Best Field Notebook Podcasts (2025)

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Ep 375: Overwhelmed by Open Houses? How I Simplified, Scaled, and Finally Found My Flow - How to Plan a Successful Open House That Increases Enrollment Without Burning Out 26:12

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4d ago26:12

26:12

Are you overwhelmed trying to plan your next school open house? 😩 You’re not alone. In this episode, I pull back the curtain on the chaos, confusion, and emotional weight that comes with trying to host a meaningful event that actually leads to enrollment. Whether you run a microschool, private school, or homeschool hybrid, this episode will help yo…

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Yankees Avoid Another Series Sweep | Pinstripe Post - Ep. 63 55:46

5d ago55:46

55:46

On today's episode of Pinstripe Post, Joel Sherman and Ryan Sampson react to the Yankees avoiding another series sweep by the Mets this weekend. Ryan asks Joel about why the Yankees continue to struggle in June and July for a 3rd season in a row. Joel questions Aaron Boone and Aaron Judge's leadership and how it's impacted the team's accountability…

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Ep 374: How To Market When You're Shy: A Real Talk and 5 Tips for Introverted & Neurodivergent Microschool Founders 17:44

8d ago17:44

17:44

I used to freeze at the thought of “marketing my school.” I’m not naturally outgoing. I’ve always been more of a behind-the-scenes, let-me-do-the-work-in-peace kind of woman. And for a long time, I thought that meant I wasn’t cut out to grow a successful microschool. All I kept hearing was: “You need to network more,” “You need to post every day,” …

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Pitching keeps Yankees afloat as offense continues to sputter | Pinstripe Post - Ep. 62 48:07

11d ago48:07

48:07

Joel Sherman is joined by Dexter Henry to discuss Yankees series win over the A's and continued struggles in extra innings in series loss vs. Reds on an all new episode of Pinstripe Post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy New York Post

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Ep 373: Feeling Lonely as a Microschool Founder? How to Ask for Help, Build Support Systems, and Stop Carrying the Weight Alone—Even When You Don’t Know Where to Begin 20:02

11d ago20:02

20:02

There were so many days I felt completely alone. I didn’t even know how to ask for help—because I didn’t know what kind of help I needed. I just knew I couldn’t keep doing everything by myself. Maybe you're in that place too. You’re carrying the vision. You’re showing up for everyone else. But deep down, you’re tired… and wondering who’s showing up…

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Ep 372: Creating Community Through Events: How to Plan Meaningful Microschool Gatherings That Grow Connection & Enrollment- Letting Go and Letting Others Lead 23:45

15d ago23:45

23:45

Creating Community Through Events: How to Plan Meaningful Microschool Gatherings That Grow Connection & Enrollment As a microschool or homeschool hybrid leader, you’re not just teaching—you’re building a movement. And one of the most powerful (and overlooked) tools in your toolkit? Events. Whether you’re welcoming new families, showcasing student w…

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Yankees Finally Win a Series Despite June Struggles | Pinstripe Post - Ep. 61 1:03:46

19d ago1:03:46

1:03:46

On today's episode of Pinstripe Post with Joel Sherman and Ryan Sampson, the guys discuss the Yankees starting rotation being one of the best in baseball in the month of June despite the struggles from the team. Joel breaks down what he has seen from Will Warren and why he has been so good this season for the Yankees rotation. Joel names some poten…

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Ep 371: From Lonely to Thriving: How to Build a Microschool Community To Decrease Overwhlem and Increase Results (Even If You Don’t Know Where to Start) 28:47

19d ago28:47

28:47

Feeling alone in your microschool journey? Whether you're just starting or several years in, building a microschool community can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to stay that way. In this episode of the Teacher Let Your Light Shine Podcast, I’m sharing how I went from homeschooling a few students in my living room to leading a thriving micros…

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Ep 370: Introducing The Microschool Marketing Blueprint! A Course Designed To Attract, Enroll, and Grow Your Educational Program. A Foundational Marketing Course Designed Just For YOU! 33:07

