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!

In high school, Jon Shatzkamer (Shatz) was the all-American kid—well-liked, good-looking, kind, and seemingly coasting through life with ease. But years later, everything changed when Jon suffered a brain aneurysm that left him in a coma for weeks. His recovery was nothing short of a miracle. While he now faces some challenges with short-term memory, Jon holds onto incredibly vivid and detailed memories from his past—especially from high school. In this heartfelt episode, we talk about the journey he’s been on, the struggles he’s faced, and the surprising ways his past continues to stay present in his life.