Podcast appearances and mentions of sharon foster

This episode was recorded on a sunny spring afternoon, on the banks of the St.Marys River, Baawaating (place of the rapids), also known as Sault Saint Marie. We were incredibly grateful to speak with Dr. Dan Longboat, who is Turtle Clan of the Mohawk Nation, originally from Six Nations community on the Grand River. Dan helped create some of the OG Indigenous Education programs in Canada, weaving together Indigenous and Western Knowledge Systems at Trent University. We learned about many of the OG Indigenous Scholars of Turtle Island, their contributions to UNDRIP and TRC and much more. Dan shared our responsibility to prepare for the swingback of the pendulum, through rethinking energy and extraction, through giving back to the land and knowledges, and remembering the teachings of those OG scholars and our Ancestors (both human, Land, and more then human). Remember to take a moment to learn from the strawberries, they share with us the importance of connection, love, and reciprocity.Check out the SHOWNOTES and for some extensive educational resources and links with this episode.Appreciation to Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig for hosting us, to Dr. Melanie Goodchild for all your support and the introduction to Uncle Dan, and CASC (Canadian Association for Science Centres) for supporting the gathering at Baawaating.Thanks to Emil Starlight, THE talented Multimedia Podcast Producer of Limelight Multimedia. As well, Walter White Bear, Sharon Foster, and Emil for that opening tune!Take a moment to like, share, follow, and rate, it is much appreciated. And if you want to support the pod, check out some unique Indigenous Science MERCH at www.relationalsciencecircle.com/shop-“Yarning Systems Science” Ancestral Science Podcast episode with Dr. MELANIE GOODCHILD (back in Season 1!), spotify, apple.-Strawberry Teachings- Elder Lillian Pitawanakwat-"Gift of Strawberries"- excerpt from Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall KimmererFind some berries, gift one to the land in reciprocity for their nutrients and love. Take in a deep breath, feel the ground alive beneath you, and settle in for some teachings from the wisdom of Dr. DAN LONGBOAT. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For all of you also in Southern Alberta and dreaming of warmer weather, here is an episode just for you. We are currently in "SPRING 2026" in the midst of imbalance between winter and spring...thanks for that teaching Bruce Starlight, so we thought we would re-release this episode about plant teachings.The Ancestral Science Podcast recorded this episode on a hot mid-summer afternoon back in 2024, hanging out at the Biogeoscience Field Station, in beautiful Kananaskis, home to Îethka Nakoda Peoples, alongside Blackfoot Confederacy, Tsuut'ina Nation, and more recently the Otipemisiwak Métis. We were grateful to speak with Tessa Wolfleg and Savannah Hollander about the Plant Ancestors. We learned about what is a weed? the medicine of strawberries and its deep connection with women, the interesting story and medicinal uses of the plant awkwardly names the "white man's moccasin," how trains brought trees to the area, how earthworms are maybe not that good for the soil, scratch-trees, buffalo berries have golden balls, and dinosaur plants!Shout out to TELUS Storyhive for their support in this episode's production.Thanks to Emil Starlight, THE talented Multimedia Podcast Producer. As well, Walter White Bear, Sharon Foster, and Emil for that opening tune!Take a moment to like, share, follow, and rate, it is much appreciated. And if you want to support the pod, check out some unique Indigenous Science MERCH at www.relationalsciencecircle.com/shopPrevious Episode you may be interested in:"Crocus' & Pokey Plants" with Tessa Wolfleg (the plant guy)- Spotify, Apple."Decolonizing Mother Earth, One Native Plant at a Time" with Latifa Pelletier-Ahmed of ALCLA Native Plants- Spotify, Apple."Planetary Health through Berries, Land, & Water" with Dr. Nicole Redvers- Spotify, Apple. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We recorded this episode back in the Fall of 2025, on a windy fall evening here on the Lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Tsuut'ina Nation, Îethka Nakoda First Nation, and more recently the Otipemisiwak Métis. The Ancestral Science Podcast team gathered to speak about their experiences at the Majorville Sacred Site or Iniskum Umapii. Visiting this location evokes an indescribable feeling of reverence for both its location and connection to the Ancestors that knew of its significance. Overlooking the banks of the Bow River, this site gifts a view of the horizon unparalleled in both distance and connection to the stars. We (Emil, Alex, and myself) got to visit Iniskum Umapii with Innu Astronomer Dr. Laurie Rousseau-Nepton, Rob Cardinal, and a group of local Blackfoot Elders and Knowledge Keepers.If you are interested in the "Stones, Stories, and Stars" Gathering of Indigenous Astronomers/Scientists and Knowledge Keepers being hosting in Treaty 7 later this year, or want to be more involved in this relational "research", or have a sacred site/medicine wheel you want us to look into, email relational.science@gmail.com for more information.This conversation goes along with the previous pod episode, "Sacred Sites: Protocols, Science, & Stories (part 1)" with Dr. LAURIE Rousseau-Nepton, WILFRED Buck, ROB Cardinal , & Dr. ALVIN Harvey about Indigenous and Ancestral science to make whole, validating science of land and ancestors, what is a sacred site, and a teaser of the precision and depth of alignments between stone circles, sacred sites, and star cycles from thousands and thousands AND THOUSANDS of years ago....Much appreciation to CULTURAL SURVIVAL for the support of this episode and this project. Thanks to Emil Starlight, THE talented Multimedia Podcast Producer. As well, Walter White Bear, Sharon Foster, and Emil for that opening tune!Take a moment to like, share, follow, and rate, it is much appreciated. And if you want to support the pod, check out some unique Indigenous Science MERCH at www.relationalsciencecircle.com/shopShownotes here!Grab a smoke (popeye, tobacco, sage, or cheesestring), and join the Ancestral Science Podcast in sharing our experiences at this sacred site, and learning about the incredible depth of science from The Ancestors."Sacred Sites: protocols, science, & stories, part 1" LINKS:SPOTIFY- https://open.spotify.com/episode/5aVRmONzBg7pJojaooBIqO?si=bc99653a18674b56APPLE- https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ancestral-science/id1688883209?i=1000758175271 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, we recorded in the midst of a warm winter morning here on the Lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Tsuut'ina Nation, Îethka Nakoda First Nation, and more recently the Otipemisiwak Métis.We were incredibly grateful to speak with a neechie superhero line-up of guests, inclusive of Dr. LAURIE Rousseau-Nepton (Innu), WILFRED Buck (Opaskwayak Cree), ROB Cardinal (Siksika), & Dr. ALVIN Harvey (Dine Navajo) about stars as reconnection to stories and Ancestors, Indigenous and Ancestral science to make whole, connections between living on Mars and living on the rez, validating science of land and ancestors, importance of who and what defines a sacred site, re-defining the term “medicine wheel,” and a teaser of the precision and depth of alignments between stone circles, sacred sites, and star cycles from thousands and thousands AND THOUSANDS of years ago....Check out the SHOWNOTES and for some great educational resources and links to previous episodes with some of these guests.Much appreciation to CULTURAL SURVIVAL for the support of this episode and this project. Stay tuned to part two of this topic where we dig much deeper into the science within the sacred sites of which prompted a gathering of Indigenous astronomers, scientists, Knowledge Keepers, and Elders from across Turtle Island and beyond. If you are interested in either having us look closer at a sacred circles site near you OR want more information about this project or the "Stones, Stories, and Stars" gathering in October, email us at relational.science@gmail.comThanks to Emil Starlight, THE talented Multimedia Podcast Producer. As well, Walter White Bear, Sharon Foster, and Emil for that opening tune!Take a moment to like, share, follow, and rate, it is much appreciated. And if you want to support the pod, check out some unique Indigenous Science MERCH at www.relationalsciencecircle.com/shopVenture to a place that is sacred to you, grab a warm black coffee and a comfy blanket, and reconnect with the ancestral knowledges of land and sky with Laurie, Wilfred, Rob, and Alvin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Smoketalk is BACK. On this episode, we got the band back together with special guest Alex.On this episode, we recorded in the midst of a