Educating the Human Potential: The American Montessori Society Podcast

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Is education preparing children for the world they’ll inherit—or the world of the past? In this premiere episode, hosts Biff Maier and Nicole Coman launch Educating the Human Potential by challenging conventional wisdom about how children learn and thrive.

They explore:

• What’s broken in education and how Montessori principles offer a bold alternative
• The meaning of ‘human potential’—and why it’s more than just academic success
• Why learning differences matter and how to truly support every child
• How parents, educators, and policymakers can rethink the future of education

With deep experience in Montessori education, psychology, and learning development, Biff and Nicole bring insightful, practical, and provocative conversations to this new podcast. This isn’t just a Montessori podcast—it’s a deep dive into what education should be.

Educating the Human Potential: The American Montessori Society Podcast
A podcast about optimizing education for a better society.

Send us a text

Are traditional discipline methods setting children up for failure? In this episode, hosts Nicole Coman and Biff Maier challenge the outdated, top-down approach to rules and discipline, revealing how Montessori principles cultivate true self-regulation, accountability, and independence—without authoritarian control.

They explore:

• Why rules often backfire and what works instead
• The power of natural consequences over punishments
• How to build a culture of respect where kids take responsibility
• Montessori’s radical approach to discipline that prepares children for life
• Practical strategies for parents and teachers to shift from control to collaboration

If you’ve ever wondered why traditional discipline methods feel frustrating and ineffective, this episode will change the way you think about rules forever.

Educating the Human Potential: The American Montessori Society Podcast
A podcast about optimizing education for a better society.

Send us a text

How can parents and educators help kids develop healthy relationships, navigate social media, and build self-control in a world designed to capture their attention? In this episode, Dr. Sharon Maxwell, clinical psychologist and author of The Talk, joins her daughter Chelsea Maxwell, an educator and learning designer, to discuss the challenges of raising kids in today’s digital, oversexualized culture—through a lens that aligns with Montessori principles of self-regulation, independence, and values-driven learning.

They share practical strategies for:

• Talking to kids about relationships, consent, and online influence
• Teaching self-reflection and self-control, core Montessori life skills
• Addressing the impact of social media on young minds
• Guiding kids toward a values-driven understanding of sex and intimacy

This conversation is essential listening for parents, educators, and anyone invested in helping the next generation develop autonomy, critical thinking, and confidence in today’s complex world.

Educating the Human Potential: The American Montessori Society Podcast
A podcast about optimizing education for a better society.

Send us a text

Award-winning journalist Lisa Ling has spent her career uncovering untold stories and bringing hidden perspectives to light. From reporting in war zones at 21 to hosting This Is Life on CNN and joining CBS News, Ling has dedicated herself to educating and informing the public.

In this episode, she shares:

• How her early experiences with Channel One News shaped her as a journalist
• The power of storytelling to foster empathy and global awareness
• The impact of technology and social media on young minds
• Why exposure to diverse histories and perspectives is essential for the future
• How Montessori principles—like curiosity and experiential learning—connect to journalism and education
• Her latest work at CBS News and the role of journalism in a polarized world

This is a must-listen for anyone passionate about journalism, education, and creating a more informed world.

Educating the Human Potential: The American Montessori Society Podcast
A podcast about optimizing education for a better society.