Finding out that the world sees you as "smart" can have a big impact on a kid's identity, self-esteem, motivations, and pursuits. In this episode, we'll explore the impact of this realization, with an emphasis on perfectionism and the struggles of internalizing expectations and pressures - both real and constructed. 

One of the greatest myths about very bright kids is that they can figure things out and take care of themselves, when, in fact, they have significant needs. In this episode, we hear from kids about what it's really like to be 'the smart one,' and how to better understand - and discover - what they need to flourish. 

The Wonderkind is brought to you by Brain Power Enrichment Programs, and is written, produced, mixed, and presented by Sarah Meehan. Special thanks to Ilya Kreynin, Vanessa Iarocci, and Mark Raspopov.

Links:

Vanderbilt University's Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth

⁠Early Entrance Program at CalState University⁠

⁠Brain Power Enrichment Programs⁠

Dr Adam Richter, historian of science and member of the Brain Power faculty, challenges our ideas of what it means to be a genius, where that concept came from in the first place, and what Isaac Newton's apple has to do with it.

Why is it so easy to rhyme off a list male geniuses, but not so easy to name a woman or two? And how does that affect young girls with academic aspirations? Dr Cassandra Chapman talks confidence, community and coming to a new definition of genius.

The second and final portion of our conversation on the technological revolution provoking curiosity and concern in education right now. Sarah moderates a panel of fellow Brain Power educators and thinkers, Vadim Tyuryaev, Dr Joel Benabu and Ilya Kreynin.

This episode was produced and hosted by Sarah Meehan Sirk.

Sarah moderates a panel of fellow Brain Power educators and thinkers -- Vadim Tyuryaev, Dr Joel Benabu and Ilya Kreynin -- on the technological revolution provoking both curiosity and concern in education right now.

Data scientist and Brain Power math instructor Vadim Tyuryaev shares his inside scoop on learning math, logic, and genius -- and why perseverance is key to not only thinking like a genius, but to thriving in the age of machine-learning. Brain Power boss Vanessa Iarocci weighs in, from personal experience.

Episode Credits: Written, Produced and Hosted by Sarah Meehan Sirk.

Music Credits:

Arpanauts by Eric Skiff | Time to Move and Motivate by The Insider | Danse Macabre by Kevin MacLeod

"You do not have a future here." 

Those words, uttered by a friend in 1971, would not only change the life of mathematician Reuven Rashkovsky but, ultimately, the lives - and minds - of thousands of children. Through his struggles dealing with the oppression and anti-Semitism of communist Russia, Reuven developed a way of looking at problems big and small that led to his academic success, and his freedom. What he learned along the way would become the foundation of the enrichment program he created that has taught kids new ways to think, to approach problems, and to adapt to this ever-changing world.

In subsequent episodes, you'll hear from the big thinkers to whom Reuven passed the Brain Power torch, who have been inspired by genius in many forms, and have found various ways to teach their students how to Think Like a Genius.

You can click here for more information about Brain Power Enrichment Programs.

EPISODE CREDITS: Produced, written, and hosted by Sarah Meehan Sirk.