Podcasts about developmentally

If you've ever asked your child to do something—only to be met with silence, eye-rolls, or outright refusal—this episode is for you. Justin and Kylie dive into five surprising reasons why kids ignore us and share five powerful strategies to help them want to listen. With equal parts insight and humour, this episode offers real-world parenting advice that makes connection—not control—the goal. KEY POINTS: Kids often don’t listen because they don’t care about the task or see it as relevant to them. Developmentally, children are egocentric and lack adult-level perspective. Parents often forget to get their child’s attention before making a request. Screentime, distractions, and habits of non-compliance can reduce responsiveness. Being fun, patient, and involved can transform how children respond. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:“Be the kind of person your kids want to pay attention to.” RESOURCES: Happy Families Membership – happyfamilies.com.au How to Get Your Kids to Really Listen [PDF download] ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Get your child’s attention before speaking—use touch, eye contact, and a calm tone. Be involved—where possible, do the task together rather than directing from afar. Use gentle reminders and accountability instead of repeating or yelling. Be patient—allow time between request and response before following up. Make it fun—add humour, creativity, and playfulness to your interactions to boost connection. Find us on Facebook Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Event Objectives:Discuss basic knowledge regarding children's rights under federal and state law to necessary services.Discuss legal entitlements including: Medicaid Americans with Disabilities Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.Discuss common barriers to services faced by children and families and advocacy strategies to remedy these barriers.Claim CME Credit Here!

Why Your Kids Should Risk Breaking Their Arm Today Discover why letting your kids take physical risks - even ones that could land them in the doctor's office - might be exactly what they need for healthy development. Key Points: Physical challenges help children develop resilience Many schools have removed risky play equipment like monkey bars Stanford research shows parent reactions shape children's mindsets Developmentally appropriate risk is essential for growth Modern "safetyism" may be harming children's development Quote of the Episode: "When we treat all adversity as inherently negative, we do a tremendous disservice to our children and their ability to develop adaptive coping mechanisms." Key Insights: Babies look to parents' facial expressions to gauge danger Physical challenges often lead to better academic and social outcomes The difference between harmful trauma and beneficial stress How "safetyism" creates more fearful children The importance of scaffolding risk appropriately Resources Mentioned: Stanford University research on parental mindset Carol Dweck's growth mindset work "The Coddling of the American Mind" by Jonathan Haidt Biosphere 2 experiment Various physical activities mentioned (bouldering, surfing, ice skating) Action Steps for Parents: 1. Frame failures as opportunities for growth: Acknowledge pain/difficulty Ask "How would you do it differently next time?" Look for learning moments 2. Create supportive environments for risk-taking: Stay calm when children fall/fail Provide appropriate safety measures Be present but not hovering 3. Allow developmentally appropriate challenges: Start small and build up Match activities to age/ability Provide necessary equipment/support Consider activities like climbing, skating, or surfing when ready See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of The Peaceful Parenting Podcast is a conversation with Kim Hawley, a holistic sleep coach. We cover what developmentally appropriate sleep is and Kim shares some great tips and tricks to work with our little ones so everyone stays safe and gets more sleep. Be sure to listen to the end when we discuss my own experiences and sleep regrets from 20 years ago, when I was a young mother with children who didn't sleep well.  We talk about: 4:18 Developmentally appropriate sleep expectations kids 0-1 years-old 8:27 Problematic sleep practices that started in the 1950s 9:30 Developmentally appropriate sleep for toddlers 11:40 Why do toddlers wake at night? 17:00 How to get everyone more sleep safely 18:50 How to make babies/toddlers more comfortable with a separate room 22:00 Is there a place for tears? 27:55 The problems with rigid sleep schedules 32:00 Good sleep hygiene practices 38:18 How to use noise machines 39:00 Sarah's story with night weaning as a case study   Download the episode transcript HERE    Resources mentioned in this episode: Developmentally Appropriate Sleep Expectations: Birth to Age 5 (2024 Update) https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/2018/7/6/developmentally-appropriate-sleep-expectations-birth-to-age-5  The Responsive Family Sleep Podcast https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/podcast    Connect with Sarah Rosensweet:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahrosensweet/  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/peacefulparentingfreegroup Website: https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com   Join us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/peacefulparenting  Newsletter: https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/newsletter  Book a short consult or coaching session call: https://book-with-sarah-rosensweet.as.me/schedule.php   

Dawn Jones' and team's research unexpectedly unveiled the use of scrapbooks as a new methodological approach to action research within practice as well as research studies. Dawn proposes that scrapbooks could provide a rich collection of documented evidence to support both the inspection framework and the EYFS outcomes.   Read Dawn's article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/scrapbooks-as-a-methodological-and-practice-based-tool/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like to take a listen to and read Dawn's previous episodes and articles:   What do children have to say about their environment? -      https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/what-do-children-have-to-say-about-their-environment/   Problematising behaviour management systems -      https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/problematising-behaviour-management-systems/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Research context 09:00 – Scrapbooks as a listening tool 11:00 – Slowing down as a researcher and educator 14:00 – A collaborative tool for practice 21:00 – Empowering students to make an impact 25:00 – Scrapbooks as an analytical tool 30:00 – Scrapbooks for aiding inspection processes 32:30 – Collaborative tool and aiding joint observations 35:00 – Developmentally appropriate documentation 40:00 – Not having complete control as educator 44:00 – Slowing down, pondering and wallowing 46:30 – Accessibility of research   For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

In today's episode, my guest reminds us that no one goes through life unscathed. We all face big, difficult challenges—it's part of being human. And when we encounter these challenges while parenting, it's up to us to help our kids make sense of things in healthy ways that foster resilience. But how exactly do we do that? My guest, author-illustrator Sara Olsher, is a strong advocate for talking to kids honestly about the big things happening in our families. She speaks from her own experience, having navigated difficult conversations with her daughter during a messy divorce, followed shortly by a cancer diagnosis. Despite her fears about using the word "cancer," Sara knew it was important for her daughter to understand what was happening with accurate information. As Sara explained in our conversation, “Developmentally, the whole world revolves around them. So if you don't talk with children about these things, they'll invent a story that centers on them, and they may conclude it's their fault.” I love talking with people who take their personal experiences and hard-earned wisdom and turn them into tools to help others feel more supported and confident. That's exactly what Sara did, and today, she shares her journey with us. You'll hear how she navigated her divorce and used her daughter's anxiety as an opportunity to learn the power of visual schedules and open communication in helping kids cope with tough situations. She also discusses the series of children's books she's written to help parents tackle heavy topics like chronic illness, hospice, cancer, and emotions. One thing that really stood out to me was how going through hard times can actually prepare our kids to live with uncertainty. In addition to her books, Sara is the founder of Mighty and Bright, a company that helps kids and adults manage their lives more easily with magnetic visual schedules. She shares how she discovered visual schedules almost by accident, but how they transformed her daughter's anxiety overnight. They sound like a game changer for many families, so definitely check out her resources if they resonate with you. I hope you enjoy this conversation with Sara Olsher.   About Sara Olsher After surviving a divorce and cancer all before she turned 35, mom and author-illustrator Sara Olsher took the lessons she learned about helping kids through major life changes and wrote a book. Then another, and another. She now has twelve picture books under her belt, and is the founder of Mighty and Bright, a company that helps kids and adults understand and manage their lives more easily using magnetic visual schedules. Sara was chosen as a 2023 Remarkable Woman by Nexstar Media.   Things you'll learn Why open communication and honesty are crucial when discussing difficult topics with children How visual schedules provide a sense of control and security for children, especially when they're experiencing anxiety related to life circumstances How children's books can be powerful tools for explaining complex concepts like chronic illness, divorce, and death Why ongoing communication and flexibility are key in supporting children as they foster adaptability How parents can heal their own trauma and create a deeper connection with their children by addressing difficult topics openly and honestly   Resources mentioned Sara Olsher's website Mighty and Bright Mighty and Bright on Instagram Mighty and Bright on TikTok What Happens When… book series Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jean-Mari Dagarin, from The Early Childhood POV, joins me today to talk about a growing concern in early education: 'schoolification'—the push to bring formal academic practices into early childhood spaces. With over 30 years of experience as an early childhood advocate, administrator, college professor, and developmentally appropriate practice expert, Jean Marie has seen firsthand how these pressures impact young learners. Today, we're unpacking what schoolification means, why it's problematic, and, more importantly, how educators can combat it while staying true to developmentally appropriate practices. Highlights: Defining Schoolification: Jean Marie breaks down the concept of "schoolification" in early childhood, discussing how academic pressures are being pushed down to younger ages and why this is often developmentally inappropriate. Examples of Inappropriate Early Literacy Practices: Jean Marie shares specific examples of early literacy practices that do not align with developmentally appropriate principles, highlighting the need for a child-centered approach. Laura shares some that she did before she knew better Natural Literacy Development in Play-Based Learning: Jean Marie and Laura provide insights into how early literacy skills can unfold naturally through play, offering practical strategies for fostering language and literacy in a way that supports children's developmental stages. If you want to think deeper about early literacy, what's often done wrong, and how teachers can nurture children's natural literacy development through play, this episode is for you! So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let's jump into this eye-opening conversation with Jean-Mari. Connect with Laura: Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Website: Little Stories That Stick Learn more with the Play-Based Literacy Masterclass Connect with Jean-Mari: Instagram: @the.early.childhood.pov Website: earlychildhoodpov.com Learn more with DAP 101

Reward charts, certificates and golden time – how do such behaviour management systems affect children's self-perception and the perception of their peers? Dawn Jones discusses her research, opening up conversations around adult and child power imbalances, listening to children, classroom design and much more. This episode is sponsored by ‘My Mood Stars'. My Mood Stars are resources that have been created to support emotional development; with the aim of encouraging children to talk about their feelings and emotions. To find out more about My Mood Stars visit: https://www.wendywoo.uk/mymoodstars/  Read Dawn's article: Problematising behaviour management systems – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/problematising-behaviour-management-systems/    Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:  Learned helplessness: Are we setting children up for failure? with Dr Sue Allingham - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/learned-helplessness  Growth mindset in early childhood with Matt Bawler - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/growth-mindset-in-early-childhood/  Life skills over academic achievement with Zanna Clarke and Carmela Garcia Manas -   https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/life-skills-over-academic-achievement/  Telling hopeful stories of advocacy, agency and rights in ECEC with Dr Jo Albin-Clark and Dr Nathan Archer - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/advocacy-agency-and-rights-in-early-childhood/  Essential skills for social sustainability with Carmela Garcia Manas - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/essential-skills-for-social-sustainability/  Episode break down: 00:00 – Background into the research 04:50 – Why is ‘Golden time' problematic? 08:50 – ‘I have things to say & nobody listens' 15:10 – Creating a sense of helplessness 16:50 – Public shaming & negative perceptions of self & peers 22:35 – The power behind the teacher 23:20 – ‘The blue mat' – Developmentally inappropriate practices 27:50 – Old fashioned behaviour management systems 29:50 – Children spend so much time either ‘waiting' or ‘hurrying' 32:50 – Reward certificates – Some children will never get one… 34:50 – Judging children by standardised expectations 37:05 – Celebrating children for their unique selves 38:15 – Do we want critical thinkers or robots? 40:50 – Challenging standardised practice is a form of advocacy For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com 

Over the past two episodes, I told you the story of non-verbal, autistic 13-year-old Jonathan Carey, who was smothered to death in 2007. His killer was a care worker from a facility for people with developmental disabilities. How could something like this happen?In this episode, you'll hear my conversation with Jonathan's father, Michael Carey, who has spent the last 17 years pushing for a massive overhaul of New York State's mental health system as well as legislature to help protect others with developmental disabilities. This is part three of the mind-boggling story of Jonathan Carey.Form letter to print and send: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VogzAAW9Kh1by2-IDOgN94ZI73-BxyxZ/view?usp=sharing “Prevalence of Violence”: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/prevalence-of-violenceArticle about sexual predator Stephen DeProspero: https://www.ydr.com/story/news/crime/2017/02/20/predators-dream-ny-pays-3m-family-molested-boy/98154714/ Article about whistleblower Jeffrey Monsour: https://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/news/local-news/2017/11/opwdd-whistleblower-asks-workers-to-speak-up/ “Jane Lynch” affidavit (“coherent oversight scheme”): https://drive.google.com/file/d/17vYWA2DY_HqwIluGcyyadExmDqckjRHh/view?usp=sharing Jonathan's Law: http://jonathanslaw.com Jonathan Carey Foundation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JonathanCareyFoundation New York Times Abused and Used series: https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/interactive/nyregion/abused-and-used-series-page.htmlSpotlight movie (2015): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1895587/ Photos related to today's episode can be viewed on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpod You can also follow the podcast on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpodTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/STLCpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@STLCpodMy Linktree is available here: https://linktr.ee/stlcpod Visit the podcast's web page at https://www.sufferthelittlechildrenpod.com. By supporting me on Patreon, you'll also access rewards, including a shout-out by name on the podcast and exclusive rewards. Visit www.patreon.com/STLCpod. You can also support the podcast on www.Ko-Fi.com/STLCpod. Join my Supporters' Club: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support This podcast is researched, written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine.Music for this episode is licensed from https://audiojungle.net. Subscribe to Suffer the Little Children:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/suffer-the-little-children/id1499010711Google Podcasts: https://playmusic.app.goo.gl/?ibi=com.google.PlayMusic&isi=691797987&ius=googleplaymusic&apn=com.google.android.music&link=https://play.google.com/music/m/I5mx3lacxpdkhssmk2n22csf32u?t%3DSuffer_the_Little_Children%26pcampaignid%3DMKT-na-all-co-pr-mu-pod-16Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/show/suffer-the-little-children Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children/PC:61848?part=PC:61848&corr=podcast_organic_external_site&TID=Brand:POC:PC61848:podcast_organic_external_siteSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w98Tpd3710BZ0u036T1KEiHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/77891101/ ...or on your favorite podcast listening platform.

Feeling helpless and lacking control in your own learning and wider life seems to be a common attribute being noticed in children and young people currently. It is important to begin unpicking this from early childhood…Dr Sue Allingham reflects on how the EYFS Characteristics of effective teaching and learning are supporting children to be resilient and build a growth mindset…yet what goes wrong the minute they step into a school? Read Sue's article: Learned helplessness: Are we setting children up for failure? –  https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/learned-helplessness/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode you might also like: Life skills over academic achievement with Zanna Clarke and Carmela Garcia Manas -   https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/life-skills-over-academic-achievement/ Growth mindset in early childhood with Matt Bawler - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/growth-mindset-in-early-childhood/ Self-efficacy in young children with Maureen Hunt - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/self-efficacy-in-young-children/ Starting from the child? With Professor Julie Fisher - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/starting-from-the-child/ Telling hopeful stories of advocacy, agency and rights in ECEC with Dr Jo Albin-Clark and Dr Nathan Archer - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/advocacy-agency-and-rights-in-early-childhood/ It's not really about dinosaurs with Jan Dubiel - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-curriculum/ Essential skills for social sustainability with Carmela Garcia Manas - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/essential-skills-for-social-sustainability/  Episode break down: 00:00 – What is ‘learned helplessness?' 05:45 – Characteristics of effective teaching and learning 06:45 – What goes wrong the minute they step into a school? 07:20 – Preconceived curricula 08:40 – Sustained shared thinking 09:15 – Are we setting children up for failure? 09:35 – The opposite of learned helplessness 11:50 – A societal slide towards learned helplessness 12:10 – What is this like in university? – Is it a ‘Covid thing?' 17:35 – The impact of mental health 20:15 – Equipping children with skills to deal with emotions 24:10 – Maths and learned helplessness 27:00 – Are we limiting children's capabilities? 29:00 – Age related expectations 31:30 – Developing life skills 33:20 – Pushing children to progress without breaking them! 40:45 – Development before progress… 42:25 – Is it easier to follow a scheme than set your own planning? 48:10 – Problematising learned helplessness further 51:20 – Admitting that we as adults are wrong 55:45 – Skills for school or skills for life? 57:55 – Developmentally appropriate vs informed practice 59:35 – Further listening and reading linked to this topic 01:02:20 – A space for shared reflection… For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com 

Let me be clear: Humans ARE animals. Empathy for animals is not about thinking they're cute. It's about creating a strong connection where we understand their unique needs and habitats so we can be part of the solution to increase biodiversity, avoid extinction, and promote a healthy planet for ALL of us.Today, I am delighted to speak to Jim Wharton. We talk about how and why to create stronger connections between humans, animals, and nature at large, why empathy is required to make change, how to make conservation personal, and when and how we can use strategic anthropomorphism (that's when we attribute human traits to animals!) without actually causing harm to them. And Jim shares the amazing 2024 expansion at the Seattle Aquarium featuring animals and habitats from the Coral Triangle which allows them to tell a more globally connected story of ocean conservation. It sounds amazing! To access the episode transcript, please click on the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.com Key Takeaways:The disconnection to nature is artificial and allows people to externalize conservation and not embrace it as something that affects them as fellow animals.The disconnect between humans and nature is an illusion that falsely elevates humans above everything else.Anthropomorphism is not necessarily the problem. The real problems come with anthropocentrism - thinking the human experience is the central defining experience leading to humans harming the animals they are trying to care for. "Developmentally we all start out being deeply, deeply connected to everything around us. We begin our lives looking at animals as anthropomorphic peers, the same as your brother or sister, there's no difference to you. And then gradually, over time, we have “difference” educated into us and “connection” educated out of us." — Jim WhartonEpisode References:Empathy Initiatives at the Seattle Aquarium: seattleaquarium.org/about-us/in-our-community/fostering-empathy-for-wildlifeCitizens: Why the Key to Fixing Everything is All of Us by Jon AlexanderInternet of ElephantsAbout Jim Wharton, VP, Conservation Engagement & Learning, Seattle AquariumDr. Jim Wharton is the Vice President of Conservation Engagement and Learning at the Seattle Aquarium. Jim joined the Aquarium in 2012 from Mote Marine Laboratory where he served as Vice President of Education. He holds a B.S. from the University of Michigan, an M.S. in marine resource management from Oregon State University, and a Ph.D. in educational measurement and evaluation from the University of South Florida. Jim and the team at the Seattle Aquarium have been working with partners to explore how fostering empathy in our audiences can contribute to conservation outcomes. The Aquarium has shared effective practices and strategies for fostering empathy through publications and workshops with over 70 zoos and aquariums with a combined attendance of more than 75 million annually. The Aquarium partnered on a children's book (and puppet show), Catastrophe by the Sea, that encourages readers to empathize with less traditionally charismatic animals. Jim is also an advocate for diversifying the way we talk about and portray sharks, shark scientists, and shark conservation in popular media.Connect with Jim WhartonSeattle Aquarium: seattleaquarium.orgX: https://x.com/jimwhartonLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jimmwhartonJoin the community and discover what empathy can do for you: red-slice.comPRE-SALE SPECIAL! Pre-order 1 to 99 copies of Maria's new book, The Empathy Dilemma for your leaders, exec team, (or yourself?!) and GET 30%! bit.ly/TEDSpecialPresale Offer ends August 27, 2024! Connect with Maria:Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria and her work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaX: @redsliceFacebook: Red Slice

Jonathan Carey was autistic and nonverbal. Because he needed more care than they could provide in their home, when Jonathan was nine, his parents sent him to a highly recommended residential program at the Anderson School in Staatsburg, New York, where young Jonathan was starved, isolated, and physically abused. Due to the PTSD Jonathan suffered from the abuse, he had difficulties at home, and the Careys had no choice but to find another residential placement for him. In 2005, Jonathan began attending the residential program for adolescents at the well-regarded O.D. Heck Developmental Center in Niskayuna, New York. On February 15, 2007, 13-year-old Jonathan died at the hands of an O.D. Heck employee, and his father, Michael Carey, began his mission to uncover the rampant corruption in New York state's care system for the developmentally disabled.This is part one of the mind-boggling story of Jonathan Carey.My Magic Mind link | https://magicmind.com/BYLAINE20 (use code BYLAINE20 at checkout)Willowbrook: The Last Great Disgrace | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRK0LO-9ZYk Unforgotten: 25 Years After Willowbrook | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNLyKW8fCNg The Path Forward: Remembering Willowbrook (2023) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ev80qEtp2u4  Interoffice memo about abuse at the Anderson School | http://www.autismschoolabuse.com/Abuse_at_Anderson_School.html Photos related to today's episode can be viewed on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpod You can also follow the podcast on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpodTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/STLCpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@STLCpodMy Linktree is available here: https://linktr.ee/stlcpod Visit the podcast's web page at https://www.sufferthelittlechildrenpod.com.By supporting me on Patreon, you'll also access rewards, including a shout-out by name on the podcast and exclusive rewards. Visit www.patreon.com/STLCpod. You can also support the podcast on www.Ko-Fi.com/STLCpod. Join my Supporters' Club: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support This podcast is researched, written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine.Music for this episode is licensed from https://audiojungle.net. Subscribe to Suffer the Little Children:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/suffer-the-little-children/id1499010711Google Podcasts: https://playmusic.app.goo.gl/?ibi=com.google.PlayMusic&isi=691797987&ius=googleplaymusic&apn=com.google.android.music&link=https://play.google.com/music/m/I5mx3lacxpdkhssmk2n22csf32u?t%3DSuffer_the_Little_Children%26pcampaignid%3DMKT-na-all-co-pr-mu-pod-16Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/show/suffer-the-little-children Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children/PC:61848?part=PC:61848&corr=podcast_organic_external_site&TID=Brand:POC:PC61848:podcast_organic_external_siteSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w98Tpd3710BZ0u036T1KEiHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/77891101/ ...or on your favorite podcast listening platform.

Do you know whether your child's sippy cup is doing more harm than good? Listen to my guest, an infant feeding expert for the answers. Click here for the show notes and extra resources. An infant feeding expert explains why it's best to ditch the sippy cup and use an open cup instead when teaching children to learn to drink on their own. She also shared more baby-led weaning advice. What We Talked About: What are the benefits of Baby-Led Weaning How not using a sippy cup can prevent speech delays and feeding issues Making mealtime safer and more enjoyable for children What are the feeding Developmental Milestones Both the immature and mature swallowing patterns in babies. How to help babies develop essential pre-feeding skills The natural picky eating stage and how to handle it effectively Things to Remember “Parenting is acquiring that knowledge and then making the best decision that works for your family.” “Baby-led-weaning is allowing the baby to have some control and learn new skills.” “Skip the sippy cup and use an open cup to help your child meet their feeding milestones.” “Developmentally, the picky eating phase is normal with the toddlers but not with infants.” “Babies are born to be able to suck and swallow and that swallowing reflex changes as the baby gets older.” “Picky eating is a natural feeding and swallowing phase that every child should go through.” “Two things that a child is doing during that picky-eating phase is they're trying to figure out if that food is still safe for them and they're trying to figure out if that feeder is still safe for them.” - Dawn Winkelmann   Click here for the show notes and extra resources.

