E183: Why Adult Friendships Are So Hard

In this heartfelt episode of Teaching Keating, Weston and Molly tackle the big topic of religion—why they’re faithful, how it shapes their lives, and why it’s so messy. From their Catholic roots to navigating a world of doubt and suffering, they share personal stories, wrestle with tough questions, and explore what faith means in a noisy, uncertain time. Whether you’re devout, skeptical, or somewhere in between, join them for an honest chat about belief, purpose, and living authentically. Like, subscribe, and drop a review to keep the conversation going! In this episode: Weston and Molly share why they’re religious and raising their kids with faith. They discuss the messiness of organized religion and its human flaws. Personal experiences highlight the beauty and struggles of belief. They explore if morality and purpose need God, plus tips for living faith authentically. Connect with Us: Follow us for updates and more episodes. About Weston and Molly: Weston is a former high school teacher and administrator who now works as a Senior Fellow with the International Center for Leadership in Education. His work as a keynoter and instructional coach has allowed him to learn alongside teachers and administrators from all 50 states and more than 30 countries around the world. Molly is a former elementary and middle school teacher who now works with teens and young adults in parochial education programs around Colorado. She and Weston are the parents of children who provide additional fodder for Teaching Keating. Learn more at: westonkieschnick.com

In this week's episode of Teaching Keating, Weston and Molly dive deep into the challenges of maintaining adult friendships. From geography and life stages to emotional bandwidth and the need for reciprocity, they explore why these relationships can be tough to sustain—and how to make them work. Sharing personal stories, practical tips, and a bit of humor, they reflect on their own friendships and offer insights for anyone struggling to keep meaningful connections alive in adulthood. Like, subscribe, and leave a review to support the show—because even podcasters need friends! In this episode: Weston and Molly explore why adult friendships are hard to maintain. They discuss challenges like distance, life stages, and emotional limits. Personal stories reveal lessons from their own friendships. Tips for keeping friends: schedule time and keep it real.   Connect with Us: Follow us for updates and more episodes. About Weston and Molly: Weston is a former high school teacher and administrator who now works as a Senior Fellow with the International Center for Leadership in Education. His work as a keynoter and instructional coach has allowed him to learn alongside teachers and administrators from all 50 states and more than 30 countries around the world. Molly is a former elementary and middle school teacher who now works with teens and young adults in parochial education programs around Colorado. She and Weston are the parents of children who provide additional fodder for Teaching Keating. Learn more at: westonkieschnick.com

In this hilarious episode of Teaching Keating, Weston and Molly dive into the world of pranks just in time for April Fool’s. From Molly’s reflexive punches to Weston’s college water disasters, they share laugh-out-loud stories of pranks gone wild and debate what makes a good one. With tales from the classroom, senior prank season, and tips for teaching kids the art of harmless fun, this episode is all about lightening up. Like, subscribe, and share your best pranks in the comments! In this episode: Weston and Molly swap funny prank stories, from punches to Michael Flatley dance moves. They explore the line between cruel and clever pranks with college and kid examples. Classroom and senior pranks—like baby oil floors and car cranes—bring the laughs. Tips for kids: keep pranks fun, creative, and harmless so everyone’s laughing at the end. Connect with Us: Follow us for updates and more episodes. About Weston and Molly: Weston is a former high school teacher and administrator who now works as a Senior Fellow with the International Center for Leadership in Education. His work as a keynoter and instructional coach has allowed him to learn alongside teachers and administrators from all 50 states and more than 30 countries around the world. Molly is a former elementary and middle school teacher who now works with teens and young adults in parochial education programs around Colorado. She and Weston are the parents of children who provide additional fodder for Teaching Keating. Learn more at: westonkieschnick.com

In this week’s episode of Teaching Keating, Molly and Weston take a nostalgic trip from concert crowds to the realities of aging in your 40s. Sparked by a Justin Timberlake show (and a wild Snoop Dogg memory), they dive into what it means to grow older—physically, mentally, and as parents. With humor and honesty, they share stories of feeling old (thanks, kids!), the wisdom of not caring, and why they wouldn’t trade their gray hairs for anything. Whether it’s early date nights or embracing the chaos of parenting, this episode is a relatable reflection on life’s inevitable march forward. In This Episode: Molly and Weston recap the eclectic crowds at Justin Timberlake and Snoop Dogg concerts—and what it says about aging fans. Weston’s gym moment that made him face 40, plus Molly’s realization at 29 teaching teens. Parenting in dog years: How kids age you faster than time itself. The perks of aging: Less F’s to give and more laughs to share. Love a good aging anecdote? Share yours in the comments—we’re all in this together! Connect with Us: Follow us for updates and more episodes. About Weston and Molly: Weston is a former high school teacher and administrator who now works as a Senior Fellow with the International Center for Leadership in Education. His work as a keynoter and instructional coach has allowed him to learn alongside teachers and administrators from all 50 states and more than 30 countries around the world. Molly is a former elementary and middle school teacher who now works with teens and young adults in parochial education programs around Colorado. She and Weston are the parents of children who provide additional fodder for Teaching Keating. Learn more at: westonkieschnick.com

