High School Hamster Wheel: Recent Episodes
Evergreen Podcasts
Are you tired of watching the teenagers in your life trying desperately to keep up on the high school hamster wheel? Is your teen confused about which direction to take after high school graduation? Is your young adult rethinking their future career path? Our world is changing and our kids need to know all of the options available after high school so they can feel empowered to make the choice that is best for them. Through interviews with industry experts and leaders in education, we will explore the latest trends that are shaping the opportunities of today and tomorrow.
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. Connect with Me! High School Hamster Wheel Facebook Page No Degree Required Facebook Group Betsy Jewell Career Coaching Instagram LinkedIn Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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. Connect with Me! High School Hamster Wheel Facebook Page No Degree Required Facebook Group Betsy Jewell Career Coaching Instagram LinkedIn Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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. Connect with Me! High School Hamster Wheel Facebook Page No Degree Required Facebook Group Betsy Jewell Career Coaching Instagram LinkedIn Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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. Connect with Me! High School Hamster Wheel Facebook Page No Degree Required Facebook Group Betsy Jewell Career Coaching Instagram LinkedIn Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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. Connect with Me! High School Hamster Wheel Facebook Page No Degree Required Facebook Group Betsy Jewell Career Coaching Instagram LinkedIn Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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. Connect with Me! High School Hamster Wheel Facebook Page No Degree Required Facebook Group Betsy Jewell Career Coaching Instagram LinkedIn Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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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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. Connect with Me! High School Hamster Wheel Facebook Page No Degree Required Facebook Group Betsy Jewell Career Coaching Instagram LinkedIn Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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". Register for Ken's course today with this exclusive offer for my listeners!
Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.
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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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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.
Connect with Me! High School Hamster Wheel Facebook Page No Degree Required Facebook Group Betsy Jewell Career Coaching Instagram LinkedIn Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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.
Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.
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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.
Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.
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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.
Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.
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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.
Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.
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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. Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.
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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. Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.
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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. Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.
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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! Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.
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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! Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.
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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.
Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.
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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.
Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.
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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.
Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.
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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.
Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.
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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.
Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.
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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.
Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.
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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.
Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode.
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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.
Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode. Connect with Me! High School Hamster Wheel Facebook Page Life After 12th Facebook Group Instagram LinkedIn Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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!
Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode. Connect with Me! High School Hamster Wheel Facebook Page Life After 12th Facebook Group Instagram LinkedIn Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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. Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode. Connect with Me! High School Hamster Wheel Facebook Page Life After 12th Facebook Group Instagram LinkedIn
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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. Connect with Me! High School Hamster Wheel Facebook Page Life After 12th Facebook Group Instagram LinkedIn
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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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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 JPG Plumbing & Mechanical Services, Inc. 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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Joining me this week on the podcast is Johnny Tock. Johnny is the Director of Admissions at ReSTART, a program that specializes in technology addiction. The subject matter of this episode is a huge concern for many families, including my own. A survey from Parents Together found that of 3,000 parents surveyed, 85 percent were worried about the length of time their children spend online. If you’ve been a listener here, you know that I am a mom to two teenage boys. My boys are gamers. They enjoy gaming. A lot. And so do many of their friends. And when they aren’t gaming they are probably watching a YouTube video, or on Snapchat or . Yes, our kids are stuck at home and bored to tears right now and that is certainly making it harder to limit online activity. But tech abuse and addiction have been happening long before the pandemic. Do I think my boys have an addiction? No. But I’m also not naive enough to think that it isn’t possible. So when I learned about the ReSTART program through a friend, it was clear to me that I needed to publish an episode about the subject of technology and gaming addiction. One more thing worth mentioning...after I interviewed Johnny for this episode, our family sat down together one night and had an honest and not-so-easy conversation about our technology use. We agreed (some more reluctantly than others) that it was time for a change. So we drafted a contract and set some healthy technology use boundaries with very clear consequences that would be enforced without question if/when those boundaries get broken. We’re only in week one of the contract but so far so good. I’ll keep you posted on my social media if you are interested in following me for updates. And if you want to learn more about implementing a contract for your own family, feel free to reach out to me via the High School Hamster Wheel website or Facebook page. I'd be glad to help. 