Educating the Human Potential: The American Montessori Society Podcast

What if some of the most powerful lessons children learn happen outside the classroom walls?

In this episode, Biff and Nicole sit down with Montessori educator and school farmer Elise Washburn to explore how farming can become a living classroom — one that nurtures independence, observation, responsibility, and a deeper connection to the natural world.

Together, they discuss:
• Elise’s unconventional journey into Montessori, from California’s redwood forests to Rwanda and ultimately to the school farm
• How farming creates meaningful learning experiences for children from toddlers through middle school
• Why hands-on work in nature strengthens confidence, curiosity, and problem-solving
• How food tasting, planting, composting, and harvest lessons bring Montessori principles to life
• What schools can do to start small and build meaningful outdoor learning programs

Warm, practical, and deeply inspiring, this conversation offers a powerful reminder that when children are given the chance to work with the earth, they often grow far more than vegetables.

Whether you're an educator, parent, or Montessori advocate, this episode will leave you rethinking what a classroom can be.

Contact Us: [email protected]

Educating the Human Potential is a podcast about optimizing education for a better society, through a Montessori lens. Hosts Nicole Coman, a licensed educational psychologist specializing in school psychology and child development -- and a "Montessori mom" -- and Biff Maier, an American Montessori Society Living Legacy with decades of experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, engage with experts, educators, parents, and students. Each episode explores strategies to unlock human potential, offering thought-provoking conversations on learning, child development, and the evolving landscape of education. This podcast is presented by AMS, the American Montessori Society.

For more information about Montessori education, visit https://amshq.org/about-montessori/

And consider this AMS course for families interested in incorporating the Montessori philosophy into their day-to-day lives and parenting approach:
https://learn.amshq.org/parent-course-early-childhood

Contact us: [email protected]

What if the way we think about learning… is wrong?

In this episode, Biff and Nicole sit down with neuroscientist Jared Cooney Horvath to break down what science actually tells us about how the brain learns—and why so many common approaches fall short.

Drawing from research and real-world application, Horvath challenges popular assumptions and offers a clearer, more effective framework for understanding how children absorb, retain, and apply knowledge.

Together, they explore:

• What’s really happening in the brain during learning
• Why struggle and difficulty are essential for long-term retention
• The difference between performance and true learning
• Common myths about memory, attention, and engagement
• How educators and parents can better align with how the brain actually works

Sharp, practical, and deeply thought-provoking, this conversation reframes learning as an active, effortful process—not something that should always feel easy or immediate.

If you care about helping children learn more effectively—and more meaningfully—this episode will challenge your assumptions and reshape how you think about education.

Contact Us: [email protected]

Educating the Human Potential is a podcast about optimizing education for a better society, through a Montessori lens. Hosts Nicole Coman, a licensed educational psychologist specializing in school psychology and child development -- and a "Montessori mom" -- and Biff Maier, an American Montessori Society Living Legacy with decades of experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, engage with experts, educators, parents, and students. Each episode explores strategies to unlock human potential, offering thought-provoking conversations on learning, child development, and the evolving landscape of education. This podcast is presented by AMS, the American Montessori Society.

For more information about Montessori education, visit https://amshq.org/about-montessori/

And consider this AMS course for families interested in incorporating the Montessori philosophy into their day-to-day lives and parenting approach:
https://learn.amshq.org/parent-course-early-childhood

Contact us: [email protected]

What if the way we think about learning… is wrong?

In this episode, Biff and Nicole sit down with neuroscientist Jared Cooney Horvath to break down what science actually tells us about how the brain learns—and why so many common approaches fall short.

Drawing from research and real-world application, Horvath challenges popular assumptions and offers a clearer, more effective framework for understanding how children absorb, retain, and apply knowledge.

Together, they explore:

• What’s really happening in the brain during learning
• Why struggle and difficulty are essential for long-term retention
• The difference between performance and true learning
• Common myths about memory, attention, and engagement
• How educators and parents can better align with how the brain actually works

Sharp, practical, and deeply thought-provoking, this conversation reframes learning as an active, effortful process—not something that should always feel easy or immediate.

