TRIGGERnometry's Francis Foster on Teaching, Comedy, and Why the U.K. is Fucked

TRIGGERnometry's Francis Foster on Teaching, Comedy, and Why the U.K. is Fucked

Author: Paul Ollinger July 2, 2026 Duration: 31:01

Francis Foster is the co-host of the massively popular TRIGGERnometry podcast and author of the new book (Un)Educated: My Life as a Teacher, and Why You Should Never Become One (which you should buy here).

In this honest, fun, and sometimes stark conversation, Francis and I discuss:

* Why teaching is a terrible job.

* What he loves about TRIGGERnometry

* His love for Buc-ees* (which are closer to 50,000 square feet than the 8,000 I mentioned)

* How the United Kingdom is “fucked”

* Why the Stone Roses won’t help incoming PM, Andy Burnham

Get his book, and watch the Francis Foster Show on YouTube.

Follow Paul on Substack here.

See Paul tell jokes live in July:

* Philadelphia: Next In Line Comedy, 7/3

* Los Angeles: The Venice West, 7/21

* New York: QED Astoria, 7/31

* San Francisco: Cobbs Comedy Club, 7/23

* Southampton, NY: Sticks and Stones Comedy Club, 8/1



Get full access to Reasonably Happy at words.paulollinger.com/subscribe

Paul Ollinger has worn a few different hats-stand-up comedian, tech executive, and now, the curious host of Reasonably Happy with Paul Ollinger. This isn't a lecture series or a dry self-help guide. Instead, it feels more like pulling up a chair for a series of genuinely engaging talks that wander into the places where our daily lives, careers, and inner worlds collide. The conversations, which feature authors, thinkers, and various creatives, are refreshingly candid. They dig into the practical and philosophical questions about what it actually means to build a life that feels both successful and satisfying. You'll find that each episode of this podcast approaches big themes-money, purpose, and the pursuit of contentment-with a blend of wit and thoughtful depth. The underlying idea isn't about finding a perfect, Instagram-ready version of happiness, but something more grounded and attainable. It's for anyone who's ever wondered if there's a smarter, more meaningful way to navigate the pressures of business and culture without losing sight of what matters. Tuning in, you get the sense that Paul is figuring it out alongside his guests, making the insights feel earned and relatable. The result is a consistently interesting exploration of how we can all aim for a life that feels reasonably, and authentically, well-lived.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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