22d ago33:07

33:07

You didn’t start your microschool to become a marketing expert… But without students, your vision can’t grow. 💔 If you’re unsure how to get the word out, or you’ve tried everything from social media to word-of-mouth with little return, you are not alone—and you are exactly who I created the Microschool Marketing Blueprint for. In today’s episode, I…

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Episode #28 Durrel Smith: The Sporting Life Notebook 1:35:44

25d ago1:35:44

1:35:44

In this episode we talk with Durrel Smith: Owner & Founder, The Sporting Life Notebook | Co‑Founder & President, Minority Outdoor Alliance. Durrel is a passionate bird-dog handler, guide, artist, conservationist, and storyteller. Tune in to hear his journey, how he got into bird hunting, and started The Sporting Life Notebook. Connect with us: Emai…

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Ep 369: Struggling to Find Students in a Small Town? How Becky McNichols Built a Thriving Microschool Business from Her Basement While Homeschooling in Rural Kansas 53:23

25d ago53:23

53:23

Can you really start a microschool in a rural town, homeschool your own kids, and grow an online business—all at the same time? Let me introduce you to Becky McNichols, a former public school teacher from a small town in rural Kansas. After stepping away from the traditional classroom to homeschool her two children, Becky didn’t stop there. She tra…

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Yankees look lost after sweep by Red Sox | Pinstripe Post - Ep. 60 54:33

26d ago54:33

54:33

On today's episode, Joel Sherman and Ryan Sampson break down the very disappointing weekend from the Yankees after being swept by the Red Sox. Ryan raises some defensive and base running concerns which Joel does not believe is a repeat of last year. Joel discusses why Aaron Judge was due for a bad weekend and we react to the blockbuster Rafael Deve…

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Ep 368: Struggling to Find Students? How Florida Teacher-Turned-Microschool Founder Lori Rubel Grew Bloom Beautiful Academy Into a Thriving Homeschool Hybrid With The Microschool Marketing Blueprint 53:48

29d ago53:48

53:48

If you’ve ever thought: “I know I’m called to this work… but why aren’t families enrolling?”—you are not alone. In today’s powerful episode, I’m introducing you to Lori Rubel, a former teacher and now the successful founder of Bloom Beautiful Academy, a growing microschool and homeschool hybrid in Florida. Lori didn’t start with a marketing degree.…

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Ep 367: Marketing in the Unknown: Why You Can’t Wait for Certainty to Grow Your Microschool 27:34

1M ago27:34

27:34

Are you holding back on growing your microschool because you don’t have all the answers yet? In this episode of Teacher Let Your Light Shine, I’m diving into the reality every founder faces—uncertainty. If you’re stuck waiting for a “perfect time” to market, this episode will give you the clarity and push you need to take the next bold step. I’m sh…

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Are the Yankees showing signs of regression? | Pinstripe Post - Ep. 59 1:12:25

1M ago1:12:25

1:12:25

On today's episode of Pinstripe Post, Joel Sherman and Ryan Sampson break down the Yankees series loss to the Red Sox. Why Joel believes there are some signs of regression forming with the Yankees and what the Yankees need to address over the next two months leading up to the trade deadline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adch…

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Ep 366: The Marketing Mistakes I Made, the Organizational Systems That Saved Me, and How to Avoid Burnout Before You Even Begin 30:44

1M ago30:44

30:44

Are you a teacher or parent building a microschool or homeschool hybrid? Overwhelmed by all the tasks, struggling to stay organized, and unsure how to market your school effectively? You're not alone — and this episode is for you. 🎯 In this powerful episode of the Summer of Clarity series, I’m opening up about the real marketing mistakes I made in …

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Ep 365: You’re Not a Salesperson, but You Still Need Students! How the Microschool Marketing Blueprint Will Change Everything 34:30

