Upgrade My Rituals

Teenagers all share the same stress and anxiety but teen performing artists (musicians, dancers, singers, etc) have an extra layer on top. They often connect their self worth to their craft and when they encounter a poor audition or recital, the negative self talk becomes deafening. It's hard to navigate consdiering they put themselves in a vulnerable place; on display for the world to see! Today, I brought on dancer, educator, and mental health professional Erin Pompa. Erin shares her personal journey from a dance educator to a passionate advocate for mental health. Our wide ranging conversation spans many topics such as cultivating acceptance and gratitude while providing valuable insights for educators and students alike! As a New Jersey native, Erin has dedicated over 20 years to the field of education, earning a master's degree in dance education from NYU. She served as the dance director at Rosa l Park School of Fine and Performing Arts for 14 years and was an adjunct professor at Berkeley College, where she taught "The Art Of Ceativity". Erin's experience in the arts, education, performance, and curriculum design uniquely positions her to deliver impactful and inspirational presentations to youth. Her focus areas include mental health awareness, substance abuse prevention, and leadership development. Beyond her work in schools, Erin is a sought after speaker at youth conferences, colleges, and dance studios. As mentioned, head over to https://www.erinpompa.com/ and download Erin's workshop "Becoming A Gratitude Ninja"!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here!   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter    

I've had so many conversations lately with both teens and adults where I've realized the fear of failure is alive and well no matter your age! People are so scared of making mistakes and it unfortunately keeps them stuck from moving fast. Moving fast is the only way we learn and grow. So today I'm going to share my 2 cents on fear of failure...   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here!   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

Do you remember that time that everyone laughed at you because you had toilet paper stuck to your shoe? Or that nick name that stuck with you in 4th grade? You may remember but you know who doesn't...everyone at college! Students are about to embark on a entirely new chapter in their life. For many of them, a new state with a completely new set of friends. This is a chance to embrace a fresh start! They can become who they want and view the world through a new lens. They don't have to be held down by the subconscious limits that have been imposed on them thus far. This is a chance for a clean slate and to step into the shoes of the person who they WANT to become!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here!   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

Today I'd like to reflect on a personal story from my childhood—a deep-seated obsession with Superman and the significance it held for me. I was a product of the Christopher Reeves Superman (ahhemm....the best one) and it was a few things. Sure it was the way he carried himself but at the age of 6 it was more about his ability to fly! Even more so it was how everyone was in so much shock and awe around him. The power and significance he had was intoxicating. I was a child who wanted significance... With that being said I want to delve into the crucial topic of understanding and addressing the needs of students in the classroom. Whether it be significance, certainty or simply physiological needs, we'll explore how educators can create thought-provoking experiences that go beyond traditional academic learning, helping students uncover their desires and needs. By providing a space for self-reflection and exploration, we can foster an environment that nurtures personal growth and development. Lastly, today's episode marks a special milestone as we celebrate our 150th show. I'm thrilled to take this opportunity to offer 50% off one of my programs! So the first school or organization who mentions this episoded will get their speaker fee cut in half!!! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here!   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

Most of us can remember the first few months of our undergraduate experience. It was not easy! It's a big shift for many different reasons so when we talk about our student's mental health, this is a very pivotal point and an important transition. Today we'll chat about the challenges students face as they navigate the increased autonomy, adult responsibilities, and cultural shock in a university setting. Time, energy and money management are all important for a college freshman, as well as finding a social and academic groove without hitting a wall. Take a listen to a few suggestions that might help your high school senior as they begin their collegiate journey!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here!   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter    

Do you remember the last few months of your senior year?! All of a sudden everyone started talking to each other, everyone became friendly, and all social cliques began to to break down! We realized that our future has arrived. There was no more next steps and for most part, you were not going to see a vast majority of these people ever again. Everyone was going to go on to do different things with their lives and no matter how cool you were, what sports you played or how good your grades were, everone was on the same playing field. The question becomes can we replicate this through the other three years of high school? Can we help break down the social cliques sooner? I think one idea is to help students with perspective on time, real-world experiences, and social situations, all of which can help them navigate the challenges of social hierarchy, as well as the pressures of social media.   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here!   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

The saying goes "if you win the morning, you win the day". And morning routines are not just for adults! There are many great benefits from a teen implementing some personal development tactics before they head out to school. Today I'll share some practical strategies to help teenagers enhance their well-being by focusing on their body, mind, and emotions in the morning. From exercise to meditation, journaling, and acts of kindness, I'll break down simple yet impactful routines that can make a positive difference in the lives of your teens. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here!   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

