

Cultivating Excellence Podcast
Dr. Rebecca Resnik
Cultivating Excellence is the podcast for professional parents who are passionate about their children's education, success, and happiness. Your host, Dr. Rebecca Resnik, Licensed Psychologist, brings you some of the 'best and brightest' experts from psychology and education for lively conversations about raising kids in an age that is increasingly complex and competitive.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 24, 2025 • 50min
EP 20: Parent Like a Coach
● Website: https://www.launchpadforlife.org/● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janesingleton/● Instagram: @launchpadforlife● TikTok: @launchpadforlife

Sep 10, 2025 • 47min
EP 19: Finding Your Dream School
Jeff Selingo's website, https://jeffselingo.com/, is full of resources for parents and professionals alike https://jeffselingo.com/resources as well as a page to sign up for his Next newsletter https://jeffselingo.com/next-newsletterBe sure to get a copy of Jeff's new book, Dream School: Finding the College that's Right for You https://www.amazon.com/dp/1668056208/?bestFormat=true&k=dream%20school%20jeff%20selingo&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-pd-bk-d_k0_1_17_de&crid=16TQ9SC9PY55D&sprefix=dream%20school%20jeffAnd I highly recommend his 2020 best seller, Who Gets in and Why: A Year Inside College Admissionshttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z43V2RY/?bestFormat=true&k=who%20gets%20in%20and%20why%20a%20year%20inside%20college%20admissions&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-pd-bk-d_k0_1_16_de&crid=1826NP62BTFVB&sprefix=who%20gets%20in%20and%20

Aug 27, 2025 • 58min
EP 18: Cultivating Connectedness with your Teen
Iuri's website is chock full of videos, podcasts, advice, and positive wisdom for your whole family https://www.iuritmelo.comBoth parents and educators can sign up for School Pulse, a phone based mental health intervention for teens that combines clinical expertise with cool tech https://schoolpulse.com/Iuri's books--Mind Over Gray Matter: Training the Mind to Heal the Brain and Know Thy Selfie: Tips, Tricks and Tools for an Awesome Life (for teens)Iuri and I also discussed the powerful ideas of Dr. John and Julie Gottman. The Gottmans were pioneers in studying relationships, and what specifically makes them positive or negative. Check out their parenting website https://www.gottman.com/parenting/We also mentioned a fabulous book called The Anxious Generation by Dr. Jonathan Haidt, a must read for every post pandemic parent!

Aug 13, 2025 • 60min
EP 17: The College Journey - A tale of two students
In this lively discussion, Sawyer Chisholm, a Mathematics major at the University of Chicago, shares his post-pandemic college application journey, influenced by his father's academic legacy. Harry Resnick, a freshman at Wesleyan University, describes his experience navigating an open curriculum, emphasizing personal fit over rankings. Together, they reflect on the emotional challenges of college admissions, adaptability during remote learning, and the importance of resilience amidst rejections—all while highlighting the significance of authentic connections in choosing the right school.

Jul 30, 2025 • 46min
EP 16: From College Capable to College Ready
Beth Felsen's information and resources are at Spectrum Transition Coaching https://spectrumtransitioncoaching.com/ Her course, College 101 and other online courses can be found here https://spectrumtransitioncoaching.com/courses/ A treasure trove of resources for families https://spectrumtransitioncoaching.com/the-ultimate-guide-for-parents-of-autistic-high-school-students/The book you heard me mention is called A Spectrum of Solutions For Clients with Autism by Rachel Bedard and Lorna Hecker (Eds.) Another great source of information is thinkcollege.net and the K and W Guide to Colleges for Students with Learning Differences https://www.amazon.com/Guide-Colleges-Students-Learning-Differences/dp/0525567895

Jul 16, 2025 • 38min
EP 15: The Executive Functioning Arsenal: From procrastination to motivation
Here's the website for Educational Connections, Ann's tutoring company https://ectutoring.com/Ann Dolin's webpage where you can book her to speak https://anndolin.ectutoring.com/Her book, Getting Past Procrastination is great and available on Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Past-Procrastination-Organized-Motivated/dp/1721938478/ref=sr_1_1?crid=386TRTUHBPTNU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.q3bjNBZmK5S71pzz2uNkWRTCvB6PAGRtSPMZG96N84f_5L2uVTxMKriH4rP3WeC-gXAir3lP3bwrryDNcuDuGFVJ-sUp9V0-92o9cNSmksmh4F0Q1pYV9TqBLLp4vS_L.Du67RLTAv-sADzzGq5auoJ7r4sjFnAHWoYBAQkMFM2c&dib_tag=se&keywords=ann+dolin&qid=1752522055&sprefix=ann+dolin%2Caps%2C108&sr=8-1

Jul 2, 2025 • 56min
EP 14: Gifted and Distractible Kids-Strengths Based Parenting
Learn more: www.WithUnderstandingComesCalm.com where you can find a bunch of videos, blog posts, resources and a link to Julie's newsletter. She also has information about her services for gifted and 2E adults.Julie's Book, Gifted and Distractible https://www.withunderstandingcomescalm.com/gifted-and-distractible/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/withunderstandingcomescalmInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/julieskolnick/Twitter: @JulieSkolnickLinkedIn: Julie Rosenbaum SkolnickYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieSkolnick

6 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 52min
EP 13: Accelerated Learners and High Achievers
In this engaging conversation, Jonathan Plucker, a Professor at Johns Hopkins and expert in gifted education, dives into the complexities of supporting accelerated learners. He discusses the importance of redefining 'gifted' to promote inclusivity and equity in education. Plucker challenges common stereotypes about student potential, emphasizes the need for effective advocacy, and explores specialized programs that enrich learning. He also highlights the vital roles of curiosity and creativity, urging parents and educators to foster these traits in children.

9 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 54min
EP 12: Understanding Intelligence with Dr. Russell T. Warne
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Russell T. Warne, a leading expert on intelligence and giftedness, debunks common myths while exploring the complexities of intelligence beyond just IQ. He highlights the importance of personality and ethics in assessing success and critiques Howard Gardner's multiple intelligences theory. Dr. Warne advocates for tailored educational strategies for gifted students and urges a more objective approach in hiring practices, pushing for scientifically validated assessments to enhance decision-making.

May 21, 2025 • 45min
EP 11: Understanding Psychological and Neuropsychological Assessments in Kids and Teens with Dr. Jeremy Sharp
Dr. Jeremy Sharp, a licensed psychologist and founder of the Colorado Center for Assessment, dives into the world of psychological evaluations for children. He discusses the importance of understanding assessments as tools for growth, not just labels. Topics include early identification of reading challenges, the differences between hospital and private practice care, and the necessity of tailored evaluations. Dr. Sharp also shares insights on navigating insurance hurdles and creating supportive testing environments to ensure children thrive during assessments.