Families have more choices than ever about how to educate their kids, but few have had to make this decision for 12 children. Devoted mother Tamika Stith did just that. When she realized that conventional schooling wasn't meeting her children’s needs, she took the reins and transitioned to homeschooling. This was a courageous move—and not a common one among her peers. But today, her children are thriving as self-directed, empowered learners. I had the pleasure of meeting with Tamika and her family in person and experiencing their homeschool energy first-hand. It was inspiring, and our time together grew even more exciting when Tamika and I explored ways that Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help her with lesson planning and other time-intensive homeschool tasks, while deepening her children’s engagement with their learning. Listen to our conversation now to hear: The biggest challenge Tamika faced when she decided to move her children from public schools to homeschooling [02:39];  How she measures her children’s progress. [05:46]; The advice she has for families who are ready to move away from traditional schooling [08:40]; Where she thinks homeschooling is headed in the future [11:20]; and How AI can help Tamika and her children [11:54].  Links and Resources  Learn more about 2hr Learning, an AI-powered program that helps schools provide personalized, mastery learning in as little as two hours per day.  Find more helpful resources on the Future of Education YouTube channel. Don’t forget to like and subscribe!  Explore AI tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, Dream Studio, and Runway that can help kids learn through creating games, stories, art, and other creative work.  Be part of something special Stay connected to the Future of Education community:  YouTube channel Facebook Instagram  X (formerly Twitter) If you enjoy the Future of Education podcast, would you leave us a short review on your favorite podcast platform? We love reading your feedback and ideas.    Podcast Credits Executive Producer and Host: MacKenzie Price Executive Producer: Lindsay Grubb, TillCo Media  Senior Producer: Amanda Avery Senior Editor: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing Video Production/Editing: Kevin Smith, Picturebox Productions Music Producer: Dyami Wilson

The explosion of artificial intelligence (AI) has taken many parents and teachers by surprise. It feels like this technology should have taken years to reach our schools and children, but it’s already arrived, and now families are trying to catch up. But what’s the right approach to take when it comes to AI and our children? How can they benefit from it, and are there potential dangers to watch out for? Today, I’m speaking with Zain Punjwani, program director at Apollo School. We’re going to break down the best ways for families to approach AI to help their kids thrive. Listen now to hear: How to think about AI when it comes to helping kids learn and grow [02:53];  Why many schools are intimidated by AI and what they can do about it [07:58]; Ideas for experimenting with AI with teens [11:49] and younger children [14:24]; and  The importance of getting on the AI train TODAY [16:50]. Don’t miss Today’s Takeaways!  Listen all the way to the end of the episode for three tips on how to inspire your children’s fresh thinking and love of learning.  Links and Resources  Read this McKinsey & Company report about the growing use of AI in the workplace.  Explore AI tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, Dream Studio, and Runway that can help kids learn through creating games, stories, art, and other creative work.  Take a look at how ChatGPT has already advanced to deliver responses that cater to users' context and goals.  Learn more about Apollo School.  Find more helpful resources on the Future of Education YouTube channel. Don’t forget to like and subscribe!  Learn more about 2hr Learning, an AI-powered program that helps schools provide personalized, mastery learning in as little as two hours per day. Be part of something special Stay connected to the Future of Education community:  YouTube channel Facebook Instagram  X (formerly Twitter) If you enjoy the Future of Education podcast, would you leave us a short review on your favorite podcast platform? We love reading your feedback and ideas.  About Zain Punjwani  Zain Punjwani builds education systems that help students become the best version of themselves. Zain’s journey in education began when he helped build an entrepreneurship academy for the University of Cape Town. Over the last three years, Zain has designed and delivered over 500 sessions for more than 300 students from 30+ countries focused on problem-solving, decision-making, and increasing inner confidence and curiosity. Zain has also built over 30 experiential learning courses using AI for universities across North America that are used by over 1,000 students. Zain is currently a Program Director at Apollo where students ages 10-13 explore their interests and learn about technologies shaping the world through application-based challenges. Podcast Credits Executive Producer and Host: MacKenzie Price Executive Producer: Lindsay Grubb, TillCo Media  Senior Producer: Amanda Avery Senior Editor: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing Video Production/Editing: Kevin Smith, Picturebox Productions Music Producer: Dyami Wilson

