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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.

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.  

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

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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?

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!