Back To Class With Mr.H

What happens when learning doesn't stop at the classroom door?

In this episode of Back To Class With Mr. H, former student Milan Cheeks returns to 1511 to reflect on the journey of finding direction in a world that's changing faster than ever. In an age shaped by technology, AI, and constant noise, Milan shares what really mattered in helping him discover his path--curiosity, adaptability, and the confidence to keep learning.

This conversation isn't about grades or resumes , it's about the moments, mentors, and mindset that help a student grow into who they're meant to become.<...

    Come with us on the journey of Angel Velasquez, who went from a disengaged student to a community leader and mentor who is helping shape the lives of the next generation.

In this episode Angel opens up about the real story behind his growth:

--The struggles he had as a student

--the mentors who saw something in him he didn't see in himself

--the spark that turned him towards barbering

--how the shop became his classroom and the impact it has on students

     Today Angel is a succe...

      Some students walk into your classroom and leave a mark that lasts forever. Dylan was one of those kids. In High School; Dylan had all the potential in the world. He was smart, funny, athletic with a big personality. But like with many teenagers not everything clicked for Dylan at that time. The want was seemingly there, but the execution did not always match the desire. Dylan was battling an unseen illness that was wearing him down physically from the inside out. On the surface, It looked like Dylan was not "all in" in the classroom or on the bas...

What does it mean to show up—every single day—with heart, humor, and humility? In this powerful episode of Back to Class, Mr. H sits down with one of the most quietly impactful figures to ever walk the halls of his school: CC Cosgrove.

As the beloved manager of the basketball team and a daily presence in Room 1511, CC wasn’t known for academic accolades or athletic feats—but for something far more rare: presence, kindness, and unwavering commitment. Diagnosed on the autism spectrum at a young age, CC carved out a space not just...

In this deeply personal episode, Mr. H reunites with former Coach and mentor, Rich Wrase-- a man whose passion, honesty, and belief in others helped shape not just players, but futures. 

Coach Wrase was more than a clipboard and a whistle. He was the one who reminded Mr. H that working with kids mattered, and that 5 minute conversation outside of a school bus changed the direction of Mr. H's life and put him in the classroom and the court where he belonged.

Rich has had a Hall of Fame career: 2 State Championships at Westhampton Beach Duration: 00:16:52

Mr. H reconnects with former student Nicole Johnson, now a yoga instructor and wellness guide, for a conversation that flows from laughter to introspection — much like a great yoga class. As they revisit classroom memories and explore Nicole’s journey into mindfulness and movement, the episode stretches beyond the physical to explore balance, breath, and the ways we learn to carry ourselves through life.

What begins with tight hamstrings and a hesitant downward dog turns into a thoughtful reflection on healing, identity, and the importance of showing up — on the mat, and in the world.

A mix...

 In this episode of Back to Class with Mr. H, award-winning author and podcaster Sara Lohse reconnects with Mr. H to reflect on her journey from the classroom to the creative world. Sara shares inspiring stories, hard-earned lessons, and valuable advice for the next generation of dreamers, creators, and storytellers. Tune in to Hey Hanlon, You Call This a Podcast? for authentic conversation, laughter, and wisdom from one of the best voices in the podcasting world. 

Episode 1: Hometown Heroes Who Built Success at Home

What does it mean to stay rooted — to build a life, a family, and a legacy in the very place where it all began? In this opening episode of Back to Class with Mr. H, Dalton and Dene McCarthy share their journey of becoming leaders in the same community where they once walked the halls as students.

From balancing careers and family to guiding others by example, their story is a reminder that real success isn’t always abou...

Back to Class with Mr. H is more than a podcast—it’s a homecoming. A chalk-dusted reunion between a retired teacher and the students whose stories are still unfolding.

For 25 years, I taught 7th grade social studies and coached basketball in Room 1511. Every day, I wrote a quote on the board. Every week, I tried to reach kids not just through content, but through connection. When I retired, I realized something powerful: my students weren’t done teaching me.

In each episode, I reco...