My Life Aint Perfect

“For Good” In this deeply personal episode, I open the door to a chapter of my life shaped by fear, resilience, and the journey toward being fully seen. Inspired by the story of Elphaba from *Wicked*, I reflect on what it means to live as “the other,” to carry labels you never asked for, and to find yourself trapped in a jail built from survival, silence, and shadows of your own making. But this i...

Today, we’re going to look forward waaay forward and dream about what a world could look like if we stopped tinkering with broken systems and started building new ones rooted in liberation, technology justice, and joy. This… is Afrofuturism in action. And this… is what leadership looks like when we refuse to accept harm as the cost of learning.”

Today, we’re not focusing on ‘achievement gaps.’ We’re addressing harm. Yes, I said it harm. When we talk about an achievement gap, it often sounds like some kids just didn’t try hard enough. But what if I told you that the ‘gap’ isn’t between students — it’s between the world they deserve and the world they received? I read a powerful article by Dr. Bettina Love in Education Week that changed how...

In this powerful episode of My Life Ain’t Perfect, Rodrick C. Johnson opens up about the quiet exhaustion that comes with being the strong one. From leading schools and supporting teachers to showing up for family and community, Rodrick reflects on the moments he realized even superheroes need rest.

Today’s episode is about words. Not just any words, the ones you speak over your own life. The affirmations that become armor when the world tries to tell you who you’re not. Because the truth is… before I ever built a business, wrote a book, or coached a teacher, I had to learn how to speak life into myself.” Here is a guide to engage with this weekhttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1THHMZvEZxSs3...

“Some stories don’t start on paper. They start as scars. They live in our memories, in our silence, in the questions we asked when no one had answers. Welcome back to My Life Ain’t Perfect, the podcast where we turn our most challenging moments into healing lessons. I’m Rodrick C. Johnson—literacy coach, speaker, educator, and today… storyteller. In this episode, we’re talking about Joey’s Journey...

Welcome back to My Life Ain’t Perfect the podcast where we get honest about the mess behind the mission. I’m your host, Rodrick C. Johnson, and today’s episode is as real as it gets. It’s called The Day I Almost Quit. And if you’ve ever sat in your car after school and just wept... or stared at your resignation letter thinking, ‘Maybe it’s time…’ this one’s for you. Let’s talk about what happens w...

In this BONUS episode, I unpack a few thoughts around my viral post. This is Part 1, as I have a lot more to say, and I haven't even addressed the comment section yet. Thank you for listening. Don't worry, you will still receive your episode on Sunday! If you want to join my teacher PLC, please use this link to register:https://bit.ly/teacherPLC

“What do you do when the life you pictured doesn’t match the one you’re living? Welcome back to My Life Ain’t Perfect, the podcast that doesn’t wait for the highlight reel. We unpack what’s real—what hurts, what heals, and what helps us get back up. I’m your host, Rodrick C. Johnson. And today… this episode? This one’s about detours. It’s called This Ain’t What I Planned. And if you’ve ever had to...

If you’ve ever said, ‘This kid just won’t listen,’ or ‘We need more discipline,’ this If you’ve ever lamented, ‘This kid just won’t listen,’ or said, "We need more discipline,’ this episode is perfect for you. Welcome back to My Life Ain’t Perfect, the podcast where we embrace chaos, challenge systems, and reveal the truth about transformation. I’m your host, Rodrick C. Johnson, a literacy coach,...

There’s a difference between being in a room and believing you belong there. Welcome back to My Life Ain’t Perfect—the podcast that explores identity, healing, and the beautiful mess behind every success. I’m Rodrick C. Johnson, educator, coach, CEO, author… and, before all that, a foster kid from Baltimore who never quite fit in. Today’s episode is titled From Foster Kid to Fellow because the jou...

There’s a common myth in education that teachers are the ones saving students, often seen as rescuers when they walk in. But what if it’s the students who teach us just as much more? Welcome back to My Life Ain’t Perfect, where we share real stories, emotions, and moments of liberation. I’m Rodrick C. Johnson, an educator, coach, speaker, and someone who has been profoundly changed by the students...

How do you show up for students… when your own life is falling apart? In this vulnerable and deeply human episode, I pull back the curtain on what it means to lead a classroom while silently carrying personal pain. From grieving a relationship to managing emotional exhaustion in front of 30 sets of eyes, this is a raw reflection on the hidden battles many educators face but rarely name. This isn’t...

Today’s episode is titled 'The Story Behind the Smile.'”You may know me for transforming classrooms, coaching educators, or writing books like Joey’s Journey: A Long Way Home. But before all that, there’s a backstory. One not filled with neat bows or highlight reels—but resilience, pain, discovery, and grace. Let’s start from the beginning. 📘 Featured Resource: Joey’s Journey This powerful childr...

Your story is sacred—even the messy chapters. In this trailer, Rodrick C. Johnson shares the why behind My Life Ain’t Perfect—a podcast for educators, creators, and anyone learning to live, lead, and heal without pretending to be perfect. Expect unfiltered reflections, breakthroughs, and stories that shift hearts. Hit subscribe. Let’s grow through it together.