The Greatest Education Podcast: Recent Episodes
Zack Kauffman
I grew up in the American Education System. I experienced both public and private schooling before going to college as an education major. After years of teaching, the same problems within the education system continue to pop up over and over again. After being on both ends as both a student and a teacher, it has become clear that the current system has countless inefficiencies and leaves a lot to be desired. So, I decided to explore, where DO people experience their greatest education? Both within myself and the guests that are featured on the show, we will be exploring the most valuable lessons learned and how to truly maximize your own education experience throughout your life. Enjoy!!!
It's fantasy football draft season right now! After a couple weeks off due to some tech issues, we're back with a fun episode about 3 Guiding Life Principles I learned from playing fantasy sports.
:32 Me and my technology have not been doing well in August
5:46 Don't Let Other People Make Decisions for You: The Kawhi Leonard Lesson
16:29 Make moves you can cheer for: Legal issues, bad decisions, character flaws, rivalries, and choosing who you cheer for
22:15 Going down your own way: being veryyyyyyyyy wrong about Marshawn Lynch... and Derrick Henry.
Plus tips for saving time managing your fantasy team (but still winning of course), shout out to Dynasty Nerds, and I break down the players that have made it onto the most of my own fantasy teams.
Enjoy!!!
Get at me with your favorite players, favorite sleepers, and any lessons you've learned from playing fantasy football!
Find The Greatest Education on Facebook! Join our Fantasy Football, Food, and Fitness facebook group!
Elite Energy Website (Free course available!)
Sometimes these go hand in hand with the college experience... sometimes they open up more opportunities than 4 years of college.
What if you could learn far more in depth about something you're interested in for a fraction of the cost of going to college? You can. And they're often more easily accessible than you realize. You just have to look.
Find The Greatest Education on Facebook!
Contact Zack
Elite Energy Website (Free course available!)
Where can we find better learning experiences than a classroom? Today, we address the benefits and lessons that come from traveling and why YOU need to add it to your schedule as soon as the current pandemic is past us.
Important links:
Hudson and Emily travelled to all 50 states!
Derek's first flight!
10xTravel (Travel Hacking)
Find The Greatest Education on Facebook!
Contact Zack
Elite Energy Website (Free course available!)
5 years of lunch duty... every. single. day. 3 years of lunch duty TWICE A DAY. No, this podcast isn't about how much of a waste of resources it can be for teachers to constantly be used outside of their area of expertise. This podcast is about the "ADHD diet" that was witnessed on a daily basis.
Chips, candy, chocolate, sugared drinks, staying up late and relying on constant sugar highs to get through the day...
Why is the diet not addressed when it comes to "ADHD" behavior?
How does sugar impact students?
What foods help the students be able to consume sugar and not have such huge fluctuations from maximum energy to exhaustion?
These topics and many more are exactly what we address today, ending with some practical ways to build healthy meals outside of the terrible school lunches most schools are equipped with.
We just finished one of the most unique school years of all time. After having to shut down our schools to finish this year and a lot of uncertainty around what the next school year will look like, this is the best opportunity we've ever had to really assess what we're doing in schools and if it's actually effective.
This is part the final installment in the 5 part series.
Have you recognized the common problems yet?
The same flaws of our system just keep standing out more and more and more as our kids go through this current system in place. They continue along the same poor pattern as we address the problems of:
The time and money wasted in meaningless gen eds.
Handcuffing our future by locking in 10-50 years of paying back debt for most graduates!
The scam that is college textbook prices and how I got around that problem after paying $1200 for books I didn't even use my first semester.
The slow process for new research and innovation to travel from the field to textbooks to the classroom.
From having been a teacher, I'm passionate about the importance of education. But there's so many flaws in how we apply our education. I spend most of this series all the way hyped up, so you're gonna feel the energy at every single moment. Let's goooooo!!!
We just finished one of the most unique school years of all time. After having to shut down our schools to finish this year and a lot of uncertainty around what the next school year will look like, this is the best opportunity we've ever had to really assess what we're doing in schools and if it's actually effective.
This is part 4 of an ongoing series.
Have you recognized the common problems yet?
The same flaws of our system just keep standing out more and more and more as our kids go through this current system in place.
I'm tired of just pointing out the flaws. This is where I present my view of how we could create a better system that fits our current world... AND ISN'T 100+++ YEARS OUTDATED!
From having been a teacher, I'm passionate about the importance of education. But there's so many flaws in how we apply our education. I spend most of this series all the way hyped up, so you're gonna feel the energy at every single moment. Let's goooooo!!!
We just finished one of the most unique school years of all time. After having to shut down our schools to finish this year and a lot of uncertainty around what the next school year will look like, this is the best opportunity we've ever had to really assess what we're doing in schools and if it's actually effective.
