Bringing Education Home

I sat down with Dr. Stephen Jones and we tore open the mystery of studying like we were peeling a banana—simple, nutritious, and a bit slippery if you don't know what you're doing. I tell you, Dr. Jones had that classic first-gen college arc: stellar high school, confused freshman year, then a whole-life pivot into helping students and parents not repeat the same faceplant. He walks us through the basics that actually matter: reading for comprehension (not just volume-of-words flexing), asking open-ended questions at the dinner table, and turning passive absorption into active application. We geek out over how experiential learning—plays, museums, STEM kits—makes concepts stick, and why finding your child's learning style (visual, tactile, or memorizer-extraordinaire) is a game-changer.

We also get real about logistics: time management, procrastination spirals, and the absolute power of routines (bag-by-the-door, clothes-out-the-night-before—tiny rituals, massive ROI). Dr. Jones peppers the chat with concrete tools—Pinterest boards full of activities, Stemfinity for hands-on experiments, and the magic of summer college programs that let kids try on campus life without committing to the whole adulting package. Parents take center stage here: we learn that being involved, curious, and humble about asking for help models the exact behavior we want our kids to internalize. Bottom line: studying isn't a mythical, soporific ritual—it’s a set of practical habits, exposures, and conversations that parents can scaffold from day one.

Dr. Jones is an Associate Dean in the College of Engineering at Villanova University and owner of SAJ Publishing and education services. For thirty-seven years, Dr. Jones is a teacher and eduprenuer who has helped students, parents, and professionals to reach their dreams. He has delivered presentations on numerous topics including how to study, finding scholarships, leadership, effective communication, organization, time management and innovative management practices. He is the author of five workbooks titled “Seven Secrets of How to Study” the “Parent’s Ultimate Education Guide” the “Ultimate Scholarship Guide” “Seven Secrets of How to Study.” These books provide an easy understanding of the essential skills a student and parent needs to succeed as k12 students and in college.

Dr. Stephen's Facebook page

Dr. Stephen's Website

Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.

Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kids

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Copyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-Avritt

This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.

We jump right into the big idea: play, movement and improv are the secret sauce Sarah uses to lure reluctant readers into actually wanting to read. First, we unpack practical tactics — one‑word‑at‑a‑time stories, yoga-play that has kids acting out characters, and the simple “paper window” trick so a kid only faces one line at a time — little hacks that reframe reading as fun instead of frustration. Then Sarah delights us with her chapter‑book world where an octopus investigator (yes, tentacles and all) solves mysteries, sneaks real animal science into stories, and gives kids a curious hook to push through the tough bits. We also get real about homeschool wins, eye checks, audiobooks, fan fiction, and the value of reading aloud or letting kids read short illustrated chunks until stamina builds. I loved how we weave the pedagogy with playful practice: meet the kid where they are, scaffold success, and slowly stretch their reading muscles. If you want approachable, evidence‑friendly ways to make stories sticky in your house, we serve up strategies, laughs, and a stack of resources that actually work.

A gift from our guest: Beyond the Page resource which are activities to inspire thinking outside the cover. https://sarahmcdavis.substack.com/

Sarah McDavis likes to do a lot of different things. Sometimes that causes problems, but usually it keeps her the right amount of busy. Sarah is a children’s author, illustrator, digital presence educator, book coach, kids yoga instructor, improv comedian, and founder of Wonder Creek Media and the Start Effect in Pittsburgh, PA. Her chapter book series for emerging readers set in a world where Finding Dory meets Zootopia and an octopus, Octo, P.I., solves mysteries

@sarahmcmarvelous on Instagram

Sarah's Website

Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.

Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kids

Follow us on these socials:

Facebook

LinkedIn

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook Group - The Family Learning Circle

Facebook Business Page: Vibrant Family Education

Support Bringing Education Home

Copyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-Avritt

This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.

