The Power-UP Universe Podcast

# Exploring Animal Adventures with Julie Brangers

> Dive into the world of children's books and confidence-building lessons.

Welcome to this week’s edition! Join me as we explore the delightful world of children’s literature with author Julie Brangers. Julie, whose vibrant books feature animals and friendships, shares her journey and the inspiration behind her writing.

## The Journey of an Author
Julie began her writing journey over fifteen years ago with her first book, *Can I Fly?*, inspired by a little bird learning to soar. Life took a turn when she faced personal loss, motivating her to write again, leading to the creation of her animal-themed books.

> "Writing was very therapeutic for me." — Julie Brangers

Her latest book, *Hey Capybara*, takes a fun twist by allowing the capybara to share fascinating facts about itself, sparking curiosity and learning in young readers.

## Fun Facts and Friendly Lessons
Julie’s books are not just entertaining; they’re educational. For example, did you know that giraffes get much of their water from the plants they eat?

> "Giraffes don’t actually need a lot of water." — Julie Brangers

Her holiday-themed books, like *Ghost and Bat* and *Turkey and Pig*, are perfect for the season and teach children about friendship through whimsical stories.

## Building Confidence Through Curiosity
A core theme in Julie’s work is building confidence in children. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity and asking questions, encouraging kids to connect with others despite differences.

> "It builds up confidence when you think it’s okay to ask questions." — Julie Brangers

By showcasing diverse friendships among her animal characters, she inspires children to embrace differences and foster connections.

## Engaging Events and Experiences
Julie actively promotes her books through various events, including readings at schools and community gatherings. One memorable experience involved reading with a real giraffe, showcasing her unique approach to engaging young readers.

In her words, the goal is clear: to teach kids that friendships can blossom between even the most unlikely companions.

As we reflect on these insights, consider how stories shape our understanding of the world and the friendships we form. To dive deeper into Julie's world of animal adventures and learn more about her books, take a moment to listen to the full episode.

Scott talks with children's author Xenia Ioannidis about her Christ Consciousness Book Series: Crowned in Faith

In this week's episode, Scott Feld welcomes Xenia Ioannidis, a children's author whose journey from graphic design to writing for children is as colorful as the illustrations in her books. Xenia shares her unique path, revealing how her experiences and spiritual background shaped her writing.

A Creative Transition
Xenia started her career in graphic design, where she thrived as a successful creative director. However, a shift in the market prompted her to explore her creative side further. "I didn’t think that I was touching my creative vein..." she recalls. This led her to pursue healing work, where she combined her passion for creativity with helping others.

After the pandemic disrupted her healing practice, Xenia found herself at a crossroads, leading her back to her roots in storytelling. "I could do a book about Christ consciousness for children," she thought during a prayer chaplaincy training, igniting her journey into children's literature.

The Magic of Storytime
Xenia's love for storytelling stems from her experience with babysitting, where she cherished the magical moments of storytime. "Story time was magical time," she reflects, emphasizing its importance in a child's routine. This inspired her to write her first book, "Crowned in Faith," which introduces children to Christ consciousness through engaging stories and lessons.

In her own words, "When families pray together, speak and treat each other with kindness and respect, they become a great team and build faith as a family." This passage reflects the essence of her writing — fostering connection and understanding among families.

A Series of Twelve
Xenia is not stopping at one book. She has an entire series planned, with twelve books that explore the principles of Christ consciousness. Each book focuses on a different aspect, such as strength, love, and wisdom. She shares, "The second book is already written... but we’re still working on the pictures."

These stories are designed not just to entertain but to instill important values in children, making them a valuable addition to any young reader's collection.

As Xenia prepares to share her work with the world, her books will soon be available on multiple platforms. The hardcover versions are particularly sturdy, making them ideal for young readers.

Reflection
Xenia's journey is a testament to resilience and the transformational power of storytelling. As she navigates her path from healer to author, her passion for connecting with children through stories shines brightly. Her commitment to enriching young minds with lessons of faith and kindness is sure to leave a lasting impact.

For those interested in exploring Xenia’s work further, her first book, "Crowned in Faith," is available on Amazon and will soon be accessible on various platforms worldwide.

Join us next time as we continue to explore the fascinating journeys of creative minds in the world of children's literature!

Turning the Tables: Scott Feld in the Hot Seat
An engaging conversation about empowerment and overcoming self-doubt.

In a delightful twist, Scott Feld, the host of the Power Up Podcast, finds himself in the guest chair, as Christie Brinley and Stephanie Spangler take the reins. This episode dives deep into the journey of helping children step into their power and the origins of Scott's empowering universe.

The Spark Behind Power Up
Scott reflects on his rich history of working with kids, which has evolved into a structured approach to empowerment. Although he’s been helping children for over thirty years, he emphasizes that the focused mission of Power Up began only six years ago. The transition was fueled by the need to pivot during the pandemic when he closed his party company, Xtreme Fun!
The Inspiration for Dax to the Max
Scott's book, *Dax to the Max*, is inspired by his son and aims to equip children with tools to combat self-doubt. He candidly shares his own experiences growing up, illustrating how external circumstances can mask internal struggles.

