The Old School

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller delve into a topic near and dear to their hearts - the state they call home. Through a series of five questions (six if you push it), the two hosts explore the qualities of the state and the degree to which people outside of Texas understand the 28th state. After enjoying the educational and cultural exploration of Texas, consider the musings of the hosts regarding a s...

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller discuss the latter's efforts to buy a house and the issues and complications that often go into such a purchase. After enjoying the wit and witticisms of the two hosts on a lighter subject, consider their musings on a much weightier one - the American education system with their 5-star rated book, The Center Cannot Hold: A Critical Look at Contemporary Education . Avai...

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller welcome back the esteemed Dr. Rick Westfall to discuss how state and federal governments help or don't in the local government's pursuit of a good education. The trio also discuss if there should be changes in how the three levels of government impact or influence the education process. If you would enjoy a more detailed look at some of the issues mentioned in this epi...

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller step away from their typical Algonquinian conversation to look at and discuss profanity. Not only the changes that has taken place on how and where it is used but its utility as well. The two hosts place profanity within the general context of things that are changing the culture, particularly in comparison to what life and societal standards were like when the hosts w...

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller welcome theater teacher extraordinaire Brian Ketcham to the podcast to discuss his pathway from history, also known as the backbone of American education, to theater. The hosts also delve into the many joys and challenges Mr. Ketcham's job entails. As with the other guests, the gentlemen also discuss the possibility of future conversations and topics. Does the discussi...

Once more calling in from Germany, Mr. Miller relays to Dr. Bourgeois the excitement as well as the political and economic tension of a soccer game with Borussia Dortmund creates. Correction : In the episode, I characterized the protest as being about a breaking from the 50+1 policy that German clubs are suppose to have and the unwanted presence of corporations at the club level. This is a backdro...

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller welcome back Dr. Alex Fingers to talk about the challenges, benefits and the methodology of building a great school culture. If you are interested in the other characteristics that go into a great school, check out our book on the challenges of the American education system as well as our proposed solutions with The Center Cannot Hold: A Critical Look at Contemporary E...

After a short but less than enthusiastic revisit of sandwiches, Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller welcome former Superintendent Dr. Rick Westfall to discuss his new role in advising architectural firms on the building and designing of schools and how educational concerns factor into the buildings in which our students hope to excel. We also touch on what could be discussed on future episodes. After thi...

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller dive into the cultural and social origins and impact of work in the United States, occasionally comparing it to other countries. The hosts also delve into the therapeutic qualities of work as experienced over the course of their careers. We have written a book on the characteristics of the American education system as well as the problems, complete with solutions, inso...

Mr. Miller takes advantage of the classically and jazz trained pianist in the room to ask Dr. Bourgeois questions on how the two styles are different, how listening to them are different and the qualities of each.

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller are joined by Dr. Alex Fingers about the motivational and teaching styles that can help teachers in relating to and connecting with their students. After this high brow discussion, we are subjected to an elegy for the PAC 12 and the future of Dr. Bourgeois' childhood heroes in the brave new college football world. If you are facing the end of the college football seaso...

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller bemoan recent changes in our favorite sports and the lurking influence and impact of technology on our national pastimes.  If you'd also like to see our thoughts on the technological impact on our education system, as well as other problems we identify as critical, check out our book  The Center Cannot Hold: A Critical Look at Contemporary Education .

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller contemplate the merits and problems with Homeschooling (and other forms of alternative education) in comparison to the public school system by first discussing the situation on the ground in...South Dakota? Once hearing your two favorite Luddites pontificate on a podcast, read the revealing and pointed investigation of the American educaiton system in their five-star r...

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller address one of the more ancient forms of education as well as a new wave in educational thought - outdoor education. They discuss the traits and merits as well as the challenges in applying it to the current American public school model of outdoor education. Just finished a hike or a week-long camping trip where you taught your children to survive if they were ever aba...

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller push their luck in hopes that their listeners really liked the first sandwich episode. In this episode, they tackle the rest of the states, Jewish dietary restrictions and the general decorum and good taste that should go into making a great sandwich. After a hunger-inducing episode and perhaps, a sandwich of your own, you might be interested to feed of a different kin...

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller step away from the cerebral to tackle one of the pressing issues of our day - what constitutes a good sandwich. These type of conversations are not always easy but the two endeavor to shed light on this particular culinary quagmire. The Old School's The Center Cannot Hold: A Critical Look at Contemporary Education is a serious look at the challenges facing our educatio...

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller engage in a great conversation with Dr. Weinhold on the life and works of William Shakespeare and how we can approach him today. Tired of reading the same ole thing? Needing some new and critical to read? Check out our book on the American education system and start your own revolution within your local school board. The Center Cannot Hold: A Critical Look at Contempor...

We welcome Dr. Shelita Cannon-Hoey and Dr. Marvin Rainey to discuss their new book on transformational, instructional, and servant leadership within schools. Musical credits: "Turning Back" Steven Bourgeois Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved "Blues" Steven Bourgeois and Wyeth Tvenge from Jazz Duo ©2004 All rights reserved

The two hosts, well known as old curmudgeons, tackle the seemingly foreign topic of hope and optimism. It turns out, both have much to say on the two concepts. Referenced works: The Greek legend of Sisyphus The Myth of Sisyphus  by Albert Camus Optimism: An Essay  by Helen Keller Essays and Aphorisms  by Arthur Schopenhauer If you are interested in more contemporary readings, we invite you to purc...

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller go back to their bread and butter - education - with a look at how schools schedule their classes. We find the answer a bit depressing but there is joy in the discovery. If you've gone through half the summer and are currently panicing about not having polished off a good book for the season, may we kindly recommend our humble little book - The Center Cannot Hold: A Cr...

Mr. Miller makes his way across Germany, diagnosing cultural distinctions and peculiarities. Musical credit: "Track 14" Steven Bourgeois from Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved

Mr. Miller returns to Italy, eluding authorities and creating havoc once again. Musical credit: "Track 14" Steven Bourgeois from Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved

Mr. Miller faces his very last week as a teacher. Prepare for a "special" episode of The Old School. Musical credit: "Track 14" Steven Bourgeois from Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved

As Mr. Miller faces retirement, he along with Dr. Bourgeois faces the prospects (and fun) of changes to the podcast. Musical credit: "Track 14" Steven Bourgeois from Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller wonder what has happened to the school prank and whether something is lost by its disappearance.  Looking over your home library and asking yourself, something is missing? A volume lacking? Consider our book,  The Center Cannot Hold: A Critical Look at Contemporary Education available through Ahart Education and exclusively through Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/Cen...