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Ready to Get Curious?! Check out Starting Points! our Operationally Curious QuestionsConnect with Sam https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-goodman-03a95391/Starting Points Mini: Spark your operational curiosity in just minutes! Each bite-sized episode, Sam Goodman pulls a card from the original Starting Points Operationally Curious Card Deck. Get a practical question and simple steps to actually use it in your work - fostering genuine curiosity, seeking deeper understanding, and uncovering insights within your team and processes. Ready to start asking better questions?
Ready to Get Curious?! Check out Starting Points! our Operationally Curious QuestionsConnect with Sam https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-goodman-03a95391/Starting Points Mini: Spark your operational curiosity in just minutes! Each bite-sized episode, Sam Goodman pulls a card from the original Starting Points Operationally Curious Card Deck. Get a practical question and simple steps to actually use it in your work - fostering genuine curiosity, seeking deeper understanding, and uncovering insights within your team and processes. Ready to start asking better questions?
Ready to Get Curious?! Check out Starting Points! our Operationally Curious QuestionsOn today's episode...A bit of a philosophical chat.FOLLOW SAM https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-goodman-03a95391/Contact him at: thehopnerd@gmail.comBook an initial consult at: https://calendly.com/d/26x-qs8-xnv/initial-consultation-callVisit TheHOPNerd.com to schedule a consultation, access free resources, snag some exclusive merch, and more.Sam, a unique blend of strategist and comedic creator, brings a fresh perspective to organizational improvement. He's not your typical consultant; he's The HOP Nerd, dedicated to highlighting the absurdity in our workplaces and workplace safety through his hilarious and insightful content. With a track record of helping hundreds of businesses successfully operationalize HOP, and teaching tens of thousands of people around the globe HOP concepts, Sam uses his comedic lens to expose the ineffectiveness of our more traditional approaches.Ready to take your organizations efforts around learning and improvement to the next level? Book Sam Goodman for consulting, speaking engagements, or to inject some much-needed thought and humor into your next event.Also Follow Sam on:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHOPNerdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehopnerd/
In this episode, Edwina looks at how to turn a 'Wonder Wall' from a static classroom decoration into a dynamic part of the learning process. By using students' questions for guided inquiry, educators can make Wonder Walls meaningful and interactive. This episode provides practical steps for incorporating inquiry-based learning into the curriculum through Wonder Walls.
Ready to Get Curious?! Check out Starting Points! our Operationally Curious QuestionsConnect with Sam https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-goodman-03a95391/Starting Points Mini: Spark your operational curiosity in just minutes! Each bite-sized episode, Sam Goodman pulls a card from the original Starting Points Operationally Curious Card Deck. Get a practical question and simple steps to actually use it in your work - fostering genuine curiosity, seeking deeper understanding, and uncovering insights within your team and processes. Ready to start asking better questions?
Transform Your Teaching: Integrated Learning with Picture BooksThis episode addresses the common frustrations that educators face with lesson planning, and offers a solution through integrated learning using picture books. I share my personal experiences and insights from my teaching career, highlighting the effectiveness of using picture books to create comprehensive, hands-on lesson plans that cover multiple curriculum areas. In this episode I introduce you to a ready-made lesson plan designed to save you time and engage students with creative and interactive learning experiences. Additionally, if you purchase the lesson plan, you'll automatically be invited to join the Blooming Community for additional support and resources.
Ready to Get Curious?! Check out Starting Points! our Operationally Curious QuestionsConnect with Sam https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-goodman-03a95391/Starting Points Mini: Spark your operational curiosity in just minutes! Each bite-sized episode, Sam Goodman pulls a card from the original Starting Points Operationally Curious Card Deck. Get a practical question and simple steps to actually use it in your work - fostering genuine curiosity, seeking deeper understanding, and uncovering insights within your team and processes. Ready to start asking better questions?
Ready to Get Curious?! Check out Starting Points! our Operationally Curious QuestionsOn today's episode...Ask People What They Need... What Now?Check out the "Blogcast"In this 'What Now?' mini-series episode, Sam Goodman (The HOP Nerd) shares practical steps to improve reactions, foster learning, build trust, and make Human & Organizational Performance real.FOLLOW SAM https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-goodman-03a95391/Contact him at: thehopnerd@gmail.comBook an initial consult at: https://calendly.com/d/26x-qs8-xnv/initial-consultation-callVisit TheHOPNerd.com to schedule a consultation, access free resources, snag some exclusive merch, and more.Sam, a unique blend of strategist and comedic creator, brings a fresh perspective to organizational improvement. He's not your typical consultant; he's The HOP Nerd, dedicated to highlighting the absurdity in our workplaces and workplace safety through his hilarious and insightful content. With a track record of helping hundreds of businesses successfully operationalize HOP, and teaching tens of thousands of people around the globe HOP concepts, Sam uses his comedic lens to expose the ineffectiveness of our more traditional approaches.Ready to take your organizations efforts around learning and improvement to the next level? Book Sam Goodman for consulting, speaking engagements, or to inject some much-needed thought and humor into your next event.Also Follow Sam on:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHOPNerdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehopnerd/
Ready to Get Curious?! Check out Starting Points! our Operationally Curious QuestionsJoin Sam Goodman (The HOP Nerd LLC) and Becky Ray (Culture Kick) for a dynamic discussion about practical strategies for improving workplace culture.Drawing on her unique background transitioning from engineering and safety to focusing on people and operational performance (HOP), Sam and Becky explore:Evolving Leadership: Moving beyond outdated styles to embrace empathy, operational intelligence, and truly supporting leaders (especially those "stuck in the middle").Actionable Culture Change: Implementing HOP principles effectively, fostering psychological safety ("speak up"), and breaking down departmental silos (like sales vs. production).Practical Frameworks: Introducing Becky's "Culture Cake" model (Make it Easy, Speak Up, Frustrations into Focus, Learn from Failure, Everyday Learning) and the concept of peer "battle buddies."The Power of "Better": Why focusing on incremental improvement and collaboration over competition is key to meaningful, sustainable change..Learn more about Becky at https://www.culturekick.co.uk/FOLLOW SAM https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-goodman-03a95391/Contact him at: thehopnerd@gmail.comBook an initial consult at: https://calendly.com/d/26x-qs8-xnv/initial-consultation-callVisit TheHOPNerd.com to schedule a consultation, access free resources, snag some exclusive merch, and more.Sam, a unique blend of strategist and comedic creator, brings a fresh perspective to organizational improvement. He's not your typical consultant; he's The HOP Nerd, dedicated to highlighting the absurdity in our workplaces and workplace safety through his hilarious and insightful content. With a track record of helping hundreds of businesses successfully operationalize HOP, and teaching tens of thousands of people around the globe HOP concepts, Sam uses his comedic lens to expose the ineffectiveness of our more traditional approaches.Ready to take your organizations efforts around learning and improvement to the next level? Book Sam Goodman for consulting, speaking engagements, or to inject some much-needed thought and humor into your next event.Also Follow Sam on:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHOPNerdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehopnerd/
Ready to Get Curious?! Check out Starting Points! our Operationally Curious QuestionsOn today's episode...People Are The Solution... What Now?Check out the "Blogcast"In this 'What Now?' mini-series episode, Sam Goodman (The HOP Nerd) shares practical steps to improve reactions, foster learning, build trust, and make Human & Organizational Performance real.Actionable Steps Discussed (The "What Now?")Mine for Success: Study routine successes to understand and replicate how things usually go right.Empower Frontline Design: Empower frontline workers to design solutions for the problems they encounter daily.Context-Focused Reviews: Focus failure analysis on understanding the context and system factors, not just individual actions.Capture Adaptive Practices: Learn from and share the successful ways people adapt procedures to get work done effectively.Transparent Follow-Up: Build trust and encourage input by transparently following up on frontline suggestions and concerns.FOLLOW SAM https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-goodman-03a95391/Contact him at: thehopnerd@gmail.comBook an initial consult at: https://calendly.com/d/26x-qs8-xnv/initial-consultation-callVisit TheHOPNerd.com to schedule a consultation, access free resources, snag some exclusive merch, and more.Sam, a unique blend of strategist and comedic creator, brings a fresh perspective to organizational improvement. He's not your typical consultant; he's The HOP Nerd, dedicated to highlighting the absurdity in our workplaces and workplace safety through his hilarious and insightful content. With a track record of helping hundreds of businesses successfully operationalize HOP, and teaching tens of thousands of people around the globe HOP concepts, Sam uses his comedic lens to expose the ineffectiveness of our more traditional approaches.Ready to take your organizations efforts around learning and improvement to the next level? Book Sam Goodman for consulting, speaking engagements, or to inject some much-needed thought and humor into your next event.Also Follow Sam on:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHOPNerdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehopnerd/
Ready to Get Curious?! Check out Starting Points! our Operationally Curious QuestionsConnect with Sam https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-goodman-03a95391/Starting Points Mini: Spark your operational curiosity in just minutes! Each bite-sized episode, Sam Goodman pulls a card from the original Starting Points Operationally Curious Card Deck. Get a practical question and simple steps to actually use it in your work - fostering genuine curiosity, seeking deeper understanding, and uncovering insights within your team and processes. Ready to start asking better questions?
