We live in a society that loves to "binge" on things we like. These can be addictions to drugs or alcohol, but they can also be simple pleasures like Netflix, TikTok, or even junk food. There's a sort of "seesaw" or "teeter totter" inside our brains that goes up and down, releasing chemicals we need to remain stable. Feeling low, […]

Please be advised: The sound quality may be affected due to the podcast host and guest being in different locations. We still recommend that you listen to the amazing words of advice from our guest speaker because we believe it is incredibly relevant to the world we live in now. Thank you for your continuous support. Brett Hagler is […]

Often, students become interested in solving a problem; later, they identify as an activist; and eventually, they become a leader. It begins with the desire to "right a wrong" and soon becomes much bigger than merely acting as an individual. It becomes about influencing others. Thanks to social media, an act of kindness or service can multiply. In this episode, […]

When asked, "What is the most important thing that needs to be addressed when you think about this upcoming school year?" two subjects that rose to the top of the list for parents, teachers, and administrators were the safety of the school building and addressing students' mental health and emotional well-being. We all agree that mental health and emotional well-being […]

Dr. Jean Twenge is a Professor of Psychology at San Diego State University and is the author of several books including her latest entitled: "Generations: The Real Difference Between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers and the Silent Generation." Dr. Twenge frequently gives talks and seminars on generational differences and technology. Her audiences have included college faculty and staff, parent […]

Today many educators, coaches, and leaders look for a "life hack" or fresh ideas on how to keep often distracted students engaged in the fun of learning. When we better engage students, we help them to perform better. In this episode, Tim and Andrew give practical advice on how to keep students engaged in a world of distractions. Find out […]

Content Warning: To skip the mention of suicide, jump to 5:36. As teachers, parents, coaches, and youth workers watch young people (Gen Z and Gen Alpha) grow up, they're seeing a distance in how they view life. Their perspective has evolved beyond where Gen X and Gen Y stood decades ago. These worldviews can be put into three categories: Pre-Modern […]

Jon Acuff is the New York Times bestselling author of nine books, including "Soundtracks," "Your New Playlist," and the Wall Street Journal #1 bestseller "Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done." When he's not writing or recording his popular podcast, "All It Takes Is a Goal," Acuff can be found on a stage as one of INC's Top 100 Leadership […]

Today we are experiencing a pandemic of loneliness. It's global. And one of our interns this summer has been on a personal journey to discover the "human side" of this epidemic we all keep talking about. Kiera Colson was an intern with us at Growing Leaders this summer, but she actually started partnering with us last fall when she […]

When we bake a chocolate cake, we know there are essential ingredients that make the recipe work. For that matter, baking or cooking anything tasty is not random. There are fundamental ingredients that must be added to reach a flavorful outcome. Similarly, when leaders cultivate healthy, young leaders out of students, there are four ingredients that always go into the […]