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Tech trouble, Mario cosplay, workplace mishaps, and way too many stories about falling down.

In this episode, Robert, Matthew, and Brugge dive into a chaotic mix of muted microphones, Halloween go-kart adventures, deodorant disasters, acting auditions, and the everyday physical hazards of working in schools. From stepping in dog poop to tripping in crowded hallways, the team shares honest (and hilarious) stories from classrooms, childhood, and beyond.

They also dig into their ongoing creative projects—including book design, AI-generated descriptions, and gathering early reviewers. If you've ever worked in a school, acted on a stage, or simply had “one of those days,” this episode will feel like home.

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Every NYC teacher has a horror story — but this one starts with a parking meter.

In this episode, Matthew, Brugge, and Robert tackle the ultimate urban educator struggle: finding a parking spot in New York City. From 4:30 AM commutes to warehouse parking hacks, $200 lots, and alternate-side madness, the trio shares hilarious, relatable stories about how teachers navigate one of the most stressful parts of their day — getting to work.

Along the way, the conversation takes some wild detours (in true teacher fashion):

• AI-illustrated children’s books like “Grandpa Sneezes Trains” and “Wing It”
• Bird encounters and the mysterious NYC pigeon curse
• Writing and acting on subway rides
• Fried watermelon and fair food adventures
• Teacher burnout, SEL, and life balance

What starts as a talk about teacher parking nightmares turns into an honest, funny, and heartfelt look at the teacher experience — where humor, exhaustion, and creativity all collide.

Would you risk a ticket for a good parking spot? Tell us in the comments

Featuring: Rob, Matt, and Brugge

Topics: NYC teacher commutes, alternate-side parking, creative classroom life, and the art of laughing through chaos.

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Overview

In this milestone episode, the hosts celebrate reaching 500 podcast downloads and reflect on personal experiences that reveal how trust, credentials, and communication shape everyday life — from healthcare visits to professional identity. The discussion balances humor and insight as they explore the quirks of the healthcare system, telehealth mishaps, and the nuanced meaning of titles like “Doctor” in both education and medicine.

Healthcare Experiences & Telehealth Confusion

Matthew opened up about a recent telehealth appointment that turned unexpectedly chaotic — he was directed to a physical office only to discover it was actually a virtual session. The group dissected the confusion, inefficiency, and lack of clear communication in modern healthcare systems.

Brugge and Robert related this to common frustrations in other areas of life, comparing the uncertainty of waiting for a doctor’s call to waiting endlessly during job interviews. Matthew drew further parallels to his experience teaching online during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing how digital interactions can amplify misunderstandings.

Professional Titles and Academic Credentials

The hosts dove into an engaging discussion about the use of professional titles — when and why to call someone “Doctor,” and how context matters. Brugge questioned whether titles should always be used among peers, while Robert and Matthew shared their own experiences navigating formal and informal norms in education.

Robert explained his motivation for pursuing a doctorate in education, not as a measure of teaching quality but as a gateway to new academic opportunities, particularly in higher education. The group reflected on how uncommon doctoral degrees are in elementary education and how the New York City education system offers no salary differential for advanced degrees like PhDs or EdDs.

Credentials vs. Experience

Robert and Brugge explored society’s overreliance on credentials and how it can overshadow genuine expertise and practical experience. They drew parallels between medicine and education, noting how the public often trusts degrees more than proven ability.

Matthew contributed personal stories of medical mistakes and the human side of healthcare — reminding listeners that even highly trained professionals can err. The group emphasized the importance of critical thinking, humility, and personal advocacy, encouraging listeners to question and verify rather than blindly defer to authority.

Medical Decision-Making & Awake Surgery

In one of the episode’s most gripping moments, Robert recounted undergoing awake surgery, a rare and deeply personal experience. He described the intense physical sensations, the pain management process, and the necessity of remaining conscious to assist the surgeon during the operation.

Robert highlighted how this decision stemmed from his commitment to thorough research and multiple consultations with specialists — combining surgical and functional medicine perspectives before making a final choice. He also recalled a prior medical scare involving a benign cyst, reinforcing his belief in seeking multiple opinions and maintaining an informed, proactive role in one’s healthcare decisions.

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