S7 E4: Youth and Social Media Use

In this episode, Jerry and Alexis speak with Dr. Alison Yeung about how youth engage with social media. This episode broaches topics of mental health, child development, education, parenting, and psychology. Dr. Yeung is a family physician from Kitchener, Ontario who has spent the past decade becoming acutely aware of how youth are struggling in new and unprecedented ways - increasing rates of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. Dr. Yeung is highly concerned that kids today are showing signs of feeling more alone, less motivated, and lacking a deep sense of purpose. We were very excited to speak with Dr. Yeung about her advocacy for mental health, specifically regarding the potential negative impact of social media on youth. More information about her efforts can be found on her instagram handle: @thesmartphoneeffectmd and in her substack https://thesmartphoneeffectmd.substack.com/

S7 E3: Autism and Executive Functions w/Dr. Susan Faja

In this episode, Gerald and Alexis are joined by Dr. Susan Faja - clinical psychologist from Boston Children’s Hospital - to discuss executive functions among individuals on the Autism spectrum. In this valuable discussion, you will learn how executive function challenges present in ASD, the individual differences among the ASD population, how to support executive function for those with ASD, and recent research findings about Autism.

Dr. Susan Faja, who is a psychologist at Boston Children’s Hospital specializing in the research of individuals with Autism, particularly children. The Faja Lab led by Dr. Faja seeks to understand changes in brain systems of executive control, social cognition and social perception resulting from targeted interventions that use electrophysiological as well as behavioral measurement tools. She leads the Faja Lab, where her approach allows for the exploration of the developmental processes that contribute to behavioral symptoms, clarifies how interventions work, and provides a platform for rigorously testing novelinterventions. Additionally, Dr. Faja seeks to understand why and how individuals with Autism can present so differently in their development, as a way to better understand causes and inform individualized treatments.

S7 E1: Parenting anxious youth w/Dr. Meredith Elkins and Dr. Julia Martin Burch

In this episode, Gerald and Alexis sit down to chat with child psychologists who have expertise in parenting anxiety youth - Dr. Meredith Elkins and Dr. Julia Martin Burch. Anxiety has been a term used more often than ever in the past few decades, with mental health awareness making large strides. However, at the same time, youth mental health has actually declined during this time. It has been argued that psychological and social interventions need to be at the forefront of supporting youth’s mental health. In our discussion, we address topics like what contributes to anxiety coming about in the first place, how anxiety gets maintained, communication patterns, parental concerns about whether to encourage bravery versus accommodating avoidance, problem-solving, societal pressures faced by parents, and much more.

Dr. Meredith Elkins is a clinical psychologist specializing in the research and treatment of anxiety and related disorders in children, adolescents, and parents. She is a faculty member at Harvard Medical School and Co-Program Director of the McLean Anxiety Mastery Program at McLean Hospital, an intensive outpatient program for anxious youth. She also maintains a private practice focused on anxiety in new and expectant mothers and in parents navigating the challenges of raising children. Her work is grounded in the conviction that supporting parents is essential to helping children thrive.

Julia Martin Burch, PhD is a clinical child psychologist and founder and director of Do What Works, a group practice based in Boston (and also providing virtual therapies in other states) dedicated to providing evidence-based therapy to young people and their families. She specializes in the cognitive behavioral treatment of anxiety, obsessive compulsive, and related disorders. Dr. Martin Burch is also passionate about disseminating the effective techniques she uses in therapy with the lay community through workshops and consultation with schools, pediatric practices, parent groups, and camps. She is a frequent contributor to outlets such as Harvard Health and the American Psychological Association.

Be curious. Be Open. Be well.

The ReidConnect-Ed Podcast is co-hosted by Siblings by Alexis Reid and Dr. Gerald Reid, produced by Cyber Sound Studios, and original music by Gerald Reid (www.Jerapy.com).

https://reidconnect.com/reid-connect-ed-podcast

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*Please note that different practitioners may have different opinions- this is our perspective and is intended to educate you on what may be possible.

Follow us on Instagram @ReidConnectEdPodcast and Twitter @ReidConnectEd

Show notes & Transcripts: https://reidconnect.com/reid-connect-ed-podcast

Many aspects in life can feel intense or overwhelming. In a world where so much can seem unpredictable and uncontrollable, we can anticipate that feeling distressed is inevitable. As we kick off season 7, episode 1 starts off with a discussion about one aspect of life we can learn to improve and strengthen - self-regulation.

The conversation starts by reflecting upon themes and common challenges that lead to feeling dysregulated. In their practices, Alexis & Jerry help those they work with harness and combat challenges to regain a sense of grounding, clarity, and intention in responding to emotionally triggering situations. Concepts discussed range from therapeutic approaches from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and executive function strategies. Nuanced discussions inspire hope for what is possible and how we can best support ourselves and others when dysregulated moments arise. Tune in to learn more.