"We've gone down this path of expecting little humans to sit when they're not developmentally made to sit this long. Brains don't learn like this," says Prerna Richards, founder of Together We Grow.In this episode, Prerna walks us through how to use developmentally appropriate practices to de-stress teachers and children. Prerna says early childhood education programs are seeing aggressive behaviors and shares how child care staff can use DAP to take the stress out of learning to create a better environment for children and themselves. These tips include recognizing that attention-seeking behavior is a relationship-seeking need and how to move past just surviving.To reach Prerna or learn more about her work, visit www.togetherwegrow.online and check out her YouTube channel for informative videos. You also can find her on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!

You have just experienced a loss of a loved on or a family pet. How do you tell your kids about it? What do you tell your kids? Navigating these conversations is difficult, especially when you, yourself, are grieving too. Here from an expert in the area so you feel prepared when you need to have these conversations.What we cover in this episode:1. Talking about death is a difficult and hard subject especially with kids. What approach should we take when we talk to our kids about death? 2. Developmentally, when do children understand the concept of death? How does this affect how I talk to them about death and grief?3. A loved one or pet just died. Talk me through how you would tell your child and what you avoid in the conversation?4. How often should I check in with my child about the loss? Do I bring it up or do I let them bring it up?5. I am mourning the loss of our loved one toAbout Sidu:Sidu Arroyo-Boulter is a family psychotherapist in Texas, specializing in difficult family dynamics and parenting. Sidu is passionate about helping parents deepen their emotional understanding of themselves so that they can welcome their child into rest, acceptance, and belonging.Find Sidu on Instragramhttps://www.instagram.com/conscious.parents/?hl=en______________________________Did you love this episode? BUY ME A COFFEE for support!Find me on Instagram@balkanina@mamaknowspodcastFind me on TikTokBalkaninaSubscribe to my NewsletterPrivate Facebook Motherhood-Podcast CommunityMama Knows FBDisclaimer: This podcast does not provide any medical advice, it is for informational purposes only!

Carol and Jeff discuss slowing things down and moving at the pace of children instead of pushing stuff into their heads based on some adult timeline. Thanks for listening! Links Visit Playvolution HQ Check out Play Haven Share text and audio comments, or just come hang out at Play Haven Visit playvolutionhq.com/ccbag for cohost links, show archives, and more

From Mandy's Farm in the South Valley, Executive Director Melissa McCue, and Barn Manager Shannon Burt, along with two cute little goats Rowdy and Mae discuss the Goat Derby. A benefit being held the 1st Saturday of May to help Developmentally disadvantaged people, right here on News Radio KKOB. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We  discuss the importance of art in the classroom, how to make art more developmentally appropriate, AND a new method of teaching art called TAB. I had the lovely and wonderful Faigie on the podcast and am excited for you to hear her passion for art through this episode.  I truly believe in the power of art. It can help young children develop in ways you never thought possible and can be truly empowering for them. I'd love to know… what was your biggest takeaway from this episode?  Share it with me on Instagram @coachforteachers.Connect with Faigie below:https://www.eduart4kids.comhttps://www.instagram.com/eduart4kids  

Just about every educator has no doubt worked with "that kid." It's the student who can't sit still, who can't just focus, who seems to lash out when faced with even a minor perceived slight. Lindsay Rice was "that kid" and she knows all too well how challenging, and even sometimes traumatic, school can be for other "that kids" like her. But now, as a third grade teacher, Rice is working to share her experiences and perspectives to help other educators better support neurodiverse learners in their classes and to help bring other neurodiverse educators into the education profession.  We also hear from an Aspiring Educator who is passionate about what she's learned about the importance of play-based, strengths-based early childhood education programs. With engaging conversations and practical insights, this episode offers valuable perspectives for educators seeking to create inclusive and effective learning environments.SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to subscribe on Google podcasts so you don't miss a thing. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.Featured Public Education Matters guests: Lindsay Rice, Columbus Education Association memberLindsay has a Bachelor's degree in Speech and Hearing Science and a Master's degree in Childhood Education from SUNY Cortland. Over 11 years, she has demonstrated exceptional growth in high-poverty schools. A devoted member of ATE and NEA, she has presented for prominent organizations and authored impactful blogs for Better Lessons. Her leadership shines through the completion of NEA's Teacher Leadership Institute and ATE's Leadership Program. Lindsay served as an observer at the National Education Summit. Her unique perspective as a person with ADHD enriches her advocacy for neurodiversity. Her scholars consistently outperform predictions by 30 to 40 percentile points. She has also crafted curriculum materials and contributed to publications on trauma-informed practices. She is currently working on a book entitled When "That Kid" Becomes the Teacher. Brittney McCarey, Aspiring Educator - Grand Canyon University After several years of experience in customer service roles and as a stay-at-home mom, Brittney McCarey decided to pursue a bachelor's degree in early childhood education at Grand Canyon University. She expects to graduate in 2026 and is seeking job opportunities in early childhood education, hoping to gain valuable experience and contribute her skills to a team. She is currently focusing on career development goals including participating in leadership conferences and networking opportunities, including those that brought her to OEA's Aspiring Educators division initially. She is also working to further self-care goals, including setting clear boundaries, identifying core values, and engaging in activities that promote relation and well-being.Connect with OEA:Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topicsLike OEA on FacebookFollow OEA on TwitterFollow OEA on InstagramGet the latest news and statements from OEA hereLearn more about where OEA stands on the issues Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative WatchAbout us:The Ohio Education Association represents about 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio's schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio's children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio's schools.Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. Katie often jokes that her children are walking petri dishes because they are always bringing one kind of 'bug' or another home from preschool and daycare. As you can hear in this episode, Katie was battling yet another one of those illnesses while recording the interviews for this episode. Katie believes she has a good chance of developing an unstoppable immune system by the time her kids are both in elementary school. This episode was recorded on March 6 and March 14, 2024.

Carol and Jeff discuss personalizing developmentally appropriate practice. Thanks for listening! Links Visit Playvolution HQ Check out Play Haven Share text and audio comments, or just come hang out at Play Haven Visit playvolutionhq.com/ccbag for cohost links, show archives, and more

#416: What are the signs that your baby is ready to start solid foods? What if your baby isn't sitting up at 6 months, is it ok to do purees? Or what if you think your baby is ready EARLY even though they're not 6 months yet?  In this episode Registered Dietitian and Early Intervention Specialist Amy Manojlovski, RDN shares some of the most important indicators that your baby is ready to start solid foods. She's explaining typical vs. atypical development milestones that center around nutrition so that you can determine when your baby is really ready to start solid foods. Follow Amy online at https://happylittletummies.com/ Shownotes with all the links mentioned in this episode are here: https://blwpodcast.com/416

#416: What are the signs that your baby is ready to start solid foods? What if your baby isn't sitting up at 6 months, is it ok to do purees? Or what if you think your baby is ready EARLY even though they're not 6 months yet?  In this episode Registered Dietitian and Early Intervention Specialist Amy Manojlovski, RDN shares some of the most important indicators that your baby is ready to start solid foods. She's explaining typical vs. atypical development milestones that center around nutrition so that you can determine when your baby is really ready to start solid foods. Follow Amy online at https://happylittletummies.com/ Shownotes with all the links mentioned in this episode are here: https://blwpodcast.com/416

Greetings and Welcome to another Potentially Useful episode of the TCAPSLoop Podcast. Danelle's leveled up after her successful quest through MACUL 2024 and will guide us into the exciting realm of Developmentally Appropriate AI in Education. We know our youngest learners must develop the necessary critical thinking skills to navigate a landscape where AI will be ubiquitous. So, gear-up, fellow ed-tech explorers, as we embark on a journey through bytes, and building blocks. Moment of Zen: There are very few human beings who receive the truth, complete and staggering, by instant illumination. Most of them acquire it fragment by fragment, on a small scale, by successive developments, cellularly, like a laborious mosaic. - Anais Nin   The Rundown: Thoughts on Access vs. Exposure in regards to AI in schools Generative AI has potential benefits for education and risks that must be thoughtfully managed.   Early Elementary - Bite sized digital citizenship, scaffolding to big ideas AI is not a human “Peek under the hood” to see how these things work Critical Thinking  AI hallucinations AI created images Slow down and self reflect AND Seek facts and evidence (5 core dispositions of digital citizenship) Not directly on AI systems - under 13   Later Elementary Problem solvers, if we aren't careful, they will learn to rely on this kind of tech rather than solving their own problems Ask ChatGPT questions, but the teacher is always in the drivers seat. Spend a LOT of time thinking critically about the answers Not directly on AI systems - under 13   Middle School  CAUTION! “Over 13? Let's get them on AI!” Developmentally what do we know about middle school brains?  They lack impulse control. Set guardrails and limits.  Exercises in which students ask a generative AI chatbot to answer a question or write an essay and then critique it—looking for factual errors, etc. “It should be used as a tool to complement and challenge the critical-thinking skills that come online at this age,”    High School High school students are fast becoming sophisticated users of programs like ChatGPT. Teachers may feel their main duty at this stage is to police students and make sure they're not using ChatGPT, Photomath, and similar technologies to do their assignments. But experts say that educators have a more important role to play: primarily, to teach students the limitations of the technology. The text and images created by generative AI programs, for example, can be plagued with biases, stereotypes, and inaccuracies. “Exercise your natural suspicions. Doubt the machine. Don't take answers at face value” AI is an important component of their education, but it still needs boundaries and guidance.  AI Literacy Lessons for Grades 6–12 | Common Sense Education   Tech Tool of the Week AI Literacy Lessons for Grades 6–12 | Common Sense Education   Rate, Review and Subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Pocketcast, Podbean, Castbox, Overcast, Bullhorn, or wherever else you get your ear candy.  Thanks for listening and inspiring!   Please rate and review the podcast on your app of choice and leave us a comment on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram Thank you so much for listening and inspiring!   Hosts: Danelle Brostrom, Larry Burden Um and Ramble Editing: Larry Burden   Cover art created with help from Adobe Firefly.

You are in for a treat!  This is my first interview and it's with my friend and fellow Speech Language Pathologist, Racheal.  She has a wealth of knowledge and shares some golden nuggets in this episode.  Learn the importance of meeting toddlers where they're at developmentally to help them develop communication, what could be hindering communication opportunities, raising expectations for our kiddos, and how to partner with your speech therapist and the importance of honesty between parent and clinician.  Stick around to the end for her Talking Tip.  It's excellent and quite honestly, it's not something we've talked about enough on this podcast up to this point.   Reach out if you have any questions or any topics you would like discussed on this podcast.  This is for you and I want it to be as relevant as possible - for YOU.  Reach out to hello@randolphspeechtherapy.com.   Grab your copy of The Talking Toddler Checklist or the Quick Guide to Speech Development.    Visit: www.randolphspeechtherapy.com

Gypsy Rose Blanchard: Breaking Patterns and Seeking a Healthy Path Forward Can someone who has lived a life dominated by manipulation and control find a way to break free from destructive patterns? This is the central question explored in a recent episode of "Hidden Killers," where host Tony Brueski and psychotherapist Shavaun Scott discuss the complex case of Gypsy Rose Blanchard.    Gypsy Rose, known for her involvement in the murder of her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, who subjected her to years of abuse and deception, faces the challenge of breaking free from the patterns instilled in her. Brueski and Scott delve into the difficulties Gypsy Rose faces in adjusting to a normal life after being imprisoned by her mother and then by the law.    Scott points out that Gypsy Rose's tendency to live in fantasy, a legacy from her mother, is a significant hurdle. "She doesn't know what's real... She's still looking for Prince Charming," Scott says, highlighting Gypsy Rose's lack of experience with real-world norms and relationships. Despite not exhibiting her mother's cruelty, Gypsy Rose's distorted perception of reality and relationships poses a challenge to her development.    The discussion also touches on the role of Gypsy Rose's father and stepmother in her life. While they appear supportive, Scott expresses concern about their ability to provide the parenting Gypsy Rose needs. "Developmentally she's thinking like a 14, 15-year-old right now," Scott explains, emphasizing the need for more active and involved parenting to guide her.    Brueski expresses skepticism about the support system around Gypsy Rose, particularly her father's passive approach. "How did he not ever question the mother more specifically?" Brueski asks, pointing to potential red flags in the family dynamics.    As the episode concludes, the question remains: Can Gypsy Rose Blanchard, with the support of her family and despite her challenging past, navigate a path towards a healthier and more stable life? Her story, as discussed in "Hidden Killers," serves as a poignant reminder of the long-lasting impact of childhood trauma and the complexities involved in overcoming deeply ingrained patterns of behavior. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK's Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Gypsy Rose Blanchard: Breaking Patterns and Seeking a Healthy Path Forward Can someone who has lived a life dominated by manipulation and control find a way to break free from destructive patterns? This is the central question explored in a recent episode of "Hidden Killers," where host Tony Brueski and psychotherapist Shavaun Scott discuss the complex case of Gypsy Rose Blanchard.    Gypsy Rose, known for her involvement in the murder of her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, who subjected her to years of abuse and deception, faces the challenge of breaking free from the patterns instilled in her. Brueski and Scott delve into the difficulties Gypsy Rose faces in adjusting to a normal life after being imprisoned by her mother and then by the law.    Scott points out that Gypsy Rose's tendency to live in fantasy, a legacy from her mother, is a significant hurdle. "She doesn't know what's real... She's still looking for Prince Charming," Scott says, highlighting Gypsy Rose's lack of experience with real-world norms and relationships. Despite not exhibiting her mother's cruelty, Gypsy Rose's distorted perception of reality and relationships poses a challenge to her development.    The discussion also touches on the role of Gypsy Rose's father and stepmother in her life. While they appear supportive, Scott expresses concern about their ability to provide the parenting Gypsy Rose needs. "Developmentally she's thinking like a 14, 15-year-old right now," Scott explains, emphasizing the need for more active and involved parenting to guide her.    Brueski expresses skepticism about the support system around Gypsy Rose, particularly her father's passive approach. "How did he not ever question the mother more specifically?" Brueski asks, pointing to potential red flags in the family dynamics.    As the episode concludes, the question remains: Can Gypsy Rose Blanchard, with the support of her family and despite her challenging past, navigate a path towards a healthier and more stable life? Her story, as discussed in "Hidden Killers," serves as a poignant reminder of the long-lasting impact of childhood trauma and the complexities involved in overcoming deeply ingrained patterns of behavior. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK's Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

It's awkward and very necessary!  In today's episode, we're diving into the powerful theme of sexual education and its far-reaching impact on both individuals and society. Stick around as we break down some key moments and insights shared by our incredible guest, Michelle Slaybaugh, Director of Social Impact and Strategic Communications for SIECUS, the nation's leading nonprofit dedicated to sex ed for social change. Michelle is a sexologist, educator, and activist for comprehensive sex education, reproductive justice, and sexual health equity for all people. She had a pivotal role at the Harlem Children's Zone and has shared her expertise on ViceNews, BET's Black Coffee, RevoltTV, and many more.  Her goal is to reach the masses and engage in real, raw, and unapologetic conversations about sexuality. If you want to know more about the sex education that your kids are getting in school and how to talk to your kids about sex, tune in now!  Here are a few topics: 

AMDG.  This episode debuts in the dreary days of American wintertime, but our topic is far sunnier: summer camp.  Bonnie and Steven visit with Josh Wattenbarger and Alyssa Wollums of The Pines Catholic Camp about the highs, lows, benefits, and burdens of the camping experience both at The Pines itself and more generally.  The conversation ranges from fun and games to unhealthy socialization like cliques and bullying, family dynamics to handling homesickness, and overall, the developmentally appropriate independence that camp fosters.   Check out The Pines Catholic Camp here.  Relevant Kolbecast episodes:  105 Not Just for Special Occasions  92: Protect, Guide, Prepare, Empower  155 Mission Intent: Pathways to Serve  The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles).  Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast!  Have questions or suggestions for future episodes? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to podcast@kolbe.org and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey. 

Today I'm chatting with Jean-Mari Dagarin, an advocate for play-based learning and developmentally appropriate practice (DAP). We define and explore the essence of DAP and its crucial role in childhood and how it fosters optimal learning environments for young children. Key Takeaways: Protecting Childhood: DAP, according to Jean Marie, revolves around honoring and safeguarding childhood. It prioritizes play, exploration, and child-led learning, creating an environment that respects and nurtures children's natural development. Responsive Teaching: A hallmark of DAP is its responsiveness. Teachers adapt to the evolving needs of children, offering flexibility and organic learning experiences that cater to individual growth. Engagement Over Control: The emphasis shifts from control to engagement. Allowing children the freedom to make choices and supporting their autonomy leads to more enriching and fulfilling learning experiences. Inclusive Environment: A DAP environment is inclusive, embracing diversity and ensuring every child feels represented, respected, and included in the learning process. Teacher-Child Relationships: Building respectful, supportive relationships with both children and parents is pivotal. Mutual respect and understanding create an environment where learning flourishes. If you've ever been stuck defining developmentally appropriate practice, or wonder how to embrace DAP, this episode's for you! Jean-Mari and Kristen share ways to create an environment that prioritizes play, responsiveness, and respectful relationships.   Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or atKristenRBPeterson.com Find Jean-Mari here: @the_early_childhood_pov

An interview with Liora Schwartz: Trauma-informed and neuro-developmentally sensitive approaches for parents and professionals.Liora Schwartz (she/her) has over two decades of experience in the trenches of the New York City public school system and is a parent of a complicated, brilliant, neurodivergent teen. As such, she has a unique perspective that has broadened outside many traditional boxes. Liora's work with parents and professionals aims to be trauma-informed and neuro-developmentally sensitive and is informed both by current research and the lived experiences of autistic advocates.Support the show

The rates of developmental delays, ADD, ADHD, and conditions like autism are on a steep rise. Parents of children who receive a diagnosis may think that there are no options for treatment. But our guest today, Dr. Josh Madsen, is changing that.He is proving to parents from all over the country that there IS hope and there are effective, simple treatments to improve their child's development, learning, and overall health.Dr. Josh Madsen has studied hard and continues to grow and learn so as to best equip himself to better use functional neurology, chiropractic, and functional medicine to help children heal and find hope. He first received his undergraduate degree in Exercise Science from University of Northern Iowa. He then went on to become a Doctor of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic. As he continued to learn more and grow his knowledge, he studied Neurodevelopmental Delays from Carrick Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, and Functional Neurology through Functional Neurology seminars, accredited through the National University of Health Sciences.We discuss:What kind of conditions Dr. Madsen treatsHow are primitive reflexes related to ADD, ADHD and autism?Cutting edge treatments: lights, lasers, hyperbaric oxygen tanksThe role of nutrition in child developmentWhat's causing the rise in autism?What ALL parents need to know about movementSimple tests for parents to use at homemuch more!WANNA HEAR YOUR VOICE ON OUR SHOW? Now you can send us voice memos on Speakpipe! Ask us a question or leave us a comment and we will play it in an upcoming show. Leave us a message here: https://www.speakpipe.com/TheMedicinPodcastCONNECT WITH DR. JOSH: Website / IG OUR LINKS + DISCOUNTSMushyLove Latte (discount: MEDICIN)Immune Intel AHCCOur favorite Reishi KING CoffeeWild Pastures Meat Subscription (discount: MEDICIN)Organifi (20% discount: MIMIFIT)See all our favorite products on The Medicin CabinetCONNECT WITH USOur websiteMimi's IG // Chase's IG // The Medicin IGSound from Zapsplat.com

In today's podcast I interview Joy and Richard Abiador, whose 18-year-old daughter, Syra, died by suicide approximately three years ago. Joy and Richard share how Syra's suicide impacted their family, differences in how they grieve, and how they have learned to live with so many unanswered questions. They also discuss their decision to be public with family and friends regarding Syra's decision to end her life and how they have coped with their traumatic grief. Key Points: Suicide is currently the 11th leading cause of death in the United States. In 2021 there was an average of 132 suicide deaths per day and 48,123 total deaths. The highest rate of suicides is by middle age white men, but suicide rates among young adults are increasing and suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among young adults ages 15-24. According to the national alliance on mental illness, almost 20% of high school students have seriously contemplated suicide. According to Dr. Carl Fleisher, who specializes in adolescent and child psychiatry, young people are vulnerable to suicide because of where they stand socially and developmentally. Developmentally, their pre-frontal cortex is not fully formed making them more impulsive and unable to weigh risks and consequences in the same manner as adults. Dr. Fleisher also states they are not as socially connected in society because they have not had a chance to engage in committed relationships, have children or establish themselves compared to older generations. A death by suicide is sudden but not always unexpected, especially if there have been previous suicide attempts, a family history of suicide, or other strong suicide risk factors. According to Syra's family, her death was completely unexpected and the night they found her was filled with chaos, shock, and feelings of helplessness when they found their daughter. Joy talks about her struggles, looking for a note from her daughter or anything that would help her comprehend “the why”. She acknowledged that she has now come to a place where she has accepted that she will never know or understand Syra's decision. Richard, on the other hand, consulted with people he trusted for guidance and advice, and developed a narrative that provided him with answers he could live with. Joy and Richard share differences in how they grieve and how they still support one another. Men and women grieve differently, and partners can grieve both separately and together within a marital unit or committed relationship. Research has shown that men tend to be more task or action oriented in their grief whereas women are more emotional, intuitive, or feeling oriented in their grieving style. September is National Suicide Prevention Month and throughout the month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness. For more information, please visit the website for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. If you or someone you love is feeling suicidal or in need of crisis support - text or call Lifeline 24/7 at 988 to speak with a counselor Although today's podcast focused on the pain associated with Syra's suicide, Joy and Richard talk about their continued loved for Syra. They continue to express this love by spending time with their family and sharing stories, honoring Syra's dedication to the environment and tending to their sunflower garden. Syra will remain forever alive and part of their family. If you would like to connect with Joy and Richard, please join our Facebook group, Talking About the Podcast Untethered with Dr. Levin. My next podcast is on September 27th and will be a follow up to this interview where I interview Joy and Richard's daughters, Leia and Teya, to learn about their experiences after Syra's suicide.