Ready to Get Curious?! Check out Starting Points! our Operationally Curious QuestionsOn today's episode...We Had and Accident... What Now?Check out the "Blogcast"In this 'What Now?' mini-series episode, Sam Goodman (The HOP Nerd) shares practical steps to improve reactions, foster learning, build trust, and make Human & Organizational Performance real.Actionable Steps Discussed (The "What Now?") from The HOP Nerd's CSCL Post-Event Framework:Pause - Move from react to respond. How can my response best demonstrate care for everyone involved and prioritize learning?Care - Check on the humans. Are we caring for all involved?Stabilize - Our people are being cared for. What's our current operational condition?Communicate - We have cared for our people and stabilized the situation. Who needs immediate factual information?Learn - What basic information do we need to gather? What is the best way to learn deeply from this event? Download the CSCL FrameworkFOLLOW SAM https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-goodman-03a95391/Contact him at: thehopnerd@gmail.comBook an initial consult at: https://calendly.com/d/26x-qs8-xnv/initial-consultation-callVisit TheHOPNerd.com to schedule a consultation, access free resources, snag some exclusive merch, and more.Sam, a unique blend of strategist and comedic creator, brings a fresh perspective to organizational improvement. He's not your typical consultant; he's The HOP Nerd, dedicated to highlighting the absurdity in our workplaces and workplace safety through his hilarious and insightful content. With a track record of helping hundreds of businesses successfully operationalize HOP, and teaching tens of thousands of people around the globe HOP concepts, Sam uses his comedic lens to expose the ineffectiveness of our more traditional approaches.Ready to take your organizations efforts around learning and improvement to the next level? Book Sam Goodman for consulting, speaking engagements, or to inject some much-needed thought and humor into your next event.Also Follow Sam on:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHOPNerdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehopnerd/
Ready to Get Curious?! Check out Starting Points! our Operationally Curious QuestionsOn today's episode...How We Respond Matters... What Now?In this 'What Now?' mini-series episode, Sam Goodman (The HOP Nerd) shares practical steps to improve reactions, foster learning, build trust, and make Human & Organizational Performance real.Actionable Steps Discussed (The "What Now?"):Master the Pause: Deliberately pause before reacting to surprising news.Make Your First Words Curious Word: Start interactions about events with open-ended questions aimed at understanding ("Teach me more...").Focus Response on the System: Guide conversations and reviews towards understanding context and system factors, not just individual actions.Ask Key Questions Immediately: Use a structured approach (Care, Stabilize, Communicate, Plan Learning) as the standard first response to events.Leaders Model the Response: Leaders must visibly demonstrate thoughtful, curious, system-focused responses, especially under pressure.FOLLOW SAM https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-goodman-03a95391/Contact him at: thehopnerd@gmail.comBook an initial consult at: https://calendly.com/d/26x-qs8-xnv/initial-consultation-callVisit TheHOPNerd.com to schedule a consultation, access free resources, snag some exclusive merch, and more.Sam, a unique blend of strategist and comedic creator, brings a fresh perspective to organizational improvement. He's not your typical consultant; he's The HOP Nerd, dedicated to highlighting the absurdity in our workplaces and workplace safety through his hilarious and insightful content. With a track record of helping hundreds of businesses successfully operationalize HOP, and teaching tens of thousands of people around the globe HOP concepts, Sam uses his comedic lens to expose the ineffectiveness of our more traditional approaches.Ready to take your organizations efforts around learning and improvement to the next level? Book Sam Goodman for consulting, speaking engagements, or to inject some much-needed thought and humor into your next event.Follow Sam on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-goodman-03a95391/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHOPNerdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehopnerd/
In this episode of Blooming Curious, Edwina reflects on the insights shared by various experienced educators like Sally Haughey, Claire Warden, Jessica Vance, Tonya Gilchrist, and April Zajko, about the decline of curiosity in children. Emphasizing curiosity as the foundation of learning. Edwina critiques the prevalent easy-route teaching methods such as scripted lessons and reliance on worksheets and urge educators to deeply reflect on their teaching practices, stand up for their belief in nurturing curiosity, and embrace inquiry-based learning to truly enrich children's learning experiences.
