Getting Unstuck – Cultivating Curiosity

Guests Why are school children more anxious, aggressive, and shut down than ever before? We first heard answers from educators Tamara Neufeld Strijack and Hannah Beach in April 2020. Hannah takes us up to the present in this update episode. Tamara is the academic dean of the Neufeld Institute, where she develops and delivers courses and workshops that support parents, teachers, and helping professionals around the world in making sense of children through developmental science. Tamara works as a registered clinical counsellor, parent consultant, and sessional instructor for several universities, where she lectures for the faculties of education and counseling. Hannah is an award-winning educator, author, and keynote speaker. She was recognized by the Canadian Human Rights Commission in 2017 as one of five featured change-makers in Canada. She is a Neufeld course facilitator, delivers professional development services across the country, provides emotional health consulting to schools, and speaks at national and international conferences about the power of bringing more feeling and human connection into the classroom. Together, they are the authors of Reclaiming Our Students: Why Children Are More Anxious, Aggressive, and Shut Down Than Ever―And What We Can Do About It – a book about restoring the emotional well-being of children. As stated in the book's preface, "Academics can no longer be divorced from matters of the heart." Summary The core takeaway is this: children today are emotionally overloaded and under-supported, and until adults—especially teachers—reestablish themselves as consistent, caring, emotionally safe anchors, academic learning will continue to fall short. Tamara and Hannah argue that modern cultural shifts—loss of free play, constant entertainment, diminished time with adults, and the dominance of technology—have deprived kids of the natural outlets and relationships they need to process alarm, frustration, and sadness. Schools cannot "fix" behavior through discipline or curriculum tweaks alone. The starting point is restoring emotional connection, safe expression, and relational leadership in the classroom. Listen for: Why are our kids in the position today of being more anxious, aggressive, and shut down than ever before? What has been the impact of children losing time for free play – and of entertainment becoming the substitute for free play? What are "void moments," and what purpose do they serve? How can one teacher make a huge difference in the risk factors of children? What are the characteristics of the "caring leader"? Why we need to provide children with outlets for expression, and why are those outlets especially important in the online learning environment we find ourselves in today? "When we see a child who is aggressive or being difficult in some way, we look only at the behavior, and we go to correct the behavior. But what's behind the behavior? What if we feed the emotion behind that behavior? The behavior will naturally go away, just like food will help alleviate a child's hunger. If we're only treating the behavior, and not the root cause of it, how do we actually shift the child?" — Hannah Connect with Hannah and Tamara Reclaiming Our Students on Amazon Book website, including the "Inside / Outside Handbook Hannah on LinkedIN Hannah's website Tamara's website Recommended The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt The Myth of Normal by Gabor Mate

Update: If you listened to last week's podcast, you know that today's episode about the historic Apollo 8 mission to the moon in late December 1968 was one of my most popular of 2024. The lessons from that mission, which I discussed in episode 344, are just as important, if not more so, today in episode 394. An artist's rendering of Apollo 8 as it photographs "Earthrise." Summary In this episode, I reflect on the Apollo 8 mission to the moon in late December 1968 and the turbulent year that preceded it. The episode highlights enduring lessons on inequality, collective problem-solving, and environmental stewardship. It urges renewed respect for history and a commitment to addressing modern challenges with the same ingenuity that defined the space race. Three Takeaways Historical Literacy: The mission symbolizes humanity's capacity for courage, teamwork, and ingenuity, offering hope and a sense of shared accomplishment amidst turmoil. Historical Inequality: The unresolved issues of racial, gender, and economic inequities persist, echoing the divisions of 1968. Environmental Responsibility: "Earthrise" underscores the planet's fragility, emphasizing the need for collective stewardship over self-interest. Social Media Rocket Men by Robert Kurson