We jump right into Ruth Wishengrad’s world where she crafts personalized “Happy Heart Songs” that blend music, emotion and neuroscience to literally anchor encouraging words into people’s bodies and lives—no fluff, just sticky, uplifting melodies that show up exactly when you need them. We geek out about the neuroplasticity behind repetition, movement and emotion. We also laugh about genre choices (reggae for rehab, chill beats for reflection, disco for chemo—yes, disco), because the right soundtrack matters and Ruth will happily make your anthem whatever vibe helps you thrive. So tune your ears, decide who needs a song (maybe you), and let us convince you that a custom tune might be the most delightful life‑hack you didn’t know you needed.

A gift from our guest: A free gratitude song and a little hug for the heart you can come back to anytime. https://happyheartsongs.com/grateful-song

Ruth Wishengrad designs personalized experiences that help others feel seen, loved, and celebrated. She is the creator of Happy Heart Songs, a heart-centered project that blends music, emotion, and neuroscience to create new ways of talking to ourselves. After noticing how deeply songs and lyrics shaped her own thoughts and feelings, she began exploring how repetition and melody could turn encouraging words into something people actually connect with and remember. With over 30 years of experience teaching, training, and coaching, Ruth turns encouragement into music that supports emotional well-being.

@myhappyheartsongs on Instagram

Ruth's Website

Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.

Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kids

Follow us on these socials:

Facebook

LinkedIn

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook Group - The Family Learning Circle

Facebook Business Page: Vibrant Family Education

Support Bringing Education Home

Copyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-Avritt

This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.

We geek out a little here because Sam Mitchell is the human swiss-army mic: podcaster, TEDx speaker, nonprofit founder, and part-time wrestling fanboy who somehow keeps his life on rails with color-coded schedules and a fierce love of AC/DC and Nickelback (yes, I said it). I tell you, when Sam talks about how preschool visuals saved him and how he still needs an extra hour buffer before a 2pm shift, I nodded so hard my headphones almost fell off. We dig into the mechanics of being ‘‘on the spectrum’’ as a lived experience — not broken, not waiting to be fixed — and Sam lays out how structure builds confidence, why he advocates for himself, and how he literally typed his schedule because his handwriting was unreadable (relatable chaos).

We also laugh a ton — Sam’s candid quips about airports and mid-day flights had us snorting — but there’s serious gold here: tools like visual charts, occupational-therapy tricks for handwriting, and the art of letting someone ‘‘panic a little’’ before you gently talk them through it. The core takeaway? With the right resources and a little patience, folks with autism can thrive professionally and socially. I leave listeners with practical empathy: don’t try to fix people, give them predictability, ask a few guiding questions, and sometimes just let them rock and roll on their own beat.

Sam Mitchell is an autistic advocate, motivational speaker, podcaster, and Executive Director of the nonprofit Autism Rocks and Rolls Corporation. Diagnosed with autism at age four, Sam began his Autism Rocks and Rolls podcast while still in high school, creating a platform where he could share an inside perspective on autism, everyday challenges, and the strengths of neurodivergent individuals. What began as a podcast has grown into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to reducing stigma, promoting inclusion, and changing the way people talk about autism. Through podcasting, speaking, writing, education, and community events, Sam encourages others to recognize that autistic people are not broken and do not need to be fixed. His work celebrates individuality, ability, and the value every person brings to the world.

Sam's Facebook page

@autismrocksandrollspod on Instagram

Sam on YouTube

Sam's Website

Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.

Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kids

Follow us on these socials:

Facebook

LinkedIn

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook Group - The Family Learning Circle

Facebook Business Page: Vibrant Family Education

Support Bringing Education Home

Copyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-Avritt

This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.

Trauma isn't what happened to us—it's the survival responses we keep holding onto long after the danger's gone. I'm Barb Barkle Smith and we dive into how those stuck responses calcify into anxiety, relationship landmines, parenting traps and even physical illness, and why the big headline is: you are not broken, you adapted. I explain the Ascendance Method, a systems-y but practical map built around five pillars (inner strength, self‑love, wisdom, purpose and the stabilizing center) that helps you recognize patterns, release the buried charge, and restore a functional, fulfilled self. We give parents actual tools — L.O.V.A. (Listen, Observe, Validate, Express), stop pacifying curiosity with a literal or metaphorical “dummy,” teach responsibility instead of robotic obedience, and do your own healing first so your inner child stops parenting your kids. We bust the forgiveness myth too: forgiveness is a state you land in when the emotional energy is released, not a forced handshake with the past, and memories can remain without the body flinching. Expect anecdotal case stories, pressure‑cooker metaphors, practical steps and a cheeky, human take on dismantling generational trauma—if this lights something up, go to your-steps.co.uk and let’s actually do the work together.

