Podcasts about social emotional learning

Mary welcomes back Alex Newman to chat about what everyone already knows: events in this world continue to highlight the traps of technology that can change day to day happenings into the stuff of dystopian nightmares. I think we all know that tech is neutral - but the potential for misuse and abuse in the hands of evil men is off the charts. Our phones already track us but we just pull the covers up over our ears and hope for rest. Truth is, we have every right to believe there are monsters under the bed who wish us harm, especially when we're not being watchful. We also discuss the Deep State and the tentacles of the Federal Reserve. When the wealthiest in the world gathered at Jekyll Island, Georgia for many winters in the latter 19th and early 20th centuries, their goal was to build a banking cartel impervious to bank panics and bank runs. Long after they are dead and buried, the legacy lives on as the Federal Reserve continues to control and manipulate US finances. Where are we at with their influence today? Then we look at SEL in the schools, Social Emotional Learning - its occultic roots and how it's making global citizens out of our youngsters. A fascinating hour with Alex. TODAY'S VIDEO IS ON RUMBLE!   Stand Up For The Truth Videos: https://rumble.com/user/CTRNOnline & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgQQSvKiMcglId7oGc5c46A

In this episode of Why Distance Learning, Seth Fleischauer, Tami Moehring, and Allyson Mitchell welcome Alan Tang, founder of Collaboration Laboratory, to explore the power of play as a core instructional strategy in live virtual learning. They dig into what happens when games aren't the reward—but the curriculum itself. Alan shares how CoLab uses escape rooms, missions, and collaborative challenges to build communication, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking for kids around the world.The conversation covers how CoLab builds safe, judgment-free cohorts that span cultures, how facilitators become coaches, and why giving students agency and space to fail leads to deeper learning. From “Elemental Escape” to avocado-themed risk challenges, this episode reveals a vibrant new model of education—where learning is playful, purposeful, and profoundly human.Key Topics Discussed:Why distance learning is uniquely suited for global, collaborative playHow CoLab designs challenges that teach soft skills in high-stakes gamesThe coaching model that blends structure and autonomy for kids aged 7–15Creating psychological safety in virtual cohorts from 25+ countriesHow feedback from students and facilitators drives content innovationAlan's vision for future adult and school-based applications of CoLabThe role of play in building empathy, leadership, and resilienceEpisode Links:Collaboration Laboratory WebsiteConnect with Alan Tang on LinkedInHost Links:Discover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.Seth Fleischauer's Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

What does it mean to lead like a BISON? In this energizing episode, Kim Gameroz joins me to talk about her new book Becoming the Bison, her powerful new podcast Unleashing the Bison, and the highly anticipated VIBE Edu event on August 1st—where I'm honored to be speaking! Together, we explore how school leaders can launch Social Emotional Learning the right way, avoiding the culture-killing mistakes that make it feel like “just one more thing” for teachers. Kim shares how her team partners with schools and districts to reduce student discipline issues and improve learning outcomes. She also reveals how her B.I.S.O.N. community has become a beacon of hope and resilience for educators nationwide. This conversation is all about practical strategies, bold leadership, and the kind of community that makes transformation possible. Tune in and get ready to charge forward with courage, purpose, and a herd by your side! About Kim Gameroz Kim Gameroz, M.Ed., is a change agent and founder of Teaching Inside Out, revolutionizing classrooms through a systematic approach to teaching social and emotional skills. With over 15 years of experience coaching, training, and mentoring educators, students, and families globally, Kim has spoken at numerous conferences, consults for school districts, serves on SEL panels, and contributes to various publications and podcasts. Through Teaching Inside Out, as well as her second company, SELebrate Good Times, she has created a supportive community for heart-centered educators nationwide where she is committed to making teachers feel seen, valued, and SELebrated at her events and teacher retreats. Kim's upcoming book, "Becoming The Bison," is set to be published in 2025.   She currently resides in Dallas, Texas with her husband, Shaun, and son, Wyatt, and is looking forward to spreading her knowledge of SEL and best practices in teaching even further to schools, districts, and homes around the world.  Visit SELebrate Good Times to learn more about the teacher community that is changing lives all over the country, and her annual National SELebration: The Bloom! Follow Kim Gameroz: Website: SELebrateGoodTimes.com and TeachingInsideOut.com Instagram: @SELebrateGoodTimes and Teaching_Inside_Out LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-gameroz-18144b1b0/  Private Facebook Group: Becoming the B.I.S.O.N. Tired of the same old PD that leaves you inspired but still stuck?

Books are powerful tools for exploring emotions and building empathy. Stories help children navigate feelings, manage stress, and connect with characters experiencing similar situations.Support the showSend us an email: parenting@iastate.edu.Find us on Facebook: @scienceofparent.This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or accommodation inquiries, go to www.extension.iastate.edu/legal

Air Date - 17 June 2025Breathing Beyond Your Ancestors: Releasing Generational Trauma Through Breathwork with Alyse BacineIn this illuminating episode, trauma expert and breathwork pioneer Alyse Bacine shares powerful insights on how our ancestors' experiences continue to live in our bodies, influencing our present-day challenges. Whether you're struggling with unexplained anxiety, repeating relationship patterns, or financial blocks, this episode offers a revolutionary approach to healing that honors both science and ancestral wisdom.About the Guest:Alyse Bacine is a pioneering force in trauma healing and transformational breathwork. With 24 years of expertise and a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology, she bridges the worlds of clinical mental health and somatic healing through her revolutionary methodology, The Metamorphosis Method™.After a decade serving as a school counselor and implementing groundbreaking meditation programs, Alyse developed a unique approach combining cutting-edge trauma tools with advanced breathwork and energy healing. This methodology creates predictable, permanent transformation by addressing mind, body, and energy field simultaneously – something missing from both traditional therapy and somatic practices.Featured in Oprah Magazine, Well and Good, and Nylon, her work has generated over seven figures in revenue and transformed hundreds of women's lives. The Metamorphosis Method™ stands apart as the only system effectively closing the gap between clinical expertise and somatic healing.With certifications in Social Emotional Learning and Mindfulness Practices, plus extensive experience in both therapeutic and somatic modalities, Alyse has created a comprehensive approach that revolutionizes how women heal and grow. Learn more at https://www.alysebreathes.com/.Social Media:Facebook Fan/Biz Page URL – https://www.facebook.com/alysebreathes/Instagram Handle/Username – https://www.instagram.com/alyse_breathes/#AlyseBacine #InspiredConversations #LindaJoy #Women #SelfHelp #Mindfulness #Lifestyle #InterviewsVisit the Inspired Conversations Show Page https://omtimes.com/iom/shows/inspired-conversationsConnect with Linda Joy https://linda-joy.com/ and her YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@linda-joySubscribe to our Newsletter https://omtimes.com/subscribe-omtimes-magazine/Connect with OMTimes on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Omtimes.Magazine/ and OMTimes Radio https://www.facebook.com/ConsciousRadiowebtv.OMTimes/Twitter: https://twitter.com/OmTimes/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omtimes/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/2798417/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/omtimes/

Send us a textWhat if technology could help you understand and manage your emotions better? Dr. Alicia Mckoy, founder and CEO of PeakMind, takes us on a fascinating journey through the intersection of neuroscience, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence in the quest for better mental wellbeing.The human brain processes emotions through chemicals like dopamine, oxytocin, and adrenaline, triggering our fight, flight, freeze, or relaxation responses. Understanding this complex system is crucial for managing our emotional states effectively. With stress contributing to 60-80% of disease according to health organizations, Dr. Mckoy's work couldn't be more timely. She introduces us to concepts like ultradian rhythms—natural 90-minute cycles when our brains are optimally prepared for focus and learning—and explains how traditional school and work schedules often conflict with these natural patterns. Schools that have restructured around these rhythms have seen remarkable improvements in student performance.Perhaps most exciting is Dr. Mckoy's pioneering work with virtual reality therapy. This "rehearsal therapy" allows people to practice stressful situations or experience calming environments while measuring biometric responses. The emergence of "VRX" (virtual reality prescriptions) represents a groundbreaking shift in healthcare, with doctors now prescribing VR experiences alongside or instead of traditional medications.For those without access to advanced technology, Dr. Mckoy offers practical strategies anyone can implement: identifying your main stressors, noting where you feel stress physically, developing advance response plans, and prioritizing quality sleep.Sign up for the weekly newsletter here to get up to date news on AI for Kids: https://aidigitales.com/newsletterResourcesHer books:Be Well at WorkCreating a New Culture for your WorkplaceCDC – Coping with Stress Learn about healthy ways to manage stress for kids and adults.Support the showHelp us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids.Buy our new book "Let Kids Be Kids, Not Robots!: Embracing Childhood in an Age of AI"Social Media & Contact: Website: www.aidigitales.com Email: contact@aidigitales.com Follow Us: Instagram, YouTube Gift or get our books on Amazon or Free AI Worksheets Listen, rate, and subscribe! Stay updated with our latest episodes by subscribing to AI for Kids on your favorite podcast platform. Apple Podcasts Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Other Like our content, subscribe or feel free to donate to our Patreon here: patreon.com/AiDigiTales...

#BeAGoodFriend and check out episode #139 of #FeeneyTalksWithFriends featuring Susan Averna.It was great to talk with my good #friend, Susan!Susan is an author, coach, college professor, public speaker, counselor and psychologist.We talked about:Explaining what “Mental Health” to 3rd Grader (minute 1)Feeney's reflection after school drop off (minute 3)Her inspiration to study psychology (minute 4.30)Susan's book, F.A.B.R.I.C (minute 7.30)Susan's book, Witness and Wonder (minute 13)Controlling your nonverbals (minute 15)What kids need (minute 20)Social Emotional Learning (minute 22)PBiS (minute 24)“The absence of a reward is the punishment” (minute 27)F.A.I.L. = First Attempt In Learning (minute 30)Trauma (minute 32)Procedural learning - A story about Roseanne (minute 35)Websites with Bellu Jean Creative (minute 41)Coaching cheerleading at Trinity College (minute 43)The JCC (minute 45)Susan's husband, Jason is a good #friend (minute 51)Susan's favorite teacher (minute 53)Notre Dame at Boston College football game (minute 55)Closing remarks (minute 58)Podcast Sponsors:Directline Media - www.directlinemediaproductions.comThe Fix IV - www.thefixivtherapy.comWest Hartford Lock - www.westhartfordlock.comKeating Agency Insurance - www.keatingagency.comGoff Law Group - www.gofflawgroup.netParkville Management - www.parkvillemanagement.comLuna Pizza - www.lunapizzawh.com/lunas-menuPeoplesBank - www.bankatpeoples.comFloat 41 - www.float41.comMaximum Beverage - www.maximumbev.comSally and Bob's - www.sallyandbobs.com