May is Mental Health Awareness Month so today we'll be unpacking the CASTLE SEL framework which is a key component of social and emotional learning. I'll provide an in-depth breakdown of the framework's five core competencies, along with discussing the settings that SEL can be taught  which are classrooms, schools, families, and communities. There are some hidden gems to this framework that might go overlook at first. I'll be asking some interesting questions to challenge how we approach SEL from the outside in!  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here!   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

I recently had a student come up to me after a talk and said "I want to be like you"... I assumed that he meant he wanted to be a speaker. I was wrong. He continued to say "I want to speak and I want people to finally hear me". I realized that this student has so much to say and so much to share but he doesn't have an outlet to do so. I then thought about my experiences working with students either in the classroom or from the stage and I realized that there are so many students who go unnoticed. Not because it's anyone's fault but we need to use so much time and attention on the students who obviously need our help both academically and socially. So how do we create opportunities to truly get to know all our students...?   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here!   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

When I was in high school I KNEW that I was going to be a high school band director.... Clearly I was mistaken. When 16 and 17 year old children are asked what they want to do with the rest of their lives (AKA picking a major), there are a lot of variables and situations to think about.  Whether your teen is having trouble picking their major or is on the opposite end of that spectrum and is completely sold, there are a few questions that are crucial to ask in this process. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here!   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter    

When a student is thinking of taking a student loan, what does $50,000 really mean to them. Well if they're anything like me, nothing! I had no personal finance education and the number seemed so vague. Plus you've probably also heard things like... Everyone has to take them I won't have to pay them back for a long time I'll just get a decent job that makes enough money to pay them back quickly We know the issues with the above statements but our kids don't. That's why we need to break down what these big numbers actually mean every month. Even more so, we need to show them what real adult monthly expenses actually look like so they have context. We can't expect students to make the best decision possible unless they have the context and understanding. Amidst Presient Biden's 2nd attempt to roll out a student debt relief plan called SAVE, I thought this would be a good time to talk about this. The reality is I'm 36 and I'm STILL paying off my loans! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here!   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

If we tell ourselves a certain story, we're going to make certain decision. If we change that story, our decisions will change as well. Today we're going to break down the Story Cycle. This simple yet extremely powerful concept has been taught by many personal development and productivity gurus. Ultimately our story influences our actions, our actions influence our results, and our results reinforce our story. This is how the rich get richer and the poor get poorer!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here!   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter      

Today I start with a story. It's actually one of the earliest memories I have. It was a contract that my mother and my teacher made me sign... As someone who is NOT an expert on addiction, drugs and alcohol or substance abuse, this is simply one man's experience with early prevention. Take a listen to today's episode as I discuss a few ways we can instill a strong identity and help set personal boundaries for teens as they navigate the dangers of drugs and alcohol. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here!     Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

Today we're going to try a slightly different format. I will be playing a short clip from one of my recent talks at Dobbs Ferry High School in Westchester, NY. This clip highlights some of the selfish choices a teen can make when they tell themselves a limiting story. Today I'll discuss 3 effective strategies for educators to help students navigate regret, urging them to consider the limited time they have and how their actions will shape their lives. From visualizing a 90-year life calendar to encouraging empathy and respectful conversations, I feel like this is a short, yet powerful episode if implemented. Enjoy! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here!   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

Throughout my time as a teacher, coach and speaker, I've learned quite a bit about how teens make decisions. One major realiztion I've had is that our decisions are governed by three fundamental truths. No matter what age and what circumstance, these principles are what guide and shape our decisions.  When it comes to teens, they are much more vulnerable due to the lack of life experience, as well as their timeline of cognitive growth. So today, I will break down what these three truths are and how we can better understand them. If we are to improve upon something, we must understand the fundamentals. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here!   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

When it comes to high amounts of energy, there are no better people that Matt and Phil from M&P Presentations. This dynamic youth speaking duo has been working with teens for over a decade. They have a truly unique perspective considering both Matt and Phil work professionally in the field of education. In this episode, we discuss a wide range of topics such as self-care, personal growth, and overcoming challenges that teachers face on a day to day. We also dive into their journey in professional speaking, as well as how teaching better helps their speaking programs and vice versa. You can find everything they have going on over at https://www.mppresentations.com/ Or follow them on social! https://www.instagram.com/mppresentations/ https://www.youtube.com/@MPPresentations   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here!   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

At some point every teen will fail at something. The issue is that students are facing this idea of perfectionism that is engineered from social media and the constant connection to all their peers. So how can we help them and what strategies can we give them to work through their failures? Today we'll dig into the importance of evaluating and revising goals, celebrating wins along the way, gaining perspective, and discovering the real motivation behind a goal. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here!   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

