Best Steven J Bourgeois Phd Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 140: Mr. Miller Goes to Disney 30:11

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4d ago30:11

30:11

This week on the podcast, Mr. Miller reports live from the most magical place on Earth — and no, he’s not entirely sure how he got there. Join us as we unpack his family’s whirlwind trip to Disney World, including stops at EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and the infamous international pub crawl — all while trying to make sense of what Disney has become in t…

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Episode 139: On Fixing and Building Things 48:15

14d ago48:15

48:15

Your two favorite hosts are back as we discuss the nature of building and fixing things. With Mr. Miller's recent foyer into woodworking and carpentry, the two gentlemen discuss some of the ideas of famed woodworker Nick Offerman and expound upon that to touch on topics of self-efficacy, the happiness index and blue zones. The hosts expertly weave …

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Episode 138: On the Long Road 56:26

22d ago56:26

56:26

Your two favorite hosts are back to talk about the advantages of taking the hard road. What are the lessons, what is the value of not seeking the easier path but one filled with potholes and detours. Often, it is these things that define a person and their ability to endure. The Old School endeavors to tease out some of the lessons that can be lear…

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Episode 137: The School Turnaround Blueprint with Dr. Ericka Johnson 1:07:50

1M ago1:07:50

1:07:50

Your two loveable hosts go back to their bailiwick and speak to the dynamic Dr. Ericka Johnson who details her journey from teacher to education consultant and the traits needed to be a good leader. We cover the full scope of the education experience, as seen by Dr. Johnson throughout her career as an educator. It is an interesting and thoughtful c…

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Episode 136: On the 1970s 48:53

2M ago48:53

48:53

Building on the previous episode on dinner parties, Dr. Steven Bourgeois and Ross Miller tackle other bygone ideas, these stemming from the 1970s and whether we are better off without them or should we bring them back. There is a bit of reminiscing as the hosts think back to days gone by and share some laughs along the way.…

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Episode 135: On Dinner Parties 44:08

2M ago44:08

44:08

Your two favorite podcasters tackle a dying art - the dinner party. The hosts discuss the qualities of a good dinner party, drawing on the experiences growing up in a socially active household as well as their own efforts. They then segue into dissecting what has happened to the art - what are the reasons they are not as prevalent as they used to b…

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Episode 134: On Resiliency 49:12

2M ago49:12

49:12

Your two favorite podcast hosts tackle the notion of resiliency and the ability to stay focus in the face of leisure and relaxation. The allure, the benefits and the drawbacks of dedication and commitment becomes the focus on the episode. The hosts evaluate their own behavior during their working years and compare it with others and other examples …

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Episode 133: On Albums and Technology 45:18

3M ago45:18

45:18

Your two favorite hosts dive into a product of their times - albums. They discuss the nature of albums, how they were used and what we've lost or not from their disappearance. They have reemerged but has technology changed the way we consume music and is that a negative, neutral or a positive?By Dr. Steven Bourgeois and Mr. Ross Miller

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Episode 132: On Setting a Tone 39:59

3M ago39:59

39:59

Weathering a series of technological issues, your two tech-savvy hosts managed to encapsulate some of the brilliance that is Dr. Alex Fingers. It is a shorter episode than most but in the short time available, the hosts and Dr. Fingers take a look at a principal's job in setting the tone of a new school year and the three also speak on the nature o…

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Episode 131: On Character with Dr. Matthew Post 1:04:58

4M ago1:04:58

1:04:58

The great Dr. Matt Post rejoins the Old School podcast to discuss the research that he and Dr. Bourgeois are conducting on the notion of character and virtue among undergraduates. This study seeks to identify what these students do or don't do that can be identified as virtuous but also why. Mr. Miller seeks to tease out what these two learned scho…

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Episode 130: On the North 49:57

4M ago49:57

49:57

After an unexpected break, brought on the thousands of miles and week-long ailments, your two intrepid heroes seek to come to a better understanding of the North - the stereotypes of the North and the promise that people have held about the North. Additionally, the hosts seek to draw comparisons with characteristics of the South - all of this not n…

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Episode 129: On Oregon 58:09

5M ago58:09

58:09

In the next installment of our state series, the Old School hosts take a look at Oregon - the home state of Dr. Bourgeois. The hosts take a look at the history, topography and the many cultural factors that make up this wonderful state. The hosts then end while waxing philosophically about what draws Dr. Bourgeois home often and won Mr. Miller's he…

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Episode 128: On Summer Plans for Children 52:04