This month, the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast is focused on nervousness. The kids chatted about what makes them nervous and practiced some strategies to help them cope with nervousness, including a game called What If? ... But Then. In this month's "Mission," Todd and Christy challenge our listeners to play a version of the What If? ... But Then game at home: 1. Think of something that makes you nervous2. Draw a picture of your "But Then" — a positive resolution that turns the nerves to bravery! They also share a song from the the LAST mission by a 5-year-old listener inspired to share HER special song: "Hello, hello, hello WORLD!" You're going to love it!  Please share your "BUT THEN" inspirations! You can share by emailing us at podcast@playsparkler.org. Learn more about the podcast on our website: playsparkler.orgOr you can listen to episodes on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LittleKidsBigHearts

On this episode, four kids — Miel, Kelly, Leo, and Sammy — join LKBH host Todd Loyd to discuss nervousness: What causes nervous? What can we do with nervous feelings? The kids and Todd then float on fluffy clouds and to the Land of Qook-a-lackas … arriving JUST in time to help a Qook-a-lacka friend, Quillabee, get ready for the Big Feelings Fest! At first, Quillabee is feeling super nervous about sharing a story in front of a crowd — but the kids help Quillabee practice strategies to get past the nerves before the Fest. ☁️ They shake the nerves out of their arms, legs, elbows, etc.☁️ They play "What If...But Then!" to imagine alternative (positive) ends of nervous moments.☁️ They practice taking deep, calming breaths. Together, they learn that EVERYONE feels nervous sometimes — and they learn some strategies to deal with nerves!❤️❤️❤️Quillabee is played by JUDGE REINHOLD, the movie and TV actor. JUDGE REINHOLD has been in over seventy-five motion picture and television roles and enjoys a 35-year relationship with an international audience of all ages.  His films include STRIPES, FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH, RUTHLESS PEOPLE, and Christmas franchise, THE SANTA CLAUSE 1,2,3. BEVERLY HILLS COP 1, 2, 3 play continually internationally, making Judge a familiar presence worldwide.  FAST TIMES and BEVERLY HILLS COP were recently voted by the American Film Institute as two of the “Top 100 American Comedies.”   Judge received an Emmy nomination for his performance as “The Close Talker” on Seinfeld, and his guest-star appearances in Seinfeld and Arrested Development received two of the highest ratings on both series. Judge has been an active member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences since 1987.Judge most recently co-starred with Eddie Murphy in the fourth installment of the Beverly Hills Cop franchise, which was Netflix's most successful summer movie of 2024, released globally in 250 million homes.❤️❤️❤️Sound design and mixing is by Ryan Marth, and the ukulele music you hear is by actor and composer Bill English. Please learn more about the episode online at https://playsparkler.org/feeling-nervous/Also...Little Kids, Big Hearts now has a YouTube channel. Please join our growing community on YouTube! Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/@LittleKidsBigHearts

Ice Director held a press conference to describe to the people why covering the face of their agents are so important. Some reporters are heartless. Ice Agent's families can be in danger. Tim Walz thinks Donald Trump is a bully and is calling for violence against Trump. What harm could come from Social Emotional Learning? Lady Hamilton Head Master of Liberty Academy & host of Lady Hamilton Art joins Amber May! https://www.hamiltonlibertyacademy.com Join Me On Telegram https://t.me/theambermayshow Podcast Like A PRO https://successfullyyouuniversity.teachable.com/courses/ Promocode Amber Discord https://discord.gg/pJ9nd8uY The Amber May Show Theme Song https://suno.com/song/87e27080-4ddb-47f7-8722-b00b251e6c84 Follow Me on Pickax https://pickax.com/azladyz Get all your My Pillow Products at a DISCOUNT www.mypillow.com/amber Use Promo Code AMBER and save up to 66% off Promo code-AMBER 800-957-2123 Get Ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine and SAVE Dr Stella Immanuel www.drstellamd.com Use Promo Code AmberMay and save Docuseries Restore Your Brain Health, Reverse the Effects of Alzheimer's https://wr374.isrefer.com/go/bhbt/amberhiliker/ Save Money When Using A Patient Advocate In The Medical System https://www.graithcare.com/?ref=Amber Take Control of Your Health & Healing! Get the full celebration of solutions that happened at Healing For The A.G.E.S. Over 20 hours of ground-breaking, life-changing, information you've never heard before, and can't get anywhere else! https://healingfortheages.com/ use promocode Amber Patriot Mobile- Free Activation When you become a Patriot Mobile member, your dollars are helping to fund our God-given right to freedom. A portion of every dollar we earn is given back to the causes that support organizations that fight for First Amendment Religious Freedom, Freedom of Speech, Second Amendment Right to Bear Arms, Sanctity of Life, and the needs of our Veterans and First Responders. https://www.patriotmobile.com/amber/ Use Promocode AMBER The Flynn Movie https://www.flynnmovie.com/ref/azladyz/ War On Truth Movie You've been told that J6 was a violent insurrection against the United States by a group of angry, fringe, MAGA supporters… What if it wasn't? What if there really was a War on Truth? https://hisglory.tv/?ref=448 Promocode MAY Patrick Byrne, the founder/CEO of Overstock.com, rose to the height of financial success and was once heralded as a Wall Street prophet. However, in 2019, Byrne seemingly slipped into madness — stepping down from his multi-billion dollar company, claiming to be a covert government asset trapped in a deadly game of political espionage https://enemywithindocuseries.com/ref/amber Promocode AMBER Is it possible with Turbo Cancers on the rise and Big Pharma's reputation at zero, that Americans are finally ready to hear the truth about Cancer? Are you ready? In the 70's a Doctor working for a National Cancer Institute discovered that Apricot seeds, which contain B-17, actually slowed the growth of tumors. https://rncstore.com/ambermay Ensure the health of the indoor air quality in your home investing in good air purifiers to eliminate pollutants and allergens, providing you with a breath of fresh air in the comfort of your home. Improve the water quality in your home by an RO or with hydrogen water https://airwaterhealing.com/#May Promocode May Supermassive Black Coffee is the dark brew that fuels the fire of rebellion, empowering free thinkers to rise against the establishment with every bold sip. Always 100% organic gourmet coffee beans Use Promocode AMBER https://www.supermassiveblackcoffee.com/ Freedom First Coffee www.FreedomFirstCoffee.com Use Promocode AMBER Freedom First Beef www.FreedomFirstBeef.com Use Promocode AMBER Delicious Cheesecakes https://belovedcheesecakes.com/ PromoCode AMBER The Commander's Artist Save 10% Promo Code Amber https://thecommandersartist.com/shop/ Lose Weight Attain Your Health Goals https://ambermay.kannaway.com/ Reverse aging with Timeless Pack www.TimelessPack.comPromocode AmberMay https://ambermay.kannaway.com/ambermay/product/MY003E?categoryid=460 Hero's Soap Save 10% with Promo Code AmberMay We Are on These Platforms Rumble https://rumble.com/c/TheAmberMayShow Odysee https://odysee.com/@azladyz:c Locals https://theambermayshow.locals.com https://yournews.com/author/amber-may/ Bitchute https://www.bitchute.com/search/?query=azladyz&kind=video CloutHub: https://clouthub.com/c/4EWXEKT9 Podbean: http://theambermayshow.podbean.com Catch Amber May Paisley Radio Wednesday 9pm (uk time) repeated Fridays at 1am (uk time) 2PM MST https://paisleyradio.com/ Catch Amber May On UG Media Fridays 10PM (UK Time) 3pm MST/5pm EST https://theug.media/wp-content/ugplayer/xlplayer.html Catch Amber May on Express Radio Station Thursday at 6pm MST/8pm EST https://live365.com/station/Express-Radio-a643 The Vera Radio Network today at 7pm ET www.mikevara.com www.Patriot-Radio.com

Lisa Caparelli's journey from a shy girl in a large family in El Paso, Texas, to a successful author and speaker exemplifies the profound impact of family, heritage, and faith on personal development. Residing in Orange County, California, she emphasizes the significance of her Hispanic roots and how they have shaped her identity and work, particularly in the realm of children's literature. Her faith-based series, "In His Image," alongside her Social Emotional Learning books, has reached an impressive audience of over 800,000 students and educators, highlighting her commitment to fostering emotional growth and social connection among young readers. Lisa draws upon her extensive background in social psychology and communications to craft narratives that resonate deeply with both children and their families, ultimately encouraging curiosity, empathy, and self-discovery. In this conversation, we explore the essence of her mission, the lessons she imparts, and the legacy she aspires to leave through her literary contributions.In this compelling episode, Lisa Caparelli shares her profound journey from her childhood in El Paso, Texas, to her current role as a celebrated author and advocate for emotional intelligence in children. Her upbringing in a large Hispanic family instilled in her a deep sense of community and cultural pride, which continues to influence her work today. Now, as a resident of Orange County, California, Lisa cherishes her close-knit family, including her husband and children, as integral components of her life and creative pursuits. Through her faith-based series, 'In His Image', she endeavors to inspire young readers to explore themes of empathy, self-discovery, and emotional growth.Caparelli's dedication to Social Emotional Learning (SEL) has allowed her to impact the lives of over 800,000 students and educators, while her background in social psychology and communications enriches her storytelling. Her books are carefully crafted to assist children in navigating their emotions and building meaningful connections with others. In the podcast, Lisa poignantly discusses her transformation from a shy girl to a confident speaker and writer, attributing her success to the invaluable lessons of humility and the encouragement she received from mentors and family members.The conversation further delves into the significance of Lisa's characters, particularly Unicorn Jazz, who embodies individuality and the quest for belonging. Her narratives serve as a mirror for children, reflecting their own experiences of feeling different and fostering a sense of acceptance and self-worth. Lisa's heartfelt reflections on loss, particularly regarding her late cousin, highlight the importance of community and collaboration in her creative journey. The episode encapsulates Lisa Caparelli's mission to empower the next generation through literature, emphasizing that every child deserves to feel valued and understood in their unique identity.Takeaways: Lisa Caparelli's journey from a shy girl in El Paso, Texas to a successful author and speaker exemplifies the importance of resilience and connection to family and heritage. Through her faith-based series and Social Emotional Learning books, Lisa has significantly impacted over 800,000 students and educators, emphasizing the vital role of emotional growth in children's education. Lisa's emphasis on humility, as taught by her mentor, highlights the significance of prioritizing others and cultivating a teachable spirit in both personal and professional spheres. The themes of belonging and self-acceptance permeate Lisa's work, encouraging children to embrace their unique identities while fostering empathy and understanding in their relationships. Links referenced in this episode:unicornjazz.com

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is crucial at any age, but it has a special significance at the middle level. Today we sit down with an Illinois principal who's school's unique approach to SEL has made an impact in to the culture and character of students in the middle grades and beyond. Francesca Peck is principal at Polaris Charter Academy in Chicago, Illinois. Liz Garden is principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary school in Mendon Massachusetts, and serves as fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership. Scott McLeod is professor of educational leadership at the University of Colorado, Denver, and a fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

