Growing Minds

My mindfulness journey wouldn't be what it is without this physical practice. It's simple & it's magical. In this episode, I unpack what yoga is REALLY about. HINT: it's nothing to do with goats or looking hot... lol.  Join me Saturday mornings at 10:30AM CST (: 20% off of your first class with code: PODFAM.  Sign up via the website: https://www.growingmindspodcast.com/ My beautiful teachers:  Christine Katie Vijeth Punnu Jason  

One of my first guests from season 2 is BACK! Yaa gives us her 5 joyful things... With everything going on in the world, we all need a little joy. Yaa and I talk through helpful and comforting perspectives on the current state of the world. If you need some grounding and gratitude, give this one a listen.  Follow Yaa on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nextlevelcoachinggroup/ Download her FREE Mindset Block Guide  https://nextlevelcoachinggroup.com/getstarted/

This episode sounds simple but let me tell you it's contents reach far & wide!! Taylor is a creative & compassionate soul. You will fall in love with her after this episode. (: Not only do we cover 5 joyful things, but we also talk mental health, boundaries, and social justice. After this episode, you'll be urged to pour yourself a cup of your fav drink, light a candle, and call your bestie... Just make sure you tell him/her/they about this episode. (:  Taylor's art page: https://www.instagram.com/ar_tea_bee/ What are your 5 joyful things? Let us know! https://www.instagram.com/growingmindspodcast/

She's back!! Enedina was one of my absolute favorite guests from season 1, so I asked her back. (: We talk about rollerskating, gaming, friends, dog mom things, and a newfound appreciation for time. This is your weekly reminder to be PROUD of what makes you happy. Also to take the moments to SOAK UP that joy that those things bring. What are your joyful things?  Cheese's instagram: @human.in.a.dog.suit See her skates: @growingmindspodcast S/O to Madeline Sandgren and her podcast! My Saturday Sessions pod  

Have you ever wondered if you truly understand equity? Have you ever wondered what you could be doing as an ally? Have you ever felt judged based upon how you present to others? Are you in need of a good laugh? Well... this episode's GOTCHU! Elizabeth Chun is one of my absolute best friends, and she's getting her masters degree in Education, Culture, & Society. Basically, she's a social-justice queen. If you'd like some stomachable information about social-justice, give this one a listen. I'm quite sure you'll have a blast whilst listening, too!! Instagram: @elizabethyae Referenced in the episode: Miranda Fricker's theories of Epistemic/testimonial injustices and credibility excess

We've got Great British Baking Show. We've got backyard vibes. We've got skincare. It's the second year of the pandemic. It's the end of Robbi's first year as a band director & high school teacher... Who else is ready to PARTY. Okay, maybe not party, but cultivate joy? I think yes. Follow Robbi and her favorite people this summer as they open up about the stuff that makes them the most joyful. Happy summer ya'll! 

It's Mental Health Awareness Month! Hayley reached out to me a few weeks back asking if I would do a collab to celebrate.... I said DUH! :D In this episode, we chat about our own experiences with mental health, how we both incorporate self-care, and all of the details you need to know about the collab.  25% of proceeds are going to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health)  Click any link below for more info on the collab.. These products are gorgeous and powerful. (: Let's normalize what makes us unique! Mental Health Awareness Merch Collab https://www.facebook.com/HandmadeByHayleyH/ https://www.nami.org/About-NAMI

We talk therapy. We talk sadness. We talk anger. We talk spirituality. We talk commercials. We talk about our dogs. We talk how and why she started her brand. In this episode you get to meet a literal LIGHT. Summer's clothing brand is all about reassurance, validation, and love. I learned in this hour chatting to her that she radiates all of those things. Listen and laugh with us!  Find Summer:  @radicalchilddesigns radicalchilddesigns.com Author recommendation:  https://jensincero.com/

Just some ol' college besties catching up and chatting about support systems. That's right folks, I'm being joined by the ever-so-beautiful Kat, Gina, and Jen. (You can't call them by those names, but I can.) On a real note though, this episode is so deep but also so FUN. We talk about how vulnerability is necessary but difficult, how hard it is to even remember that we need support, and we learn when Kat & Gina take their melatonin. Join us in this one and I promise you'll laugh with us AND learn some shit. (: 

