Research shows that today’s teenagers are increasingly anxious and disillusioned. Discover how Marin Montessori’s curriculum uses the social movements of the 1960s to help students find their voices, connect with history, and build the “sturdy” sense of purpose required to navigate a changing world.
In a world that prioritizes speed and easy answers, how do we protect the “muscular” critical thinking our children need to thrive? Strategic advisor Eric Hudson joins Sam Shapiro to discuss AI as an “arrival technology,” a force we cannot ignore, but must navigate with intention. By staying grounded in the practice of doing hard things, we ensure our kids stay in the driver’s seat. For more on navigating change, subscribe to Eric’s Substack, Learning on Purpose.
How do we ensure our children don’t lose their “creative spark” to an algorithm? Tech veteran Jonathan Arena joins Sam Shapiro to share how his family uses AI to fuel real-world projects—like building a garden—while keeping the focus on critical thinking and the “thinking hand.”
As families head into a busy season of gatherings, late nights, and less structure, many parents quietly wonder how to protect their kids from early substance use. In this episode, host Sam Shapiro talks with educator and author Jessica Lahey about what really keeps kids safer, why early use matters so much, and how parents can stay connected and influential in the years that count most.
Stanford professor of education and expert Dr. Denise Pope calls AI an “alarm bell” for a necessary education reform. She argues the solution to today’s challenges is Authentic Assessment—engaging, real-world projects that are so interesting, students want to do the work. Listen as she defines the core human skills (like compassion and empathy) that technology can never replace, and how to talk to your child about family values in the age of AI.
Our children are growing up in a world that’s louder, faster, and more distracted than ever. Meditation teacher Jess Morey joins Sam Shapiro, Head of Marin Montessori School, to talk about what kids and teens are really seeking beneath all the noise — safety, connection, and belonging — and how mindfulness can help families cultivate calm, compassion, and resilience together.
What should schools teach when AI can do so much? Choate’s Jenny Elliott joins Sam Shapiro to share why friction, creativity, and human connection are more essential than ever.
Discover The AI Revolution & Education: 10 Crucial Transitions, a free guide for parents and educators on preparing students for an AI-driven future. Learn actionable strategies, expert insights, and real-world examples to help schools adapt and equip children with the skills they need to thrive.
A moving conversation with poet and parent educator Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer on the practice of self-compassion—why it’s vital for parents, how it shapes our children’s growth, and what the latest research reveals about its profound emotional and physical benefits.
A growing body of research highlights executive function as one of the strongest predictors of student success. More than just academic content, schools that prioritize self-direction, goal-setting, and metacognitive growth are giving students the tools they need to thrive—in college, in careers, and in life.
