The Gospel & Gradebooks Podcast

Lori and Paige are back for part two of our Gospel & Gradebooks marriage series! In this episode, we’re diving deep into the heart of biblical marriage—what it really means to be a godly husband or wife. Together, we unpack scripture that challenges cultural norms and encourages Christ-centered relationships. We talk about true leadership, submission, and how marriage reflects Christ’s love fo...

In this special episode of Gospel & Gradebooks, Timm and Jamie are joined by the real MVPs—their wives, Lori and Paige! The ladies dish out the real talk on what it’s like being married to two hilariously frustrating men, how they met, and how faith has shaped their families. Things get competitive (and a little chaotic) when the guys try to guess their wives' answers to questions like: "If yo...

It’s a special end-of-the-school-year celebration as Jamie and Timm are joined by a very special guest—Jamie's daughter, Nae! In this heartwarming episode, Nae shares her favorite parts of kindergarten, what she loves about playing softball, and why Jesus is her ultimate hero. This episode is full of laughter, love, and a powerful reminder of what it means to have childlike faith. As Jesus said in...

Matt Garner is back for more punishment Gospel & Gradebooks! In this episode, we kick things off with a fun dive into quirky and oddball teaching strategies that actually work—the kind your students never forget. We swap our dream walk-up songs (yes, like baseball players), and get real about the people it’s hardest to show grace to—slow drivers in the fast lane, we’re looking at you. Then we...

In this episode, Jamie, Timm, and special guest Coach Carrero dive into the often-misunderstood topic of tithing—not as a legalistic obligation, but as a heart posture of trust and worship. Drawing wisdom from the book of Nehemiah, the guys explore how Nehemiah’s leadership sparked not just the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls, but a spiritual revival among God’s people. What does giving look like...

In this episode, Timm and Jamie sit down with their good friend Tripp Henderson for a wide-ranging and heartfelt conversation. They talk about the buzz of wrapping up another school year, offer best wishes to the new Pope, and dive into the absurd hypothetical: could 100 men really take on a gorilla? More importantly, the trio reflects on the mentors who shaped their lives and spiritual journeys....

Change is in the air—whether it’s the tough news of not being renewed for next school year, welcoming new students, or watching your own kids grow up and move into new schools. In this episode, Timm and Jamie talk candidly about how to handle these transitions with faith and resilience. They also swap stories about classic senior pranks, share a powerful part of Timm’s testimony, and dive deep int...

Let’s be honest—some mornings, just getting out of bed feels like a victory. Maybe the bills are piling up. Maybe there’s tension in your marriage, or you’re grieving a loss no one at work even knows about. Maybe you're drained from the weight of being everything to everyone at home—parent, spouse, caretaker, counselor—and then you're expected to walk into school and instantly become an energetic,...

In Episode 24, Jamie and Timm kick things off by sharing all the highlights from their Easter weekend. Then, they dive into the powerful (and often complicated) story of Samson. Together, they unpack what Samson's life teaches us about strength, temptation, and God's purpose, even when we fall short. Whether you're recovering from too much Easter candy or just need some midweek encouragement, this...

Let’s be real. Teaching can be one of the most emotionally demanding jobs on the planet. You’re pulled in every direction—kids who are loud, parents who are upset, administration breathing down your neck, lesson plans that aren’t going to finish themselves, and… let’s not even mention state testing. With all of that pressure, it’s easy—natural, even—to let your temper flare. But God calls us to so...

There’s a quiet kind of faithfulness that doesn’t always get applause. It’s not flashy. It’s not loud. It doesn’t go viral. But it’s powerful. It’s the ministry of showing up. Showing up when you're exhausted. Showing up when the lesson plan falls apart. Showing up when the students don’t seem to care. Showing up even when no one else notices.

In this special post-Easter episode, Timm and Jamie share some of their favorite Easter memories and reflect on the significance of Holy Week. From sunrise services to sweet family traditions, it's a time to remember and rejoice. They also have a little fun ranking some of the greatest praise and worship songs of all time—get ready to sing along! Then, the conversation turns to the complex story o...

