In this conversation, Alexis Fernandez-Preiksa discusses her new book, 'How to Chase Change,' emphasizing the importance of embracing limitations and redirecting focus towards personal growth. She introduces a structured 30-day challenge designed to facilitate gradual change, highlighting the significance of relationships and self-advocacy in the process. Alexis also explores the intersection of neuroscience and identity, explaining the difference between the brain and the mind, and how understanding this can empower individuals to take control of their lives. The discussion concludes with practical advice on fostering community learning and accountability in personal development journeys.

You might know of ALEXIS FERNANDEZ-PREIKSA, neuroscientist turned beloved podcast host, known for her no-holds-barred, tough love attitude, and accessible approach to scientifically proven mindset hacks. Her pep talks and deep dives on the hit podcast Do You F*****g Mind? (over 10 million downloads as of 2023!) are like getting advice from a trusted friend and loyal supporter.

Explore her book:

https://www.amazon.com/How-Chase-Change-Master-Mindset/dp/1797171984#:~:text=Book%20details&text=offers%20you%20the%20ultimate%20guide,%2Dstep%2030%2Dday%20program.

Tricia and April explore the connections between cooking and education, emphasizing the importance of personalization, cultural context, and intentionality in both fields. They discuss the significance of feedback, the need for demystifying teaching practices, and the impact of labels on students. Additionally, they address parental fears regarding their children's education and the importance of using positive language to foster problem-solving. In this conversation, April Remfrey and Tricia discuss the complexities of parenting, the impact of labels on children, and the rising anxiety among parents. They explore the overwhelming amount of parenting advice available today and emphasize the importance of creating a parenting manifesto to guide decisions. The discussion also highlights the significance of modeling Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in educational settings and the need for trust and agency in adult learning environments. They conclude by sharing insights on accessibility in professional development and upcoming community events.

Ready to connect with April Remfrey?

https://www.remfrey.com/

Also explore the Playful Strategies resource mentioned at the top of the episode:

https://playfulworkdesign.com/store/p/playful-strategies-card-deck

In this conversation, Tricia and Diana discuss the pressing issues surrounding democracy, the importance of community and friendship in bridging divides, and the emotional toll of political polarization. Diana emphasizes the need for a shift from an outrage mindset to one of engagement and collaboration, highlighting the work of organizations like More In Common. They explore the dynamics of intergroup relationships and the role of friendship in fostering understanding and change. Diana shares insights from her book, advocating for a reimagined democracy built on connection and mutual care, while also reflecting on the challenges and hopes that come with writing and sharing these ideas.

Ready to learn more about the author and book?

https://www.remakingthespace.org/book

Would you like Tricia's new 2025 free resource for leading teams in collaboration?

https://shiftingschools.lpages.co/your-free-shifting-schools-guide-more-generative-collaboration-in-2025/

In this conversation, Tricia and Pasha Marlowe explore the multifaceted world of neurodiversity, exploring how social media platforms like TikTok serve as vital spaces for connection and understanding. Pasha shares insights on the importance of concise communication, particularly in short-form videos, and how these platforms can foster meaningful conversations about neurodivergent experiences. They discuss the significance of open dialogue in relationships, the necessity of creating neuro-inclusive environments in various settings, and the transformative power of language in shaping perceptions of neurodiversity. The conversation emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift in education and organizational practices to embrace neurodiversity as a natural variation rather than a disorder, advocating for a more inclusive and understanding approach to all individuals. In this conversation, Pasha Marlowe discusses the importance of challenging traditional norms in education and the workplace, advocating for a more inclusive approach that values neurodiversity and creativity. They highlight the generational shifts towards greater acceptance of neurodivergence and LGBTQIA identities, emphasizing the need for organizations to create safe spaces for these conversations. The discussion also touches on the unique bond between humans and dogs, exploring how this relationship can inform our understanding of empathy and connection. Finally, Pasha reflects on their own journey of curiosity and the importance of continual growth and rebranding in their work.

Ready to learn about our guest?

https://www.pashamarlowe.com/

Pasha Marlowe, MFT (she/they)

Speaker and Coach

30+ years of professional experience as a marriage and family therapist and coach

Global DEIAB speaker/trainer for organizations and universities who want to create culture transformation through the lens of neurodiversity, disability inclusion, and belonging.

54 years of lived experience as a multiply-neurodivergent, disabled, queer person

Learn more about the Feedspot list mentioned at the top of the episode:

https://blog.feedspot.com/lgbt_podcasts/

In this conversation, Jason June discusses his latest book, 'Flopping in a Winter Wonderland,' exploring themes of queer joy, the importance of setting in literature, sibling dynamics, and the creative process of writing. He emphasizes the need for representation of queer love in holiday narratives, particularly in rural settings, and highlights the significance of healthy sibling relationships and masculinity. Jason also shares insights on the value of feedback in the writing process and his meticulous outlining method.

