Best English Teacher Sam Podcasts (2025)

1
EP93: Careless People and the Snarling Trumpet 35:13

1d ago35:13

35:13

This week, as Sam preps to go to Iceland, we've got some of our favorite books of the year so far, with Gatsby references all over the place, general indictments of people with more money than they need, and a call back to the Beat era. Here's what we've got on tap: - "Mansion Beach," by Meg Mitchell Moore, a retelling of Gatsby with a gender rever…

1
EP92: Sense of an Endling 35:24

19d ago35:24

35:24

Oh, was the sound crappy last week? Well, we've fixed that. New mic! Holy smokes! You're really going to like this. It's so much better. And now that we're done with Newburyport Literary Festival and Independent Bookstore Day, it's all systems go heading into summer, and we've got lots of books to talk about, including: - "The Lion Women of Tehran,…

1
EP91: John Green, Emily Henry, and all things real and imagined 43:41

1M ago43:41

43:41

Back to normal! No guests this week, just a bunch of books to talk about, including some big names. Is Sam's mic kind of wonky early? Yes. Just get by that. It doesn't last long. And you really want to hear about: - "Great Big Beautiful Life," by Emily Henry, which is just enough different from her previous beach reads to make a great beach read. I…

1
EP90: Poetry & Prose with Nina MacLaughlin 43:46

2M ago43:46

43:46

Okay, Hannah's back, but that doesn't mean we're done with guest hosts! This week we're joined by author Nina MacLaughlin, editor of the brand-new New England Literary News newsletter, and we've got the Newburyport Literary Festival on the brain (oh, and sorry, Nina, about putting you on the spot various times, but we did enjoy, "there's just so mu…

1
Who is right...Blake or Justin? 22:31

2M ago22:31

22:31

Hey guys, here is part two of this whole Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni drama...It's difficult to compress the whole story into just one episode, so here is the second part. Please click the link below to subscribe to my youtube channel, if you would like to watch this episode online. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YoshwJB2j8…

1
EP89: Cyndle's Debut! 56:40

2M ago56:40

56:40

Hannah's been busy grinding out elementary school book fairs (drug-dealer mentality for the win), so the John Updike's Ghost podcast has put in a call to the bullpen, and out walks ... Cyndle Plaisted Rials! Cyndle is a writer and creative writing teacher who teamed with Sam on a book earlier this year, as well as the Beer & Weed project, so you kn…

1
Why is there drama between Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni 18:41

2M ago18:41

18:41

In this episode, we talk about the recent drama between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. I'll break down what's been happening using simple English, so you can follow along easily and clearly understand the situation. Click the link below to watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yhlk49RjgI…

1
What is DOGE? 23:25

2M ago23:25

23:25

In this episode, we explore the question: What is DOGE? I'll use simple English to help you understand it clearly and easily. Click the link below to watch this episode on YouTube:

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Should UFC fighters learn English? 25:08

2M ago25:08

25:08

In today's episode, we're asking an important question: Should UFC fighters learn English? And if they do, how could it boost their career opportunities both inside and outside the octagon? Click the link below to watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Q46BtkYh3uI?feature=shared

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EP88: Parables, Memoirs, and Chords 42:31

3M ago42:31

42:31

It's Daylight Savings and we are alternately miserable and happy about it. Which is a good reflection of the books we've read this week. We love them and not! Here's what's on the agenda: - "Wild Dark Shore," by Charlotte McConaghy — if you like one of her books, you're going to like this one. Hannah's a big fan. Nevermind the sleeping with the sea…

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EP87: Reading Banned Books with PEN America 59:30

3M ago59:30

59:30

It's a very special episode this week, as we're joined by Sabrina Baeta, senior program manager on the Freedom to Read team at PEN America, an organization founded by authors more than 100 years ago to protect the freedom to write and read whatever you want. Sabrina's here to talk about book bans, which are a priori uncool, and which she works to d…

1
EP86: Murakami and the Fourth Wing 40:36

4M ago40:36

40:36

Did you get your photo taken with Rabbit the Bookstore Cat Cutout? If not, you probably missed our 5th Birthday Party. Too bad. But not worries: There will be more parties. This week, Sam is caught up in the new Haruki Murakami, but Hannah luckily has three books to talk about, so it's not a disaster. Here's the lineup: - "Fourth Wing," by Rebecca …

