Shows
I Thought Waldorf Was A SaladEpisode 5: The 8th to 9th Grade LeapIn this episode, we talk about the transition from 8th grade to 9th grade by request from a listener in Minnesota - thank you listener! As always, please send in your questions and requests, we love receiving them. If you haven't yet checked us out on the grams, you can find us @waldorfsaladpod and you can always email us at waldorfsaladpod@gmail.com Oh and hey! We started a Patreon in which we plan to add some of our off topic conversations, behind the scenes stuff and opportunities for more engagement. Thanks for all th...
2026-02-0254 minI Thought Waldorf Was A SaladEpisode 4: Twelve Year ChangeHeads up! This episode starts with a rather direct message about the current political climate in the US. Take it or leave it but know where we stand. In this episode, we talk about the twelve year change by request from a listener in Denmark - thank you listener! As always, please send in your questions and requests, we love receiving them. If you haven't yet checked us out on the grams, you can find us @waldorfsaladpod and you can always email us at waldorfsaladpod@gmail.com Oh and hey! We starte...
2026-01-261h 07I Thought Waldorf Was A SaladEpisode 3: The Spiraling History of Public Education in AmericaLet's get this out of the way right at the top Melvil Dewey not John Dewy created the Dewey decimal system. They are not even related. We are not out here spreading misinformation. In this episode, we go through the history of public education in America from the colonial period to the present. The hope is that we set the groundwork for a future discussion of data collection and assessment. We look at how the Waldorf model intersects with this evolution and Adam attempts to look into his crystal ball to see what the next epoch will brin...
2025-09-2850 minI Thought Waldorf Was A SaladEpisode 2: Tattoos and Tank TopsWhat is your relationship to the rules? In this episode, we go through a parade of emotions. Adam talks about wearing kilts. Kristi shares about her dress code blindness. But more importantly, we tackle the big topics that come up in regard to rules, specificlly DRESS CODE, including sexism, classism and body shaming. As always, we ground our discussion in child development and the fundamentals of Waldorf pedagogy. If you haven't yet checked us out on the grams, you can find us @waldorfsaladpod Oh and hey! We started a Patreon in which we plan to a...
2025-09-221h 00I Thought Waldorf Was A SaladEpisode 1: FoundationsIs it Mono Lake or Mono Lake? In this episode, Adam shares about his three camping miracles. He also tells us all about the threefold social order and the mostly progressive Emil Molt and how they contributed to the founding of the first Waldorf school. Kristi shares about a building called the Goetheanum (go-thee-an-um) and how it's destruction holds a kernal of truth that connects to the impulse for the first Waldorf school. Check out the insta for some photos of the things we talk about in this episode @waldorfsaladpod Oh and hey! We sta...
2025-09-141h 03I Thought Waldorf Was A SaladMichaelmas TimeThis is not a full episode, but rather a quick note about Michaelmas. As we enter Michaelmas season, I thought a little reminder of what it's all about was in order. I know many of you are preparing to go back to school or have just started and all of our striving (whether to get children in their seats or get them dressed for school) is matched by the spirit of Michaelmas. Happy dragon taming! Oh and hey! We started a Patreon in which we plan to add some of our off topic conversations, behind the scenes stuff...
2025-09-0309 minI Thought Waldorf Was A SaladEpisode 12: You Only Have to Be One Day Ahead!In this episode, we talk about all the ways we prepare for the school year ahead. Adam gets super melancholic over the whole thing and all three pets join us in the studio. We also talk about how, just like everything in Waldorf education, we go whole to the parts. Oh and hey! We started a Patreon in which we plan to add some of our off topic conversations, behind the scenes stuff and opportunities for more engagement. Thanks for all the support for us in making this content! If you are interested in the Waldorf...
2025-08-1943 minI Thought Waldorf Was A SaladEpisode 11: Steiner's HypotheticalsIn this episode, we pull some hypotheticals from Steiner's Discussions With Teachers. Kristi proposes these student behavior situations to Adam and he brings his substantial social intelligence to bear on the problem. Kristi sings a bunch and Bella meows, she meows. Oh and hey! We started a Patreon in which we plan to add some of our off topic conversations, behind the scenes stuff and opportunities for more engagement. We uploaded a new video today as well. This one is actually available a la carte in case the budget doesn't allow for a monthly subscription. Thanks for all the...