5M ago52:04

52:04

Your two amicable hosts look into a topic that has plagued parents for centuries - what to do with the kids during the summer break. Since the hosts do not have the great minds of history to lean on, the listener will have to make do with The Old School as they consider and reflect on the various activities kids can partake in - where they are not …

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Episode 127: On Behind the Scenes of an American School 1:01:00

5M ago1:01:00

1:01:00

Your two favorite hosts peal back the curtain to unveil the happenings in a school prior to and after the school day - as well as a few things during the day. From custodians, to early birds, administrators and secretaries, the hosts take you through the aspects of a typical day in American education that most people may be unaware of. In doing so,…

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Episode 126: On America 47:26

5M ago47:26

47:26

Your two estimable hosts address the events of this week - the birthday of the United States of America. While plenty of people are commenting on the problems the country faces, and rightly so, Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller decide to focus on the positive. During the episode, both hosts present the five reasons why they love this country so much. In…

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Episode 125: On Growing Old 42:12

6M ago42:12

42:12

In the aftermath of Mr. Miller's surgery, your two friendly hosts discuss the operation as well as the notion of growing old. The two discuss limitations, changes in latitudes and attitudes (thank you Mr. Buffett) and what they see as the purpose and direction older people take and take on. Of course, though perhaps on the face, a dour topic, the t…

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Episode 124: On Retirement (Again) and Lighthouses? 49:15

7M ago49:15

49:15

Your two gregarious hosts take a look at Mr. Miller's return to retirement - for the umpteenth time. There is also a discussion about the possibility of working in a lighthouse as part of a larger project - one that combines the loves, interests and abilities of our hosts. In the meantime, the two hosts tackle notions of work and loneliness as they…

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Episode 123: On Education in the News, Part II 54:41

7M ago54:41

54:41

Your two loveable hosts tackle a couple of stories coming out regarding schools, technology and the hijinks that follow. From AI teachers to the cumulative effect of technology on a student's ability to learn, the hosts look at recent developments in the U.S. The hosts also dive somewhat into a major (probably minor) programming note on a possible …

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Episode 122: On Procrastination 55:29

7M ago55:29

55:29

Your two favorite amicable hosts tackle the thorny and omnipresent problem of procrastination. Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller explore the notion of procrastination, what causes it, ways in which it can be good or bad and how to address fixing the problem. In the process, experience, history, philosophy and problem-solving are used to address this and…

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Episode 121: On the British Empire with Dr. David Baillargeon 54:39

7M ago54:39

54:39

Your two favorite hosts welcome Dr. David Baillargeon from the University of Texas at Arlington to discuss the importance and impact of the British Empire. Dr. Baillargeon focuses on what can be seen and studied with regards to British action in Myanmar (or Burma) and Malaysia. The three do a deep dive in what made the Burmese and Malay experience …

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Episode 120: On the Boxer Rebellion with Dr. Peter Worthing 52:50

7M ago52:50

52:50

The Old School welcomes the great Dr. Peter Worthing of TCU to discuss the Boxer Rebellion. The three gentlemen discuss the origins of the movement, what it was and how it influenced China going into the 20th century and beyond. It is a great conversation that highlights not just the philosophical ideals that modern historians attribute to the Boxe…

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Episode 119: On Educating Boys 51:36

8M ago51:36

51:36

Your two favorite hosts tackle the growing crisis surrounding boys and men and how education could potentially turn those indices around. The podcast takes a look at an article on the re-emergence and saving qualities of an all-boys education and how truly effective something like that could be. The hosts also try to tip toe around various politica…

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Episode 118: On Traveling the World 1:10:37

8M ago1:10:37

1:10:37

Your two favorite hosts discuss the idea of traveling the world and selecting the six spots they would choose to stop and visit. Mr. Miller is planning something for her daughter in a few years so this conversation is a part theoretical and a part practical discussion on the wonderful places we would love to check out. In the comments below, please…

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Episode 117: On Shaping School Leadership with Dr. Patrick McQuillan 1:05:44

8M ago1:05:44

1:05:44

Your two favorite hosts welcome Boston College retired professor, Patrick McQuillan, to speak on his research as well as his new book that looks to shape how school leadership is to be taught and carried out. It is a methodology designed to build greater trust through all parties involved in our education system and in doing so, offer opportunities…

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Episode 116: On the Behaviorist Approach to Schooling with Ksenia Filatov 58:20

8M ago58:20

58:20

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller welcome back Ksenia Filatov, as the three discuss new trends in education that are highlighted by a new superintendent in Houston, Texas and his controversial methods to increase test scores and efficiency. The trio look at the philosophy behind such techniques, the degree to which they are new at all and what needs to …

