In this episode, I discuss the critical role education plays in society, the challenges teachers face during professional development, and the importance of educators having more control over curriculum development. I argue that empowering teachers with both knowledge and responsibility can lead to better outcomes for students. Interested in more of my thoughts and opinions? I send out a weekly newsletter where I cover topics similar to the ones discussed on the show. Click here to subscribe! Fo...
Aug 05, 2025•11 min•Ep. 22
In this episode, I talk about the critical role education plays in our society and why I believe we need to restructure the school calendar to better support student learning. I propose a year-round school model with a four-day week, focusing on the importance of making our teaching hours more effective. I also dive into the complexities of teacher pay, arguing that we need to raise salaries—but with that, we should also raise standards to attract and keep high-quality educators. I conclude by e...
Jul 29, 2025•14 min•Ep. 21
In this episode, I discuss the critical role education plays in our society and emphasize the importance of helping students make wise choices. I share my thoughts on the traditional summer break and argue for a year-round school calendar to prevent learning loss. I also critique modern curricula, suggesting that they often lower expectations and discourage critical thinking. Instead, I advocate for bringing back classical education methods to better prepare students for the future. Interested i...
Jul 22, 2025•13 min•Ep. 20
In this episode, I talk about the intersection of education, perseverance, and the challenges we face as a society. I emphasize why it’s so important to teach perseverance to young people, and I critique how our current education system often enables students to give up too easily when faced with challenges. I also reflect on the value of higher education today—are we pursuing degrees for true learning, or just for status? I conclude with a brief personal update on my own educational journey. In...
Jul 15, 2025•14 min•Ep. 19
In this episode, I discuss the critical role education plays in our society and why we need to make wise choices when it comes to how we educate our children. I explore the impact of federal funding on local education systems and share my concerns about the current state of professional development for teachers. I also discuss the challenges surrounding after-school programs and emphasize the importance of grammar in helping students develop into independent thinkers and effective communicators....
Jul 08, 2025•26 min•Ep. 18
In this episode, I discuss the importance of lifelong learning and self-improvement, extending beyond formal education. I emphasize how writing helps solidify the knowledge we gain from reading, and I share some of the techniques I use for active reading. I also delve into what I believe should be the primary goals of education: moral formation and service to the community, as a means to help develop responsible citizens. Ultimately, I critique the current approach to accountability and standard...
Jul 01, 2025•37 min•Ep. 17
In this episode, I explore the intersections of education, culture, and politics, focusing on the importance of equitable education, school choice, and the role of technology in the learning process. I discuss the need for high standards in education, the significance of character development, and how technology can enhance access to knowledge. I emphasize that true education should benefit students and prepare them for real‑world challenges, and I advocate for a more personalized, community‑dri...
Jun 24, 2025•25 min•Ep. 16
In this episode, I discuss the crucial role of subject matter expertise in education and why teachers need to be lifelong learners. I emphasize that professional development should go beyond just teaching strategies—it should focus on helping educators deepen their understanding of the subjects they teach. I then shift the conversation to civic education, arguing that students need to be taught how to engage with their local communities and take responsibility for their civic duties. I advocate ...
Jun 17, 2025•23 min•Ep. 15
In this episode of The Modern Republic , I talk about why it’s time to re-evaluate the traditional summer break. I emphasize the importance of outdoor socialization, low-stakes academic assignments, and summer jobs as integral components of a student’s development. From there, I dig into the role of technology in education, raising questions about its actual effectiveness and the dependence it can create. I conclude by sharing a more holistic view of curriculum, one that balances physical educat...
Jun 10, 2025•30 min•Ep. 14
In this episode, I discuss Texas Senate Bill 10, which requires the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. While I support Christian education, I raise concerns about how effective this bill will actually be in a public school setting. I also dive into the role of technology in education, especially the potential downsides of AI-driven learning. I emphasize the importance of maintaining high educational standards and encourage independence in learning rather than creating a...
Jun 03, 2025•21 min•Ep. 13
In this episode, I talk about the arbitrary length of the school year, the challenges that come with summer break, and the need for a more structured and consistent educational environment. I critique the current standardized testing system and introduce House Bill 4, which proposes replacing long, high-stakes tests with shorter assessments spread throughout the year. I emphasize the importance of empowering teachers to design assessments reflecting student mastery and the need to hold students ...
