The Old School

Dr. Steven Bourgeois and Mr. Ross Miller

Dr. Steven Bourgeois and Mr. Ross Miller lead an informal discussion between a current and a former teacher on topics that challenge "best practices" in contemporary education. In keeping with Neil Postman (1979), we support the conserving function of education: “Its aim at all times is to make visible the prevailing biases of a culture and then, by employing whatever philosophies of education are available, to oppose them.”

  1. Episode 142: On Fandom (In a meandering sort of way)

    5D AGO

    Episode 142: On Fandom (In a meandering sort of way)

    Your two loveable hosts, in the midst of bowl games and the soon-to-begin NFL playoffs, talk about being a sports fan. The two attempt to draw out its positives but also the increasing number (of late) of negatives. What is acceptable? What should not be acceptable? Are fans using their status as paying customers to forget about social norms and mores? The hosts, while going down a few rabbit holes - including, whether Dr. Bourgeois can really call himself a "good fan" - attempt to answer these questions and discuss many other items.

    46 min
  2. Episode 141: On Classroom Management with Dr. Ferrell Yeokum

    12/20/2025

    Episode 141: On Classroom Management with Dr. Ferrell Yeokum

    The Old School Podcast welcomes Mr. Ferrell Yeokum to discuss classroom management and his new book, Mastering Classroom Discipline for New Teachers: A Practical Guide to Create an Orderly Classroom, Prevent Disruptions and Improve Student Performance. The three educators discuss the forces within the classroom, within the school and outside the school that can impact a well-run classroom and the teachers who attempt to accomplish their goals. In doing so, Mr. Yeokum provides some strategies and some approaches that can greatly assist new teachers with the incredibly difficult task to point their students in one, successful direction.

    49 min
  3. Episode 140: Mr. Miller Goes to Disney

    12/04/2025

    Episode 140: Mr. Miller Goes to Disney

    This week on the podcast, Mr. Miller reports live from the most magical place on Earth — and no, he’s not entirely sure how he got there. Join us as we unpack his family’s whirlwind trip to Disney World, including stops at EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and the infamous international pub crawl — all while trying to make sense of what Disney has become in the 21st century. Spoiler: this is not your granddaddy’s Disney. Between the fireworks and the funnel cakes, there’s plenty of room for reflection — on nostalgia, consumerism, and whether the collapse of Western culture might just be happening somewhere between the Norway Pavilion and Space Mountain. It’s a strange, hilarious, and occasionally profound look at America’s favorite theme park — and the culture that built it. Let’s get into it.

    30 min
  4. Episode 139: On Fixing and Building Things

    11/24/2025

    Episode 139: On Fixing and Building Things

    Your two favorite hosts are back as we discuss the nature of building and fixing things. With Mr. Miller's recent foyer into woodworking and carpentry, the two gentlemen discuss some of the ideas of famed woodworker Nick Offerman and expound upon that to touch on topics of self-efficacy, the happiness index and blue zones. The hosts expertly weave the seemingly disparate ideas while discussing the importance of being handy and how it could help the individual and the community as well.  Next week - Mr. Miller rings in from Florida as we discuss the history of the state in general and Disney World in particular. You won't want to miss it.

    48 min
  5. Episode 138: On the Long Road

    11/17/2025

    Episode 138: On the Long Road

    Your two favorite hosts are back to talk about the advantages of taking the hard road. What are the lessons, what is the value of not seeking the easier path but one filled with potholes and detours. Often, it is these things that define a person and their ability to endure. The Old School endeavors to tease out some of the lessons that can be learned and the dangers in seeking the easier path. Additionally, Mr. Miller pays tribute and honor to a great man who left us way too soon.

    56 min
  6. Episode 137: The School Turnaround Blueprint with Dr. Ericka Johnson

    10/27/2025

    Episode 137: The School Turnaround Blueprint with Dr. Ericka Johnson

    Your two loveable hosts go back to their bailiwick and speak to the dynamic Dr. Ericka Johnson who details her journey from teacher to education consultant and the traits needed to be a good leader. We cover the full scope of the education experience, as seen by Dr. Johnson throughout her career as an educator. It is an interesting and thoughtful conversation that you will enjoy. If you want to find Dr. Johnson's entire story unabridged, check out her book From Sub to Sup: The Journey of a Transformational Leader: The Turnaround Blueprint.

    1h 8m
  7. Episode 136: On the 1970s

    10/20/2025

    Episode 136: On the 1970s

    Building on the previous episode on dinner parties, Dr. Steven Bourgeois and Ross Miller tackle other bygone ideas, these stemming from the 1970s and whether we are better off without them or should we bring them back. There is a bit of reminiscing as the hosts think back to days gone by and share some laughs along the way.

    49 min
  8. Episode 135: On Dinner Parties

    10/06/2025

    Episode 135: On Dinner Parties

    Your two favorite podcasters tackle a dying art - the dinner party. The hosts discuss the qualities of a good dinner party, drawing on the experiences growing up in a socially active household as well as their own efforts. They then segue into dissecting what has happened to the art - what are the reasons they are not as prevalent as they used to be. Additionally, what has been lost with the lack of them and what can be gained by bringing them back.

    44 min
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About

Dr. Steven Bourgeois and Mr. Ross Miller lead an informal discussion between a current and a former teacher on topics that challenge "best practices" in contemporary education. In keeping with Neil Postman (1979), we support the conserving function of education: “Its aim at all times is to make visible the prevailing biases of a culture and then, by employing whatever philosophies of education are available, to oppose them.”

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Steven Bourgeois and Mr. Ross Miller
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    142
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ahart Education 2021
  • Show Website
    The Old School