This is part 3 of an ongoing series. Originally, I was planning on doing this in a 4 part series: elementary school, middle school, high school, and college. But there were a couple topics that I really wanted to address that I had a really hard time fitting into one of those distinct groups. They kind of flow fluidly across most grades, so I decided that needed to be it's own show.
This podcast covers:
The system of the education system.
Why teachers are, by definition, good at getting through the school system. But not all kids are...
5 years of lunch duty. every. single. day... and what I learned about the "ADHD" student's typical lunch.
How overcrowded classes encourage us to put kids on drugs rather than individualize their education.
How Covid cancelled the biggest waste of time in education.
Why do students practice taking tests for 12+ years... only to never need them again in life?
I finish with a genuine shout out to all the amazing teachers out there. Thank you!!!
From having been a teacher, I'm passionate about the importance of education. But there's so many flaws in how we apply our education. I spend most of this series all the way hyped up, so you're gonna feel the energy at every single moment. Let's goooooo!!!
We just finished one of the most unique school years of all time. After having to shut down our schools to finish this year and a lot of uncertainty around what the next school year will look like, this is the best opportunity we've ever had to really assess what we're doing in schools and if it's actually effective.
This is part 2 of an ongoing series. Today, we look at middle school education. This is one of the most unique points of a student's life as they're going through so many changes and really trying to understand who they are. But instead of embracing this unique time... we fill classes beyond the teacher's capacity, we go through the motions repeating the same subjects and often the same content they've been learning their entire educational existence, and we accelerate the emphasis of high stakes state testing (wasting MONTHS practicing for a test where the scores are arbitrary, the topics can be googled in any other setting, and the students taking the test are some of the most unpredictable humans in existence).
This episode is worth the listen just for my rant on how stupid it is that we've created a system where middle schoolers- the same kids that can't wear deodorant consistently and most of their actions revolve around "I dunno, I wanted to see what would happen"-middle schoolers and an arbitrary number on a test determine a school's funding.
From having been a teacher, I'm passionate about the importance of education. But there's so many flaws in how we apply our education. I spend most of this series all the way hyped up, so you're gonna feel the energy at every single moment. Let's goooooo!!!
We just finished one of the most unique school years of all time. After having to shut down our schools to finish this year and a lot of uncertainty around what the next school year will look like, this is the best opportunity we've ever had to really assess what we're doing in schools and if it's actually effective.
This is part 1 of an ongoing series. Today, we look at elementary education. Elementary school is where kids get to learn to socialize with others. They learn the foundations of their ability to read, write, do math, and communicate with others. Kids are so full of energy! It's a great time and should be a great experience. But we're still left with a lot of questions.
Why do we take kids-at their highest level of energy and excitement and curiosity-and force them to sit still and pay attention and follow directions for 6-8 hours a day???
Why are boys so easily labeled ADHD as elementary schoolers?
Why do we sedate high energy children with drugs so frequently?
How is it possible that Napoleon Hill wrote about how outdated the education system was in the 1930's... and we STILL haven't changed anything that he pointed out?
Why are 10 year olds taking high pressure standardized tests?
Why is school funding tied into how a 10 year old does on a test?
From having been a teacher, I'm passionate about the importance of education. But there's so many flaws in how we apply our education. I spend most of this series all the way hyped up, so you're gonna feel the energy at every single moment.
There was one lesson I learned as a teacher that stood above everything else. It's something that continues to impact my life to this day. I wish I would have known and understood this when I was a student. My hope is that it changes your approach with every single person you interact with as you go about your day.
Great leaders have flaws. Great leaders are built, not born. Great leaders rise when they are called. Great leaders unite. I break down the greatest lessons we can learn from an NBA champion, turned community leader.
This podcast is dedicated to the influence and inspiration of Stephen Jackson: from his struggle to find a place in the NBA to becoming a great role player and NBA champion to his leadership in the aftermath of George Floyd's death.
"Love for all who have love for all."
Great leaders have flaws. Great leaders are built, not born. Great leaders rise when they are called. Great leaders unite. I break down the greatest lessons we can learn from an NBA champion, turned community leader.
This podcast is dedicated to the influence and inspiration of Stephen Jackson: from his struggle to find a place in the NBA to becoming a great role player and NBA champion to his leadership in the aftermath of George Floyd's death.
"Love for all who have love for all."
Most people want to improve their life in some way. That may be fitness, nutrition, reading more, spending more time with their family, or any more of a million different things to improve. I teach life change through fitness and nutrition, but the exact same concepts apply to anything else you want to change. There's a cycle that defines all progress. On this episode, we dive into each of the 4 elements of the cycle, how each one leads to the next step, and the most effective place to start. If you have something you've been wanting to improve, but you've felt stuck or haven't known where to start: this is the podcast for you! Enjoy!!!