Kids are naturally inquisitive and ready to see everything with fresh eyes. But many traditional school settings sideline their innate curiosity in favor of teaching them how to follow norms and seek social approval. For most students, this stifles the innovative spirit and critical thinking we long for them to develop.  For this episode, Ana Lorena Fábrega joins me to talk about the challenges of conventional schooling. She has fresh ideas about alternative educational pathways and possibilities for a world where AI and other technologies help our children maintain fresh perspectives and a true love for learning.  Listen now to hear: The concept of “vuja de” – encountering something familiar, but seeing it with fresh eyes [05:20];  The value of encouraging kids to develop an attitude of skepticism [06:30]; How we can help kids develop a big-picture view that reveals patterns and relationships between things [09:19]; Why it’s important for kids to ask why [13:17]; and The power of asking children unconventional questions [15:12]. Don’t miss Today’s Takeaways!  Listen all the way to the end of the episode for three tips on how to inspire your children’s fresh thinking and love of learning.    Links and Resources  Check out Ana Lorena Fábrega’s website and sign up for her newsletter.  When you’re done, take a look at her YouTube channel and blog, and follow her on Instagram. Ana also has a new book available, The Learning Game: Teaching Kids to Think for Themselves, Embrace Challenge, and Love Learning Find more helpful resources on the Future of Education YouTube channel. Don’t forget to like and subscribe!  Learn more about 2hr Learning, an AI-powered program that helps schools provide personalized, mastery learning in as little as two hours per day.  Explore Alpha, a unique school that uses adaptive software and motivational strategies to help students to learn in the style that works best for them. Learn more about GT School, an online program that helps gifted and talented kids supercharge their academics.  Be part of something special Stay connected to the Future of Education community:  YouTube channel Facebook Instagram  X (formerly Twitter) If you enjoy the Future of Education podcast, would you leave us a short review on your favorite podcast platform? We love reading your feedback and ideas.    About Ana Lorena Fábrega  Ana Lorena Fábrega is an edupreneur, writer, and chief evangelist at Synthesis. Growing up, she attended ten schools in seven different countries. She then earned her BS in Childhood Education and Special Education from New York University and taught elementary school in New York, Boston, and Panama. Today, Ana Lorena writes online to over 200,000 readers about the promise of alternative education. Her first book, The Learning Game: Teaching Kids How To Think For Themselves, Embrace Challenge, and Love Learning comes out September 5, 2023. You can follow her on Twitter at @anafabrega11   Podcast Credits Executive Producer and Host: MacKenzie Price Executive Producer: Lindsay Grubb,TillCo Media  Senior Producer: Amanda Avery Senior Editor: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing Video Production/Editing: Kevin Smith, Picturebox Productions Music Producer: Dyami Wilson

Every parent has moments when they wonder if their kid’s behavior is a normal phase or a sign of something more. Is a high-spirited middle schooler just full of energy or struggling with ADHD? Is a child’s efforts to excel a sign of healthy self-motivation or the result of excessive anxiety? It can be difficult to know the difference.  For this episode, Emily Kircher-Morris shares insights into how parents and caregivers can discern what's developmental and what’s something that needs support. As a counselor and the host of The Neurodiversity Podcast, she’s an expert on parsing typical behavior from neurodiversity indicators. She’s also taking her counseling into the future by using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help build coping skills. She has great advice about how parents of kids with learning disabilities or autism can help their children thrive. Listen now to hear:  The meanings of the terms neurodivergent and twice exceptional [01:45]; Signs parents can look for that might correlate to diagnoses [04:07]; Steps to take if you believe your child needs support [07:19] and How you can use AI to support your efforts to help your child [09:00].    Don’t miss Today’s Takeaways! Listen all the way to the end of the episode for three tips on how to help your neurodiverse child.    Links and Resources  Listen to The Neurodiversity Podcast and learn more about Neurodiversity University.  Don’t miss Emily’s free course, Using Fandoms + AI to Develop Coping Skills for Neurodivergent Kids Check out Emily’s books, Teaching Twice-Exceptional Learners in Today’s Classrooms and Raising Twice-Exceptional Children: A Handbook for Parents of Neurodivergent Gifted Kids.  Connect with Emily on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, and check out The Neurodiversity Podcast’s Facebook page too!  Find more helpful resources on the Future of Education YouTube channel. Don’t forget to like and follow!  Explore Alpha, a unique school that uses adaptive software and motivational strategies to help students to learn in the style that works best for them. Learn more about GT School, an online program that helps gifted and talented kids supercharge their academics.   Be part of something special Stay connected to the Future of Education community:  YouTube channel Facebook Instagram  Twitter  If you enjoy the Future of Education podcast, would you leave us a short review on your favorite podcast platform? We love reading your feedback and ideas.   About Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC, is the host of The Neurodiversity Podcast, which explores the psychological, educational, and social needs for enriching the lives of neurodivergent people. She is the author of several books for parents and educators related to the development of children and teens who are neurodivergent and cognitively gifted. Her private practice outside of St. Louis, Missouri, specializes in mental health support for neurodivergent kids, teens, and their families.   Podcast Credits Executive Producer and Host: MacKenzie Price Executive Producer: Lindsay Grubb, TillCo Media  Senior Producer: Amanda Avery Senior Editor: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing Video Production/Editing: Kevin Smith, Picturebox Productions Music Producer: Dyami Wilson