Guest Bio - Barb Varcl Smith is a Trauma Recovery Educator, Speaker, Therapist, and Creator of The Ascendance Method™, a practical framework for understanding trauma, recovery, and personal transformation.

Drawing on over two decades of professional experience and a unique systems-thinking background, Barb is known for making complex trauma concepts easy to understand and apply. Her work helps people recognise the hidden survival patterns that continue influencing thoughts, emotions, relationships, parenting, and decision-making long after the original experiences have passed.

She is the creator of the Steps of Ascendance™ framework, the concept of Fake Resilience™, host of the podcast Way Out of Childhood Trauma, and author of the upcoming book Purposeful Parenting: How to raise a healthy mind - Applying the Ascendance Method™ to Family Life.

Barb's mission is to transform how we understand trauma by helping people see that they are not broken—they adapted. Through education, speaking, practitioner training, and transformational client work, she helps individuals reconnect with their inner strength, create lasting change, and break generational patterns. Her guiding principle is simple:

“Trauma is not an excuse. Trauma is an explanation.”

Barb's Facebook page

Barb's Website

Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.

Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kids

Follow us on these socials:

Facebook

LinkedIn

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook Group - The Family Learning Circle

Facebook Business Page: Vibrant Family Education

Support Bringing Education Home

Copyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-Avritt

This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.

Emily Roper joins us for a delightful chat about the magical world of early childhood development! With her extensive background in neurodevelopmental therapy and midwifery, Emily brings a refreshing perspective on how the early years of a child's life, starting from pregnancy, can shape their future. We dive deep into the nuances of developmental delays, ADHD, autism, and how these challenges can be approached holistically. Emily shares her own journey, revealing how she was inspired by a cousin with developmental delays, leading her to pursue a career dedicated to helping children thrive. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the critical stages of early development and how parents can support their children by fostering a nurturing environment. Plus, we sprinkle in some humor and light-hearted anecdotes that make the complex topic of child development feel accessible and engaging. It's a must-listen for parents looking to empower their children and navigate the delightful chaos of parenting!

A gift from our guest: Please visit Emily's website: https://www.earlyrootstherapy.com to book a free phone consultation.

Emily Roper is a Neuro-Developmental Delay Therapist, certified Midwife’s Assistant, and the founder of Early Roots, a therapy practice focused on childhood development and supporting children with developmental delays. With backgrounds in psychology, midwifery, and neurodevelopment, she has spent over a decade supporting children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, dyslexia, sensory challenges, and other developmental difficulties. Emily has also attended more than 600 births and is passionate about helping families and professionals understand how pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and early infancy shape long-term brain, nervous system, and emotional development.

Emily's Facebook page

@earlyroots on Instagram

Emily's Website

Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.

Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kids

Follow us on these socials:

Facebook

LinkedIn

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook Group - The Family Learning Circle

Facebook Business Page: Vibrant Family Education

Support Bringing Education Home

Copyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-Avritt

This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.

Dive into the whimsical world of Adam Lee Seitz, Emmy-winning writer and improv maestro! We kick things off with a hearty introduction to this comedic powerhouse whose career spans the glitzy realms of Broadway, TV, and even video games. Adam doesn’t just stop at being a performer; he's here to sprinkle a bit of joy and humor into our lives, and man, does he deliver! His mission? To help us all find that elusive spark of happiness through laughter, storytelling, and the magical art of improvisation. Through his book, *Unscripted Success*, Adam shares nuggets of wisdom that can help not just adults, but also kids, build resilience and confidence in their own unique ways.

