High School Matters

How much did High School shape your life? High School Matters is a podcast dedicated to conversations I have with my former High School students where I set out to find out how High School mattered to them both then and now. What I uncover in these conversations is that the persona that these kids created in High School is not exactly what was beneath the surface. Follow on IG @HSMattersPodcast

The Guy Who Couldn't Be Converted 01/25/2026

The Guy Who Couldn't Be Converted In this powerful two-part episode of High School Matters, Randy Appell sits down with former student Mat Shurka for a conversation years in the making. Mat was a student in Randy’s biology class in 2002. What Randy didn’t know then was that Mat was carrying a secret shaped by trauma, fear, and survival. In high school, Mat was brutally beaten in an attack that would permanently alter the course of his life. The aftermath of that violence eventually led Mat to come out to his father as gay — and to a devastating response: his parents sent him to gay conversion therapy. In this raw and deeply emotional conversation, Mat shares his story in full detail for the first time on a podcast. He speaks about the assault, the silence that followed, the psychological damage of conversion therapy, and the long road toward reclaiming his identity. Mat’s story has since reached more than a million viewers on YouTube, helped spark national conversations, and contributed to thousands of pages of legislation aimed at banning conversion therapy. Today, Mat is channeling his experience into public service and is running for Congress in the 2026 election. This is not just a story about trauma. It’s a story about resilience, truth, and what can happen when someone refuses to let their worst moment define their final chapter. /episode/index/show/highschoolmatters/id/39871700

The Guy Who Took Notes in HS? 09/27/2025

The Guy Who Took Notes in HS? From high school strangers to unlikely reconnection—this episode explores how the past lingers, and how it can reshape the future. Eric Relkin and I weren’t friends in high school—he was the funny guy a year ahead of me, and that was about it. But one class, one teacher, and years later, one odd series of shared obsessions brought us back into conversation. In our discussion, Eric opens up about the lessons he carried from Hewlett High, the sitcom wisdom he leans on to avoid repeating his parents’ mistakes, and how the complicated world of high school shaped his life long after graduation. What begins as a trip down memory lane turns into something deeper—a reflection on history, on learning from the past, and on the unexpected ways our childhood stays with us. This is a story about memory, growth, and the choices that define who we become. You won’t want to miss it /episode/index/show/highschoolmatters/id/38375145

The Guy Who Skips Breakfast 09/04/2025

The Guy Who Skips Breakfast In a special departure from the usual format, Randy Appell sits down with Dr. Mark Mattson—a trailblazing neuroscientist, 20-year veteran of the National Institutes of Health, and one of the leading minds behind the science of intermittent fasting. His groundbreaking research not only reshaped how we think about nutrition and health but also sparked a movement that continues to captivate scientists and the Internet alike. Why would a world-renowned researcher join a high school–themed podcast? The answer might surprise you. Together, Randy and Dr. Mattson explore the origins of intermittent fasting, the personal journey that fueled his discoveries, and the science behind why it works. But the conversation doesn’t stop there—they also dive into the deeper question: is there a biological reason why high school truly matters in shaping who we are? From cutting-edge dietary insights to thought-provoking reflections on memory, identity, and health, this episode offers more than just science—it’s a lively and unexpected dialogue that pushes the boundaries of what “High School Matters” can be. Follow @HSMattersPodcast /episode/index/show/highschoolmatters/id/38080460

The Host 07/31/2025

The Host In a full-circle twist, the mic flips. Host Randy Appell becomes the guest as executive producer Jon Fuss takes over to interview the voice behind High School Matters. What follows is a heartfelt, honest, and often hilarious conversation about Randy’s life—his high school memories, the moments that shaped his teaching, and the inspiration behind the podcast itself. This episode peels back the curtain and lets you truly meet Randy: the teacher, the former student, and the man behind the mic. /episode/index/show/highschoolmatters/id/37627760

