Scarlett’s guest is Chris Evers of Animal Embassy. Chris shares his personal story of how he came to teach essential life skills through animals. His goal is to cultivate kindness in schools and elsewhere through  his fun, interactive programs. This consists of research-based, live animal experiences for people of all ages that brings science curriculum ‘to life’ for school students. Chris helps children appreciate the diversity of life on earth with an extraordinary variety of live Animal Ambassadors. He encourages critical thinking by facilitating the recognition of our similarities and appreciation of the differences in all living things. Chris also provides anti-bullying/community building programs with live Animal Ambassadors through entertaining, educating and engaging people of all ages and abilities. Scarlett and Chris discuss his ‘creating kindness’ program with animals that he is bringing to schools and communities. 

Christopher Evers is a naturalist specializing in wildlife conservation and environmental education. In 2002, Chris founded Animal Embassy, dedicated to exotic animal rescue/adoption and environmental education. Chris brings over twenty-five years of experience teaching children, working with nature centers and nonprofit environmental organizations, and developing educational programming.

Animal Embassy specializes in both live and online educational and interactive experiences for students of all ages, varying needs and special abilities. Program offerings enable students to connect with the natural world in a nurturing & safe environment through online animal visits, wildlife artifact exhibits and digital slide presentations. Chris travels around the globe photographing wildlife in their natural habitats and discovering diverse cultures. Photography, stories and artifacts from these adventures are often utilized in their programs. 

Check out Chris’ website. www.animalembassady.com

This is Part 2 of Scarlett Lewis’ podcast with Dr. Sally Goldberg, a pioneer in the field of early childhood education. Scarlett and Dr. Goldberg believe the magic word to the healthy development of our children is ‘connection.’ Parents need to focus on connection when their children are at a young age. Dr. Goldberg says that it’s best started from birth and she describes the five areas of development and how they are carried out at each age and stage. There is a bonding and attachment process over the first three years of a child’s life which leads to self-esteem. Dr. Goldberg believes that parents can be taught to keep focusing on connection with their children at any age and stage. She also believes that a solid family (and extended family, too) creates the foundation that leads to connection. 

Sally Goldberg, Ph.D. is a professor of education, parenting expert and author.  Her unique, logical, and down-to-earth advice has been quoted in numerous magazines and newspapers including Parent’s Magazine and American Baby. Dr. Sally is one of the nation’s first parent coaches and founder of Dr. Sally Parenting, Inc. She was the first parenting expert on “Parent to Parent,” a FOX TV Channel 7 weekly news segment. A prolific magazine writer, Dr. Sally has been published in a multitude of magazines across the country.

Scarlett Lewis’ guest is Avraham Frank who encourages all schools to implement a Moment of Silence each school day. He has seen the gratitude of principals, teachers, students and parents in schools who use a moment of silence each school day. Avraham reads letters to Scarlett from students and principals who have written to him with appreciation for this pause at the start of the day which allows children to not only care about themselves, but think of other children around the world. They feel proud of themselves and appreciative of their lives.This program is free and no training is necessary because it’s so simple and can be done during morning announcements. Scarlett and Avraham discuss how this moment allows children to become self-aware and develop social awareness because they realize ‘how I am feeling affects others.’

Avraham said, "The daily practice in the morning of a minute of silence in schools has resulted in children being calmer, stress-free, more focused, and happier. Attendance at these schools has gone up because the children simply look forward to this calm, relaxing time, where they can "explore themselves" and discover new character traits that they were unaware of. Schools have reported increases in math and reading scores and less running around in the hallways and less vandalism in the school yard. Children have even been doing this practice at home to face crises. This is simply an all-win practice where the the student, the parent, the teacher, and the principal -all win.In many testimonials, children have poured out their thanks to the teacher and the principal who brought the practice into the school. The practice is free and no training is needed. The dynamics are simple: Every morning the school announces over the loudspeaker that before they study the school subjects that they need to know to be successful and be able to make  a living, they are given a minute to reflect. After this minute is over, the school day goes on as usual. The parents are encouraged to discuss with their child what to think about on a daily basis."

Listen to this podcast to find out how to implement a Moment of Silence in your schools.

https://momentofsilence.info/

Scarlett Lewis and her mom, Maureen Lewis, interview world renowned physician and advocate for chronic illness patients, Dr. Bernie Siegel at his home in Woodbridge, CT. As a physician who has cared for and counseled innumerable people who’ve been threatened by an illness, Bernie embraces a philosophy of living and dying that stands at the forefront of the medical ethics and spiritual issues our society grapples with today. He continues to assist in the breaking of new ground in the field of healing and personally struggling to live the message of kindness and love.

Since retiring from general and pediatric surgical practice, Dr. Siegel has dedicated himself to humanizing the medical establishment’s approach to patients and empowering patients to induce their own healing. His many books include Peace, Love and Healing, 365 Prescriptions for the Soul, and Love, and Medicine and Miracles. Dr. Siegel is a sought after speaker on patient and caregiver issues and he is a fan of precognitive drawing or when kids draw about their death. Join Scarlett and her mom as Dr. Siegel shares his incredible wisdom and stories with all of us.

