Welcome to My Life Ain’t Perfect, the podcast where we talk about the moments that almost broke us—but somehow built us. I’m your host, Rodrick C. Johnson: literacy coach, author, CEO, and more importantly—a human who’s been through some stuff.
You may know me for transforming classrooms, coaching educators, or writing books like Joey’s Journey: A Long Way Home. But before all that, there’s a backstory. One not filled with neat bows or highlight reels—but resilience, pain, discovery, and grace.
So if you’re showing up messy, healing, tired, or powerful and don’t even know it—this space is for you.
People can know your name, your accomplishments, your personality, your social media presence, and still know absolutely nothing about your story.
The episode can explore the gap between perception and reality.
1 Dec 2025
For Good!
“For Good”
In this deeply personal episode, I open the door to a chapter of my life shaped by fear, resilience, and the journey toward being fully seen. Inspired by the story of Elphaba from *Wicked*, I reflect on what it means to live as “the other,” to carry labels you never asked for, and to find yourself trapped in a jail built from survival, silence, and shadows of your own making.
But this isn’t a story of despair. It’s a story of rising.
“For Good” explores how being ostracized can ignite a fire that transforms you, how hiding can lead to healing, and how embracing your truth—out loud—can free not just you, but everyone watching from the sidelines. Together, we walk through the parallels between a misunderstood fictional heroine and a real-life journey toward liberation, identity, and impact.
Listeners will leave this episode encouraged to reflect on their own stories—where they have dimmed their light, played small, and where it's finally time to step forward with courage.
This one is for anyone who has ever felt unseen, unheard, or underestimated. You’ll walk away with renewed hope, a deeper understanding of your worth, and a reminder that even the hardest chapters can shape you… *for good.*
23 Nov 2025
Future Ready, Imagining Black Classrooms Beyond Harm
Today, we’re going to look forward waaay forward and dream about what a world could look like if we stopped tinkering with broken systems and started building new ones rooted in liberation, technology justice, and joy.
This… is Afrofuturism in action.
And this… is what leadership looks like when we refuse to accept harm as the cost of learning.”
2 Nov 2025
The "Gap"
Today, we’re not focusing on ‘achievement gaps.’ We’re addressing harm.
Yes, I said it harm.
When we talk about an achievement gap, it often sounds like some kids just didn’t try hard enough. But what if I told you that the ‘gap’ isn’t between students — it’s between the world they deserve and the world they received?
I read a powerful article by Dr. Bettina Love in Education Week that changed how I think about this. She said: ‘Stop talking about gaps — talk about harm.’ And she’s right. Because if we can’t identify the harm, we can’t fix it.
Today, I want to bring this conversation out of academic journals and into the real world. Because I’ve seen it, I’ve lived it, and I know the difference between a “have” and a “have-not” school… and it goes much deeper than test scores.
26 Oct 2025
When Super hero's cant put their capes down!
In this powerful episode of My Life Ain’t Perfect, Rodrick C. Johnson opens up about the quiet exhaustion that comes with being the strong one. From leading schools and supporting teachers to showing up for family and community, Rodrick reflects on the moments he realized even superheroes need rest.
19 Oct 2025
The Power of Affirmations
Today’s episode is about words. Not just any words, the ones you speak over your own life. The affirmations that become armor when the world tries to tell you who you’re not. Because the truth is… before I ever built a business, wrote a book, or coached a teacher, I had to learn how to speak life into myself.”
Here is a guide to engage with this weekhttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1THHMZvEZxSs3z6yyHACznN0f0a97xPK9JuKr_TxSfQw/copy
12 Oct 2025
The Book That Healed ME!
“Some stories don’t start on paper.
They start as scars.
They live in our memories, in our silence, in the questions we asked when no one had answers.
Welcome back to My Life Ain’t Perfect, the podcast where we turn our most challenging moments into healing lessons. I’m Rodrick C. Johnson—literacy coach, speaker, educator, and today… storyteller.
In this episode, we’re talking about Joey’s Journey: A Long Way Home.
A children’s book that came from the pieces of my own past… and became one of the most powerful healing tools I’ve ever held.”
5 Oct 2025
The Day I almost Quit
Welcome back to My Life Ain’t Perfect the podcast where we get honest about the mess behind the mission. I’m your host, Rodrick C. Johnson, and today’s episode is as real as it gets.
It’s called The Day I Almost Quit. And if you’ve ever sat in your car after school and just wept... or stared at your resignation letter thinking, ‘Maybe it’s time…’ this one’s for you. Let’s talk about what happens when the weight almost wins.”
3 Oct 2025
Teach the Curriculum an explanation!
In this BONUS episode, I unpack a few thoughts around my viral post. This is Part 1, as I have a lot more to say, and I haven't even addressed the comment section yet.
Thank you for listening. Don't worry, you will still receive your episode on Sunday!
If you want to join my teacher PLC, please use this link to register:https://bit.ly/teacherPLC
28 Sept 2025
This Ain't What I Planned
“What do you do when the life you pictured doesn’t match the one you’re living?