Ready to Get Curious?! Check out Starting Points! our Operationally Curious QuestionsIn today's episode...Context Drives Behavior... What Now?We all know the HOP principle: "Learning is Vital." But how do we move beyond just saying it to actually doing it within our organizations? In this episode, Sam Goodman dives into just that.Actionable Steps Discussed (The "What Now?"):Change How You Investigate: Shift from root cause hunts to facilitating Learning Reviews/Teams focused on context and understanding.Seek Stories of Normal Work: Actively learn how things go right by talking to frontline personnel about their challenges, adaptations, and successes.Make it Safe to Learn: Cultivate psychological safety where reporting errors, concerns, and near misses is encouraged and met with curiosity, not blame.Lower the Bar for Learning: Implement simpler, more frequent learning activities like debriefs and informal learning conversations.Close the Loop: Translate learning into tangible actions and communicate back to the workforce what was learned and changed.FOLLOW SAM https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-goodman-03a95391/Contact him at: thehopnerd@gmail.comBook an initial consult at: https://calendly.com/d/26x-qs8-xnv/initial-consultation-callVisit TheHOPNerd.com to schedule a consultation, access free resources, snag some exclusive merch, and more.Sam, a unique blend of strategist and comedic creator, brings a fresh perspective to organizational improvement. He's not your typical consultant; he's The HOP Nerd, dedicated to highlighting the absurdity in our workplaces and workplace safety through his hilarious and insightful content. With a track record of helping hundreds of businesses successfully operationalize HOP, and teaching tens of thousands of people around the globe HOP concepts, Sam uses his comedic lens to expose the ineffectiveness of our more traditional approaches.Ready to take your organizations efforts around learning and improvement to the next level? Book Sam Goodman for consulting, speaking engagements, or to inject some much-needed thought and humor into your next event.Follow Sam on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-goodman-03a95391/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHOPNerdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehopnerd/
Ready to Get Curious?! Check out Starting Points! our Operationally Curious QuestionsIn today's episode...Context Drives Behavior... What Now?Why do people do what they do? It's rarely just about individual choice. In this crucial episode of the "What Now?" action-focused mini-series, Sam, The HOP Nerd, dives into the foundational HOP principle: Context Drives Behavior. Understand how systems, tools, processes, and pressures shape performance far more than we often realize.This episode moves beyond theory and gives you the "What Now?" actions:Learn to actively seek to understand the context influencing work.Shift from asking "Why did they...?" to "How did this make sense?"Discover how to redesign work environments to support success.Focus improvement efforts on strengthening systems, not just correcting people.Understand the leader's role in shaping a context where people can thrive.Join Sam to get practical tools for looking past the person and understanding the situation – the key to unlocking real, sustainable improvement.FOLLOW SAM https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-goodman-03a95391/Contact him at: thehopnerd@gmail.comBook an initial consult at: https://calendly.com/d/26x-qs8-xnv/initial-consultation-callVisit TheHOPNerd.com to schedule a consultation, access free resources, snag some exclusive merch, and more.Sam, a unique blend of strategist and comedic creator, brings a fresh perspective to organizational improvement. He's not your typical consultant; he's The HOP Nerd, dedicated to highlighting the absurdity in our workplaces and workplace safety through his hilarious and insightful content. With a track record of helping hundreds of businesses successfully operationalize HOP, and teaching tens of thousands of people around the globe HOP concepts, Sam uses his comedic lens to expose the ineffectiveness of our more traditional approaches.Ready to take your organizations efforts around learning and improvement to the next level? Book Sam Goodman for consulting, speaking engagements, or to inject some much-needed thought and humor into your next event.Follow Sam on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-goodman-03a95391/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHOPNerdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehopnerd/
Ready to Get Curious?! Check out Starting Points! our Operationally Curious QuestionsIn today's episode... Sam, The HOP Nerd, kicks off the brand new "What Now?" mini-series!Tired of just talking about Human & Organizational Performance concepts and ready to actually do something? This series is for you. Each episode breaks down a key HOP principle and delivers concrete, practical actions you can take to operationalize it in your workplace. Sam, known for blending real-life sharp-end strategy with a comedic eye for workplace absurdity, draws on his experience helping hundreds of businesses ditch ineffective approaches and successfully implement Human & Organizational Performance (HOP). If you've ever asked "Okay, I get the theory... What Now?", tune in as Sam guides you through the real steps to make HOP happen.FOLLOW SAM https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-goodman-03a95391/Contact him at: thehopnerd@gmail.comBook an initial consult at: https://calendly.com/d/26x-qs8-xnv/initial-consultation-callVisit TheHOPNerd.com to schedule a consultation, access free resources, snag some exclusive merch, and more.Sam, a unique blend of strategist and comedic creator, brings a fresh perspective to organizational improvement. He's not your typical consultant; he's The HOP Nerd, dedicated to highlighting the absurdity in our workplaces and workplace safety through his hilarious and insightful content. With a track record of helping hundreds of businesses successfully operationalize HOP, and teaching tens of thousands of people around the globe HOP concepts, Sam uses his comedic lens to expose the ineffectiveness of our more traditional approaches.Beyond his consulting prowess, Sam's comedic creations shed light on workplace safety and culture, proving that sometimes, a dose of absurdity is exactly what we need to see things clearly.Ready to take your organizations efforts around learning and improvement to the next level? Book Sam Goodman for consulting, speaking engagements, or to inject some much-needed thought and humor into your next event.Follow Sam on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-goodman-03a95391/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHOPNerdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehopnerd/Keywords: Safety, Continuous Improvement, Leadership, Quality, HOP, Human & Organizational Performance, Learning Teams, Culture, HR
Ready to Get Curious?! Check out Starting Points! our Operationally Curious QuestionsIn today's episode...Sam, The HOP Nerd, continues his action oriented "What Now?" mini-series!Today he works through Blame Fixes Nothing... What Now?It's our go-to reaction when things go wrong, but Blame Fixes Nothing. In the second episode of the "What Now?" action-focused mini-series, Sam, The HOP Nerd, dives deep into why our instinct to blame is so destructive to learning and improvement.Learn how blame reduces true accountability and get the practical "What Now?" actions to escape the blame trap:Asking "What Failed?" relentlessly before "Who Failed?".Separating learning reviews from disciplinary processes.Moving disciplinary action from the first step to the last step.. Adopting fair ways to respond to error, mistake, and well intended violations.Focusing communication on condition and system fixes, not finger-pointing.How leaders can model a learning-focused approach.Join Sam for practical strategies (and likely some pointed commentary on blame culture absurdity) to build a workplace where learning thrives and accountability means fixing problems, not finding fault.FOLLOW SAM https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-goodman-03a95391/Contact him at: thehopnerd@gmail.comBook an initial consult at: https://calendly.com/d/26x-qs8-xnv/initial-consultation-callVisit TheHOPNerd.com to schedule a consultation, access free resources, snag some exclusive merch, and more.Sam, a unique blend of strategist and comedic creator, brings a fresh perspective to organizational improvement. He's not your typical consultant; he's The HOP Nerd, dedicated to highlighting the absurdity in our workplaces and workplace safety through his hilarious and insightful content. With a track record of helping hundreds of businesses successfully operationalize HOP, and teaching tens of thousands of people around the globe HOP concepts, Sam uses his comedic lens to expose the ineffectiveness of our more traditional approaches.Ready to take your organizations efforts around learning and improvement to the next level? Book Sam Goodman for consulting, speaking engagements, or to inject some much-needed thought and humor into your next event.Follow Sam on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-goodman-03a95391/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHOPNerdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehopnerd/
Ready to Get Curious?! Check out Starting Points!FOLLOW SAM https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-goodman-03a95391/Contact him at: thehopnerd@gmail.comBook an initial consult at: https://calendly.com/d/26x-qs8-xnv/initial-consultation-callVisit TheHOPNerd.com to schedule a consultation, access free resources, snag some exclusive merch, and more.In today's episode...Sam dives deep into getting started with Human & Organizational Performance (HOP) and Operational Learning within your organizationSam, a unique blend of strategist and comedic creator, brings a fresh perspective to organizational improvement. He's not your typical consultant; he's The HOP Nerd, dedicated to highlighting the absurdity in our workplaces and workplace safety through his hilarious and insightful content. With a track record of helping hundreds of businesses successfully operationalize HOP, and teaching tens of thousands of people around the globe HOP concepts, Sam uses his comedic lens to expose the ineffectiveness of our more traditional approaches.Beyond his consulting prowess, Sam's comedic creations shed light on workplace safety and culture, proving that sometimes, a dose of absurdity is exactly what we need to see things clearly.Ready to take your organizations efforts around learning and improvement to the next level? Book Sam Goodman for consulting, speaking engagements, or to inject some much-needed thought and humor into your next event.Follow Sam on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-goodman-03a95391/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHOPNerdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehopnerd/
In this episode of Blooming Curious, I welcome Sally Haughey, (pronounced Hoy) the founder and CEO of Wunderled, formerly known as Fairy Dust Teaching. Sally shares her journey from beginning her teaching career in 1996 to building a global community of over 240,000 educators across 120 countries. Sally Emphasises a play-based philosophy inspired by Waldorf and Reggio Emilia approaches, she discusses the profound impact of play on children's development and imagination. She reveals the inspiration behind the creation and evolution of Wunderled and highlights the core philosophy that champions curiosity-driven and wonder-based teaching. Sally also addresses the current challenges educators face, such as classroom management and emotional wellbeing, and provides strategies for incorporating play and building relationships with students. Tune in to learn more about Sally's upcoming projects, her vision for the future of education, and practical ways for educators to foster an engaging, play-centered learning environment.
