Non-Professional Development

Non-Professional Development Podcast

Welcome to Non-Professional Development, where two best friends and teachers swap hilarious and heartfelt tales from the classroom trenches. Celebrating the chaos, the triumphs, and the downright weird moments that make teaching unforgettable. No lesson plans, just real talk and laughs that remind you why we love what we do. Tune in for your weekly dose of inspiration, humor, and friendship — because sometimes, professional development is overrated!

  1. 4D AGO

    Our 1 Year Podcast Anniversary, a “Home Alone” Snow Day & Blockbuster Throwbacks | NPD Podcast Ep. 27

    💥 This week on the Non-Professional Development Podcast, we’re celebrating one full year of NPD — and reflecting on just how ridiculous this journey has been. From some of our favorite stories and moments over the past year to one of the strangest snow day situations Dave has ever experienced, this episode turns into a mix of nostalgia, chaos, and a reminder of why teaching (and podcasting about it) is never boring. We also take a trip back in time to a childhood ritual students today simply won’t understand — and toss around an idea that might become the most nostalgic NPD episode yet. 🎧 What to Expect: – Celebrating one full year of the NPD Podcast – Dave’s real-life “Home Alone” snow day at school – Playing Mario Kart on a 19-foot classroom board – VR air-traffic controller training during a snow day – Practicing nunchucks on a mannequin (for reasons) – Ted’s Time Machine: the Blockbuster rental era – The idea of an NPD Nintendo 64 sleepover – How teachers experience students’ lives after graduation – Why current students feel pressure about the future 🙌 Why Tune In? Because one year of podcasting has proven something: the strangest stories teachers tell are almost always the real ones. Whether it’s snow days alone in empty schools, the nostalgia of Blockbuster nights, or reflecting on the impact teachers have on students long after graduation, this episode captures exactly why we started the podcast in the first place. It’s a celebration of one year of chaos, nostalgia, and the ridiculous reality of education. 🚨 Join Our Patreon Community! 🚨 Want bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes chaos, early releases, and exclusive segments that don’t always make the main feed? Support the podcast and become part of the NPD inner circle:👉 Click Here to Join the NPD Patreon! 📢 Join the Movement: 👍 Like, 💬 Comment, 🔔 Subscribe - And tag someone who remembers the Blockbuster Friday night scramble. 👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes full of classroom comedy, teacher therapy, and stories that remind you why education is the wildest job on earth. 🔗 Stay Connected: 🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon & more📱 Follow us everywhere → Click Here for NPD Socials! 👇 We Want Your Stories! - Did you ever have a Blockbuster movie night ritual? - What would you do if you had an entire school building to yourself on a snow day? - What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about a former student years later? Drop it in the comments — we might feature it next episode! ✅ Next Week’s Teaser: Episode 28 is coming… and based on our track record, it’s probably going to get weird again. #TeacherPodcast #BlockbusterNostalgia #TeacherLife #NPDpodcast #EducationHumor #TeacherStories #SnowDayChaos #PodcastComedy #SchoolMemories #Nintendo64

