Podcast Summary: Unlearn16 Episode - "The One Where The Tide is Out...That's Not What This Book Is About"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Unlearn16: Class is in Session
- Host: Unlearn16
- Description: A teacher with a sarcastic wit whose passion for debate and discussion spans the political, social, and pop culture spectrums. PS - a solid metaphor can solve all life’s problems.
- Episode: The One Where The Tide is Out...That's Not What This Book Is About
- Release Date: June 28, 2025
Introduction: Setting the Stage
Unlearn16 opens the episode from the drama room at Metro High School, blending humor with self-reflection. The host humorously questions his own time perception, mentioning, “What is wrong with me if it's before July 1, 2025? I was born in 1975. I'm about to turn 50” ([00:03]). This playful start sets the tone for a candid and engaging discussion about personal growth and the lessons learned from unexpected challenges.
The Surfing Metaphor: Facing Fear and Change
The episode delves into the host’s personal experience learning to surf in Costa Rica, which serves as a powerful metaphor for overcoming fear and embracing change. He recounts a harrowing incident where the tide began to pull him out to sea, highlighting his initial panic: “I started to really worry that I was going to end up in Ireland” ([04:15]). This story illustrates the essence of facing fears head-on and the importance of resilience.
Notable Quote:
“I think we're not really living in a real authentic way unless we're doing things that scare us.” – Unlearn16 ([09:30])
Transition to Teaching: Embracing Monotony and Predictability
Unlearn16 transitions from his surfing story to his life as a first-year teacher at 27. He discusses the illusion of control created by monotonous routines: “Monotony is the spice of life... they’re giving me the illusion and the comfort of predictability” ([12:45]). This segment emphasizes how predictable routines can mask the inherent unpredictability of life, and the discomfort that comes with unexpected changes.
Notable Quote:
“The only constant in life is change. I hate that.” – Unlearn16 ([15:10])
Embracing Change in Education: The Impact of COVID-19
The host addresses the seismic shifts in education brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. He reflects on how the lockdowns forced rapid adaptation and the subsequent challenges in returning to school: “Covid was this very strong shift too, where it really said, listen, at any given moment, Mother Nature can also sit you on your butt” ([22:00]). This period underscored the necessity of flexibility and the ability to pivot in the face of unforeseen circumstances.
Stepping into the Unknown: Acting in a School Play
A pivotal moment in the episode is when Unlearn16 recounts being thrust into acting in a school play, despite his fear of performing: “Acting’s terrifying to me... I just avoided it for 20 years” ([30:20]). This experience becomes a profound lesson in personal growth, as he navigates memorizing lines, stage presence, and overcoming self-doubt with the support of his students and colleagues.
Notable Quote:
“Courage is like doing it anyways. I'm not going to mitigate it. I'm going to do it anyway.” – Unlearn16 ([42:55])
Lessons in Teaching: Empowering Students through Fear
Drawing from his acting experience, Unlearn16 emphasizes the importance of encouraging students to face their fears and step out of their comfort zones. He argues that true education lies in empowering students to tackle challenges they find daunting, fostering resilience and growth: “The heart of education is how do I encourage and empower kids to do scary things that they're not good at” ([55:40]).
Notable Quote:
“If you're not facing those kind of fears when you are demanding of them, it was asking too much with no context.” – Unlearn16 ([58:25])
Critique of the Current Education System: Narrow Focus and Lack of Holistic Development
The host critiques the current education system for its narrow focus on standardized testing and specialization, which marginalizes the arts and fails to cultivate well-rounded individuals. He laments the reduction of arts programs in favor of STEM disciplines driven by financial motivations: “Cutting the arts is a failure of our system... it's just done for money” ([1:05:15]).
Notable Quote:
“The only reason anyone's ever done that [marginalizing arts] is to save money.” – Unlearn16 ([1:06:30])
The Importance of Struggle and Resilience: Building Multifaceted Individuals
Unlearn16 advocates for an education system that values diverse skill sets and embraces failure as a vital component of learning. He contends that experiencing struggle teaches essential life skills such as adaptability and perseverance: “You need to know what struggle feels like because if you don't, you won't know how to pivot” ([1:15:50]).
Vision for a Renaissance Education: Holistic and Inclusive Learning
Envisioning a renaissance model of education, the host calls for a system that nurtures multifaceted individuals capable of thriving amidst change. He champions an approach that values both STEM and the arts, recognizing their collective importance in fostering innovative and resilient citizens: “It's about breadth and it's about expanding your mind, not narrowing your focus” ([1:20:40]).
Notable Quote:
“A Renaissance person...will be more powerful, more capable, and will change the world quicker than anybody else.” – Unlearn16 ([1:22:10])
Conclusion: Embracing Fear and Facilitating Growth
Unlearn16 wraps up the episode by reiterating the significance of facing fears and encouraging others to do the same. He underscores that both educators and students benefit from stepping into the unknown, as it leads to personal and collective growth: “Let's embrace failing. Let's embrace having to do something again” ([1:30:00]).
Final Quote:
“The heart of education is this idea of empowering kids to do things that scare them, that are out of their comfort zone.” – Unlearn16 ([1:32:55])
Key Takeaways:
- Embrace Fear and Change: Personal growth occurs when we step outside our comfort zones and face our fears.
- Holistic Education: Education should foster a wide range of skills, valuing both STEM and the arts to develop well-rounded individuals.
- Resilience Through Struggle: Experiencing and overcoming challenges builds essential life skills such as adaptability and perseverance.
- Supportive Community: Both teachers and students benefit from a supportive environment that encourages risk-taking and collective growth.
- Reevaluating Success: Redefining success beyond standardized metrics to include personal growth and resilience is crucial for meaningful education.
Unlearn16’s episode offers a compelling narrative that intertwines personal anecdotes with broader educational philosophies, advocating for a more inclusive and resilient approach to teaching and learning.