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week’s episode is one that I have been looking forward to sharing with you. When I first started this podcast over a year ago, I drafted a “wish list” of guests I’d like to interview. Tony Wagner was one of the names at the top of that list. When I reached out to him to invite him on the show, he accepted my invitation without hesitation. I first learned of Tony Wagner years ago when I read several of his best-selling books: Most Likely to Succeed: Preparing Our Kids For The Innovation Era; Creating Innovators: The Making of Young People Who Will Change The World; and The Global Achievement Gap. And recently, I had the pleasure of reading Tony’s newest book, Learning By Heart: An Unconventional Education, a memoir about his journey through life and education. During our conversation, Tony shares the list of the Seven Survival Skills that he cultivated through interviews with executives over a two year period. We talk about why test scores don’t matter and why mastery does. Throughout our conversation, Tony offers lots of valuable insight and actionable tips for parents of teens. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this week’s episode, I’m delighted to welcome Tanya Meessmann back to the show. If you’re a loyal listener, you might remember Tanya from Episode 50, Developing Confidence, Courage, and Self-Belief in Teens. If you missed that one, be sure to check it out. After a successful career in corporate Australia and the UK, Tanya pivoted, and now has a company called Girl Shaped Flames. Tanya mentors young ambitious girls and she helps them develop self-confidence and self-belief. Tanya always brings so much wisdom and insight to our conversations and today is no exception. Some of the topics we cover in this episode include understanding why we parent the way we do, the identity phase that is critical for teens’ personal development, and the four key fears that erode a teenager’s confidence. Be sure to stay tuned till the end to hear about a special offer from Tanya exclusively for my listeners! 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hosting this podcast has so many benefits, including getting to meet, interview, and learn from so many smart and interesting people. And while I enjoy every interview I do, there are some people that I meet and connect with immediately. Today’s guest is one of those people. I am beyond thrilled to welcome Dr. Kevin J. Fleming to the podcast. Dr. Fleming has an impressive bio. He’s produced multiple viral animation videos including Success in the New Economy and he is the author of the educational bestseller (Re)Defining the Goal. Dr. Fleming is a true lifelong learner, Eagle Scout, father, and self-proclaimed recovering academic elitest. He has spent over 20 years in higher education, currently as the Vice President of Strategic Development & Planning at Norco College. During our conversation, Dr. Fleming talks about the relationship between degrees, skills, and the labor market and shares the four important questions young people should be asking themselves before planning their future. We talk about the importance of giving our teens permission to pivot and how to help students find their purpose on purpose. You won’t want to miss Dr. Fleming’s 4 Skills and 4 Steps that all students need in order to become career-ready. Be sure to listen all the way to the end when Dr. Fleming shares the most important question that parents should be asking their teens when it comes to their future. This episode is packed full of valuable insight and actionable steps for parents of teens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this week’s episode, I welcome GenZ Career Guide, Jay DuSold back to the podcast. Today’s episode is the 2nd in a two-part series focused on building strong relationships with our teens BEFORE they move out of the house. In part one, Jay and I talked about repairing and reconciling broken relationships. If you have been struggling to make amends with your teen, you may want to go back and listen to episode 61. In this second part, we are focusing on how to begin cultivating a long-term bond with our teens. The goal is to build a strong friendship that will last throughout their adulthood. It all starts with envisioning the relationship you hope to have and it ends with the importance of consistency. There’s a whole lot of steps in between and as always, Jay provides valuable, actionable tips that parents can start applying today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I’m thrilled to start off the New Year with this episode featuring my guest, Ken Rusk. Ken has an incredible story to tell and he has decades of experience and wisdom to share with parents and their teens. Ken got his start digging ditches at the young age of 15. Decades later he’s a highly successful construction business entrepreneur who’s been called the “million dollar ditch digger”. Ken is also the author of Blue-Collar Cash: Love Your Work, Secure Your Future, and Find Happiness for Life. During our conversation, Ken talks about his journey from high school ditch digger to successful entrepreneur. We discuss the important distinction of skills versus education and why we need to remove the stigma of blue-collar careers. Ken shares his method for helping teens (and adults) visualize their life and why parents should encourage their teens to think outside of the “college or else” box. You won’t want to miss Ken’s suggestions for parents of teens who are struggling to choose a path or his advice to young people about beginning their investments early. In addition to his business achievements, Ken is committed to helping the Make A Wish Foundation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this week’s episode, the last episode of 2020, I am grateful to welcome Jay DuSold back to the podcast. If you’ve been listening to the show, you know that Jay and I have formed a partnership, and more importantly, a friendship, based on our shared passion and commitment to helping young people find the path that’s best for them. This episode is part one in a two-part series focused on what Jay refers to as “making things right when you’ve blown it with your teen”. Before we work on strengthening, we need to begin with repairing and reconciling our relationships. Jay shares wisdom and advice cultivated through decades spent working with teens and their parents. During our conversation, we talk about why we need to revisit the past in order to remove barriers and move forward with our teens. We also discuss the importance the self-forgiveness and why saying “I’m sorry” isn’t enough. Jay shares his three-step process for repairing your relationship with your teen and why parents shouldn’t lose hope, no matter hopeless things may seem. We’re coming up on the start of a new year and I can’t think of a better time to work on building better and stronger relationships with our teens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
My guest today is Dr. Catherine Pearlman. Dr. Pearlman is the author of Ignore It!: How Selectively Looking the Other Way Can Decrease Behavioral Problems and Increase Parenting Satisfaction. She's also the founder of The Family Coach, a private practice specializing in helping families resolve everyday problems related to discipline, sleep, sibling rivalry, and other issues. I learned of Catherine when she wrote an article called It Doesn't Matter to Me Where My Kids Go To College. She is the proud parent of a son and a daughter and her syndicated Dear Family Coach column has appeared in the Wall Street Journal and many magazines. She has appeared on The Today Show and her advice has been featured in Parenting, Men's Health, CNN, and The Huffington Post. Dr. Pearlman is a licensed clinical social worker who's been working with children and families for more than twenty years. During our conversation, Dr. Pearlman gives lots of great advice for parents to help prepare teens for life after high school. Some of the things we talk about include teaching consequences rather than nagging, how to let go and allow space when your teens aren't engaging, the important shift in parenting that must happen between the elementary and middle school years, and how we should be promoting adulting in every way possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, I am thrilled to welcome Chelsea Williams back to the podcast. Chelsea is an anxiety coach for teens and parents. When she first joined me on the podcast back in episode 8, Chelsea brought a ton of value for my listeners and now she’s back again with some very timely and relevant advice for parents. During our conversation, Chelsea talks about how to create a more flexible nervous system and why showing our teens our own vulnerability will help them learn how to navigate through their anxiety. Chelsea also shares her strategy for calming the body before trying to calm the mind. A lot of what Chelsea recommends applies to both teens and adults so this is a must-listen for anyone who struggles with anxiety. And let’s be honest, this past year has been a challenge for everyone, so there is definitely something here for everyone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, I am excited to welcome Rich Popper to the show. Rich and I connected through a Facebook exchange that I had with his wife in a parenting group. When I learned that Rich worked in the field of cybersecurity, I knew I had to interview him. Cybersecurity is a vast and highly in-demand field, and as Rich explains is now considered a core business function. There is an enormous shortage of skilled employees in cybersecurity and there are jobs available in lots of different disciplines. In other words, it's not just a field for those in internet technology. During our conversation, Rich talks about the many different roles in the field of cybersecurity and what skills are needed to succeed. He provides valuable advice for teens who are interested in careers in cybersecurity and offers suggestions for parents to help their kids start exploring their opportunities while still in high school. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In today’s episode, I am thrilled to welcome my long-time friend Roger Holzberg to the show. Roger is one of the most innovative and creative people I have had the pleasure to work with and one of the most accomplished storytellers I know. We met while both working at Disney, where Roger spent 12 years as an award-winning Creative Director / Vice President of Walt Disney Imagineering. Since then, Roger has gone on to do some truly incredible and impactful work. He is the co-founder of Reimagine Well, a company that designs and builds “immersive healing experiences” for hospitals and treatment centers. As a professor at California Institute of the Arts, Roger created the experience design in healthcare curriculum. He also served as the first consulting Creative Director for the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Roger is a father, a 15+ year cancer survivor, and a competitive triathlete, using the sport to raise research dollars for causes he supports. During our conversation, Roger provides advice for teens (and adults) to develop their creative side and engage their imagination, including his three rules for creative problem solving. He also shares the “aha moment” he experienced as a child and how it came full circle decades later. Share this conversation with your teen. It’s sure to get their creative juices flowing! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Communicating with our teens isn’t always easy, especially when the topic of conversation is related to their plans (or lack of a plan) after high school. In this episode, I am joined by Melanie Studer and her young adult son, Sam. Melanie is the author of “College Bound: The Ultimate List of Conversations to Help Your Teen Through High School”. During our conversation, Melanie and Sam share their experience during Sam’s high school and college years and offer suggestions for families about keeping the lines of communication open. You won’t want to miss Melanie’s tips for getting teens to start thinking about their future and why it’s important to set clear expectations early so that everyone is on the same page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The timing of this episode is extremely relevant and there’s no one else I’d rather have with me than Jane and Jason Sarouhan of J2Guides. In this episode, we talk about gap year experiences during COVID-19. You might be feeling that this is not a good time to think about a gap year, when in fact, the opposite is true. The gap year is not only surviving, it’s thriving. During our conversation, we discuss the benefits of taking an intentional gap year during COVID, the key word here being intentional. If your family is just starting to think about a gap year or if you’re already deep into the research, there is a wealth of great advice and information in this episode, you aren’t going to want to miss it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, I am joined by Allison Dillard. Allison is an author, an adjunct math professor, and the host of the Allison Loves Math podcast. On her podcast, she talks with education and parenting experts about how to empower kids to do well in math and STEM. As I reveal in the podcast, math has not always been my strong suit, which I think is true for a lot of people. In fact, I used to joke that math is a four-letter word. During our conversation, Allison shines a light on how to help our teens not be afraid of math and how to get over any math anxiety they may have, and how we can help them work through their problems (pun intended!) Allison also shares why statistics are helpful for all students, no matter what path they're taking and why it's important for our kids to be able to try and fail in order to succeed. There's a lot of great advice and suggestions from Allison here, whether your kids love math or not! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I've had some parents request that I provide some help and resources for parents of teens with learning differences who are planning to attend college. I am fortunate to have crossed paths with an expert in this field and she is joining me in this episode. My guest today is Debbie Cinquemani of Guide Us Educational Services. Debbie specializes in working with students with learning differences, an area of college counseling that is vastly underserved. She is passionate about finding every student the school that is their best fit. In this episode, Debbie and I talk about when and how to begin the college planning process, how the landscape of college admissions is changing and the importance of finding a school that is the best fit for your teen. Debbie provides valuable advice for parents about determining your teen's college readiness, and why it's so critical for teens to be authentic when writing their college essays. There's something here for every parent of teens, so be sure to take a listen.
Guide Us Educational Services website: http://www.guideusinc.com/ Guide US Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GuideUsInc Contact Debbie: debbie@guideusinc.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this week's episode, I am celebrating my one year anniversary as host of the High School Hamster Wheel podcast. The past year has been more fun and more fulfilling than I could have ever imagined. And what better way to celebrate this milestone than with two of my new best friends, who also happen to be previous podcast guests, Dr. Anna Stumpf and Jay DuSold. Heads up, Jay and Anna spend a lot of time gushing about me and my podcast during this episode and the feeling is mutual. I have great respect for the work that they do in helping our teens find the path that is right for them. I am beyond grateful for the support I have received from Anna and Jay and best of all, I am now blessed to be able to call them my friends. I can say with certainty that I wouldn't have made it through this first year without them. During our conversation, we talk about some of the topics I've covered over the past year and I share my "why" for leaving my corporate job and starting the podcast. A special thank you to my listeners for joining me on this journey. I hope you will stay tuned and keep listening, the best is yet to come! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, I'm thrilled to welcome to the show. Erica Smentowski. Erica and I crossed paths online in another parenting Facebook group and when I read her post, I knew that I wanted to learn more about her family. Erica is the proud mom of two teenage boys. Her older son, Nathan is 17 years old and he's on the autism spectrum. He just began his senior year of high school and he still unsure about his path going forward. During our conversation, Erica shares all about Nathan's journey through high school and the steps they're taking to help Nathan explore his future career opportunities.Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources.Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Tanya Meessmann. After a successful career in corporate America, Tanya pivoted, and now has a company called Girl Shaped Flames. Tanya mentors young ambitious girls and she helps them develop self-confidence and self-belief. As a mom to two teenage sons, I live in a world that's mostly boy-focused. So it was a pleasure to talk to Tanya about her experience with girls and what we as parents can learn about raising teens. Much of our conversation revolves around teenagers in general, so don't worry, boy-moms, there's plenty here for you as well. During our conversation, we talk about why it's so important to protect our relationship with our teens, and Tanya offers three valuable suggestions about how to keep our relationships strong. We also talk about why as parents, we should try to meet our kids where they are today rather than focusing on who they were when they were younger or who we hoped they would be.Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources.Join the High School Hamster Wheel Community Facebook group! Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode!
