Teaching Keating with Weston and Molly Kieschnick
Weston and Molly Kieschnick, both former educators, host a podcast that uses iconic teaching moments from movies and television as a springboard for reflecting on instructional practice. With a bottle of wine in hand, they invite listeners to laugh, agree or disagree, and explore their own identity as educators. Weston is a Senior Fellow at the International Center for Leadership in Education, while Molly works with teens and young adults in parochial education programs in Colorado. Together, they bring their experiences as parents and educators to each episode.
Episodes
E205: The Most and Least Important School Subjects: Our Bold Rankings
On Teaching Keating, Molly and Weston tackle a controversial topic by ranking the most and least important school subjects, debating priorities for functional adulthood amid potential backlash. They reveal top picks like ELA for communication, social studies for civic discourse, and math/personal finance for economic literacy, while critiquing lesser focuses like foreign languages or advanced scie
E204: Is It Important to Raise Kids Around Family? Pros, Cons, and Adjustments
On Teaching Keating, Molly and Weston explore the value of raising children near extended family, reflecting on their own transitions from isolated upbringings to Colorado's close-knit dynamics. They weigh pros like community support, grandparent help, and cousin bonds against cons such as constant pop-ins and balancing multiple families. Weston recounts culture shock from family fridge raids and
E203: How to Talk to Teachers: A Guide for Parents, Students, and Strangers
On Teaching Keating, Molly and Weston offer practical advice on communicating with educators, drawing from their experiences as teachers and parents amid back-to-school chaos. They break down boundaries for parents—like weekend email limits and 24-hour response windows—while addressing student interactions and stranger small talk on planes. Weston shares airplane peacock questions and celebrity en
E202: Rediscovering Social Etiquette: What's Lost and What We Want Back
On Teaching Keating, Molly and Weston dive into the evolution of social etiquette, sharing hilarious personal anecdotes on bodily functions, burping, and family dynamics as they celebrate Molly's birthday month. They explore norms lost to casual society—like airplane attire, gym awareness, and yoga mat boundaries—and debate reclaiming formalities for better public interactions. Weston reflects on
E201: Back-to-School Survival Guide
Molly and Weston prep for the school year on Teaching Keating, offering educator shortcuts to smooth starts and cut tension. Weston outlines ideas like emergency-plan bins, review slots, and student-soundtracked transitions, as Molly recalls streamlined designs and kid-picked tunes. They capture the buzz of fresh groups, home no-work areas, and grading restraint for progress. Via tricks such as ba
E200: Parenting Plot Twists
On Teaching Keating, Molly and Weston spill hidden shifts parenthood brings to relationships, prompted by a fan query on pre-kid surprises. They reveal how kids transform couples into collaborators—or rivals—sparring over trivia like rest routines in exhaustion. Weston opens on intimacy's lost impulsiveness, as Molly stresses safeguarding the partnership. Covering duo-to-family evolution, pre-pare
E199: The Art of Awkward
Molly and Weston bring humor to awkward encounters on Teaching Keating, reflecting on stories to explain why some stall while others forge ahead. Weston admits pitfalls like name mix-ups and avoidance, as Molly recounts a tense concert reunion and her disarming tactics. They break down awkwardness as mismatched intentions to embarrassment, with emotional insights. With tales like Weston's cashier
E198: Why You Mad, Bro?