Brodie Swanson joins the podcast to discuss how we can help people become curious. You can find out more about Easter at https://theridgecc.com/easter__________We hope you found this hopeful and helpful. You can find out more about us, our locations, and what to expect if you join us in person at https://theridgecc.com__________Connect with Us:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRidgeWIInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridgecc/
Ready to Get Curious?! Check out Starting Points!FOLLOW SAM https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-goodman-03a95391/Contact him at: thehopnerd@gmail.comBook an initial consult at: https://calendly.com/d/26x-qs8-xnv/initial-consultation-callVisit TheHOPNerd.com to schedule a consultation, access free resources, snag some exclusive merch, and more.In today's episode... Ever roll out a brilliant new process or tool only to watch it get ignored, resisted, or maliciously complied with? Tired of the "Top-Down Dictatorship" approach that frustrates people and achieves little? In this episode, Sam Goodman tackles Idea #2 from his book, "10 Ideas to Make Safety Suck Less": the crucial shift from Doing Things TO People to Doing Things WITH People.Discover why 'doing things to people' always backfire and why leadership often misunderstands frontline reality.Sam breaks down how genuinely involving people, asking what they need, and co-creating solutions transforms initiatives from bureaucratic burdens into collaborative efforts that actually work. Hear how one team transformed a checklist driven heat stress program into something useful. Learn practical steps to listen better, empower your teams, and finally start making work suck less by tapping into the real expertise – the people doing the work.Sam, a unique blend of strategist and comedic creator, brings a fresh perspective to organizational improvement. He's not your typical consultant; he's The HOP Nerd, dedicated to highlighting the absurdity in our workplaces and workplace safety through his hilarious and insightful content. With a track record of helping hundreds of businesses successfully operationalize HOP, and teaching tens of thousands of people around the globe HOP concepts, Sam uses his comedic lens to expose the ineffectiveness of our more traditional approaches.Beyond his consulting prowess, Sam's comedic creations shed light on workplace safety and culture, proving that sometimes, a dose of absurdity is exactly what we need to see things clearly.Ready to take your organizations efforts around learning and improvement to the next level? Book Sam Goodman for consulting, speaking engagements, or to inject some much-needed thought and humor into your next event.Follow Sam on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-goodman-03a95391/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHOPNerdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehopnerd/
In this episode of Blooming Curious, we welcome Ben Scholl and David Berlinski, founders of Toolbox Education. They discuss their initiative to equip children with evidence-based tools for improving mental health in schools. The conversation covers the importance of social-emotional learning, strategies to help kids manage anxiety, regulate emotions, and resolve conflicts. The duo also emphasizes the evolving role of teachers in fostering students' mental well-being and share useful tried and tested strategies that teachers and parents can implement to help children regulate emotions and deal with anxiety. Learn about Toolbox Education's workshops for students, parents, and educators, designed to provide ongoing support and skills for mental health and well-being.
Authentically Us: A space for women who are coming out later in life. Join us for support groups, education, and community for just $34.99/month - your first week is free! https://bit.ly/Authentically-UsNeed a deeper level of support for coming out and getting through "The Messy Middle?" Lotus Community Coaching is a 6-month program for women coming out later in life. Learn more at https://comingoutsupport.net/coaching-programThis week, please enjoy this revisited episode from season five, featuring Dr. Tina Schermer-Sellers. Dr. Tina Schermer-Sellers is a therapist, sex educator with a Ph.D. in clinical sexology, author, and Medical Director for the Northwest Institute on Intimacy. Tune in as host Anne-Marie Zanzal has a wide-ranging conversation with Dr. Schermer-Sellers about sexuality, gender identity, the harmful repercussions of purity culture on sexuality and relationships, and society's shift towards acceptance of diverse identities.This episode is of particular interest to anyone who has endured purity culture. Purity culture in America (and other countries) has truly made sex and sexuality points of angst and shame for so many people, straight and gay. If you've been impacted by the vice of purity culture, we encourage you to listen to this episode as a step towards healing.Connect with Dr. Tina Schermer-Sellers at www.tinaschermersellers.com
Authentically Us: A space for women who are coming out later in life. Join us for support groups, education, and community for just $34.99/month - your first week is free! https://bit.ly/Authentically-UsNeed a deeper level of support for coming out and getting through "The Messy Middle?" Lotus Community Coaching is a 6-month program for women coming out later in life. Learn more at https://comingoutsupport.net/coaching-programThis week, please enjoy this revisited episode from season five, featuring Dr. Tina Schermer-Sellers. Dr. Tina Schermer-Sellers is a therapist, sex educator with a Ph.D. in clinical sexology, author, and Medical Director for the Northwest Institute on Intimacy. Tune in as host Anne-Marie Zanzal has a wide-ranging conversation with Dr. Schermer-Sellers about sexuality, gender identity, the harmful repercussions of purity culture on sexuality and relationships, and society's shift towards acceptance of diverse identities.This episode is of particular interest to anyone who has endured purity culture. Purity culture in America (and other countries) has truly made sex and sexuality points of angst and shame for so many people, straight and gay. If you've been impacted by the vice of purity culture, we encourage you to listen to this episode as a step towards healing.Connect with Dr. Tina Schermer-Sellers at www.tinaschermersellers.com
I truly believe that we are in the greatest shift in work since the industrial revolution. AI has completely changed the game and as coaches, mentors, and consultants, we have a choice: Stay ahead of the curve or be left behind.That's not at all to bring any sense of fear mongering because my perspective is that as we embrace AI in our businesses, we are saying yes to the opportunity to evolve and expand. In saying that, we do need to be intentional about how we go about it. Here are five key strategies to futureproof your business with AI in 2025 and beyond. 1. Incorporate AI ImperfectlyFor some, the concept of AI is overwhelming but let me assure you, perfection isn't necessary. AI is evolving rapidly and trying to build perfect systems could lead to constant and frustrating updates. Instead, focus on building your AI literacy, experimenting with different prompts and integrations and teaching your clients to do the same. This way, you can continue to adapt alongside advancements without becoming overwhelmed.2. Double Down on Your Uniquely Human EdgeWe all have access to the same information. Therefore, it's now more than ever that your emotional intelligence, intuition, and storytelling are your defining traits. This is where your personal brand gets to shine because humans crave connection with other humans. By honing your unique skills, you'll create meaningful relationships with your audience that AI simply cannot replace.3. Audit and Reinvent Your OffersIf your courses or programs are easily replicated by AI, it's time to reconsider what you have on offer. Double down on the things that AI can't replicate - those high-touch personalised services, community components, and unique insights. People are looking for that human connection within their purchases, so emphasise the human elements to remain indispensable.4. Position Yourself as a Guide, Not Just a GuruAI can dish out answers, sure. But, it can't walk with your clients through the nuances of implementation, mindset shifts, and personal challenges. As a guide, your role is more than just providing solutions; it's about supporting your clients with empathy and personalised insights on their journeys. 5. Get Curious, Not ThreatenedWith AI in the picture, it's easy to feel intimidated—but I encourage you to replace fear with curiosity. Ask how AI can simplify your work instead of fixating on what it might take from you. Futureproofing your business means embracing technology with optimism and recognising its potential to aid in expansion and abundance.The landscape is changing rapidly but instead of being scared of how that might impact your business, I hope this episode inspires you to think about how AI can help you grow and expand in ways that previously weren't possible. I'd love to hear your thoughts and what lands for you. Come connect with me on Instagram and send me a DM.Connect with Ellie: Be the first to know when doors open to the Swiftmind Scaled Mastermind (the ONLY chance to be coached by me in 2025): https://ellieswift.com/mastermind Website: https://www.ellieswift.com/Instagram: @elliehswiftFacebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/
FOLLOW SAM https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-goodman-03a95391/Ready to Get Curious?! Check out Starting Points!Contact him at: thehopnerd@gmail.comBook an initial consult at: https://calendly.com/d/26x-qs8-xnv/initial-consultation-callVisit TheHOPNerd.com to schedule a consultation, access free resources, snag some exclusive merch, and more.In today's episode, Sam Goodman sits down with the Punk Rock Safety crew: David Provan, Ron Gantt, & Ben Goodheart!They laughed, joked, talked music, talked ‘safety nostalgia,' talked learning and leading with better questions, and discovered a new best practice for ending meetings early.... And, not the first serious moment was had.Good.“Some things are too important to be taken seriously.”Watch the episode on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1QN1eq30GIA few randomly selected quotes (pulled by the recording software):"I love lamp.""It's fine.""You nailed it, yeah, just nailed it.""What magic words are we writing?""It's like, yeah, OK, sure.""Back to the good old days.""What does back to the basics even mean?""We can just go and talk to people.""What is the viable alternative?""Lead with questions maybe.""We should come up with an app.""Second last is winning, right?"Sam, a unique blend of strategist and comedic creator, brings a fresh perspective to organizational improvement. He's not your typical consultant; he's The HOP Nerd, dedicated to highlighting the absurdity in our workplaces and workplace safety through his hilarious and insightful content. With a track record of helping hundreds of businesses successfully operationalize HOP, and teaching tens of thousands of people around the globe HOP concepts, Sam uses his comedic lens to expose the ineffectiveness of our more traditional approaches.Beyond his consulting prowess, Sam's comedic creations shed light on workplace safety and culture, proving that sometimes, a dose of absurdity is exactly what we need to see things clearly.Ready to take your organizations efforts around learning and improvement to the next level? Book Sam Goodman for consulting, speaking engagements, or to inject some much-needed thought and humor into your next event.Follow Sam on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-goodman-03a95391/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHOPNerdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehopnerd/
In this episode of Blooming Curious, we dive into the critical topic of building children's confidence in mathematics to combat math anxiety. Following up on last week's discussion with Dr. Aditya Nagrath, who highlighted that many children entering kindergarten are already behind in math skills, we explore practical strategies that parents and educators can use to establish a solid mathematical foundation in young children. From incorporating positional language into everyday conversations to engaging children in counting activities and hands-on math experiences, we discuss various methods to make math a natural and enjoyable part of a child's daily life. The episode underscores the importance of early math education in ensuring long-term academic success and reducing widespread math anxiety. Tune in to discover how everyday actions and simple games can make a significant difference in teaching children numbers and building their confidence.