How can schools integrate Social-Emotional Learning, Belonging, Global Citizenship and Creative Expression in one beautiful package? By prioritizing a crucial aspect of schooling: The Arts. And yet The Arts are often relegated to “encore” status, underfunded or even dispensed with duiring budget crunches.For this show, we assembled a talented panel of guests who represented years of experience and an array of artistic disciplines: Film, Theater, Art and Music.David Gran has developed and taught film programs for 20 years  in the U.S., Shanghai, and Chile. He was a co-founder of SAS's Innovation Institute and Nido's Changemakers program, the Shanghai Student Film Festival and the InThinking site for IB Film. David is also a former columnist for School Arts Magazine.Tina Casey is the HS Theater Teacher and the Performing Arts Director at ISKL. She has been working overseas for over 30 years, including 15 years in Malaysia. This year marks Tina's final year at ISKL, after which she will return home with her husband to Northern Ontario for a "nap year" before deciding on next steps.Nick Stonehouse is an art and design educator currently working in HCMC, Vietnam. He has taught in multiple curricula at a range of ages, from Early Childhood to Secondary. At present, Nick is thoroughly enjoying teaching grades 2 and 3 art. Nick is also an avid photographer, artist, art enthusiast, and world traveler.Scott Rogal has taught in Canada, Hong Kong and Vietnam. Currently, he teaches Band at the American School of Bahrain and conducts the Jazz Orchestra of Bahrain, a semi-professional ensemble featuring many of Bahrain's top musicians. He is also an active composer who writes and publishes through ApRo Music in Canada. Our guiding question for the show was “What are some characteristics that describe international school arts programs?”Our panelists shared many insights around implementing an arts program while also sharing specifics about their individual domains of music, theater, film and art. Here are a few of the topics covered: What a standard K-12 arts program from a holistic perspective can look likeUnpacking the components of an arts program including mission/vision, infrastructure, curricular outcomes, etc. Painting the picture of what music, theater, film and art look like in ES, MS and HSThis was a rich discussion with each participant chiming in with their takes while sharing experiences from their careers. We has so many questions that plans are already being made for a follow-up recording!This episode was recorded on March 29, 2025.Categories: The Arts | SEL | Life Skills Remember to access our Educators Going Global website for more information and consider joining our Patreon community at patreon/educatorsgoingglobal!Email us with comments or suggestions at educatorsgoingglobal@gmail.com Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube.Listen on your favorite podcast app: connect from our share page.Music: YouTube. (2022). Acoustic Guitar | Folk | No copyright | 2022❤️. YouTube. Retrieved October 11, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOEmg_6i7jA.

We're SO excited to share some of our favorite songs from the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast on this special episode about the power of music to help people express our feelings and become braver, kinder, and stronger!

Ali Stroker is a trailblazing actor and advocate who joined the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast as a guest Qook-a-lacka on our episode focused on inclusion. Today, Ali is back — out of character, as her amazing self — to talk with LKBH Host Todd Loyd about her own experiences with disability and inclusion. ❤️ She reflects on what Scarlett and Zach said on the episode: "When I hear Scarlett talking about horseback riding: It felt like she was explaining something that was so normal. And that, to me, is progress."❤️ She shares her own personal motto — Turning Limitations into Opportunities: "It can apply to somebody with a disability or not because as human beings, we have limitations. It's part of existing in the world."  ❤️ She talks about being a mom with a disability — and how being a mom in a wheelchair affects her parenting and her son's independence. ❤️ She talks about the power of "inclusive playgrounds." "I never had one inclusive playground growing up, and to this day, I still go to the playground and I have this like funny feeling in my stomach because it was a place of confusion and shame and frustration for me as a child ... Every kid deserves that freedom and that ability to play in an outdoor space with their friends."❤️ She talks about a moment when she was in 1st grade and her PE teachers included her in a lesson on "how to skip," which changed her life. "Thirty-one years later, I still remember it because it felt like I was included and someone had taken a little bit of time to get creative and make me feel like I was learning a new school too, and that I could be a part of the group in moving...And that meant everything to me, everything!" ❤️ She talked about her children's book "Ali and the Sea Stars," which was based on her own experience as a six year old being introduced to musical theater by her neighbor on the Jersey Shore. "It basically set my entire life journey of  becoming a musical theater and actress and everything that I do now." ❤️ She shares advice for kids with disabilities who want to try something new that hasn't been done before. Ali Stroker is a Tony Award winner for her role as ‘Ado Annie' in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! She made history as the first actor in a wheelchair to appear on Broadway in Deaf West's acclaimed revival of Spring Awakening and the first actor in a wheelchair to win a Tony. She was a series regular on the Netflix series, Echoes, and starred in the Lifetime holiday film, Christmas Ever After. Ali recurred in the final season of Netflix's Ozark and in Hulu's Only Murders in the Building. She co-wrote the novel, The Chance to Fly and its sequel, Cut Loose!; and she wrote the children's book, Ali and the Sea Stars. She was recently seen opposite Matthew Broderick in Babbitt at Shakespeare Theatre Company in DC and played 'Lady Anne' in the Shakespeare in the Park production of Richard III. She's performed her one woman show all over the country. Her mission to improve the lives of others through the arts is captured in her motto: “Turning Your Limitations Into Your Opportunities.”Learn more on our episode webpage: https://playsparkler.org/inclusion/Watch on our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/@LittleKidsBigHearts

Feeling purposeful is a fundamental driver of self-worth and a powerful antidote to despair at any age. To increase a sense of purpose, children and adults can leverage strength-based interventions to significantly reshape learning behaviors in a variety of situations. And, considering the pervasive mental health challenges in the United States today, social-emotional learning (SEL) emerges as a critical tool for fostering emotional intelligence, resilience, and positive relationships.For compelling examples of how SEL impacts behaviors, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with school psychologist, therapist, and author Dr. Steven Baron. Dr. Baron offers a glimpse into the concept of social-emotional learning based on individual strengths. In his book, Teaching with a Strength-Based Approach: How to Motivate Students and Build Relationships, Steven provides examples of how empowering children to take control of their behavior can maximize learning, engagement, and social interactions.WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.

In this episode, we tackle a common challenge from teachers: how to incorporate social-emotional learning into an already packed curriculum. Marie Goulet, LCSW, shares her "Yes, and" approach - acknowledging that while dedicated SEL sessions are valuable, teachers are already implementing these skills throughout their day. Marie offers practical, no-cost strategies that take just 1-2 minutes, including the "five, four, three, two, one" sensory grounding technique, proper breathing methods, somatic movement exercises, and bilateral movements that engage the brain differently. She explains the hand model of the brain to understand emotional regulation and the concept of "flipping your lid" in child-friendly terms. Marie emphasizes the power of visual supports as permanent reminders that work for all age groups and discusses how to help kids identify which regulation strategies work best for them. The episode concludes with Marie's powerful mantras for building resilience, including "it's okay to be uncomfortable" and focusing on the "size of the problem."About Marie Goulet:Marie is an LCSW who works as the lead social worker for New Lenox School District #122, as well as the building social worker for Oakview Intermediate School. She's been a school social worker in both community mental health and school settings for over 20 years. Throughout her professional tenure, Marie has served many roles, including Assistant Director of Special Education and principal of an alternative high school. Her true passion is providing direct service to students and families. Marie has an extensive background working with mental health, specifically targeting trauma, anxiety, and intensive student behaviors.Thank you for listening to the Raising Resilient Kids Podcast!  We are a brother-sister team who are passionate about providing parents, teachers and coaches with ideas and strategies to help kids and teens build their resilience and achieve their potential in a healthy, fulfilling way. For more information on the podcast, or if you have a question you would like answered by one of our expert guests, please visit us at - https://www.smarthwp.com/raisingresilientkidspodcast. A special thanks to our sponsors: The So Happy You're Here YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@sohappyyouarehere and The Resilient Youth Teach-the-Teacher Program - https://www.smarthwp.com/RY4teachers

Feeling purposeful is a fundamental driver of self-worth and a powerful antidote to despair at any age. To increase a sense of purpose, children and adults can leverage strength-based interventions to significantly reshape learning behaviors in a variety of situations. And, considering the pervasive mental health challenges in the United States today, social-emotional learning (SEL) emerges as a critical tool for fostering emotional intelligence, resilience, and positive relationships.For compelling examples of how SEL impacts behaviors, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with school psychologist, therapist, and author Dr. Steven Baron. Dr. Baron offers a glimpse into the concept of social-emotional learning based on individual strengths. In his book, Teaching with a Strength-Based Approach: How to Motivate Students and Build Relationships, Steven provides examples of how empowering children to take control of their behavior can maximize learning, engagement, and social interactions.WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.

Our republic is unique because it is based on the truth that we are made in the image of God and this is what gives us our worth as individuals with equal inalienable rights. This is in contrast to a socialist government (which many in leadership are trying to install one piece of legislation at a time). We are being propagandized without realizing it (in the classroom it's called Social Emotional Learning), yet the people who see through it and stand up are considered unkind and bigoted. It's critical that we learn to see this for what it is, so in the long run, we can teach our children to see it and therefore not lose our republic. It's very serious, and we can't turn a blind eye to it.Don't miss this fast moving conversation with historian and prolific author Bill Federer.Bill Federer | AnAmericanMinute.comSponsor: White Rose Resistance TheLastStand.comCODE: HEIDI10Prime Sponsor: No matter where you live, visit the Functional Medical Institute online today to connect with Drs Mark and Michele Sherwood. Go to homeschoolhealth.com to get connected and see some of my favorites items. Use coupon code HEIDI for 20% off!Show mentions: heidistjohn.com/mentionsWebsite | heidistjohn.comSupport the show! | donorbox.org/donation-827Rumble | rumble.com/user/HeidiStJohnYoutube | youtube.com/@HeidiStJohnPodcastInstagram | @heidistjohnFacebook | Heidi St. JohnX | @heidistjohnFaith That Speaks Online CommunitySubmit your questions for Mailbox Mondayheidistjohn.net/mailboxmonday

Speech Dude Chris Wenger joins Emily Kircher-Morris to discuss the importance of shifting from compliance-based educational strategies to more affirming practices for neurodivergent students. They explore the significance of creating safe and regulated environments, the difference between belonging and fitting in, and the need to redefine social goals to foster authentic connections among students. They talk about the value of autonomy, community building, and understanding the unique challenges faced by high school students in the context of neurodiversity. TAKEAWAYS The shift from compliance-based strategies to affirming support is crucial for neurodivergent students. Belonging is more important than fitting in for neurodivergent individuals. Social goals should focus on authentic connections rather than masking behaviors. Autonomy in decision-making enhances both student and teacher experiences. Intersectionality plays a significant role in the experiences of neurodivergent individuals. After school clubs can foster connections between neurodivergent and neuro-normative students. Normalizing neurodivergent behaviors can enhance acceptance in schools. The DASL assessment tool focuses on strengths rather than deficits. Language used in reports can affect parent-child dynamics. The Neurodiversity University Therapist Hub is now open for you to join! Be among a group of like-minded peers in a vibrant community, where learning and sharing are front and center. We're building a world that works for all neurotypes, and we need you! Chris Wenger is a neurodivergent high school speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of experience, an international speaker, and the creator of the Dynamic Assessment of Social Emotional Learning, a strengths-based assessment designed for autistic students. He is also the founder of NeuroAffirm, a groundbreaking global directory that connects neurodivergent individuals and their families with affirming providers. Widely known as Speech Dude, Chris has built a global following of nearly one million on social media, where he shares educational and inspiring content infused with humor. His work focuses on making neuroaffirming practices more accessible while empowering educators, therapists, and families to better support neurodivergent learners. BACKGROUND READING Instagram, TikTok, Speech Dude