As the conversation unfolds, we dig deep into the power of 'yes and,' a fundamental tool in improv that encourages openness and creativity. Adam passionately explains how this principle can transform our everyday interactions, making life a stage where everyone can shine. Why say “no” when you can say “yes” and add a little flair? It’s all about embracing the unexpected and letting go of that pesky fear of judgment. Plus, we explore some of Adam's hilarious anecdotes from his life, including how his ‘hyper-awareness’—a playful rebranding of ADHD—has become his superpower. We get to hear about the delightful chaos that ensues when he forgets simple tasks, like bringing water back from the kitchen, only to return with a banana instead!

But it’s not all fun and games; Adam brings a heartwarming message about teaching kids to embrace their quirks and recognize their worth. We discuss the importance of instilling confidence in the younger generation, encouraging them to ask for what they want and to understand that it’s okay to make mistakes. After all, even the greatest baseball players only hit about 30% of the time! This episode is a joyous mix of laughter, learning, and the reminder that every moment is an opportunity for connection. So come join us, and let’s create some smiles together!

A gift from our guest: Adamsietz.com/sumitgiveaway

This link will take you to the downloadable e-book that tries to answer the question”What is funny?”

Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.

Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kids

Follow us on these socials:

Facebook

LinkedIn

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook Group - The Family Learning Circle

Facebook Business Page: Vibrant Family Education

Support Bringing Education Home

Copyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-Avritt

This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.

Dr. Anokhi Kapasi joins us for a riveting chat that dives deep into the world of homeschooling and career mastery for moms in STEM! Picture this: a super-smart biomedical researcher, a talented consultant, and an entrepreneurial wizard all rolled into one, while also juggling the demands of homeschooling two energetic boys. Anokhi spills the beans on her journey from the traditional workforce to creating her own path with 'Solve for Mom' and her podcast, 'Science Careers for Moms.' She shares how she transitioned from being a full-time professional to a homeschooling mom, sculpting a life that merges both her passions seamlessly. The conversation is packed with insightful moments as Anokhi recounts the spark that ignited her decision to homeschool—her son advocating for it! Who knew kids could be so persuasive? Anokhi's anecdotes about the challenges and triumphs of homeschooling reveal not just the day-to-day logistics, but also the deeper emotional connections that blossom when learning happens outside the classroom walls. From the messy chaos of hands-on experiments to the 'aha' moments that make everything worthwhile, she illustrates how education can happen in the most unexpected places. And guess what? It's not just about academics; it's about nurturing a lifelong love for learning, which is something we all can get behind!

A gift from our guest: Free Career Alignment Diagnostic:

https://solveformom.com/career-alignment-diagnostic

A gift from our guest: Waitlist for the free Career Alignment Diagnostic (free assessment): https://solveformom.com/career-alignment

Dr. Anokhi Kapasi, PhD has built a portfolio career across biomedical research, consulting, and entrepreneurship. Anokhi is a biomedical researcher who has worked in scientific consulting for over 12 years while homeschooling her 2 boys.

Dr. Anokhi's Website

Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.

Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kids

Follow us on these socials:

Facebook

LinkedIn

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook Group - The Family Learning Circle

Facebook Business Page: Vibrant Family Education

Support Bringing Education Home

Copyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-Avritt

This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.

Mila Johansen, a powerhouse in the world of writing, publishing, and public speaking coaching, joins us for a lively chat that feels like catching up with an old friend over coffee. With a whopping 12 bestselling books under her belt, she's here to sprinkle some joy and wisdom on aspiring writers everywhere, especially those little ones who might be too cool for school when it comes to writing. Mila’s passion for helping kids become published authors is infectious, and she’s got some killer strategies up her sleeve to turn that dreaded ‘I hate writing’ into ‘Wow, I just wrote a book!’ Imagine this: your kid sits down with a notebook, maybe a glass of chocolate milk, and suddenly they’re the star of their own story! Mila’s approach is all about tricking kids into writing – yes, you heard that right! She shares how her mother got her to write by suggesting she simply pen a single sentence a day. And guess what? That little trick turned into pages of inspiration! She suggests starting small, like a daily sentence or even a fun letter to a favorite character. A sprinkle of creativity and a whole lot of encouragement can turn that frown upside down, making writing a blast instead of a chore. Plus, with Amazon’s free publishing program, getting that story out into the world has never been easier. As we dive deeper into her homeschooling journey, Mila shares heartfelt anecdotes that resonate with any parent navigating the wild world of education. She talks about how crucial it is to keep things playful and engaging, emphasizing that writing doesn’t have to be a sit-at-the-desk-and-sweat type of deal. Instead, let’s get those kids moving! Whether it’s through theater, reading their favorite books, or even telling stories to their stuffed animals over Zoom, there are endless ways to spark that writing flame. So, if you're a parent, grandparent, or even a cool aunt or uncle, grab a pen, get those kiddos excited about storytelling, and let’s create some literary magic together!

