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.
In a world optimized for ease, children risk missing the growth that comes from struggle. Discover how Montessori education at Marin Montessori School gives kids safe, meaningful challenges that build resilience, confidence, and purpose.
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.
Long road trips with kids don’t have to mean endless screen time. Discover how one family turned long drives into meaningful, tech-free connection—and how you can too.
What can a Netflix drama teach us about the teenage years? In this conversation, we explore what Adolescence reveals—and what schools and parents can do better to support teens.
What’s really happening inside the adolescent brain? Leading expert Laurence Steinberg joins Sam Shapiro, Head of Marin Montessori, to explore the science behind teenage risk-taking, learning, and resilience. Discover how Montessori education aligns with what research tells us about helping teens thrive.
How do we raise digital natives to navigate the online world with empathy, resilience, and self-awareness? In this episode of Grounded and Soaring, Sam Shapiro talks with Dr. Devorah Heitner about mentoring kids in a connected world. From setting boundaries to building trust and empathy, this conversation offers expert-backed strategies for parenting in a hyper-connected age.
In an era of AI and rapid change, thinking differently is more important than ever for education. Explore four ways to break conventional assumptions and better serve our children’s futures: multi-age classrooms, viewpoint diversity, hands-on learning, and honoring individual potential. Discover how these approaches can combat student disengagement and support mental health while preparing kids for an evolving world.
Join Sam Shapiro and Dr. Alex Curtis in a critical exploration of artificial intelligence in education.
