We're starting off the summer break with #10 of our Top 10 Season 1 episodes. Ever wondered how personal agency can transform lives? In Episode 11 of The KindlED Podcast, Kaity and Adriane welcome author and educational expert Ian Rowe. Ian, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, co-founder of Vertex Partnership Academies, and CEO of Public Prep, shares his inspiring story of personal 'coming of agency.' ABOUT THE GUEST:Ian Rowe is a senior fellow at the American Ente...

What if stepping out of your comfort zone could transform your life? As we wrap up the remarkable first season of The KindlED Podcast, hosts Kaity and Adriane reflect on this incredible journey and the amazing guests who made it unforgettable. This season has been a whirlwind of learning, growth, and meaningful conversations that have enriched not only our lives but hopefully yours, too.From addressing the stressors in education and society to sharing actionable advice that makes a real diffe...

What if you could change your children's lives for the better by simply shifting your focus? Howard Glasser, the brilliant mind behind the Nurtured Heart Approach, joins Kaity and Adriane for a milestone celebration on our 50th episode of The KindlED Podcast. In this special episode, we dive deep into the Nurtured Heart Approach and its transformative power in fostering positive relationships and personal growth. What to listen for:The core principles of the Nurtured Heart ApproachAction...

What if your teenager could excel in school and be happier and healthier, all by just getting more sleep? Lisa Lewis, a renowned parenting journalist, author, and advocate for adolescent sleep, joins Kaity & Adriane to explore the importance of sleep for teenagers' physical and mental well-being. Tune in to uncover how understanding and addressing the factors that impact teens' sleep can help them thrive.About the guest:Lisa L. Lewis is the author of The Sleep-Deprived Teen: Why Our ...

Have you ever wondered about the hidden mechanisms of the teenage brain and how understanding them can shape a more empathetic and supportive environment for our youth? Dean Burnett, a neuroscientist and author, joins Kaity & Adriane to delve into the complexities of adolescent brain development and the critical role of parental influence.What to listen for:• Why teenage brains are wired for risk-taking and seeking new experiences• How practicing good phone hygiene and setting a positive ...

Have you ever wondered how the way we communicate can transform our relationships and communities? Morris H. Ervin Jr., an expert in Non-Violent Communication (NVC), joins Kaity & Adriane to explore the profound impact of empathy and honest expression in building meaningful connections.What to listen for:What is Non-Violent Communication (NVC), and why is it crucial for creating empathetic relationships?How can self-connection and self-awareness enhance our ability to communicate effectiv...

This week, Kaity and Adriane chat with Melquea Smith, a New York-based children's book illustrator who is obsessed with children's media. Melquea shares her love of designing black characters for children's books and creating characters that children can relate to, from the curls of their hair to the unique patterns of their clothes.Melquea also shares the secrets of her craft, her approach to the process of creating authentic black characters in her illustrations, and how she's changing the ...

This week, Kaity and Adriane discuss mastery-based learning and how technology is revolutionizing personalized instruction. Episode 44 also explores: 🔥 the risks of excessive screen time🔥 the need for digital tools that prioritize learning🔥 essential features of strong educational technology🔥 the challenges of implementing mastery-based learning without technology🔥 the benefits of a mastery-focused approach 🔥 and so much more!This episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in...

This week, Kaity and Adriane chat with Natalie Wexler, an education writer and the author of "The Knowledge Gap," about the root causes of the pervasive knowledge gap, the unintended consequences of modern education, and actionable solutions for closing the achievement gap and igniting a love of learning in students. Episode 43 also explores:  🔥 the significance of explicit instruction, guided practice, and frequent retrieval practice 🔥 the link between screen time, family dynamics, and...

This week, Kaity and Adriane chatted with Ned Johnson, co-author of "The Self-Driven Child" and "What Do You Say?" about healthy brain development. Episode 42  explores: 🔥 the impact of school start times on brain development 🔥 fostering genuine connections that inspire our youth to thrive in and out of the classroom 🔥 the need for an ideal learning environment 🔥 technology's double-edged sword in modern childhood 🔥 the power of intrinsic motivation 🔥 how happiness and engagement are...

This week, Kaity and Adriane chat with Norton Rainey, CEO of ACE Scholarships. Norton is all in on opening doors to top-notch education for every kid, no matter where they come from. In this episode, Norton dives into how ACE Scholarships is making a huge difference for families and just how important it is for parents to stand up for their kids' learning. Episode 41 also explores:  🔥 tax credits and Education Savings Accounts and what that means for public schools' cash flow 🔥 how tech...

This week, Kaity and Adriane chat with Matt Barnes, who works to help parents defend their children from hidden threats that are unique to the 21st century. In this episode, Matt uncovers three of those threats. Matt also discusses the challenges faced by students in the education system and the importance of empowering parents to take ownership of their children's education. He highlights the impact of technology and AI on children and emphasizes the need for a more flexible and relevant...