To join Mila's summit that was discussed in the show, please reigister here:

https://go.eventraptor.com/summit/cinderella-summit-2609/kristinaavritt

Gifts from our guest:

A PDF of Mila's short book to help your book be discovered.

https://milajohansen.influencersoft.com/101-surprising-tips-summit

Here is a real activity to do with your kids. Write a Short Book; 5 Steps to Jumpstart your Book.

https://milajohansen.influencersoft.com/5steps_6437017

Mila Johansen is a writing, publishing, and public speaking coach She is the best-selling author of twelve books. She has developed “The Short Book” concept, giving people worldwide permission to write and publish their “short book” first. She loves helping people realize their dreams of becoming published authors in any genre. She homeschooled her daughter through 8th grade and encourages young people of any age to become published authors. It's never been easier or more accessible through Amazon's FREE publishing program.

Mila's Facebook page

Mila's Website

Mila on YouTube

Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.

Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kids

Follow us on these socials:

Facebook

LinkedIn

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook Group - The Family Learning Circle

Facebook Business Page: Vibrant Family Education

Support Bringing Education Home

Copyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-Avritt

This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.

Mark Papadas joins the podcast to drop some serious wisdom bombs about empowering kids through identity. He’s the mastermind behind I Am for Kids and the Be Great movement, both aimed at helping children, families, and educators build confidence like it’s going out of style. Mark’s got a treasure trove of experiences from working with thousands of students across the country, and he’s here to tell us that what kids say about themselves can shape their choices and their futures. It’s not just about building self-esteem; it’s about tearing down those pesky limiting labels that have stuck to our kiddos like gum on a shoe. Mark shares his mission to replace those negative “I am” statements with powerful affirmations that make kids feel like they can conquer the world. He’s not just any speaker either—he’s been featured in Time and on national television. But what really gets him fired up is giving parents and educators the tools to raise resilient kids who know their worth.

In our chat, we dive into the nitty-gritty of how to help kids unlearn the negative tapes that play in their heads. Mark emphasizes that kids are born confident, and it’s the world that teaches them otherwise. Remember the last time you saw a toddler give up on walking? Yeah, me neither! They keep trying, and that’s the spirit we want to nurture. Mark’s got this amazing approach where he encourages parents to think about their kids’ inner dialogues, asking them to replace those “I can’t” statements with “I’m learning how to.” It’s all about helping them build a solid identity that will carry them through life’s ups and downs.

We also explore the five-step process that Mark has designed to help kids articulate their identities. It all starts with writing down “I am...” and then revising and improving those statements. Mark stresses the importance of sharing these affirmations and living them out every day. It’s not just about saying the words; it’s about embodying them in action. And let’s be honest, we all could use a little reminder of our own greatness, right? Mark’s personal journey, including how he developed his own “I am” statements, is as inspiring as it gets. This episode is packed with practical advice for parents and educators alike, and it’s a must-listen for anyone looking to make a positive impact on kids today.

A gift from our guest: Please join us at "Be Great! Sunday Reset," a live weekly online experience where families learn practical tools to build confidence, strengthen identity, and start the week with purpose. It's designed for parents and children to grow together, and every family is welcome. Register here: https://events.iam4kids.com/home

Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.

Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kids

Follow us on these socials:

Facebook

LinkedIn

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook Group - The Family Learning Circle

Facebook Business Page: Vibrant Family Education

Support Bringing Education Home

Copyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-Avritt

This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.