The Annoyed Adult - podcast cover

The Annoyed Adult

The Annoyed Adult Networktheannoyedadult.com
Join high school teacher and middle-aged adult Howard Kam, on "The Annoyed Adult" podcast as he navigates the often hilarious and exasperating world of being a middle-aged educator. Howard shares candid anecdotes and musings about the trials and tribulations of teaching teenagers. With his sharp wit and relatable perspective, Howard discusses the everyday annoyances of adult life, offering humor and insight into the challenges of balancing work, family, and the occasional existential crisis.
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Overactive Kids, Loser Boyfriends, and All the Bullsh!t In Between

In this unfiltered episode of The Annoyed Adult , Howard Kam rips into three modern disasters: first, the delusional parents turning childhood into a performance review with back-to-back extracurriculars like they’re raising a LinkedIn influencer. Next up, it’s open season on pseudoscience — healing crystals, magnetic wristbands, aura cleanses, and all the overpriced snake oil you slap on your body because some wellness influencer with a "blocked root chakra" said it vibes with your energy. And ...

Jul 20, 202523 minEp. 43

Money, Motivation, Mama’s Boys & Myths

In this episode, we tackle five real-life dilemmas with zero sugarcoating and a heavy dose of tough love. From refusing to fund a friend’s sketchy coffee startup to dealing with an unmotivated, Roblox-addicted 20-year-old nephew, we explore where personal responsibility, boundaries, and blunt honesty collide. We also unpack why strangers might give you the stink eye (hint: it's probably not hygiene), how to break out of a rut when life feels stagnant, and end with a fiery rant on the ridiculous ...

Jul 10, 202517 minEp. 46

Shitty Parents, Homework, and Burning Bridges

Ever feel like you're surrounded by absurdities and just want to scream? Welcome to "The Annoyed Adult," the podcast that fearlessly tackles life's most frustrating dilemmas. Join your host, Howard Kim, as he dishes out no-holds-barred opinions on everything from incompetent parenting and the necessity of homework to navigating family drama and moving on from past relationships . If you're looking for raw, honest takes and a healthy dose of tough love, then buckle up—because it's time to get ann...

Jul 04, 202520 minEp. 45

The Comeback! Summer Jealousy, Math Woes & Beating "Couch Rot"

Your favorite teacher podcast is officially back after a brief (and eventful!) hiatus! In this June 2025 Q&A, we're tackling real-world teacher problems submitted by you. Get ready for a frank discussion on those "niche" issues like battling a noisy weightlifting class above you and the baffling inefficiency of old-school prom payments. We also dive into handling spousal jealousy over summer break, the shocking reality of 7th graders struggling with basic math, and how to stay active when "c...

Jun 25, 202523 min

The Art of Balanced Living

Life's a buffet, but which side are you on? Indulge in the chocolate fountain of pleasure or embrace the stoic bowl of self-discipline? Join us as we explore the age-old philosophies of hedonism and stoicism, dissecting their modern-day relevance and helping you find the perfect balance in your life. Expect laughs, insights, and maybe even a philosophical crisis or two.

Dec 10, 202430 min

Parents Disrespecting Teachers

Why do parents disrespect teachers? What is currently being done about it? What does Howard Kam do in his classroom that's different?

Nov 23, 202412 min

Shit talking volume 3

In this episode students talk trash about other students and teachers!

Nov 16, 20241 hr 15 min

Guest on 2 girls, 1 boy.

Thanks to the Kiana and Chance for allowing me to be on your podcast 2 Girls, 1 Boy. You can find their show here https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/2-girls-1-boy. We're talking parenting styles from different generations.

Oct 07, 202433 min

Neighborhoods and a Students Baseball Coach

In this episode host Howard Kam explores the stark contrasts between affluent and rundown neighborhoods, analyzing the impact of resources, education, and social structures on community well-being. He delves into the concept of the "youth bulge," where a large population of young people in struggling areas contributes to social issues like crime and gang violence. Howard also stresses the importance of education, financial management, and the value of various educational paths, sharing personal ...

Oct 01, 20248 min

Entitled or Unprepared?

Entitled student that blames everyone else for his problems and a kid that blocks the gym equipment.

Sep 24, 202410 min

US Education system sucks

Howard and Taylor discuss the differences between Korea, Japan, and the U.S. education system. Along the way we talk shit about other people.

Aug 12, 202455 min

Venting with Taylor Cable

Ever wonder why teens insist on wearing sweaters in the blazing sun? Us too! In this hilariously bewildered episode of The Annoyed Adult, we dive into the perplexing world of teenage fashion choices. Join us as we sweat it out trying to understand the logic behind this trend. But that’s not all! We’ll also tackle the daily nightmare of traffic jams – because nothing says "fun" like being stuck in a car for hours on end, right? Speaking of being stuck, have you heard about elevated rail? It’s the...

Jun 22, 202453 min

Saying Goodbye to the Class of 2024

In this bittersweet episode, The Annoyed Adult sits down with some of his amazing graduating seniors, the very same group he's guided for the past four years. We'll reminisce about favorite memories from freshman year jitters to senior year triumphs. We'll hear from students about their lives and their plans for the future. Laughter, maybe a few tears, and a whole lot of heart will fill this episode as we celebrate the incredible journey of the Class of 2024.