1M ago34:30

34:30

Are you a teacher, homeschool hybrid leader, or microschool founder who feels overwhelmed by marketing your school? You’re not alone—and you don’t need to become a full-time marketer to attract the right families. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the real, raw struggles of building a microschool from the ground up—juggling curriculum, enroll…

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Dodgers are just better than the Yankees | Pinstripe Post - Ep. 58 52:56

1M ago52:56

52:56

On today's episode of Pinstripe Post, Joel Sherman and Ryan Sampson discuss the Yankees being dismantled by the Dodgers lineup this weekend. Joel breaks down Will Warren and Max Fried's bad starts and the state of the bullpen. Plus some updates on where the Yankees could pivot if Luke Weaver and Jasson Dominguez miss time. Joel's Notebook highlight…

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Ep 364: Getting Financial Flow: From Financial Fog to Freedom! How Microschool Leaders Can Build Systems That Save Time, Reduce Stress, and Create Sustainable Growth 26:46

1M ago26:46

26:46

Let’s talk about money—but not in a scary or overwhelming way. In this episode of the Teacher Let Your Light Shine podcast, I’m taking you behind the scenes of how I went from financially winging it (and praying the numbers would work) to building a microschool with clear, sustainable financial systems. If you’re a microschool founder, homeschool h…

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Yankees Can Make a Big Statement Against the Dodgers | Pinstripe Post - Ep. 57 1:04:43

1M ago1:04:43

1:04:43

On today's episode of Pinstripe Post, Joel Sherman and Ryan Sampson preview this weekend's World Series rematch between the Dodgers and the Yankees. Joel praises the Yankees starting rotation led by Carlos Rodon & Will Warren. Ryan wants revenge for last season's World Series loss and Joel agrees, this weekend can be a statement weekend for the Yan…

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Ep 363: When the Building Sells! Legalities 101! How Legalities affect Your Finances! Your First Steps as a Microschool Leader Matter More Than You Think 28:41

2M ago28:41

28:41

Starting a microschool—or even thinking about it—can feel like walking into the unknown. And in May, when reflection, burnout, transition, and anticipation collide, those feelings get amplified. In this episode, I’m sharing the raw, behind-the-scenes truth about what it’s like to start something from scratch as a teacher-turned-entrepreneur. If you…

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Episode #27 Josiah Richards: Ross Outdoors 1:01:57

2M ago1:01:57

1:01:57

In this episode, we interviewed Josiah Richards, owner of Ross Outdoors. We talk about how he got into hunting, owning a business, and learn more about Ross Outdoors. Ross Outdoors specializes in high-end hunting and archery equipment, offering a premium selection of gear both in-store and online. Their mission is to share our passion for hunting b…

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Ep 362: If You’re Doubting, Dreaming, or Barely Holding On: Why Your First Steps as a Microschool Leader Matter More Than You Think (And How to Keep Going When It Feels Impossible) 17:43

2M ago17:43

17:43

May has always felt sacred to me. It's the bridge between everything I’ve poured into this school year and the dream that’s still unfolding for the next. And if you’re listening today feeling like you’re doubting, dreaming, or barely holding on… I see you. I’ve been you. And this episode is for you. When I started my microschool, I didn’t have a bl…

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Yankees SHUT DOWN Juan Soto & win the Subway Series | Pinstripe Post - Ep. 56 1:03:25

2M ago1:03:25

1:03:25

On today's episode Joel Sherman and Ryan Sampson discuss the subdued Juan Soto and just how effective the Yankees pivot was this offseason. Joel praises the Yankees front office for signing Max Fried who has proved to be invaluable all season long, plus the latest on DJ LeMahieu's return to the lineup and Jonathan Loiasiga's dominance. Learn more a…

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Ep 361: Why May Planning is the Secret to a Peaceful First Month of School: How Early Planning Sets Microschool Leaders and Homeschool Founders Up for a Stress-Free August 17:57

2M ago17:57

17:57

May is more than a season of endings—it’s the foundation for your next beginning. If you're a microschool founder, homeschool hybrid leader, or education entrepreneur feeling overwhelmed about next year, this episode will change the way you approach your summer. In today's conversation, Makenzie Oliver shares why May is the most strategic month to …