Be Curious. Be Open. Be Well.

The ReidConnect-Ed Podcast is hosted by Siblings Alexis Reid, M.A. and Dr. Gerald Reid, produced by CyberSound Recording Studios in Boston, MA and original music is written and recorded by Gerald Reid (www.Jerapy.com).

*Please note that different practitioners may have different opinions- this is our perspective and is intended to educate you on what may be possible.

Follow us on Instagram @ReidConnectEdPodcast and Twitter @ReidConnectEd

Show notes & Transcripts: https://reidconnect.com/reid-connect-ed-podcast

S6 E9: Athlete-Centered Skating w/Garrett Lucash

We had the honor of sitting down with competitive figure skating coach, Garrett Lucash, to talk about his athlete-centered approach to coaching figure skaters. Garrett is a former competitive figure skater himself, with countless accolades as one of the best skaters in the world during his prime (see his bio). However, Garrett’s meaningful journey extends well beyond his medals and outward accomplishments. He has paved a new way of coaching in competitive figure skating, known as ‘athlete-centered skating’. His unique approach aims to support athletes’ long-term growth and development as athletes and as humans in a sustainable and empowering way. His approach is based upon aspects of sport science, psychology, and education. This episode is filled with a depth and breadth of stories, wisdom, and insights that coaches can integrate into their day to day interactions with athletes.

Garrett Lucash is a retired competitive figure skater with accolades ranging from being ranked 12 in the world, being a 3-time US World Team Member (and 3-time Junior World Team Member), and a 2-time Olympic Team Alternate. His passion for the sport did not end once his competitive career ended; no, Garrett has gone on to coach competitive skaters since then for over 20 years. Garrett has won numerous coaching awards for his innovative ways of using sport science and psychology in his coaching, most recently earning the US Figure Skating 2023 Doc Counsilman Science and Technology Award. This award is given to the best coaches in all Olympic Sports. Garrett is a Team USA Coach; he is a member of the US Figure Skating Sport Science and Medicine Committee; he is Chair of the Professional Skaters Association Sport Science Committee where he creates curriculum for coaches continuing education; and he recently published a book titled “A Constraints-led Approach to Figure Skating”, published in 2022 by Routledge. Following his time in Boston at the Skating Club of Boston, Garrett brought his Athlete Centered Center program to the Detroit Skating Club where he is the Coaches Education Director.

Be curious. Be Open. Be well.

The ReidConnect-Ed Podcast is hosted by Siblings Alexis Reid and Dr. Gerald Reid, produced by CyberSound Recording Studios, and original music is written and recorded by Gerald Reid.

*Please note that different practitioners may have different opinions- this is our perspective and is intended to educate you on what may be possible.

Follow us on Instagram @ReidConnectEdPodcast and Twitter @ReidConnectEd

Show notes & Transcripts: https://reidconnect.com/reid-connect-ed-podcast

In this episode, we are joined by Tom Hanicak - artist, educator, art therapist, and beyond - to discuss what it means to allow artistic expression to flow through us all. Tom shares his personal journey of not understanding his own creative energies as a child and ultimately finding his way into an art therapy program, in which he was able to harness and connect his passions for creative expression with his deep care for humanity and helping others.

Tom goes on to share his personal experiences with allowing the ‘artist in him’ to take the wheel and drive in his life, which is something that had been suppressed for so many years as a misunderstood youth and student. Gerald and Alexis bring in themes of mental health, psychotherapy, learning and education, and more, as this episode brings together so many pieces of the human experience, including individuality, community, and self-love.

Be curious. Be Open. Be well.

The ReidConnect-Ed Podcast is hosted by Siblings Alexis Reid, M.A. and Dr. Gerald Reid, produced by Cyber Sound Studios, and original music is written and recorded by Gerald Reid.

*Please note that different practitioners may have different opinions- this is our perspective and is intended to educate you on what may be possible.

Follow us on Instagram @ReidConnectEdPodcast and Twitter @ReidConnectEd Streaming Everywhere (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc.). Show notes & Transcripts: https://reidconnect.com/reid-connect-ed-podcast

S6 E7: The Psychology of Athletic Coaching w/Dr. John McCarthy

What goes into coaching in sports? Is it more than x’s and o’s? Is it more than just yelling orders at players to do what they are told? What is the psychology that is involved within coach-athlete relationships? What are the educational principles of teaching and learning that are part of coaching? What are the systematic and cultural aspects that influence the sport experience? In this episode, we answer these questions and more with Dr. John McCarthy, aka “Coach Mac,” who is a beloved clinical associate professor in the Applied Human Development graduate program at Boston University’s Wheelock College of Education & Human Development where he is in charge of the Sports Coaching specialization and also teaches and supervises the Sport Psychology students. This is an incredibly helpful resource for anyone in a leadership or coaching role, whether you are involved in sports or not.