    1h 2m
  2. MAR 5

    The Root Beer Locker, Dumpster Diving & 330 Questions | NPD Podcast Ep. 26

    💥 This week on the Non-Professional Development Podcast, Ted and Dave realize something terrifying: We’re old... Like rotary phone, dial-up internet, AIM away message, and MySpace-Top-8 old. What starts as a nostalgic conversation about growing up before smartphones quickly turns into one of the most chaotic teacher episodes yet. Dave runs a classroom experiment to answer a question every teacher has secretly wondered: How many questions do students actually ask in a day? Armed with a handheld counter, he tracks every question that comes his way — and the total number ends up being absolutely ridiculous. But the real highlight of the episode might be Dave’s legendary high school story about The Root Beer Locker — a secret half-locker filled with IBC root beer bottles shared between a few trusted friends and a maintenance worker who helped keep the soda stash alive. And if that somehow wasn’t enough chaos… Ted and Dave also explain one of the wildest lessons they run for their students: a forensic dumpster-diving investigation, where they collect trash bags at 3AM so students can analyze them and see just how much personal information people accidentally throw away. Yes. Teachers actually do this. 🎧 What to Expect: – Dave’s experiment counting 330 student questions in one day – The insane things students ask during class – The legendary Root Beer Locker high school soda stash – Life before smartphones, social media, and constant connectivity – Why teaching high school sometimes feels like toddler daycare – Teachers scaring each other with bullhorns while dumpster diving – What you can learn about someone’s life from their trash – The ridiculous lengths teachers go to create memorable lessons 🙌 Why Tune In? Because teaching is the only job where you can start the day discussing forensic investigation… and end it explaining why someone can’t wear socks instead of shoes. Because every teacher knows what it’s like to answer the same question 300 times in a single day. And because the Root Beer Locker might be one of the greatest high school stories ever told. This episode is classic NPD — nostalgic, chaotic, and a reminder that the strangest stories from school are usually the most real ones. 🚨 Join Our Patreon Community! 🚨 Want bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes chaos, early releases, and exclusive segments that don’t always make the main feed? Support the podcast and become part of the NPD inner circle: 👉 Click Here to Join the NPD Patreon 📢 Join the Movement: 👍 Like, 💬 Comment, 🔔 Subscribe — and tag a teacher who would absolutely appreciate the Root Beer Locker story. 👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes full of classroom comedy, teacher therapy, and stories that remind you why education is the wildest job on earth. 🔗 Stay Connected: 🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon & more📱 Follow us everywhere → Click Here for our NPD Socials 👇 We Want Your Stories! What’s the weirdest question a student has ever asked you? Did your school have any legendary secrets like the Root Beer Locker? What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done to make a lesson memorable? Drop it in the comments — we might feature it next episode! ✅ Next Week’s Teaser: Episode 27 is coming… and we’re pretty sure another ridiculous teacher story is about to unfold. #TeacherPodcast #TeacherLife #EducationHumor #NPDpodcast #DumpsterDiving #ClassroomStories #TeacherComedy #SchoolStories #HighSchoolMemories #PodcastComedy

    1h 14m
  3. FEB 17

    Valentine’s Chaos, Test Cheating Truths & “Dave, Olympic Hopeful” | NPD Podcast Ep. 25

    💥❤️ This week on the Non-Professional Development Podcast, love is in the air… and so is academic dishonesty. Dave surprises Ted with Valentine’s Day chocolates (bold move considering Ted hates chocolate), we swap hilarious student Valentine’s Day stories, and then drop the truth teachers have been sitting on for decades: We always knew you cheated. Also in this episode: more Mandela Effect spirals, and Dave pitches his newest idea — adding completely random subtitles next to your name on live news broadcasts. Because honestly, how great would it be to see: Dave, Olympic Hopeful. Yes. We go there. 🎧 What to Expect: – Dave gifting Ted chocolate despite knowing better – Student Valentine’s Day chaos and classroom candy politics – The universal teacher secret: we always knew about the cheating – Test swaps, copied projects, and suspicious “group work” – Mandela Effects that still mess with our brains – Dave’s dream of random news subtitles (“Local Man, Competitive Sledder”) – The fine line between confidence and delusion 🙌 Why Tune In? Because Valentine’s Day in schools is chaos wrapped in glitter and sugar. Because every teacher has watched a student “suddenly understand everything” during a test. And because the idea of assigning yourself an Olympic subtitle might just be the confidence boost we all need. This episode is classic NPD — ridiculous, nostalgic, and just self-aware enough to be dangerous. 🚨 Join Our Patreon Community! 🚨 Want bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes chaos, early releases, and exclusive segments that don’t always make the main feed? Support the podcast and become part of the NPD inner circle:👉 Join the NPD Patreon! 📢 Join the Movement: 👍 Like, 💬 Comment, 🔔 Subscribe — and tag someone who definitely thought they got away with cheating. 👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes full of classroom comedy, teacher therapy, and stories that remind you why education is the wildest job on earth. 🔗 Stay Connected: 🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon & more 📱 Follow us everywhere → NPD Socials 👇 We Want Your Stories! Did you ever think you fooled your teacher? Have you witnessed peak Valentine’s Day classroom chaos? What random subtitle would you put under your name on the news? Drop it in the comments — we might feature it next episode! ✅ Next Week’s Teaser: Episode 26 is coming… and someone may or may not bring another questionable snack. #TeacherPodcast #ValentinesDayChaos #WeKnewYouCheated #NPDpodcast #NonProfessionalDevelopment #EducationHumor #TeacherLife #MandelaEffect #OlympicHopeful #PodcastComedy #ClassroomStories

