Kids are naturally inquisitive and ready to see everything with fresh eyes. But many traditional school settings sideline their innate curiosity in favor of teaching them how to follow norms and seek social approval. For most students, this stifles the innovative spirit and critical thinking we long for them to develop.  For this episode, Ana Lorena Fábrega joins me to talk about the challenges of conventional schooling. She has fresh ideas about alternative educational pathways and possibilities for a world where AI and other technologies help our children maintain fresh perspectives and a true love for learning.  Listen now to hear: The concept of “vuja de” – encountering something familiar, but seeing it with fresh eyes [05:20];  The value of encouraging kids to develop an attitude of skepticism [06:30]; How we can help kids develop a big-picture view that reveals patterns and relationships between things [09:19]; Why it’s important for kids to ask why [13:17]; and The power of asking children unconventional questions [15:12]. Don’t miss Today’s Takeaways!  Listen all the way to the end of the episode for three tips on how to inspire your children’s fresh thinking and love of learning.    Links and Resources  Check out Ana Lorena Fábrega’s website and sign up for her newsletter.  When you’re done, take a look at her YouTube channel and blog, and follow her on Instagram. Ana also has a new book available, The Learning Game: Teaching Kids to Think for Themselves, Embrace Challenge, and Love Learning Find more helpful resources on the Future of Education YouTube channel. Don’t forget to like and subscribe!  Learn more about 2hr Learning, an AI-powered program that helps schools provide personalized, mastery learning in as little as two hours per day.  Explore Alpha, a unique school that uses adaptive software and motivational strategies to help students to learn in the style that works best for them. Learn more about GT School, an online program that helps gifted and talented kids supercharge their academics.  Be part of something special Stay connected to the Future of Education community:  YouTube channel Facebook Instagram  X (formerly Twitter) If you enjoy the Future of Education podcast, would you leave us a short review on your favorite podcast platform? We love reading your feedback and ideas.    About Ana Lorena Fábrega  Ana Lorena Fábrega is an edupreneur, writer, and chief evangelist at Synthesis. Growing up, she attended ten schools in seven different countries. She then earned her BS in Childhood Education and Special Education from New York University and taught elementary school in New York, Boston, and Panama. Today, Ana Lorena writes online to over 200,000 readers about the promise of alternative education. Her first book, The Learning Game: Teaching Kids How To Think For Themselves, Embrace Challenge, and Love Learning comes out September 5, 2023. You can follow her on Twitter at @anafabrega11   Podcast Credits Executive Producer and Host: MacKenzie Price Executive Producer: Lindsay Grubb,TillCo Media  Senior Producer: Amanda Avery Senior Editor: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing Video Production/Editing: Kevin Smith, Picturebox Productions Music Producer: Dyami Wilson   

Every parent has moments when they wonder if their kid’s behavior is a normal phase or a sign of something more. Is a high-spirited middle schooler just full of energy or struggling with ADHD? Is a child’s efforts to excel a sign of healthy self-motivation or the result of excessive anxiety? It can be difficult to know the difference.  For this episode, Emily Kircher-Morris shares insights into how parents and caregivers can discern what's developmental and what’s something that needs support. As a counselor and the host of The Neurodiversity Podcast, she’s an expert on parsing typical behavior from neurodiversity indicators. She’s also taking her counseling into the future by using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help build coping skills. She has great advice about how parents of kids with learning disabilities or autism can help their children thrive. Listen now to hear:  The meanings of the terms neurodivergent and twice exceptional [01:45]; Signs parents can look for that might correlate to diagnoses [04:07]; Steps to take if you believe your child needs support [07:19] and How you can use AI to support your efforts to help your child [09:00].    Don’t miss Today’s Takeaways! Listen all the way to the end of the episode for three tips on how to help your neurodiverse child.    Links and Resources  Listen to The Neurodiversity Podcast and learn more about Neurodiversity University.  Don’t miss Emily’s free course, Using Fandoms + AI to Develop Coping Skills for Neurodivergent Kids Check out Emily’s books, Teaching Twice-Exceptional Learners in Today’s Classrooms and Raising Twice-Exceptional Children: A Handbook for Parents of Neurodivergent Gifted Kids.  Connect with Emily on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, and check out The Neurodiversity Podcast’s Facebook page too!  Find more helpful resources on the Future of Education YouTube channel. Don’t forget to like and follow!  Explore Alpha, a unique school that uses adaptive software and motivational strategies to help students to learn in the style that works best for them. Learn more about GT School, an online program that helps gifted and talented kids supercharge their academics.   Be part of something special Stay connected to the Future of Education community:  YouTube channel Facebook Instagram  Twitter  If you enjoy the Future of Education podcast, would you leave us a short review on your favorite podcast platform? We love reading your feedback and ideas.   About Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC, is the host of The Neurodiversity Podcast, which explores the psychological, educational, and social needs for enriching the lives of neurodivergent people. She is the author of several books for parents and educators related to the development of children and teens who are neurodivergent and cognitively gifted. Her private practice outside of St. Louis, Missouri, specializes in mental health support for neurodivergent kids, teens, and their families.   Podcast Credits Executive Producer and Host: MacKenzie Price Executive Producer: Lindsay Grubb, TillCo Media  Senior Producer: Amanda Avery Senior Editor: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing Video Production/Editing: Kevin Smith, Picturebox Productions Music Producer: Dyami Wilson  

