The Class X Podcast

Shukri discusses his love of Wimbledon, his admiration for Novak Djokovic's longevity, and how we create our own, unique, summer traditions.

Shukri reviews the series, Endeavor. Can a show be good, but still frustrate loyal fans? Endeavor seemed to produce high quality television, while struggling to explain the character of Endeavor Morse.

Shukri and John discuss ESPN's American Gladiators documentary.

Shukri discusses millennials facing mid-life crises and how a true understanding of those issues can only come from surveying a diverse group of Americans.

Shukri discusses Jonathan Franzen's book, Crossroads. This is a book that shines a light on the need to understand different perspectives in our lives.

Shukri reviews the new version of: White Men Can't Jump. This remake examines adulthood, and the purpose of sports, and Shukri delves into it on this episode of the podcast.

Shukri and Jonathan discuss the values of the monastic life, and how one university is trying to use those values to improve the educational experience. Is it practical? Do people want to "fast" from their phones? We discuss these topics and more on this episode of The Class X Podcast.

Shukri explores Nikola Jokic's impact on basketball. Other ideas from this podcast include: The globalization of the game, and the American obsession with speed. Is speed always a good thing? How does our economic system influence our cultural values? This podcast uses Nikola Jokic to explore our cultural values.

Shukri discusses the nuanced debate about cellphones in the classroom. Should we ban cell phones in order to increase student engagement? Or is this a reactionary policy that will lead to unintended consequences? If you like this podcast, check out the blog: theclassxpodcast.com.

John and Shukri discuss the 2022-2023 Sacramento Kings season. From Domantas Sabonis' lackluster performance, to the potential of De'Aaron Fox, this podcast covers the past, present, and future of the Sacramento Kings.

Shukri discusses the topic of creative non-fiction. Is it still legitimate if we add the elements of fiction to historical writing? Do we sacrifice truth? Shukri discusses this topic and a little more on this episode of The Class X Podcast. If you like the podcast, check out our blog at theclassxpodcast.com.

Shukri explores the topic of intelligence. Is intelligence something that we can measure with an IQ test, or is there more to the story? Shukri examines ideas like multiple intelligence theory, emotional intelligence, and creative intelligence, on this episode of The Class X Podcast. If you like the podcast, check out our blog at theclassxpodcast.com.

John and Shukri converse about the psychology of "choking" under pressure. They discuss the 30 for 30 documentary, Shark, reflect on their own experiences with underperforming, and analyze why a superstar athlete would succumb to pressure. Here is a link to our blog: https://theclassxpodcast.wordpress.com/

Shukri reviews the PBS documentary series: "The African-Americans: Many Rivers to Cross". Shukri discusses the historical change that occurred in civil rights activism during the 20th century, and he focuses much of the discussion on a big question: Is change based on the random acts of individuals or the organized efforts of groups?

Shukri reviews "Chang Can Dunk". This Disney Plus film explores issues of identity, personal growth, and the tensions of being a first-generation American.

Shukri reviews All Creatures Great and Small. This heart-warming show emphasizes humanity, love, and the ethical treatment of animals. Shukri discusses these topics, and the possible evolution of the show on this episode of The Class X Podcast. 

John and Shukri discuss the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, and review the History Channel documentary, Theodore Roosevelt. This is the second podcast in our Theodore Roosevelt series. 

Shukri reviews the documentary, Bullies of Baltimore, which examines the memorable, defensively oriented, Baltimore Ravens of 2000. The documentary focuses on an "old school" team, and uses a traditional approach to describe one of the most dominant teams in NFL history. 

Shukri discusses Patrick Mahomes impressive, young career. Have we seen this level of athletic excellence before? Can we compare Mahomes to any athletes from previous eras? Shukri discusses these topics and more on this episode of The Class X Podcast. 

Shukri discusses the History Channel documentary series: Theodore Roosevelt. In this podcast, Roosevelt's early life will be discussed with a focus on this question: What made TR such a memorable leader? Shukri will examine TR's childhood, his early life as a politician, and his struggles with grief. 

Shukri analyzes Thomas Chatterton Williams article, "The People Who Don't Read Books". In this thought provoking essay, Williams gets the reader to examine topics like: the virtues of book reading, the development of the free thinking person, and the downside of not reading. Shukri will explore the article and add his perspective. 

Shukri explores the topic of happiness. Is happiness a euphoric state or a content feeling? Is happiness a formula or a level of self-awareness? Shukri will delve into these topics and more on this episode of The Class X Podcast. 

Shukri examines the current reality tv moment, specifically Love Is Blind and Indian Matchmaking. What makes these shows so "binge worthy"? Is there a continuity with reality television in American culture? Plus, how are influencers manipulating these shows? Shukri will discuss these topics and more on this episode of The Class X Podcast. 

Shukri discusses his new book, Memories From a Life Once lived. If you are interested in the book, here is a link to purchase it on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Memories-Life-Lived-Shukri-Rashid-ebook/dp/B0BR4HR7FH

Shukri discusses the Fall lineup of Masterpiece Mystery. The two shows, Ms. Scarlett and the Duke, and Magpie Murders, approach the genre in different ways, but both are still highly entertaining.