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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 20: Teachers vs. NYC Parking: The Ultimate Urban Survival Story
Every NYC teacher has a horror story — but this one starts with a parking meter.
In this episode, Matthew, Brugge, and Robert tackle the ultimate urban educator struggle: finding a parking spot in New York City. From 4:30 AM commutes to warehouse parking hacks, $200 lots, and alternate-side madness, the trio shares hilarious, relatable stories about how teachers navigate one of the most stressful parts of their day — getting to work.
Along the way, the conversation takes some wild detours (in true teacher fashion):
- AI-illustrated children’s books like “Grandpa Sneezes Trains” and “Wing It”
- Bird encounters and the mysterious NYC pigeon curse
- Writing and acting on subway rides
- Fried watermelon and fair food adventures
- Teacher burnout, SEL, and life balance
What starts as a talk about teacher parking nightmares turns into an honest, funny, and heartfelt look at the teacher experience — where humor, exhaustion, and creativity all collide.
Would you risk a ticket for a good parking spot? Tell us in the comments
Featuring: Rob, Matt, and Brugge
Topics: NYC teacher commutes, alternate-side parking, creative classroom life, and the art of laughing through chaos.