Get your copy today:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/flopping-in-a-winter-wonderland-jason-june/21061341?ean=9780063260085

Ready to learn more about Ono?

https://onoroller.com/abetterally

Promo code: ABETTERALLY25

Karen Wilfrid discusses her book LAMBDA award nominated middle grade novel 'Just Lizzie' and how her personal experience and background in education helped spark the story. She talks about the importance of capturing the journey of identity exploration in middle grade books and the role of school in that process. Karen also shares how her students and colleagues supported her in writing the book and the impact of creating a writing community in the classroom.

Learn more about Karen WIlfrid and her phenomenal book:

https://www.karenwilfrid.com/just-lizzie.html

In this conversation, we hear from founder and Executive Director Joan Liu who discusses the origin and mission of Second Chance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping international students secure last-minute scholarships for higher education. The initiative began in response to a crisis where students lost their scholarships unexpectedly. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community support, innovative thinking, and the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of international education.

Joan Liu is the Founder and Executive Director of Second Chance. She has been a college counselor for the past 22 years, across various public and private schools in the US, UK, Turkey, and Singapore. She has devoted her career to helping students go to college in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and other countries. An industry expert in financial aid and scholarships, she is a fierce advocate of international students seeking access to higher education.

Joan is known for her work in 2018 when she mobilized the Nepal Justice League, a pro-bono team of counselors to support the 60 Nepali students who had lost their scholarships from the University of Texas at Tyler (due to a budget error on UT Tyler’s part). She galvanized a global movement amongst the international counseling community, and she and her team re-seat 56 students at new universities in the US, Canada, Middle East, and East Asia, with 10+ million in financial aid and scholarships, and raised 180K in gap funding - after the US cycle had finished that year.

Joan has been the recipient of industry awards: NACAC’s Rising Star Award (2016); International ACAC’s Distinguished Service Award (2017); CIS’s Peggy Templeton Award, an international award recognizing one counselor in the world annually (2017). In 2021, she and the Nepal Justice League team were awarded NACAC’s Joyce E Smith Award, an award given to those who “have improved the field of education and the way students are served” (2020). In 2021, she served on the President’s Alliance for Higher Education and Immigration Pathways for Refugees Task Force, for the US.

Learn more about Second Chance: https://www.secondchance.global/

Follow them on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/second-chance/posts/?feedView=all

Christy Mandin is a New York Times bestselling children's book author, illustrator, and surface designer. She grew up in rural Georgia and credits her country life of solitude as an only child for much of her love of books and nature. You'll find this love of nature along with nostalgia, magic, and whimsy woven into the fabric of her art. When she isn't drawing she can be found quilting, gardening, beekeeping, or cozied up with a cup of coffee and the latest period drama on BBC or PBS. Christy currently lives in Georgia with her husband, 4 children, and a menagerie of animals and insects.

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Tricia and Christy Mandin explore the creative process behind Christy's latest children's book, discussing the iterative nature of writing, the importance of collaboration, and the practicalities of finding time to write amidst a busy life. They dig into themes of community and belonging as reflected in the book's gardening motif, and Christy shares insights on connecting with young readers and the joy of storytelling.

Learn more:

https://www.christymandin.com/books

Kwame Sarfo-Mensah has an incredible book hitting shelves TODAY, and it is one of those must read books.

In this episode we talk about that book and Kwame's perspective on much more. We explore the importance of understanding one's childhood experiences and how it can help educators better connect with their students. We also discuss the concept of home and how it can be defined differently for each person. Kwame emphasizes the need for trust and vulnerability in building relationships and creating a sense of belonging. They also touch on the role of curiosity and learning in dismantling hate and promoting inclusivity. Kwame shares how his podcast has influenced his book and the importance of listening to diverse perspectives. The conversation explores the power of storytelling and the importance of media literacy in building belonging in schools. It delves into the concept of counter storytelling as a way to challenge stock narratives and learn about marginalized communities.

Learn more about Kwame, his podcast, book and ways to connect with him:

www.identitytalk4educators.com/about

www.identitytalk4educators.com/podcast

Check out his post as discussed at the beginning of the episode:

aieloc.org/how-do-we-make-our-…ery-student-aieloc/

Aaron Blabey discusses the creation and conclusion of his beloved children's series, The Bad Guys. He reflects on the balance between humor and deeper messages in storytelling, the emotional journey of saying goodbye to a series that has impacted millions, and the importance of staying true to one's creative vision. Blabey also shares insights on the influence of audience engagement and the evolution of his artistic journey, emphasizing the significance of authenticity in creative expression.

Learn more about Tricia's upcoming free webinar series: www.shiftingschools.com