Spring Break with David and L

ADHD and Deafness with Savanna Goldstein

What happens when the classroom simply isn't built for how your brain is wired, in more ways than one? In this episode, Savanna Goldstein introduces us to the complexity of the brain in multiple dimensions. Through her research at Gallaudet University, the world's only university built by and for Deaf people, Savanna shares the power of reframing perceived "deficits" into unique and valuable perspectives on the world. Armed with both vast knowledge and deep compassion, she aims to translate the often inaccessible world of academia into tangible benefits for her community. Want to learn more? Here are some resources Savanna mentioned to help you get started: * Dr. H-Dirksen Bauman and Dr. Joseph J. Murray on “hearing loss” and Deaf Gain: https://gallaudet.edu/deaf-studies/deaf-gain-authors-reflect-on-why-deaf-gain-is-more-important-than-ever/ [https://gallaudet.edu/deaf-studies/deaf-gain-authors-reflect-on-why-deaf-gain-is-more-important-than-ever/] * The Neuroscience of You [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/624256/the-neuroscience-of-you-by-chantel-prat/] by Dr. Chantal Prat * Dr. Gregory Farber at The Learning Center for the Deaf: https://www.tlcdeaf.org/contact-tlc-school-leadership [https://www.tlcdeaf.org/contact-tlc-school-leadership] Thanks to artist Mr Smith and the Free Music Archive for the use of our theme song, "Funk Five."

Spring Break with David and L

[But wait, where is ep. 21? We had a live episode on Facebook Live! Our goal is to stream on TikTok next time, so if you wanna see us there, be sure to follow @davidnash970 on TikTok!] Life is skittles and life is beer. In this episode, cosmopolitans David and L return from their travels with stories about textiles, invisible bookbags, mapping out the future, and California traffic. The lesson at the heart of it all: no matter how you choose to express yourself, your art has the power to teach the world to be a kinder place. * Wanna be cooler than Indiana Jones? Provenance researcher Annie Shanley has a whole blog sharing her investigations of the stories behind artifacts! Read Den of Antiquity here: https://carlos.emory.edu/den-antiquity-blog [https://carlos.emory.edu/den-antiquity-blog] * Check out GWU's Textile Museum: https://museum.gwu.edu/ [https://museum.gwu.edu/] * Learn from Carol James, a sprang expert: https://www.spranglady.com/about-the-artist.html [https://www.spranglady.com/about-the-artist.html] * Sprang for yourself (I want to be Sally Pointer when I grow up): https://www.sallypointer.com/ [https://www.sallypointer.com/] * Find our cool cousin Jeff Robin @jefecarlosrobin on Instagram, or check out his website: https://www.jeffrobin.com/ [https://www.jeffrobin.com/]

Breaking the Cycles of OCD with Lindsay Cohen

Have you ever heard a stranger, friend, or family member say, "I'm sooo OCD" when what they mean is, "I like to keep things organized"? Have you seen characters on TV fret over the tiniest speck of dirt or a hair out of place? In this episode, David and L welcome back Lindsay Cohen to break down what Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder really looks like, how it impacts every aspect of daily life, and what people living with OCD (and, crucially, their support networks) can do to build resilience over time. Want to learn more? Here are some resources that Lindsay recommends (and uses in her own research): * https://iocdf.org/ [https://iocdf.org/] * https://childmind.org/ [https://childmind.org/care/areas-of-expertise/ocd-center/] This episode was directly inspired by a recent OCD episode on Ologies with Alie Ward and special guest Dr. Wayne Goodman [https://www.alieward.com/ologies/ocdneurobiology]. Thanks to artist Mr Smith and the Free Music Archive for the use of our theme song, "Funk Five."

Testing, Testing with David and L

Did you know that if your favorite hosts don’t show up for a month, they don’t actually have to let you out of class early? Common misconception. In this episode, David and L make a triumphant return to the education world with everybody’s favorite subject: testing. If you’ve ever stared at a question in total confusion and wondered just how we all ended up here (and if you’ve ever woken up in a cold sweat many years later), this is the episode for you. Armed with historical context and modern experience, we tackle the controversial question at the heart of the testing debate: what are tests actually useful for in 2026? There may be more to the answers than you realize. *Correction: The timeline we use in this episode is from the National Education Association, not the U.S. Department of Education, although their histories are intertwined. Behold the timeline, complete with mysterious gap [https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/tools-tips/history-standardized-testing-united-states]. All hail the mysterious gap. What was that book David mentioned about the history and science of reading? Check out Proust and the Squid by Maryanne Wolf and tell us what you think! To learn more about how anxiety shapes our thinking, go back and listen to our episode with Lindsay Cohen, and stay tuned for a new episode with her on OCD! Thanks to artist Mr Smith and the Free Music Archive for the use of our theme song, "Funk Five."

Leading with Purpose with Mark Jacobson

The most effective teachers know that leadership skills are essential to educators, and character is essential to leadership. In this episode, adjunct professor and retired Lieutenant Commander Mark Jacobson helps David and L kick into high gear as the fall semester winds down and finals loom on the horizon. Mark compares his time at summer camp to his time at boot camp, navigates military and civilian hierarchies on Capitol Hill, and models to both his students and his son what it truly means to lead. Did you miss our bonus episode with Mark about the outsider experience at Kweebec? It's on the syllabus, so be sure to go back and check it out! Thanks to artist Mr Smith and the Free Music Archive for the use of our theme song, "Funk Five."