Grounded and Soaring

For parents, summer can feel like the longest season for a reason. When the predictable rhythms of the school year disappear, children can feel restless, leading to the "June spikes" in meltdowns we all know too well. In this Season 4 finale, Terry Dubow sits down with Siri Panday to discuss how to keep the magic of summer alive without over-scheduling or burning out. They explore the Mo...

“We live by the stories in our heads,” but how often do we stop to consider which stories are actually fueling our children’s sense of what’s possible? In a culture that often worships efficiency over wonder, it’s easy to treat storytelling as a mere "break" from hard work—something to occupy time in the car or a way to get the kids to sleep. But what if narrative is actually the most so...

In an era of immediate gratification and digital noise, how do we help teenagers find their footing? Terry Dubow walks down Marin Montessori’s Creekside Farm with Farm Manager Jeff Gossett to talk about why "real work" is the ultimate antidote to a screen-centered culture. From the precision of planting peas to the "slow dopamine" of a three-year harvest, Jeff and Terry explore...

We’ve inherited an industrial model of schooling that treats children like products on an assembly line, spitting them out into massive high schools the moment they hit age 14. But does the calendar actually reflect a child’s readiness for adult-sized pressures? In this episode, Terry Dubow sits down with Tree Sturman , Director of the Junior High at Marin Montessori, to poke at the assumptions be...

If AI can do the homework, what happens to the student? In this episode, Sam Shapiro sits down with Eric Hudson , a strategic advisor who has helped hundreds of schools navigate the intersection of technology and humanity. Together, they explore how to raise kids who are "AI-literate" but—more importantly—human-centered. We discuss: The "Do Hard Things" Thesis: Why the struggle...

In a world where AI can answer every question, how do we teach our children to keep asking them? Tech veteran and artist, Jonathan Arena, joins Sam Shapiro to discuss the "Thinking Hand"—the vital connection between physical making and cognitive growth. Inside the Episode: The Garden Experiment: Using ChatGPT as a "consultant" for a family project. Assistant vs. Replacement: Ke...

“How do I know they’re actually learning? And what happens when they hit the 'real world'?” Most of us grew up in traditional systems, navigating our days through the lens of grades and standardized tests. When parents choose a Montessori path, they often hold questions to themselves about the pedagogy, the outcomes, and much more. Because we understand the stakes of this investment, we’ve...

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, Sam Shapiro talks with Jessica Lahey , educator and author, most recently of The Addiction Inoculation, about what really keeps kids safer, why early use is so detrimental, and how parents can stay connected and influen...

AI changes everything. Stanford's Dr. Denise Pope , Co-Founder of Challenge Success, returns to discuss the "volcanic level of change" in education. In this episode, Dr. Pope reveals: The WEB Foundation: Why Well-being, Engagement, and Belonging are critical defenses against cognitive offloading. The Real Solution to Cheating: Why schools must shift to Authentic Assessment (real-worl...

Many parents worry: Is my child motivated enough? In this episode, Terry Dubow and Minnie Wales , Director of Education for Elementary, talk about how motivation really develops—and why the ability to choose challenging work matters more than constant pushing. Key Takeaways: Why real motivation grows from curiosity, not pressure How daily routines build independence and focus Ways parents can help...

 Our children are growing up in a world of nonstop screens, noise, and pressure. How can we help them find calm inside the chaos? In this episode, meditation teacher and nonprofit founder Jessica Morey joins host Sam Shapiro , Head of Marin Montessori School, to talk about how mindfulness can strengthen children’s resilience and compassion — and how parents can practice it, too. Key Takeaways: Why...

Why do so many families find this stretch of the school year so hard? The adrenaline of the new year has faded, but the pace hasn’t slowed down. In this episode, Terry Dubow talks with Siri Panday , Marin Montessori’s Director of Education for Toddler and Primary, about how families can navigate this stressful season with more grace, calm, and connection. Key Takeaways: Why transitions often inten...

Wonder is not a luxury; it is essential for raising curious, resilient, and joyful children. In this episode, Terry Dubow, Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives at Marin Montessori School, talks with Tree Sturman, Director of the Junior High, about how modern childhood can crowd out wonder and how Montessori education creates space for children to stay curious and connected. Key Tak...