Summary This coming February, Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity will start its eighth year. My goal with this podcast is to host guests who will make us think, "I didn't know anything about that," or "That's something I hadn't considered," or "I might be able to apply that to some aspect of my life." In each case, "that" refers to the topic being discussed. And the topics will vary widely. Unlike other shows that focus on a single topic, such as politics, entertainment, or leadership, Getting Untuck's focus is eclectic. This year, I offered episodes about how to inspire student curiosity, the healing powers of fly fishing, writing, the Holocaust and World War II, marketing, and a score of other topics. Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity continues to rank in the top 3 percent of all podcasts globally, where just over 4 million options are vying for your ears' attention. We just published our 392nd episode, which is notable given that most podcasts don't reach ten episodes. I say "we" because a special thanks goes to my engineer, Neil Hughes. He manages all the back-end publishing logistics and makes every episode sound professional. He also welcomes me to pull up a virtual chair for periodic emotional therapy when needed. To say I would be lost without him doesn't begin to do his services justice. As we approach the end of the year, I want to thank you, my listeners. I wouldn't be able to continue doing this show without your interest and support. Thank you. I'm going to recap 2025 in three parts: Part One: The three episodes that you listened to the most. Part Two: The one episode that was particularly special to me. Part Three: The three most popular backlist episodes. Part One: The three episodes that you listened to the most. (In no particular order.) 1. Episode 344 - "Earthrise"—What Apollo 8 Should Have Taught Us This episode reflects on the Apollo 8 mission's iconic "Earthrise" image in late December 1968 and the turbulent year that preceded it. It highlights enduring lessons on inequality, collective problem-solving, and environmental stewardship. The episode urges renewed respect for history and a commitment to addressing modern challenges with the same ingenuity that defined the space race. This episode's popularity doesn't surprise me, so I'm going to devote next week's episode to replaying it. 2. Episode 348 - Breaking Barriers: Men, Vulnerability and Emotional Growth In this episode, I talked with Bob Reece, a mental health counselor and fly fishing guide, about his work addressing the mental health of men and at-risk teens. We discussed overcoming societal stigmas around vulnerability, providing men with tools to manage emotions, and the transformative impact of connecting with nature through fly fishing to improve relationships and professional lives. Bob emphasized the need to normalize vulnerability among men, challenging traditional notions of masculinity and fostering healthier emotional expression. This episode's popularity did not surprise me, given what I've read about the crisis single white men are experiencing. 3. Episode 369 - From Heart Attack to Health: A Plant-based Transformation In this episode, I talked with Byron Edgington, a Vietnam Veteran and commercial helicopter pilot. Byron shared his journey to a whole food, plant-based diet after a heart attack. He and his wife experienced dramatic health improvements almost immediately, including weight loss and the elimination of prescription medications. Our conversation expanded to explore the environmental impact of meat production, animal cruelty in factory farming, and how food choices can shape personal health and global sustainability. Two other episodes deserve mention. Episode 345 - Living with Purpose—Eastern and Western Insights Into Habits and Growth In this episode, Dr. Tamsin Astor, an author and habit scientist, discussed her approach to habit formation and the integration of Western and Eastern philosophies to promote wellness. Episode 363 - Decoding LinkedIn–Optimizing Your Digital First Impression The popularity of this episode should surprise no one. Here, "LinkedIn Profiler" Tony K. Silver shared LinkedIn optimization strategies focused on capturing attention quickly, using strategic keywords, and creating high-quality, engaging content with clear calls to action for professional success. Part Two: The one episode that was particularly special to me. Episode 368 - What We Make of Them After participating in New York City's "No Kings" march last spring, I reflected in this episode on the urgency of defending democracy, drawing parallels between the current political climate and that of 1930s Germany. When the march ended, I slipped into a bookstore