Podcasts about brighter side

Good morning!The Morning Breeze Brain Tease.The More You Know!The Brighter Side.Ask us anything!Cort went to a movie last week... and did something strange.

This week Amber and Ed reminisce about their love for Ozzy Osbourne, and Amber gives some love to some other under-appreciated artists and Ed lists animals he wants to hug. And of course we answer a whole bucket full of listener mail. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of The Brighter Side ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

Send us a textQuality childcare creates the foundation for lifelong learning and development, but finding the right program often leaves parents confused, frustrated, and uncertain. What should you actually look for beyond a clean facility and friendly staff? How do you know if a program will nurture your child's development in ways that matter?In this illuminating conversation, Dr. Lisa Hassler welcomes Judith Sikora, a respected voice in early childhood education with over three decades of leadership at national organizations like Child Care Aware of America. Sikora cuts through the confusion with practical wisdom that helps parents make informed choices based on what truly matters.We explore the crucial differences between licensing (minimum safety standards) and quality indicators, examining adult-to-child ratios, curriculum approaches, staff qualifications, and physical environments. Sikora explains why staff trained specifically in early childhood education rather than elementary education provide better experiences for young children—"it's like comparing elephants to apples"—and guides parents through evaluating center-based programs, family childcare homes, and friend/family care options based on their child's unique temperament and needs.Perhaps most surprisingly, Sikora challenges the common parental focus on academic readiness, revealing why communication skills and problem-solving abilities matter far more than memorizing letters and numbers at early ages. She offers specific questions to ask during program visits, observations to make about toys and activities, and explains how to access helpful resources like childcareaware.org's age-specific checklists.

Good morning!The Morning Breeze Brain Tease.The More You Know!The Brighter Side.Ask us anything!John won tickets to the California's Great America!Cort thinks he may have prevented an accident yesterday...

Good morning!The Morning Breeze Brain TeaseThe More You Know!The Brighter Side.Ask Us Anything!Carolyn had an awkward moment of her own... involving her outfit. 

Good morning!The Morning Breeze Brain Tease.The More You Know!The Brighter Side!Ask us anything!Cort had an awkward moment in an Uber... 

Good morning!The Morning Breeze Brain TeaseThe More You Know!The Brighter Side.Ask us anything!Carolyn discovered that she has saying the name of a Bay Area city incorrectly... for DECADES!

Sometimes we like to ask Does It F#*k? Let's take a look at topics big and small and debate if they're cool or useful or just plain bad. Joined by special guests Julie Rosing and Ashley Brooke Roberts. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of The Brighter Side ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

Good morning!The Morning Breeze Brain Tease: 7% of us say we've been hit in the face by THIS...The More You Know: Scientists have discovered a SIXTH sense!The Brighter Side.Ask us anything!Carolyn got a ticket... but what happened to her next was the big surprise... 

Good morning!The Morning Breeze Brain Tease: 11,000 Americans will reach THIS milestone today.The More You Know: The Bay Area is experiencing the coolest summer in decades!The Brighter Side.Ask us anything! What TV commercial do you remember the most from your childhood?

Good morning!The Morning Breeze Brain Tease: 34% of adults say the tip for THIS service...The More You Know: Americans are horrible at taking vacations... and it all has to do with vacation guilt.The Brighter Side.Ask Us Anything: What reality TV show would you want to be a part of?Remembering Malcom-Jamal Warner

Today on The Brighter Side, Amber & Ed invite Ash Gordon & The Queen of Melrose over to the studio to help salute Italian Men.Also, don't forget to check out their hit new single "Italian Men" available on Spotify and YouTube.Mama Mia! Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of The Brighter Side ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