I'm bringing it back to day -379... I discovered growth mindset when a college professor brought it up to me. 2 years before the podcast began. It was absolutely LIFE-CHANGING. I was one of those kids that thought, "if someone else can do it better, why do I even try?"... And I lived my life feeling that level of defeated about A LOT of stuff. So, 2021 has started, and if you're still in-need of a little hope, this one's for you. Much love and talk to you next time!  Carol Dweck's TedTalk that changed it all:  https://www.ted.com/speakers/carol_dweck Instagram @growingmindspodcast  Facebook @growingmindspodcast 

We loved part 1 of the conversation with Jessica & Kevin. Part 2 is even better. We dig into some real deep topics. Why do we go to self-criticism first? How do we turn that around and comfort ourselves? How do we cultivate true confidence? How do we attract people that are good for us? Jessica's personal background and her career as an akashic records reader sheds some great insight on these topics. Kevin's personal background and career as a life coach allows him to speak from a place of passion and expertise on these topics. They also both made a full-length film together.  They are such a loving, kind, funny, and inspiring couple. I promise you'll walk away from this feeling loved and empowered.  https://www.jessicaoberhausen.com/ https://www.kevinoberhausen.com/ Follow their movie on Facebook!  https://www.facebook.com/thetimemakermovie

Entrepreneurs, energy-healers, and filmmakers. This is one creative-power-couple. I was lucky enough to sit down with Jessica and Kevin for more than 2 hours!! The first half of this episode is a deep-dive into things that they've learned through their creative endeavors. As the new year approaches, what a beautiful time it is to reflect on what we've learned. I promise this one will allow you to reflect on your own experiences and grow from them - in loving way.  Tune in next week to the hear part 2!  jessicaoberhausen.com kevinoberhausen.com https://www.facebook.com/thetimemakermovie IG Live Yoga Flow sign-up!

Mindfulness is how we choose our path. Boundary-setting is how we actually take that path. I was lucky enough to sit down (over zoom) with a fellow mindfulness and personal-growth fanatic, Siska. She has such a calming presence. In this episode, we chat about everything from how transformative dish-washing can be to how liberating it is to be emotionally-independent. She really clarifies what boundaries are and how to practice them. You will not want to miss this one! I promise you'll walk away feeling grounded, grateful, and empowered.  Where to find Siska:  siskawijaya.com Instagram @ms_siska_wijaya Books discussed:  Byron Katie : https://thework.com/ - The How. New Earth & The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle - The What. The Self-Compassion Workbook - Tim Desmond

The holidays are my favorite time of year... I love the abundant feeling and family-friendly orientation of it all. BUT... we all have those moments during the holidays where we receive a little extra judgement. This episode is geared towards those moments. You know, the holiday dinner where your aunt asks you why you aren't married yet, or the tree-lighting ceremony where your cousin tells you how you should change your career. This episode has some tangible ideas to help you swerve those conversations and the self-doubt you feel afterwards. Hope you enjoy! 

It's pretty amazing what happens when you speak with another woman about your journey. It's even more amazing when the other woman is vulnerable, reassuring, funny, intelligent, and kind. You know that feeling when you walk away from a great hang out with a joyous friend? That's the feeling I got after sitting down with Yaa.  Yaa is a mindset mentor who empowers women to be the author and hero of their own stories. In this chat, she uncovers what makes her business so authentic, why mindset is important (no matter your situation), how to grow a healthy support system, and more. Follow us on our tangents! Soak up all of the knowledge Yaa's giving! In this short hour, Yaa will help you realize how abundant your life really is.    Website: nextlevelcoachinggroup.com Email: yaa@nextlevelcoahinggroup.com Facebook: @thenextlevellounge Instagram: @nextlevelcoachinggroup    

I don't care what political party you subscribe to... this is a monumental time in US History. Go celebrate it!! 

