
18 Summers: Podcast for Parents
Welcome to the 18 Summers Podcast for Parents! Family life is essential – hosts Jim & Jamie Sheils are on a mission to help you live your best one. You’ll hear personal, inspiring and mindset-shifting stories from thought leaders in parenting, entrepreneurship and more. You CAN find success in business WITHOUT sacrificing your family.
Always authentic and relatable, Jim & Jamie have guided thousands of families in creating the family life they’ve always wanted. Listen in and learn how you, too, can ignite your family life to make the absolute most of your 18 Summers.
Latest episodes

Jan 8, 2025 • 33min
How Alternative Learning Unlocks Hidden Potential with Leland Sheils
Dive into Leland Sheils' compelling story of non-traditional education and remarkable recovery from a life-altering car accident. Discover how his unique learning experiences and personal philosophies have shaped his views on financial literacy and overcoming adversity. Listen in to learn about the transformative power of personalized learning paths and self-motivation. Key takeaways to listen for The importance of self-discipline in managing abundant free time How Montessori and Waldorf education enhance the learning experience Major upsides of financial literacy from a young age Why independence in Lelands’ upbringing plays a crucial role An effective way to ensure genuine interest and commitment About Leland Sheils Leland Sheils is a 19-year-old entrepreneur and EMT student whose personal and professional life has been shaped by unique educational experiences and resilience in the face of adversity. As the second oldest son of Jim and Jamie, Leland's journey underscores the importance of personalized education and forging one's own path in both career and life. He is currently furthering his education to become a firefighter. Connect with Us To learn more about us, visit our website at www.18summers.com or email us at info@18summers.com. To get a copy of our book “The Family Board Meeting”, click here. Subscribe to 18 Summers Podcast and leave a rating and written review! Social Media Channels Facebook Group: 18 Summers LinkedIn: Jimmy Sheils Instagram: @18summerstribe

Dec 25, 2024 • 24min
Heartfelt Lessons on Bravery, Intuition, and Family Connections
In this heartfelt episode, we discuss the profound lessons learned from recent family experiences. From navigating the challenges of parenting transitions to dealing with the loss of a family pet, we share insights on nurturing intuition, fostering bravery, and the importance of one-on-one family time. Key takeaways to listen for A powerful lesson from a daddy-daughter date Simple adventures that can teach bravery and provide life lessons The emotional process of dealing with the sudden loss of a family pet How changing parenting strategies is key to the evolving needs of children Why dedicated family time is crucial in strengthening bonds Connect with Us To learn more about us, visit our website at www.18summers.com or email us at info@18summers.com. To get a copy of our book “The Family Board Meeting”, click here. Subscribe to 18 Summers Podcast and leave a rating and written review! Social Media Channels Facebook Group: 18 Summers LinkedIn: Jimmy Sheils Instagram: @18summerstribe

Dec 4, 2024 • 29min
Create Memories That Matter in the Magic and Mayhem of Holiday Traditions
Open your heart to the magic of holiday celebrations in this episode, where we share personal stories and practical tips for enriching family gatherings. Learn how to navigate potential stressors and embrace new traditions to create memorable and meaningful experiences. Whether you're refining festive routines or introducing fresh ideas, this discussion is packed with insights to make your celebrations truly special. Key takeaways to listen for An innovative tradition aimed at eliminating holiday scheduling conflicts Strategies for low-key, inclusive celebrations Benefits of keeping celebrations simple and accessible A simple way of fostering genuine connections during family gatherings The value of creating and maintaining holiday traditions Connect with Us To learn more about us, visit our website at www.18summers.com or email us at info@18summers.com. To get a copy of our book “The Family Board Meeting”, click here. Subscribe to 18 Summers Podcast and leave a rating and written review! Social Media Channels Facebook Group: 18 Summers LinkedIn: Jimmy Sheils Instagram: @18summerstribe