to warm up and dry off. There I found Remember Us by Robert M. Edsell. The title of the book comes from a moving poem by Archibald MacLeish: "The Young Dead Soldiers Do Not Speak." A few stanzas carry the meaning. Nevertheless they are heard in the still houses: Who has not heard them? They say, Our deaths are not ours; they are yours: They will mean what you make of them They say, Whether our lives and our deaths were for peace And a new hope or for nothing we cannot say: it is you who must say this. We were young, they say. We have died. Remember us. Two of the poem's lines moved me so much that I took the episode title from them. "Our deaths are not ours; they are yours: They will mean what you make of them Remember Us documents twelve lives connected to the American Military Cemetery near the small village of Margraten, Netherlands. Approximately 8,300 Americans who helped liberate the Netherlands from the Nazis and the grip of fascism during World War II are buried there. The cemetery is remarkable because Black American soldiers, who were generally restricted to non-combat support roles, dug the graves under horrific weather conditions. The cemetery is also notable because local Dutch citizens have adopted each grave and visit it weekly. This practice reflects the citizens' ongoing gratitude for the soldiers, affirming that they have heard the voices of the dead. Their visits ensure that the soldiers are always remembered for their sacrifice. Part Three: The three most popular backlist episodes. (Titles that aired before 1/1/25.) 1. Episode 93 - Reclaiming Our Students I'm not surprised that this episode continues to track after almost five years. Based on their mega best-selling book, Reclaiming Our Students: Why Children Are More Anxious, Aggressive, and Shut Down Than Ever―And What We Can Do About It, authors Hannah Beach and Tamara Neufeld Strijack alerted us to what's going on with today's youth. I'm going to do a separate episode update in two weeks, but for our purpose here, two of the questions we discussed in the episode were Why are our kids in the position today of being more anxious, aggressive, and shut down than ever before? What has been the impact of children losing time for free play – and of entertainment becoming the substitute for free play? 2. Episode 316 - Fishing the Good Fight—Healing on the Stream for Men with Mental Health Issues Jim Flint is the Executive Director of "Fishing the Good Fight," an organization that uses fly-fishing retreats to help men navigate the complex intersection of masculinity and mental health. As a fly fisher, I was thrilled with the reception of this episode and with two other very popular episodes on the spiritual power of fly fishing Episode 315 - Susan Gaetz is the executive director for Casting for Recovery, a national nonprofit using the therapeutic sport of fly fishing to serve women with breast cancer. Episode 330 - Sylvia Huron is the co-founder and Executive Director of Reeling in Serenity, a non-profit that uses fly fishing to support addiction recovery through free retreats. 3. Episode 321 - You Have a Story to Tell—The Art of Memoir Writing This episode explores the art of memoir writing with author and teacher, Cindy House. Our conversation delved into the genre's rising popularity and its essential elements. Cindy emphasized curiosity as the foundation of writing and how memoir differs from autobiography by focusing on one or more specific aspects of one's life rather than a comprehensive account. Our conversation also covers the major elements of memoirs, including the importance of a central dramatic question, its supporting thematic framework, and the structure that holds everything together. Two other episodes deserve mention. Episode 88 - Leading in a Time of Crisis: Part 10 I conducted this interview with the then-Principal of the Baltimore Design School, Zaharah Valentine, in April 2020. The crisis, of course, was COVID-19, and Zarharah offered suggestions on how faculty could weather it. This episode has probably surged recently because educators are once again in crisis. Teachers and administrators are leaving the field due to burnout, low pay, lack of support, political pressures, and challenging student behaviors. Episode 324 - Cultivating Student Curiosity and Engagement in the Thinking Mathematics Classroom. This was one of my favorite episodes of the year. Dr. Peter Liljedahl is a Professor of Mathematics Education and has developed a unique way for students to learn math. Instead of sitting by themselves working out mind-numbing math problems, Dr. Liljedahl's method has students working in triads at whiteboards on real-world problems. Process and thinking, here, are as necessary as the answer.