Creating mental space! This is vital right now, as every issue in politics can feel so close to home. Every new problem at work can feel overwhelming. In this life, you can feel pressure from all sides. Mental space allows for us to feel freer and calmer. Adding some distance between your true beliefs and your thoughts & feelings can mean all of the difference in the world! Take a listen to this one. I hope it empowers you and makes you chuckle!   

The less-obvious but just as important & influential to our happiness? Money. Not necessarily the amount of it, but the management of it. Poor financial health can be tied to feelings of powerlessness, frustration, confusion, etc. Good financial health can lead you to feeling empowered, in-control, and confident. Say NO to the shame and confusion wrapped into managing your money. I was super lucky to sit down with Faith Shelby-White to talk through these things and more!! She works daily to empower others in their financial-health journey. Her business is called "Financial Health Matters 2." Take a listen! This one will inform you and empower you.  Financial Health Matters 2 website! https://fshelbywhite.whatisuces.com/index.html

With the continuation of this pandemic, the loss of jobs, and an upcoming election, I don't know about you but my chest feels like it's getting tighter by the minute! These things bleed through to our everyday lives, as much as we like to pretend they don't. Here are some quick reminders... When you're feeling worse, you gotta buck up and take care of YOURSELF even more FIERCELY. My hopes is that this one will empower you to take that extra 20 minutes out of your day that you never think you have.  

What really is BLM? How can you educate yourself? What is the correct information? How do we find the correct information? How can we be better allies? I have been asking myself these questions for months, and I know I'm not alone. I was lucky to sit down with Erika Pogorzelska, a musician, educator, and phenomenal woman. She tells her story and, ever-so-elegantly answers these questions and more. Below are some resources she's compiled for you. This episode will clear up any misconceptions and motivate you to get involved.    Erika's list of resources:  This is the book list I chose to get books from! This is a great place to start in my opinion https://hyperallergic.com/570031/black-liberation-reading-list-schomburg-center/ RAGE Englewood (Chicago) initiative for community building :-) https://ragenglewood.org/ Here are the books I’m currently reading/starting to read!    Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools by Monique W. Morris   We Want to Do More Than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom by Bettina L. Love   The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander   White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide by Carol Anderson   A Black Women’s History of the United States by Daina Ramey Berry & Kali Nicole Gross  

This one's a little less... positive shall we say? It's more real. Self-acceptance is a journey - and not one for the light-hearted. It can't be boiled down to a pretty & inspiring Instagram post (as much as I try). It can't be practiced just when you are loving life and working hard and doing everything right. Acceptance should be practiced when things get ugly. You'll walk away from this one grounded and feeling less like a hot mess - because honey, we ALL are. 

In this episode, I question EVERYTHING and we get DEEP. Haleigh's an old friend, fellow podcaster, mental health professional, and woman of faith. She's also extremely inspiring, funny, and brilliant. We chat about ending the stigma around mental health and dig into her relationship with her faith. How is the Bible a multi-genre text and how does religion get a bad rep. (sometimes deservingly so)? I think this episode will be beneficial for anyone - believer or non. We need to start having conversations with all kinds of people. This one will open your mind and your heart.    Follow Haleigh and her podcast on Instagram @lets_unpackthat  Listen to her podcast "Let's Unpack That!" anywhere you get your podcasts! 

Why are boundaries important? How can we navigate them? How do we have those hard conversations? All of this covered and more! We will never be at a perfect balance, but it can help our lives immensely if we have a basic understanding of them. This was one of my favorite episodes to record. I know it will be one of your favorite episodes to listen to! You'll walk away with clarity and confidence to navigate some of the most difficult relationships in your life.    Follow me on Instagram @growingmindspodcast  See you next time!

