After The Bell Rings

I switched careers from an editor at a TV station to an after school program leader to a high school teacher. The things I've learned that kids do in class will shock you! Plus, meet my new co-host.. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/micahdbarnes/support

I recently had a meeting with some of my executives who want me to take my youth program in a direction that I don't agree with. This meeting made me seriously re-think the way I do my job and, honestly, if I want to do it there.

One kid openly tells his brother to stop bullying him. Another kid knocks it out the park his first time to the stage.

My upcoming web series answers your questions and more. Submit your questions on IG @ micah_db

When I get into a rut, here's my go-to place to find ideas for events and activities.

While leading a group of young leaders, I have to learn how each of them learns - and, trust me, they're not all the same. This philosophy helped me get to know the students. That and... listening. This episode comes from Chapter 8 of my book "Who Stole My Future?"

One of the most impactful things I've done recently was attend a budgeting and life skills workshop hosted by United Way. HS students were given a life card. They went around the room and patronized different booths, according to what they're life card said. I had the "Fun Stuff" booth - trips, dancing, gym, and other recreational activities. Their job was to purchase these things while staying within their budget. . I kinda feel guilty cuz I sold one teen into buying 2 trips to London and Hawaii worth about $2,700 total. HE WENT BANKRUPT. I talk about how self-esteem plays a role in why we buy stuff we can't afford.

When you talk bad about yourself, psychologists called it destructive self-talk. When you say good things, it's called constructive self-talk. I got a call from a friend, whose self-talk played a huge role in her life and death. Hear how I encourage teens in my youth organization to reframe their perspective and see "negative" experiences as positive ones.

A personal experience with the "lonely kid" in Drone Camp - and then a book by a plastic surgeon - helped me realize why you have insecurities.

A group of 4th & 5th graders can NOW tell their friends and family, "I'm an author." Hear the stories they told in their book (COMING SOON on Amazon!) and my process of teaching them how to write a book in 6 hours!

In dealing with youth - and my life, for that matter, I'm drawing a line in the sand.

What would you do if your boss and your clients had conflicting demands?

What happened when a drone collided with my face, and the comment of the "class clown".

Hear LIVE segments of my Summer Drone Camp and Young Authors Camp.

Here's how you can create multiple podcast episodes from one event. Plus a valuable tip about events that fail.

I heard one of my favorite entrepreneurs advise a businessman to approach his business like he'd approach his family. So it made me rethink my strategy in developing my youth program. It gave me an idea I'm excited to put in place!

Listen up for a quick tool to pricing your programs accurately. Now, you can provide value to your clients and make money. Plus, cooking classes for kids who go hungry, and more!

It breaks my heart to see young kids in jail, especially when some aren't even in high school yet. I got a chance to enter a juvenile detention center and expose teens to a life of hope outside those gray walls.

I spoke with award-winning author and National speaker Tim Bowers about the importance of one's environment, leaving a legacy, and a lot more messages for our youth!

Author and international speaker Leila Khan completely took over my podcast. And I want it back!