

Shit You Don't Learn in School
Calvin Rosser & Steph Smith
Formal schooling does a terrible job of preparing you to thrive as an adult. The Shit You Don't Learn in School podcast exists to make up for this societal failure. In this show, Calvin Rosser and Steph Smith share stories, insights, and resources designed to help you improve the quality of your personal and professional life. If all works out, you'll be at least 1% better at navigating the waters.
Episodes
Mentioned books

6 snips
Mar 15, 2026 • 1h 3min
85. 8 Days On a Boat (In the Galapagos Islands)
They recount eight days living on a boat among volcanic islands, sharing what daily boat life really feels like. You hear close encounters with marine iguanas, giant tortoises, dolphins, boobies and a dramatic cormorant vs octopus moment. They describe regulated tours, local guides, logistics through Quito and Guayaquil, and wild seasickness and scopolamine stories.

36 snips
Mar 1, 2026 • 48min
84. Mastering the Marathon
They dig into marathon lore and why 26.2 miles feels epic. They compare marathon versus half and highlight surprising new variables. Steph recounts a rough first marathon and how she diagnosed nutrition and nausea. They talk adaptive training with an app, pacing strategies, tapering and pre-race week choices. There are playful pre-race bets, race-day checkpoints, victory reflections and creative mile-marker jingles.

69 snips
Feb 8, 2026 • 1h 20min
83. We're Back! 2025 Recap & What Comes Next
Two friends recap a chaotic year of job changes, travel highs, and risky experiments. They talk intense fitness streaks, building SurferDiary.com with AI, and a dramatic Accutane turnaround. There are candid money confessions, time-sink app addictions, a near-disastrous surf wipeout, and reflective travel moments from Rwanda and the Maldives.

232 snips
Dec 29, 2024 • 1h 21min
82. Creating 6-Figure Projects Online (With a FT Job!)
Explore how technology empowers individuals to create six-figure online projects while juggling full-time jobs. Discover the importance of community and internet skills for indie entrepreneurship. Dive into the psychology of creators, the tension between perfectionism and deadlines, and the balance between passion and stability. Gain insights into effective pricing strategies and the role of genuine engagement in project success. Plus, learn how to navigate the online landscape with savvy skills and creative authenticity.

54 snips
Dec 15, 2024 • 1h 3min
81. Sprucing Up Your Space (Without Busting Your Budget)
Transform your living space on a budget with simple yet impactful changes. Discover how decluttering and thoughtful design lead to a welcoming environment. Personal anecdotes reveal the power of small household items in enhancing daily life. A trip to Japan inspires better food presentation and social gatherings with creative touches like personalized name cards. Learn strategies for efficient furniture shopping and the use of technology in interior design, making your home both beautiful and functional.

83 snips
Dec 1, 2024 • 1h 17min
80. 80/20 Experiments in Health
In a lively discussion about health, the hosts explore the vital links between sleep, nutrition, and exercise. They share personal insights on how alcohol impacts sleep quality and the importance of morning routines. The conversation takes a turn into the world of supplements and nootropics, revealing the pros and cons of various options. Regular blood work and health metrics come under scrutiny as they emphasize proactive health measures. With a focus on personalized experimentation, they advocate for finding what truly works for individual wellbeing.

6 snips
Nov 17, 2024 • 57min
79. Running Toward a Healthier Life
A heartfelt journey unfolds as Steph shares her transformation from athlete to novice, culminating in her first half-marathon. The discussion traverses the emotional highs of celebrating achievements and aspirations of running a thousand miles. Hydration emerges as a game changer for well-being, alongside the importance of proper footwear to prevent injuries. With a sprinkle of humor, the hosts explore 'zone two training,' advocating for enjoyable, gradual progress over intense workouts. Mindset takes center stage, highlighting its key role in sustaining fitness throughout life's changes.

34 snips
Nov 3, 2024 • 1h 23min
78. Navigating the Best Country in the World
Dive into the enchanting experience of traveling in Japan, where flexibility reigns supreme in planning your adventure. Discover the country's vibrant culinary scene, from traditional Kaseki meals to delightful convenience store finds. Master the efficient train system and gain insights into overcoming language barriers with tech-savvy solutions. Explore unique off-the-beaten-path destinations and enhance your trip with local cultural experiences and hidden gems. Embrace spontaneity for unforgettable discoveries!

37 snips
Oct 27, 2024 • 1h 17min
77. The Good, Bad, and Weird of Japan
Dive into the fascinating elements of Japan, from art islands to unique convenience store delights. Discover the luxurious world of Japanese Wagyu beef and the cultural nuances surrounding it. Explore the impact of an aging population on real estate and inheritance complexities. Uncover the rich coffee culture and culinary gems in ryokans. Delve into Japan's extraordinary service standards and the societal paradox of isolation versus vibrant subcultures. Lastly, reflect on how Japan’s collectivist philosophy contrasts with Western individualism.

7 snips
Nov 5, 2023 • 51min
76. The Half-Baked Business Idea Roast: Sensory Museums, Zyn Tins, Unrecordable Spaces, and Much More
In this episode, Steph and Cal roast each other's half-baked ideas, including a marketplace for premium goods, hot sauce tasting kits, unrecordable digital spaces, and immersive animal sensory museums. They also discuss creating hyper-localized surf guides and the concept of interviewing parents. The hosts emphasize the importance of seeing endless ideas in the world and encourage listeners to leave reviews to support the podcast.