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Yankees face the return of Juan Soto | Pinstripe Post - Ep. 55 51:54

2M ago51:54

51:54

On today's episode of Pinstripe Post, Joel and Ryan discuss Juan Soto's return to the Bronx this weekend and what to expect from Yankees fans treating Soto. Joel breaks down why both the Yankees and Mets benefitted from Soto leaving to go to Queens. Plus Joel's Notebook about a fond Subway Series moment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit mega…

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Ep 360: How to Manage May Money Panic: Smart Enrollment and Financial Strategies for Microschool Leaders 16:33

2M ago16:33

16:33

May brings a perfect storm of reflection, burnout, transition—and for many microschool founders, serious financial pressure. If you're staring at your re-enrollment numbers, worrying about tuition gaps, or scrambling to figure out summer revenue strategies, this episode is for you. In this practical and encouraging conversation, Makenzie Oliver sha…

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Episode #26 Kirby Bristow: Quail Hunting in Arizona, Review and Preview 1:25:55

2M ago1:25:55

1:25:55

Join us for an exciting episode as we dive into quail hunting in Arizona with Kirby Bristow, a seasoned biologist with the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), and Ryan Rice, President of Arizona Quail Today. Kirby Bristow has dedicated years to wildlife management, specializing in small game species like quail. As a key figure at AZGFD, he ha…

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Ep 359: How to Build a Thriving Microschool Without Burning Out: Systems Every Founder Needs Before August to Save Time, Reduce Stress, and Lead with Confidence 21:21

2M ago21:21

21:21

Are you exhausted from trying to do it all in your microschool or homeschool hybrid? You love what you’ve built—but you’re realizing that your dream is starting to feel like a burden. This episode is for the teacher-turned-founder who’s drowning in leadership, overwhelmed by logistics, and ready to build a microschool that runs with systems—not str…

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Why the Yankees offense is fun to watch | Pinstripe Post - Ep. 54 51:00

2M ago51:00

51:00

On today's episode of Pinstripe Post with Joel Sherman and Ryan Sampson, Joel and Ryan dive into how much fun the Yankees offense is to watch. Joel breaks down how special Ben Rice's season has been and what to expect with Stanton and LeMahieu making their returns to the lineup here soon. Ryan asks Joel about Jasson Dominguez 3-home run game and wh…

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Ep 358: The Dream is Still Alive (Even If You’re Doubting Everything) Feeling Doubt at the End of the School Year? Why You’re Not Failing—You’re Growing 21:55

2M ago21:55

21:55

May is a whirlwind — filled with reflection, burnout, celebration, transitions, and anticipation. And if you’re feeling a wave of doubt about your school, your vision, or your leadership right now — you’re not alone. In today’s episode, I’m opening up about one of the hardest Mays in my journey building Lighthouse Learning Microschool. Sitting in m…

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Ep 357: I’m a Tired Teacher, But I’m Not Done: How to End the School Year with Peace, Not Panic 22:56

2M ago22:56

22:56

May is emotional — filled with reflection, burnout, celebration, transitions, and anticipation. And if you’re a teacher, school leader, or microschool founder, chances are you’re feeling all of that at once right now. Today, we’re diving into how to finish your year with purpose — without losing your peace. Have you ever looked up in May and though…

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Injuries & the rotation are taking a toll | Pinstripe Post - Ep. 53 56:55

2M ago56:55

56:55

On today's episode, Joel and Ryan discuss the state of the Yankees after dropping their 3rd series out of the last 4. Joel breaks down why the Yankees starting rotation has taxed their bullpen and it cannot continue. Ryan reacts to the Yankees lineup issues and Joel discusses why Max Fried has been the most valuable player for this Yankees team. Le…

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356: How to Delegate Curriculum Planning and Teaching in Your Microschool: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building Systems, Training a Team, and Scaling Instruction Without Burnout 26:38