In this week’s episode of Teaching Keating, Molly (aka Mo) and Weston dive deep into the hilarious and frustrating world of communication between men and women. From unraveling why 'I’m fine' never means 'I’m fine' to debating the fixer vs. listener dynamic, they explore the quirks, misunderstandings, and patterns that define their 16-year relationship—and probably yours too! Expect relatable stories, witty banter, and a few 'aha' moments as they tackle the age-old question: Why do we miss each other so often in conversation? In This Episode: Molly explains why Weston’s solutions don’t always hit the mark—and why she doesn’t want them to! Weston confesses to feeling like he’s solving a Rubik’s Cube when decoding Molly’s thoughts. The couple unpacks the art of 'reading the room' and why 'nothing' is never just nothing. A hilarious debate on active listening vs. silent listening—tennis match style! Connect with Us: Follow us for updates and more episodes. About Weston and Molly: Weston is a former high school teacher and administrator who now works as a Senior Fellow with the International Center for Leadership in Education. His work as a keynoter and instructional coach has allowed him to learn alongside teachers and administrators from all 50 states and more than 30 countries around the world. Molly is a former elementary and middle school teacher who now works with teens and young adults in parochial education programs around Colorado. She and Weston are the parents of children who provide additional fodder for Teaching Keating. Learn more at: westonkieschnick.com

Join us for Episode 10 of Teaching Keating as we unpack the difference between worry and anxiety—two emotions every parent knows all too well. From late-night brain spins to kid-related concerns, we dive into what sets these feelings apart, how they show up in our lives, and why worry can actually be a good thing (yes, really!). We share personal stories—like chain-smoking breakups and Bill Murray movie callbacks—plus practical tips for managing worry in ourselves and our kids. Spoiler: It’s all about leaning in, not avoiding. In this episode: Worry vs. Anxiety: What’s the difference and why it matters How our upbringing shapes what we fret about (kids, money, you name it) What our kids might be anxious about—and how we can help Pro tips: Physical outlets, sleep hacks, and knowing when to call in backup (hello, therapists!) A little marriage real talk: To wallow or not to wallow? Connect with Us: Follow us for updates and more episodes. About Weston and Molly: Weston is a former high school teacher and administrator who now works as a Senior Fellow with the International Center for Leadership in Education. His work as a keynoter and instructional coach has allowed him to learn alongside teachers and administrators from all 50 states and more than 30 countries around the world. Molly is a former elementary and middle school teacher who now works with teens and young adults in parochial education programs around Colorado. She and Weston are the parents of children who provide additional fodder for Teaching Keating. Learn more at: westonkieschnick.com

Welcome to this episode of Teaching Keating! This week, we’re diving into the wild, wonderful, and sometimes challenging world of traveling with kids. From spring break stories (think epic Cadillac adventures and margarita mishaps) to practical tips for making family travel manageable, we’ve got you covered. We share why we think traveling with kids—whether they’re toddlers, teens, or anywhere in between—is a game-changer for raising well-rounded humans. Plus, hear our take on overcoming fears, packing smart, and finding the balance between leisure, learning, and adventure. In this episode:  Hilarious spring break memories from our teenage years The best advice we ever got about parenting and travel Why it’s worth braving the chaos of traveling with little ones Pro tips: Skip the stroller, don’t check bags, and embrace adaptability How to make travel meaningful (even on a budget)   Have a spring break story of your own? Drop it in the comments! Connect with Us: Follow us for updates and more episodes. Share your thoughts in the comments below about your strategies for building habits rather than setting resolutions. Learn more at: westonkieschnick.com   About Weston and Molly: Weston is a former high school teacher and administrator who now works as a Senior Fellow with the International Center for Leadership in Education. His work as a keynoter and instructional coach has allowed him to learn alongside teachers and administrators from all 50 states and more than 30 countries around the world. Molly is a former elementary and middle school teacher who now works with teens and young adults in parochial education programs around Colorado. She and Weston are the parents of children who provide additional fodder for Teaching Keating.