Send us a textBehind the concrete walls and steel bars of America's prisons, something remarkable is happening. Education—once considered an afterthought in correctional settings—is proving to be one of the most powerful tools for transformation, not just for individuals but for entire institutions.Our conversation with Joshua Gilliam, who brings a unique dual perspective as both a former correctional officer and current university instructor, reveals the profound impact of educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals. Drawing on over a decade of experience and his ongoing doctoral research, Joshua shares compelling evidence that participation in higher education programs significantly reduces behavioral incidents within facilities while opening pathways to meaningful employment after release.The journey of prison education reflects America's evolving approach to rehabilitation. From the early "nothing works" doctrine that treated prisons merely as holding centers to today's growing recognition that education can break cycles of recidivism, we're witnessing a paradigm shift in how we think about corrections. The restoration of Second Chance Pell grants in 2023—after being eliminated by the 1994 Crime Bill—represents a crucial policy change making college accessible behind bars again.What makes this conversation particularly timely is the potential for mutual benefit. As colleges face enrollment challenges from demographic shifts and pandemic disruptions, correctional education programs offer a way to fill seats while fulfilling their educational mission. For correctional facilities, education creates safer environments for both incarcerated people and staff while addressing the staggering human and financial costs of America's world-leading incarceration rates.Perhaps most moving is the human element—older students mentoring younger ones, individuals overcoming literacy challenges to read their first book, or former substance users preparing for careers helping others overcome addiction. These stories remind us that education doesn't just transform individual lives; it ripples outward to strengthen families and communities.Consider this: nearly everyone incarcerated today will eventually return to our neighborhoods. The question isn't whether they'll come home, but who they'll be when they do. Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited! Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMDTrusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Head to the show notes to find if this episode is CPD eligible and details on how to claim your CPD certification!Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMDTrusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily.Support the showIf you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at lisa@drlisahassler.com or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support. The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

Good morning!The Morning Breeze Brain Tease: 7% of Americans say they enjoy THIS type of weather.The More You Know: This is one of the most sought after features in a new car...The Brighter Side.Ask us anything: How to volunteer locally...Emily won tickets to Heart!Cort compliments Carolyn on a random skill... 

Good morning!The Morning Breeze Brain Tease: Some people do this after dinner, but experts say it may not be a good idea...The More You Know: Let's talk about the Gen Z diet trend called Fiber Maxxing!The Brighter Side.Ask us anything: Who does the traffic breaks on the Breeze?Carolyn needs advice after a ride-share issue... 

Good morning!The Morning Breeze Brain Tease.The More You Know: These are the top Summer sensations...The Brighter Side.Ask us anything: What is your favorite thing to grill in the summer?Cort's daughters love to wear his old clothes... but now there is an issue.

Good morning!The Morning Breeze Brain Tease!The More You Know: Mouth Tape for sleeping might not be a good idea...The Brighter Side.Ask us anything! More questions about Cort's homemade pizza obsession.Kevin won tickets to see Heart!More on Cort's pizza problem.

You know sometimes you just gotta talk about what makes you pissed off. The little crappy things in life that keep you fuming, nothing that is gonna change your life but the things that put a frown on your face for 15 minutes. So listen to see what makes Amber and Ed's days a little Bitchier. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of The Brighter Side ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

Good morning!The Morning Breeze Brain Tease!The More You Know: People are using AI to help with break-ups!The Brighter Side.Ask us anything!Henry won Barry Manilow concert tickets!Chuck weighs in on AI helping with break-ups with a story of his own.

Good morning!The Morning Breeze Brain Tease.The More You Know! Drinking dairy before bed is NOT a good idea...The Brighter Side.Ask us anything! Do you belive in ghosts?Lydia won Barry Manilow concert tickets!TSA says you don't need to remove your shoes anymore... maybe.

Good morning!The Morning Breeze Brain Tease.The More You Know: More people are celebrating Summerween!The Brighter Side.Ask us anything: what makes the perfect sandwich?Bob won Barry Manilow tickets!Cort thinks he's done with technology... 

In the face of darkness in our country Amber and Ed take this week to talk about all the things they like about the good ole US of A. Hey the show is called The Brighter Side, we're technically doing our jobs! Have a happy and safe July 4th everyone! Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of The Brighter Side ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