In this episode, MacKenzie Price sits down with Jamal Gross, an Alpha Guide, to discuss the revolution in education. They cover topics such as sparking kids' excitement about academic success, personalizing learning through fresh thinking and AI, measuring academic progress for continued growth, and boosting kids' interest in learning by developing their passion.

Technology is changing every aspect of our lives—including the ways we educate our children. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other advancements are exploding, and it’s no longer enough to lecture students in a classroom and insist that they learn the three Rs: Reading, wRiting and aRithmetic. Success today requires mastery of the four Cs: creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.  The Future of Education provides insights, information, and activities to help families and caregivers use technology to prepare learners for the future, and empower them to become successful, life-long learners.  Host MacKenzie Price is all about disrupting education for the better. She is the mother of two children, founder of the online program gt.school, and co-founder of Alpha K-12 schools that use AI to help students learn twice as fast. She is all about learning how we can disrupt education for the better. She’ll be sharing where AI-powered education is going for parents, educators and students.  Like and follow the Future of Education podcast today!   Be part of something special Stay connected to the Future of Education community:  YouTube channel Facebook Instagram  X (formerly Twitter)   Podcast Credits Executive Producer and Host: MacKenzie Price Executive Producer: Lindsay Grubb, TillCo Media  Senior Producer: Amanda Avery Senior Editor: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing Marketing: Patrick Harrell, The Krewe Video Production/Editing: Kevin Smith, Picturebox Productions Music Producer: Dyami Wilson

As children grow into teens, it can be difficult for parents to keep lines of communication open with them. At times, even simple conversations can feel like navigating a minefield.   For this episode, we’re talking with Austin Scholar, a writer and teenager who has taken to social media to help parents and teens improve their communication and relationships. She shares her insight into how people in her age group think, and offers tips for making deep and meaningful connections with them.  Listen now to hear: Where communication issues between adults and teens come from [04:15]; Tips for talking with your kids and building trust [07:13]; How to use non-verbal tools to deepen your connection [09:46]; and How something as simple as ice cream can improve your relationship [13:58]. Don’t miss Today’s Takeaways!  Listen all the way to the end of the episode for three tips on how to help your children excel in their learning.  Links and Resources  Subscribe to Austin Scholar on substack and follow her on Twitter. Watch the video version of this episode on our Future of Education YouTube channel. Don’t forget to like and follow!  Explore Alpha, a unique school that uses adaptive software and motivational strategies to help students to learn in the style that works best for them. Learn more about GT School, an online program that helps gifted and talented kids supercharge their academics. Be part of something special Stay connected to the Gifted Minds community:  YouTube channel Facebook Instagram  Twitter  If you enjoy the Gifted Minds podcast, would you leave us a short review on your favorite podcast platform? We love reading your feedback and ideas.    About Austin Scholar Austin Scholar is an author and thinker who writes about education in the 21st Century from a teen’s perspective. She helps parents understand what their teens are thinking so they can help them thrive.    Podcast Credits Executive Producer and Host: MacKenzie Price Executive Producer: Lindsay Grubb, TillCo Media  Senior Producer: Amanda Avery Senior Editor: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing Marketing: Patrick Harrell, The Krewe Video Production/Editing: Kevin Smith, Picturebox Productions Music Producer: Dyami Wilson 