In this episode of Blooming Curious, Dr. Aditya Nagrath, author of 'Treating Mathematics Anxiety' and founder of the Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy, joins the podcast to discuss his mission to remove mathematics anxiety and empower children in their learning. Dr. Nagrath explains how deficits in early childhood mathematics lead to future difficulties, the importance of understanding mathematical language, and provides insights into his program, Elephant Learning. This digital tool uses adaptive algorithms and gamification to personalise learning paths and effectively teach essential math topics from counting to algebra. Dr. Nagrath also shares strategies for parents to incorporate math into daily life and highlights the importance of maintaining high standards and challenging students. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on supporting children's mathematical confidence.
In this episode of Blooming Curious, I welcome Shana Roberts, a multi-talented educator, author, and podcast host of 'Talk and Coffee.' Shana shares her 20-year journey in education, emphasising the importance of building strong connections with children to help navigate through difficult situations and emotions. She discusses her work as a trauma-informed educator using the Berry Street education model and offers practical strategies for teachers and parents to support dysregulated children. Additionally, Shana introduces her books designed to foster emotional connection with children. She underscores the significance of slowing down, having fun, and being present to cultivate a nurturing environment for children. Tune in for valuable insights and actionable tips to help improve connections with children at home and in the classroom.
In this episode, we discuss the importance of sparking children's curiosity with loose parts as a key educational strategy. Loose parts is a favourite approach among numerous educators, including Janelle McArdle from My Teaching Cupboard who makes a guest appearance on the show.We explore how these open-ended materials benefit child development across creativity, motor skills, problem-solving, collaboration, and more. With insights from Janelle and practical tips for incorporating loose parts into different classroom settings, listeners are equipped to make learning engaging and impactful. Tune in for a wealth of strategies and resources to foster a love of learning in students.
In this episode of Blooming Curious, we welcome Alex Peterson, a dedicated Montessori teacher who shares her insights and experience in a Montessori classroom online as @missnearingsmontessori. Alex reveals the creative teaching strategies, hands-on activities, and key differences between Montessori and traditional education methods. She discusses the unique structure of Montessori classrooms, the importance of preparing the environment, and the benefits of mixed-age learning. Alex also addresses common misconceptions, emphasises the value of fostering independence in young children, and provides advice for parents and educators considering Montessori. Join us for an enlightening conversation that highlights the beauty and effectiveness of Montessori education.
What if self-acceptance was the secret to faster growth?
In this episode of Blooming Curious, we discuss how Maslow's hierarchy of needs can be harnessed to motivate children to love learning. This discussion stems from a popular blog post on the same topic. We explore the hierarchy from the foundational requirements such as physiological needs and safety, to how love, belonging, and self-esteem play pivotal roles in setting kids up for success, ultimately leading to self-actualization and a genuine love of curiosity and learning. The episode also highlights practical strategies for parents and educators to nurture these needs.
Understanding Sensory Processing: Insights from Early Childhood Consultant Veronica Green In this episode Veronica Green, an early childhood consultant and mother to a neurodivergent child, shares her journey from becoming an ECE in 2012 to founding Cultivating Confidence, an early years consultancy focused on creating inclusive environments where children and educators thrive. Through her personal experiences raising an autistic son and running a day home, Veronica delves into the importance of understanding sensory processing and its impact on children's behaviour. She explains the eight senses, including proprioceptive, vestibular, and interoceptive senses, and how they influence children's interactions with their environment. She shares practical advice for educators on setting up classrooms to accommodate sensory needs and emphasises the significance of a supportive mindset when working with both children and parents. Veronica also offers tips on balancing the diverse sensory requirements of all students in a classroom. This episode is a rich resource for educators and parents seeking to better support neurodivergent children in their care.Please go to the episode website for all the links and resources mentioned in the episode.To connect with Veronica:WebsiteFacebookInstagramTo sign up to Get Curious, the newsletter that gives you a dose of weekly inspiration, and the strategies and resources to help you, help children to thrive in their learning , go here.Connect with Edwina:Email: contact@bloomingcurious.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcuriousYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious☕️ If you appreciate my work and want to encourage me to keep going, you can do so by buying me a coffee! Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the support I need to keep going.☕️00:00 Introduction to Veronica Green00:41 Veronica's Journey into Early Childhood Education04:19 Understanding Sensory Processing10:26 The Eight Senses Explained20:26 Practical Strategies for Sensory Needs29:09 Creating Inclusive Classroom Environments30:30 Mindset and Behavior: A Holistic Approach32:34 Understanding Children's Needs Through Four Lenses34:22 Creating a Sensory-Friendly Environment38:06 Resources for Sensory Processing42:24 Supporting Parents and Educators52:41 Balancing Classroom Needs56:56 Conclusion and Further Resources
In this episode, I share the reasons and benefits of inquiry-based learning (IBL) as a teaching strategy. Inquiry-Based Learning enhances student motivation, critical thinking, and creativity, and links learning to real-world contexts. IBL can furthermore foster a lifelong love for learning, and is the prefect strategy to help students connect knowledge to other subject areas and their own life experiences. Additionally, I addresses some common misconceptions and challenges associated with IBL, and offer solutions and resources for you the educator.Please go to the episode website for all the research links and links to resources mentioned in the episode.To sign up to Get Curious, the newsletter that gives you a dose of weekly inspiration, and the strategies and resources to help you, help children to thrive in their learning , go here.Connect with Edwina:Email: contact@bloomingcurious.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcuriousYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious☕️ If you appreciate my work and want to encourage me to keep going, you can do so by buying me a coffee! Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the support I need to keep going.☕️00:00 Introduction to Inquiry-Based Learning00:12 Boosting Student Motivation01:00 Real-World Applications03:39 Enhancing Critical Thinking05:51 Fostering a Love for Learning08:04 Building Creativity and Innovation08:50 Interconnectedness of Knowledge11:14 Differentiation and Reflective Thinking13:09 Challenges and Support in Inquiry-Based Learning16:49 Practical Tips and Resources19:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode titled "Fail Forward: A Content Marketing Victory," host Amy Vaughan interviews Melissa Lou, Senior Director of Content Strategy at Salesforce. They explore the journey of creating award-winning content, focusing on Melissa's work with Salesforce's Salesblazer project.Melissa shares how setbacks and failures can lead to significant victories in content marketing and discusses her keynote speech at Content Marketing World. Her transition from traditional journalism to tech content strategy highlights the changing landscape of the industry.This episode offers valuable lessons on resilience, persistence, and community-building, emphasizing the importance of learning from failure. Join us as we uncover how to leverage experiences to foster growth and innovation in your marketing strategies!Connect with Melissa:Melissa LeuLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissaleu/Episode Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction03:21 - The Story Behind "Persistence Beats Resistance"07:29 - Evolving Careers and the Art of Storytelling13:50 - Turning Rejection into Writing Mastery17:05 - The Question: "Why Should Anyone Care?"25:25 - Solving Problems with a Customer-Centric Approach26:56 - Archetypes, Branding, and Embracing Vulnerability36:00 - Successfully Building Online Relationships39:19 - "Don't Get Furious, Get Curious"44:17 - Community as a Key to Business Success50:44 - Moving Past AI Hype: Focus on Practicality55:27 - The Role of Exercise in Winter Well-Being58:49 - LinkedIn as a Vital Portfolio Platform01:02:37 - OutroQuote of the Episode:"It's a mindset shift in a world of constant comparison and 'InstaPerfect' lives. As Nelson Mandela said, 'I never lose; I either win or learn.'" -Melissa Leu"I can pick myself up, dust off, and ask, 'What did I learn?' This persistence helps me overcome any resistance. - Melissa LeuSupport the show
