The Old School

Dr. Steven Bourgeois and Mr. Ross Miller

Dr. Steven Bourgeois and Mr. Ross Miller lead an informal discussion between a current and a former teacher on topics that challenge "best practices" in contemporary education. In keeping with Neil Postman (1979), we support the conserving function of education: “Its aim at all times is to make visible the prevailing biases of a culture and then, by employing whatever philosophies of education are available, to oppose them.”

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Avg 57 min
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#165
Saturday · 1 hr 4 min
Episode 165: On Public Discourse
Your two intrepid hosts enter the choppy waters of politics but not directly. Mr. Miller brings up a topic for discussion where he bemoans the inability of people to discuss politics without generalizations and ad hominem attacks. He brings up his experience first in the classroom, where less than ideal forms of discussion take place and can be tolerated to the adults who should know better, yelling and screaming at one another. The two hosts discuss options about how to fix this but at present, the two discuss how much of this type of political discourse is ubiquitous, from the people down the street, to the pundits on television and online to the politicians walking the halls of our most treasured institutions. The hosts have repeatedly said they would never discuss politics but on this occasion, they do a deep dive in a political discussion adjacent.
#164
August 24 · 56 min
Episode 164: On American Football
Your two hosts tackle the subject of American football. While the podcast has spent considerable - some would say too much - time discussing baseball and soccer, the hosts have only given marginal attention to the sport that defines much of our childhood and since, shared experiences. The two elder statesmen discuss our first experiences with football, how it connects them to their childhood and their fathers and how the changes in football - both professional and collegiate - have changed their affection for and attention to the sport.
#163
August 15 · 1 hr 9 min
Episode 163: On the state of Washington with Stanton Cole
The highly rated "State series" has returned and this time, with Mr. Stanton Cole - history teacher extraordinaire and Washingtonian. The hosts and guest discuss the state of Washington, its history, Mr. Cole's experience and memories of growing up there as well as some of the more quirky and fun traits of this Pacific northwest state. Personally, Mr. Miller was hoping for harsh words between the fans of the University of Washington and Oregon, respectively, but alas, a great time was had instead. Enjoy this dive into the Evergreen State.
#162
August 3 · 55 min
Episode 162: On Concerts
Your two musically adroit podcasters tackle the notion of live music in the aftermath of Mr. Miller's experience at a concert. The hosts discuss their first concerts, how they experience live music and what they see as the benefit of such experiences. They also discuss some of the downsides and how might live music change in the years to come. Two music lovers, one who has both attended and performed in concerts and other, rarely an attendee, discuss concerts, live music and the wonders of the medium.
#161
July 20 · 51 min
Episode 161: On Books
Your two aging podcasters defy their age and speak about all things books - reading them, carting them around and moving them from one residence to another. Evidence to our stage of life, we discuss the empty nest syndrome, homes will smaller capacities and what to do with all those books? Of course, it would not be an Old School podcast without a discussion of the state of books and how we consume them and how present trends could effect the future of how books will be consumed and benefited from. It is an easy, breezy discussion about the things near and dear to our hearts - our books.
#160
July 15 · 51 min
Episode 160: On the World Cup
During this episode, your two sports-loving hosts take a look at the cultural and athletic phenomenon that is the FIFA World Cup. The hosts dive into exactly why Dr. Bourgeois is now interested in soccer, what are the qualities that has hooked him and millions of Americans into the tournament and to what degree is sports, as it is often said, a unifying force in the world and one for good. We discuss the action on the pitch as well as the cultural mash up that is taking place around the country as Americans are coming face to face with various national fan bases...and are loving it.