If you care about helping children learn more effectively—and more meaningfully—this episode will challenge your assumptions and reshape how you think about education.

Contact Us: [email protected]

Educating the Human Potential is a podcast about optimizing education for a better society, through a Montessori lens. Hosts Nicole Coman, a licensed educational psychologist specializing in school psychology and child development -- and a "Montessori mom" -- and Biff Maier, an American Montessori Society Living Legacy with decades of experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, engage with experts, educators, parents, and students. Each episode explores strategies to unlock human potential, offering thought-provoking conversations on learning, child development, and the evolving landscape of education. This podcast is presented by AMS, the American Montessori Society.

For more information about Montessori education, visit https://amshq.org/about-montessori/

And consider this AMS course for families interested in incorporating the Montessori philosophy into their day-to-day lives and parenting approach:
https://learn.amshq.org/parent-course-early-childhood

Contact us: [email protected]

What if anxiety isn’t something to eliminate—but something to understand?

In this episode, Biff and Nicole sit down with clinical psychologist and bestselling author Lisa Damour to unpack the science of stress, anxiety, and adolescent development. With clarity and compassion, she reframes anxiety not as a problem to fix, but as a natural and necessary part of growing up.

Together, they explore:

• The difference between healthy stress and harmful anxiety—and why both matter
• Why avoidance actually makes anxiety worse over time
• How anxiety shows up differently in boys vs. girls
• The critical role adults play in helping kids build perspective and resilience
• Practical ways to support children through big emotions without removing the challenge

Insightful, practical, and deeply reassuring, this conversation offers a powerful shift in perspective: discomfort is not a sign something is wrong—it’s often a sign that growth is happening.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply trying to better understand the emotional world of young people, this episode will leave you better equipped to support the next generation with confidence and care.

Contact Us: [email protected]

Educating the Human Potential is a podcast about optimizing education for a better society, through a Montessori lens. Hosts Nicole Coman, a licensed educational psychologist specializing in school psychology and child development -- and a "Montessori mom" -- and Biff Maier, an American Montessori Society Living Legacy with decades of experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, engage with experts, educators, parents, and students. Each episode explores strategies to unlock human potential, offering thought-provoking conversations on learning, child development, and the evolving landscape of education. This podcast is presented by AMS, the American Montessori Society.

For more information about Montessori education, visit https://amshq.org/about-montessori/

And consider this AMS course for families interested in incorporating the Montessori philosophy into their day-to-day lives and parenting approach:
https://learn.amshq.org/parent-course-early-childhood

Contact us: [email protected]

What do boys really need from the adults who teach and raise them?

In this episode of Educating the Human Potential, hosts Biff Maier and Nicole Coman sit down with renowned psychologist and author Michael Thompson, whose decades of work have focused on boys’ development, friendships, emotional lives, and school experiences. 

Together they explore how developmental differences can shape boys’ experiences in school, why some boys disengage from learning, and how educators and parents can better support their emotional growth and sense of belonging. 

In this conversation, they discuss:

• Key developmental differences that can impact boys in school
• Why some boys struggle with engagement and motivation
• How boys often experience and express emotions differently
• The importance of belonging, friendship, and psychological safety
• How schools can better support boys’ learning and development
• Practical ways adults can better connect with and support boys 

At the heart of the conversation is a simple but powerful message: boys don’t need to be “fixed” — they need understanding, encouragement, structure, and care to reach their full potential.

Contact Us: [email protected]

Educating the Human Potential is a podcast about optimizing education for a better society, through a Montessori lens. Hosts Nicole Coman, a licensed educational psychologist specializing in school psychology and child development -- and a "Montessori mom" -- and Biff Maier, an American Montessori Society Living Legacy with decades of experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, engage with experts, educators, parents, and students. Each episode explores strategies to unlock human potential, offering thought-provoking conversations on learning, child development, and the evolving landscape of education. This podcast is presented by AMS, the American Montessori Society.