While artificial Intelligence is changing schools, the most important work remains human. In this episode, Marin Montessori Head of School, Sam Shapiro, talks with Jenny Elliott, Head of Student and Academic Life at Choate Rosemary Hall, about what one of the nation’s most respected boarding schools has learned after a year of experimenting with generative AI. Key takeaways from this conversation:...

In a time when parents face rising pressure to get everything right, this episode offers something rare and essential: a deeply honest, poetic, and practical conversation about the transformative power of self-compassion. Join Marin Montessori School’s Head of School, Sam Shapiro, and guest Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer, celebrated poet and parent educator, as they explore what it means to parent with...

What if summer wasn’t just time off—but time well used? In this episode of Grounded and Soaring , Marin Montessori Head of School Sam Shapiro talks with Dr. Christina Carroll, an Elementary Guide and educational researcher, about how families can rethink the summer months as a powerful opportunity for curiosity-driven learning. Drawing from years of Montessori teaching experience and her doctoral...

Netflix’s Adolescence is more than just another teen drama—it’s a window into the risks, contradictions, and hidden struggles of today’s young people. In this special pop culture episode, Terry Dubow and Bill Sneed, Director of the Junior High at Marin Montessori School, explore the show’s emotional accuracy, why it hits a nerve for adults, and what it reveals about how we understand—and often mis...

Adolescence is longer—and more complex—than ever before. In this episode of Grounded and Soaring , Marin Montessori Head of School Sam Shapiro sits down with Dr. Laurence Steinberg, one of the world’s foremost experts on adolescent development. Together, they unpack the neuroscience of adolescence, the crucial role of risk-taking, and how parents can support their teens through this transformative...

What if our education system prioritized deep learning over competition? In this episode of Grounded and Soaring , host Terry Dubow speaks with Scott Looney , Head of Hawken Schoo l and founder of the Mastery Transcript Consortium , and Bill Sneed , Director of Marin Montessori’s Junior High , to explore how Montessori and Mastery-based learning offer a compelling alternative to the traditional so...

In this episode, Sam Shapiro welcomes Dr. Devorah Heitner, author of Growing Up in Public and Screenwise, to explore parenting strategies for today’s digital natives. Together, they discuss: 📱 Teaching kids digital etiquette and fostering empathy online. ⏳ Managing screen time while encouraging independence.🤝 Building trust and resilience in a hyper-connected world.💡 Helping children navigate...

Winter break can be magical—but also overwhelming for young kids and parents alike. In this episode, host Terry Dubow talks with Siri Panday, Marin Montessori’s Director of Education for Toddler and Primary, about creating a joyful, enriching holiday experience. Discover expert-backed tips on: Maintaining comforting routines while embracing holiday spontaneity Traveling with young children and cre...

In today’s divided world, how can parents raise kids who listen with empathy, think critically, and engage in meaningful dialogue—even when faced with opposing views? In this episode of Grounded and Soaring , host Terry Dubow sits down with educators Minnie Wales and Bill Sneed to explore: 🎙️ Fostering Compassion: Helping kids develop empathy through everyday acts of kindness. 🎙️ Breaking the Echo...

In this special Thanksgiving episode of Grounded and Soaring, Sam Shapiro speaks with Gregg Krech , author and expert on Japanese psychology, about creating a family culture of gratitude. Explore how Naikan reflection —a method of structured self-reflection—can help families counteract negativity bias and develop meaningful habits of appreciation. Episode Highlights: The Naikan Reflection Practice...

In this episode of Grounded and Soaring , Marin Montessori’s Siri Panday speaks with Gabrielle Perelmuter, occupational therapist and founder of Little Hands , and Cierra Crowe, speech and language pathologist, about the transformative power of early intervention. Discover how occupational and speech therapy can empower children under five to overcome developmental challenges and thrive. Episode H...

In this episode of Grounded and Soaring , Head of School Sam Shapiro speaks with neuropsychologist Dr. Ghazaleh Rafati on how parents can introduce the concepts of voting, civic responsibility, and democracy to children of various ages. In an increasingly polarized world, understanding how to engage young minds in thoughtful conversations about elections is more important than ever. Dr. Rafati pro...