the gems we unearthed in this conversation! Jennifer's insights are like a warm, comforting cup of tea on a chilly day – they soothe the soul and inspire action. Jennifer shares: The Existential Wake-Up Call: The pandemic forced many of us to confront our own mortality, triggering a re-evaluation of our priorities. This has led to a shift away from simply tolerating work towards seeking out roles that provide a sense of meaning and contribution. The Purpose Gap: There's a disconnect between how senior leaders and employees perceive purpose in their work. Bridging this gap requires connecting daily tasks with individual values and motivations, making even mundane activities feel more meaningful. FOBO and the Rise of AI: The fear of becoming obsolete (FOBO), particularly with the rise of AI, is creating anxiety among employees. Organizations need to address these fears with empathy, compassion, and clear communication about the future of work. The Power of Vulnerability: Leaders must be willing to acknowledge that they don't have all the answers, especially in this rapidly changing world. Embracing vulnerability and fostering a culture of continuous learning is crucial for navigating the complexities of the modern workplace. Gender Inequality Persists: Despite some progress, gender inequality remains a significant challenge. Organizations need to address pay gaps, provide adequate support for women at all career stages, and create inclusive policies that promote work-life balance. Actionable Takeaway: Take some time for introspection. Identify what truly motivates you and how your values align with your work. If there's a disconnect, explore ways to bridge that gap, either within your current role or by seeking out new opportunities that better align with your purpose. Remember, work doesn't have to be just a means to an end; it can be a source of fulfillment and contribution to something greater than yourself. Insightful Quotes: "Life is short. We're going to lean into the things that make us feel like we're adding value to the world." - Jennifer Moss "People don't actually really care about the mission statement as much as the senior leaders do. There's a huge purpose gap." - Jennifer Moss "This is not the future of work. We've literally entered a new timeline." - Jennifer Moss "If you're a really good leader, you have humility. You are agile." - Jennifer Moss "This is a great opportunity to reinvent work and free our capacity with AI so that we can do more of this purpose-driven, people-centric work." - Julie Kratz Find Jennifer at https://www.jennifer-moss.com/ and Julie at https://www.nextpivotpoint.com/
In the latest SBC Podcast I am joined by Josh to talk about a project that we have launched in February to help punters everywhere.Bookmaker disputes are the most common complaint that we receive here at the SBC and Gambling Commission in the UK have highlighted it as a major frustration for punters too (they haven't done anything about it but that's another story!).To help, we have created a brand-new guide that can help walk you through what to do in spots where bookmakers create friction at withdrawal. You can get your FREE SBC Bookmaker Dispute Document here: https://smartbettingclub.com/bookmaker-dispute-guidance/.In this podcast we discuss the whats and whys of the guide, with some of our personal experiences and opinions intertwined into the chat. Please feel free to share the guide with anyone you feel could benefit from what is inside - it's free for everyone and despite being 'UK-centric' - many of these firms are international companies and apply similar policies in different jurisdictions.You can support the SBC Podcast by visiting our brand-new podcast sponsor, Matchbook. You can get 150 days, commission free with them via this link.(00:00) Introduction(01:31) Why Are We Here?(04:03) Just A UK Problem?(07:09) Withdrawal Woes & Loose T & Cs(13:21) Big Brother Is Watching You!(19:51) Prevention(27:34) Disputes - How To Handle Them(37:45) Showing You Know What You're Doing(39:15) ADRs - Are They Worthwhile?(42:42) Considering Court Action(47:25) Court Claims For Larger Amounts(51:20) Other Tips & Tricks(52:20) The Guide & Final Thoughts
Pastor Garry Clark answers a nagging question that's on many people's minds: WHY ARE WE HERE? He'll show us, using the Bible as our guide, how we're actually here to love Jesus & People!
Send us a textJoin us as we sit down with Jennifer Moss, work culture expert and author, to dive deep into the dynamics of workplace stress, burnout, and the changing relationship we have with work in the wake of global crises and technological shifts. Her new book, Why Are We Here?: Creating a Work Culture Everyone Wants, has just hit shelves, and is a great read.Here's what you'll learn:Understanding Burnout: Jennifer explores the real reasons behind workplace burnout and why simple solutions often fall short.The Role of Leadership: How leadership styles can dramatically influence employee well-being and organizational health.Cultural Shifts in Work: Discussion on the seismic shifts in work culture influenced by recent global events and technological advancements.Strategies for Engagement and Resilience: Practical advice for leaders to foster resilience and maintain engagement in challenging times.Future of Work: Insights into the future trends in workplace culture and leadership strategies.Jennifer offers strategies that can help both leaders and employees navigate the complex landscape of modern work life, focusing on sustainability and well-being. You're in for a treat with this one.
Jennifer Moss discusses her latest book and delves into the existential question of why we are here, particularly in the context of current worker sentiment. The discussion covers various contemporary work-related issues, including the impact of the pandemic on work engagement, the acceleration of AI, and the epidemic of hopelessness and social isolation among younger generations. Moss also addresses the persistent gender gap in leadership roles, the implications of growing ageism, and the critical need for empathy and support in the evolving workplace. She highlights successful strategies from companies like Microsoft and Atlassian, which balance autonomy, trust, and effective use of AI while maintaining human connection and engagement. The conversation concludes with practical recommendations for businesses to foster a supportive and resilient work culture.High Notes:01:07 The Impact of AI on Work and Purpose01:45 Generational Perspectives on Hope and Work06:17 Addressing Ageism in the Workplace08:57 Women in Leadership: Breaking the Glass Ceiling15:44 The Role of AI in the Future of Work23:48 Combating Workplace Loneliness28:24 Building a Human-Centric Workplace41:02 Conclusion and Book PromotionTo join Jennifer's Why Are We Here book club, go here.Tune in for practical tips on managing stress and achieving a balanced life.Unlock your mental and emotional wellbeing with Emma. Emma is your emotional and mental wellbeing available to everyone. You'll wonder where she's been all your life. Want to give us some love but don't know how? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify!
This week on DisrupTV, we interviewed Jennifer Moss, author of Why Are We Here?: Creating a Work Culture Everyone Wants and Ron Miller, Operating Partner and Head of Editorial at boldstart ventures. Jennifer emphasized the importance of purpose and well-being in the workplace, highlighting the burnout crisis and the need for a reset. She outlines her book's structure, focusing on psychological barriers, business challenges, and the necessity of belonging and recognition. She also discussed the existential crisis and the role of AI, noting the fear of becoming obsolete and the need for hope and effective communication. Ron discussed the integration of AI in enterprise, the challenges of managing AI agents, and the importance of security and governance in AI adoption. DisrupTV is a weekly podcast with hosts R "Ray" Wang and Vala Afshar. The show airs live at 11:00 a.m. PT/ 2:00 p.m. ET every Friday. Brought to you by Constellation Executive Network: constellationr.com/CEN.
Jennifer Moss, author of “WHY ARE WE HERE?: Creating a Work Culture Everyone Wants,” joins Jon Hansen on Your Money Matters to discuss how hope in the workplace is essential.
Quit rates are up, burnout is rampant, and your boss wants you in the office five days a week. But Jennifer Moss says work doesn't have to be this way. In today's episode, Jessi Hempel and Jen unpack how we can create a better work culture. Jen is an award-winning journalist, speaker, and workplace culture strategist. She is the author of six books on work and work culture. Her previous book, The Burnout Epidemic, came out in 2022 and her latest title Why Are We Here?: Creating a Work Culture Everyone Wants was released earlier this January. Jen and Jessi discuss: The three qualities at the foundation of a better work culture: hope, purpose, and community How to deal with burnout How to increase cognitive hope by celebrating small wins DEI initiatives and how to foster a sense of belonging at work The future of remote work Return-to-office mandates and employee flexibility and autonomy Start every week with Hello Monday, delivered straight to your inbox! Subscribe to the Hello Monday newsletter and never miss an episode.
LEADER GUIDE FOR MESSAGE 3: Why Are We Here?
