339: The Marriage of Neuroscience and Mindfulness Practice: Better Lives, Better Learning

In this episode, Jeff and Jillayne Flanders, the Executive Director of the Center for Education Improvement, and mindfulness teacher Laura Bakosh, Ph.D., discuss the benefits of daily mindfulness practices in schools: improved focus, emotional resilience, and academic performance. She also suggests strategies to address the challenges for implementation and systemic change.

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Jeff Ikler
333: From Worthless to Well-Being—Helping Others Heal After Trauma

In this episode, Seamus Corry shares his experience leaving the priesthood and overcoming immense personal challenges. He discusses the emotional and psychological abuse he endured during his training and the devastating impact it had on his life. Despite feeling utterly worthless after his departure from the church and subsequent estrangement from his family, he found the strength to rebuild his life and pursue his passion for helping others heal from trauma.

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Jeff Ikler
329: Trekking Beyond One's Comfort Zone—A Journey of Self-Discovery

This podcast episode features Patty Shales Lefkos, author of Nepal – One Day at a Time. Patty discusses her solo trek through Nepal at age 67, which she undertook to prove her independence and capabilities. The conversation also touches on the changes in Nepal due to tourism, the importance of respecting local cultures, and Patty's continued involvement in supporting education initiatives in the region.

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Jeff Ikler
326: Shot Down: A Son's Journey Through His Father's WWII Legacy

Steve Synder discusses his book SHOT DOWN, detailing his father's experience as the pilot of the WWII B-17 bomber, "Susan Ruth." He explores the 8th Air Force's dangerous missions, the impact of long-range fighters, and his father's survival after being shot down. The episode emphasizes the importance of preserving WWII veterans' stories for future generations.

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Jeff Ikler
323: The Achievement Trap and the Need to Reimagine Education for Student Well-being

With author Jennifer Breheny Wallace’s book Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic—and What We Can Do About It as the backdrop, educators Dr. Ken Wallace and Danelle Almaraz discuss the toxic achievement culture in US education and its impact on youth mental health. They propose solutions, including career-focused learning, redefining success, and fostering belonging to better prepare students for real-world challenges.

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Jeff Ikler