PodcastPD

What if professional learning didn't require another workshop, another hour-long meeting, or another document sitting unopened on your desk?Dr. Wanda Terral found a surprisingly simple starting point: fortune cookies.Her book, Fortune Cookie Pedagogy, transforms short fortune-cookie messages into opportunities for educators to pause, reflect, and think differently about their practice. The idea grew from the hundreds of fortunes Wanda collected and eventually became a book featuring the voices and experiences of more than 30 educators.But the real lesson isn't about fortune cookies. It's about bite-sized reflection.Wanda explains why traditional reflection tools can fail when educators lack time to use them, and how micro-reflections can make professional learning more manageable. She also shares how experiences as a band director shaped her thinking about iteration: identify what isn't working, make a change, try again, and keep moving.The conversation also gets into authenticity, imposter syndrome, classroom safety, student connection, SEL, and what it means to create environments where students can be themselves within meaningful boundaries.And yes, we talk about AI.Wanda describes how she used Gemini to identify patterns and organize her thinking while writing the book. The important distinction? The AI didn't replace her thinking. It helped her think.If you're looking for professional learning you can actually use, this conversation is packed with small ideas that can lead to meaningful changes.You'll LearnHow a simple fortune-cookie message became the foundation for an entire approach to educator reflection.Why micro-reflection can be more practical than traditional reflection exercises.How to make reflection small enough to fit into the realities of an educator's day.Why iteration and mistakes can become powerful drivers of professional growth.How discontent can sometimes provide the motivation needed to improve practice.Why student safety and connection have to come before meaningful learning can happen.How educators can create classrooms where students can be themselves while still respecting boundaries.Why authenticity matters when educators are trying to avoid burnout and the pressure to become someone they're not.How imposter syndrome can affect educators—and how putting your thoughts into words can help move past it.How Wanda used Gemini to identify patterns and organize ideas while keeping the actual thinking and decisions human.How educators can use AI to handle minutiae while preserving professional judgment.Why bite-sized stories and reflections can make professional learning more accessible.Mentioned in This EpisodeFortune Cookie PedagogyDr. Wanda Terral's book, Fortune Cookie Pedagogy, uses fortune-cookie messages as prompts for educational reflection and features contributions from more than 30 educators.What Are We Listening To?Everything Is FakeChris recommends the BBC podcast Everything Is Fake and Nobody Cares, hosted by Jamie Bartlett.ESPN 30 for 30 Podcast — The Betrayal of Shohei OhtaniAJ recommends the ESPN 30 for 30 podcast episode examining the relationship between Shohei Ohtani and his former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara.Chief Story OfficerWanda recommends Chief Story Officer with Rob D. Willis, which she found useful while learning more about storytelling and how leaders can strategically use stories.StoryworthyChris recommends Matthew Dicks' Storyworthy as a resource for developing and telling engaging stories.

Burnout is one of the most common and most difficult challenges facing educators today. In Episode 155 of PodcastPD, Chris Nesi and AJ Bianco tackle the topic head-on as part of their ongoing 2026 series exploring how we might “fix” education. While burnout exists in every profession, the unique pressures of education, from student behavior and bureaucratic tasks to unrealistic expectations, can make it especially exhausting for teachers and administrators alike.Chris and AJ explore what burnout really looks like in schools, how small frustrations compound into larger problems, and why educators often feel emotionally drained even when they still care deeply about their students. The conversation also examines systemic issues such as outdated school models, standardized testing pressures, and the disconnect between modern students and traditional schooling. Most importantly, they discuss practical ways educators can support each other, build positive school cultures, and keep moving forward—even when the job feels heavy.In This EpisodeDefining educator burnout and why it affects teachers and administrators differentlyHow small frustrations compound into professional exhaustionThe hidden impact of paperwork, policies, and bureaucracyWhy many educators feel disconnected from the modern student experienceThe role of outdated school structures in educator frustrationLeadership styles that help reduce—or worsen—burnoutWhy appreciation and positive culture matter in schoolsSimple actions educators can take to support colleagues and improve moraleKey Ideas From the ConversationBurnout is often not caused by one major issue, but by the accumulation of small frustrations.Administrative tasks and paperwork frequently distract from what educators value most—working with students.Many educators feel schools have not kept pace with the modern world or the needs of students.Positive leadership and supportive cultures can significantly reduce burnout.Educators must also take responsibility for supporting and encouraging one another in their buildings.What Are We Listening to?AJ: Lead It Like LassoMuch like Ted Lasso, the show Lead it Like Lasso takes a fresh approach to leadership. The foreword alone will shock you. The lessons outlined are not just for business leaders. Rule #1 – "Leadership is Life!" These tools can be applied in the boardroom, locker room, classroom, and living room.