For more information about Montessori education, visit https://amshq.org/about-montessori/

And consider this AMS course for families interested in incorporating the Montessori philosophy into their day-to-day lives and parenting approach:
https://learn.amshq.org/parent-course-early-childhood

Contact us: [email protected]

In this episode of Educating the Human Potential, hosts Biff Maier and child psychologist Nicole Coman discuss how evaluations can help families better understand a child’s learning, behavior, and emotional development. Together they explore the differences between educational, psychological, and neuropsychological evaluations, and how these tools can provide valuable insight rather than labels.

In this conversation, they discuss:

• Why parents sometimes hesitate and how to think about diagnoses differently
• The differences between school-based and private evaluations
• What the evaluation process looks like for families
• How collaboration between parents, teachers, and specialists supports children best
• Why early identification and intervention can lead to better outcomes

This episode offers practical guidance and reassurance for parents, emphasizing that evaluations are ultimately about understanding a child’s strengths, challenges, and how best to support their growth.

Contact Us: [email protected]

Educating the Human Potential is a podcast about optimizing education for a better society, through a Montessori lens. Hosts Nicole Coman, a licensed educational psychologist specializing in school psychology and child development -- and a "Montessori mom" -- and Biff Maier, an American Montessori Society Living Legacy with decades of experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, engage with experts, educators, parents, and students. Each episode explores strategies to unlock human potential, offering thought-provoking conversations on learning, child development, and the evolving landscape of education. This podcast is presented by AMS, the American Montessori Society.

For more information about Montessori education, visit https://amshq.org/about-montessori/

And consider this AMS course for families interested in incorporating the Montessori philosophy into their day-to-day lives and parenting approach:
https://learn.amshq.org/parent-course-early-childhood

Contact us: [email protected]

What happens when Montessori moves beyond the classroom — and begins transforming the adults who guide it?

In this Montessori Deep Dive, hosts Biff Maier and Nicole Coman sit down with educator and global teacher educator Natasha McKenzie, whose journey into Montessori began unexpectedly in an international classroom and grew into a career supporting educators across continents.

Drawing on decades of international experience, Natasha shares how Montessori adapts across cultures while maintaining its core philosophy — and why preparing teacher educators may be one of the most important investments in the future of education.

In this episode, they explore:

• How a single classroom observation can change a life’s path
• Montessori education across cultures and global communities
• The transformation from teacher to instructor
• Adult learning, mentorship, and educator development through AMS Instructor Academy 
• Building authentic connection and community — even online
• Why relationships remain the foundation of Montessori everywhere

At its heart, this conversation reveals that Montessori isn’t just a method for children — it’s an evolving philosophy that continues to shape educators, communities, and learning worldwide.

Contact Us: [email protected]

Educating the Human Potential is a podcast about optimizing education for a better society, through a Montessori lens. Hosts Nicole Coman, a licensed educational psychologist specializing in school psychology and child development -- and a "Montessori mom" -- and Biff Maier, an American Montessori Society Living Legacy with decades of experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, engage with experts, educators, parents, and students. Each episode explores strategies to unlock human potential, offering thought-provoking conversations on learning, child development, and the evolving landscape of education. This podcast is presented by AMS, the American Montessori Society.

For more information about Montessori education, visit https://amshq.org/about-montessori/

And consider this AMS course for families interested in incorporating the Montessori philosophy into their day-to-day lives and parenting approach:
https://learn.amshq.org/parent-course-early-childhood

Contact us: [email protected]

In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, world-renowned psychiatrist and ADHD expert Dr. Ned Hallowell challenges everything we think we know about attention, learning, and human potential.

Drawing from decades of clinical experience — and his own life with ADHD — Dr. Hallowell reframes ADHD not simply as a disorder, but as a complex condition that can become a profound strength when understood and supported. He shares stories from his childhood, his work with children and families, and the mentors who helped shape his path, illustrating how encouragement, imagination, and the right environment can change the course of a life.

Together, the hosts and Dr. Hallowell explore:

• Why ADHD is so often misunderstood
• The role of environment, stimulation, and love in helping children thrive
• Medication myths and what the science actually says
• The emotional toll ADHD can take — and its extraordinary potential
• How educators and parents can help transform struggle into strength

At the heart of the conversation is a hopeful message: ADHD is not simply a deficit. With the right support, it can become a powerful asset — a “volatile gift” that, when nurtured, can lead to creativity, resilience, and remarkable achievement.

