Podcasts about mind matters podcast

In this episode of the Mind Matters Podcast, Hosts Robert J. Marks and Brian Krouse conclude their discussion with Dr. Doug Axe about idealism. They explore the question of where the mind exists in an idealistic worldview and how it differs from physicalism and substance dualism. They also discuss the implications of idealism for various scientific fields, such as neuroscience Read More › Source

EPISODE 48 - James MacDonald - Advice For First Time Dads and The Dad Mind Matters Podcast About James Macdonald I am James Macdonald and 5 years ago, I was stressed and overwhelmed at my role as a husband and (exhausted) father of 3, not really knowing how to be the best man I could be. Many years, pitfalls and enough flat whites to sink a battleship later, I'm a lot happier and confident and on a mission to help other dads be the best family man they can be without losing their minds. First Time Dad is for the new(ish) dads who feel totally overwhelmed at their new responsibility and feel like their mental health is on a slow and silent decline. Book: First Time Dad: The 42-Week Guide For Men To Help Your Partner Have A Calm & Confident Pregnancy If you want to effectively support your partner during pregnancy, and strengthen your relationship and mental health, keep reading... If you're going to be a dad, congratulations, that's awesome! That said, if you worry about this life-changing experience negatively affecting your mental health, you'd be right to. Recent statistics show that up to 50% of all new dads experience depression if their partner gets postnatal depression. Are you concerned your little blessing might drive a baby-shaped wedge between you? Then your spidey senses are on the money because studies show that dads are three times more likely to die after a relationship breakdown than women. Are you anxious that the general stress of family life might damage your mental health? This is a justified concern as suicide is the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK. If any of these concerns resonate with you, don't worry; you're in safe, albeit slightly weathered, hands. James Macdonald is a happy and mostly calm dad of three. In First Time Dad you'll learn: Week-to-week explanations of what's happening for your baby and inside your partner How to be a big help, not a major hindrance, during the delivery How to help your partner get physically fit and ready for birth What to expect at your 12 and 20-week scans How to keep her & your sense of humor during those high-pressure moments How to mentally prepare for the birth if you're squeamish What to do when you need reassurance but don't want to burden her Advice on having sex and maintaining intimacy throughout pregnancy How to keep calm when all hell is breaking loose What a birth plan is and how to prepare one What nesting is and how to use it to your advantage What you can do to develop, strengthen and prepare your mental health for the big day and beyond it What you need to do & say to ensure everyone's mental health remains intact Road-tested survival tips for dads to ensure you don't continue to put your foot in it If you're ready to start the journey from knee-trembling novice to a contender for dad of the year and maybe prove your mother-in-law massively wrong ___ https://dadspace.ca/ podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dad-space-podcast/message

Dad Mind Matters Podcast Promo Podcast Promo for a future guest here on Dad Space! James MacDonald has a great podcast for Dads and we wanted to share it here! Dad Mind Matters: Parenting, Marriage & Mental Health For Men. Helping men safely navigate family life without losing their mind. I am James Macdonald and 5 years ago, I was stressed and overwhelmed at my role as a husband and (exhausted) father of 3, not really knowing how to be the best man I could be. Many years, pitfalls and enough flat whites to sink a battleship later, I'm a lot happier and confident and on a mission to help other dads be the best family man they can be without losing their minds. Dad Mind Matters is for the new(ish) dads who feel totally overwhelmed at their new responsibility and feel like their mental health is on a slow and silent decline. For the men who always feel like they're in the doghouse but don't know why. Here you'll learn effective and actionable ways to deal with things such as toddler tantrums, passive aggressive partners and hopefully getting more happiness and laughter into your life. You are not alone in how you are feeling, and in Dad Mind Matters you will find a much-needed place where hopefully you'll realize that you're doing much better than anyone, including you, is giving you credit for. With new bite-sized episodes every week you can learn to safely navigate family life AND have a laugh, all in the time it takes you to walk to the shop on your completely made mission to get milk. If you're ready to be the happier, more confident family man you know you can be, scroll up and click ‘FOLLOW'. https://www.youtube.com/c/JamesMacdonalddadschoolhttps://feeds.captivate.fm/dadmindmatters/ https://dadspace.ca/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dad-space-podcast/message

We’re using the holiday break to retool our podcast and debut its new name in January - The Neurodiversity Podcast! In the meantime this is an encore presentation of episode 48, featuring Jen Merrill, who talks with Emily about the holidays. Shopping can be a headache, but choosing the right gifts for high-ability kids is extra-challenging. Between meal planning and decorating, Jen Merrill found time to pop in with holiday stories and gift ideas, and Emily divulges her darker history as a “peeker.” See you next year! Happy holidays, and here’s to a great (or at least better?) 2021! You can support the podcast and receive subscriber-only benefits at www.patreon.com/mindmatters. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2020 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

We’re using the holiday break to feature some past guests, while we make some changes that will refocus the podcast just a little. When we return in January, Mind Matters will be known by a new name: the Neurodiversity Podcast. The new name better defines what we do, helps people recognize and understand what we’re about, and hopefully makes us even easier to find. And, we’ll be releasing episodes more often, with a larger variety of guests to help our listeners better understand the various areas of neurodiversity. Be here in January when Mind Matters becomes The Neurodiversity Podcast. The theme of today’s episode is creativity, and we’re featuring segments from past conversations with experts who know a thing or two about the subject. A creativity compilation, ahead on episode 72. You can support the podcast and receive subscriber-only benefits at www.patreon.com/mindmatters. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

Kids have two primary areas where executive functioning skills are crucial - school work and responsibilities. Seth Perler, an executive function advocate and coach, talks with Emily Kircher-Morris about what many parents and professionals are getting wrong when trying to help their kids with executive function skills. ABOUT THE GUEST - Seth Perler calls himself a renegade teacher turned executive function coach & 2e coach. He helps struggling students navigate their educational landscapes, and helps them “disrupt” and improve their educational experience. Seth specializes in executive function issues and twice-exceptional learners through his website, www.SethPerler.com. You can support the podcast and receive subscriber-only benefits at www.patreon.com/mindmatters. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com. Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

What is the process of evaluating a child for autism? What does the profile of an autistic twice-exceptional person look like? Why are girls’ autism symptoms often missed? Dr. Alissa Doobay from the Belin-Blank Center joins us to talk about autism, on episode 70 of Mind Matters. ABOUT THE GUEST - Dr. Alissa Doobay received her PhD in Counseling Psychology from The University of Iowa in 2010. She is currently a Licensed Psychologist and Supervisor of Psychological Services at the Belin-Blank Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development at The University of Iowa, where she provides clinical assessment, therapy, and consultation services. Her clinical expertise is in the area of twice-exceptionality (individuals who are high ability or “gifted” and have a disability), particularly students who have Autism Spectrum Disorder, Learning Disorders, ADHD, anxiety, and mood disorders. You can support the podcast and receive subscriber-only benefits at www.patreon.com/mindmatters. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com. Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

What is intelligence? What myths do we need to let go of, and how can we better evaluate intelligence? Is there a way to measure intelligence across cultures and continents? Dr. Russell Warne is here to talk about his findings as he wrote his new book, “In The Know: Debunking 35 Myths About Human Intelligence,” on episode 69. ABOUT THE GUEST - Dr. Russell T. Warne earned his Bachelor’s of Science degree in psychology from Brigham Young University in 2007 and his PhD in educational psychology (with an emphasis in research, measurement, and statistics) from Texas A&M University in 2011. He has taught at Utah Valley University since 2011 and has obtained the rank of associate professor. Dr. Warne is the associate editor for the Journal for the Education of the Gifted and serves on the editorial boards for Intelligence, the Journal of School Psychology, Gifted Child Quarterly, and the Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment. Dr. Warne has published over 55 scholarly articles in peer reviewed journals and is the author of the acclaimed undergraduate statistics textbook Statistics for the Social Sciences: A General Linear Model Approach. His next book, In the Know: Debunking 35 Myths About Human Intelligence can be ordered now. You can support the podcast and receive subscriber-only benefits at www.patreon.com/mindmatters. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com. Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

With the death toll still rising from the coronavirus pandemic, it’s especially easy for neurodivergent people to wax existential. They question life, worry about death, and generally ask, “what’s it all about?” Our guest is Leon Garber, author of a blog called Leon’s Existential Cafe, and we’re diving deep on episode 68. ABOUT THE GUEST - Leon Garber is a philosophical writer, and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Psychotherapist, specializing in Existential Psychotherapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Trauma Therapy. He’s also the author of Leon’s Existential Cafe, a blog exploring issues of death, self-esteem, love, freedom, life-meaning, and mental health/mental illness, from both empirical and personal viewpoints. His practice is based in Brooklyn, NY. You can support the podcast and receive subscriber-only benefits at www.patreon.com/mindmatters. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com. Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

“Neurodiversity” is an umbrella term encompassing a variety of atypical diagnoses. Where do the gifted and twice-exceptional communities fit into that landscape? What are we learning about neurodiverse people? We’ll talk with Dr. Michael Postma about those subjects, and the groundswell of new information from the field of epigenetics, on episode 67. ABOUT THE GUEST - Dr. Michael Postma is a teacher, administrator, consultant, speaker, and author, dedicated to the development of both gifted and twice-exceptional children through his company, Gifted & Thriving, LLC. Over the last two decades Dr. Postma has worked in the field of gifted/talented education as both a teacher and administrator in the public and charter school system in Minnesota and North Carolina, and was the architect of the Minnetonka Navigator Program, a magnet school for highly gifted and twice-exceptional students. Dr. Postma is the author of two books, including The Inconvenient Student: Critical Issues in the Identification and Education of Twice Exceptional Students. Dr. Postma holds a B. A. from McMaster University in Hamilton, ON; a M.A. in Gifted, Talented, and Creative Education from the University of St. Thomas in the Twin Cities, and a Ed. D. in Educational Leadership (Critical Pedagogy) also from the University of St. Thomas. He is a former Executive Director of, and the current Director of Programming for, SENG (Supporting the Emotional Needs of Gifted). He is the father of four children, three of whom are twice-exceptional. You can support the podcast and receive subscriber-only benefits at www.patreon.com/mindmatters. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com. Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