GET PUMPED for this hour long episode. I had the immense pleasure of interviewing Erin Sadley, founder of The Rooted Family. She’s gone from public school teacher to brain health coach for entire schools, companies, & families. We talk about the science behind brain health, how a pandemic has affected our focus, how amazing kids are, and more! I walked away from this with a sense of empowerment, joy, and clarity… I know you will, too.    Find Erin & her company at https://www.therootedfamily.com/   Follow Robbi & the podcast on Instagram @growingmindspodcast 

I'm finally bringing you an episode about gratitude! I've spoken about gratitude in so many other episodes, so I thought it was fitting to do one pod-nugget allll about it. With our growing political division and social justice issues, society is feeling more negative than ever. Even though we must forge ahead and fight the good fight.. We must also take time to be grateful for the small, everyday things in our own lives. Gratitude has served as the single most beneficial tool for me in the past few weeks, and I hope this episode encourages you to use it for your benefit, too.    Much love! - Robbi 

Our first ever guest! In this episode I'm joined by Rebecca, a health coach & yoga instructor that focuses on hormones. We talk the science behind hormones, what happens inside our bodies during our menstrual cycles, how important hormones are to overall health, and what you can do naturally to keep your body balanced! I promise you'll walk away from this one with a new sense of knowledge and confidence... I know I did!    Follow Rebecca on Instagram @pmddhealthcoach  Visit her website http://pmddhealthcoach.com/ Listen to her podcast "Power of PMDD"     

This week I'm bringing you some science and some research, some empowerment and some motivation... To be real, I was having a tough time getting through the current climate right now, and I know I'm not alone. The words of this neuroscientist really uplifted me and got me back on my feet. So I'm passing along her words in the hopes that it will do the same for you! The Dalai Lama calls compassion "Wise Selfishness," and we've got some science to back up why it's so dang wise.    10% Happier Episode #260 with Emiliana Simon-Thomas Emiliana Simon-Thomas Bio Darryl Cameron - Compassion Collapse Follow the podcast & myself on Instagram or Facebook! @growingmindspodcast

I always try to provide you guys with tools to overcome difficult stuff... in this episode, there are SO MANY TOOLS. Seriously though, I think there are like 20 ways to reframe anger, 10 tips on how to get through bouts of anger, 1 tool to use for bullies, 1 tool to use for grounding, and 1 vulnerable story about how I recently got through a bout of anger. This one is chalked full. You'll walk away feeling less shame about your anger and more confidence the next time you become a ball-of-fire.    This season will feature some credible guests super soon! Get pumped! 

Reframing! A very simple term coined for a sometimes very difficult skill. In this episode, I bring you my trials & tribulations with reframing. I let you know that it's OKAY to not always have the energy to look at things positively. But there's hope in learning how to reframe. What's bad doesn't always have to be bad, and what's good doesn't always have to be great. You'll walk away from this one with a renewed sense of perspective and simple tools to approaching your thought process!   Instagram & Facebook: @growingmindspodcast  4 Tendencies of Motivation

You voted on it and I'm bringing it to ya! A whole episode dedicated to the topic of REST. You get to hear some nerdy facts I've acquired over the years, along with some anecdotal evidence that proves how much of a difference adequate rest can make! This an entertaining-15-minute reminder to listen to your body, quit over-thinking, and give yourself a break.    If you're not following me on instagram, you're missing out on a lot of embarrassing stories, pretty quote pictures, and personal-growth support... So what are you doing?! @growingmindspodcast

One of my favorites to record so far! Everyone has their magic tips to have a "balanced" life... but I believe mine are the realest, most practical, and leave the most room for error (because we all know life's FULL of that). Not only will this episode ground you, but I think it will make you feel good about yourself, too. (I also reveal some sneaky good news about our life!) 

Welcome to the new weekly upload! And this one is packed FULL! I take my first crack at guiding a meditation for you... and I think I actually did a decent job! You'll hear a mindful-noting meditation and a compassion meditation, which you can do in the same sitting or break them up into two. Don't hesitate to come back to this episode at any time! My hope is that you'll walk away from this episode with a tool to use in the future and with a warm feeling of calm. 

You asked for it, you got it! This episode brings you some tips, tricks, and personal parables on how to be a decent housemate during these crazy times. None of it is rocket science, and believe me, I'm no expert! It's better to be aware and considerate rather than mindless and mean. Listening to this one will bring you some laughs, some human connection, and some helpful ideas.    Releasing episodes weekly during isolation to keep your mind growing (and frankly, to keep mine growing, too). 

