WE Talk is a podcast that explores the role of Waldorf Education in helping children, parents, and families thrive in an ever-changing world. WE Talk is brought to you by Shining Mountain Waldorf School and hosted by Nita June Davanzo. ABOUT THE HOST Nita June Davanzo is a Waldorf School graduate…
On this episode: - Competing in track and field at a Division I school - Balancing majors - philosophy and Computer Information Systems - Advice to a young athlete
On this episode: - The art of navigating change - Cultivating sustainability in community relationships - How to apply learned skills in various capacities and jobs - Community-minded visioning for a better shared future
On this episode: - Traveling the world as a documentary producer - The gifts of a Waldorf education in filmmaking, communication, and relationship - Finding purpose and beauty in the everyday - Following one's interests to find one's passion
One this episode: - Explorations of life as a Zoom student at Boston University - Reflections on past inspirations leading to present-day endeavors - Inspired plans and visions for a sustainable future - From Waldorf student to creative engineer - Engineering with a deeper purpose
On this episode: - A practitioner's definition of Anthroposophic Medicine - Healing work for the "whole human" - Working with children holistically - The evolution of anthroposophic teaching and training - Ways to support one’s self and family holistically COVID
On this episode: - Advocating for women’s health in the 21st century - Connecting holistic traditions of birth with new practices - Compare and contrast: living and learning in Central America and the American South - Studying medicine in the South during these charged times
On this episode: - Seeking a deeper understanding of the broader, diverse world - How experience can be the truest educator - Forging new perspectives on interrelatedness - Taking conscious action when the time is right to do so
On this episode: - How the search for meaning leads a career path - Being present with what is, and creating out of that - A typical Waldorf alum trait: always learning - The highs and lows of being a musician
On this episode: - Finding ourselves in the natural world - reconnecting to the essential - exploring the rich and mysterious relationship between human and animal - reframing the position of our species within the order of things
On this episode: - how following one's curiosity led to success and happiness - true talents of a Waldorf education shining through: communication, empathy, and creativity - seeing opportunity and taking the reins - knowing one's strengths and how to implement them - supporting others to shine
On this episode: - shattering the Waldorf "math" myth - finding a new community and a new home - the strengths of test-taking as a Waldorf grad - how to settle into college life seamlessly - virtual dance parties during the time of COVID-19
On this episode: - pursuing curiosity in order to find one's passion - from stylist to nutritional and holistic counseling - cultivating a rich sense of self - creating and supporting beauty and wellness from the inside out
On this episode: - from joyous to uncomfortable - the act of giving - teaching giving and gratitude - cultivating a giving community - tithing, saving and planning - giving as an act of engagement towards positive change - being a part of something bigger than yourself
On this episode: - infusing mindfulness into the creative process of dance and choreography - connecting spirit and creativity - navigating from life as a gymnast into the life of a dancer - how a Waldorf community provided the rich ground of support and belief in one's gifts
On this episode: - how one person can make a huge impact - the inspiration of a Waldorf Education and community - the wisdom of embracing our differences and similarities - bold visions for the future
On this episode: - gratitude and enthusiasm for his Waldorf education - advocacy of learning at one's own pace - the importance of boldness and communication (over high grades)in pursuing your dreams - engineering as an excellent career path even for those not-as-strong in math - how to thrive in creative research pursuits
On this episode: - how a Waldorf education cultivated "big picture thinking" - the essentiality of creativity in business - creating an office culture of respect for and celebration of the individual and the whole - how a Waldorf education teaches "long game" life skills
On this episode: - Debunking the “bad at math myth” of Waldorf education - Top reasons to send a child to a Waldorf school - The learning opportunities presented by failure - Building empathy, resilience, and creative thinking inside the Waldorf classroom - Being a socially responsible investor--before it was “cool”
On this episode: - how Waldorf education sets love of learning aflame - the benefits of choosing a Waldorf high school education - knowing HOW to learn - applying one's creativity and flexibility of thinking to successfully navigate into the field of engineering
On this episode: - Preparing for a life in music during her high school years - Working with diverse and disparate groups to create a cohesive whole - How she continues returning with new passion to her instrument, the cello, again and again - Knowing herself and her dreams from a very young age - Introducing her children to Waldorf education - Balancing work and motherhood
On this episode: - what sets Waldorf students apart - how a deep love for learning is fostered and developed - recognizing and teaching to young adults' universal truths - a rich perspective on Waldorf education as an alum, teacher, and parent
On this episode: - insights on how to go about creating a thriving Waldorf High School - the changing nature of students today, and how Waldorf education meets them - how Waldorf education has changed and developed over time to meet the needs of today - words of wisdom to young adults
On this episode: - how her Waldorf education sparked the drive to be of service - learning how to work with and support healing in female inmates through dance - pursuing that which brings joy and purpose - thoughts on purposeful and integrated mental health and healing
On this episode: - Learning the ropes of winemaking through apprenticeship and mentoring - The beauty of the winemaking process as a gateway to nature and humanity - How a Waldorf education supported the entrepreneurial spirit needed to be successful in the winemaking business - Advice to aspiring young winemakers
On this episode: - How a Waldorf education planted the seed for a life lived with empathy - Trusting yourself to make a change, and knowing how to do it - Seeing the parts and the whole, and making a change - How a Waldorf education strengthens self-knowledge and self-trust
On this episode: - Bringing flexibility of thinking into the business and marketing world - How an athletic mindset contributes to school, studies and work - Embracing the strengths of communication and relationship built through a Waldorf curriculum - Combining one’s passions and interests to forge ahead into the future
On this episode: - The highs and lows of a being on the road as a musician - The role of friendship in the creative process - How Waldorf Education served the strengthening of self, vision, and creative drive - The continued blossoming of friendships seeded 15 years ago.
