Ray Talks Live
A modern discussion on educating today's youth straight from an urban high school teacher. This podcast also discusses other topics such as Sports, History/Politics, Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, Marriage, and Family. So be sure to hit that subscribe button to get notifications when new episodes drop.
Episodes
73 episodes
The U is Back... Almost: The Heartbreak and Hope of the 2024-25 Run
Are the Miami Hurricanes finally "back," or are we just living in a perpetual "almost"?In this episode of Ray Talks Live, we decompress from one of the greatest two-year stretches in program history. Following our hard-fo...
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Season 5
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Episode 2
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13:05
The Return: Ray Talks Live is Back & Refocused for 2026
Ray Talks Live is back and refocused for a new era.After a nearly four-year hiatus, I’m stepping back behind the mic with a renewed vision. Whether you’ve been a subscriber since Season 1 or you’re just joining the community, this...
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Season 5
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Episode 1
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7:08
Why Miami Hurricanes Football ("The U") Is Struggling: 2022 Midseason Report
Is mediocrity the new normal for the Canes? We analyze the first seven games (3-4) of the 2022 Miami Hurricanes football season and discuss why the program has faced challenges for two decades. Photo courtesy: University of...
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Season 4
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Episode 17
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7:50
How Micromanagement is Killing Teacher Morale: An Educator's Perspective
Does a "eyes-on-the-screen" approach build a better school, or just a more exhausted staff?In this episode of Ray Talks Live, we tackle a question that is currently fueling a crisis in teacher retention: Why does microman...
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Season 4
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Episode 16
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10:32
Loews Portofino Bay Review: Is This Universal Orlando’s Best Luxury Hotel?
Take a trip to Italy without leaving Florida. We review Universal Orlando’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and explain why this beautiful property is a top choice for anniversaries and luxury stays.
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Season 4
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Episode 15
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10:11
The Return/Update
So after a 5-month hiatus break, the Ray Talks Live podcast has return!!! This episode gives an update on what has been happening and what to expect going forward.
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Season 4
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4:09
The "Bad Apple" Problem: A Transparent Look at Shortcomings in Education
It’s not just parents and students—sometimes the system’s challenges come from within. We take an honest look at how some educators contribute to school issues and why transparency is vital in modern high school education. ...
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Season 4
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Episode 14
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13:43
Abbott Elementary: Why the Humor Hits Hard for Real-Life Educators
Does ABC's hit comedy Abbott Elementary actually get the classroom right? In this episode of Ray Talks Live, we take a deep dive into the breakout sitcom centered on a group of dedicated teachers in ...
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Season 4
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Episode 13
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6:05
Surviving Disney World Spring Break: A Passholder’s Guide to Crowds & Genie+
Thinking about visiting Walt Disney World in March? In this episode of Ray Talks Live, I break down the reality of visiting during the peak Spring Break window. As a veteran Annual Passholder, I share my boots-on-the-groun...
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Season 4
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Episode 12
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9:56
The Impact of Florida’s Legislative Trifecta: Abortion, ‘Stop WOKE,’ and Parental Rights
How did three weeks in March change the landscape of Florida politics forever? In this episode of Ray Talks Live, we examine the rapid passage of three culture-defining bills: the 15-week abortion ban, the Individual Freed...
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Season 4
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Episode 11
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9:35
Disney World Spring Break Guide: Is Lightning Lane (Formerly Genie+) Worth the Cost?
Are you planning a Magic Kingdom visit during the Spring Break rush? In this episode of Ray Talks Live, we tackle the biggest question for any Disney vacationer: Is the "skip the line" upcharge actually worth it? As a vete...
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Season 4
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Episode 10
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7:37
Who Is Really Responsible for Student Failure? A Hard Look at Educational Accountability
When a student doesn’t graduate, where does the buck stop? > High school graduation is the ultimate benchmark of success, yet when a student fails to reach that milestone, the finger-pointing begins. In this episode of Ray Talks L...
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Season 4
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Episode 9
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13:48
Raising the Next Generation: A Black Father’s Perspective on Parenting Three (Part II)
Is fatherhood the ultimate test of leadership? In this episode of Ray Talks Live, we step away from the classroom to talk about the most important role I’ve ever held: being a father. I share the honest, unvarnished realit...
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Season 4
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Episode 8
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8:31
Is 45 Seconds Worth a Child’s Life? The Crisis of School Zone Safety
Why are American drivers in such a dangerous hurry? In this episode of Ray Talks Live, we tackle a life-or-death issue that impacts every neighborhood: the blatant disregard for school zone speed limits and school bus stop...
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Season 4
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Episode 7
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5:55
Auto Start-Stop: A Fuel Saver or a Safety Hazard?
Is the fuel you're saving worth the risk of a breakdown in traffic? In this episode of Ray Talks Live, we tackle one of the most polarizing features in the modern automotive world: the Auto Start-Stop button. While ...
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Season 4
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Episode 6
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5:52
Who Checks on the Teachers? Addressing the Mental Health Crisis in Education
Educators spend their lives checking in on everyone else—but who is checking in on them? In this episode of Ray Talks Live, we pull back the curtain on the silent crisis in our schools: the mental health of our teachers. T...
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Season 4
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Episode 5
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23:09
Raising the Next Generation: A Black Father’s Perspective on Parenting Three
Is fatherhood the ultimate test of leadership? In this episode of Ray Talks Live, we step away from the classroom to talk about the most important role I’ve ever held: being a father. I share the honest, unvarnished realit...
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Season 4
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Episode 4
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10:43
The Return!
Ray Talks Live returns after a three-month hiatus and is ready for 2022. The addition of a newborn to the family and returning to the daily grind of a classroom educator led to a pause of this podcast. This episode is just a quick ...
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Season 4
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4:23
Are High Schools Failing Our Seniors? The Truth About 'Real World' Readiness
Does a high school diploma actually mean a student is ready for adulthood? In this episode of Ray Talks Live, we tackle the "preparedness gap" facing today's seniors. Having taught 12th graders for the past six years and w...
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Season 4
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Episode 3
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9:12
Standardized Testing: Why It Drains the Life Out of Our Classrooms
Is standardized testing a benchmark for success or a barrier to true learning? In this episode of Ray Talks Live, we tackle the "hallmark" of modern education and the toll it takes on the mental and emotional energy of bot...
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Season 4
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Episode 2
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11:44
Welcome Back, Welcome Back, Welcome Back!!!
Welcome back....welcome back! Season 4 kicks off talking about Week 1 of the college football season. I talk about the devastating loss for Miami against Alabama, and the rest of the games during Labor Day weekend. Also, "Welc...
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Season 4
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Episode 1
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7:51
How to Set Your Child Up for Success: Essential Tips for Every Grade Level
Are you ready to help your child thrive this school year? > In this episode of Ray Talks Live, we’re cutting through the back-to-school noise to deliver the essential advice every parent needs, regardless of their child's gra...
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Season 3
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Episode 12
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12:26
The Chi: A Raisin in the Sun
The Season 4 finale of The Chi. Not necessarily a cliffhanger episode, but it did leave a few unanswered questions going into Season 5. Kevin's coming of age and understanding life, Dre and Nina's commitment to working on their mar...
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Season 3
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Episode 11
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7:19
The Delta Wave in Florida: Impact on Schools, Tourism, and Public Policy
How did one summer change the trajectory of Florida’s recovery? > In this episode of Ray Talks Live, we revisit July 2021—a month where Florida became the national epicenter of the COVID-19 Delta variant. We take an unfiltere...
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Season 3
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Episode 10
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11:51