Welcome to the Future of Education. If you’ve listened to any of my Gifted Minds episodes, you know I’m committed to helping our kids unlock their full potential. I believe the traditional education model is ripe for revolution and I’m working to define what the future looks like. So with this episode, I’m unveiling our new name and focus. We’re going to have a ton of fun talking about how artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies can help students turbocharge their academics and become lifelong learners. This episode, our first as the Future of Education podcast, is a great example …  When my daughter was in second grade, she told me school was boring. I was floored. The traditional education system, stuck in a 100-year-old model, had deflated her natural love for learning in just a few years. This lightbulb moment sent me on a mission to reinvent education so every child has a chance to explore their passions and promise.   In this episode, I sit down with Alpha Guide Jamal Gross, who also believes a revolution in education is long overdue. He went from coaching in the NBA to helping students drive their own success with AI as their co-pilot. Click play to hear our conversation about: The secret to sparking kids’ excitement about academic success [03:15]; How Alpha personalizes learning through fresh thinking and AI [05:28]; Why measuring academic progress is key to continued growth [09:58]; How to boost kid’s interest in learning by developing their passions and life skills [10:46];  How AI can help identify what each individual student needs and catapult them to success [16:19]; and How Alpha’s model develops self-driven, inspired learners [20:13].   Don’t miss Today’s Takeaways!  Listen all the way to the end of the episode for three ideas to help you take charge of your child’s learning.    Links and Resources  Explore Alpha, a unique K-12 school that uses adaptive software and motivational strategies to revolutionize the way students learn.  Follow Jamal on Instagram @Jamal_Gross  Find more helpful resources on the Future of Education YouTube channel. Don’t forget to like and follow!  Learn more about GT School, an online program that helps gifted and talented kids supercharge their academics. Be part of something special Stay connected to the Future of Education community:  YouTube channel Facebook Instagram  X (formerly Twitter)  If you enjoy the Future of Education podcast, would you leave us a short review on your favorite podcast platform? We love reading your feedback and ideas.    About Jamal D. Gross Jamal D. Gross is a captivating speaker, coach, and leader changing the narrative on the future of education and inspiring the mentality of success. Drawing from his extensive experience coaching in the NBA, business consulting, and leadership training, Jamal infuses his speeches with diverse perspectives and valuable insights. As a dynamic speaker, Jamal delves into the future of education, highlighting the importance of being self-driven, learning efficiently, and acquiring life skills. He shares powerful anecdotes from the sports and business worlds, demonstrating the mindset of highly successful individuals and how it can be applied to various aspects of life.   Podcast Credits Executive Producer and Host: MacKenzie Price Executive Producer: Lindsay Grubb, TillCo Media  Senior Producer: Amanda Avery Senior Editor: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing Marketing: Patrick Harrell, The Krewe Video Production/Editing: Kevin Smith, Picturebox Productions Music Producer: Dyami Wilson

Technology is changing every aspect of our lives—including the ways we educate our children. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other advancements are exploding, and it’s no longer enough to lecture students in a classroom and insist that they learn the three Rs: Reading, wRiting and aRithmetic. Success today requires mastery of the four Cs: creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.  The Future of Education provides insights, information, and activities to help families and caregivers use technology to prepare learners for the future, and empower them to become successful, life-long learners.  Host MacKenzie Price is all about disrupting education for the better. She is the mother of two children, founder of the online program gt.school, and co-founder of Alpha K-12 schools that use AI to help students learn twice as fast. She is all about learning how we can disrupt education for the better. She’ll be sharing where AI-powered education is going for parents, educators and students.  Like and follow the Future of Education podcast today!   Be part of something special Stay connected to the Future of Education community:  YouTube channel Facebook Instagram  X (formerly Twitter)   Podcast Credits Executive Producer and Host: MacKenzie Price Executive Producer: Lindsay Grubb, TillCo Media  Senior Producer: Amanda Avery Senior Editor: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing Marketing: Patrick Harrell, The Krewe Video Production/Editing: Kevin Smith, Picturebox Productions Music Producer: Dyami Wilson