Matt Cutler is the founder of Blocknative and the combination of a fantastic storyteller and a fantastic data analyst. Blocknative is not his first company, It's his fifth. Matt's first company was an internet company that he started in the 90s well before the dot com boom and he founded a company in every major internet era since. In today's Bankless Summit talk, we hear from Matt's experience and wisdom so we can learn how the rise of blockchain technology contrasts with the rise of the Internet and why we are here in the first place. ------
Twenty-Sixth Sunday After Pentecost - Pastor Jeff Ruby lead this service with his sermon 'Why Are We Here' based on Luke 4:14-21
Kingdom Stories: Wheat and Weeds Matthew 13:24-30 For the bulletin in PDF form, click here. The Parable How Did We Get Here? What is Wrong? Why Are We Here? Where Are We Going?This Week's Growth GuideGod's Word is both central and critical to your spiritual growth. We invite you to utilize the Growth Guide during the week to further your application of the Truth from the message.•. Monday - Genesis 1-2•. Tuesday - Genesis 3-4•. Wednesday - Genesis 5-6•. Thursday - Genesis 7-8•. Friday - Genesis 9-11Home Church Questions 1. Have someone read the parable in Matt. 13:24-30. According to Matt. 13:36-43, what is this parable about?2. The lessons we learn from this parable help explain the Christian worldview. What is a worldview? Why is it important we understand what a worldview is?3. The first question that informs our worldview is: “how did we get here?” How does the Christian worldview explain how we got here and what are some examples of other worldviews that would answer this question differently? What difference should this make in our lives?4. The second question that informs our worldview is: “what is wrong?” In the parable, the enemy sows weeds in the good field. According to the Christian worldview, what is wrong? What is an example of a way you are experiencing the "weeds" of this broken world?5. The third question that informs our worldview is: “why are we here?” The Christian worldview says there is still meaning and purpose even though we live in a fallen world. What is the meaning/purpose of life according to the Christian worldview? What difference should this make in our lives?6. What are some reasons God allows us to remain in a fallen world with pain and suffering and weeds? How might your answer help you respond to the “weeds” you are experiencing right now?7. The fourth question that informs our worldview is: “where are we going?” According to this parable and the Christian worldview, what happens in the end? How is this different from other worldviews? What difference should this make in our lives?8. Who can you talk with about these big questions in hopes of talking about the Gospel? Which of the four questions do you think you would be most likely to “lean into” as you are talking with someone? Why? Mission Highlight - Pray for the Unreached: The Pashtun in Pakistan The Pashtun population stands at 32.7 million, with Islam as the predominant religion and Northern Pashto as the primary language. Christians constitute less than 0.1% of the population. Both written and oral versions of the complete Bible are available, but no movements of the gospel have been reported. Approximately 654 workers are needed, at a ratio of 1 worker per 50,000 people. Focus prayer on sending families to share Jesus' love and forgiveness, scripture translations in Pashto dialects, and inspiring household leaders to embrace Jesus and disciple others, so that Pashtun families turn to Christ and foster faith-based movements within their clans.FinancesWeekly Budget 35,297Giving For 10/13 20,813Giving For 10/20 35,240 YTD Budget 564,754 Giving 497,823 OVER/(UNDER) (66,931) Fellowship 101We invite you to join us on Sunday, November 10, at 9:00 a.m. to learn more about Fellowship. This is a great opportunity to hear about our mission, values, and our ministries. If you're new to Fellowship, join us in the conference room (first floor) to hear what God is doing and where He is taking us. During this time, you will meet some of our ministry leaders and get to ask questions. Register at fellowshipconway.org/register. New to Fellowship?We are so glad that you chose to worship with our Fellowship Family this morning. If you are joining us for the first time or have been checking us out for a few weeks, we are excited you are here and would love to meet you. Please fill out the “Connect Card” and bring it to the Connection Center in the Atrium, we would love to say “hi” and give you a gift. Operation Christmas Child• Operation Christmas Child season is in full swing. Your involvement in Operation Christmas Child is one of the easiest ways to place your finger prints, or the finger prints of your children, on the great things God is doing across the world. These shoe boxes are Gospel opportunities, and used by God in church planting, multi-generation discipleship, and changing lives of entire villages across the world. Would you consider how many boxes you and your family might be called to pack? Go to fellowshipconway.org/occ for more information and how to get involved.• If you are interested in volunteering at the Dallas Processing Center, email Paul Bradley at paul@fellowshipconway.org. The last day to sign up is November 10. Fellowship Kids Family HikeFellowship families plan to join us on Saturday, November 9, at 10:00 a.m. Please bring a picnic lunch and meet us on the playground at Woolly Hollow. We will head out for a fun hike and come back to enjoy a picnic lunch together. Men's Fellowship BreakfastMen, join us for a great breakfast and fellowship on Wednesday, November 14, at 6:00 a.m. here in the Fellowship atrium. No sign-up is needed. Come with your Bible ready to eat, fellowship with other men, and start your day off right through prayer and Biblical insight. Questions? Contact Michael at mharrison@fellowshipconway.org. Feed the Need - Sunday, November 3, 10-2:00 p.m.Multiple ways to serve! First, we need 24 volunteers to serve the day of the event at the Walmart Neighborhood Market. Volunteers will sort, box, load, and help spread the word! Register at fellowshipconway.org/register. Second, you can go to one of the participating grocery stores, shop for items on the list, and drop them with the volunteers in the parking lot! Let's help this year's event be a great success! Prayer During ServiceWe love to pray for one another. Our prayer team will have people at the front of the Auditorium under the signs Hope and Love to pray for you after the message. Please feel free to walk up to them for prayer or encouragement during the first worship song after the message.
Why Are We Here? | Pastor Jeremy Gligora
Why Are We Here by Pastor Bose Ngwu by Victory Inheritance Ministries
Dr Joe Dispenza returns for his latest full interview to open up about his mystical journey of transformation during his youth & 20's. Dr Joe and Emilio delve into a wide-range of topics such as understanding the Source / Quantum Field, time-travel, shifting into the 5th dimension, self-love, neuroscience of culture, opening the heart, and more. This episode is sponsored by Ra Optics. Receive your 10% discount on all frames by clicking the following: https://raoptics.com/tapindispenza Remember to enter the discount code "TAPINDISPENZA" at checkout. *** Why? Through the above link, for every purchase of the 'Dispenza' Frames, we will donate $50 to the Inner Science Research Fund. The Just Tap In Podcast is also contributing 5% of all affiliate sales to the Inner Science Research Fund from this episode (using our special link/code). A New York Times best-selling author, researcher, lecturer, and corporate consultant, Dr Joe Dispenza has developed a practical formula to help people transform their lives. His teachings and books, "Becoming Supernatural," "Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself," "You Are the Placebo," have made him one of the foremost pioneers in bridging science and spirituality. Dr Joe's mission unifies complex branches of science in an approachable way – focused on proven research, “Stories of Transformation” testimonials, and the scientific data behind spontaneous remissions. Inspired by the latest findings in neuroscience, psychoneuroimmunology, epigenetics, and quantum physics, his work integrates essential knowledge about the mind-body connection – which teaches people how to heal various health conditions and make significant changes in their lives. Watch Dr Joe's latest documentary, SOURCE: It's Within You
How many cans of worms can be opened in one episode? Join us for an amazing conversation with Brendan Murphy as we delve into his spiritual awakening and explore profound concepts about the nature of reality, reincarnation, and the afterlife. Brendan shares his insights and research on these topics, offering a unique perspective on existence and consciousness. Episode Highlights: Spiritual Awakening: Brendan's journey to spiritual awareness and the events that led to his profound awakening. Reincarnation and the Afterlife: Discussing the reincarnation trap, afterlife, and the continuity of consciousness beyond physical death. Hypnotic Regression Studies: Exploration of research studies on hypnotic regression and the experiences people encounter during these sessions. Realms and Bodies of Existence: Insight into the different realms and bodies of existence that constitute our reality. Deception and Victim Mindset: Understanding the realization of deception, the victim mindset, and their effects on co-creation. Manipulating the Aether: How we can tap into and manipulate the aether around us to influence our reality. About Brendan Murphy: Brendan D. Murphy is known as the “consciousness guy,” host of the popular Truthiverse podcast, and author of the critically acclaimed book “The Grand Illusion: A Synthesis of Science and Spirituality — Book 1.” He is the founder of The Truthiversity, a leading consciousness-raising university for awakening minds (Truthiversity.com), and facilitates accelerated evolution through his Evolve Yourself program. Follow Brendan's Work: Book 2 of “The Grand Illusion”: Get on the waitlist for the next installment - https://www.brendanmurphy.global/the-grand-illusion-book-two Awakening Minds Substack: Subscribe for insights and updates - https://officialbrendanmurphy.substack.com/ Instagram: Follow Brendan @BrendanDMurphyOfficial - https://www.instagram.com/brendandmurphyofficial/ Evolve Yourself Masterclass: Learn about Brendan's transformational "DNA activation" and healing work with sound - https://www.brendanmurphy.global/alecz Online Freedom Hackers: Discover how Brendan supports unconventional free-thinking parents - https://links.onlinefreedomhackers.com/alecz Enjoy this episode? Please share it with at least ONE friend who you think needs to hear it! The Way Forward podcast is sponsored by: NEW BIOLOGY CLINIC: Experience individually tailored terrain-based health services with virtual consults, practitioner livestreams, movement classes, and more. The New Biology Clinic's motivation is to make you healthy and keep you that way. Visit https://NewBiologyClinic.com and enter code TheWayForward for $50 off your activation fee. Members of The Way Forward get the full activation fee waived. Become a member of The Way Forward here: https://thewayfwrd.com/membership-sign-up/ ————————— For more on The Way Forward, please visit: https://thewayfwrd.com Visit our online marketplace for discounts on a variety of the best holistic health brands and products: https://thewayfwrd.com/store/ For all of our links, visit: https://www.flowcode.com/page/thewayforward Support The Way Forward and Alec's work: https://thewayfwrd.com/donate/ FIND YOUR PEOPLE! Join The Way Forward to connect with like minded men and women near you, businesses near you, and more! The best part? You pay whatever you want!: https://thewayfwrd.com/membership-sign-up/ Do you run a freedom-oriented or holistic health-oriented business? Join our FREE business directory here: https://thewayfwrd.com/directory-form/ You can watch The Way Forward Podcast on YouTube, Unite, Bitchute & Rumble Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWayFwrd Unite: https://unite.live/channels/the-way-forward/the-way-forward Bitchute: https://www.bitchute.com/channel/a3s3CiyELVd8/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/TheWayFwrd ————————— *This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without expressed written permission from The Way Forward, LLC. The purpose of this presentation is to convey information. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure a condition; nor is it to be considered medical or legal advice, opinion or recommendation. This information is presented in the spirit of service for all.* 0:00 - Afterlife, Past-lives, and Aether: The Enigmatic Fabric of Reality 0:30 - Introductions 1:53 - Journey to Waking Up 6:33 - Afterlife and Reincarnation 12:51 - Journey Into Realms and Near Death Experiences 21:05 - Memory Recall in Past Lives or Tapping Into Akashic Records 31:40 - Christianity and Jesus Christ 46:16 - Hypnotic Regression Research 52:20 - Different Bodies and Realms 1:01:25 - Reincarnation Soul Trap Psyop 1:17:13 - Co-creation 1:28:31 - Swimming in the Ether 1:44:50 - Taking Back Control of Our Co-creative Capacity 1:56:48 - Working Through Psyops 2:03:02 - New Age Belief Systems' Impacts 2:14:08 - Why Are We Here? 2:20:43 - Closing Thoughts
Why Are We Here? | Exploring Purpose from a Single Father's Perspective Welcome to The Single Father Podcast with Kendall Donaker. In this episode, we kick off a new series titled 'Why Are We Here?' by delving into the question of our existence from the perspective of single fathers. Kendall shares his personal journey of self-discovery, touching on religious beliefs, scientific theories, and philosophical viewpoints about human purpose. The episode encourages listener engagement, invites shared experiences, and explores the universal quest for meaning. Tune in to find inspiration and community in the shared journey of single fatherhood. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode, and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube at @thesinglefatherpodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content.We're also proud to be recognized as one of the 10 Best Single Father Podcasts by Feedspot.Looking for more? Consider becoming a patreon, where you get access to our private Facebook group accessible to patrons and added perks such as being included on one of the epsidoes! Visit https://www.patreon.com/thesinglefatherpodcast and join our community and support the podcast.For show notes and more, visit Our WebsiteI wrote a book! Check it out on amazon: My Father's JournalThis episode is sponsored by: Content Corner, 'Elevate Your Presence!' Visit contentcorner.org to learn more.