In part two, we dive into the complexities of modern romance with us in this episode of "Teaching Keating." Here, we tackle: The Hunt for Love: We discuss where to find potential partners in today's world, humorously suggesting that traditional meet-cutes like Topgolf might be the way to go instead of the digital realm. Deal Breakers vs. Heart Matters: Reflecting on how focusing too much on deal breakers can prevent us from seeing true compatibility. We share personal anecdotes about overlooking superficial traits for deeper connections. The Evolution of Love: From initial attraction to the choice to love, we explore how love transforms over time. We delve into the balance between heart and mind in relationships, sharing our own journeys from being analytical to following intuition. Teaching Love to the Next Generation: How do we guide our children or students through love's labyrinth? We discuss the importance of teaching discernment, respect, and the balance between emotion and logic in relationships. Red Flags in Relationships: We identify key signs of unhealthy relationships, like public disrespect and constant excuses for a partner's behavior, to help recognize when love might not be as loving. Whether you're single, dating, or in a long-term partnership, this episode offers insights on navigating love's challenges, understanding its depth, and passing these lessons onto the next generation. Join us for a blend of humor, wisdom, and heartfelt advice. Connect with Us: Follow us for updates and more episodes. Share your thoughts in the comments below about your strategies for building habits rather than setting resolutions. Learn more at: westonkieschnick.com About Weston and Molly: Weston is a former high school teacher and administrator who now works as a Senior Fellow with the International Center for Leadership in Education. His work as a keynoter and instructional coach has allowed him to learn alongside teachers and administrators from all 50 states and more than 30 countries around the world. Molly is a former elementary and middle school teacher who now works with teens and young adults in parochial education programs around Colorado. She and Weston are the parents of children who provide additional fodder for Teaching Keating.

Join us for a heartfelt and humorous exploration of love, relationships, and the changing landscape of romance in this episode of "Teaching Keating." In honor of Valentine's Day, we delve into: The Essence of Love: We discuss various definitions of love, from the commitment of one's will to the good of another to the classical Greek concepts of love - agape, eros, and philia. Love in the Digital Age: How has the way we find love changed with technology? We reflect on the stark contrast between traditional courtship and today's often immediate, physical-first approach to relationships. Teaching Love to the Next Generation: As parents, we explore how to guide our children through the complexities of modern dating, emphasizing the importance of all three types of love for a fulfilling relationship. Personal Anecdotes: We share our own journey into love, discussing deal-breakers, the evolution of personal preferences over time, and the lessons learned from our experiences. Navigating Deal Breakers: An honest conversation about the deal-breakers in relationships, how they evolve with age, and the humor in realizing what we once thought was so important might not hold the same weight now. Whether you're reminiscing about your own love story, navigating the dating world, or looking to teach the younger generation about love, this episode offers both laughter and lessons. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts or your own love deal-breakers in the comments! Connect with Us: Follow us for updates and more episodes. Share your thoughts in the comments below about your strategies for building habits rather than setting resolutions. Learn more at: westonkieschnick.com About Weston and Molly: Weston is a former high school teacher and administrator who now works as a Senior Fellow with the International Center for Leadership in Education. His work as a keynoter and instructional coach has allowed him to learn alongside teachers and administrators from all 50 states and more than 30 countries around the world. Molly is a former elementary and middle school teacher who now works with teens and young adults in parochial education programs around Colorado. She and Weston are the parents of children who provide additional fodder for Teaching Keating.

Welcome back to "Teaching Keating," where we dissect the everyday cycles of life, inspired by this week's theme: Groundhog Day. In this episode, we explore: Repetition in Life: How the concept of living the same day over and over from the movie "Groundhog Day" relates to our habits and routines. Parenting and Personal Time: We share heartfelt stories of one-on-one time with our kids, from concerts to sports games, emphasizing the importance of individual bonding experiences. Self-Improvement: Reflect on what we want to keep doing and what we need to change. Molly discusses her commitment to fitness while we both talk about our desires to be more detached from less critical outcomes and to express pride more openly to the children we influence. Book and Music Recommendations: A light-hearted dive into our reading and musical tastes, highlighting the need for a "Book Sherpa" to guide us back to the joy of reading for pleasure. Family Time: Celebrating the quality moments spent together over the holiday break, showcasing how these can strengthen family bonds and personal growth. Setting Goals: Touching on the concept of SMART goals, we encourage viewers to think about how they can enact positive change in their lives in 2025. Whether you're looking for inspiration to break unhelpful cycles or seeking ways to enrich your family life, this episode is packed with personal anecdotes, laughs, and lessons. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your own "Groundhog Day" experiences or habits you wish to alter in the comments below! Connect with Us: Follow us for updates and more episodes. Share your thoughts in the comments below about your strategies for building habits rather than setting resolutions. Learn more at: westonkieschnick.com About Weston and Molly: Weston is a former high school teacher and administrator who now works as a Senior Fellow with the International Center for Leadership in Education. His work as a keynoter and instructional coach has allowed him to learn alongside teachers and administrators from all 50 states and more than 30 countries around the world. Molly is a former elementary and middle school teacher who now works with teens and young adults in parochial education programs around Colorado. She and Weston are the parents of children who provide additional fodder for Teaching Keating.