Guest Leah Ellis is a mom of four, writer, wedding officiant, Girl Scout leader, and founder of The Society of Child Entrepreneurs. Her life blends family, creativity, and leadership, from giggling over business plans at the breakfast table to mentoring kids through hands-on entrepreneurship. With her children as her compass, Leah is reminded daily that growth is messy, love is work, and compassion changes everything. Through SoCE, Nerdy Nuptials ICT, and Girl Scouts, she creates spaces where kids, couples, and communities are empowered to lead with authenticity. Leah believes in making room for both the mess and the magic of becoming. Melody Ellis is a young artist, child entrepreneur, and community leader who blends creativity, curiosity, and confidence in everything she does. As one of the first members of The Society of Child Entrepreneurs, Melody has grown up alongside SoCE, learning how to turn ideas into action through real-world business experiences. From designing artwork and products to helping at events, she leads with imagination and heart. Guided by creativity and compassion, Melody is learning that growth takes courage, mistakes are part of the journey, and kids are capable of amazing things right now. Through SoCE, Girl Scouts, and her own creative ventures, Melody is already making her mark as a leader in the making. Summary This episode explores how Leah Ellis and her daughter, Melody, turned a four-year-old's curiosity into a thriving business and, ultimately, a youth entrepreneurship movement. When the pandemic forced Leah to close her daycare, she pivoted into financial coaching—training that Melody absorbed from the living-room TV. Soon, Melody announced she wanted to start a business, launching a contact-free drip-art venture at age four. As her work grew, Leah recognized the need for a community of young entrepreneurs. She created the Society of Child Entrepreneurs, a structured program teaching business skills, financial literacy, adaptability, and leadership through hands-on experience. Kids learn pricing, budgeting, opportunity cost, and problem-solving, culminating in selling their products publicly. The conversation highlights extraordinary creativity—like kids designing a robot to stop porch pirates—and the confidence that grows when adults step back and ask questions rather than set limits. Leah also discusses the proposed "SoCE Law" to ease restrictions on kids starting businesses. Throughout, Melody reflects on how entrepreneurship has made her more adaptable, expressive, and willing to share her work. Together, they illustrate what happens when young people are empowered to build real businesses. The Essential Point The core message is that children are far more capable than adults often assume. Creativity, business sense, and problem-solving emerge naturally when they are given space, the ability to ask questions, and trust. Leah rejects the idea that "kids are the future," arguing instead that they are powerful now. By letting kids start real businesses, handle real challenges, and make real decisions, the Society of Child Entrepreneurs helps them develop confidence, adaptability, and an entrepreneurial mindset that carries into every part of their lives. Social Media & Referenced The Society of Child Entrepreneurs

Guest Jonathan Gluck is a writer and editor whose work has appeared in The New York Times and The Washington Post. He was deputy editor of New York magazine for ten years, after which he worked as managing editor of Vogue. He currently works at Fast Company. His work has been recognized with multiple National Magazine Awards. He is the author of An Exercise in Uncertainty, a memoir of how his journey with incurable cancer has reshaped his identity, marriage, and daily life. Summary In this deeply candid conversation, journalist and author Jon Gluck recounts his 22-year journey living with multiple myeloma, an incurable but treatable bone-marrow cancer. He describes the shock of his diagnosis at age 38 and the long, winding road of tests, remissions, relapses, and emerging treatments that have kept him alive. The discussion explores how Gluck navigates profound uncertainty, the illusion of control, and the emotional toll that chronic illness places not only on the patient but also on family and relationships. He and his wife confronted the strain of living in medical limbo, ultimately turning to therapy to rebuild connection during what he calls becoming "cancer zombies." The conversation also highlights the restorative role of fly fishing, which Gluck describes as one of the few activities capable of placing him entirely in the present. This genuine flow state quiets fear and anxiety. He shares broader lessons about empathy, how to speak to someone with a serious diagnosis, and the importance of intentionally pursuing joy, connection, and meaning while living alongside uncertainty. The Essential Point The heart of the discussion is Jon's insight into living meaningfully in the face of uncertainty. His story shows that while we cannot control the inevitabilities of illness or life's unpredictability, we can control how we show up—seeking information, accepting our limits, nurturing relationships, and embracing activities that restore us. His emphasis on intentionally choosing joy, connection, and presence—even in the shadow of chronic illness—offers a universal lesson for anyone facing their own uncertainties. Social MediaFacebook https://www.facebook.com/jon.gluck.3 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gluck-b32b6898/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jbgluck/