In this episode of Blooming Curious, I welcome Tonya Gilchrist, an International Education Consultant and Learning Strategist. Tonya shares her journey towards advocating inquiry-based learning, discusses how to effectively implement inquiry practices within classrooms, and addresses misconceptions around inquiry and agency. She dives into the challenges of standardised testing and talks about her work in transforming educational approaches in schools worldwide. Discover practical advice for fostering student engagement and honouring individual interests while meeting curriculum standards through inquiry. Tonya also shares insights on facilitating cross-curricular learning and balancing teacher-led and student-led instruction to ensure deep, meaningful learning experiences.Go to the episode website for links mentioned in the episode.To connect with Tonya:WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedinTo sign up to Get Curious, the newsletter that gives you a dose of weekly inspiration, and the strategies and resources to help you, help children to thrive in their learning , go here.Connect with Edwina:Email: contact@bloomingcurious.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcuriousYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious☕️ If you appreciate my work and want to encourage me to keep going, you can do so by buying me a coffee! Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the support I need to keep going.☕️ 00:00 Introduction to Tonya Gilchrist00:57 Tonya's Journey and Passion for Inquiry02:31 Challenges with Standardized Testing04:03 International Teaching Experience06:53 Misconceptions About Inquiry-Based Learning11:28 The Importance of Hands-On Learning16:47 Breaking Down Subject Silos23:43 Honoring Student Interests and Agency34:21 Celebrating Diverse Talents in the Classroom35:27 The Joy of Teaching and Learning38:03 Engaging Reluctant Students40:53 Building Relationships and High Expectations46:29 Transforming Classrooms Through Inquiry53:43 The Future of Inquiry-Based Learning01:01:39 Staying Curious as an Educator
In this episode I highlight the natural inclinations and traits of children as active learners. I discuss the importance of incorporating these traits into teaching methods to engage children authentically in learning activities. Using the picture book I Went Walking, I introduce listeners to the multitude of learning experiences that this one little book can bring, and so spark children's natural curiosity and simultaneously tick off multiple curriculum outcomes.For the free download go to the episode website.To sign up to Get Curious, the newsletter that gives you a dose of weekly inspiration, and the strategies and resources to help you, help children to thrive in their learning , go here.Connect with Edwina:Email: contact@bloomingcurious.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcuriousYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious☕️ If you appreciate my work and want to encourage me to keep going, you can do so by buying me a coffee! Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the support I need to keep going.☕️
Rather than teaching subjects in silos, which can lead to teacher burnout and hinder students' ability to make connections, use the science or humanities curriculum as a starting point. Edwina shares how to plan integrated lesson plans that teach the necessary English skills linked to science or humanities topics. The episode also highlights the benefits of using hands-on activities, non-fiction texts, and outdoor experiences to enhance learning. Go to the episode website for all the links mentioned in the episode.To sign up to Get Curious, the newsletter that gives you a dose of weekly inspiration, and the strategies and resources to help you, help children to thrive in their learning , go here.Connect with Edwina:Email: contact@bloomingcurious.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcuriousYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious☕️ If you appreciate my work and want to encourage me to keep going, you can do so by buying me a coffee! Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the support I need to keep going.☕️00:00 Welcome to Blooming Curious00:37 The Challenge of Integrating Curriculum01:31 Practical Examples of Integration05:50 Incorporating Math into Real-World Activities08:36 The Impact of Technology on Learning10:00 Planning for the New Term11:09 Free Resource and Final Thoughts
In this episode I talk to Daniel Burton, a nature educator specialising in outdoor classrooms and the co-founder of Educated by Nature. We discuss the program's mission to boost the mental, emotional, and physical health of children through connections with nature. Daniel shares the origin story of Educated by Nature, inspired by his experience teaching outdoors at Bold Park Community School. He explains the benefits observed in neurodivergent children and the overall positive impact of outdoor learning on academic performance, social interaction, and resilience. Daniel provides educators and parents with valuable advice on how to incorporate nature into learning and play. Go to the episode website for all the links mentioned in the episode.To sign up to Get Curious, the newsletter that gives you a dose of weekly inspiration, and the strategies and resources to help you, help children to thrive in their learning , go here.Connect with Edwina:Email: contact@bloomingcurious.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcuriousYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious☕️ If you appreciate my work and want to encourage me to keep going, you can do so by buying me a coffee! Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the support I need to keep going.☕️ 00:00 Welcome to Blooming Curious with Daniel Burton00:52 The Origin Story of Educated by Nature03:38 Transformative Power of Outdoor Classrooms05:24 Teaching Strategies in Nature-Based Learning07:01 Therapeutic Benefits of Natural Spaces11:02 Building Resilience Through Nature21:48 Challenges in Integrating Nature-Based Learning31:10 Exciting Projects and Future Initiatives35:17 Advice for Parents and Educators36:48 Closing Thoughts and Farewell
Ever find yourself feeling stuck when your child's behavior feels challenging?In this episode, Dr. John Sommers-Flanagan, a clinical psychologist and professor for counseling at the University of Montana, shares three gentle tools to bring more calm and connection into parenting moments. Together, we explore how self-awareness, curiosity, and radical acceptance can help create stronger bonds and smoother interactions with your child.After listening, you'll discover:• How the phrase, "Get Curious, Not Furious" can shift tricky moments• How self-awareness supports more thoughtful parenting choices• Talks about practicing calm and caring responses• The idea of radical acceptance during tough parenting days• Ways to set boundaries with kindness and understanding• How to encourage, noticing and celebrating positive moments• How to focus on building trust and connection in everyday interactionsJoin us for a conversation filled with insights and practical tools to support your parenting journey.✨Want more?1) Use this link for a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting.2) Download the FREE pdf. on getting kids to listen.3) Buy a 3 session Coaching Bundle (saving you $100) - for THREE 30-min sessions 1:1 with ME, where we get right to the heart of your challenges, and give you small, powerful shifts that make a huge difference fast.
