
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 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

The podcast explores the stories of underrepresented groups who served in the military during World War II, highlighting their courage, sacrifice, and dedication to service. It sheds light on the challenges they faced and the impact of their contributions, emphasizing the themes of courage in the face of adversity and the significance of service and sacrifice.TakeawaysCourage in the face of adversityService and sacrificeChapters00:00 Puerto Rican Women in the War Effort02:32 Japanese American Soldiers in World War II05:11 African American Women in the Military

The untold stories of courage and sacrifice by marginalized groups during World War II, as they served in the US military, are a powerful reminder of resilience and determination. Despite facing discrimination, prejudice, and injustice, these individuals stepped up to serve their country, proving their worth and leaving a lasting legacy.TakeawaysResilience in the face of adversityService as a means of proving worthChapters00:00 Puerto Rican Women in the War Effort02:32 Japanese American Loyalty and Sacrifice05:11 African American Women in the Military

The podcast explores the untold stories of marginalized groups who served in the US military during World War II. It sheds light on the challenges, sacrifices, and resilience of Puerto Rican women, who stepped into roles that were not designed for them.TakeawaysCourage in service goes beyond the battlefield.Service is about stepping into unexpected roles and leaving a lasting legacy.Chapters00:00 The Overlooked Chapter02:32 Loyalty and Imprisonment05:11 Courage in the Face of Adversity

The conversation delves into the roots of storytelling, the discovery of storytelling's power, the art of observation, the role of curiosity, the impact of queerness on storytelling, and concerns about AI in creative spaces. It explores the early beginnings of creativity, the transformative power of storytelling, the importance of observation, the role of curiosity in storytelling, the influence of queerness on storytelling, and the concerns surrounding AI in creative spaces.TakeawaysCreativity begins long before realizationThe power of storytelling to reshape the space where stories liveChapters00:00 The Roots of Storytelling03:23 Discovering the Power of Stories22:18 The Art of Observation26:19 The Role of Curiosity34:25 The Impact of Queerness on Storytelling43:04 Concerns about AI in Creative Spaces

The conversation explores the significance of names as declarations and the impact of small, forgotten memories on shaping our lives. It delves into the story behind the name, Kestrel's writing life, and the symbolism of the White Cliffs of Dover, highlighting the power of quiet strength and ancient stories in our lives.TakeawaysNames are declarations, not just labelsThe power of small moments and forgotten memories in shaping our livesChapters00:00 The White Cliffs of Dover

In this three-part conversation, Kestral Gaian and Michael Ruhland explore the themes of identity, storytelling, curiosity, queerness, and creativity. They discuss the power of stories as mirrors and survival tools, the importance of curiosity, and the transformative nature of the Tour de France as a moving classroom. The conversation encourages listeners to embrace curiosity and notice the small details in life's journey.TakeawaysStories as mirrorsThe power of curiosityChapters00:00 The Power of Stories02:28 The Tour de France: A Moving Classroom03:27 The Real Magic of the Journey

The conversation explores the significance of Pride Month as a time of vibrant celebration and self-discovery. It emphasizes that Pride is not prescriptive and everyone's identity is valid, encouraging self-acceptance and self-discovery.TakeawaysPride Month is a time of vibrant celebration and self-discoveryPride is not prescriptive and everyone's identity is validChapters00:00 Pride Month Celebration01:04:25 Identity and Self-Discovery

The discovery of an 11,000-year-old temple in Turkey challenges the traditional timeline of human civilization and raises questions about its purpose and burial. This revelation has significant implications for our understanding of ancient history and human development.TakeawaysAncient temple challenges traditional timelinePurpose and burial of the temple raise questionsChapters00:00 The Discovery of the Temple00:58 The Timeline of Human Civilization01:56 The Purpose and Burial of the Temple02:56 Implications for Understanding Ancient History

In part one of the conversation with Kestral Gaian, the themes of names, natural landscapes, literature, language learning, and social environment emerged as key topics. Kestral's name holds deep significance, reflecting the power of names as declarations and promises. The white cliffs of Dover symbolize the impact of natural landscapes on storytelling and creativity. 'The Boy from Elsewhere' and the book 'A Kestral for a Knave' influenced Kestral's life and work, highlighting themes of identity and self-discovery. Learning Japanese has impacted Kestral's writing and creativity, influencing character development and poetry. Growing up on a council estate shaped Kestral's personal identity and storytelling, reflecting the impact of social and cultural environment on creativity and self-expression.TakeawaysThe power of names as declarations and promisesThe influence of natural landscapes, literature, and language learning on creativity and storytellingChapters00:00 The Power of Names09:34 Learning Japanese and Writing16:26 Growing Up on a Council Estate