#159
July 6 · 56 min
Episode 159: On Ohio (and travel and a bunch of other things)
Your two lovable hosts have returned to talk about the state of Ohio and the two hosts' experiences with the state. Additionally, the hosts will get into the success and meaning behind Dr. Bourgeois' recent conference he attended and presented at in Geneva, Switzerland. There are also some allowances for Mr. Miller to go on a rant regarding a car commercial he found particularly infuriating. Both men admit to some serious issues with his take and the degree he finds it upsetting. It is a feel good moment when the two estimable hosts return for two weeks in a row and we appreciate the patience of the podcast's listeners for the rather sporadic nature of late.
#158
June 29 · 54 min
Episode 158: On Memory
Your two wonderful hosts have returned to talk about memory - losing memory as well as preserving it. The hosts start with the worrisome idea of losing memory as two ageing but still charming and handsome individuals. But then, they segue into the notion of memory and forgetting for good reasons and outcomes as well as for bad. It is an interesting conversation that centers on something that most people have struggled with and should be an illuminating conversation.
#157
June 8 · 51 min
Episode 157: On Servant Leadership with Dan Albaum
Yet another hiatus comes to an end, but this time the Old School re-emerges with the dynamic Dan Albaum. Mr. Albaum speaks on his new book, The Giving Edge: Why Putting Others First Creates a Lasting Advantage in Leadership, Business, and Life. The marketing entrepreneur and fellow podcaster (Market Impact Insights) lays out the skills and traits that separate the best leaders with those who wish to be so. His book drops on 9 June (just in time for Father's Day) and his podcast is available using the link above.
#156
May 25 · 51 min
Episode 156: On New York City
Your two intrepid hosts explore Dr. Bourgeois' recent trip to the Big Apple - his very first trip there in his life. The hosts first tackle perceptions and Mr. Miller, of course, works in a little history to show how the city became what it is today. Then, Dr. Bourgeois explores the best, most exciting and most unexpected elements of the largest city in the United States. Towards the end, and because they can't help it, the two gentlemen tackle the things that give them pause about the exciting collection of five boroughs surrounded by the Hudson and East Rivers. It is what they like best - travel and experiences brought together. You will enjoy it.
#155
May 12 · 1 hr 5 min
Episode 155: On the German Mindset (and Americans too?)
Your two loveable hosts draw on a topic that is near and dear to their hearts - the wonderful culture of the Germans. Using an episode of the German language podcast Easy German as inspiration, the Old School look at a few characteristics and quirks of the German culture and see to what it extent it applies to them in particular and the American culture in general. And in many cases, given the long history of German immigration to the United States, these are not foreign ideas. These are fun comparisons, looking at the some of the great, unique and quizzical qualities of both countries. d
#154
April 28 · 58 min
Episode 154: On Rootedness
Your two favorite podcasters tackle the deep and complicated issue of rootedness. The United States has one of the most dynamic social mobility of any other country in the world - a statistic that is often defined by how far one lives compared to the birthplace of their parents. Additionally, many social commentators often speak to a lack of community, which can be a by-product of how little social mobility. The two hosts attempt to discuss and tease out the characteristics of rootedness and what are the advantages of it and what is lost without it. Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller address these issues, leaning on their own experience and how they see the idea. A very interesting topic that you will want to pass around to all your friends and family - those that live far and near from you.
#153
April 7 · 53 min
Episode 153: On Volcanoes and Mount St. Helens
Your two masters of the message (whatever message that may be) take a look at volcanoes, with a particular attention to the one whose last eruption will soon be observing its 46th anniversary - Mount St. Helens. Despite Dr. Bourgeois' assertion that he knew little about it despite living mere hours away, the two tackle the events that led to the explosion and the lives lost. In discussing the volcano, we also discuss those who refused to leave and what might justify such a decision, even though in this case, it proved fatal. An interesting look at an event that left a lasting impression on Mr. Miller and created a lifelong interest in the forces that impact our planet.
