After The Bell RINGS 2: What Really Happens In America's Classrooms

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..

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.
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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.

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!

Have you ever had someone who kicked you when you were down? I tell the story of a Reverend and a counselor who did this to his own granddaughter.

I went to a career fair at a local high school and, instead of telling one student about my job, he made $40 off me. But it may have been the best $40 I've spent in 2019.

My story started as an attempt to prevent crime in my neighborhood, but I found out there's a bigger problem.

Throwback episode from 2017 after I'd quit my job to work on my book. I randomly walked up to a lady at a Florida park. This was the conversation we had.

Math Doctor Latreil Jackson has found a cure that nearly every teacher and student suffers from - how to make math simple and fun. Plus, Latreil walks me through an impromptu tutoring session.

Hear the story behind former MMA Fighter Gemma Sheehan's transition from fighting to teaching young girls how to fight. She uses fighting to teach girls assertiveness, self-confidence, and MORE!

Have you ever ordered pizza and the delivery guy charged more money than you had? This funny story turned into a program idea.

A lot of kids either don't have role models or don't know what a role model is.

One weekness of my program was transportation. I found the solution in the people around me.

If you're a parent you need to hear this. I talked to the M.A.D.I.S.E.L group's Sandra Johnson. She specializes in family emotional wellness. Listen to the interesting points she makes on family power struggles and running our families like we run our businesses.

Hear one man's story of teaching character to kids from India and how he's using basketball as the vehicle.

Ashley Bendiksen is a domestic violence survivor and advocate for the prevention of dating violence, sexual assault, and bullying. She has a special message for young girls and boys. Take notes.

I spoke with Center Directors Ryan Schaffer and Annie Duong from Wellesley, Massachusetts about how they get kids excited about walking into their dojos. Plus, hear how coding helps kids build better relationships with their parents.

I'm adding more guests, more value, more stories, and more inspiration to this NEW season of my podcast. Just MORE MORE MORE!!! Heres a taste of the new menu.

From TV appearances to museum exhibits, here's what we have in store for 2019.

"If there are no enemies within, the enemies outside can do you no harm."

Look around your home, your office, or the place you raise your kids (or host your after school program). Does your environment support your success? Do the people around you support your success? If not, do this.

Teen brothers in my after school program did a fun, impromptu podcast with an educational twist.

I can't get these kids to work out but King Fu can.

Cases of abuse can be all around you whether you see them or not. These red flags I encountered stunned me and could have ended up badly.

They shut down our smoothie bar, but they didn't shut us up.

When plan A doesn't work, you have to go to plan B. And sometimes you must employ plans C and D.

My #1 goal in my professional life is to ignite a fire and empower a group of teens. My #2 goal is to help you build up your teens. I do this the same way you chop down a tree... Bit by bit. Eventually that tree will fall.

We use several FREE Marketing Moves and Tactics for our smoothie bar. Here are 5 that have worked for us. Hint: One is illustrated in the episode picture.

One of my teens has a tendency to give up easily on tasks. I saw an Instagram post that inspired me to help him not give up on his dreams... using a cool Halloween theme.

This new format is designed to keep kids engaged no matter what their schedule or their interest.

Become part of the community. Your relationship with the community goes way farther than just a $5 smoothie.

One little girl brought a smile to my face when she zoomed by our stand as we were closing. She yelled to her mom, "I want a Mango Tango!" Because we've been consistent in our schedule and our products, we're building relationships with members and guests.

I've just made my program 10x better simply by asking my Teen Leader what he wants to do. His answer was simple but impactful.