2M ago26:38

26:38

Are you still teaching every subject, every grade, every day in your microschool? Whether you're just starting out and feel overwhelmed, ready to bring in an assistant, or completely done with teaching and ready to build a team—this episode is your roadmap. If you’ve ever thought: 👉 “How do I hand off teaching to someone else?” 👉 “What if my new hi…

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Episode #25 John Smithbaker: Fathers In The Field 1:13:32

2M ago1:13:32

1:13:32

On todays episode we sit down with John Smithbaker. In 2005, John launched Fathers in the Field to share God’s love with hurting boys dealing with the same abandonment issues he dealt with for so long. His goal is to help prevent the devastating cycle of earthy father abandonment before these boys become men by sharing their Heavenly Father’s stayi…

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355: Why You Keep Changing Curriculum: How to Teach Multiple Grade Levels Without Chaos Using Layered Tasks, Adaptive Learning Tools, and Multi-Age Curriculum Systems That Actually Work 26:26

2M ago26:26

26:26

Have you changed your curriculum more times than you can count? Do you find yourself saying: “This just isn’t working...” “Maybe I need something different...” “What if this new one is the right fit?” If that’s you, this episode is going to give you clarity and peace of mind. You’re not flaky. You’re not doing it wrong. You’re just trying to make i…

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Devin Williams out as the Yankees closer | Pinstripe Post - Ep. 52 1:00:09

2M ago1:00:09

1:00:09

On today's episode of Pinstripe Post Joel and Ryan discuss Devin Williams being demoted from the closer role and Luke Weaver taking over closer responsibilities. They discuss what's next for Williams, how the Yankees can help him regain his confidence and how they will stick with Weaver. Ryan gives Joel his hot take on Anthony Volpe and react to th…

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354: How to Choose Curriculum for Your Microschool: A Step-by-Step Guide for Public and Private School Teachers Transitioning to Multi-Age Teaching and Building Their Own Education Model 22:56

3M ago22:56

22:56

Are you a teacher thinking about starting your own microschool or homeschool hybrid—but stuck in a swirl of fear and curriculum overwhelm? You're not alone. One of the biggest questions teachers ask when leaving public or private education is: “How do I know what curriculum to use in a microschool?” “What if I mess it up?” “I’ve only taught one gra…

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353: Setting the Tone For Your Microschool After Enrollment. How to Build Trust and Connection with Parents and Students 19:08

3M ago19:08

19:08

How to Build Trust and Connection with Parents and Students Are you welcoming new families into your microschool… but not sure what to say after they enroll? 🎉 In this heartfelt and strategic episode, Makenzie Oliver shares what most founders overlook: The time between enrollment and Day 1 of school is where trust is either built—or broken. Discove…

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Yankees keep winning DESPITE blown calls | Pinstripe Post - Ep. 51 57:12

3M ago57:12

57:12

On today's episode of Pinstripe Post, Joel and Ryan break down the Yankees winning 6 out of their last 7 games. Joel breaks down why MLB messed up Aaron Judge's HR call and why Max Fried lost a no-hitter. We discuss Trent Grisham and the team's defense and why Devin Williams may not be fit for New York. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megap…

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Episode #24 Wade Zarlingo: Birds, Dogs & the Desert 1:15:29

3M ago1:15:29

1:15:29

Join us on Wade Zarlingo’s Arizona Quail Hunt for a lively chat with Wade Zarlingo, a lifelong Arizona quail hunter and former Arizona Game and Fish employee. Wade calls this hunting season one of his best ever, with plenty of birds and great times in the field. We talk about how rainfall boosts quail numbers, the impact of land development, and Wa…

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352: Microschool on a Budget! 7 Proven Ways to Save Money While Starting Your Dream School! 23:42

3M ago23:42

23:42

💡 Want to launch or grow your microschool without going broke? In this value-packed episode of the Teacher Let Your Light Shine Podcast, Makenzie Oliver reveals 7 smart and budget-friendly strategies to help you save money while building a powerful and purpose-filled learning environment for kids. Whether you're a former teacher starting a microsch…

