Tackling issues in culture, education, independent authorship, and the occasional urban legend, this podcast has it all. Chats with Chad segments are more lighthearted and fun discussions of things going in his author and teaching journeys. Didactic Cafe segments are dealing with ethical and moral issues in education and the world in general. Culture Cuts feature book and movie reviews as well as diving into cultural controversies and touchstones of the moment. And finally, Urban Legends Unmasked look at local and state legends from around the United states, and the lessons (or warnings) they have for us.
Did you have a place to go when you were a kid that just made you come alive? Was it a meadow, a field, a club house, a secret spot? What was it about that place that just made you feel alive?And why have you lost that wonder?As I try to find my own place once more, join me for this episode to reflect, engage in a bit of nostalgia, and hopefully find bit of renewal.
1 Dec 2023
Culture Cuts: In The Fields Of The Eagle
The background and backstory of WHY I wrote the book that is quickly becoming my best reviewed and best selling novel yet. It is also about WHO the book is for, and WHAT I hope people take away from it. In addition, give a listen to the first chapter of the book that tells the story of a teenager in 1930's Germany who decides to take a stand against the rise of fascism in his homeland. Even if it costs him everything.
24 Nov 2023
Didactic Cafe: School Vouchers- Who Benefits?
With the school voucher plan in Texas dead- for now- we need to look at why it is such a big issue for politicians. Why do they want a plan to be implemented so badly that they will fail to produce school funding bills just because they don't get what they want? Is it to appease their base? Is it because they genuinely don' trust public education and public educators? Or, is it because of who benefits from the voucher program?These questions and more in today episode.
10 Nov 2023
Chats With Chad: Where Are The Leaders?
Leadership is a dying art in our nation, in our world. Too many people are so desirous for power that they sell themselves out and become too self involved to see they are not leading at all. They are grandstanding. Leaders are everywhere when you don't need them, and invisible or hollow when you do. We need leaders who don't want the glory and the position, but who want to serve.
3 Nov 2023
Culture Cuts: Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry was always my favorite Friend. I connected with him, saw myself in him. I will miss him.This is my tribute to him.Could I BE any more sad?
27 Oct 2023
Urban Legends Unmasked CLASSIC: Halloween Origins
We will explore the beginnings of our modern tradition of Halloween, from the Celtic Samhain rituals to Stingy Jack and how they make our October 31st so creepy. The only question is, do you think the costumed kids are the only ones out for mischief on All Hallow's Eve?
21 Oct 2023
Urban Legends Unmasked: "Based on a True Story"
You know when a horror movie is based on a true story, you are in for a gruesome ride. Why is that?Maybe it is that humanity is far more monstrous than the biggest, scariest beast or creature we could conjure in our imagination.
13 Oct 2023
Urban Legends Unmasked: Friday the 13th
A date which will live in...superstition? When the 13th of the month falls on a Friday, you may find yourself taking it more cautiously. But why? Why is 13 bad, and why does Friday make it worse? We look at the history of this superstition, and a bit of pop culture surrounding it before asking the question- Are some days just cursed?
8 Oct 2023
Urban Legends Unmasked: Michigan Dog Lady and Arizona Skinwalkers
A decrepit island in Michigan may be home to a feral old woman and her pack of dogs that likes to watch wayward teens who come to party. Is she real, or just a legend? AND Imagine driving down the highway at 60 miles an hour, hearing a tap on the window next to you, and you turn to see a human, wearing an animal pelt, and matching your speed. It cackles maniacally, then runs off into the night. You are terrified, but you got off lucky- the skinwalker you just encountered could hav...
29 Sept 2023
Chats With Chad: Are You Who You Want To Be?
Moments of reflection are vital to growing your identity and your sense of self. But you have to be honest. You sometimes have to be raw and uncomfortable. Don't be afraid to sit in those moments where you realize this is your life, and ask yourself 'Am I who I want to be?"
