Explore every episode of the podcast Unlearn16: Class is in Session
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The One Where Mr. Global and I Take Venezuela | 23 Dec 2025 | 00:50:09 | |
In this episode, Mr. Global and I do a deep dive into Venezuela's colonial past, the incursion of the US into their oil market and the volatile state we are finding ourselves today. Any guesses on what the US does next? | |||
| The One Where Marit Uses the 'C' Word | 16 Dec 2025 | 00:33:57 | |
Marit Stiles (Leader of the provincial NDP) and I sit down to discuss how she got kicked out of parliament for telling the truth...and she isn't stopping anytime soon. | |||
| The One Where I Stitch 'Girl'...That's Not What This Book Is About | 21 Jun 2025 | 00:31:49 | |
In this episode, we jump into the baseball game that changed my life found in my NEW book 'That's Not What This Book Is About' - available July 1, 2025. I sit down with you in my car, hotdog from Harvey's, to discuss what it has been like being the only woman in some rooms or fields. It's funny how they always want to keep us out until they realize they need us - isn't it? PS - just wait for the part two bikers decided to sit and chat to each other beside my car while I was trying to tape this episode. | |||
| The One Where I Side With The Mouse and Destroy Desantis | 25 Apr 2023 | 00:45:18 | |
In this episode, I drive us all down to Florida to save the books from the fire, the teachers from the politicians and the oppressed from the tyrants. Desantis might have some momentum, however, dictators only last until the masses revolt. PS - my money is still on the mouse. | |||
| The One Where I Take The Educational Minister to Task - Hi Steve. | 18 Apr 2023 | 00:35:48 | |
In this episode I address the upcoming changes to Ontario's educational system. Steven Lecce, education minister, is leading the charge to 'make school great again' - and yes, I used those words very purposefully. It is time for a recognizing. I am so tired of cliche answers to the immense problem we face in education today - there are no simple solutions and it is time we admitted it. | |||
| The One Where I Step into The World of Relationships...Armed with Common Sense and a Solid Joke | 11 Apr 2023 | 00:54:23 | |
In this episode, Caylee and I sit down to discuss the high and lows of relationships, patterns of dating, and ways of communicating in this crazy world. We will take a hard look at one of the most significant problems couples face today - Why can't you PLEASE refill the toilet paper roll???? | |||
| The One Where Rev. Dan and I Fight The Trolls and Dogma (Hi Kevin Smith) | 04 Apr 2023 | 00:57:00 | |
In this episode, Rev. Daniel and I speak to the power of social media, the pitfalls of internet fame and the pathways to empower the most vulnerable in our society. Hint: it begins we realize how connected we truly are and by never mentioning that Alanis played God in Dogma. | |||
| The One Where I Tell Them To Shove Their 'Thoughts and Prayers' | 28 Mar 2023 | 00:38:54 | |
In this episode, I begin by speaking to the censorship, oppression and targeting of the LGBT2Q+ community - but it takes a turn when the school shooting in Tennessee takes precedent. But don't be fooled, government officials have been using the pretence of safety and tradition to target minorities and give the ILLUSION of safety while 3 children and 3 teachers were killed by a lone shooter. I'm done with thoughts and prayers - don't speak unless you have a plan to act. | |||
| The One Where I Tear Down The Pretence of Learning to Reveal True Education | 21 Mar 2023 | 00:43:10 | |
In this episode, I peel back the layers of our education system to reveal its flaws and the mediocrity of memorization. Only when we are truly honest about the system we have can we ever hope to rebuild something of value for our students and society at large. The days of standardized testing, memorizing dates, reciting the periodic table and only reading ministry approved books are over. You want to build intelligent, critical thinkers who are ready to take on all the world has to offer? How much are you willing to pay? What will you sacrifice? | |||
| The One Where I Stop Barking...and So Does My Dog | 14 Mar 2023 | 01:10:35 | |
In this episode, Adam and I begin our conversation with puppy raising and end it by finding the meaning of life. It might sound incredible, but I can assure you the ride of this hour is well worth the ticket price. Get your popcorn. | |||
| The One Where I Tell You Why He Left | 07 Mar 2023 | 00:33:21 | |
In this episode, I talk about my dad. How our relationship was formed, what was missing and how I dealt with my world when he left it. PS - I got my eyes all from him. | |||
| The One Where I Find The God Particle... Or At Least Alanis Morisette | 28 Feb 2023 | 00:43:15 | |
In this episode, Rev. Daniel and I sit down to talk about twitter wit, finding god on the internet and meeting Alanis (on the big screen of Dogma). In this chat we have a real heart to heart about what's important, how he sees his faith and the ways in which to crush the evangelical right wing that is ruining it all! | |||