The SMART or SMARTER goal framework is fairly common among professionals and executives but how about teens? Has you student ever formally tried to sit down and create a detailed goal? Considering it's the first episode of the year, the conversation on everyone's minds is always New Year's resolutions and this also could be on the mind of a high school student. If so, today I'll give you a few examples of some of the pitfalls and things to watch out for as you work with your teen to craft their goals. More importantly, I'll discuss the action steps that students need to take in order to achieve these lofty ambitions! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here!   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

It's a hard question...what do I do for the rest of my life? Even harder when you have to make that decision at 16 when applying for colleges. I have embarked on a few different entrepreneurial pursuits in my life. While I believe they all kind of stemmed from the same purpose, they were definitely different in the day to day. After deciding to pursue speaking full time, I asked myself the most important question...   If money was no longer an issue, would I still do what I'm doing today?!   Check out today's episode to find out my answer!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here! Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

I was recently watching a video from Ali Abdaal, one of the most successful productivity Youtubers. He was going through a lot of higher level thinking and figuring out what direction to take his business next. This is where he dropped a gem! If you're having trouble with achieving a goal or not sure what to do next in your life, ask yourself why...5 times! This is a really effective exercise that I think might bring more clarity than you even intended! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here!   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

This is crunch time for college applications. That means that students will need to shift their priorities. Here are a few things that can help your students to reprioritize. 1. Mindset Reframing: It's important for students to understand that they won't be able to get everything done, and that's okay. Prioritizing is about making choices and focusing on what truly matters. 2. Delayed Gratification: In today's instant gratification world, it's essential to help students recognize the long-term benefits of investing their time and energy into important tasks, even when it may not bring immediate satisfaction. 3. Ideal Week Planning: Encouraging students to plan out their ideal week can help them allocate time for essential tasks, such as college applications, while also prioritizing self-care, physical activity, and mental well-being. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here! Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter    

Today is another Educator Spotlight Series! Join me as we dive into the world of Will Elliott, a 25-year-old teen life coach. When Will first appeared in my feed, I was conflicted with the thought of a 25 year old life coach. On one hand I said "he's still a kid himself"! On the other hand I thought that being young would make him much more relatable than mom and dad! Check out today's review as we unravel the insights, challenges, and nuances of Will's approach while acknowledging the critical connection between teens, their mentors, and the influential role of parental guidance. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here! Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

I recently saw a video of Jocko Willink where he attempted to answer a question from a listener. The question was revolved around discipline and how to develop it when you come from a undisciplined household. I found it really interesting to say the least... Today we'll unpack the crucial aspect of taking accountability and setting clear expectations in the classroom in order to help your students become more accountability. Moreover, we'll tackle the art of overcoming challenges and why it's vital for a teen's personal growth.   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here! Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

As a musician for a huge part of my life, practice has always been something that is necessary. Even if I don't have a specific gig coming up, I always have to practice to get better at the craft and to keep my endurance at a high enough level. In today's quick episode, I'm digging into a question that's been on my mind – the role of practice in the life of a teenager. Not necessarily practicing a musical instrument but practicing anything they want to improve upon.  The reality is students are dealing with constant distractions, as well as a society that promotes immediate gratification. From my musical journey, we'll talk about practice and how time management, efficiency, and consistency are all key players in this equation.   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here! Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter    

As a youth speaker and coach, I'm well aware of how crucial it is to teach teenagers the art of embracing failure and navigating the challenges it presents. It's all about helping them understand that failure isn't the end of the road but rather a stepping stone towards eventual success. It took Thomas Edison 1000 tries to invent the lightbulb and with that being said, I want to emphasize the importance of perseverance and never giving up, no matter how many times you stumble along the way. There's a certain clarity that comes with each failure, and it's through learning from these setbacks that we can truly grow and evolve. Throughout this episode, I'll be sharing personal stories from my own journey, recounting instances where I faced failure both in my previous career and as an entrepreneur. So, I invite you to join me on this exploration of mindset and strategies that can help students not just accept but embrace failure as a catalyst for personal growth. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here! Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

High school can be challenging. One of the biggest problems is that students are still so young. They haven't lived enough yet to gain the best tool in the toolbox...experience! So instead of trying to step into a time machine, I have three simple ways that students can gain the next best thing. Perspective. Take on leadership roles: Encourage students to step up and exhibit leadership in small ways. This could involve reaching out to include someone who is sitting alone at lunch or volunteering to assist a teacher or fellow student in need. These simple acts of kindness and courage can provide students with a broader understanding of empathy and human connection. Travel: Experiencing different cultures and ways of life can be transformative for students. Even if it's a family vacation to a new destination or a school trip abroad, travel exposes students to new perspectives, challenges them to navigate unfamiliar situations, and helps broaden their understanding of the world. Volunteer: Volunteering allows students to give back to their communities while gaining a deeper appreciation for their own privileges and opportunities. By helping others who have fewer resources, students can develop empathy, compassion, and a greater understanding of the world beyond their immediate surroundings. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here! Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