2025-06-0947 minI Thought Waldorf Was A SaladEpisode 10: Nine Year Change Part IIIIn this episode, we round out our discission of nine year change. We go into the temperaments, the three fold human being and the curriculum as these areas relate to the nine year change. Here's some links to other episodes we mention: Nine Year Change Part I Nine Year Change Part II The Temperaments Oh and hey! We started a Patreon in which we plan to add some of our off topic conversations, behind the scenes stuff and opportunities for more engagement. There is currently a very special just for...
2025-05-191h 10I Thought Waldorf Was A SaladEpisode 9: The PlayThe play's the thing! In this episode, we talk about how we do plays in Waldorf schools, how those differ from other schools and why we make it all so complicated. Lots of theater people love in this episode. Who's ready to write a play...not us. Who didn't turn off her ringer? Lookin' at you Kristi. Adam has a full on potty mouth in this episode so prepare for spicy language. Also, mid show, we get a text from Kordi that she passed her drivers permit test - but we handle is totally profesh (Yay Kordi!) Oh and...
2025-04-1255 minI Thought Waldorf Was A SaladEpisode 8: Is Waldorf Right for Me?Are you Waldorf curious? In this episode, we do a run down of whether or not Waldorf might be right for you. We cover some territory that's very familiar, but try to put it into a kind of self-check in list. Also, Kristi has no idea what Cocomelon is. Mostly, we talk about Kristi's dad. Oh and hey! We started a Patreon in which we plan to add some of our off topic conversations, behind the scenes stuff and opportunities for more engagement. There is currently nothin' behind the paywall but there is a free post that has the...
2025-03-311h 07I Thought Waldorf Was A SaladEpisode 7: Standardized TestingIn this episode, we discuss standardized testing. Specifically, when we administer the tests as a public Waldorf charter and what we do with the results. Hot button topics include the Kristi's quasi conspiracy theory about BIG TEST. Let's just say, she has big feelings. Oh and hey! We started a Patreon in which we plan to add some of our off topic conversations, behind the scenes stuff and opportunities for more engagement. There is currently nothin' behind the paywall but there is a free post that has the not real Ted Talk mentioned in this episode. Free free t...
2025-03-2447 minI Thought Waldorf Was A SaladEpisode 6: Phenomenological Approach to ScienceIn this episode, we practice pronouncing the word phenomenological and then discuss what the heck it is. Specifically, how the approach builds keen observers and fosters wonder. Hot button topics include the time block in grade two and butter! If you are not alread following us on the grams, please do so you can add your useful chime ins on our posts! You can find us on Instagram at waldorfsaladpod. As always, you can also email us at waldorfsaladpod@gmail.com.
2025-03-1750 minI Thought Waldorf Was A SaladEpisode 5: Samey vs. ChangeyIn this episode, we talk about what hills we will die on. Specifically, what elements of Waldorf education we feel absolutely must stay the same and those that must change. Hot button topics include black crayons, bolga baskets and amplified music! If you are not alread following us on the grams, please do so you can add your useful chime ins on our posts! You can find us on Instagram at waldorfsaladpod. As always, you can also email us at waldorfsaladpod@gmail.com.
2025-03-031h 36I Thought Waldorf Was A SaladEpisode 4: The Four Temperaments Defined by Pantsless BearsIn this episode, we tackle the four temperaments by defining characteristics, color and Winnie the Pooh characters. Kristi and Adam diagnose each others' temperaments and it's dicey. The studio is rechristened the Bellatrix Celeste Kilcollins Performing Arts Center and it sounds pretty good afterall. If you are not already following us on the grams, please do so you can comment on our episode post! You can find us on Instagram at waldorfsaladpod or email us at waldorfsaladpod@gmail.com.
2025-02-1836 minI Thought Waldorf Was A SaladEpisode 3: Game Day Game - Waldorf TerminologyIn this episode, it's game day so we play a little game. Kristi asks Adam to correctly pronounce and explain a few Waldorf specific terms. Producer Bella uses her exceptional math skills and high tech equipment to tally the score. We mention at the end of the episode that if you are a practicing Waldorf teacher in a Waldorf charter or independent school, we invite you to join us at Journey School's Art of Teacher summer training. More info is available here. You can email us at waldorfsaladpod@gmail.com and you can find us on In...