This episode invites educators, parents, and anyone living with ADHD to rethink what it means to learn differently — and to see the possibility where others too often see limitation.

Contact Us: [email protected]

Educating the Human Potential is a podcast about optimizing education for a better society, through a Montessori lens. Hosts Nicole Coman, a licensed educational psychologist specializing in school psychology and child development -- and a "Montessori mom" -- and Biff Maier, an American Montessori Society Living Legacy with decades of experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, engage with experts, educators, parents, and students. Each episode explores strategies to unlock human potential, offering thought-provoking conversations on learning, child development, and the evolving landscape of education. This podcast is presented by AMS, the American Montessori Society.

For more information about Montessori education, visit https://amshq.org/about-montessori/

And consider this AMS course for families interested in incorporating the Montessori philosophy into their day-to-day lives and parenting approach:
https://learn.amshq.org/parent-course-early-childhood

Contact us: [email protected]

Season 2 of Educating the Human Potential begins with reflection and anticipation.

In this premiere episode, hosts Nicole and Biff look back on meaningful moments from Season 1, revisiting conversations that shaped the journey and sharing memories from a remarkable group of guests.

From psychology and well-being to creativity, identity, and lifelong learning, this episode highlights voices including Dr. Nick Mian on what children are really telling us through behavior; Suneel Gupta on small adjustments with big impact; and Dr. Sharon Maxwell and Chelsea Maxwell on raising children in a hypersexualized digital world.

The hosts reflect on powerful Montessori journeys, including Governor Josh Green’s story of finding his voice, Charles Terranova’s 55-year devotion to children, and Montessori high school seniors sharing what they carry with them into adulthood.

Listeners will also revisit conversations centered on curiosity and joy with Alexis Nikole Nelson, the music-filled stories of Frank Leto, and reflections on identity and belonging from guests such as Garrard Conley and journalist Lisa Ling. The episode also touches on purpose and innovation through insights from the Fisher-Price Play Lab and Olympian Dominique Dawes’ rethinking of youth sports.

This Season 2 opener honors the conversations that brought us here — and looks ahead with excitement to what’s still to come.

Here’s to the conversations ahead!

Contact Us: [email protected]

Educating the Human Potential is a podcast about optimizing education for a better society, through a Montessori lens. Hosts Nicole Coman, a licensed educational psychologist specializing in school psychology and child development -- and a "Montessori mom" -- and Biff Maier, an American Montessori Society Living Legacy with decades of experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, engage with experts, educators, parents, and students. Each episode explores strategies to unlock human potential, offering thought-provoking conversations on learning, child development, and the evolving landscape of education. This podcast is presented by AMS, the American Montessori Society.

For more information about Montessori education, visit https://amshq.org/about-montessori/

And consider this AMS course for families interested in incorporating the Montessori philosophy into their day-to-day lives and parenting approach:
https://learn.amshq.org/parent-course-early-childhood

Contact us: [email protected]

A quick message from Nicole and Biff as we prepare to launch Season 2 of Educating the Human Potential. 

Season 2 debuts next Monday, the 9th.

Thank you for listening and being part of our community. 

Contact Us: [email protected]

Educating the Human Potential is a podcast about optimizing education for a better society, through a Montessori lens. Hosts Nicole Coman, a licensed educational psychologist specializing in school psychology and child development -- and a "Montessori mom" -- and Biff Maier, an American Montessori Society Living Legacy with decades of experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, engage with experts, educators, parents, and students. Each episode explores strategies to unlock human potential, offering thought-provoking conversations on learning, child development, and the evolving landscape of education. This podcast is presented by AMS, the American Montessori Society.

For more information about Montessori education, visit https://amshq.org/about-montessori/

And consider this AMS course for families interested in incorporating the Montessori philosophy into their day-to-day lives and parenting approach:
https://learn.amshq.org/parent-course-early-childhood

Contact us: [email protected]