Nov 6, 2024 • 27min
Unleashing Early Leadership Traits in Children with Dr. Alan E. Nelson
Join Dr. Alan E. Nelson as he probes the early indicators of leadership in children, including how parents can nurture these traits to foster potential leaders from a young age. Delving into the unique characteristics of neurodivergent leaders and the pivotal role of parental guidance, he shares insights from his extensive experience in leadership development. Understand how to support and cultivate leadership qualities in young minds effectively by tuning in! Key takeaways to listen for ● Natural leadership traits in children ● Practical ways of creating leadership opportunities at home ● What does inclusive leadership mean? ● The benefits of intentional leadership development ● How to overcome personal and leadership challenges Resources ● Lead Young Training ● My Kid Leads! by Alan E Nelson | Kindle and Paperback About Dr. Alan E. Nelson Alan E. Nelson, EdD, is considered a global expert in young leader development. Dr. Nelson led in the social sector for 25 years. He is the author of 20 books, 21 storybooks, and over 200 articles. His works, “The O Factor,” “My Kid Leads!” “LeadYoung,” and the “KiddieLead” and “Unum” series reveal this pioneering accomplishment. Alan has an MA in psychology-communication and a doctorate (EdD) in leadership from the University of San Diego. Dr. Nelson is also a Lecturer of Management at the Naval Postgraduate School, where his students include NASA engineers, Top Gun pilots, Navy SEALs, and international military officers. He has also taught at top-tier schools such as USC, Pepperdine, and UCI. At midlife, Dr. Nelson concluded that the best strategy to develop effective and ethical leaders is to get to them while they’re moldable, not moldy. This began a journey, interacting with 1000s of 10–18-year-olds worldwide to understand what leaders are like as youth and how to identify and develop their potential while they’re pliable. Connect with Dr. Alan ● Website: KidLead Academy ● LinkedIn: Alan E. Nelson, EdD Connect with Us To learn more about us, visit our website at www.18summers.com or email us at info@18summers.com. To get a copy of our book “The Family Board Meeting”, click here. Subscribe to 18 Summers Podcast and leave a rating and written review! Social Media Channels ● Facebook Group: 18 Summers ● LinkedIn: Jimmy Sheils ● Instagram: @18summerstribe

Oct 16, 2024 • 41min
Finding Strength in Grief Through a Journey of Adoption, Grit, and Healing with Jessica Fein
Explore the depths of grief and resilience with Jessica Fein as we delve into her challenging adoption journey, the ethical questions around international adoptions, and the profound impact of her daughter's life and untimely passing. Gain invaluable insights on coping with loss and finding strength in fear, offering solace and guidance for those facing similar hardships. Key takeaways to listen for The importance of ensuring ethical practices in international adoptions How a daughter's death deeply affects family dynamics An empowering approach to how one can live with fear Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes Reasons why it’s crucial to respect individual healing processes Resources Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes by Jessica Fein | Kindle and Hardcover About Jessica Fein Jessica Fein is a memoirist and author of Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes. She also hosts the podcast I Don't Know How You Do It, which features inspiring individuals who triumph over unimaginable challenges. Her writing, which explores family, the intertwining of joy and sorrow, and finding beauty in a broken world, has appeared in The New York Times, Newsweek, Psychology Today, The Boston Globe, HuffPost, and more. After losing her daughter to a rare disease in 2022, Jessica became a relentless advocate for hope, humor, grit, and grace. She serves on the Board of Directors for MitoAction and lives outside Boston with her husband, three children adopted from Guatemala, and their self-trained quasi-service dog. Connect with Jessica Website: Jessica Fein Podcast: I Don't Know How You Do It | Apple Podcasts and Spotify Facebook: Jessica Fein Instagram: (@feinjessica) LinkedIn: Jessica Fein Connect with Us To learn more about us, visit our website at www.18summers.com or email us at info@18summers.com. To get a copy of our book “The Family Board Meeting”, click here. Subscribe to 18 Summers Podcast and leave a rating and written review! Social Media Channels Facebook Group: 18 Summers LinkedIn: Jimmy Sheils Instagram: @18summerstribe