When factual, peer-reviewed data is hard to find, or hidden behind paywalls, we often end up relying on pseudo-science or questionable information. In fact, some long-held beliefs in the area of neurodiversity are based on little more than anecdotal evidence. Erin Miller and Hope Wilson will be part of an NAGC conference panel in November examining pseudo-science in the area of neurodiversity. They share some of their findings with Emily Kircher-Morris on episode 66 of the Mind Matters podcast. ABOUT THE GUESTS - Dr. Erin M. Miller is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Bridgewater College. She received her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology-Gifted from the University of Virginia, and teaches in the fields of Cognition Sciences, Measurement and Statistics, Cognitive Neurosciences and Creativity. She’s a member of the National Association for Gifted Children and will present during the 2020 NAGC Virtual Convention in November. Dr. Hope Wilson is an associate professor of education at the University of North Florida, where she teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in assessment, educational psychology, and statistics. She has a Ph.D. in Gifted Education from the University of Connecticut. Her research focusing on early childhood giftedness has been published in Gifted Child Quarterly, Journal of Advanced Academics, Journal for the Education of the Gifted, and Roeper Review, and she is the co-author (along with Jill Adelson) of the book Letting Go of Perfect: Overcoming Perfectionism in Kids. She’s a member of the National Association for Gifted Children and will present during the 2020 NAGC Virtual Convention in November. You can support the podcast and receive subscriber-only benefits at www.patreon.com/mindmatters. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com. Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

The history of the term “twice-exceptionality” is not a long one. On episode 65 Emily Kircher-Morris talks with Dr. Susan Baum about her early experience with “green” kids, and how the term twice-exceptional was born. They also discuss ideas for parents and educators that will help them guide 2e kids to success. About the guest - Dr. Susan Baum is co-director of the International Center for Talent Development and Director of the National Institute for 2E Research and Development at Bridges Academy. Professor Emeritus from The College of New Rochelle, and an international consultant, Susan is published in a multitude of books, chapters, and articles in the areas of twice-exceptional students, primary-aged gifted students, social and emotional factors affecting gifted students, and multiple intelligences. She served on the Board of Directors of the National Association for Gifted Children and is past president and co-founder of the Association for the Education of Gifted Underachieving Students. She is recipient of the Weinfeld Group’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her work in educating the twice-exceptional child. You can support the podcast and receive subscriber-only benefits at www.patreon.com/mindmatters. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com. Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

One of the great things about all sports and pursuits in life is the stories of the people we come across. In our 2nd Mind Matters Podcast interview we chatted with 2018 Australian MTB champion Cameron Ivory and explored his story in the sport from humble beginnings to dealing with the roller coaster ride of elite sport. A story worth sharing. Cameron had just competed at the 2019 MTB World Championship in Canada and was wrapping up his international season with the World Cup Final n the USA.

We’re talking about creativity on episode 64. We define it, because there are some misconceptions, and we discuss ways to foster creativity in your kids or students. Are there connections between neurodiversity and creativity? We have Dr. Todd Kettler from Baylor University, author of Developing Creativity in the Classroom, to share what he’s learned. About the guest - Dr. Todd Kettler is an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology in the School of Education at Baylor University. He teaches courses in gifted education and talent development, creativity, and the history and systems of psychology with educational applications. Dr. Kettler conducts research on access to advanced academic learning opportunities in schools. His book, Modern Curriculum for Gifted and Advanced Academic Students won the Legacy Award for the best scholarly book in the field of gifted education in the United States in 2016. He also wrote Developing Creativity in the Classroom: Learning and Innovation in 21st Century Schools, which explores systematic development of creative capacity in learning organizations. Currently Dr. Kettler serves as editor of the Journal of Advanced Academics, and he is the chair of the Texas Commissioner of Education’s Advisory Council for Gifted Education in Texas. You can support the podcast and receive subscriber-only benefits at www.patreon.com/mindmatters. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com. Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

Kids who are both twice-exceptional and from culturally diverse populations have been dubbed “3e learners” by Dr. Joy Lawson Davis and others. On episode 63, Emily and Joy talk about identifying these students, and training educators to better help them reach their highest potential. About the guest - Dr. Joy Lawson Davis is a career educator with over 30 years of experience as a practitioner, scholar, author, and consultant. A graduate of the College of William & Mary, Dr. Davis holds both Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Gifted Education. She has conducted workshops, been a long-term program consultant, and served as a keynote speaker and distinguished guest lecturer in the United States, South Africa and the Caribbean. She has published numerous articles, technical reports, and book chapters. She is currently the Special Populations columnist for the NAGC publication Teaching for High Potential, and serves on the Gifted Child Today advisory board. Dr. Davis served a two-year term as chair of the NAGC’s Diversity & Equity Committee and is an at-large member of the NAGC Board of Directors. You can support the podcast and receive subscriber-only benefits at www.patreon.com/mindmatters. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com. Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

Social norms, diverse personalities, and power dynamics, are some of the most valuable lessons of childhood. When children better understand bullies and how to stand up to them, they also better understand themselves. Amanda Morin joins Emily to talk about diverse personalities and power dynamics, and helping neurodiverse kids understand bullying, on episode 62. About the guest - Amanda Morin worked as a classroom teacher and as an early intervention specialist for 10 years. She has been working as an education writer since 2007 and played an integral role in launching Understood.org in 2014. As an educator and parent of kids with learning issues, she has been an active member of numerous Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams and believes strongly in the importance of educators partnering with families. Morin received a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Maine and special education advocacy training from the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates. She is the author of four books, including What Is Empathy: A Bullying Storybook for Kids. You can support the podcast and receive subscriber-only benefits at www.patreon.com/mindmatters. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com. Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

College admissions in a post-Covid-19 world have changed, and many universities have stopped requiring SAT and ACT scores, at least for 2020-2021. We discuss testing and test prep with Mike Bergin and Amy Seeley, who help students prepare for testing and understand how it works. They are the hosts of the Tests and the Rest podcast, and are guests on episode 61 of Mind Matters. About the guests - Mike Bergin is an education industry expert who has designed, developed, or delivered instruction to countless students over the last 25 years. Mike started as a test prep teacher for Kaplan Test Prep, and became Center Director overseeing seven New York counties. Since then he’s worked for Huntington Learning Center, revising its test prep curriculum and systems, and in 2009, Mike founded Chariot Learning. Mike is a co-host of the Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Industry podcast. Amy Seeley is a certified and licensed secondary-education teacher, receiving her degree from John Carroll University.  She began her career in test preparation over 26 years ago working for Princeton Review, and went on to work for Townsend Learning Centers. In 2006 Amy began Seeley Test Preparation Services in Cleveland. As demand for her services grew, she founded Seeley Test Pros in 2012. Amy is the founder and co-host of Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Industry podcast. You can support the podcast and receive subscriber-only benefits at www.patreon.com/mindmatters. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com. Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

Depending on what happens with Covid-19 this summer and fall, it’s likely there will be some influence on plans for the 2020-2021 school year. Whether it’s a delayed start, more online learning from home, or a different classroom setup, it looks like we’ll be writing more new rules for education. On episode 60, Emily Kircher-Morris talks with FlexSchool’s Jacqui Byrne about the future of online learning. About the guest - Jacqui Byrne is the founder of FlexSchool, a learning community for gifted and 2e students. She has a background in education, teaching, counseling, and writing. She is the co-founder of the widely respected Ivy Ed college preparation and counseling firm. Jacqui developed her own verbal test prep curriculum and also wrote a test prep book for McGraw-Hill. She has provided services for school district guidance counselors, spoken at college parent nights, and presented at professional conferences. Prior to founding Ivy Ed, she taught creative writing to gifted students at Milton Academy. Jacqui earned a B.A. from Yale, and has twice-exceptional children of her own. You can support the podcast and receive subscriber-only benefits at www.patreon.com/mindmatters. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com. Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

Dyslexia is often misunderstood, and educators and parents sometimes mistake it for a simple reading deficit. Dr. Dan Peters joins Emily Kircher-Morris to talk about dyslexia, as well as dysgraphia, and dyscalculia; their indications, where to go for diagnosis, and ways to help your child adapt. The basics of, and the often stealth nature of, dyslexia, on episode 59. About the guest - Dr. Dan Peters is a psychologist, author, co-founder and Executive Director of the Summit Center. Dr. Peters has devoted his career to the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and families, specializing in overcoming worry and fear, learning differences such as dyslexia, and issues related to giftedness and twice-exceptionality.  Dr. Dan is also co-founder of Parent Footprint, an interactive parenting education community and website. He is host of the Parent Footprint Podcast with Dr. Dan and is a contributor to The Huffington Post and Psychology Today. Dan is the author of Make Your Worrier a Warrior: A Guide to Conquering Your Child’s Fears, its companion children’s books, From Worrier to Warrior, and the Warrior Workbook. He is co-author of Raising Creative Kids, and many articles on topics related to parenting, family, giftedness, twice-exceptionality, dyslexia, and anxiety. You can support the podcast and receive subscriber-only benefits at www.patreon.com/mindmatters. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com. Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

As part of our series on the coronavirus pandemic, on episode 58 we’re delving into the trauma aspect. How will we respond to the pressure to venture out? How will the human species be affected, changed, challenged? What will we tell our grandchildren about the experience? We’ll use Christine Fonseca and her new book, Healing the heart: Helping Your Child Thrive After Trauma, as a template for this compelling conversation. About the guest - Christine Fonseca is a licensed educational psychologist, critically acclaimed author, and a nationally recognized speaker on topics related to educational psychology, mental health, giftedness, and using storytelling to heal past wounds. Christine has written for Psychology Today, the parenting blog Parenting for A New Generation, Parents.com, Johnson & Johnson, and Justine Magazine. Her critically acclaimed books include her newest, Healing the Heart: Helping Your Child Thrive After Trauma. Other works include The Caring Child: Raising Empathetic and Emotionally Intelligent Children, Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students, Raising the Shy Child, Letting Go: A Girl’s Guide to Breaking Free of Stress and Anxiety, and the Young Adult series, The Solomon Experiments. You can support the podcast and receive subscriber-only benefits at www.patreon.com/mindmatters. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com. Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