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Episode 115: On the Great State of Maryland 52:57

9M ago52:57

52:57

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller dive into the merits of the latter's home state of Maryland. Mr. Miller goes through the history of his state, touching on its qualities, characteristics and what sets it apart from other states. Meanwhile, Dr. Bourgeois takes shots across the bow, aiming at such low hanging fruit like the HBO show, The Wire. Mr. Miller…

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Episode 114: On Being a Musician with Michelle Mayfield 54:20

9M ago54:20

54:20

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller welcome the multi-talented Michelle Mayfield to the podcast. During the episode, the three will discuss the life of a musician, the songwriting process and the experience of being on stage. The three also spend time discussing influences and inspirations that can motivate a musician and help direct one's path. You can f…

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Episode 113: On Drummers and Drumming 1:09:27

9M ago1:09:27

1:09:27

The hosts tap into their love of music to first, characterize the art of drumming. This includes the stereotypes of drummers and the hosts tease out to the extent the stereotypes are true and why that might be. Second, each host will present their favorite drummers and what those artists brought to the instrument and the other musicians who played …

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Episode 112: On Digitalization (Something Wicked...) 47:19

9M ago47:19

47:19

The hosts looks at digitalization efforts in Germany and the impact of the same in the United States. The hosts also connect the writings of social critic Neil Postman and his clarion calls for attention and caution to be used when technology are allowed unfettered access into our children's classes - our sacred spaces - to the developing situation…

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Episode 111: On Evaluating Teachers with Dr. Alex Fingers 1:06:15

10M ago1:06:15

1:06:15

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller welcome back the great Dr. Alex Fingers to discuss the way teachers are evaluating and measured. Over the course of episode, the three discuss the way a principal assesses teachers - from the first interview to daily interactions - but also the way teachers are trained and educated. The hosts and Dr. Fingers also consid…

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Episode 110: On Literacy with Richard Marquez 59:04

10M ago59:04

59:04

The hosts welcome Mr. Richard Marquez to the podcast. The famed educator has been known for his work in solving truancy issues as well as developing strategies for teaching students to read and use their ability towards their other studies as well as their life. An easy going conversation that is filled with wisdom and helpful ideas that can aide t…

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Episode 109: On England from England 52:14

10M ago52:14

52:14

Mr. Miller calls in from Liverpool, flushed from his soccer experiences and touring around the great port city, as well as Manchester. The two hosts spend some time comparing and contrasting the soccer experience in England to that in Germany and do a deep-dive into English culture. Throughout, the hosts share insights and laughs about our English-…

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Episode 108: On Education in the News 49:24

11M ago49:24

49:24

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller spend their 108th episode by tackling some of the ways in which education is making the news. The hosts address a cell phone ban in Massachusetts' public schools, a re-dedication to education by the Communist Chinese government and the International Day of Education, as established by the United Nations, gets the attent…

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Episode 107: On Leadership...and the Cowboys with Kyle Queal 1:10:14

11M ago1:10:14

1:10:14

The hosts are joined by the dynamic Kyle Queal to discuss the nature of leadership within industry and the connective tissues that link those lessons to the classroom and to the athletic realm. The three seek to tease out such questions as what does a leader need to do when taking over an operation, how does a leader get the most from those working…

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Episode 106: On Entering a Brave New World 36:04

11M ago36:04

36:04

Today, the hosts enter a brave new world - the world of social media. Even though they have railed against it for years, the hosts sell their souls in hopes for greater and broader listenership. The hosts discuss the changes, what we hope to gain from it and what it might mean for them and their posterity. Follow us on Instagram. https://www.instag…

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Episode 105: On Grit and Determination 52:11

11M ago52:11

52:11

The hosts dive into the ideas of grit and determination in an attempt to understand how it develops and how it can be engendered. In the course of the conversation, the hosts dive into examples of grit and determination in their own lives, with examples stretching from the classroom and the tennis courts to the parade grounds of bootcamp in Parris …

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Episode 104: On Nothing 51:51

12M ago51:51

51:51

Going into the Christmas holidays and not wanting to discuss the aforementioned day, the hosts decide to channel Jerry Seinfeld and do an episode about nothing. Now, as Seinfeld himself explained it, nothing does not mean nothing but it allows for an organic exploration of whatever topics pop into the minds' of the hosts and in doing so, they cover…

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Episode 103: On Washington, D.C. 56:45

12M ago56:45

56:45

Following a recent trip to the nation's capital, Mr. Miller introduces the history of the city and then, both hosts delve into the culture of Washington. Comparing it to other great cities, the hosts discover how the city compares to many of the world's great cities - the bounty of great people, wonderful cuisine and, of course, unmatched historica…