Have you ever come across those intense, aggressive, and highly popular motivational videos on YouTube? You know the kind, the ones that feature people running and lifting weights while some voice over dude screams in the background?! But have you ever wondered why these videos don't show people sitting down and studying or writing?! In this episode, we explore the concept of motivation and why physical activities are often portrayed as being easier to motivate oneself for, compared to other tasks like studying or problem-solving. We'll discuss the differences between motivation and inspiration, and how understanding these distinctions can help us better support our students in their personal development and mental health. But it's not just about understanding the psychology behind motivation; we'll also explore the importance of discovering one's "why" and developing positive habits in order to sustain motivation. Whether it's helping our students pass a challenging exam or overcome a difficult time in their life, truly understanding how motivation works can be the make or break. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here! Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

As teachers, administrators, and anyone involved in education, we can probably all recall the impact these activities had on our own lives and why they are so important for our students. From theater to sports, from music to student government, extra curricular activities teach our kids so much in the ways of social and emotional skills Responsibility: Being part of a team or group requires students to take on responsibility, whether it's memorizing lines, learning songs, or managing their time effectively. The collective effort of working toward a common goal fosters a sense of accountability and instills valuable life skills. Time Management: Juggling academic responsibilities with extracurricular commitments is a challenge many students face. By encouraging students to participate in these activities, we provide them with an opportunity to develop time management skills, learn to prioritize, and strike a balance between their various commitments. Leadership: Joining clubs, sports teams, or debate groups allows students to explore and develop leadership qualities. From being a team captain to leading a section, extracurricular activities provide students with the chance to take on leadership roles and learn valuable lessons about teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here! Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

Today is a first experiment of the spotlight series. This will be a series on this podcast where we highlight individuals who are making a difference in the world of education. Today, we turn the spotlight on Doctor Justin Baeder, a former principal turned administrator mentor, who is helping principals become better leaders. We delve into one of his thought-provoking Tiktok videos regarding the push for teachers to also become therapists. Check it out! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here! Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

Last week I recorded an episode about the conflicting feelings of going back to school. I figured I would continue down of talking about the beginning of the year.  As educators, we have the power to not only teach academic subjects but also to prioritize our students' mental and physical health. So, how can we start the year off right and truly make an impact on their lives? What are some of the routines and systems that you're going to put into place this school year? Most importantly, how can we show our students that we care about more than just their grades?! If your school district needs a little help with starting they year off right, book Kevin to speak at your school! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here!   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

August is always a strange month for me. Whether I was in high school myself or as a teacher, I always had mixed feelings about going back to school.  On one hand, I was so excited! I can literally smell the excitement in the air! I was pumped to see my friends, all the after school activities starting up and just being around the action! On the other hand, I was terrified of all the hard classes and unknown challenges that were about to come my way. I felt similar as a teacher...and maybe you do to? Are you dreading going back or are you amped to get into your classroom and start setting up the room?  Check out today's episode in order to truly lean in to one or the other!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here! Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

I've noticed a recurring theme – this fear of making the wrong decision. And trust me, I get it. High school is a time of change. But here's the thing – it's absolutely okay to be wrong sometimes. In fact, making mistakes is an essential part of growth and learning. That's why I believe it's crucial to equip students with the skillsets to handle making decisions and learning from the outcomes. Throughout this episode, I'll be sharing my experiences and insights from conversations with students of different grade levels, offering practical advice on how to navigate the fear of making decisions. I'll also be sharing a few tactics such as a decision matrix which can be super helpful when making choices. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here! Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

In today's fast-paced and ever-changing world, adaptability has become a crucial skill for success, particularly for high school students. Being adaptable means having the ability to adjust and thrive in different situations, allowing students to navigate the challenges they face both academically and personally. Think about the fact that both Facebook and the iPhone are not even 20 years old and these two companies and products have completely reshaped the world and how we interact with it. Now with VR and AI on the brink, we are about to see some insanely fast change! On today's episode, I break down three areas that have practical application for students. Academic adaptability: High school students can adapt their study environments, manage workloads effectively, and adjust their learning strategies based on different subjects and challenges they encounter. Social adaptability: Navigating social dynamics can be challenging, but by developing adaptability, students can handle conflicts, build positive relationships, and improve communication skills. Future-oriented adaptability: Looking beyond high school, students need to embrace change, prioritize continuous learning, and develop transferable skills to succeed in their chosen paths. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here! Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

On this episode, we explore the power of nonverbal communication through vocal inflection, hand gestures, facial expressions, and physical stance. We break down the box they are in and show them how to excel in communication and become successful students! Remember, communication is more than just the words we say, it's how we use them.  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here! Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