In this episode, I address the crazy concerns this world is currently facing. During this time, we are going to feel so many things. Guess what friends? Whatever you're feeling is okay. Allow yourself to laugh during these times! Allow yourself to cry. Care for yourself even better. Let go of expectations of self & others. Listening to this episode will bring you reassurance, peace-of-mind, and a story about me sobbing & smiling all in the same 10 minutes. Love you all!  ENTER IN MY SELF-CARE GIVEAWAY on Instagram or Facebook: @growingmindspodcast 

In effort for a smooth transition, I decided to talk about movement in episode four! I'm not too sure our human bodies were made to sit still all day, even though all I ever feel like doing is watching TV! Here's a few of the simplest things I've done to manage to get off of the couch semi-regularly. This episode will bring you probably way too much rambling about my life and some really useful tips for yours!  Logo artwork: Marisa Dion Music: Omnibeats 

I think too many times we forget that our body can run our minds without us even knowing! This one's all about listening to the signs your body gives you. We need to nourish it, love it, praise it, and soothe it. When your friend starts crying, you wouldn't just stand there! So let's not do that when our body cries for help, either. This episode's bringing you some very awkward truths and a very seductive commercial about a lemon.  Logo artwork: Marisa Dion  Music: Omnibeats  https://www.sarahsday.com

Episode number two brings you an inspiring personal story, a cringy guided meditation, and more! In this one, I open up a little bit about my journey, and I empower you to overcome the flaws of yours! Nobody's perfect. We are all just doin' our best in life. This crazy little concept called mindfulness can probably help you do yours better! This one will bring you some motivation, giggles, and hope.  Logo Artwork: Marisa Dion  Music: Omnibeats Dan Harris - 10% Happier

The first episode of the second season is all about...YOU! How do we navigate personal growth without knowing a little bit about ourselves as individuals first?! Oh, right. It would be really hard... So here I am bringing you my dorky approach to finding out what works for you - not everybody else. This episode will make you laugh, cringe, and feel a little more confident in who you are.  Logo artwork: Marisa Dion  Music: Omnibeats  Gretchen Rubin's Motivation Tendency Framework Enneagram Personality Framework

Get a feel for the new and improved Growing Minds podcast! In this short episode, I share the mission and vision for this season. I'll be speaking on topics like: gratitude, boundaries, movement, mindfulness, and more! These topics are so near and dear to my heart. I can't WAIT to get started. *Cue the funky music*

It's the final episode of season 1! This one took the longest to put together because I sifted through all of the episodes to bring you 10 of my favorite moments! This school year was quite a wild-ride, and I met so many amazing people along the way. The knowledge, humor, and experience coming from my guests was unreal. They all opened their hearts to us, and I'm forever grateful. Take a listen! I PROMISE you will feel joyful, reassured, and inspired.    Follow us @ growingmindspodcast on Instagram & Facebook

The 1st year is done! In this dish session, I open up about my rollercoaster of emotions at the end of the year. I challenge you to use this time to redefine your purpose and do things that really make you feel like it's your time off.  Please rate & review!  Listen to this other awesome teaching podcast referenced in the episode: Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers

We are nearing the end! The push to the end is both exciting and exhausting. If you're anything like me, you're probably not thinking totally straight at this point! This dish session is a list of 7 things that I wish someone would have told me at the end of this year. From self-care reminders to reassurance about finances, these are the things I needed to hear so badly. So now I'm here telling you! Let's finish this year in stride.    Visit our website! https://www.growingmindspodcast.com/

In this dish session, I give you the behind-the-scenes recap of my first year of teaching. I open up about what I've learned inside the classroom and out. Hopefully, you'll resonate with this episode. If you're in college to be a teacher, this will give you some insight. If you're also in your first year teaching, girl (or guy), I got you!! We've all grown so much this year. Let's continue to grow some more!    Rate & review us!  Visit the website www.growingmindspodcast.com