1
Why was Beyonce shocked? 26:13

4M ago26:13

26:13

Episode #5 from YouTube Watch it on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fntaqvpem4Y

1
What made Selena Gomez Cry? 15:02

4M ago15:02

15:02

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-Plem5aqCM

1
Why is everyone mad at Carrie Underwood? 12:57

4M ago12:57

12:57

Here is the link to the Youtube video, but as always I will also upload the audio here. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xl0EjjC2ELg

1
Los Angeles Wildfires; what's happening? 25:08

4M ago25:08

25:08

Hello dear listener, As you might have heard, I have migrated over to YouTube. I will leave the link below, feel free to follow me there. But, with every new Youtube video that I post, I will add the audio here so that you can continue to listen to You, Me and News and continue to improve your English. https://www.youtube.com/@YouMeandNews…

1
EP85: Is Cozy Horror Next? 45:54

4M ago45:54

45:54

It's another episode of "John Updike's Ghost After Dark," a wild and crazy recording that finds Sam with a blanket on his lap and Hannah reading books infused with the number three (and using the word "tome"). We move from Anne Tyler (don't worry, she's a little bit funny) to weird French YA and cover a lot of ground in between, including: - "Three…

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Should Students Be FORCED to Apologize? 6:06

4M ago6:06

6:06

When students have committed offenses against other students, staff members, or property, should an apology be optional? Here are my thoughts.Read the blog post here: https://teachersonfire.net/2025/01/26/im-sorry-why-im-in-favor-of-forced-apologies/

1
EP84: Adichie and the Good Girl 45:03

5M ago45:03

45:03

It's the post-holiday lull, which luckily gives us plenty of time to plan our 5th Birthday party! Hannah's buying the cake, Sam is DJing. Don't miss it. You have to listen to find out when it is. When you arrive, we can talk about these books (and others): - "Dream Count," by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Hannah is a little perplexed by this much-await…

1
EP83: New Year, Old Books, New Ideas 57:08

5M ago57:08

57:08

Sam's had himself a little skiing accident, but powers through a mild concussion to lead us thorugh a discussion of Christmas gift-giving (with a deviation into the Icelandic Christmas Book Flood) and the joys of reading books written quite a while ago. But don't worry! We're reading stuff from 2024 and 2025, too. It's a wiiiide-ranging chit-chat h…

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CYBERBULLYING in Our Schools: Supporting Our Students with EVA HARVELL 44:48

5M ago44:48

44:48

🔥 What’s the state of cyberbullying in our schools today? 🔥 What are the silent impacts on our children, and what can we do to protect them? 🔥 When used effectively, can devices actually increase collaboration and communication in the classroom? Join me in conversation with Eva Harvell as we dig into these and other critical questions. About This G…

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No. 52. Sam Ricks, Illustrator 20:07

6M ago20:07

20:07

Sam Ricks is an artist, award winning illustrator, and Vice President of Creative Design at Cotapaxi. Sam certainly did not know that he wanted to be where he is now when he started his college education. Sam shares his story about the challenges he has been through and how he got to where he is now. The People and Their Work Podcast was created by…

1
EP82: The Age of Innocent Chickens 56:12

6M ago56:12

56:12

The Shop is bursting at the seams here at Christmas-time, but Hannah and Sam haven't stopped reading! With their favorites of the year behind them, they look to the past and future for new things to consume (such as "Minority Report" and "The Dream Hotel"). But you'll have to wait for the full discussion on that. On the full agenda this episode is:…

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SAVING Our TEACHERS with ERIN TASHIAN and MICHELLE PAPA 44:24

6M ago44:24

44:24

🔥 What can teachers do to protect their fire for teaching? 🔥 What can we do to attract and keep great people in our profession? 🔥 What happens in a school community when the principal is not okay? Join me in conversation with MICHELLE PAPA and ERIN TASHIAN as we dig into these critical questions. About These Guests Michelle Papa is the principal of…

1
EP81: Our Favorite Books of 2024 45:04

6M ago45:04

45:04

Did we get this out in time for Thanksgiving travel? We did not. But we did get this out in plenty of time for you to grab one of these bangers as a present — or for yourself to read and be a part of the big community discussion. This week it's simple stuff: Our favorite books of the year. No, not the "best" books (since we only read about 75 books…