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In this episode, I welcome John Walsh to the podcast. John is a bestselling author, speaker, coach, and business advisor with a passion for helping students and young professionals accelerate their potential and stand out when it matters most. As the president and CEO of StandoutX, he and his team work with other experts around the world to inspire and develop the next generation of high performers, leaders, and difference-makers in business and in life. Before becoming the leader of the Standout movement, John spent 20+ years as a successful finance and strategy executive with The Walt Disney Company and the Madison Square Garden Company. John has completed multiple marathons, including last year's race in New York City and he lives in central Florida with his wife and three children. You won't want to miss our conversation as John talks about his journey from homeless in high school to business executive, to entrepreneur. His StandoutX company is all about making a difference in the world, and he has a pretty lofty goal of reaching 10 million people in 10 years. During our conversation, John offers lots of great advice for parents, including how to help our teens get to know themselves, who they are and where they're going, how to find their purpose and fulfill it, and why we shouldn't protect our kids from the downside, but rather help them explore the upside. Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode!
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In this episode, I’m joined by Jordan Paris. Jordan has achieved so much success at such a young age that I just had to share his story with you. During our conversation, Jordan talks about his journey to entrepreneurship, why he believes we should all begin with the end in mind, and the importance of choosing a college major that will deliver a return on investment (ROI). He has great advice for young people about starting a business and shares why he felt compelled to start his super successful Growth Mindset University podcast.Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Laurie Bodine. Laurie is the founder of START Leadership, an education, and training company. The work she does with families and schools gives parents and teachers evidence-based tools to equip kids with the mindset and skills that they need to lead well, be well and do well in today's increasingly competitive and rapidly changing world. During our conversation, Laurie offers great advice and actionable tips for parents to help our teens find their purpose and connection, how to develop a family model of leadership, and how to teach our teens to become the leader of their own lives.Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode!
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I am thrilled to welcome Blake Boles to the podcast. Blake is the founder and director of Unschool Adventures, as well as an author, speaker, educator and podcaster. During our conversation, Blake and I discuss the various alternative learning paths and why parents need to learn to release control of their kids’ education in order to build a more authentic relationship. Blake is an expert in the field of self-directed learning and he shares lots of great advice and insights for parents to help their teens find their way to a career and a life that is best for them.Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In today's episode, I have two special guests joining me. One is my son, Ethan. He's 16 years old and a junior in high school. Also joining me is Jay DuSold. Jay has spent decades working with teens and their parents as a speaker, writer, learning experience designer, mentor, and coach. His work as a career guide began in 2014 while helping his own son figure out what to do after high school. He now works with teens around the world, helping them discover their career DNA and identifying careers that they love and stick with so they don't waste their time, money, or life. Jay has become a great friend and we're going to talk through his process and how it helps teens learn more about themselves. It's never too early to start talking with your teens about their future! Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I am delighted to welcome Maia Agranoff to the podcast. Maia is the mom of two young men who have both taken very different journeys than what many kids experience. One of her sons started his own business when he was just 13 years old and reached a million dollars in sales by the time he turned 16. What I love about this conversation is that Maia has so much experience and wisdom. I always say, try and surround yourself with parents whose kids are older than yours, because they have so much valuable advice. During this conversation, we talk about identifying the entrepreneurial spirit in your kids, why it's important to allow them to fail and how failure leads to progress, why our teens' choices should be about them and not about us, and when our kids come to us with a problem, instead of solving it for them, we need to encourage them to go off and find solutions themselves. The truth is we can learn a lot from our teens if we allow them to teach us. This is a must-listen for parents of teens and younger!Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode!
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In today's episode, I'm joined by my youngest guest to date. Her name is Charlotte and she's 14 years old. Charlotte is quite an amazing young woman. At the age of 12, she started her own Pinterest business and now, two years later, she's created a course to teach others. Charlotte's mom, Annette, also joins us during this conversation and we talk about parenting young entrepreneurs, why we need to give teens the space to fail, and how we can encourage and foster their entrepreneurial spirit. This is an episode you'll want to listen to with your young business-minded kids. Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
My guest this week is Ken Burke. Ken is the founder and CEO of The EntrepreneurNOW! Network. He is a speaker, serial entrepreneur, mentor, and author. Ken founded MarketLive, a market-leading, enterprise-class eCommerce software platform used by major merchants generating two billion dollars in online sales through the platform. He sold MarketLive to Vista Equity Partners in 2016. Ken authored the book, “Intelligent Selling: The Art and Science of Selling Online,” as well as hundreds of industry articles. He earned his MBA in Entrepreneurship from the USC Marshall School of Business, which later awarded him the honor of Entrepreneur of the Year.During our conversation, we talk about the journey to becoming an entrepreneur including the challenges that entrepreneurs face, how to know if you have what it takes, and the secret sauce for becoming a successful entrepreneur. There's so much good information here. If you have a teen or young adult who's considering taking the entrepreneurial path, I suggest you invite them to listen with you.Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, I'm joined by mother and daughter Punam and Lyla Saxena. As the mother to four young adults, Punam has years of experience parenting teens and has lots of valuable advice to share. Lyla is a current college student and is wise beyond her years. She offers great suggestions for teens who are figuring out their path after high school. During our conversation, we talk about the importance of communication skills, how to help our teens build confidence, and why it's critical that teens maintain a growth mindset.Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this week’s episode, I welcome Dr. Shelly Gruenig to the show. Shelly is a homeschool mom of three successful adults, a STEM entrepreneur, and a career coach. During our conversation, we talk about the importance of exposing kids to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) from an early age. Shelly believes that our teenagers want to do hard things, and she has some great suggestions about how to get them engaged. You won’t want to miss Shelly’s “failing forward” philosophy and what she means by helping kids become better than average.Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
