Episode Details
May 9, 2025
34 minutes
- Public vs. Private Education – Doug and Jeremy reflect on their children’s educational experiences, comparing public and private schooling and the trade-offs that come with each.
- Curriculum & Technology Changes – Doug shares insights on how public school curriculums and tech tools have evolved, while Jeremy expresses concern over the declining quality of what public schools offer.
- The Cost of Quality Education – Jeremy opens up about why he pays for private education—something he never imagined needing to do, given the public education he grew up with.
- Is Higher Ed Still Worth It? – The hosts examine the declining ROI of traditional college degrees and question the relevance of Ivy League institutions in today’s job market.
- Student Debt & Responsibility – They tackle the student loan debate, weighing personal responsibility against systemic challenges faced by young people making life-altering financial decisions.
- The Future of Education – Jeremy shares his thoughts on how AI and emerging technologies might completely transform how education is delivered, possibly disrupting the public education system as we know it.
Featured Quotes
"I’m paying for something that used to be free—because public schools just don’t offer the same experience anymore. That’s a hard truth for a lot of parents right now."
Jeremy Axel
"I’ve watched my kids' classrooms change in real-time—from books to tablets, from memorization to screens. And it makes you wonder where it’s all headed."
Doug Cox
Episode Transcript And Overview
In this episode of Never in Reverse, Doug and Jeremy get personal about the current state of education in America—from kindergarten classrooms to college lecture halls. As fathers, they explore the real-time shifts they’re seeing in public and private education, discussing everything from tech in classrooms to rising tuition and student debt. They challenge the assumptions we hold about traditional schooling and offer a candid look at how cultural, political, and technological forces are shaping the next generation’s learning experience. Whether you’re a parent, a student, or simply someone concerned about the future of education, this episode asks a question we should all be thinking about: What did your kids really learn today?
Timeline Notes
Today’s episode is about education in America, particularly as it reforms in the current political climate. Jeremy and Doug are fathers whose children go to school, and their perspectives are based on their experiences.
Doug has seen changes both in curriculum and in the technology his children use at school.
Jeremy has a four-year-old and a five-year-old, both of which go to a private school. Jeremy says that he now has to pay for the experience that public schools gave him as a child, because public schools can no longer provide it.
For the most part, there is no reason to go to an Ivy League any more for a general degree. In the current job market, an English degree is not going to get you a career that will pay for your education.
Student loans are a hot-button political issue. Jeremy says that while people have to take responsibility for their financial decisions, there is also an inherent difficulty in being held responsible for a financial decision you make as a teenager.
Jeremy is seeing a massive shift in technology that he believes will revolutionize education, and may eventually make public education as we know it obsolete.
Notable Guests
Adi Klevit
Founder | CEO
Adi Klevit
Founder | CEO
Adi Klevit is the Founder of Business Success Consulting Group and the host of the Systems Simplified podcast. With nearly three decades of experience as an industrial engineer and process consultant, she has helped hundreds of growth-focused companies systematize their operations to scale successfully.
Known as “The Process Guru,” Adi specializes in designing and implementing turnkey systems that reduce dependence on the owner, empower teams, and increase profitability. Her clients range from fast-growing trades businesses to multi-location professional service firms, and she is a trusted advisor to CEOs across the U.S.
Joe Dillon
Divorce Mediator & Founder
Joe Dillon
Divorce Mediator & Founder
Joe is a pioneer in divorce mediation who has been helping couples navigate the end of their marriages with dignity and financial wisdom for over 17 years. As co-founder of Equitable Mediation Services, Joe combines his MBA in Finance with specialized training from Harvard, MIT, and Northwestern University to guide couples toward agreements that protect both their emotional wellbeing and financial futures.
Joe pioneered virtual divorce mediation in 2011, nearly a decade before others adopted online practices during the pandemic. His results speak for themselves: Equitable Mediation Services maintains a 98% case resolution rate, significantly higher than the industry average of 70%.
Jeremy Axel
Host
Jeremy Axel
Host
Founder and sales manager of Fluent Conveyors, brings over 10 years of experience transforming the conveyor industry with innovative design, exceptional service, and strong dealer partnerships. Serving sectors like recycling, agriculture, and packaging, he delivers custom solutions that enhance efficiency and profitability. Known for his strategic relationship-building and customer-focused approach, Jeremy has earned top honors such as Sales Rep of the Year and President’s Club, reflecting his ongoing commitment to growth and industry leadership.
