I was trying to avoid writing anything about the novel coronavirus or COVID-19, because that’s of course what everyone is talking about.

But, sitting here in self-semiquarantine, I have just listened to a special 16-minute bonus episode of the Unorthodox podcast, all about self-quarantines, and I had to write this short post. Like Mark Oppenheimer and his family, no one has required me to self-isolate or to do anything specific — other than avoid crowds, restaurants, events, the gym, etc. — but I definitely feel the need for what people are calling “an abundance of caution,” especially given my age. Anyway, I want to recommend this brief podcast for one principal reason: the short essay by Mark’s 9-year-old daughter Klara. The writing is better than what I’ve seen from most 14-year-olds, and Klara’s poise in front of a huge podcast audience is impressive. I know, I know, that it isn’t literally “in front of” the audience, but she knows what’s going on.

At some point I’ll write at more length about the entire Unorthodox podcast series, including not only Mark but also his co-hosts Liel Leibovitz and Stephanie Butnick — not to mention Stephanie’s cat, Cat Stevens — and their many interesting guests. Stay tuned. (No, wait! That’s a different podcast!)

Categories: Teaching & Learning