Send us a textSecondary music classrooms are increasingly challenged by student disengagement—especially when traditional models fail to resonate with today's learners. In this compelling episode, professional bassist and music educator Richard Frank introduces his Unison-Based Content (UBC) approach, a student-centered framework designed to revitalize music programs and re-engage learners of all skill levels.UBC shifts away from the conventional jazz band structure, offering a more inclusive model that welcomes diverse instrumentation—including non-traditional instruments—and varying skill levels from the start. By blending formal (notation and theory) and informal (playing by ear) learning traditions, Frank creates a “blended space” where all students feel validated and empowered.Educators will gain practical strategies for:Engaging mixed-skill ensembles with adaptable arrangementsIncorporating tab notation and alternative instrumentsEncouraging improvisation through simultaneous group playingPromoting student agency through choice and music analysisSupporting SEL through confidence-building collaborationConnecting classroom music to real-world performance opportunitiesIdeal for secondary educators seeking to refresh their approach or supplement existing programs, this method bridges the gap between traditional music education and contemporary student needs.Explore ready-to-use resources at PlayTheGroove.com and discover how UBC can transform your classroom into a space where all students groove—and grow.

Good morning!The Morning Breeze Brain Tease!The More You Know: People who shared rooms with siblings grow up to be better adjusted.The Brighter Side.Ask us anything!Carolyn has learned to appreciate informercials... 

Good morning!The Morning Breeze Brain Tease.Cort talks summer chores!The Brighter Side!Ask us anything!Carolyn tells us about the Scandanavian Sleep Method!

Good morning!The Morning Breeze Brain Tease.What would you do in this situation?The Brighter Side.Ask us anything!Rude customer behavior... how would you respond?

Good morning!The Morning Breeze Brain Tease.Gen Z is big on pillows.The Brighter Side.Ask us anything!Cort has an issue with a woman at his gym... 

You know sometimes you just gotta talk about what makes you happy. The little pleasures in life that keep you going, nothing that is gonna change your life but the things that put a smile on your face for 15 minutes. So listen to see what makes Amber and Ed's days a little Brighter. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of The Brighter Side ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

This week Jackie and MJ are joined by LPOTL and Brighter Side's own Shark Factoid Finder Ed Larson, to launch Page 7's own (rouge) Shark Week!  Plus the horrors of carpeted bathrooms, NYC finally getting garbage cans, Jackie and Ed went to see "28 Years Later", and Ed is called out for his theatah behavior! MJ finally watched "Jaws" for the 50th anniversary, then some water park chat, (including Jackie's 'it's all condoms theory') and the NY Mayoral elections have celeb news aaaalllllll dried up. Jackie's got day of the week socks but now she's just worried about not wearing them on the right day, MJ reveals their current compression sock setup, and Ed tells the story of a TRIP to Bonnaroo leaving him with hobbit feet. Even more shark movie talk, including Ed's knowledge of Jaw's documentaries, and somehow EVEN MORE SHARKTALK! Then it's time for THE LIST of "Movie Facts That Are So Surprising and Interesting That You'll wanna Share Them WITH EVERYONNEEEE!!", Blindz, Jackie's Snackies Starts at 1:06:55.214 and ends at 1:14:00.817, with MJ's Minute Munchies at 1:11:09.861!!!Want even more Page 7? Support us on Patreon! Patreon.com/Page7Podcast  Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Page 7 ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

Good morning!The Morning Breeze Brain Tease.Ben & Jerry's says we're storing our ice cream wrong...The Brighter Side.Ask us anything!Cort swallowed a fly yesterday... and he's not sure if he'll recover... 

Good morning!The Morning Breeze Brain Tease!Over half of adults of Americans say they don't need a GPS device for directions...The Brighter Side.Ask us anything!More on using a GPS!

Good morning!The Morning Breeze Brain Tease.Money doesn't buy happiness... but it can make you happier.The Brighter Side.Ask us anything!Carolyn says Cort's AI video has caused her trouble...

Good morning!The Morning Breeze Brain Tease.Cort did a very adult thing last week... The Brighter Side.Ask us anything...When going to the bar... Gen Z typically pay as they go (rather than run up a tab).

