Adlerian psychology, emotional regulation, belonging, and modern parenting challenges are at the heart of this conversation.
In this episode of the Jagged Edge Podcast, Yogi Patel speaks with Adlerian psychologist Dr. James Robert Bitter, Ed.D., Professor Emeritus at East Tennessee State University, about how parents and caregivers can better understand children’s emotions, respond to fear with confidence, and build honest, connected family relationships in today’s fast-paced, digital world.

Together, they explore why children lie, how fear shapes behavior, and how adults can avoid power struggles by engaging children in problem-solving rather than punishment. Drawing from Adlerian psychology, lived experience, and decades of clinical insight, this conversation offers practical guidance for parents, educators, and leaders who want to raise confident, capable children who feel they belong.

This episode explores:
• Emotional awareness and self-regulation in children and adults
• Fear, confidence, and healthy coping strategies
• Parenting challenges in the digital age and media use
• Why lying is often about protection, not character
• Encouragement, belonging, and identity development
• Building family connection through rituals, planning, and shared responsibility

As James reminds us, experience is the best teacher — and when children feel understood, involved, and respected, they grow into responsible and resilient individuals.

 Listen, reflect, and join the conversation.

EPISODE CHAPTERS (Optional but Recommended for Buzzsprout)

00:00 Understanding emotions and external influences
10:11 Fear, confidence, and coping strategies
19:53 Parenting challenges in the digital age
29:57 Lying, self-perception, and punishment
39:47 Building family connection and belonging

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Yogi Patel - Transformation Through Empowerment
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@yogipatel_tte

In this engaging episode, Montessorian Sarah Fondriest shares her journey through Montessori education, from her childhood experiences to founding the Delray Montessori School. She discusses the challenges and joys of balancing leadership, motherhood, and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of community support and practical life skills. Yogi also talks about her consulting work and the launch of her Montessori virtual assistant business, highlighting her commitment to paying it forward and supporting others on their journeys.

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Yogi Patel - Transformation Through Empowerment
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[email protected]
@yogipatel_tte

In this heartfelt episode of Jagged Edge, Yogi Patel sits down with Montessori educator and school leader Sarah Fondrest for a powerful conversation about parenting, leadership, community, and the emotional worlds we carry into each role.

Sarah shares her journey as a teacher, mother, and leader—and how Montessori principles have shaped her life on and off campus. Together they explore:
•How to build a “village” when parenting or leading feels overwhelming
•What it means to create an emotionally safe environment for children
•The unique challenges single parents face in school communities
•Why self-care is not optional for educators and caregivers
•How forgiveness and optimism strengthen family and workplace relationships
•The importance of emotional preparedness—not just academic readiness
•What leaders can do to cultivate culture, empathy, and connection

This conversation is warm, tender, honest, and deeply human—filled with stories that remind us of the courage it takes to show up for ourselves, our families, and our communities.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts—or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch the full video episode on YouTube: @YogiPatelTTE

If this conversation resonates, please rate, follow, and share to support the work of bringing Positive Discipline, Montessori principles, and Adlerian psychology to homes, schools, and workplaces around the world.

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Let me know your topics of interest and join me for training or visit the website and read the blogs. Comment with your ideas and thoughts please.

Yogi Patel - Transformation Through Empowerment
Http://yogipateltte.com
[email protected]
@yogipatel_tte

What does it mean to lead with presence, purpose, and heart? In this episode of the Jagged Edge Podcast, host Yogi Patel sits down with Hallie Williams, a clinical psychologist and Adler Graduate School alum, to explore how Adlerian psychology and Positive Discipline principles inform leadership, healing, and belonging, both in the workplace and in our personal lives.

Hallie shares powerful insights on:
 • The role of encouragement in human development
 • How leaders can show up with courage and clarity
 • The connection between identity, culture, and community healing
 • Real stories from the field that reveal the impact of presence over perfection

Whether you work with teams, families, or communities, this conversation invites you to reflect, reconnect, and lead with integrity.

Hosted by Yogi Patel – Founder of Transformation Through Empowerment
Learn more or join the Empowered Membership at: https://yogipateltte.com

Support the show

Let me know your topics of interest and join me for training or visit the website and read the blogs. Comment with your ideas and thoughts please.

Yogi Patel - Transformation Through Empowerment
Http://yogipateltte.com
[email protected]
@yogipatel_tte

Why are we still grading students like it’s 1950? In this short clip, educator and Montessorian Andrew Faulstich shares how Montessori assessment shifts the focus from grades and test scores to real, meaningful work. Instead of measuring learning through standardized exams, Montessori middle school students engage in authentic assessment, portfolio review, peer feedback, and interest-based projects. These tools help students build confidence, independence, and ownership of their growth.

If you’re an educator, school leader, or parent tired of chasing grades, homework stress, and standardized test pressure, this conversation offers a clear alternative. Learn how multi-age classrooms, project-based learning, and a mentoring culture build real-world skills and deeper understanding in students of all abilities.