The Nostalgic Superfan 07/15/2025

The Nostalgic Superfan Today’s episode is a blast from the past with a twist! I’m joined by Scott Saltiel, who proudly claims the title of High School Matters’ number one fan. Unlike many of my guests, Scott and I weren’t friends back in high school—but over time, we’ve discovered we have way more in common than we ever imagined. Scott is genuine and speaks openly about how much he loved high school, while also being refreshingly honest about the insecurities he’s carried into adulthood—including feeling self-conscious about owning a boat because he worries it makes him look spoiled. This conversation is full of laughter, surprises, and real talk. It’s about discovering hidden connections, reflecting on who we were back then, and realizing how easily we might have crossed paths as friends if we’d just gotten to know each other better during those high school years. So buckle up for some fun stories, candid confessions, and plenty of nostalgia as Scott and I dive into all things high school—and beyond! /episode/index/show/highschoolmatters/id/37419210

The Teacher Who Busted Out 06/20/2025

The Teacher Who Busted Out Mr. Dubin was one of my favorite teachers in high school, not because he stuck to any script, but because he had his own style. He was quirky, unpredictable, and full of spirit. His class felt fun, personal, and the kind of experience that stays with you for life. In this episode, we look back on what made him so memorable, like the way he connected with students, his creative traditions, and his legendary “bust outs”. The most surprising part? He somehow remembered stories about me from over 30 years ago — in crazy detail! I never set out to copy him, but my classrooms today are like his used to be. The tone, the energy, and the way I try to make things feel fun and real for my students are all a result of his influence. /episode/index/show/highschoolmatters/id/37084620

The Comedian Who Thinks I'm Funny 06/11/2025

The Comedian Who Thinks I'm Funny What happens when your oldest friend is also the funniest person you’ve ever met? You laugh… a lot. And maybe grow up a little along the way. In this episode, I sit down with Dave Siegel—stand-up comedian, news writer, and my best friend since the first grade. Dave’s performed on America’s Got Talent, killed on Comedy Central, and toured with comedy legends—but the real gold? That’s always been in our conversations. We talk about how we survived high school by making each other—and everyone else—laugh, the teachers we tortured, the people we made fun of (sorry, kind of), and how our friendship quietly shaped the men we became. This one’s hilarious, a little nostalgic, and unexpectedly honest. If you’ve ever had a friend who knew you better than you knew yourself—don’t miss this episode. /episode/index/show/highschoolmatters/id/36961545

The Guy with the Blue Goatee 05/29/2025

The Guy with the Blue Goatee In a refreshing twist from my usual conversations with former students, this episode features one of my closest friends from high school, Kenny Eisenstein. Back in 1994, Kenny’s dry, understated humor kept me laughing—and it still does. Like many of us, Kenny looks back on high school with a mix of nostalgia and a few regrets. But overall, he remembers it as one of the best times of his life. What’s especially fascinating is hearing which parts of that teenage world he still wishes he could carry into adulthood. Kenny has always been a thinker with a deep love for the arts, particularly music. He’s the one who first introduced me to my favorite band, Pearl Jam—a moment that shaped much of our early friendship. Now a film professor at Bucknell University, Kenny reflects on whether adulthood has lived up to those high school years. Did he peak in high school? What lessons from that time still guide him today? /episode/index/show/highschoolmatters/id/36764045

The Camp Owner 12/16/2024

The Camp Owner Richie Kamen’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Richie went from a poor, insecure, bedwetting kid to the unlikely owner of Camps Equinunk and Blue Ridge, which he somehow purchased with no money and zero entrepreneurial experience. But owning the camps was only the beginning. Richie faced fierce protests and resistance while working to modernize the camps, tackle long-standing challenges, and improve a shocking culture of bad behavior. Against “one-in-a-million odds,” Richie transformed these camps into two of the most beloved sleep-away destinations in America, creating a nurturing environment for young campers while finding fulfillment beyond his wildest dreams—both financially and spiritually. Don’t miss this inspiring tale of Richie Kamen. /episode/index/show/highschoolmatters/id/34470230

