The Gospel & Gradebooks Podcast

🎙️ Episode 29: Kindergarten Joy, Softball Swings, and Childlike Faith (Feat. Nae!)

It’s a special end-of-the-school-year celebration as Jamie and Timm are joined by a very special guest—Jamie's daughter, Nae! In this heartwarming episode, Nae shares her favorite parts of kindergarten, what she loves about playing softball, and why Jesus is her ultimate hero.
This episode is full of laughter, love, and a powerful reminder of what it means to have childlike faith. As Jesus said in Matthew 18:3, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
Nae’s joy, simplicity, and trust in Jesus will inspire and refresh your spirit. Don't miss this sweet and faith-filled conversation to wrap up the school year!

🎙️ Episode 28: Runaway Prophets, Walk-Up Songs, and Left Lane Lessons (Feat. Matt Garner)

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 prophet who tried to outrun God, a city turned upside down by repentance, and the surprising anger Jonah felt when God's mercy showed up. This episode is packed with humor, honesty, and biblical truth you can apply inside and outside the classroom.
#GospelAndGradebooks #TeacherPodcast #ChristianTeachers #WalkUpSongs #Jonah #BibleStudy #FaithAndTeaching #MattGarnerReturns #GraceInTraffic #OddTeachingStrategies #JesusInTheClassroom #RunFromGod #MercyWins #EducatorsOfFaith

🎙️ Episode 27: Rebuilding the Heart: Tithing, Trust, and Nehemiah’s Revival (feat. Coach Carrero)

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, and leaders? How do we build lives and classrooms that reflect obedience and generosity?
Tune in for a powerful conversation on stewardship, sacrifice, and spiritual renewal.
🛠️ Rebuild your heart. 🧱 Rebuild your mission.
#TithingTalk #Nehemiah #RebuildAndRevive #GospelAndGradebooks #ChristianTeachers #FaithInEducation #Stewardship #BiblicalLeadership #CoachCarrero #TeacherPodcast #MenOfFaith #TrustGodGiveBoldly #DiscipleshipInTheClassroom

Episode 26: Wrapping Up, Looking Up, and Wrestling Gorillas (ft. Tripp Henderson)

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 powerful and passionate breakdown of the Apostle Paul—from a fierce persecutor of the church to a man who longed for death if it meant being with Christ. You don't want to miss this one.

Episode 25: When Seasons Shift: Change, Senior Pranks, and the Wisdom of Solomon

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 Solomon. From asking God for wisdom to navigating the temptations that come with success, Solomon’s story reminds us that how we finish matters just as much as how we start.
 
#NavigatingChange #TeacherTransitions #KingSolomonWisdom #SeniorPranks #FaithInTheShift #TeacherTestimony #GospelAndGradebooks #MenOfTheBible #ChristianTeachers #SchoolLife #FinishStrong #SolomonStudy #GodsWisdom #EndOfYearFeels #FaithOverFear

Teach Boldly Ep. 32: Bring Your Best

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.
That’s not just hard. That feels impossible some days.
But here’s the challenge—and the calling: when you step into that classroom, those kids don’t see what’s going on at home. They don’t see the sleepless night, the anxious heart, or the brokenness behind your smile. What they see is you. And what they need is your best.

Episode 24: Easter Celebrations & the Strength (and Struggles) of Samson

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 you.
#GospelAndGradebooks #ChristianPodcast #MenOfTheBible #EasterWeekend #Samson #FaithAndFamily #BibleStudy #TeachersOfFaith #PodcastForMen #StrengthInWeakness

Teach Boldly Ep. 31: Slow to Anger: Teaching with the Patience of Christ

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 be slow to anger. Not because our anger isn’t understandable—but because it’s not productive in the kingdom.

Teach Boldly Ep. 30: The Ministry of Showing Up

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.

Episode 23 – Resurrection Reflections & The Rise and Fall of King Saul

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 of promise, Saul’s life became a cautionary tale of pride, insecurity, and disobedience. Join the guys as they unpack lessons from Saul’s journey and explore how his story speaks to the hearts of men today.