High School Matters

Randy Appell

How much did High School shape your life? High School Matters is a podcast dedicated to conversations I have with my former High School students where I set out to find out how High School mattered to them both then and now. What I uncover in these conversations is that the persona that these kids created in High School is not exactly what was beneath the surface. Follow on IG @HSMattersPodcast

  1. FEB 1

    The Guy Who Couldn't Be Converted - Part 2

    In this powerful two-part episode of High School Matters, Randy Appell sits down with former student Mat Shurka for a conversation years in the making. Mat was a student in Randy's biology class in 2002. What Randy didn't know then was that Mat was carrying a secret shaped by trauma, fear, and survival. In high school, Mat was brutally beaten in an attack that would permanently alter the course of his life. The aftermath of that violence eventually led Mat to come out to his father as gay — and to a devastating response: his parents sent him to gay conversion therapy. In this raw and deeply emotional conversation, Mat shares his story in full detail for the first time on a podcast. He speaks about the assault, the silence that followed, the psychological damage of conversion therapy, and the long road toward reclaiming his identity. Mat's story has since reached more than a million viewers on YouTube, helped spark national conversations, and contributed to thousands of pages of legislation aimed at banning conversion therapy. Today, Mat is channeling his experience into public service and is running for Congress in the 2026 election. This is not just a story about trauma. It's a story about resilience, truth, and what can happen when someone refuses to let their worst moment define their final chapter.

    1h 30m

  2. JAN 25

    The Guy Who Couldn't Be Converted - Part 1

    In this powerful two-part episode of High School Matters, Randy Appell sits down with former student Mat Shurka for a conversation years in the making. Mat was a student in Randy's biology class in 2002. What Randy didn't know then was that Mat was carrying a secret shaped by trauma, fear, and survival. In high school, Mat was brutally beaten in an attack that would permanently alter the course of his life. The aftermath of that violence eventually led Mat to come out to his father as gay — and to a devastating response: his parents sent him to gay conversion therapy. In this raw and deeply emotional conversation, Mat shares his story in full detail for the first time on a podcast. He speaks about the assault, the silence that followed, the psychological damage of conversion therapy, and the long road toward reclaiming his identity. Mat's story has since reached more than a million viewers on YouTube, helped spark national conversations, and contributed to thousands of pages of legislation aimed at banning conversion therapy. Today, Mat is channeling his experience into public service and is running for Congress in the 2026 election. This is not just a story about trauma. It's a story about resilience, truth, and what can happen when someone refuses to let their worst moment define their final chapter.

    1h 19m

  3. 09/27/2025

    The Guy Who Took Notes in HS?

    From high school strangers to unlikely reconnection—this episode explores how the past lingers, and how it can reshape the future. Eric Relkin and I weren't friends in high school—he was the funny guy a year ahead of me, and that was about it. But one class, one teacher, and years later, one odd series of shared obsessions brought us back into conversation. In our discussion, Eric opens up about the lessons he carried from Hewlett High, the sitcom wisdom he leans on to avoid repeating his parents' mistakes, and how the complicated world of high school shaped his life long after graduation. What begins as a trip down memory lane turns into something deeper—a reflection on history, on learning from the past, and on the unexpected ways our childhood stays with us. This is a story about memory, growth, and the choices that define who we become. You won't want to miss it

    1h 16m

  4. 09/04/2025

    The Guy Who Skips Breakfast

    In a special departure from the usual format, Randy Appell sits down with Dr. Mark Mattson—a trailblazing neuroscientist, 20-year veteran of the National Institutes of Health, and one of the leading minds behind the science of intermittent fasting. His groundbreaking research not only reshaped how we think about nutrition and health but also sparked a movement that continues to captivate scientists and the Internet alike. Why would a world-renowned researcher join a high school–themed podcast? The answer might surprise you. Together, Randy and Dr. Mattson explore the origins of intermittent fasting, the personal journey that fueled his discoveries, and the science behind why it works. But the conversation doesn't stop there—they also dive into the deeper question: is there a biological reason why high school truly matters in shaping who we are? From cutting-edge dietary insights to thought-provoking reflections on memory, identity, and health, this episode offers more than just science—it's a lively and unexpected dialogue that pushes the boundaries of what "High School Matters" can be. Follow @HSMattersPodcast

    1h 2m

  5. 07/31/2025

    The Host

    In a full-circle twist, the mic flips. Host Randy Appell becomes the guest as executive producer Jon Fuss takes over to interview the voice behind High School Matters. What follows is a heartfelt, honest, and often hilarious conversation about Randy's life—his high school memories, the moments that shaped his teaching, and the inspiration behind the podcast itself. This episode peels back the curtain and lets you truly meet Randy: the teacher, the former student, and the man behind the mic.

    1h 13m

  6. 07/15/2025

    The Nostalgic Superfan

    Today's episode is a blast from the past with a twist! I'm joined by Scott Saltiel, who proudly claims the title of High School Matters' number one fan. Unlike many of my guests, Scott and I weren't friends back in high school—but over time, we've discovered we have way more in common than we ever imagined. Scott is genuine and speaks openly about how much he loved high school, while also being refreshingly honest about the insecurities he's carried into adulthood—including feeling self-conscious about owning a boat because he worries it makes him look spoiled. This conversation is full of laughter, surprises, and real talk. It's about discovering hidden connections, reflecting on who we were back then, and realizing how easily we might have crossed paths as friends if we'd just gotten to know each other better during those high school years. So buckle up for some fun stories, candid confessions, and plenty of nostalgia as Scott and I dive into all things high school—and beyond!

    49 min

  7. 06/20/2025

    The Teacher Who Busted Out

    Mr. Dubin was one of my favorite teachers in high school, not because he stuck to any script, but because he had his own style. He was quirky, unpredictable, and full of spirit. His class felt fun, personal, and the kind of experience that stays with you for life. In this episode, we look back on what made him so memorable, like the way he connected with students, his creative traditions, and his legendary "bust outs". The most surprising part? He somehow remembered stories about me from over 30 years ago — in crazy detail! I never set out to copy him, but my classrooms today are like his used to be. The tone, the energy, and the way I try to make things feel fun and real for my students are all a result of his influence.

    33 min

  8. 06/11/2025

    The Comedian Who Thinks I'm Funny

    What happens when your oldest friend is also the funniest person you've ever met? You laugh… a lot. And maybe grow up a little along the way. In this episode, I sit down with Dave Siegel—stand-up comedian, news writer, and my best friend since the first grade. Dave's performed on America's Got Talent, killed on Comedy Central, and toured with comedy legends—but the real gold? That's always been in our conversations. We talk about how we survived high school by making each other—and everyone else—laugh, the teachers we tortured, the people we made fun of (sorry, kind of), and how our friendship quietly shaped the men we became. This one's hilarious, a little nostalgic, and unexpectedly honest. If you've ever had a friend who knew you better than you knew yourself—don't miss this episode.

    1h 8m
See All (33)

4.8
out of 5
194 Ratings

About

How much did High School shape your life? High School Matters is a podcast dedicated to conversations I have with my former High School students where I set out to find out how High School mattered to them both then and now. What I uncover in these conversations is that the persona that these kids created in High School is not exactly what was beneath the surface. Follow on IG @HSMattersPodcast

Information

  • Creator
    Randy Appell
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © High School Matters
  • Show Website
    High School Matters

You Might Also Like