With schools getting ready to reopen over the next few weeks, parents need helpful tips and strategies to guide their teens as they return to campus. There’s no better source for accurate, science-based information than my guest today, Diana Stark. Diana is the Director of Infection Prevention and Control for Oviedo Medical Center and UCF Lake Nona Medical Center located in central Florida. During our conversation, Diana shares helpful advice and sound recommendations for parents to help keep their families safe in the coming months.Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, I am joined by Loren Kelly and Rebecca Stansfield. As she approached the end of her sophomore year of college, like many students, Becca was really starting to feel the pressure to choose a major. She was unsure of what her path would be beyond college and really needed some help in declaring a major. So she sought out help from Loren and they've worked together to help Becca design a plan for college and beyond. During our conversation, you'll hear all about Loren’s process for helping young people figure out their path and why it's so important to think about career planning before thinking about college planning.Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Preparing ourselves for the empty nest phase isn’t always easy. Parents typically spend more time and effort focusing on getting their kids ready for their next chapter and spending little or no time preparing themselves. In this week’s episode, I welcome my friend and fellow podcaster, Colleen Rosenblum to the show. Colleen has a lot of wisdom and insight to share based on her own journey to becoming an empty nester. During our conversation, Colleen stresses the importance of parents thinking about and preparing for their own life once their kids are out of the house. We talk about how to adjust when your young adult kids pivot their plans and end up living at home again. And we discuss how to find joy and connection with our kids while they are living at home due to the pandemic.Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this week's episode, I am delighted to welcome Christopher St-Hilaire to the podcast. Christopher is an extraordinary young man and he is proof that bumpy roads lead to beautiful destinations. At the young age of fifteen, Christopher was feeling uninspired and uninterested in what he was learning in high school, so he made the difficult decision to take a "leave of absence" from high school in search of the path that was best for him. As you'll hear during this episode, it turned out to be the right decision. Christopher's authenticity, kindness, and passion for making the world a better place will leave you believing that teens will in fact change the world.Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, I am joined by Gabe Nossier. Gabe is a transformative life coach for athletes. He works with professional athletes, weekend warriors, non-athletes, and parents of athletes in workshops, small groups, and individual coaching sessions. Gabe also hosts the "Clarity for Parents of Athletes" podcast, which is designed to help guide parents through stories from professional athletes about their journey through sports. During our conversation, Gabe talks about motivating kids both on and off the field and how pushing past their comfort zone will help young people grow. Gabe also shares his strategies for helping teen athletes find balance in their lives, plus a whole lot more. This is definitely a "game-changing" episode!Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
My guest today is Calvalyn Day. You might remember Calvalyn from episode 9 of the podcast. She is a former school counselor and now works as a coach and consultant serving schools across the country. Calvalyn is also the author of two books, Drag Em Kicking and Screaming and Authentically Engaged Families. She has a wealth of experience working with families and teens. Most importantly, Calvalyn is a mother of four daughters, and Mimi to 4 grandsons. I invited Calvalyn back to the podcast this week because I think it’s extremely important that we find better ways to communicate with our teens – during our day to day communication but also specifically regarding racism, antiracism, and social justice. Calvalyn provides helpful information about how the teenage brain works and offers some tips and strategies to get teens talking beyond one-word answers. Calvalyn also offers excellent suggestions for parents about how to engage our teens in discussions about racism, antiracism, and social justice. I learned a lot from Calvalyn and my hope is that you will, too.Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I am thrilled to welcome Joanna Lilley to the podcast this week. Joanna is a Therapeutic Consultant, Gap Year Consultant, and College Success Coach. During our conversation, Joanna shares helpful advice for parents of teens to help us transition from parent to partner. As our teens make their way through high school and out into the world, we as parents need to learn how to empower our kids to be responsible and accountable for their own future. For those teens headed to college this fall, Joanna provides excellent suggestions for helping our kids normalize their feelings amidst all the uncertainty. Joanna also shares valuable insight about helping your teen figure out if they are ready to start college in the fall, and if not, what other options they might consider.Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this week's episode, I am delighted to introduce you to Morgan Peterson. Morgan is a rising college senior at North Carolina State University majoring in Fashion and Textile Management. Morgan is a highly-motivated young woman. Through her own creativity and perseverance, she found a way to secure not one but FOUR internships this summer. Morgan wasn't always a confident go-getter. She struggled with social anxiety as a teen but worked hard to overcome her fears and develop self-confidence. During our conversation, Morgan offers great advice for teens and young adults about how to figure out what you are interested in, even when you feel overwhelmed in high school. You won't want to miss hearing Morgan share her brilliant strategy for finding internships in a highly competitive and uncertain job market!Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this week’s episode, I’m delighted to welcome back Golden Ticket Prof, Dr. Anna Stumpf. Anna is passionate about helping young people succeed and today she shares all of the reasons that LinkedIn is a valuable tool for teenagers and young adults. You might be thinking that without a lot of work experience or not being very far in their career, LinkedIn is a waste of time for young people. This episode will prove you wrong. Anna talks all about why teens and young adults need to get started on LinkedIn earlier and why it's different from all the other social media they have been using. We talk about the summary section and how it provides a really great opportunity to paint a picture of who you really are. Anna also stresses the importance of following people versus connecting with people on LinkedIn. Anna refers to LinkedIn as Google for professionals because of the robust search tool, and she shares her expert tips for using it when searching for jobs, people, companies, and groups. This episode is packed full of useful advice and clear, actionable steps for anyone looking to create or update their LinkedIn profile.Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s no secret. Our teens and young adults are facing a competitive and uncertain job market. In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Leah Jewell. Leah is the former Managing Director for Employability Learning Solutions at Pearson, where she built learning solutions for high school, higher education, and adult lifelong learners, specifically around accelerated skills pathways to industry certifications, stacked credentials, and career preparation. Leah recently pivoted from corporate to entrepreneur and is now the Founder and CEO of 2AR Consulting, providing expert help in the learning and education space.During our conversation, Leah provides advice and insight on the importance of instilling a lifelong learning mindset in our kids, why work experience, even in high school, is so critical to potential employers, and why kids AND their parents need to broaden their thinking about college, credentials, and certifications. If your teen or young adult is struggling to come up with a plan after graduation, I suggest inviting them to listen with you. It will definitely be worth your time and theirs.Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode!