#152
March 30 · 1 hr 5 min
Episode 152: On Plane Travel
Your two jet-setting hosts take a deeper look at plane travel. Dr Bourgeois and Mr. Miller consider the pros and cons of traveling by plane. They recount our favorite and least favorite parts of the experience. For all of the technological wonders that planes represent, the hosts also detail their scariest experiences. This is all preceded by controversies surrounding Southwest Airlines, as the attempt to re-brand their operations. During the discourse on planes, the hosts discussed Mr. Miller's guided trip to Germany in October to visit some of the sites that represent some of the biggest moments in the life of Martin Luther. For more information or to book one of the limited spots on this trip, please click the link below. https://tsatours.wetravel.com/trips/footsteps-of-luther-2026-with-ross-miller-tsa-tours-inc-6764922849
#151
March 23 · 1 hr 15 min
Episode 151: On Fear
In this episode, your two favorite intrepid podcast hosts tackle the spine-tingling topic of fear. As they attempt to define it, the two learned gentlemen speak first of phobias but then, tackle the messier notion of personal fears - things that cannot be defined by some Greek mish-mash word but rather speaks to an internal insecurity. The hosts finish by discussing how to tackle fear and whether it works to hold on to some fear - are people better with fears or seeking to banish them all?
#150
March 14 · 53 min
Episode 150: On Language
Your two forward thinking, future loving hosts celebrate the podcast's 150th episode by looking at changes in language. Inspired by an episode of Words Unraveled with Rob Watts and Jess Zafarris (link below), the hosts take a look at changes in language and whether they are ultimately good, bad or just a part of the dynamic nature of language as seen in the centuries before. They will look at profanity, euphemisms, the downgrade of grammatical importance and the growing informality of language. All the while, trying to figure out the level of which they are comfortable with the changes and how AI could exacerbate the changes or wipe out language completely. Another wholesome and optimistic look at the developments of language. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JYqGa_-UZE
#149
March 3 · 51 min
Episode 149: On Doctors and Health Care
Your two favorite curmudgeons set their sights on doctors in particular and the health care system in general. While there is much to love and admire about our health system, there are idiosyncrasies that annoy the hosts - from quick primary doctor visits to the tone that some physicians have when speaking to us to a host of other little things that lead to one big episode. What are you biggest pet peeves about going to the doctor? Leave a comment. The pod would love to hear from you.
#148
February 22 · 53 min
Episode 148: On the Olympics...and SPAM
The Old School podcasters celebrate the Olympics as the final events conclude in Milan on 22 February. There is a great deal of talk on what makes it special, what makes it annoying and what the hosts would add or subtract to the list of events. Mr. Miller regales in his story of his visit to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver while Dr. Bourgeois dwells in the wonder of watching track and field events. All of this Olympic talk of finely tuned athletes with bodies at the peak of their power is preceded by a discussion on the wonders of SPAM.
#147
February 15 · 54 min
Episode 147: On Mysteries and Conspiracies
Your two intrepid podcast hosts tackle the subject of mysteries and conspiracies. Theories are debated regarding John F. Kennedy, fake pigeons and dodgy mattress stores. There is also a look at mysteries such as the cases of Amelia Earhart, D.B. Cooper and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. The two hosts also broach the subject of the psychology of believing in conspiracies and the lionization of such dubious figures as criminals Cooper, Bonnie and Clyde and Butch and Sundance. Dr. Bourgeois gets Mr. Miller's goat, Mr. Miller takes it head long and hilarity ensues.
#146
February 2 · 54 min
Episode 146: On the Hiring of Teachers
Returning to the field of education, your two favorite podcasters delve into a subject that has been touched on before but never elaborated upon and that is the hiring of teachers. The Old School first addresses how teachers are trained and whether, despite historical precedence, a nationalized and uniformed certification process is favorable to the various, and at times questionable, local and state-wide versions. Second, the hosts dive into the interview process and the best way to discover the best teaching prospects and finally, ending with the on-the-job training teachers get or don't. The podcast covers a lot of territory today to try and understand the best way to get the best people in the most needed classrooms.

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