As children grow into teens, it can be difficult for parents to keep lines of communication open with them. At times, even simple conversations can feel like navigating a minefield.   For this episode, we’re talking with Austin Scholar, a writer and teenager who has taken to social media to help parents and teens improve their communication and relationships. She shares her insight into how people in her age group think, and offers tips for making deep and meaningful connections with them.  Listen now to hear: Where communication issues between adults and teens come from [04:15]; Tips for talking with your kids and building trust [07:13]; How to use non-verbal tools to deepen your connection [09:46]; and How something as simple as ice cream can improve your relationship [13:58]. Don’t miss Today’s Takeaways!  Listen all the way to the end of the episode for three tips on how to help your children excel in their learning.  Links and Resources  Subscribe to Austin Scholar on substack and follow her on Twitter. Watch the video version of this episode on our Future of Education YouTube channel. Don’t forget to like and follow!  Explore Alpha, a unique school that uses adaptive software and motivational strategies to help students to learn in the style that works best for them. Learn more about GT School, an online program that helps gifted and talented kids supercharge their academics. Be part of something special Stay connected to the Gifted Minds community:  YouTube channel Facebook Instagram  Twitter  If you enjoy the Gifted Minds podcast, would you leave us a short review on your favorite podcast platform? We love reading your feedback and ideas.    About Austin Scholar Austin Scholar is an author and thinker who writes about education in the 21st Century from a teen’s perspective. She helps parents understand what their teens are thinking so they can help them thrive.    Podcast Credits Executive Producer and Host: MacKenzie Price Executive Producer: Lindsay Grubb, TillCo Media  Senior Producer: Amanda Avery Senior Editor: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing Marketing: Patrick Harrell, The Krewe Video Production/Editing: Kevin Smith, Picturebox Productions Music Producer: Dyami Wilson

Most parents will go to great lengths to ensure their children succeed. From tutoring sessions to extracurricular activities, they explore every avenue to help their kids thrive in the classroom and in life.  For this episode, we talk with Ice Dancing Olympian and World Medalist Andrew Poje. He has achieved remarkable feats in his athletic career, and now works as an academic coach for children. He shares his thoughts on the intriguing connection between sports and education, and how students can apply the valuable lessons learned through playing sports to academic success.  Listen now to hear: How having an athlete’s mindset can help with academics [05:52]; Strategies to help kids take ownership of their dreams and ambitions [07:25]; The value of setting big, scary goals [09:52]; Developing a healthy response to pressure in kids [14:56]; and The importance of building a network of success for your child [15:28]. Don’t miss Today’s Takeaways!  Listen all the way to the end of the episode for three tips on how to help your children excel in their learning.    Links and Resources  Check out Andrew’s website and follow him on Instagram. Watch Andrew and ice dancing partner Kaitlyn Weaver perform at a Canadian ice skating exhibition in early 2023. Watch the video version of this episode on the Future of Education YouTube channel. Don’t forget to like and follow!  Explore Alpha, a unique school that uses adaptive software and motivational strategies to help students to learn in the style that works best for them. Learn more about GT School, an online program that helps gifted and talented kids supercharge their academics.    Be part of something special Stay connected with our community:  YouTube channel Facebook Instagram  Twitter  If you enjoy the Gifted Minds podcast, would you leave us a short review on your favorite podcast platform? We love reading your feedback and ideas.    About Andrew Poje Many in the world strive to become world-class at something. However, it takes purpose and perspective to achieve success in life. My athletic experience has been integral in helping me succeed daily. Being a two-time Olympian, a three-time World Medalist, a three-time National Champion in the sport of Figure Skating taught me valuable skills, including the importance of grit, resilience, and the daily perspective required to achieve goals. Leaning into my curious nature, I constantly dove into the world of personal development. Pushing my curiosity further by studying Biomedical Science, Master's of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and working for multinational companies, I found ways to unleash my inner why and the why's of my clients—helping to empower them through strategic design-thinking.    Podcast Credits Executive Producer and Host: MacKenzie Price Executive Producer: Lindsay Grubb, TillCo Media  Senior Producer: Amanda Avery Senior Editor: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing Marketing: Patrick Harrell, The Krewe Video Production/Editing: Kevin Smith, Picturebox Productions Music Producer: Dyami Wilson