22 Sept 2023
Culture Cuts: Eradic & Beautiful Letdown
Reviewing two great pieces of culture this week.The Eradic by S. Goodey is a great fantasy novel with excellent characterization and awesome twists. Check out his Etsy store, too.The Beautiful Letdown Covers album from Switchfoot is filled with great artists paying respects to an amazing album that changed the direction of my favorite band forever.
15 Sept 2023
Didactic Cafe: Indoctrination- It Doesn't Mean What You Think It Does
"Public schools are indoctrinating our kids."Yep. They are. But did you know indoctrination means teaching? Oh, you meant forcing ideologies on kids that support partisan or specific beliefs? Like pledging allegiance to the flag?Oh, you meant indoctrinating students on things you disagree with! Well, is it okay if we indoctrinate them on things you do agree with?If you don't see the irony there, then maybe this podcast isn't for you.
8 Sept 2023
Urban Legends Unmasked: Ayers Island Maine and Alaskan Triangle
Two legends for the price of one!The new legend details the possibly cursed island in the middle of the Penobscot River- Ayers Island. Is it home to spirits cursed to die and remain long after their lives have ceased? Are there dark places on earth that no one should go? Why would you bring a baby on a ghost hunt?The second is a classic legend- the Alaskan Triangle!As many as 20,000 people have disappeared in the area known as the Alaskan Triangle. Is it a time rip, a ...
1 Sept 2023
AI- Friend or Foe? - Chats with Chad
Over the last few months, much has been made about Artificial Intelligence and its capabilities and threats. As a writer and educator, I have seen it filter into both fields. Some think it is the destroyer of our world and livelihood as we know, others think it can make the world a better place. Should we approach AI with fear, embrace it fully, or perhaps investigate it cautiously? Find out my approach in today's episode.
25 Aug 2023
Culture Cuts: Just a Tuesday
On Tuesday, August 22, a normal day of school turned into anything but normal. An alarm telling everyone to evacuate led to scary few hours, but also to demonstrations of the best public education has to offer. We were lucky, and the threat was a hoax- but we can all learn and grow more prepared to face the unfortunate culture that has seemingly normalized the dangers that face our students- and teachers- every day.
18 Aug 2023
Didactic Cafe: We Need to Talk About Teacher Pay
It has been said that if you have not seen a 20% pay raise over the last two years, you are behind the cost of living increase. I don't know of a single teacher who has seen anywhere near that.Educators have notoriously been underpaid, but the problem is reaching an apex of danger. What happens when quality teachers cannot afford to stay?We will all suffer.
11 Aug 2023
Urban Legends Unmasked: Alabama Dead Children's Playground
Classic Episode:In Huntsville, Alabama, there is a playground situated near the oldest cemetery in town. Legend has it that the ghost of children buried there haunt the playground, and there may be even darker spirits that take a ride on the swing.This is the first in a series looking at the creepiest urban legends in each state.
4 Aug 2023
Chats With Chad: Who Are The Edelweiss Pirates?
My latest book, In The Fields Of The Eagle, tells the story of Klaus Volk, a teenager in Nazi Germany of the 1930s. While the book is historical fiction, the events are real, and Klaus is inspired by some real-life teenage rebels called the Edelweiss Pirates. They engaged in sabotage, pranks, and eventually even armed rebellion against the Nazis. These little known heroes of history deserve to be known, so aside from writing a book about them, I wanted to share the...
28 Jul 2023
The Myth of Small Towns- Culture Cuts
Small towns have been in the news lately, with the controversy around Jason Aldean's "Try That in a Small Town." This song has touched a nerve with some, inspired others, and sparked debate. But I believe the premise that small towns are idyllic and great at taking care of their own is inherently flawed because it is based on the myth of small towns. They are not necessarily safer, they are not inclusive, and they are not Mayberry or Stars Hollow. Sometimes, maybe, but...
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