Unplugged & Rooted

In this episode, we sit down with Linda Shi, Owner and Occupational Therapist at Bright Little Minds Therapy, a multidisciplinary clinic dedicated to supporting children and families through a collaborative, whole-child approach. We explore the wide range of services offered at Bright Little Minds, including Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, Behaviour Support, and Psychology, and ho...

In this episode, we sit down with Erin Goebel, certified teacher and founder of Numbers in Bloom, to discuss math confidence, growth mindset, and helping children thrive. Erin shares her journey from the classroom to entrepreneurship, why she's passionate about empowering girls in math, and practical ways parents can build resilience, confidence, and a love of learning at home. We also explore...

From strict parenting and gender expectations to emotional healing and breaking generational cycles, this episode dives into the conversations many Punjabi families are finally starting to have. Joining me is Sukhi Dhillon, a registered dental hygienist, educator, and mother whose work extends far beyond healthcare. While she teaches future clinicians about the connection between oral health and w...

What is it like to move from a traditional public school to a learning environment designed specifically for students with learning differences? In this episode, we hear directly from a student with dyslexia and ADHD who shares their personal journey through both public and private education. They reflect on the challenges they faced, what led to the transition, and how finding the right learning...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with representatives from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to explore some of the most pressing issues facing youth and families today. We discuss the real challenges young people are navigating—from mental health struggles, social media influence, and family breakdown, to the growing risks of drugs and gang involvement. The conversation also looks at how par...

In this engaging episode, we sit down with Carmen Balkejian, a former scientist whose passion for education, psychology, and the arts led her to a rewarding career teaching English to both children and adults. Drawing on her scientific background, Carmen shares how analytical thinking, curiosity, and evidence-based approaches have shaped her teaching philosophy, while emotional intelligence and hu...

🐾 What does it take to raise a happy, well-behaved dog and build a lifelong bond? In this episode, professional dog trainer Courtney Hollis shares her journey into dog training and provides practical advice for families, first-time dog owners, and anyone considering adding a dog to their home. We explore how to choose the right dog, the realities of adopting rescue dogs, common training mistakes,...

What is really happening in today’s classrooms? In this candid conversation, Jennifer Losito from Tired But Teaching shares her experiences on the front lines of education and reflects on how teaching has evolved over the past two decades. We explore the growing influence of technology, smartphones, and social media on student learning, behaviour, and attention spans, as well as the changing relat...

In this episode, we are joined by Maria, a coach and mental health advocate from Norway who shares her personal journey of growing up and living with autism. Drawing from her lived experience, Maria offers honest reflections on the challenges, strengths, and realities of being autistic in today's world. Together, we explore the support that made a difference in her life, common misconceptions...

In this important conversation, we sit down with representatives from the Calgary Police Service, Superintendent Smart and Sergeant Berti, to discuss the realities facing young people and families today. From youth crime trends and gang prevention to social media safety, the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), and youth diversion programs, we explore how parents and communities can better support y...

Parenting today can feel more overwhelming than ever. In this episode, we sit down with Lori Rogers, a Kid Behaviour and Parent Coach, to explore the challenges modern families face and what parents can do to better support their children while reducing stress at home. Drawing on her background in education and years of experience working with families, Lori shares what she's observed about th...

In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Naomi, an Out of Home Care Residential Coordinator in Australia, who oversees residential homes and semi-independent living programs for young people transitioning out of care. Naomi shares what life really looks like on the frontlines of child protection — from supporting vulnerable children and training staff, to navigating trauma, mental health ch...

In this episode, psychologist Melissa Sawers from Aspen Psychology Group joins us for an important conversation about the emotional realities families are facing today. From parental burnout and childhood anxiety to emotional regulation, discipline, identity, trauma, and the impact of social pressures, we explore why raising children feels more complex than ever. Melissa shares practical insight i...

Psychologist Laura Hauk joins us for an important conversation about why so many children and families are struggling today — and why many experts believe we are in a parenting crisis. From rising anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and learning challenges to the impact of stress, screens, and disconnection, we explore what’s really happening beneath the surface for kids today. Laura breaks down the...

In this episode, we dive into the complex journey of Chinese families navigating international education with Christopher Bethea. From cultural expectations and emotional distance to communication barriers and mental health, we explore what it truly means for students to study abroad—and for parents to support them from afar. We unpack the often unspoken challenges families face, including pressur...

What happens when two generations sit down and share their truths? In this episode, a mother and son open up about their experiences growing up in Canada—navigating culture, expectations, and identity from two very different perspectives. Listen to the great conversation with mom Ms. S Kaur and her son, Mr. Singh.  If you’d like to share podcast input, ideas, or feedback, email us at jngill@charte...

In this episode, I speak with Marcy .M  from British Columbia about her work with foster children. We shed light on the hardships these children go through and what’s possible when they have the right support. We also talk about how we can better support and advocate for vulnerable kids in our communities. If you’d like to share podcast input, ideas, or feedback, email us at jngill@chartedrootsedu...

In this episode, I share my personal journey of leaving the teaching profession. I open up about three major challenges I faced—changing student behaviour, shifting parenting dynamics, and systemic issues within school boards. Through honest reflection, I explain why I stepped away from the classroom and how that decision led me toward a new purpose: supporting families, guiding parents, and creat...

After 16+ years as a teacher, I open up about why I walked away. This episode explores the realities inside today’s classrooms—student behaviour, parenting shifts, and the growing challenges in education—and what it means for the next generation. If you’d like to share podcast input, ideas, or feedback, email us at jngill@chartedrootseducation.ca. Check out our website, www.chartedrootseducation.c...