In this episode I spoke with Chris Wegner - AKA "Speech Dude" - a speech language pathologist with extensive experience accommodating PDA teens in a public school. I loved our conversation, and I hope you will too!We talked about:Practical ways to communicate about PDA in a public school setting (in this case a high school).How to write PDA-specific goals/supports in an IEP (Institutional Educational Plan here in the United States).Supporting PDA teens to feel safe, engage in learning, and make social connections in creative ways that don't feel demanding.The role that autonomy plays in PDA teens' success.Here is more about Chris!Chris Wenger is a neurodivergent high school speech-language pathologist of over 20 years, international speaker, and creator of the Dynamic Assessment of Social Emotional Learning, a strengths-based assessment for autistic students. He is also the founder of NeuroAffirm, a first-of-its-kind worldwide interactive directory connecting providers and families. Globally known as Speech Dude, he has amassed nearly one million social media followers, sharing inspiring and educational content, always with a humorous twist.Mentioned in this episode:Paradigm Shift ProgramWant me to coach you as you learn and practice the skills and mindsets I talk about in my podcast? I'd love to work with you in my proven-effective Paradigm Shift Program. Click the link to learn more and join the program interest list. Paradigm Shift Program

Lisa Danahy is a registered a registered yoga therapist  who recently published Creating Calm in Your Classroom: A Mindfulness-Based Movement Program for Social-Emotional Learning in Early Childhood Education. She also directs www.CreateCalm.org a nonprofit organization dedicated to educational programming for schools, teachers, children and special populations. Although her book is focused on the classroom, it is actually quite appropriate for families and health care professionals. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the energy level of the child in front of you and what their body  may need in order to function optimally. In her book, she has a series of movement exercises appropriate to the different energy levels a child may show especially around transitions. In the interview, we talk movement/breathing exercises appropriate for a child who is afraid of throwing up and has just gone to the nurses office and several other situations.  The movement exercises discussed in the podcast can be seen in at https://youtu.be/aYQfMeH2YkE

On this special episode, Little Kids, Big Hearts host Todd Loyd chats with award-winning composer, lyricist & performer Lance Horne

During the most recent "KidVenture" of Little Kids, Big Hearts, "Inclusion Matters with Ali Stroker," two kids — Zach and Scarlett — help to devise a brand new sport in the Land of Qook-a-lackas that EVERYONE can play TOGETHER called Quibble Launch.Today, we're back with to challenge our listeners to participate in the You, Me, We Mission — which is all about figuring out new ways to play together!

Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) Social Emotional Learning Director Dr. Mai Xi Lee, SCOE Associate Superintendent of Integrated Support Systems Brent Malicote, and San Diego County Office of Education Program Specialist Dr. Belle Tan discuss advocating for social emotional learning in California schools through the CalHOPE Student Support program, the effectiveness of regional Communities of Practice, and the upcoming SEL & Wellness Summit in Sacramento.

The world needs emotional intelligence. We need emotional intelligence. Our students need emotional intelligence. Intellectual knowledge is great, but by itself, it wreaks havoc, as without emotional depth and experiences, we're not able to engage in meaningful conversations, discussions, learning, and problem solving. In today's episode, I'm going to talk about why social-emotional learning matters just as much as academics. The intellectual intelligence and emotional intelligence, EQ and IQ, and how the two of them work together to help students learn and become well rounded adults who are able to communicate productively in any situation.Show Notes:Episode 149 - Why Social-Emotional Learning Matters Just as Much as AcademicsSimply Ieva Offers:EL Newcomer Teaching Compass for grades 6-12 - curriculum guide created using backward design PLUS a year-long scope and sequence!1:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up SessionIf you find value in The ESL Teaching Podcast and want to support the time, effort, and costs that go into bringing you these episodes each week, consider making a small donation—whatever feels right for you. Your support helps keep this podcast going and means the world to me! You can find the donation link below. Thank you so much! https://www.paypal.biz/simplyieva Save time and build confidence in your EL teaching with these resources:Simply Ieva websiteEMBARK™ Newcomer CurriculumThe ESL Teaching Roadmap – EL curriculum and coaching membership for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers.Essential Lesson Plan BundleMy TpT storeAccommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist Related episodes: 5 SEL Components to Incorporate in Every ELL LessonCommon SEL Challenges ELs Face in the ClassroomLet's connect!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on LinkedInJoin the Simply Ieva Facebook Group Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can't wait to hear from you!Support the show

Dr. Stephanie Al Otaiba joins READ to share her expertise in literacy interventions, the impact of social-emotional development on learning, and the future of reading education research. A leading researcher and professor at Southern Methodist University, Dr. Al Otaiba has led and collaborated on key studies on literacy and learning disabilities. In this episode, she discussesa framework for applying interventions in schools.the role of social-emotional learning and growth mindset in reading development.an integrated approach to dialogic reading for building language, emotional, and reading skills.how teachers ensure fidelity in applying instructional practices, including managing classroom behaviors and discourse.current gaps in reading science and her hopes for its future.This episode offers practical strategies for educators and emphasizes the importance of structured literacy, data-driven decision-making, and supporting teachers to improve literacy outcomes.Learn more about "The Science of Intensive Reading Interventions" at The Windward Institute's Robert J. Schwartz Memorial Lecture, featuring Dr. Jeanne Wanzek.The Windward Institute invites you to share your top bookmarks from this episode by connecting with us on Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  Subscribe to READ's newsletter for access to monthly episodes: SubscribeUntil next time, READers! 

This podcast is brought to you by Outcomes Rocket, your exclusive healthcare marketing agency. Learn how to accelerate your growth by going to outcomesrocket.com Preventative mental health education is essential for student success, and integrating quick, practical tools into daily routines can foster emotional resilience and prevent crises. In this episode, Tessa Zimmerman, founder of Upstream Education, discusses her mission to revolutionize mental health education for students. She talks about her struggles with severe panic attacks as a child and how it impulsed the development of a program that equips educators with tier-one social-emotional learning tools. Tessa mentions how, with the help of a student task force and mental health experts, Upstream Education ensures its programs remain relevant and impactful. She also explains the three pillars to aim to prevent mental health crises: stress management, self-regulation, and attachment. Tune in to learn how small changes and bite-sized tools in education can make a big difference in mental health and foster emotional well-being for students and staff!  Resources: Connect with and follow Tessa Zimmerman on LinkedIn. Follow Upstream Education on LinkedIn. Explore the Upstream Education Website.  Fast Track Your Business Growth: Outcomes Rocket is a full service marketing agency focused on helping healthcare organizations like yours maximize your impact and accelerate growth. Learn more at outcomesrocket.com

Phil and Cathryn Berger Kaye explore the transformative power of service learning in education. Cathy defines service learning as a pedagogical approach that connects students' learning to real-world community needs, emphasizing the importance of purpose and engagement in the learning process. They discuss the barriers educators face in implementing service learning, the significance of connection and adventure in education, and share inspiring stories of positive outcomes from service learning initiatives. Cathy provides practical advice for educators looking to incorporate service learning into their curriculum, highlighting the need for a shift in focus from standardized testing to meaningful, experiential learning. Service learning is a process that connects education to real-world needs. It elevates student engagement by providing a sense of purpose. Teachers find renewed passion through service learning. Service learning fosters social-emotional learning in students. Adventure in learning encourages risk-taking and self-discovery. Real-life stories illustrate the impact of service learning. Barriers to service learning include lack of understanding and standardized testing. Educators can start with practical resources and community connections. Service learning is not just community service; it's an educational pedagogy. Wisdom in education involves using knowledge for the common good. Connect with Cathy - cathy@cbkassociates.com Learn more about service learning - https://cbkassociates.com/ Connect with Phil; email - podcast@high5adventure.org instagram - @verticalplaypen Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com  

Traditional classrooms can be overwhelming for neurodivergent students. Rigid schedules, sensory overload, and one-size-fits-all approaches leave many feeling anxious, disconnected, and unable to thrive. Parents often ask: Is online education a viable alternative?In this episode, we sit down with Kate Longworth, CEO and founder of Gaia Learning, a global online school designed for neurodivergent learners. Kate shares how personalized online learning can reduce stress, increase accessibility, and help students build the confidence they need to succeed—whether in virtual or in-person settings.Key takeaways include:✔️ The misconception that distance learning isn't suited for marginalized students—and why the reality is quite the opposite.✔️ How Gaia Learning's tiered approach helps neurodivergent students transition from disengagement to confidence.✔️ Why emotional safety is the foundation of academic success, and how online learning can foster trust and connection.✔️ Strategies for scaling personalized education while maintaining meaningful, individualized support.

David Adams - CEO of The Urban Assembly - Improving the Craft of Teaching with AI. This is episode 750 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. David is the Chief Executive Officer of The Urban Assembly. He started with the UA in 2014 as the Director of Social-Emotional Learning, where he created the Resilient Scholars Program (RSP), a unique approach to integrating SEL into curriculum and classroom practices across the UA network. RSP has grown into a national program, serving schools and districts in Los Angeles, Houston, Syracuse, and other cities. As the Senior Director of Strategy, David led the expansion of the organization into a model provider of school support, with an emphasis on innovation and equity in public education. In 2022, David was named one of Crain's 40 Under 40 honorees and in 2021 he received the Champion of Equity Award from the American Consortium for Equity in Education. David sits on the board of CASEL and is an author of The Educator's Practical Guide to Emotional Intelligence, and a co-author of the textbook Challenges to Integrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs in Organizations. He is a Civil Affairs Officer in the Army Reserve and holds an M.Ed. in Educational Psychology from Fordham University. Our focus today is “How is AI being used to improve the craft of teaching itself and How can AI help teachers become better teachers?” So much to learn! Please share. Thanks for listening! Before you go... You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee. This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it.  Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you! You are AWESOME! Connect & Learn More: https://www.urbanassembly.org/ Length - 42:04

During the most recent "kidventure" of Little Kids, Big Hearts, "The Magic of Mistakes with Terence Archie," three kids — Layla, Liam, and Ariel — talk about the mistakes they've made and visit the Land of Qook-a-lackas to visit with a friend there, Quippin, who needs help preparing for the Perfectly Imperfect Expo. The whole point: Celebrating mistakes!Today, we're back with to challenge our listeners to participate in the Mighty Mistakes Mission!