Today I sat down with Scott Wisniewski, a high school assistant principal and winner of the NJPSA/NASSP NJ Assistant Principal of the Year, to dissect how Wayne Schools is investing in the mental health of their students. We had a wide ranging conversation including what it's really like being an assistant principal. While maintaining discipline, attendance and scheduling are all important parts of the job, the real meat and potatoes of the job is building relationships. Scott spoke about how he handles discipline issues with an open mindset and approaching the situation with empathy and understanding. Especially after COVID-19, students are still catching up on certain emotional and social norms which sometimes leads to acting out and behavior issues. At the end of the episode, Scott shares all the tactical things they are doing as a building to bring mental health awareness and education to Wayne Schools and I was seriously blown away!  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here! Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

In today's fast-paced world, our phones have become an integral part of our lives. They offer us a plethora of utilities and allow us to stay connected with the world at large. However, the excessive use of phones can also lead to stress and anxiety in our student's lives. Today we're going to look at how to audit your phone for your mental health. By prioritizing essential utilities, limiting non-essential phone usage, being mindful of social media content, and building positive relationships, students can take control of their phone usage and promote mental health and well-being. Remember, your phone should serve as a tool to enhance their lives, not a source of stress and anxiety. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here! Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

David Flood, a youth motivational speaker joins us to chat about his experiences helping students unlock kindness and compassion for one another. David shares his insights on why the word "love" and the influential figure that used this word so eloquently. David opens up about his son Justin who is autistic and how he is one of the most powerful drivers in his family and life. We also dive into why mental health issues are on the rise and how the relationship between students and technology is affecting their well-being. We explore the challenges that teachers face in today's society and how they can become better coaches for their students. David provides practical advice for parents and teachers to support their children and students if they are having a difficult time emotionally. David's narrative as a youth speaker comes first hand; he grew up impacted by addiction in his family; he married and became a father of two children, his oldest is a special needs son; he is active in his church; he is a hospice volunteer who visits with terminally ill patients; and is on the board of K.I.D.S. Plus, Inc. a non-profit organization which helps special needs children through sports and other activities. As a youth motivational speaker David has spoken in 40 states and Canada to over 500,000 students, inspiring them to look at people and things in a different way. Check out the full episode with David Flood today! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here! Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

I came across a teacher online who was doing some fantastic SEL exercises with his students and posting them online…I had to have him on as a guest to learn more! Scott Todnem is the author of “Growing Up Great! The Ultimate Puberty Book for Boys” and “Sex Education: A Parent's Guide.” Scott has been teaching Health Education at the middle school level since 2001 and was awarded the 2019 National Health Teacher of the Year. He uses his platforms to promote cultural diversity, gender inclusivity, mental health awareness, and suicide prevention. Scott is a nationally-recognized presenter and travels to speak about mental health and the benefits of quality health education programs. Scott enjoys adding to the Health Class experience by hosting a YouTube channel and a Podcast with his students, both of which can be found at LifeIsTheFuture.com. Scott currently resides in Illinois with his family, where he enjoys reading, record collecting, and watching great movies. Additional writing and other content can be found on his website, LifeIsTheFuture.com. Today on the show, Scott talks to us about how he emphasizes meaningful, as well as memorable activities for his students. Even the physical placement of desks and furniture in his classroom is designed to encourage more social interaction. When Scott is active as a learner himself, he finds that his lessons are that much more engaging and interesting. Mr. Todnem also has a podcast created and hosted by the students of his class as a way to open up even more about the SEL exercises they took part in, as well as discuss everyday challenges they are dealing with as a middle schooler. Lastly, we talked about how important self awareness is to the success of a student. Scott feels that self awareness is definitely the million dollar question! To learn more about everything Scott is up to, head over to https://lifeisthefuture.com/

Student Leader Stress is a real thing. Teens have a lot going on in their lives. They face high expectations and often put unrealistic pressure on themselves to be the best version of themselves. These expectations may be self-imposed or put on them by others in positions of authority in their lives. Finding balance between their personal lives, reality, hopes, aspirations, and dreams can be challenging for these students. One thing I know for sure that can help in every facet of life is establishing some type of routine. This doesn't have to be some intense rise and grind style routine but doing something consistent in order to set themselves up for a positive day is important. Even more important is to find a time of day that the student will most often be able to execute this routine. For instance, after school is probably a bad time for a routine considering student leaders usually have extra curricular activities after school. In this episode I also go into more detail regarding the fact that student leaders usually will over commit to opportunities that come their way, and rarely have any time for themselves. Check out the full episode to help your student leader avoid stress in their life. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here! Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

Carol Dweck's work on fixed and growth mindsets is incredibly important for educators to understand, as it can help them better support their students. A fixed mindset is one in which an individual believes that their physical body, intelligence, or ability at a certain skill is fixed and limited in how much they can improve. A growth mindset, on the other hand, is one in which an individual believes that their success is determined by the work and strategy that they put into it. As a result of this, having a fixed mindset will lead to negative self-talk and bad decisions, while having a growth mindset leads to positive self-talk and good decisions. On this episode I'll be explaining a specific formula that is a variation of Angela Duckworth's Grit. We'll look at how a student's mindset can dictate their inner dialogue which will inevitably determine whether they make good or bad decisions. By understanding and fostering a growth mindset, teachers can help their students make better decisions, have more positive self-talk, and believe in their own potential. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here! Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

Bullying is an unfortunate reality for many students, and it can have serious effects on their mental health and wellbeing. In this episode I'll explain how we as teachers and youth professionals can help our students build resilience and deal with bullies in a healthier way with a simple three "R" framework. REFLECTION We need to ensure that students have some time to sit down, relax and think through the situation, rather than just staying in their heads. This will help them to better understand their own feelings and those of the bully. REFRAME We need to help the students to understand that the bully is likely hurting and that their behavior is a result of their own pain. Rather than viewing the bully as an enemy, we need to teach them to one day be able to feel empathetic towards the bully. RESPONSIBILITY  While it can be hard for a student to accept that they have control over their own feelings, we can use a coaching approach to help them understand that they can take control of the situation. I will warn you that this is a tough pill to swallow. You may have to tread lightly with this one and really have the student come to this conclusion themseleves. By using these three R's in our toolbox, we can help our students to build resilience and better deal with numerous issues they may face.    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here! Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

As education professionals we know that we are, unfortunately, a small part of the success of our students. An overwhelmingly large factor is the influence parents have over their children. The routines, the values and the guidelines a parent instills at home all have a huge impact on the social development of our students. So today is going to be a short breakdown of the four stages of parenting. As parents, it's important to be aware of the four stages of parenting, namely the Commander, the Coach, the Counselor, and the Consultant. Each stage requires a different approach, and being aware of the stage you are in can help you nurture your children better. In the Commander stage, when children are toddlers, it's important to create an environment that is successful and rewarding. A positive environment will help them learn what to do and what not to do, and reinforce the behavior you want to see. When children are in elementary school, the coaching stage begins. This is when you instill values and a mindset in them, and show them their place in the world. It's important to reward positive behavior and hold true to what you say. The counseling stage is when teenagers start to explore the world on their own. As a counselor, it's important to ask open-ended questions and let them come to their own conclusions without giving them the answers. This helps them build their emotional intelligence and reflect on their feelings. Finally, the consultant stage is when children are grown and have moved out of the house. At this stage, they may ask for advice or help, and it's your job to be there! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here! Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

Reaching teens can be tough. I found someone who has figured out how to do it…very well! Today on the show I sit down with Dr. Matt Bellace and learn how he uses comedy to present scientific evidence regarding substance abuse. We discuss his background as a clinical psychologist and the convergence of his comedy career, all at the same time while pursuing his PhD. When he works with students, Matt focuses on helping teens find natural highs as an alternative to drug and alcohol abuse. Many high school students are struggling with issues of identity, self-esteem and feeling disconnected from the people around them which often leads them to make bad decisions and substance abuse. When asked what advice he would give teachers to help them better spot and assist students who are struggling mentally and emotionally, Matt suggested that teachers try their best to explain the process of dissapointment and negative emotions. These are emotions that we are experiencing. Now we get to decide what to do with them. Dr. Matt Bellace has a PhD in clinical psychology with a subspecialty in clinical neuropsychology, the study of the brain and behavior. His clinical training included working with patients at the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (Philadelphia), treating learning disorders in a pediatric neuropsychology private practice in suburban Philadelphia and performing cognitive behavioral therapy at Drexel University's Student Counseling Center.  Matt completed his clinical internship working with traumatic brain and spinal cord injury patients at The Mount Sinai Medical in New York City. As a stand-up comedian, Matt Bellace has performed at clubs and colleges across the country, including Caroline's on Broadway and Gotham Comedy Club in New York City.  During the pandemic, his Zoom comedy shows brought laughter to quarantined audiences to audiences of all ages.  Matt's credits include truTV's hit show The World's Dumbest, the 2005 Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal, National Public Radio and The New York Times. Matt's professional speaking career began in 1995 following the success of a student group he founded at Bucknell University.  Matt's speaking work began in high schools and colleges, but quickly grew to national conferences, professional organizations and the military.  Matt had spoken in forty seven states and across Canada, annually appearing in front of over a hundred thousand people a year.  Although the pandemic halted live events, it has ushered in a new opportunity for reaching an even more diverse audience through virtual programs To learn more about Matt and take a look at the books he's written, head over to https://www.mattbellace.com/ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here! Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