Amber and Ed share their No Kings days and and find out what indeed f€*ks and what does not. Be good to yourselves!  Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of The Brighter Side ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

We're joined by the hilarious and otherworldly duo Henry Zebrowski and Ed Larson—co-hosts of Last Podcast on the Left and Side Stories. We talk Lincoln, the Bermuda Triangle, and about Ed's fascination with animal attacks.  Henry shares a Contact in the Desert story that had him attending a mysterious party. Plus, we look ahead to Crimewave at Sea. Don't miss Last Podcast on the Left's - Beyond the Veil: Live Séance on @LPN-TV on YouTube June 20th. Or the upcoming Side Stories Live shows:  Sunday, June 29th, 2025 - Atlanta, GA - Dad's Garage Friday, July 11, 2025 - West Jordan, UT - Wise Guys Thursday, August 7, 2025 - Asheville, NC - Orange Peel Sunday, September 21, 2025 - Kansas City, MO - Truman Listen to Last Podcast on the Left, Side Stories, and The Brighter Side wherever you get your podcasts. Follow them on social: @lpontheleft @drfantasy @eddietunes

Send us a textDiscover the power of equine therapy through the eyes of specialist Erin Cain, founder of Grace Reins Equine Therapy in Colorado. When words fall short in traditional therapy settings, horses step in as powerful healers for children struggling with anxiety, trauma, and emotional regulation.The science behind this approach is fascinating. Horses, with heart rates half that of humans despite their massive size, naturally help children downregulate their nervous systems through a mirroring effect. This physiological connection creates a safe space for emotional processing that bypasses the need for verbal expression. For children who find traditional therapy settings intimidating or ineffective, the barn becomes a sanctuary where healing happens through movement, trust, and connection.What makes Erin's program particularly special is her work with rescued wild mustangs. These magnificent animals bring their own stories of resilience and recovery to the therapeutic relationship, creating powerful parallels for children who have experienced hardship. As children learn the mustangs' journeys from trauma to trust, they discover new narratives for their own lives. The program extends beyond individual therapy to support entire family systems and provide educator wellness sessions, recognizing that healing happens in community.Even without direct access to horses, parents and educators can incorporate elements of biophilia into daily routines. Simple practices like breath work, guided visualizations, and mindful movement help children build "cellular memory" of calm they can access anywhere. These techniques offer powerful tools for emotional regulation that complement traditional educational approaches.Ready to explore how equine therapy might benefit a child in your life? Organizations like PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) can connect you with certified programs in your area. 

Good morning!The Morning Breeze Brain Tease!Carolyn went back in time... sort of.The Brighter Side.Ask us anything!There is a new trend in tourism... House Sitting Tourism!

This week Amber and Ed react to the President deploying troops and escalating protests in Los Angeles. Then they give some tips on how to help, stay safe, and take care of yourself in times like these. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of The Brighter Side ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

Amber and Ed reflect on their time at Contact In the Desert and answer some listener emails. Email us whenever you have the urge at thebrightersidelpn@gmail.comWe got Brighter Sides all day for you babies! Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of The Brighter Side ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

Send us a textWhat if the solution to many childhood developmental challenges was literally right outside our windows? Naturalist and author Susie Spiegel reveals how unstructured nature play creates the perfect environment for children to develop crucial life skills that structured indoor activities simply can't replicate.Drawing from her book "Forest Magic for Kids: How to Find Fairies, Make a Secret Fort, and Cook Up an Elfin Picnic," Spiegel shares how simple outdoor activities like mixing "potions" from natural materials or creating miniature fairy villages foster imagination while simultaneously developing communication skills, risk assessment abilities, and emotional regulation. These activities don't require specialized knowledge or expensive equipment—just the willingness to step outside and model curiosity.Perhaps most fascinating is how outdoor environments can transform children who struggle in traditional classroom settings. Those labeled as "troublemakers" indoors often become leaders in nature, where their heightened awareness becomes an advantage rather than a distraction. As Spiegel explains, "A lot of times kids that are hyper aware—somebody who might have ADHD—they're seeing a million things outside. They're the kids spotting the cardinal because they're seeing things in a really fast and exciting way."The good news? Nature-based play is accessible even in urban environments. From the "sliver" between buildings to cracks in sidewalks, children can find wonder anywhere with the right guidance. With simple tools like buckets, magnifying glasses, and journals, families can start small and gradually build confidence in outdoor exploration—creating not just cherished memories but crucial developmental opportunities our screen-centric world increasingly lacks.Ready to discover the transformative power of unstructured outdoor play for the children in your life? This episode provides a practical roadmap for bringing the magic of nature into everyday childhood experiences, no matter where you live.