Guest Tory Krone, a counselor and entrepreneur, talks about focusing on the past over the present using ACT to make practical changes. She encourages people to get curious first about themselves then about others, in order to improve relationships. In this interview, she describes her clinical process of "mapping" people's experiences as well as her passion for helping group counseling practices gather data to better help clients. Tory Krone is a seasoned licensed clinical therapist with 15 years of experience spanning therapeutic practice and leadership roles across all levels of care. She is the founder and managing director of a successful group therapy practice in Chicago. In 2023, driven by a passion for making things easier on group practice owners, Tory collaborated with her husband and two other family members to create a custom dashboard tailored to the specific needs of her practice. This project led to the co-founding of PracticeVital, the first-ever automated dashboard designed to offer real-time insights into the health of therapy practices and to empower teams with actionable data. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a business consultant for therapists in private practice wanting to start, grow, or expand their business. *Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/ytUv6UF62T8 *Now on YouTube: @shrink-think *Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast -------------- *Member of the PsychCraft Podcast Network* https://psychcraftnetwork.com/
In this episode of Real World Peaceful Parenting, Lisa Smith dives deep into the critical moments when a storming parent meets a storming child. Sharing relatable examples and practical strategies, Lisa shows you how to resist frustration, move past triggers, and get curious—not furious—when your child's behavior challenges you. Discover the magic of "scuba diving" to uncover the feelings and needs beneath the surface, transforming moments of disconnection into opportunities for deeper understanding and connection. What You'll Learn: Recognize Triggers and Respond Intentionally – Learn to take a deep breath, pause, and resist judgment when emotions run high. Get Curious, Not Furious – Replace reactive thoughts with curiosity to understand what's really going on beneath the surface. Scuba Dive, Don't Snorkel – Uncover the unmet feelings and needs that drive challenging behaviors like grunts, meltdowns, or withdrawal. Shift Perspective – Understand that big emotions often have nothing to do with you; they're your child's way of processing struggles. Play Detective – Ask powerful, connection-building questions like, “What's going on?” to create space for your child to share. Transform Storming Moments – Learn how choosing connection over reaction fosters trust, cooperation, and deeper parent-child bonds.
In today's episode of The Curious Therapist Show, I share about family systems theory and the roles we can play. And how this connects to why during the holiday season, we may feel like we revert back to our child or teen selves the minute we're with family again! I also give some helpful reminders to helping manage the stress around family and holidays this season.I also want to thank each of you for receiving these messages, for listening to my podcast and thank you so much to those of you who have rated the show.I will be visiting Kentucky (where I'm from) this year for the first time since 2019! So, this will be my last episode of 2024.I have such exciting guests planned for 2025 and some creative topics for us to GET CURIOUS about together!For now, I hope this episode helps you understand a bit more about your family, yourself and some tips for navigating all this as we wrap up this year.Have a wonderful holiday season and wishing you all the grace and peace for the new year!VanessaPS- I want to send some gentle compassion to those of you missing someone this holiday season. I hope you can nurture yourself through any grief that might be surfacing. To connect with Vanessa:Find Vanessa on Facebook: (2) FacebookFind Vanessa on Instagram: Vanessa Preston (@vanessa_preston_) • Instagram photos and videosCheck out Vanessa's website to find a freebie and all about her intuitive eating and body image programs: Vanessa Preston (podia.com)Or her practice website: Green life Psychology - Green Life Psychology Disclaimer:This podcast represents the opinions of Vanessa Preston and her guests to the show. Vanessa is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and abides by ethics of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). The content here should not be taken as medical or therapeutic advice. The content here is for informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional.
Jeff and Tricia Raikes, co-founders of the Raikes Foundation, join Phil and Grace to share their path to philanthropy, their focus on creating supportive systems and fostering belonging for youth, and their belief in proximity and partnership with both nonprofits and beneficiaries of their funding. They discuss what they learned as they transitioned to full-time philanthropy and how donors can avoid common pitfalls. Phil and Jeff also debate the merits of comparing giving to investing. Additional Resources Raikes Foundation CEP's Grantee Perception Report YouthTruth Giving Compass' Learning Center CEP's Resources for Individual Donors Solidaire Network Women Donors Network Find your local community foundation
improve it! Podcast – Professional Development Through Play, Improv & Experiential Learning
Did you know that you negotiate every single day—and not just in boardrooms or sales meetings? From discussing PTO with your boss to deciding dinner plans with your partner, negotiation is everywhere. But how often do we approach these conversations with strategy and confidence? In this episode of the Improve It! Podcast, Erin uncovers the secrets to navigating everyday negotiations with expert Kwame Christian. Kwame Christian is a renowned negotiation expert, speaker, and author, with years of experience helping individuals and organizations navigate difficult conversations with confidence. He is the Director of the American Negotiation Institute and the author of the acclaimed book Finding Confidence in Conflict. Here are 5 of our favorite takeaways from the conversation: 1. Negotiation Is Everywhere Kwame challenges listeners to recognize that negotiation happens far beyond formal boardroom settings. Whether asking for time off, resolving workplace conflicts, or navigating personal relationships, we negotiate daily. Becoming aware of these moments is the first step toward mastering them. P.S. - If you're interested in learning more about negotiation from top experts in the field, try this episode on for size: Episode 231: Ready to Negotiate Like a Pro in High-Stake Conversations? Tune in with FBI Insider Chris Voss 2. The Compassionate Curiosity Framework Kwame introduces a simple yet effective three-step method for approaching challenging conversations: 1. Acknowledge and Validate Emotions: Lower emotional tension by recognizing the other person's feelings. 2. Get Curious with Compassion: Ask open-ended questions to build trust and gather information. 3. Joint Problem Solving: Collaborate to find mutually beneficial solutions. 3. Emotion Management is Key During the role-play, Kwame demonstrated how validating emotions helps de-escalate tension and fosters a more productive dialogue. For example, he acknowledged Erin's hypothetical frustrations about PTO limits, which set the stage for a constructive discussion. 4. Curiosity Builds Trust By asking open-ended questions with genuine curiosity, you gain valuable insights and strengthen relationships. Kwame's approach emphasized the importance of tone and empathy to keep conversations on track and uncover win-win opportunities. 5. Practice Makes Perfect Role-playing challenging scenarios, as Erin and Kwame did, is a practical way to build confidence and refine your negotiation skills. Kwame's advice? Push yourself to handle even the most unreasonable counterpart with calmness and clarity. Conclusion This episode is a masterclass in handling difficult conversations with grace and effectiveness. Kwame Christian's Compassionate Curiosity framework is a game-changer for anyone looking to improve their negotiation skills, whether at work or home. If you loved this episode and know someone who might benefit from it, please share it by copying the link and sending them a quick text/email. Sharing is caring! No, You Hang Up First (Let's Keep Connecting) Did today's episode resonate with you? Leave us a review sharing your favorite insight from Kwame and we'll send you a free signed copy of I See You! A Leader's Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy. Have another question that we can answer? Leave us a Speakpipe audio clip and we'll answer it in an upcoming episode. Don't want to miss another episode? If you're a Spotify listener, find our show here and click “Follow.” If you're an Apple Podcast listener, click here and make sure to hit “+Follow.” Want 2 emails a week from us? One with a quick tip you can implement right away to enhance your personal and/or professional lives & one of our famous F.A.I.L. Fourward Friday newsletters? Subscribe here. Show Links Purchase I See You! A Leader's Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy here and the Resource Guidebook that was built in conjunction with it here. Connect with Kwame Christian Kwame's company website Kwame's LinkedIn Kwame's podcast: Negotiate Anything Kwame's books: How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race: Practical Tools for Necessary Change in the Workplace and Beyond & Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it! Erin's website Erin's Instagram Erin's LinkedIn improve it!'s website improve it!'s Instagram
