The Chicken Nugget Day Podcast

In this episode, I caught up with Ryan Collins, who was a former 10th grade student of mine going back to the Spring of 2020. Listen in as we talk hockey, teaching, college, broadcasting, and of course, chicken nuggets. Ryan's Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Nr2LwKlgT3OaelJo86qbL?si=158b2094cabe46db Ithaca Radio: https://wicb.org

We are back after a two-year hiatus! In this episode, I sat down with Jonathan Chiaramonte, who I’ve known for about twelve years now. He’s the kind of guy that leaves a positive lasting impression on all the students who walk through his door. Being a peer-education teacher at our school, Mr. Chiaramonte knows a thing or two about building self-esteem and knocking down the walls that we’ve been p...

In this long-overdue episode of the Chicken Nugget Day Podcast, I sat down with Carter Bentivenga, who is a Sachem alum from the class of 2019. Carter and I talk New York Islanders hockey, broadcast journalism, getting through high school, and finding things that you’re passionate about doing. Links to topics discussed in this show: Connecticut School of Broadcasting: https://gocsb.com Stony Brook...

In this episode of the Chicken Nugget Day Podcast, I brought on my longtime college friend Jennifer Martinez to reminisce about our time at Stony Brook University, as well as to compare living and teaching in New York and in Texas.

In this episode, I sat down with pro drummer and Sachem North grad Frankie D'Esposito. Together we talked music, advice for students, and of course, fast food! Topics referenced in this episode: Brand of Julez Band Eastern Suffolk BOCES Neil Peart's Drumming

In this episode, I am honored to be joined by Tony Varajao, the chairperson of the Social Studies department of Sachem High School East. Mr. Varajao is retiring at the end of this school year after thirty-seven years of service to the Sachem community. He has been an inspiration to me in my teaching journey, and also to countless others. Enjoy this very special episode as we talk fast food (of cou...

In this episode, I had a chat with Marcus Rivera, who was a student in my 9th grade Global History class during my very first year of teaching. Marcus will tell you about how he overcame his academic and social challenges as a student and launched himself on a path to success and to owning his own business. Also, tune in to hear about the time I bought Marcus Chinese food as an incentive to study...

In this episode, I sat down with Stephanie Wood, who was a former student of mine from the 2012-2013 school year. Together, we discuss why we wanted to become teachers, the challenges associated with the job, and the journey in college to meet all the requirements necessary to get a classroom of your own. Despite the challenges of teaching in the era of COVID, it's still an amazing career choice,...

As we enter 2021, it's important to reflect on our accomplishments in the past year and set new goals as we move forward. Be proud! You have achieved so much this year, whether you recognize it or not!  Article referenced in this episode: https://milenarangelov.medium.com/10-interesting-new-year-reflection-questions-now-is-the-perfect-time-b2a1dbaa07d2

On this week’s show, I'm joined by Alyssa Soto, who is another former student of mine from the Sachem East class of 2019. Our conversation ranged from music, to cooking, and from making the adjustment from high school to college. Alyssa is pursuing a degree in nursing, so if that’s a field of study that interests you, you’ll definitely get a lot out of this episode. Show Notes: School of Nursing a...

In this episode, I sat down with former student Ed Tomaselli to talk about life post-Sachem East, focusing on topics such as: goal setting, jobs and careers, New York Islanders hockey, overcoming obstacles, and getting the most out of your Kohl's cash! Show Notes: Zaxby's: https://www.zaxbys.com Personal Goal Setting: https://www.mindtools.com/page6.html Goal Setting: A Scientific Guide to Setting...

On this week's episode of the podcast, I sat down with Tom McCarthy, who is a former student and friend to talk about overcoming challenges. Like we've talked about in previous episodes, Tom has harnessed his diverse set of interests and hobbies in order to take joy out of life each and every day, no matter the cards he's been dealt. Check out the show notes below that relate to the topics discuss...