Lying is a part of everyday life. This is how I handled it in the past and here is how I handled it now.

This episode was recorded back in 2022. We forgot about it until now!  In this episode: Season 1 of The Morning Show Sexual assault Fight, flight, or freeze Emotional vulnerability being exploited Power dynamics across gender and in the workplace Behavioral retraining to shift perspectives about consent How do we help men understand the perspective of women when it comes to sexual assault?  It's a no if it's not a hell yes Developmentally appropriate ages and tactics for discussing consent with children Please use your own judgement for whether you feel ready to listen to this episode as it does contain discussions surrounding sexual assault and suicide. Take care of yourself! 

On the road, thought explosions, oh, the stings of awareness; of process recognition! These are my REASONS: shaking off the old stories. howdoirewriteasigo thisishowiwilllivewithcptsd presenceismyreligion I'm learning how to capture my second memoir in real time; because I am living it. December 19, 2022 is when I truly began living [like] I'm not wearing any pants; it is when I became aware of my own nakedness. APA-CALYP-TIC FEEL :: UPDATE (24 hours after recording this episode) and now this last chapter ended without my consent. Is control real? I thought the future began on July 23 and instead it began yesterday, July 17, at 7:05p EDT. I do not even have a week to steep; one week as a single day, oh, how quickly life can change. How do I play this game?

Magic Mushrooms are legal in Colorado! Here's what you need to know | $1.7MM Biden Administration grant will support expansion of in-home behavioral therapy across Colorado | Auon'tai Anderson and 4 other Democrats are running for Rep. Leslie Herod's CO House seat in District 8 | Rebirth Brass Band is playing 5 Colorado shows in the next 5 daysSong playsIntro by hostWelcome to High Country - politics in the American West. My name is Sean Diller; regular listeners might know me from Heartland Pod's Talking Politics, every Monday.Support this show and all the work in the Heartland POD universe by going to heartlandpod.com and clicking the link for Patreon, or go to Patreon.com/HeartlandPod to sign up. Membership starts at $1/month, with even more extra shows and special access at the higher levels. No matter the level you choose, your membership helps us create these independent shows as we work together to change the conversation.Alright! Let's get into it: COLORADO SUN:Colorado decriminalized psilocybin. Here's your guided trip through what happens next.What's the timeline? Is natural medicine right for you? Should you microdose? We answer these questions and more.Chryss Cada4:28 AM MDT on Jun 18, 2023Four moms gather around a Saturday morning breakfast table exchanging the obsessive anxieties that come from raising teenagers in today's society.  They share the usual concerns: Does their daughter have enough friends? Is their son being bullied at school? Are their child's frequent dark moods typical teenage emotions, or does their angst cross over into depression? As they talk, it becomes clear that the constant stress of worry for their teens is spiraling them down into anxiety and depressive disorders of their own. Right down to steaming mugs of coffee and plates of avocado toast, the scene is quintessential suburban life in the early 2020s. But this meeting of the moms will likely produce more answers, more insight and more empathy than most. Because the night before these moms consumed some natural medicine known for helping to see things in a new light, bringing clarity to stubborn, problematic patterns. These women, along with thousands of others across Colorado, have found psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) useful in bringing relief from the anxiety and depression so prevalent in today's society. Now, after Colorado voters approved Proposition 122 in November, they no longer have to risk state criminal penalties for their use of this indigenous medicine.The dramatic efficiency of mushrooms to ease mental health disorders that haven't been helped by traditional medicines and therapies isn't just anecdotal. Recent studies from respected institutions like Johns Hopkins School of Medicine have shown psilocybin is helpful in treating everything from alcohol dependence to major depressive disorder. However, those experienced with this medicine suggest that it be approached with intention, reverence and most importantly understanding.Under Proposition 122, The Natural Medicine Health Act, Coloradans 21 and older are allowed to possess and use psilocybin, the psychedelic fungi commonly known as “magic mushrooms.” In addition it proposes the eventual decriminalization of the substances dimethyltryptamine, or DMT, ibogaine and mescaline (excluding peyote). The law allows the state to immediately begin the process of the “medicalization” of psilocybin mushrooms by creating a framework for state-regulated “healing centers,” where people can receive medically guided psilocybin treatments. Although decriminalized in Colorado, psilocybin and the other medicines named in the Health Act remain illegal under federal law. “The measure is therapeutically oriented, so recreational and retail sales are not allowed,” explained Kevin Matthews, one of the authors of Proposition 122. “You can share these medicines with family and friends or in religious uses, but we didn't want this to become a for-profit industry.”A veteran, Matthews found relief from depression during a single psilocybin journey in 2011 and has since worked for increased access to psychedelics for the treatment of trauma. While at a legalization rally he saw a T-shirt slogan that summed up the idea behind The Natural Medicine Health Act in three words: “Healers, Not Dealers.”“We were very careful in the writing of the proposition to put forth a healing model,” he said. “We know that people will still use these medicines recreationally, as they were before this passed. It's not always a clear distinction: for some people taking mushrooms with friends and going to see a show at Red Rocks is therapeutic.”The proposition laid out the problem it was hoping to alleviate, reading in part:COLORADANS ARE EXPERIENCING PROBLEMATIC MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO SUICIDALITY, ADDICTION, DEPRESSION, AND ANXIETY. COLORADO'S CURRENT APPROACH TO MENTAL HEALTH HAS FAILED TO FULFILL ITS PROMISE. COLORADANS DESERVE MORE TOOLS TO ADDRESS MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES, INCLUDING APPROACHES SUCH AS NATURAL MEDICINES THAT ARE GROUNDED IN TREATMENT, RECOVERY, HEALTH, AND WELLNESS RATHER THAN CRIMINALIZATION, STIGMA, SUFFERING, AND PUNISHMENT.  In November, 53% of Colorado voters agreed with that wording.  Denver attorney Sean McCallister's phone started ringing as soon as the votes were counted and hasn't really stopped since. Primarily working with those in the cannabis industry since the sale and recreational use of weed was legalized in 2012 in Colorado, McAllister is now a pioneer in the emerging field of psychedelics law. One of the most frequent questions he is asked by those outside the psychedelic community is, “When will mushrooms become legal?” His answer: They already have. “No, you don't have to wait for decriminalization provisions,” he said. “People can cultivate, possess and give away mushrooms, as well as share them and be paid for bonafide harm-reduction therapy and support services.” In an interesting twist, those without licensure will be the first to be able to legally offer natural medicine to clients. “Right now those who don't have a therapy license are able to work with these medicines because they are not bound by the rules of a regulatory agency,” McCallister said. “We are about two years away from the regulations being in place for doctors and therapists to be able to offer this medicine to their patients.” In the meantime, a movement of mushroom guides who have worked underground for years or even decades is starting to push into the daylight.In the first three months following passage of Proposition 122, McCallister wrote up more than a hundred disclaimers for guides to use with their clients. Alexandra Jenkins believes so deeply in the medicine's powers to process and release trauma that she was willing to put herself at risk of prosecution to guide medicine ceremonies underground for the past eight years. Now before the ceremonies she holds with one or two other facilitators she passes out a waiver that spells out what can happen when “sitting with the medicine.” The waiver explains that the effects of psilocybin mushrooms include altered perception of time and space and intense changes in mood and feeling. Other possible effects of psilocybin include everything from euphoria and peacefulness to confusion and frightening hallucinations. The effects of psilocybin vary from person to person, based on the user's mental state, personality and immediate environment. Those who have spent time with the medicine will tell you it's all these emotions and so many more, a roller coaster of a voyage through time and space that can fit what feels like a lifetime into four to six hours.“When this (Prop 122) passed I felt a release of stress I wasn't even aware I had been holding,” Jenkins said. “It feels like an open door to give more people access to this medicine.” She has seen the medicine ground previously malfunctioning nervous systems, help people connect to their higher selves, and in doing so feel more compassion toward themselves and others and tap into creativity and the interconnectedness of life. “There is this plant that grows in the ground, is free and helps us see ourselves and others differently,” Jenkins said. “It's cool to be able to believe in miracles.”The timelineIn addition to decriminalizing the four natural medicines, for mushrooms the new law is retroactive. McCallister had several pending cases that were dismissed as soon as Proposition 122 passed. Among them was the case of Ben Gorelick, a Denver rabbi who was facing prosecution after integrating psychedelic use as part of spiritual practice.When this (Prop 122) passed I felt a release of stress I wasn't even aware I had been holding.— Alexandra Jenkins, a guide“The dismissal of that case was especially meaningful because it highlighted the ways this medicine is used,” McCallister said. A representative of traditional and indigenous use and religious use of natural medicine was one of 15 appointees to the Natural Medicine Advisory Board announced earlier this year. The board, which will advise the Department of Regulatory Agencies on the implementation of the regulated natural medicine access program, also includes representatives from law enforcement, veterans, criminal justice reform, mycology, emergency medical services, health care policy, natural medicine and mental health providers.Colorado Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, is drafting a bill that would clarify who would be implementing Proposition 122. He is considering adding Department of Revenue or Department of Public Health and Environment involvement in the rollout of the program.   Proposition 122 says the state must issue rules for things like drug testing standards, license requirements, and health and safety warnings by Jan. 1, 2024, and the state must begin accepting applications for licensed facilities to administer psilocybin by Sept. 30, 2024.The law stipulates that decisions be made on all licensing applications within 60 days of receiving them.After June 1, 2026, the TNMHA board can decide on the medicalization of the additional substances, DMT, ibogaine and mescaline. This may include “healing centers,” like the ones being established for psilocybin, or some similar system with medical oversight for the use of these three substances.Is natural medicine right for you?For years, psychiatrist Craig Heacock has had patients come through his office he knew could benefit from psilocybin, but he was unable to recommend it because it was illegal.Heacock has been able to provide therapy utilizing ketamine, which works in the brain in ways similar to psilocybin. That said, different psychedelics seem to work better for different conditions. “Ketamine is best for endogenous conditions, such as bi-polar depression that has been present throughout the family history,” he said. These are conditions that are caused by factors inside the person's system.“I'm most excited about the use of psilocybin in the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder,” he said. “There's been cases of people having remission from OCD for weeks or even months following a single dose of psilocybin.”OCD is one of many anxiety disorders that can develop in response to trauma. It is a coping mechanism your mind develops to try to control the possibility of something traumatic happening to you again. The amount of research on psilocybin has been limited by its legal status, leaving practitioners like Heacock eager to explore its possibilities.   “Psilocybin has a rich and broad palette,” he said. “It connects us with self in a way that can alleviate anxiety, depression and a lack of love.”His podcast, “Back from the Abyss: Psychiatry in Stories,” has been a pioneering voice in the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy. He and his guests often share their hopes that the healing power of psilocybin can help with society's big issues, such as the communal depression lingering from the COVID-19 pandemic. “With the pandemic we have a whole group of people who are left demoralized and spiritually wounded,” he said. “Psilocybin can help with the big things, like alleviating existential despair.”Although there isn't a strict definition, those in the natural medicine community consider a transformative dose  — one in which emotional breakthroughs are likely to occur — of mushrooms to be 3 grams or more.By disconnecting parts of the brain that form what we call our ego, psilocybin allows you to step back and look at your patterns from a different perspective. It puts you in the audience to watch your life play out on the stage and then whispers in your ear that you could do things a different way.  It allows you to not only rethink who you are, but also who you want to be. Jenkins has seen people shed deep-seated trauma through use of the medicine. “People might have something they've been holding for so long they may not even know it's there,” she said. “The medicine shows them that pain and then helps them process it so they can begin to let it go. There is a lot of strength, strength to change, that comes with the love and self-acceptance of this medicine.”Where do I start?Hearing of possible relief from anxiety, depression and even existential despair has Coloradans (and people from around the world) wondering how to get their hands on some mushrooms — and they don't want to wait.“We were prepared for an increase in interest in psilocybin if the proposition passed,” said Daniel McQueen of Boulder's Center for Medicinal Mindfulness. “But the sheer size of the wave of interest actually took me by surprise.”Although he doesn't want to be specific, given the amount of competition cropping up, McQueen said calls to the center from people interested in trying psilocybin-therapy have “at least doubled” since passage of the law. The center, one of the first legal psychedelic therapy clinics in North America, has led thousands of people through cannabis-assisted and ketamine-assisted psychedelic therapy sessions since its founding in 2014, as well as providing training for psychedelic “sitters,” (guides and psychedelic therapists). The training is done by a team of 15, including a medical doctor, nurse and nurse practitioner, four licensed psychotherapists, four pre-licensed psychotherapists, two ministers and two traditional psychedelic guides. People lay down on mats in a circle. A woman sits crossed legged at the top of the group with candles and a laptop with music.The Center for Medicinal Mindfulness & Psychedelic Sitters School. (Britt Nemeth, Contributed)“Because people are in a very vulnerable state while on a psychedelic journey it is very important that they work with a guide who is well-trained,” McQueen said. “A guide should have professional boundaries, the ability to handle a mental health or medical crisis and work in an environment with oversight and accountability.”Accountability is one of the reasons Heacock is looking forward to having mushroom guiding moving out of the dark and into the light.“On the black market it has been ‘buyer beware,'” he said. “There were no checks and balances, it's not like if someone had a bad experience with a guide they could post a bad review on Yelp.”In Heacock's view another advantage of legalization will be testing of the potency of the medicine. “Even if you take the same amount as you had previously, the strength of the medicine could be substantially different,” he said. “With legalization you will know what you are getting every time.”Jenkins, who classifies her work with psilocybin as “harm-reduction services,” stresses the importance of finding a guide who is experienced with the medicine.“I've always had the energy to be a holder of liminal space,” she said. “Being able to create a safe container for someone to have a psychedelic journey is crucial.”Jenkins has spent extensive time in that psychedelic space, including journeys with ayahuasca, referred to as the “grandmother” of all psychedelics. “You have to know what they will be experiencing by having experienced it yourself, it's not something you can learn from a book,” she said.Jenkins is also trained in a spectrum of holistic healing from yoga to breathwork to somatic experiencing. “All the things I trained in up to the point in my life led naturally to holding medicine space,” she said.Despite helping outline the suggested credentials for mushroom guides, Matthews, the Proposition 122 co-author, still puts the most weight in personal recommendations. “Ask people you know, love and respect if they know someone who would be a good match to guide you,” he said. “It's also important to get a facilitator who can relate to your personal experiences.“If you struggle with depression, find a facilitator who has also experienced depression and can have compassion for what you are going through.” An altar with the sculpture of a woman and child, crystals and a variety of other objects.A primary part of guidance at the Center for Medicinal Mindfulness is helping individuals explore their spirituality, said Daniel McQueen, founder of the Center. (Olivia Sun, The Colorado Sun via Report for America)Plunging in The “come up” of a psilocybin trip takes about 15 minutes, slowly clicking you up that first big hill of a roller coaster. When the cable lets you go, the plunge down is a little different for everybody. Some people hold on for dear life, regretting their choice to get on the ride in the first place. Others put their hands up in the air and enjoy the ride. Some people alternate between the two.  Either way, there is usually a lot of noise when the medicine “kicks in.” In order to “hold the container,” and keep individuals in their own experience, guides will often request quiet in a group setting.Sometimes people find it impossible to not let out a squeal, a moan, a cry, a retching, a giggle or a choice expletive.  “This is an intense experience, sometimes someone gets too loud and there's the risk that they will compromise everyone in the group's experience,” Jenkins said. “An experienced guide can maintain the container through this by going to that person and helping them through.”  While one facilitator tends to the individual who is struggling by taking him or her to another room, the other facilitator sings to the remainder of the group, her voice soaring above the chaos. Trippers have a choice to go on the wings of the medicine to a peaceful supportive place and have their own experience. “Rather than saying it was a bad trip, I would say there are moments in every journey that are challenging,” said Matthews, who has found psychedelics helpful in processing trauma from earlier in his life. “Unresolved trauma comes to the surface, and you can witness with clarity how something that has been buried deeply is influencing the way you are in the world.”Psychiatrist Heacock agrees.“We don't learn when things are going well,” Heacock said of difficult ketamine sessions. “It's the hard sessions, when you feel like you can't stand another second, that can be the real game changers.”Single doseLicensed clinical social worker Michelle Landon, like many in healing professions, has faced her own struggles with mental health. She often tries healing modalities out herself before prescribing them to her clients.“A couple years ago I began hearing a lot about the science of psychedelics and how they can help people heal,” she said. “I wanted to help others with their trauma and disordered thinking patterns, but first I knew I needed to help myself.”People might have something they've been holding for so long they may not even know it's there. The medicine shows them that pain and then helps them process it so they can begin to let it go.— Alexandra Jenkins, a guideLandon, who has been a therapist in northern Colorado since 2004, found psychedelics helpful in coming to terms with the death of her father in 2021.“The last two weeks of my dad's life he started telling my sister he was going on a trip and wanted to say goodbye to everyone,” she said. “I was with him, watching him go in and out of this world.”Psychedelics lightened the impact and pain of the moment. “I mean sure it sucked, but it wasn't traumatic,” she said of her father's final days and the grief that followed his death. “There were moments of beauty and connection. I saw him through the lens of the medicine and he didn't look like he was suffering. He was ready to go.” Through ketamine-assisted therapy, Landon has brought similar relief to clients dealing with a range of mental health challenges from persistent depression to acute post-traumatic stress disorder.“Some people processing trauma find it so hard to shift things and let go with traditional therapy and prescriptions,” she said. “With psychedelics some people have direct access to knowing they are loved and are able to finally let go of their past trauma.”MicrodoseWhile a single-dose psilocybin journey can have profound, lasting effects, many people are beginning to take mushrooms as a daily medication — and a lot of those people, at least anecdotally, are moms. “People are discovering microdosing to be a good alternative to the pharmaceutical approach that is so prevalent in our culture,” Jenkins said. “It gives your serotonin a bit of a boost and puts you more in tune with yourself.  It can really help people with anxiety without a lot of side effects.” Microdosing mushrooms involves taking such small amounts of the medicine (roughly 0.05 to 0.25 grams) that a person doesn't feel the effects outright. People can take a microdose every day or work in days off to integrate the insights gained on days they do take the medicine.“When I've had a microdose I feel so much more confident in the choices I'm making for my family,” said one mom over post-trip avocado toast. “It's like the mushrooms are a little cheerleader in my head telling me I'm doing a great job.” Another mom had been on prescription antidepressants for a little more than a decade before recently switching to microdosing psilocybin to rein in the ruminating, spiraling, obsessive thoughts she has contended without throughout her life.  She wanted to find a more natural way to access what her brain needs.“It was rough going off them (antidepressants),” she recalls. “I was dizzy, nauseous, felt trapped and was really, really, really depressed. Then I started microdosing and it was like my whole brain lit up again.” Those who work with psychedelics caution that they aren't an instant cure, but rather one resource that has been helpful to many in their healing. “It (psilocybin) is a reminder that we hold the answers inside of ourselves,” Landon said.  “It gets the BS out of the way so you can see your true self and your true potential for happiness.”COLORADO NEWSLINE:A new family therapy program in Colorado will meet you wherever you are — even if that's Costco An in-home mental health program for kids that began in January has served 200 people in 20 Colorado counties and has plans to expandJennifer Brown4:00 AM MDT on Jun 15, 2023A 15-year-old boy is sitting cross-legged on his couch in red flannel pajama pants, his hair looking like he just rolled out of bed. Because he did just get out of bed, about three minutes ago. Now, he's sitting across from his therapist, who had to knock on the door for several minutes before the teenager's mom answered via Ring doorbell from the grocery store. “It's open,” she told Bobby Tyman, a family therapist and clinical program coordinator with Paragon Behavioral Health Connections. It's not the first time Tyman has had to rouse the boy from sleep for his 10 a.m. therapy appointment.This is what in-home mental health treatment for adolescents looks like. The teenager, who recently stole and crashed his mother's car and has been using drugs to cope with depression, is groggy and shy, but tells Tyman that he applied for three summer jobs and is choosing a new high school for the fall. The new in-home therapy program, which has served 200 kids and their parents since it began in January, is an extension of the Colorado Boys Ranch. The ranch opened in 1959 as an orphanage in La Junta, then closed its residential program about a decade ago. But its foundation — Colorado Boys Ranch Youth Connect — has continued, pouring its resources into behavioral health care for kids in their homes. The evolution of the program is a reflection of what's changed in the child welfare system in the past decade — Colorado is sending fewer kids to institutions in favor of homes, and has increased efforts to provide in-home mental health care to cut down on the number of children removed from their homes and placed in foster care in the first place. Several youth treatment centers, including Tennyson Center for Children in Denver, have shifted in recent years from residential care to day treatment and in-home therapy.Some of the children are referred by the juvenile justice system as part of pretrial rehabilitation programs, and by the Medicaid program. Parents can also call for help directly, without a referral from a government program. A staff of 40 works in 20 counties, including the entire Denver metro area and throughout the entire state. Camille Harding, Paragon's CEO says “The point is to help kids and teens get better on their terms, as well as to provide a step-down program for adolescents who have visited a hospital emergency room in crisis or been admitted on a mental health hold. The program aims to schedule the first appointment within 24 hours of receiving a call for help.”Kids who are “trying to have their own personality and a say in who they are” can accomplish that better at home, not in an unfamiliar office with a therapist staring at them.“Having it on their own terms is so much more empowering. You get to decide what we do. We can go for a walk. We can go to the park down the street. Developmentally, it just makes more sense.” Some kids in the program have such intense needs that someone from Paragon is in their home 10 hours a week. A therapist helps work on their mental health. A care manager can help enroll in school, sign up for a GED program, or help the family find housing or food assistance. A specialist can teach interventions specifically for kids who have intellectual disabilities along with behavioral health issues. The team approach means kids get better help and staff are less likely to burn out. The program's technology is unique, too. Paragon is installing geo locations on its staff, many of whom are social workers or case managers with bachelor's degrees, and can send reinforcements quickly. That means that if a teenager is threatening suicide or having a violent outburst, a more experienced counselor can assist in person or virtually.A $1.7 million grant, part of Colorado's federal pandemic relief aid, is helping the program build the technology and hire a psychiatrist. Therapy beside someone's bed or in a Costco aisleTyman prefers standing on a client's doorstep to sitting in an office waiting for a client who doesn't show up. He's done therapy on the floor next to someone's bed because the person was too depressed to get up. And one mom is so overwhelmed by her life that the only time she finds for therapy with Tyman is when she's at the park with her kids or walking through Costco. Tyman tells her she can say he's a neighbor or a friend if they run into someone she knows. “It's OK if we start 15 minutes late because you had to get up and make coffee and put on clothes, or whatever it is you had to do to deal,” he said. “If your mental capacity isn't super high, and you're not functioning well, and you're not getting out of bed on time, and you're not able to manage your appointments, you're never going to make it to therapy.COLORADO NEWSLINE:Auon'tai Anderson, vice president of the Denver Public Schools board of education, announced he will end his run for reelection to instead go for a seat in the Colorado Legislature. Anderson, a Democrat who has been vocal against police in schools, announced his campaign to replace Democratic Rep. Leslie Herod in House District 8. As of Monday, five candidates have filed with the secretary of state's office looking to take the District 8 seat, including Anderson, Victor Bencomo, Christi Devoe, Lindsay Gilchrist and Sharron Pettiford. All candidates so far are Democrats. Gilchrist filed her candidacy the same day as Anderson. Anderson told Colorado Newsline his decision was influenced by the recent shootings at East High School in Denver, when a student asked Anderson what he was going to do about gun reform.“We need Democrats that are going to be Democrats 24/7, not Democrats when it's convenient,” Anderson said. “I feel like we've had some very convenient Democrats in the Legislature when it comes to these heavy issues like rent control, or our assault weapons ban that was killed by Dems. So, for me, this was an opportunity to stand up and say ‘I'm going to run.'” As he wraps up his time on the Denver school board, Anderson touted newly enacted board policies that make dyslexia screenings accessible for DPS students, as well as a 90% reduction in tickets and citations for students in the district, during his time on the board.Anderson said “We can't regress into an era where we're going back to criminalizing Black and brown children” If elected to the Colorado House, Anderson said he would prioritize four areas in his first legislative session: banning assault weapons, enshrining access to reproductive health care in the state Constitution, expanding protections for LGBTQ students, and increasing the state minimum wage. And your unsolicited concert pick of the week, Rebirth Brass Band! A New Orleans Institution since 1983 - Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers says “UNBELIEVABLE. HARD AS HELL, FREE AS A RAY OF LIGHT, THERE IS NOT A BAND ON EARTH THAT IS BETTER. STUNNING."Stunning and hardworking too, with Colorado shows tonight and the following 4 nights- Cleland Park in Delta, Ophelia's Electric Soapbox in Denver, Stoke in Salida, Gardens on Spring Creek in Fort Collins, and finally the Durant Street VIP Tent in Aspen. Welp, that's it for me! From Denver I'm Sean Diller. Original reporting for the stories in today's show comes from Colorado Sun and Colorado Newsline.Thank you for listening! See you next time.