It’s no secret that gifted kids often see the world differently than neurotypical peers. They also see the coronavirus pandemic differently, and experience stress and anxiety in different ways. We talk with Dr. Edward Amend about life in a pandemic, how to talk with kids about this event, things we can do to minimize anxiety, and how counseling and therapy sessions are adapting to meet the requirements of quarantine. It’s all on episode 57 of Mind Matters. About the guest - Edward R. Amend, Psy.D., is a Clinical Psychologist at The Amend Group in Lexington, KY. He has worked in both private practice and community mental health settings, as well as in consulting positions with clinics, hospitals, schools, and other organizations. Dr. Amend is co-author of A Parent's Guide to Gifted Children, and Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnoses of Gifted Children and Adults: ADHD, Bipolar, OCD, Asperger's, Depression, and Other Disorders. Dr. Amend has held various positions, including on the Board of Directors of Supporting Emotional Needs of Gifted (SENG); President of the Kentucky Association for Gifted Education (KAGE) and Chair for the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) Counseling and Guidance Network. He has been a consultant to the Davidson Institute for Talent Development and a Contributing Editor for Roeper Review, a peer-reviewed journal for gifted education. You can support the podcast and receive subscriber-only benefits at www.patreon.com/mindmatters. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com. Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

Welcome to the Mind Matters Podcast. In this podcast Rex Urwin and Catherine Connolly discuss what they call ‘State Management’ or ‘Emotional Management’ - something they work closely on with their clients online and in real life. In the blink of an eye, life has changed for everyone and with the current situation with the Covid-19 virus and the constant media attention, people around the world are starting to become more and more fearful.  While it's vitally important to be informed about the measures that have been put in place to protect you and your community, to slow down the spread of the virus, this constant barrage of media, feelings of fear and panic only assists in raising our adrenal and cortisol levels, compromising our immune system, and leaving us in a constantly anxious state. So what steps can you take immediately to help yourself through this time of crisis? Listen to this podcast to find out  more. And for your FREE DOWNLOAD, click this link: https://bit.ly/2UAdMMg   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world is at the same time both together and necessarily apart. We’re all going through the same pandemic, and most of us are practicing “social distancing.” How does that affect us? Some believe it can be a time for growth, and that’s the subject of episode 56. Our guest is author and family therapist Chris Crutcher, and this is a conversation you and your family won’t want to miss. About the guest - Chris Crutcher is a native of Cascade, Idaho. He spent the 1970s as a teacher, then as director of a K-12 alternative school in Oakland, California. The following 20+ years he was a therapist specializing in child abuse and neglect. Those years largely inform his thirteen novels and two collections of short stories. He has also written what he calls an ill-advised autobiography titled King of the Mild Frontier, which was designated by Publisher’s Weekly as “the YA book most adults would have read if they knew it existed.” Chris was awarded the American Library Association’s Margaret A. Edwards Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as two Intellectual Freedom awards, one from the National Council for Teachers of English and the other from the National Coalition Against Censorship.  Five of his books appeared on an American Library Association list of the 100 Best Books for Teens of the Twentieth Century (1999 to 2000). You can support the podcast and receive subscriber-only benefits at www.patreon.com/mindmatters. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com. Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

There are social, academic, and personal obstacles inherent to boys, and when you add other features like giftedness, things can get complicated. How can we help boys understand social expectations, and learn to be themselves, often in spite of those expectations? Dr. Tom Hébert talks with us about the things he’s learned as an educator, and as a trainer of educators working in gifted education. About the guest - Thomas Hébert, Ph.D., is a Professor of Gifted and Talented Education in the College of Education at the University of South Carolina. He has more than a decade of K-12 classroom experience working with gifted students and over 20 years in higher education training graduate students and educators in gifted education. He has also conducted research for the National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented. He served on the Board of Directors of the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) and the Association for the Gifted of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and has been a consultant to numerous schools nationally and internationally. His research interests include social and emotional development of gifted students, gifted culturally diverse students, and problems faced by gifted young men. His publications include over 100 refereed journal articles, book chapters, and scholarly reports. He is the author of the award-winning text Understanding the Social and Emotional Lives of Gifted Students. He has received numerous research and teaching awards including the 2000 Early Scholar Award from the National Association for Gifted Children, and the 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award from the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut. You can support the podcast and receive subscriber-only benefits at www.patreon.com/mindmatters. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com. Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

What is Pathological Demand Avoidance and how does it manifest among the neurodiverse? What can we do to educate parents, teachers, and counselors about how to approach it? Understanding demand avoidance can completely transform the way you look at a child. Harry J. Thompson joins Emily Kircher-Morris for this important discussion about PDA, on episode 54. About the guest - Harry J. Thompson was born in Edgware, and grew up in Barnet in north London. He is currently based in London, UK. An avid reader & researcher, Harry speaks publicly and is heavily involved in projects & research on all topics around neurodiversity and autism; namely, Pathological Demand Avoidance. Harry began to write the first draft of his book in 2015. After connecting with many autistic & PDA families, he pivoted his direction and completed his book in about 6 weeks, a memoir entitled the PDA Paradox: The Highs and Lows of My Life on a Little-Known Part of the Autism Spectrum, published in February 2019. He launched his YouTube channel in 2017. Harry has been elected to a Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), in recognition of his work in the field of PDA, and also in recognition of the publication of his book. You can support the podcast and receive subscriber-only benefits at www.patreon.com/mindmatters. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com. Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

Emily Kircher-Morris and Dr. Ellen Braaten discuss processing speed and why it’s important. They also talk about when it’s not so important, and why it varies so much from child to child. They discuss the impact it has on intelligence testing scores, and ways to help kids increase their processing speed. Dr. Braaten is coauthor of the book Bright Kids Who Can’t Keep Up. About the guest -  Dr. Ellen Braaten is the Director of the Learning and Emotional Assessment Program (LEAP) at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Track Director of the Child Psychology Training Program at MGH/Harvard Medical School. She is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Braaten received her M.A. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Colorado, her PhD in Psychology at Colorado State University, and completed her internship training at Massachusetts General Hospital. She has been affiliated with Mass. General Hospital since 1998. Dr. Braaten is widely recognized as an expert in the field of pediatric neuropsychological and psychological assessment, particularly in the areas of assessing learning disabilities and attentional disorders. She is the co-author of Bright Kids Who Can’t Keep Up, and Straight Talk about Psychological Testing for Kids, a book that has become a classic for parents and professionals. She also authored The Child Clinician's Report Writing Handbook, which has been called "the most comprehensive child assessment handbook available." Her most recent book for parents is entitled Finding the Right Mental Health Care for Your Child, published by the American Psychological Association. You can support the podcast and receive subscriber-only benefits at www.patreon.com/mindmatters. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com. Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

When a child asks a question, do you just give them the answer? If so, you’re missing an opportunity to help them develop critical thinking skills. On episode 52 we are joined by Colin Seale, founder of ThinkLaw, an organization committed to helping educators teach critical thinking. We talk about how kids learn the skill, and how teachers can better teach critical thinking. About the guest - Colin Seale is a critical thinking expert, achievement-gap educator, child welfare reformer, education-for-all advocate, and former attorney who founded ThinkLaw—an award-winning program that helps educators teach critical thinking to all students using real-life legal cases and other Socratic and powerful inquiry strategies. You can support the podcast and receive subscriber-only benefits at www.patreon.com/mindmatters. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

Why is there a bright line between academia and the arts? Between cognition and creativity? Where should that line break down? Or should it? And, why do educators and others think of creativity only in terms of art or music, when it also applies to problem solving and cognition? We talk with Dr. Jennifer Fisher, who is both a university assistant teaching professor and an art education coordinator. We talk about how to bridge that gap, and hear from a gifted student’s struggle to be academic and artistic. About the guest - Jennifer Fisher, PhD, is an Assistant Teaching Professor and Coordinator of Art Education in the Department of Educator Preparation, Innovation and Research in the College of Education at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She is a joint faculty member in the Department of Art & Design within the College of Arts and Sciences.  She holds a teaching certificate in the state of Missouri, where she is certified to teach Art K-12, Gifted K-12, and English Language Arts 5-12. She received a B.S.Ed. in Secondary Education-Art from Southeast Missouri State University in 2009. Dr. Fisher also earned a Master of Special Education-Gifted and Talented from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2011, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Teaching and Learning Processes from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 2016. You can support the podcast and receive subscriber-only benefits at www.patreon.com/mindmatters. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

On episode 50 we talk with Haley Taylor Schlitz, a 17-year-old first-year law student who began college at age 13. We discuss her education experience, some of the benefits and barriers of homeschooling, and we imagine what the perfect public school system would be like. About the guest - At age 17, Haley Taylor Schlitz has graduated from Texas Woman's University with a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies, and has chosen to attend SMU Dedman School of Law, after being accepted to many prestigious law schools. Homeschooling allowed her to advance through high-school at her own pace, graduating at age 13, ready for college. Haley excelled as an honors student while representing the College of Professional Education as a Student Senator. Additionally, Haley has been actively involved in meaningful extracurricular activities such as The Representation Project, where she works to eliminate limiting stereotypes in the media, and serve as a catalyst for cultural transformation. Haley lives with her family in Fort Worth, Texas. You can support the podcast and receive subscriber-only benefits at www.patreon.com/mindmatters. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

