Playing Teacher

Matthew Cade, Rob Monahan, and Jeannine Brugge
  • 5.0 (1)
  • EDUCATION

🎙️ What is a teacher, really? And what’s it actually like inside a New York City school? Welcome to Playing Teacher, where veteran educators Matt and Rob—with over 40 years of combined experience teaching in NYC—pull back the curtain on the myths, realities, and moments that make education unforgettable (for better or worse). From the mysterious teacher’s lounge to the myth of “summer off,” they explore what really happens when the classroom door closes. This isn’t a shiny brochure version of school. It’s the real deal: 🧠 Learning vs. schooling. ❤️ What kids actually carry with them. 🔥 How teachers and counselors survive systems built to burn them out. And when we’re lucky enough to have her, we’re joined by Beanie—school counselor, educator, and recurring co-host—who brings powerful insight, grounded compassion, and the kind of perspective only someone who's worked both inside and around the classroom can offer. 👥 Guests range from teachers, students, and administrators to learning scientists, former kids (yes, really), and other unexpected voices from the world of education. Whether you're in the classroom, supporting from the sidelines, or just trying to make sense of how we learn and why it matters—this is your hallway pass to the inside.

  1. JAN 15

    The Aging Educator: Sweet Spots, Second Winds, and the Retirement Countdown

    Send us a text What actually happens in a teacher’s final years in the classroom? In this episode, Matt, Robert, and Jeannine dig into the lived reality of the aging educator—not as a comparison to younger teachers, but as its own unique phase of an education career with its own pressures, patterns, and unexpected strengths. We unpack the idea of the teacher “sweet spot” (and whether it’s defined by years, confidence, freedom, or mastery), the concept of a professional second wind, and what it looks like when veteran educators shift their pace, mindset, and classroom identity as retirement gets closer. Along the way, we explore the archetypes we’ve all seen in schools: the teacher who resists change, the one counting down to retirement, and the one who still brings wisdom and stability to the building—even when everything around them is shifting. We also talk curriculum evolution over time (the lesson bank problem), how experienced teachers keep their best “hooks” while adapting to new standards, and why teaching sometimes resembles entertainment: same show, new audience… every single year. Plus: a quick detour into reality TV game dynamics (Traitors), schools running on fumes when admins are out, and the ongoing question—do educators ever reach a permanent “comfortable routine,” or does the job always demand reinvention? Topics include: The “sweet spot” in a teaching careerVeteran teacher archetypes and end-of-career shiftsConfidence, burnout, and finding a second windCurriculum drift: stable lessons vs constant changeTeaching as performance, engagement, and iterationRetirement mindset, identity, and adaptabilityIf you’ve ever wondered how teaching changes after 15, 20, or 30+ years in the system—this one hits home. Support the show

    50 min

  2. 11/21/2025

    Episode 21: Body Odor, Bad Falls & Behind-the-Scenes Book Building

    Send us a text Tech trouble, Mario cosplay, workplace mishaps, and way too many stories about falling down.   In this episode, Robert, Matthew, and Brugge dive into a chaotic mix of muted microphones, Halloween go-kart adventures, deodorant disasters, acting auditions, and the everyday physical hazards of working in schools. From stepping in dog poop to tripping in crowded hallways, the team shares honest (and hilarious) stories from classrooms, childhood, and beyond. They also dig into their ongoing creative projects—including book design, AI-generated descriptions, and gathering early reviewers. If you've ever worked in a school, acted on a stage, or simply had “one of those days,” this episode will feel like home. Support the show

    1h 2m

  3. 10/21/2025

    Episode 20: Teachers vs. NYC Parking: The Ultimate Urban Survival Story

    Send us a text Every NYC teacher has a horror story — but this one starts with a parking meter. In this episode, Matthew, Brugge, and Robert tackle the ultimate urban educator struggle: finding a parking spot in New York City. From 4:30 AM commutes to warehouse parking hacks, $200 lots, and alternate-side madness, the trio shares hilarious, relatable stories about how teachers navigate one of the most stressful parts of their day — getting to work. Along the way, the conversation takes some wild detours (in true teacher fashion): AI-illustrated children’s books like “Grandpa Sneezes Trains” and “Wing It” Bird encounters and the mysterious NYC pigeon curse Writing and acting on subway rides Fried watermelon and fair food adventures Teacher burnout, SEL, and life balanceWhat starts as a talk about teacher parking nightmares turns into an honest, funny, and heartfelt look at the teacher experience — where humor, exhaustion, and creativity all collide. Would you risk a ticket for a good parking spot? Tell us in the comments Featuring: Rob, Matt, and Brugge  Topics: NYC teacher commutes, alternate-side parking, creative classroom life, and the art of laughing through chaos. Support the show