On this episode: - One Waldorf student’s perspective on the myriad of riches found in the Waldorf curriculum - The meaning and purpose of our life--a high school junior’s spot on perspective - Insights into leadership, teamwork and community - Visions for the future
On this episode: - how positive relationships with peers and teachers affects learning - knowing one's self in a world of change - recognizing the traits and characteristics of a Waldorf student
On this episode: - - rich learning, tight community, and depth of experience: the stuff that makes a Waldorf education - knowing one's place in the world of things - how the Waldorf high school curriculum offers a myriad of choices--all which develop the self into a wholistic being - loving one's community--teachers and peers.
On this episode: - connecting spirit and self through the window of gender and sexuality - teaching sexual education in the 21st century - how to inspire resilience and will in children and young adults - inner life development as the restorative path for societal challenges and maladies.
On this episode: - Steps and practices for teaching strong language arts skills in the early grades - The importance of one’s word - How building a strong language arts foundation sets students up for success and ease in the later years - From Waldorf parent to Waldorf teacher--the inspiration
On this episode: - Seeing one's place in the movement of time - How Waldorf education nurtures a longing for and finding of a sense of belonging - How to see the future as welcoming - Insight for those seeking to find their path in life
On this episode: - How a Waldorf high school curriculum taught communication, empathy and connection - What it is like to enter a Waldorf school in high school - The openness and warmth of Waldorf students - Making lifelong connections at a crucial point in one’s life
On this episode: - The relationship between love and money - Finding the spiritual side of giving - Cultivating conscious gratitude - 'Electronic currency' as a gift in these busy, modern times - Continuing the lineage of giving at Shining Mountain Waldorf School
On this episode: - How to hold the light and the dark in the movement to protect our earth - How honoring and respect for the world was cultivated in a Waldorf School - The balance between holding space for grief while still moving forward in responsible action - When led by truth and goodness, nothing can stand in one’s way - Relationship as the key factor for future sustainability.
On this episode: - Learning what it means to be human - The developments of Waldorf education over the last 100 years - How Waldorf education is more relevant now than ever - A unique perspective on teaching children through adults - Modeling how to be courageous, curious and confident
On this Episode: - How to find comfort in uncomfortable situations - Being at home within one’s self - How to find genuine personal connections in any situation - Following your passion, trusting yourself - Learning as a lifelong adventure
On this episode: - A fascinating brief history of Demeter and Biodynamic farming - Creating a sustainable future through Biodynamics - How living in alignment with the earth affects one's entire being - Climate change solutions? The answer in the soil - Pragmatic actions to take for climate health--NOW
On this episode: - The recipe for success: commitment, drive, talent and pragmatism - Balancing creativity with discipline - Trusting your intuition - The gifts of collaboration
On this episode: - How to meaningfully engage with and inspire middle schoolers - The joys and lessons in working with this generation of young men and young women - Being a strong role model in and outside the classroom - Seeking a deeper purpose in teaching… and finding Waldorf education
On this episode: - How Waldorf education promotes self-knowledge - The similarities and unique differences of individual Waldorf schools - The challenges presented in the world ahead, and how Waldorf students are equipped to meet them. - Being a part of the lineage of Shining Mountain Waldorf School - Waldorf students as the next generation’s thought leaders
On this episode: - How students have changed over the past 60 years - The challenges that teachers today are faced with--and the solutions! - The gifts that today’s children bring with them - How the movement of Waldorf Education has evolved over the past 100 years - Why Waldorf Education is necessary for a sustainable future - The secret to healthy educational development: MOVEMENT--physical movement, mental flexibility and spiritual exercise.
On this episode: - How Waldorf Education fosters clarity in one’s life purpose - How knowing one’s self encourages empathy for others - Having the ability, thanks to Waldorf, to find one’s direction and navigate change - Being a therapist in these challenging times
On this episode: - The gift of taking the route less traveled post-high school: perspective. - The smart choice: choosing a major in philosophy over business - Common facets of a Waldorf student: the ever-present drive to give back, holistic thinking, the quest for beauty and adventure, and rich sense of humility.
On this Episode: - From Math major to East Asian Religions major - Trusting one’s intuition and sense of self - Taking the time to find the right path in life--then leaping! - How comparative religion applies to international relations - Shining Mountain Waldorf HS grad, to Smith College Alum to a future at The Hague or the U.N.
On this episode: - Six parents following a calling: how Shining Mountain Waldorf School came to be - Insight and wisdom for new Waldorf school founders - How Waldorf education supports mental and emotional health and self-development - The need for like-minded children to be held and nurtured within like-minded communities.
On this episode: - how Waldorf education inspires a sense of global community - connecting across languages to the heart of being human - how each alum's appreciation for Waldorf education grows year after year - advice to one's younger self: trust and patience.
On this episode: - BioDynamics: the what and the how - Why BioDynamics is the solution for our future - Small and doable daily steps to making ourselves, society and world healthier and more vibrant - Looking to and finding the answers in our earth, our soils, and ourselves
On this episode: - how healthy play promotes emotional and social well-being - physics in the Waldorf kindergarten classroom - the unhealthy effects of screens and screentime on today's child - the best-kept secret toy: dirt - mindful, heart-centered tips on parenting and teaching
On this episode: - Saying yes to the opportunities life presents - Building friendships and businesses around the world - Never letting "no" stop you - Seeing an opportunity and taking the leap - Trusting the process, and staying curious - How to lead with your strengths and find your community by doing so - How a Waldorf education, based on the love of learning, has brought meaning, joy and success into an alum’s life
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