The first week of March has been designed at Social Emotional Learning week.  SEL programming in schools and after-school settings is growing, and social and emotional learning standards have been developed in many states at the secondary school level. and the SEL approach is increasingly of interest to those studying adolescent development My guest today is Nora Tejada, a Project Specialist with CASE for Kids.  During this podcast you will hear more about: Learn more about SEL week Ideas to promote Social Emotional Learning in after school How to get SEL resources For more information regarding the Making After School Cool Pocast, contact Mike Wilson at mwilson@hcde-texas.org

Season 7 Ep 12: Todd and Jon welcome Toby Vallas, Head Football Coach at Farmington High School. They talk to Coach Vallas about developing social emotional learning through sports and getting your whole school involved.Follow Coach Vallas on Twitter @FCHSFarmerFBFollow the Show on Twitter @afterthetimeout Listen to the show on: Apple: Search "After the Timeout" Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6tfyTqZxebtEugpd7dwq5E Anchor: https://anchor.fm/after-the-timeout Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/97de7f0b-5f34-416f-93dc-e750ee59a60c/after-the-timeout Google: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80MzUwYzRhYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw== Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/after-the-timeout Radiopublic: https://radiopublic.com/after-the-timeout-G729aA Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/q9zqtop

How do toys shape who we become? Today, I sit down with a fascinating toy historian Chris Byrne who reveals the hidden power of play - from how different toys develop everything from relationship skills to problem - solving abilities.    We explore why true play isn't about reaching an end goal, but about embracing the pure joy of the journey. Whether you're looking to understand the art of playing alongside your kids or giving them space to explore independently, this episode will transform how you think about playtime. Join us for a rich conversation about rediscovering the magic that happens when we give ourselves permission to simply play.   After exploring the art of play with our toy historian today, I want to share something powerful with you. My book Fertile Imagination tackles a crucial truth: we can't guide our children toward imagination if we've lost touch with our own. I'll show you the exact framework I used to reawaken and strengthen this superpower – the same one that transformed both my life and my three sons'. If you're ready to rediscover your creativity and childlike zest for life, grab your copy now: https://bit.ly/fertilebook     In this episode, you will hear:    Play is a process, not a means to an end, and embracing it can reduce stress. Imagination influences every decision we make. Playing with toys helps kids develop problem-solving and relationship skills. Adults benefit from play too—it fosters creativity, joy, and innovation. Letting children lead playtime strengthens their confidence and creativity. Kids learn by doing, and unstructured play is vital for their development. In corporate settings, a playful mindset can unlock new ideas and innovation. Fear of failure limits creativity—kids don't judge play, and neither should we.   This episode is brought to you by:    Fertile Imagination: A Guide For Stretching Every Mom's Superpower For Maximum Impact – My book is available as a hard cover, paperback, and also as an audiobook. If you are on the go and wish to quickly jot down where you can purchase the book then head to: https://bit.ly/fertilebook.    If however you want to grab the audio version then head to the show notes to click the direct Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Fertile-Imagination-Stretching-Superpower-Maximum/dp/B0CK2ZSMLB   About Chris Bryne   Chris Byrne has spent over 35 years in the toy industry, holding major marketing and creative roles before launching Byrne Communications, a consultancy specializing in product development, strategic planning, and marketing. A passionate advocate for the power of play, he has studied its impact on child development and creativity across industries. He has appeared on major media outlets worldwide, sharing insights on toys, play, and innovation. He also co-hosts The Playground Podcast, diving deep into the toy industry's past, present, and future.   SHARE this episode with fellow moms and entrepreneurs who want to bring more creativity into their lives! Chris's insights on play, imagination, and innovation are a must-listen for anyone balancing motherhood and career growth. Let's embrace play, rediscover joy, and inspire the next generation! Supporting Resources:   Website: https://www.thetoyguy.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetoyguy/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetoyguyofficial/ The Playground Podcast: Spotify & Apple Podcasts Subscribe and Review   Have you subscribed to my podcast for new moms who are entrepreneurs, founders, and creators?  I'd love for you to subscribe if you haven't yet.    I'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast for writer moms. About Fertile Imagination   You can be a great mom without giving up, shrinking, or hiding your dreams. There's flexibility in how you pursue anything – your role, your lifestyle, and your personal and professional goals. The limitations on your dreams are waiting to be shattered. It's time to see and seize what's beyond your gaze. Let's bridge your childhood daydreams with your grown-up realities. Imagine skipping with your kids along any path – you, surpassing your milestones while your kids are reaching theirs. There's only one superpower versatile enough to stretch your thinking beyond what's been done before: a Fertile Imagination. It's like kryptonite for impostor syndrome and feeling stuck when it's alert!    In Fertile Imagination, you will awaken your sleeping source of creative solutions. If you can wake up a toddler or a groggy middle schooler, then together with the stories in this book – featuring 25 guests from my podcast Unimaginable Wellness, proven tools, and personal anecdotes – we will wake up your former playmate: your imagination!  Advance Praise    “You'll find reality-based strategies for imagining your own imperfect, fulfilling life in this book!” —MARTHA HENNESSEY, former NH State Senator    “Melissa invites the reader into a personal and deep journey about topics that are crucially important to uncover what would make a mom (and dad too) truly happy to work on…even after the kids are in bed.” —KEN HONDA, best-selling author of Happy Money    “This book is a great purchase for moms in every stage of life. Melissa is like a great friend, honest and wise and funny, telling you about her life and asking you to reflect on yours.” —MAUREEN TURNER CAREY, librarian in Austin, TX           TRANSCRIPT 00:00:00 Chris: I really believe is what we play with as kids really becomes, we become a lot of that. And we had a basement in our house that had a room in it, that had a window in it. And my brothers and I would create puppet shows. And we would do that. And we would just go round up all the kids in the neighborhood and say, you have to watch this puppet show. And they did. I mean, they were good. But it was really about storytelling. It was about connection. It was about making things up and just feeling very alive in that moment, feeling very connected to who I was at that time and being able to share that with other people. 00:00:43 Melissa: Welcome to the Mom Founder Imagination Hub, your weekly podcast to inspire you to dream bigger. Plan out how you're going to get to that next level in business, find the energy to keep going, and make sure your creative juices are flowing so that this way you get what you really want rather than having to settle. Get ready to discover how mom founders have reimagined entrepreneurship and motherhood. Ever wonder how they do it? Tune in to find out. 00:01:09 Melissa: And stretch yourself by also learning from diverse entrepreneurs who might not be moms, but who have lessons you can tailor about how you can disrupt industries and step way outside of your comfort zone. I believe every mom's superpower is her imagination. In this podcast, I'm gonna give you the mindset, methods, and tools to unleash yours. Sounds good? Then keep listening. 00:01:36 Melissa: So how do toys shape who we become? Have you ever asked yourself that question as you are giving your child a toy? If that toy is going to influence their career choices ahead or the way that they are, their character. Today, I sat down with a fascinating toy historian, Chris Byrne. 00:02:04 Melissa: Now he is a 35 year plus veteran of the toy industry. He's held major marketing and creative positions earlier in his life. And he's appeared on TV talking about toys and play in the US and around the world. He's even been on the Live with Kelly and Mark show as a regular guest. And he has his own podcast, by the way, the Playground Podcast. 00:02:29 Melissa: So, Chris reveals today the hidden power of play, from how different toys develop everything from relationship skills to problem-solving abilities. We also explore why true play isn't about reaching an end goal, it's about embracing the pure joy of the journey. So, whether you're looking to understand the art of playing alongside your kids or giving them some space to explore independently, this episode is going to change how you think about playtime. So I encourage you to join us for this rich conversation about rediscovering the magic that happens when we give ourselves permission to just play. 00:03:10 Melissa: Okay, so before we jump into the conversation, I wanna just let you know that after the conversation, I would invite you to explore the art of play with my book, Fertile Imagination. Why is that relevant to you as a mom? Here's what I want you to know. It's really hard to guide our kids toward imagination if we've secretly lost touch with our own. So in my book, Fertile Imagination, I share with you the exact framework that I used in order to reawaken my imagination, play with my imagination, stretch my imagination, and strengthen what I believe to be our greatest superpower. 00:03:56 Melissa: So this framework is super simple to follow. It is guided and it is also provided in lots of really cool journaling question prompts in the book. And it's gonna be the same exact process that I used in order to really get back in touch with that little childlike spirit that all of us has, but maybe we forgot we have held quite tightly close to our hearts. 00:04:22 Melissa: So, I invite you to go ahead, rediscover your creativity, and see if you can find your childlike zest for life. Because I really believe that it's hard to teach our kids things that we may have forgotten are natural to us, and maybe came naturally to us when we were younger. So enjoy the conversation. The link to the book is available in the show notes where you're listening to this. Let me read the actual link so that you can learn more about my book, Fertile Imagination. 00:04:53 Melissa: It is a bit.ly link. So it is bit.ly/fertilebook. You can absolutely grab a copy right there of Fertile Imagination. If you wanted the audio version that is available exclusively via Amazon. So go ahead and check out the show notes for that link. Thank you again. And I hope you enjoy the conversation and let me know what you think at the end, I will share with you my top three takeaways that you can apply to your immediate mom life. Thank you so much. 00:05:28 Melissa: Chris Byrne. I am so excited to have you here on the Mom Founder Imagination Hub. How are you? 00:05:35 Chris: I am very well. I'm so excited to be with you. Thank you so much for the invitation. 00:05:40 Melissa: I couldn't get enough of your TED Talk. I was like, oh my gosh, he's not just a toy historian. He's like a toy psychologist. I loved it. I loved it. So welcome to the show. Chris, I want to just start with the big, big question on my mind. Help me understand from your perspective, decades in the industry, learning about the art of play, like what is an imagination to you and do you consider it a superpower? 00:06:12 Chris: Well, I absolutely consider our imagination our superpower. It is the one thing that, really one of the many things that really define us as human beings. Nothing happens in our world that doesn't start in the imagination. It can be, what do I want for lunch? Or what do I want to be when I grow up? Or should I marry this person? Or should I have children? 00:06:34 Chris: Or whatever it is because we begin in the imagination and other kinds of animals, you just put food in front of them and they eat, it's instinctual. But for us, it's not- as humans, it's not just instinctual. We literally create our worlds on a daily basis and that starts in the imagination. 00:06:54 Melissa: I agree. And it's interesting because as a fully grown adult, I would say that when I was writing my book, Fertile Imagination, and I see it as like a superpower for moms who are technically adults. I feel like it's a topic that is seldom discussed amongst adults. Like, is this something that you are noticing? Or maybe, you know, people that have that childlike quality because of your industry? What's your take on imagination, the art of play, and being an adult? 