    1h 7m

  4. 10/17/2025

    Episode 19: Teachers, Titles, Telehealth, and Trust

    Send us a text Overview In this milestone episode, the hosts celebrate reaching 500 podcast downloads and reflect on personal experiences that reveal how trust, credentials, and communication shape everyday life — from healthcare visits to professional identity. The discussion balances humor and insight as they explore the quirks of the healthcare system, telehealth mishaps, and the nuanced meaning of titles like “Doctor” in both education and medicine. Healthcare Experiences & Telehealth Confusion Matthew opened up about a recent telehealth appointment that turned unexpectedly chaotic — he was directed to a physical office only to discover it was actually a virtual session. The group dissected the confusion, inefficiency, and lack of clear communication in modern healthcare systems. Brugge and Robert related this to common frustrations in other areas of life, comparing the uncertainty of waiting for a doctor’s call to waiting endlessly during job interviews. Matthew drew further parallels to his experience teaching online during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing how digital interactions can amplify misunderstandings. Professional Titles and Academic Credentials The hosts dove into an engaging discussion about the use of professional titles — when and why to call someone “Doctor,” and how context matters. Brugge questioned whether titles should always be used among peers, while Robert and Matthew shared their own experiences navigating formal and informal norms in education. Robert explained his motivation for pursuing a doctorate in education, not as a measure of teaching quality but as a gateway to new academic opportunities, particularly in higher education. The group reflected on how uncommon doctoral degrees are in elementary education and how the New York City education system offers no salary differential for advanced degrees like PhDs or EdDs. Credentials vs. Experience Robert and Brugge explored society’s overreliance on credentials and how it can overshadow genuine expertise and practical experience. They drew parallels between medicine and education, noting how the public often trusts degrees more than proven ability. Matthew contributed personal stories of medical mistakes and the human side of healthcare — reminding listeners that even highly trained professionals can err. The group emphasized the importance of critical thinking, humility, and personal advocacy, encouraging listeners to question and verify rather than blindly defer to authority. Medical Decision-Making & Awake Surgery In one of the episode’s most gripping moments, Robert recounted undergoing awake surgery, a rare and deeply personal experience. He described the intense physical sensations, the pain management process, and the necessity of remaining conscious to assist the surgeon during the operation. Robert highlighted how this decision stemmed from his commitment to thorough research and multiple consultations with specialists — combining surgical and functional medicine perspectives before making a final choice. He also recalled a prior medical scare involving a benign cyst, reinforcing his belief in seeking multiple opinions and maintaining an informed, proactive role in one’s healthcare decisions. Support the show

    1h 24m

  5. 10/02/2025

    Episode 18: Fortnight to Fortnite (Culture as Curriculum)

    Send us a text A glitchy start becomes a candid systems-level conversation about age dynamics and professional identity across schools and clinics. After wrangling audio issues, the team unpacks how age and experience shape credibility, communication, and decision-making—from first-year teachers to veteran administrators, from protocol-driven residents to diagnostically agile physicians. They trace the “hidden curriculum” that governs status signals, masking, and code-switching at work, then examine how cultural references (from Fortnite to K-dramas) succeed—or fail—as pedagogical bridges. Along the way, Robert reflects on mimicking admired mentors as a deliberate practice for skill acquisition, and everyone weighs the 5–10 year “sweet spot” in teaching effectiveness. The episode closes with practical next steps: health checks, tech fixes, and a teaser for Robert’s awake-surgery debrief. Why listen: If you lead PD, coach teachers, or navigate intergenerational teams, this episode offers concrete lenses for diagnosing friction points (scripts vs. sensemaking, authority vs. authenticity) and redesigning culture for human connection. Key themes: age/experience dynamics; masking & code-switching; instructional authenticity; clinical vs. classroom protocols; cultural capital in teaching analogies. Action items: Jeannine: Schedule Doppler + echocardiogram (HTN/heart work-up).Matthew: Troubleshoot mic chain and eliminate echo.Suggested chapter markers: 00:00 Cold open & tech troubles 06:30 Age dynamics in schools 18:45 Experience curve (5–10 year window) 27:10 Young leaders, manualized leadership vs. authentic talk 36:40 Clinics as mirrors: protocol vs. reasoning 47:20 Masking, code-switching, and credibility 57:05 Pop-culture references as pedagogy 1:04:30 Teaser—awake surgery debrief next episode Support the show

