High School Hamster Wheel

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Beyond the Hamster Wheel: Rethinking High School and College with Nat Greene

Thu, 23 May 2024 15:49:00 -0000

In this episode, I am thrilled to welcome Nat Greene to the podcast. Nat has accelerated the careers of hundreds of professionals of all ages as a consultant, coach, and business leader. Today, we'll be diving into some thought-provoking topics around education, including why the current system is broken, the misconceptions about the college application process, and innovative solutions like Nat's new venture, Futures Forge. This conversation is going to challenge some of the long-held beliefs about higher education. I invite you to listen with an open mind and consider all possibilities.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Navigating a Challenging Job Market with Jeanetta Warren

Thu, 09 May 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Today we are diving deep into the essential conversations about finding career success in today’s job market. In this episode, I am thrilled to welcome Jeanetta Warren, founder and CEO of JW Professional Writing Services, and the president-elect of the New Jersey Career Development Association. Jeanetta brings a wealth of knowledge in resume writing, LinkedIn profiles, and career branding. During our conversation, we will explore the intricacies of the current job market, discuss strategies for career advancement, and learn how to effectively brand ourselves for success. Whether you're a high school student pondering your future, a college graduate ready to step into the workforce, or you are mid-career pivoting in a new direction, this conversation will help you navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Autonomy-Supportive Parenting Part 2 with Dr. Emily Edlynn

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0000

I am super excited to bring you part two of my conversation with Dr. Emily Edlynn. Emily is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in pediatric health psychology who works in private practice with children, teens, and adults. She is also the author of her first book titled “Autonomy-Supportive Parenting = Reduce Parental Burnout and Raise Competent, Confident Children.”

In episode 140, Emily and I talked about autonomy-supportive parenting - what it means, why parents should choose to do it, and the research that demonstrates the positive impact it has on our kids. In this second part, we will be focusing on autonomy-supportive parenting for parents of children with neurodivergence and mental health challenges. This is an important topic and becoming more prevalent among teens and young adults. During our conversation, Emily reinforces the need for empathy and perspective when parenting neurodivergent kids and those with mental health challenges. She also provides valuable advice for parents to help their children develop a strong sense of self, no matter what challenges they may be facing.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Raising Independent, Competent and Confident Teens with Dr. Emily Edlynn

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0000

I am thrilled to bring you my conversation with Dr. Emily Edlynn, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in pediatric health psychology who works in private practice with children, teens, and adults. Dr. Edlynn is also the author of her first book, "Autonomy-Supportive Parenting = Reduce Parental Burnout and Raise Competent, Confident Children.” I picked up a copy of Emily’s book and couldn’t put it down. I just knew I had to invite her to be a guest on the show. During our conversation, we talk all about autonomy-supportive parenting - what it means, why parents should choose to do it, and the research that demonstrates the positive impact it has on our kids. As a parent of two young adults, I know how hard it is to relinquish control - what they do, who they hang out with, and the decisions they make. We are parenting from a place of concern and safety but in the end, controlling our kids does not support their autonomy. My conversation with Emily provides so much insight and actionable advice to help our kids live the life they want to live.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Parenting From the Passenger Seat with Pam Roy

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Today I am joined by Pam Roy. Pam Roy is a writer, filmmaker, investor, and philanthropist with a mission to provide community-based support for youth and families. Pam and I have a shared passion for parenting and educational transformation. During our conversation, Pam shares content from her new book, “Parenting From the Passenger Seat”, which by the way, is a must-read for anyone who parents, mentors or works with teens. We also talk about the value of social connections and how to help our kids find meaning. If your teen or young adult is struggling to find their path, this conversation will give you some insights and ideas to help them get back on track.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Helping Students Design a Life They Love with Hassan Akmal

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Today I am joined by Hassan Akmal, Executive Director, Career and Professional Development, UC San Diego, Author, Professor, Future of Work Expert, Career and Life Mastery Consultant, and TEDx Speaker.

During our conversation, Hassan tells the story of his extraordinary path through high school, and college, as a tennis pro, and as a career development professional. It’s a pretty incredible story and one that demonstrates the value of being intentional about designing your own life and career. Hassan and I talk about why everyone should be a curious explorer of their potential. Hassan shares why it’s important to begin the reflection process early when crafting a career and life vision statement, even if it’s not perfect.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Improving Student Health, Well-Being, Belonging and Engagement with Dr. Denise Pope

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 12:57:00 -0000

It’s a new year and I’m excited to bring you new episodes with some pretty amazing guests, beginning right now. My guest today is Dr. Denise Pope. Denise is a Senior Lecturer at Stanford University Graduate School of Education and is also the co-founder of Challenge Success, a school reform nonprofit. Additionally, she is the author of “Doing School": How We Are Creating a Generation of Stressed Out, Materialistic, and Miseducated Students. Dr. Pope lectures nationally on parenting techniques and pedagogical strategies to increase student health, engagement, and integrity. During our discussion, we talk about the importance of student feedback to improve their health, well-being, sense of belonging, and engagement with learning. Denise shares some results from the “Fit Over Rankings” research brief that she contributed to and…spoiler alert…where you go to college doesn’t make a difference. Denise reinforces what I keep saying over and over again, there is not one path to success. Whether you are an educator, a parent, or someone who cares about the future well-being of teens and young adults, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Teaching Teens to Navigate Uncertainty and Indecision with Marcia Wall

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 21:45:00 -0000

Today I am joined by Marcia Wall. Marcia is a certified Global Career Development Facilitator and a Certified Career Services Provider through the National Career Development Association. She is also certified to coach people who cope with mental illness and/or substance abuse issues. In today’s episode. Marcia and I will be discussing two words you may or may not be familiar with: Happenstance and Coddiwampling. Both two very fun words to say. But more importantly, two words that can have a big impact on our lives both personally and professionally. During our conversation, we talk about the importance of learning to be curious, flexible, and optimistic. We live in an unpredictable world and Marcia provides valuable insight and advice about how to navigate the uncertainty and indecision. She also shares why a growth mindset is fundamental for our kids’ success and why they need to learn to have faith in themselves. Be sure to stay tuned for Marcia’s actionable tips for parents of teens.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Jumpstarting Your Career While Still in College with Nicole Precourt

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0000

In this episode, I am joined by Nicole Precourt. Nicole is a Career and Educational Counselor and the owner of Waves of Change Careers. Nicole and I met in an online group for career coaches and counselors and immediately connected. We share a passion for helping teens and young adults explore and prepare for future careers. It’s become unfortunately clear to both of us that many students are graduating college without the career readiness skills that they need. During our conversation, Nicole and I talk about what students can be doing to develop the skills and strategies they need to be prepared for post-college employment and how they can stand out against all of the other recent graduates applying to the same jobs. This episode is packed full of valuable tips for networking, skills-building, and career exploration, so invite your college students and recent grads to listen along with you.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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The Future of Work is About Possibilities with Erin Lewber

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 13:35:00 -0000

In this episode, I am super excited to welcome Erin Lewber to the podcast. I met Erin recently on LinkedIn. I had been following Erin for a while and knew I had to reach out to her. Erin brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the show gained through her years of experience in staffing, recruiting, leadership and career coaching. During our conversation, we discuss today’s job search trends and the future of work. Erin shares valuable advice on knowing how to tell your story, how to ask good questions and why it’s important to learn to embrace the discomfort of being wrong.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Bridging the Gap Between Students and Work with Leah Jewell

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 16:39:00 -0000

In today’s episode, I am thrilled to welcome Leah Jewell back to the podcast. You might remember Leah from episode 30 when we talked about the future of work for teens and young adults. It’s hard to believe that our conversation was THREE years ago. The future of work has changed dramatically in that short time and I’m delighted that Leah agreed to come back to talk more about this important topic. Since we last spoke, Leah has co-founded an amazing new company called Work Simplr that you will want to share with your teens and young adults. The company’s mission is to connect students to paid work and from what I’ve seen, they are succeeding. Leah shares all the details about Work Simplr and how students can get started. And you’ll want to stay tuned till the end when Leah and I talk about AI and how it will likely impact the future of work for teens, young adults, and well, all of us.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Encouraging Teens to Pursue a Fearless Future with Deepali Yvas

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0000

In today’s episode, I am thrilled to welcome Deepali Vyas to the podcast. After spending a good part of her career in executive recruiting, Deepali has her finger on the pulse of the career landscape and what employers are looking for, and she has made it her mission to bring valuable advice and an amazing digital platform to help young people on their journey.

