Living On The Edge of Chaos

 ACCESS THE SHOWAll platforms and past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/Direct Link to This Episode: YouTube Version:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_l_Kht8WObY&feature=youtu.beTakeawaysFocus is not about more effort—it’s about better strategy and self-awareness.ADHD is not a deficit in intelligence but a challenge in managing attention and regulation.Productivity must include mental health, not come at the cost of it.Transitions—into university, new careers, or independent learning—can be overwhelming without support systems.Reflective practices, safe spaces, and collaborative environments are essential for real learning and growth.Understanding the why behind distraction helps build better habits and not just guilt cycles.Psychologically informed practices help students and professionals reclaim autonomy in high-demand environments.Burnout often stems from mismatched expectations and lack of recovery.Compassionate teaching starts with giving ourselves permission to pause, reflect, and realign.Chapters00:00 Alicia’s Journey into Psychology and Education06:00 Applying content from Tiny Experiments into her practice12:30 Focus & Excitement for Learning,14:00 Power of Vulnerable Spaces and Moving Into Education Spaces17:30 Procrastination?20:00 Burnout in High-Pressure Academic and Workplace Settings24:55 Building Systems That Align With Wellbeing31:00 Cell Phones In Classrooms36:00 Less Tolerance For Boredom39:00 Final Thoughts and Ideas Worth Sharing43:00 Misconceptions of Engaged vs. Learning and the Perception of Either ResourcesAlicia Peña Bizama WebsiteTiny ExperimentsPodcast 210 where I speak with author of Tiny Experiments and founder of Ness LabsUpcoming Sessions with AliciaUnderstanding ADHD and Strategies to Improve Focus and ProductivityFriday 09.05.25 at 15:00–16:00 UK timeMonday 12.05.25 at 15:00–16:00 UK timeCheck Eventbrite or her website for registrationAaron’s Full Podcast Archive

All platforms and past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/Direct Link to This Episode: www.coffeeforthebrain.com/210YouTube Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gM0arJOqDbE TakeawaysLinear goal-setting can trap us in burnout and a deficit mindset.Learning and growth are nonlinear—curiosity and experimentation create deeper impact.Traditional definitions of success often limit creativity and autonomy.Tiny experiments help reclaim control, joy, and discovery in our personal and professional lives.The education system can benefit from embracing experimentation over rigid outcomes.Community and conversation are powerful tools for mental health and learning.Neuroscience helps explain why curiosity and self-compassion are crucial for sustainable progress.Instead of obsessing over perfection, we can focus on consistent iteration and playful learning.Self-defined success leads to healthier productivity and long-term well-being.Educators and knowledge workers alike need safe, brave spaces to question norms and try new paths.Chapters00:00 Welcome + Introduction of Anne-Laure03:10 Linear Thinking vs. Nonlinear Exploration06:15 Anne-Laure's Shift from Corporate Life to Purpose-Driven Curiosity10:50 The Origins of Tiny Experiments14:20 Power of Community and Learning in Public2o:45 Neuroscience of Learning and Curiosity with Plus, Minus, Next26:00 The Beauty of New Learning With Published Book30:30 How to Start a Tiny Experiment TodayEducators as Explorers, Not Just ExecutorsResourcesNess Labs CommunityTiny Experiments: A Book by Anne-Laure Le CunffBook websiteAnne-Laure’s Keynote at SXSWAnne-Laure on Twitter/XAaron’s Full Podcast Archive 