In today's episode of The Orange Team Podcast, our intrepid heroes analyze how reaching for the Starfield left Bethesda lost in space, parse the wide-ranging impact of machinima pioneer Rooster Teeth, and ask ourselves the question “Why Are We Here?” Join us as we discuss what space sims like Elite: Dangerous get right, wave goodbye to Red vs. Blue, and keep the purpose behind the Orange Team Podcast in focus.
Join host Kendall Donaker in this inspiring episode of "The Single Father Podcast" as we continue our series "Why Are We Here?" with a deep dive into "Embracing Growth: Evolving Through Parenthood." Discover how the journey of single fatherhood isn't just about raising children, but about personal transformation and growth. Kendall shares his own experiences and the lessons learned from the challenges, joys, and everyday moments of parenting solo. Learn how embracing vulnerability and reflecting on daily experiences can lead to profound personal growth and stronger connections with our children. Tune in for an episode filled with heartfelt stories and actionable insights that will inspire any parent on their journey of continuous evolution.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode, and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube at @thesinglefatherpodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content.We're also proud to be recognized as one of the 10 Best Single Father Podcasts by Feedspot.Looking for more? Consider becoming a patreon, where you get access to our private Facebook group accessible to patrons and added perks such as being included on one of the epsidoes! Visit https://www.patreon.com/thesinglefatherpodcast and join our community and support the podcast.For show notes and more, visit Our WebsiteI wrote a book! Check it out on amazon: My Father's JournalThis episode is sponsored by: Content Corner, 'Elevate Your Presence!' Visit contentcorner.org to learn more.
I'm baaaaack!" After a thoughtful hiatus, host Kendall Donaker returns to The Single Father Podcast with a compelling new series titled "Why Are We Here?" In this episode, "Finding Purpose in Parenthood," Kendall delves deep into how single fatherhood has reshaped his understanding of purpose and what it means to be meaningfully engaged in the life of his daughter. Join him as he shares heartfelt stories, personal reflections, and the existential queries that many single dads wrestle with. This episode is not only a narrative of personal growth but also a beacon for any single dad seeking connection and understanding in their parenting journey.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode, and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube at @thesinglefatherpodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content. We're also proud to be recognized as one of the 10 Best Single Father Podcasts by Feedspot.Looking for more? Visit ventpack.org for additional resources and if you're seeking an even closer community of single dads, consider joining our private Facebook group accessible to patrons. Interested in deeper engagement? Become a patron at https://www.patreon.com/thesinglefatherpodcast and join our community. For show notes and more, visit VentPack.org
Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantslayer@Gmail.com How to be a man coming soon at HillSpring Church. Are you not entertained? Maximus (Russell Crowe) Arguably the most recognizable Gladiator quote, this line delivered by Maximus goes to show the lack of empathy the crowd embodies. The mob wants nothing more than bloodshed and death, a show to distract them from the emptiness of reality. We could easily cry this out in todays world forums and families. As well as… Are you not distracted? Are you not deceived? Are you not gullible? Are you not in the dark? Are you not in the fight? Are you not the wicked Lazy servant who buried his talent in the ground? We miss - I believe the most important line in the movie which follows this line. Gladiator yells to the crowd “are you not entertained, is this not why you are here?” WHY ARE WE HERE? Why are we here on this earth? Entertainment… I doubt any of us would be so bold and so foolish to answer yes to this question… but yet we find ourselves at times in exactly that lifestyle and mindset. If I strive to succeed at my business, is it not truly so that I have the resources to entertain myself and meet my desires? You might be surprised at the number of times the Bible touches on the subject of entertainment. On the positive side, Jesus went to parties and made time to get away from the grind of ministry with His disciples. Paul said that God “richly provides us with everything to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17), and he obviously knew something about poetry (Acts 17:28), sports (1 Corinthians 9:24-26), and the theater (1 Corinthians 4:9). What's more, the end of history is pictured as a banquet for God's people in Revelation. Negatively, King Herod's attempt to entertain his guests led to John the Baptist's execution (Matthew 14:6-12), and the Persian King Ahasuerus' wild party ended with what amounted to a divorce (Esther 1:1-22). How do we sort through these biblical references? Here are several principles to help you determine Scripture's teaching on entertainment and amusement. Entertainment is not for fleshly desires or feelings to be experienced. It is not an escape and it is not to be in the form of activities that are lewd, unholy, or selfish… Entertainment a seen in scripture was for the purpose of enjoying Gods creation including his people. It gives you a respite for a fight that is coming again soon. Interruptions don't interrupt my mission, but rather serve as a break to focus on a particular aspect of God to feel invigorated and refreshed.
Make a One-time Donation via Paypal to support THIS SILVER DRAKAINA: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/queenofthestars We are gathering Monthly on the 22nd in the PATREON COMMUNITY 'Water's of Life Tier', to flow with the MA COLLECTIVE! To connect with me for: Booking Frequency Medicine Sessions, a Dragon Gridwork Journey Session, or to Join Exclusive Powerful Cacao Gatherings be sure to visit my WEBSITE PATREON | YOUTUBE | PRIVATE SESSIONS join the PATREON DRAGON COMMUNITY where my Love & Insights is being Shared Now… as I plan to slowly step away from free content on Instagram: @dragonslovecacao and @silverriverofgrace ***Midway through the episode I share a song from the from the Andes “El Guerrero” by Alberto Kuselman & our Closing Song is “Los Andes” by Loli Molina & Chancha Via Circuito (You can find these artists on Youtube and Spotify) ***In Episode 38, & this entire Season we open ourselves to the Frequency of the TRUTH. Notes from our Topics: Exchanging stories about Indigenous Lands & Peoples of PERÚ Retracing Hamid Jabbar's Journey into Sound, Expression, Language, Words, Sound+Frequency+Vibration Master Plants of Perú as a Longing to connect with Original Sound, Deprogramming /Healing with the Master Plants Technology of Stones (in sites like Sacsaywaman, Ollantaytambo, Cusco) and the mysterious Puma Gate Guardians of the Sacred Sites even now, the Tribes of the Jungle, the Serpent Yacumama, the Plant Brew of Aya Ri-membrace in SOUND, in STO-RI (Story-Telling in our Authentic Frequency), and in the LANDS/THIS EARTH Memories in the Minerals to help us answer the questions ‘WHO ARE WE? WHY ARE WE HERE?' Minerals: Depletion, Imbalance, Density versus Flow of Energy, the Frequency of Lack Lack as an Egregore Acceptance with Reality: Indigenous Tribes/Peoples vs. Western Society Mineral Deficiency and Parallels to Stress & Depletion Queen Prophesies' story of meeting Cacao, & Beginning the stream of Dragons Love Cacao! Cacao as Medicine/Master Plant, Sourcing Her Properly with Integrity, & the consequences of sourcing Poor Cacao which can cause Toxicity from its Heavy Metals Integrity & Impeccability & Meeting the Sacred Medicines where they originate/grow/are honored Plant Medicine Addiction, Pitfalls of Dietas & Misalignment with Master Plants like Ayahuasca as Non-indigenous Worthy Resources to go deeper down the Rabbit Hole of Plant Wisdom/Consciousness: "Plant Spirit Medicine: A Journey into the Healing Wisdom of Plants" by: Eliot Cowan "The Celestine Prophecy" by James Redfield Hamid Jabbar's Websites: https://www.mineralshaman.com/ https://www.hamidjabbar.com/ Info here on how to Travel to Peru with Hamid Hamid Jabbar's Instagram To see the Journey from the beginning, though I am going to be much less present in the year 2024 on IG: @dragonslovecacao and @silverriverofgrace The Music of Season 3 of the Podcast is the creation of VALKYRIE, @VALKYRIE_SOUNDHEALING | This High Frequency Being is providing Season 3 of QUEEN PROPHESIES with magical vibrations and sacred sounds. Her frequency offering is an activation in and of itself, so listen to it while tuned into your Throat Chakra.