Magic Mushrooms are legal in Colorado! Here's what you need to know | $1.7MM Biden Administration grant will support expansion of in-home behavioral therapy across Colorado | Auon'tai Anderson and 4 other Democrats are running for Rep. Leslie Herod's CO House seat in District 8 | Rebirth Brass Band is playing 5 Colorado shows in the next 5 daysSong playsIntro by hostWelcome to High Country - politics in the American West. My name is Sean Diller; regular listeners might know me from Heartland Pod's Talking Politics, every Monday.Support this show and all the work in the Heartland POD universe by going to heartlandpod.com and clicking the link for Patreon, or go to Patreon.com/HeartlandPod to sign up. Membership starts at $1/month, with even more extra shows and special access at the higher levels. No matter the level you choose, your membership helps us create these independent shows as we work together to change the conversation.Alright! Let's get into it: COLORADO SUN:Colorado decriminalized psilocybin. Here's your guided trip through what happens next.What's the timeline? Is natural medicine right for you? Should you microdose? We answer these questions and more.Chryss Cada4:28 AM MDT on Jun 18, 2023Four moms gather around a Saturday morning breakfast table exchanging the obsessive anxieties that come from raising teenagers in today's society.  They share the usual concerns: Does their daughter have enough friends? Is their son being bullied at school? Are their child's frequent dark moods typical teenage emotions, or does their angst cross over into depression? As they talk, it becomes clear that the constant stress of worry for their teens is spiraling them down into anxiety and depressive disorders of their own. Right down to steaming mugs of coffee and plates of avocado toast, the scene is quintessential suburban life in the early 2020s. But this meeting of the moms will likely produce more answers, more insight and more empathy than most. Because the night before these moms consumed some natural medicine known for helping to see things in a new light, bringing clarity to stubborn, problematic patterns. These women, along with thousands of others across Colorado, have found psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) useful in bringing relief from the anxiety and depression so prevalent in today's society. Now, after Colorado voters approved Proposition 122 in November, they no longer have to risk state criminal penalties for their use of this indigenous medicine.The dramatic efficiency of mushrooms to ease mental health disorders that haven't been helped by traditional medicines and therapies isn't just anecdotal. Recent studies from respected institutions like Johns Hopkins School of Medicine have shown psilocybin is helpful in treating everything from alcohol dependence to major depressive disorder. However, those experienced with this medicine suggest that it be approached with intention, reverence and most importantly understanding.Under Proposition 122, The Natural Medicine Health Act, Coloradans 21 and older are allowed to possess and use psilocybin, the psychedelic fungi commonly known as “magic mushrooms.” In addition it proposes the eventual decriminalization of the substances dimethyltryptamine, or DMT, ibogaine and mescaline (excluding peyote). The law allows the state to immediately begin the process of the “medicalization” of psilocybin mushrooms by creating a framework for state-regulated “healing centers,” where people can receive medically guided psilocybin treatments. Although decriminalized in Colorado, psilocybin and the other medicines named in the Health Act remain illegal under federal law. “The measure is therapeutically oriented, so recreational and retail sales are not allowed,” explained Kevin Matthews, one of the authors of Proposition 122. “You can share these medicines with family and friends or in religious uses, but we didn't want this to become a for-profit industry.”A veteran, Matthews found relief from depression during a single psilocybin journey in 2011 and has since worked for increased access to psychedelics for the treatment of trauma. While at a legalization rally he saw a T-shirt slogan that summed up the idea behind The Natural Medicine Health Act in three words: “Healers, Not Dealers.”“We were very careful in the writing of the proposition to put forth a healing model,” he said. “We know that people will still use these medicines recreationally, as they were before this passed. It's not always a clear distinction: for some people taking mushrooms with friends and going to see a show at Red Rocks is therapeutic.”The proposition laid out the problem it was hoping to alleviate, reading in part:COLORADANS ARE EXPERIENCING PROBLEMATIC MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO SUICIDALITY, ADDICTION, DEPRESSION, AND ANXIETY. COLORADO'S CURRENT APPROACH TO MENTAL HEALTH HAS FAILED TO FULFILL ITS PROMISE. COLORADANS DESERVE MORE TOOLS TO ADDRESS MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES, INCLUDING APPROACHES SUCH AS NATURAL MEDICINES THAT ARE GROUNDED IN TREATMENT, RECOVERY, HEALTH, AND WELLNESS RATHER THAN CRIMINALIZATION, STIGMA, SUFFERING, AND PUNISHMENT.  In November, 53% of Colorado voters agreed with that wording.  Denver attorney Sean McCallister's phone started ringing as soon as the votes were counted and hasn't really stopped since. Primarily working with those in the cannabis industry since the sale and recreational use of weed was legalized in 2012 in Colorado, McAllister is now a pioneer in the emerging field of psychedelics law. One of the most frequent questions he is asked by those outside the psychedelic community is, “When will mushrooms become legal?” His answer: They already have. “No, you don't have to wait for decriminalization provisions,” he said. “People can cultivate, possess and give away mushrooms, as well as share them and be paid for bonafide harm-reduction therapy and support services.” In an interesting twist, those without licensure will be the first to be able to legally offer natural medicine to clients. “Right now those who don't have a therapy license are able to work with these medicines because they are not bound by the rules of a regulatory agency,” McCallister said. “We are about two years away from the regulations being in place for doctors and therapists to be able to offer this medicine to their patients.” In the meantime, a movement of mushroom guides who have worked underground for years or even decades is starting to push into the daylight.In the first three months following passage of Proposition 122, McCallister wrote up more than a hundred disclaimers for guides to use with their clients. Alexandra Jenkins believes so deeply in the medicine's powers to process and release trauma that she was willing to put herself at risk of prosecution to guide medicine ceremonies underground for the past eight years. Now before the ceremonies she holds with one or two other facilitators she passes out a waiver that spells out what can happen when “sitting with the medicine.” The waiver explains that the effects of psilocybin mushrooms include altered perception of time and space and intense changes in mood and feeling. Other possible effects of psilocybin include everything from euphoria and peacefulness to confusion and frightening hallucinations. The effects of psilocybin vary from person to person, based on the user's mental state, personality and immediate environment. Those who have spent time with the medicine will tell you it's all these emotions and so many more, a roller coaster of a voyage through time and space that can fit what feels like a lifetime into four to six hours.“When this (Prop 122) passed I felt a release of stress I wasn't even aware I had been holding,” Jenkins said. “It feels like an open door to give more people access to this medicine.” She has seen the medicine ground previously malfunctioning nervous systems, help people connect to their higher selves, and in doing so feel more compassion toward themselves and others and tap into creativity and the interconnectedness of life. “There is this plant that grows in the ground, is free and helps us see ourselves and others differently,” Jenkins said. “It's cool to be able to believe in miracles.”The timelineIn addition to decriminalizing the four natural medicines, for mushrooms the new law is retroactive. McCallister had several pending cases that were dismissed as soon as Proposition 122 passed. Among them was the case of Ben Gorelick, a Denver rabbi who was facing prosecution after integrating psychedelic use as part of spiritual practice.When this (Prop 122) passed I felt a release of stress I wasn't even aware I had been holding.— Alexandra Jenkins, a guide“The dismissal of that case was especially meaningful because it highlighted the ways this medicine is used,” McCallister said. A representative of traditional and indigenous use and religious use of natural medicine was one of 15 appointees to the Natural Medicine Advisory Board announced earlier this year. The board, which will advise the Department of Regulatory Agencies on the implementation of the regulated natural medicine access program, also includes representatives from law enforcement, veterans, criminal justice reform, mycology, emergency medical services, health care policy, natural medicine and mental health providers.Colorado Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, is drafting a bill that would clarify who would be implementing Proposition 122. He is considering adding Department of Revenue or Department of Public Health and Environment involvement in the rollout of the program.   Proposition 122 says the state must issue rules for things like drug testing standards, license requirements, and health and safety warnings by Jan. 1, 2024, and the state must begin accepting applications for licensed facilities to administer psilocybin by Sept. 30, 2024.The law stipulates that decisions be made on all licensing applications within 60 days of receiving them.After June 1, 2026, the TNMHA board can decide on the medicalization of the additional substances, DMT, ibogaine and mescaline. This may include “healing centers,” like the ones being established for psilocybin, or some similar system with medical oversight for the use of these three substances.Is natural medicine right for you?For years, psychiatrist Craig Heacock has had patients come through his office he knew could benefit from psilocybin, but he was unable to recommend it because it was illegal.Heacock has been able to provide therapy utilizing ketamine, which works in the brain in ways similar to psilocybin. That said, different psychedelics seem to work better for different conditions. “Ketamine is best for endogenous conditions, such as bi-polar depression that has been present throughout the family history,” he said. These are conditions that are caused by factors inside the person's system.“I'm most excited about the use of psilocybin in the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder,” he said. “There's been cases of people having remission from OCD for weeks or even months following a single dose of psilocybin.”OCD is one of many anxiety disorders that can develop in response to trauma. It is a coping mechanism your mind develops to try to control the possibility of something traumatic happening to you again. The amount of research on psilocybin has been limited by its legal status, leaving practitioners like Heacock eager to explore its possibilities.   “Psilocybin has a rich and broad palette,” he said. “It connects us with self in a way that can alleviate anxiety, depression and a lack of love.”His podcast, “Back from the Abyss: Psychiatry in Stories,” has been a pioneering voice in the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy. He and his guests often share their hopes that the healing power of psilocybin can help with society's big issues, such as the communal depression lingering from the COVID-19 pandemic. “With the pandemic we have a whole group of people who are left demoralized and spiritually wounded,” he said. “Psilocybin can help with the big things, like alleviating existential despair.”Although there isn't a strict definition, those in the natural medicine community consider a transformative dose  — one in which emotional breakthroughs are likely to occur — of mushrooms to be 3 grams or more.By disconnecting parts of the brain that form what we call our ego, psilocybin allows you to step back and look at your patterns from a different perspective. It puts you in the audience to watch your life play out on the stage and then whispers in your ear that you could do things a different way.  It allows you to not only rethink who you are, but also who you want to be. Jenkins has seen people shed deep-seated trauma through use of the medicine. “People might have something they've been holding for so long they may not even know it's there,” she said. “The medicine shows them that pain and then helps them process it so they can begin to let it go. There is a lot of strength, strength to change, that comes with the love and self-acceptance of this medicine.”Where do I start?Hearing of possible relief from anxiety, depression and even existential despair has Coloradans (and people from around the world) wondering how to get their hands on some mushrooms — and they don't want to wait.“We were prepared for an increase in interest in psilocybin if the proposition passed,” said Daniel McQueen of Boulder's Center for Medicinal Mindfulness. “But the sheer size of the wave of interest actually took me by surprise.”Although he doesn't want to be specific, given the amount of competition cropping up, McQueen said calls to the center from people interested in trying psilocybin-therapy have “at least doubled” since passage of the law. The center, one of the first legal psychedelic therapy clinics in North America, has led thousands of people through cannabis-assisted and ketamine-assisted psychedelic therapy sessions since its founding in 2014, as well as providing training for psychedelic “sitters,” (guides and psychedelic therapists). The training is done by a team of 15, including a medical doctor, nurse and nurse practitioner, four licensed psychotherapists, four pre-licensed psychotherapists, two ministers and two traditional psychedelic guides. People lay down on mats in a circle. A woman sits crossed legged at the top of the group with candles and a laptop with music.The Center for Medicinal Mindfulness & Psychedelic Sitters School. (Britt Nemeth, Contributed)“Because people are in a very vulnerable state while on a psychedelic journey it is very important that they work with a guide who is well-trained,” McQueen said. “A guide should have professional boundaries, the ability to handle a mental health or medical crisis and work in an environment with oversight and accountability.”Accountability is one of the reasons Heacock is looking forward to having mushroom guiding moving out of the dark and into the light.“On the black market it has been ‘buyer beware,'” he said. “There were no checks and balances, it's not like if someone had a bad experience with a guide they could post a bad review on Yelp.”In Heacock's view another advantage of legalization will be testing of the potency of the medicine. “Even if you take the same amount as you had previously, the strength of the medicine could be substantially different,” he said. “With legalization you will know what you are getting every time.”Jenkins, who classifies her work with psilocybin as “harm-reduction services,” stresses the importance of finding a guide who is experienced with the medicine.“I've always had the energy to be a holder of liminal space,” she said. “Being able to create a safe container for someone to have a psychedelic journey is crucial.”Jenkins has spent extensive time in that psychedelic space, including journeys with ayahuasca, referred to as the “grandmother” of all psychedelics. “You have to know what they will be experiencing by having experienced it yourself, it's not something you can learn from a book,” she said.Jenkins is also trained in a spectrum of holistic healing from yoga to breathwork to somatic experiencing. “All the things I trained in up to the point in my life led naturally to holding medicine space,” she said.Despite helping outline the suggested credentials for mushroom guides, Matthews, the Proposition 122 co-author, still puts the most weight in personal recommendations. “Ask people you know, love and respect if they know someone who would be a good match to guide you,” he said. “It's also important to get a facilitator who can relate to your personal experiences.“If you struggle with depression, find a facilitator who has also experienced depression and can have compassion for what you are going through.” An altar with the sculpture of a woman and child, crystals and a variety of other objects.A primary part of guidance at the Center for Medicinal Mindfulness is helping individuals explore their spirituality, said Daniel McQueen, founder of the Center. (Olivia Sun, The Colorado Sun via Report for America)Plunging in The “come up” of a psilocybin trip takes about 15 minutes, slowly clicking you up that first big hill of a roller coaster. When the cable lets you go, the plunge down is a little different for everybody. Some people hold on for dear life, regretting their choice to get on the ride in the first place. Others put their hands up in the air and enjoy the ride. Some people alternate between the two.  Either way, there is usually a lot of noise when the medicine “kicks in.” In order to “hold the container,” and keep individuals in their own experience, guides will often request quiet in a group setting.Sometimes people find it impossible to not let out a squeal, a moan, a cry, a retching, a giggle or a choice expletive.  “This is an intense experience, sometimes someone gets too loud and there's the risk that they will compromise everyone in the group's experience,” Jenkins said. “An experienced guide can maintain the container through this by going to that person and helping them through.”  While one facilitator tends to the individual who is struggling by taking him or her to another room, the other facilitator sings to the remainder of the group, her voice soaring above the chaos. Trippers have a choice to go on the wings of the medicine to a peaceful supportive place and have their own experience. “Rather than saying it was a bad trip, I would say there are moments in every journey that are challenging,” said Matthews, who has found psychedelics helpful in processing trauma from earlier in his life. “Unresolved trauma comes to the surface, and you can witness with clarity how something that has been buried deeply is influencing the way you are in the world.”Psychiatrist Heacock agrees.“We don't learn when things are going well,” Heacock said of difficult ketamine sessions. “It's the hard sessions, when you feel like you can't stand another second, that can be the real game changers.”Single doseLicensed clinical social worker Michelle Landon, like many in healing professions, has faced her own struggles with mental health. She often tries healing modalities out herself before prescribing them to her clients.“A couple years ago I began hearing a lot about the science of psychedelics and how they can help people heal,” she said. “I wanted to help others with their trauma and disordered thinking patterns, but first I knew I needed to help myself.”People might have something they've been holding for so long they may not even know it's there. The medicine shows them that pain and then helps them process it so they can begin to let it go.— Alexandra Jenkins, a guideLandon, who has been a therapist in northern Colorado since 2004, found psychedelics helpful in coming to terms with the death of her father in 2021.“The last two weeks of my dad's life he started telling my sister he was going on a trip and wanted to say goodbye to everyone,” she said. “I was with him, watching him go in and out of this world.”Psychedelics lightened the impact and pain of the moment. “I mean sure it sucked, but it wasn't traumatic,” she said of her father's final days and the grief that followed his death. “There were moments of beauty and connection. I saw him through the lens of the medicine and he didn't look like he was suffering. He was ready to go.” Through ketamine-assisted therapy, Landon has brought similar relief to clients dealing with a range of mental health challenges from persistent depression to acute post-traumatic stress disorder.“Some people processing trauma find it so hard to shift things and let go with traditional therapy and prescriptions,” she said. “With psychedelics some people have direct access to knowing they are loved and are able to finally let go of their past trauma.”MicrodoseWhile a single-dose psilocybin journey can have profound, lasting effects, many people are beginning to take mushrooms as a daily medication — and a lot of those people, at least anecdotally, are moms. “People are discovering microdosing to be a good alternative to the pharmaceutical approach that is so prevalent in our culture,” Jenkins said. “It gives your serotonin a bit of a boost and puts you more in tune with yourself.  It can really help people with anxiety without a lot of side effects.” Microdosing mushrooms involves taking such small amounts of the medicine (roughly 0.05 to 0.25 grams) that a person doesn't feel the effects outright. People can take a microdose every day or work in days off to integrate the insights gained on days they do take the medicine.“When I've had a microdose I feel so much more confident in the choices I'm making for my family,” said one mom over post-trip avocado toast. “It's like the mushrooms are a little cheerleader in my head telling me I'm doing a great job.” Another mom had been on prescription antidepressants for a little more than a decade before recently switching to microdosing psilocybin to rein in the ruminating, spiraling, obsessive thoughts she has contended without throughout her life.  She wanted to find a more natural way to access what her brain needs.“It was rough going off them (antidepressants),” she recalls. “I was dizzy, nauseous, felt trapped and was really, really, really depressed. Then I started microdosing and it was like my whole brain lit up again.” Those who work with psychedelics caution that they aren't an instant cure, but rather one resource that has been helpful to many in their healing. “It (psilocybin) is a reminder that we hold the answers inside of ourselves,” Landon said.  “It gets the BS out of the way so you can see your true self and your true potential for happiness.”COLORADO NEWSLINE:A new family therapy program in Colorado will meet you wherever you are — even if that's Costco An in-home mental health program for kids that began in January has served 200 people in 20 Colorado counties and has plans to expandJennifer Brown4:00 AM MDT on Jun 15, 2023A 15-year-old boy is sitting cross-legged on his couch in red flannel pajama pants, his hair looking like he just rolled out of bed. Because he did just get out of bed, about three minutes ago. Now, he's sitting across from his therapist, who had to knock on the door for several minutes before the teenager's mom answered via Ring doorbell from the grocery store. “It's open,” she told Bobby Tyman, a family therapist and clinical program coordinator with Paragon Behavioral Health Connections. It's not the first time Tyman has had to rouse the boy from sleep for his 10 a.m. therapy appointment.This is what in-home mental health treatment for adolescents looks like. The teenager, who recently stole and crashed his mother's car and has been using drugs to cope with depression, is groggy and shy, but tells Tyman that he applied for three summer jobs and is choosing a new high school for the fall. The new in-home therapy program, which has served 200 kids and their parents since it began in January, is an extension of the Colorado Boys Ranch. The ranch opened in 1959 as an orphanage in La Junta, then closed its residential program about a decade ago. But its foundation — Colorado Boys Ranch Youth Connect — has continued, pouring its resources into behavioral health care for kids in their homes. The evolution of the program is a reflection of what's changed in the child welfare system in the past decade — Colorado is sending fewer kids to institutions in favor of homes, and has increased efforts to provide in-home mental health care to cut down on the number of children removed from their homes and placed in foster care in the first place. Several youth treatment centers, including Tennyson Center for Children in Denver, have shifted in recent years from residential care to day treatment and in-home therapy.Some of the children are referred by the juvenile justice system as part of pretrial rehabilitation programs, and by the Medicaid program. Parents can also call for help directly, without a referral from a government program. A staff of 40 works in 20 counties, including the entire Denver metro area and throughout the entire state. Camille Harding, Paragon's CEO says “The point is to help kids and teens get better on their terms, as well as to provide a step-down program for adolescents who have visited a hospital emergency room in crisis or been admitted on a mental health hold. The program aims to schedule the first appointment within 24 hours of receiving a call for help.”Kids who are “trying to have their own personality and a say in who they are” can accomplish that better at home, not in an unfamiliar office with a therapist staring at them.“Having it on their own terms is so much more empowering. You get to decide what we do. We can go for a walk. We can go to the park down the street. Developmentally, it just makes more sense.” Some kids in the program have such intense needs that someone from Paragon is in their home 10 hours a week. A therapist helps work on their mental health. A care manager can help enroll in school, sign up for a GED program, or help the family find housing or food assistance. A specialist can teach interventions specifically for kids who have intellectual disabilities along with behavioral health issues. The team approach means kids get better help and staff are less likely to burn out. The program's technology is unique, too. Paragon is installing geo locations on its staff, many of whom are social workers or case managers with bachelor's degrees, and can send reinforcements quickly. That means that if a teenager is threatening suicide or having a violent outburst, a more experienced counselor can assist in person or virtually.A $1.7 million grant, part of Colorado's federal pandemic relief aid, is helping the program build the technology and hire a psychiatrist. Therapy beside someone's bed or in a Costco aisleTyman prefers standing on a client's doorstep to sitting in an office waiting for a client who doesn't show up. He's done therapy on the floor next to someone's bed because the person was too depressed to get up. And one mom is so overwhelmed by her life that the only time she finds for therapy with Tyman is when she's at the park with her kids or walking through Costco. Tyman tells her she can say he's a neighbor or a friend if they run into someone she knows. “It's OK if we start 15 minutes late because you had to get up and make coffee and put on clothes, or whatever it is you had to do to deal,” he said. “If your mental capacity isn't super high, and you're not functioning well, and you're not getting out of bed on time, and you're not able to manage your appointments, you're never going to make it to therapy.COLORADO NEWSLINE:Auon'tai Anderson, vice president of the Denver Public Schools board of education, announced he will end his run for reelection to instead go for a seat in the Colorado Legislature. Anderson, a Democrat who has been vocal against police in schools, announced his campaign to replace Democratic Rep. Leslie Herod in House District 8. As of Monday, five candidates have filed with the secretary of state's office looking to take the District 8 seat, including Anderson, Victor Bencomo, Christi Devoe, Lindsay Gilchrist and Sharron Pettiford. All candidates so far are Democrats. Gilchrist filed her candidacy the same day as Anderson. Anderson told Colorado Newsline his decision was influenced by the recent shootings at East High School in Denver, when a student asked Anderson what he was going to do about gun reform.“We need Democrats that are going to be Democrats 24/7, not Democrats when it's convenient,” Anderson said. “I feel like we've had some very convenient Democrats in the Legislature when it comes to these heavy issues like rent control, or our assault weapons ban that was killed by Dems. So, for me, this was an opportunity to stand up and say ‘I'm going to run.'” As he wraps up his time on the Denver school board, Anderson touted newly enacted board policies that make dyslexia screenings accessible for DPS students, as well as a 90% reduction in tickets and citations for students in the district, during his time on the board.Anderson said “We can't regress into an era where we're going back to criminalizing Black and brown children” If elected to the Colorado House, Anderson said he would prioritize four areas in his first legislative session: banning assault weapons, enshrining access to reproductive health care in the state Constitution, expanding protections for LGBTQ students, and increasing the state minimum wage. And your unsolicited concert pick of the week, Rebirth Brass Band! A New Orleans Institution since 1983 - Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers says “UNBELIEVABLE. HARD AS HELL, FREE AS A RAY OF LIGHT, THERE IS NOT A BAND ON EARTH THAT IS BETTER. STUNNING."Stunning and hardworking too, with Colorado shows tonight and the following 4 nights- Cleland Park in Delta, Ophelia's Electric Soapbox in Denver, Stoke in Salida, Gardens on Spring Creek in Fort Collins, and finally the Durant Street VIP Tent in Aspen. Welp, that's it for me! From Denver I'm Sean Diller. Original reporting for the stories in today's show comes from Colorado Sun and Colorado Newsline.Thank you for listening! See you next time.