At-risk youth are students who need help avoiding the school to prison pipeline. This is what our guest Michy Morillo shares with us today on the show. Michy E. Morillo is an author, youth coach, and acclaimed keynote speaker with lived experience navigating the juvenile justice system. As a former juvenile delinquent and an expelled high school student, Michy went on to have a successful 20 year career in graphic design. Little did she know, being repeatedly incarcerated between the ages of 14 and 18 and being expelled were uniquely designed for her life's purpose. Following the blueprint that she now shares, she is reaching back to bring others along. As a spirited entrepreneur and aspiring philanthropist, Michy is committed to being a transformative force in the lives of youth, serving as a conduit to the skills and tools that nurture growth. Morillo shared her insights on the difference between motivation and inspiration, the impact of our social circle, growth vs. fixed mindset, and perspective. Some of these strategies are so crucial for at-risk youth and Michy does a fantastic job at coaching these teens through some of the hardest times imaginable. She also gave me some homework. Take a listen to today's episode to find out! You can learn more about Michy and her work at celldreamer.com   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here! Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

Social media has become a hotly debated topic, and as teachers and youth coaches, it's important to discuss the pros and cons it provides. On the one hand, social media gives teens instant and broad access to their peers and interests, plus the opportunity to make real money. It also offers access to amazing education resources.  On the other hand, social media can be a highlight reel, leading to feelings of inadequacy, and it has made cyberbullying more pervasive. Additionally, algorithms can manipulate how our brains process what we're seeing, creating a type of addiction. Social media isn't going anywhere. We need to teach teens how to take control. We need to make them aware of the physiological effects it has on them and encourage them to step back and assess if they're actually enjoying the content. We should also explain how they can manipulate the algorithm to their benefit and remind them that they have the power to take a break from social media if they need to.   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here! Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

How we redefine stress can literally make stress a non issue! When it comes to our students dealing with the stress and anxiety that comes with things like college admissions, making the school team, or dealing with bullies, it's important that we teach students to redefine the stress by changing it's meaning.It's all about reframing things in a positive way and helping students realize that it's not the end of the world if they don't make the team or don't fit in with everyone socially. Take trying out for a school team or the musical, for example. Instead of taking failure as meaning they're not good enough, help them reframe it to "I'm not good enough yet." This will help them get past the disappointment and keep pushing forward. Bullying is another big issue that students have to deal with. Help them understand that the bully is the one who's broken and that they should have empathy and pity for them. It'll help them build resilience and inner strength. To help students really believe in their ability to redefine stress, simply ask questions and guide them instead of telling them what to do. Show them examples from your own life of how you've changed the meaning of experiences and how it's helped you cope with stress.    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here! Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

A CTE teacher has a lot on their plate. For that matter, teachers in general have a lot on their plate! But when it comes to multiple prep teachers, there are other organizational challenges that are much more obvious. I can somewhat relate from my previous career as a music teacher. At the end of the day, the more organized and systematic we can be, the better off we can be for our kids. Today on the show we hear from a true productivity expert! Khristen Massic works with multi-prep teachers to create systems to simplify their  job and allow them to focus on sharing their talents as an educator. Khristen has a wide ranging career from CTE teacher, Assistant Principal and Productivity Coach and course creator. We have a fantastic conversation that begins with the return from Covid while Khristen was an active AP. We then dig into some of the organizational strategies that multi prep teachers such as CTE teachers really need to adopt. We touch on some issues that students are facing regarding self worth and then Khristen shares a story that TRULY...blows my mind! You can find more about Khristen over on her website, and definitely say hello on instagram!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here! Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter  

No matter how old you are, I think we can all relate to not feeling worthy at certain times. The feelings of not being good enough, strong enough or smart enough are somewhat natural emotions that are designed to keep us in place which ultimately is designed to keep us safe. The problem is we are no longer hiding from lions trying to eat us! Today I brought on someone who really knows how to teach students to recognize their worth and value as a human being. Kate Garnes is a professional youth speaker who is committed to teaching teens that changing the way you speak to yourself will change the world around you. Negative self talk is one of the biggest issues that teens can face today and Kate does a great job unpacking this issue. During our conversation we touched on the big decisions that students are faced with after high school. Kate mentioned that students today feel like they have to hold themselves to such high expectations in order to please everyone. We then touched on self worth and how teens are telling themselves such negative stories which keeps them stuck. The conversation continues with the issues of social media and students attaching their self worth to outside influences. Finally, we dive into the "excuses" students can make in order to keep them in their comfort zone instead of being vulnerable to failure. If you want to learn more about Kate, head over her website! Or you can order her book "Mix Tape" on Amazon!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here! Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter

Teacher Burnout is a real problem and has been on the rise for the past few years. The pandemic has certainly expedited this issue. So today on the show we learn how to prioritize our own well-being as teachers and education professionals. Our guest, Molly Rasanen, is a holistic coach who specializes in energy healing. Molly helps us understand how our bodies hold trauma and how this can affect our emotions and reactions in the classroom. She explains how we can gain control of our nervous systems and how we can be intentional in the way we approach our well-being. We talk about numerous tactical strategies you can begin today such as mantras, breathing exercises, diet, sleep and morning routines! Most importantly, Molly shares her excitement around normalizing these practices and being able to see future generations of children having a better understanding of who they are and how they can heal themselves from the inside out! Molly Rasanen is a former ER Nurse turned Energy Healer & Holistic Life Coach. She specializes in helping humans learn and integrate the tools and techniques needed in order to go on the deep inward journey of healing & self discovery. Molly is not only an RN but a certified holistic nurse coach, reiki healer, and 500 hour trained yoga teacher with a passion for teaching the tools and modalities that allowed her the space to holistically heal her own anxiety, ptsd, and lifelong severe asthma from the inside out. She is on a mission to help spread the message that your body and minds were created to heal and that you are your own best healer. Molly hopes to one day be a piece of the puzzle that finally helps to integrate alternative & holistic modalities of healing into the western medical model as a form of education & preventative health care. You can find her on instagram @mollyrasanen to follow her work, subscribe to her mailing list, or grab a free call to see if coaching is a good fit for you!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here! Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter

To teach students perspective of time is tricky. How can you teach students perspective when they have so little life experience to actually "have" perspective? On this episode, I discuss the importance of understanding our relationship with time, and how this is especially important for high school students. Time can be a double-edged sword, allowing us to be productive and feel like we're making progress, but at the same time it can make us feel anxious and even a bit fearful...as if we're running out of...time! The development of the human brain is not finished until our mid-to-late 20s, and this is especially relevant for high school students who are in the beginning stages of puberty, or who have yet to enter it. During this time, students are dealing with a lot of stress, both from within themselves and from the pressures of making decisions about their future. It's important to teach them strategies to leverage time and to build routines that will help them navigate the four years of high school. However, teaching strategies and routines may not always be enough. To really make an emotional connection with students, it's important to actually SHOW perspective. Tim Urban, a blogger and TED Talk speaker, has created a 90-year calendar to illustrate this point. Basically, he placed a box that represents every week of someone's 90 year life. No one is granted any specific amount of time There's really not that many boxes! We've already used quite a few! Check out today's episode to get some ideas to teach students perspective of time in your classroom. Also you definitely should check out Tim's Ted Talk! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arj7oStGLkU https://waitbutwhy.com/2014/05/life-weeks.html   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help tremendously!   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book Kevin to speak at your school or event!   Learn more about Kevin's speaking programs here! Download the 3 part video series to learn all about Kevin's decision making framework for students.   Follow Kevin on social! Facebook Instagram Linked In Tiktok Twitter

In today's ever-changing world, it's becoming increasingly important for us to understand how to help our students cope and manage anxiety. Anxiety is a real and very common issue among teens, and the fact is, we need to be better prepared to see early signs and offer coping mechanisms. In today's episode Brittany Richmond, a Youth Speaker and Anxiety Expert, shared her insights on teenage anxiety and how we can better help our students navigate through it. Brittany explained that a significant issue teens are facing today is people-pleasing. She noted that, often times, teens feel like they have to please everyone, whether it's their peers, their teachers, their parents, or even their online followers. This leads to unrealistic expectations and an overwhelming sense of pressure, which can be overwhelming and exhausting. Brittany also shared that teens communicate differently than previous generations. She explained that understanding their own "language" is essential if we want to be able to help them effectively. As education professionals, it's important that we understand how our students express themselves and the mediums they communicate through. She also noted the stigma that still exists around mental health. Mental health is still a taboo topic for many, and this makes it difficult for teens to speak up about their feelings. Brittany suggested we work at creating a safe and secure environment in order for students to feel comfortable expressing their issues. On top of fostering an open environment for discussion, Brittany noted that it's also important to teach strategies to help students cope with teenage anxiety. She suggested relaxation techniques such as mindfulness and deep breathing. It's also important to help teens recognize their own triggers and to provide them with the skills to manage them, as well as their reactions to the triggers. Finally, Brittany suggested teaching teens the importance of self-care. She noted that teens often struggle with feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, and it's important to help them understand the importance of taking time for themselves and doing things that make them happy and relaxed. Overall, Brittany offered a lot of great advice on how we can better help our students manage their anxiety. If you'd like to learn more about Brittany and how she can help your students, you can find her at brittanyrichmond.com, or follow her on Instagram @thebrittanyrichmond