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Playing Teacher
🎙️ What is a teacher, really?
And what’s it actually like inside a New York City school?
Welcome to Playing Teacher, where veteran educators Matt and Rob—with over 40 years of combined experience teaching in NYC—pull back the curtain on the myths, realities, and moments that make education unforgettable (for better or worse). From the mysterious teacher’s lounge to the myth of “summer off,” they explore what really happens when the classroom door closes.
This isn’t a shiny brochure version of school. It’s the real deal:
🧠 Learning vs. schooling.
❤️ What kids actually carry with them.
🔥 How teachers and counselors survive systems built to burn them out.
And when we’re lucky enough to have her, we’re joined by Beanie—school counselor, educator, and recurring co-host—who brings powerful insight, grounded compassion, and the kind of perspective only someone who's worked both inside and around the classroom can offer.
👥 Guests range from teachers, students, and administrators to learning scientists, former kids (yes, really), and other unexpected voices from the world of education.
Whether you're in the classroom, supporting from the sidelines, or just trying to make sense of how we learn and why it matters—this is your hallway pass to the inside.
Playing Teacher
Episode 17: Teachers on the Move: Diets, Fitness, and Fresh Starts
In this episode, Matt, Rob, and Brugge share candid reflections on the challenges of maintaining health and balance as educators. The conversation spans from their high school experiences to their ongoing efforts with weight loss, diet programs, and creative fitness routines, whether it’s sprinting empty hallways, dusting off a pogo stick, or sticking to intermittent fasting. Along the way, they reminisce about potluck traditions, school gym memories, and the temptation of diner pancakes and mocha lattes. With Brugge preparing for a new school, and Matt and Rob revisiting past projects like PBIS posters, the trio emphasizes the importance of sustaining both physical and mental well-being while navigating the demands of teaching.