It’s no secret that many parents struggle with exactly how much screen time is healthy for their kids. Some wage daily battles to manage their children’s time with devices, and others feel powerless to do anything to control the siege. But the digital world is here to stay, so it’s more important than ever for caregivers to understand and embrace technology in their kids' lives.  For this episode in our Life Skills series, we talk with Keith Schacht, CEO and co-founder of The Explanation Company. He offers a new perspective on the role that technology plays in growing up today. He shares his vision for a world where using it becomes a skill that young people tap to open doors, explore new ideas, and develop their interests.  Listen now to hear about: The danger of focusing solely on the duration of screen time [03:43]; The benefits kids gain from their time on devices (and not just when they’re playing Mindcraft) [04:48]; How to encourage children to use screen time to explore interests, passions, and potential careers [07:49]; The value of proactively parenting in the digital age to help kids develop a healthy relationship with technology [15:10]; How technology can be a tool that builds independence [18:20]. Don’t miss Today’s Takeaways!  Listen all the way to the end of the episode for three tips on how to help your children excel in their learning.    Links and Resources  Follow Keith Schacht on Twitter and LinkedIn.  Learn more about The Explanation Company. Check out the video version of this episode on the Gifted Minds YouTube channel. Don’t forget to like and subscribe! Explore Alpha, a unique school that uses adaptive software and motivational strategies to help students to learn in the style that works best for them. Learn more about GT School, an online program that helps gifted and talented kids supercharge their academics.    Be part of something special Stay connected with our community:  YouTube channel Facebook Instagram  Twitter  If you enjoy the Gifted Minds podcast, would you leave us a short review on your favorite podcast platform? We love reading your feedback and ideas.    About Keith Schacht Keith Schacht is an entrepreneur, engineer, and investor focused on building products for children. He was previously the CEO and co-founder of Mystery Science, the most widely used science curriculum in U.S. elementary schools. He’s now the CEO and co-founder of The Explanation Company, building internet tools for children. He’s an active angel investor and a board member of Higher Ground.   Podcast Credits Executive Producer and Host: MacKenzie Price Executive Producer: Lindsay Grubb, TillCo Media  Senior Producer: Amanda Avery Senior Editor: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing Marketing: Patrick Harrell, The Krewe Video Production/Editing: Kevin Smith, Picturebox Productions Music Producer: Dyami Wilson

It’s easy for gifted kids to get bored in school because they often grasp lessons and concepts faster than their peers. This can cause some of them to tune out, and prevent them from reaching their full potential.  But there’s good news. Today’s technology has spawned new learning tools called adaptive apps that can help learners stay engaged and challenged.  We turn the tables in this episode, with Emmy Award-winning journalist and talk show host Anna Davlantes interviewing our Gifted Minds’ show host, MacKenzie Price, about what exactly adaptive apps are, and how they can help gifted kids take control of their own learning. Listen now to hear about: How adaptive apps work [04:51], and the learning science behind them [06:56]; How kids feel about adaptive apps—including video clips of students sharing their experiences [08:20]; The importance of embracing learning technology to support your child’s future [11:12]; and How to get started with adaptive apps, and a few of MacKenzie’s favorites for advanced learners [14:34].  Don’t miss Today’s Takeaways!  Listen all the way to the end of the episode for three tips on how to help your children excel in their learning.    Links and Resources  Read these great articles about adaptive learning apps:  A Tutor For Every Student: How Adaptive Learning Apps Work Recommended Learning Apps for Children Ages 3-12 Adaptive Learning Apps for Students 13-18 Using adaptive apps instead of teachers Check out the video version of this episode on the Gifted Minds YouTube channel. Don’t forget to like and subscribe! Learn more about GT School, an online program that helps gifted and talented kids supercharge their academics.    Be part of something special Stay connected with our community:  YouTube channel Facebook Instagram  Twitter  If you enjoy the Gifted Minds podcast, would you leave us a short review on your favorite podcast platform? We love reading your feedback and ideas.    About Anna Davlantes Anna is a seven-time Emmy Award winner and Northwestern Medill School of Journalism graduate who has broken major stories and carved out a reputation for original reporting and uncovering wrongdoing and inequality. She has worked for NBC Chicago as an anchor/reporter. She was a morning news anchor at Fox Chicago and did a talk show for PBS. She is also an underwater documentarian who won three Emmy Awards for her Get into the Shark Tank series.   Podcast Credits Executive Producer and Host: MacKenzie Price Executive Producer: Lindsay Grubb, TillCo Media  Senior Producer: Amanda Avery Senior Editor: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing Marketing: Patrick Harrell, The Krewe Video Production/Editing: Kevin Smith, Picturebox Productions Music Producer: Dyami Wilson