*Interesting Fact of the Week: What animal can make 276 facial expressions? (Don't ask how they are tallied...)? Surprisingly, it's not the obvious answer: the camel. Tune it to find out! *Why Are We Here? This week we ask the question that philosophers, adolescents and too many college professors struggle with, many for a lifetime. And we ask it of the Creation Science Field writ large, and the Real Science Radio ministry! *Fred Checks the Facts: Hear Fred's testimony and how creation science (and Bob Enyart Live) were a part of his conversion to Christ! *Train Up a Child: In Doug's testimony he cites the fact his mom and dad taught him a literal interpretation of Genesis from the cradle as instrumental in leading him to salvation. *And on Bass... Real Science Radio welcomes Kurt Rushlow, Christian, Navy Vet and Bassist for ThumpWhistle in San Jose. He's currently working on a degree at Southern Evangelical Seminary. Kurt is known as an amateur apologist, a Bible Believer, and an autodidact. It's telethon month! Today's day #12 and we're looking for $25,000 to build up a full-fledged media team. You may have noticed we didn't have a single telethon last year, because of supporters like you who have given us stability! But now, we're looking to go bigger and better. We need your support which will help us get out more and better content in the years to come. Not only will we be putting out more content, but this will also allow us to promote the entire Bob Enyart Library of content. Just like how C.S. Lewis' ministry was magnified 1,000-fold after his death, we believe Bob's ministry will be too. To make this dream a reality, head over to our store and make a donation, purchase a product or sign up for a monthly subscription. (All monthly charges are multiplied by 10, then applied towards our telethon goal). *The Dinos Take it!: Hear how one our favorite topics, Dinosaur soft tissue was one piece of evidence that helped lead a fellow like Kurt to seriously consider the truth of the Bible, God's Law, and GOOD NEWS of the offer of salvation from Jesus Christ.
*Interesting Fact of the Week: What animal can make 276 facial expressions? (Don't ask how they are tallied...)? Surprisingly, it's not the obvious answer: the camel. Tune it to find out! *Why Are We Here? This week we ask the question that philosophers, adolescents and too many college professors struggle with, many for a lifetime. And we ask it of the Creation Science Field writ large, and the Real Science Radio ministry! *Fred Checks the Facts: Hear Fred's testimony and how creation science (and Bob Enyart Live) were a part of his conversion to Christ! *Train Up a Child: In Doug's testimony he cites the fact his mom and dad taught him a literal interpretation of Genesis from the cradle as instrumental in leading him to salvation. *And on Bass... Real Science Radio welcomes Kurt Rushlow, Christian, Navy Vet and Bassist for ThumpWhistle in San Jose. He's currently working on a degree at Southern Evangelical Seminary. Kurt is known as an amateur apologist, a Bible Believer, and an autodidact. It's telethon month! Today's day #12 and we're looking for $25,000 to build up a full-fledged media team. You may have noticed we didn't have a single telethon last year, because of supporters like you who have given us stability! But now, we're looking to go bigger and better. We need your support which will help us get out more and better content in the years to come. Not only will we be putting out more content, but this will also allow us to promote the entire Bob Enyart Library of content. Just like how C.S. Lewis' ministry was magnified 1,000-fold after his death, we believe Bob's ministry will be too. To make this dream a reality, head over to our store and make a donation, purchase a product or sign up for a monthly subscription. (All monthly charges are multiplied by 10, then applied towards our telethon goal). *The Dinos Take it!: Hear how one our favorite topics, Dinosaur soft tissue was one piece of evidence that helped lead a fellow like Kurt to seriously consider the truth of the Bible, God's Law, and GOOD NEWS of the offer of salvation from Jesus Christ.
Message by Pastor J.J. Stanbridge Text: Romans 8:1-11 The post Why Are We Here? – PART 7 appeared first on Flint Hill Baptist Church.
Message by Pastor J.J. Stanbridge Text: Colossians 3:17 The post Why Are We Here? – PART 6 appeared first on Flint Hill Baptist Church.
Why Are We Here? Psalm 107; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, 12-13; Matthew 23:1-12 11/05/2023 Rev. Alan Brehm PhD Hickman Presbyterian Church
Why Are We Here? Psalm 107; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, 12-13; Matthew 23:1-12 11/05/2023 Rev. Alan Brehm PhD Hickman Presbyterian Church
NOTES: Everything was created through him and for him. Colossians 1:15–16 (NLT) Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. Ephesians 1:11 (NLT) For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) WHY PURPOSE MATTERS Knowing your purpose gives MEANING to your life. Knowing your purpose SIMPLIFIES your life. Knowing your purpose FOCUSES your life. Knowing your purpose MOTIVATES your life. Knowing your purpose prepares you for ETERNITY. DETERMINING PURPOSE God has a purpose for you - but it's not ABOUT YOU. God has a purpose for you - and it's MOSTLY about what He's DOING IN YOU. God has a purpose for you - and if you SURRENDER to it, he will FULFILL it. WHY ARE WE HERE? To bring Him GLORY. For I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them… Isaiah 43:7 BOTTOM LINE: You cannot ARRIVE at your purpose if you BEGIN with yourself. THE CHALLENGE: What is ONE WAY you will GLORIFY GOD this week?
Message by Pastor J.J. Stanbridge Text: Matthew 6:19-24 The post Why Are We Here? – PART 5 appeared first on Flint Hill Baptist Church.
Message by Pastor J.J. Stanbridge Text: Romans 12:1-2 The post Why Are We Here? – PART 4 appeared first on Flint Hill Baptist Church.
Message by Pastor J.J. Stanbridge Text: Isaiah 1:10-17 The post Why Are We Here? – PART 3 appeared first on Flint Hill Baptist Church.
Bob D is sharing at the Woodstock of AA in 2011 at 33 years sober at the time of this speak. He is sharing on the topic of Why Are We Here? Email: sobercast@gmail.com Support Sober Cast: https://sobercast.com/donate AA Event List: https://scast.us/events If you have an AA roundup, retreat, convention or workshop coming up, we would be happy to give you a shout out here on the podcast and list the event on the Sober Cast website. Visit the link above and look for "Submit Your Event" in the blue box. Sober Cast has 2300+ episodes available, visit SoberCast.com to access all the episodes where you can easily find topics or specific speakers using tags or search. https://sobercast.com
Message by Pastor J.J. Stanbridge Text: John 15:1-11 The post Why Are We Here? – PART 2 appeared first on Flint Hill Baptist Church.
In this show, the boys raise the strange question, what would you do if in this particular circumstance?They have different people speaking briefly who were all asked the exact same question independently of one another, and Tony and Tayo then analyzed what those answers could mean.But what do you think?What are your personal thoughts on this subject? Do you agree or disagree? And are there other things you feel they should have covered?Tune in and listen to the discussion - and please let us have your feedback on it.Although we much prefer effusive praise
Message by Pastor J.J. Stanbridge Text: 2 Corinthians 3 The post Why Are We Here? appeared first on Flint Hill Baptist Church.
Why Are We Here? By Tammy Lacock“But when it pleases God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood.” (Galatians 1:16) In this podcast series, it is Warren Litzman's ultimate goal to help us understand the Apostle Paul's gospel, the final gospel to the world, so that we might understand who we are and why we are here. Paul, the meanest man on earth at the time by his persecuting Christians, was raised up by Christ Himself to bring us this new gospel. Only two men in the Bible were raised up by God to bring us a gospel. Moses brought us the law (Old Testament); and Paul brought us grace (New Testament), the gospel of Christ. Paul's gospel of grace supersedes any other gospel, including the Kingdom gospel preached initially by Peter and the disciples.In Galatians 1:16, the Apostle Paul tells us something that has never been told before, that the Holy Spirit had revealed to him that Christ is now living in him, literally, not figuratively. Paul taught of Christ living in us and we in Him over and over throughout his letters. This is Paul's gospel, the final gospel of God's grace for humanity. That by Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, we as believers, have been rebirthed by the very seed of Christ in our spirits (1 Corinthians 6:17). By just believing, God can now uproot Satan's sin-nature passed down by the curse through Adam and replace it with the incorruptible seed of Christ (1 Peter 1:23). By this, we are made brand-new creations, no longer bound by law, sin, and death. God now sees Christ in us as our righteousness, making us His bona fide sons and daughters. By Christ, we are complete. Only by Christ. Our identity is Christ. In Him, we are now free to live who God created us to be. Warren Litzman points out the importance of understanding the role of the Holy Spirit, part of which is to teach God's born-again children about our new identity. Jesus tells us in John's gospel that the Holy Spirit will come upon us to be our teacher and our comforter, helping us to understand our new life in Christ, our new life in grace. The Holy Spirit's power is revealing Christ and who He is now living in us. “At that day (Pentecost) ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.” (John 14:20)The Holy Spirit renews our minds, as Paul says, helping us to understand and cultivate a beautifully unique and reciprocal love affair with Christ, the Christ that now lives in each of us who believe. The Christ that is our strength, our hope, our peace, our very life. This is why we are here, to learn of Him, to know Him, to rest in Him, and to fall in love with Him more and more every day.
