High School Hamster Wheel

After 20 episodes of the High School Hamster Wheel podcast, I am making a slight pivot. In the coming weeks, I will start bringing on parents and teens and young adults so we can have honest and vulnerable conversations about the trials, tribulations, joys, and celebrations of the teenage years. My hope is that if we start those honest conversations here, it will help spark the important and neces...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Diane Tavenner. Diane is the co-founder and CEO of Summit Public Schools, a nationally recognized non-profit that operates fifteen middle and high schools located in California and Washington State. Diane is also the author of Prepared: What Kids Need for a Fulfilled Life. As a parent of teens, I had a lot of questions for Diane and let me tell...

In this week's episode, I had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Gina Riley, an educational psychologist and Clinical Professor of Adolescent Special Education at Hunter College. While talking with Gina, I learned a lot about positive psychology, self-determination theory, and cognitive evaluation theory. I know what you’re thinking. Those are some fancy words. Believe me, I didn’t know what any of...

Have you ever interviewed for a job and wondered why you weren’t hired? Are you curious about what employers really look for in a job candidate? My guest today is Jackie Ducci, of Ducci & Associates, and she will answer those questions and more.  Jackie is a hiring expert with over 15 years of experience in talent acquisition. During this episode, she shares the “inside scoop” about how hiring dec...

In this episode, I reconnected with my dear friend, Cynthia Hsiung. Cynthia and I met a LONG time ago when we were both working for Warner Bros. Online in California. Since that time, Cynthia has gone on to enjoy a long and successful career in the entertainment industry and during our conversation she offers advice, insights and her "secret sauce" for making it in Hollywood. She also shares some...

In this episode, I interview Jason and Jane Sarouhan, co-founders of J2Guides. Jason and Jane have decades of expertise planning and leading gap year experiences, and they have turned their #gapyearstateofmind into a career that they love. The term "gap year" is often misunderstood and there's no better team to set the record straight than Jason and Jane. Their passion and enthusiasm are contagiou...

In this episode, I interview Michael Horn. Michael is the author of multiple books including Choosing College: How to Make Better Learning Decisions Throughout Your Life. The book is filled with helpful information and excellent advice for parents, teens or anyone considering college. During our conversation, we talk about the "Jobs To Be Done" methodology that Michael and his team applied when in...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Anna Stumpf. Anna directs the online Master's in Information and Computer Sciences program at Ball State University. Throughout her long career in teaching, Anna has noticed that people are not fully leveraging their own value, and she believes that developing a personal brand is key to finding success in the world.  Anna refers to herself as...

In this episode, I interview Jessica Roddenberry. Jessica is an architect by trade and is the Director of Design at BRPH.  Her diverse project experience includes education, aviation, aerospace, and entertainment. Jessica believes that her job is to bring people together, listen to their stories and then design spaces that narrate those stories. During our conversation, we talk about the importanc...

Don Wettrick is the founder of the STARTedUP Foundation, author of “Pure Genius: Building a Culture of Innovation and Taking 20% Time to the Next Level” and was the Innovation Specialist at Noblesville High School in central Indiana. Don is known for his award-winning work as a middle school and high school teacher; educational and innovation consultant; and educational speaker. During our convers...

In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Cindy LaJoy. Cindy is a homeschooling mom of five wonderful children who are now thriving teens and young adults. During our conversation, Cindy shares stories about her family and the challenges they have faced (and overcome!) both in learning and in life. The LaJoy family is extraordinary. Be sure to tune in to hear about their new fam...

#010 - In this episode, I'm joined by Captain Jim Murphy, an American Airlines pilot. Jim has spent decades flying planes, both in the military and commercially. Jim offers lots of great advice for those looking to pursue a career in aviation. He also shares "a day in the life of a pilot". I learned a lot during our conversation and in fact, was left speechless more than once! Whether you are inte...

#009 - In this episode, I'm joined by Calvalyn Day of the Well Counseling Group. Calvalyn is a mother of four daughters, Mimi to four grandsons, and a school counselor by trade. During this interview, we talk about so many important and relevant topics for teens including intellectual and social development, improving communication, decision making, focusing on values while building self-esteem, e...

#008 - Are the teens in your life anxious about their future? Are they feeling stressed about how their grades and achievements will affect their life after high school? In this episode, I'm joined by Chelsea Torres, founder of Big Bad Brainery. During her 17 years of tutoring, Chelsea started noticing patterns in the way academic stress was affecting teens. So, she transitioned her business to of...

#007 - There's a well-kept secret tucked away in Central Florida. It's the nationally recognized Automotive Engineering Technology program at Seminole State College. With its master-level instructors and state of the art facility, this 2-year program offers students the opportunity to learn a highly-skilled trade that's in high demand. Join me as I speak with Mark Davis, Professor and Program Mana...

#006 - Skilled workers in the trades are in high demand! And home builders are among those struggling to find qualified people to complete the work needed. In this episode, I speak with Cuyler Davis, owner of Core Dimensions. Cuyler is a general contractor, custom home builder, and home inspector. He talks about the growing demand for skilled tradespeople and offers some great suggestions about ge...

#005 - Imagine a college where students can discover their interests and explore their passions through a custom curriculum designed especially for them. Thanks to my guest, Michelle Jones, this revolutionary educational experience is a reality. In this episode, we'll learn about Wayfinding Academy, the college that Michelle started from scratch and the incredible learning opportunities available...

#004 - In this episode, I'm joined by Elisabeth Arragon, Executive Director of Chalkboard Financial. Her nonprofit organization is committed to teaching teens financial skills to ensure financial success later in life. Listen in as we talk about budgeting for real-world scenarios, the dangers of debt and more. Also in this episode, useful tips for parents as they help their teens plan for their fi...

#003 - In this episode, I'm joined by Kristin Allaben, business owner, COO and coach with The Forte Factor. In her business, Kristin has developed effective strategies and tools to help clients identify their talents, strengths, and passions. This episode is filled with lots of great tips for parents to guide their teens as they discover their path to a happy and fulfilled life.   Don't miss a sin...

#002 - In this episode, I'm joined by Cathy Pagliuca, an adjunct writing instructor at Brookdale Community College. During our discussion, Cathy highlights the benefits of attending a community college. Cathy offers valuable insights and excellent advice for parents of teens who may not be clear on their next steps after high school! Don't miss a single episode...be sure to subscribe! Show notes a...

#001 - Our world is changing. And our kids need to be aware of all of the potential options available after high school so they can feel informed and empowered to make the choice that is best for them. Through interviews with experts in business and education, I will shine a light on the many career opportunities that don’t require a four-year college degree. During each episode, we will be explor...