In this kickoff episode of PodcastPD’s 2026 monthly series, Chris Nesi and AJ Bianco launch a year-long conversation around one big, loaded question: What does it actually mean to “fix” education? Drawing from their perspectives as a classroom teacher and a building administrator, they unpack why education feels broken—and why quick fixes and political talking points miss the point.

The conversation dives into student engagement, burnout, technology overload, cell phone policies, professional development, and the lingering effects of the pandemic. Rather than offering silver bullets, Chris and AJ focus on what is within educators’ control: mindset, instructional choices, leadership decisions, and how we grow as professionals. This episode sets the tone for a thoughtful, honest series focused on meaningful, sustainable change—one classroom and one school at a time.

1. What people really mean when they say “education is broken”
2. The post-pandemic reality vs. the promise of change
3. Student apathy, grit, and cognitive endurance
4. Teachers caught between engagement and exhaustion
5. Administrators navigating mandates, data, and human needs
6. The pendulum swing of educational technology
7. Cell phone bans, Chromebooks, handwriting, and balance
8. Why professional development needs a reset
9. What educators can actually control right now
10. Growth mindset, experimentation, and learning out loud

AJ: The Mindset Mentor podcast, hosted by Rob Dial.

AJ describes it as a mindset and personal growth podcast that blends psychology, neuroscience, habit-building, and goal setting, and notes that he’s been especially into recent episodes focused on preparing for 2026, habits, anxiety, and self-improvement.

Chris: Instead of a traditional podcast recommendation this month, Chris is spotlighting a daily short-form video series he’s been creating throughout January focused entirely on how to start a podcast.

Chris Nesi and A.J. Bianco sit down with educator, author, and school leader Rich Czyz to discuss his latest book, Autopilot: Practical Productivity for School Leaders. Rich shares insights drawn from his experience during the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of delegating, automating tasks, and setting boundaries in a busy educational environment. Listeners will gain valuable strategies to combat burnout, improve communication, and foster a more productive culture within their schools.

Topics Discussed:

Techniques for Enhancing Productivity in Education:

Rich emphasizes the need for school leaders to adopt effective strategies that emerged particularly during the pandemic. He discusses how educators are often overwhelmed by numerous responsibilities, which can lead to burnout. The conversation emphasizes the importance of prioritizing essential tasks and refining processes to foster a more productive environment.

Addressing Common Pain Points for School Leaders:

Throughout the episode, Rich identifies specific pain points that many school leaders face, such as managing an overwhelming influx of emails and addressing the myriad requests from staff and students. He suggests that school leaders recognize these challenges and prioritize their time by setting boundaries, such as designated times for checking email.

The Importance of Delegation and Creating a Supportive School Culture:

Rich advocates for the power of delegation as a means of reducing workload and empowering others within the school environment. He discusses how school leaders can and should share responsibilities with staff and even students. This not only alleviates pressure on leaders but also fosters a sense of ownership and collaboration among the team.

Strategies for Managing Email and Communication Effectively:

Rich shares his "B.O.A.T." strategy—Blocked Off Answering Times—where he designates specific times in the day to focus on emails, allowing him to better manage interruptions and maintain productivity throughout the day. By doing this, he sets expectations for his communication style and encourages others, including staff and parents, to respect these boundaries.

Insights from Rich's Book and Its Origins:

Rich delves into the many strategies that were developed during his efforts to lead effectively in a challenging educational landscape marked by the pandemic.

Creating a Vision for Work-Life Balance:

Rich highlights the importance of fostering a culture that respects individual boundaries and promotes personal well-being. By advising school leaders to occasionally close their doors and protect their time, he highlights a crucial aspect of effective leadership—maintaining a healthy work-life balance for both themselves and their staff.

• AJ: Cold Blooded: Mystery in Alaska & The Hand in the Window
• Chris: House of EdTech SmackDown
• Rich: Cal Newport’s A Deep Life Podcast & How I Write

In this episode of PodcastPD, hosts Chris Nesi and AJ Bianco take a deep dive into the wild world of Reddit’s teacher community — reacting to real posts from educators about burnout, parent conferences, grading policies, and the reality of work-life balance in education.

From heartfelt burnout confessions to debates about deducting points for missing names, Chris and AJ bring their signature mix of humor, honesty, and professional insight to each post. They also tackle questions about AI tools for teachers, new educator struggles, and what happens when “a rich guy wants to be a teacher.” Whether you’re a veteran educator, a new teacher, or just curious about what really happens in schools, this conversation is equal parts entertaining and enlightening.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Teacher burnout and finding balance in year four
• The role of AI in easing educator workload
• Effective communication during parent-teacher conferences
• Accountability vs. empathy in grading (the “no-name paper” debate)
• A millionaire’s dream: Should rich professionals become teachers?
• Tips for surviving the first year of teaching
• Using time management and boundaries to avoid burnout
• Community comments from live listeners and former students

Mentioned in Episode:

• Get PD certificates for listening
• Milestone Events

“From now on, you are my Elite Performance Coach. Your role is to help me optimize my daily habits, time management, and productivity like a top-performing leader in education. Ask clarifying questions to understand my goals, responsibilities, and schedule. Then, create realistic daily and weekly plans that prioritize focus, balance, and recovery. Hold me accountable with specific check-ins, and suggest tools or methods (like time blocking, reflection, or task batching) that align with my personality and workload. Keep your feedback direct, encouraging, and practical.”