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In this episode, I am delighted to welcome Dana Malstaff. Dana is the CEO and Founder of Boss Mom. She is a mother, author, speaker, business strategist, podcaster, blind spot reducer, and movement maker. Dana launched the Boss Mom brand with her first book Boss Mom: The Ultimate Guide to Raising a Business & Nurturing Your Family Like a Pro in 2015 and has turned the brand into an international movement. Now she has over 30,000 students in various courses and an organically grown Facebook group of over 50k that helps women all over the world build engaged communities, position themselves as authorities in their space and impact the world through a business that supports them instead of drains them. During our conversation, Dana and I talked about the importance of human connection both in life and in business, why we should be asking what problems we need to solve instead of what kind of education we need, and how thinking like an entrepreneur will help us achieve success. Dana offers super helpful tips for teens and young adults as they job hunt during and after the pandemic. And as a huge bonus, Dana shares lots of great advice for parents who are re-entering the workforce or starting a new business. If you or your teen/young adult are starting a new career, this is a conversation you won't want to miss!Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
During this time of uncertainty, high school and college students are worried about what their future holds while in college and beyond. As soon the quarantine is lifted and businesses begin hiring again, the job market will be more competitive than ever. How can a college student choose a major that they enjoy while also ensuring they will find employment after graduation? And how should a recent or soon-to-be college graduate approach the ultra-competitive job market?This week's episode is the audio from a recent Facebook Live event that I co-hosted with Debbie Schwartz from Road2College. We were joined by Loren Kelly, an experienced college instructor and a career coach for students and young professionals. She spent 10 years in higher education, at both the community college and university level. Loren kept noticing the same theme when she had conversations with her students. They were investing loads of time and money, and many were still feeling uncertain about their path. They were stressed about choosing a major and what their career might be. Were they making the right decision? Were they taking the right courses? Loren knew she had the tools to help them. She now coaches and empowers students and young adults to pursue their futures with confidence and with clarity.Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this week's episode, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Susan Spencer and her daughter, Charlotte Cramer. I was intrigued by an article that I read online written by Susan and I knew I just had to reach out and interview them. Luckily for me, they accepted my invitation. Their story begins when Charlotte made the difficult decision to leave college after her sophomore year. My conversation with Susan and Charlotte is heartfelt and inspirational. They talk candidly about the challenges they have faced (both in life and at the top of a mountain), and they discuss how their mother-daughter relationship continues to evolve. I am grateful to Susan and Charlotte for their honesty and vulnerability. Give this one a listen. You'll be glad you did.Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode is the audio from a recent Facebook Live event that I co-hosted with Debbie Schwartz of Road2College. Debbie and I spoke with Jane and Jason Sarouhan of J2Guides. You might remember them from episode 16 on my podcast. During our conversation, we talk about the reasons why it might make sense to consider a gap year for the fall of 2020. With all of the uncertainty on college campuses right now and the possibility that students may be starting the fall semester online, a gap year, or even a gap semester, might be a great option. While a gap year experience might seem unlikely right now due to travel restrictions and social distancing, there are actually quite a few gap year opportunities available right in our own back yards and virtually. Jane and Jason do a great job of answering our questions about budgeting for a gap year, how to choose the right gap experiences and how we can help our teens transition back into college after completing a gap year or a gap semester. Even if your teen hasn't been considering a gap experience, it's worth your time to learn more about it.Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this week's episode, I am sharing the audio recording from a recent Facebook Live event that I co-hosted with Debbie Schwartz of Road2College.com. During this live event, we interviewed Michael Horn and Jeff Selingo and heard their take on what's next in the world of higher education. Some of the topics we discussed include how college admissions will change in the coming months, the continuously updating status of test-optional colleges, the rescheduling of the SAT, ACT and AP exams and what that means for high school juniors and seniors, as well as the status of financial aid and how college costs may be affected. Michael and Jeff shared their insight and wisdom regarding what lies ahead for online learning as well as trends they see coming in the world of careers and employment. Be sure to listen all the way to the end where Michael and Jeff offer advice to high school students as they prepare for college over the next few years. Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Kellyann Rohr is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and School Counselor working for Florida Virtual School. As we all navigate our "new normal" including moving our kids to distance learning, Kellyann offers helpful advice to parents of kids of all ages. During our conversation, you will hear about why it's important for you, as a parent, to get your panic in check and to learn to trust the process. She also provides helpful tips for helping motivate students who don't enjoy or thrive in an online learning environment. And you won't want to miss Kellyann's suggestions for trying to gain some control in a situation that we have no control over.Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Karla Quintanilla. To say that Karla is something special would be the understatement of the year. Karla is one of the wisest, most mature 20-somethings I've met in a long time. Just wait until you hear her story about the big aha moment she had in high school that led her to take a gap year. I'm sure you will be inspired by Karla when you hear all about her journey halfway around the world and back again, and how she eventually ended up at the happiest place on earth. Karla continues to navigate some unexpected twists and turns but she remains optimistic about her future. While now may not seem like the best time to think about traveling during a gap year, I believe that my conversation with Karla will provide parents and teens with some much-needed hope about the future opportunities our world has to offer.Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dr. Marcia Morris is a psychiatrist who has worked with college students for over 20 years at the University of Florida providing psychiatric care. She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and she is also a Program Director for Student Health Care Center Psychiatry. In this episode, we talk about the ways we can help our kids with mental health challenges including depression, suicide, and substance abuse. Dr. Morris shares her "four Ts" of mental health and wellness, what parents need to know and do before their kids begin college, what colleges are doing to increase mental health support services. Dr. Morris also offers advice for parents to help their kids navigate the loneliness, uncertainty, and unanticipated changes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether your child is a college student or not, this conversation is a must-listen.Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After 20 episodes of the High School Hamster Wheel podcast, I am making a slight pivot. In the coming weeks, I will start bringing on parents and teens and young adults so we can have honest and vulnerable conversations about the trials, tribulations, joys, and celebrations of the teenage years. My hope is that if we start those honest conversations here, it will help spark the important and necessary conversations “in real life”, too. During these conversations, we will talk about “all the things” our teens face as they navigate high school and beyond. We will hear from parents, like you and me, who are right in the thick of it, just trying to take it one day at a time. And we will hear from parents with older teens and young adults who have “been there, done that” and who have lots of wisdom to share. So tune in to hear more about where I’m headed on the parenting teens journey!Email me at info@betsyjewell.com.Join the High School Hamster Wheel Facebook Community.Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Diane Tavenner. Diane is the co-founder and CEO of Summit Public Schools, a nationally recognized non-profit that operates fifteen middle and high schools located in California and Washington State. Diane is also the author of Prepared: What Kids Need for a Fulfilled Life. As a parent of teens, I had a lot of questions for Diane and let me tell you, she had a lot of really great answers. During our conversation, we talked about the importance of helping our kids find a good fit both in school and in life, including choosing the RIGHT college rather than focusing on getting into the BEST college. Diane offers lots of great advice and strategies for parents including her "I-N-G" questions and her three-step process: Expose, Explore and Pursue, both of which will help our kids figure out what really makes them happy.Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this week's episode, I had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Gina Riley, an educational psychologist and Clinical Professor of Adolescent Special Education at Hunter College. While talking with Gina, I learned a lot about positive psychology, self-determination theory, and cognitive evaluation theory. I know what you’re thinking. Those are some fancy words. Believe me, I didn’t know what any of that meant. But have no fear! Gina did an amazing job of breaking it all down into straightforward, easy to understand information, along with actionable advice for parents. If you are looking to help the teen in your life increase their motivation, recognize their strengths, develop competence, find their autonomy and become a better decision-maker, this is a conversation you'll want to hear. Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Have you ever interviewed for a job and wondered why you weren’t hired? Are you curious about what employers really look for in a job candidate? My guest today is Jackie Ducci, of Ducci & Associates, and she will answer those questions and more. Jackie is a hiring expert with over 15 years of experience in talent acquisition. During this episode, she shares the “inside scoop” about how hiring decisions are really made. Did you know that captaining a sports team is of interest to potential employers? And are you aware that your attitude and how you dress for an interview is more important than where you went to school? If your teen or young adult is seeking employment, whether right after high school or later in life, this conversation is a must-listen. Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, I reconnected with my dear friend, Cynthia Hsiung. Cynthia and I met a LONG time ago when we were both working for Warner Bros. Online in California. Since that time, Cynthia has gone on to enjoy a long and successful career in the entertainment industry and during our conversation she offers advice, insights and her "secret sauce" for making it in Hollywood. She also shares some fun stories about the "real" people in show business, including Bono of U2 and the incredibly talented Ryan Gosling. In addition to teaching at UCLA, Cynthia recently launched a new YouTube channel called...you guessed it... Your Hollywood Dream. If your teen or someone you know is thinking about a career in the entertainment industry or if you just want to be entertained, this episode is not to be missed!Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode!
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In this episode, I interview Jason and Jane Sarouhan, co-founders of J2Guides. Jason and Jane have decades of expertise planning and leading gap year experiences, and they have turned their #gapyearstateofmind into a career that they love. The term "gap year" is often misunderstood and there's no better team to set the record straight than Jason and Jane. Their passion and enthusiasm are contagious and if you are like me, you'll be ready to start planning your own gap year before the end of the conversation. Whether your teen or young adult is questioning what to do right after high school or is thinking about taking a meaningful break during college, or if you are just plain curious about gap years, this is a conversation you'll want to hear!Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, I interview Michael Horn. Michael is the author of multiple books including Choosing College: How to Make Better Learning Decisions Throughout Your Life. The book is filled with helpful information and excellent advice for parents, teens or anyone considering college. During our conversation, we talk about the "Jobs To Be Done" methodology that Michael and his team applied when interviewing students, and Michael shares some of the big learnings they uncovered during the research. Michael also offers sound advice for parents for helping their teens identify their next steps after high school including asking the right questions at the right time, the importance of making connections and the outlook for non-traditional learning opportunities. You won't want to miss Michael's recommendations for helping teens prototype their future as a means to clearly define where they are headed in life and whether they should choose college...or not.Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Anna Stumpf. Anna directs the online Master's in Information and Computer Sciences program at Ball State University. Throughout her long career in teaching, Anna has noticed that people are not fully leveraging their own value, and she believes that developing a personal brand is key to finding success in the world. Anna refers to herself as the "Golden Ticket Prof". Tune in to hear Anna's unique theory on why each student has a golden ticket. She also shares some wisdom about the three different types of helicopter parents and why young people should be investigating alternative options to college, especially as it relates to the gig economy. Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, I interview Jessica Roddenberry. Jessica is an architect by trade and is the Director of Design at BRPH. Her diverse project experience includes education, aviation, aerospace, and entertainment. Jessica believes that her job is to bring people together, listen to their stories and then design spaces that narrate those stories. During our conversation, we talk about the importance of learning in 3D and providing immersive learning experiences for kids. Jessica also shares her insights and ideas related to community building in schools and the importance of teaching kids to fail. You won't want to miss Jessica's story about her passion for design that started at a very young age and her a-ha moment when knew she had found her "people". Be sure to visit the show notes page for all relevant links and resources. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Don Wettrick is the founder of the STARTedUP Foundation, author of “Pure Genius: Building a Culture of Innovation and Taking 20% Time to the Next Level” and was the Innovation Specialist at Noblesville High School in central Indiana. Don is known for his award-winning work as a middle school and high school teacher; educational and innovation consultant; and educational speaker. During our conversation, you'll hear about Don's experience inspiring teens both in and out of the classroom and about the important work the STARTedUp foundation is doing. You won't want to miss Don's advice to teens about the steps they can take NOW to get started on their journey to discovering their path to a happy and fulfilled life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Cindy LaJoy. Cindy is a homeschooling mom of five wonderful children who are now thriving teens and young adults. During our conversation, Cindy shares stories about her family and the challenges they have faced (and overcome!) both in learning and in life. The LaJoy family is extraordinary. Be sure to tune in to hear about their new family business which was planned and built, and is now managed by their children. The LaJoys are a true inspiration! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
010 - In this episode, I'm joined by Captain Jim Murphy, an American Airlines pilot. Jim has spent decades flying planes, both in the military and commercially. Jim offers lots of great advice for those looking to pursue a career in aviation. He also shares "a day in the life of a pilot". I learned a lot during our conversation and in fact, was left speechless more than once! Whether you are interested in a career in aviation or not, there's something for everyone in this episode!