Savant syndrome and what it can teach us about psychedelic therapy,

Is developmentally "appropriate" a euphemism for "ableism"? This episode dives into four reasons why the words "developmentally appropriate" stifle instead of innovate practice in early childhood education. Can we do better? A change of terminology is proposed. Ready for 160 game-changing tips to put research into practice right now? Check out my new book, "32 Lessons That Create Life-long Change In Autism Intervention" on Amazon today!

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Heinemann Publishing.The webinar recording can be accessed here.Every minute of your writing workshop can do double duty—supporting both kids' writing development and their growth as readers. Learn ways you can deliberately support skills such as phonemic awareness, phonics, and the development of sight vocabulary while you meanwhile rally kids to put their lives and their ideas onto the page. Vowel charts, one-minute pauses for spell checks, and the habit of clapping out multisyllabic words can help youngsters write so others can read their writing.This edWeb podcast shows you ways to bring the Science of Reading into your writing instruction in practical ways that you can use immediately. Listen to this session to learn about:Studying students' writing to understand their phonics development and to plan next stepsHelping kids develop the tools and habits to draw on their phonics knowledge as they writeTransferable high-leverage small groups that will accelerate kids' command of phonics skillsSongs, games, conversations, and partner work that can reinforce phonemic awareness—especially segmenting and blending of phonemes—in playful, innovative waysThe power of shared and interactive writing to encourage transfer from isolation to connected textThis edWeb podcast is of interest to K-5 teachers and school and district leaders.Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.

Ep. 72 (Part 3 of 3) | Nicholas Hedlund & Sean Esbjörn-Hargens are big picture philosophers with extraordinary big hearts as well as big minds, dedicated to understanding how consciousness, culture, and nature relate to each other, and to forging a path for the Earth and civilization to flourish rather than fall apart. In this dialogue, the world of metatheories comes alive with urgent, purposeful meaning, because as Sean and Nick point out, integrative metatheories like Ken Wilber's integral theory and Roy Bhaskar's critical realism are the only tools that provide a useful framework for us to talk about and confront the vast web of interrelated and wicked problems we face on every level at this time. Now, we are only just beginning to understand the nature of the metacrisis—how the external crises are driven by interior crises of sensemaking and meaning making—but how do we bring everyone to the table to find solutions? How do we get the wisdom of these approaches to bear upon the crises we face? It turns out that heart connection—love, caring, and being willing to listen and to change—is a crucial, key ingredient for us to move forward in a positive way. Nick and Sean express both heartbreak and wild enthusiasm—heartbreak that our entire planetary community is so threatened and we have only a small window of time (till 2030) to transform our consciousness and culture into taking a cooperative and reverent approach to life, and enthusiasm to be alive at this pivotal time where everything hangs in the balance. Recorded December 7, 2022.“We really need both—we need big Heart to connect and be friends with each other and love each other and we need that in equal measure to big Mind.”(For Apple Podcast users, click here to view the complete show notes on the episode page.)Topics & Time Stamps – Part 3What metatheory is and what it is not: integrative metatheories explore how consciousness, culture, and nature relate to each other (01:35)Big picture models are antidotes to the single focus fallacies, single issue fallacies, single cause fallacies, and single solution fallacies (04:07)Developmentally, the majority of people are at a stage of “advanced linear thinking” and the metacrisis requires “advanced systems thinking” (05:21)People need 3 things to grow under stress instead of regress: context, pointing a way out, and being told what we can do individually (06:46)How do we communicate the urgency without invoking the psychology of fear? (09:08)The crucial window to transform the very foundations of our civilization is between now and 2030 (10:18)What can we do? We're still working on the context but we need to have a collective conversation to figure out what is the path out, or the possible paths out (11:20)A core developmental practice we can actually do is perspective taking, perspective seeking, and perspective coordinating (14:28)Ego death is all along the path; we need to keep opening up to a bigger version of ourselves (16:15)Taking perspectives is not enough (18:37)Business as usual is not going to happen—how do we create new educational systems to transform the world in the ways that are needed? (21:10)The importance of sounding our note, sitting in prayer in humility, and asking, what can I do? (25:10)Pessimism and optimism are both ego strategies to deal with uncertainty; we need to learn to...

Kids need to be validated by their peers and the adults in their lives. They need a genuine sense of others interested in them, their ideas, interests, strengths, weaknesses, or faults. Developmentally, adolescence is all about the pursuit of an authentic identity that resonates deeply within and accurately reflects externally what's going on inside. Kids try on multiple personas throughout their teenage years to pursue their real identities. Validation is the secret ingredient to helping them find the confidence to settle into their authentic selves.

Arizona GOP moving variety of conspiracy-fueled voter suppression bills | Bill authorizing universal youth mental health screenings at school is moving in Colorado legislature | New Colorado GOP chair is a fringe character, prominent conservatives announce they're leaving the Party | VP Harris announces Biden Administration disbursement of $200 million in wildfire preparedness and mitigation funds | Billy Idol in DenverSong playsIntro by hostWelcome to High Country - politics in the American West. My name is Sean Diller; regular listeners might know me from Heartland Pod's Talking Politics, every Monday.Support this show and all the work in the Heartland POD universe by going to heartlandpod.com and clicking the link for Patreon, or go to Patreon.com/HeartlandPod to sign up. Membership starts at $1/month, with even more extra shows and special access at the higher levels. No matter the level you choose, your membership helps us create these independent shows as we work together to change the conversation.Alright! Let's get into it: ARIZONA MIRROR:Conspiracy theories still dominate Arizona Senate Elections CommitteeBY: JOE DUHOWNIK/COURTHOUSE NEWS SERVICE - MARCH 21, 2023 4:18 PMNearly a month after Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes released documents further disproving claims of widespread fraud in the 2020 election, Senate Republicans continue to make the same claims in the election committee.The most recent tantrum came during testimony regarding HB2415, which would remove people from the active early voting mailing list if they go a full year without participating in an election. Republicans said it's a way to declutter the list.Opponents argued that the bill would only disenfranchise voters, as many only vote in presidential elections every four years, and could be removed from the mail ballot list without knowing it.“Conspiracy theories” also came up again later in the committee meeting, this time in regard to HB2591, which would prohibit voters from using ballot drop boxes outside the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and would require that drop boxes be inside or attached to county buildings and be under 24/7 video surveillance. Bill sponsor Gail Griffin, a Republican state representative from Tucson, said she's seen video of “people with boxes coming and dumping ballots,” though she maintained that “2,000 Mules” - a propaganda film about imagined “ballot mules” stuffing ballots in the 2020 election. The fantasy about ballot mules is a cornerstone of the bigger fantasy that Joe Biden stole the 2020 election, even though he won by 3 full percentage points and 7 million votes.Democrats said restricting the times when voters can drop off ballots will make it harder for some to cast their vote. Republicans' only response was that those folks would need to use one of the less accessible options that remain if they want to vote. Cool. The Republican-dominated committee supported five more measures they say will increase election integrity. Republican state Representative Austin Smith sponsored HB2552 to preemptively prohibit ranked choice voting in Arizona. A companion bill already passed through the Senate in February.Jodi Liggett, a lobbyist representing the Arizona League of Women Voters, said more than 60% of Arizona voters support ranked choice voting, which is used in Maine, Alaska, and multiple cities like New York and San Francisco.“There should be no reason to preemptively silence the voice of your own constituents,” she told the committee.The committee ended with discussion on HB2613, which would require that all vote recording tabulation machines be 100% sourced from and built in the U.S. in response to fantasies about foreign tampering of voting machines in the 2020 election - where Donald Trump lost to Joe Biden by 3 full percentage points and 7 million legally cast votes. Jen Marson, representing the Arizona Association of Counties, said the machines used now are already manufactured in the U.S., but some parts, like plastics and electronics, are sourced from other countries.The bill's GOP sponsor said he doesn't know that U.S. companies have the capacity to completely home-grow the voting machines, but “if there is a need, I do believe that the American engineering mindset would step up.”For my part - I'll just say his point makes absolutely no sense.This article was first published by Courthouse News Service and is republished under their terms of use.UCLA HEALTHSuicide rate highest among teens and young adultsMarch 15, 2022By Sandy CohenNote: This article was updated Feb. 23, 2023.Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people age 15 to 24 in the U.S. Nearly 20% of high school students report serious thoughts of suicide and 9% have made an attempt to take their lives, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.Recent weeks have brought heartbreaking examples of this trend, including the March 1 death of Stanford soccer captain Katie Meyer, 22; and Ohio State football player Harry Miller's revelations that he attempted suicide, shared his struggles with his coach and got help. Miller announced his medical retirement from football on March 10 in a Twitter post that's been shared more than 10,000 times.“This is not an issue reserved for the far and away,” wrote Miller. “It is in our homes. It is in our conversations. It is in the people we love.”Carl Fleisher, MD, who specializes in adolescent and child psychiatry at Boston Child Study Center in Los Angeles said “Teenagers and young adults have had rising rates of suicide compared to 10 or 15 years ago, Young people are particularly vulnerable to suicide. The things that make them vulnerable are where they stand socially and where they stand developmentally.”Developmentally, their judgment and decision-making abilities are still coming online. The prefrontal cortex — the brain's executive control center — doesn't fully develop until one's mid-20s.That makes young people more impulsive "They're not going to weigh risks and consequences in quite the same way older folks will.”Socially, teens and young adults don't have the same connections older adults do. Someone who is married, has a long-term partner or has children or grandchildren is in a different place socially than someone who is just coming into their own, living with roommates or alone.The isolation of the pandemic exacerbated social disconnection even more.So it's good to hear that a bill that would make it easier… Colorado Newsline article followsCOLORADO NEWSLINE:BY: SARA WILSON - MARCH 20, 2023 2:54 PM…  for schools to provide mental health assessments, and connect students to therapy, passed the Colorado House of Representatives on Monday.House Bill 23-1003 would allow public schools to participate in a voluntary mental health screening program for sixth through twelfth graders and refer them to treatment if needed, primarily through the state's existing free youth therapy program, called I Matter.Bill sponsor Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, a Commerce City Democrat, said she was motivated to run the legislation after alarming statistics from the Colorado Healthy Kids Survey that showed nearly 40% of Colorado youth reported feeling depressed for at least two straight weeks.“That's a pretty significant indicator for severe depression,” she said. “I wanted to come up with a way for kids to learn about therapy and access to therapy through screenings in school. We have the I Matter program, so we have somewhere kids can go for help.”In a post-pandemic environment in which Children's Hospital Colorado declared a state of emergency for youth mental health, Michaelson Jenet said screening can be a powerful preventative tool for students under profound pressures.Parents could opt their child out of the assessment, but students 12 years and older would be able to participate even if their parents don't want them to.Under the program, if the provider finds that a student could benefit from treatment, their parents will be notified and given information about the I Matter program, which has provided free therapy services to over 5,500 Colorado youth since it launched in October 2021.If the assessment provider finds that a student is in crisis — at-risk for attempting suicide, physical self-harm or harming others, for example — the school would follow its crisis response protocol.The Colorado Health Institute endorsed the concept of universal mental health screenings in schools in a report published earlier this month.The report authors wrote “Schools are uniquely positioned to help address this (mental health) crisis by meeting youth where they already spend most of their day. Screening all students for social and emotional needs strengthens prevention, detection, and early intervention.”Organizations including the National Association of School Psychologists, the National Research Council, the Institute of Medicine, the Healthy Schools Campaign, Mental Health America also recommend screening all students.Republicans in the House opposed the bill on the grounds that a program where students could participate even if parents opt out violates parental rights. Most of the floor debate centered on whether 12 years old is too young for students to decide whether to undergo a mental health assessment. Existing Colorado law allows minors 12 years and older to seek therapy without their parent or guardian's consent.Democrats hold healthy majorities in both the House and Senate this session.The legislation now heads to the Senate, where it is sponsored by Democratic Sen. Lisa Cutter of Littleton.COLORADO SUN: and on the other side of the aisle: The new chair of Colorado's GOP says people concerned he will end all hope of Republicans winning here, should “relax”.Jesse Paul and Sandra Fish3:20 AM MDT on Mar 16, 2023Dave Williams' election as Colorado GOP chair has prompted prominent Republicans to announce they are leaving the party and heightened the possibility that unaffiliated Coloradans, who make up nearly half of the state's electorate, could be shut out of the GOP's future primaries.Mandy Connell, a conservative talk radio host, tweeted her exit from the GOP on Saturday just after the election denier and former state representative was chosen to lead Republicans for the next two years.Connell told The Colorado Sun, “I hoped the Republican Party could move beyond Donald Trump and looking backwards at the 2020 election. With the election of Dave Williams for the Colorado chairmanship, it is apparent that they are not ready to do that. And I am.”The GOP has steadily lost registered voters in Colorado over the past two decades, a slide that accelerated after Trump took office. The share of registered Republicans declined to 24.2% in January from 31.1% in January 2016. There are no statewide elected Republicans, and the party is in a big minority in the legislature and in the congressional delegation following a disappointing 2022 election cycle that only saw the GOP lose more political power.Some in the party fear Williams, who beat six other chair candidates, may lead to further decline. Dick Wadhams, who was Colorado GOP chair from 2007 to 2011 and now works as a Republican political consultant, worries the “party will have no credibility” if Williams pursues the agenda he campaigned for chair on.Williams says his detractors should “relax.”“I can understand why some people are concerned, especially because of the fearmongering of Dick Wadhams,” Williams said. “But the truth is I'm only here to go attack Democrats, and if they can't get behind that then I'm not sure what else is going to unite us.”Williams, who vowed to be a “wartime” leader of the Colorado GOP, was a divisive figure during his time in the state legislature - and last year he lost a primary challenge to Republican Congressman Doug Lamborn by just shy of 20 points.Williams was elected chair by the Colorado GOP's state central committee, which is made up of about 400 people. During the event Saturday in Loveland, Williams focused his message on defending Donald Trump and preventing unaffiliated voters from participating in GOP primary elections, something Colorado voters approved in 2016. Ari Armstrong, a columnist for Complete Colorado, tweeted that he is leaving the party. “Colorado GOP leaders have made abundantly clear that theirs is the party of conspiracy mongering and petty bigotry,” he said. “The state party is not serious about winning elections or helping to guide policy. Enough.”Denver Post columnist Krista Kafer also hinted on Twitter at a switch: “I think I'll be doing the same (as) Mandy Connell. When I rejoined the party I had hoped it was changing. It is in other states but not here. The lunatic fringe is ascendant.” and speaking of the lunatic fringeCOLORADO NEWSLINE:Feds to send nearly $200 million to help communities prepare for wildfiresBY: JACOB FISCHLER - MARCH 21, 2023 4:30 AM     Vice President Kamala Harris and other administration officials said Monday that the Biden administration will send $197 million from the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law to help communities prepare for wildfires this summer.The funding represents the first round of a new $1 billion Community Wildfire Defense Grant program authorized under the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill that President Joe Biden signed in 2021. Grants in the first year of the program would be available for more than 100 projects in 22 states, according to a White House fact sheet.The funding is meant to help communities prepare for wildfires, which Harris said was preferable to responding to fires already wreaking havoc.“The best time to fight a fire is before it starts,” she said on a Monday call with reporters.The funding announced Monday can be used to write or update wildfire preparedness plans or on other mitigation efforts, such as clearing highly flammable brush.Among the largest grants was a $9.9 million disbursement to the Grant Soil and Water Conservation District in eastern Oregon to clear hazardous fuels from evacuation routes on county roads.The New Mexico nonprofit Cimarron Watershed Alliance also received $8 million to create defensible space around homes and fuel breaks designed to stop a fire's spread.Archuleta County, Colorado, will receive $1.1 million to remove hazardous fuels over 600 wooded acres.Gila County AZ will receive $341,000 for evacuation planning and clearing flammable brush around buildings Communities in Alaska, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, South Dakota, Wiscons, North Carolina and Georgia will also receive grants.A full list of grants announced Monday is available here.The Vice President said the remaining roughly $800 million will be released over the next four years.Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said “This is an initial round of funding - a critical down payment.”The Forest Service, which is part of the Agriculture Department, judged grant applications on three criteria: communities that have experienced a severe disaster, are at high risk of a wildfire and are low income. All grants announced Monday met at least two of the three criteria and most met all three, he said.Wildfires have become more destructive in recent decades for a variety of reasons, including hotter and drier weather because of climate change, as well as increased development in areas at high risk of fire.CONCERT PICK OF THE WEEK: You might know him from the movie “Big” - it's Billy Idol! Mission Ballroom in Denver on Tuesday April 4th at 8pm - that's election night and that's also a kickass venue to see rock and roll giant like Billy. Information at billyidol.net - and don't use .com because there is no redirect.Welp, that's it for me! From Denver I'm Sean Diller. Original reporting for the stories in today's show comes from the Arizona Mirror, Colorado Newsline, Courthouse News Service, UCLA Health, Colorado Sun, and Denver's Westword.Thank you for listening! See you next time.

Arizona GOP moving variety of conspiracy-fueled voter suppression bills | Bill authorizing universal youth mental health screenings at school is moving in Colorado legislature | New Colorado GOP chair is a fringe character, prominent conservatives announce they're leaving the Party | VP Harris announces Biden Administration disbursement of $200 million in wildfire preparedness and mitigation funds | Billy Idol in DenverSong playsIntro by hostWelcome to High Country - politics in the American West. My name is Sean Diller; regular listeners might know me from Heartland Pod's Talking Politics, every Monday.Support this show and all the work in the Heartland POD universe by going to heartlandpod.com and clicking the link for Patreon, or go to Patreon.com/HeartlandPod to sign up. Membership starts at $1/month, with even more extra shows and special access at the higher levels. No matter the level you choose, your membership helps us create these independent shows as we work together to change the conversation.Alright! Let's get into it: ARIZONA MIRROR:Conspiracy theories still dominate Arizona Senate Elections CommitteeBY: JOE DUHOWNIK/COURTHOUSE NEWS SERVICE - MARCH 21, 2023 4:18 PMNearly a month after Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes released documents further disproving claims of widespread fraud in the 2020 election, Senate Republicans continue to make the same claims in the election committee.The most recent tantrum came during testimony regarding HB2415, which would remove people from the active early voting mailing list if they go a full year without participating in an election. Republicans said it's a way to declutter the list.Opponents argued that the bill would only disenfranchise voters, as many only vote in presidential elections every four years, and could be removed from the mail ballot list without knowing it.“Conspiracy theories” also came up again later in the committee meeting, this time in regard to HB2591, which would prohibit voters from using ballot drop boxes outside the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and would require that drop boxes be inside or attached to county buildings and be under 24/7 video surveillance. Bill sponsor Gail Griffin, a Republican state representative from Tucson, said she's seen video of “people with boxes coming and dumping ballots,” though she maintained that “2,000 Mules” - a propaganda film about imagined “ballot mules” stuffing ballots in the 2020 election. The fantasy about ballot mules is a cornerstone of the bigger fantasy that Joe Biden stole the 2020 election, even though he won by 3 full percentage points and 7 million votes.Democrats said restricting the times when voters can drop off ballots will make it harder for some to cast their vote. Republicans' only response was that those folks would need to use one of the less accessible options that remain if they want to vote. Cool. The Republican-dominated committee supported five more measures they say will increase election integrity. Republican state Representative Austin Smith sponsored HB2552 to preemptively prohibit ranked choice voting in Arizona. A companion bill already passed through the Senate in February.Jodi Liggett, a lobbyist representing the Arizona League of Women Voters, said more than 60% of Arizona voters support ranked choice voting, which is used in Maine, Alaska, and multiple cities like New York and San Francisco.“There should be no reason to preemptively silence the voice of your own constituents,” she told the committee.The committee ended with discussion on HB2613, which would require that all vote recording tabulation machines be 100% sourced from and built in the U.S. in response to fantasies about foreign tampering of voting machines in the 2020 election - where Donald Trump lost to Joe Biden by 3 full percentage points and 7 million legally cast votes. Jen Marson, representing the Arizona Association of Counties, said the machines used now are already manufactured in the U.S., but some parts, like plastics and electronics, are sourced from other countries.The bill's GOP sponsor said he doesn't know that U.S. companies have the capacity to completely home-grow the voting machines, but “if there is a need, I do believe that the American engineering mindset would step up.”For my part - I'll just say his point makes absolutely no sense.This article was first published by Courthouse News Service and is republished under their terms of use.UCLA HEALTHSuicide rate highest among teens and young adultsMarch 15, 2022By Sandy CohenNote: This article was updated Feb. 23, 2023.Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people age 15 to 24 in the U.S. Nearly 20% of high school students report serious thoughts of suicide and 9% have made an attempt to take their lives, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.Recent weeks have brought heartbreaking examples of this trend, including the March 1 death of Stanford soccer captain Katie Meyer, 22; and Ohio State football player Harry Miller's revelations that he attempted suicide, shared his struggles with his coach and got help. Miller announced his medical retirement from football on March 10 in a Twitter post that's been shared more than 10,000 times.“This is not an issue reserved for the far and away,” wrote Miller. “It is in our homes. It is in our conversations. It is in the people we love.”Carl Fleisher, MD, who specializes in adolescent and child psychiatry at Boston Child Study Center in Los Angeles said “Teenagers and young adults have had rising rates of suicide compared to 10 or 15 years ago, Young people are particularly vulnerable to suicide. The things that make them vulnerable are where they stand socially and where they stand developmentally.”Developmentally, their judgment and decision-making abilities are still coming online. The prefrontal cortex — the brain's executive control center — doesn't fully develop until one's mid-20s.That makes young people more impulsive "They're not going to weigh risks and consequences in quite the same way older folks will.”Socially, teens and young adults don't have the same connections older adults do. Someone who is married, has a long-term partner or has children or grandchildren is in a different place socially than someone who is just coming into their own, living with roommates or alone.The isolation of the pandemic exacerbated social disconnection even more.So it's good to hear that a bill that would make it easier… Colorado Newsline article followsCOLORADO NEWSLINE:BY: SARA WILSON - MARCH 20, 2023 2:54 PM…  for schools to provide mental health assessments, and connect students to therapy, passed the Colorado House of Representatives on Monday.House Bill 23-1003 would allow public schools to participate in a voluntary mental health screening program for sixth through twelfth graders and refer them to treatment if needed, primarily through the state's existing free youth therapy program, called I Matter.Bill sponsor Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, a Commerce City Democrat, said she was motivated to run the legislation after alarming statistics from the Colorado Healthy Kids Survey that showed nearly 40% of Colorado youth reported feeling depressed for at least two straight weeks.“That's a pretty significant indicator for severe depression,” she said. “I wanted to come up with a way for kids to learn about therapy and access to therapy through screenings in school. We have the I Matter program, so we have somewhere kids can go for help.”In a post-pandemic environment in which Children's Hospital Colorado declared a state of emergency for youth mental health, Michaelson Jenet said screening can be a powerful preventative tool for students under profound pressures.Parents could opt their child out of the assessment, but students 12 years and older would be able to participate even if their parents don't want them to.Under the program, if the provider finds that a student could benefit from treatment, their parents will be notified and given information about the I Matter program, which has provided free therapy services to over 5,500 Colorado youth since it launched in October 2021.If the assessment provider finds that a student is in crisis — at-risk for attempting suicide, physical self-harm or harming others, for example — the school would follow its crisis response protocol.The Colorado Health Institute endorsed the concept of universal mental health screenings in schools in a report published earlier this month.The report authors wrote “Schools are uniquely positioned to help address this (mental health) crisis by meeting youth where they already spend most of their day. Screening all students for social and emotional needs strengthens prevention, detection, and early intervention.”Organizations including the National Association of School Psychologists, the National Research Council, the Institute of Medicine, the Healthy Schools Campaign, Mental Health America also recommend screening all students.Republicans in the House opposed the bill on the grounds that a program where students could participate even if parents opt out violates parental rights. Most of the floor debate centered on whether 12 years old is too young for students to decide whether to undergo a mental health assessment. Existing Colorado law allows minors 12 years and older to seek therapy without their parent or guardian's consent.Democrats hold healthy majorities in both the House and Senate this session.The legislation now heads to the Senate, where it is sponsored by Democratic Sen. Lisa Cutter of Littleton.COLORADO SUN: and on the other side of the aisle: The new chair of Colorado's GOP says people concerned he will end all hope of Republicans winning here, should “relax”.Jesse Paul and Sandra Fish3:20 AM MDT on Mar 16, 2023Dave Williams' election as Colorado GOP chair has prompted prominent Republicans to announce they are leaving the party and heightened the possibility that unaffiliated Coloradans, who make up nearly half of the state's electorate, could be shut out of the GOP's future primaries.Mandy Connell, a conservative talk radio host, tweeted her exit from the GOP on Saturday just after the election denier and former state representative was chosen to lead Republicans for the next two years.Connell told The Colorado Sun, “I hoped the Republican Party could move beyond Donald Trump and looking backwards at the 2020 election. With the election of Dave Williams for the Colorado chairmanship, it is apparent that they are not ready to do that. And I am.”The GOP has steadily lost registered voters in Colorado over the past two decades, a slide that accelerated after Trump took office. The share of registered Republicans declined to 24.2% in January from 31.1% in January 2016. There are no statewide elected Republicans, and the party is in a big minority in the legislature and in the congressional delegation following a disappointing 2022 election cycle that only saw the GOP lose more political power.Some in the party fear Williams, who beat six other chair candidates, may lead to further decline. Dick Wadhams, who was Colorado GOP chair from 2007 to 2011 and now works as a Republican political consultant, worries the “party will have no credibility” if Williams pursues the agenda he campaigned for chair on.Williams says his detractors should “relax.”“I can understand why some people are concerned, especially because of the fearmongering of Dick Wadhams,” Williams said. “But the truth is I'm only here to go attack Democrats, and if they can't get behind that then I'm not sure what else is going to unite us.”Williams, who vowed to be a “wartime” leader of the Colorado GOP, was a divisive figure during his time in the state legislature - and last year he lost a primary challenge to Republican Congressman Doug Lamborn by just shy of 20 points.Williams was elected chair by the Colorado GOP's state central committee, which is made up of about 400 people. During the event Saturday in Loveland, Williams focused his message on defending Donald Trump and preventing unaffiliated voters from participating in GOP primary elections, something Colorado voters approved in 2016. Ari Armstrong, a columnist for Complete Colorado, tweeted that he is leaving the party. “Colorado GOP leaders have made abundantly clear that theirs is the party of conspiracy mongering and petty bigotry,” he said. “The state party is not serious about winning elections or helping to guide policy. Enough.”Denver Post columnist Krista Kafer also hinted on Twitter at a switch: “I think I'll be doing the same (as) Mandy Connell. When I rejoined the party I had hoped it was changing. It is in other states but not here. The lunatic fringe is ascendant.” and speaking of the lunatic fringeCOLORADO NEWSLINE:Feds to send nearly $200 million to help communities prepare for wildfiresBY: JACOB FISCHLER - MARCH 21, 2023 4:30 AM     Vice President Kamala Harris and other administration officials said Monday that the Biden administration will send $197 million from the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law to help communities prepare for wildfires this summer.The funding represents the first round of a new $1 billion Community Wildfire Defense Grant program authorized under the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill that President Joe Biden signed in 2021. Grants in the first year of the program would be available for more than 100 projects in 22 states, according to a White House fact sheet.The funding is meant to help communities prepare for wildfires, which Harris said was preferable to responding to fires already wreaking havoc.“The best time to fight a fire is before it starts,” she said on a Monday call with reporters.The funding announced Monday can be used to write or update wildfire preparedness plans or on other mitigation efforts, such as clearing highly flammable brush.Among the largest grants was a $9.9 million disbursement to the Grant Soil and Water Conservation District in eastern Oregon to clear hazardous fuels from evacuation routes on county roads.The New Mexico nonprofit Cimarron Watershed Alliance also received $8 million to create defensible space around homes and fuel breaks designed to stop a fire's spread.Archuleta County, Colorado, will receive $1.1 million to remove hazardous fuels over 600 wooded acres.Gila County AZ will receive $341,000 for evacuation planning and clearing flammable brush around buildings Communities in Alaska, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, South Dakota, Wiscons, North Carolina and Georgia will also receive grants.A full list of grants announced Monday is available here.The Vice President said the remaining roughly $800 million will be released over the next four years.Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said “This is an initial round of funding - a critical down payment.”The Forest Service, which is part of the Agriculture Department, judged grant applications on three criteria: communities that have experienced a severe disaster, are at high risk of a wildfire and are low income. All grants announced Monday met at least two of the three criteria and most met all three, he said.Wildfires have become more destructive in recent decades for a variety of reasons, including hotter and drier weather because of climate change, as well as increased development in areas at high risk of fire.CONCERT PICK OF THE WEEK: You might know him from the movie “Big” - it's Billy Idol! Mission Ballroom in Denver on Tuesday April 4th at 8pm - that's election night and that's also a kickass venue to see rock and roll giant like Billy. Information at billyidol.net - and don't use .com because there is no redirect.Welp, that's it for me! From Denver I'm Sean Diller. Original reporting for the stories in today's show comes from the Arizona Mirror, Colorado Newsline, Courthouse News Service, UCLA Health, Colorado Sun, and Denver's Westword.Thank you for listening! See you next time.

Having conversations around race, racism, and social justice is very often hard for parents and caregivers. Yet, parents and caregivers are the most equipped to create spaces for healthy dialogue—today, children have access to news, commentary, and social media but lack the context that history provides.This month I am celebrating Black History Month, in my annual Black History Month Series. We're kicking this series off with today's episode titled:  Developmentally Appropriate Conversations about Race, Racism, and Social Justice. In this episode,  I am sharing a framework that parents and caregivers can use to begin discussing race, racism, and social justice with children and adolescents, in  a developmentally appropriate way!We cover the following: How adults prepare mentally and emotionally for these difficult conversations.The key to having developmentally appropriate conversations with your children about race,  racism, and social justice. Note of the Week- Click Here! How to Find me!Website- https://www.drtashabrown.com/Email Address- dr.tashabrown7@gmail.comInstagram- https://www.instagram.com/dr.tashabrown/Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/dr.tashabrown7Twitter- https://twitter.com/DrTashaB

Have you ever pretended to steal the nose off a toddler? If so, you've played I've Got Your Nose! Developmentally speaking, this game is actually pretty good for young children because it teaches healthy playful deception. Learn more about this weird but totally innocent game with Victor Varnado, KSN and Rachel Teichman, LMSW. Produced and hosted by Victor Varnado & Rachel Teichman  Full Wikipedia article here:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I%27ve_got_your_nose  WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT ON  PATREON!https://www.patreon.com/wikilistenpodcast  Find us on social media!  https://www.facebook.com/WikiListen  Instagram @WikiListen  Twitter @Wiki_Listen  Get bonus content on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're familiar with Conscious Discipline, you know that transformational change begins with an adult mindset shift. In today's episode, special guest Joan Morgernstern explains why toileting is no different. An educator, parent coach, and author, Joan has developed a kinder and more effective approach to “potty mastery.” Tune in to hear how to shift your mindset and language around toileting so you can empower children to learn this new skill. And if you want to learn more about potty mastery, stay tuned for Joan's upcoming book with Conscious Discipline. Essential Takeaways • Adults must shift their mindset around toileting and view it as supporting children's skill development, the same way we support them in reaching other milestones. We need to let go of the stress and pressure around toileting and remember that our children will eventually master this skill too. • Growing up is a stressor for many young children. Instead of telling children they're “a big kid now,” Joan encourages parents to tell children, “You have a new important job. You're a body boss now.” • The two key skills of potty mastery are 1) Listening to your body and 2) Taking care of your body. Before toileting, normalize the way kids are already using these skills (e.g., listening to their bodies when they're hungry or thirsty and taking care of their bodies by bathing, washing their hands, and going to sleep). • Celebrate missteps as an essential part of the learning process. Through every other milestone, children's missteps were celebrated. When they took their first step and immediately fell, for example, the adults in the room cheered. When toileting comes around and missteps are not celebrated or even neutralized, the shift is abrupt and scary to children. • Often, toilet training can be children's first experience with shame, leading to issues with performance anxiety. When we take a kinder, more empowering approach, we teach children that they have a support system behind them when they encounter challenges. And if it takes a bit longer to overcome a challenge, it's okay, because they're moving in the right direction. Important Links • JoanMorgenstern.com (https://www.joanmorgenstern.com/) • Joan Morgernstern on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/joan.morgenstern) • Joan Morgenstern on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/joan.morgenstern/) • Conscious Discipline Events (https://consciousdiscipline.com/professional-development/events/) Product Mentions • Handling Upset: The Adult-First Mindset Shift (https://consciousdiscipline.com/e-learning/handling-upset-the-adult-first-mindset-shift/) • The Feeling Is Bright: Self-Regulation Through Rhythm and Rhyme (https://consciousdiscipline.com/product/the-feeling-is-bright-site-license/) • Conscious Discipline Book (https://consciousdiscipline.com/product/the-new-conscious-discipline-book-expanded-updated/) • S.T.A.R. Breathing Tool (https://consciousdiscipline.com/product/s-t-a-r-breathing-tool/) Show Outline • 0:00 Introduction • 2:18 Introduction of guest Joan Morgernstern • 3:27 What does it mean to be a parent coach? • 5:30 What challenges are parents experiencing right now? • 7:59 Joan's expertise in toileting • 12:30 Shifting language from “potty training” to “potty mastery” • 16:26 Common misinformation about toileting • 23:14 Two parts of potty mastery • 33:01 Quick toileting tips for caregivers • 40:03 Trust the process • 43:30 Celebrate missteps • 46:07 How children's experiences with toileting affect other areas of life. • 54:14 Recap and discussion • 58:43 Question from a listener: What do you do when your child is experiencing big feelings and doesn't want help? • 1:01:07 What's Conscious Discipline celebrating? • 1:02:41 Wish Wells THANK YOU FOR LISTENING There are many ways you could have spent this time today, but you chose to spend it with us and we are grateful. If you enjoyed today's show, please share it with others via your favorite social media platforms.

One of the things that I hear time and time again from parents is that it feels like parenthood is a constant tightrope walk. And knowing how to meet our children's curiosity about sex without projecting our own (often complicated) feelings onto the conversation is certainly no exception.   Here to offer some clarity on how we can set developmentally appropriate expectations of our kids and gentle expectations of ourselves when it comes to talking to them about sex is Dr. Holly Richmond.   From learning language that can help keep your child safe, when and how to set appropriate boundaries, and how to introduce the concept of consent to young children, in this episode we will offer you a framework that you can use no matter your comfort level, so you can introduce topics related to sexual health in a manner that feels authentic and genuine to you.     I want to hear from you! Send me a topic you want me to cover or a question you want answered on the show! ✨ DM me on Instagram at @securelyattachedpodcast or @drsarahbren ✨ Send an email to info@drsarahbren.com ✨ And check out drsarahbren.com for more parenting resources 