Today Amber and Ed invite their friend and Roundtable Hall of Famer, Micah Sherman by to talk about his sober journey and his current work at a sober living facility. Sherminators Sherm! Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of The Brighter Side ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

Amber and Ed wanted to learn more about some towns they've never been to. So Amber found a random city generator and they learn about Aurora, CO - Pontiac, MI - Salina, KS & Monroe, LA Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of The Brighter Side ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

Send us a text"Books are the key to unlocking your soul's true potential." These aren't the words of a veteran educator or bestselling author – they come from nine-year-old Ishara, host of Ishara's Reading Podcast, literacy advocate, and aspiring astronaut who dreams of leading a mission to Mars.In this inspiring episode, Ishara is at her skating rink (YouTube video of this episode!) She shares how her reading podcast is helping children around the world access literature, explore big ideas, and discover the joy of learning. From environmental stewardship to space exploration, Ishara connects storytelling with action—proving that age is no barrier to leadership.Listeners will hear how she's using her voice to empower others, promote equity in reading access, and inspire curiosity in STEM. This episode is a heartwarming look at youth leadership, peer mentoring, and the limitless power of books.Subscribe to Ishara's Reading Podcast to witness this inspiring young voice in action and discover how storytelling can spark curiosity, activism, and positive change in listeners of all ages.

This week Amber gives pointers on how to solo travel to San Francisco on the cheap and Ed talk about his Florida tour and his unabashed love for Key West. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of The Brighter Side ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

Travis Irvine from The Foreign Report stops by The Brighter Side studio to talk about what is great about Ohio and why we all need to Hang On Sloopy occasionally. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of The Brighter Side ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

Send us a textDinalynn Rosenbush, certified speech-language pathologist and host of the Language of Play podcast, shares research-backed approaches for supporting children's communication skills through play when speech therapy services are delayed or unavailable.• Nearly 8% of children ages 3-17 have communication disorders with speech problems being most common• Children need to hear a word approximately 400 times before they begin using it themselves• Understanding the difference between speech (sound production) and language (meaning, vocabulary, sentences)• Simple strategies include having sensory-rich conversations about everyday activities• Expand vocabulary by providing multiple words for common concepts (hot, warm, heated)• Screen time impacts pragmatic language development, with 40% of children ages 3-10 struggling with social communication• Create intentional tech-free time for family conversations and connection• Stay curious about children's behavior, remembering that all behavior is communication• Providing correction when children use incorrect grammar helps build their reading foundationYou can find Dinalynn's podcast "The Language of Play" on any player, contact her at hello@thelanguageofplay.com, or access free resources through her newsletter.

This week Amber and Ed talk about what in fact f*#ks and what does not. You love it. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of The Brighter Side ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

This week on The Brighter Side, Ed and Amber sit down with the amazing Leah Bonnema to talk about manners and social etiquette. Leah is one of the hosts of the wonderful podcast "Were You Raised By Wolves?"So don't be rude and give it a listen! Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of The Brighter Side ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

It's a voyage of trivia on Go Fact Yourself!Tim Russ is a director, musician, and actor, perhaps best known for his role as Lieutenant Commander Tuvok on “Star Trek: Voyager.” He's also appeared in other roles across different editions of the franchise – but it wasn't until he attended a convention that he understood how dedicated the fanbase is. Plus: he'll tell us how he explores the stars in real life!Amber Nelson is a comedian who also hosts a number of podcasts. One, “The Brighter Side,” is all about finding optimism in troubling times (something that Amber never expected to work). Another, “Some Place Under Neith” examines stories of missing women and children.Areas of Expertise:Tim: Astronomy, Alien invasion movies of the 1950s and 60s, and World War II.Amber: The TV show “The Twilight Zone,” Korn songs, and World War I.What's the Difference: Eye SpyWhat's the difference between a telescope and a spyglass?What's the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?Guest Experts:Marc Scott Zicree: Screenwriter, producer, and author of the book The Twilight Zone Companion. Jack Moran: U.S. Army Staff Sergeant in WWII.Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits:Theme Song by Jonathan Green.Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!

LPN's own Kara Klenk stops by Studio 2 to join The Brighter Side to get grilled on scenarios from Amber and Ed while they discuss and try to figure out, Who Is The Bitch. Be good to yourselves, and try not to be the bitch, unless you have to, then go hard. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of The Brighter Side ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.