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TEACHER FITNESS: How to Protect Your Fire with ERIC NELSON 25:26

6M ago25:26

25:26

🔥 How can today’s teachers eat well and care for their bodies? 🔥 How can we fit movement and fitness into our hours at school? 🔥 What are some simple strategies we can follow to improve our nutrition? Join me for this conversation with Florida PE teacher Eric Nelson as he responds. About This Guest: Eric is a K-5 physical education teacher and the …

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Dr. JOE SANFELIPPO: Lead from Where You ARE 33:51

6M ago33:51

33:51

🔥 Can you describe the vision of your school? 🔥 How can teacher-leaders raise up the people around them? 🔥 How can schools and districts better communicate with their communities? Join me for this conversation with national superintendent of the year, Dr. Joe Sanfelippo, as he shares his insights on these and other critical questions. About This Gu…

1
EP80: Big Books for Holiday Shopping 41:58

7M ago41:58

41:58

The front window has been well decorated by mom and dad, the Polar Expresses have been ordered, and it is officially Holiday Season. So, what books are you going to buy for your friends and families? Well, let us tell you: - "James," by Percival Everett, Hannah's pick for book of the year (even if it didn't win the Booker). - "Orbital," by Samantha…

1
How to ENGAGE and EMPOWER STUDENTS in a World of Digital Distractions with Dr. MARC ISSEKS 37:03

7M ago37:03

37:03

🔥 How can media creation activities support student learning? 🔥 How should we think about student phones in today’s classrooms? 🔥 How can we captivate, engage, and empower our students in a world of digital distractions? Join me for this conversation with New York assistant principal, author, and podcaster Dr. MARC ISSEKS as he shares his insights …

1
Bring the FREE Medal of Honor Character Development Program to Your School! 40:38

7M ago40:38

40:38

🔥 How can we promote values like courage, commitment, and sacrifice in our learning communities? 🔥 What is the Medal of Honor Character Development Program, and how can it impact your school? Join me for this conversation with California middle school teacher and trainer MARILYNN ALFORD-WALSH as she shares her insights on these and other critical q…

1
Reading Adventure-Chapters 21 22 and 23 29:44

7M ago29:44

29:44

let's finish this book together!

1
EP79: Blood, Vampires, and Moral Philosophy 41:52

7M ago41:52

41:52

It's getting cold, the election season has been busy, and we're reading books all over the map. Sam's on a philosophical bent and just saw "The Wild Robot"; Hannah's mildly unprepared, but rallies. All told, we tackle: - "The Other Valley," by Scott Alexander Howard, which explores regret, but has some weird world-building. - "Blood Test," by Charl…

1
HOPE for NEW TEACHERS: A Conversation with New Brunswick Resource Teacher LUCAS CLARKE 52:23

7M ago52:23

52:23

🔥 How has the teaching profession changed over the last five years? 🔥 What would you say to a rookie teacher struggling with imposter syndrome? 🔥 As federal elections approach, what is the role of the Social Studies teacher? Join me for this conversation with New Brunswick resource teacher and podcaster LUCAS CLARKE as he shares his insights on the…

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Reading Adventure-Chapters 19 & 20 31:45

7M ago31:45

31:45

In this episode I bring you two chapters (19 and 20). In these two chapters we find out what it means to be released and also we find out who Rosemary really is.

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The Impact of MENTORSHIP with LAUREN KAUFMAN 42:31

7M ago42:31

42:31

🔥 What does a coaching mindset look like in professional observations? 🔥 How important is mentorship when it comes to the growth of school leaders? 🔥 How can we better support the learning of our youngest readers and writers? Join me for this conversation with author and Director of Literacy LAUREN KAUFMAN as she shares her insights on these and ot…

1
Reading Adventure-Chapter 18 13:35

8M ago13:35

13:35

Here is chapter 18

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EP78: Deep Cuts from the Boozy Book Fair 52:15

8M ago52:15

52:15

High on the success of the Boozy Book Fair (it was, according to Sam, "really banging"), a great in-shop reading and signing, and a couple days off for Indigenous Peoples Day, Sam and Hannah are in a mood, with nothing to complain about. Also, no dudes allowed, this week, with a shout out to the guy who really likes Rachel Kushner. - "The Time Keep…