As we move into the 2020s, we look back at some of the conversations we had in the two years of our podcast’s history. While we covered a variety of subjects, one seemed to pop up just above the fray. We’re revisiting some of our best conversations about twice-exceptionality, on this special 49th episode of Mind Matters. You can support the podcast and receive subscriber-only benefits at www.patreon.com/mindmatters. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

Shopping for the holidays can be a headache, but choosing the right gifts for high-ability kids is extra-challenging. Between meal planning and decorating, Jen Merrill found time to pop in with holiday stories and gift ideas, and Emily divulges her darker history as a “peeker.” Shopping for the hard-to-buy-for kids in your life, on this special holiday edition of Mind Matters. About our guest - Jen Torbeck Merrill is an Illinois-based writer and gifted family advocate. The mom of two teen sons, she homeschooled one and is happily watching her public schooler thrive. She is a music educator by trade, with degrees in Music Education and Flute Performance. Still, long before she picked up a flute as a child, Jen wanted to be a writer. She began that career in 2006, focusing on gifted families and advocacy. Her book, If This is a Gift, Can I Send It Back?: Surviving in the Land of the Gifted and Twice-Exceptional, struck a nerve with families who suspected Jen was living in their closet. Her second book, on the needs of gifted parents and self-care, is in progress. Jen has branched out into greater advocacy in gifted issues, particularly the needs of parents, personalized learning for gifted and twice-exceptional kids, and giftedness as wiring throughout life. You can support the podcast and receive subscriber-only benefits at www.patreon.com/mindmatters. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

Today, we’re talking to Emily Kirscher Morris of the Mind Matters Podcast. Emily is a mom with ADHD, who is has kids with ADHD, and is married to a husband with ADHD, as well as a mental health counselor who is motivated to help gifted and talented kids with the social emotional challenges the face.  In today’s episode, we talk about Emily’s journey from teacher to mental health counselor, making educational decisions for our kids, reframing our expectations to help us accept our flaws and navigate perfectionism, and the importance of taking a strength-based approach to our kids, process over product, and a deep dive on motivation.   Guest Links: Emily's Counseling Services Emily's Mind Matters Podcast Brendan's Episode on the Mind Matters Podcast The Gifted Support Network   ADHD Essentials Links:   Contact Brendan about booking a workshop for your organization Join Our Facebook Community Learn about & Register for the The ADHD Essentials Online Parent Coaching Groups  Check out the ADHD Essentials Homepage Contact Brendan at brendan@ADHDessentials.com   ADHD Rewired Podcast Network Plugs: ADHD reWired Hacking Your ADHD ADHD Essentials

Often, gifted kids feel isolated and unable to find like-minded peers, so they end up lacking opportunities to socialize and communicate. Dr. Jean Peterson joins us to talk about ways to bring gifted kids into the conversation, including tips on conducting gifted discussion circles and group counseling. Getting kids talking - on episode 47 of Mind Matters. About the guest - Jean Sunde Peterson, Ph.D., Professor Emerita and former Director of School Counselor Preparation at Purdue University, was a classroom and gifted-education teacher for many years and was involved in teacher education prior to graduate work in counseling at The University of Iowa. She is author of Get Gifted Students Talking, Gifted at Risk: Poetic Profiles, and The Essential Guide to Talking with Gifted Teens, as well as over 100 journal articles, books, and invited chapters. She is a former chair of the Counseling and Guidance Network and also served two terms on the NAGC Board of Directors. You can support the podcast and receive subscriber-only benefits at www.patreon.com/mindmatters. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

In this bonus episode, Emily Kircher-Morris talks about uncertainty and doubt. How can we help our kids be less afraid of uncertainty, and more comfortable with doubt? And for advocates of gifted kids, she explains why it’s better to say “I don’t know” than jump to conclusions from anecdotal evidence. This is a bonus episode of Mind Matters, as Emily shares her thoughts after the National Association of Gifted Children’s annual conference, where she found the topic of uncertainty trending. You can support the podcast and receive subscriber-only benefits at www.patreon.com/mindmatters. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

On episode 27, we welcome mental health counselor Emily Kircher-Morris to learn about the various characteristics of neurodiversity, the experiences and strengths of individuals labeled as twice-exceptional (2e), and how we can adapt teaching to fit the needs of all children. Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC has dual Masters degrees in Counseling and Education. She specializes in working with gifted/high-potential and 2e students, including those with ADD/ADHD, Asperger's/High-Functioning Autism, and anxiety. Emily frequently works with clients on emotional intensity, underachievement, depression, perfectionism, social skills, and bullying. She is the founder/president of the Gifted Support Network, a local nonprofit and host of the Mind Matters Podcast which can be found on https://www.mindmatterspodcast.com/ Leon Garber is a philosophical writer, contemplating and elucidating the deep recesses of man's soul. He is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Psychotherapist — specializing in Existential Psychotherapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Trauma Therapy — and manages a blog exploring issues of death, self-esteem, love, freedom, life-meaning, and mental health/mental illness, from both empirical and personal viewpoints. Alen D. Ulman is a content creator and life long auto-didact. Alen manages the page Ego Ends Now which is a growing community for expanding consciousness with vital information about science, medicine, self actualization, philosophy, psychology and methods to overcome identification with compulsive thought. The purpose of Ego Ends Now is to make sure to give everyone in it's community every tool available to add levity in their own lives, making it a very real possibility for them to create a life of their own design, and help impact the world and our global community positively. Find us on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/seize_podcast O4L: https://o4lonlinenetwork.com/seizethe... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seizethemom... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeizeTheMome... We are also everywhere podcasts are available! Where you can follow Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC : Twitter: https://twitter.com/EmilyKM_LPC and https://twitter.com/MindMattersPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilykm_lpc/ and https://www.instagram.com/mindmatterspodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmilyKircherMorrisLPC/ and https://www.facebook.com/MindMattersPodcast/

How can educators, counselors, and parents help neuro-diverse kids learn executive functioning skills? Gifted and twice-exceptional kids often lag with this skill development, so we’ll talk about tools and techniques you can use to help kids grow. Our guest is Brendan Mahan, an ADHD/executive functioning consultant and speaker, a veteran educator, and the host of a podcast called ADHD Essentials. Executive functioning, on episode 45. About the guest - Brendan Mahan, MEd., MS, is an ADHD/executive function consultant, coach, and speaker. As a veteran educator, he is skilled at teaching people how to effectively manage the challenges they face. He and his twin sons have ADHD, and he enjoys helping others with ADHD meet the challenges they face. Brendan is also host of the ADHD Essentials podcast. You can support the podcast and receive subscriber-only benefits at www.patreon.com/mindmatters. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

We’ve had mixed results in our efforts to identify 2e kids. It’s a complicated process, and many of the assessment tools used to identify ASD and other disorders need to be utilized differently when working with gifted individuals. Megan Foley-Nicpon joins us on episode 44 to tell us what she’s learned through various research projects about identifying the elusive 2e child. About the guest - Megan Foley-Nicpon is an Associate Professor of Counseling Psychology and Associate Director for Research and Clinic at the Belin-Blank Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development, both at the University of Iowa. Dr. Foley-Nicpon’s research and clinical interests include assessment and intervention with twice-exceptional students, particularly gifted students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and emotional/learning difficulties, and the social and emotional development of talented and diverse students. She has over 35 referred articles and book chapters in the areas of gifted, counseling psychology, and twice-exceptionality. You can support the podcast and receive subscriber-only benefits at www.patreon.com/mindmatters. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

One of the models that we use in our work is what we call The Ten Dimensions of Wealth, and one of those dimensions is contribution.  We’re both long time advocates for the environment and sustainability, and proud Sunshine Coast residents, so we especially look up to those who go the extra mile to protect the environment as their form of contribution. One such person is Lyn Saxton, who has lived in the area for more than 40 years. She’s been a legal secretary and law clerk for most of that time, as well as serving as a Justice of the Peace and Commissioner for Declarations. She’s suffered many setbacks in her life. She broke her back in the USA resulting in a spinal injury and months of therapy to recover, several miscarriages, including the loss of twins, and a brain haemorrhage while hiking which led to her being airlifted by the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Despite her health challenges, Lyn has become a fierce protector of the Sunshine Coast. I spoke to her on the Mind Matters Podcast. Episode Highlights:  Why Lyn decided to get involved in development watch The major concerns in the Coolum and Yaroomba area  Why the loggerhead turtles are endangered Fundraising efforts for the current court case  Why locals and tourists are banding together so that the Sunshine Coast will not be developed like the Gold Coast The solidarity of the general public  The congestion issues in Coolum  How the volunteers are trying their best to help their endangered loggerhead turtles  How you can help  Why it’s a David vs. Goliath fight  Why financial support is the best way you can help support the current court case Why Lyn’s dedication to the community is so important to her Developers need to be held to account What are the ripple effects of your decisions in business Useful Links:  www.developmentwatch.org.au  Mind Matters Links:  Mind Matters Website Catherine Connolly on LinkedIn Rex Urwin on LinkedIn Mind Matters Twitter  Mind Matters Facebook info@mindmatters.me See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

School counselors wear a variety of hats, but “giftedness expert” often isn't one of them. On episode 43, Jean Peterson and Susannah Wood, authors of Counseling Gifted Students: A Guide for School Counselors, join us to talk about ways school counselors can better meet the needs of their gifted students. About the guests - Jean Sunde Peterson, Ph.D., Professor Emerita and former director of school counselor preparation at Purdue University, was a classroom and gifted-education teacher for many years and was involved in teacher education prior to graduate work in counseling at The University of Iowa. She is author of Gifted at Risk: Poetic Profiles, and The Essential Guide to Talking with Gifted Teens, and is co-editor of Models of Counseling Gifted Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults, among over 100 journal articles, books, and invited chapters. She is a former chair of the Counseling and Guidance Network and also served two terms on the NAGC Board of Directors. Susannah Wood, Ph.D., is currently an Associate Professor at The University of Iowa, where she teaches both doctoral students and students who are pursuing their master’s in school counseling with an emphasis in gifted education in partnership with The Connie Belin and Jacqueline N. Blank International Center for Gifted Education and Talented Development. Susannah received her M.Ed. in School Counseling and Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from The College of William and Mary. She’s co-author of the book Counseling Gifted Students: A Guide for School Counselors. You can support the podcast and receive subscriber-only benefits at www.patreon.com/mindmatters. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