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A new MP3 sermon from Heritage Reformed Congregation is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Why Are We Here on the Planet Earth? Speaker: Dr. Joel Beeke Broadcaster: Heritage Reformed Congregation Event: Conference Date: 1/27/2023 Length: 1 min.
Christian Holloway was just a mild mannered, all-American, belt-fed marine, right up until he found himself being deployed as infantry to the second battle of Fallujah. It was far from the only time he'd find himself in a tough spot - Christian's got more than one story of close calls, stray squirters, and unexploded rocket-propelled grenades courtesy of Saddam's best and brightest.Eventually his experiences led him to becoming one of the earliest members of MARSOC, the Marine Special Operations Command that's now known as the Marine Raiders, where he found even more action from an entirely different side of the globe. That's why he's sitting down today to tell us all about it. ----------Chapters:00:00 - Intro02:05 - Why Are We Here?10:08 - David Goggins Can't Hurt Me17:03 - I Wanted to Fly Planes23:33 - In Country, Out of Options37:27 - The Craziest Gunfight I Got Into47:52 - Everybody's Got a Plan Until First Contact01:02:45 - They Weren't Pulling Pins01:14:08 - Searching Bodies for Intel01:22:47 - Post-Deployment Leave01:28:32 - Second Deployment01:47:49 - IED Developments----------Support Christian Holloway - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris.holloway_fiYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs1jwxG_W_NAVVX8KlZ-MigLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-holloway1----------Sponsors: MUD/WTRGo to https://www.mudwtr.com/mike to support the show and use code MIKEMUD for 15% off----------1st Phorm https://www.1stphorm.com/mikedrop | Free shipping on all orders over $75 when you use the link!----------BioProteinUse code MIKEDROP to save $30 on your first order at https://www.bioproteintech.com----------Fueled by TeamDog | www.mikeritlandco.com | @Teamdog.petALL THINGS MIKE RITLAND:SHOP for Fueled By Team Dog Performance Dog Food, Treats, Apparel, Accessories, and Protection dogs - MikeRitlandCo.com - https://www.MikeRitlandCo.com Team Dog Online dog training - TeamDog.pet - https://www.TeamDog.petThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5531509/advertisement
WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyL8cceqgYw Welcome To The Last Episode Of The Year On The Rec & Respect Pod Featuring Our Very Own Monster SHNEAKY the MC. This Episode Features A Very Special Guest With His Upbringing In Rock & Heavy Metal Transitioning Into The Now Successful Dj He Has Become: LinusDayz LinusDayz Started Off His Musical Journey Playing In Heavy Metal Bands But In His Later Years He Has Developed Onto Spinning His Favorite Heavy Metal & Emo Tracks. By Starting his Own Emo Night Event He Has Been Able To Feed His Audience By Doing What He Loves To Do!! On This Monster Cast: 01:39 Second Time Around 03:41 Run It Back 05:28 The Progression 08:52 Did The Pandemic Help The Artist Community 12:08 Meshing Deejaying & Metal 15:38 Why Are We Here??? 19:55 Why Is It Not Emo Night?? 23:40 Bringing Back The Not Emo Night Page 26:16 It Was Bananas!!! 29:47 Shneakys Weird Night At Shuttle 35:10 Bringing Your Own Sound 39:19 Language & The Way You Define Things 40:47 When The DJ Hasn't Shown Up Yet 42:00 Where Can They Find You On Social Media 42:44 The Correct Way Of Putting My Name On A Flyer Made Possible By: Merchan Media Productions https://www.instagram.com/merchan_med... https://www.instagram.com/merchanmp/ LinusDayz https://linktr.ee/LinusDayz https://www.instagram.com/linusthedj https://www.instagram.com/notemonightla MMUpClan https://www.mmupclan.com https://www.Twitter.com/mmupclan https://www.facebook.com/mmupclan https://www.Twitch.tv/mmupclan https://www.instagram.com/mmupclan SHNEAKY https://www.shneakyentertainment.com https://www.instagram.com/officialshn... https://www.twitter.com/officialshneaky https://www.facebook.com/officialshneaky https://www.instagram.com/shneakyent https://www.instagram.com/recrespectpod https://www.youtube.com/shneakyness https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/shn... Recorded at SHNEAKY Entertainment in Southeast Los Angeles #SHNEAKY #Rapper #DJ #Streamer #RecognitionAndRespect #Podcast #RecRespectPod #mmupclan #blessed #linusthedj #recandrespect #420 #againstallodds #emomusic #dj #heavymetal #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #funnymoments #itslit #hussleandmotivate #weworking #beleiveinyourself #blessedbeyondmeasure #keeppushing #keepsupporting #livinglife #officialshneaky #michelobultra #follow #subscribe #tunein #twitch
What's the purpose of education? If you were to ask 10 different people this question, you may get 10 different answers. Education shouldn't be this complex, but getting people to come to a consensus on anything right now is a challenge. This can be a problem. If teachers are expected to meet ambiguous goals, it can lead to burnout and frustration. In this episode, we hear how conflicting values in education may be contributing to teachers' decisions to leave. Music: Theme Song By Julian Saporiti “Your Paradigm Dial” by Origami Repetika is licensed under a CC BY license. “Room With a View” by Jahzzar is licensed under a CC BY-SA license. “Business Getaway ” by Scott Holmes Music is licensed under a CC BY-NC license. “I Was Different” by Ov Moi Omm is licensed under a CC BY license. “Sunny Afternoon” by HoliznaCC0 is in the Public Domain. Transcript: In the spring of 2016, Julian Saporiti, the guy that made the theme song for this podcast, asked me if I wanted to help him teach a summer road trip class for the University of Wyoming. It was easy to say yes, and this class ended up being one of the most influential educational experiences that I've ever had. Many of our students felt the same way. One of them, Sam Mallory, even talked about it in his graduation speech. Sam Mallory: Two years ago about this time of year, I was officially enrolled in the most influential course in my college experience And what made this class so significant likely had to do with the fact that we valued experience over product, which is a pretty non-traditional approach to a college course.. Our Syllabus included the following: Introductions: Julian Saporiti - Instructor /Guitarist. Charles Fournier Advisor/ Contemplation Mentor Books: Jack Kerouak's On The Road and John Steinbeck's Travels with Charlie Music: Songs and lyrics for sing-alongs Assignments: This list included items like helping a stranger, keeping a journal, and dancing in the moonlight Safety Measures: Information about bear country, how to react if lost, and how to create a cross-draft in your vehicle to fart rather than holding it in and risking feeling sick Traveling Recommendations for Women: A list focused on hygiene and affirmations created by wife, Jennie, who is a brilliant traveler but opted to stay home to plan for classes and manage our new ornery dog Lastly: “Be Amazed. Be Present.” We set out for two weeks across Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. We danced to music by firelight in the Tetons under the Milky Way. I taught a pair of girls how to build a fire and when they asked what I thought about feminism, we read parts of The Vagina Monologues while lighting things on fire- one of those girls just wrote an award-winning screenplay. We observed the wildlife of national parks and saw some animals as well. I love this model for education. A kind of structure of non-structure that gives students a chance to grow autonomy and learn on the go. It was an experience, and the students were, if not changed, greatly impacted by that course. Julian and I were too. I tried to apply some of the elements of this course to my high school classes the next school year. I wanted kids to sit around a fire and have conversations, to worry less about grades or tests, and to focus on collaborative experiences that result in knowledge acquisition. Then the school year started. My fire pit idea was struck down, and the weight of standardized assessments, and everything else settled into place. My idealism was smothered by bureaucratic reality. There's nothing quite like having your grand plan for the new school year get deflated by October. And this brings me to a question that I have continuously returned to as a teacher when this happens - What's the point of education? Why are we here? The answer is ambiguous, and that uncertainty has led to conflict and confusion in education. So on the show today, we will ask “What's the purpose of education?” Because if we can't come to a consensus, teachers will continue to be expected to meet all of the competing thoughts about for what education is for. This is frustrating and adds to the stress and burnout that is leading teachers to find careers that might have more clearly defined parameters. This is Those Who Can't Teach Anymore, a 7-part podcast series exploring why teachers are leaving education and what can be done to stop the exodus. I'm Charles Fournier. Here is part 4: “Why Are We Here?” Why we educate kids seems like it should be an easily answered question. But in my conversations with all levels of people involved in and around education, there wasn't a clear consistent answer: Gary Martin:We have to work on their cognitive skills, you know, the critical thinking. Christy Chadwick: I think we have this idea that the purpose of education is to raise the next generation. But now, it sort of feels like a control factor. It feels like we're just controlling society through education. Caskey Russell: Fostering creativity in the students, critical thinking, removing kind of cultural blind spots, providing kind of an equal access all across the board, regardless of class race, getting an idea of community, American community as the kind of multicultural tapestry. Lindsey Freeman: I mean, that's a big part of it is workforce development. But just citizens, I mean, our government or politicians, like everything that our world needs to continue starts in the classroom. Jaye Wacker: Oh, my gosh, to protect a democratic republic. You know, pure and simple. We have to be educated, we have to be able to see through the bullshit, you know. Jennica Fournier: I thought my role was to teach students about chemistry and biology. But I think sometimes there's the expectation that you're babysitting them. or that you're keeping them safe. Shane Atkinson: I really tried to make it about the human connection. Elizabeth Smith: The purpose of education is to train our people to be worker bees, and to have the skills necessary to devote their entire lives towards the betterment of a few elite versus the greater good of all. It's a lot, and that can be a problem. And there is a split between the ideal for what education is for and the reality that often stifles idealism. What we do know is that an educational system is inherently political because it reflects a country's values. But what is valued in the US is continuously evolving and hard to pin down. Education started in the Americas as a way to teach kids how to be a part of their community. Then it started to shift with colonization. Education went from being morality focused - teaching literacy so that people could read the Bible. To Democracy and assimilation focused - forcing people to fit a standard ideal while emphasizing being an active citizen. To worker focused - creating industrialized systems to set people up to enter the workforce. To academic and standards focused - standardizing curriculum with the intent to compete on the global scale. But now, as demonstrated by the crazy political climate, what we value as a country is unclear, so what education should look like is also unclear. This lack of clarity is landing at the feet of teachers. And having a job with no clear and agreed upon objective is frustrating. Should teachers be focused on standardized tests, on learning, on mental health, on social health, on morality, on graduation