The Dedicated Hero 05/29/2024

The Dedicated Hero Aaron Bours, the student who dropped out of college to become a soldier in the Israeli Defense Force, has returned to speak with me again. This time he is a wounded hero at the center of the world's most divisive war between Israel and Hamas. Hear about the conflict as he experienced it firsthand, how that experience changed him forever, and how he barely made it back alive! /episode/index/show/highschoolmatters/id/31518452

The Dedicated Officer 10/17/2023

The Dedicated Officer Aaron Bours thrived in high school and got the most out of each day there. After graduating, he wanted to be more than just a college student, so he dropped out of college to join the Israeli Defense Force. This experience changed his life. After settling into a successful and stable career, he decided to come out of the reserves to return to the IDF to fight for his country. This conversation felt fun and lighthearted back when we had it, but has become ever relevant today. /episode/index/show/highschoolmatters/id/28346552

The Kid Who Got Expelled 06/25/2022

The Kid Who Got Expelled After recording this emotional and revealing conversation, my guest asked me to protect his identity so his name will not be used. My guest entered Great Neck North High School as a 10th grader after being kicked out of a Yeshiva. His risky behavior got him kicked out of GNNHS also, this time for punching another student and sending him to the hospital. He’d always seemed like a nice kid to me, but after hearing stories about him from different people, this conversation was my mission to truly learn about him. We talk about the punch that got him expelled, his home life, taking accountability for his choices, his feelings about education, the cycle of influential behavior and so much more. This conversation is particularly enlightening because it gives insight into a truly unique person and how people develop into themselves. /episode/index/show/highschoolmatters/id/23397200

The Girl Who Found Herself 06/04/2022

The Girl Who Found Herself Adriana Phillips went through high school on a mission: to find herself. She often felt like her personality had two sides, but she never quite understood why. She looked like she might be a popular cheerleader or prom queen, but instead she was a studious actress. Adriana was driven by this ambiguity. She always questioned and embraced why she felt certain ways. We talk about her struggle in my class, her struggle with boys, and her struggle with her own sexuality. To this day I remember my first moment with Adriana. What I didn’t realize was how much that moment symbolized exactly who Adriana was back in high school. /episode/index/show/highschoolmatters/id/23326073

The 2 Voices 05/26/2022

The 2 Voices Leila Eshaghpour and Julia Eshaghpour are identical twins. They were both in my AP Chemistry class together back in 2016. They are hilarious, self-reflective, genuine, and unique young women. We talk about what each of their lives has been like growing up with a mirror image of herself. We dive into topics that identical twins have unique insight into, like comparisons, jealousy, boy drama, separation anxiety, and so much more. Things got emotional when we spoke about when one of their friends—who was also a twin—passed away tragically, and how that impacted their outlooks ever since. The spirit of the trialogue flowed perfectly between fun and light to emotional and authentic. This conversation will teach you a lot of the nuances of what it’s like to be a twin, and by the time you’re done listening, you’ll realize it put a huge smile on your face too! /episode/index/show/highschoolmatters/id/23242037

The Class President 05/21/2022

The Class President Benny Laitman started high school as a self-described lanky, nerdy kid. He decided to run for class president in his freshman year and wound up winning. We discuss all of the events that took place because of that victory and how his life has been different ever since. We also discuss how his introduction to life as a doctor was thrown for a loop when he faced a catastrophic situation that changed everything forever. From his high school career to his medical career, he faced many small moments and some big moments that have all had a tremendous impact on his life today. /episode/index/show/highschoolmatters/id/23186132

The Survivor 05/14/2022

The Survivor Shayna Domnitch went through high school with relative ease. She was a sweet, pretty, popular, and confident girl back then. She got positive attention from guys and had a lot of close friends, many of whom she is still close with today. Shayna eventually had to face her biggest challenge when she was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer. We discuss openly how she dealt with this challenge and how her upbringing, her high school life, and her current family have all contributed to the way in which she dealt with this tragedy so bravely and so publicly. Shayna is—and has always been—a true survivor. /episode/index/show/highschoolmatters/id/23106569