This episode of the Mind Matters Podcast is something a little different. We’re looking at the courage it takes to realise and follow your purpose in life. Rex is chatting to Emmanuela Shinta, a 26-year-old Dayak woman from Kalimantan, Borneo, about her role in this world and the power of taking action, even when you don’t know what you’re doing.  Emmanuela is an activist, film producer and director, founder of the Ranu Welum Foundation and a leader for young people.  She’s gained notice over the years, speaking before the United Nations and a number of other international platforms about the deforestation of the Bornean rainforest and the overall destruction of her beloved country and her Dayak culture. She has trained more than 100 young indigenous people to use a camera to share their cause, and continues to raise awareness of the Dayak people and Kalimantan through the use of short videos and documentaries.  Episode highlights:  Who Emmanuela Shinta is and what her vision is - being born in Kalimantan as a Dayak woman was “no accident” Why Emmanuela feels like she wasted the first 17 years of her life - not knowing what her purpose was The turning point for Emmanuela when she realised her purpose  She did not see the vision for what she wants to happen until she experienced the pain of the destruction of her country Why Emmanuela thinks the transformation of Kalimantan is possible  The power of vision and the vision for Borneo The voice of indigenous communities and avoiding conflict Being invited to speak before the UN - talking about issues and solutions What Emmanuela thinks every small to medium business owner needs to pay attention to The problem comes when we separate ourselves from each other As a business owner, you have a responsibility Working together to make the world a better place Useful Links:  Emmanuela Shinta on LinkedIn Emmanuela Shinta Website Emmanuela Shinta Instagram Emmanuela Shinta Twitter Emmanuela Shinta YouTube Mind Matters Link:  Mind Matters Website Catherine Connolly on LinkedIn Rex Urwin on LinkedIn Mind Matters Twitter  Mind Matters Facebook info@mindmatters.me See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the final installment of our series on suicide among gifted and 2e people. Today, Lisa shares the story of what led to her son’s suicide, and we get a glimpse into her current state of mind, nine months after her Nick’s death. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

In a beautifully honest interview, Donna Thistlethwaite talks to Catherine about managing stress and mental health in the workplace.  After working as an HR professional for a corporate organisation for around 15 years, and with a small child, Donna found herself leading a small team for a new controversial project.  After a series of challenges, Donna’s mental health suffered to the point where she tried to take her own life.  Now, she’s an international mental health and resilience speaker and has presented for QSuper, Connexus Financial, Aurecon, Seqwater, Queensland University of Technology, Powerlink Queensland, and Western Downs Regional Council, among others.  She’s also a Career Coach and co-founder of Career Vitality, which provided career services to individuals, parents and organisations.   Episode highlights:  Who Donna is and a little about her background - started a new role whilst working as an HR professional for a corporate organisation The pivotal moment for Donna was when she had an argument with a colleague A few other events triggered self-doubt Dealing with Imposter Syndrome - losing sight of her strengths and feeling like a failure Questioning her whole identity and her previous strengths How Donna let her mind take over - playing out the worst case scenarios Feeling like the only way out was to take her life and choosing to do that What Donna has learned from ‘surviving’ Recognising the difference between how she used to be and how she is now Accepting that her failures in the workplace didn’t define who she was Reality test what’s going on in your head Donna’s advice to others who aren’t coping - reach out and talk to someone Setting up a business 18 months after her “mental health crisis” Donna’s 6 strategies for improving her mental health Donna’s journey as a Career Coach and a speaker sharing her experience Useful links:  Donna Thistlethwaite Website Donna Thistlethwaite on LinkedIn Career Vitality Website Donna on Facebook  Donna on Twitter Mind Matters Link:  Mind Matters Website Catherine Connolly on LinkedIn Rex Urwin on LinkedIn Mind Matters Twitter  Mind Matters Facebook info@mindmatters.me See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Rex chats to long-time friend and fellow Kiwi, David Metcalf, about the courage it takes to change your life - to move from the familiar into the unknown and into your dream life. David is a corporate manager-turned photographer and activist, who moved to Bali in 2012 after falling in love with Indonesia. His passion for activism means he’s heavily involved in working with indigenous people including the Dayak people, using the power of photographs to tell their story and encourage positive social change.  He also embarks on photography and activist tours to other lesser known areas including Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi Nagaland (NE India), Odisha Tribal area in India and Vietnam.  Episode highlights:  Kiwi, grew up in Wellington till he was 19 then he went travelling Went to Indonesia in 2001 and fell in love with the country Based in Bali for 7 years now - living his dream Does photography tours and works with indigenous people and on projects that make an impact Actively involved with the Dayak people  Being successful in the corporate world but being unhappy How being made redundant gave David the life he’d always wanted Making a choice after he got made redundant and feeling the pressure to stick with the corporate world David’s negative voice telling him he will fail and realising that those thoughts will never go away so you have to accept that and learn to deal with them Connecting more with his intuition and letting the fear slip away What David would tell his younger self - have the courage and tenacity to just live your dream What is success?  The next stage for David - get involved in helping people who want to make the same transition I have. Cultural healing journeys  Where David gets his inspiration - the people he’s met along the way who are trying to preserve their culture and environment  The incredible experiences Rex and David have shared together What David thinks people need to understand about indigenous cultures and the environment Useful Links:  David Metcalf Photography Website David Metcalf on Instagram David Metcalf on Twitter David Metcalf Photography on Facebook Mind Matters Links:  Mind Matters Website Catherine Connolly on LinkedIn Rex Urwin on LinkedIn Mind Matters Twitter  Mind Matters Facebook info@mindmatters.me See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In part two of our series on suicide among high-ability people, we explore some of the signs of depression and suicidal ideation with Lisa Van Gemert, author of Perfectionism, and Living Gifted. We explore ways to identify problems that could lead to self-harm or suicide, and suggest ways to help you work through those problems. If you haven’t listened to episode 39 with Dr. Tracy Cross, we suggest you do. And as always, if you need help, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours every day at 1-800-273-8255. About the guest - Lisa Van Gemert is an expert consultant to television shows including Lifetime’s “Child Genius,” and a writer of award-winning lesson plans. She has written numerous published articles on social psychology and pedagogy, and is the author of two books - Perfectionism: A Practical Guide to Managing Never Good Enough, and Living Gifted: 52 Tips to Survive and Thrive in Giftedland. She is a co-founder of The Gifted Guild, a professional community for educators of the gifted. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

This episode comes to you from just outside Ubud in Bali, where I (Rex) am soaking up the Balinese culture.  I’m blessed to be able to spend time in Bali, as I have done for many years now. From my journey that I’ve travelled so far, I’ve also come to know the native Dayak people of Kalimantan, Borneo, and the people devoting their lives to supporting others and things they believe in.  One thing I’ve come to realise is that all these people have complete ownership and absolute commitment to the cause they believe in.  We’ll be exploring this in more detail with a series of interviews. But for now, we want to take a look at selflessness and the human spirit and the correlation with your business, career and families.  Episode highlights: You are a culture which needs preserving just like any other culture Your life is a culture based on principles and wisdoms  There will always be ups and downs that will test you and put your ‘culture’ under threat Recognising the parallels between the Dayak people and our clients’ lives Forging a journey through business isn’t always easy - take a minute to really think about what’s at stake Inside humanity there is a deep essence; there is a calling Your business is a mechanism for you to build deep sustainability and values and purpose and beliefs and vision You are forging your purpose with your business - it’s sacred so treat it as such The importance of collaborating with others The authority to think and the capacity to make choices is a gift Useful Links Staying On Top Of The Mountain Retreat Mind Matters Website Catherine Connolly on LinkedIn Rex Urwin on LinkedIn Mind Matters Twitter  Mind Matters Facebook info@mindmatters.me See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is suicidal ideation more prevalent among the gifted population? Do our beliefs about suicide square with statistics? In part one of our series on suicide among gifted and 2e youth, Dr. Tracy Cross joins us to shed some light on a dark subject, and shares his Spiral Model of the Suicidal Mind. This is a series all parents should hear. About the guest - Dr. Tracy L. Cross holds an endowed chair, Jody and Layton Smith Professor of Psychology and Gifted Education, and is the executive director of the Center for Gifted Education and the Institute for Research on the Suicide of Gifted Students at William & Mary. He has a PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, an EdS in Educational Psychology and Guidance from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, an MS in Educational Psychology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a BS in Education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He received the Distinguished Service Award from The Association for the Gifted (TAG) and the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), the Early Leader, Early Scholar and Distinguished Scholar awards from NAGC, and in 2009 was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from the MENSA Education and Research Foundation. He has edited seven journals and is the current editor of the Journal for the Education of the Gifted. He presently serves as President of TAG and is president emeritus of NAGC. Among other books, he’s the co-author of Suicide Among Gifted Children and Adolescents. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

