
Hosted by Michael Ruhland · EN
Have you ever asked a question? Been in a classroom? Felt curious about how the world works? Or wondered how we can all keep learning, no matter our age or role?
Then you’re in the right place… because I Have Questions.
Hosted by Michael Ruhland—business owner, former soldier, educator, coach, mentor, administrator, husband, father, and lifelong learner—I Have Questions with Michael Ruhland is a podcast built around curiosity, learning, and the power of asking better questions. After spending more than two decades working in public education, Mike believes the most important thing we can do is stay curious and keep asking questions.
Each episode blends personal stories, conversations with inspiring people, and reflections on life in and around the classroom. Mike talks with teachers, students, parents, and everyday learners about the moments when curiosity changes how we think, learn, and grow. Drawing inspiration from great thinkers, history, and everyday experiences, the podcast explores what it means to be both a teacher and a learner at the same time.
This isn’t a professional development course—it’s a reminder of the joy of curiosity we all had as children and how we can bring it back into our busy lives. Whether you’re an educator, student, parent, or simply someone who wants to learn more about the world, there’s no age requirement and no job title needed to join the conversation.
In our time together, the goal is simple: help you feel relaxed, refreshed, curious, and ready to ask more questions.
And along the way, you might even discover some fascinating answers to questions you didn’t know you had.
Are you ready? Good. Because… I Have Questions.

The story of Daniel Inouye, a Japanese immigrant in Hawaii who overcame discrimination and adversity to become a war hero and influential political figure. His journey is one of sacrifice, resilience, and the enduring spirit of a true leader.TakeawaysResilience in the face of adversityThe enduring spirit of a true leaderChapters00:00 The Answer on a Hillside in Italy01:01 Inouye's Journey and Sacrifice02:01 Inouye's Legacy and Resilience

The conversation explores the transformative power of action and the impact it has on one's thinking and behavior. It delves into the idea of overcoming fear and inaction through proactive steps and the resulting change in mindset.TakeawaysAction drives changeFear can be overcome through actionChapters00:00 The Power of Action00:51 Overcoming Fear and Inaction

Ezra Vancil, an award-winning Americana and folk rock artist, discusses the power of action, his journey of stepping away from and returning to music, and the creation of his project 'Morning and Midnight.' He also shares the meaning behind his song 'Big Old House' and the valuable lessons learned from performing with his daughter. The conversation delves into the impact of change, recognizing personal growth, reflection, and self-discovery. It also explores the role of teachers in inspiring and guiding students, taking action on dreams, and providing advice for new teachers. Additionally, it touches on the influence of teachers and the exploration of Washington State.TakeawaysThe power of action over thinkingThe transformative journey of returning to music after a period of struggle Personal growth through changeThe impact of teachers on students' livesChapters00:00 Introduction to Ezra Vancil03:00 The Power of Action07:47 Stepping Away from Music12:52 Returning to Music15:12 Morning and Midnight Project19:01 Big Old House and Its Meaning23:48 Performing with Daughter26:58 The Impact of Change27:30 Recognizing Personal Growth28:04 Reflection and Self-Discovery29:30 Teaching and Inspiring Students30:13 Taking Action on Dreams33:02 Advice for New Teachers36:38 The Influence of Teachers44:09 Exploring Washington State

The conversation highlights the significance of a safe and supportive learning environment and the crucial role of relationship building in effective teaching. These themes are explored in depth, emphasizing the impact of environment on learning and the importance of building strong teacher-student relationships.TakeawaysImportance of a safe and supportive learning environmentRelationship building is crucial for effective teachingChapters00:00 The Importance of a Safe Learning Environment04:49 The Role of Relationship Building in Teaching

The conversation explores the University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning and its Nationality Rooms, highlighting their historical and cultural significance.TakeawaysCultural diversity at the University of PittsburghThe impact of the Nationality Rooms on ethnic groups in PittsburghChapters00:00 The Cathedral of Learning and the Nationality Rooms00:29 History and Significance of the Nationality Rooms

The conversation covers the importance of embracing mistakes and creating a welcoming learning environment, especially for young students. It highlights the impact of acknowledging and learning from mistakes, as well as the role of humor and positivity in fostering a positive learning atmosphere.TakeawaysLearning from mistakesCreating a welcoming learning environmentChapters00:00 Embracing Mistakes15:20 Creating a Welcoming Learning Environment

The conversation highlights the importance of creating a welcoming learning environment and embracing mistakes as part of the learning process. It emphasizes the impact of a positive and supportive atmosphere on the learning experience.TakeawaysCreating a positive learning environmentEmbracing mistakes as part of learningChapters00:00 Creating a Welcoming Learning Environment15:20 Embracing Mistakes and Learning from Them

The Antikythera machine, an ancient mechanical computer, challenges our understanding of history and technology, revealing lost chapters waiting to be explored.TakeawaysAncient Greece's Antikythera machine predates modern computers by over 2,000 years.The Antikythera machine serves as a reminder of the undiscovered chapters in history.Chapters00:00 The Antikythera Machine: An Ancient Marvel01:00 The Technology of the Antikythera Machine01:30 Uncovering Lost Chapters of History

The story of the dancing plague in Strasbourg serves as a reminder of the hidden layers of human experience and the mysteries that lie beneath the surface of the places we think we understand.TakeawaysCuriosity is about realizing how much we don't know.Human experiences and mysteries are hidden beneath the surface of familiar places.Chapters00:00 The Dancing Plague of Strasbourg03:01 The Unseen Stories of Cities

The conversation delves into the power of storytelling, the impact of childhood environment on personal development, the significance of names, the role of curiosity in writing, learning a new language, and LGBTQ+ representation in literature. The guest shares personal experiences and insights that shed light on these themes, providing valuable perspectives on the creative process and the impact of storytelling on society. The conversation covers the impact of queerness on storytelling, the evolution of storytelling, and the dangers of AI in creative spaces. It delves into the importance of diversity in storytelling, the influence of queerness on the structure and form of stories, and the concerns about the current use of AI in creative fields.TakeawaysThe power of storytelling to save lives and change the worldThe impact of growing up in a council estate on personal development Diversity in storytellingImpact of queerness on storytellingConcerns about AI in creative spacesChapters00:00 The Power of Storytelling02:56 The Significance of Name10:02 Learning a New Language15:58 The Impact of Childhood Environment30:02 The Role of Curiosity in Writing34:56 LGBTQ+ Representation in Literature37:13 The Impact of Queerness on Storytelling38:14 The Evolution of Storytelling43:33 The Dangers of AI in Creative Spaces