Rick gets things started this week by sharing a recent interaction with Rufus about “plugging in” to share with listeners about the number of people joining the Edventure. Rick provides the report and asks listeners for help in order to meet Rufus’ goals of reaching people in 25 total states and 50 countries in the next three months. Rick and Nick both talk about a recent performance that they attended at Act 2 Theater in Ambler, PA headlined by Nick’s talented brother Mike. Cole in my Stocking is an entertaining show revisiting some classic tunes from the talented Cole Porter.  

Dr. Rick reads his blog from this week entitled “Sweet Apples or Sour Grapes.” The blog focuses on the importance (and advantages) of expecting and assuming the best in others. Nick shares a similar story – The Cookie Thief – which also highlights the dangers of cynicism.    

Dr. Nick and Dr. Rick switch gears in the Building the Brochure segment this week. As the year 2022 draws to a close, the guys take a break from their investigation into the developmental assets to focus on one of 2022’s most significant studies in the field of education. This article emphasizes the importance of positive Teacher-Students-Relationships (TSR’s) as a pre-requisite for students’ academic achievement and, importantly, for teachers use of advanced teaching strategies. Nick shares some great advice drawn from his twenty-five years in the field on how teachers develop those important relationships. Rick comes at things from a counseling perspective, emphasizing the “therapeutic alliance” as the most critical factor in successful clinical outcomes along with the importance of being intentional from the very beginning in regards to helping relationships. Nick also has some thoughts regarding leadership and motivational theory which should be interesting to administrators and folks in other leadership roles. Both guys are thrilled to share this article which reinforces and affirms their suggestions that Social-Emotional Learning and connecting with kids are THE most important things that people working with kids can do – both resulting in and leading to positive outcomes for everyone involved.  

The Every Rose has Its Thorn segment this week sees the guys discussing the best and worst of TV and movies from 2022. Nick has high praises for Top Gun: Maverick and the latest season of Stranger Things. Rick counters with Thirteen Lives as his movie of choice and Andor as his favorite series of the year. On the thornier side, Nick was left disappointed in the newest Thor entry and the Boba Fett series. Rick seems to agree with both, but selects Jurassic World: Dominion and Rings of Power as two of his least favorite from 2022.  

The last segment finds the guys digging back into the mailbag to respond to fan questions. Both guys have strong thoughts and feelings in response to Cameron’s question about teacher salaries. The benefits of a national teaching minimum wage are discussed as part of a potential solution. The episode ends with responses to a final and classic icebreaker question – If you could have any superpower, what would it be and how would you use it? Rick talks about reading minds and Nick flies off into the sunset.   

Enjoy Episode XII of Nick & Rick’s Excellent EdVenture!