If you’re a leader or a business owner, chances are you spend your time running around trying to get everything done. Being busy is good, but it’s important to take time out for yourself. We often find that people don't give themselves enough time to stop. Being constantly busy can lead to stress and an inability to take the time your body and mind needs and your emotions need to take time out too. Fail to do that, and you won’t be thinking effectively and your business could suffer.  When you first get into business, or even just start a new career path, it’s easy to join the rat race. There will always be common stopping points along the way - like weekends or at the end of each day - but what about stopping altogether? We’re taking a look at what it really means to stop and just be still and the effects it can have on your role as a leader.  Episode highlights:  Is there such a thing as being too busy as a business owner?  Common ground - joining the rat race in business Reflecting on your career from the very beginning Giving yourself permission to step off the hamster wheel, relax and be present The struggle of gaining new perspectives on life and your business when under stress Taking regular downtime will encourage you to see new potential opportunities Operating under stress can cause you to be blind in business Great lives are designed - the importance of scheduling downtime in your business plan What do your next 12 months look like ideally?  Talking about designing your life more at our retreat, Design Your Destiny Do you have opportunities to take time out? When is business most intense?  Research findings - people who take time off strategically every year are better off financially than those who don’t, due to the rejuvenation of their energy and creativity The golden question to ask yourself: why did I set up my business?  Bringing balance and happiness to your life with the 10 dimensions of wealth True happiness comes from nurturing yourself Useful Links  Staying On Top Of The Mountain Retreat Mind Matters Website Catherine Connolly on LinkedIn Rex Urwin on LinkedIn Mind Matters Twitter  Mind Matters Facebook info@mindmatters.me See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As parents and educators prepare for the start of the new school year, middle schools everywhere are welcoming a new crop of excited, nervous, and sometimes unprepared kids. On episode 38 we talk about the middle school transition, and the changes parents can expect to see as their kids adapt to their new surroundings. Guest Phyllis Fagell is author of Middle School Matters, and she joins us with ideas and advice. About our guest - Phyllis Fagell is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Certified Professional School Counselor and journalist. She has worked in both public and private schools with students in grades K-12, focusing on middle school for the last several years. She currently works full time as the school counselor for Sheridan School in Washington, D.C. Sheridan School has been named a 2017 National School of Character. Phyllis also provides therapy to children, teens and adults in private practice at the Chrysalis Group, Inc. As a journalist, Phyllis writes regular columns for The Washington Post on counseling, parenting and education. She writes a weekly advice column for PDK, Intl. for educators, and she blogs for a number of highly-respected national education associations and counseling publications, including AMLE (Association of Middle Level Educators) and Character.org. Her articles often are syndicated by Bloomberg, and they also are reprinted by newspapers throughout the world. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com. Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

As we prepare for our upcoming September retreat, Staying On Top Of The Mountain, we’re taking a look at what it means in relation to business.  The concept of ‘staying on top of the mountain’ is poignant in all areas of life, but especially when it comes to starting, maintaining and leading a small business.  Once you have your business up and running, you build on that and grow and establish a solid share in your chosen market. As with anything though, it needs to be maintained if you want to remain stable and successful. But what is actually at the top of the mountain? And how do we get there? Is it based on one achievement in life or in business? Or is it a series of continuous, never-ending achievements? Let’s take a look... Episode highlights: What does it mean to ‘stay on top of the mountain’ in business? How do you actually know when you’re at the top? How do you get there? The Japanese concept of ‘kaizen’ - activities that continuously improve everything that all employees undertake Maintaining a business by continuously improving  Making your business work for you - the downfall of wanting your business to serve you without your constant attention and presence Why a lot of business owners fail to make their business serve them The importance of having discussions and paying attention to the needs of your team Don’t overlook the finer details of your business Learn to refocus your attention - take time to pay attention to the wellbeing of your staff The importance of checking in with yourself - review your own performance in terms of mindset, beliefs and general wellbeing More information about our ‘Staying On Top Of The Mountain’ retreat Useful links: Mind Matters Website Catherine Connolly on LinkedIn Rex Urwin on LinkedIn Mind Matters Twitter  Mind Matters Facebook info@mindmatters.me See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gifted kids turn into gifted adults, it’s something you live with for your entire life. When adults forget about their own atypical wiring, they open themselves up to social issues, and miss opportunities to continue growing. Guests Aurora Remember-Holtzman and Michelle Benedict talk to us about their experiences, and provide advice for people who may have forgotten they were gifted. About the guests - Aurora Remember-Holtzman is the host of the Embracing Intensity podcast, and is founder of www.EmbracingIntensity.com. After years of feeling “too much,” Aurora finally realized that intensity, in the form of excitability, is the source of her greatest power. Now instead of beating herself up about not measuring up to her own self-imposed standards, she is on a mission to help outside-the-box thinkers befriend their brains and use their fire without getting burned through her Embracing Intensity Podcast and community, coaching, facilitation and strengths-based psycho-educational assessment. Michelle Benedict has a Masters in Education and certification in Gifted Education. She also founded Mindful Transformations. She’s an educator in the Hazelwood, MO public school district. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

Giftedness can be a double-edged sword when it comes to empathy and compassion. When we help kids realize their emotional potential, their capacity for empathy and kindness will grow. Christine Fonseca is our guest on episode 36. About the guest - Christine Fonseca is a licensed Educational Psychologist, critically acclaimed author, and a nationally recognized speaker on topics related to educational psychology, mental health, giftedness, and using storytelling to heal past wounds. Using her experience consulting and coaching educators and parents, Christine brings her expertise to Psychology Today, authoring the parenting blog Parenting for A New Generation. She has written self-help articles for Parents.com, Johnson & Johnson, and Justine Magazine. Her critically acclaimed books include The Caring Child:  Raising Empathetic and Emotionally Intelligent Children, Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students, Raising the Shy Child, Letting Go: A Girl’s Guide to Breaking Free of Stress and Anxiety, and the Young Adult series, the Solomon Experiments. How to win Christine Fonseca’s autographed book, The Caring Child - Share the Mind Matters Twitter, Instagram or Facebook page(s) on your corresponding feed and include the hashtag #mindmattersswag. One winner will be chosen at random from all shared posts! No purchase necessary, void where prohibited, enter as often as you’d like, contest is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Winner will be chosen July 23 at 11:59 pm CDT, prize will be shipped to winner, must 18 or older, US residents only (sorry Sri Lanka!). The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