Oct 9, 2024 • 44min
Fostering Love and Discipline While Pursuing Career Success with Michael and Gail Hyatt
How can you integrate family life with career ambitions successfully? Join renowned author and entrepreneur Michael Hyatt, along with his wife Gail, as they share insights on setting boundaries, crafting a family vision, and the tools they've used to maintain balance. Hop in to discover strategies for thriving in both family and career! Key takeaways to listen for Lack of boundaries and the steps to rectify it The value of having a clear vision for all aspects of life A parenting strategy that balances between love and discipline How to transition from parenting to mentoring as children grow up Reasons why intentional parenting is crucial in children’s lives Resources Living Forward by Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy | Kindle, Paperback, and Hardcover Parenting with Love & Logic by Foster Cline and Jim Fay | Kindle and Hardcover How to Really Love Your Child by Ross Campbell | Kindle and Paperback LifeFocus Kit About Michael and Gail Hyatt Michael Hyatt is the Founder and Chairman of Full Focus. He has scaled multiple companies over the years, including a $250M publishing company with 700+ employees and his own goal-achievement company. Under his leadership, Full Focus has been featured in the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing companies in America and Inc.'s Best Work Places list. He is also the author of several New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling books, including Your Best Year Ever, Free to Focus, Win at Work and Succeed at Life, and Mind Your Mindset. He has been married for over 45 years to his wife, Gail, and has five daughters and ten grandchildren. Gail Hyatt is a mom to 5 extraordinary women, 3 amazing sons-in-law, & 10 fantastic grandchildren. She's been married to Michael Hyatt for over 45 years. Connect with Michael and Gail Website: Full Focus Podcast: The Double Win Show | Apple Podcasts and Spotify Instagram: @michaelhyatt | @gailhyatt Connect with Us To learn more about us, visit our website at www.18summers.com or email us at info@18summers.com. To get a copy of our book “The Family Board Meeting”, click here. Subscribe to 18 Summers Podcast and leave a rating and written review! Social Media Channels Facebook Group: 18 Summers LinkedIn: Jimmy Sheils Instagram: @18summerstribe

Oct 2, 2024 • 18min
The Secret Recipe for a Marriage Everyone Aspires To Have
If you're seeking insider tips on cultivating a thriving marriage, this episode is a must-listen! Today, we delve into the intricacies of maintaining a healthy and robust partnership. Drawing from personal experiences, we share practical strategies for nurturing a relationship that not only survives but flourishes through life's ups and downs. Key takeaways to listen for Why you must genuinely enjoy each other’s company and be best friends The crucial role of asking deep, thought-provoking questions How aligning core values and beliefs ensures harmony and mutual respect A strategy of prioritizing the marital relationship above all others Ways to express gratitude and apologies and their benefits in a relationship Connect with Us To learn more about us, visit our website at www.18summers.com or email us at info@18summers.com. To get a copy of our book “The Family Board Meeting”, click here. Subscribe to 18 Summers Podcast and leave a rating and written review! Social Media Channels Facebook Group: 18 Summers LinkedIn: Jimmy Sheils Instagram: @18summerstribe

Sep 25, 2024 • 9min
Overcoming Family Regret: Picking Up Where Prior Generations Left Off
In this heartfelt episode, Jim Sheils delves into the concept of overcoming regret through a deep connection with family heritage and generational achievements. Jim shares personal anecdotes from his own life, emphasizing the importance of connecting with one's roots and carrying forward the unfinished dreams of previous generations. Key takeaways to listen for Simple yet effective ways to address and mitigate feelings of regret The significance of continuing the unfinished aspirations of ancestors Jim’s journey of reconnecting with his Irish heritage How generational connections can provide comfort and a sense of belonging Why you must explore your family histories Connect with Us To learn more about us, visit our website at www.18summers.com or email us at info@18summers.com. To get a copy of our book “The Family Board Meeting”, click here. Subscribe to 18 Summers Podcast and leave a rating and written review! Social Media Channels Facebook Group: 18 Summers LinkedIn: Jimmy Sheils Instagram: @18summerstribe