You ever think you have a relevant excuse for not achieving your goals? Derek Maiden was 425 pounds when he decided to make a change. After losing 150+ pounds (and most importantly, keeping it off) we talk about the lessons he learned along the way, the perspective shifts he experienced, and the greatest moments across his fitness journey. Derek is one of the most authentic and thoughtful people you’ll come across and his stories show the true impact of how changing your fitness and health expands far outside of any gym as it’s been impacting him, his family, and the students he works with ever since. Enjoy!
According to our school system, Pete Harrower has a learning disability. According to any standardized tests or gpa, he’s a below average student. How does he go from never playing goalie to all conference in 2 years? How has he read over 100 books since graduating? How has he become an author...twice...with more books on the way? Why does our school system count out amazing people like him? This is his story. This is why I needed to create this platform. I’m so excited to share his story, inspire those kids that are made to feel like they’re not meant to achieve anything because they don’t fit into the school system, and dive into the question of where you REALLY experience your greatest education? Let’s go!
We cover some great topics along the way including:
Dealing with dyslexia and feeling like a "mistake."
The impact of public school vs private school.
The role and impact of playing sports.
Dealing with other people's expectations as you find your own path.
Taking a year off after high school... do you learn any less not going to college than you do your during freshman year of college?
The influence of a legendary rapper in Peter's writing.
The process of becoming an author.
Steve Weatherford's Mighty 300.
Reading 100 books! Peter's top recommendations:
-Chase the Lion
-Can't Hurt Me
Reach out to Peter:
peterharrower.com
@peterharrower623
This is my #1 expertise! I break down the essentials for energizing your life through exercise.
-
Creating consistency.
-
Moving well: Strengthening your posture, adding balance and stability through great form.
-
Strengthen good movement patterns.
-
Build capacity: Raise the ceiling on what you're capable of.
-
HAVE FUN! How to make exercise enjoyable. How to turn exercise into a stress reliever instead of a stressor.
The food you consume has a huge impact on your energy! We cover the biggest principles in eating for energy including:
The two types of food with the ability to kill your energy.
Creating consistent energy.
Reducing "in the moment" food decisions.
How to avoid energy "crashes".
High glycemic foods and what to replace them with.
Taking a food and time inventory.
The carbs you WANT for high energy.
How to prepare for when things don't go as planned.
This week's ACTION steps!
Episode 1
The people around you have the ability to CHANGE YOUR LIFE!
That change can be for the better... or it can be for the worse. Who are the people surrounding you? What can you do to upgrade your circle? What does it mean to truly upgrade your circle?
This episode we dive into the importance of the people in your life and offer a challenge to appreciate those that have been there for you and to build up an even greater team around you!
Maximizing your energy isn't about becoming an extrovert. It's about using your unique skills, abilities, and passions to give more of your best qualities to the people around you.
Today, we focus on the first step. When I coach fitness and nutrition clients, I always start with establishing the "baseline." The goal of a baseline is to find out EXACTLY where you're at right now. Once the baseline is established it's far easier to determine the path to progress. We're going to take the same approach to maximizing your energy. Establish the baseline now. There's more to come!
Today's topic covers:
2019 Highlights: Tyler Cisek, Hudson and Emily, Andrew Haverstick
-The starting line of coaching: Find the Baseline -It’s snowing while I’m recording! WTF! -Put yourself in the best position to succeed by knowing and understanding yourself -Looking at the extremes: High level positive, Rock Bottom, Your contribution to the world
As we head into the time of year where most people are reflecting on the past year and setting goals for the next year, Andrew Haverstick drops in to talk about achieving a goal he's dreamed of reaching since 5th grade! Our conversation covers topics and adventures specific to the 2200 mile hike as well as life lessons learned along the way. Some of the topics that stand out: The important influence of 5th grade teacher. The greatest form of fitness that contributed to hiking (definitely not what I would have thought). How overthinking has the potential to hold us back and how important it is to keep moving forward consistently whether on the trail or in our day to day life. Sleeping on top of 8 inches of snow and fording creeks in Maine. Hiking through the different seasons. The benefits provided by hiking when dealing with the loss of a loved one. The biggest thing he learned about himself along the way. What it's like to be in rhythm with nature. 31 miles in a day!!! Appreciating the small things... like showering! Making friends with other hikers from all over the world. WHO should hike the Appalachian trail? Putting smaller inconveniences in perspective. The BEST part of the trail! Follow/Contact/Learn more about Andrew: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg6eYbh5TShtPBmuiiIdxcQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahaverstick13/ Mighty Blue on the Appalachian Trail featuring Andrew: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-196-andrew-haverstick-gandalf/id1157619382?i=1000459379316
The greatest foundation for learning sales, marketing, and business principles were the items I sold growing up. From spitball guns to sports cards to gum and eventually sneakers, textbooks, and golf clubs: I learned far more from selling those items than any financial lessons through school.