The Quiet Kid 05/07/2022

The Quiet Kid David Niknam was one of the quietest guys I ever had in any of my classes. Even though I had him for 2 years in a row, I never really got to know him. I did many things to try and get him out of his shell: calling on him often, engaging him in discussion, and even offering him extra credit to get up in front of the entire class and yell at me (which most people, especially a kid as quiet as him, would find totally uncomfortable). In a prior podcast conversation (‘The Guy who Sought Discomfort?’), Won Jung and I wondered how David felt about my actions back then and now. In this conversation I ask David all those questions, and also finally get to the bottom of why he was so quiet all along. Everyone can remeber a kid back in high school that barely ever spoke in class. This is your chance to finally hear what goes on inside the head of one of those kids. "This is the sound.....of silence".... /episode/index/show/highschoolmatters/id/23034254

The Funny Earthling 04/30/2022

The Funny Earthling Jen Doppelt (@JenExotic) is one of the funniest people I know. Back in high school she pushed the envelope with hilarious and often outrageous comments that got a reaction out of both peers and teachers. It turns out that Jen actually used her humor as a bodyguard, protecting her from stuff she wasn’t ready to deal with. In this conversation Jen opens up about several aspects of her high school life including her sexuality, her humor, sports, the way she treated people in school and so much more. If you can multitask laughing while listening, you will most certainly enjoy this special conversation. /episode/index/show/highschoolmatters/id/22957691

The Guy in Protection Mode 04/24/2022

The Guy in Protection Mode Joe Stern went through high school in “protective mode”. As a Russian kid speaking English as his second language, he was bullied at an early age. As much as he really wanted to fit in and bond with his classmates, he never felt quite comfortable, dealing with a lot of anxiety and adopting some eccentric and risky behaviors. Joe has always been a self-aware and sophisticated guy, and in this conversation he offers listeners a unique perspective, openly sharing and reflecting on his regrets in high school. /episode/index/show/highschoolmatters/id/22886762

The Girl in the Background 04/17/2022

The Girl in the Background Emily Eyerman never felt important back in her high school days (2002-2006). She had a complicated life at home, so she got used to hiding in the background to protect herself. Ironically she always craved to be seen, which led her to some pretty risky behavior as a teen. Emily is a therapist today, and her ability to self-reflect and open up with me is what makes this particular conversation so special and meaningful to everyone listening. Warning: This episode contains graphic conversation around topics of self-harm and suicide. If these topics may be triggering for you, please reconsider listening to this episode. This conversation is not meant to be instructional. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or self-harm, please seek the guidance of a professional. "She holds the hand that holds her down...she will rise above..." /episode/index/show/highschoolmatters/id/22804865

The Guy Who Sought Discomfort 04/10/2022

The Guy Who Sought Discomfort Won Jung moved to New York City from South Korea when he was only 4 years old. When he was in 4th grade, his parents moved him again, this time to Great Neck, to give him all the opportunities a wealthy community gives its students. While Won Jung’s transition was a little rocky, he became acclimated to American culture, and eventually American culture became a part of him. We have a great conversation about how he developed into the person he is today, giving credit to that Great Neck experience both inside and outside my class. We also reflect on how that experience led to what can only be described as a twist of irony in the end /episode/index/show/highschoolmatters/id/22736810

The Teacher Who Inspired the Student 06/27/2021

The Teacher Who Inspired the Student Steve Amara is the reason I am a chemistry teacher. As part of his 40-year teaching career, where he inspired many students along the way, Mr. Amara was MY honors chemistry teacher back in 1992. In this enlightening and nostalgic conversation, we share not only our views on how to be a teacher and how struggle builds character, but also many other topics, including the ones that emerged throughout this podcast series. This season finale episode is proof, that for students and teachers alike, high school matters. /episode/index/show/highschoolmatters/id/19587749