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Makenzie’s Birthday Bash! 🎉 5 Years of Lessons as a Microschool Owner + 50% Off Our Best-Selling Business Bundle (Today Only!) 16:24

3M ago16:24

16:24

🎉 It's Makenzie's Birthday! And what better way to celebrate than by giving back to YOU—our amazing community of teacherpreneurs, homeschool moms, and microschool founders! In this special birthday episode of the Teacher Let Your Light Shine Podcast, Makenzie Oliver shares the Top 5 Most Valuable Lessons she’s learned from building and running a su…

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351: Feeling Lost with Microschool Finances? Here’s What You Actually Need to Budget, Price, and Plan Without the Overwhelm (+ A Limited-Time Tool to Help You Do It!) 20:32

3M ago20:32

20:32

If You're you a teacher, homeschooler, or microschool founder trying to wrap your head around the financial side of running a school? You're not alone—and you don’t have to stay stuck or overwhelmed. In this episode of the Teacher Let Your Light Shine podcast, host Makenzie Oliver breaks down the financial must-knows for educators building or growi…

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Carlos Rodon and the Yankees freeze up | Pinstripe Post - Ep. 50 1:10:24

3M ago1:10:24

1:10:24

On today's episode Ryan & Joel discuss how Carlos Rodon missed a massive opportunity to quiet the critics and shut down the Giants on Sunday, instead he gives up the go-ahead HR and the Yankees lose their 2nd straight series. Joel breaks down the state of the Yankees starting rotation after the Marcus Stroman injury. Plus Ryan asks Joel if the Yank…

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350: Systems That Save Your Sanity: How to Stay Organized & Enroll with Confidence in Your Microschool 23:14

3M ago23:14

23:14

This time of year can feel like you’re juggling all the things—wrapping up the school year, planning summer programs, enrolling new families, and trying not to drown in emails and sticky notes. 😅 If you're feeling scattered, behind, or overwhelmed in your microschool journey… this episode is your lifeline. Makenzie recaps a powerful and practical s…

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Episode #23 Ryan and Nate: Follow-up on Dog training 34:32

3M ago34:32

34:32

In this episode, we unpack some of the things we talked about last episode with Guy Mollicone. We dive into dog training, and what we have learned from that podcast. Connect with us: Email us at [email protected]—we'd love to hear from you! Follow us on Instagram at @azquailtodayBy Ryan Rice and Nathan Istrate

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349: Starting From Scratch? Feel Like Your Marketing is Clunky? The Business Bundle That Will Save Your Sanity and Help You Build and Grow Your Program 28:47

3M ago28:47

28:47

Are you starting your own microschool or learning pod—and feeling overwhelmed with all the documents, forms, and marketing materials you think you need to create from scratch? In today’s episode, Makenzie shares the behind-the-scenes story of how the Teacher Let Your Light Shine Business Bundle was born to help busy, passionate educators start stro…

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Yankees start the season with a bang | Pinstripe Post 49 50:53

3M ago50:53

50:53

Joel and Ryan discuss the biggest takeaways from the Yankees losing the series vs. Diamondbacks and winning vs. Pirates. Joel has real concerns about the rotation, while Ryan highlights the offensive output from Trent Grisham, Anthony Volpe & Ben Rice. Plus the guys discuss if the Yankees can keep up the power surge and hitting this HR pace. Learn …

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348: 5 Tips to Start Your Microschool or Homeschool Hybrid in 4 Months—Even If You’re Overwhelmed, Scared, or Don’t Know Where to Begin 25:05

3M ago25:05

25:05

So… you want to start a microschool or homeschool hybrid this year—but the clock is ticking. You’re feeling the pressure of the timeline, the weight of your current commitments, and the uncertainty of the road ahead. You’ve probably asked yourself: Where do I even begin? What if I mess this up? Can I actually do this without burning out? Maybe you’…