How To!

Doug Lemov, author of 'Teach Like a Champion,' shares his coaching wisdom alongside Amanda Ripley. They discuss the emotional rollercoaster of coaching youth sports, emphasizing the need for training and strong communication. Lemov highlights balancing fairness with competition, the importance of rituals for overcoming losses, and strategies for managing parents' expectations. Listeners gain insights into fostering a supportive environment and nurturing young athletes through constructive feedback and personal growth.

Caitlin McGarry, a Senior Editor at Wirecutter and consumer technology expert, joins to help tackle digital clutter. She shares practical strategies to declutter files and organize photos, emphasizing the balance between emotional attachments and digital minimalism. The discussion includes how to establish effective filing systems and manage overflowing inboxes, while also highlighting the importance of transitioning to cloud storage. Caitlin's insights aim to simplify your digital life, making organization feel achievable and less overwhelming.

In this enlightening discussion, science journalist Melinda Wenner-Moyer shares her expertise on navigating parenting in polarized families. She offers practical strategies for fostering confidence and justice in children while managing differing family beliefs. Melinda emphasizes turning uncomfortable moments into valuable lessons and maintaining open communication to nurture empathy. With clever insights and relatable anecdotes, she empowers parents to uphold their values and encourage critical thinking, all while preserving family bonds.

Dr. Sarah Wheeler, an educational psychologist specializing in ADHD, shares her personal journey with the condition and offers invaluable insights into overcoming shame. She discusses coping strategies that foster self-acceptance while navigating the societal pressures of perfectionism. The conversation highlights the importance of embracing neurodiversity, addressing the harmful practices of masking, and nurturing individual strengths. Listeners gain practical advice on managing ADHD-related anxiety and building supportive relationships that promote growth and joy.

Rachelle Hampton, host of the Normal Gossip podcast and a former Slatester, joins the conversation to unveil the surprising benefits of gossip. They explore its role in building community, trust, and safety, emphasizing how whisper networks can empower marginalized voices. Rachelle also discusses the moral nuances of gossip and the importance of engaging in it thoughtfully. With humorous anecdotes about dating and the digital age, this chat reveals how gossip can be a force for connection rather than judgment.

In this engaging conversation, Scaachi Koul, a Slate culture writer and author of 'Sucker Punch,' delves into the world of ethical hating. She redefines what it means to criticize by promoting 'hating up'—challenging those in power instead of the vulnerable. Koul shares personal anecdotes about parental influence and the role of humor in navigating societal issues. The discussion is both humorous and insightful, providing a fresh perspective on dissent and the importance of intentional criticism as a tool for social change.

Matthew Dicks, an elementary school teacher and expert storyteller, joins the discussion to help a frustrated dog owner, Jordan, navigate a chaotic feud over off-leash pets in her park. They dive into the emotional intricacies of revenge, sharing hilarious anecdotes about revenge-related pranks and community tensions. Dicks offers clever strategies to tackle park regulations and manage annoying individuals with humor, while exploring the morality behind seeking retribution. It’s both insightful and entertaining for anyone harboring a petty grudge!

Kate Levitt, a busy parent and community organizer from San Francisco, joins author Oliver Burkeman, known for his insightful work on productivity. They dive into the challenges of balancing numerous commitments while preventing burnout. The discussion emphasizes the importance of prioritizing joy and self-care amidst chaos. They highlight the value of accepting human limitations and the significance of indulgent, solitary moments for personal growth. Together, they explore how to embrace life's complexities without losing sight of one's well-being.

Maryanne Wolf, director of UCLA’s Center For Dyslexia, sheds light on the intricacies of the reading brain and the profound impact of literature on our lives. She shares insights on rekindling a love for reading, especially after loss or during difficult times. The discussion navigates the challenges posed by modern technology on our reading habits and emphasizes the joy of picking books that resonate personally. Wolf's expert advice on deep reading and sustaining the reading habit is both inspiring and practical.

Join Molly Caro May, a facilitator and writer dedicated to helping others reconnect with their minds and bodies, as she shares insights on managing technology dependency. They delve into the addictive nature of smartphones and how it affects creativity and productivity. Molly advocates for mindful engagement with devices, offering strategies to foster healthier relationships with technology. The conversation also highlights the importance of establishing boundaries for families amid digital distractions and finding joy in the natural world.