Scarlett’s guest is Las Vegas pastor, Troy Martinez, founder of Dads in Schools. In response to rising behavioral issues, substance abuse and even gangs, Troy brought together a movement of community leaders, parents, and local volunteers who understand the power of presence to provide a safe environment that enables students to thrive as they focus on their relationships and education. This successful program can be duplicated in your area to provide sense of safety and caring. 

https://www.dadsinschools.com/

"I have been so inspired by you and what you've taught me. So much about what I've learned through the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement has led Kimberly and I to writing the words on the pages in our book The Dove Who Inspired Beyond Barbed Wire: Dr. Viktor Frankl.” 

Scarlett’s guests are author and educator, Andrea Ackerly and illustrator and educator, Kimberly J. B. Smith. They discuss their new book, “The Dove Who Inspired Beyond Barbed Wire".

A shared admiration for the life and teachings of Dr. Viktor Frankl inspired this book collaboration and its message will inspire all who read it to focus on the things they can control and focus on fulfilling a loving and meaningful life of service and kindness.

Learn how to have hard conversations with your kids, about current events. This is a timely podcast!

To purchase this book: https://www.amazon.com/Dove-Inspired-Beyond-Barbed-Wire/dp/1960142992

Scarlett Lewis met Keely Roberts a few months after the tragedy that forever changed the lives of her family members and the Highland Park, IL community. During their July 4th Independence Day parade in 2022, a gunman opened fire — killing seven people and injuring more than 40. Among the victims were Keely Roberts, and her twin sons Cooper and Luke, both 8 at the time. Cooper, was hit in the back with a bullet that exited his chest, damaging his aorta, liver, esophagus and spinal cord, paralyzing him from the waist down. His fraternal twin brother, Luke, was also wounded.

The gunman Robert Crimo III, 22, is awaiting trial on 21 counts of first-degree murder, 48 counts of attempted murder and 48 counts of aggravated battery with a firearm. His father, Robert Crimo Jr., 59, was also arrested on seven counts of felony reckless conduct for allegedly helping his son procure a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card when he knew his son was a danger to the public. He recently pled guilty and is now serving time in jail. The Robertses, along with dozens of others, also filed a lawsuit against the Crimos, manufacturer Smith & Wesson, online distributor Buds Gun Shop and retailer Red Dot Arms. “We moved to Highland Park because it was safe. And then this happens,” says Keely, a former school superintendent. “But by the grace and kindness of others, a lot of good has happened too.”

Keely proposes a fantastic idea - What does it mean to be a villager? accountable for human connection, seeing the light of humanity in each other, being kind, fault versus responsibility, leaning into community, being part of something greater than yourself, asking for help, open and trust of those around you, reminding yourself there is more good than bad. caring show we don't walk along. "Human existence is a team sport" SEL is fundamentally critical, at least as important as academics. 

Jonathan Lewis, Sr.'s son was murdered outside his high school in Las Vegas by a group of fellow classmates. The attack occurred on 11/1/23 and he was taken off life support 6 days later. Jonathan Jr. died defending his friend. He was murdered over a set of headphones and a vape pen. His dad responded by expressing forgiveness and compassion toward his killers.  He said, "I think there's a failure of all humanity to recognize that we need to be teaching our kids to co-exist."  He says, 'we are the ones we've been waiting for....'

https://teamjonathanlewis.com

Scarlett Lewis interviews Jenna Moniz, Education Program Specialist at the HeartMath Institute, about the powerful connection between the heart, brain, and emotional well-being. Jenna explains the science of heart rate variability (HRV)—the natural variation in time between heartbeats—and how our thoughts and emotions influence heart rhythms. Positive emotions such as love and appreciation are associated with greater heart coherence, a state of harmony that supports clearer thinking, better emotional regulation, improved sleep, resilience, adaptability, and overall well-being. Chronic stress, anger, and anxiety, on the other hand, can disrupt this balance.

Together, Scarlett and Jenna discuss how the Choose Love Formula™ (Courage, Gratitude, Forgiveness, and Compassion in Action) can help shift our thoughts and emotions toward greater coherence. They explore how creating heart coherence enhances our own health and performance while positively influencing those around us. Tune in to learn practical strategies for cultivating heart coherence and maximizing your potential—and the potential of your students.

Scarlett’s guest for this episode is Angela Duckworth, author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. Angela describes grit as having what some researchers call an”ultimate concern”– a goal you care about so much that it gives meaning to almost everything you do. Grit is holding steadfast to that goal even when you fall down and when progress toward that goal is halting or slow. Scarlett and Angela discuss growing hope because a growth mindset leads to optimistic self-talk that then leads to perseverance over adversity. 

Scarlett and Angela infuse the Choose Love Formula into the extensive research Angela has dedicated herself to on grit and personal success. This includes having the courage to find what you enjoy, thinking of something you are grateful for to stay positive and strengthen what you want to master, finding a deeper purpose greater than yourself, and having compassion in action which is doing something, not just feeling it. Hope is when we let our pain go and that is strengthened by practicing forgiveness. All of the Choose Love formula values (courage+gratitude+forgiveness+compassion-in-action) lead to the grittiness required to achieve your goals.

Angela Duckworth is an academic and psychologist focusing on achievement, researcher and author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. She is co-founder of Character Lab, a nonprofit whose mission is to advance scientific insights that help children thrive. She is also the Rosa Lee and Egbert Chang Professor at the University of Pennsylvania and faculty co-director of the Penn-Wharton Behavior Change for Good Initiative. Her podcast, No Stupid Questions, is part of the Freakonomics Radio family.