00:07:30 Chris: Well, I think all of those are really critical to who we are, because play is really the act of asking a question, what if? What if I do this? What if I, you know, as an adult in can be, what if do whatever? For me, as a kid is like, what if I jump off this wall? What's gonna happen? You know, but we grow up and we have a little bit more, more adult kind of perceptions, if you will, for that. And it really is like trying to spin out a scenario. 00:08:06 Chris: So if I am going to take a new job, for example, what is that gonna be like? Who am I gonna be working with? And we begin to develop stories around things in our imagination. And those stories are very important because we really can't take action to make things real until we've imagined them as a concept. 00:08:28 Melissa: Yeah. And so, okay. So this is something that I'm struggling with right now. This is like real time, I need some help, get me unclogged sort of stuff. So this idea of having a story in my mind and having a vision I want to make real, the vision side of it is so hard right now for me to see, mainly because it's like, there's things that I've envisioned in the past, but I haven't made happen. So I don't know kind of like how to play myself to a solution or a vision or just kind of like, think with a little less of like the past, you know, like hindering this vision. 00:09:15 Chris: Right. It's a great, it's a great thing. I mean, I'm sorry you're going through that, but I think that if you look at how a child plays, right, when they get an idea and they don't sit there and think, well, if I just do this or I do this or I do that, it's going to be fun, right? They come, that's not fun. I'm done. I'm on to the next thing. And I think as adults, we should do that too. If something is becoming too much effort, if it's not working, then we just drop it and go on to the next thing. 00:09:47 Chris: And I don't think there's any harm or foul in that. And I think that when you look at a kid who is imagining and playing, they're not judging the play as they're doing it. They're looking at well, where did this take me and where should I go next from it? And it's a much freer, kind of more peaceful way to go through the world. 00:10:08 Chris: I mean, I talk about things that I've done that turned out to be mistakes. And I call them I said, well, that was a once in a lifetime experience. As in I don't have to do that again. I learned the lesson. 00:10:20 Melissa: Yeah. And I think, you know, approaching any problem from that perspective releases that pressure to get it right the first time. And it gives you like the levity to get back up and just be like, okay, let's go at it again. And I imagine like, cause I noticed also, and I know that this side of it might be a little bit more conventional thinking, but like, you actually bring these ideas into corporate settings, you know, the art of play. 00:10:51 Melissa: And I'm like, if I think about the different environments where it's not okay to play. It's not okay to make mistakes. Like how do you sell that idea of we're just playing right now and don't get frustrated if it works or not in like a corporate setting, you know? 00:11:11 Chris: Well, one of the things that's so interesting in a corporate setting is people come into a meeting or a brainstorming and they're focused on one specific outcome, right? So if you're focused on an outcome, you kind of end-run the process of play because play is a process. Play is asking, what if, you know, let's go down this road and let's go down this road and see what it is. So I always encourage people to be as off the wall as possible. I will give you an example that almost got me fired. 00:11:43 Melissa: This is a good one, okay. 00:11:44 Chris: And nobody will like it, but I was working with Ideal, with Ideal Toy Company and we had the Shirley Temple doll. And nobody, we had these porcelain $400 Shirley Temple dolls and Shirley Temple dolls were huge in the '30s and still with doll collectors, but nobody was buying them. And we thought, how do we get rid of them? And I said, well, why don't we put them on the QE2 and use them as skeet? Like people can launch the doll. 00:12:11 Chris: So the brand manager got really mad at me. And told me I was inappropriate. But as we talked more, we ended up doing a doll collecting event with Cunard that actually turned out to be good. So the idea is, go out there and play off the wall in a safe environment, obviously. So the idea of creating an environment where it's safe to play, where it's safe to have that sort of impulsive childish response to a situation is okay. 00:12:45 Chris: We would never have promoted that in a corporate sense. But the idea that we were just playing with ideas and being silly. That opens the pathway to being really creative and to seeing what could actually work. And then once you get that, you put the action steps in place to get to the next step. 00:13:05 Melissa: Yeah, I think just, you know, going crazy and just really trying to break out of conventional thinking and our very logical pathways in our mind, it's like first we do this, that, the other. It's almost like some sentences, right? And the way we like greet each other, it's so like rehearsed that to come up with something like, oh my gosh, I love your outfit. You know, it reminds me of like a toy soldier or something. It would be like way off, but it would start rapport, I think. Rapport or like, you know, people would be like, kind of weirded out. But I've always tried that. How can I not weird people out? 00:13:44 Chris: Well, it's, right, well, that's always a question, but I don't really worry about that too much. But I think that one of the things, again, as I was saying about process, but also getting over fear, right? As adults, we think, well, what if I get it wrong? Children, when they play, if you watch them play, they don't worry about getting it wrong. They just think, well, that didn't work. That didn't do what I wanted it to do. Let me do something else. They haven't built a hierarchy of judgment and really being unkind to themselves about doing something wrong. 00:14:19 Chris: And if you embrace play, there's really no kind of, you can't be wrong when you're playing, right? Some things may be practical, but there's imagination and there's spinning things out, things that might never become real, but then things that actually could practically become real. And the process of getting to that point is actually pretty joyful. 00:14:42 Melissa: And I think we could all use some more joy these days, that's for sure. Adults and children alike. So let's see, let's go back in time. So let's go back to the time where you recall maybe playing with a toy and feeling like an insane amount of joy. If you can think about, you know, your one moment or one of the moments, I'm curious to hear your perspective. 00:15:06 Chris: Well, it's really interesting because one of the things that I really believe is what we play with as kids really becomes, we become a lot of that. And we had a basement in our house that had a room in it. They had a window in it. And my brothers and I would create puppet shows. And we would do that. And we would just go round up all the kids in the neighborhood and say, you have to watch this puppet show. And they did. They were good. But it was really about storytelling. It was about connection. It was about making things up and just feeling very alive in that moment, feeling very connected to who I was at that time and being able to share that with other people. 00:15:52 Melissa: Wow, so that's interesting. So it's funny because I feel like maybe I was, because I was an only child for most of my upbringing, like a lot of the things I did were just on my own and I had to really figure out how to make something out of what was around me. So let me share like this one thing that I would do to just pass the time. And of course, like in the background, like there was like maybe Magnum P.I. playing or, you know, name- Hawaii Five-0, whatever my mom was into. 00:16:25 Melissa: So I would go to the closet and I would take out a shoebox. And I would proceed to create like a scene. So they're called dioramas. I looked it up because I was like, this is a weird thing that I just kept doing all the time. And then I would create little figurines and put like little slots, you know, on the sides and move the little carboards in and out, you know. And I was like, okay, I have to ask Chris, like, what does that say about me? I have no idea. 00:16:56 Chris: Well, I mean, I would say it sort of starts you as a storyteller, which is what you're doing today. You're telling stories and you're facilitating other people telling stories. But it's also, I mean, especially for children at that age, it's about trying to make sense of the world and the stories they tell us, like trying to make sense of relationships. I'll tell you another story. 00:17:18 Chris: Years ago, we were playing with some kids with Barbie dolls. And they had all these different Barbie dolls. And one kid took all the blonde Barbie dolls and they were making fun of the brunette Barbie doll. And we were just watching this and going, yeah, this is somebody who is working out a reality in their life. 00:17:38 Chris: And that is really what play is, because even as she, in this case it was a girl, became powerful in that situation, was able to stand up for herself, you're giving your brain the sense that you can actually do this. If you do it vicariously, you've already had that experience on some level. So that when you confront that in real life, it might be easier, or you might have a solution. 00:18:03 Chris: I mean, how many times do you go into a situation, an interview or whatever, and you've rehearsed what you're gonna say? And your brain already knows that. It's like visual, what they talk about in sports about visualizing, you know, the outcome. You know, you're already having that experience, which is so cool. Cause our brain doesn't know the difference sometimes between reality and what we imagine. 00:18:24 Melissa: I love that. I love that. And so, yeah, who knows what I was trying to work out? There are a lot of things going on in my home. I'll tell you that much. But yeah, I think, you know, that idea though, just like trying to work things out that, you know, maybe you don't have that first person experience with, but like doing it through the use of a toy. Have you noticed at a curiosity any sort of changes with the dynamics between toys and kids now that there's like AI sort of toys out there? 00:19:01 Chris: There are so many different types of play experiences. What we were just talking about is more traditional doll or action figure or stuffed animal kind of play where a child is really doing that. Some of the other stuff with AI or licensed space like Star Wars, Marvel, all of that is beginning to understand yourself as a capable human being. 00:19:23 Chris: So for example, if I'm a superhero, I can feel. I can have the feeling of what it's like to be a superhero. And I always say, if your life is all about mom is in control, eat your peas, get in the minivan, do your homework, suddenly if you're a superhero, that's very empowering. And then empowering as an individual to be able to confront the world in a different way because you're empowered. So it's very classical, the kind of totemistic idea that we take on the powers of the superheroes. 00:19:59 Chris: And even though we're not gonna fly, we're not gonna lift, we're not gonna pick up a truck, we're not gonna do that, you have the emotional sense of capability, which is really what it's all about. 00:20:10 Melissa: That's interesting. I think, I mean, I don't know. Now that I think about my kids, for example, their toy experiences these days is really YouTube videos and playing video games and things like that. And I wonder if that's also along the same thread of what you just said, feeling the different capabilities like running fast or jumping high, things like that. 00:20:37 Chris: I think definitely. I mean, it's, you know, YouTube videos are like today's cartoons, right, on some level. You know, I grew up watching cartoons and, and it was- so they're looking at who are my role models and who are, you know, somebody's doing something. Oh, I'd like to try that. And, you know, or oh, wow, they tried that, I'm not gonna do that, but what would it be like if I did this kind of thing? 00:21:03 Chris: So I think that it's a window on the world and people are always concerned about screen time and I'm never concerned about screen time so much as I'm concerned about what's on the screen. So that is what's being modeled through the YouTube things, things that you as a mom or a parent want your child to be consuming because it can be very supportive or it can be kind of dangerous depending on what kids have access to. 00:21:30 Melissa: Yeah. And it's so interesting what you're sharing right now, because I mean, I had Saturday morning cartoons, for example, and I ate a lot of cereals with all the dyes and all these other things. And my kids literally tell me, they're like, oh, we want to have Saturday morning cartoons just like you. But of course, it is that YouTube thing. And I limit it to SpongeBob. Like, that's appropriate for their ages right now. 00:21:54 Melissa: But I think that's so interesting, this whole idea of rehearsal and visualization and imagination. I wonder because when it comes to toys and just the way that they've changed through the years, how did, for example, Tickle Me Elmo, how did that support people in terms of capabilities or anything? I'm curious. 