Sep 18, 2024 • 25min
Gratitude, Grounding, and Good Sleep: The Daily Trio for Total Wellness with Marc Fussell
Ever felt overwhelmed by anxiety or struggled to get a good night's sleep? In this episode, we sit down with Marc Fussell to uncover the secrets to a healthier, happier mind. He shares his inspiring journey and practical tools for overcoming anxiety, including the power of gratitude and the importance of sleep hygiene. Join us as we learn how to incorporate these simple yet effective techniques into your daily life. Key takeaways to listen for How Marc's journey to help his son led to the creation of Take 2 Minutes The role of gratitude in fostering mental well-being and how to build a gratitude practice Understanding the difference between morning and evening gratitude practices Techniques for improving sleep hygiene and why it matters for mental health Grounding exercises to manage anxiety and bring focus to the present moment Resources Struggling with anxiety? Visit https://bit.ly/3AQnjHD, sign up with a mobile number and access meditations specifically designed to calm anxiety. Simply text "I have anxiety" and receive an instant link to a tailored meditation. About Marc Fussell Marc S. Fussell is the founder of Take 2 Minutes, an entrepreneurial technologist with over 25 years of experience, having worked across large corporations and small start-ups. In 2015/2016, Marc's older son was struggling in high school, prompting Marc to send positive messages each day. Marc automated the process, and over time, this small project expanded into what is now Take 2 Minutes. The nonprofit aims to spread positivity and help people cultivate happiness. Connect with Marc Website: Take 2 Minutes Facebook: Take2Minutes Instagram: @take2min LinkedIn: Marc Fussell Email: marc@take2minutes.org Connect with Us To learn more about us, visit our website at www.18summers.com or email us at info@18summers.com. To get a copy of our book “The Family Board Meeting”, click here. Subscribe to 18 Summers Podcast and leave a rating and written review! Social Media Channels Facebook Group: 18 Summers LinkedIn: Jimmy Sheils Instagram: @18summerstribe

Sep 11, 2024 • 32min
The Extraordinary Gains of Skipping Conventional Education for Your Kids
Are you seeking a more creative and personalized learning experience for your child? If so, join Jim and Jamie as they dive deep into their journey of homeschooling their son, Alden. Discover how they've nurtured his curiosity, fostered his unique talents, and equipped him for life beyond the classroom. From personal development to financial literacy and strong relationships, learn the invaluable lessons they've gained along the way. Key takeaways to listen for Benefits of tailoring education through homeschooling, road schooling, and specialized events Why it’s vital to allow children to explore and dive deep into their interests How instilling financial literacy and fostering healthy relationships integral to your kid’s success The value of real-world learning through mentorship and apprenticeships Powerful way to build your kid’s character, responsibility, and a deeper appreciation for family values Resources The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho | Paperback, Hardcover, and Kindle Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill | Paperback, Hardcover, and Kindle Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki | Paperback and Kindle The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason | Paperback, Hardcover, and Kindle The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey | Paperback, Hardcover, and Kindle The Power of TED* (*The Empowerment Dynamic) by David Emerald and Robert Lanphear | Paperback and Kindle The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma | Paperback, Hardcover, and Kindle Connect with Us To learn more about us, visit our website at www.18summers.com or email us at info@18summers.com. To get a copy of our book “The Family Board Meeting”, click here. Subscribe to 18 Summers Podcast and leave a rating and written review! Social Media Channels Facebook Group: 18 Summers LinkedIn: Jimmy Sheils Instagram: @18summerstribe