TakeawaysLearning is a vulnerable experience that requires admitting what you don't know.Creating engaging learning experiences is essential for both students and teachers.Trust and faith in the learning process are crucial for transformative education.Experience is the best teacher, and learning should be experiential.The education system needs to be remade to support teachers effectively.AI can enhance learning but does not replace the need for human creativity and experience.Creating a safe space for failure is necessary for real learning to occur.Communal learning experiences foster trust and collaboration among educators and students.Professional development should focus on what teachers are doing, not just what they are being told to do.Education should prioritize ideas and personal expression over performative tasks.Chapters00:00 Introduction to CodeJoy and Kelsey Derringer03:10 The Importance of Lifelong Learning in Education05:57 Vulnerability in Learning: A Personal Perspective09:01 Breaking the Education System: Kelsey's Journey11:53 Innovative Approaches to Teacher Engagement15:02 Creating Interactive Learning Experiences18:06 The Role of Social Learning in Education21:01 Reframing Teacher and Student Roles in Learning26:33 The Nature of Learning and Experience27:50 Human Evolution and Learning Challenges28:50 Creating Safe Spaces for Learning30:12 The Importance of Iteration and Failure32:35 The Role of Experience in Education34:35 Creativity and Trust in Learning36:48 The Intersection of AI and Education39:22 Shifting Focus from Performance to Ideas42:10 The Human Experience in Education46:09 Building Trust and Community in Learning ResourcesCodeJoyCodeJoy on Socials25 Days of MakingThe Artist's WayHans Zimmer Isn't Scared of AI

TakeawaysMindfulness and emotional intelligence are essential in education to support the well-being of both students and educators.Establishing a noble goal and understanding one's why can help educators stay connected to their purpose and navigate challenges.Taking the time to pause, reflect on emotions, and choose self-care strategies can help educators manage stress and prevent burnout.Providing space for vulnerability and self-care in the education system is crucial for the overall well-being of educators and students. Educators need to prioritize their own well-being and practice self-awareness and self-care.The KCG framework (Know Yourself, Choose Yourself, Give Yourself) can help educators navigate difficult situations and manage their emotions.Emotions are data and should be acknowledged and understood.Education should focus on the whole child and provide educators with the tools and support they need.Showing up for others and spreading love can have a profound impact on individuals and communities.Sound Bites"Mindfulness and emotional intelligence are essential in education.""Establishing a noble goal and understanding one's why can help educators stay connected to their purpose.""Taking the time to pause, reflect on emotions, and choose self-care strategies can help educators manage stress and prevent burnout.""Emotions that are in your body for like six seconds."\"KCG: Know Yourself, Choose Yourself, Give Yourself"Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background10:30 The Work of Challenge to Change23:07 Creating Space for Self-Reflection27:40 Challenges of Bringing Mindfulness Practices into Schools29:36 The Importance of Emotions in Education33:55 Managing Emotions in Challenging Situations38:14 Bringing Emotional Intelligence into the Classroom44:48 Creating a Culture of Empathy and UnderstandingResourcesChallenge To ChangeGuided MindfulnessSix SecondsJordan Turner BioKCG. Know Choose Give

TakeawaysAI can be used as a tool for augmentation in education, supporting academic writing and research.Curiosity is a powerful driver of learning and exploration in the AI space.Simulations can help students test their research ideas and understand the implications of their decisions.Good writing in academia involves the ability to synthesize research, support claims, and communicate effectively. Prioritize the audience in communication and understand their needs and wantsFocus on the writing process and experiment with different strategies to improveEmbrace bravery in pursuing goals and trust in the support of othersStay updated on advancements in AI technology and leverage them for feedback and guidanceRecognize the influence of TV shows and movies in shaping personal experiences and perspectivesSound Bites"It's not just about AI. It's about thinking and learning and articulation and how we leverage emerging technology to continue to push what's potential.""You don't have to be a technical person to start an AI EdTech company. You can learn on your own.""The ability to create simulations for students so they can test their research ideas and understand the implications of their decisions.""Put the audience as your primary priority and put what you wanna say on the back burner and understand what the audience needs or wants to hear.""Good writing is about process, not just product.""Being brave also means collectively trusting that you are surrounding yourself with people who are going to have your back and who can do things that you can't."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:55 The Role of AI in Education08:06 Navigating the Challenges of AI in Education16:00 Exploring Topics in AI and Education25:59 The Importance of Good Writing in Academia29:12 Putting the Audience First: Effective Communication30:57 The Power of Process: Enhancing Writing Skills35:46 Embracing Bravery: Pursuing Goals and Taking Risks39:35 Advancements in AI Technology: The Impact of Claude III42:47 Influential TV Shows and Movies: The Sound of Music and GhostResourcesHere is the slidedeck to check out all the ideas discussed and the ones we did not have time to coverMoxie website to learn about the work and opportunities https://academicinsightlab.org/teamKimberly on LinkedInJessica on LinkedInAnne Lamott book, Bird by Bird10% Happier PodcastAdam Grant PodcastsThe Alchemist book"What you seek is seeking you", a quote from Rumi"Follow your values and not your passions becase your passions will change but your values tend to stay the same"197: The Art of Authenticity: Living Out Loud with Brant Menswar 