May 28, 202449 min

Unfiltered with The Annoyed Adult & Friends (NSFW)

Grab a drink (and maybe some earplugs for the easily offended) and pull up a chair as Howard Kam and his crew gather around the table. This week, it's a free-for-all as they unleash a barrage of off-color jokes, relive the horrors of bad high school presentations, dissect the wild world of esports, and dive deep into some questionable human behaviors. Be warned: this episode is raw, uncensored, and guaranteed to have you laughing 'til you snort (or cringe, depending on your sensibilities). Buckl...

Apr 19, 20242 hr 22 min

Tipping Culture in America: A Modern Form of Wage Slavery?

In this eye-opening episode of "The Annoyed Adult," host Howard Kam delves into the contentious topic of tipping culture in America and its alarming parallels to modern-day wage slavery. From its origins in feudal Europe to its prevalence in post-Civil War America, tipping has evolved into a customary practice that perpetuates inequality and exploitation within the service industry. Drawing on research from experts such as Saru Jayaraman and the Economic Policy Institute, Howard Kam explores how...

Apr 12, 20248 min

Teacher Advice - Part 2

In this episode I cover questions of "Is being a substitute worth it?", "How do I remember all the kids names", "Do teachers do anything about self-harm scars?", "School wide discipline", "Burnout", and "Are other professionals as emotionally involved as teachers?"

Apr 09, 202419 min

Teacher Advice - part 1

Have you ever wondered what goes through a high school teacher's mind? Well, hold on tight because Howard Kam, the tell-it-like-it-is educator, dives headfirst into student and teacher dilemmas straight from Reddit! This is part one of an unfiltered, thought-provoking journey where Howard tackles real questions about homework struggles, classroom dynamics, and everything in between. Be prepared for his signature brand of brutal honesty - it might sting a bit, but you'll learn a whole lot....

Apr 05, 202424 min

Chatting with ChatGPT: Inside the Mind of an AI Host

Ever wonder what it's like to have an AI as your cohost? Join me as I team up with ChatGPT, the cutting-edge chatbot. Are we living in an episode of Black Mirror, or is this the dawn of a new era of collaborative content creation? Tune in and find out!

Feb 15, 202415 min

Preparing special needs students for the real world

Transitioning from high school to the "real world" is a daunting leap for anyone, but for students with special needs, the chasm can feel like a canyon. Often, academic standards and standardized tests overshadow crucial life skills like budgeting, finding housing, or securing employment. Is our educational system failing to equip these students with the practical tools they need to thrive beyond the classroom walls? Join us as we explore the challenges and potential solutions for preparing spec...

Dec 20, 202329 min

Distance Learning Sucks!

In this episode, join our favorite teacher and annoyed adult, Howard Kam, and his two students, Piper and Will, as they embark on a hilarious journey through the ups and downs of distance learning. From the joys of attending class in pajamas to the struggles of finding a quiet spot when your neighbor decides to yell out the window, this trio spills the virtual beans on it all.

Nov 17, 202335 min

Bad Choices

Tina and Howard dive into the humorous and often cringe-worthy world of drinking and our not-so-stellar decision-making skills. With plenty of witty anecdotes and personal experiences, they share hilarious tales of their own misadventures and explore the science behind how alcohol can impair judgment. From epic party fails to unforgettable nights out, this episode is a rollercoaster of laughter and self-reflection, offering a lighthearted yet insightful look at the intersection of inebriation an...

Oct 25, 202343 min

Classroom Swearing & Uncommon Sense

Some students are not the brightest bulbs in the box. Three teachers share their experiences of students asking oddball questions and Howard's phone call about classroom swearing. Also, this show is probably the most times he's said "What!?" on a podcast.

Oct 08, 202338 min

Fake service animals [Quick Take]

Quick Take I hate people with fake service animals. Why can't these people leave their pets at home and what laws are they breaking?

Sep 19, 20236 min

Teenagers allergic to deodorant - [Quick Take]

QUICK TAKE - I delve into the fragrant world of smelly teenagers who refuse to wear deodorant. Whether you're a concerned parent, a baffled teacher, or a fellow teen just trying to survive the olfactory onslaught, we've got you covered. Tune in to uncover the secrets of teenage odors and discover effective strategies for tackling this aromatic challenge head-on!"

Sep 14, 20235 min

Stoicism is good for bad kids.

Are you a problem for others? Can you clearly identify who the problem kids are? Also, how does an ancient Greek philosophy come into play?

Apr 12, 202321 min

Who is to blame? Students caught lying, personal responsibility, and grit.

Join us as we explore the thorny issue of students caught in a web of lies and deception. Who is to blame? Is it the students, the teachers, or the parents? We'll dig deep into the topic of grit and explore how it can help students overcome obstacles and take ownership of their actions.

Feb 17, 202315 minEp. 18

Matt Damon, Elon Musk, the Kardashians, and Kanye West

Matt Damon, Elon Musk, the Kardashians, and Kanye West. What are they all have in common? Their jobs are to entertain us, but instead, they shit all over us. Send us your questions via email. theannoyedadult@gmail.com

Dec 10, 202234 minEp. 17

Questions answered from Twitter and Reddit

In this episode, Howard & Tina provide commentary on questions via Twitter and Reddit. They cover concerts, music, Tower records, Boomer parents, college textbooks, AM radio, and what it was like waiting forever to get a song on tape. If you would like a question answered on the show, email theannoyedadult@gmail.com or message them on Twitter @theannoyedadult.

Nov 26, 202241 minEp. 16
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android