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

2 National Titles at Suffolk Community College

NBA Scout the Lakers and Hornets

The real wins were the lessons learned along the way. Rich Wrase's journey is a masterclass in impact, integrity, and heart.

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 of humor, heart, and just enough discomfort to spark growth, this episode reminds us that the most important lessons often come when we’re willing to bend.

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 about chasing the spotlight — sometimes it’s about making the biggest impact right where you’re planted.

Along the way, we explore how lessons from the classroom and the court carry into leadership, community service, and raising the next generation. It’s a conversation that sets the tone for the BTC vision: reconnecting with the people who shaped us, and building something bigger for the future.

And this is just the beginning — Back to Class with Mr. H is not only about nostalgia and stories. It’s about sparking new conversations, and laying the groundwork for education initiatives that inspire students, families, and communities for years to come.

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 reconnect with a former student where life has taken them—home, work, or somewhere unexpected. We share a toast (never on camera) and talk about:

• Who they were then
• Who they’ve become
• What they want the next generation to know

Some are CEOs, nurses, artists, soldiers, barbers, authors, or teachers. Some had straight A’s, others barely made it to graduation. All have something to say. All shaped me.

This isn’t nostalgia—it’s proof that education doesn’t end at the bell. Teachers are forever. Impact echoes. Classroom bonds don’t break—they evolve.

Our mission:

Celebrate the teacher-student connection long after the final grade is given.

Honor those who grow up and give back.

Spotlight the sparks that lit the way.

Inspire anyone who still believes in the power of showing up.

New episodes every other Thursday.

🍏 Class is back in session.