Join Molly and Weston on Teaching Keating as they explore anger's role in marriage and family, fresh from their summer squabbles amid birthdays, kid transitions, and stressors. Weston discusses midlife reflections at 44 and kids' changes, while Molly examines post-COVID surges and why feelings aren't sins but actions matter. Drawing from Gallup data on anger linked to finances, media, and tech, th
E197: Pinterest Pitfalls: Molly and Weston on Annoying Parents and Teachers
In this lively episode of Teaching Keating, Molly and Weston tackle the world of Pinterest-perfect parents and teachers, diving into the pressures of social media-driven perfectionism. Molly shares her love for Pinterest as a practical tool for recipes and gardening tips, while confessing her struggles with crafts like Valentine's Day boxes. Weston, a self-proclaimed Pinterest skeptic, reveals his
E196: Molly and Weston's Guide to Professional Development Pitfalls
In this insightful episode of Teaching Keating, Molly and Weston share their seasoned perspectives on identifying ineffective professional development (PD) sessions, drawing from their extensive experience as educators and PD participants. They humorously outline three telltale signs of a "garbage PD," from awkward icebreakers and dismissive "parking lot" question tactics to overly simplistic buzz
E195: Can You Teach Funny? Unpacking Humor with Molly and Weston
In this dynamic episode of Teaching Keating, Molly and Weston dive into the world of humor, debating whether you can teach someone to be funny. Weston confesses his love for funny people, sharing stories of his friend's squirrel-induced 911 call, while Molly defends her knack for laughing at her own jokes, like her classic "Winnie's Poo" bit. They swap laughs over their differing senses of humor—W
E194: Declaring Independence: Navigating Life's Chaos on the 4th of July
In this lively episode of Teaching Keating, Molly and Weston dive into the spirit of Independence Day, exploring moments when they crave a break from their spouse, kids, and jobs. Weston shares his frustrations with their mischievous puppy chewing up the house, while Molly reflects on the challenges of toxic work environments and teenage attitudes. They swap laughs over their quirky pet peeves, fr
E193: Decluttering Life: Tackling Chaos in Home, Head, and Heart
In this dynamic episode of Teaching Keating, Molly and Weston dive into the world of clutter—physical, mental, and emotional. Weston shares how a childhood flood shaped his detachment from stuff, while Molly defends her sentimental keepsakes, like a cherished family veil. They swap laughs over their quirky habits, from Molly's recycling obsession to Weston's love for buying ten identical shirts, a
E192: Celebrating Dads: Lessons and Love on Father's Day
In this heartfelt Father's Day episode of Teaching Keating, Molly and Weston celebrate the dads in their lives, sharing cherished memories and lessons learned. Weston gets emotional recalling his dad's sacrifices, while Molly praises her father's unwavering support as their biggest fan. They dive into how strong father figures shape kids' identities and swap laughs over their kids' gift-giving wit
E191: Big Waves, Big Choices: Navigating Family and Personal Goals
In this engaging episode of Teaching Keating, Molly and Weston dive into the gripping world of 100 Foot Wave, exploring the tension between personal ambition and family priorities. Weston questions the drive behind chasing dangerous goals like big wave surfing, while Molly reflects on the sacrifices made for passion. They share candid thoughts on balancing their own dreams with being present for t
E190: Why Do Kids Lie? Exploring Truth and Trust in Parenting
In this lively episode of Teaching Keating, Molly and Weston tackle the tricky topic of why kids lie, diving into the psychology behind truth and trust. Molly shares insights on kids' avoidance tactics, while Weston recounts hilarious classroom moments of blatant fibs. They reflect on their own parenting struggles, from phone-related fibs to toothbrush lies, with plenty of laughs along the way. Mo
E189: Summer Plans: Structure, Friends, and Family Fun
In this vibrant episode of Teaching Keating, Weston and Molly dive into summer planning, debating structure versus downtime for kids. Weston's hilarious tale of being kicked outside by his dad contrasts Molly's push for social teen summers. They share laughs over their son's golf obsession and Weston's nap dreams. Molly's push for teen jobs and friends sets the tone for a season of family outings
E188: Skip Valedictorian: Raise Bold, Balanced Kids
In this fiery episode of Teaching Keating, Weston and Molly take on the valedictorian obsession as graduation season looms. Why chase perfect grades when balance builds trailblazers? From their teaching days and parenting their high schooler, they call out parental posturing and champion kids who carve their own path. Molly's quirky student stories and a lawyer's success beyond grades inspire the
E187: Disney Adults: Nostalgia or Escapist Dodge?