    1h 25m

  6. 08/31/2025

    Episode 17: Teachers on the Move: Diets, Fitness, and Fresh Starts

    Send us a text In this episode, Matt, Rob, and Brugge share candid reflections on the challenges of maintaining health and balance as educators. The conversation spans from their high school experiences to their ongoing efforts with weight loss, diet programs, and creative fitness routines, whether it’s sprinting empty hallways, dusting off a pogo stick, or sticking to intermittent fasting. Along the way, they reminisce about potluck traditions, school gym memories, and the temptation of diner pancakes and mocha lattes. With Brugge preparing for a new school, and Matt and Rob revisiting past projects like PBIS posters, the trio emphasizes the importance of sustaining both physical and mental well-being while navigating the demands of teaching. Support the show

    58 min

  7. 08/18/2025

    Episode 16: Behind the Curtain: How Teachers Really Get Hired in New York City

    Send us a text Getting hired in the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) isn’t just about what you know—it’s often about who you know. In this episode of Playing Teacher: The Podcast, we pull back the curtain on the hiring process in the largest school system in the country. From the nerve-wracking interviews to the networking that makes a difference, we explore the good, the bad, and the ugly of how teachers land jobs in the NYCDOE. Whether you’re an aspiring educator or a veteran looking to understand the system better, this candid conversation reveals the realities behind one of the most competitive hiring landscapes in education. Support the show

    1h 28m

  8. 07/03/2025

    Episode 15: Why We Left Teaching (and Where We Hid While We Stayed)

    Send us a text In this episode of Playing Teacher, Robert, Matthew, and Brugge dive deep into the bittersweet—and sometimes hilarious—world of teachers leaving their jobs and the hidden realities behind the classroom door. They talk about: The emotional chaos of packing up years of teaching memories into giant bagsThe secret hideouts teachers swear by to survive the school day (side lab supremacy, anyone?)Epic hide-and-seek strategies for teachers and kids alikeProfessional development’s most uncomfortable moments—including yoga sessions gone very wrongRecession Santa horrors and gifts no one wanted It’s raw, funny, and painfully real—because sometimes the hardest lesson is knowing when to walk away. And sometimes… you just need to hide under a desk. 🎧 Tune in for stories only teachers could tell—and some you definitely shouldn’t tell at staff meetings. Support the show

    57 min
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About

🎙️ What is a teacher, really? And what’s it actually like inside a New York City school? Welcome to Playing Teacher, where veteran educators Matt and Rob—with over 40 years of combined experience teaching in NYC—pull back the curtain on the myths, realities, and moments that make education unforgettable (for better or worse). From the mysterious teacher’s lounge to the myth of “summer off,” they explore what really happens when the classroom door closes. This isn’t a shiny brochure version of school. It’s the real deal: 🧠 Learning vs. schooling. ❤️ What kids actually carry with them. 🔥 How teachers and counselors survive systems built to burn them out. And when we’re lucky enough to have her, we’re joined by Beanie—school counselor, educator, and recurring co-host—who brings powerful insight, grounded compassion, and the kind of perspective only someone who's worked both inside and around the classroom can offer. 👥 Guests range from teachers, students, and administrators to learning scientists, former kids (yes, really), and other unexpected voices from the world of education. Whether you're in the classroom, supporting from the sidelines, or just trying to make sense of how we learn and why it matters—this is your hallway pass to the inside.

Information

  • Creator
    Matthew Cade, Rob Monahan, and Jeannine Brugge
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Playing Teacher
  • Show Website
    Playing Teacher