The Teach Different Podcast

In this episode of the Teach Different podcast, Dan and Steve Fouts, along with guest Lauren Brown, a seasoned history teacher, explore famous Nobel Prize winning scientist Marie Curie’s quote: “Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood.” The conversation delves into the role of understanding in overcoming fear, both in educational settings and in broader societal contexts. Lauren shares her perspective as a teacher, discussing how knowledge and education can help students conquer their fears, whether it's related to academic performance or larger global issues like climate change and political unrest. The hosts expand on the idea, emphasizing how understanding can reduce irrational fears and build empathy, especially when it comes to diversity and social issues. They also touch on how fear, in some cases, can be a motivator rather than a paralyzing force. Ultimately, they agree that while understanding is the first step, action is often necessary to truly overcome fear. This thought-provoking discussion highlights the balance between education, emotional awareness, and the need for both logical thinking and action in confronting personal and societal fears. Portrait of Marie Curie https://images.app.goo.gl/f6SPVPTdxFNWthj69 Wikimedia Commons https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of the Teach Different Podcast, Dan and Steve Fouts interview Katelyn Donnelly, an expert in education, workforce, and business, who shares insights on the importance of preparation and adaptability in shaping one's future. The discussion revolves around the quote from Malcolm X: "The future belongs to those who prepare for it today." Katelyn discusses her career journey, highlighting the significance of preparation in entrepreneurship and innovation. The conversation also explores the balance between preparation and spontaneity, the role of perseverance in overcoming unexpected challenges, and the impact of over-preparation on mental well-being. The episode emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, adaptability, and the often unseen effort behind success. Malcolm X, half-length portrait -Ed Ford https://images.app.goo.gl/byh2YErpJzKyZyo79 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/publicdomain/  

In the podcast, Dan Fouts and Steve Fouts interview Sabari Raja, an entrepreneur turned investor with a rich background in education and technology. The conversation centers around a quote by Stephen Covey: "I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions." Sabari shares her personal journey, starting from her upbringing on a coconut farm in South India to her successful career in the U.S. She highlights the challenges she faced, such as the lack of social capital and community expectations, and how she overcame them through education and determination. Sabari recounts key moments in her life, such as pursuing an MBA while raising young children, transitioning from a stable corporate job to entrepreneurship, and eventually becoming an investor focused on supporting entrepreneurs with similar experiences. The discussion delves into the importance of personal agency and decision-making, emphasizing that while circumstances can influence one's path, individual choices play a crucial role in shaping one's destiny. Sabari also touches on the significance of support systems, sharing how her family, especially her husband, played a vital role in her journey. The conversation also explores the nuances of privilege, luck, and the interplay between circumstances and decisions, providing a balanced perspective on the quote's claim and counterclaim. Image Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/50924847@N07/4725216907/   Portal Abras https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

How do you know what type of leadership style to use in any given situation? Leadership is hard work, due in large part to the fact that people are often resistant to doing work and following the lead of others. As Eisenhower himself must have known as a commander in World War II, sometimes people must be convinced to follow orders whether they like it or not. But leadership also entails artful persuasion of individuals to do what they want done, out of their own self-interest and genuine desire. Knowing just the right strategy to use in different situations holds the key to a leader's success. Join Steve and Dan Fouts – founders of Teach Different and twin brothers with over 50 years of teaching experience – along with Fonda Held and Molly Naylor, school leaders from the Denver and Aurora, Colorado area - as they discuss the delicate art of leadership, enriched by the Teach Different Method. Teach Different serves educational institutions, families, corporate entities, and mental health communities. If you think the TD method could be effective in your setting, we'd love to hear from you! support@teachdifferent.com Image source: Dwight D. Eisenhower official photo portrait. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Eisenhower_official.jpg Public Domain  

What does it mean to be “at home”? The concept of home is more nuanced than it appears. On the one hand, we can think of home as a physical place of comfort and safety where needs for protection are met. But we can also think about home as a place where we feel listened to and where our humanity is acknowledged. Our unique definition of 'home' may change throughout our lives depending on who we meet and what experiences we have. Join Steve and Dan Fouts – founders of Teach Different and twin brothers with over 50 years of teaching experience – along with Ari Gerzon-Kessler - author, consultant and family partnerships coordinator for Boulder Valley School District in Boulder, Colorado, as they discuss the meaning and importance of home, enriched by the Teach Different Method. Teach Different serves educational institutions, families, corporate entities, and mental health communities. If you think the TD method could be effective in your setting, we'd love to hear from you! support@teachdifferent.com Image source:  https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/deed.no   Public Domain.

How do we prevent technology from controlling our lives? Today, Steve and Dan Fouts tackle an engaging quote about technology from Norwegian educator and Nobel Peace Prize winner Christian Lous Lange. Through connections to World War I, artificial intelligence, social media, and more, we contemplate the proper role technology should play in shaping our existence. Teach Different serves educational institutions, families, corporate entities, and mental health communities. If you think the TD method could be effective in your setting, we'd love to hear from you! support@teachdifferent.com Image source: Store norske leksikon⁠⁠⁠ | Av Historia/REX/NTB. | Public Domain

How do we know when to give people a second chance? Join seasoned educators Steve and Dan Fouts as they delve into the profound wisdom of Maya Angelou's quote, "When somebody shows you who they are, believe them the first time." In this thought-provoking discussion, they explore the application of Angelou's thoughts on personal relationships and the difficult decisions teachers must make in the classroom. Steve recounts the captivating tale of Jarvis, the very inspiration that sparked the creation of Teach Different. Guest English/Philosophy teacher Laurie Grady from Haverford Township School District in Pennsylvania chats in her comments during the episode! Teach Different serves educational institutions, families, corporate entities, and mental health communities. If you think the TD method could be effective in your setting, we'd love to hear from you! support@teachdifferent.com Image Source: Flickr | Website | York College ISLG

How do I know when to be loyal to my government? Today, Steve and Dan Fouts confront a thought-provoking quote from Mark Twain that explores the philosophical theme of loyalty. Join them as they discuss the delicate interplay between unconditional national allegiance to country and conditional loyalty to government. This conversation introduces a host of timely issues that relate directly to our roles students, family members and citizens. Teach Different serves educational institutions, families, corporate entities, and mental health communities. If you think the TD method could be effective in your setting, we'd love to hear from you! support@teachdifferent.com Image source: ⁠⁠Wikimedia⁠⁠ | The Guardian Newspaper | Public Domain

How should a society balance individual freedom with the need for stability and control? Tune in with Steve and Dan Fouts, the innovators behind Teach Different, as they delve into the complexities of liberties and rights, inspired by W.E.B. Du Bois's poignant statement: "The cost of liberty is less than the price of repression." In this insightful episode, they navigate the equilibrium between fostering a society that respects diverse rights, while at the same time, preserving order and maintaining social cohesion. With over 50 years of combined teaching expertise, the Fouts brothers use the Teach Different Method to create a lens to view issues like defamation, book banning, protests and basic civility required to function in a democracy. Teach Different serves educational institutions, families, corporate entities, and mental health communities. If you think the TD method could be effective in your setting, we'd love to hear from you! support@teachdifferent.com Image: Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication