The Self-Driven Child

Feb 25 2025 46 ep. 41 mins 17
The Self-Driven Child Podcast artwork

Helping parents raise kids with healthy motivation and resilience in facing life's challenges. Oh, and having more fun while doing it!

  Kids & Family  Education  Health & Fitness
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From Damsel in Distress to Superhero: The Making of a Teen Mental Health Advocate For Students

Feb 25 2025 53 mins  
If you've ever felt like the challenges of school, stress, and expectations are just too much, you’re not alone. In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Riana Alexander, a college freshman and mental health advocate, who turned her own struggles into a movement for change. Riana opens up about her journey—from a high-achieving student battling anxiety and depression to

A Superhero For Student Autonomy in Schools: Talking With Mike Nicholson About What Works

Feb 18 2025 50 mins  
Hey folks, Ned here! You know how much we all want our kids and students to thrive, but sometimes, despite our best efforts, it feels like we’re stuck in the same old patterns that just don’t work. That’s why I’m thrilled about today’s episode. We’re talking about the concept of student autonomy—why it’s crucial for engagement, learning, and even mental health. And

What I Learned About Motivation From "Ghost Buster" Yegor Denisov-blanch

Feb 04 2025 48 mins  
What if some of the people on your team weren’t actually working—but just good at looking busy? In this episode, I sit down with Yegor Denisov-Blanch to discuss a fascinating and troubling trend in the tech world: ghost engineers. These are software developers whose productivity is so low that they barely contribute—yet they manage to stay employed. Yegor, a researcher dedica

Student Autonomy in School: Yep, It's Possible!

Jan 24 2025 52 mins  
In this episode, I sit down with Amy Buckman, an incredible educator and school counselor from Ohio. Amy has spent 19 years helping students navigate everything from mental health challenges to career counseling, all while motivating them to achieve their goals. We dive deep into the concept of student autonomy and how it’s transforming schools through an innovative three-year gr

The Disengaged Teen Part 2

Jan 14 2025 37 mins  
In this follow-up episode, I continue my conversation with Rebecca Winthrop and Jenny Anderson, authors of The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better. We dive deeper into the strategies parents and educators can use to support kids who feel stuck in “passenger mode.” From fostering autonomy to the importance of relational health, Rebecca and Je

The Disengaged Teen Part 1

Jan 07 2025 34 mins  
Are you worried about how engaged your child is in school and their learning? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Self-Driven Child Podcast, I sit down with two powerhouse guests—Rebecca Winthrop and Jenny Anderson—authors of the book The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better. Together, we dive into the alarming trends of disengagement

Independent Travel: A low-cost, high-impact way to prepare teens for college and life

Nov 22 2024 52 mins  
Ready to ignite your child’s wanderlust? In this episode of The Self-Driven Child Podcast, I sit down with the incredible Blake Bole, an expert in self-directed learning and international travel for teens and young adults. From unschooling to transformative travel experiences, Blake shares how navigating the world independently helps young people develop autonomy, financial respo

The SAT, ACT, and Other Four-Letter Words: What Do You Say When Your Kid's Scores are Low?

Nov 12 2024 22 mins  
Let’s talk about a reality that many parents and teens face: handling disappointing standardized test scores. It’s a topic that stirs up all kinds of feelings—stress, doubt, frustration—and how we as parents respond makes all the difference. I share how common phrases, despite being well-intentioned, can unintentionally add pressure or shut down meaningful conversations. Yo

A Sense of Control Continued: How Students Achieve Academic Success With Less Stress

Nov 05 2024 24 mins  
In this continuation episode, I’m back with Dr. Bill Stixrud for part two of our discussion that digs into the realities of raising kids in high-pressure academic environments. We explore the subtle yet powerful concept of being a “non-anxious presence” as a parent and what that really means when guiding children through challenges. Bill and I touch on real stories from our p

A Sense of Control: How Students Achieve Academic Success With Less Stress

Oct 24 2024 31 mins  
In this episode of The Self-Driven Child Podcast, I’m joined by the brilliant Dr. Bill Stixrud, co-author of The Self-Driven Child and What Do You Say? We dive into the challenges parents face around academic pressure, mental health, and helping kids find their way without being overwhelmed by stress. Bill shares powerful insights on why a sense of control is so essential to youn