The Student Who Inspired The Teacher 06/20/2021

The Student Who Inspired The Teacher Josh Kam is one of the reasons ‘High School Matters’ exists. Josh was in my AP Chemistry class during his junior year of high school back in 2007. That year was the onset of a student-teacher relationship that was more of a friendship than anything else. Josh has asked me for guidance during various stages of his life, but I think the process gave me guidance of my own. He decided to flip the script on me in this episode and asked me a lot of questions. The result was a fun conversation that reveals information about me, him, and the origin of this podcast. /episode/index/show/highschoolmatters/id/19524455

The Girl In Chaos 06/13/2021

The Girl In Chaos Jen Halper went through high school and the majority of her childhood in chaos. Jen was with me in Chemistry during her junior year back in 2005. To describe her chaos in a few sentences of text would minimize the significance of her experiences. The main takeaway is that Jen is living proof that “there is always hope.” Jen is strong, resilient, vulnerable and impressively positive about her experiences. Her unique way of handling and reflecting on her struggle serves as a guide for anyone dealing with pain. WARNING: Many of the topics in this episode are very intense. We will take an in-depth look at addiction, depression, and suicide. If you or someone you know are struggling with addiction or any other mental health issues, please know there is help. Please call Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 1-800-662-4357. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please call the 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 /episode/index/show/highschoolmatters/id/19453484

The Girl Who Couldn't Leave Home 05/30/2021

The Girl Who Couldn't Leave Home Lauren Nassimi (Lauren Yaghoubi) is a member of the Mashadi community, perhaps the most conservative subculture among the handful of Persian communities in New York. Lauren was a student in my Biology class back in 2002 as a high school freshman. We talk very openly about how growing up as a female in this community has distinct impacts on her experiences in high school, and later in college. As a wife, a mom, and a daughter, she still struggles to this day to figure out how to balance her own desires with her cultural expectations. Her insights are a valuable guide for girls in similar situations. /episode/index/show/highschoolmatters/id/19286660

The Guy Who Couldn't Drink 05/23/2021

The Guy Who Couldn't Drink Josh Kadden went through high school with a lot of privilege, but that doesn’t mean his experience came without challenges. Josh was in my chemistry class back in 2008 as a sophomore. While our conversation focuses on many of the issues Josh faced, most importantly it highlights how his attitude and coping strategies were what really set him apart. It turns out that Josh is actually more special than the people who know him—and even he—might have thought. /episode/index/show/highschoolmatters/id/19205861

The Quirky Influencer 05/16/2021

The Quirky Influencer Lisa Hayim was one of the most popular girls in high school and now has more Instagram followers than almost all of my students combined! Lisa was in my Biology class back in 2002 as a freshman in high school. She is now a very successful nutritionist and social media influencer, after years of having not only many struggles but also many privileges. Our conversation talks about her high school experience and also the events that lead to where she is at this very moment. /episode/index/show/highschoolmatters/id/19124924

The Girl Who Walks In Her Dreams 05/09/2021

The Girl Who Walks In Her Dreams Kyra Benton went through high school in a wheel chair and on a life-supporting ventilator. Kyra was in my Biology class back in 2012. Our conversation touched upon so many themes, like the power of friendship, the concept of death, not wanting to be treated differently, and so much more. While Kyra may think that there is nothing inspirational about her story, my guess is you will feel differently after listening. /episode/index/show/highschoolmatters/id/19037936

The Guy Who Ran the School 05/08/2021

The Guy Who Ran the School David Nowinsky walked through the halls of his High School like he owned the place. David was a student in my Chemistry class back in 2008 while he was a Junior. We talk very openly about how situations in his life lead to the way he acted in high school both towards his friends and towards authority. We also talk about how the things that happened in high school had an effect not only on his own life but also on the life of others. /episode/index/show/highschoolmatters/id/19027457

The Girl Behind the Piano 04/26/2021

The Girl Behind the Piano Jee Min Lee started High School in America as a 10th grader after leaving her home in South Korea to pursue a career as a concert pianist. She was my student that year in my Honors Chemistry class, and more. We talk deeply about how her experience as a high school student had a profound impact on her career and on what she is doing today. It was very exciting to discuss her evolution into Brianni Lee! /episode/index/show/highschoolmatters/id/18856433

High School Matters

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