rates? It's not clear. But what is clear, is that having more of a shared value system would be valuable. A shared vision of what education is for. This would give teachers a clear objective that does not leave room for the petty arguments that are at the heart of so many educational dilemmas that are driving teachers out. I think we can get there. I spoke with people from all over the political spectrum for this podcast, and I am certain that we can get to a shared set of values. Juan Laden: Fundamentally, we need to make available within our teaching environment the understanding of other people and the possibilities for children to do so many things. Juan Laden sat down with me at the Lander Bake Shop. I had set up a microphone and taped up a sign with two questions: Why are teachers leaving Education? And What is the Purpose of Education? Because I don't want to hassle folks, I sat quietly with my dirty chai and waited for people to come to me. Juan sidled over in a dutch cap, still chewing on a pastry, and starting answering questions before he even sat down. Juan Laden: I think they're good teachers, and that's why they're leaving. And so that's, are you recording this? Good, good? Juan is a lot of things. He has never been a public school teacher, but he was an experiential climbing instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School or NOLS, he has traveled around and lived in Europe, he is knowledgeable in many things including plumbing and photography, and he knows a lot about pedagogy, this is a word educators use to talk about the method or practice of teaching: Juan Laden: And basically, I think the concept in America of education is filling a receptacle, and that is not what it's about. What Juan is referring to is also called the banking method - the idea is that a student's educational experience is to get packed full of information, and that's it. The banking method is not a popular pedagogy because it lacks a need for critical thinking and creativity and disregards the fact that students come to school already possessing knowledge. Many folks I spoke with push against this focus of education - to pack kids full of information. Juan agrees, and he explained that he thinks education should feel more like caving. Juan Laden: I'm a caver and talk about exploration. Most people don't like the idea of caving. I tell them they just had a difficult birth and never got over it. But you know, it's like, what a trip. You're exploring to the max. When you find a new cave…the dream of all cavers is to find the big, going cave, like, “Wow, there's a hole and you go in there, and it goes, and it goes, and there's more.” The idea that you're actually going where no one's been before, and that's what exploration is. It is a very deep drive in all humans to start out with - that curiosity, that emotional need to explore is driven by curiosity. Exploration was a tenet of that Road Trip class, and something I wish my high school classroom had more of now. We gave the students the freedom to choose where they wanted to go and how they wanted to get there. This is how we ended up at a hot spring called Chicken Soup in Idaho. Idaho wasn't even in our original plan. The desire to explore was also an ideal across many of my conversations with teachers about what education is for - to help students jump into a metaphorical or literal cave. But the reality of teaching in a public school setting is that this ability to delve into curiosity is often devalued by what is required in the curriculum, community pressures, or a lack of resources. And the breadth of information that needs to be covered in a curriculum sometimes does not allow for depth or the chance for student exploration. I know of several projects that students would learn from and enjoy that were dead on arrival because they did not meet a curricular requirement or wouldn't work for a specific standardized assessment. Such limits can take away from the joy of teaching and we've already seen that it can lead to teachers quitting. Exploration is something worth valuing, but based on how our system is currently structured, it isn't valued enough. To get another idea about this question, we're going to take a step back and start with what an educational jack-of-all-trades says about the purpose of education. I met up with Colby Gull at his office. Colby is the Managing Director for the trustees education initiative in the College of Education at the University of Wyoming. I asked him what the purpose of education is: Colby Gull: That is too complex of a question for your podcast, probably. This shouldn't be the case. To me, this is part of the problem. I wish education could be simpler. For instance, for their final project during the road trip class, a pair of students designed and printed a t-shirt for the class. And they created a slogan for each person in the course. Mine read “Just trying to teach people not to be assholes.” And you know, that sums up my pedagogy pretty well. But Colby's right. Our country's current view of education is very complex. We can't easily say that education should be for exploration like Juan says, or that education is trying to teach people not to be assholes like my t-shirt motto says. And our system might be too complex. We might be trying to layer in too much. And Colby, who was a teacher, principal, and superintendent, is aware of that. Here he is again with another answer that tries to better address the complexities for what he sees as the purpose of education: Colby Gull: I think we have to help our students to gain some basic knowledge, some basic skills around academic areas. We want them to understand how to read and to ask good questions. And we want them to understand some mathematical things and solve problems. But we also want to give them opportunities to explore new ideas and new ways of thinking about things and to analyze their own thinking, and , ”Why is my opinion that? Maybe it should be something else?” But I think the purpose of all of that is to help students to be prepared to go out and reach their potential, and to do great things and challenge thinking and make things better for themselves and for the people around them. Colby's answers show his expertise. He is a guy that spends his life thinking about education and helping to train and retain teachers, and through all of his roles, he has had to deal with the bureaucracy and politics of education more intimately than most teachers ever do. What a teacher might value does not include the political nature of education And this is where the conflict comes in. Something like the Road Trip Class, is my ideal education structure because it also reflects my values. But that does not work in public education. Teacher values and idealism often collapse against the layers of the education system's bureaucracy. And it's disheartening. So we end up with statements like Colby's second answer. It covers a lot but it is also pretty generalized. It sounds like an institutional response to the question, or a mission statement - their purpose of education proclamation. To compare, here is the mission statement from the United States Department of education: “The United States Department of Education's mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.” And here are a few more mission statements to compare to from districts across the country. Try to guess where they're from: “We ensure equitable access to a transformative educational experience grounded in the assets of our students, staff, and community.” Here's Another: “To ensure high levels of learning for all students. To continuously develop our capacity to function as a collaborative culture.” One more: “Our commitment is to prepare each student to become a career and college ready citizen. We will partner with families and the community to provide an engaging and challenging education in a safe and positive environment.” Each of these mission statements, from the US Department of Education to districts from three different time zones across the US have similar and vague declarations. They feel like a fortune - “You are about to rediscover a lost connection to your past.” I get why the mission statements are vague. They are meant for a diverse population, and each family within that population should be able to see some value in these mission statements because public education is for everyone. But this is also where we can run into problems. The way I read “preparing each student to become a career and college ready citizen” is unique from what the administration, or students, or parents, or even other teachers may think. Do I think a person needs to avoid spaghetti straps to be a productive citizen? Not really, but I do think knowing how to work towards and meet a deadline would help. So why does a vague purpose of education lead to teachers leaving the profession? Because many educators are finding that their interpretation of these missions and goals are in conflict with those of the administration, school board, or community. Values are not aligning. Which creates stress and sometimes forces a choice, do what they believe in and create conflict, or compromise their values and feel miserable. Every now and then there are times when idealism aligns within the classroom, which can create amazing moments. For Allison Lash, who was an art teacher in New York City that we heard from last episode, building community and learning in her mind require providing students with new experiences and opportunities. Allison Lash: That's the kind of thing that I love bringing to kids like these little snippets and experiences that they might not get in the classroom. When her second graders were learning about rocks and gemstones from books, Allison organized a field trip to the Museum of Natural History because she knew they had an amazing collection. Allison Lash: And I took all the kids out of the Bronx and into Manhattan. And as we're and I rev them up, like for the field trip, and I told them we're leaving the Bronx, we're leaving the Bronx because so many of them have never left the Bronx are there. So many of them never left like many of them lived in the projects, the building. And so they only traveled from the building to school a block away in the supermarket like this. These like four streets, basically. And the kids when we were driving over the water and on the bridge to get to Manhattan, they were all screaming when they said we're leaving the Bronx. So I love, I love being able to do that. The ability to leave the space of the school often creates authentic learning experiences for students. These are experiences that connect students to their communities, which is a common value presented in school district mission statements. But there are limiting factors to leaving the space of the school. This is where idealism can be deflated because much of the modern purpose of education is now tied to keeping kids safe. This is why we practice having lockdowns. Lauren Schumacher spoke to me about how fear and wanting to keep kids safe impacts how we view the purpose of education. Lauren Schumacher: And I think, sadly, with all the violence, you know, the school shootings situations, continue to make our country want to fence our buildings in and put doorbells on and all that which I understand. But in the same breath, we need to be removing them from the fences and getting them out into communities. I think that is more of the direction we need to move education. I was really excited to talk to Lauren. I set up an interview station outside next to the Valley Bookstore in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I didn't meet Lauren first, I met her whole family. Her daughter saw my signs about teachers leaving and said, “My mom is going to want to talk to you” before she ran back from the direction she came to get her mom. Lauren was on vacation with her family. She is an administrator in Florida, and she had previously taught in both Missouri and Florida, but everything she talked about matched what teachers in my