Ben Greenfield

So it must be a good school, right?

And during the three years they were in that school up until fifth grade, not only did I, through my podcast and through a lot of reading,

Learn a lot about the way the educational system is currently built to create the type of scenario I just described.

Learn a lot about the way the educational system is currently built to create the type of scenario I just described.

Kids who really can't think on their own two feet or solve problems on their own and who primarily just like are able to memorize facts, take tests and do homework.

Kids who really can't think on their own two feet or solve problems on their own and who primarily just like are able to memorize facts, take tests and do homework.

But I also discovered that the amount of peer pressure, bullying, inability to be their authentic true self, and loads of homework that isn't necessarily related to their passions, interests, and desires dictates that at about the age of 13,

But I also discovered that the amount of peer pressure, bullying, inability to be their authentic true self, and loads of homework that isn't necessarily related to their passions, interests, and desires dictates that at about the age of 13,

The social enjoyment that kids derive from school begins to be outweighed and outpaced by the dissatisfaction from homework, bullying, forced inauthenticity, and lack of time to be able to delve into things that the kids are really passionate about.

The social enjoyment that kids derive from school begins to be outweighed and outpaced by the dissatisfaction from homework, bullying, forced inauthenticity, and lack of time to be able to delve into things that the kids are really passionate about.

And so when my sons were in fifth grade at 11 years old, I took them out to dinner and I said, look,

And so when my sons were in fifth grade at 11 years old, I took them out to dinner and I said, look,

You guys don't have to go back to sixth grade.

Here's what I'll do.

You guys don't have to go back to sixth grade.

You tell me, and we'll figure this out over the next month, the things that you're really, truly passionate that you care about, which for them is like writing fiction, reading, painting, making art, designing card games and board games.

Here's what I'll do.

You tell me, and we'll figure this out over the next month, the things that you're really, truly passionate that you care about, which for them is like writing fiction, reading, painting, making art, designing card games and board games.

And we have a father-son gaming company now called Fried Pickle Games where we do this.

And we have a father-son gaming company now called Fried Pickle Games where we do this.