May 27, 2025•29 min•Ep. 12
In this episode, I talk about the current state of public school funding in Texas, the implications of school voucher programs, and why liberal arts education is so important for developing moral reasoning. I highlight the challenges our public schools are facing because of funding cuts and explain how voucher programs could further undermine the quality of education. I also make the case for a classical education approach that emphasizes critical thinking, empathy, and moral reasoning because I...
May 20, 2025•29 min•Ep. 11
In this episode, I dive into the growing push for AI and computer science education in our high schools and ask some hard questions about what’s really driving it. I talk about the sharp decline in reading habits across the country and how that’s affecting our ability to communicate clearly and effectively. I also make the case for teaching conversation and speech as structured subjects in public schools—skills that are just as important as math or science. I wrap up by sharing why I believe tea...
May 13, 2025•37 min•Ep. 10
In this episode, I explore the role of technology and AI in education, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced approach that prioritizes foundational skills over technological dependence. I critique the current educational structure and lay out my vision for a reimagined school system—one that separates students by age and grade, focuses on delivering age-appropriate content, and builds strong character. I also outline a comprehensive framework from elementary through senior high sc...
Apr 30, 2025•34 min•Ep. 9
In this episode, I discuss the pressing need for innovative ideas in education, critique the current system's focus on uniformity, and propose a new structure for schools that emphasizes community involvement and tailored educational standards. I also explore the challenges of reading retention, the toxic relationship many have with work, and the importance of recognizing individual student needs in the pursuit of equity in education. Interested in more of my thoughts and opinions? I send out a ...
Apr 23, 2025•39 min•Ep. 8
In this episode, I delve into a bold reimagining of America’s education system, where small, community-rooted schools replace bloated bureaucracies. I champion decentralized governance, showcasing charter schools as dynamic engines of change that blend accountability with innovation. Against a backdrop of rising digital dependency and the erosion of face-to-face learning, I critique modern tech-heavy classrooms and extol the virtues of classical education—reminding us that true learning builds c...
Apr 16, 2025•36 min•Ep. 7
In this episode I discuss how our behavior is often driven more by the fear of negative consequences than by genuine moral conviction—a dynamic evident in everyday settings like schools, where students attend class to avoid punishment rather than out of a commitment to learning, and in broader societal issues from speeding fines to cancel culture silencing political debates on topics like school choice and gun control; I argue that while laws are essential for deterring misconduct, they should a...
Apr 09, 2025•25 min•Ep. 6
In today's episode, I talked about the tension between traditional subjects like history, literature, science, and mathematics and modern skillsets such as digital literacy and emotional intelligence, emphasizing that a balanced curriculum builds both strong intellects and robust character. Then, I spoke about how nurturing a well-rounded education that values critical thinking, clear writing, and moral integrity can empower students to become thoughtful and responsible citizens. Finally, I disc...
Apr 02, 2025•33 min•Ep. 5
In this episode, I explore the idea of replacing career politicians with expert leaders, diving into whether specialized knowledge and expertise could create better governance. I examine the potential benefits of this shift while also considering the risks, such as elitism or disconnect from everyday citizens. The question remains: would a meritocratic leadership model truly improve society, or does democracy offer a more balanced approach? Next, I draw parallels between Plato’s vision of an ide...
Mar 26, 2025•40 min•Ep. 4
In this episode I dive into some critical political and international issues shaping today’s landscape. I explore Senate Bill 37 and its potential impact on higher education, discussing how this bill could reshape university funding and policies, and examining both the short-term and long-term effects on institutions and students. I also shift focus to the looming threat of a government shutdown, breaking down what a shutdown would mean for the country, touching on its economic consequences, gov...
Mar 19, 2025•34 min•Ep. 3
In this episode, I discuss the Trump administration’s border security measures, focusing on Vice President J.D. Vance’s visit to Eagle Pass, Texas. Vance highlighted the significant decline in illegal border crossings, crediting Trump’s leadership rather than new legislation. The focus is on deporting criminals and encouraging legal immigration while addressing the dangers of drug cartels and criminal activity at the border. I also discuss President Trump’s tariff policies, which aim to protect ...
Mar 10, 2025•28 min•Ep. 2
In this episode, I take a closer look at Senate Bill 26 in Texas and explore its potential effects on teachers across the state. I also discuss the continuation of federal spending cuts under the Trump administration and what that means for public services, particularly education. Additionally, I share a brief update on the Pope and reflect on the importance of staying informed and involved in education. I make the case for why it’s crucial for more people to care about the direction education i...
Mar 03, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1
