Authentic Educators

David Brown and Cody Crooke
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Education
  • Updated Biweekly

A podcast for teachers, by teachers, about best lessons, favorite classroom moments, and strategies you can use today. Email us at Authenticedpod@gmail.com if you have an idea to share! Find us on: YouTube Apple Podcasts Instagram

  1. Sep 22

    42: 3 Strategies: Annotations, Engagement, and Transitions

    Cody and Dave talk about three strategies you can use today.CreditsHosts: David Brown & Cody CrookeProduced by: Authentic Educators - David Brown & Cody CrookeEdited by: David BrownMusic: Sam Bye

  2. Sep 10

    41: Completing the Stress Cycle w/ Vimbo Watson

    Teacher burnout is real—but understanding how stress works may be the first step toward managing it. In this episode of Authentic Educators, Dave and Cody sit down with educator, school leader, and professional development trainer Vimbo Watson to explore the stress cycle and why educators can find themselves stuck moving from one stressor to the next. Vimbo breaks down the four common stress responses—fight, flight, freeze, and fawn—and shares a simple, practical strategy for completing the stress cycle: taking a 20-minute walk. The conversation also explores teacher well-being, protecting educators’ time, creating healthier school systems, and how taking care of yourself can ultimately make you a better educator. Credits Hosts: David Brown & Cody Crooke Guest: Vimbo Watson Produced by: Authentic Educators - David Brown & Cody Crooke Edited by: David BrownMusic: Sam Bye

  3. Jun 9

    40: Season 2 Reflection

    Cody and Dave sit down and reflect on season 2 and 2 years of making Authentic Educators.

  4. May 19

    39: Invitations and Expectations w/ Cornelius Minor

    There’s something exciting about opening an invitation and looking ahead to an experience that matters. In education, that same feeling can shape the way students enter a classroom each day. In this episode of Authentic Educators, we sit down with educator and author Cornelius Minor to explore the power of invitations and expectations in learning. Together, we discuss how teachers can spark curiosity, honor students’ natural desire to learn, and create clear roadmaps that help every student feel prepared to engage. Cornelius Minor is a Brooklyn-based educator, author of We Got This, and founder of The Minor Collective. His work has been featured in Education Week, Brooklyn Magazine, and Teaching Tolerance Magazine, and he has delivered keynote addresses at conferences around the world. We hope you enjoy this thoughtful and inspiring conversation.

  5. May 5

    38: Navigating Trauma w/ Mark O’Brien

    Tragedy can bring some of the most painful moments in a person’s life.  Some people know this all too well.  In this week’s episode of Authentic Educators, we are joined by Mark O’Brien, founder of growthandgoodness.com as well as the author of the book Crashing. I love you.  Forgive me to discuss how he was able to find incredible purpose in his life after facing incredible trauma.  Our conversation highlights two specific tactics that not only educators can use in the classroom but also anyone can use in their lives to create a culture of community that is best equipped to process the unfortunately inevitable lows of life.

  6. Apr 21

    37: Always Measure Backwards w/ Anthony Scornaienchi

    On this episode of Authentic Educators, Cody and Dave sit down with Anthony Scornaienchi, a Health and Physical Education teacher who brings a powerful mindset shift to both the classroom and everyday life. Anthony shares how the ideas from The Gap and The Gain have transformed the way he approaches teaching, goal setting, and personal growth. Instead of constantly comparing yourself to an ever-moving target, Anthony explains the importance of “measuring backwards” — reflecting on how far you’ve come rather than how far you still have to go. He also shares how he has his students keep daily win journals, helping them recognize small victories and learn how to measure their own progress over time. Through stories from his work with students and lessons from education, wellness, and leadership, Anthony offers practical strategies for building confidence, resilience, and a healthier perspective on success. This conversation is a must-listen for educators, coaches, and anyone striving to grow without losing sight of their progress.

  7. Apr 7

    36: Knowledge, Skill, and Will Gaps w/ Anthony Benvenuto

    Are students struggling to engage or manage their emotions in class? In this episode of Authentic Educators, Cody and Dave sit down with Anthony Benvenuto, who brings 14 years of experience teaching special education in New Jersey and Tennessee, across both public and private schools. They explore behavioral manifestations in the classroom and the critical role of social-emotional learning. Anthony breaks down the “knowledge, skill, and will” gaps he’s observed in students and shares strategies for supporting post-pandemic social-emotional recovery. Educators and parents alike will gain practical insights for helping students thrive academically and emotionally.

  8. Mar 24

    35: Discussing Belonging w/ Dr. Maggie Broderick

    We’re wired for connection—belonging isn’t just a nice idea; it’s a fundamental human need. When people feel seen and heard, every part of life improves.. In this episode, Cody and Dave are joined by Dr. Maggie Broderick of National University (https://www.nu.edu) to explore what it really means to create a sense of belonging in the classroom—and why it matters more than ever. Together, they unpack the challenge of defining something that can feel intangible, reflect on Dr. Broderick’s powerful concept of an “Oasis of Belonging,” and discuss how a teacher’s presence and disposition shape the entire learning environment. If you care about connection, education, or creating spaces where people can truly thrive, this conversation is for you.

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3 Ratings

About

A podcast for teachers, by teachers, about best lessons, favorite classroom moments, and strategies you can use today. Email us at Authenticedpod@gmail.com if you have an idea to share! Find us on: YouTube Apple Podcasts Instagram

Information

  • Creator
    David Brown and Cody Crooke
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © David Brown and Cody Crooke
  • Show Website
    Authentic Educators