Easter Sunday was glorious—filled with hope, energy, worship, and powerful reminders that Jesus conquered death. But now it’s Monday. The sunrise doesn’t come with trumpets or lilies. It’s just your alarm clock, a coffee cup, and a long to-do list. The kids are tired. You’re tired. Testing is around the corner. The countdown says 25 days to go. It’s easy to leave the empty tomb behind and slip bac...

Good Friday marks the darkest day in human history—but also the most hopeful. It is the day Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, was crucified for the sins of the world. The Gospel accounts—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—together paint a sobering yet redemptive portrait of this sacred day.

This week, Timm and Jamie tip their hats to Auburn Men's Basketball and their inspiring Final Four run—not just for the plays on the court, but for the way the team boldly shined a light on their faith in God. Jamie shares updates on Nae’s softball season, full of big moments and lessons learned. Then, the conversation shifts to one of the earliest and most powerful stories in the Bible: Cain and...

Words matter—more than we often realize. They can shape a person’s day, their self-image, even their future. As teachers, we know that a single positive comment can completely change a student's outlook. But what if we gave students the opportunity to be encouragers too? Creating a "Words of Encouragement" board is more than a classroom activity—it's a way to cultivate a culture of Christlike affi...

Teaching is a calling that requires more than just knowledge—it requires heart. Each day, we interact with students who bring their struggles, emotions, and unique challenges into our classrooms. Some are eager to learn, while others test our patience. Some are kind, while others are difficult. In these moments, we have a choice: react out of frustration or respond with Christlike love. The way we...

Timm and Jamie are back from spring break with stories to share—Timm stayed close to home soaking up time with his new grandbaby, while Jamie hit the beach with his family in Gulf Shores. As they gear up for the final stretch of the school year, they talk about recharging, resetting, and finishing strong in the classroom. Then, they dive into a powerful study of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—thr...

Have you ever had a moment when a simple word of encouragement changed your entire day? Maybe someone noticed your effort, offered a kind word, or reassured you when you were struggling. Words have power. They can build up or tear down, strengthen or weaken, inspire or discourage.

In this milestone 20th episode of Gospel and Gradebooks, Timm and Jamie kick off the conversation with two big topics—spring break and the shocking closure of the Department of Education. They discuss what this change could mean for educators and students across the country before diving into the life of one of the most significant figures in the Bible: Moses. From his miraculous rescue as an infa...

In a world filled with conflicting ideas and values, ethical and moral questions are bound to arise in the classroom. As Christian educators, we are called to respond with both truth and grace. Colossians 4:6 reminds us that our words should be filled with grace and seasoned with salt—bringing wisdom, clarity, and kindness to difficult conversations.

As Christian educators, we have the opportunity to do more than just teach academic content—we have the privilege of instilling biblical principles that shape the hearts and minds of our students. Proverbs 2:6 reminds us that true wisdom, knowledge, and understanding come from the Lord. When we integrate biblical principles like integrity, perseverance, and love into our teaching, we are equipping...

In this episode of Gospel and Gradebooks, Jamie and Timm sit down with Cliff Moulton, a former educator and administrator, to hear firsthand accounts of the unexplainable things God did in schools—events so powerful they still leave him in awe. Then, the guys dive into the fascinating story of Balaam and his talking donkey, exploring how God can use anything (or anyone) to get our attention. This...

Teaching is more than delivering lessons and grading assignments—it is a ministry of love. Every day, we have the opportunity to reflect the love of Christ in our words, actions, and attitudes. John 15:12 reminds us that Jesus commands us to love others as He has loved us. His love is patient, kind, forgiving, and selfless. As educators, modeling this kind of love can transform our classrooms and...

As teachers, we are constantly bombarded with distractions, stress, and challenges that can pull us away from our mission. The responsibilities of lesson planning, grading, and student behavior can sometimes overshadow our calling to be Christ-like examples in the classroom. That’s why keeping God’s Word visible in our daily routines is so important. Deuteronomy 11:18 reminds us to fix His words i...