Most parents will go to great lengths to ensure their children succeed. From tutoring sessions to extracurricular activities, they explore every avenue to help their kids thrive in the classroom and in life.  For this episode, we talk with Ice Dancing Olympian and World Medalist Andrew Poje. He has achieved remarkable feats in his athletic career, and now works as an academic coach for children. He shares his thoughts on the intriguing connection between sports and education, and how students can apply the valuable lessons learned through playing sports to academic success.  Listen now to hear: How having an athlete’s mindset can help with academics [05:52]; Strategies to help kids take ownership of their dreams and ambitions [07:25]; The value of setting big, scary goals [09:52]; Developing a healthy response to pressure in kids [14:56]; and The importance of building a network of success for your child [15:28]. Don’t miss Today’s Takeaways!  Listen all the way to the end of the episode for three tips on how to help your children excel in their learning.    Links and Resources  Check out Andrew’s website and follow him on Instagram. Watch Andrew and ice dancing partner Kaitlyn Weaver perform at a Canadian ice skating exhibition in early 2023. Watch the video version of this episode on the Future of Education YouTube channel. Don’t forget to like and follow!  Explore Alpha, a unique school that uses adaptive software and motivational strategies to help students to learn in the style that works best for them. Learn more about GT School, an online program that helps gifted and talented kids supercharge their academics.    Be part of something special Stay connected with our community:  YouTube channel Facebook Instagram  Twitter  If you enjoy the Gifted Minds podcast, would you leave us a short review on your favorite podcast platform? We love reading your feedback and ideas.    About Andrew Poje Many in the world strive to become world-class at something. However, it takes purpose and perspective to achieve success in life. My athletic experience has been integral in helping me succeed daily. Being a two-time Olympian, a three-time World Medalist, a three-time National Champion in the sport of Figure Skating taught me valuable skills, including the importance of grit, resilience, and the daily perspective required to achieve goals. Leaning into my curious nature, I constantly dove into the world of personal development. Pushing my curiosity further by studying Biomedical Science, Master's of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and working for multinational companies, I found ways to unleash my inner why and the why's of my clients—helping to empower them through strategic design-thinking.    Podcast Credits Executive Producer and Host: MacKenzie Price Executive Producer: Lindsay Grubb, TillCo Media  Senior Producer: Amanda Avery Senior Editor: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing Marketing: Patrick Harrell, The Krewe Video Production/Editing: Kevin Smith, Picturebox Productions Music Producer: Dyami Wilson 

It’s no secret that many parents struggle with exactly how much screen time is healthy for their kids. Some wage daily battles to manage their children’s time with devices, and others feel powerless to do anything to control the siege. But the digital world is here to stay, so it’s more important than ever for caregivers to understand and embrace technology in their kids' lives.  For this episode in our Life Skills series, we talk with Keith Schacht, CEO and co-founder of The Explanation Company. He offers a new perspective on the role that technology plays in growing up today. He shares his vision for a world where using it becomes a skill that young people tap to open doors, explore new ideas, and develop their interests.  Listen now to hear about: The danger of focusing solely on the duration of screen time [03:43]; The benefits kids gain from their time on devices (and not just when they’re playing Mindcraft) [04:48]; How to encourage children to use screen time to explore interests, passions, and potential careers [07:49]; The value of proactively parenting in the digital age to help kids develop a healthy relationship with technology [15:10]; How technology can be a tool that builds independence [18:20]. Don’t miss Today’s Takeaways!  Listen all the way to the end of the episode for three tips on how to help your children excel in their learning.    Links and Resources  Follow Keith Schacht on Twitter and LinkedIn.  Learn more about The Explanation Company. Check out the video version of this episode on the Gifted Minds YouTube channel. Don’t forget to like and subscribe! Explore Alpha, a unique school that uses adaptive software and motivational strategies to help students to learn in the style that works best for them. Learn more about GT School, an online program that helps gifted and talented kids supercharge their academics.    Be part of something special Stay connected with our community:  YouTube channel Facebook Instagram  Twitter  If you enjoy the Gifted Minds podcast, would you leave us a short review on your favorite podcast platform? We love reading your feedback and ideas.    About Keith Schacht Keith Schacht is an entrepreneur, engineer, and investor focused on building products for children. He was previously the CEO and co-founder of Mystery Science, the most widely used science curriculum in U.S. elementary schools. He’s now the CEO and co-founder of The Explanation Company, building internet tools for children. He’s an active angel investor and a board member of Higher Ground.   Podcast Credits Executive Producer and Host: MacKenzie Price Executive Producer: Lindsay Grubb, TillCo Media  Senior Producer: Amanda Avery Senior Editor: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing Marketing: Patrick Harrell, The Krewe Video Production/Editing: Kevin Smith, Picturebox Productions Music Producer: Dyami Wilson 

Emmy Award-winning journalist and talk show host Anna Davlantes interviews host MacKenzie Price about adaptive apps in education. They discuss how adaptive apps work and the learning science behind them. They also share students' experiences with adaptive apps and the importance of embracing learning technology. The episode concludes with tips on how to help children excel in their learning.