Creating a business is basically like an endurance test. A lot of things need to be considered before you get going in order to make it work. It also takes a huge amount of effort, attention and energy to get something underway and your mindset plays a key part in its success or otherwise.  Sometimes we stay in the same mindset and activity that started the business when its way into a growth stage or even into longevity. No matter what stage you are at in your business, whether it's a startup or you've been in business for many years, it can be very useful to take note of your mindset and think about whether you’ve upgraded it or not over time.  In this episode, Catherine Connolly explores weathering the seasons of building a business.  Episode highlights:  The energy and effort needed to create a business - it’s like an endurance test Being stressed and frustrated is normal at the start of any business, but it shouldn’t last too long if you want to grow Are you suffocating your business?  Starting a business takes time, energy and effort Be sure to take time out for yourself to relax, reflect and nurture your relationships Knowing whether you’re ready to lead a team and grow your business Manage your business in line with the four seasons - it is part of the natural world that changes, grows and resets A common theme with Catherine’s clients - failing to recognise what they’ve already accomplished A leader can’t lead if they’re still engaged in the business like it’s a new startup The importance of taking time to think about new ideas - something that can’t be done in a state of stress Ask yourself what season your business is in  at the moment and who has the best expertise to take it to the next level.  Encourage your brain to think on a deeper level - change your neurological pattern Useful Links:  Mind Matters Website Catherine Connolly on LinkedIn Rex Urwin on LinkedIn Mind Matters Twitter  Mind Matters Facebook info@mindmatters.me See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Catherine chats to Juliette Wright, a long-term Mind Matters client and the founder and director of GIVIT, a not-for-profit with the aim of helping alleviate the effects of poverty across Australia. She shares her secrets to success and the challenges she’s had to overcome in order to get there. An experienced director and CEO, Juliette started the free online donation platform in 2009 with the hope of connecting those who have with those who need. The website has grown from just 15 charities onboard to more than 2,600 charities, government agencies and schools in just under 10 years. The website has seen more than 1.2 million items donated to people in need. GIVIT also provides an award-winning Disaster Recovery Service to help manage donation flow after disasters like the Brisbane and Bundaberg Floods, Tropical Cyclones Marcia, Ita and Debbie, and the Gladstone and Tasmanian fires. GIVIT is the only non-profit funded by the NSW Government’s Department of Primary Industry for drought recovery in New South Wales, because GIVIT buys locally in disaster and drought recovery, ensuring the right people, get the right things in the right way. Juliette has won numerous awards for disaster recovery, business and innovation, and was awarded Australia’s Local Hero in 2015. More recently, she was awarded the Order of Australia Medal. Episode highlights: Why Juliette started the company in 2009 - realised charities don’t need clothes donated Juliette’s realisation that simple things can pull people out of poverty Her first challenge - articulating what she was trying to achieve A bit of background on how Juliette went from nutritionist to CEO Why the procurement website failed twice and how Juliette got past it What she would do differently - get a legal company because regulations change a lot Choosing to ignore everything and deciding never to give up The driving force - wanting to help people by giving the impoverished what they actually need Hitting the 10 year anniversary of GIVIT and 1.25 million donations (donations have since reached 3,3000,000 million) Black Saturday fires - killed 173 people in Victoria and gave Juliette the idea for GIVIT disaster recovery Rolling out disaster recovery throughout Australia and the problems along the way Juliette’s biggest issues - she doesn’t fit the charity mould Assessing her core values - love, trust and connection Prioritising her values and realising what was right and not-so-right for her How Juliette manages her emotional state Remaining true to her values and expecting others to respect them Being honest and transparent so she can acknowledge her mistakes Ensuring her core values complement her husband’s Hitting a milestone with the Townsville floods - delivered over 220,000 donations in three months How Mind Matters helped Juliette - every problem is an opportunity Being in denial as a manager and not listening to the problem Embracing the richness of life Focusing on what her family needs and juggling a business The importance of planning downtimes - letting go of GIVIT when on holiday Useful Links Juliette Wright on LinkedIn GIVIT Website Useful Links: Mind Matters Website Catherine Connolly on LinkedIn Rex Urwin on LinkedIn Mind Matters Twitter  Mind Matters Facebook info@mindmatters.me See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the third instalment of a three-part series based on the stories we tell ourselves and how they affect the results we achieve in life. In the first of the series, we looked at recognising your own story, and in the second part we explored the process of dismantling it. Now, we’re looking at how to rewrite your story. Episode highlights: Your story can be written in any genre - comedy, thriller, drama Your first story in life is one that was written for you based on your childhood and background Learning to reframe your story from negative to positive - creating your own success story How Rex reframed his own story and what it has taught him Going through the motions of business - every hero has challenges to overcome ‘You can't teach a good sailor in a calm sea’ - a truly good sailor has been through all of the ocean’s moods and survived them Begin to mind map your future and what you want it to look like Think about the daily decisions and thoughts you need to get to where you want to be You are the author of your script - the more you take control the easier it will be to write your story to have the outcome you desire Useful Links: Mind Matters Website Catherine Connolly on LinkedIn Rex Urwin on LinkedIn Mind Matters Twitter  Mind Matters Facebook info@mindmatters.me See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Rex chats to friend and client Neil Macdonald owner of Fairway Financial, who has been running his own financial planning business for the past 23 years, specialising in people insurance.   He entered the industry somewhat by default, following in his father’s footsteps. His first role was with National Mutual (AXA) on a graduate program in 1990, which led him through a number of roles to become an adviser in 1997. Now, he spends his days helping veterinarians and SME business owners improve their financial wellbeing and explore their financial options. In the discussion Neil shares how important mindset has been in his work and the role Mind Matters has had in his development. Episode Highlights: Who Neil is and what he does - father, runs a financial planning business ‘Do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do’ - Neil’s mantra What makes Neil’s work right for him is that it’s right for his clients Key things Neil has learned over the years Owning his journey - comfortable in his skin and knowing his values What Neil is most proud of - growing from the low times and being open to new possibilities Managing state and emotion Looking inwardly for answers - it’s going to happen inwardly before it happens outwardly Time alone after divorce and learning about how manifestation works Neil’s time working with Rex and what he learnt What Neil’s future looks like - embracing the inner entrepreneur Injecting fun in the business - people stay because of the connection Making the complex simple Neil’s advice - align yourself with somebody who has the skills to ask you the right questions that will help you move along the path you choose Useful Links: Neil Macdonald on LinkedIn Fairway Financial Website Fairway Financial on Facebook Fairway Financial on Twitter Useful Links: Mind Matters Website Catherine Connolly on LinkedIn Rex Urwin on LinkedIn Mind Matters Twitter  Mind Matters Facebook info@mindmatters.me See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the second instalment of a three-part series based on the stories we tell ourselves and how they affect the results we achieve in life. As we explored in the first of the series, the human brain becomes habituated. It learns by engaging the nervous system, the memory system and the sensory system  and repetition of patterns over time makes something seem ‘normal’. So, to rewrite a story that's habituated, you need to first undo it in those places in a particular way. Essentially this means releasing it before replacing the old story with a new one. Episode Highlights: What is the story you’ve been telling yourself? Reflect on your current/old story to begin to release it to make way for a new one ‘Listen’ to your posture - are you slumped over (sad) or tense and rigid (anxious)? It’s common for business owners to find themselves in a state of anxiety on a regular basis Recognise whether you’re reactive at work and in your personal life Moving towards being proactive rather than reactive Are you trying to get away from the villain of your story? That could be money struggles or a business partnership gone wrong Writing your new story - think about the state in which you want to exist as a leader Change the way you approach your business and work from negative to positive Take notice of your not-so-useful behaviours and moods and write them down Ask your team for feedback How mentors can help you notice, understand and release unsupportive and unproductive behaviours and moods as a leader to make way for better ones Useful Links: Mind Matters Website Catherine Connolly on LinkedIn Rex Urwin on LinkedIn Mind Matters Twitter  Mind Matters Facebook info@mindmatters.me See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Catherine chats with Steve Mendl, a Mind Matters client for several years now. Steve has participated in a number of our NeuroCoding programs over the years. Apart from achieving great success in business and life, Steve has also reached a long-term goal to publish a book, which has since received Amazon Best Seller status. He is an executive mentor and active retirement coach, founder of Next-Aging and Senior Consultant at Lee Hecht Harrison Australia/New Zealand. He has over 25 years’ experience in training, educating, career transition, workforce transformation, and business improvement through effective leadership. Steve’s work life journey began in public relations, marketing and then one day he found his role was made redundant. He used the opportunity to really think about what he wanted to do and went on to start a fashion label, become a teacher and a radio and music DJ. He’s also the author of ‘Beyond The Money’, which looks at the mindset needed to transition from full-time work into the next stage of people’s lives. Episode highlights: Steve’s background story - a degree in business and his first job in public relations marketing Steve’s role being made redundant gave time to really think about what he wanted to do Building his own fashion label in the 90’s Going back to University to become a teacher in Australia and then moving to the UAE as a Business Economics teacher Returning from the UAE as a radio and music DJ Combining his two loves - learning development and teaching development and training and executive coaching Steve’s thoughts on having the right mindset in business How Steve created new direction If time and money wasn’t an issue, what would you do? Figuring out your likes and dislikes and creating your business around that - knowing where to spend your time and where to outsource work Steve’s biggest obstacles over the years - over-analysing and staying focused A look at Steve’s book, ‘Beyond The Money’  a practical guide for people moving out of full-time work and into the next stage in their lives, Successful men need to mentally prepare to leave the workforce and move into the next stage of their lives The tough times in Steve’s life that have shaped his learning and mindset in business How being present has worked both for and against Steve Steve’s opinion that ‘the clearer the vision, the more likely it is to happen’ Steve’s thoughts on Mind Matters and how we’ve helped him Useful Links:  Steve Mendl on LinkedIn Beyond The Money Website Useful Links: Mind Matters Website Catherine Connolly on LinkedIn Rex Urwin on LinkedIn Mind Matters Twitter  Mind Matters Facebook info@mindmatters.me See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the first in a series of three about the stories that frame our sense of self and how we live our life. In this episode, we’re asking, is everything we say in the moment original? Or do we have a set of patterns that are established over time that form our way of operating, our way of speaking, and our way of believing? Do those potential patterns create the idea of us, the world that we step into every day and the results we get? Episode highlights: Telling your story - do you have a set of patterns that make you who you are? Realising the limitations you put on yourself The uniqueness of the brain and our ability to practice method acting What's the story you're telling yourself, and how does it support your success and enjoyment of life, or limit you? Common excuses from business owners - “The markets aren't right so that's why I'm not getting ahead.” Being open to new opportunities and possibilities Rewriting your story - take notice of what your story currently says about you Your story is made up of decisions and belief structures Pay attention to your story and its genre - is it a drama? Is it a comedy? When you understand your story you can consider what type of story you would write when your business and personal lives are getting the outcome you want.   Useful Links: Mind Matters Website Catherine Connolly on LinkedIn Rex Urwin on LinkedIn Mind Matters Twitter  Mind Matters Facebook info@mindmatters.me See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A hot topic with our clients right now is the concept of sabotaging your own goal. While ‘sabotage’ means to deliberately destroy, damage, or obstruct something, it’s not something we business owners do on purpose. But many of us do have self-sabotaging behaviours that, if not controlled, can prevent us from achieving our goals.   As well as stopping us from reaching our goals, self-sabotaging behaviour can make us less committed altogether. In this episode, Catherine is looking at common behaviours among business owners and how, with the right mindset and strategy in place, you can reach your goals.   