| The One Where Use The Bully To Change The World | 21 Feb 2023 | 00:35:23 | |
In this episode, I focus on how I, as a teaching of 20 years, addressing bullying in my school...the strategies I used...the consequences I put forward...and most importantly, the responsibility I encourage my staff and students to take. The reality is - the culture we live in is constantly reflected in our young - act accordingly adults. | |||
| The One Where I Draw an Oval...That's Not What This Book Is About | 20 Jun 2025 | 01:07:34 | |
In this episode, we dive into the behind the words of my NEW book 'That's Not What This Book is About' - available July 1, 2025. My Uncle Ray and I sit down to have a conversation about the chapter 'Draw an Oval' - where we discuss art, teaching and where my inspiration comes from. You want an honest and powerful conversation about teaching - this is it. | |||
| The One Where I Go To The Super Bowl And Save The World | 14 Feb 2023 | 00:32:33 | |
In this episode, outside of rocking a Reggie Smith Eagles' Jersey, I talk about the power of team sport and what it can do for your confidence, character and your perception of success. I like to win, however, the real victory comes when someone gives everything they have before walking off that field and knowing your teammates with always be 'on your left' | |||
| The One Where I Tell You My Hat Size, My Secrets AND The Chicken Story | 07 Feb 2023 | 00:47:59 | |
In this episode, I answer ALL of your questions about my job, my views on politics, my relationship and I ALMOST get to tell you the entire chicken story. Maybe next time Ana won't interrupt. | |||
| The One Where 'Politics Girl' and I Write a Democratic 'Short Letter' | 31 Jan 2023 | 00:57:28 | |
In this episode, Leigh McGowan (I am Politics Girl) sit down to hash out this Mark Twain quote - "I didn't have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead.” She and I are in the new business of writing only 'short letters' and saving democracy. | |||
| The One Where I Go Into The Past To Change The Future | 24 Jan 2023 | 01:23:04 | |
In this episode, Abe and I discuss the lesson we learn from being 'othered' - starting with the Holocaust and ending up in the battle we all face today against such extreme views and dictatorial policies. 'We must never forget' applies to everyone facing a level of hate and persecution that if gone unchecked will always end in violence. | |||
| The One Where I Broke Me to Find Me | 17 Jan 2023 | 00:40:41 | |
In this episode, I jump into the dangerous and painful waters of divorce. Is it them? Am I a magnet? Why didn't it work? How could they leave? | |||
| The One Where I Take On The SkyNet of Education | 10 Jan 2023 | 00:35:24 | |
In this episode, I talk about the existence of ChatGPT and its impact on education, critical analysis and the new art of cheating. Will it destroy education or will it prove that memorizing dates and names never really served a purpose anyways? | |||
| The One Where I Destroy the Fallacy of a Meritocracy | 03 Jan 2023 | 01:15:53 | |
In this episode, Danisha Carter and I sit down to do a deep dive into nepotism, favours, back room deals and the art of making connections. All of which proves the illusion of the meritocracy. The best don't always rise to the top...let's stop pretending they do. | |||
| The One Where I Take The 'Nepo Baby' Out For A Walk | 27 Dec 2022 | 00:37:44 | |
In this episode, I explain just what a 'nepo baby' is and why is the entire free world up in arms over an age old reality that impacts every single walk of life. Are we simply so mad at celebrity culture and the money they make that we are going to through everything at them and accept no responsibility of our own human nature?? | |||
| The One Where I Grinch My Way To Save The Bumble | 20 Dec 2022 | 00:36:48 | |
In this episode, I count down my top 10 Christmas movie must-sees. I'll make you laugh, cry and find the true spirit of Christmas. Try to guess my top three before getting there and put your guesses in the comments below. Ho Ho Ho. | |||
| The One Where I Cabbage Patch Christmas Like It Was 1984 | 13 Dec 2022 | 00:37:15 | |
In this episode, I will stroll down Christmas Past and reveal the three Christmases that have made me into the person I am today. Grover, Commodore 64 and Cabbage Patch '84 build the framework of all the lessons learned. There was no cinnamon used in the production of these memories. | |||
| The One Where Gremlins Beat Perimenopause | 06 May 2025 | 01:04:36 | |
In this episode, Kate Grosvenor and I sit down and talk about the crazy world of perimenopause and menopause. What is it? How do we mitigate the impacts? Why is NO ONE talking about it? And why aren't doctors educated on it? | |||
| The One Where I Nurse The Health Care System Without a Stethoscope | 06 Dec 2022 | 00:44:54 | |
In this episode, I travel back 35 years in health care and follow its progression through the eyes of a nurse. What's changed? What role did different governments play? How has the subtle manipulation of nursing staff led to the crisis of health care we all face? And, what do we need to do about it? I begin with my first steps taken towards my mom's head nurse... | |||