During our discussion, Deepali shares how and when she got her first taste of entrepreneurship and how it actually helped prepare her for her future career. We talk about helping teens and young adults focus on what they are good at and why it’s more important to follow your strengths rather than your passion. You won’t want to miss learning about Fearless+, the positive online experience that Deepali and her team built to inspire and motivate teens.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Prioritizing Career Exploration in Schools with Devon Turcotte

Thu, 25 May 2023 07:00:00 -0000

In today’s episode, I am thrilled to welcome Devon Turcotte to the podcast. Devon is a career advisor and the owner of Careerified. She has worked with thousands of teens, parents, and educators throughout her career and she is a wealth of information and insight related to helping young people build meaningful careers. During our conversation, Devon and I discuss the importance of career exploration in high school and how it can be a valuable tool when choosing a post-high school path. We also talk about the harm that social media is having on our kids' mental health. You won’t want to miss Devon’s advice regarding the value of gap year experiences for teens that are feeling stuck about what to do after high school.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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The Value of Career Exploration in Middle School with Beth Probst

Thu, 04 May 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Today I am thrilled to welcome Beth Probst to the show. Beth is the founder and CEO of At The Core. She has inspired parents of college-bound students to think strategically about how to select the best-fit college, major, and career so they don’t end up wasting precious time, energy, and money. In today’s episode, we’re focused on middle schoolers and why it’s not too early to be talking to them about careers. No, we’re not talking about helping them choose a career in middle school and stick with it. What we are talking about is starting to plant the seeds and open up the window to exploration and awareness. Students in middle school and even younger are exposed to careers every day, whether it’s through television, on the internet, or in real life. They see people working in education, medicine, retail, and other fields. And that’s helpful but what’s even more helpful is helping them learn more about themselves - what they enjoy, what they are good at, what they don’t enjoy, and what they can’t see themselves doing. During our conversation, Beth shares lots of helpful tips for parents to help get teenagers talking about careers. She also believes, as do I, that self-assessment is a huge part of the process. What about passion? Do teens need to have a passion in order to find a successful career? Stay tuned to hear Beth’s perspective on that.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Expert Tips for Optimizing the Job Search Using ChatGPT and LinkedIn with Jeremy Schifeling

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0000

I’m super excited to bring you this episode. It is timely and relevant and provides amazing tips and advice for anyone who is interested in learning more about how to optimize their career search journey. My guest today is Jeremy Schifeling. Jeremy has devoted his career to helping others succeed in theirs. From teaching kindergarten in Brooklyn to recruiting top students at Teach For America to leading education marketing at LinkedIn, he’s touched the lives of millions of people at every stage of their journeys. Along the way, he’s published the best-selling LinkedIn book on Amazon, served as a career coach for military veterans at Shift.org and MBA students at the University of Michigan, and produced the most-viewed video in LinkedIn’s history. He currently leads marketing at Khan Academy and shares his thoughts on Break into Tech, a site for anyone who wants to launch a tech career.

If you are interested in learning about AI chat models like ChatGPT and how they can help you in your job search, or if you have no idea what ChatGPT is and you are now sort of curious, you are definitely going to want to listen to my conversation with Jeremy. And if you want to learn how to start using or improve your skills using LinkedIn, again, you definitely want to listen to this conversation. Our world continues to evolve and like it or not, technology continues to play an important role in just about everything we do. The job market is becoming more competitive than ever. Wouldn’t it be great if we knew how to tap into tools and tech that would give us an advantage when seeking a new job or career? I’m happy to report that my conversation with Jeremy will provide just that. In the next 30 or so minutes you’ll hear it straight from an expert regarding the power of LinkedIn and how to use AI to simplify and improve your career search process.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Creating Opportunities for Teens to Test and Try with Jean Eddy

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0000

I am joined today by Jean Eddy. Jean is the President and CEO of American Student Assistance (ASA), where she develops and drives the overall strategic direction of the organization. During Jean’s tenure, ASA has pivoted to a new focus on helping students discover potential career paths earlier in their education journey. As you’ll hear during this episode, Jean is someone who has unlimited passion and commitment to helping kids, as early as middle school to know themselves, know their options, and make informed choices about their education and career goals.

During our conversation, we discuss why middle school (or earlier) is the right time for students to “test and try” and why relevance is so important to students when learning subjects in school. Jean discusses several tools that ASA has brilliantly developed for cell phones - meet them where they are, right? - that make exploration fun. Jean shares a number of amazing resources and websites that you’ll want to check out too, so be sure to check out the show notes where all links will be included.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Making a Bachelor's Degree More Valuable with Jeff Selingo

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0000

If you know or you are a current college student or a student preparing for college, this is a conversation you will not want to miss. And if you are a parent who has helped your teen through the college application process then today’s guest likely needs no introduction. I am beyond thrilled to welcome Jeff Selingo to the podcast. For those who may not know, Jeff is a well-known journalist and respected thought leader in the areas of higher education and the future of work. Through his newsletter, best-selling books, including his recent “Who Gets In and Why”, and his weekly podcast, Jeff continues to share important insights and experiences with his audience. And today that includes my audience, too.

During our conversation, Jeff and I discuss the future of education and work and where change needs to occur. He also shares why skills are so important in addition to a college degree. And be sure to stick around to hear Jeff’s advice for finding career-based active learning opportunities as great alternatives to internships. This interview is chock-full of valuable advice and many actionable tips for current and soon-to-be college students.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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You Don't Have to Stay in One Career Your Entire Life with Jackie Ducci

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 16:46:44 -0000

In this episode, I am thrilled to welcome Jacki Ducci back to the podcast. You might remember Jackie from my conversation with her early on in the podcast, episode 18. When Jackie first joined me just about three years ago, she was running her own business, a talent acquisition agency with an astounding 90 percent success rate placing candidates in long-term positions. By all accounts, Jackie was crushing it in her career. But despite all of her success, Jackie felt pulled in another direction. So last year, she left her career in recruiting and founded the Human-Animal Alliance, whose mission is to transform lives nationwide through the power and value of the human-animal bond.

During our conversation, Jackie and I talk about helping young people find a career that matters, how one adult’s words can shatter a teenager’s dreams, and why it’s never too late to pivot in a career. Jackie’s passion for animals is evident in the work that she does. If you know a teen or young adult who wants to work with animals but doesn’t want to pursue a career in veterinary medicine, this is a conversation you will want to hear.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Making the "Dirt World" a Better Place with Aaron Witt

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Today’s episode is relevant to anyone who drives a car, flips on a light switch, or flushes their toilet. That’s pretty much every single one of us, isn’t it? Today’s conversation is all about the trades. And no matter what you think about blue-collar careers, they are critically important for the future of our society. My guest today is Aaron Witt, self-proclaimed "Chief Dirt Nerd" and CEO of BuildWitt, a marketing and software business focused on helping the Dirt World (infrastructure and natural resources) solve its workforce challenge. During our conversation, Aaron shares his journey from high school, through college, to starting his own very successful business. We talk about the continuing need for trade workers and how parents can help their kids explore and pursue a lucrative career in the trades. Be sure to stay tuned to learn more about how a college degree might be helpful in the trade industry and why the “dirt world” is a cool place to work.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Finding a Career That Matters with Mike Marriner

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Today’s conversation is one that really resonated with me. As a teenager, I had no idea what I wanted for my life. I didn’t know where I was going and more importantly, I don’t think I really knew what mattered to me. Today I am joined by Mike Marriner of Roadtrip Nation. If you aren’t familiar with Mike or his mission, this is your lucky day. Mike is the founder and president of Roadtrip Nation, a mission-driven nonprofit in storytelling and education. Right after college, Mike and his friends hit the road in their bright green RV to capture empowering stories that would provide young people with the confidence and tools to find a career that matters to them. During our conversation, Mike talks about the origin of Roadtrip Nation and he shares some of the stories they collected along the way. After listening to our conversation, I highly recommend checking out the RoadTrip Nation YouTube channel and sharing it with the young people in your life.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Building a Strong Talent Pipeline in High School with Karin Smith

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 18:57:00 -0000

Today’s episode is one that is near and dear to my heart. It’s all about career exploration and planning in the K-12 years. My guest today is Karin Smith. Karin is an Educational Consultant for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction specializing in Academic and Career Planning, Dual Enrollment, and Career Pathways. I wish every school district in America had a Karin leading their career planning efforts. The work that Karin and her team are doing is making an enormous difference in the lives of students, giving meaning and relevance to their learning. Whether you are a parent, teacher, or administrator, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Recreating School for Every Child with Michael B. Horn

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 03:00:00 -0000

If you have been listening for a while, you might remember Michael Horn from episode 15 of the podcast. Last time we talked about his book, Choosing College, and how students and parents go about selecting a college. If you haven’t listened to that episode or read that book, I highly recommend it! Today, we’re talking about Michael’s newest book, Reopen to Reinvent: (Re)Creating School for Every Child. If you are like me, frustrated with the broken system of public education, this is a conversation you will want to hear. Michael has issued a call to action for educators to reinvent and reimagine education as we know it. We all need to be asking one very important question: “What do we want kids to be able to do when they leave high school?” and then deliver that in our schools. There’s a lot to unpack here, including how parents can play an active role and be part of the solution.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Building a Better Future for People with Autism with Lisa Sosnowski