What forms of education stand out apart from the normal education system?
Part 1 in this current Greatest Education series dives into how sports create a foundational form of education for kids.
Topics include:
How sports and specific skills aren't the ultimate goal of sports.
The social and mental aspects of sports: including teamwork, friendship, confidence, work ethic, practice, leadership, and more.
Lessons taught from playing sports.
The value of learning through something you enjoy, rather than something you have to do.
Seeing the results of the work you put in.
In 2018 I achieved one of my biggest goals for the year. But it wasn't the result I expected.
This week has been an adventure getting the podcast out. I start out by calling an audible. I had previously recorded a podcast, but it didn't feel genuine to the goal of this podcast. I deleted it and this episode is the re-up.
Topics in this episode:
My big goal for 2018 and the WHY behind it.
How I achieved the goal, but the end result wasn't what I expected and hoped for.
How the experience changed my perspective and how I've adjusted this year.
How you can apply this to reaching your own goals.
Challenge of the week!
Shout Outs:
Niyi Sobo
Sports Motivation Podcast
Get Ya Mind Right
Books:
50th Law
The Power Of Full Engagement
Precision Nutrition
The Score Takes Care of Itself
Eat That Frog
This episode brings up some of the biggest questions around education and sets up some of the big topics to think about as I head into my next series exploring our current education system.
Shout outs:
Borrowed Future
Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill (Book)
Niyi Sobo (former NFL player, podcaster, mindset coach):
Sports Motivation Podcast
Get Ya Mind Right
It's been a couple months while other things take priority, but this show doubles as both a step forward for me and an encouragement and challenge to all of you.
3 Books stand above all others in the impact they've had on my life. This podcast covers the lasting impact they've had:
How Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki taught me how important mindset is in finances, business, and life. The foundations that this book laid for me have built everything I've learned in terms of wealth and money ever since.
How the application of I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi made learning personal finance as simplified as possible.
How The Power of Full Engagement helped me stop trying to manage my time and focus instead on how to maximize my energy.
Plus, runners up:
The Art of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
50th Law by Robert Greene and 50 Cent
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill
And, of course, we finish with your weekly challenge! Enjoy!!!
Hudson and Emily Crider join the podcast ONE STATE AWAY from visiting all 50 states in the US! Our inspiring conversation dives into: How a project during Hudson's freshman year sparked the idea to visit all 50 states. How they decided to map out and start their journey... and how quickly things didn't go as planned. Hudson and Emily's two biggest life quotes that guide their decision making and their outlook on difficult times. The biggest highlights of the first 49 states, including a full agreement on the most underrated state in the US and finding out Emily's favorite place she visited wasn't even in the US! The adventures of breaking down during tornado season, running out of gas in Canada, and sleeping in an RV in 114 degree heat. The biggest lessons learned along the way. The #Hudsonandemilychallenge All of that plus a mutual connection to Lancaster PA, a shoutout to Chas Alecxih, and so much more! Enjoy!!!
2 time Spikeball National Champion, Tyler Cisek, joins the show!
We discuss:
-how he got started playing Spikeball and his journey from playing with friends to winning the National Championship.
-Why soccer players should appreciate the Golden State Warriors.
-Tyler's sports background and how that foundation translated to his skills in Spikeball.
-Designing an online course to help people get better at Spikeball all over the world.
-We finish with a GREAT challenge for this week offered by Tyler!
All of those highlights plus travel stories, a shoutout to Lancaster PA, Drew Cisek coming through to make sure you hear the correct stats, and so much more. Enjoy!!!
Growing up, I bought, sold, and traded sports cards with my friends and eventually through eBay as well.
Years later, in high school, I used the insights I gained from my elementary sports cards hustle to completely make up an interview assignment for my Economics class...
This is what I learned from the teacher's response and why it still stands out to me over a decade later.
I grew up in the American Education System. I experienced both public and private schooling before going to college as an education major. After years of teaching, the same problems within the education system continue to pop up over and over again. After being on both ends as both a student and a teacher, it has become clear that the current system has countless inefficiencies and leaves a lot to be desired. So, I decided to explore, where DO people experience their greatest education? Both within myself and the guests that are featured on the show, we will be exploring the most valuable lessons learned and how to truly maximize your own education experience throughout your life. Enjoy!!!