2025-02-0943 minI Thought Waldorf Was A SaladEpisode 2: Public Charter vs Independent Waldorf SchoolsIn this episode, we discuss squatters rights and the importance of belligerence. Okay, no, we do, but just a little bit. Rather, we look at the similarities, differences and practical problems that both public and private Waldorf schools face. We talk curriculum, legal perameters and, of course, eurythmy flooring. Kristi still has a cold so she sounds funny, apologies. Our hearts go out to every single person impacted by the fires in Pacific Palisades and Altadena. If you have been impacted by the fires, please don't hesitate to reach out to us - we are here for you w...
2025-02-011h 19I Thought Waldorf Was A SaladEpisode 1: Nine Year Change Part IIThis is the second episode on the infamous nine year change and the first episode of our second season. In this part, we discuss how the curriculum meets the third grader experiencing the heartache of the nine year change. Before we get there though, we talk a bit about all the very real heartache going on in the world right now and specifically in our wider Waldorf community. Our hearts go out to every single person impacted by the fires in Pacific Palisades and Altadena. If you have been impacted by the fires, please don't hesitate to rea...
2025-01-181h 19I Thought Waldorf Was A SaladEpisode 12: Nine Year Change Part IThis is the first episode of two on the infamous nine year change. We briefly describe the nine year change and go into what you can do in the years leading up to the nine year change to prepare. Naturally, this leads us into sharing that we like our Santas jolly and well fed. Enjoy this Chrismukkah gift to you and happy holidays everyone! Did any questions about nine year change arise for you? We'll be happy to tackle those when we record our next episode. Give us a shout by email at waldorfsaladpod@gmail.com and let us...
2024-12-2445 minI Thought Waldorf Was A SaladEpisode 11: Alas, Poor Yorick - Santa Lucia Buns and How We Do LiteracyDid you know it was Kristi's birthday, Santa Lucia Day and Taylor Swift's birthday all in one week? Naturally, this leads us into a discussion of why we bring literacy instruction when we do. In this episode, we discuss the pacing and timeline for direct literacy instruction - what is it, why do we do and what questions/concerns do we often come across. Also, Adam gets on his high horse about first born privilege. Did any questions or anxiety as teacher or parent arise for you? Give us a shout by email at waldorfsaladpod@gmail.com and le...
2024-12-151h 24I Thought Waldorf Was A SaladEpisode 10: Myriad Thoughts on "Parent Work"Happy Thanksgiving! We are so grateful for each of you! Thank you for supporting us and listening and for all your funny comments when you see you out in the world! In this episode, we discuss "parent work" - what is it, why do we do and what questions/concerns do we often come across. Also, Adam uses the word myriad incorrectly and Kristi has big feelings about it. Did any questions as teacher or parent arise for you? Give us a shout by email at waldorfsaladpod@gmail.com and let us know. You can find us...
2024-11-291h 07I Thought Waldorf Was A SaladEpisode 9: Not Sponsored (Yet) and the Curriculum ClosetIn this episode, we discuss the many entities that could sponsor us and we dive into the Curriculum ClosetTM. We discuss which resources we highly reccomend for Waldorf teachers and homeschoolers as well as what we find doesn't exactly land and why. Apologies for how loud my cold brew coffee is in this episode! Did we miss an important resources? Want to send Kristi some birthday condolences? Give us a shout by email at waldorfsaladpod@gmail.com and let us know. You can find us on Instagram too at waldorfsaladpod. Like much that we do...
2024-11-2456 minI Thought Waldorf Was A SaladEpisode 8: Rumspringa of Gratitude and Waldorf as Multisensory EducationIn this episode, we discuss Pie Party madness and how Waldorf has always been a multisensory education model. We discuss how Waldorf pedagogy, curriculum and materials all support elements of multisensory education. We also discuss rodents quite a bit. Did we miss something important in our discussion? Do you know the definitive pronunciation of Amish? Give us a shout by email at waldorfsaladpod@gmail.com and let us know. You can find us on Instagram too at waldorfsaladpod. Like much that we do, we have not received permission from anyone to make this podcast and will be...
2024-11-1957 minI Thought Waldorf Was A SaladEpisode 7: Is Waldorf a Cult? Part IIThis episode is part II of our Is Waldorf a cult? episode. In Part II, we look at how we got from 1922 to today while navigating this question. We look at current discussions online, particularly one quite popular podcast, and Kristi does her eldest daughter business of keeping people accountable. By the way, the tops of pillars are called the capitals. We should have known that! We cuss in this one so keep that in mind. Also, Sadie and Beau (the dogs) make an appearance while we are talking about them. A point of clarification, teachers at privat...
