Discover why your teenager’s brain is still “under construction” and learn three simple, science-backed strategies to guide their emotional growth, strengthen decision-making, and foster independence in a safe, supportive environment.

In this eye-opening episode of the Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast, Dr. Karen Wilson hosts Dr. Megan Beardmore, a licensed school psychologist specializing in neurodevelopmental challenges. Dr. Beardmore explores how the autonomic nervous system directly affects emotional regulation in neurodivergent students and introduces powerful body-based interventions that go beyond traditional cognitive approaches. She explains how understanding the nervous system's role in behavior changes our perspective from seeing "problem behaviors" to recognizing dysregulation signals. What makes Dr. Beardmore's approach exceptional is her integration of evidence-based strategies like CBT with somatic, body-based techniques including humming, movement, and breathing exercises. These practical interventions can help neurodivergent students develop greater self-awareness, improved emotional regulation, and better social connections. Rather than trying to eliminate behaviors, Dr. Beardmore helps us understand how to address the underlying nervous system needs first – an approach that completely shifts how we can support neurodivergent students in both classrooms and therapy settings.

In this valuable episode of the Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast, Dr. Karen Wilson welcomes back licensed educational psychologist Michelle Porjes, an expert in executive functioning. Michelle discusses her innovative guidebook "Navigating the Yearly Calendar: Executive Functioning Month by Month," which brilliantly structures executive function skill development around the natural flow of the academic year. Rather than trying to tackle time management, organization, and planning skills all at once, Michelle's approach breaks down which executive skills are most relevant to different times of the school year. She offers practical strategies parents and educators can implement immediately as students navigate the mid-spring months - a time when motivation often wanes and academic demands intensify. This month-by-month approach acknowledges both the cyclical nature of the school year and the developmental progression of executive functioning skills, making it more manageable for students to build these crucial abilities. Whether your child struggles with executive functioning challenges or you simply want to reinforce these essential life skills, this episode provides concrete, actionable strategies aligned with where students are in the academic calendar right now.

In this powerful episode, Jay Shetty reveals the science behind moving from insecurity to confidence, explaining that our lack of confidence isn't a character flaw but a brain function stuck in survival mode. He shares seven transformative steps that can rewire your thinking: First, train your brain to stop seeing life as a constant threat by rating potential challenges objectively. Second, harness your "unconscious competence" by recognizing skills you've mastered but don't give yourself credit for. Third, overcome the "spotlight effect" - the mistaken belief that everyone is scrutinizing your every move, when in reality, they're focused on themselves. Fourth, break free from the "sunk cost fallacy" that keeps you investing in situations that drain your confidence. Fifth, reclaim your "locus of control" by focusing on what you can influence rather than external validation. Sixth, understand the "false consensus effect" - we assume our flaws are obvious to others when they rarely notice. Finally, overcome imposter syndrome by celebrating wins as much as you analyze losses. Jay emphasizes that confidence isn't about giving disclaimers before sharing ideas, but trusting that your experience and intelligence have earned you a seat at the table. Most importantly, confidence isn't something that comes naturally - it's something you build with practice.