The Prep Table with Bowdre Fortson Clayton

When your child says "I don't feel like I belong," your heart breaks a little. You want to fix it instantly, wrap them in love, and make everything better. But what if the answer isn't in fixing—it's in understanding that belonging takes time, intention, and sometimes uncomfortable growth? In this deeply moving conversation with hope dealer Natasha Kollaros, MSW and Life Coach, we explore the real...

Choosing the right educational path for your child feels overwhelming, especially when considering boarding school. The questions swirl endlessly - is my child ready? Will they thrive away from home? What kind of environment will truly help them grow? In this episode, I sit down with Mary Pryor, Assistant Director of Admission at Christchurch School, a stunning Episcopal day and boarding school ne...

As someone whose life was changed through an all girls boarding school, I know the profound impact that the right experience can have on a young girl's confidence and sense of self. But if you're not quite ready to make the full on leap for your daughter, a 3-week summer camp program might be the absolute right option for your family. There's something magical about watching a daughter return home...

What happens when you combine the strategic thinking of chess with the joy of music and movement? Something truly magical emerges—and that's exactly what Adrienne Tellier has created with Musical Chess. As parents, we're constantly searching for activities that nurture our children's minds while keeping them engaged and excited about learning. Traditional chess instruction often feels too rigid fo...

The moment you become a mother, everything changes - but what no one prepares you for is how isolating and overwhelming those early months can feel. Even when you're surrounded by people celebrating your beautiful baby, you might find yourself wondering if what you're experiencing is normal, if you're doing enough, or if you're somehow failing at this thing called motherhood. Licensed therapist an...

When Mara's daughter came home deflated, saying "they're making me read baby books in school," she felt that familiar parental ache. You know the one - when you see your child struggling and you'd do anything to fix it. That moment with her middle daughter, who had been diagnosed with dyslexia, became the catalyst for something she never expected: writing a book. But this story isn't just about on...

As parents, we're constantly searching for ways to help our children build confidence, courage, and connection. Sometimes the most powerful tools come wrapped in the simplest packages—like a beautiful children's book that speaks directly to a child's heart. In this conversation with Kat Kronenberg, bestselling author of the beloved Live Big series, we explore how the right stories can become lifel...

As a parent navigating the complex world of college admissions, you know how overwhelming it can feel. The pressure, the uncertainty, the endless questions about what really matters in an application. But what if you could pull up a chair with an insider who truly gets it? In this episode of The Prep Table, I sit down with Megan Tyler, interim vice president for enrollment at Wofford College. With...

As a parent and business owner, I often find myself pondering the delicate balance between being present for my children and building a thriving business. It's a tightrope walk many of us know all too well. That's why I couldn't wait to sit down with Tori Bolt , the visionary co-founder of Bolt Farm Treehouse , for a heart-to-heart about legacy, motherhood, and entrepreneurship. Tori's journey fro...

As a parent, sending your daughter off to college can feel like launching her into a whole new world. But what if you could equip her with a vibrant guidebook filled with wisdom, practical advice, and heartfelt encouragement? In this episode, I sit down with Hilary Afshari , author of "From Dorm to Doorstep," a colorful and soulful book designed to empower young women as they step into independenc...

As parents and educators, we often overlook one of the most powerful tools at our disposal: our breath. In this enlightening episode, I sit down with Maria Brito, a life coach and intuitive midwife who brings ancient wisdom to modern women's lives. Maria shares her insights on how breath work can transform both our parenting journey and our children's emotional well-being. The Superpower of Breath...

As parents and educators, we're constantly seeking ways to nurture confident, resilient children who feel a strong sense of belonging. But in today's complex world, challenges like bullying can threaten that sense of security and self-worth. In this enlightening episode of The Prep Table, I sit down with Teodora, a passionate parenting expert from London, to explore the critical issues of bullying...

Raising emotionally resilient children is a journey filled with both challenges and triumphs. In this heartfelt conversation, I sit down with Dr. Chinwe Williams , author of "Calm, Courageous, and Connected," to explore the vital topic of building emotional resilience in kids, especially those who are neurodivergent. Dr. Williams, a seasoned therapist and mother of a child on the autism spectrum,...

As parents, we often wonder how to set our children up for financial success. But what if we could start teaching them valuable money skills before they even graduate high school? In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Dr. Tywanna Smith , a financial educator and former professional athlete who's revolutionizing how we approach teen financial literacy. Dr. Smith, affectionately known as Dr....

In today's fast-paced world, raising emotionally resilient children can feel like an uphill battle. With screens, noise, and pressure coming at us from all sides, how can we create a nurturing environment for our little ones to thrive? Enter Sarah Boyd , child development expert and founder of Resilient Little Hearts. In this enlightening conversation, Sarah shares her wisdom on fostering emotiona...

Parenting teens can feel like navigating uncharted waters, but it doesn't have to be a journey filled with fear and frustration. In this soul-stirring episode, I sit down with Kirsten Cobabe , affectionately known as the "teen whisperer," to explore the sacred art of raising adolescents. Kirsten invites us to shift our perspective on the teen years, viewing them not as a problem to be solved, but...

As parents, we all yearn for that magical village to help raise our children. But in today's fast-paced world, finding and nurturing those connections can feel overwhelming. That's why I'm thrilled to welcome Mandy Arioto , president and CEO of MomCo , to the Prep Table for a heartfelt conversation about building community, embracing imperfection, and rediscovering the joy in motherhood. Mandy's j...

As parents, we want nothing more than to see our children thrive in school. We dream of them coming home with stories of new friends, exciting projects, and teachers who inspire them. But what happens your child starts to dread going to school, when their grades begin to slip, or when they become withdrawn and unhappy? In this inaugural episode of the Prep Table podcast, I'm opening up about a dee...