snowstorm in between the winter and spring seasons, here on the Lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Tsuut'ina Nation, Îethka Nakoda First Nation, and more recently the Otipemisiwak Métis. We were inspired by a previous podcast episode Karen Colbert, an advocate for culturally grounded STEM and AI integration specialist. We talked about protocols and AI, racism and capitalism and AI, why are we spending billions of dollars on AI data centres (of which require significant amounts of water) while we cannot get clean water to many Indigenous communities, and asked the most important question "what are your intentions AI?"Here is the link to Karen's Ancestral Science Episode titled "Humanity and Dignity within AI," Spotify and Apple. Check out Karen's TEDx talk “The Most Dangerous Lie A.I Keeps Repeating”Check out the SHOWNOTES and our WEBSITE (www.relationalsciencecircle.com) for some great educational resources. Thanks to Emil Starlight, THE talented Multimedia Podcast Producer and guest Alex Flett!As well, Walter White Bear, Sharon Foster, and Emil for that opening tune!Take a moment to like, share, follow, and rate, it is much appreciated. And if you want to support the pod, check out some unique Indigenous Science MERCH at www.relationalsciencecircle.com/shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Ancestral Science Podcast was grateful to speak with the absolutely lovely and talented LilyMarleen Uta'i, who is first generation Samoan, grew up in Hawai'i, currently living in He'eia Valley. We chatted about relational body measurement, aggressive & invasive species, waking up the kalo patches, our favourite smells, ancestral knowledges of Kalo, the significance of “just one breathe- just one moment” that has the ability to can set you on your path, and paana... the pulse that connects us all.Donation, on behalf of Lily, was made to Papahana KuaolaCheck out the SHOWNOTES and our WEBSITE for some great educational resources, previous episodes, or a teaser of links below...Additional LINKS:-“Ethnomathematics Solves Real World Problems” (Ancestral Science Podcast, with Dr. Linda Furuto) (SPOTIFY, APPLE)-“E lele le Toloa, Ae Ma'au i le Vai: Returning Home Through Hawai'i, Samoa, and Ethnomathematics” (article, LilyMarleen Uta'i, 2025)- "Ethnomathematics Curriculum Resources (Hawai'i based)"Thanks to Emil Starlight, THE talented Multimedia Podcast Producer. As well, Walter White Bear, Sharon Foster, and Emil for that opening tune!Take a moment to like, share, follow, and rate, it is much appreciated. And if you want to support the pod, check out some unique Indigenous Science MERCH at www.relationalsciencecircle.com/shopTake off your socks and shoes, ground yourself with the heartbeat of the Land beneath you, and join me in welcoming LilyMarleen Uta'i Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We were grateful to speak with Karen Colbert, data scientist, department chair, Tribal College Faculty leader, advocate for culturally grounded STEM and AI integration specialist about finding your identity within mathematics, translating and code switching in the math classroom, the pie of DEI, teaching AI to embrace failure, not giving up on the ethics within AI, and pushing back against the default systems of confirmation bias.Check out Karen's TEDx talk, released on YouTube in the coming months, the title is “The Most Dangerous Lie A.I Keeps Repeating”Check out the SHOWNOTES and our WEBSITE (www.relationalsciencecircle.com) for some great educational resources. Thanks to Emil Starlight, THE talented Multimedia Podcast Producer As well, Walter White Bear, Sharon Foster, and Emil for that opening tune!Take a moment to like, share, follow, and rate, it is much appreciated. And if you want to support the pod, check out some unique Indigenous Science MERCH at www.relationalsciencecircle.com/shopGrab a cup of tea in your fav mug and prepare yourself to learn how to be a little less afraid of AI, with the talented and TEDx speaker, Karen Colbert. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The pod is in the midst of planning and recording some really interesting episodes, so to focus on those we thought we would re-release one of our fav's... it is also a little teaser for the upcoming ones... So enjoy, and go learn some science from the stars...This episode was recorded on an early Spring morning back in 2024, here on the Lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Tsuut'ina Nation, and Îethka Nakoda First Nation, and more recently the Otipemisiwak Métis . As we patiently waited for the First Thunder of the season , we got to learn from Wilfred "The Star Guy" Buck, from Opaskwayak Cree Nation and Siksika Astrophysicist Rob Cardinal about the science and stories of the recent Solar Eclipse, the reverence and silence within the darkness of totality, the connection between the alignment, states of matter, and ceremonies, protocols of NOT LOOKING at these significant cosmic events, the Creation of "Tipis and Telescopes," the three-body problem, the North Star and moon cycles, and the origin of the Thunderbirds.SHOWNOTES: For all you curious humans and educators, here is a link for the shownotes, which as always, has a plethora of videos, links, resources, to learn more and support. There are soooo many for this episode, have fun!Thanks to Emil Starlight, the pod's talented multimedia podcast producer. As well, Walter White Bear, Sharon Foster, and Emil for that opening tune!Take a moment to like, share, follow, and rate, it is much appreciated.And if you want to support the pod, check out some unique Indigenous Science MERCH at www.relationalsciencecircle.com/shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a windy late spring morning back in 2024, just before Summer Solstice, and the Ancestral Science Podcast got to record this episode ontop of Nosehill Park in the heart (or nose, haha) of Calgary, in Treaty 7.We were grateful to speak with Brendon Many Bears, from Siksika Nation, who, alongside Blackfoot Elders and Knowledge Keepers have been working alongside Lindsay Amundsen-Meyer of the University of Calgary Archaeology Field School & Public Archaeology Program to learn more about Ancestral Blackfoot knowledges within the stones and earth of Nosehill. We learned about the cultural importance of look out points and "tipi" rings, vision quests and balance, reconciliation archaeology, the importance of ceremony within science, and experiencing the Blackfoot scientific stories of these Lands. University of Calgary Archaeological Field School and Public Archaeology Program:Dig site: EgPm-143CTV Article: U of C students, staff partner with city to unearth ancient Indigenous belongings at Nose Hill ParkCBC Article: What was life like for pre-contact Blackfoot people?It was created with the support of TELUS Storyhive.Thanks to Emil Starlight for his talents in editing, videography, and audio. As well, Walter White Bear, Sharon Foster, and Emil for that epic opening tune!Please take a moment to like, share, follow, and rate, it is much appreciated. And if you want to support the pod further, check out some unique Indigenous Science MERCH at relationalsciencecircle.com/shopIf you are a curious education, or want more information, check out our website https://www.relationalsciencecircle.com/WIthout further ado, the Ancestral Science Podcast welcomes BRENDON MANY BEARS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Ancestral Science Podcast thought we needed some Auntie Laughs, so we reconnected with Melissa Roberts and Emily Kerton, Indigenous educators weaving knowledges and Land-based science into the Ontario curriculum.This is the SECOND part, of the Auntie Laugh-based episode. If you haven't listened to part one, released on January 19th, maybe go check that out first. But if you already have...are you ready for some more knowledge, stories, science, and laughs?In this episode, the Ancestral Science Podcast reconnected with Melissa Roberts and Emily Kerton, Indigenous educators weaving knowledges and Land-based science into the Ontario curriculum. We learn about the importance patience & humility within education and knowledge, bird goggles, "suspension of disbelief", sacrificing your ego, "the third deer", falling acorns, and how NOT to use the faciliTREES.Check out the SHOWNOTES in this episode for some great educational resources. AND....you HAVE TO stay tuned to the end for an absolute TREAT in the form of "a trifecta of poop stories" that will surly induce facial and stomach laughter cramps, as well as a hilarious LIGHTNING ROUND!Thanks to Emil Starlight for the seamless editing, videography, and audio. As well, Walter White Bear, Sharon Foster, and Emil for that opening tune!Take a moment to like, share, follow, and rate, it is much appreciated. And if you want to support the pod, check out some unique Indigenous Science MERCH here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was recorded on a windy warm chinook pre-equinox