In this fun episode of Teaching Keating, Weston and Molly tackle the Disney adult craze, reflecting on their one-time Disney World trip with their kids. Is Disney a joyful nod to childhood or a sidestep from adult life? They laugh over crowd chaos, cherish kid-driven magic, and question dopamine-fueled vacations. Molly's playful nods to Aladdin and Belle nudge listeners to find adventure beyond t
E186: Rory McIlroy's Masters Grit: Persevere or Pivot?
In this lively episode of Teaching Keating, Weston and Molly dive into Rory McIlroy's 11-year quest to win the Masters, exploring the clash between grit and knowing when to pivot. Sparked by Rory's playoff victory, they debate how to fuel kids' dreams without stats crushing their spirit. Molly's bold career leaps and Weston's wild Bermuda teaching stint fuel a heartfelt convo on resilience. Like,
E185: What Makes a Great Coach? Lessons from the Field
In this lively episode of Teaching Keating, Weston and Molly dive into the world of great coaching, sparked by Molly's experience at a dance convention with their daughter Charlotte. From masterful teaching techniques to the power of feedback, they explore what sets exceptional coaches apart—whether in dance, sports, or the classroom. With shoutouts to favorite TV coaches and personal stories of i
E184: Faith, Doubt, and Living It Out
In this heartfelt episode of Teaching Keating, Weston and Molly tackle the big topic of religion—why they're faithful, how it shapes their lives, and why it's so messy. From their Catholic roots to navigating a world of doubt and suffering, they share personal stories, wrestle with tough questions, and explore what faith means in a noisy, uncertain time. Whether you're devout, skeptical, or somewh
E183: Why Adult Friendships Are So Hard
In this week's episode of Teaching Keating, Weston and Molly dive deep into the challenges of maintaining adult friendships. From geography and life stages to emotional bandwidth and the need for reciprocity, they explore why these relationships can be tough to sustain—and how to make them work. Sharing personal stories, practical tips, and a bit of humor, they reflect on their own friendships and
E182: Pranks Gone Wrong (and Right): April Fool's Fun
In this hilarious episode of Teaching Keating, Weston and Molly dive into the world of pranks just in time for April Fool's. From Molly's reflexive punches to Weston's college water disasters, they share laugh-out-loud stories of pranks gone wild and debate what makes a good one. With tales from the classroom, senior prank season, and tips for teaching kids the art of harmless fun, this episode is
E181: Aging Gracefully: From Concerts to Classrooms
In this week's episode of Teaching Keating, Molly and Weston take a nostalgic trip from concert crowds to the realities of aging in your 40s. Sparked by a Justin Timberlake show (and a wild Snoop Dogg memory), they dive into what it means to grow older—physically, mentally, and as parents. With humor and honesty, they share stories of feeling old (thanks, kids!), the wisdom of not caring, and why
E180: Men vs. Women: Cracking the Communication Code
In this week's episode of Teaching Keating, Molly (aka Mo) and Weston dive deep into the hilarious and frustrating world of communication between men and women. From unraveling why 'I'm fine' never means 'I'm fine' to debating the fixer vs. listener dynamic, they explore the quirks, misunderstandings, and patterns that define their 16-year relationship—and probably yours too! Expect relatable stor
E179: Worry vs. Anxiety: How to Manage Both as Parents
Join us for Episode 10 of Teaching Keating as we unpack the difference between worry and anxiety—two emotions every parent knows all too well. From late-night brain spins to kid-related concerns, we dive into what sets these feelings apart, how they show up in our lives, and why worry can actually be a good thing (yes, really!). We share personal stories—like chain-smoking breakups and Bill Murray
E178: Traveling with Kids: Tips, Stories, and Why It's Worth It
Welcome to this episode of Teaching Keating! This week, we're diving into the wild, wonderful, and sometimes challenging world of traveling with kids. From spring break stories (think epic Cadillac adventures and margarita mishaps) to practical tips for making family travel manageable, we've got you covered. We share why we think traveling with kids—whether they're toddlers, teens, or anywhere in
E177: Valentine's Day Special Part 2!