1
Reading Adventure-Chapter 17 16:19

8M ago16:19

16:19

Here is chapter 17

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STUDENT MAKERSPACE IDEAS: A Conversation with JESUS HUERTA 52:18

8M ago52:18

52:18

🔥 What does your school’s dream makerspace look like? 🔥 Will AR and VR tools ever impact K-12 education in a significant way? 🔥 How are students using 3D printing, laser cutting, and sublimation to create? Join me for this conversation with education technology coach JESUS HUERTA as he shares his insights on these and other critical questions. Abou…

1
Book Adventure-Chapter 16 16:01

8M ago16:01

16:01

Chapter 16 is here! We only have seven chapters left to finish the book. I hope you continue reading all the way to the end.

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GRADE LESS and GROW BEYOND GRADES with ARTHUR CHIARAVALLI 50:40

8M ago50:40

50:40

🔥 What does it mean to grow beyond grades? 🔥 What works about standards-based grading, and where does it fall short? 🔥 How can we deemphasize grades and shift the focus to growth in our practice? Join me for this conversation with assessment leader ARTHUR CHIARAVALLI as he shares his insights on these and other critical questions. About This Guest:…

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EP77: Ski Romances and Outdoor Tragedy 31:25

8M ago31:25

31:25

The road in front of the Book Shop is freshly paved and Sam and Hannah are all sorts of amped up about it. No, you didn't screw up and set it to 1.5x. We're just talking really fast about: - "Factory Summers," by Guy Delisle. Sam's daughter gave him this graphic novel and it is properly obscure and entertaining. It doesn't smell bad, even though it…

1
Reading Adventure-Chapter 15 6:22

8M ago6:22

6:22

A short, but interesting chapter. What happens when Jonas gets to experience warfare for the very first time?

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No. 51. McArthur Hafen, Clinical Director 29:00

8M ago29:00

29:00

McArthur Hafen has a PHD in Marriage and Family Therapy and works for the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine as a Professor and Director of Counseling Services. How does a therapist end up at a Vet school? That is what MaCarthur shares. Have a listen. The People and Their Work Podcast was created by Douglas S. Gardner Professor …

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Book Adventure-Chapter 14 15:46

8M ago15:46

15:46

We are getting closer and closer to the end of this amazing book adventure. In today's episode I share chapter 14 with you. If you want to become a member of my weekly live on zoom book club, please consider supporting the podcast. The link is below. patreon.com/user?u=5078593

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TEACHING OUTDOORS with LAUREN MACLEAN 31:12

8M ago31:12

31:12

🔥 How can I take my students and their learning outdoors? 🔥 How do students win when learning occurs outside the school building? 🔥 How do curriculum, feedback, and assessment appear in outdoor environments? Join me for this conversation with LAUREN MACLEAN as she shares her insights on these and other critical questions. About This Guest: Lauren i…

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DESIGN THINKING in the English Classroom with ADRIAN NEIBAUER 38:17

9M ago38:17

38:17

🔥 What does it mean to create a classroom of abundance? 🔥 How can we make multiple iterations of work an integral part of our learning culture? 🔥 How can we build strong relationships with our students at the start of the school year? Join me for this conversation with ADRIAN NEIBAUER as he shares his insights on these and other critical leadership…

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EP76: National Book Award Longlist Reactions (We're So Smart!) 39:19

9M ago39:19

39:19

Have we read all of the NBA fiction longlist books? We have not. Do we have thoughts on the ones we have read? We do! Jessica Anthony! Amazing! But we also read a bunch of other books for this episode, even if Sam has trouble remembering which ones (much as he could not remember the word "seersucker"). Here's what's on tap: - All of the National Bo…

1
Book Adventure-Chapter 13 22:03

9M ago22:03

22:03

Chapter 13 is here! Let's see what this chapter has for us.

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How to LEAD Your SCHOOL to AWESOME Outcomes with Dr. DARRIN PEPPARD 52:18

9M ago52:18

52:18

🔥 What are the core ingredients of successful school leadership teams? 🔥 How important is mindset when it comes to the effectiveness of a school leader? 🔥 What is one piece of advice that new principals, APs, and teacher-leaders should consider as they head into this school year? Join me for this conversation with Dr. DARRIN PEPPARD as he shares hi…

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English Teacher Sam Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen