Ray Talks Live

Ray Talks

5.0 (2)
EDUCATION
UPDATED WEEKLY

A modern discussion on educating today's youth straight from an urban high school teacher. This podcast also discusses other topics such as Sports, History/Politics, Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, Marriage, and Family. So be sure to hit that subscribe button to get notifications when new episodes drop.

6H AGO

35 Years of Brotherhood: Honoring the Memory of a Lifelong Best Friend

How do you say goodbye to someone who has known you since the 7th grade? In this solemn and deeply personal episode of Ray Talks Live, I’m stepping away from the classroom and the headlines to honor the memory of my best friend. With 35 years of shared history—from the hallways of middle school to the complexities of adulthood—we explore the rare and beautiful bond of childhood friendship. We discuss the reality of "drifting"—not through conflict, but through the natural currents of life—and the bittersweet realization of what it means to lose a witness to your own life story. This is an episode about laughter, loyalty, and the enduring power of a friendship that spanned over three decades. Whether you’re holding onto a lifelong bond or mourning a similar loss, join me for a candid reflection on love, legacy, and the friends who become family. Rest In Peace Orentheal. Originally recorded on February 3, 2026. Send us a text Music by StudioKolomna from Pixabay. Thanks for listening and make sure to subscribe! Follow on social media: Twitter: @raytalkslive Facebook: @raytalkslive Instagram: @raytalks_live Email: raytalkslive@gmail.com

9 min
3D AGO

The Love-Hate Relationship: Navigating the Reality of School Administration

Does your administration inspire you to teach, or make you want to clock out? In this episode of Ray Talks Live, we tackle the "invisible infrastructure" that determines the success of every school year: the complex relationship between teachers and their administration. As a veteran educator, I’ve experienced the full spectrum—from leaders who serve as a shield for their staff to those whose policies create a culture of micromanagement and frustration. We dive into the specific "ups and downs" of these interactions, the weight of administrative support (or the lack thereof) during parent and student conflicts, and how one person in the main office can fundamentally change the energy of a building. I’m sharing my most candid stories and frustrations while asking the big question: What does effective school leadership actually look like in 2026? Join me for a transparent look at the power dynamics of the modern school and share your own stories of the admins who made—or broke—your year. Send us a text Music by StudioKolomna from Pixabay. Thanks for listening and make sure to subscribe! Follow on social media: Twitter: @raytalkslive Facebook: @raytalkslive Instagram: @raytalks_live Email: raytalkslive@gmail.com

16 min
5D AGO

The Truth About Modern Teaching & Why I Wrote the Book

What happens when the classroom door closes and the cameras aren't rolling? In this deeply personal episode of Ray Talks Live, I’m introducing my new book—a raw, 10-year reflection on my career as an educator. We go beyond the lesson plans to shed light on the systemic issues facing teachers in 2026: the lack of administrative and parental support, the rising tide of student misbehavior, and the devastating "learning loss" that has reshaped our schools post-COVID-19. Drawing from my own experiences inside the trenches, I discuss the mental health toll of being a teacher in a society that often overlooks the plight of its most essential workers. This is a conversation for the educators who feel unseen, the parents who want to help, and anyone who wants to understand the grit required to teach today. Join me as we laugh, cry, and confront the reality of the classroom—one story at a time. Purchase: The Mis-education of Today's Black Youth: Life in the Classroom Send us a text Music by StudioKolomna from Pixabay. Thanks for listening and make sure to subscribe! Follow on social media: Twitter: @raytalkslive Facebook: @raytalkslive Instagram: @raytalks_live Email: raytalkslive@gmail.com

13 min
JAN 28

The U is Back... Almost: The Heartbreak and Hope of the 2024-25 Run

Are the Miami Hurricanes finally "back," or are we just living in a perpetual "almost"? In this episode of Ray Talks Live, we decompress from one of the greatest two-year stretches in program history. Following our hard-fought 21-27 loss in the National Championship game on January 19, 2026, the question on every Canes fan's mind is: What’s next? I dive into the pride of witnessing a 13-win season and why Mario Cristobal has finally proven he is the answer to the coaching carousel of the last two decades. We’re taking a deep look at the numbers and the grit of the 2024 and 2025 squads, comparing this "almost" dynasty to the legendary two-year runs of the '80s, '90s, and early 2000s. We also tackle the elephant in the room—the missing ACC trophy and the challenge of sustaining this elite level of play year in and year out. Is Miami ready to dominate the 12-team playoff era, or will the "struggle" continue? Join me for a candid, high-energy reflection on the state of the program. Go Canes! Originally recorded on January 20, 2026. Photo Courtesy: University of Miami Athletics Send us a text Music by StudioKolomna from Pixabay. Thanks for listening and make sure to subscribe! Follow on social media: Twitter: @raytalkslive Facebook: @raytalkslive Instagram: @raytalks_live Email: raytalkslive@gmail.com

13 min
JAN 26

The Return: Ray Talks Live is Back & Refocused for 2026

Ray Talks Live is back and refocused for a new era. After a nearly four-year hiatus, I’m stepping back behind the mic with a renewed vision. Whether you’ve been a subscriber since Season 1 or you’re just joining the community, this episode marks a fresh start. We’re doubling down on the topics that matter: the reality of life as a veteran Social Studies teacher, the ever-evolving magic of the Florida theme parks, and the high-stakes world of being a Miami Hurricanes fan. In this re-introduction, I discuss why the hiatus was necessary, how the show has evolved, and what you can expect from our "refocused" discussions moving forward. From the halls of the high school to the stands at the stadium, we’re exploring the intersections of education, passion, and the "24-hour shift" of parenthood. The vengeance is real, the focus is sharp, and the conversation is just getting started. Welcome home. Purchase your copy of the book: The Mis-education of Today's Black Youths: Life in the Classroom Send us a text Music by StudioKolomna from Pixabay. Thanks for listening and make sure to subscribe! Follow on social media: Twitter: @raytalkslive Facebook: @raytalkslive Instagram: @raytalks_live Email: raytalkslive@gmail.com

7 min
10/25/2022

Why Miami Hurricanes Football ("The U") Is Struggling: 2022 Midseason Report

Is mediocrity the new normal for the Canes? We analyze the first seven games (3-4) of the 2022 Miami Hurricanes football season and discuss why the program has faced challenges for two decades. Photo courtesy: University of Miami News and Events Sponsor: Adion Creations Collection Receive a 20% discount when you buy 2 items using the promo code: RAYTALKSLIVE Season 1 Episode 3: Canes Football/College Football Playoffs Send us a text Thanks for listening and make sure to subscribe! Follow on social media: Twitter: @raytalkslive Facebook: @raytalkslive Instagram: @raytalks_live Email: raytalkslive@gmail.com

8 min
10/18/2022

How Micromanagement is Killing Teacher Morale: An Educator's Perspective

Does a "eyes-on-the-screen" approach build a better school, or just a more exhausted staff? In this episode of Ray Talks Live, we tackle a question that is currently fueling a crisis in teacher retention: Why does micromanagement drive educators to the breaking point? As a veteran social studies teacher with two decades in the classroom, I explore the psychological impact of "hovering" administrators and the fundamental difference between data-driven accountability and professional trust. We dive into the stark contrast between the modern business world—where agility and autonomy are prized—and the current school climate, where excessive oversight often stifles creativity. We discuss the root causes of this controlling leadership style and, most importantly, provide practical strategies for "managing up" and reclaiming your professional agency. Whether you’re an administrator looking to build trust or a teacher looking to stay in the profession, join me for a candid conversation on what it truly takes to lead a thriving educational community. ***Photo courtesy: FleshSalad Send us a text Thanks for listening and make sure to subscribe! Follow on social media: Twitter: @raytalkslive Facebook: @raytalkslive Instagram: @raytalks_live Email: raytalkslive@gmail.com

11 min
10/13/2022

Loews Portofino Bay Review: Is This Universal Orlando’s Best Luxury Hotel?

Take a trip to Italy without leaving Florida. We review Universal Orlando’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and explain why this beautiful property is a top choice for anniversaries and luxury stays. Send us a text Thanks for listening and make sure to subscribe! Follow on social media: Twitter: @raytalkslive Facebook: @raytalkslive Instagram: @raytalks_live Email: raytalkslive@gmail.com

10 min

5

out of 5

2 Ratings

A modern discussion on educating today's youth straight from an urban high school teacher. This podcast also discusses other topics such as Sports, History/Politics, Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, Marriage, and Family. So be sure to hit that subscribe button to get notifications when new episodes drop.

Creator

Ray Talks
Years Active

2020 - 2026
Episodes

76
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2026 Ray Talks Live
Show Website

Ray Talks Live