00:22:22 Chris: Well, Tickle Me Elmo was kind of an outlier in that, you know, in terms of classical play. Tickle Me Elmo became a fad, right? And fads take on a life of their own. They kind of jump the shark or jump from the toy industry because Tickle Me Elmo started as an entertaining little preschool doll for preschoolers, infants and preschoolers. Suddenly it becomes this whole cultural phenomenon that everybody has to have. 00:22:50 Chris: It becomes, so it's a fad, so it becomes kind of a marker in time. So if you were around for Tickle Me Elmo, and you remember that, it's sort of a springboard to your memories of what the latter part of 1996 was about, because that's when Tickle Me Elmo was really huge. So that's not really kind of play in the way that I talk about it a lot. That becomes a cultural event. And my other joke about Tickle Me Elmo, Tickle Me Elmo was $40 really, basically, or more. You know, you can have a Tickle Me Elmo and be really cool for a lot less than you can have a Birkin bag. 00:23:26 Melissa: Wow, yeah, that's true. That is true. It's so funny, this conversation just takes me down the whole nostalgic route. Like I'm thinking about my Steve Urkel joke pull doll. Do you remember that one? 00:23:39 Chris: Yeah, yeah, of course. 00:23:41 Melissa: Yeah, so anyways, I'm totally like aging myself right now. I'm like, oh, I had Steve Urkel and I had Popples and all the like. What do you think, you know, nostalgia? Let's talk about that. Because I feel like a lot of marketers use that, you know, in order to kind of like pull forth a certain generation, let's say. And I even feel like at a supermarket, like I'm like, I think they know who their shoppers are with the music. But let's talk about nostalgia. 00:24:09 Melissa: Like, and again, thinking about more quote unquote modern toys, you know, like. And back to like these like electronics, like do you think that it'll be the same sort of calling card, I think is the right phrase? Like when someone starts saying, oh, like, let's say 10 years from now, you know, what's the name of the- Stumble Guys? Like, do you think that people will say like a certain like thing on video games and it'll have the same emotional pull as like Tickle Me Elmo, Popples, or Cabbage Patch? 00:24:41 Chris: It's hard to know. The thing about nostalgia is it's really for adults, right? Nostalgia is for people looking back. When you're three and four, you're not nostalgic for much. You're not remembering much. Maybe you remember your pull ups, right? When you had your pull ups. But you don't, you're not really nostalgic for something because you haven't been around that much. 00:25:03 Chris: The challenge from a toy marketing standpoint is relying on nostalgia to sell toys. Because I mean, yes, there's a certain level of you as a mom had My Little Pony or Littlest Pet Shop or any of those huge hits, Masters of the Universe. And you want to share those with your child. But for it to engage your child's imagination, there has to be something authentic to them. It's not just, mom liked this, so I'm going to like it too. That doesn't really work. 00:25:31 Chris: Look at Barbie and how Barbie's been redefined over the years, because Barbie always reflects the culture at any given time. So in 1959, she could be a fashion model or a bride, right? Pretty much, those are the Barbie options. Today, there are hundreds of careers and there's hundreds of abilities. And Barbie, the Barbie line looks like the world kids are growing up in, just as it did in 1959. It's just a more diverse and broader world with more possibility for girls and women today than it was in 1959. 00:26:08 Melissa: So when it comes to the toy industry, who's actually using their imagination to come up with like what to make for the future? Like, is it a combination of kids and adults? Is it like who's actually imagining like right now, like in the Mattels, et cetera, you know, what's coming down the line like 10 years from now? It's going to be hot and cool. And like, how do you how do you imagine something like that? 00:26:36 Chris: Well, it's hard. I mean, I think I think it's like, you know, my crystal ball usually needs a shot of Windex so I could get a clearer sense. But it's more an art than a science, that's for sure. And it's looking at trends. It's looking at how are kids playing, how are they interacting, how are they socializing, what is fun to them, and what's going on in the culture at large. Because the toy industry always reflects the culture. 00:27:03 Chris: We're always reflecting, because kids, you know, most healthy kids, they aspire to being big. They wanna grow up and they want the things like their parents have. So back in the, you know, in the early 2000s when cell phones came out, you saw tons of preschool cell phones, right? You don't see that so much anymore because the preschoolers have a real cellphone. 00:27:25 Chris: But you see things that will allow them to feel like they are part of the culture and they are growing up into it and that they are older and perhaps more capable than they really are because that's an important imaginative tool to help in the maturation process. 00:27:41 Melissa: That's fascinating. So that's true. It was definitely a lot of like, I don't know, mommy and me things. Like you see them with like a cash register or like a Target cart, right? The plastic little one, right? Cause their parent is shopping at Target. And so I wonder because it's like, there's some habits that as a parent, like maybe we wanna shake off ourselves, but we're inadvertently doing a lot. 00:28:06 Melissa: So like the cellphone one, I'm like, oh God, yeah, mommy has a cellphone and now her child does too. And it's like, how can I stop? And it's a reinforcement, but I'm wondering, okay, so in terms of the future and in terms of toys, have you ever done or seen any sort of things where the mom was playing with the child versus the child was playing by themselves? Like any differences there? 00:28:31 Melissa: Because I would love to just kind of inspire a listener right now to consider the fact that actually getting lost in play with their child can be even more beneficial than just having your child play with a toy to the side and you're doing something completely different. 00:28:52 Chris: I think that is critically important. One of the things that we're talking to parents of Gen Z and Gen Alpha kids. And Gen Alpha was born 2010 to this year. And one of the things that parents talk about is some of the best part of their day is when they're playing with kids. And what I always suggest is that if you're playing with your kid, especially if they're a preschooler, let the child run the play and you respond. Don't tell them, oh, look at this, oh, do that. 00:29:24 Chris: And you don't have to teach, it doesn't have to teach them anything, right? It doesn't have to teach. Kids are going to learn. So really letting that child's imagination drive the experience because, you know, I think every parent has had the experience where your child comes up with something and you go where did that come from? 00:29:45 Melissa: 100%. All the time. 00:29:47 Chris: And it's because they're sponges and they're listening to their absorbing everything and then they're processing it to their childlike brains or their childish brains. So I think that letting the child do that, but being there and being in communication is really important. 00:30:02 Chris: When I was growing up and maybe when you were too, we had three different worlds. We had kid world where no adults came in and the kids were doing that. We had adult world where we weren't allowed, where the parents would do that. And then there was family world, which is dinner and vacations and being yelled at about your grades or whatever that was. 00:30:21 Chris: But those three worlds don't really seem to exist anymore. And parents and kids are much more integrated in one another's lives. I think that's an outcome of COVID. It's actually a very positive outcome from COVID. Because you as mom and dad, have fun with your kids. Come on. It's, again, back to the idea of process rather than outcome. They don't have to become an expert ball player. They don't have to become an expert thing at times. They can actually just learn and play and discover the world and share those discoveries with you. 00:30:51 Melissa: Yeah, I love that. And I think it's an opportunity for someone that has to think a lot in life and feels the stresses of life to kind of let go and just stop thinking and just going with what is. Be present. You know, be totally present. 00:31:12 Chris: Be totally present and just be open to what it is. It's trying not to, as I was saying, it doesn't have to have a definitive outcome. And the one thing I think we've lost track of, often in our culture right now, is the idea of embracing process. It's really okay to make mistakes. It's really okay to try something, as long as you get up and start again. 00:31:36 Chris: I mean, how many times have you, I was talking about, for me, I learned to ski late. And I'm a really mediocre skier. I'm enthusiastic, but I'm not good. And I had somebody who was teaching me and he said, Chris, eventually I was scared. Eventually you're gonna have to point your skis down the hill. So I did it, I fell a lot, I did that, but I was so eager to learn that I'd fall and get up again. 00:32:04 Chris: I had to learn how to get up, but that's the thing that I think is, you know, if you have an idea of where you'd like to go but embrace the process on the way there because who knows what you're going to learn and what you're going to discover. 00:32:16 Melissa: Yeah, I definitely agree with that. I think that's the key to any goal. It's just you have to really fall in love with the process as you head towards the vision the goal, you know, whatever it is that you're trying to accomplish. And I also love the fact that, you know, as with play it's like there's something that's so pure about it, you know, when left on unmanipulated. 00:32:40 Melissa: It's like as a parent, we might have this desire to like educate our kids up to wazoo with regards to like every educational toy out there and every moment with we're with them, we're teaching them another language or coding or something. But I think, you know, just being open to a little bit, you know, unstructured play and that time with your child has so many benefits. And I think, you know, Chris, the work that you're doing just stay connected to like play as just being fun and okay and positive is is really helpful. Thank you so much for the work that you've done. 00:33:18 Chris: Thanks. I mean, I really do think that it as I mentioned, joy before it really does open the door to being joyful and going, oh, wow, that's fun, you know? I mean, when was the last time you said, oh, wow, that's really fun. 00:33:31 Melissa: 100%. Yeah, for sure. Thank you so much, Chris. So where can listeners continue to learn about their favorite toys, about you, about what's up ahead in the toy industry? 00:33:42 Chris: You can come see the toyguy.com. That's probably the best way. And then on Instagram, I'm thetoyguy. So, yeah. And I post a lot of pictures from things like toy fairs and different things and things that are fun for me and that make me giggle. 00:33:58 Melissa: Thank you so much, Chris. Have an awesome one. 00:34:01 Chris: Thank you. 00:34:03 Melissa: My three takeaways for this conversation that you can absolutely take to the bank and apply in your home are, first, this idea that playing with our kids has benefits for our kids, but also for us, especially if you're a super busy mom. It helps put you in the immediate present moment. So that's a big, big perk right there. 00:34:25 Melissa: Second is this idea that it's all about the process as opposed to the final answer. And that's something that I know is hard to think about when you're constantly thinking about what's next in your life. So thinking about play as something that you're doing and it's a process instead of to put together that Lego piece might be a great shift in your thinking and could relieve you of the stress and pressure of getting things right. 00:34:54 Melissa: Second, no, actually my third point here, my third point would be that in terms of the benefits of playing, I hadn't realized how psychologically deep some of these toys touch the minds of our kids. So the simple fact that we are thinking about, you know, working out relationships when you're doing a diorama, which may have been the case for me personally or maybe you're thinking about whether or not you have skills like a superhero, which was something that Chris shared, I just never thought about how psychologically interesting playing with a toy could be. 00:35:32 Melissa: So you might want to reconsider this idea that playing with a toy is just a way to distract your child or keep them focused on something other than breaking things. There could be real psychological value and also something for you to just consider psychological opportunity when it comes to the choices behind the toys we put in front of our kids. 00:36:00 Melissa: So I hope you enjoyed this conversation. Again, this episode was brought to you by my book, Fertile Imagination. I am excited about it. It's a guide for stretching every mom's superpower for maximum impact. Your imagination is your superpower. That is why I had Chris on the show today. I encourage you to check out the show notes where you could actually purchase the book and let me know that you did. I am always available for conversation and any questions. Thank you so much and I appreciate you. And until next Tuesday.