Have you ever felt like your child's interest in something has become all-consuming? It’s not uncommon for gifted kids to develop intense interests that can leave them feeling isolated from their peers. As caregivers, how can we help and encourage them?   For this episode in our Life Skills series, we talk with David Perell, founder of Write of Passage, about how parents can help their children embrace their passions and find a community of like-minded individuals. David shares his personal experience of feeling alone in his interests as a child and the steps his family took to make him feel valued and inspired.  Listen now to hear our conversation about: The difference between what’s rewarded in academics and what’s rewarded in life [02:59]; How to help your child find a community of ambitious peers who make them feel validated and accepted [12:10]; How the internet can help gifted kids who feel isolated [13:41]; and What parents can do to embrace and support their child's interests [16:51].   Don’t miss Today’s Takeaways!  Listen all the way to the end of the episode for three tips to help your child thrive with whatever they choose to do.    Links and Resources  Learn more about David Perell’s online writing program, Write of Passage. Check out the video version of this episode on the Gifted Minds YouTube channel. Don’t forget to like and subscribe! Learn more about GT School, an online program that helps gifted and talented kids supercharge their academics.   Be part of something special Stay connected with our community:  YouTube channel Facebook Instagram  Twitter  If you enjoy the Gifted Minds podcast, would you leave us a short review on your favorite podcast platform? We love reading your feedback and ideas.    About David Perell David Perell is a writer, teacher, and podcaster. He believes writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. David seeks to help as many people publish their writing online as possible. David’s online course, Write of Passage, has been taken by more than 500 students from more than 40 countries and from companies like Intel, Google, and Twitter. The five-week course draws on David’s experience writing online, building an audience, and his interviews with more than 100 people on his North Star Podcast. Each interview explores the methods and principles of successful creators, artists, and entrepreneurs. His podcast guests include astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, author Seth Godin, and economist Tyler Cowen. As an Emergent Ventures fellow, David’s work is supported by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University.   Podcast Credits Executive Producer and Host: MacKenzie Price Executive Producer: Lindsay Grubb, TillCo Media  Senior Producer: Amanda Avery Senior Editor: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing Marketing: Patrick Harrell, The Krewe Video Production/Editing: Kevin Smith, Picturebox Productions Music Producer: Dyami Wilson

As parents, it’s natural to think our kids can do anything. But that mindset can also make it easy to unintentionally burden them with heavy expectations, which can ultimately hinder their growth and wellbeing.  For this episode in our Emotional Health series, we talk with Dr. William Stixrud, a clinical neuropsychologist, author, and faculty member at the Children's National Medical Center and George Washington University School of Medicine. He sheds light on how we can help our kids develop healthy motivation and stress management skills, and avoid the heavy weight of expectations.  Listen now to hear our conversation about: The two most important things to protect your kids from struggling with emotions [02:26]; How to recognize if your expectations could be toxic [04:29] … and if your children feel burdened by them [10:13];  Day-to-day tactics to help your kids build a healthy mindset [12:07]; and How to model and talk about healthy expectations and healthy thinking [15:41].   Don’t miss Today’s Takeaways!  Listen all the way to the end of the episode for three tips for reducing the weight of expectations on your kids.    Links and Resources  Learn more about Dr. Stixrud’s books, co-authored with previous Gifted Minds’ guest, Ned Johnson, What Do You Say? Talking with Kids to Build Motivation, Stress Tolerance, and a Happy Home and The Self-Driven Child. Listen to our episode with Ned Johnson, Consult, Don’t Manage: Achieving Academic Success. Check out the video version of this episode on the Gifted Minds YouTube channel. Don’t forget to like and subscribe!  Learn more about GT School, an online program that helps gifted and talented kids supercharge their academics.  Be part of something special Stay connected with our community:  YouTube channel Facebook Instagram  Twitter  If you enjoy the Gifted Minds podcast, would you leave us a short review on your favorite podcast platform? We love reading your feedback and ideas.    About William Stixrud William R. Stixrud, Ph.D., is a clinical neuropsychologist and founder of The Stixrud Group, as well as a faculty member at Children’s National Medical Center and an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at the George Washington University School of Medicine.  He is also the co-author, with Ned Johnson, of the national best-selling book, The Self-Driven Child, which is published in 14 countries and 12 languages and has sold more than two million copies in China.  He and Mr. Johnson have also co-authored a critically-acclaimed second book, What Do You Say? Talking with Kids to Build Motivation, Stress Tolerance, and a Happy Home.   Dr. Stixrud’s work has been featured in media outlets such as NPR, CNN, MSNBC, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Times of London, The Wall Street Journal, U.S. News and World Report, Time Magazine, Scientific American, Business Week, Barron's, and, New York Magazine. He is a long-time practitioner of Transcendental Meditation, and he plays in the rock band Close Enough.     Podcast Credits Executive Producer and Host: MacKenzie Price Executive Producer: Lindsay Grubb, TillCo Media  Senior Producer: Amanda Avery Senior Editor: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing Marketing: Patrick Harrell, The Krewe Video Production/Editing: Kevin Smith, Picturebox Productions Music Producer: Dyami Wilson

