The Christian podcast for male educators facing the unique challenges of the classroom. We explore the stories, struggles, and strengths of men in teaching, all through a Biblical lens. Whether you’re seeking encouragement in the Word, practical teaching insights, or community among fellow educators, this is the place to grow in faith and purpose. Join us weekly as we bring together educational insights with God’s truth, uplifting those dedicated to shaping young minds.
Matt Garner is back for more punishment Gospel & Gradebooks! In this episode, we kick things off with a fun dive into quirky and oddball teaching strategies that actually work—the kind your students never forget. We swap our dream walk-up songs (yes, like baseball players), and get real about the people it’s hardest to show grace to—slow drivers in the fast lane, we’re looking at you.
Then we pivot to the story of Jonah: a prop...
In this episode, Jamie, Timm, and special guest Coach Carrero dive into the often-misunderstood topic of tithing—not as a legalistic obligation, but as a heart posture of trust and worship. Drawing wisdom from the book of Nehemiah, the guys explore how Nehemiah’s leadership sparked not just the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls, but a spiritual revival among God’s people. What does giving look like today for Christian men, teachers, ...
In this episode, Timm and Jamie sit down with their good friend Tripp Henderson for a wide-ranging and heartfelt conversation. They talk about the buzz of wrapping up another school year, offer best wishes to the new Pope, and dive into the absurd hypothetical: could 100 men really take on a gorilla? More importantly, the trio reflects on the mentors who shaped their lives and spiritual journeys. Tripp closes the episode with a pow...
Change is in the air—whether it’s the tough news of not being renewed for next school year, welcoming new students, or watching your own kids grow up and move into new schools. In this episode, Timm and Jamie talk candidly about how to handle these transitions with faith and resilience. They also swap stories about classic senior pranks, share a powerful part of Timm’s testimony, and dive deep into the life and legacy of King Solom...
Let’s be honest—some mornings, just getting out of bed feels like a victory.
Maybe the bills are piling up. Maybe there’s tension in your marriage, or you’re grieving a loss no one at work even knows about. Maybe you're drained from the weight of being everything to everyone at home—parent, spouse, caretaker, counselor—and then you're expected to walk into school and instantly become an energetic, patient, fully present educator.
T...
In Episode 24, Jamie and Timm kick things off by sharing all the highlights from their Easter weekend. Then, they dive into the powerful (and often complicated) story of Samson. Together, they unpack what Samson's life teaches us about strength, temptation, and God's purpose, even when we fall short. Whether you're recovering from too much Easter candy or just need some midweek encouragement, this episode will challenge and inspire...
Let’s be real. Teaching can be one of the most emotionally demanding jobs on the planet.
You’re pulled in every direction—kids who are loud, parents who are upset, administration breathing down your neck, lesson plans that aren’t going to finish themselves, and… let’s not even mention state testing. With all of that pressure, it’s easy—natural, even—to let your temper flare.
But God calls us to something higher. James 1 tells us to...
There’s a quiet kind of faithfulness that doesn’t always get applause. It’s not flashy. It’s not loud. It doesn’t go viral. But it’s powerful.
It’s the ministry of showing up.
Showing up when you're exhausted. Showing up when the lesson plan falls apart. Showing up when the students don’t seem to care. Showing up even when no one else notices.
In this special post-Easter episode, Timm and Jamie share some of their favorite Easter memories and reflect on the significance of Holy Week. From sunrise services to sweet family traditions, it's a time to remember and rejoice. They also have a little fun ranking some of the greatest praise and worship songs of all time—get ready to sing along! Then, the conversation turns to the complex story of King Saul. Once anointed and full...
Easter Sunday was glorious—filled with hope, energy, worship, and powerful reminders that Jesus conquered death. But now it’s Monday. The sunrise doesn’t come with trumpets or lilies. It’s just your alarm clock, a coffee cup, and a long to-do list. The kids are tired. You’re tired. Testing is around the corner. The countdown says 25 days to go.
It’s easy to leave the empty tomb behind and slip back into survival mode.
But here’s th...
Good Friday marks the darkest day in human history—but also the most hopeful. It is the day Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, was crucified for the sins of the world. The Gospel accounts—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—together paint a sobering yet redemptive portrait of this sacred day.
This week, Timm and Jamie tip their hats to Auburn Men's Basketball and their inspiring Final Four run—not just for the plays on the court, but for the way the team boldly shined a light on their faith in God. Jamie shares updates on Nae’s softball season, full of big moments and lessons learned. Then, the conversation shifts to one of the earliest and most powerful stories in the Bible: Cain and Abel. It's a tough but necessary di...
Words matter—more than we often realize. They can shape a person’s day, their self-image, even their future. As teachers, we know that a single positive comment can completely change a student's outlook. But what if we gave students the opportunity to be encouragers too?
Creating a "Words of Encouragement" board is more than a classroom activity—it's a way to cultivate a culture of Christlike affirmation. It gives students a platfo...
Teaching is a calling that requires more than just knowledge—it requires heart. Each day, we interact with students who bring their struggles, emotions, and unique challenges into our classrooms. Some are eager to learn, while others test our patience. Some are kind, while others are difficult.
In these moments, we have a choice: react out of frustration or respond with Christlike love. The way we handle our students, especially in...
Timm and Jamie are back from spring break with stories to share—Timm stayed close to home soaking up time with his new grandbaby, while Jamie hit the beach with his family in Gulf Shores. As they gear up for the final stretch of the school year, they talk about recharging, resetting, and finishing strong in the classroom. Then, they dive into a powerful study of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—three men who stood firm in their fait...
Have you ever had a moment when a simple word of encouragement changed your entire day? Maybe someone noticed your effort, offered a kind word, or reassured you when you were struggling. Words have power. They can build up or tear down, strengthen or weaken, inspire or discourage.
In this milestone 20th episode of Gospel and Gradebooks, Timm and Jamie kick off the conversation with two big topics—spring break and the shocking closure of the Department of Education. They discuss what this change could mean for educators and students across the country before diving into the life of one of the most significant figures in the Bible: Moses. From his miraculous rescue as an infant to his upbringing in Pharaoh’s p...
In a world filled with conflicting ideas and values, ethical and moral questions are bound to arise in the classroom. As Christian educators, we are called to respond with both truth and grace. Colossians 4:6 reminds us that our words should be filled with grace and seasoned with salt—bringing wisdom, clarity, and kindness to difficult conversations.
As Christian educators, we have the opportunity to do more than just teach academic content—we have the privilege of instilling biblical principles that shape the hearts and minds of our students. Proverbs 2:6 reminds us that true wisdom, knowledge, and understanding come from the Lord. When we integrate biblical principles like integrity, perseverance, and love into our teaching, we are equipping students with a foundation that ex...
In this episode of Gospel and Gradebooks, Jamie and Timm sit down with Cliff Moulton, a former educator and administrator, to hear firsthand accounts of the unexplainable things God did in schools—events so powerful they still leave him in awe. Then, the guys dive into the fascinating story of Balaam and his talking donkey, exploring how God can use anything (or anyone) to get our attention. This episode is packed with faith-buildi...