evening back in 2024 here on the Lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Tsuut'ina Nation, Îethka Nakoda First Nation, and more recently the Otipemisiwak Métis. The Ancestral Science Podcast wanted to re-release our dear friend Walter's episode. He had a brain aneuruym, and needs all the positive energy, prayers, and support. If you can, please consider donating to his GoFundMe, this is going to be a journey of recovery and support. Every prayer, frequency, and donation helps.Join us in supporting our friend Walter McDonald White Bear, who, at this time last year, was NOMINATED FOR A JUNO!! To celebrate his nomination, we gathered some friends, a few guitars, and some pizza. Along with some impromptu riffs and freestyle we got to chat about embodying music, spirit as an additional voice/instrument, connections between goosebumps and music, frequencies, songs, & language of the Land, the suppressed Native American Influence on Rock n Roll, Rhythm and Poetry, and the connection between snagging blankets and flutes. Take a moment to like, share, follow, and rate, it is much appreciated.Check out Bear's website www.walterwhitebear.com and his GoFundMe.Sending all the healing frequencies!Grab a non-alcoholic beer or a Bepsi, grab your favourite instrument, and come jam along with Bear and the Crew.... Without further ado, let's welcome WALTER WHITE BEAR, SHARON FOSTER, and EMIL STARLIGHT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Ancestral Science Podcast thought we needed some Auntie Laughs, so we reconnected with Melissa Roberts and Emily Kerton, Indigenous educators weaving knowledges and Land-based science into the Ontario curriculum. In this first part, we discuss the difference between outdoor experiential knowledge/Land-based knowledge/and Indigenous knowledges, the reverence of silence and slowing down, protocols of Indigenous knowledges within education, the "ridiculous rigour" of Indigenous Science through oral stories, and not needing validation of global science to tell us about the health benefits of smudging.With such a great conversation, this episode became a 2-parter! Stay tuned next week for episode 2 when we will add some great educational resources in the SHOWNOTES, and here is a teaser... stay until the end of EPISODE 2 for an absolute TREAT in the form of "a trifecta of poop stories" that will surly induce facial and stomach laughter cramps. Thanks to Emil Starlight for the seamless editing, videography, and audio. As well, Walter White Bear, Sharon Foster, and Emil for that opening tune!Take a moment to like, share, follow, and rate, it is much appreciated. And if you want to support the pod, check out some unique Indigenous Science MERCH here.As well, these times can be difficult, but remember that all is interconnected, so send your Prayers and Positive Energy to Minnesota.You can also watch this episode as a video episode on Youtube along with other Ancestral Science Podcast videos.From experience, we all know that LAUGHTER is MEDICINE...so grab a no-spill sippy cup with some tea or coffee, light a smudge if you can, and learn from and laugh alongside the Aunties- Melissa Roberts and Emily Kerton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The pod thought it would re-launch some previous episodes we made with the support of TELUS STORYHIVE, and this was one of them.It was a windy winter afternoon back in 2024, and we recorded inside a tipi at Seven Chiefs Sportsplex on Tsuut'ina Nation, amongst the Lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy and Îethka Nakoda First Nation, and more recently the Otipemisiwak Métis. The Ancestral Science Podcast was excited to learn from BRUCE STARLIGHT from the Tsuut'ina Nation about the disconnect of science from Spirit and Land, the significance of the depth of tobacco roots, the connection between mushrooms and the stars, sacred numbers, dinosaurs and energy, and Star people.Take a moment to like, share, follow, and rate, it is much appreciated. Check out our webpage for unique Indigenous Science Merch links and lots of additional educational resources!Thanks to Emil Starlight for the seamless editing, videography, and audio, Alex for pod support and marketing. As well, Walter White Bear, Sharon Foster, and Emil for that opening tune!Grab a cozy blanket, maybe throw it on a camping chair to get that "tipi storytime" vibe, grab a tea, a double double, or an apple fritter, and learn from the insightful teachings from Bruce Starlight.You can also watch this episode as a video episode on Youtube along with other Ancestral Science Podcast videos. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been a cortisol-inducing year, and with the holidays approaching, we thought re-launching a mindfulness episode would be helpful. Reconnect with your body, brain, DNA, and the Land with a Mindfulness Episode of the Ancestral Science Podcast with Dr. Michael Yellow BirdFULL SHOWNOTES & Additional educational LINKS: hereNEW Video of this episode on YouTube!Unique Indigenous Science Merch here. Help keep the podcast going!This episode was recorded in November 2024, on a mild wintery morning here on the Lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Tsuut'ina Nation, Îethka Nakoda First Nation, and more recently the Otipemisiwak Métis. The Ancestral Science podcast got to learn from Dr. Yellow Bird, by first beginning with a guided meditation to ground ourselves and focus on the present, then we explored a mathematical equation for decolonization, how Auntie jokes can protect the brain, the effects of colonization on our bodies and brains, the smell of bacon and well-being, mindfulness and systemic racism, and ancestral eating.Thanks to Emil Starlight for the seamless editing, videography, and audio, Alex for pod support and marketing. As well, Walter White Bear, Sharon Foster, and Emil for that opening tune!Get comfy with your fav blanket or meditation pillow, by a houseplant or a window to connect with the sky, open all your senses and heart to wellness teachings from Dr. Michael Yellowbird.FULL SHOWNOTES & Additional educational LINKS: hereNEW Video of this episode on YouTube!Unique Indigenous Science Merch here. Help keep the podcast going! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Classes in Georgia’s Pre-K Program have been closed since March due to COVID-19. Teachers and students utilized distance learning to finish out the year. Now, plans are underway to reopen Pre-K this fall, balancing quality learning with health and safety. Joining us to talk about plans for reopening Georgia’s Pre-K Program is Susan Adams, Deputy Commissioner for Georgia’s Pre-K Program and Instructional Supports; Dr. Caitlin Dooley, Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning with the Georgia Department of Education; and Sharon Foster, owner of Bells Ferry Learning Center in Woodstock, who operates three Georgia’s Pre-K Program classes.Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)

Sharon Foster, owner and operator of Bells Ferry Learning Center, joins Kris today for a conversation on how to build positive parent relationships, customer service, and how owners and staff can protect themselves during bad reviews or negative social media comments. They discuss strategies on enforcing policies, the proper mindset regarding payment, and when it’s okay to respond to a negative review, and tips of what to say so you stay responsive and professional, yet firm in your own values and vision. Sharon also shares the ways she has had to pivot her vision as both a leader and business owner over the years to make sure her product was meeting the needs of the market.   Key Takeaways: [2:52] As a special thank you, Kris will be choosing comments left on the podcast page, blog or iTunes and mentioning them on this show! If you want your school to be mentioned, be sure to write it in the comment. You can check out the podcast page on the website here. [6:24] Another special thank you gift! Just for listening to this episode, you can save $100 off when you use the code “rockstar” for the Child Care Success Summit. [7:33] Sharon entered the field with Kinder Care in 1979 and became a Kids R Kids franchisee in 2001, and is now the owner and operator of Bells Ferry Learning Center, which has two locations. She is also working with a partner on a new venture called Georgia Afterschool Program. Sharon is the author of Ready? Set? Kindergarten!, a month-by-month guide for preparing your child for Kindergarten. She is currently serving as the President-Elect of the Georgia Child Care Association. Sharon’s schools are in the suburbs of Atlanta, within a four-mile radius. [10:07] At the age of 12, Sharon volunteered at KinderCare, where her younger brother attended. She kept at it and was earning a paycheck by the young age of only 13. She continued on to other jobs but always knew that her heart was in child care. Flash to a few years later, when she became a franchise owner for Kids R