In this episode, my guest Sky Burke and I discuss importance of self-advocacy. If you don’t know what that term means, self-advocacy is the ability to speak-up for yourself and the things that are important to you. Self-advocacy also means being able to ask for what you need and want and also be able to tell people about your thoughts and feelings. Sky has always been great at advocating for herse...

In this quick update, I want to tell you a story about why it's important to be "present" in whatever it is you are currently doing. Being present means fully enjoying the moment that you are in. It is the moment when you are calm and you know exactly what you want. You are focused on what you're doing without thinking about anything else. If you want to learn more about how you can be more presen...

On this week's episode of the podcast, I sat down with Gina Cutillo, who is another former bandmate of mine. Together, Gina and I discuss all the different ways that make playing music such a special hobby, and, with enough hard work and dedication, possibly even a career. Enjoy some storytelling of our musical adventures together. Remember, music is just one of many ways you can give yoursel...

A quick update with my thoughts on this school year and the future of the Chicken Nugget Day Podcast. I'm looking for some new sound bites from my audience. Please reach out to the show if you're interested in contributed your voice to the podcast! Podcast Email Address: chickennuggetdaycast@gmail.com Mr. Cellini on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cellini2020/ Mr. Cellini on Twitter: https://...

On this week’s show, we’re going to continue the theme of discussing all the benefits of playing a musical instrument. To help me, I sat down with Dennis Woll, who is the lead guitar player of the Long Island-based rock band, Arcane Smile. Check out our interview to hear about our musical adventures together as bandmates, as well as how Dennis has had success in the automotive industry. Show Notes...

On this week's show, I sat down with a former student of mine from the one year I taught at Harborfields High School in Greenlawn, NY. Paul Vallejo is the guitarist of the band Pinkshift, and he is currently finishing up his Master's in Chemical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland. In this episode, you will learn how Paul got started playing the guitar and hear all about his musica...

In this episode, I discuss the benefits of playing music and take you through a journey of my experiences playing the violin, trombone, and bass guitar since I was a kid. This is the first in a multi-part series on the benefits of music, and if you're interested in playing an instrument but you're not sure how to get started, please reach out at chickennuggetdaycast@gmail.com to get your questions...

This is just a quick back-to-school episode in which I wanted to stress the importance of being patient, especially in these uncertain times. Check out the article linked in the show notes for more information, and have a great first day of school! Show Notes: Email: chickennuggetdaycast@gmail.com Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/cellini2020 Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChickenNugCast The Impor...

On this week's show, I sit down with Mr. Antonetti, who is the principal of Sachem High School East. Together, we discuss strategies for having success in the upcoming school year, and the importance of learning from failure in order to ensure success in the future.  Show Notes: Email: chickennuggetdaycast@gmail.com Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/cellini2020  Twitter: https://twitter.com/Chic...

This week I just wanted to give you a quick update on what I've been working on and some great study tips to try out this year. Check out the show notes, and tune in next week for an interview with Mr. Antonetti, principal of Sachem High School East. Show Notes: How to Study Better in High School: 16 Expert Tips: https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-study-better-in-high-school Email: chickennuggetc...

In this episode, I sit down with friend and fellow teacher Brian Funk to talk about music, video games, reading, becoming a teacher, and strategies for having success in the upcoming school year. Show Notes: Email: chickennuggetdaycast@gmail.com Mr. Cellini on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cellini2020  Mr. Cellini on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChickenNugCast Mr. Cellini on YouTube: h...

On this week's show, I share my first of many tips for getting yourself ready for a new school year! Please check out the links in the show notes to read the articles I referred to in the episode. I can't stress enough how important it is to get enough sleep! Show Notes: Mr. Cellini on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cellini2020/  Mr. Cellini on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChickenNugCas...

On this week’s show, we’re going to conclude our three-part series on cooking with three more interviews. You'll get to hear from two of my former students, and from a Sachem East graduate who is currently in culinary school. If you haven’t already done so, I’d recommend checking out episodes four and five so that you get to hear all the different benefits of preparing your own food. Show Notes (I...