| The One Where I Grab the Mic and Almost Sing | 29 Nov 2022 | 00:37:54 | |
In this episode I take a field trip to the Biltmore (downtown Oshawa bar) to meet up with famed Canadian pop star Ria Mae. We discuss all the important things - the battery water she drinks, her love of a vegan restaurant she can't remember the name of AND the power that music has to change the world (that last one might be the most important - but let me know what you think | |||
| The One Where I Demand Real Education for the 54% | 22 Nov 2022 | 00:45:24 | |
In this episode, I dive into the fundamental flaws and real crisis of the educational system in the US. How can 54% of people, 17-74, only have a literacy rate of that of a Grade 6 student?? How can this be the most powerful, wealthy and industrious nation in the world with that as their foundation? Why would we NOT want to pour money into the future of our society? Is this the beginning of the end of an empire? Huge questions...painful answers...but necessary conversations. | |||
| The One Where I Talk to Adam and Save the World With Puppies | 15 Nov 2022 | 01:47:41 | |
In this episode, Adam Busch (Warren from Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and I sit down to debate the meaning of life, the power of art, and how to defend against Buffy fans who are still mad at him for the 'Tara' incident. We will also highlight the predictive powers of Buffy which taught us the worst villain we could ever face isn't a demon or a monster from another dimension - it is the incel living across the street. | |||
| The One Where I Unionize, Educate and Strike - Oh My | 08 Nov 2022 | 00:40:12 | |
In this episode I will tackle the disaster that is the educational system and strike in Ontario, Canada. Why are they on strike? What is the Not Withstanding Clause? Why was it passed? What should be foundations of education and how shall we build them? I'll answer them all...and in the process save education. Ok fine, I won't save it but I promise a good discussion of core principles and a solid path for the future. Now make you signs, put on some comfortable shoes and get ready to chant. | |||
| The One Where I Travel Across The Pond to Fix Brexit | 01 Nov 2022 | 01:08:00 | |
In this episode Femi Oluwole (British citizen and international activist) and I, sit down to discuss the economy, politics and societal accountability. We even take a minute or two to fix Brexit. Femi is an incredible academic, theorist and driven intellectual. | |||
| The One Where You Make A Choice...Are You Ready to Be Strong? Buffy Season 7 Finale | 25 Oct 2022 | 01:01:23 | |
In this episode, Stu, Stefan and I take one more trip to the Hellmouth - where the First Evil awaits but we are armed with Goddesses and Slayers (everyone one of us). I challenge ANYONE to watch the last two episodes of this season and NOT be able to lift your head and smirk at anything life can throw at you. | |||
| The One Where We Find Our Potential From Beneath - Buffy Season 7 Part 1 | 18 Oct 2022 | 00:57:00 | |
In this episode, Stefan, Stu and I dive into the last and final season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. 'One slayer in all the world' - we are about to blow up that myth and prove why the power lies in everyone's hands. Oh, and we will constantly be giving our opinions on how the season SHOULD have gone and what they missed out on - I'm thinking we invent a spin off (wink). | |||
| The One Where I Fix The Yellow Crayon - Buffy Season 6 Part 2 | 11 Oct 2022 | 00:54:49 | |
In this episode, Stu, Stefan and I jump back into the feminist world of Buffy the Vampire Slayer as she fights the most dangerous, disgusting and horrific villain ever created - the toxic alpha male. Willow may be the 'big bad' of this season that we all remember but Warren represents the true evil our real world selves face. Sorry Adam Busch. | |||
| The One Where Willow and I Get 'Bored Now' - Buffy Season 6 | 04 Oct 2022 | 00:56:24 | |
In this episode, Stu and I bring Buffy back from the dead, sing our feelings until our throats are horse and watch Zander save the world with a broken yellow crayon. And that's just in part one. | |||
| The One Where Fancy Takes My Book Cover Shot | 29 Apr 2025 | 01:10:47 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Elaine Fancy, photographer and philosopher, and discuss life, meaning and the truth behind the camera. You aren't going to want to miss this conversation. Just WAIT until you see the cover of my book!!! | |||
| The One Where I Yell Out 'Truck'. Buffy Season 5 Part 2 | 27 Sep 2022 | 01:04:34 | |
In this episode Stu, Stefan and I take the strength of a god and battle back our urge to push Dawn off that mystical portal. We also tackle the feminist and not so feminist underpinnings of the Slayer, Buffy, women and the mythology that surrounds both. | |||
| The One We Get a Sister - Buffy Season 5 Part 1 | 20 Sep 2022 | 00:52:57 | |
In this episode, Stu, Stefan and I jumped into Season 5 of Buffy ready to meet the worst villain of all - Buffy's fake sister Dawn. Just kidding, Glory is the villain of this season, but somehow I would rather share a meal with her over 'The Key'. Welcome to the Season of the God. | |||