Today we're talking about Alice Bailey again. Who was Alice Bailey? She was the woman who, under the influence of her demons Koot Hoomi and Djwal Khul wrote many books about occultism and - more specifically - how we should educate our children. Her book "Education in the New Age" - written through her by her demon - outlines the plan for what is today known as our modern education system and Social Emotional Learning. Also mentioned today: Trump just stripped all Federal Funds from schools requiring the Covid Vax. https://www.infowars.com/posts/breaking-now-president-trump-just-dropped-a-hydrogen-bomb-on-big-pharma Texas Scorecard article: The “Save James Act”: https://texasscorecard.com/state/state-rep-proposes-save-james-act-to-stop-social-transition-of-kids/

Join Oscar and Bro Rhy (Ryan Ramirez) as they dive into their personal stories, cultural traditions, and compare Olympic lifting with powerlifting. They explore the importance of social emotional learning (SEL) in ministry, how self-awareness and introspection help manage stress and emotions, and the role of faith in overcoming life's challenges. Throughout the conversation, they share their spiritual journeys and highlight how Jesus plays a central role in every aspect of life. Tune in for an engaging discussion on fitness, faith, and personal growth!

In Switzerland, young adults face major challenges when transitioning from school to the workplace—especially those with special educational needs. How can peer support help them navigate career choices and build resilience?Professors Claudia Schellenberg and Annette Krauss explore this question through the Empower Peers 4 Careers project, and examine how structured peer discussions can foster social-emotional skills, strengthen community, and support students' career development.Read the original research: doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.806103

Today we're talking about Alice Bailey again. Who was Alice Bailey? She was the woman who, under the influence of her demons Koot Hoomi and Djwal Khul wrote many books about occultism and - more specifically - how we should educate our children. Her book "Education in the New Age" - written through her by her demon - outlines the plan for what is today known as our modern education system and Social Emotional Learning. Also mentioned today: NCAA backs down on trans-athletes: https://www.foxnews.com/sports/ncaa-officially-bans-trans-athletes-from-womens-sports-1-day-after-trump-signs-executive-order Andy Ngo gives an updated report on the Trans Terror Cult: https://youtu.be/8cwBygSLGaE?si=IkcH6OSTdPXxF3B-

On our episode about fairness — "Fairness with Vella Lovell and Meredith Holzman" — three kids (Bodhi, Aubrey, and Will) helped two arguing Qook-a-lackas through a process of “qook-a-lation.” They listened to both sides of the argument, asked some questions, and then shared some ideas to help the Qook-a-lackas find a fair solution.Today, Little Kids, Big Hearts is thrilled to share an interview diving into fairness with someone who knows A LOT about qook-a-lation: Judge Gabriel P. Sanchez, who has served as a United States circuit judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit since 2022.Our host, Todd Loyd chats with Judge Sanchez about what fairness is and moments in his life when he's learned about fairness. He shares tips for little kids with big hearts who want to follow in his footsteps and become real-life judges — and also tips on how we can bring more fairness to our classrooms and playgrounds today. Judge Sanchez was nominated by President Biden and confirmed by the Senate in 2022 — an exciting first for our podcast! He's based in San Francisco, but hears cases across California, Arizona, Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Judge Sanchez has had a remarkable career advocating for criminal justice reform, public safety, and civil rights, while also serving as a pro bono supporter of farm workers' rights. 

In this episode of SEL Book Talks, Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, former educator and licensed therapist, shares her insights on the book Hello, Anger by Jessica Sinarski, illustrated by Mackie Pamintuan. This book is an excellent resource for parents, educators, school counselors, and mental health professionals working with children in upper elementary grades. Vanessa discusses how the book helps kids build self-awareness and manage big feelings like anger, embarrassment, and loneliness through engaging metaphors, practical strategies, and emotional regulation techniques.EPISODE DESCRIPTIONVanessa reviews Hello, Anger, sharing how it breaks down complex emotions and introduces mindfulness and SEL (social-emotional learning) concepts to children. From body awareness to emotional regulation, she highlights how this resource is ideal for parents, educators, and mental health professionals working with children. She also provides insights into the companion resource bundle packed with activities and affirmations.TUNE IN TO LEARN:How Hello, Anger introduces children to self-awareness and emotional regulationWhy understanding body sensations helps with identifying big emotionsHow to uncover the feelings hiding underneath angerWhat makes the book a great tool for developing SEL skillsDetails about the companion resource bundle and its engaging activitiesTAKEAWAY MESSAGEEmotions like anger are often just the surface of what we feel. By being curious and understanding what's underneath, kids and adults alike can manage their emotions better. Books like Hello, Anger offer a fun and thoughtful way to teach these critical skills. Listen in, and remember… you're always free to be mindful!AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK: https://amzn.to/3Q0EdI1Send us a text120 COPING SKILLShttps://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskillsCULTIVATE CALM CHALLENGEhttps://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-cultivatingcalmchallengeSUBMIT QUESTIONS for CONSULT A COUNSELOR:https://qrco.de/consultacounselorWATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:https://www.youtube.com/@counselorvdejesus GET THE MUSE HEADBAND AT A DISCOUNT!https://choosemuse.com/freetobemindfulUse this link to get 15% off your total when you purchase the amazing brain sensing headband that tells you when you're in a meditative state and guides you to improve your practice.STAY CONNECTED:Show Hashtag: #freetobemindfulpodcastWebsite: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcastAll Social Channels: @counselorvdejesus DISCLAIMER:Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.

During the most recent adventure of Little Kids, Big Hearts, "Fairness with Vella Lovell and Meredith Holzman," three kids — Bodhi, Aubrey, and Will — travel with LKBH host Todd Loyd to the Land of Qook-a-lackas to help two Qook-a-lacka friends "qook-a-late" to retsore fairness to the Land.Today, we're back with an original story about fairness — "The Qook-a-lackas' Absolutely Exactly Everything Equal Day" — told by our amazing host, Todd Loyd, who is a teacher in New York City who LOVES a good storytime.  In the story, Kix and Kelenor (twin Qook-a-lackas) think everything is unfair. When their parent, Quamira, offers them an Absolutely Exactly Everything Equal Day, they think they're getting what they want...but are they really!? This original story by the team at Little Kids, Big Hearts has an important lesson about what fairness is...and what it is not.  We are excited to share this original fictional story with you! Find fairness resources from LKBH online at: https://playsparkler.org/fairness/

Alyse Bacine is a Breathwork and Trauma expert with 23 years of experience and the CEO of Alyse Breathes LLC. She has her Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology, certifications in both Social Emotional Learning and Mindfulness Practices, and an extensive mental health background where she served as a school counselor for 10+ years and received a grant to implement a meditation program at her school. Knowing that she always wanted to expand her mission of healing familial and ancestral trauma, and normalizing meditation, and breathwork practices, she opened her own business and quickly became a six-figure mentor. Alyse has been featured in top publications like Oprah Magazine, Well and Good, and Nylon. Alyse uses her unique healing modality, The Metamorphosis Method™ to help spiritually intelligent women transform their current realities to reach their next-level selves. Her programs are deeply rooted in healing so that women can navigate work, love, and life as powerful leaders, without the burden of trauma playing a role in their highest potential. Connect with Alyse here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alysebreathes/ https://www.facebook.com/alyse.levy https://www.instagram.com/alyse_breathes/ https://www.alysebreathes.com/ Book a call to learn more about our group coaching mastermind here: https://scottaaron.as.me/expertauthorityconsult

Are you tired of seeing your child struggle with making good choices?  Do you wish you could help them develop the skills they need to make smart decisions in the future?  In this episode, Dr. Lindsay explores practical strategies and techniques to help your child make informed choices and develop a strong sense of self-confidence.  From weighing pros and cons and knowing right from wrong, we'll cover it all.  By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and tools you need to support your child in making smart choices that will benefit them for years to come.  So, if you're ready to help your child thrive, keep watching!

It wasn't long ago that emotional and social skills in the classroom were rarely considered essential for learning performance. Luckily through innovative educators, research and the development of effective implementation models it's available in schools throughout the U.S. Now social-emotional learning (SEL) is turning another corner through the application of neuroscience. Today Leslie is joined by Andrea Samadi, an educator, author and podcaster known for her expertise in integrating SEL with neuroscience. Andrea shares her perspective on the principles of neuroscience for effective learning strategies including essential skills like self-esteem building, managing stress, fostering resilience, and overcoming self-limiting beliefs. This a great listen for parents, educators and students alike. Episode Links and Bio: Show Notes Like this episode? Take a second to share with a friend who might benefit too. Parents: Grab a copy of my FREE Parent Guide: 20 Ways to Help Increase Confidence in Your Teen HERE! Website: https://www.leslierosecoaching.com 

Guest host Vanessa Denha-Garmo welcomes Fr. James Kubicki, S.J. to discuss his new book, “A Year of Daily Offerings.” Rhyen Staley with Parents Defending Education exposes the DOJ spending over $100M on far-left initiatives in the classroom.

Chad and Nikki are joined by Leslie Vigor, Director of Social Emotional Learning & Culture and Climate of an Illinois Regional Office of Education, for a conversation about the difference between restorative and punitive parenting as well as the use of restorative practices in the classroom.

Discover how yoga can transform children's lives in this heartwarming conversation with Lauren Chaitoff, founder of Yogi Beans and author of 108 Awesome Yoga Poses for Kids. Lauren shares her journey of pioneering children's yoga, the magic of breathwork for little ones with big feelings, and practical tips for stress-free school mornings. Whether you're a parent, educator, or curious soul, this episode will leave you inspired to bring mindfulness and play into everyday moments. Enjoy Lauren's magic!CONNECT WITH LAURENyogibeans.comlaurenchaitoff.comig @yogi_beansORDER HER BOOK 108 Awesome Yoga Poses for KidsRAQUELLE + YOMyourownmagic.comig @raquellemantrafb group your own magicSubmit a topic or question in the topic box on yourownmagic.comSPONSORS' SPECIAL OFFERS hereOur Sponsors:* Check out Anisa Beauty and use my code MAGIC for a great deal: www.anisabeauty.com* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code MAGIC for a great deal: happymammoth.com* Check out Thrive Causemetics: https://thrivecausemetics.com/MAGIC* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/MAGICSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/your-own-magic/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

David sits down with Joel Boyce, a high school assistant principal and curriculum developer, to dive deep into the world of education and entrepreneurship. They discuss how to overcome the challenges of traditional education, the power of social-emotional learning, and the untapped potential of entrepreneurship in schools. Subscribe to the Social Proof Podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6GT6Vgj...

Today our guest is Leandra Torra - Social Emotional Learning and Trauma Informed Care Manager at Jefferson County Public Schools. We talk to Leandra about best practices for using data to track and enhance social and emotional learning. Leandra discusses how data not only informs decision-making but also requires careful monitoring, prioritization, and streamlined processes. She shares how their district leverages systems, training, and data dashboards to identify trends, assess program effectiveness, and ensure fidelity, all in support of 93 schools across the district. Learn More About CharacterStrong:  Learn more about the NEW Tier 3 Solution Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Attend our next live product preview Visit the CharacterStrong Website Leandra R. Torra is a Social Emotional Learning and Trauma-Informed Care Manager in the Culture and Climate Division at Jefferson County Public Schools. With over 21 years of experience in education, Leandra has served as both an elementary teacher and a middle school counselor. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, along with Master's degrees in School Leadership and School Counseling, all from Western Kentucky University. Leandra is passionate about supporting students and believes that every child is just one caring adult away from success. She lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with her husband James and their two children.