Welcome back to My Life Ain’t Perfect, the podcast that doesn’t wait for the highlight reel. We unpack what’s real—what hurts, what heals, and what helps us get back up. I’m your host, Rodrick C. Johnson. And today… this episode? This one’s about detours.
It’s called This Ain’t What I Planned. And if you’ve ever had to let go of a dream, shift directions, or grieve something you thought would happen—you’re not alone. I’ve been there. Still walkin’ through it. Let’s talk.”
21 Sept 2025
The Behavior Blueprint
If you’ve ever said, ‘This kid just won’t listen,’ or ‘We need more discipline,’ this If you’ve ever lamented, ‘This kid just won’t listen,’ or said, "We need more discipline,’ this episode is perfect for you.
Welcome back to My Life Ain’t Perfect, the podcast where we embrace chaos, challenge systems, and reveal the truth about transformation. I’m your host, Rodrick C. Johnson, a literacy coach, CEO of The Energized Educator, and creator of the disruptive framework called The 3R Method, which changes how schools handle behavior.
Today’s episode, titled 'The Behavior Blueprint,' emphasizes that behavior is not just something to control; it’s a language. If we don’t learn to speak it, we’re simply reacting, not teaching. The episode is for you.
14 Sept 2025
From Foster Kid to Fellow!
There’s a difference between being in a room and believing you belong there. Welcome back to My Life Ain’t Perfect—the podcast that explores identity, healing, and the beautiful mess behind every success. I’m Rodrick C. Johnson, educator, coach, CEO, author… and, before all that, a foster kid from Baltimore who never quite fit in. Today’s episode is titled From Foster Kid to Fellow because the journey from being overlooked to being recognized is essential. It may also remind you of what’s possible when you stop running from your story and start embracing it.
7 Sept 2025
Who Saved Who?
There’s a common myth in education that teachers are the ones saving students, often seen as rescuers when they walk in. But what if it’s the students who teach us just as much more? Welcome back to My Life Ain’t Perfect, where we share real stories, emotions, and moments of liberation. I’m Rodrick C. Johnson, an educator, coach, speaker, and someone who has been profoundly changed by the students I once thought I was saving. This episode is deeply personal, focusing on one student, one moment, and one surprising reflection. Sometimes, the students you believe are following your lead end up guiding you home.
31 Aug 2025
Teaching While Torn
How do you show up for students… when your own life is falling apart?
In this vulnerable and deeply human episode, I pull back the curtain on what it means to lead a classroom while silently carrying personal pain. From grieving a relationship to managing emotional exhaustion in front of 30 sets of eyes, this is a raw reflection on the hidden battles many educators face but rarely name.
This isn’t about being a superhero. It’s about surviving when the cape is heavy.
💔 In this episode, you’ll hear:
The quiet ways educators hide pain in plain sight
Why “being strong” is sometimes just code for “being silent”
📘 Featured Resource: Joey’s Journey: A Long Way Home
This episode connects deeply to Rodrick’s children's book, Joey’s Journey—a story about a little boy dealing with change, abandonment, and identity. Just like Rodrick, Joey learns to find his voice in the midst of the chaos.
👉🏾 Grab your copy here: Joeysstory.com
🧠 Bonus Tool: The “Teacher Survival Guide”
Download the companion guide for this episode—a resource designed to help educators process their own emotional needs while still doing the work.
Includes journal prompts, grounding techniques, and boundary-setting tips for tough seasons.
🎁 Get your free copy here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fWnhri5nX_1R8iU3BKNpDZdfctopfAkVYPHP3kBknvo/copy
Because sometimes the strongest thing you can do…
Admit that you’re not okay—yet still worthy of love, support, and space to breathe.
This is My Life Ain’t Perfect. Let’s heal out loud, together.
24 Aug 2025
The Story Behind the Smile
Today’s episode is titled 'The Story Behind the Smile.'”You may know me for transforming classrooms, coaching educators, or writing books like Joey’s Journey: A Long Way Home. But before all that, there’s a backstory. One not filled with neat bows or highlight reels—but resilience, pain, discovery, and grace.
Let’s start from the beginning.
📘 Featured Resource: Joey’s Journey
This powerful children’s book, inspired by Rodrick’s own life, tells the story of a 6-year-old boy navigating the foster care system with honesty, hope, and heart. It’s perfect for classrooms, counseling offices, and bedtime stories that heal.
👉🏾 Get your copy of Joey’s Journey here: https://joeysstory.com/
🛠️ The Survival Guide for Imperfect People
Want to reflect and grow while you listen? Download the free “Survival Guide” created to go with this episode—complete with journal prompts, affirmations, and a space to begin your own journey.
🎁 Grab your free guide + bonus resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fWnhri5nX_1R8iU3BKNpDZdfctopfAkVYPHP3kBknvo/copy
8 Jul 2025
The Speech!
Your story is sacred—even the messy chapters.
In this trailer, Rodrick C. Johnson shares the why behind My Life Ain’t Perfect—a podcast for educators, creators, and anyone learning to live, lead, and heal without pretending to be perfect. Expect unfiltered reflections, breakthroughs, and stories that shift hearts.
Hit subscribe. Let’s grow through it together.
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