Discover how games can revolutionize the way we support children with social cognitive differences in our engaging conversation with Dr.Anna Vagin. Anna takes us on her journey into the world of social cognition, sharing her expertise in working with children on the autism spectrum, children with ADHD, and other communication challenges. Learn how attachment theory plays a crucial role in understanding these differences and how parents and educators can shift their perspectives to better supp...

Unlock the secrets of bedtime storytelling with our special guest, Andrew Newman, an acclaimed author and founder of Conscious Stories. He sheds light on the remarkable influence of bedtime stories in nurturing the priceless bond between parents and children. Together, we explore how those precious last 20 minutes of the day can be transformed into a powerful tool for emotional and cognitive growth, setting the stage for a lifetime of strong connections.Dive into the fascinating realm where s...

Ready to unlock the magic of math? 🎉 This episode features Richard Rusczyk, founder of Art of Problem Solving and Beast Academy. His journey—from an “aggressively average” high school in Alabama to Princeton—shows the magic of student empowerment through autonomy and intrinsic motivation. 🚀We explore learning spaces where project-based learning and creative problem-solving shine. Richard explains how leading with questions reduces math anxiety and builds confidence. Through stories of teacher...

Ready to dive into another amazing microschool this week? Tara Larsen from Flagstaff, Arizona, shares her journey from public school parent to Prenda guide. Tara's microschool is a shining light of joyful learning. Listeners will gain insights into how microschools maintain a learner-centered approach, allowing students to enter a flow state where engagement and curiosity lead to deeper learning experiences. The episode underscores the influence of modeling behaviors for children and ch...

Are you ready to reimagine education? Join us on this transformative episode of the Kindled podcast as we sit down with Candi Lehenbauer, Prenda guide and the driving force behind Tapestry Academy in Florida. Discover how Candi’s passion for microschooling led her to create a thriving educational environment that has evolved over the past five years. From handling fluctuating student numbers to shifting from a homeschool mindset to a tuition-based model, Candi’s journey is one of resilience a...

Our guest, Julia, made a bold leap from the public school system to create a transformative Prenda microschool right in her home. In this first installment of our three-part series, where we interview real microschool guides, Julia reveals the magic behind this unique educational approach. She shares her personal journey from burnout to reigniting her passion for teaching by fostering deep relationships and personalized learning paths for her students. Julia details her experience as a P...

It's the moment you've been waiting for all summer break... Introducing our #1 Top Season 1 episode:Embracing Individuality. A Conversation with Todd Rose.On this episode of The KindlED Podcast, Kaity and Adriane chat with Todd Rose, co-founder and CEO of Populace. They delve into the myth of the "average person" and the power of personalized learning.This episode also explores:the evolution of the "average" concept in education;the challenges posed by conventional teaching methods;insights i...

We're continuing summer break with #2 of our Top 10 Season 1 episodes.Can a child's self-esteem and academic performance be profoundly impacted by the labels they receive? This is one of the many crucial questions we explore in our re-release of a cherished episode with Seth Perler, a passionate advocate for children with ADHD and executive function challenges. Kaity and Adriane dive into the significant effects of inhibited dopamine function on children's behavior and development. They discu...

We're continuing summer break with #3 of our Top 10 Season 1 episodes.Join Kaity and Adriane as they chat with Dr. Deborah McNamara, a clinical counselor and educator with more than 25 years of experience working with children, youth, and adults, who unpacks her book "Rest, Play, Grow." This episode also explores:the importance of providing a supportive environment that allows children to rest in the security of their attachments outdated behavioral methods that push for early...

We're continuing summer break with #4 of our Top 10 Season 1 episodes.Join Kaity and Adriane as we discover how to nurture emotional resilience in children with guest Lael Stone, an expert in emotional intelligence. In this episode, she shares invaluable insights, from staying calm during emergencies to fostering emotional well-being, illustrated through a touching personal story about her daughter's injury. You'll gain practical advice on creating a nurturing environment that helps children ...

We're continuing summer break with #5 of our Top 10 Season 1 episodes.Ever wondered how transforming education from within can ignite a child's natural curiosity? Kaity and Adriane chat with Trevor MacKenzie, an experienced teacher, author, keynote speaker, and inquiry consultant, about this question and more. Trevor shares his journey of reshaping the educational landscape, emphasizing the importance of fostering strong teacher-student relationships and creating psychologically safe le...

We're continuing summer break with #6 of our Top 10 Season 1 episodes.What would it mean for your child to be described as resilient, empathetic, and self-assured? This episode offers you a roadmap to nurturing those very qualities. Discover the transformative power of shifting from a carpenter to a gardener mentality, among other paradigm shifts, as Kaity and Adriane revisit our second episode. They explore the real goals and roles of adults in empowering young minds, offering reflectiv...

We're continuing summer break with #7 of our Top 10 Season 1 episodes.Have you ever wondered if there's a better way to address challenging behaviors in children without resorting to punishment? On this episode of The KindlED Podcast, Kaity and Adriane revisit a groundbreaking conversation about collaborative problem-solving. Their conversation dives deep into the developmental expectations placed on children and the need for age-appropriate support. This episode also explores:paren...

We're continuing summer break with #8 of our Top 10 Season 1 episodes. Can freeing your child from the shackles of constant parental control lead to a happier, more successful future? Kaity and Adriane unlock the secrets to self-driven learning with Dr. William R. Stixrud, a renowned clinical neuropsychologist and co-author of "The Self-Driven Child." The episode also explores: the power of shifting from fear-driven parenting to fostering a calm, supportive atmosphere that allo...

We're continuing summer break with #9 of our Top 10 Season 1 episodes. On this episode, 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...

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...