home state brought up. In terms of the purpose of education, Lauren echoes the idea of wanting more experiential learning that gets kids into their communities. Lauren Schumacher: I think we need to step away from the traditional brick and mortar, and get our kids out and learning. But, as Lauren pointed out earlier, with threats of violence in schools, education might be moving the other direction. I hate this. We desperately need to be moving towards mobility and freedom and exploration - not away from it. When I reflect on that road trip class, there were elements of risk - absolutely - but we didn't structure our educational experience around fear. Nor did threats feel looming like they do in modern education. When I answer my classroom door, I always have a pen in hand - it's the sharpest object in my room, and I look through the window to check who is at my door, and what is in their hands before I let them in. Every time I answer the door, I play through a scenario of an active shooter. Our doors stay locked and shut because the statistics show that locked and shut doors save lives, and we value student lives. But this is the setting in which we are trying to teach exploration and wonder. It's hard to have idealistic values and believe the purpose of education is for exploration in a locked room. So I have to return to the question, “What is the purpose of education?” Because if it's to protect kids from violence and shootings, this is a heavy burden to ask teachers to carry. And the weight of it is becoming too much for many educators. Such expectations make teachers feel like their job descriptions have shifted. And this is where more complexity comes in. Rather than being facilitators of learning, critical thinking, and exploration, teachers are having to do any number of things. Ron Ruckman: I think that's the awesome part of teaching is that you get to be all those things, you know, but it puts a huge mental drain on teachers. This is Ron Ruckman, we heard a little bit from him in the second episode. Ron taught for 23 years and quit to run his construction business that he has with a friend. A business that does not require Ron to have to engage with much other than completing projects. Part of why Ron left had to do with a purpose of education that required too much from him. Ron Ruckman:That's the problem. I think that for me that that has finally just kind of wore me out. The needs of kids beyond way beyond science, just the stuff I teach my subject matter. I do so much more. I spend so much time and it seems like I've spent more and more time as my teaching career has gone on. Kids seem to be a lot more needy of that kind of attention, and then we have one counselor. She can only do so much. She's got a line at her office most days, and it's like, you just have to wear all those hats to be the teacher, be the counselor, be the be mom and dad. That's the reality for some kids. Ron recognizes that these kids need more than content. Mental health matters, even more so with the pandemic. In 2021, the CDC reported that nearly half of teenagers reported feeling sad or hopeless over the last year, and schools are a great resource for students who are struggling, but most school counselors are constantly busy because they have so many students needing help. Some of that overflow lands on teachers. For some teachers, who are not qualified or professional counselors, this is too emotionally taxing. So is this the purpose of education? To support the mental health of students? If it is, how does this match the structure of our education system? For Ron, he knows students need support, and he also believes that education needs to focus on things that are relevant to his content. Ron Ruckman: It's important that we keep teaching critical thinking. My district recently held a professional development day where local business people explained what they want our schools to prepare students for. One of the things they pointed to was the ability to think critically and problem solve. Another was the ability to value and communicate with other people. To actively engage in a civilized manner and recognize not everyone shares the same perspective. Ron Ruckman: If you're not willing to feel cognitive dissonance, if you're not willing to feel that uncomfortable feeling of what you thought, and then realizing that maybe that wasn't the truth. I had an uncle that always taught me you can learn something from everybody. And that includes every little fifth grader that I've ever had come through my room. Every single person I meet, I learned something from. That's what a teacher should be doing is teaching kids that you need to make your own opinion, but you need to consider all the data and all the opinions of others and put it all together and then make your own educated opinion. Ron values critical thinkers that have a growth mindset. He does not want learning to stop for people once they graduate. For Ron, if the purpose of education is to grow an active and informed citizenry, which harkens back to what the founding fathers wanted of education, then learning should be lifelong. Ron Ruckman: It's okay to change what you believe in. When you consider more evidence, you know, and as you go through life, you learn more things and you see more things and, you know, and that I think a lot of people don't like that. We can't just be stuck in one way of thinking all of our life, otherwise, you're just gonna be very unhappy. So through science, Ron was helping students think critically and communicate with one another and form opinions all while addressing students' other needs - which ended up wearing him out by the time he left his job. For Ron, the purpose of education isn't finite, and it became too much for him to continue. One last thing about Ron. When considering the purpose of education, there is some speculation that teachers are using education as a place to spew a political agenda. Ron is adamant that this is incorrect. Ron Ruckman: Well, and that's part of the part of my, just kind of my disgust with the public right now is the image of teachers being, you know, we're out there to indoctrinate kids or whatever that bullshit is. And I'm sorry to use that word, but that it is, it's bullshit. That one will get me fired up more than anything else, you know, we're there to just teach them about the subjects that, you know, that we're in, you know, and we're not out there to indoctrinate. No teacher that I spoke with or know of is actively trying to indoctrinate students. That is not the purpose of education in their minds. Some teachers even joked that they wished they could indoctrinate students - then maybe students would do their homework and turn things in on time. But this fear of indoctrination from non-educators is a problem, making it more difficult to define the purpose of education simply. In my ideal for education, I get to act as a facilitator of curiosity. I help students explore their interests by guiding them towards relevant resources, and I feel like it's my job to not be offended. I want students to be able to ask honest questions about whatever they're interested in. And at no point will I stop a curious student and say, “I'm sorry, you cannot address that in this room. This room is for English content only.” or “That does not fit within our mission statement.” I want to be able to stray from content in my classroom, but it does not match a view of education that is content specific and easily measured. There seems to be a fear that anything outside of a content area is indoctrination or a deviant plot to warp the minds of children - muwahahaha. It's asinine and disregards the fact that expecting teachers to only teach content and nothing more is missing a big part of what education is. Ron Ruckman: I think the expectation, honestly, is that that's all you do is teach your subject, and that's all you should ever, you know, and what they don't realize is, these kids need so much more. And I think there's so much more on our plate as a teacher than what the public thinks is there or even expects us to do, but we don't have a choice. We, you know, we would have, you know, we'd have no, we'd have utter chaos. You know, if we didn't wear all those hats Going into a classroom and only trying to teach content, while addressing nothing else, rarely works. This is why guest speakers sometimes flounder - they assume their expertise is enough to engage students - and they get eaten alive. But the focus on content can't be dismissed. Standards and standardized assessments are a constant quality of modern education. Is this what we value? Content that will be assessed on a standardized assessment? In reality, assessments are the main measurable expectations that are placed onto schools. And for many teachers, if the purpose of education is to only have students do well on a test, then that is enough of a reason to quit teaching. Teachers are having to balance teaching content that students will be tested on with their values and ideas about the social, emotional or cultural things that are harder to measure but necessary for a well-functioning classroom. And having to be responsible for a list of ambiguous immeasurables is draining and pushing teachers out. Ron Ruckman: I mean, now we are basically caretakers of those kids. We met Rachael Esh last episode, she left teaching to write children's books, and she felt like the foundation of her teaching experience was based on relationships: Rachaeel Esh: And even when you learn when you go into teaching, you know this. The number one thing they teach you is relationships, build relationships, don't worry about the content until you have the relationships because we know they're not going to listen to you if they don't respect you or care about you to get that other information. So you've got to build that. You've got to have your expectations.The purpose of education, I mean, it's just, it's all encompassing. Raising a kid takes a community and I feel like teachers are a big part of that community. Rachael wants to foster kindness and curiosity and empathy. This sounds like it would fit the tenets from the mission statements from earlier, but what stands out to me is her point that content is secondary. Many teachers recognize that without a relationship, it's very difficult to teach any sort of content. Relationships are part of what made that road trip class so successful. Relationships are what those guest speakers are lacking. I've even heard kids specifically say, they will refuse to do work or try to learn from a teacher they don't like. So to get to content, some of these other things are having to be addressed, which adds to what teachers are already doing and are hard to measure or track. There are also a few differing views on what makes up content. Several teachers drew a line between content tied to learning and exploration and content for standardized assessments. Rachael Esh: So just being like, hey, good job on all your hard work. We're number one for our scores again, and it's like, I don't care. And so if that's what we're celebrating, I don't really want to work here. Because that's not what's important to me. And so like, how about we celebrate this the teacher that tried a new lesson and fell on their face? Like Good job family? Because that's what we teach our kids. But do we let our teachers fail? No. So I just don't agree with it. Rachael wanted to teach in a space that allowed for teachers to experiment in their classrooms. To try things and fail, but she felt like the test scores were what her district valued. They prioritized high scores over experiences and what Rachael thought of as authentic learning. I understand this. Getting a taste of a structure like the road trip class that allowed for authentic learning because it was exploration based makes it really hard to go back to prioritizing high scores. Rachael Esh: I cannot stand another freakin meeting talking about. But does the standard say that? What does modeling mean? What does this mean? I don't care. I'm