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 02:06:00 -0000

I am thrilled to welcome Lisa Sosnowski to the podcast. Lisa is one of the most passionate, dedicated, big-hearted people I’ve met in my life. Her mission is to create a better world for people with autism through high-quality training and community. When Lisa’s young son was diagnosed with autism, she left her career in accounting to care for her son and to make sure that he was getting the best education and care possible. What she found over the years was that there were a lot of gaps in the services offered and that the services they did encounter weren’t providing what her son needed. Rather than sit back and complain about it, Lisa took matters into her own hands and spent years educating herself and connecting with people and resources who could make a difference. The result of all of her time and dedication led Lisa to her vision: creating a world in which people with autism can live and learn and become more independent.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Wisdom From My Favorite High School Graduates with Chris, Ethan, Jayden, Kaitlin, Logan, Michael, Reese and Sam

Thu, 26 May 2022 14:25:00 -0000

Today’s episode is very special to me. My firstborn son graduated from high school this week and it’s been a rollercoaster of emotion as we prepare to send him off to college in the fall. In addition to that big adjustment, my family is making a huge move from Florida to New Jersey this summer. Needless to say that I am up to my elbows in packing material and tissues as I burst into spontaneous tears more frequently as the days go on. Twelve years ago, we moved to our Florida home, and almost immediately, our boys made friends in the neighborhood. Little did we know back then that these would be friendships that would last a lifetime. It started out as six boys (who I lovingly refer to as the “six-pack”) and then over the past twelve years, the group grew to include several more. I’ve watched these kids grow up together through elementary school, then middle school, and finally high school. Some will be headed in the same direction this fall (Go Knights! Charge On!) and others will take a different path. As a gift to me, I asked this gang of high school grads to join me for this episode. We talk about their high school experience, what they wish was different about the past four years, and the stress they endured. Be sure to listen to the end as they offer their advice to incoming freshman and their parents.

Just a quick note for my listeners… this will be my last podcast episode until Fall. I will be packing up my microphone along with the contents of our home and moving it all to NJ this summer and I will return in September. I'll be on social media here and there but not much. I am actually looking forward to a bit of a disconnect for a while. Please know I will still be available by email. It might just take me a little bit to reply. So feel free to reach out. I'd love to hear how things are going with you and your teens. All that said, please enjoy this conversation with my favorite high school graduates.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Preparing Teens for Health and Wellness on the College Campus with Jill and Dave Henry

Thu, 12 May 2022 18:01:08 -0000

In today’s episode, I am joined by Jill and Dave Henry, authors of “The Greatest College Health Guide You Never Knew You Needed.” Not only are they published authors, but they are also parents and high school athletic coaches. In researching their book, Jill and Dave talked to hundreds of students as they developed this amazing “how-to manual” about how to manage food, booze, stress, sex, sleep, and exercise on campus. During our conversation, Dave and Jill explain why students struggle so much after high school and how parents can best support their children during the college years. They also share valuable tips for parents when talking to teens about alcohol and why it’s so important that our kids know their limits. Some of the topics that we discuss might make some listeners uncomfortable, but I truly believe that it is important that we have these conversations with our teens now, to prepare them for what lies ahead.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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College Is Not Mandatory with Stephanie Haynes

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 07:00:00 -0000

In this episode, I am joined by Stephanie Haynes. Stephanie is an Education Coach and Consultant providing custom educational consulting and coaching for high school students, educators, and schools that equips all stakeholders to build a pathway to a successful future that teens are excited to pursue. She is also the author of “College Is Not Mandatory: A Parent’s Guide to Navigating All the Options Available to Our Kids After High School”.

During our conversation, Stephanie provides insight as to why teens seem to be lacking in motivation right now and why parents need to abandon their fear of missing out (FOMO) mindset. You won’t want to miss Stephanie’s valuable advice on how to get your teens talking about their life after high school. This episode is packed full of helpful tips and actionable steps for parents of teens.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Helping Teens Develop Healthy Eating Habits with Renata Cambria

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 15:01:55 -0000

If I asked you to walk into your kitchen pantry and tell me what was on your shelves, what would be the first three items you would list? I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that we have way too many carbs on our pantry shelves and more processed food than we should. Most of the time, I can walk on by and avoid eating those unhealthy foods but my teenagers are another story. Chips, cookies, and the "can't live without it" mac and cheese are probably our biggest culprits. I try to limit those snacks within our home but if I'm being honest, I could definitely do better. But even if I do clean up our pantry, how do I encourage my teens to eat better outside the home? And when they head off to college or career or wherever they go, then what? My guest today is here to help!

I’m thrilled to welcome Renata Cambria to the podcast. Renata is a board-certified health coach and the founder of Create Health Coaching. During our conversation, Renata shares the benefits of healthy eating starting at a young age. She also explains the importance of the gut-brain connection and why some hormonal imbalances may be nutrition-related. Be sure to stick around till the end when Renata offers actionable tips and strategies for parents to guide their children to become healthy eaters.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Customized Learning in a Student-Centered Environment with Abby Brody

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Get ready for a conversation that will make you rethink the traditional ways of post-high school education. My guest today is Abby Brody. Abby is a mother on a mission to bring education to meet the needs of the modern student and the knowledge-based economy. She is also a co-founder of The MYX, a personalized outcome-based approach to higher education that puts purpose and experience first.

During our conversation, Abby explains why The MYX was created and how it works. We also discuss the importance of creating flexible learning ecosystems and why we need to give the power back to students. Abby shares why meaning in learning is critical for success and how to ensure that learning is “sticky”. There’s a lot to unpack here so be sure to listen all the way to the end.

One more special note about today’s episode - I am joined in this episode by my new friend and podcast apprentice, Carson Greenberg. Carson reached out to me recently to ask if I would consider having him as an apprentice for the podcast. Of course, I said yes! Carson has been involved in the researching, planning, producing, and editing of this episode, and spoiler alert - he also participates in the interview! Carson is one of the sharpest (and funniest!) teenagers I’ve had the pleasure to work with and I’m grateful for his expertise and perspective. I wouldn’t be surprised if Carson ends up with his own podcast one day soon. So without further ado, please enjoy our conversation with Abby Brody.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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College Prep Advice for Moms with Susan Borison and Stephanie Silverman

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 08:00:00 -0000

This episode is a special one and it’s personal for me. I had the pleasure of being a guest on the Your Teen podcast a few weeks ago. Susan Borison and Stephanie Silverman have become two of my favorite podcasters and also my new BFFs. The three of us thought it would be fun if I turned the mic around and interviewed them about what it’s like to send your firstborn off to college. My son will be starting college this fall and will be living far from home. I’m starting to prepare myself for all of the change and worry that is coming my way and I could definitely use some reassurance. Sue and Steph to the rescue! I pummeled them with questions and they gave me helpful honest answers that I hope will help you too.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Early College as an Alternative to the Traditional High School Path with Tom Pike

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 08:00:00 -0000

If you are a loyal listener, then you are well aware that I am passionate about today’s topic. In this episode, I am joined by Tom Pike. Tom is the founder of Jump Education, an educational consulting service that helps families and teens understand the benefits of Early College and how to access that path. I am all about helping young people find the path that is best for them and the early college path is one that is definitely worth exploring. During our conversation, Tom explains what early college is and the types of students that will do well with early college. He also outlines the many benefits of early college related to mental health, finances, engagement, customization, and educational outcomes. It’s no secret that our public school systems are struggling due to a lack of teacher retention and outdated standards that just don’t fit today’s learners. If your teen is fed up with high school and has lost their passion for learning, sit down next to them and hit the play button. You won’t regret it.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Essential Skills for Career Success with Mark Herschberg

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 17:57:00 -0000

Today’s episode is one of my favorite topics as it is related to helping young people plan for the world of work. My guest today is Mark Herschberg, author of The Career Toolkit, Essential Skills for Success That No One Taught You. Mark has spent his career launching and developing new ventures at startups and Fortune 500s as well as in academia. During our conversation, Mark shares lots of helpful tips for young people embarking on a new career but his advice is valuable for job seekers of any age. We talk a lot about mentors - why they are important and how to find the right one. And be sure to listen to the end when Mark talks about the FREE career toolkit app that he created.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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The Value of Understanding our Aptitudes with Betsy Wills

