The Life of a Teacher: Rich Piepho on Stripper Names, Storytelling and Finding Passion in Education

People at the Core

Have you ever wondered what life would be like as a therapist with an enticing voice or imagined the hilarious possibilities of stripper names based on your first pet and street name? Rita and Marisa kick off this lively conversation at Greenpoint Palace Bar in Brooklyn, sharing uproarious stories about phone sex operations and navigating the dark web. Joined by our special guest, Rich Piepho, we take you through a decade of his teaching adventures in New York's diverse boroughs, filled with humor and heartfelt tales. Rich’s passion for writing jokes and his involvement in the Palace Reading Series adds a unique twist, making this discussion both entertaining and insightful.
We take a nostalgic journey through early encounters with adult content, iconic movie scenes that stirred our first feelings of attraction, and the whimsical realization of the biblical reference behind the term "Adam's apple." Rich's adventurous move from LA, where he wrote for an animation studio, to New York for a teaching career, embodies the balance between following one's passion and seeking stability. Listen as we explore the ups and downs of freelancing in the entertainment industry and the irresistible draw of returning to the East Coast, all while reflecting on identity, history, and connection.
From the rewards and challenges of teaching to existential musings on midlife, our conversation covers a broad spectrum of life experiences. Rich shares how creating a safe and hospitable classroom environment can transform students' lives, engaging them with texts like "The Outsiders" and addressing their emotional and mental health needs. We delve into the significance of diverse storytelling in cinema and the lasting impact of literature, all while balancing deep reflections with a handful of jokes. Join us for an episode filled with laughter, heartfelt stories, and the transformative power of education and literature.
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The Outsiders

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1. Intimate Conversations at Greenpoint Palace (00:00:00)

2. Identity, History, and Connection (00:03:18)

3. Life Transition (00:12:10)

4. Creating Safe, Hospitable Classrooms (00:24:03)

5. The Rewards and Challenges of Teaching (00:29:09)

6. Existential Reflections and Humorous Musings (00:38:36)

7. Navigating Midlife Existential Reflections (00:43:16)

8. Sharing Laughter and Appreciation (00:57:01)