Episodes

July 30, 2026

Doing Less So Others Thrive with Dr Michaeleen Doucleff Part 2

Terri continues the discussion with Michaeleen Doucleff, PhD, science journalist and author of New York Times Bestseller Hunt, Gather, Parent about societal shifts that have impacted motivation and cooperation.
July 29, 2026

Doing Less So Others Thrive with Dr Michaeleen Doucleff Part 1

Terri chats with Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff, award-winning science journalist, NPR correspondent, and author of two groundbreaking books that challenge many of the assumptions we make about parenting in the modern world.
March 27, 2026

Empowering Moments with Dina Emser

Dina Emser, professional coach, speaker, and author, shares strategies to avoid the drama of blame and shame, and focus on solutions that that reflect mutual respect. Resources https://www.alfredadler.edu/about/alfred-adler-theory-application/ Quick Start Solution-focused Meetings.docx
Feb. 11, 2026

Positive Solutions with Jane Nelsen

What began in the early 80s out of necessity continues to grow and help parents, spouses, educators, and managers find solutions with dignity and respect. Terri speaks with Jane Nelsen, founder of the Positive Discipline Association and author of dozens of resources for helping people young and old become responsible, respectful and resourceful members of their communities.
Dec. 6, 2025

AI and Keeping Your Element Real

AI is everywhere, but are we helping kids use it wisely? Terri speaks with Jeff Riley of Day of AI about AI safety, AI literacy, and how teachers and parents can keep kids learning authentically in a digital world.
Guest: Jeff Riley
Nov. 10, 2025

Blake Boles: The World I'd Like to Live In Pt. 2

Terri continues the conversation of self-directed learning with Blake Boles as he shares his thoughts on consensual schooling, intensive parenting, hard fun, and the importance of peer groups.
Oct. 27, 2025

Blake Boles: The World I'd Like to Live In

Terri dives into the topic of self-directed learning as Blake Boles shares his notion of consensual schooling, intensive parenting, hard fun, and the importance of peer groups.
Oct. 27, 2025

Adventures in Self-Directed Learning with Blake Boles

Terri dives into the topic of self-directed learning as Blake Boles shares his notion of consensual schooling, intensive parenting, hard fun, and the importance of peer groups.
Sept. 4, 2025

Against the Grade with Mason Ember

Terri speaks with a teen filmmaker, Mason Ember, about what school should be, learning at the right time, setting and measuring your own goals, and experiencing summer vacation year-round.
July 30, 2025

Power With - Not Power Over

Catina Franklin Sweeney of Embark Center for Self-Directed Education shares how adolescents and teens develop compassion, competence, and confidence in a sociocratic learning community.
March 20, 2025

A Digital Perspective on Passion and Purpose

Terri speaks with author and teacher Michael Hernandez on why and how we can support teens in the purposeful use of technology.
Feb. 10, 2025

Let Go with LetGrow

Terri speaks with Lenore Skenazy, author, speaker, and cofounder of LetGrow.org to discuss the why and how of bringing independence, competence, and courage back to our lives.
Jan. 10, 2025

Opting Out of the Anxious Generation

Erin Loechner, author of "The Opt-Out Family," shares personal perspective and suggestions for how to give your kids what technology can't.
Jan. 7, 2025

The Anxious Generation

Terri introduces Jonathon Haidt's best-selling book on technology's impact on the mental health of adolescents.
30
Oct. 15, 2024

Mastery, Autonomy, and Purpose: The MAP That Stands the Test of Time

While educational philosophies, policies, and methodologies are endless, one thing remains...there is no one way of learning that fits everyone. History finds us coming full circle, with parents bringing primary learning and connections back to the home.
29
June 7, 2024

Sharpen Your Moral Compass: A Conversation with Dane White, City Mayor

Dane White, Mayor of Escondido, CA, tells his story of a rocky road to finding his element and the power of patience, perseverance, purpose, and people to find your moral compass.
Guest: Dane White
29
April 20, 2024

Ned Johnson Part 2: The Science and Sense Behind the Self-Driven Child

Terri continues the conversation with Ned Johnson on what we can do to reverse the trend of anxiety and learned helplessness.
28
April 16, 2024

Ned Johnson Part 1: The Science and Sense Behind the Self-Driven Child

We are wired to care. Care about ourselves, our learning, and each other. Ned Johnson, co-author of The Self-Driven Child, shares his experience and views on why we are becoming an uncaring society.
Guest: Ned Johnson
27
Jan. 8, 2024

Relationships: Screens vs Humans

Casey O'Roarty of Sproutable discusses adolescents and smartphones.
26
Dec. 11, 2023

#26 School is in Session: Get Out of the Classroom

Meet young high school students who share how their natural love of learning remains alive through a personalized learning journey.
24
Nov. 3, 2023

Out of the Muck with Consent-based Learning

Ken Danford, author of Learning is Natural; School is Optional and co-founder of North Star, a center for teen learners shares his story and insight on self-directed learning.
Guest: Ken Danford
24
Oct. 25, 2023

Stress vs Passion: Different Forms of Rigor

While rigorous learning requires challenge, it doesn't have to be painful. Two high school students share their experience transitioning from meaningless to meaningful learning. https://realitychangers.org/
23
Oct. 9, 2023

Spark and Go Wild. Part 2

Part 2: John Ratey, MD, best-selling author and doctor of psychiatry, shares common everyday practices that bring a natural sense of well-being. Show Notes: Healthy Habits Inventory
22
Oct. 4, 2023

Spark and Go Wild: Part 1

John Ratey, MD, best-selling author and doctor of psychiatry, shares common every day practices that bring a natural sense of well-being.