All platforms and past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/Slidedeck of her ideas to explore as we did not get to them allhttps://1drv.ms/p/s!AqtnAB8NPT2-8kpLZWCCEThXQepGYouTube VideoTakeawaysVicki Davis believes that students should be at least 17 or 18 years old before getting cell phones.She emphasizes the negative impact of unrestricted cell phone access on students' mental health, sleep patterns, and social interactions.Vicki recommends watching the AI Dilemma YouTube video to gain a better understanding of AI technology and its ethical implications. Autonomous weapons raise ethical concerns and the need for human accountability in AI decision-making.Understanding AI ethics and the impact of technology is crucial for shaping the conversation and making informed decisions.AI education should focus on the process rather than just tools, and educators should address the ethical use of AI.Addressing knowledge gaps in math education is essential to ensure students have a solid foundation for future learning.Creating custom GPTs can be a valuable tool for personal and classroom use, but it should be supervised and used ethically.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:22 Vicki Davis' Journey in Education28:44 Recommendation: AI Dilemma YouTube Video33:21 Ethics of Autonomous Weapons34:19 Ethics of AI and Accountability35:18 Ethics and the Impact of Technology36:38 Balancing AI Education and Tool Usage37:35 The Challenge of PD and AI Education38:28 Teaching the Writing Process and Ethical Use of AI39:24 Teaching Research Process and Avoiding AI Cheating40:13 Addressing Knowledge Gaps in Math Education43:34 The Importance of Conversations and Awareness about AI46:17 Creating Custom GPTs for Personal and Classroom Use54:06 The Craft of Teaching and Surrounding Yourself with Positive Influences Resourceshttps://www.coolcatteacher.com/When I was lucky enough to be on her show!From 2013: ECM Show #13: Teacher Aaron Maurer https://go.shr.lc/4brPIB8From 2017: 5 Ways to Improve STEAM Learning at Your School - https://go.shr.lc/44SUaGBFrom 2019: 25 Days of Making: When Educators Make, Create, and Have Fun - https://go.shr.lc/3KbmlqQChange. Improvement. Technology. Productivity. How her book impacted me.....and reference to Vine(remember that?) Blogging: Why It Matters To Develop The Student Brand 

Youtube Versionhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cphiov_RFc&feature=youtu.beResourcesInspiration of show format from Tim Ferriss PodcastLife Lessons from Taylor Swift, Conquering Anxiety, Coaching Teens, Career Reinvention, Supposedly Gay Bulls, Your Shadow Side, and More — Soman Chainani (#720) https://tim.blog/2024/02/06/soman-chainani/ Slides of all topics shared and not shared due to timehttps://1drv.ms/p/s!AqtnAB8NPT2-9HrD7fxxexgmUAV6Previous Podcast With Lisa111: Happiness Advantage Roundtable Discussion Part 1 https://coffeeforthebrain.com/111/116: Happiness Advantage Roundtable Discussion Part 2 https://coffeeforthebrain.com/116/Spotify Daylist is Blowing Up—Too Bad the Creator Was Laid Off Tom Petty Greatest HitsA Little Bit Of Love by Weezer SCARFClear Thinking bookMississippi Bend AEAChapters00:00 Introduction and Experimental Format03:17 Lisa's Origin Story08:55 Something That Sparks Excitement: Human Behavior and Social Constructs16:27 Object of Meaning: Tom Petty's Greatest Hits Album23:12 Reflecting on a Recent Shift in Perspective: Co-Regulation35:17 Something That Sparks Excitement: Weezer's 'A Little Bit of Love'39:43 Weezer and the Power of Music40:14 Introduction to SCARF41:28 The Five Domains of SCARF42:56 Applying SCARF in Education44:23 Identifying Threat Responses45:17 Strategic Responses to Threats46:16 Complex Change Matrix47:21 Problem Solving and Solution Focus50:08 Creating Structures for Productive Conversations54:51 Best Pieces of Advice