sorry, I don't need to break down the exact definition of a word in order to teach the general concept. And I am going to make time to teach what these kids really need to know in life, which is not that. The focus on standards hasn't always been the norm. As I said earlier, education has shifted its focus as our country's values have shifted. And part of the confusion could have to do with modern education holding onto outdated values for public education. Values that don't match a modern world or modern ideals. Though that may be true, teachers are still having to work in this environment that lacks clear objectives. This is stressful. We often hear, just do what's best for kids when it feels like bureaucracy is getting heavy. But what I think is best for kids might include calling them by their chosen name, holding them accountable for their actions, pushing them to reach high expectations, or providing them with various pieces of text that give unique perspectives. These might sound great, but for each of the examples I just listed, I have had a situation where a parent, student, administrator, or fellow teacher disagreed with me to the point that we needed to have a meeting about our perspectives. And the reality is, I can't say who is right or wrong based on our educational system, there's no clear answer. For many teachers, having to defend why, in their professional opinion, their view of education is valid, is just not worth it. And being accosted by parents or administrators or school boards gets old really quickly. Ron talked about the lasting impact of these conflicts: Ron Ruckman: Yeah, it's scary to me still, I mean, parents, parents, I, when I have parents get in my face, I hate it even now. And most of the time, and well, like, I would say, 99% of the time parent goes away happy. And I sit there and dwell on it for the next five days, you know, and it totally wrecks my whole mental state for a long time. You know, and I just don't think parents realize, you know, they come in, and they're fired up, because they hear one story from their kid, and then they come in, and they're all fired up, and they leave and they're, they're fine. But I've, you know, it's, it's almost like, you know, you're almost traumatized by it for a little bit, you know, and that I know, that sounds dumb, but that, that is something that just kind of happens, you know, and I feel like because I like to make everybody I'm kind of a people pleaser, you know, I like everybody to be happy with me all the time. Every teacher I know has a getting chewed out story - when a parent cornered and then screamed at them in their own classroom or demanded retribution because they refused to believe their child would ever lie to them so the teacher must be lying. These moments leave scars And this shows that even if there isn't a shared view for the purpose of education, there might be a consensus that devalues teachers making it acceptable to treat them this way. And when it comes to making changes to keep teachers, I don't know what the answer is. But I know that valuing teachers and education would help. Because I do know that a lot of teachers that left education love teaching, but many of them didn't feel like they or their work were valued. I also know that education is for students. So to identify what the purpose of education should be, it might be worth asking students what they need? What do they value? Jonah Zeimens: I feel like education has lost real world application in a lot of things. This is Jonah Zeimans. Jonah was a student of mine a few years ago. He took my college level English course, and we've stayed in contact since. Jonah is currently going to college to become an Ag teacher. He was a high achieving student. He was involved with FFA at a national level. He even spoke at graduation. And with all of these accolades, he still wishes his high school experience could have been a little different. Jonah Zeimens: I wish it was a lot more individualized. What I don't love about our school system right now is that we're so standardized and trying to get everyone to meet the same requirements every step of the way. And I can understand maybe while students are younger, the importance of that, but once folks start figuring out what they want to do with their life a little bit more, it'd be nice to have a little bit more experimentation there. I think about this a lot going, the ag education, I would have loved to have taken more ag classes while in high school. Jonah hit on an issue many teachers talked about in frustration with standards and standardized tests. Students value individualization. With individualization comes exploration and the ability to get excited about their futures. Teachers love fostering this work, and if we look back to the mission statements from earlier, individualized instruction meets several of their requirements. But this is not feasible in our current approach to education. Even if teachers want to create individualized instruction, they often run into the issue of navigating standards, or having time, or managing huge classes. But what Jonah is saying is an ideal. I would get behind a purpose of education that focused on students' individual goals, and I know of a lot of teachers that would do the same.. But a few things would have to change to make this approach feasible and not burn teachers out. Teachers would need smaller class sizes. Building in-depth individualized learning plans for 150 students isn't practical or healthy. So if we value teacher well-being and individualized learning, education needs funding for more teachers and more facilities so classes can be smaller. That would be a start to reaching a consensus on what education is for. I spoke with another recent graduate about the same issues. Landon Trujillo was a wrestler of mine. I coached with his dad for several years, and when Landon graduated he gave me a picture from state wrestling. Someone caught the moment when Landon melted into my chest right after he won the state championship. The picture frame says family on it. It's on my desk as I work on this podcast. Landon didn't love the structure of school. Landon Trujillo: Um, I'm a pretty social person. So I really liked the social aspect. And just a bunch of friends there people to talk to all the time. Some things I didn't like is like, how, by the book, everything is. 90% of teachers teach the same, in my opinion. It's just work for a grade, and then get your grades and that's pretty much it. I can see why Landon thinks education is about getting a good grade. As a teacher, this is disheartening. When working towards standards is the priority, the things that foster the joy of learning feel like they get pushed aside. Grades become more valuable than experiences or individualized instruction. These are the times when I look back to that road trip class I told you about and think about how far away I am from that wonderfully structured course. From the things I value as a teacher. From being in a setting with a shared purpose - to explore and not be assholes. If teachers do not think what they do has purpose, it will be hard to keep them in a job. Part of what gives teachers purpose is autonomy and trust and an ability to explore authentic learning experiences. Things that everyone I spoke with values. But teachers are having to prioritize things that are considered measurable. Assessments and standards are used as tools of measurement, but the things I and many teachers value are hard to measure. I could not measure the impact that roadtrip class had on students in any tangible way, but I know it had an impact. I can't measure my relationships, and if I tried, they would feel superficial. This is why some education feels superficial, because it values measurement over authenticity. And teachers are leaving this system, but our country can keep teachers if we shift our values to what teachers and students already value, which does not include high stakes testing or standardization. Next time, we will take a look at the impact standardization and high stakes testing have on the classroom, and how this impact plays a role in teachers' decisions to leave education. Chris Rothfuss: They switched to a standards oriented approach where they were targeting competency and individual standards as their evaluative structure for student success, as opposed to a grading format. And I think that's a more sophisticated and more thoughtful approach to evaluating educational needs and educational accomplishment. That will be next time on Those Who Can't Teach Anymore. Thank you for listening. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast, leave a review, and share episodes with everyone you can think of. This episode was produced by me, Charles Fournier. It was edited by Melodie Edwards. Other editing help came from Noa Greenspan, Sarah-Ann Leverette, and Jennica Fournier. Voice Acting by Chris and Haylee Brayton, Britni Shipman, and Ben Zoller. Our theme song is by Julian Saporiti. Road Trip songs were performed by the Great American Roadtrip class of 2016. All other music can be found on our website. A special thanks to Elizabeth Smith, Juan Laden, Colby Gull, Allison Lash, Lauren Schumacker, Ron Ruckman, Jonah Zeimans, Landon Trujillo, Gary Martin, Caskey Russell, Jaye Wacker, Jennica Fournier, Shane Atkinson, Lindsey Freeman, Christy Chadwick, and Rachael Esh for taking time to sit down and chat with me. If you are interested in hearing more about Rachel Esh and her books, check out our instagram page @thosewhocantteachanymore to see a video of her. This podcast is funded in part by the Fund for Teachers Fellowship.
Have you ever stopped to wonder why churches exist? What a church is here to accomplish? What God might want to do through any church, especially Faith Church? We'll focus in on our Core Four: Worship, Serve, Grow, and Go. That's what God calls us to, and what the Apostle Paul prayed for the churches he planted. Join us for "Why Are We Here?" from Colossians 1:3-14!
✨ DEBRIEF | Unpacking the Episode: https://shows.banklesshq.com/p/debrief-erik-voorhees-why-are-we-here ------ Erik Voorhees is a crypto veteran of veterans. He's one of the greatest advocates of open and permissionless systems that we have in this space. In this episode we talk about his legendary debate with SBF—this is the first time we've caught up with him since. What are his reflections now? We also dive into how this bull/bear cycle is similar and different from previous ones, how do we preserve crypto's core principles, and most importantly—why are we here? Why crypto? Why now? Why stay? Erik doesn't waste a word in this episode. Happy New Year everyone. Let's keep building. ------
Eager to pull the Big Prank, the Barone Boys flip the format and dive right into the Season 1 finale of Everybody Loves Raymond, "Why Are We Here?" As they break down the episode, they discuss the little guy who played Death, St. John's University, and the space behind the stairs (again). Then, it's time for the auction winner to arrive and press the button that will solve all of our problems. Who will it be? Will Duane Reade's fireworks do the job? Will the Tower of Jokers be launched into space before they can recruit God and prank the world? Find out all this and more on the thrilling season finale of Everybody Loves Everybody Loves Raymond!
Eager to pull the Big Prank, the Barone Boys flip the format and dive right into the Season 1 finale of Everybody Loves Raymond, "Why Are We Here?" As they break down the episode, they discuss the little guy who played Death, St. John's University, and the space behind the stairs (again). Then, it's time for the auction winner to arrive and press the button that will solve all of our problems. Who will it be? Will Duane Reade's fireworks do the job? Will the Tower of Jokers be launched into space before they can recruit God and prank the world? Find out all this and more on the thrilling season finale of Everybody Loves Everybody Loves Raymond!
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