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Episode 102: On Anger 53:44

1y ago53:44

53:44

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller discuss anger and how it is manifested in modern culture and to what degree it is helpful. We also take a look at how religions and philosophies have attempted to address the issue of anger. In the discussion, we move from Christianity to Buddhism to Stoicism in search of an answer. And like most things, perhaps the ans…

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Episode 101: On Literary Influences with Dr. Paul Weinhold 59:46

1y ago59:46

59:46

There is no better way to start the second 100 episodes of The Old School then with a return appearance of Dr. Paul Weinhold. In this episode, the three readers discuss their first literary influences - either authors or literary characters. The three also discuss the notion of younger generations and the reading of entire books. This includes a lo…

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Episode 100: On Looking Back and Looking Ahead 55:18

1y ago55:18

55:18

The hosts, over some Scotch and snacks, sit side by side to look back at how the podcast has developed over the last 100 episodes and what might happen in the coming years. It is a collection of shared stories, ideas of what's ahead and the people who have listened to the hosts ramble - sometimes coherently and intelligently - about the issues faci…

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Episode 99: On Our Favorite Films 53:04

1y ago53:04

53:04

During the Old School's 99th episode, the hosts dive into their favorite films - but not necessarily the best films. One film from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, the list is meant to show the films that most impacted the hosts throughout their lives. Additionally, the hosts asks listeners to consider joining the conversation in the comme…

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Episode 98: On the Future of the Teaching Profession 50:45

1y ago50:45

50:45

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller, trying to sound as even handed as possible, discuss what they see as the future of the teaching profession. While good things and people exist in the profession, other forces could irrevocably alter the profession. The two hosts consider what teaching might look like, the training of teachers and what it means to educa…

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Episode 97: On Dr. Bourgeois' Grievances, #1-6 53:11

1y ago53:11

53:11

Today is Dr. Bourgeois' turn to air his grievances. Unlike Mr. Miller, he has many more than one. The hosts go through a litany of issues in an attempt to bring solace and ultimate comfort to Dr. Bourgeois, as Mr. Miller experienced last week. The episode ends with the promise of more grievances in future episodes...but not right away...maybe. This…

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Episode 96: Mr. Miller's Grievance #1 51:54

1y ago51:54

51:54

In what was meant to be a litany of lamentations from both hosts, Mr. Miller's top concern takes priority - as does baseball. While the hosts promise a more equitable presentation of gripes for a later date, the hosts focus on baseball and the ambivalence of owners to the suffering of fans. The hosts compare the lack of representation of fans to th…

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Episode 95: On Tutoring 52:21

1y ago52:21

52:21

The hosts tackle an aspect of education that has always been present - tutorials. The hosts examine the qualities and effectiveness as well as the difference between tutoring in school with one's teacher and hiring it out to be done - a field of endeavor that Mr. Miller is currently engaged in. Not only does tutoring look different in or out of sch…

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Episode 94: On the Value of Sports and Extracurriculars with Dr. Alex Fingers 48:16

1y ago48:16

48:16

Once more, the hosts are proud to present the estimable Dr. Alex Fingers to the podcast. This time, Dr. Fingers speaks on the value of sports and extracurricular activities to the student in their academic pursuits. From personal experience, Dr. Fingers speaks on the lessons learned from winning, losing and the tireless preparation for the moment. …

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Episode 93: On Etiquette 1:01:31

1y ago1:01:31

1:01:31

In this episode, the hosts follow the advice of Jimmy Buffett and show their age - this time, by complaining about the state of etiquette today and whether it is a real problem or whether they are the problem. After consider the state of the world with the presence or lack of manners, consider doing a deep intellectual dive into our book, The Cente…

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Episode 92: On National Parks, Part II 52:29

1+ y ago52:29

52:29

The hosts return to Mr. Miller's trip - the second part through Montana and Glacier National Park. As the story unwinds, the Miller family pass through Missoula, a garden of Buddhas, a mission church, complete with a member of rock n' roll royalty and the majestic peaks and valleys of the park itself. Mr. Miller finishes with a visit to Little Big …

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Episode 91: On National Parks, Part I (Grand Tetons National Park) 41:11

1+ y ago41:11

41:11

As Mr. Miller and his family attempt to shoe horn two more national parks before the start of the next school year, the hosts discuss the first of the two parks - Grand Tetons National Park in western Wyoming. In the course of this discussion, the hosts unpack the park itself as well as the drive there, Jackson Hole, the beauty of southeastern Idah…