# The Surprising Power of Teaching as the Greatest Act of Optimism

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/educate-u-s-6415748/the-surprising-power-of-teaching-as-the-greatest-act-of-optimism
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/educate-u-s-6415748/the-surprising-power-of-teaching-as-the-greatest-act-of-optimism.md
Podcast: [Educate U.S.](https://stenobird.com/podcast/educate-u-s-6415748)
Published: 2026-05-12T03:58:47+00:00
Episode link: https://shows.acast.com/educate-us/episodes/the-surprising-power-of-teaching-as-the-greatest-act-of-opti
Audio file: https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/647a3f3d7b38dd00117a5013/e/6a02a57853be193dbd8cc904/media.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/educate-u-s-6415748/episodes/the-surprising-power-of-teaching-as-the-greatest-act-of-optimism
Duration seconds: 2770

## Resource

Uncover the profound resilience and optimism rooted in the act of teaching. This episode reveals how educators, from middle school teachers to life-long mentors, transform lives, even in the face of grief, exhaustion, and life's toughest transitions. Join us as Brian Platzer shares a deeply personal story inspired by his former teacher, Rod Keating, navigating the weight of grief, legacy, and the unbreakable bond between teachers and students. Discover how this relationship inspired his heartfelt novel, The Optimists , a story that celebrates the extraordinary impact of one mentor’s influence and the cycle of growth, loss, and renewal. Find links to purchase the book:  https://www.brianplatzer.com/the-optimists People Article mentioned:  https://people.com/brian-platzer-the-optimists-exclusive-essay-11910548 The Educate U.S. podcast is presented by our friends over at Fresh Roasted Coffee LLC. & Positively Tea.  Enjoy a cup of the best tasting coffee (and tea!) while listening to Stacey & Patrice break down the latest from the world of education & beyond! Visit this link - https://lddy.no/1k3n0 & use their promo code EDUCATEUS for 20% off your first purchase! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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## Transcript

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