The Musers The Podcast - Episode 8: Back To School
Release Date: August 13, 2025
*Hosts: George Dunham, Craig “Junior” Miller, and Gordon Keith
Network: Cumulus Podcast Network
Introduction
In Episode 8 of The Musers The Podcast, titled "Back To School," the trio—George Dunham, Craig “Junior” Miller, and Gordon Keith—delve into the multifaceted experience of the back-to-school season. Balancing humor with insightful commentary, they explore recent educational policy changes in Texas, reminisce about their own school days, and discuss the evolving landscape of student life.
Texas School Law Changes
The conversation kicks off with an overview of new educational laws in Texas that are set to take effect this school year.
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Total Cell Phone Ban (02:04 – 03:48)
Gordon Keith introduces the topic by highlighting the total cell phone ban in Texas schools, extending to all personal communication devices:
"Total cell phone ban in school. So it's not just cell phones. It's also personal communication devices." (02:04)
Craig Miller echoes support for the initiative, citing its potential benefits in reducing distractions and improving educational outcomes. George Dunham contrasts this by humorously lamenting the loss of daily phone interactions:
"Don't you get with it, man. We need our phones and we need them now." (02:47)
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Display of the Ten Commandments (10:31 – 12:35)
The hosts discuss Senate Bill 10, which mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in every classroom. Gordon Keith criticizes the blurring of church and state:
"It's a little weird to me. The thought behind the Ten Commandments and trying to teach that to kids is probably not a bad thing." (10:51)
George Dunham adds that while the commandments promote basic ethical principles, their imposition in public schools could lead to disputes:
"It does blur the lines between church and state." (10:52)
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Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Education (12:35 – 15:04)
Gordon Keith introduces Senate Bill 12, which bans the teaching of gender identity and sexual orientation, shifting from an opt-out to an opt-in system for sex education:
"Senate Bill 12 bans teaching gender identity and sexual orientation and requires parents to opt their children into sex education." (13:03)
The hosts reflect on their own uncomfortable experiences with past sex education programs, expressing skepticism about the efficacy and appropriateness of current policies.
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Ban on Certain Food Additives (15:12 – 16:17)
Senate Bill 314 aims to ban specific food additives in school lunches. Gordon Keith lists the prohibited substances, including Brominated Vegetable Oil and Potassium Bromate:
"Ban certain food additives in school lunches... Brominated vegetable oil, Potassium bromate." (15:25)
George Dunham concurs that reducing additives is beneficial, acknowledging broader implications beyond just schools.
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Introduction of Financial Literacy Courses (16:17 – 19:27)
One of the standout changes discussed is the requirement for financial literacy courses:
"Teaching financial literacy is a great addition. It's something that's been missing for decades." (16:17)
Gordon Keith reminisces about his own lack of financial education, sharing a personal anecdote about working without a Social Security number due to parental oversight:
"I worked for no pay until that first paycheck I got, which was great." (16:37)
The hosts unanimously agree on the importance of financial literacy, emphasizing its necessity for preparing students for real-world challenges.
Personal School Experiences
Transitioning from policy discussions, the hosts share nostalgic memories of their own school years, highlighting both amusing and poignant moments.
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First Day of School and Parental Involvement (22:02 – 26:14)
George Dunham recounts the emotional difficulty of dropping his child off at kindergarten:
"To me, it's the first day of kindergarten, which I thought, oh, my gosh, I don't know what this is, but this is awful." (23:55)
Craig Miller and Gordon Keith add their own stories of parental anxiety and the evolving nature of parental involvement in schooling.
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Note Passing and Yearbooks (06:25 – 17:54)
The trio nostalgically discusses the art of passing notes in school and the significance of yearbooks. Gordon Keith humorously laments the decline of handwritten notes due to digital distractions:
"I need to shred them and burn them because I hate myself in them." (07:11)
Craig Miller shares his habit of preserving notebooks and scribbled ideas, while George Dunham notes the rarity of keeping such memorabilia today.
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Favorite Teachers and Educational Impact (38:11 – 46:37)
Each host talks about teachers who left a lasting impression. Gordon Keith praises his fourth-grade science teacher for igniting his passion for literature and science:
"She ignited my love of literature and she ignited my love of science." (43:19)
Craig Miller fondly remembers Mrs. Booth for her dedicated tutoring, and George Dunham shares her appreciation for Ms. Talley’s kindness:
"She seemed like she cared about every individual student." (41:16)
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Corporal Punishment in Schools (47:11 – 53:30)
A significant portion of the episode reflects on the now-abolished practice of corporal punishment. George Dunham shares a traumatic experience of being paddled by her bus driver:
"He pulled the bus over and someone said, hey, George is going to get a lick." (49:16)
Craig Miller and Gordon Keith add their own stories of school spankings and the authoritarian nature of past educational environments, contrasting it with modern disciplinary approaches.
Reflections on Modern Education
The hosts contemplate the current state of education, acknowledging improvements while critiquing ongoing challenges.
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Bullying and Mental Health Awareness (21:35 – 22:02)
The conversation touches on the increased awareness of bullying and its long-term effects:
"Half of 80s movies are about bullies... now there's some awareness of bullying and the horrible, traumatic damage that it does to kids." (21:40)
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Ethics Education (18:37 – 19:27)
Building on the legislative changes, the hosts advocate for the inclusion of ethics education in schools:
"We don't teach ethics as a consistent part of the curriculum, and that needs to change." (18:51)
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The Evolving Role of Parents and Teachers (46:42 – 53:30)
The dynamic between parents and teachers has shifted, with parents often acting as "defense attorneys" for their children:
"Today's parents are basically defense attorneys, as opposed to parents when it comes to conflicts at the school." (47:11)
This shift is contrasted with the more authoritative teacher roles of the past, raising questions about the balance of power and responsibility in modern education.
Conclusion
As the episode wraps up, the hosts express mixed feelings about the back-to-school season—ranging from nostalgia and sadness to hope and optimism for future generations. They highlight the importance of adapting to new educational policies while learning from past experiences to create a supportive and effective learning environment for children.
Looking ahead, The Musers The Podcast announces a new mini-series titled "What We Love," where each host will delve into their personal passions, promising listeners more engaging and heartfelt content in upcoming episodes.
Notable Quotes:
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Craig Miller (02:27):
"I think it's the best thing they could possibly have done entering this school year." -
George Dunham (05:56):
"It's a huge distraction and especially in our state. We're still 44th in the country in education." -
Gordon Keith (12:35):
"It's only Abramic religions, I guess. From Abraham." -
George Dunham (23:55):
"That's the saddest day of my life." -
Craig Miller (42:00):
"Mrs. Booth took special care with all her students. She would come over to our house and tutor me in math." -
George Dunham (50:04):
"I was being a jerk, and he pulled the bus over and someone said, hey, George is going to get a lick."
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