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 15:22:00 -0000

Today we are talking about aptitudes and why they are important. But what exactly are aptitudes and how are they different from skills? I’m glad you asked! My guest today is Betsy Wills. Betsy is the founder of YouScience, the career assessment tool that I use in my coaching practice. If you are a data nerd like I am, you are in for a treat. During our conversation, Betsy shares the origin of YouScience, why it’s so different from other assessment tools, and how to identify career opportunities that are a good fit for your aptitudes, skills, interests, and values. Stick around to hear Betsy walk through a portion of my own personal YouScience results and how I can apply them in my life.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Gap Year Experiences for Neurodiverse and Non-Traditional Learners with Jane and Jason Sarouhan

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 18:09:14 -0000

Today, I am welcoming Jane and Jason Sarouhan back to the podcast. They are the owners of J2Guides, a gap year counseling service. You might remember them from episodes 16, 26, and 55. Yes, they are my most-frequent guests here on the pod, and there’s a reason for that. There has never been a better time for a gap year and there is no one better to inform and educate on this topic than Jason and Jane. In this episode, we are focusing on gap year experiences for neurodiverse and non-traditional learners. There are a plethora of amazing gap experiences available for all types of individuals, and if families just spend some time and do their research, they will be able to find the perfect fit for their teen or young adult. During our conversation, Jane and Jason dispel some of the myths about gap years and they share some data related to college student success rates following gap years. Spoiler alert: just about every college-bound student who pauses to take a gap year not only attends college but ends up finishing faster than the average student. Don’t believe me? Check out the link to supporting data in the show notes. Jane and Jason also provide helpful information about gap experiences that will not only support neurodiverse learners but will help them build valuable life skills and develop more independence. As always, Jane and Jason bring tons of information, insight, and advice to our conversation and I'm grateful for the work that they do.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Parenting with Positive Psychology with Ann Imig

Thu, 30 Dec 2021 08:00:00 -0000

In today’s episode, I am delighted to welcome a great friend and someone I’ve admired for a long time. Ann Imig is a positive psychology certified life coach at listenlifecoaching.com. Ann and I met when our firstborn kiddos were in preschool (over a decade ago). We moved away shortly thereafter but Ann and I have stayed connected over the years. Ann has traveled a very interesting and successful journey and she shares more about that in this episode. During our conversation, Ann explains what positive psychology is, how we can apply it in our lives and how we can use it to help our teens thrive. Ann shares some tips about helping our teens conquer the college application process - she and I are both watching our kids go through that right now and it is no picnic. Be sure to stick around to hear Ann’s valuable advice for parents of teens. Our conversation is fun and informative and filled with lots of helpful tips from Ann.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Bringing Student-Driven Learning to Education with Dr. Sonn Sam

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 08:00:00 -0000

Today’s episode is one that you won’t want to miss. It’s no secret that I am passionate about education, especially when it comes to our teens. And while it doesn’t make me popular with some people, I tend to speak up about the critical need for education reform in our schools. For me, it’s not so much about education but about learning and how we can fix a broken system so that the young people of today will be equipped for the future. This isn’t just about college prep or career planning. Don’t get me wrong, those are important too. But I am talking about the impact that our current education system has on our kids' ability to learn, to build skills, to explore, be curious and gain confidence and self-worth. I’m beyond thrilled to welcome Dr. Sonn Sam to the podcast today. Dr. Sam is the Regional Director with Big Picture Learning, a national and international network of schools committed to activating the potential of schools, systems, and education through student-driven, real-world learning. He has been an innovative educator for over 18 years. During our conversation, Dr. Sam talks about his own journey through high school and how it impacted the work he does today. He also shares how we can provide students with authentic opportunities to solve real-world problems. You won’t want to miss Dr. Sam’s perspective on what needs to change and how that change is already underway. It’s conversations like this that remind me why I pivoted in this direction in the first place. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Navigating the Maze of the Adolescent Years with Cynthia Muchnick and Jenn Curtis

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 08:00:00 -0000

Today I’m excited to bring you not one but two amazing guests. Cynthia C. Muchnick, M.A. & Jenn Curtis, M.S.W. are the co-authors of The Parent Compass: Navigating Your Teen's Wellness and Academic Journey in Today's Competitive World. You might be wondering right now... just what is the Parent Compass? Well, I’m glad you asked! During our conversation, Jenn and Cindy share how and why they wrote their book. They will also provide their expert advice for helping our teens learn how to develop grit and resilience and why nothing matters more than our relationship with our teens. Be sure to stick around until the end when they talk about our number one job as parents. Along with advice and insight, after listening to our conversation, you’ll walk away with actionable steps that you can put in place today.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Transitioning Neurodiverse Teens Into Young Adulthood with Dr. Thomas Welch

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 08:00:00 -0000

In today’s episode, I am delighted to welcome Dr. Thomas Welch to the podcast. Dr. Welch is a child and family clinical psychologist and leading expert in working with neurodiverse young people and their families. He specializes in working with those on the autism spectrum, and those identified as Twice Exceptional (2e). Dr. Welch is also the author of “The Breakaway: A Parent’s Guide to Transitioning the Autistic and Twice Exceptional Adolescent Into Young Adulthood.” During our conversation, Dr. Welch offers valuable insights about the best ways to help neurodiverse teens transition through and beyond adolescence. He also explains the five stages of change as well as the biggest mistake that parents make. You won’t want to miss Dr. Welch’s expert advice on equipping teens with the most important skills needed to succeed in the world. Whether you have a neurodivergent teen or not, this is a must-listen for parents.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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30 Ways to Earn College Credit with Jennifer Cook-DeRosa

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 08:00:00 -0000

This week’s guest brings a ton of value to the show. Today I’m thrilled to introduce you to Jennifer Cook-DeRosa. Jennifer is the founder and executive director of Homeschooling for College Credit. If you aren’t familiar with it, Homeschooling for College Credit is an online support community that is free to join and run entirely by volunteers. Each year, this social organization helps thousands of homeschooling families learn how to inject college credit into their homeschool programs. If your family is not homeschooling and/or doesn't have teenagers, stick around anyway because Jennifer shares lots of helpful tips and suggestions for ANYONE who wants to earn college credits through alternative methods. During our conversation we talk about dual enrollment, earning credits through testing, and why transferability is so important. Jennifer also shares her journey through earning her own four-year college degree in just 18 months. Be sure to share this one with every parent of a high schooler that you know. It's a game-changer for parents of teens.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Your Teenager Isn't Lazy with Dr. Adam Price

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 07:00:00 -0000

My guest today is Dr. Adam Price. Dr. Price is a clinical psychologist with more than 20 years of experience working with children and teens. He is also the author of “He’s Not Lazy: Empowering Your Son to Believe in Himself.” During our conversation, Dr. Price explains what he means when he says that teenagers aren’t lazy. We also discuss the true underlying issue that causes our teens to opt out, and why Dr. Price believes that we must encourage our teens to do things that make them feel proud.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Empowering Youth Success Through Skilled Trades with Aaron Valencia

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Today’s episode is number 4 in a 4-part series on skilled trades and blue-collar careers. I hope you have enjoyed hearing the first three interviews as much as I have enjoyed doing them. Prepare to be blown away by this week’s guest. I am beyond thrilled to welcome Aaron Valencia to the podcast. Aaron is the Executive Director and Founder of the Lost Angels Children’s Project and an extraordinary human. His goal is to provide young people with the tools they need to succeed and help open doors and opportunities that improve their quality of life. He thrives on teaching and empowering youth in the local community to rise above their circumstances. During our conversation, Aaron shares his motivation for starting Lost Angels Children’s Project, why he and his team are teaching more than just trade skills and what parents can do to support a teen who is struggling with addiction. You won’t want to miss Aaron’s advice for young people who are interested in careers in the trades.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Becoming a Blue Collar Entrepreneur with Ken Rusk

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 11:23:00 -0000

If you’ve been listening to my two most recent episodes, you already know that I’m publishing a four-part series about jobs in the trades and blue-collar careers. It’s no secret that tradespeople are in high demand and that there just aren’t enough workers to fill jobs that exist today, not to mention in the coming years. My guest today is Ken Rusk. You might remember Ken from episode 62. It’s been a while since Ken was here and he is back with some exciting news and a brand new course to help people of any age find their way to a life of comfort, peace, and freedom. For those who aren’t familiar with Ken, he has had quite an amazing journey as a blue-collar entrepreneur beginning as a ditch digger while in his teens, and now decades later as a highly successful business owner. During our conversation, Ken shares his wisdom and experience on topics including the power of young money, and why our teens should learn how to visualize their future, much like they would when planning a vacation. And you won’t want to miss Ken’s advice about turning "IF goals" into "WHEN goals".

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Careers in the Trades Aren't Gender-Specific

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0000

This week’s episode is number two in a series of four highlighting blue-collar careers and careers in the trades. Last week we heard from Steve Turner of Bring Back the Trades. If you missed that episode, be sure to check it out. This week, I am delighted to welcome Andrea Harris to the podcast. Andrea is the CEE, Chief Empowerment Executive, at a non-profit organization called Tools and Tiaras, where she and her co-founder Judaline Cassidy, mentor and teach young people about the trades. Having spent over 20 years as a cement mason in New York City, Andrea has a wealth of experience and wisdom for young people interested in careers in the trades. During our conversation, Andrea talks about her unexpected path into the trades, how to get young people started in the trades and why she draws a diamond and a heart on each of her tools. You won’t want to miss Andrea’s advice about getting a debt-free education in the trades and her biggest lesson in life.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Bringing Back the Trades with Steve Turner

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0000

I’m super excited to bring you today’s episode. It’s one of four in a series this month focused on blue-collar careers and the trades. If you are a loyal listener, you know that I have no issue with college but the fact is, that a college path is not the right path for everyone. As a society and as parents, we need to help empower our kids to explore all paths, including those that don’t require college. In today’s episode, I am joined by Steve Turner. Steve has spent the past 40 years working in the trades, and as a business owner for 30 of those years. He realized pretty quickly that it was becoming increasingly difficult to hire skilled workers in the trades, so he took it upon himself to start a nonprofit called Bring Back the Trades, where he provides scholarships to young people who are pursuing careers in the trades. During our conversation, Steve shares how Bring Back The Trades all started with a hat and how to get teens interested and excited about working in the trades. Steve believes, and I agree, that we need to encourage a shift in mindset to make the trades a popular choice for young people today.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Celebrating 100 Episodes of the High School Hamster Wheel Podcast with Betsy Jewell

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 02:41:00 -0000

I’d like to welcome you to a very special episode of the High School Hamster Wheel podcast. I am beyond thrilled to tell you that this is the 100th episode of the podcast. Even when I say that out loud, it’s still hard to believe. I remember recording episode one like it was just yesterday. And coincidentally, today happens to be International Podcast Day, so there’s even more reason to celebrate!

I am not just a podcaster. I am a parent of teens which means that I am going through this right along with you. Little did I know when I started this podcast that I would gain so much knowledge and insight from every single guest. It’s been an unexpected bonus for me in that I can apply this personally in my own life, and that has been invaluable as my family navigates the high school hamster wheel. Every child is different (even those that are raised in the same household as I am finding out!) and there is no one size fits all solution for every teen or young adult. As I cross the threshold of 100 episodes, I can’t think of a better time to reflect back on my previous episodes and share some of the takeaways that I have gained along the way. This isn’t a complete list. It would take multiple episodes to share everything I have learned. But I encourage you to go back through the list of all 100 episodes, search the topics and listen to the conversations that are relevant to you where your child is right now. Save the rest for later. They will be here whenever you need them. And as always, thanks for listening.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Success Doesn't Always Require a College Degree with Betsy Jewell

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0000

I am super excited to bring you a “bonus episode” today. I was recently interviewed by my friend, Joanna Lilley, and our conversation aired on her podcast, Success is Subjective. I thought it would be helpful for me to share our conversation here as well because I think it provides a lot of insight and background into who I am and why I am so passionate about what I do. Joanna and I are extremely liked-minded when it comes to helping young people transition through adolescence and into adulthood. During this episode, I share my journey from my high school years all the way up to today and I provide the reasons why I continue to try to move the needle as it relates to perceptions about college versus alternative paths. As you’ll hear during the interview, I believe that it is up to us as parents to get these important conversations going with our teens, as well as with other parents. If we hope to remove the stigmas associated with non-college paths, then we need to start changing that mindset at home. I’d love to hear from you after you listen to this episode. Whether you think or feel differently, I welcome all perspectives and points of view. So please reach out to me via social media or email and let me know what you think.

Be sure to tune in next time for my 100th episode of the High School Hamster Wheel podcast!

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Knowing the Signs of a Struggling College Student with Joanna Lilley

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0000

In this episode, I am welcoming back Joanna Lilley to the podcast. If you are a loyal listener, you might remember Joanna from episodes 33 and 69. If you missed those episodes, be sure to check them out because Joanna ALWAYS provides valuable advice for parents of teens and young adults. During our conversation, Joanna and I discuss something called “early alert”. It might have a different name based on the college or university, but basically, it’s the point during the first semester of college, about mid-way through, when students are identified as at-risk for failing a class. For parents who have close communication with their kids, this might not be a surprise. But in many cases, parents have no idea their young adult is struggling, and by the time they find out, it’s too late to take action. Joanna shares her experience inside higher ed and how schools identify struggling students, the difference between student retention and student success, and why declaring a major can help keep students engaged. Be sure to listen to the end when Joanna provides helpful advice for parents about how to help their young adults when they are struggling.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Career Exploration Through Experiential Learning with Dr. Mandy Pacheco

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0000

In this episode, I am delighted to welcome Dr. Mandy Pacheco to the podcast. Crossing paths with Mandy was a huge stroke of luck, thanks to our mutual friend Michelle. Once we connected, I knew I had to have her on the podcast. Mandy’s years of experience in higher education as well as her role as a flex-schooling parent provides her with the perfect blend of insight and expertise from both perspectives. During our conversation, we discuss the importance of experiential learning and why consent in education is critical to the success of our kids. Mandy provides valuable suggestions for parents whose kids aren’t in love with learning. And you won’t want to miss Mandy’s advice for parents of incoming college students. I continue to learn from Mandy every time I speak with her and I’m sure you will learn from her too.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Guiding Teens Through Grief and Loss with Karen Moon

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 14:42:00 -0000

Today’s topic is one that will resonate with every parent, no matter the age of their kids. I’m thrilled to welcome Karen Moon, a psychotherapist specializing in grief and loss to the podcast. Karen has a private practice in Wayne, Pennsylvania and she has worked with teenagers for over fourteen years. During our conversation, Karen shares her expert wisdom and insight to help parents as they guide their teens through grief and loss. Some of the topics we cover include helping our teens gain resilience, learning to be ok with “I don’t know” and how to get comfortable with the lack of control. As our kids transition back into in-person school this year, this episode is a resource you won’t want to miss.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Helping Teenagers Manage Anxiety with Dr. Tonya Crombie

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0000

In today’s episode, I am delighted to welcome Dr. Tonya Crombie to the podcast. Tonya is an author, a certified life coach, and a parent of two teenagers. Her experience both professionally and personally has equipped her with valuable insight into helping young people manage anxiety and successfully transition to adulthood. During our conversation, we talk about the emotional rollercoaster that we’ve all been on during the past 18 months, why being transparent about our own anxiety can be a huge help to our teens, and why we need to put on our own metaphorical oxygen mask first. Be sure to listen through to the end as Tonya shares why it’s so important for us to befriend our anxiety. Everyone experiences anxiety at some point in their life, so this episode is filled with valuable advice and strategies no matter who you are.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Keeping Students Safe on College Campuses with Louis Profeta, M.D.

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 07:00:00 -0000

In this week’s episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Louis Profeta, M.D. Dr. Profeta has decades of experience as an emergency physician at St. Vincent Hospital of Indianapolis, a level one trauma center. He is also an award-winning writer. You may be familiar with some of his work, including his essay titled “A Sunday Talk on Sex, Drugs, Drinking and Dying”, on the topic of drugs, sexual assault, and alcohol abuse on college campuses. Dr. Profeta travels the country talking to college students and his approach is extremely direct and brutally honest. Trigger warning... we talk about drug and alcohol abuse and the experience of losing a child. Please consider that before listening to this episode. My goal in interviewing Dr. Profeta is to help educate parents about how to prepare their teens for college and life after high school in order to keep them safe. During our conversation, Dr. Profeta shares his wisdom and experience on topics including how to get through to your kids during the tough conversations, the danger of sending your kids to college with prescription drugs, and how to tell if your teen is truly ready to go to college.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Winning the Game of College Admissions with Susan Paterno

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Today’s episode is a must-listen for parents of college-bound teens. My guest today is Susan Paterno, author of “Game On: Why College Admission is Rigged and How to Beat the System.” As Susan explains during our conversation, college admissions is a game but unfortunately, the rules aren’t clear to all participants (especially parents) and colleges have the advantage. But don’t despair, thanks to Susan and her valuable advice, we can level the playing field by equipping ourselves with knowledge, information, and strategies before allowing our kids to incur a paralyzing amount of student loan debt. I say “we” because I am a parent right smack in the middle of this journey. Our high school senior is building his college list and we are getting ready to complete our FAFSA. So I can tell you first-hand that my conversation with Susan is incredibly helpful. She shares some background on how we arrived where we are today, how families can get the best return on investment from college and why the US News college rankings are bogus. Be sure to listen all the way to the end where Susan shares her own family’s journey through the college admissions process and as she offers her expert advice for parents to get the best college deal.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Top 10 "What Not to Do" Tips for Parents of High School Freshmen with Susan Borison and Stephanie Silverman

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 07:00:00 -0000

A few weeks ago I was chatting with a friend whose first-born will be starting freshman year of high school next week. She had some questions about what to expect and how to help her teen navigate high school. It reminded me of when my oldest started high school and how overwhelmed I felt. So, I decided to reach out to friends and the High School Hamster Wheel community to crowd-source some advice from parents of teens. I am certainly not the expert but I am surrounded by high school moms and dads who have “been there, done that” and who have wisdom and experience to share. I couldn’t think of anyone better to join me in this episode than my favorite podcast moms, Susan Borison and Stephanie Silverman from Your Teen for Parents. As I’ve said before more than once, the best advice and support I have received has been from parents of teens who are a few years ahead of mine. We thought it would be fun to share the “what to do” advice on the Your Teen podcast and the “what not to do” here on the High School Hamster Wheel podcast. So be sure to tune in to Your Teen when you finish this episode. While this conversation is geared toward parents of freshmen, there’s a lot here for parents of high schoolers no matter what grade they are in.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Adulting 101 With a Side of Waffle Fries with Josh Burnette

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 07:00:00 -0000

In this episode, I welcome Josh Burnette to the show. Josh is a business owner and the co-author of two Adulting 101 books. We hear that term being thrown around a lot lately. Adulting. It’s defined as “the practice of behaving in a way characteristic of a responsible adult, especially the accomplishment of mundane but necessary tasks.” As Josh describes it, adulting does include the tactical aspects and the hard skills, but it’s also very much about cultivating healthy adulthood and living your best life. During our conversation, Josh shares the benefits of having a job at a young age and some dos and don’ts for teen job seekers. He has a lot of experience working with young people, as he is the owner and operator of a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Virginia. You won’t want to miss the four core principles for success that Josh instills in his team. No matter what your actual age, this episode has something for everyone who wants to become better at adulting!

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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Why Your Teen Lacks Career Direction (They Don't Know Their S.H.A.P.E.)

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 07:00:00 -0000

I’m joined today by my partner-in-career-coaching Jay DuSold. This episode will sound a bit different from others I’ve published. I’m sharing the audio from a recent live event that Jay and I held in our Life After 12th Facebook group, so the format is different. Unfortunately, the audio quality isn’t as good as I hoped but please don’t let that deter you from listening all the way to the end. This topic is one of the most important I’ve covered on this podcast. It’s all about helping young people see and understand their SHAPE. You may be wondering what I mean by SHAPE. Well, it’s an acronym for the five facets of a person's inner wiring that directly relates to career direction. Listen in as we explain each facet and why they are so important for finding career direction. And after listening to our conversation, if you still have questions or need more clarification, please reach out to me or to Jay. We’d love to connect with you.

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Asking the Right Questions to Find the Best College Fit with Dr. Paul J. LeBlanc

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 07:00:00 -0000

This episode is a long one but please stay with me until the end. Trust me when I say it’s worth every minute of your time. I’m joined today by Dr. Paul J. LeBlanc. Dr. LeBlanc has spent more than 17 years as President of Southern New Hampshire University. If you haven’t heard of SNHU until now, you’re not alone. I hadn’t heard of it either until a mutual connection introduced me to Dr. LeBlanc. It’s definitely worth mentioning that SNHU was #12 on Fast Company magazine’s “World’s Fifty Most Innovative Companies” list and was the only university included. Forbes Magazine has listed Dr. LeBlanc as one of its 15 “Classroom Revolutionaries” and one of the “most influential people in higher education.” After listening to today’s episode, you will understand why. During our conversation, Dr. LeBlanc talks about the key to building resiliency in young people, why finding the right college fit is not as simple as it sounds, and why the choice of college major is far more important than the choice of school. Dr. LeBlanc discusses the three goals he sets every day and the reasons we need more flexibility in higher education. If you are like me, you will be amazed when you hear about the innovative competency-based education model happening at SNHU’s College for America. Be sure to stay tuned until the end when Dr. LeBlanc shares the one most important question that parents should be asking when helping their teen choose a college.

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Avoiding Common College Pitfalls with Carol Ben-Davies

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Today’s episode is one that I believe will benefit parents of teens going off to college or on to any next step after high school. It’s all about taking proactive steps to help ensure your teen or young adult is equipped and empowered to succeed in their next chapter. I connected with my guest, Carol Ben-Davies, through her post in a parenting Facebook group where we are both members and knew I had to have her on the show. As a society, we are so focused on making sure our kids get into college and figuring out how we will pay for it, that we spend very little time thinking about what happens after our kids get there. Are they set up for success? Are they prepared for what lies ahead? Do they have a plan in place if things go off the rails? Carol shares wisdom and insight from her time on the inside in both college admissions and student life. Carol’s actionable advice for parents can mean the difference between staying in school and dropping out.

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The Truth From Teens: What Parents Need to Know About Career Confusion with Jay DuSold

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 07:00:00 -0000

In this episode, I’m welcoming back a familiar face (and voice), my friend and partner in crime, Jay DuSold. For those who may not know much about Jay, he is the founder of MapInMe Career Coaching for Teens, and as of a few months ago, I began working with him in his coaching business. Last week, Jay and I delivered our first-ever Find Your Fits Career Exploration Workshop for teens and young adults. We offered it in person, in my hometown in central Florida. The workshop was based upon Jay’s program and methodology and we tailored it to fit within three evening sessions. Needless to say, it was a jam-packed three evenings but in the end, based on the feedback from our attendees, it was a huge success. At the end of the workshop, we asked participants to provide us with some feedback and we included one important question in particular because we knew that parents would want to know the answer. During our conversation, we are sharing the feedback (anonymously) in the hope that it will help parents and other adults as they guide their teens to life after 12th.

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Seven Teachable Skills to Help Teens Thrive in the World with Dr. Michele Borba

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 07:00:00 -0000

In this episode, I am delighted to welcome Dr. Michele Borba to the podcast. Dr. Borba is an internationally recognized educator who has spoken to over one million parents and educators. She is recognized for her solution-based strategies on raising resilient kids, and has appeared over 150 times on the TODAY show, and has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, Time, and Dateline. I am a firm believer that her most recent book, “Thrivers, The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine” should be on the bookshelf in every parent’s home. When I am asked what I hope for my boys as they grow up and go out into the world, I often say I want them to be happy and I want them to thrive. But what does it really mean to thrive? Dr. Borba provides that answer along with the 7 teachable skills that set happy, healthy, high-performing kids apart.

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Crushing College Stress with Dale Troy

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 07:00:00 -0000

In this episode, I am joined by Dale Troy founder and owner of Crush College Stress, and mom to three young women. Dale’s mission is to help students gain confidence in their ability to handle college by teaching them strategies to reduce their daily stress and enable them to thrive. During our conversation, we talk about how to help teens transition to adulthood successfully and why it’s important for parents to identify potential challenges before their kids leave for college. Dale shares the #1 issue that college students face and how parents can help them get back on track.

One quick note about the audio quality of this episode… unfortunately, I had an unexpected technical issue with my microphone. So, basically, I sound like I’m speaking inside a tunnel. I’m sorry about that, but don't let that deter you, this episode is packed full of value for parents of teens and young adults.

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Performing Simple Research Now to Avoid Career Regret Later with Jay DuSold

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 11:06:36 -0000

Today’s guest is becoming a regular around here and I’m grateful for that! You might remember Jay DuSold from previous episodes of the podcast. From the time that we crossed paths, Jay and I knew that we were on the same page when it came to helping teens and young adults find their way to careers that they will love and stick with. In this episode, we talk about the importance of having our teens do career research BEFORE choosing a path after high school. I’m witnessing so many young people feeling overwhelmed and anxious because they have started on a path after high school but they have no idea where they are headed. That is causing stress and anxiety and they are losing their motivation to continue. During our conversation, Jay shares the six basic elements of a career position and why they are important. Parents, you are going to hear this message loud and clear... we need to learn about and get on board with the changing world of work. We can’t possibly help guide our teens on their journey if we don’t have the most current and relevant information. There’s a lot to unpack in this episode and Jay, as always, provides helpful, actionable advice.

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Teaching Teens to Solve Real-World Problems with Luke Harris

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 07:00:00 -0000

If you are a loyal listener, you probably know that most of my guests here on the High School Hamster Wheel podcast are grown-ups. But everyone once in a while, if I’m lucky enough, I get to interview a teen or young adult who is doing amazing things. Today’s guest is just that. In this episode, I welcome Luke Harris to the show. At the young age of just 15 years old, as a sophomore in high school, Luke discovered a gap in the way his high school was teaching engineering. So rather than complain about it, he decided to develop his own curriculum for teaching middle school and high school students how to research and prototype solutions. During our conversation, Luke shares how he became interested in engineering and why he thinks problem-solving is like a tree. Stick around till the end when Luke offers valuable advice for young people who want to learn more about engineering. Luke is an inspiration to people of all ages so be sure to invite your kids to listen with you!

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Parenting Teens For Who They Are with Stephanie Silverman

Thu, 27 May 2021 07:00:00 -0000

This episode is a fun one! I’m delighted to welcome Stephanie Silverman to the podcast. Stephanie is the co-founder of Your Teen Media, along with Susan Borison who I interviewed in episode 77. Stephanie brings multiple perspectives to our conversation. Through her role at Your Teen, she is immersed in all things raising teens, and bonus, she also happens to be a mom to three young adults. So she has a lot of experience and insight, both personal and professional, to share. During our conversation, Stephanie gives a great analogy about why parenting is like running your own little business. She also shares what she calls her most defining parenting moment. Be sure to listen all the way through when Stephanie offers the advice she gives her kids when they feel butterflies in their stomachs. There’s lots of great info and quite a few laughs in this episode, so I hope you enjoy it!

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Exploring Colleges That Change Lives with Kristina Dooley

Thu, 20 May 2021 07:00:00 -0000

You may have noticed that I’ve published several episodes lately having to do with college admissions. That's not the norm for me but I thought this one was definitely worth sharing. If you are a loyal listener, I hope you know by now that I have nothing against college but my primary goal with this podcast is to help parents guide their teens as they explore all paths through and beyond high school, whether that includes college or not. My guest today is Kristina Dooley. Kristina is a Certified Educational Planner (CEP) and founder of Estrela Consulting, an Ohio-based independent educational consulting firm. She has more than 20 years of experience working with students from around the world navigating the complex college and school search processes. In this episode, we’re talking about Colleges That Change Lives. You may already be familiar with the book and/or the website with the same title . It’s a pretty cool group of colleges that are definitely worth investigating. Most of them are smaller, private liberal arts colleges, but please don’t let that deter you from at least taking a look. These schools made the list for a reason and you just never know which college may turn out to be the best fit for your teen. During our conversation, Kristina shares valuable advice for parents about the right time to have the financial discussion with your college-bound kids, why you should view colleges like you would a hospital and two very important questions you should be asking those colleges that your teen is considering before they make a decision. I’m a huge fan of the Colleges That Change Lives book and website and this conversation with Kristina really inspired me to encourage my kids to take a closer look at these schools.

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Helping Young Adults Overcome Failure to Launch with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge

Thu, 13 May 2021 07:00:00 -0000

In this episode, I am delighted to welcome Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge to the show. Dr. Roseann is a mental health trailblazer, founder of The Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health and Dr. Roseann & Associates. Her mission is to "change the way we view and treat children’s mental health”. FORBES magazine called her, “A thought leader in children’s mental health”. Her work has helped thousands reverse the most challenging conditions, such as ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, autism, learning disabilities, Lyme disease, and PANS/PANDAS, using proven holistic therapies such as neurofeedback, biofeedback, and psychotherapy. Dr. Rosanne has been featured on dozens of media outlets including Fox, CBS, NBC, FORBES, PARENTS, and the New York Times.

Today we are focusing on something called “failure to launch”. You may have heard me mention that term in previous episodes, but if you aren’t familiar with it, in short it applies to those in their teenage years all the way through their early thirties who for different reasons, typically mental health and medical, don’t launch into the world of adulthood. During our conversation, Dr. Roseann shares some of the primary drivers for failure to launch, how to recognize signs of failure to launch in your teens and young adults before it becomes an issue, and the most important things you can do as a parent to help get your child back on track. Dr. Roseann has decades of experience and wisdom on this topic and it’s a must listen for parents of teens and young adults.

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Focusing on Career Development and Student Success with Dr. Samantha Haviland

Thu, 06 May 2021 07:00:00 -0000

My guest today is Dr. Samantha Haviland, Executive Director of Career Development and Student Success for Denver Public Schools. Sam and I were introduced by our mutual friend, Joanna Lilley, who’s been a guest on this podcast multiple times. I am SO grateful that Joanna connected us. You’ll hear me say this during our conversation, and I’m only half joking, if I could convince my family to go with me, I’d sell my house and move to Denver so my boys could attend Denver Public Schools. Don’t get me wrong, I love where we live, love our neighbors and love the winters here in Florida, and our public schools here are doing a pretty good job. It’s just that Denver Public Schools, otherwise known as DPS, is doing an amazing job in setting their students up for success after high school. From elementary school all the way through high school, DPS facilitates and encourages students to explore careers and start planning for their future. Their high school students have to complete their “check out” list before they can participate in graduation activities. DPS demonstrates a “we’re all in this together” mentality through their strong relationships with local businesses, colleges and legislators. And they make social emotional learning a priority for every single student in their district. There’s a ton of value in this conversation for parents, educators and anyone who cares about setting kids up for success.

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Authentic Transitioning to College and Life with Lauren Merritt

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 07:00:00 -0000

I’m really hopeful that today’s conversation will bring hope and direction to parents who may be feeling confused, scared or concerned about their teen’s future. Transitioning to life after high school, whether you are headed to college or someplace else, is difficult for most, and for some, it’s just plain overwhelming. Even for those students who seem to have what it takes to succeed academically, they may still need improvement in social skills and executive functioning skills like time management, organization and follow-through. Today’s guest, Lauren Merritt, is an expert in this field and has excellent advice and insight for parents of teens. Lauren is the Chief Operating Officer of College Steps, a non-profit organization that was founded by a clinical psychologist and a special educator with a simple mission: To empower students living with learning and social challenges through structured post-secondary support. Working closely with high schools, colleges and families, they emphasize peer-to-peer services that build confidence and success.

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Letting Go of Parenting Perfection with Susan Borison

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 07:00:00 -0000

This week's episode is probably one of the most fun interviews I've done to date. Full disclosure, I have admired my guest and "fan-girled" over her from afar for a while now. I'm beyond thrilled today to be interviewing Susan Borison. For those who may not be familiar with Susan, trust me when I say that after this interview you will want to get to know her. Susan is the parent of five grown children and has decades of parenting experience and wisdom to share. And as if that isn't a huge accomplishment already, Susan is also the founder and editor of Your Teen Magazine. For fourteen years, Your Teen has provided support and encouragement for parents of teens, including me. In addition to the magazine, Susan has launched a website, YouTube channel, multiple courses for parents, and co-hosts a fantastic podcast for parents of teens that she hosts with her friend Stephanie Silverman. (Subscribe today. You're welcome.) And on top of all that, her Working Hard to Raise Teens Facebook group has a highly engaged audience of parents who are actually nice to each other. Imagine that! Seriously though, I've said this before and I'll say it again, some of the best parenting advice I've received has come from parents who have "been there, done that". So, grab your favorite beverage, sit back and enjoy this conversation with my new friend, Susan Borison.

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Guiding Your Teen Through the College Application Process Without Losing Your Sanity with Allison Slater Tate

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Today's episode covers a topic that I don't often talk about on the podcast: college admissions. If you are a regular listener, you know that many of my conversations focus on post-high school paths that don't require college. I thought it was important to delve deeper into the college planning process, primarily because I've heard from a lot of parents about the overwhelm they are facing as their teens begin the college application process. And to be completely transparent, this is personal for me. Our high school junior has made the decision to attend college after high school graduation and already I'm feeling the confusion, overwhelm and information overload that so many families experience. If you've begun the online research, you know there is a LOT of information out there, some accurate and helpful, and some not. It takes a lot of time and patience to dig through the myriad of resources and even then, it's hard to know which ones provide correct information and which ones create the "hair on fire" mentality. This week's guest is an expert in her field and a breath of fresh air for parents who want to help their teen find the best fit. Notice I didn't say "best college"? That's right. I said "best fit". Because "best college" is completely subjective and our main focus should be helping our kids find the best fit for them. I'm joined today by Allison Slater Tate. If you live in Florida and have a teen pursuing the college path, you may already be a member of Allison's Facebook group. No matter where you call home, you have likely come across Allison's work on NBC News, TODAY.com, and Your Teen Magazine as well as others. Allison has extensive experience in test prep, essay writing and college counseling, and she has the "inside scoop" on the real truth about college admissions. Our conversation is straight-forward, no-nonsense and drama-free, so sit back and enjoy this pleasant trip down the college admissions path.

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Empowering Teens to Architect Their Own Lives with Julie Lythcott-Haims

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 07:00:00 -0000

I'm going to start out this week's intro with some hard to admit truth. I have spent a good part of my kids' lives over-parenting. And if I'm being totally transparent, I still struggle with it. You too? Well, join the club. Based on the number of interviews I've done (today marks #75!) and the numerous casual conversations I've had with parents, we are a society of over-parenters. Call us helicopters, bulldozers or whatever other name you might have for it. At the end of the day we are micromanaging our kids' lives. And while we might do a bit less of it as our kids become teenagers, and ultimately adults, I for one have spent way too much time trying to steer my kids in one direction or another. This week's guest is an expert on this topic and our conversation is one that is worth a listen no matter how old or young your kids might be. I am joined today by the amazing Julie Lythcott-Haims. Julie is the New York Times bestselling author of the anti-helicopter parenting manifesto How to Raise an Adult. If you have not yet seen her TED Talk, make that a priority in your life. Today. It is packed full of raw truth that you might not want to hear but believe me when I say it is worth a watch. Julie's latest book, available now, is called "Your Turn: How to Be An Adult" and it's written for the young adult audience. During our conversation Julie shares her wisdom and experience as a former dean at Stanford University and as a parent of two now young adults. This episode is longer than most but Julie provided so much valuable advice and actionable tips that I knew I had to share the entire conversation. I am grateful to Julie for making time to speak to me and for being so open and honest about her own experience and that of her family.

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Raising Future Leaders with Jacob Morgan

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 07:00:00 -0000

This week we’re talking about the topic of leadership. After 20 years in corporate, I had my share of leaders. Some were very good leaders and others, well, not so much. I used to sit back and watch as people who were really good at their job as an individual contributor get promoted to management or leadership simply because they were good at their job. And let’s be honest...just because you are good or even great at your job doesn’t mean you should be a leader. This week’s guest has a lot to say on this subject. I am delighted to welcome Jacob Morgan to the podcast. Jacob is a trained futurist and one of the world’s leading authorities on the future of work, employee experience and leadership. After interviewing over 140 CEOs and over 14,000 employees, Jacob developed what he calls the “Notable Nine”, 4 mindsets and 5 skills that good leaders have in common. If you are a loyal listener, you know that I’ve had multiple conversations about the future of work and what employers are and will be looking for. Whether or not a college degree is required, just about every job in the future will require skills that our kids just aren’t learning in school. This conversation is packed full of valuable advice to prepare our teens for life after high school no matter which path they choose.

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Helping Teens "Know Before They Go" with Jay DuSold

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 07:00:00 -0000

This week, I'm joined by my partner-in-crime and expert GenZ Career Guide, Jay DuSold. If you're a regular listener you probably know that Jay has been on the show multiple times in the past. There's a reason for that. Not only is Jay my co-host in our Life After 12th Facebook Group, he's also one of the most passionate and committed people I know when it comes to helping young people find their way to a career they will love. Jay always brings a ton of value to my audience and today's episode is no exception. Our big focus today is helping our teens and young adults "know before they go" because it is critically important when trying to identify a career that fits. Also during our conversation, Jay offers super helpful advice for parents on how to get their kids started, and he shares the difference between two sides of the exploration coin when choosing a career. Be sure to stayed tuned to the end to get the inside scoop about Jay's brand new LA12 Learning Collective: DeepDive career research bootcamp!

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A Different Kind of Homeschooling Excellence with Cindy LaJoy

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 07:00:00 -0000

In today's episode, I am welcoming back Cindy LaJoy. You might remember Cindy from episode 11 of the podcast. Cindy is the founder and administrator of the Blue Collar Homeschool Facebook group. This group supports and encourages homeschoolers who's kids are headed to work or trade school or another path after high school. Numbering almost ten-thousand members the group offers a wealth of information seldom talked about in homeschooling circles. As a member of this group, I can attest that the conversation within this group is really engaging and I learn something every time I visit the group. During our conversation, Cindy shares her expert tips for parents, whether homeschooling or not. Some of the topics we cover include showing our teens respect, defaulting to "yes" instead of "no" and the importance of exposing teens to a many electives and learning opportunities as possible. Having homeschooled five children of her own, Cindy has an abundance of wisdom and experience to share.

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Helping Teens Develop Social Courage and Connection with Ann Louden

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 08:00:00 -0000

This week, I’m delighted to welcome Ann Louden to the podcast. Ann is a New York City based consultant for nonprofit leaders. Her emphasis is teaching the skills of how to be an expert connector. Anyone who knows me is well aware that I am wired to be a connector. People to people. People to resources. It brings me so much fulfillment. Not sure what a true connector is or does? Don’t worry, Ann does a fabulous job of explaining it. Also during our conversation, Ann shares the attributes of connectors, how connecting is different from networking and how we can model these skills for our teens and young adults. Stay tuned for Ann’s valuable advice on how parents can help their teens become socially courageous which will ultimately serve them as they develop their connection skills. This is a topic that is helpful to both teens and adults alike.

Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.

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JPG Plumbing & Mechanical Services, Inc.

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Preparing Teens for the Future of Work with Rachel Sumner

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode, I am joined by Rachel Sumner. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, one of the biggest benefits of doing this podcast is that I get to cross paths with those who I call “my people” and Rachel is absolutely in that group. Her energy, enthusiasm and commitment to helping young people prepare for the future is evident in our conversation and I am thrilled for you to hear it. During this episode, we talk about why we need to change the way we think about the future of work, how ambiguity gets in the way of decision making, why employers need to be responsible for playing a role in career exploration and the exciting new initiative that Rachel is launching to help our teens become future ready.

Connect with me on the High School Hamster Wheel Facebook page or on my website. Join me and my co-host, Jay DuSold, in our Life After 12th Facebook group where we help and encourage parents of career-confused teens and young adults!

SPECIAL OFFER FOR MY LISTENERS!

Your Teen for Parents is offering a comprehensive 8-week course for navigating the college process. Beginning Tuesday, March 9th for 8 consecutive Tuesdays, experts in the field will share up to date knowledge about the ins and outs of the college process, from figuring out where to apply to paying for college and making sure our teens are prepared to launch. Your Teen has a fantastic list of experts lined up, including Jeff Selingo who you might remember from episode 25 of this podcast. Whether you are like me, with a high school junior ready to move forward or if your teen is just starting to think about what’s next after high school, this summit offers something for everyone. The course is called Destination College and the cost is just $49 for the entire 8-week series. And because you are a listener of the High School Hamster Wheel podcast, you will receive $10 off at checkout when you use the link below and enter the discount code HAMSTER at checkout. The summit starts in just ten days so register soon. Click HERE to register and enter your discount code.

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When Your College Student Is Struggling with Joanna Lilley

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode, I am welcoming Joanna Lilley back to the show. If you are a loyal listener you might remember Joanna from episode 33, titled Transitioning from Parent to Partner. If you missed that episode, I highly recommend checking it out as it is packed full of great information to help parents to transition to a new dynamic as teens and young adults move on after high school. Today, Joanna and I talk about what to do when your college student returns home, and I’m not talking about after graduation. They might be leaving college for academic reasons, mental health reasons or something else, but no matter the reason, there are important steps that parents can take to help their kids get back on track. During our conversation Joanna provides helpful tips on how to set healthy boundaries with your young adult children, why a plan and a timeline are critical for success and where to find alternatives to college that are the right fit for your young adult. As always, Joanna is a wealth of information and resources.

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Exploring Careers in the Trades with John Geiling

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 08:00:00 -0000

In this week’s episode, I welcome John Geiling to the show. John is the President of his hugely successful company, JPG Plumbing & Mechanical Services, Inc. Whether your teen is interested in the plumbing business or another one of the trades, this episode is packed full of useful information and resources. After years of employment in the trades working for other people, John made the decision to go out on his own. As you’ll hear in our conversation, that decision has certainly paid off. John is not afraid of hard work and while he likes the money, he really loves the work. John believes that in order to be successful you must do the hardest job that nobody else wants to do. Be sure to listen to the end when John shares helpful tips for teens who are considering a career in the trades and don’t miss John’s valuable advice to those who are interested in starting their own business.

Episode Highlights

John's struggle in high school
The decision to start his own business
The attributes that let John to a successful career in the trades
Tips for teens interested in careers in the trades
Trade school provides credibility and opportunity
The type of people that succeed in the trades
Teens can start exploring the trades while in high school
There are careers within the trades that aren't typical trade jobs
Technical opportunities in the trades

Resources

Mechanical Contractors Association of America

Plumbing Contractors of America

Map In Me Teen Career Coaching with Jay DuSold

Learn more and apply for a free consultation

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