In this episode, Vanessa will make you feel like she's your best friend, mentor, motivator, life coach, and sister. Immigrant, mother, teacher, woman, human. She owns all of these titles with the biggest smile on her face. Vanessa embodies what it is to be an empowered teacher that only wants to empower others. We talk about her journey in life and teaching, how to prioritize your life, and the value of being proud of yourself. I found a new best friend in this episode, and I know you will, too.    Go listen & subscribe to her podcast! Empowered Teaching Podcast Follow her on Instagram @empoweredteachingpodcast 

In this episode, Brian speaks about so many integral parts of teaching that aren't covered in the textbooks. We chat about what things to consider before getting a masters. We laugh about how groggy students are in the morning. Going even deeper, he confesses to us that teaching has helped him develop into a more open person. You won't want to miss this one. It's chalked (hehe) full of practical advice and down-to-earth perspective. Brian is one successful person, musician, and educator. I believe listening to this episode will help you become a little more of those things, too.    Support him and his students on Twitter @cridgeband  Rate & Review us pretty please! (: 

Kierstan Belle really cares about kids. She is not a traditional school teacher, but she spends every single day working to make kids' lives better. She built and runs a company called Kierstan's Kids, where she uses her background in psychology and sociology to provide resources for the benefit of the today's youth. In this convo, we talk about her company, the struggles of modern day life, and how important it is for kids to be healthy, productive members of society. You will walk away feeling reassured and inspired.  Go follow her & check out her resources!  Instagram, Twitter, & Facebook @kierstanskids www.kierstanskids.com  

This week brings you the ever talented, hardworking, down to earth Valentina Mendoza. It's her second year teaching various music classes at the high school level, and it's apparent she's made huge changes in her school already. Not only has she worked her tail off to support herself from a very young age, but she's experienced immense joy and success along the way. In this episode we talk about the hardships of building classes and curriculums, what passion really means, and how to help our students get through school and flourish - when flourishing is the last thing on their minds. I promise she will bring you laughter, reassurance, and clarity.  Follow her music department on Instagram @fcaibmusic Link to the TED talk referenced here

Robbi was lucky to be interviewed on the Classroom Brew podcast! Ryan is the ever-hilarious and kind-hearted host of Classroom Brew. In this episode, he'll make you laugh just as much as he made me laugh. Over their favorite beers, Robbi answers questions about her job and her podcast. Get to know the host you know and love! (This one DOES include a few curse words. Sorry not sorry.) For other Classroom Brew episodes click here For the video of this podcast, click here Instagram and Twitter @classroombrew

RANDOM DISH SESSION ALERT!! It's been awhile, so Robbi's bringing you some excitement and gratitude in this one. She covers mindset and motivation tips for new teachers, as well as a guide to listening to the interview episodes. You'll hear some life updates from the host and a quick cameo from Jeremy (proof that Robbi's boyfriend is actually real and is not just photoshopped into her Instagram pics).  Tune in for some laughs, vulnerability, and inspo.    Visit our website and check out our guest bios to find an episode that's right for you! www.growingmindspodcast.com

From Sydney, Australia to the Big Apple, our guest this week has always had big things on her agenda. Cara Zelas was working in media, then she worked in elementary teaching, and now she's an author and an educator on all things SEL. Teaching kindness to children is her passion in life, and it definitely doesn't hurt that she's got the CUTEST pup alongside her to help her do it! In this episode, we discuss her career moves, her mission, and some insight on what curriculum developments are coming. Take a listen, you will NOT regret it.  Website: http://www.worldoflittledude.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worldoflittledude Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WorldofLittleDude/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/LittleDudeNYC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carazelas/   The promo code for 10% off: BEKIND

Melisa Rutkelis is the definition of a BOSS GIRL. She fights for the dreams of students and colleagues in CPS everyday. With a background in music education, Melisa taught for 8 years before becoming the Arts Education Specialist for Chicago Public Schools. In this interview, she's vulnerable about work-life balance. We discuss the importance of community, how to work together towards common dreams, and more. Listen up, friends. This is one inspiring woman.  Link to an AWESOME, unrelated but yet kind of related book below.  https://www.girlwashyourface.com/