2024-11-101h 08I Thought Waldorf Was A SaladEpisode 7: Is Waldorf a Cult? Part IIn this episode, we step away from our Waldorf 101 series to tackle a question that's plagued Waldorf education almost from day one. Is Waldorf a cult? We apply Dr. Hassan's BITE model to the question as well as use Michael Langone's cult checklist. Adam teases Kristi mercilessly about her cult/true crime content consumption. This is Part I of a two parter so hold on to your seats. Do you have experience with both high control groups and Waldorf schools? Give us a shout by email at waldorfsaladpod@gmail.com and let us know. You can find us on I...
2024-11-101h 20I Thought Waldorf Was A SaladEpisode 6: Clouds of Sparkling Dust and Eight Year CyclesKristi has returned from New Orleans and is covered in friendship bracelets and confetti, so we are back in the studio (aka the upstairs closet). In this episode, we discuss the journey of teacher and class from grades one through eight. We discuss the traditional model, newer looping models and what Steiner had to say on the topic. We also touch on how a teacher could possibly prepare for such a task and whether or not they might even want to. Did you make it through an eight year cycle or did you maybe veer off down a d...
2024-11-0445 minI Thought Waldorf Was A SaladEpisode 5: Waldorf 101 Series - Adam Wears a Suit and Main LessonThis will be the first of a Waldorf 101 series covering the basics and in this week's installment, we tackle Main Lesson. We also discuss Adam's unhinged reaction to receiving many compliments in one day and Kristi's dogmatic leanings are on display for everyone to hear. There are quite a few unexplained inside jokes in this episode including Man Moon, Jean Claude (the dog) and "Shmonkies". Bonus points to all listeners who figure those out and 100 extra bonus points to Carrie who bestowed upon us our amazing new mics! Thanks so much Carrie! Does your main lesson have a di...
2024-10-2052 minI Thought Waldorf Was A SaladEpisode 4: Low Media and Mr. RogersIn this supersize episode, we discuss the Steiner origins and current research around technology and child development. We get super nostalgic about Sesame Street and Mister Roger's Neighborhood. On that topic, here is a link to Mr. Roger's speaking to the Senate subcommitte. Get a hankie. Oh boy, the elemental beings that live in technology were very naughty tonight and the dogs are apparently recording their own podcast in the background so apologies for the many hiccups. Remind us not to record on the night before Adam leaves with his class for an overnight fieldtrip. Do...
2024-10-141h 00I Thought Waldorf Was A SaladEpisode 3: Zoe Kravitz and Going to Stuttgart for CheeseIn this episode, we discuss Diwali, famous Waldorf grads as well as share how we came to Waldorf education. We learn that Adam was not an honor roll student and we marvel a bit at how destiny shows up in our life paths. There is absolutely no bread talk in the episode because apparently we've moved on to cheese. We would love to hear your story about your path to Waldorf education. Please share it with us via email at waldorfsaladpod@gmail.com. You can find us on Instagram too at waldorfsaladpod. Like much that we...
2024-10-1442 minI Thought Waldorf Was A SaladEpisode 2: Licensed Contractors and a PanoplyIn this episode, we discuss Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot as well as ask the question: Is Waldorf for everyone? Adam implies that I stole the opening bit from Letterkenny, Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons makes an appearance and we try to dispel the myth that Waldorf is all bell bottoms and no substance. Adam asks some tough questions in this episode and Kristi tries hard to answer them without veering off into more bread talk. Do people assume your Waldorf school is all heart hugs and no math? Give us a holler by email at...
2024-09-2932 minI Thought Waldorf Was A SaladEpisode 1: Dragon Breath and Cat PaintingIn this episode, we discuss Michaelmas and Goethe's Theory of Color. Adam makes some enemies from the jump with his color of the day talk and Kristi muses an awful lot about baked goods. Please igorne the dogs barking, we are new at this, and they have no manners. On the upside, the cat makes a special guest appearance. Since this is our inaugural episode, we include a very brief bio too. Is Lazuredly a word? Not sure. Give us a holler by email at waldorfsaladpod@gmail.com if you have the answers. You can find us on Insta...
2024-09-2628 min