    1h 14m
  4. FEB 9

    Ted Almost Killed Dave with Wings… Then We Ate Caviar | NPD Podcast Ep. 24

    💥 This week on the Non-Professional Development Podcast, we start with attempted culinary manslaughter and end in unexpected sophistication. Ted introduces Dave to wings so hot they nearly cancel the rest of Dave’s evening, we unpack the chaos of a former student wiping out on live news during a ski segment, and somehow transition into a heartfelt reminder of why teaching is still the best job in the world. Also — Dave blows bubbles outside at 2AM in sub-zero weather (because obviously), creates a full-scale classroom game show that turns into one of the most meaningful teaching moments we’ve had in years, and caps it all off with a “Let’s Be Fancy” segment featuring caviar… where Ted reveals suspiciously deep knowledge of fish eggs. Yes. This episode has range. 🎧 What to Expect: – The hottest wing challenge that nearly ended Dave – A live-news ski wipeout featuring a former student – Midnight bubble experiments in negative temperatures – Dave’s classroom game show lesson that sparked empathy, teamwork, and real reflection – A genuine conversation about why teaching still matters – The all new Let’s Be Fancy segment featuring caviar tasting – Ted casually knowing way too much about luxury snacks 🙌 Why Tune In? Because sometimes teaching is chaos, sometimes it’s inspiring, and sometimes it’s both in the same hour. This episode captures everything the podcast is about — ridiculous moments, real connection, and the reminder that what happens in classrooms can genuinely change lives. Also… Dave vs. nuclear hot sauce. 🚨 Join Our Patreon Community! 🚨 Want bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes chaos, early releases, and extra segments that don’t make the main show? Support the podcast and become part of the NPD inner circle:👉 Join the NPD Patreon! 📢 Join the Movement: 👍 Like, 💬 Comment, 🔔 Subscribe — and tag someone who thinks they can handle the hottest wings on the menu. 👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes full of classroom comedy, teacher therapy, and stories that remind you why educators do what they do. 🔗 Stay Connected: 🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon & more 📱 Follow us everywhere → NPD Socials 👇 We Want Your Stories! Have you ever taken on a food challenge and instantly regretted it? What’s your most meaningful teaching moment? Ever had a student show up in the most unexpected place? Drop it in the comments — we might feature it in the next episode! ✅ Next Week’s Teaser: Episode 25 is already brewing… and we’re not promising it will be safer. #TeacherPodcast #WingChallenge #CaviarTasting #TeacherLife #EducationHumor #NPDpodcast #NonProfessionalDevelopment #ClassroomInspiration #LetsBeFancy #PodcastComedy #TeacherStories #SupportCreators

    1h 13m
  5. FEB 2

    Mike Joins the Chaos: Science Snacks, Secret Teacher Code Words & High School Smells | NPD Podcast Ep. 23

    💥 This week on the Non-Professional Development Podcast, we’re joined by our longtime friend, fellow teacher, and science class survivor: Mike. Together, we dive into the weird and wonderful reasons Mike became a science teacher, decode the secret language educators use to plan happy hour without tipping off the students, and taste-test some science "snacks" that should absolutely not be eaten. Plus: graphic tees that shouldn’t count as throwbacks, what 10th grade smells like (it’s not good), and a Ted’s Time Machine segment that sends us back to ninth grade science, questionable experiments, and more evidence that this show should not be used for professional development. 🎧 What to Expect: – Mike’s origin story: from student to science teacher – Secret code phrases teachers use for “let’s get drinks” – Graphic tees and the Gen Z delusion of nostalgia – A Ted’s Time Machine trip to confirm (or debunk) past episodes – Eating weird “science lab” foods… live – What smells like 10th grade? Spoiler: You already know. – High school flashbacks, questionable taste tests, and peak classroom chaos 🙌 Why Tune In? Because every school has at least one science teacher with a story, every teacher crew has a happy hour code, and every hallway has a smell you’ll never forget. This episode blends teacher origin stories, nostalgia, chaos, and cafeteria-adjacent trauma — all in one weirdly wonderful conversation. 📢 Join the Movement: 👍 Like, 💬 Comment, 🔔 Subscribe — and tag your teacher crew that has their own version of “We’re grading essays at Applebee’s.” 👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes full of classroom comedy, teacher therapy, and storytelling that’s more memorable than that dissection demo gone wrong. 🔗 Stay Connected: 🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon & more 📱 Follow us everywhere → https://linktr.ee/nonprofessionaldevelopment 💥 Join Our Patreon! Want bonus content, behind-the-scenes chaos, and some exclusive merch drops? Support the pod and become part of the NPD fam:👉 https://patreon.com/nonprofessionaldevelopment 👇 We Want Your Stories! What was the weirdest thing your science teacher ever did? Got your own "teacher code word" for happy hour? Can you still smell 10th grade gym locker room? Drop your stories in the comments — we might feature them in a future episode! ✅ Next Week’s Teaser: Let’s just say Dave may have started a new letter-writing campaign… and it’s not to a glue company this time. #TeacherPodcast #ScienceClassFails #ThrowbackTees #HighSchoolSmells #NPDpodcast #NonProfessionalDevelopment #TedTimeMachine #TeacherHappyHour #ClassroomChaos #PodcastComedy #TeacherLife