 Access The ShowAll platforms and past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/Direct Link:YouTube:TakeawaysGratitude can be a powerful foundation for AI, guiding its use and ensuring a positive impact.Play and experimentation are key when getting started with AI, allowing for creative exploration and learning.AI tools like ChatGPT can be used as thought partners and co-hosts, enhancing productivity and creativity.Incorporating AI in the classroom can provide new opportunities for learning and problem-solving.Embracing AI can enhance learning, problem-solving, and productivity, leading to a better future. Curiosity and experimentation are key to discovering the full potential of ChatGPT.The art of intelligence involves using personal creativity and making unique connections.Asking great questions is crucial for getting useful and usable output from ChatGPT.Embrace your unique flavor and don't be discouraged by the idea that everything has already been done.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage02:58 The Power of Gratitude in AI06:13 The Origin Story of Grateful AI09:23 Navigating the Worries and Fears of AI16:43 Getting Started with AI: Play and Experiment21:41 Lessons and Workflows from AI Experts32:20 Using ChatGPT as a Co-Host and Thought Partner37:04 Incorporating AI in the Classroom40:27 Embracing AI to Enhance Learning and Problem Solving46:56 Exploring the Possibilities of ChatGPT48:21 The Art of Intelligence49:21 The Importance of Asking Great Questions50:41 Embrace Your Unique Flavor52:41 The War of Art54:02 Connect with Mark Latimer Resourceshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/artofchatgpt/https://www.youtube.com/@OpenAiTraininghttps://solopreneuraicoach.com/ 

Access The ShowAll platforms and past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/TakeawaysThe current system of recognizing learning and competence is narrow and leaves many people behind.Credentials should include the expertise and affiliations of the content creators to provide more transparent and meaningful signaling.Considering different perspectives and ideas is crucial for a healthy democracy and society. Malformation and propaganda can distort the way facts are used and understood.The current information infrastructure, driven by the attention economy, shapes behavior and power dynamics in society.There is a need to create a new infrastructure that values the quality of attention and knowledge.Education should be valued beyond its immediate application in work and school.The economic value of intellectual data should be recognized and protected.Proof of human knowledge is essential in a world where fabrication and misinformation are prevalent.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:47 The Problems with Credentials, Verifiability, and Status Signaling14:39 Reflecting on a Recent Shift in Perspective: Democracy through Socrates' Eyes34:20 Rethinking How We Value Learning37:34 Creating a New Infrastructure for Society44:19 The Economic Value of Intellectual Data48:49 Proof of Human Knowledge55:06 The Forward from 'Amusing Ourselves to Death'ResourcesThe Readocracy ManifestoA humble proposal to turn the internet upside downIntros to Infobesity and Information WellnessBrowse Mario knowledge profile: www.readocracy.com/marioNeil Postman Amusing Ourselves To Death bookCal Newport Slow Productivity book

TakeawaysCombining AI with sound educational practices can enhance the learning experience.The problem is not AI itself, but how we use class time and design learning experiences.AI can be leveraged to support students in the writing process and develop their skills as learners.Effective instructional practices, such as blended learning and student agency, are essential for empowering students and creating meaningful learning experiences. AI has thepotential to bring about much-needed change in education.Teachers should consider alternative instructional models to meet the diverse needs of students.Resistance to change can hinder progress in education.Taking small steps and focusing on one aspect at a time can lead to success.Engaging in physical activity can bring joy and help disconnect from work. Chapters Introduction and BackgroundThe Importance of Combining AI with Sound Educational PracticesThe Problem is How We Use Class Time, Not AIThe Idea for the Book: Shifting Writing into the ClassroomThe Importance of Intentional Design and Leveraging AIThe Need to Rethink the Classroom ExperienceAI as an Editor of ThinkingThe Promise and Misconceptions of AIThe Learnership and Developing LearnersThe Need for Effective Instructional PracticesThe Need for Change in EducationBarriers to Effective LearningTeachers' Resistance to ChangeThe Potential of AI in EducationReigniting Passion for TeachingThe Best Piece of AdviceFinding Joy in Physical ActivityConnecting with Catlin Tucker