Have you ever felt like your child's interest in something has become all-consuming? It’s not uncommon for gifted kids to develop intense interests that can leave them feeling isolated from their peers. As caregivers, how can we help and encourage them?   For this episode in our Life Skills series, we talk with David Perell, founder of Write of Passage, about how parents can help their children embrace their passions and find a community of like-minded individuals. David shares his personal experience of feeling alone in his interests as a child and the steps his family took to make him feel valued and inspired.  Listen now to hear our conversation about: The difference between what’s rewarded in academics and what’s rewarded in life [02:59]; How to help your child find a community of ambitious peers who make them feel validated and accepted [12:10]; How the internet can help gifted kids who feel isolated [13:41]; and What parents can do to embrace and support their child's interests [16:51].   Don’t miss Today’s Takeaways!  Listen all the way to the end of the episode for three tips to help your child thrive with whatever they choose to do.    Links and Resources  Learn more about David Perell’s online writing program, Write of Passage. Check out the video version of this episode on the Gifted Minds YouTube channel. Don’t forget to like and subscribe! Learn more about GT School, an online program that helps gifted and talented kids supercharge their academics.   Be part of something special Stay connected with our community:  YouTube channel Facebook Instagram  Twitter  If you enjoy the Gifted Minds podcast, would you leave us a short review on your favorite podcast platform? We love reading your feedback and ideas.    About David Perell David Perell is a writer, teacher, and podcaster. He believes writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. David seeks to help as many people publish their writing online as possible. David’s online course, Write of Passage, has been taken by more than 500 students from more than 40 countries and from companies like Intel, Google, and Twitter. The five-week course draws on David’s experience writing online, building an audience, and his interviews with more than 100 people on his North Star Podcast. Each interview explores the methods and principles of successful creators, artists, and entrepreneurs. His podcast guests include astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, author Seth Godin, and economist Tyler Cowen. As an Emergent Ventures fellow, David’s work is supported by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University.   Podcast Credits Executive Producer and Host: MacKenzie Price Executive Producer: Lindsay Grubb, TillCo Media  Senior Producer: Amanda Avery Senior Editor: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing Marketing: Patrick Harrell, The Krewe Video Production/Editing: Kevin Smith, Picturebox Productions Music Producer: Dyami Wilson 

As parents, it’s natural to think our kids can do anything. But that mindset can also make it easy to unintentionally burden them with heavy expectations, which can ultimately hinder their growth and wellbeing.  For this episode in our Emotional Health series, we talk with Dr. William Stixrud, a clinical neuropsychologist, author, and faculty member at the Children's National Medical Center and George Washington University School of Medicine. He sheds light on how we can help our kids develop healthy motivation and stress management skills, and avoid the heavy weight of expectations.  Listen now to hear our conversation about: The two most important things to protect your kids from struggling with emotions [02:26]; How to recognize if your expectations could be toxic [04:29] … and if your children feel burdened by them [10:13];  Day-to-day tactics to help your kids build a healthy mindset [12:07]; and How to model and talk about healthy expectations and healthy thinking [15:41].   Don’t miss Today’s Takeaways!  Listen all the way to the end of the episode for three tips for reducing the weight of expectations on your kids.    Links and Resources  Learn more about Dr. Stixrud’s books, co-authored with previous Gifted Minds’ guest, Ned Johnson, What Do You Say? Talking with Kids to Build Motivation, Stress Tolerance, and a Happy Home and The Self-Driven Child. Listen to our episode with Ned Johnson, Consult, Don’t Manage: Achieving Academic Success. Check out the video version of this episode on the Gifted Minds YouTube channel. Don’t forget to like and subscribe!  Learn more about GT School, an online program that helps gifted and talented kids supercharge their academics.  Be part of something special Stay connected with our community:  YouTube channel Facebook Instagram  Twitter  If you enjoy the Gifted Minds podcast, would you leave us a short review on your favorite podcast platform? We love reading your feedback and ideas.    About William Stixrud William R. Stixrud, Ph.D., is a clinical neuropsychologist and founder of The Stixrud Group, as well as a faculty member at Children’s National Medical Center and an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at the George Washington University School of Medicine.  He is also the co-author, with Ned Johnson, of the national best-selling book, The Self-Driven Child, which is published in 14 countries and 12 languages and has sold more than two million copies in China.  He and Mr. Johnson have also co-authored a critically-acclaimed second book, What Do You Say? Talking with Kids to Build Motivation, Stress Tolerance, and a Happy Home.   Dr. Stixrud’s work has been featured in media outlets such as NPR, CNN, MSNBC, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Times of London, The Wall Street Journal, U.S. News and World Report, Time Magazine, Scientific American, Business Week, Barron's, and, New York Magazine. He is a long-time practitioner of Transcendental Meditation, and he plays in the rock band Close Enough.     Podcast Credits Executive Producer and Host: MacKenzie Price Executive Producer: Lindsay Grubb, TillCo Media  Senior Producer: Amanda Avery Senior Editor: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing Marketing: Patrick Harrell, The Krewe Video Production/Editing: Kevin Smith, Picturebox Productions Music Producer: Dyami Wilson