    1h 4m
  6. JAN 26

    The Crab Rangoon Push Pop Episode (We Wish This Was a Joke) | NPD Podcast Ep. 22

    💥This week on the Non-Professional Development Podcast, things get deeply unhinged… again. We’re unpacking the strange duality of students who are somehow mean and kind at the same time, taking a Ted’s Time Machine trip back to cafeteria days, and watching in real-time horror as Dave unveils his newest party favor invention: full meals in homemade push pop form. That’s right — Crab Rangoon. In. A. Push. Pop. And that’s not even the worst one. 🎧 What to Expect: – Why students are the most emotionally confusing humans on Earth – Cafeteria chaos flashbacks: square pizza, chocolate milk cartons, and social hierarchy – Ted’s Time Machine lands in lunchroom politics and tray-stacking trauma – Dave’s Push Pop Culinary Lineup™ — featuring General Tso’s, white rice, chicken parm, and more – Existential regret, laughter, and mild gagging as we try them live – Reluctant party favor endorsements from Ted & Goose – Classic chaotic teacher therapy that’s somehow oddly heartwarming 🙌 Why Tune In? Because you’ve never heard someone describe Chicken Parmesan like it’s a popsicle. This episode is equal parts nostalgia, cafeteria PTSD, and deeply unserious innovation. And let’s be real — teachers deserve push pops… just maybe not these. 🚨 NEW: Join Our Patreon! 🚨 Want more chaos? Early episodes? Bonus segments that are too weird for YouTube? 💥 Become a patron today and support the madness → 👉 https://patreon.com/nonprofessionaldevelopment 📢 Join the Movement: 👍 Like, 💬 Comment, 🔔 Subscribe — and tag a teacher who would absolutely try a mozzarella stick push pop at PD day. 👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes full of classroom comedy, nostalgic chaos, and real talk from educators who are just barely keeping it together. 🔗 Stay Connected: 🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon & more 📱 Follow us everywhere → https://linktr.ee/nonprofessionaldevelopment 👇 We Want Your Stories! What’s the weirdest school lunch you ever had? Ever received a backhanded compliment from a student that lowkey made your day? What push pop meal would you invent? Drop it in the comments — we might feature your ideas in a future episode! ✅ Next Week’s Teaser: We’re already planning Episode 23. There will be feelings. And probably another food crime. #TeacherPodcast #PushPopMadness #CafeteriaChaos #EducationHumor #NPDpodcast #NonProfessionalDevelopment #TedTimeMachine #CrabRangoon #MiddleSchoolEnergy #PodcastComedy #TeacherLife #SupportOnPatreon