| The One Where We Fight Adam With Bad Character Development - Buffy Season 4 Part 2 | 13 Sep 2022 | 00:57:05 | |
In this episode Stu, Stefan and i finish our judgement (in an afterlife sort of way) of the second half of Season 4. Even though we would have stormed The Initiative the bottom lines is that Maggie Walsh should have been the 'big bad' we were facing not the monster from the Matrix. | |||
| The One Where I 'HUSH' and Refuse to Taunt The Fear Demon - Buffy Season 4 Part 1 | 06 Sep 2022 | 00:55:25 | |
In this episode Stu, Stefan and I head into university with Buffy and the Scoobies...and eventually take on the American Military. Even though the show may get a little lost in this season it still stands with some of the best single episodes of the series. Before we begin please tell me what poster did you buy and put up in your University dorm room? | |||
| The One Where We Destroy The School To Kill Bad CGI - Buffy Season 3 Part 2 | 30 Aug 2022 | 01:00:19 | |
In this episode, we jump back into Season 3 and point out all the various limitations of character development DESPITE the existence of a truly powerful storyline. We all decided that Faith got ripped off...and we respectfully request a spin off to understand her origins story. | |||
| The One Where We 'Wish' We Could Make 'Amends' During 'Slayerfest' - Season 3 | 23 Aug 2022 | 01:07:56 | |
In this episode, Stu, Stefan and I tackle the FIRST HALF of Season 3 and we watch Buffy fight her way out of hell, watch Angel Battle his inner demons and watch all take a trip to the Gingerbread house. Buffy is a fantastic metaphor, allegory, symbol of what life is and what it can be when you decide to be a hero. PS - I would like to say 'DONE' and mean it just once in my life. | |||
| The One Where We Get Spiked and Save The World With a Sword (Part 2) | 16 Aug 2022 | 01:05:28 | |
In this episode, Stu, Stefan and I return to Sunnydale and jumped right back into the deep analysis of Season 2. We talk themes, metaphors, and high school drama to summarize the best season ever played on television. PS - wait for the end of the episode where I give my all encompassing Buffy thesis as to why this show is truly epic. | |||
| The One Where We Meet a Werewolf and Lose Our Souls (Part 1) | 09 Aug 2022 | 01:01:09 | |
In this episode Stu, Stefan and I dive into the best season of all Buffy Seasons. In Season 2 we learn valuable lessons - don't let your nephew bite you, always dress for the person you wish to be, and never be afraid to stab the love your life to save the world. Because this season is so packed with deep meaning, big fight scenes and excellent new hairdos we had to break it up into two part. | |||
| The One Where We Step into the Hellmouth: Season 1 Buffy the Vampire Slayer | 02 Aug 2022 | 01:16:16 | |
In this episode, Stu, Stefan and I start our SEVEN part podcast series diving into the depths of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. We start, as all responsible people should, in Season One. It is here that we talk about the themes, characters and plot points that will build the foundations of the best show ever to grace the television...and now, your computer. Remember - 'The earth is doomed'. | |||
| The One Where We Cheerlead the Brokeback | 26 Jul 2022 | 02:11:50 | |
On today's episode - Stu, Stefan and I jump into the wide world of queer cinema. We take it all the way back to the 80s and 90s where coming out was hard but always stylish. As the conversation continues we tap into why movies and TV matter so much for representation and the beginnings for our education. Don't forget to check out Stu and Stefan on their platforms listed below AND be sure to leave a message telling YOUR fav queer film. | |||
| The One Where Arlene Dickinson Gives The Lesson | 22 Apr 2025 | 00:58:54 | |
In this episode, Arlene and I sit down and discuss Canada and the US, the Chinese stance in the new world order and her favourite movie. | |||
| The One Where We Colour Outside the Lines, Then Shred the Picture | 19 Jul 2022 | 01:09:25 | |
In this episode, Stu and I discuss sex, gender, and the LGBTQIA+ community. We try to decipher the code between nature and nurture, break apart the roots of socialization and uncover why there is so much hate against the trans community at this moment in time. | |||
| The One Where Ana Lures Me To The Dark Side | 12 Jul 2022 | 01:07:33 | |
In this episode Ana and I dive deep into ALL nine Star Wars movies...BUT her fresh take and unique perspective has me seriously questioning my long lasting, firmly held Star Wars beliefs. Check it out and let me know what you think! | |||
| The One Where I Fix SCOTUS and Reverse the Reversal | 05 Jul 2022 | 01:08:51 | |
In this episode, Stu and I tackle the incredibly painful reality of the the US Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade... and their seemingly horrific push towards created a theocratic nation. This conversation NEEDS to be turned into action, into debate and into protest - democracy is a risk. | |||