 Learn more about Andrew:
www.BreakingTheParadigm.org
www.FirstIntention.org
Instagram: @_developingeducation
LinkedIn: Andrew Faulstich

Learn more about Yogi Patel and upcoming trainings:
www.yogipateltte.com
YouTube: @yogipateltte
Instagram: @yogipateltte
LinkedIn: Yogi Patel

Listen to this short video and rethink what true student growth and education reform can look like in today’s schools.

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Let me know your topics of interest and join me for training or visit the website and read the blogs. Comment with your ideas and thoughts please.

Yogi Patel - Transformation Through Empowerment
Http://yogipateltte.com
[email protected]
@yogipatel_tte

What happens when leadership is grounded in courage and connection? In this episode of the Jagged Edge Podcast, leadership coach and Adlerian psychology advocate Fernanda Lee (@filosofiapositivaoficial) joins Yogi Patel (@YogiPatelTTE) to explore how encouragement, emotional insight, and mutual respect are reshaping leadership from the inside out.

Together, they unpack the subtle but powerful differences between praise and encouragement, how to navigate emotional safety and accountability, and why Positive Discipline tools are essential for today’s workplace culture.

Whether you’re leading a school, team, or startup, this episode will give you practical, mindset-shifting tools to lead with clarity and courage.

Watch the Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_FinpcOBVOc                            Learn more: https://www.yogipateltte.com
Follow Fernanda: https://filosofiapositiva.com.br, @filosofiapositivaoficial
🔗 Follow Yogi: @YogiPatelTTE | https://www.yogipateltte.com

Support the show

Let me know your topics of interest and join me for training or visit the website and read the blogs. Comment with your ideas and thoughts please.

Yogi Patel - Transformation Through Empowerment
Http://yogipateltte.com
[email protected]
@yogipatel_tte

This conversation with Andrew Faulstich is honest, timely, and grounded in real practice. We talk about what education needs more of: trust, purpose, and human connection. Andrew shares what Montessori does differently and why it’s not just for a select few. It’s for everyone who wants to prepare kids (and adults) for life.

Whether you’re a school leader, educator, or parent, this is a chance to rethink how we define success in education.

🎙 Guest: Andrew Faulstich
📚 Blog/Podcast: www.BreakingTheParadigm.org
🔗 Instagram: @_developingeducation
🌍 First Intention: www.FirstIntention.org

🎙 Host: Yogi Patel
🌱 yogipateltte.com | 📧 [email protected]
🎙 Jagged Edge Podcast | Now What?
📍 Instagram: @yogipatel_tte | YouTube: @Yogi Patel TTE | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yogipatel-tte

🎓 Register for Dallas training (July 9–10) or other trainings related to parents teachers or leaders: https://yogipateltte.com/register

Support the show

Let me know your topics of interest and join me for training or visit the website and read the blogs. Comment with your ideas and thoughts please.

Yogi Patel - Transformation Through Empowerment
Http://yogipateltte.com
[email protected]
@yogipatel_tte

How you welcome people matters. In this clip from Jagged Edge, Ricardo Cuellar explains how intentional onboarding reduces turnover, boosts belonging, and creates stronger retention. Every leader should hear this.

🎧 Watch more clips or listen to the full podcast
🎓 Register for Empowering People in the Workplace with Yogi Patel and follow Jagged Edge Podcast: yogipateltte.com/registrations

Support the show

Let me know your topics of interest and join me for training or visit the website and read the blogs. Comment with your ideas and thoughts please.

Yogi Patel - Transformation Through Empowerment
Http://yogipateltte.com
[email protected]
@yogipatel_tte

Ricardo Cuellar challenges how we view HR. It’s not a reactive department—it’s a proactive culture builder. Learn what real partnership between HR and leadership looks like, and how it can elevate your team.

🎓 Learn more: yogipateltte.com/registrations
🎧 Full episode available now on the Jagged Edge Podcast @YogiPatelTTE

Support the show

Let me know your topics of interest and join me for training or visit the website and read the blogs. Comment with your ideas and thoughts please.

Yogi Patel - Transformation Through Empowerment
Http://yogipateltte.com
[email protected]
@yogipatel_tte

Ricardo Cuellar discusses how avoiding conflict doesn’t protect culture, it weakens it. In this clip from Jagged Edge with Yogi Patel, learn why clear expectations, emotional safety, and consistent dialogue are the backbone of effective leadership.

📘 Sign up for the June Empowering People in the Workplace workshop: yogipateltte.com/registrations or listen to the full podcast on Jagged Edge Podcast with Yogi Patel

Support the show

Let me know your topics of interest and join me for training or visit the website and read the blogs. Comment with your ideas and thoughts please.

Yogi Patel - Transformation Through Empowerment
Http://yogipateltte.com
[email protected]
@yogipatel_tte