    54 min
  7. JAN 19

    Spamalot, Swish Fluoride & the Try Not to Laugh Meltdown | NPD Podcast Ep. 21

    💥 Teachers are dramatic. Admin emails are unhinged. And yes — Dave gave Ted Power of Attorney. Welcome to Episode 21 of the Non-Professional Development Podcast, where New Year energy meets unfiltered chaos. This week, the whole crew is back and somehow still recovering from Spamalot. We argue over who’s more dramatic (teachers or students), reflect on heartwarming classroom moments that reignited our spark post-break, and then completely lose it during a Try Not to Laugh challenge involving real, ridiculous administrator/parent requests. Plus: Dave makes a legally questionable Monopoly decision, Ted gets nostalgic about fluoride rinse, and we recap the Top 5 Ted’s Time Machine moments of 2025, based on the reactions of Dave and Mark (aka Producer Goose) when they were first discussed in previous episodes. 🎧 What to Expect: – Ted and Dave go to Spamalot… and immediately regret it – Who’s more dramatic: teachers or students? (Spoiler: Yes) – Dave’s Monopoly meltdown = Ted becomes Power of Attorney?? – Reflective moments & real talk about classroom joy after break – Ted’s Time Machine: Top 5 throwbacks of 2025 – The Try Not to Laugh challenge: holding water in our mouths while reading absurd parent/administrator emails (we failed. hard.) 🙌 Why Tune In? Because this is the only education podcast where you’ll hear about wild peacocks as mascots, legal power transfers due to board games, and teachers gagging while reading real emails aloud. Equal parts chaos and catharsis, this episode is our love letter to teacher resilience — and our ongoing descent into madness. 📢 Join the Movement: 👍 Like, 💬 Comment, 🔔 Subscribe — and tag the teacher who would absolutely lose it during the Try Not to Laugh challenge. 👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes full of classroom comedy, nostalgic chaos, and storytelling way more useful than any PD workshop you’ve ever suffered through. 🔗 Stay Connected: 🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon & more 📱 Follow us everywhere → Click here all the NPD Socials! 👇 We Want Your Stories! Have you ever had to hold back laughter during a real admin meeting? Got a wild school memory that deserves a Time Machine spotlight? Tell us in the comments — we might feature it in the next episode! ✅ Weekly Drops Monday's at 2PM EST | Next Week’s Teaser: Episode 22 is loading… and honestly, we’re not ready either. #TeacherPodcast #TryNotToLaughChallenge #SwishFluoride #TimeMachineThrowbacks #SpamalotChaos #NPDpodcast #NonProfessionalDevelopment #TeacherDrama #EducationHumor #PodcastForTeachers #PowerOfAttorneyPanic #TeacherLife #PodcastComedy #SquareDancingTrauma #PeacockMascots

    1h 8m
  8. JAN 12

    Dreamt, Quail Eggs & New Year Chaos | NPD Podcast Ep. 20

    💥🎉 This week on the Non-Professional Development Podcast, we’re kicking off the new year the only way we know how — with weird dreams, questionable food choices, and a deep dive into the Oxford Dictionary. From New Year’s resolutions we absolutely won’t keep, to Ted’s unhinged dream universe, to the only word that ends in “mt” (dreamt), this episode spirals fast. Things only get worse when Dave brings in quail eggs for Ted and Mark (Producer Goose) to try… and yes, it ends exactly how you think it does. 🎧 What to Expect: – New Year resolutions and immediate disappointment – The Oxford Dictionary and Dave’s very serious beef with it – Ted’s wild dreams that feel a little too real – A quail egg tasting that becomes a full‑blown disaster – Ted’s Time Machine throws it back to school fair projects and peak creativity – Dave fires up the typewriter to write Oxford a strongly‑worded letter 🙌 Why Tune In? Because nothing says “fresh start” like arguing about grammar, reliving school fair glory days, and realizing quail eggs were a mistake. This episode is part word nerd chaos, part nostalgia trip, and part food‑based regret. 📢 Join the Movement: 👍 Like, 💬 Comment, 🔔 Subscribe — and tag the friend who still says “dreamed” instead of “dreamt.” 👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes full of teacher therapy, chaotic storytelling, and resolutions we’ll forget by February. 🔗 Stay Connected: 🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon & more 📱 Follow us everywhere → NPD Podcast Socials https://linktr.ee/nonprofessionaldevelopment 👇 We Want Your Stories! What’s the weirdest dream you’ve ever had? Ever try a food you immediately regretted? Did you crush your school fair project or completely flame out? Drop it in the comments — we might feature it in a future episode! ✅ Weekly Drops Monday's at 2PM EST | Next Week’s Teaser: Episode 21 is coming… and the chaos is already scheduled. #TeacherPodcast #NewYearChaos #DreamtVsDreamed #QuailEggDisaster #NPDpodcast #NonProfessionalDevelopment #EducationHumor #TedTimeMachine #DaveTypewriter #PodcastComedy #TeacherLife #SchoolFairMemories

    1h 2m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to Non-Professional Development, where two best friends and teachers swap hilarious and heartfelt tales from the classroom trenches. Celebrating the chaos, the triumphs, and the downright weird moments that make teaching unforgettable. No lesson plans, just real talk and laughs that remind you why we love what we do. Tune in for your weekly dose of inspiration, humor, and friendship — because sometimes, professional development is overrated!

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