For her first three births, doctors refused to allow Rachel to go into labor and pushed for scheduled C-sections. Rachel knew the risks involved with being plus-sized and potentially having large babies, but she just wanted someone to give her a chance. With her fourth pregnancy, Rachel knew she needed to pursue birth on her own terms. She found a supportive community, prepared with extensive research, and hired a very experienced, VBAC-friendly home birth midwife. After weeks of prodromal labor, Rachel was able to deliver her baby girl at home without any complications. She finally felt safe and protected in her birthing space. Rachel found redemption, healing, and confidence both in her body and in herself.Additional linksThe VBAC Link Blog: Plus Size BirthThe VBAC Link Facebook CommunityHow to VBAC: The Ultimate Prep Course for ParentsFull transcriptNote: All transcripts are edited to correct grammar, false starts, and filler words. Meagan: Good morning. Good afternoon. Good evening. Whatever time it is where you are listening, welcome to The VBAC Link. This is Meagan and I just can't even begin to tell you about this episode that is coming your way. You guys are going to love it. Like, seriously love it. As we were talking a little bit before we started recording, I was dying. I was sitting here taking notes. Let me just tell you, our friend Rachel here has been through so much. Everything. I mean, seriously. There are all of the things. Plus-sized mama, a big baby, VBAC after three C-sections. I should say HBAC after three C-sections. Let's see. A bait and switch. So many things, oh my gosh. So many things. I'm not going to take too much time right now because I really want to turn the time over to her. Just in the ten minutes that I was talking to her a little bit about her stories, I was dying. I was dying. I was like, “Okay. We have to start her recording because everyone needs to hear this.” Review of the WeekMeagan: We are going to dive into it, but of course, I have a Review of the Week. If you have not had a moment to leave us a review, we would love it. We would absolutely love it. You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Google Play. I think maybe Spotify. You can email us at info@thevbaclink.com. You can just Google us. Send us a message on Instagram or Facebook. Wherever it may be, we would love your reviews and we would love to read them on the podcast. Today's review is from Kim.Aboo and this is on Apple Podcasts. Her topic is “Prepping for My VBAC.” It says, “My first pregnancy, I elected for a C-section for my twins. In my second current pregnancy, I was very indecisive on whether I wanted to VBAC or not. My provider actually brought it up to me. Upon doing more research, I came across The VBAC Link's Insta. At 22 weeks pregnant, I decided that I'm going to VBAC. In one of your episodes, the mom said, ‘I had to trust my body. Know you can do it and believe in yourself.' That empowered me and I told myself, ‘I can do it.'“I have been listening to all of the episodes ever since, doing the research, prepping my body through exercise, squats, chiropractic care, and everything else I have heard. I am excited and I look forward to it. My baby is due in August and I will let you know how it goes. I have to say thank you, thank you, thank you for your podcast, Insta page, and the wealth of information you share.” Well, thank you, Kim. And guess what? It's actually August right now as we are recording, so Kim, if you are still listening, we would love to know how the birth went either way. This is one thing I want to emphasize about this podcast. Yes, we are sharing stories about VBAC and we encourage VBAC. We want people to know their options about VBAC. However, we also know that CBACs happen and that is okay too. Sometimes, we also know that they are desired and that is also okay too. I just want you to know that if you have a CBAC, we still want to share your story. We still want to hear your story and we want you to know that you are a woman of strength. We are so happy for you and proud of you. Rachel's StoryMeagan: Okay, Rachel. I am so excited. I'm not kidding you. I saw your post. It kind of went viral on all sorts of pages and I was like, “She has to. She has to be on the podcast.” I got chills reading and like I was telling you before we started recording, I can't wait to hear it from your, from your voice, and from yourself because I feel like when you are reading it, you put your own emotion and emphasis and tone into it, but I can't wait to hear yours. And then like I said, just before we were recording, listening to all of the things you've been through. You are flipping incredible. I just want you to know that I am so honored that you are here with us today to share your stories. So without further ado, I'm going to turn the time over for you to blow everyone's minds. Rachel: All righty. So a little introduction of myself, my name is Rachel Richard. I currently live in Oklahoma. I was born and raised here. I've been married to my husband, Dennis, now for going on 8 and a half years. We've known each other for about ten and we just had our fourth little baby on August 6th. I should say, big baby, not little. Meagan: A perfect, perfect-sized baby. Rachel: Yes. So a little back story on how I came to my fourth home birth after 3 C-sections. My very first one, I was 20 years old. It was my first pregnancy. I had a great pregnancy. It was very normal with no complications at all. But come 40 weeks and 2 days, I had my routine weekly checkup with my OB and they started noticing that my blood pressure was slightly elevated. Nothing concerning, but they did test my urine and I did have protein in my urine. The fear-mongering started. He brings me into his office which is outside of regular exam rooms. It was just his office. We sat down, my husband and I, and he basically says that with my weight and the fact that I wasn't dilated at 40 weeks and 2 days that it would more or less be an uphill battle for labor. Our induction methods, I guess, would be limited based on what he was telling me because I wasn't dilated. By then, I was over being pregnant. It was my first pregnancy. I didn't really know that having one C-section would lead to the cascade of issues I've had since then so, unfortunately, I was like, “Yeah. Let's have a baby!” Two and a half hours later after my appointment, he quote-on-quote “fit me in after the twins”, so I literally drove directly from the doctor's office to the hospital and they started prepping me, essentially, for the delivery. Completely no complications. It was a great delivery. I had no negative feelings toward it. I was happy I had a baby. I had a great recovery. I was up and doing everything normal after baby. Probably within two weeks, I felt like it was great. I do have an apron belly, so I did have some discomfort. I couldn't lay on my side and things like that. I basically lived in the recliner for the first few weeks which is fine, but a great baby. She was only 6 pounds, 9 ounces. Meagan: Oh, teeny. Rachel: She was tiny. I was a 10-pound baby. All my mom's babies were 10 pounds, so we were expecting a larger baby, but all of her ultrasounds were in the office by my OB, so I never had an actual tech do any of those, so all of his measurements were not accurate. He stopped measuring her at 34 weeks or whatever because she was just in weird positions. We don't really know when she stopped growing or if she really tracked to be that small. Not really sure. It is possible that I did have preeclampsia and she did have some delayed growth there, but who's to say? Maybe she's just a small baby. But anyways, other than her size, it was a great pregnancy. She was healthy. We had some breastfeeding issues, but otherwise, she was great. Fast forward to my second pregnancy, they are 2 years and 10 days apart, so I waited for a little over 15 months and got pregnant with my second. Great pregnancy. I was actually researching midwives and got turned away from several midwife groups due to my BMI which I understood. It wasn't a big deal. They have regulations they have to follow. It's whatever, but they did refer me to a VBAC-friendly, size-friendly provider. I had a great experience with her. I still like her to this day. I just have some issues with the end of my pregnancy because I was bait and switched, unfortunately. I was one of those people that had a great experience, was told I was going to have this most amazing VBAC ever, and then come 38 weeks, she pulls out her VBAC Calculator online. Just that, “Your chances of a VBAC are less than 25%.” Blah, blah, blah all because of my weight, I would need a C-section.Meagan: You're 38 weeks. At 38 weeks. Rachel: Yeah, and then she was like, “Well, and I like my VBAC moms to deliver by 39 weeks and you haven't started dilating yet.” Basically the same spiel as the first one that my chances are a lot lower because my body isn't ready, blah blah blah. He was also larger. I was seeing a perinatologist the entire time because of my suspected preeclampsia that happened two hours before my first child's delivery. That is tracked on all of my records, so they had me see that doctor just to make sure I didn't have it again. I didn't. I had to take a lot of their testing more than once because I feel like they were looking for an issue based on my weight, that I was going to have gestational diabetes or preeclampsia or whatever and I never had any of that. It was a perfect pregnancy, a perfect baby, and never had any issues. I did have a lot of NSTs and a lot of ultrasounds with that pregnancy. All of that was normal. Meagan: Do you feel like looking back that those were maybe some red flags or do you feel like they were all warranted? Rachel: Going from my third pregnancy, honestly, that was the reason. They were unwarranted. I felt like they were excessive and unnecessary. Meagan: Yes. That's a lot. Rachel: I get it that you are wanting to do that, but once you start to see that there's nothing wrong, I feel like they should have stopped and I felt like they got more frequent. In several of the appointments, I intentionally didn't go because I was just like, “I literally had one a week before and everything was fine. I feel fine and nothing has changed,” kind of things. It was really more annoying to me because I wasn't working at the time, but I had another child at home who was less than two years old and I had to find childcare because my husband was working or bringing her with me which is chaos. That was very annoying and that's kind of what led me to my fourth being unassisted was the delivery of my second. Basically, at 38 weeks, she was like, “You are not dilated. I'll have you come in again and we'll check you at 38.5.” It was a Monday at 38 weeks, and then on Friday, she checked me again. Of course, nothing had changed magically in 5 days. So she was like, “I like to deliver by 39 weeks.” Blah, blah, blah. I was just like, “Are you serious? I don't have a chance?” I cried in her office and I was very upset because I felt like I was bait and switched.I didn't know that terminology at the time, but I was like, “You've been telling me all of these rainbows and butterflies for the last 38 weeks and now the whole script has changed.” I was just very blindsided by it. There was a term I used to use and I can't remember what I used to say. It will probably come to me in a little bit, but I was devastated basically because I researched this lady. I had gone through and I was like, “I'm getting my vaginal birth. I'm getting it. That's what is going to happen this time.” And unfortunately, I felt like all of my options were stripped from me and that the only option I had at that point was another C-section. I was so devastated. At 38.5, she basically said, “We're going to schedule you for a C-section on Monday.” We got home and that appointment was early afternoon. When I got home, we started talking with my husband and I was like, “You know what? Why delay the inevitable? If you're saying I can't do anything. Nothing is going to change between 39 and 39 and a day because I think she scheduled me for Monday. I called back and I was like, “If you guys aren't just going to let me have a vaginal birth, why don't you just take him at 39 weeks?”I called them back and they scheduled me for first thing Sunday morning because I was like, “I'm not going to wait for two more days or for one more day for a C-section when you already said you wanted to take him.” I was just like, “You know what? Take him Sunday morning.” He was born. He was 9 pounds, 3 ounces at 39 weeks exactly. He would have easily been close to what my fourth was if he kept baking until he was ready, but perfect baby. Perfect delivery. I had a rough recovery. Rough. My incision didn't close for about 4 weeks and after it did close, I had multiple rounds of antibiotics because it just oozed and oozed. Once it did close, I had several seromas that developed and we were concerned that they were abscesses, so I had several ultrasounds to rule that out. I was afraid that I was going to have to be cut back open. It was rough and with having two babies, my daughter had just turned two and my daughter is delayed. Delayed I say. Developmentally she wasn't, but in speech she was. I didn't really have any communication with her. They were both still in diapers. It was like having two babies. I was also breastfeeding both of them because my daughter was still nursing full-time, so I was tandem feeding all day long. Horrible pain, it was a rough recovery. I knew after that one that I did not want another C-section ever. Unfortunately, I did end up having a third. With that recovery, it took about 7 total weeks until I was back to normal and not in any pain. My incision was healed, but it was the polar opposite of my first, and I was not expecting it, so I didn't have anything in place other than the fact that I had a recliner that I lived in basically for a month. Fast forward again a little over, so they are two and a half years apart, it was April. I had waited almost 2 years to get pregnant with my third. At that point, I knew that I did not want another C-section. I was going a different route. I was like, “I'm just going to have a home birth because obviously, the hospital is not going to let me do what I want to do.” I contacted a midwife who was actually the midwife I used this time with my fourth, but I was going the free birth, unassisted route with my third because I just felt like I could do it on my own. I was like, “You know what?” I hated everything about my second's prenatal care. I felt like it was all unnecessary, and so I was just like, “You know what? I'll just go unassisted. I'll have the baby unassisted and I can do this. It's totally fine.” I went 42 weeks and a day completely unassisted. I did have one ultrasound at 26 weeks when we found out that he was a boy. Everything was normal. I really did that for two things: to know the placental placement and make sure that there wasn't any kind of Previa. Meagan: Yeah, especially with what you were planning. Rachel: I didn't want anything to be interfering with that. Everything was perfect. He was fine. Measuring fine. Everything developmentally was great. There weren't any red flags on his health or mine, so I felt comfortable with that. It was the only ultrasound and the only prenatal care I had up until the day before he was born. Everything was great. I had friends over. I had several weeks of random days of prodromal labor that would last 14-17 hours. Knowing what I know now after my fourth if I would have known because I didn't know what a contraction felt like. I never had contractions with my first two, so going into my third, prodromal labor felt like labor to me because I hadn't felt what a real contraction was. So every time I started having consistent contractions, I would call my doula over, call my friends over, call the birth photographer over, expecting it to go anywhere, but unfortunately, it went nowhere. It really wasn't painful, so that's another red flag for me knowing what I know now. If I would have had somebody there, I mean, yes. My doula was there, but she couldn't feel what I was feeling and it was just one of those things. I just kept getting my hopes and kept getting my hopes up and kept getting my hopes up for several days and it led nowhere. My best friend at the time and the photographer both go out of town for the weekend of 42 weeks. I turned 42 weeks on Friday. They both leave town, and so I'm just feeling abandoned basically. Meagan: Yeah. I was going to say, feeling alone. Rachel: Yeah, alone and not necessarily scared, but the unknown was there and I was just like, “Can I do this fully alone?” And knowing that my husband– he's a great guy and all, but he's not very supportive when I'm in pain or anything like that, so I knew I couldn't count on him during the birth. Any kind of trauma, my son cut his finger this past week and he was freaking out. He's not one of those people that can keep calm, so I knew he was going to cause more of a problem for me if it was just me and him. I knew I needed somebody else. I did have my doula. She's a great girl and I went to school with her in elementary school, but we didn't reconnect until my pregnancy. So there's a big gap in our lives that we didn't really have time to catch up on. She was a friend of mine, but it wasn't that close relationship that I would have needed to feel confident in my own abilities. I knew I needed somebody to support me. I don't know why, but I expected to get support from nurses and staff at a hospital. Little did I know, that wasn't going to happen. At 40 weeks on my due date, I also had family and stuff barking down my neck because I'd had two C-sections. Meagan: You hadn't had a baby yet. Rachel: Yeah, and that. It was 42 weeks. I had two C-sections previously. Everybody was like, “What are you doing?” And so at 42 weeks exactly, I went to the hospital by myself which I should have never done. I went by myself. I walked in and was like, “I just need to have an ultrasound to check baby's position.” Blah, blah, blah. They sent me up to triage in labor and delivery. Everybody is looking at me like I have five heads because they are asking me who my OB is and I tell them that I don't have one and I don't have any prenatal care at 42 weeks with two previous C-sections. They think I'm a nut job and I can hear them whispering behind the sheets and stuff because it was just a triage room. I didn't even get a room. They did an NST. Everything was fine. They did an ultrasound. Everything was fine aside from their wanting to scare me with calcification on the placenta which is normal. Everything was fine. He was still head down. He was in a great position. Then, I was just like, “Okay cool. I'll just go home.” I should have just gone home and gone to bed, but I didn't. They basically cornered me in the room with two nurses and the OB there and were like, “We don't want you to leave without having a C-section. You should have a C-section today.” I was there by myself. I was like, “You know what? Let me call my husband because I don't feel comfortable right now. I can't make a decision basically.” I ended up signing an AMA. I told them that I was going to go to another hospital where I delivered my second. I signed that and so I was like, “You know what? I'm just going to go there. They're going to allow me to have a VBAC. Everything will be fine.” No. I get to the hospital. Checked in. I'm in a labor and delivery room. They check me. I'm a 3.5 which is the most I've ever been dilated and I was so happy. Meagan: Yeah, that's a great starting point.Rachel: Right. Right, I thought so. The nurse was even like, “That's good.” Her eyes perked up a little and she went to go get the OB. He still said, “We're not going to induce you. We're not going to give you anything.” I didn't want Pitocin because of the additional risk of uterine rupture. I was 42 weeks. I had two C-sections. That wasn't something that I wanted, but I was like, “Give me a Foley bulb or give me something. Or just give me time.” I felt that because I hadn't had prenatal care, I didn't want to sign an AMA a second time, just because I didn't want any DHS or anybody else trying to get involved just because of my choice of how I wanted to do things. In my head, I was in this battle of, “I don't want a C-section. That's the last thing I want, but I also don't feel comfortable going home.” I felt the need to stay, but at the same time, I was getting brick-walled by these providers that were saying, “No. There's no option.” Even with my doula there asking them hundreds of questions of, “Can I do this? What about this?”I was having contractions, but they weren't consistent at the time. I wasn't in active labor, and so they couldn't really do anything besides give me time which they weren't going to do because I was 42 weeks and I'd had two C-sections. I needed to be delivered now in their heads. Meagan: Yeah, even though nothing was saying that. Rachel: Nothing was wrong. Baby and I were fine. There were no issues, but this provider was just stone-walled. He was not changing his mind even after finding out what I was dilated to. Didn't change anything. I just was again, devastated. Like, “What do you mean I have no option? You're totally ripping it away basically.” In my head, I still felt like I was able to. There was nothing dire that was happening that would prevent me, but I was still being told, “No. It's not an option.” I, unfortunately, went along with it and signed the documents to have another C-section. It happened the morning after because they needed more OBs on staff. I ended up having a total of four surgeons during my C-section, my third C-section which probably was a great idea because I had a lot of scar tissue with all of the seromas and the rough recovery from my second. There was a lot of scar tissue that was in the way and whatnot that they had to cut away. It took about 40 minutes to get to my son during that delivery. He did have to be intubated in the OR, but by the time they get down the hall going to the NICU, he had already pulled out the tube. It didn't last long and he was fine. He had to be, based on their protocol, on oxygen for a certain amount of time, and then they were able to pull him off and whatnot. I didn't get to hold him until a little after he was 24 hours old. That was rough. After he got out and they cut away all of the scar tissue, they put me back together and everything was fine. I healed amazingly and I had a great recovery with that one. He was 9 pounds, 9 ounces at 42 weeks and a day. He was technically smaller than my second son who was 9 pounds, 3 ounces at 39 weeks. We were expecting him to be bigger honestly but he wasn't. He was a great chunky baby and healthy. Everything was great with him after the initial shock of it all. His issues with breathing initially very well could have been from those four surgeons putting all of that weight on me during delivery and getting him out. After all of that, I decided that enough was enough. I told my midwife when I first contacted her that I will never step foot in a hospital again unless there is a true emergency because I just don't ever want to be in that position where I feel like somebody is revoking an option that is still a valid option. Meagan: Yeah. Rachel: That feeling of your brain telling you, “You can do it. What are you talking about? You can do it,” but then everybody else in the room is saying, “No. You can't.” It's like I was forced in a way and unfortunately, that's just the way that it was. After that, I just knew that if I were to have a fourth, it would be a redeeming, healing birth and I wasn't allowing anyone or anything to get involved. It was November of last year, I found out I was pregnant. I was actually going through a weight-loss program because I was planning on having weight-loss surgery and I found out I was pregnant, so we put all of that on hold. I contacted my midwife immediately and she said basically that there was nothing that was going to get in the way. She was totally on board. She tells me now that even though I didn't hire her for my third, as a midwife, she felt like she failed me in that birth because she wasn't involved in the end. If she would have known that I was in that position, she would have stepped in. I wish I would have reached out to her, but I didn't unfortunately. But with my fourth, I had her involved the entire pregnancy. I had prenatals with her. I was actually going to an OB just so that insurance could cover the initial ultrasounds because I did want with it being my third, again, I wanted to make sure that everything was fine. Everything was fine. At 22 or 23 weeks, I just ghosted that OB because as soon as they started saying, “We're going to do this at the next appointment for the baby,” I'm just like, “Nope. You're not telling me to do nothing.” I did their blood tests, but I never did anything else. I never did the glucose. I never did any of the other testing or vaccines or anything that they were pushing on me. I just wasn't going to have that. So I ghosted them and we continued our prenatal visits with the midwife. Everything was great. I actually wasn't going to find out what we were having. I did get the blood test results at 12 weeks and I told my closest friends, but my husband and I didn't know. I was in this position where I was going to tell all of them because I had a girl and then two boys. So I was like, “If it's a boy,” and in my head, I was convinced that it was a boy.I was like, “I'm just going to have another boy. I have everything for the boys. It's fine.” I kept everything, but then in my head, I'm like, “If it's a girl, I'm screwed. I've got to start over from scratch.” I was like, “Well, if I find out now,” in my head, it was already a boy, so I was just in this battle. I was like, “Do I wait or do I not? It would be the greatest surprise of life if I wait until birth.” But at the same time, I knew that if it was going to be a girl, which, in my head, it wasn't going to be, I was going to have to start over. I was going to panic. I want to be prepared for a girl if it is a girl because I want to buy all of the things. So I tell my friends. They all find out. Nobody spills the beans to me, and then I started getting these little inklings in the weeks. I waited four months before I found out after we had the results. I could have known by the click of a button, but I didn't. I refrained, but I started getting these inklings of, “It might just be a girl.” I found a massive amount of clearance girls' stuff for a dollar each at Walmart. Little things. I'm like, “Mmm, it might just be a girl,” and I bought all of it. I was like, “It's probably a boy, but I'll buy it all just in case.”Meagan: Just in case, yeah. Rachel: All of my friends are trying not to give it away because I told them all. You know, if it's a boy, it's fine. I'll still use them. Most of it was towels and things like that. I didn't know anybody who was having a girl. I just thought I would donate it if it was a girl. My friend took me out to lunch. I decided, “Do a reveal to me somehow because that way it is still a surprise and I won't be disappointed if it is one way or another.” I was going to love the baby the same. I've had two boys and a girl, so I had the experience of both. So I was like, “Whatever it is, it is. Nothing is going to change whether I find out today or in two or three months when he or she is born.” In my head, it was still a boy. We went out to lunch and my friend called the bartender over to make a virgin drink in the color that it was going to be. Meagan: Aww, that's cute. Rachel: We went to lunch and she took a picture of me when I found out. I bawled. I looked at her because I thought she ordered it for herself. She orders drinks for herself. She just starts looking at me and staring at me as soon as the bartender set the drink down. She was like, “Do you know what this means?” I was like, “What? What kind of drink did you get?” She was like, “Do you know what this means?” I was like, “Wait. Is it a girl?” And I just started bawling. I was like, “No it's not. It's not a girl. There's no way.” We wanted a girl so bad. Having two of each would perfectly end everything. I was convinced that it wasn't. I was like, “This has to be wrong,” and immediately, before we even left that little diner, I called and had a same-day ultrasound scheduled with a private ultrasound place to confirm that it was a girl. We went straight over there and sure enough, it was a girl. I was like, “I still don't believe it. I really don't.” In my head, it was so clear as day that it was going to be a boy. I think, in my head, I was doing that to make myself feel better because I knew I wanted a girl so badly. That was exciting. We got a girl. Our fourth is a girl. I had a great pregnancy. I did start prodromal labor again, unfortunately, probably around 37 weeks. I knew I had started to drop because she started to “disappear” every time I took a picture. I had no belly anymore. People were like, “Did you have the baby already?” I'm like, “No, still pregnant. She's just hiding.” Even my midwife was hopeful that it was an indication that I was going to go early. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. I actually tested positive for COVID the week of my due date. Meagan: Of course. Rachel: And the AC in our house went out. This is the middle of July. We were out of our house. We were in a hotel for three nights and then four more nights at my in-laws' house. This was the week of my delivery or the week of my due date. So I was like, “Uh-uh.” I was very upset by the fact that I could possibly have a random hotel or my in-laws' address on the birth certificate and that was wigging me out. I was like, “No. I built this house that we live in. I want the address on the birth certificate to be our home. I want to deliver at home.” The thought of having my first delivery at some random location, I think, put me off. I didn't really have any prodromal labor, thank God, during the week that we were away from home and nothing really happened. We get back home the week of 41 weeks. That Tuesday after we got back, I mowed my lawn with my zero-return mower and the bumpiness of it started more prodromal labor. Really, it's like it never went away, though. My prodromal labor was really like early labor but took forever. It started that night. The next day, I was 40 weeks and 4 days on a Wednesday. I had a little baby shower with my office at my real estate office because I'm a real estate agent here locally. We had a little baby shower that week and I lost my mucus plug before I left the office, part of it. Every day after that, I would lose more of it, and then that Sunday after, I was 41 and 2 days. I lost some bloody show. Meagan: You started having bloody show, yeah. Rachel: Yeah, but every day I was having these contractions usually at night. They were painful. It wasn't until I started losing my bloody show that they started to wrap around my back. That last week was pretty miserable. I wasn't sleeping. I couldn't lie down. The last few days, I couldn't lie down on my side anymore because every time I would lay on my side, it was very frequent which was great that it was progressing, but I just needed relief. I was changing positions. My favorite position, which was kind of silly, was the only position I could find. I have a picture of me sitting on my ball leaning up to the end of my bed with a pillow behind my head. I was sitting, it was almost like I was in a recliner which, I wish we had a recliner here but we don't. I was sitting on the birth ball with my feet on the ground and leaning back onto my bed. I was able to get 20-30 minute breaks between contractions. That's the only time I slept for the last four days in that position because it just never ended.Any time I was up and awake and doing stuff throughout the day, I was still getting the kids ready. I have three other kids here and was still doing daily activities, but the last couple of days, I was so exhausted and miserable that I just was reclused in my room. I didn't open my door. I didn't want to do anything besides have a baby. I was miserable, tired, uncomfortable, and in pain. I was in and out of the bath. I took several baths a day, but when the contractions would get going, I wasn't comfortable there anymore. It wasn't until, I'd have to look back at my text messages with my midwife, but two days before I actually had her, I really thought I was going to go into labor because I just had this shift in feeling where I was having a lot of back labor, a lot. It was only happening in my back in a way. I could handle my front cramping, but my back was uncontrollable. I just wanted to cry. No position was comfortable. The same thing, I couldn't sleep. I get through it. I get breaks here and there. The night before I had her, I literally didn't sleep at all. I didn't have any breaks between contractions. I stayed awake. I was pretty miserable. I was laid up in the morning and all afternoon. I didn't leave my bed. I put on those little diaper things. I didn't even care. I was going to pee on myself. I didn't care. I didn't want to move. I just sat on my bed and leaned up against some pillows and this rubber dinosaur thing that my kids had. It was kind of in the shape of a peanut ball. It's about the same size. I would lean up against that on the wall of my bed. I basically sat there for hours. I basically laid there watching TV and just contracting the entire time. I was moaning through some of them, but it wasn't until I got up to go to the bathroom that I felt something. I was like, “Mmm, that's weird.” I got up. It was probably about 1:00. I go to the bathroom and I wipe and I feel my bag bulging. I feel it. Meagan: Ooh. Oh. Rachel: Yeah, feel it bulging. It wasn't all the way out, but I could feel it there. I was like, “Oop.” I texted the midwife and I was like, “You probably should come over because the bag is bulging.” That was my first sure sign that it was happening soon. That was the first time that I was like, “Okay. The end is near. I can start to feel excited again,” because I was just in this dread of in-between contractions of just no relief and annoyed that it was taking so long. It was 42 weeks and a day, finally felt some progress. My bag starts bulging at 1:00 and I'm excited, telling everybody, updating everyone, and then probably about an hour and a half later, the midwife gets there. She's trying to get me into a good mental state, getting all of the kids out of the house. My dad ended up taking the kids and my other three. My roommate here took her two boys and they went fishing and did some other stuff, and got out of the house, so that really helped with the chaos. I was able to relax a little bit more. It got quiet. I turned on some music. I was in and out of the bath. I just couldn't get comfortable. I really wanted a water birth, but I was really just trying to focus on following my body, listening to what I needed, and getting comfortable where I was. Meagan: However you could. Rachel: Yeah, really. The only place, again, that I could get comfortable was on my birth ball. I spent pretty much the entire time there. My midwife did leave and sat in the driveway for a little bit because she feels like in a way, that birth is to be undisturbed as far as her presence. She sometimes feels like she doesn't need to be there. So she did sit in the driveway for a little while just to give me time alone. I didn't mind that, but I was texting her and she was like, “Anytime you want me to come back, just let me know.” I was like, “I enjoy the company.” My husband was in the other room playing a game. Like I said, anytime I'm in pain and whatnot, he's just not good. In fact, he still hasn't watched the birth videos. He won't. I'm going to get him to one of these days just to have him see it all. He was there when it happened, but he didn't want to see anything. So around 3:45, I get in the bath while the midwife was in the driveway and I noticed and felt that my water bag was out further. It was sticking out. I could feel it from the outside. I was curious about it. I kept telling my midwife, “It's still bulging and I can feel it.” At that time, she was kind of skeptical. She was like, “Are you sure it's the bag? Or whatever.” I was like, “No, I'm pretty sure. It feels like a water balloon to me.” It was squeaky-rubbery. In my head, that's how I felt like it was. I get my phone to take a picture and I took a video because I couldn't reach the button, so I have a video of my bags bulging. As soon as I get the phone down there, it pops and bursts, so I have a video of my bags bursting. Meagan: That's amazing. Rachel: Yeah, so I have a quick video of that. I was shocked, but yeah. I posted that before the baby was even born on our unassisted group on Facebook and everybody was like, “Oh my god, I've never seen that before.” A lot of people haven't ever even seen a bag. Most bags break when they are still inside or it will be when the head is right there. There was nothing there, but it was pretty cool. My midwife said that she was googling, “How dilated do you have to be to have your bags so far out?” We had no idea. We didn't do any cervical checks or anything like that. It was all just a guessing game, but that was probably about 3:45-4:00 when my bags officially burst. And then after that, it was just kind of like, “Okay. Now it's really going to happen today.” Again, I wasn't really crying or in a lot of pain. I mean, it was uncomfortable, but I had a very– to me, in my head, vaginal delivery, I guess because of the media and all of the videos and stuff I've seen, I thought I was going to be more vocal and in a lot more pain. I thought it was going to be more exaggerated than it was. To me, it felt like it was just going to keep going. I was expecting it to increase or intensify, but I think also that the days and days and days of prodromal labor numbed me to it all maybe. I don't know. In my head, I was like, “I've got a long way to go. This is not that bad,” but my midwife started to notice certain cues as I was laboring like different sounds I was making and things like that that she knew that we were getting close. But again, to me, it was all the same. It was no different. I couldn't distinguish one contraction that was more intense than the other or anything like that. I just sat on my birth ball and leaned onto the wooden vanity that I had in my bathroom. The crease in the wood on the shelf was hitting me in the palm, kind of like how people use the comb technique. That's kind of how I used it in a way to counter any kind of pain I was feeling. My midwife was sitting in front of me. She actually had a folding chair we got her and she was sitting in the shower. We have a curb-less shower. She was facing me and taking notes. Her assistant was texting her and she was just giving her updates. I have all of those screenshots. It's really cute to see, “She's a warrior.” They were just hyping me up through text. It was so cool. I didn't get to see any of those until after the birth and she sent me everything. She was taking pictures of me during contractions and little videos and stuff because she knew I was going to want that, but also, it was helping her little intern learn through my experience too. We get through– it was probably 8:00ish by the time I just couldn't get comfortable. I felt like I needed to get off of the ball. I was going to get in the bath. That lasted all of three seconds and I drained the water. I was like, “Not going to happen.” I couldn't sit. I couldn't lean. I couldn't do anything in the water. I was not comfortable so I immediately got out. I tried to sit on the toilet and the contractions were way too intense. I couldn't do it. I wanted to crawl up the wall. I had my husband lean in front of me and I couldn't even get up off the toilet because every time– that's when I knew that things were progressing really fast. I needed to get comfortable as soon as I could. I tried to sit back on my ball and I was comfortable, but I felt like the pressure– I needed to get off my butt. I moved onto my bed and as soon as I got on my knees and pillows in front of me, I just started feeling the urge to push. It all started probably at about 9:00-9:15.I only pushed for about 15 minutes. In the last five minutes or so, her head was out, but we were trying to get her shoulders out. My midwife reached in just to check to see if there was a cord around the neck or anything like that. There wasn't a cord, but as soon as she stuck a couple of fingers in to check for the cord, her shoulder popped out and she just shot out. It was at 9:31 when she was born. Immediately following her, my midwife says, was three gallons of water. It came in waves. Unfortunately, I didn't have a mattress protector on my mattress, so that was a regret, but it's fine. They used literally every towel in the house and every chux pad that we had left and it was still seeping through my bed. They tried. As soon as they got her out, she was fine. She was crying right away, but when I went to turn over from my knees to my back, I turned over without them realizing that I was turning over and my midwife was holding the baby. When I turned over, her cord snapped, so it was kind of this quick, frantic, “Get the cord clamp!” My husband was standing in the corner and I just remember looking at him. He was panicked. He was like, “Oh my god.” He was traumatized by the last three C-sections.With my third, when he followed the baby to the NICU, he turned to me and said, “Please don't die.” He was traumatized. I think, after my third, I knew that not only could I not have another C-section, I couldn't put my husband through it. I felt bad the moment after my fourth was born that I was now traumatizing him again. But this time was all under control. They just got the clamp. It was fine. As soon as I got turned over, they moved the baby to me. Within five to ten minutes, the placenta came out. Everything was fine. Everything went great. I didn't have any bleeding really. I barely tore. Probably about 30 minutes after she was born, we weighed her. We all took our guesses. I was guessing 9,7 only because my birthday is September 7th and I was like, “My boys were 9. I'll just do it in the middle.” And no. From the moment she came out, my midwife was like, “This is an 11-pound baby.” I said, “No way. Absolutely no way, an 11-pound baby.” Everybody else in the room was guessing in the 9's, low 10's. We get out the scale and sure enough, she's 11,1. My midwife was like, “I told you.” I didn't believe it. After the midwife left, I had my husband hold her and weigh her on the scale, then put her down and weigh on the scale again and sure enough, she was 11 pounds. I was like, “What!” I was like, “Did I really just do that and didn't even really tear?” Within a few days, I didn't even feel the tear anymore. It was already healed. And so, yeah. Honestly, it took me several days. It still doesn't really hit me now, but I had the birth that I've always wanted. I feel like I was expecting it to be worse. I know that it sounds weird, but I was expecting to have to scream, cry, or be in excruciating pain. I was expecting there to be more going on, but it was like this, not an out-of-body experience, but I felt like I was living through someone– maybe it was out-of-body. I was expecting more of it. After it was done, I was like, “That's it?” You know? Like, “That's all?”Meagan: That's all? Wait. Rachel: Yeah. I just was expecting more. I don't know why. Maybe it's just because in my head, I've worked it up for so many years expecting this and I watched so many birth videos and things like that. I just wanted to so badly, but in my head, it was going to go such a different way. I mean, it was great, but I was expecting more as in it to be worse. Meagan: Yeah, right. Rachel: But, no. I had an amazing delivery. The entire time, I was supported by my loved ones and my midwife. My midwife's assistant got there 30 minutes before she was born, right when we were getting on the bed and getting comfortable with the pillows and stuff. She came in and it was the perfect time because that apprentice assistant had also had three C-sections and a home birth with my midwife. It was almost like I got to experience what she did and she got to see it through another person. Meagan: Yeah, I love it. Rachel: Yeah, and I think my midwife put it this way. She got to give me what she experienced herself with my midwife. The same midwife delivered her baby at home. Meagan: So awesome. So awesome. Rachel: We both got to get that experience and it was healing for me, but I think it was also healing for her especially because she had those preconceived beliefs about weight that would interfere with my birth and it went fine. She had some fears lingering with that and for her to witness it and see that women like myself have just as much strength as anyone else. I've shared my birth videos with people and they are shocked that I am quiet and I seem calm. I really felt that way. I didn't have any pain. I don't remember feeling any pain. I just remember feeling it burn during pushing, but it wasn't me pushing. The only push that I forced out was at the very end because we were concerned about her shoulders being stuck because we knew that she was big by the time her head came out. She didn't have any molding or anything like that. It came out round as all could be. By that time, we realized that there was a possibility of her shoulders getting stuck, but no. They just came right out. She was fine. It was just a very healing experience. Redeeming in a way. I love that word. It was redemption. Meagan: Absolutely. Rachel: People keep saying, “Don't you just want to rub it in all of your providers' faces?” And honestly, I do. I wish more women like myself could experience this because I feel like the option is taken away even though it shouldn't be. I have friends that have felt the very same thing as myself, that bait and switch. Even personally, locally, they feel like they never got the option. It just makes me, I don't want to say angry, but it is angering for sure. I just wish that more women would try to push to experience this or find a provider like my own that refused to believe that I couldn't do it until something was shown that was truly indicative that something was interfering. But because this option is taken away from so many women, it's even harder for those of us that push for it to get it. Even fewer midwives are willing to take on plus-size women. I was over 415 pounds on the day of delivery. When people think of that, I mean, I carry it well. I'm 5'8”. I'm very proportioned. I have no mobility issues. I have no pain or any issues with my joints or anything like that. I'm very healthy and strong, but my weight is my weight and my BMI is what it is. That's what providers see. They don't see my body. They don't see my abilities, my physical strength. They don't see any of that. Unfortunately, for many women, it's the same. Even with mobility issues or things like that, it doesn't interfere with your cervix. It doesn't interfere with your uterus or the biology of birth itself. I wish that wouldn't hold people back. Yes, there are risks associated with your weight and being bigger, but there should be more than just the number that predetermines how you should birth. Meagan: Yes. Rachel: And unfortunately, with a lot of providers, even midwives, it is about the number on the paper. I'm grateful that my midwife refused to just see the number because she knew what I weighed. I told her. I was honest. She knows me and my ability. I have three kids. I am active with them. I can squat for days. I will squat competition you and beat you. I just have strength in my body. Regardless of my weight, I have the ability to do more than a number on a scale. Meagan: Yeah. I love that. I love that you said that because there is a slightly increased risk for BMI over 30, but that doesn't mean you can't do it. Even with those risks being increased, it should be noted that ACOG, RCOG, and SCOG still don't say that it means that you have to have an automatic Cesarean. It doesn't mean that you can't do it. We actually have a blog all about it. We talk about it. We have a plus-sized blog and we will make sure that it is in the show notes. It is possible. Stand up for yourself. You were saying, “I'll take you on.” Don't judge a book by its cover. Just because someone is plus-sized doesn't mean they don't have the ability to do what some people think is unachievable. Rachel: Right. I mean, yeah. Not that I think their ability shouldn't be tested–Meagan: Right, exactly. True, yes. Rachel: My body was tested over and over and over with my third being with my size, but I feel like there should be an obvious distinction between somebody that physically can't, that may have some biological issues that may interfere with– maybe their pelvis was broken at one point and things like that that are seriously considered. But just because of my weight, just because of this, which is all an assumption and unfortunately, those assumptions somehow become fact, and that just because of a number or my size or whatever automatically means that my cervix doesn't work or that my uterus is incompetent or something. In my brain, it doesn't make sense. Yeah. That's what I refuse to allow medical providers or people in general, even family that had doubts about my abilities which is all out of fear. Meagan: Yeah, and uneducated.Rachel: Yeah or just been misguided, or told certain things about it. Everybody that I have talked to is like, “Oh, I thought you always had to have a C-section after you had one.” That whole “once a C-section always a C-section”, is like no. My midwife herself has delivered a home birth after 7 C-sections. It happens. Her body didn't forget how to birth. It just was not given the chance. Meagan: Doubted, yeah. Rachel: My midwife does more VBACs or home births, she'll even go to the hospital if you want to go the hospital, but she does more HBACs than regular first-time moms or repeat vaginal births. She takes on people that nobody else will take on because she wants to be that outlet and she has this heritage midwife training that she's doing to extend her knowledge and her outreach to more midwives so that they will start taking on. She educates on the true risks of VBACs and things like that and that they aren't to be feared. A lot of people have a lot of fear somehow that every time a woman births after a C-section that her uterus is just going to explode or something. That's just not how it works. Meagan: Right. Rachel: She has a lot of insight and experience with VBACs. She is a wealth of knowledge and I appreciate her so much for advocating for those like myself and giving us a chance when nobody else will. Big huge props to my midwife for that.Meagan: Absolutely. Rachel: It's just been an amazing experience. Sitting here with my baby who is three weeks old now which, to me, it's gone by way too fast. I can see maybe a week, but three is– no. She's still little. She had slow gaining after I had her because my milk came in about four days after she was born. I mean, she was a big girl. She was pretty chunky. She had a lot to lose. She did lose a little over a pound, but she's back up there now and eating like crazy. She's healthy and great. Nothing wrong with her or myself. I feel amazing. I've been out and about since day three after I had her. I was taking my kids to school. I had the meet-the-teacher night four days after she was born, so we all went together. Even the day before that, I went out to lunch with just the baby and me. I wasn't in any pain and it was a whole different experience having a vaginal birth than a C-section because I wasn't cut open. I didn't have an open sore. Meagan: Right. Recovery was better. Rachel: Yeah. I didn't feel like– I mean, yes. I had pain but it was only when I nursed. It was just the initial pains the first few days and then obviously when I went pee, it burned. But I got some numbing spray that helped with that. I tell people every time I'm out. “How are you out? I was still on the couch.” I'm like, “Don't let it fool you. I'm still wearing a diaper.” But physically, I feel amazing.Meagan: Good. Rachel: It's the polar opposite and I wish I could have had this experience for every one of them, but in a way, it makes this one that much more special because I didn't get that with the first three. I've learned so much more about myself and I've gained a lot more strength and confidence in myself after my second, and then with the third unassisted pregnancy and then a third repeat C-section, I think that really just put me over the edge where I just had this empowerment in a way that I knew I was going to get the birth that I wanted and nothing was going to get in the way. I just had this peace about it. It was really hard the last few days especially, just because I had such a long prodromal journey in the end. It lasted over two weeks and I was just miserable. But that last day, I really started just to get that peace back. Meagan: Good. Yeah, I love that. Rachel: It was going to happen. It was going to happen. It was going to happen the way it was meant to happen and it just went. I got happy again once my bag started bulging. I was like, “All right. We're going.”Meagan: We've got this. Rachel: I was happy because before, it was a dreadful journey the last few weeks. Every time I thought it was going to happen, it didn't. I got amped up and got let down over and over. But I knew that my body needed that time. It really helped, I think, with the pain. Even though it lasted forever and I was uncomfortable and whatnot, I think in the very end, I think that really helped with the management of the pain just because I was expecting it to get worse and it never did. I had that peace and calm through the whole end of my active labor. Even through transition, which looking back now, I can see when that happened, but yeah. I really think the long prodromal journey played a huge part. Maybe my body just needed extra time to mold and transition and expand and whatnot because it had never done it before. Meagan: Yep. We've just got to allow our bodies time and peace. Well, you're amazing. Rachel: Even if I had gone into labor with my first or my second, it's very possible that I could have wound right back up as a C-section because my body just naturally needs more time. Looking back, I feel like I don't think anything would have changed. Meagan: Yeah. Rachel: I think that if I would have gone through labor before and it ended up in a C-section, I feel like maybe that would make me doubt myself more looking back. Just reflecting on it, I just feel like maybe if I had done it and then ended up in a C-section, maybe I would have doubted myself more and this is just the way that my journey has had to come to have that confidence in myself. I'm very much that person where it's like, if you tell me I can't do something, I'll do it and stare you down in the face and laugh at you afterward kind of thing. Like, “Oh. Do you think I can't? Watch me.”Meagan: Right.Rachel: I feel like maybe that was just the way my journey was supposed to be and this way, I have a little bit more of an impact on my experience for people. I've had three Cesarean births and I had a home birth of an 11-pound baby on my bed in my house. Meagan: Yes. Oh, so amazing. So amazing. Rachel: Yeah. I just think it couldn't have happened any better and I'm more than happy with how it ended up. I would do it over and over again, but my husband is pretty adamant that he is getting a vasectomy and he is done. Meagan: Oh well, hey. That happened to me too. Rachel: It hasn't been scheduled and it hasn't happened so you know, you never know. There might be a fifth. Meagan: Well, if another one comes, you just let us know. I really appreciate you so much for coming. I seriously loved it and it's going to be amazing. Rachel: Aww, well thank you guys for having me and letting me share my story because I definitely want it to help others like myself.ClosingWould you like to be a guest on the podcast? Tell us about your experience at thevbaclink.com/share. For more information on all things VBAC including online and in-person VBAC classes, The VBAC Link blog, and Julie and Meagan's bios, head over to thevbaclink.com. Congratulations on starting your journey of learning and discovery with The VBAC Link. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Why Therapists Shouldn't Be Taught Business in Grad School Curt and Katie debate whether graduate school programs for therapists should include business education. We look at the pros and cons for including business education for students, specifically identifying a mismatched developmental level, bloated curriculums, and underutilized career resources. We also look at the responsibility graduate schools have to their students to be employable or to be able to create a sustainable business.   Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com! In this podcast episode we talk about whether clinical grad programs should include business education We have seen marketing that highlights that business isn't taught in grad school (and have done a lot of it ourselves). We discuss whether it actually should be included. What is already included in grad school for therapists? A large number of clinical courses required for graduation Career centers and other business resources may be available, but not used What career or business resources should therapists get through graduate school? Career centers with up-to-date relevant employment resources Potentially an optional class or workshop for how to run a business Why shouldn't business education be added to clinical programs? “The timing of it just isn't right. Like, yeah, these are ideas that can be introduced, but the practicalities of it, in my experience, just aren't developmentally where a lot of grad students are… I don't think that [teaching someone to run a business] at a developmental time when people aren't capable for it or aren't ready for it – or legally not allowed to put those things in place – it just ends up being so far off that it's not a practical sort of training thing.” – Curt Widhalm Accreditation bodies don't access for employability, so programs won't focus their attention The increasing number of credits required to become a therapist Developmentally inappropriate timing for what therapists are able to do when they graduate What would business education look like if it were included in graduate programs? “I'm not ready to let the grad schools off the hook for their responsibility to students. I feel like they are responsible to students to adequately prepare them for the job.” – Katie Vernoy Potentially lackluster participation due to overwhelm The importance of introducing what clinicians will actually face Seminar versus a full course Orientation to job options and business basics Our Generous Sponsor for this episode of the Modern Therapist's Survival Guide: Thrizer Thrizer is a new modern billing platform for therapists that was built on the belief that therapy should be accessible AND clinicians should earn what they are worth. Their platform automatically gets clients reimbursed by their insurance after every session. Just by billing your clients through Thrizer, you can potentially save them hundreds every month, with no extra work on your end. Every time you bill a client through Thrizer, an insurance claim is automatically generated and sent directly to the client's insurance. From there, Thrizer provides concierge support to ensure clients get their reimbursement quickly, directly into their bank account. By eliminating reimbursement by check, confusion around benefits, and obscurity with reimbursement status, they allow your clients to focus on what actually matters rather than worrying about their money. It is very quick to get set up and it works great in completement with EHR systems. Their team is super helpful and responsive, and the founder is actually a long-time therapy client who grew frustrated with his reimbursement times The best part is you don't need to give up your rate. They charge a standard 3% payment processing fee! Thrizer lets you become more accessible while remaining in complete control of your practice. A better experience for your clients during therapy means higher retention. Money won't be the reason they quit on therapy. Sign up using bit.ly/moderntherapists if you want to test Thrizer completely risk free! Sign up for Thrizer with code 'moderntherapists' for 1 month of no credit card fees or payment processing fees! That's right - you will get one month of no payment processing fees, meaning you earn 100% of your cash rate during that time. Resources for Modern Therapists mentioned in this Podcast Episode: We've pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, so if you purchase after clicking below, we may get a little bit of cash in our pockets. We thank you in advance! Saving Psychotherapy by Dr. Ben Caldwell   Relevant Episodes of MTSG Podcast: I Just Graduated Now What? Career Advice for New Mental Health Clinicians The Clinical Supervision Crisis for Early Career Therapists: An Interview with Dr. Amy Parks The Fight to Save Psychotherapy: An Interview with Dr. Ben Caldwell Why Therapists Quit Career Trekking with MTSG: An interview with Marissa Esquibel, LMFT   Who we are: Curt Widhalm, LMFT Curt Widhalm is in private practice in the Los Angeles area. He is the cofounder of the Therapy Reimagined conference, an Adjunct Professor at Pepperdine University and CSUN, a former Subject Matter Expert for the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, former CFO of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, and a loving husband and father. He is 1/2 great person, 1/2 provocateur, and 1/2 geek, in that order. He dabbles in the dark art of making "dad jokes" and usually has a half-empty cup of coffee somewhere nearby. Learn more at: www.curtwidhalm.com Katie Vernoy, LMFT Katie Vernoy is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, coach, and consultant supporting leaders, visionaries, executives, and helping professionals to create sustainable careers. Katie, with Curt, has developed workshops and a conference, Therapy Reimagined, to support therapists navigating through the modern challenges of this profession. Katie is also a former President of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. In her spare time, Katie is secretly siphoning off Curt's youthful energy, so that she can take over the world. Learn more at: www.katievernoy.com A Quick Note: Our opinions are our own. We are only speaking for ourselves – except when we speak for each other, or over each other. We're working on it. Our guests are also only speaking for themselves and have their own opinions. We aren't trying to take their voice, and no one speaks for us either. Mostly because they don't want to, but hey. Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement: Patreon Buy Me A Coffee Podcast Homepage Therapy Reimagined Homepage Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube   Consultation services with Curt Widhalm or Katie Vernoy: The Fifty-Minute Hour Connect with the Modern Therapist Community: Our Facebook Group – The Modern Therapists Group Modern Therapist's Survival Guide Creative Credits: Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/ Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/