Ray Talks Live

Where does the teacher’s job end and the parent’s responsibility begin? In Part II of our look at Parents, Teachers, and COVID-19 , we check in at the halfway point of the 2020-2021 school year. From the perspective of a veteran social studies educator, I provide an unfiltered update on the systemic failures and daily struggles of teaching across in-person, online, and hybrid models. We move beyon...

Is the Apollo 11 landing humanity's greatest achievement, or its most elaborate stage production? Welcome to the Season 2 premiere of Ray Talks Live ! We are kicking off a brand-new series, "American Conspiracies," by diving into the most debated event of the 20th century: the 1969 Moon Landing. In this episode, we lay out the definitive arguments on both sides of the lunar module....

One season down, and we’re just getting started. In the Season 1 finale of Ray Talks Live , we take a moment to look back at the conversations that started it all. From deep dives into educational policy to candid reflections on life in Florida, I’m recapping my favorite moments and sharing the lessons learned from our first year on the air. But more importantly, we are looking forward. I’m unveil...

Grab a bowl of cereal and travel back to the best era of Saturday morning television!   In this episode of Ray Talks Live , we’re diving into the vibrant world of 1980s and 1990s animation. From the action-packed adventures of the afternoon "After School" block to the legendary Saturday morning lineups, we’re recapping the shows that defined a generation. I’m counting down my personal To...

"Take it with a grain of salt"—but where do you get the salt? We are constantly bombarded with advice—from TikTok "gurus" to well-meaning family members. In this episode of Ray Talks Live , we explore the critical importance of seeking counsel from the right sources. As a veteran educator, I’ve learned that the quality of your life is often determined by the quality of the advi...

I take a moment to remember the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  I also give a quick history lesson that Dr. King's holiday was not completely accepted by all 50 states when originally signed into law by President Ronald Reagan.   Support: Free Lunch Coffee If you love drinking coffee and want to help end child hunger.  There is no better way then by visiting Free Lunch Coffee   whose coffee...

What is it about a theme park that keeps us coming back for four decades? In this episode of Ray Talks Live , I’m sharing the origin story of my deepest passion: Walt Disney World. From my very first visit as a four-year-old in 1982 to my current status as a decade-long Annual Passholder, I explore how the "Most Magical Place on Earth" has grown and changed alongside me. We discuss the p...

When did "Thank You, Teachers" turn into "Get Back to Work"?   In this episode of Ray Talks Live , we examine the dramatic and frustrating shift in how our society values educators. We revisit the early days of 2020, when parents—suddenly thrust into the role of co-teachers—gained a newfound appreciation for the complexity of our work, leading to national calls for higher pay a...

Can a single year hold two historic impeachments? > In this episode of Ray Talks Live , we examine the rapid and historic second impeachment of Donald Trump. Triggered by the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, this moment marked a significant shift in the American political landscape, as a bipartisan group of lawmakers joined the call for accountability. We break down the events t...

A quick review on Alabama's impressive victory last night in the 2021 National Championship game against Ohio State.  Nick Saban and his seventh national championship victory...and perhaps one of the greatest offenses in college football history.  Lastly, my hopes and prayers for The U to return to its glory days of the 1980s, early 1990s and 2000s. Send us Fan Mail Thanks for listening and m...

January 6, 2021, was supposed to be the day that the U.S. Congress certifies Biden's win in the Electoral College votes.  However, American Democracy was assaulted and a failed coup took place at the hands and words of President Trump and a handful of Republican lawmakers to overturn the people's vote.  *** Photo courtesy of miningjournal.net Send us Fan Mail Thanks for listening and mak...

Do you remember where you were when your favorite TV couple finally tied the knot? > In this episode of Ray Talks Live , we are revisiting the moments that stopped the world: the most memorable TV weddings of the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s. From the grand spectacles of soap operas to the hilarious and heartfelt ceremonies of our favorite sitcoms, these were the "water cooler" momen...

To understand the headlines of today, we have to read the laws of yesterday. In this episode of Ray Talks Live , we examine the Black Lives Matter movement not just as a 2020 flashpoint, but as the latest chapter in a long and complex history. As a veteran social studies teacher, I lead a deep-dive into the origins of the mistrust between law enforcement and the Black community—tracing it back to...

Is teaching a job, or is it in your blood? In this episode of Ray Talks Live , I’m sharing the deeply personal journey of how I became an educator. With a family tree rooted in the field of education, my path might have seemed destined, but the decision to dedicate my career to the classroom was one built on passion, purpose, and a desire to shape the future. I’m breaking down what drew me to soci...

A brief motivational speech/podcast for the New Year.  2020 is definitely a year that we will all remember for the loss of life and having our lives come to a complete halt.  Best wishes in 2021. *** Photo courtesy of Timeout.com Send us Fan Mail Thanks for listening and make sure to subscribe!  Follow on social media: Twitter:  @raytalkslive Facebook:    @raytalkslive Instagram:   @raytalks_live...

A quick recap of the 2020 Miami Hurricanes college football season and a look ahead to what the 2021 season might bring.  Also, a quick drive down memory lane talking about the Canes "Decade of Dominance"   in college football from 1983-1993 with four national championships over that 10-year span. Lastly, a quick check-in on the 2020 College Football Playoffs games.  Did the committee ge...

Does leaving a legacy of wealth actually rob our children of their future?   In this episode of Ray Talks Live , we tackle a question that sits at the intersection of economics and parenting: the true cost of generational wealth. As a veteran educator with 20 years in the classroom and a father of three, I’ve seen how "the struggle" often acts as the forge for character, resilience, and...

Parenting doesn't come with a manual—and even if it did, the 21st century would have rewritten it by now. In this episode of Ray Talks Live , we pull back the curtain on the "around-the-clock" reality of being a mother or father in today's fast-paced world. From the peak moments of joy and achievement to the late-night lows and the mental load that never seems to lighten, we di...

Is 2020 the most consequential election in our lifetime? In this episode of Ray Talks Live , we analyze the historic declaration of Joe Biden as the winner of the 2020 Presidential election. We explore the profound sense of relief felt by many as the country prepared to move on from an era defined by secrecy and divisiveness, and we look toward a new chapter in American governance. As a veteran So...

Welcome to a brand new type of podcast to listen to that is both "Old School & New School" .  A weekly 10-15 minute podcast that discusses many topics ranging from History/Politics, Sports, Marriage/Relationships, Education, Disney/Universal, Kids, Travel, Religion and etc.   Make sure you subscribe to get notified when a new podcast drops!  Be sure to follow me @raytalkslive on Face...