Kids, which then became rebranded Bells Ferry Learning Center. Rebranding made a huge difference due to the location she was in, as many of her potential customers were intimidated by the prices of a large national chain. [14:42] Sharon is a huge fan of the Zac Brown Band, has been to three different countries to see them, and celebrated her 50th birthday by seeing them in Austin, Texas! [16:12] The tagline for Bells Ferry is “Love is Spoken Here.” [17:24] Your message and product both need to match what your market wants, the results they are interested in, and what they are able to afford. [19:19] The original location stays at about 175, year round, as they have three state-funded Pre-K programs that keep summer attendance up. The Marietta location is about 60% of their 198 enrollment. [21:39] Sharon’s first coping mechanism for a negative review or feedback is to contact Kris. Finding a trusted colleague or mentor to rationally talk things over can help immensely. [22:38] A common thread of Sharon’s negative reviews has been with the family has owed money. They may even try to use a bad review as a type of blackmail to have their debt lowered or erased. Sharon and Kris recommend enforcing the payment rule and continuing to work on the mindset that you deserve to be paid in full and on time. [24:52] Surround yourself with the people that love you and your business, and they will help you through the negative reviews. Also, the energy around the reviews tends to dwindle off after about 48 hours. [27:02] Sharon shares a story on how responding to one negative review ended up gaining her 12 new enrollments. [28:45] Sharon does not try to spend time and energy online pleading the case of an invalid review. One suggestion of how to model good customer service language is to look at hotels’ responses that are proactive and positive towards their customer concerns and complaints. [33:41] While Sharon jumps in and helps out in almost every aspect of the business, she focuses on the payroll, online advertising and supporting the directors and delegating the rest. She is always available to her staff as a sounding board but takes pride in setting them up to be self-sufficient and confident in their own independent leadership decisions. [37:14] Sharon and Kris recommend being sure you have at least six months of operating capital and three cycles of payroll before starting the business officially. Start marketing earlier and more than you think to get a good flow of enrollment within the first six months. If you need help finding a business and marketing resource, check out the Child Care Marketing Boot Camp. [40:29] Sharon sees a rockstar as someone that dedicates themselves day in and day out to child care, no matter what position or level they are at! [46:19] Sharon wrote Ready? Set? Kindergarten! with her teachers as a month-by-month hands-on activity guide for parents. Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray Child Care Marketing Solutions Child Care Success Academy Sign Up for Enrollment Bootcamp Waiting List KinderCare Kids R Kids Bells Ferry Learning Center Ready? Set? Kindergarten!: A month-by-month guide for preparing your child for Kindergarten, by Sharon Foster Georgia Child Care Association Zac Brown Band Child Care Marketing Boot Camp Move Your Bus: An Extraordinary New Approach to Accelerating Success in Work and Life, by Ron Clark Canva  

Leading a small army of slaves, Nat Turner was a man born with a mission: to set the captives free. When words failed, he ignited an uprising that left over fifty whites dead. In the predawn hours of August 22, 1831, Nat Turner stormed into history with a Bible in one hand, brandishing a sword in the other. His rebellion shined a national spotlight on slavery and the state of Virginia and divided a nation’s trust. Turner himself became a lightning rod for abolitionists like Harriet Beecher Stowe and a terror and secret shame for slave owners.

Leading a small army of slaves, Nat Turner was a man born with a mission: to set the captives free. When words failed, he ignited an uprising that left over fifty whites dead. In the predawn hours of August 22, 1831, Nat Turner stormed into history with a Bible in one hand, brandishing a sword in the other. His rebellion shined a national spotlight on slavery and the state of Virginia and divided a nation’s trust. Turner himself became a lightning rod for abolitionists like Harriet Beecher Stowe and a terror and secret shame for slave owners.