Episode highlights: Self-sabotaging behaviours - a common example Money as a source of frustration for many business owners A look at the reasons for frustration in business when it comes to money - not having enough despite business being good Finding your financial identity - how expanding your belief of the possibilities can help you achieve your financial goals Each level of profitability begins with an upgrade in your beliefs and identity Blaming ourselves or others for not reaching our goals - sabotaging ourselves with negative thinking and terminology The importance of having the right mindset and strategy in place Learning from experience Finding your motivation - think about the effects that achieving your goal will have on your life as a whole Learning to redirect your attention when your environment changes Catherine’s experience of focusing her attention and taking notice of her negative inner thoughts How to move away from fear and panic - the power of deep breathing Why fear and anxiety sabotage your goals - you can’t think clearly and efficiently when you’re worrying Find yourself a role model - someone who has achieved the same or similar goal Look at the strategy someone else has used to achieve what you want Start each day by imagining your success Useful Links: Mind Matters Website Catherine Connolly on LinkedIn Rex Urwin on LinkedIn Mind Matters Twitter  Mind Matters Facebook info@mindmatters.me See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Being a successful business owner and leader doesn’t come easily - it takes hard work, dedication and the right mindset. In this episode, Rex takes a look at how you can create a mindset that will not only enable you to develop more skills but also to improve as a leader, enjoy business success, and create a balanced lifestyle. Episode Highlights: Misconceptions of the mind - we are not our thoughts and ideas The brain is not governed by the universe Many people tend to think negatively and give up when they don’t see the success they hoped for coming to fruition The brain can be trained - it is flexible and adaptable How can we train our brains? By choosing to practise new beliefs When we’re good at something we practise it, but it all starts with good, solid foundations Even when we become experts or masters at something, we still practise the basics If you have a solid foundation, you can begin to change your behaviour How to identify the behaviours needed to get the results you want Undoing bad behaviour, habituated thinking and beliefs Your thoughts are more practised than you might think - 90% of what we say isn’t a unique, original statement An example of how Rex has been learning to change his mindset to reach success in rope jumping Practise makes perfect - eventually it becomes muscle memory and natural Being open to change makes all the difference - let go of your judgement of yourself and your team Useful Links: Mind Matters Website Catherine Connolly on LinkedIn Rex Urwin on LinkedIn Mind Matters Twitter  Mind Matters Facebook info@mindmatters.me See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A common problem for small to medium business owners - ourselves included - is feeling frustrated. It’s far too easy to give in to negativity when things go wrong, leaving you feeling sad and hopeless. What’s worse is, because of the way our brain is wired, we create further frustration and daily problems. So how can we overcome it? By simulating experiences and learning to adapt. In this episode, we take a look at how the brain works when dealing with stress and what you can do to change your circumstances. Episode Highlights: Understanding how the brain works Being stuck in a business rut - feeling frustrated because you’re not getting where you want to go business-wise Change your thinking by listening, and change your thinking to listen Small to medium business owners typically use an old blueprint of their brain Using past habits, thoughts, feelings and experiences to train ourselves to think differently Reacting differently to obstacles in your business and daily frustrations Learning to see obstacles as a pathway to new solutions Keep your vision of business success in mind when you are next faced with a difficult time Instead of reacting the same way to obstacles, take a deep breath and accept what it happening before responding Don’t feed negativity and frustration - it’ll only make things worse How to create new neurological patterns Ask yourself the right questions - what is happening? What can I do to change it? What needs to be left till later? One of the qualities of a culture that survives is adaptability - be grateful for the ability to change Useful Links: Mind Matters Website Catherine Connolly on LinkedIn Rex Urwin on LinkedIn Mind Matters Twitter  Mind Matters Facebook info@mindmatters.me See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can we change our way of thinking in order to change our world? Many people practise an affirmation - a statement or a declaration asserting that something is true. They use it as a way of trying to change their circumstances in life because it offers emotional support and encouragement, but for many, it doesn’t work. At least not by itself. In this episode, we take a deeper look at how an affirmation is received by the brain and whether it can actually help you shape your life for the better. Episode highlights: What is an affirmation? Why do affirmations not work by themselves? Aligning your conscious and unconscious mind Tidying up your history - forgetting the negative connotations around certain things based on past experiences Practising affirmative language Understanding the way you think Your personal history doesn’t need to be a part of your current world Writing a new history for yourself Alice in Wonderland quote Face the world with an ‘adult mind’ What skills Mind Matters can teach you Forming new habits is possible Useful Links: Mind Matters Website Catherine Connolly on LinkedIn Rex Urwin on LinkedIn Mind Matters Twitter  Mind Matters Facebook info@mindmatters.me See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For entrepreneurs, executives and small to medium business owners, business and day-to-day life can often be a bit of an endurance race. It’s key to be able to reset and refocus quickly, however it’s not always easy for some. In this episode, Rex chats to British extreme sports lover Pete. His love of alpine skiing and climbing, and a background in the military, means he has learned some valuable life lessons that can serve you well in the unpredictable world of business. This interview was made possible through our connections with high level elite military operations personnel. Pete's last name has been withheld as he is still an active operative. Episode highlights: A bit on Pete’s background - joined the Royal Marines in 1994 and served 10 years in various countries including Afghanistan, Bosnia, Iraq, Northern Ireland and Sierra Leone Pete’s work as a military contractor for the past 15 years - Private Security Detail How Pete manages emotion and pressure Failure is a challenge in life - be happy being you Pete’s education in the remote highlands of Scotland where everything revolved around the outdoors Boarding school is not always privilege - Pete thinks it’s a miserable experience Always look for improvement, not the problem Practice makes permanent - always practice your skills if you can to improve Pete’s advice to business owners - have courage in your convictions Having courage isn’t easy Why Pete doesn’t like civilian life - it’s too mundane; not enough variety Where Pete gets his satisfaction from - he loves to serve and help people A story about Pete’s grandfather - a Spitfire pilot and time spent in a German war camp Being able to compartmentalise your life so you can put a strategy into place Life isn’t a perfect journey Useful Links: Mind Matters Website Catherine Connolly on LinkedIn Rex Urwin on LinkedIn Mind Matters Twitter  Mind Matters Facebook info@mindmatters.me See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“We are our own worst enemies.” But what does that mean for a business owner? Doubting your abilities will never be conducive to success. As a small to medium business owner, a lot can come from learning to be still in the storm, as our guest in this episode found out. Tony Robertson is the founder of Brisbane Tank Manufacturing (BTM), a producer of stainless steel products for the dairy, brewery, pharmaceutical and food processing industries across Australia. His business story began when he started work as an apprentice technician and, after meeting the love of his life, strived for more. After completing an Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, he went into the administration side of things and learned more about drafting, engineering and procurement. In this episode, Tony shares his secrets for everyday business success, including learning to be mindful, listening to his emotions and learning from past mistakes to reach his goals. Episode highlights: What Tony’s company does - specialises in the manufacturing of stainless steel products for the dairy, brewery, pharmaceutical and food processing industries A bit about Tony’s background - started as a sheet metal worker building tanks Why Tony started his own business - wanted more What it means to be a business owner and what Tony found difficult at first - learning to manage people, manage cash flow and payroll How and why Tony came across Mind Matters - wanted to learn from his mistakes Mistakes are learnings Dealing with the ups and downs of being a small business owner Managing your emotions as a business owners - making sure your mindset is right Planning for today and tomorrow and not getting too comfortable as a business owner Tony’s goal setting - making mindfulness a goal Dealing with unexpected obstacles after returning from holiday in Europe What Tony would tell his younger self - listen to your emotions We are our own worst enemy What 2019 looks like for Tony and his business Tony Roberston on LinkedIn Brisbane Tanks Website To register for the Removing Obstacles To Your Happiness And Success Retreat call See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While holidaying in Europe we had the opportunity to visit Sainte-Chapelle, a 13th century Gothic church in Paris near Notre Dame, one of many hundreds of stunning churches throughout Europe. Apart from its beauty, it also inspired me to think about ‘the work’ that went into it, and how the results and impact of that work still live on today. Many of us stop to marvel at the incredible architecture and artisanship of this era, and the time and effort that went in to design and create exquisite works like these. Works that leave people awestruck at the vision and the execution, even centuries after the last stone was laid. Imagine what your business could become if you ‘designed’ and built it with the same precision as these architects did centuries ago. Imagine if you took the time to create something of beauty, to create a business and a lifestyle of beauty. What if you took the time to slowly and elegantly create something with a beautiful structure and abundance that lasts forever, that lasts as a legacy. Churches like Sainte-Chapelle weren’t built in a hurry. They weren’t rushed. They were built to last. A life that is worth recording, that is worth journaling, is worth taking the time to build also. So give some consideration to the time you're taking to build something worth having. It's beyond money. It's beyond building abundance in terms of your own game in the short to medium term. In Europe we also noticed that it’s not just the churches that last a long time. Businesses do too. So many businesses are handed down from generation to generation. They have been built to last, with a legacy of collective knowledge and wisdom that’s passed on to each successive generation. These are businesses that last a long time because they take the time to play the long game. Are you building a business to last? Useful Links: Mind Matters Website Catherine Connolly on LinkedIn Rex Urwin on LinkedIn Mind Matters Twitter  Mind Matters Facebook info@mindmatters.me See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s ironic that the brain is such an extraordinary mechanism and yet often it’s the brain, or more so the way we think with the brain, that holds many people back from reaching their potential. The brain often produces thoughts about itself that aren’t true, including the thought that it isn’t so smart or that it doesn’t have the capacity to change – “I am the way that I am and have to accept and adapt to the world the way it is.” Or it might make judgements that don’t serve us - "I'm not good enough," or "I lack confidence." Episode Highlights: The Variable IQ A burden in business A brain that has difficulty trusting others to get the job done can become insistent that, “I have to do it myself otherwise it won’t get done properly.” Be The Change You Want To See In Your World There is hope Useful Links:  Mind Matters Website  Catherine on LinkedIn  Rex on LinkedIn  Mind Matters Facebook  Mind Matters Twitter The Brain that Changes Itself by Norman Doidge M.D. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the Mind Matters Podcast with Rex Urwin and Catherine Connolly, the show for business owners, executives, leaders and entrepreneurs committed to living life at their best. Listen in while we share how you can transform your life through focus, leadership and developing a high-performance mindset. In this, our first episode, we are introduced and interviewed by Brett Jarman, Founder and Executive Producer of Experts On Air, the producers of the Mind Matters Podcast. Brett quizzed us on ‘the story so far,’ how we got into the field of work we are in, why it’s important to us, and what we hope to contribute through the podcast. Enjoy :-) How Catherine’s childhood curiosity led her to be interested in matters of the mind Catherine’s learning journey and understanding the tools and techniques available to help us transform How Catherine’s frustration with surface level techniques inspired her to work with people at a deeper level The 25 year history of Mind Matters Rex’s hippy years Rex’s corporate years in marketing and finance and how his love affair with relationships led him to pursue other avenues Trading in his shoes for sneakers to study behavioural science at university Rex’s journey into matters of the mind and how matters of the mind became matters of the heart Why matters of the mind matter for everyone The role of the mind to serve us and how we underestimate its capabilities Why the comfort zone stops people from fully expressing themselves The difference between designing your life and taking things as they come Why Catherine and Rex mostly work with small to medium business owners and entrepreneurs Why a creative mind is critical for entrepreneurship The role of frustration and boredom in leading people to explore the mind Why different people get different results in business even with the same resources The role of beliefs and deeper patterns in the results we get in life The role of friends and family in determining our results The transition to unconscious competence and mastery What to look forward to in future episodes of The Mind Matters Podcast - Confidence, beliefs, the role of ‘cliches’ i limiting success, what flow and balance looks like, what sustainable relationships look like, taking creative control of your business, understanding how the brain works and how to harness the power of it, getting clarity of your vision, how to have fun and to make your business a playful space. Useful Links:  Mind Matters Website  Catherine on LinkedIn  Rex on LinkedIn  Mind Matters Facebook  Mind Matters Twitter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie and Sue talk about Sue's recent business transformation and new identity as Opportuniality, the pitfalls of over-reliance on data and systems in the corporate world and her work bringing ancient and cutting edge holistic wisdom into big business.

Business coach Sue Farmer discusses with digital marketing consultant Katie Brockhurst how we often look at situations be it in the board room, on social media or at home from our own perspective and what happens when we do.

Check out our website: www.fitmindmatters.com - You can also email us at fitmindmatters@gmail.com - Health and Happiness, Fit Mind Matters. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/fit-mind-matters/message