In the fast-paced world of education, it’s essential to recognize the impact of connecting with students on their academic performance and overall well-being. Fostering strong connections with students can lead to better attendance, better motivation, and more positive outcomes in the classroom.
Spicy novels, known for their edgy and romantic themes, have taken center stage in the teenage world, especially on #BookTok.
In this episode, we'll explore what makes spicy novels so appealing to teenagers, the impact they can have on young readers, and how parents and educators can navigate this literary landscape.
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In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:
- Understood.org: Building positive relationships with students: What brain science says
- Teen Life Podcast: School Partnerships | BookTok
- Red Wolf Press: IS THIS BOOK AGE-APPROPRIATE? HOW TO FIND AGE AND CONTENT INFORMATION
- Amazon: A Court of Thorns and Roses
- Libby App
- Kindle Unlimited
- Amazon.com
- Goodreads.com
- Commonsensemedia.org
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Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com
Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www.teenlife.ngo/subscribe
Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
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Podcast Music by: Luke Cabrera & Tobin Hodges
Hosted by: Chris Robey & Karlie Duke
Produced by: Karlie Duke & Kelly Fann

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/teenlifepodcast/support

Episode 124: Connecting with Students & Spicy Books

A weekly podcast where we research teen culture so you can focus on connection with the teenagers in your life. Join Karlie Duke, Tobin Hodges, and Caleb Hatchett for fun conversations, trends, and tips for how to best connect with teenagers. This podcast is perfect for parents, teachers, counselors, church or school staff. Subscribe and join us today! Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/teenlifepodcast/support

Kids & Family

Parenting

What is toxic achievement culture and how can we help?
Can achievement really be toxic?
Jennifer Breheny Wallace says that achievement turns toxic when it becomes the sole determinant of one’s value and identity. In many middle and high schools (and even elementary schools), the pressure of achievement culture has reached alarming levels, leaving a trail of behavioral and mental health challenges in its wake.
Listen for ways to relieve the pressure. 


Also in this episode:
~ The rising use of caffeine pouches.
~ Caleb's take on the Apple Vision Pro.
~ One strategy on winning college scholarships adds up.
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In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:
- Apple: Vision Pro
- Instagram: Micro Scholarships Reel
- Washington Post: Teens are crumbling under extreme pressure. Parents need to change.
- Amazon: Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic-and What We Can Do About It
- The Harvard Gazette: How achievement pressure is crushing kids and what to do about it
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Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com
Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www.teenlife.ngo/subscribe
Watch the podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠!
Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
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Podcast Music by: Luke Cabrera & Tobin Hodges
Hosted by: Karlie Duke, Caleb Hatchett & Tobin Hodges
Produced by: Karlie Duke & Kelly Fann

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/teenlifepodcast/support

Toxic Achievement Culture + Micro Scholarships | Ep. 157

Creating a welcoming environment sets the tone.
In episode 156 of the Teen Life Podcast, we explore the significance of fostering a welcoming environment not just at the door, but throughout our Teen Life groups or church small groups.
In our journey to create spaces where teens feel valued and supported, every detail matters.
Let’s delve into some actionable tips that can make a difference in shaping the atmosphere of our gatherings. 


Also in this episode:
~ What’s the deal with food dyes and do they cause behavioral issues?
~ Why are teens using the Chinese app, Little Red Book, to ask people abroad for style, health, and dating advice?
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In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:
- Wikipedia: Little Red Book
- YouTube: The Most Inspiring Man in China
- Healthline: Food Dyes: Harmless or Harmful?
- Edutopia: Welcoming Students with a Smile
- Conscious Discipline: Methodology & Brain State Model
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Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com
Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www.teenlife.ngo/subscribe
Watch the podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠!
Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
.
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Podcast Music by: Luke Cabrera & Tobin Hodges
Hosted by: Karlie Duke, Caleb Hatchett & Tobin Hodges
Produced by: Karlie Duke & Kelly Fann

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/teenlifepodcast/support

Classroom Environment + Food Dyes | Ep. 156

Unlocking Success for Students Below Grade Level
Report cards and grades have traditionally been our primary understanding of our children’s academic progress.
Grades don’t always provide the full picture, however.
That’s where Go Beyond Grades comes in. Go Beyond Grades is a national campaign aimed at bridging the gap between how parents’ think their kids are doing and the reality of their children’s academic performance.
Learn more about how you can be sure your teen is mastering the skills he or she needs for academic success.
Also in this episode:

 Taylor Swift is set to release The Tortured Poets Department on April 19.
 What’s new on the looming TikTok ban.

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In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:
- Billboard: Everything We Know About Taylor Swift’s New Album ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ So Far
- Taylor Swift Store
- Go Beyond Grades
- Readiness Check
- Learning Heroes - Teacher Resources
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Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com
Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www.teenlife.ngo/subscribe
Watch the podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠!
Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
.
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Podcast Music by: Luke Cabrera & Tobin Hodges
Hosted by: Karlie Duke, Caleb Hatchett & Tobin Hodges
Produced by: Karlie Duke & Kelly Fann





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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/teenlifepodcast/support

Below Grade Level + TikTok Ban | Ep. 155

How can we foster positive social media etiquette?
Social media has undeniably become an integral part of our lives, especially for teenagers who often find themselves navigating its complexities daily. Unfortunately, as much as it can be a platform for connection and inspiration, it can also be a breeding ground for toxicity and negativity. 


As parents and caring adults, it’s important to help our teens cultivate positive social media practices to ensure their online experiences are enriching rather than damaging.


Get our key strategies to promote positivity and encouragement on social media.


 Also in this episode:

 New teen terms
 How can we get quiet teens to engage or talk?

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In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:
- Urban Dictionary
- Teen Life Podcast: Comment Culture  |  Social Media  |  Talkative Teens  |  Shyness
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Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com
Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www.teenlife.ngo/subscribe
Watch the podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠!
Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
.
.
Podcast Music by: Luke Cabrera & Tobin Hodges
Hosted by: Karlie Duke, Caleb Hatchett & Tobin Hodges
Produced by: Karlie Duke & Kelly Fann

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/teenlifepodcast/support

Social Media Etiquette + Silent Teens | Ep. 154

Helping teens understand how credit cards work.
We want to equip our teens with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the complexities of the adult world. One crucial area often overlooked in these conversations is financial literacy, specifically understanding how credit cards work. 


Also in this episode:
- What is test anxiety; who is most susceptible; what are the symptoms; and how can we help?
- How comment culture affects teens and why it matters.
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In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:
- TikTok: Teen + Credit
- Greenlight
- Modak
- Petal Card
- Nemours TeenHealth: Test Anxiety
- VeryWell Mind: What Is Test Anxiety?
- Mayo Clinic: Test anxiety: Can it be treated?
- Teen Life Podcast: Turning 18 | Girl Math  |  Friendship Anxiety  |  Anxiety  |  Back to School Anxiety
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Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com
Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www.teenlife.ngo/subscribe
Watch the podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠!
Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
.
.
Podcast Music by: Luke Cabrera & Tobin Hodges
Hosted by: Karlie Duke, Caleb Hatchett & Tobin Hodges
Produced by: Karlie Duke & Kelly Fann

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/teenlifepodcast/support

Episode 124: Connecting with Students & Spicy Books

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