> "The outside stuff covers up a suffering inside, and the suffering is the doubt and the worry." — Scott Feld

These reflections highlight the often overlooked emotional challenges children face, regardless of their seemingly privileged circumstances.

Practical Tools for Parents
In addressing self-doubt, Scott introduces concepts from his book, including "stink think" and "power pods." He explains that negative self-talk creates mental barriers, likening it to a blob that grows with each negative thought. The key to breaking this cycle is to replace negative affirmations with positive ones.

> "If we can say I can't over and over and believe it, we can also say I can over and over and believe it." — Scott Feld

Parents are encouraged to engage with their children, helping them recognize these patterns and shift towards empowering thoughts.

In this engaging episode, Scott, Christie, and Stephanie not only explore the challenges children face but also provide actionable insights for parents looking to foster resilience and confidence in their kids. For a deeper dive into Scott's journey and practical advice, tune into the full episode.

Building Confidence in Young Learners: Insights from Josh Powell

Exploring educational leadership and student empowerment in Chile.

In this week's episode of the Power Up Universe podcast, Scott Feld speaks with Josh Powell, the newly appointed head of school at Redland in Chile. Josh shares his journey from the UK to South America and offers valuable insights into fostering confidence and academic readiness among young learners.

Transitioning to Leadership
Josh's background is deeply rooted in education, having trained as a teacher in Manchester through the Teach First program. He transitioned into leadership roles in London, where he specialized in sixth form education. Now, as he steps into the role of head of school, he's embracing the challenge of overseeing all grade levels, from pre-K to 12. Josh expresses both excitement and nervousness about this new experience.

"The thing I was most nervous about was the junior school... Having specialized in 17, 18-year-olds, I had to be giving assemblies to four-year-olds and singing and telling stories."

Addressing Behavioral Challenges
Josh discusses the behavioral challenges schools are facing, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. At Redland, they've noticed a rise in students with special educational needs and a decline in behavior consistency. His focus this year has been on predicting and preventing negative behaviors while creating a supportive environment for all students.

Academic Preparedness
A significant concern for Josh is the academic readiness of students transitioning to secondary education. He emphasizes the importance of foundational skills in subjects like mathematics, noting that many students arrive unprepared.

"If you can't read and suddenly, you're confronted by thousands of words a day, that's hugely damaging to these students' confidence."

He advocates for early intervention and support to ensure that students build a solid academic foundation before advancing to higher grades.

The Role of Parents
Josh also highlights the critical role parents play in shaping their children's attitudes toward learning. He encourages parents to foster a growth mindset and to communicate the value of education positively. By reframing negative narratives surrounding subjects like math, parents can help instill confidence in their children.

"If parents are saying, 'I was terrible at math,' then kids will internalize that and think, 'I am bad at math.'"

Supporting Neurodivergent Learners
In discussing neurodivergent children, Josh underscores the need for inclusive practices that support all learners. By creating an environment where every student feels valued and capable, schools can help combat feelings of inadequacy that children may experience when comparing themselves to their peers.

As Josh steps into his new role, his commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and academically rigorous environment shines through. His insights remind us of the importance of building confidence in young learners and the impact that educators and parents can have in this endeavor.

Reflecting on Josh's journey and insights, it's clear that education is not just about knowledge—it's about nurturing the confidence and abilities of every student. To hear more about Josh's experiences and thoughts on education, listen to the full episode.

Scott talks with fellow children's author Francine Juhlin about her journey from military to children's book author

In this episode, Francine Juhlin, also known as Princess Francie, shares her inspiring journey from military aircraft electrician to children's author and personal change coach. She discusses the power of self-reflection, overcoming childhood beliefs, and using storytelling to build confidence and emotional regulation in kids.

Scott speaks with Jessica Nicole McAnelly about the importance of nutrition and movement for kids confidence.

Jessica Nicole McAnelly shares her journey from public health professional to children's book author, emphasizing the importance of nutrition, confidence, and movement for kids. Discover practical tips for parents and educators to foster healthy habits and inspire children to try new things at any age.

In this episode, martial arts instructor James Theros shares his journey from childhood bullying to becoming a master instructor, emphasizing how martial arts build confidence, resilience, and responsibility in kids. Discover the lessons learned along the way and how these principles can inspire personal growth.

Lia Suzuki shares her journey from horseback riding to mastering Aikido in Japan, her teaching philosophy for building confidence in kids, and insights from her book 'The Teacher'. Discover how her approach fosters positive energy, challenge, and growth in martial arts and life.

In this episode Diane Di Roberto shares her inspiration and messages for kids' confidence in her amazing book Tae-Kwon-Dog.

In this episode, Dr. Aaron Chapa shares insights on how physical, mental, and spiritual health are interconnected and how simple lifestyle changes can boost confidence and resilience. Discover practical tips on nutrition, sleep, sunlight, and social activity to improve overall well-being.