This week, Kaity and Adriane chat with Mike Oliver, the progressive principal of Mountain View High School in Mesa, Arizona, about the components of an ideal educational opportunity for students. Mike, driven by the profound belief in doing what's best for kids, was also the founding principal of Zaharis Elementary School, recognized as one of the “25 most innovative, inspiring and coolest schools in America."  Episode 39 also explores:  🔥 the importance of disrupting culture-bound biases...

This week, Kaity and Adriane chat with Olivia Nannono, the executive director of Enhance Humanity Uganda, about the challenges communities in Uganda face when it comes to accessing education and what her organization is doing about it. During the episode, you'll hear about the amazing work Enhance Humanity Uganda is doing to develop self-reliance and break cycles of dependency across Ugandan communities. You'll also learn about the importance of unconditional love and attachment in helping...

Ever found yourself wondering why your child seems overwhelmed by choices or why a simple instruction can lead to confrontation? This week, Kaity and Adriane's conversation with Linda K. Murphy, a speech-language pathologist and RDI® Consultant, answers this question and more. You'll learn all about declarative language and its powerful role in connecting more deeply with our kids, especially those navigating social learning differences.  Episode 37 also explores:  🔥 the impact of stress on...

This week, Kaity and Adriane chat with Trevor MacKenzie, an experienced teacher, author, keynote speaker and inquiry consultant, about the importance of relationship and curiosity in education, as well as the value of inquiry-led learning. Throughout the episode, you'll learn how nurturing inquisitiveness can lead to outstanding academic results and enhance students' well-being.  Episode 36 also explores:  🔥 the inquiry cycle and its phases 🔥 the role of provocation and student-generated...

This week, Kaity and Adriane discuss a new approach to understanding and addressing kids' behavior.  Their conversation dives deep into the developmental expectations placed on children and the need for age-appropriate support. Plus, they introduce a problem-solving approach that empowers children to find solutions and build critical thinking skills.  Episode 35 also explores:  🔥 parenting challenges and triumphs 🔥 the power of patience 🔥 the importance of modeling positive behavior 🔥...

This week, Kaity and Adriane chat with Peter Gray, research professor of psychology and neuroscience at Boston College and renowned author of "Free to Learn." This episode is all about the power of play in learning, shedding light on how self-directed exploration can ignite children's natural curiosity and shape their futures. Peter shares his journey into the field of education and his personal experience with his son's struggles in traditional schooling. He discusses the pivotal moment that...

This week, Kaity and Adriane chat with Caleb Collier, co-founder of The Forest School and director at The Institute for Self-Directed Learning. This episode is all about self-directed education, where learners take control, and the classroom becomes a place for personal growth and intrinsic motivation. Caleb explains the role of educators and parents in this innovative learning landscape and shares his journey of transformation from a conventional middle school educator to a trailblazer for...

This week, Kaity and Adriane chat with KJ Althoff,  Director of Content for Big Life Journal. This episode is all about navigating a child's emotions and how it can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves. KJ shares her insights into gentle parenting and fostering emotional literacy in children. This episode also explores: 🔥 the challenges of regulating our own emotions while teaching our children to manage theirs 🔥 how co-regulating alongside kids can create a nurturing environment 🔥...

This week, Kaity and Adriane chat with Seth Perler, an executive function coach who overcame his academic struggles and now offers hope to children facing similar challenges. They discuss learning differences, emphasizing the importance of advocating for each child's unique strengths and addressing the systemic roadblocks that can hinder their progress. This episode also explores:  🔥 the double-edged sword of labels 🔥 tensions that teachers face 🔥 the impact of recognizing every student's...

This week, Kaity & Adriane chat with Lenore Skenazy, author of "Free-Range Kids." You might have heard her called "America's Worst Mom." But don't let that moniker fool you! Lenore's journey from her kid's controversial subway ride to becoming a leading voice in child independence is nothing short of remarkable. In Episode 30 of The KindlED Podcast, we dive deep into the world of free-range parenting with the woman who started it all. This episode also explores: 🔥 the importance of...

On Episode 29 of The KindlED Podcast, Kaity and Adriane do a deep dive into their favorite books!  These reads aren't just for parents and educators—they're for anyone on a quest to grow alongside the children in their lives, fostering empathy and understanding in a world that often forgets the value of emotional health. Tune in and embark on a path of discovery that promises to enrich not only your parenting journey but your entire approach to life and relationships.   🔗 RELEVANT LINKS 🔗 📚...

On Episode 28 of The KindlED Podcast, Kaity and Adriane chat with Kelly Smith, CEO and founder of Prenda and author of "A Fire to be Kindled."  This episode dives into what it means to empower learners and Prenda's origin story. We journey through Kelly's formative experiences, how he fell in love with learning and wanted the same for his kids, and when he started to think about education, about microschools, and what if—what if we did things differently? This episode also explores: 🔥...