In part two, we dive into the complexities of modern romance with us in this episode of "Teaching Keating." Here, we tackle: The Hunt for Love: We discuss where to find potential partners in today's world, humorously suggesting that traditional meet-cutes like Topgolf might be the way to go instead of the digital realm. Deal Breakers vs. Heart Matters: Reflecting on how focusing too much on deal
E176: Valentine's Day 2 Part Special! What should we teach kids about love?
Join us for a heartfelt and humorous exploration of love, relationships, and the changing landscape of romance in this episode of "Teaching Keating." In honor of Valentine's Day, we delve into: The Essence of Love: We discuss various definitions of love, from the commitment of one's will to the good of another to the classical Greek concepts of love - agape, eros, and philia. Love in the Digital
E175: Groundhog Day: What do we do repeatedly that we want to keep? What do we want to change?
Welcome back to "Teaching Keating," where we dissect the everyday cycles of life, inspired by this week's theme: Groundhog Day. In this episode, we explore: Repetition in Life: How the concept of living the same day over and over from the movie "Groundhog Day" relates to our habits and routines. Parenting and Personal Time: We share heartfelt stories of one-on-one time with our kids, from concert
E174: Are you a kind person? Is it ever okay to be unkind?
Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of "Teaching Keating," where Molly and Weston dive deep into the nuances of human behavior, focusing this week on the distinction between kindness and niceness. In this episode, we explore: Kind vs. Nice: Molly clarifies her personal philosophy, describing herself as kind but not necessarily nice, and why this distinction matters. Social Norms and Airp
E173: Coaching, Marriage, and the Art of Being Both Good and Wicked
Join hosts Molly and Weston in this week's Teaching Keating. In this episode, they explore the complex characters from "Wicked" and "The Wizard of Oz" to discuss their roles in various aspects of life. Connect with Us: Follow us for updates and more episodes. Share your thoughts in the comments below about your strategies for building habits rather than setting resolutions. Learn more at: westonk
E172: Who Shapes Our Kids More? Friends, Teachers, or Us?
Join hosts Molly and Westing for an intriguing Teaching Keating. In this episode, they set up a playoff-style bracket to determine the most significant influences in our children's lives. This conversation dives deep into the dynamics of influence, from friends and teachers to media and family values. Connect with Us: Follow us for updates and more episodes. Share your thoughts in the comments b
E171: Teaching Our Kids About Money: Lessons from Our Journey
Dive into the financial heart of family life with hosts Molly and Keating in this enlightening episode of Teaching Keating. We tackle one of the most sensitive subjects in any relationship: money. Connect with Us: Follow us for updates and more episodes. Share your thoughts in the comments below about your strategies for building habits rather than setting resolutions. Learn more at: westonkiesch
E170: Motivation vs. Discipline: Talking New Year's Resolutions
Welcome to Teaching Keating! In this episode, we kick off 2025 and discuss New Year's resolutions, motivation, and the power of discipline. Connect with Us: Follow us for updates and more episodes. Share your thoughts in the comments below about your strategies for building habits rather than setting resolutions. Learn more at: westonkieschnick.com #TeachingKeating #MotivationVsDiscipline #NewYe
E169: What's missing from the humans using AI right now?
Molly and Weston talk AI, interpersonal skills, and what we're getting wrong about both on this week's episode!
E168: Late People vs On-Time People
Molly and Weston duke it out over the importance of being on time. Late people...why are you always late? Weston finally learns why on this episode of Teaching Keating!
E167: Super Bowl Hangovers
On this week's episode we talk halftime shows, T Swift & T Kelce, and the relationship issues they don't even know are coming. What we wish our teachers taught us about marriage on this week's episode!
E166: Elmo Asked a Question. The answers were wild
This week we talk about why the world seems so unhappy. Here are a few strategies we use when we're feeling anxious, fearful, and sad.
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