In this kickoff episode of PodcastPD’s 2026 monthly series, Chris Nesi and AJ Bianco launch a year-long conversation around one big, loaded question: What does it actually mean to “fix” education? Drawing from their perspectives as a classroom teacher and a building administrator, they unpack why education feels broken—and why quick fixes and political talking points miss the point.The conversation dives into student engagement, burnout, technology overload, cell phone policies, professional development, and the lingering effects of the pandemic. Rather than offering silver bullets, Chris and AJ focus on what is within educators’ control: mindset, instructional choices, leadership decisions, and how we grow as professionals. This episode sets the tone for a thoughtful, honest series focused on meaningful, sustainable change—one classroom and one school at a time.Key Topics DiscussedWhat people really mean when they say “education is broken”The post-pandemic reality vs. the promise of changeStudent apathy, grit, and cognitive enduranceTeachers caught between engagement and exhaustionAdministrators navigating mandates, data, and human needsThe pendulum swing of educational technologyCell phone bans, Chromebooks, handwriting, and balanceWhy professional development needs a resetWhat educators can actually control right nowGrowth mindset, experimentation, and learning out loudWhat Are We Listening to?AJ: The Mindset Mentor podcast, hosted by Rob Dial.AJ describes it as a mindset and personal growth podcast that blends psychology, neuroscience, habit-building, and goal setting, and notes that he’s been especially into recent episodes focused on preparing for 2026, habits, anxiety, and self-improvement.Chris: Instead of a traditional podcast recommendation this month, Chris is spotlighting a daily short-form video series he’s been creating throughout January focused entirely on how to start a podcast.

Chris Nesi and A.J. Bianco sit down with educator, author, and school leader Rich Czyz to discuss his latest book, Autopilot: Practical Productivity for School Leaders. Rich shares insights drawn from his experience during the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of delegating, automating tasks, and setting boundaries in a busy educational environment. Listeners will gain valuable strategies to combat burnout, improve communication, and foster a more productive culture within their schools.Topics Discussed:Techniques for Enhancing Productivity in Education:Rich emphasizes the need for school leaders to adopt effective strategies that emerged particularly during the pandemic. He discusses how educators are often overwhelmed by numerous responsibilities, which can lead to burnout. The conversation emphasizes the importance of prioritizing essential tasks and refining processes to foster a more productive environment.Addressing Common Pain Points for School Leaders:Throughout the episode, Rich identifies specific pain points that many school leaders face, such as managing an overwhelming influx of emails and addressing the myriad requests from staff and students. He suggests that school leaders recognize these challenges and prioritize their time by setting boundaries, such as designated times for checking email.The Importance of Delegation and Creating a Supportive School Culture:Rich advocates for the power of delegation as a means of reducing workload and empowering others within the school environment. He discusses how school leaders can and should share responsibilities with staff and even students. This not only alleviates pressure on leaders but also fosters a sense of ownership and collaboration among the team.Strategies for Managing Email and Communication Effectively:Rich shares his "B.O.A.T." strategy—Blocked Off Answering Times—where he designates specific times in the day to focus on emails, allowing him to better manage interruptions and maintain productivity throughout the day. By doing this, he sets expectations for his communication style and encourages others, including staff and parents, to respect these boundaries.Insights from Rich's Book and Its Origins:Rich delves into the many strategies that were developed during his efforts to lead effectively in a challenging educational landscape marked by the pandemic.Creating a Vision for Work-Life Balance:Rich highlights the importance of fostering a culture that respects individual boundaries and promotes personal well-being. By advising school leaders to occasionally close their doors and protect their time, he highlights a crucial aspect of effective leadership—maintaining a healthy work-life balance for both themselves and their staff.What Are We Listening ToAJ: Cold Blooded: Mystery in Alaska & The Hand in the WindowChris: House of EdTech SmackDownRich: Cal Newport’s A Deep Life Podcast & How I Write

In this episode of PodcastPD, hosts Chris Nesi and AJ Bianco take a deep dive into the wild world of Reddit’s teacher community — reacting to real posts from educators about burnout, parent conferences, grading policies, and the reality of work-life balance in education.From heartfelt burnout confessions to debates about deducting points for missing names, Chris and AJ bring their signature mix of humor, honesty, and professional insight to each post. They also tackle questions about AI tools for teachers, new educator struggles, and what happens when “a rich guy wants to be a teacher.” Whether you’re a veteran educator, a new teacher, or just curious about what really happens in schools, this conversation is equal parts entertaining and enlightening.Key Topics Discussed:Teacher burnout and finding balance in year fourThe role of AI in easing educator workloadEffective communication during parent-teacher conferencesAccountability vs. empathy in grading (the “no-name paper” debate)A millionaire’s dream: Should rich professionals become teachers?Tips for surviving the first year of teachingUsing time management and boundaries to avoid burnoutCommunity comments from live listeners and former studentsMentioned in Episode:Get PD certificates for listeningMilestone Events🧠 AJ’s “Elite Performance Coach” ChatGPT Prompt“From now on, you are my Elite Performance Coach. Your role is to help me optimize my daily habits, time management, and productivity like a top-performing leader in education. Ask clarifying questions to understand my goals, responsibilities, and schedule. Then, create realistic daily and weekly plans that prioritize focus, balance, and recovery. Hold me accountable with specific check-ins, and suggest tools or methods (like time blocking, reflection, or task batching) that align with my personality and workload. Keep your feedback direct, encouraging, and practical.”