Failing is a natural part of life and essential to personal growth. But gifted and talented kids, who often excel in many areas, can find it especially hard to process setbacks. As parents and caregivers, how can we help them cope with failure, build resilience, and develop a positive attitude about challenges?  For this episode in our Life Skills series, I’m talking with Legend’s head of program and curriculum, Fish Stark. He’s a child development researcher and program designer who specializes in helping kids learn core life skills they often don't get in schools. Hit play to hear our conversation about: When confidence gaps usually start to develop in children [05:26]; How praise can undermine your kid’s success [06:22]; How to talk about failure when it happens [09:59]; and How to help your child process discomfort and learn from their experiences [12:42]. Don’t miss Today’s Takeaways!  Listen all the way to the end of the episode for three tips to help your gifted kids get comfortable with failure and build resilience.  Links and Resources  Check out the video version of this episode on the Gifted Minds YouTube channel. Don’t forget to like and subscribe! Learn more about Legend Labs. Learn more about GT School, an online program that helps gifted and talented kids supercharge their academics.   Be part of something special Stay connected with our community:  YouTube channel Facebook Instagram  Twitter  If you enjoy the Gifted Minds podcast, would you leave us a short review on your favorite podcast platform? We love reading your feedback and ideas.    About Fish Stark Fish Stark is a child development researcher and program designer who specializes in helping kids learn the core life skills they often don't get in schools. He is the head of program and curriculum at Legends Lab, where he leads a team of researchers and educators to develop learning experiences that help kids build the skills they need to be confident. Before Legends Lab, Fish was director of programs at Peace First, an edtech nonprofit that provided tools for teens to launch their own self-directed service projects. Fish has worked with the Red Cross, the Aspen Institute, Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation, and other organizations to build programs that help young people grow up strong and kind, and develop the leadership skills they need to change the world. He holds a Master's in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a Bachelor's from Yale University with a certificate in Education Studies, and the title of Funniest Person in Huntington, West Virginia from his side gig as a stand-up comic.   Podcast Credits Executive Producer and Host: MacKenzie Price Executive Producer: Lindsay Grubb, TillCo Media  Senior Producer: Amanda Avery Senior Editor: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing Marketing: Patrick Harrell, The Krewe Video Production/Editing: Kevin Smith, Picturebox Productions Music Producer: Dyami Wilson

Most gifted and talented kids have super intense feelings. As parents and caregivers, how can we help them with this and stay tuned-in to what’s going on with them emotionally and socially? Paying attention to their emotional intensity is critical. For this episode in our emotional health series, I’m talking with Dr. Matt Zakreski, a psychologist and expert on giftedness and neurodiversity. He has a deep passion for helping gifted and talented kids manage their thoughts, feelings, and actions. Hit play to hear our conversation about:  What makes gifted and talented kids’ brains unique [02:17]; How we, as parents, can help them regulate their emotional intensity for healthy and positive growth [09:16]; Strategies for managing emotional disruptions that happen in public [10:54]; and Advice for helping gifted and talented teens manage their emotional development. [14:56] Don’t miss Today’s Takeaways!  Listen all the way to the end of the episode for three tips to help ensure your gifted and talented kids survive and thrive in their emotional development.    Links and Resources  Check out the video version of this episode on the Gifted Minds YouTube channel. Visit Dr. Matt’s Facebook page for a dose of mental health advocacy and humor. Learn more about GT School, an online program that helps gifted and talented kids supercharge their academics.  Be part of something special Stay connected with our community:  YouTube channel Facebook Instagram  Twitter  If you enjoy the Gifted Minds podcast, would you leave us a short review on your favorite podcast platform? We love reading your feedback and ideas.    About Dr. Matt Zakreski Matthew Zakreski, PsyD (Dr. Matt) is a high energy, creative clinician who specializes in working with children, adolescents, and their families to provide therapy and psychological evaluations. He is a researcher and author on giftedness, and thrives in supporting young people in understanding, developing, and celebrating their unique brains and ways of operating in their world. He received BAs in Psychology & Communications at Wake Forest University and assisted with research at Harvard Psychophysiology Lab at the Harvard University Business School before attending graduate school at Widener University, where he earned his Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD) from the Institute of Graduate Clinical Psychology.    Podcast Credits Executive Producer and Host: MacKenzie Price Executive Producer: Lindsay Grubb, TillCo Media  Senior Producer: Amanda Avery Senior Editor: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing Marketing: Patrick Harrell  Video Production/Editing: Kevin Smith, Picturebox Productions Music Producer: Dyami Wilson

