PodcastPD

About PodcastPD

Join AJ Bianco and Christopher J. Nesi as they explore professional development for educators, featuring expert insights on teaching strategies, technology integration, and educational policy.

Publisher

Christopher J. Nesi & AJ Bianco

Category

education · education · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

31 Jan 2017

Latest episode

30 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

2 of 197 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   30 Sept 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Fortune Cookie Pedagogy: Bite-Sized Wisdom for Educators - PPD156

   Host Chris and Dr. Wanda Terral explore bite-sized reflection using fortune cookie wisdom to enhance educator professional learning and practice.

2. 

   4 Mar 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Fixing Education: Educator Burnout - PPD155

   Burnout is one of the most common and most difficult challenges facing educators today. In Episode 155 of PodcastPD, Chris Nesi and AJ Bianco tackle the topic head-on as part of their ongoing 2026 series exploring how we might “fix” education. While burnout exists in every profession, the unique pressures of education, from student behavior and bureaucratic tasks to unrealistic expectations, can make it especially exhausting for teachers and administrators alike. Chris and AJ explore what burnout really looks like in schools, how small frustrations compound into larger problems, and why educators often feel emotionally drained even when they still care deeply about their students. The conversation also examines systemic issues such as outdated school models, standardized testing pressures, and the disconnect between modern students and traditional schooling. Most importantly, they discuss practical ways educators can support each other, build positive school cultures, and keep moving forward—even when the job feels heavy. In This Episode Defining educator burnout and why it affects teachers and administrators differently How small frustrations compound into professional exhaustion The hidden impact of paperwork, policies, and bureaucracy Why many educators feel disconnected from the modern student experience The role of outdated school structures in educator frustration Leadership styles that help reduce—or worsen—burnout Why appreciation and positive culture matter in schools Simple actions educators can take to support colleagues and improve morale Key Ideas From the Conversation Burnout is often not caused by one major issue, but by the accumulation of small frustrations. Administrative tasks and paperwork frequently distract from what educators value most—working with students. Many educators feel schools have not kept pace with the modern world or the needs of students. Positive leadership and supportive cultures can significantly reduce burnout. Educators must also take responsibility for supporting and encouraging one another in their buildings. What Are We Listening to? AJ: Lead It Like Lasso (https://amzn.to/4slSyjl) Much like Ted Lasso, the show Lead it Like Lasso takes a fresh approach to leadership. The foreword alone will shock you. The lessons outlined are not just for business leaders. Rule #1 – "Leadership is Life!" These tools can be applied in the boardroom, locker room, classroom, and living room.

3. 

   28 Jan 2026

   What “Fixing Education” Really Means - PPD154

   In this kickoff episode of PodcastPD’s 2026 monthly series, Chris Nesi and AJ Bianco launch a year-long conversation around one big, loaded question: What does it actually mean to “fix” education? Drawing from their perspectives as a classroom teacher and a building administrator, they unpack why education feels broken—and why quick fixes and political talking points miss the point. The conversation dives into student engagement, burnout, technology overload, cell phone policies, professional development, and the lingering effects of the pandemic. Rather than offering silver bullets, Chris and AJ focus on what is within educators’ control: mindset, instructional choices, leadership decisions, and how we grow as professionals. This episode sets the tone for a thoughtful, honest series focused on meaningful, sustainable change—one classroom and one school at a time. Key Topics Discussed What people really mean when they say “education is broken” The post-pandemic reality vs. the promise of change Student apathy, grit, and cognitive endurance Teachers caught between engagement and exhaustion Administrators navigating mandates, data, and human needs The pendulum swing of educational technology Cell phone bans, Chromebooks, handwriting, and balance Why professional development needs a reset What educators can actually control right now Growth mindset, experimentation, and learning out loud What Are We Listening to? AJ: The Mindset Mentor (https://robdial.com/podcast/) podcast, hosted by (https://robdial.com/podcast/)Rob Dial (https://robdial.com/podcast/). AJ describes it as a mindset and personal growth podcast that blends psychology, neuroscience, habit-building, and goal setting, and notes that he’s been especially into recent episodes focused on preparing for 2026, habits, anxiety, and self-improvement. Chris: Instead of a traditional podcast recommendation this month, Chris is spotlighting a daily short-form video series he’s been creating throughout January focused entirely on how to start a podcast. (https://chrisnesi.com/podcast30)

Inside a recent episode

Fortune Cookie Pedagogy: Bite-Sized Wisdom for Educators - PPD156

Published 30 Sept 2026 · Transcript excerpt

[…] And just quick on the spot, give us an example of you doing one of these micro reflections. All right, here we go. You pull the cookie and it says a small change today will lead to a big difference tomorrow in your classroom. One of the things that I try to change small, so I'm thinking small change here is is tone of voice. I generally have a very loud voice because of my marching band days. I had to project my voice. One of the things that I have found is if I force myself to talk softer, the kids listen more. And it's amazing how one little change, like your tone of voice or your volume or how you stand, Can make a big difference. […]

Who has been a guest on PodcastPD

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Wanda Terral
• Todd Bloomer
• Walter McKenzie
• Dr Tani Farran
• Stacey Lindes

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

27,642

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.4 / 5

35 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 68 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

70

Social presence

0

YouTube

76

Engagement

92

Contact PodcastPD

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Shows with a similar audience

• 

  The Shake Up Learning Show with Kasey Bell

• 

  Edtech Throwdown

• 

  10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher

• 

  Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers

• 

  MindShift Podcast

• 

  The Unteachables Podcast

Questions about PodcastPD