Guest Hunter Seim is a thirty-year veteran of the Bureau of Land Management. His current role is a range and wild horse advisor to the District Manager of the Northwest District, Colorado BLM. During his career, he worked as a land survey technician and an outdoor recreation planner specializing in wilderness management in Palm Springs, California, and as a rangeland management specialist and an assistant field manager in Craig, Colorado. His duties have given him exposure to almost every aspect of managing public lands. He received a Bachelor of Science in Range Management from Texas Tech University in 1992. Range management and rangeland ecology are my primary background and where the bulk of my career and professional interests lie. Summary Hunter Seim brings three decades of experience from the Bureau of Land Management to this conversation about managing America's public lands. With a background in range management and ecology, Hunter explains how the BLM oversees 245 million acres across the western states, balancing diverse and often conflicting interests—from wilderness preservation to resource extraction, livestock grazing, and wildlife habitat protection. The discussion reveals the BLM's unique challenge: its mission is so broad that "somebody's always going to be disappointed." Hunter describes managing everything from wilderness boundaries in California to oil and gas reclamation in Colorado, emphasizing that collaboration is essential to success. Rather than dictating policy, the BLM works as a neighbor to thousands of private landowners, state agencies, and various other stakeholders. Particularly fascinating is Hunter's work with outcome-based grazing, which demonstrates how properly managed livestock grazing can coexist with—and even benefit—sensitive habitats, such as sage grouse environments. The wild horse program presents one of the agency's most emotionally charged challenges, as the BLM attempts to balance animal welfare with ecosystem health while facing intense public scrutiny amplified by social media. From fire management to water rights, mineral extraction to animal crossings, the BLM operates at the intersection of conservation and commerce. Hunter emphasizes that these public lands benefit all Americans, whether they ever visit them or not—from the resources they provide to the simple knowledge that vast, undeveloped wilderness still exists. His recommended reading, Wallace Stegner's "Beyond the 100th Meridian," captures the essential challenge of managing the arid West. The Essential Point The most critical insight is that successful public lands management requires constant collaboration and a balancing act between competing interests. The BLM cannot simply dictate policy—it must work as a neighbor with thousands of stakeholders, from ranchers to environmentalists, state agencies to private landowners. This collaborative approach, exemplified by outcome-based grazing initiatives that benefit both livestock operators and wildlife habitat, demonstrates that conservation and commerce need not be mutually exclusive. Social Media & Referenced Bureau of Land Management Beyond the 100th Meridian

Spencer Seim, an artisan fly tier and guide based in Taos, New Mexico, shares his passion for fly fishing as a meditative practice and a means of connection to nature. He reflects on his journey from Texas to the Rockies and discusses the importance of humility and adaptability on the water. Spencer emphasizes the value of failure as a teacher, conservation efforts to protect public lands, and unique parenting lessons inspired by his experiences fishing. He also delves into the fascinating world of salmon flies and the thoughtful craftsmanship behind tying them.

Dr. Karen Sobel-Lojeski, a leading researcher and author on the Virtual Distance framework, explores the complexities of how technology shapes human connection. She defines virtual distance and its impacts on trust and collaboration, especially in remote settings. Discussing AI, she warns against anthropomorphizing it, highlighting its negative effects on memory and creativity in education. Dr. Sobel-Lojeski emphasizes the importance of teaching children balanced tech use and shares her initiative to protect their social bonds while thoughtfully integrating technology.

Guest Jodi Scott is a purpose-driven business leader and entrepreneur passionate about bridging the gap between natural wellness and modern innovation. As the co-founder of Green Goo, she's helped pioneer plant-based alternatives in categories traditionally dominated by synthetics, from first aid to personal care. With a background in science, sales, and sustainability, Jodi brings a fresh perspective to how businesses can grow with integrity, lead with empathy, and stay true to their mission even in fast-changing industries. Summary In this episode, Jeff speaks with Jodi Scott, co-founder of Green Goo, a family-run company that produces plant-based first-aid and wellness products. The conversation traces Green Goo's origins from her sister's early herbalism experiments to a thriving business built around natural healing and sustainability. Jodi shares how her family's blend of skills—her sister's herbology, her mother's tech entrepreneurship, and her own background in health psychology—converged to create a purpose-driven company focused on high-efficacy, natural alternatives to chemical-laden over-the-counter products. She explains the rigorous process behind Green Goo's product formulation, including the FDA's growing recognition of botanical ingredients and the company's commitment to transparent labeling. Beyond product development, Jodi highlights the deeper values that guide the company: spreading goodness, supporting community, and cultivating trust among consumers skeptical of plant-based efficacy. The heart of the conversation comes when Jodi recounts selling the company to a seemingly aligned partner—only to watch it collapse after the buyer's scandal. Forced to lay off her family and staff, she describes the emotional devastation and eventual resilience that followed as they fought to buy the company back. That experience reshaped her understanding of resilience—not as relentless grit, but as the ability to pause, get present, and move forward with clarity. Now, with Green Goo reborn and expanded into a broader wellness portfolio, Jodi continues to advocate for purpose-driven leadership and mindful living, encouraging others to "keep showing up" even when the path is uncertain. The Essential Point Jodi's essential message is that resilience isn't about endless drive—it's about presence, reflection, and finding purpose even amid loss. Her journey with Green Goo shows how values and mindfulness can sustain both people and businesses through profound challenges. Social Media www.greengoo.com | www.southernbutter.com | www.ovamoon.com | www.fambotanicals.com

Guest Dennis and Ali Pitocco lead 360° Nation, a global media platform dedicated to uplifting humanity. For over 15 years, the couple has focused on showcasing humanity's best aspects and driving positive change. Their philosophy emphasizes presence, belonging, and compassionate service, allocating resources for the greater good. They believe in the power of media to benefit society, employing a purpose-driven "for good" vs. for-profit business model that highlights the human potential for creativity, compassion, and collaboration. Summary In this episode, Dennis and Ali reflect on their 500-mile walk along the Camino de Santiago, a six-week pilgrimage through northern Spain that became one of the most profound experiences of their lives. Initially drawn to the Camino less for its religious tradition than for its potential as a reflective journey, the couple sought quiet, connection, and space away from the noise of everyday life. Along the way, they discovered what they call a "symphony of silence"—a meditative calm in which layers of distraction and obligation fell away, revealing a more profound sense of self and purpose. Dennis describes how walking each day with nothing but their thoughts and nature's rhythms stripped away life's "varnish," exposing what truly matters: authenticity, relationships, and wonder. Upon returning home, he and Ali found themselves changed. Dennis reached out to each of his siblings, determined to cultivate genuine, not transactional, relationships—an impulse he attributes directly to the Camino. They also wrote the book we occasionally dip into during this episode to record for themselves and inspire others to approach the Camino as a journey of introspection rather than endurance. The conversation touches on lessons about slowing down, embracing simplicity, and rekindling awe in the everyday. For Dennis, the Camino became a metaphor for life—an act of "unbecoming" all that is false so one can return to one's most authentic self. As he puts it, "Pain is temporary, but the accomplishment of doing it lives with you forever." The Essential Point The Camino taught Dennis that transformation often comes through subtraction—not adding more, but shedding distractions and illusions to rediscover authenticity, connection, and the quiet beauty of being fully present. Social Media LINKTREE