Be sure to visit my show notes page where Jim shares helpful links to resources for more information about becoming an airline pilot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
009 - In this episode, I'm joined by Calvalyn Day of the Well Counseling Group. Calvalyn is a mother of four daughters, Mimi to four grandsons, and a school counselor by trade. During this interview, we talk about so many important and relevant topics for teens including intellectual and social development, improving communication, decision making, focusing on values while building self-esteem, exploring options through real-life exposure, developing self-confidence and so much more!
Be sure to visit my show notes page for a link to bonus content, "17 Magical Phrases To Get Your Teen Talking". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
008 - Are the teens in your life anxious about their future? Are they feeling stressed about how their grades and achievements will affect their life after high school? In this episode, I'm joined by Chelsea Torres, founder of Big Bad Brainery. During her 17 years of tutoring, Chelsea started noticing patterns in the way academic stress was affecting teens. So, she transitioned her business to offer ongoing support in the form of mentoring. This conversation is filled with useful tips and strategies for parents to help their teens slow down, find their "why" and manage their stress and anxiety.
Be sure to visit the show notes page for a link to exclusive audio content created especially for listeners of High School Hamster Wheel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
007 - There's a well-kept secret tucked away in Central Florida. It's the nationally recognized Automotive Engineering Technology program at Seminole State College. With its master-level instructors and state of the art facility, this 2-year program offers students the opportunity to learn a highly-skilled trade that's in high demand. Join me as I speak with Mark Davis, Professor and Program Manager at SSC, where he talks about the classes, certifications, and cooperative internships offered through this program.
Don't miss a single episode...subscribe today! Show highlights are available at https://betsyjewell.com/hshw007 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
006 - Skilled workers in the trades are in high demand! And home builders are among those struggling to find qualified people to complete the work needed. In this episode, I speak with Cuyler Davis, owner of Core Dimensions. Cuyler is a general contractor, custom home builder, and home inspector. He talks about the growing demand for skilled tradespeople and offers some great suggestions about getting young people excited about pursuing a career in the trades.
Don't miss a single episode...subscribe today! Show highlights are available at https://betsyjewell.com/hshw006 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
005 - Imagine a college where students can discover their interests and explore their passions through a custom curriculum designed especially for them. Thanks to my guest, Michelle Jones, this revolutionary educational experience is a reality. In this episode, we'll learn about Wayfinding Academy, the college that Michelle started from scratch and the incredible learning opportunities available to students. Michelle will also share her "5 Whys" strategy that she uses to help young people think through the real reasons they want to pursue (or not pursue) a college degree. This is a game-changer for parents looking to help their teens think critically about their future.
Don't miss a single episode...subscribe today! Show notes are available at: https://betsyjewell.com/hshw005 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
004 - In this episode, I'm joined by Elisabeth Arragon, Executive Director of Chalkboard Financial. Her nonprofit organization is committed to teaching teens financial skills to ensure financial success later in life. Listen in as we talk about budgeting for real-world scenarios, the dangers of debt and more. Also in this episode, useful tips for parents as they help their teens plan for their financial future, no matter what path they take.
Don't miss a single episode...subscribe today! Show notes are available at: https://betsyjewell.com/hshw004 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
003 - In this episode, I'm joined by Kristin Allaben, business owner, COO and coach with The Forte Factor. In her business, Kristin has developed effective strategies and tools to help clients identify their talents, strengths, and passions. This episode is filled with lots of great tips for parents to guide their teens as they discover their path to a happy and fulfilled life.
Don't miss a single episode...subscribe today! Show notes are available at: https://betsyjewell.com/hshw003 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
002 - In this episode, I'm joined by Cathy Pagliuca, an adjunct writing instructor at Brookdale Community College. During our discussion, Cathy highlights the benefits of attending a community college. Cathy offers valuable insights and excellent advice for parents of teens who may not be clear on their next steps after high school!
Don't miss a single episode...be sure to subscribe! Show notes are available at: https://betsyjewell.com/hshw002/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
001 - Our world is changing. And our kids need to be aware of all of the potential options available after high school so they can feel informed and empowered to make the choice that is best for them.
Through interviews with experts in business and education, I will shine a light on the many career opportunities that don’t require a four-year college degree. During each episode, we will be exploring the latest trends shaping the job opportunities of today and tomorrow. We will investigate non-traditional paths to careers including creative arts, skilled trades, manufacturing, entrepreneurship, military, “new collar” tech, freelancing, gap year programs and more. Don't miss a single episode...be sure to subscribe! Show notes are available at: https://betsyjewell.com/hshw001/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices