Raising Wonder

An episode all about play...recorded in our newly opened indoor playspace! Nicole and Renee take on a topic that has much more to it than one might think. Diving into aspects such as play theory, how to set up spaces for play, and allowing kids to play independently, they discuss what plays reveals about your child...and you.

Renee and Nicole talk about a hard subject - grief - and what it can look like to parent through experiencing loss. Before hitting play, please keep in mind that this episode might be emotionally triggering for some, and may not be appropriate for some young listening ears.

Nicole and Renee talk about why transitions with our kids can feel so hard, and how we might be able to rethink or restructure transitions to feel more peaceful and maybe even a bit easier. So whether you identify with the getting out the door transition struggle, the mealtime transition struggle, or some other types of transition struggle, this episode has some good in it for you.

Nicole talks about the very real feeling of being triggered by child behavior and circumstances related to raising kids. She shares some stories from her own life while also offering some ideas to consider related to self-regulation, strategies for taking what we know about the brain and putting that into practical next steps, as well as ways to connect with your child during and after those trigg...

Renee and Nicole are back for another episode about attachment styles, and this time, Renee's sister, Catherine, joins in too. Their discussion explores this topic a bit more from both the academic, arial view and from the in-the-moment practical ways we relate to the kids in our lives.

In this episode, Renee and Nicole have a down-to-earth conversation about attachment styles and what they can look like in parenting. They talk through how understanding your own attachment style might help you show up more intentionally with your child, be kinder to yourself, and navigate relationships in healthier ways. Friendly reminder—Nicole and Renee are not therapists or doctors—just two mo...

Jump right into the third season of the Raising Wonder podcast with your cohosts, Renee and Nicole. They share with listeners a little bit about themselves, as well as about the importance of growth, trying new things, and remembering where you've come from. Nicole and Renee set the tone for upcoming episodes by showing a commitment to being real, talking about things that matter when raising kids...

Sometimes things shift, and that’s okay. Matt and Nicole talk about how knowing when it’s time to make a change is a good thing, especially when it means more great things are coming. Matt shares some reasons why he’s taking a step back from co-hosting the podcast, and why he’s excited for the next time he will return and record.

Jackie Roberson, board member of Raising Wonder and Executive Director of the FCCA in Meadville, joins Matt and Nicole to talk about connecting with kids even when (especially when!) it's most difficult to do so...like when they need to be corrected.

Matt and Nicole sit down with Joel and Mikayla, two friends who have taught them a lot about what good friendship looks like during the parenthood years. They discuss making friends, maintaining and pouring into deeper friendships, and how to model healthy friendship for our kids. Listen in for all this and more.

The Gillettes met Teresa and Jenna as adults, but the strong foundation of their relationship that began in Jenna’s childhood could still be easily seen and felt. Listen in to their discussion on how their relationship was formed, grew, and has remained so strong over the decades. If you’ve ever wondered what your relationship with your child could look like as he or she grows into adulthood, this...

Art educator and artist, Alison Gersen Perez, chats with Nicole about the many benefits of art for our and kids’ wellbeing. Whether you think you’re an artist or not…whether you love getting out those art supplies or they intimidate you, this episode has something for you!

Matt and Nicole talk with Renee Shafer about her experiences as a foster and adoptive mother. Renee shares heartfelt stories and practical wisdom with listeners who might be walking this path themselves, or who know others who are.

Susie Delo, founder of You Matter Foundation, based right here in Meadville Pennsylvania, joins the Gillettes to share about ways to keep our families situationally aware, confident, and safe. Topics related to trauma are briefly discussed and might not be suitable for young listeners.

Matt and Nicole spend time with Janelle Teeple as she shares about their family’s experience with childhood cancer. Janelle speaks of the fight each of them walked through and continue to show as their daughter is a survivor now consistently showing clear scans. Whether it’s something minor or something significant, when our kids are sick, all we want as parents is for them to be comforted and to...

Are you raising kids while in a relationship? There are a lot of beautiful and hard things about this season of life. Matt and Nicole share how children have affected their relationship, in both the wonderful and challenging ways. If you are also in this time of life, remember you’re not alone. Grab your partner and give this episode a listen.

The Gillettes share a true gift of a person with listeners, their dear friend Mary. She is one of the reasons Nicole and Matt are able to find rest and refreshment, as well as stamina to continue in their work, because Mary offers them wisdom, love, and babysitting. Join the conversation by hearing Mary’s heart behind why and how she serves in this way, and be encouraged. Oh and the tea hat thing?...

What do we do when progress is slow? Is slow progress better than no progress? How do we remain optimistic during the waiting, and what type of people should we have in our corner? Matt and Nicole discuss these things and more as they relate to Wonder, parenting, and life in general. Check out this first episode of the new year for some food for thought, as well as for new updates. And a huge than...

Meadville PA native, Bethany Fields, shares with the Gillettes what it is like growing up, going to college, and now raising kids in the same hometown area. Listen in to this joy filled episode that also does not fail to deliver on some profound wisdom around what sticking by a place’s side can do for family resilience.

The conversation with these two was just so good we had to bring them back for a part two! If you’ve been wanting to put more of a focus on the environment and sustainability in your family life, but aren’t sure how, give this episode a listen!

Wow, guys. This interview was jam packed with so much good information that we had to invite our guests back for a part two! We know you’ll enjoy part one with Sami and Trevor Bortz. These two are a wealth of knowledge regarding the head and heart behind why we love the natural world around us and how we as families can incorporate and spread the appreciation, design, and wisdom that comes from ou...

We welcome Matt as our official cohost going forward beginning with this next episode. (He’s now got the podcasting bug! Annnnd, we’ve heard multiple times to make him a permanent cohost!) Matt and Nicole hear from the very wise and well-loved Mr. Ricardo Rivers on trust, teamwork, and taking time with kids, especially when the adults in their lives might be struggling to support them through chal...

Nicole and Matt spend time with Nicole’s sister, Ashley…also known as Ash-Ash to talk about the roles of aunts in our kids’ lives. Her wise reflections and helpful tips are not only encouraging for all the aunties out there, but also for anyone who might not have kids of their own but is still just as invested in the lives of kids. The saying might just be right…aunts are like moms, only cooler. P...

Join in as Nicole and Matt talk with longtime friends Trevor and Kim Watts about how they have lead their family through big life changes while navigating with resiliency and grace. There is so much wisdom to glean from the Watts - listen in as they share what it’s like to be a family who is serving in the military, moving all over the world, and embracing the beauty learned in different cultures...

Moms are superheroes. Plain and simple. However, the life of a mom is anything but simple. Listen in as Nicole talks with Beth from Hello Sunshine Children’s Boutique about the joys and challenges of the working through motherhood. This episode was recorded inside her amazing shop - if you are local and haven’t been there yet, you’ve gotta go check it out!