S6 E6: Embracing the Journey w/ Meditation Teacher Fez Aswat

In the turbulent moments of life when deep questions or difficult experiences can shape our reality, meditation can serve as a vehicle to ground us to explore and feel presence, return to our breath, and is also an opportunity to grapple with the internal conflicts or curiosities that arise. For Alexis, she has been privileged to work with Fez Aswat as a teacher, guide, and friend for about 8 years. Fez Aswat is a meditation teacher and coach for individuals, teams, and organizations. He co-founded the Boston Dharma Collective, bostondharma.org, with his teaching partner Ryan Cunningham, where he teaches online meditation classes and retreats. His Buddhist study and practice are based on the Theravadin and Mahayana traditions, guiding his teaching to help students integrate practice into our modern world. He has been through quite a bit in his own life, but continues to navigate through challenge and change with grace, curiosity, and patience, as he returns to his practice and cushion for insight and support.

He leads with kindness and walks his talk by deepening his knowledge and practice with each passing day to show up for himself and those he cares most about, which he extends to his students and those he works with. We are incredibly grateful to have had this discussion to share more about meditation with the ReidConnect-ED Podcast listeners.

Be curious. Be Open. Be well.

The ReidConnect-Ed Podcast is hosted by Siblings Alexis Reid and Dr. Gerald Reid, produced by Cyber Sound Studios, and original music is written and recorded by Gerald Reid.

*Please note that different practitioners may have different opinions- this is our perspective and is intended to educate you on what may be possible.

Show notes & Transcripts: https://reidconnect.com/reid-connect-ed-podcast

Follow us on Instagram @ReidConnectEdPodcast and Twitter @ReidConnectEd

S6 E5: Bringing Creative Ideas to Life w/Music Producer Mike Midura

What does it take to pursue a career in music production? In this interview, we get a behind the scenes understanding of what it's like for a music producer to bring creative ideas to life in a studio. We are joined by the incredibly talented Mike Midura of @CyberSoundRecordingStudios When creative people bring Mike their ideas and music, and he serves as your producer, Mike can potentially contribute to many different aspects of producing songs and albums.

In this episode, we discuss the relational aspects between a creator and producer, such as having a vision, communication patterns, mutual respect and understanding, trust, and experimentation. Mike also talks about his personal journey in becoming a music producer, from his multidimensional and formative musical experiences as a youth, to earning a degree from Berklee College of Music, and all the way to working in the Boston, MA studio.

Be curious. Be Open. Be well.

The ReidConnect-Ed Podcast is hosted by Siblings Alexis Reid and Dr. Gerald Reid, produced by Cyber Sound Studios, and original music is written and recorded by Gerald Reid.

*Please note that different practitioners may have different opinions- this is our perspective and is intended to educate you on what may be possible.

Follow us on Instagram @ReidConnectEdPodcast and Twitter @ReidConnectEd

Show notes & Transcripts: https://reidconnect.com/reid-connect-ed-podcast

S6 E4: Being Enough - Exploring Perfectionism w/Dr. Ellen Hendriksen

When will it ever be enough? When will I be enough? These are the questions people with perfectionistic tendencies ruminate over, oftentimes without definitive answers. In this incredibly informative and insightful interview, we expand upon our original episode on perfectionism (S2E3) with a top expert, Dr. Ellen Hendriksen, who recently released her second book “How to Be Enough: Self-Acceptance for Self-Critics and Perfectionists.” In this conversation, we discuss the nuances of identifying perfectionistic tendencies, how perfectionism manifests across different contexts, what therapy for perfectionism looks like, and stories that bring this important topic to light. This episode is timely and significant given the immense cultural and technological shifts in society over the past few decades that have pushed people further toward an obsession with optimization and productivity while also grappling with the concept and meaning of self-acceptance. We explore the pros and cons of perfectionism in a nuanced way, which is what we strive to do on this podcast.

Be curious. Be Open. Be well. The ReidConnect-Ed Podcast is hosted by Siblings Alexis Reid, M.A. and Dr. Gerald Reid, produced by Cyber Sound Studios, and original music is written and recorded by Gerald Reid.

Streaming everywhere.

*Please note that different practitioners may have different opinions- this is our perspective and is intended to educate you on what may be possible.

Follow us on Instagram @ReidConnectEdPodcast and Twitter @ReidConnectEd Show notes & Transcripts: https://reidconnect.com/reid-connect-ed-podcast