Discernment vs. Judgment: The Leadership Divide Judgment is a sneaky trap for leaders. It masquerades as confidence, decisiveness, and authority. But let's be real: judgment doesn't build teams, it breaks them. It doesn't solve problems, it compounds them. And it doesn't make you a better leader—it keeps you stuck. If you're a leader, especially in middle management, you've probably found yourself caught between the weight of expectations from above and the demands of your team below. When things get messy, judgment becomes the default. But judgment isn't leadership. Discernment is. And there's a critical difference between the two. Judgment: A Reactive Mindset Judgment stems from fear, insecurity, and unresolved inner conflict. It's a knee-jerk reaction that labels people and situations as “good” or “bad,” “right” or “wrong.” Judgment says: “My boss is impossible.” “This team member is lazy.” “This plan is doomed to fail.” When you lead with judgment, you alienate your team and limit your ability to navigate challenges. Why? Because judgment isn't about solving problems—it's about avoiding discomfort. It creates an “us vs. them” mindset, locking you into defensiveness and blame. Discernment: An Empowered Approach Discernment, on the other hand, is intentional. It's the ability to evaluate situations and people with clarity and wisdom. It's not reactive—it's reflective. Discernment asks: “What's the root cause of this issue?” “What strengths can this team member bring to the table?” “How can I adapt this plan to achieve better results?” Discernment doesn't tear down—it builds. It doesn't alienate—it connects. Discernment transforms challenges into opportunities and turns conflict into growth. The Root of Leadership Judgment So why do leaders fall into judgment? It's often about control. When your responsibilities feel overwhelming, judgment offers the illusion of authority. But it's a trap. Here's why: It's a Projection of Stress Judgment often reflects unresolved stress or insecurity. If you feel unsupported by upper management or overwhelmed by team dynamics, judgment is a way to offload that pressure. But it doesn't fix the problem—it magnifies it. It Distracts From Solutions Judgment focuses on assigning blame, not finding solutions. When you label a team member as “lazy” or a directive from your boss as “unrealistic,” you close yourself off to creative problem-solving. It Erodes Trust Judgment isolates you. Your team feels criticized instead of supported. Your boss senses resistance instead of alignment. Trust is the currency of leadership, and judgment spends it recklessly. Why Discernment Matters in Middle Management As a middle manager, you're in a unique position. You're the bridge between the strategic vision of your boss and the operational realities of your team. Judgment severs that bridge; discernment strengthens it. Upward Leadership Your boss isn't perfect—no one is. They may hand down directives that seem disconnected from the day-to-day realities of your team. Judgment says: “They don't get it.” Discernment says: “How can I translate their vision into actionable steps?” Leaders who practice discernment manage up effectively. They clarify expectations, offer constructive feedback, and align their boss's goals with their team's capabilities. Team Leadership Your team looks to you for guidance, support, and advocacy. Judgment says: “They're not motivated.” Discernment asks: “What's blocking their performance, and how can I help them succeed?” Discernment enables you to see beyond surface-level issues, fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration. Breaking the Cycle of Judgment If you find yourself judging your boss, your team, or even yourself, it's time to pause and recalibrate. Here's how: Recognize the Pattern Judgment often stems from frustration or fear. When you feel the urge to judge, ask yourself: “What am I avoiding?” Maybe it's a tough conversation, a risky decision, or a need for vulnerability. Identifying the root cause helps you shift from judgment to discernment. Own Your Role Leadership isn't about pointing fingers—it's about taking responsibility. If your boss's expectations feel unreasonable, have you communicated the constraints your team faces? If a team member is underperforming, have you provided clear guidance and support? Discernment starts with accountability. Get Curious, Not Critical The next time you're tempted to judge, get curious. Instead of labeling a team member as “lazy,” ask: “What's causing their disengagement?” Instead of dismissing a directive as “unrealistic,” explore: “What's the bigger goal, and how can we adapt to achieve it?” Curiosity leads to solutions; criticism leads to dead ends. Build Bridges, Not Barriers Judgment isolates. Discernment connects. As a middle manager, you're the bridge between two worlds. Strengthen that bridge by practicing active listening, offering constructive feedback, and fostering collaboration. Lead With Compassion Leadership is a human endeavor. Your boss is human. Your team is human. And you are human. Compassion is the antidote to judgment. It allows you to see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than threats to your authority. Practical Tools for Discernment Set Clear Goals Ambiguity breeds judgment. Clarify expectations with your boss and set measurable objectives for your team. When everyone knows the “why” behind the work, judgment dissipates. Develop Emotional Agility Emotional reactions often drive judgment. Practice mindfulness or journaling to process emotions before reacting. This creates space for discernment. Seek Feedback Discernment thrives on perspective. Regularly seek feedback from both your boss and your team. Their insights will help you navigate challenges with wisdom and empathy. Focus on Strengths Judgment fixates on flaws. Discernment amplifies strengths. Shift your mindset to identify what each team member—and your boss—brings to the table. The Leadership Transformation Judgment may feel like control, but it's not. It's fear dressed up as authority. Discernment, on the other hand, is real leadership. It's the ability to navigate complexity with clarity, empathy, and purpose. As a leader, your job isn't to criticize—it's to empower. Your job isn't to assign blame—it's to inspire solutions. Your job isn't to create conflict—it's to build bridges. Whether you're working with your team or managing up to your boss, discernment will transform your leadership. It will strengthen trust, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful results. So the next time you catch yourself judging, pause. Breathe. And choose discernment instead. That's the choice that makes great leaders. That's the choice that will elevate you and everyone around you.
In this episode of Real World Peaceful Parenting, Lisa Smith addresses the common challenges parents face when dealing with their children's big emotions, especially anger. Building on last week's theme of diving below the surface, Lisa shares five practical scenarios that parents encounter daily, each illustrating how to respond with empathy and understanding. Lisa also provides actionable phrases to help parents get curious, not furious, enabling deeper connection and calmer communication with their children. This episode empowers parents with a toolkit for navigating tough emotional moments, guiding both parent and child toward a more peaceful relationship. What You'll Learn: The Power of Connection Phrases – Learn specific phrases to help your child feel understood and calm in emotionally charged moments. “Pause and Probe” Technique – Discover how to pause, breathe, and explore what emotions might be under the surface of your child's behavior. Real-Life Scenarios – Five common parenting challenges with step-by-step responses to foster empathy and avoid escalation. Understanding the “Iceberg of Behavior” – Why what's visible (like anger) is often only a small part of what your child is experiencing emotionally. Building Emotional Intelligence Together – How practicing empathy and understanding fosters emotional growth for both you and your child. Practical Tools for Real-Life Parenting – Techniques for shifting from reaction to understanding, helping to create a calmer, more cooperative household.
Cat and Pat are joined this week by special guest, Maddie Wiener! Maddie and Pat bond over performing at an improv festival in North Carolina even though they are almost ETYA (exactly ten years apart), Pat makes a revelatory announcement that he's decided to like everyone now, and Cat validates Maddie's curly bangs. They also discuss their partner "types", explore where the company Bic came from and what do they even do (???), and share the ages they were when first using social media. Watch the full episode on our YouTube and follow below!Show Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seektreatmentpodShow Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@seektreatmentpodCat: https://www.instagram.com/catccohenPat: https://www.instagram.com/patreegsSeek Treatment is a production of Headgum Studios. Our associate producer is Allie Kahan. Our producer is Tavi Kaunitz. Our executive producer is Emma Foley. The show is edited, mixed, and mastered by Richelle Chen. The show art was created by Carly Jean Andrews. Like the show? Rate Seek Treatment on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review.Advertise on Seek Treatment via Gumball.fmSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.