So much of what allows gifted and talented (GT) kids to excel is the development of life skills. These encompass the wide range of know-how that GT kids need to grow into capable and compassionate adults, from exercising self control, to setting goals and learning how to lead.  For this episode, I talk with Duke University Professor Sue Wasiolek about how to prepare our GT kids for the world outside the classroom. She has spent decades helping young people develop the skills they need for a successful and rewarding life. Listen to our conversation about:  Examples of life skills that many GT kids are lacking [05:22]; How to help your GT child manage and set priorities from an early age [14:20]; Why and how to let your GT kids fail [15:16]; and Ever Scouts, a program to help GT kids master life skills [16:40]. Don’t miss Today’s Takeaways!  Listen all the way to the end of the episode for three tips to help ensure your GT kids thrive in academics and life.    Links and Resources Check out the video version of this episode on the Gifted Minds YouTube channel. Learn more about Ever Scouts. Learn more about GT School, an online program that helps gifted and talented kids supercharge their academics.  Be part of something special Stay connected with our community:  YouTube channel Facebook Instagram  Twitter  If you enjoy the Gifted Minds podcast, would you leave us a short review on your favorite podcast platform? We love reading your feedback and ideas.    About Dean Sue Wasiolek Dean Sue Wasiolek (more commonly known as Dean Sue) is Adjunct Faculty at Duke University. She encourages students to study and base their careers around what they love. She thinks of her time with students not as a job, but as a way of life. In her free time, she can be found jogging around Durham or working out at the gym with students.   Podcast Credits Executive Producer and Host: MacKenzie Price Executive Producer: Lindsay Grubb, TillCo Media  Senior Producer: Amanda Avery Senior Editor: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing Marketing: Patrick Harrell  Video Production/Editing: Kevin Smith, Picturebox Productions Music Producer: Dyami Wilson

Being the parent or caregiver of an academically gifted child is both an opportunity and a challenge. It can be incredibly rewarding to witness all they can achieve, and equally difficult to resist becoming overly invested in their success.  For our first Gifted Minds episode, I’m joined by Ned Johnson, author of The Self-Driven Child and founder of PrepMatters, a company that provides tutoring, college planning and test-prep services. He has years of experience working with gifted children and their families, and deep insight into how we can best help gifted kids when it comes to academics. Hit play to hear our conversation about:  His philosophy on how to approach academics with our kids [02:33]; How to keep your gifted child open to communication about academics [04:40]; How to support children with perfectionistic tendencies [09:32]; How to support gifted children who are under-performing, disengaged, or anxious [11:32]; How to inspire younger children’s love of learning and intrinsic motivation [15:22]; and How to approach academics as kids move into their teen years [18:51].  Don’t miss Today’s Takeaways!  Listen all the way to the end of the episode for three tips to help ensure your gifted and talented kids survive and thrive in academics.  Links and Resources Check out the video version of this episode on the Gifted Minds YouTube channel.  Visit the PrepMatters website. Join the Self-Driven Child facebook group. Order a copy of The Self-Driven Child. Follow Ned Johnson on Twitter. Learn more about GT School, an online program that helps gifted and talented kids supercharge their academics.  Be part of something special Stay connected with our community:  YouTube channel Facebook Instagram  Twitter  If you enjoy the Gifted Minds podcast, would you leave us a short review on your favorite podcast platform? We love reading your feedback and ideas.    About Ned Johnson Ned Johnson is an author, speaker, and the founder of PrepMatters, an educational company providing academic tutoring, educational planning and standardized test prep. A professional “tutor-geek” since 1993, Ned has spent more than 40,000 one-on-one hours helping students conquer an alphabet of standardized tests and honing his insights on communicating with students and parents. A battle-tested veteran in the fields of test preparation, anxiety management, and student performance, Ned coaches kids on how to manage their stress while simultaneously motivating and empowering them to reach their full potential. He has written for the New York Times, The Telegraph, U.S. News & World Report & The Washington Post and co-authored three books, including the national best-seller The Self-Driven Child.    Podcast Credits Executive Producer and Host: MacKenzie Price Executive Producer: Lindsay Grubb, TillCo Media  Senior Producer: Amanda Avery Senior Editor: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing Marketing: Patrick Harrell Video Production/Editing: Kevin Smith, Picturebox Productions Music Producer: Dyami Wilson

Help your gifted and talented child to build healthy goals, develop lasting relationships, and engage with their community.

Encourage your gifted and talented child's leadership and critical thinking skills, and help them build healthy habits.

Help your gifted and talented child to fulfill their academic potential, showing them how to take ownership and accelerate learning in areas they love.