Season 1 Ep. 14 - The Brain Stages with Trish Wilkinson

04/01/24 • 59 min

Join Mariel and Josh on the "Probably Important Podcast" for an enlightening conversation with Trish Wilkinson, a teacher and author, as they delve into the complexities of child development, mental health, and the power of empathy and forgiveness.
Trish shares her passion for understanding child development and mental health, highlighting the importance of empathy, forgiveness, and creating a safe environment for children to express themselves truthfully. She emphasizes the need to understand the brain's development and function to help children thrive, discussing strategies she has implemented to support children with attention and auditory processing issues, as well as anxiety.
The conversation expands to explore the nature of learning and the workings of the human brain. Trish explains the process of neural development, highlighting the benefits of learning multiple languages before the age of nine and the potential for neurodivergent children to have heightened creativity and focus. She also shares her work with schools to develop practices that encourage students to find their strengths and become invested in their learning.
Trish and the hosts discuss the benefits of mindfulness and meditation, particularly in schools, emphasizing the importance of preparing the brain for tasks and allowing time for processing. They also explore techniques to enhance empathy and connection among students, highlighting the importance of creating a safe and conducive environment for learning and growth.
Trish shares her teaching experience, including her success in improving students' scores on standardized tests by teaching specific skills for test-taking. She emphasizes the importance of setting up the day for success, incorporating morning exercise into the routine, and rewarding students for applying their skills in daily life.
The conversation concludes with Trish sharing her vision for improving the education system by incorporating brain-friendly practices into classrooms. She proposes a pilot program to implement specific practices in schools, emphasizing the benefits of increased student engagement and a more enjoyable teaching experience.
Tune in to the "Probably Important Podcast" for a thought-provoking discussion on child development, mental health, and the power of empathy in education.
Trish's Website: https://thebrainstages.com/#ProbablyImportantPodcast
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Season 1 Ep. 13 - Walking with Grief - Mariel & Josh

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Join Mariel and Josh on the "Probably Important Podcast" as they delve into the multifaceted nature of grief. Mariel shares her perspective of grief as a companion to major life transitions, while Josh relates it more closely to death, highlighting the universal nature of this human experience.

In a deeply personal moment, Mariel opens up about losing her close friend Doug unexpectedly and feeling unsupported in her grief initially. This leads to a poignant conversation about cultural taboos surrounding the expression of emotions like sadness or anger.

The discussion expands to explore cultural differences in the perception of grief, with some cultures viewing it as a natural part of life compared to Western cultures that often perceive it as something to be avoided or rushed through. Mariel shares how her mom’s friend found solace in her presence during her grief, highlighting the power of simply being there for someone without words.

Josh emphasizes the importance of accepting difficult emotions in others and being fully present without the need to fix or solve problems. Mariel's metaphor of emotions having "visiting hours" resonates, illustrating that grief is a process that ebbs and flows over time.

The conversation deepens as they discuss the non-linear nature of grief, emphasizing that it moves through stages like sadness, anger, and acceptance in a rotating fashion. With support, individuals can come to accept loss while still experiencing periods of grief. They caution that unresolved grief can manifest in unexpected ways if not addressed.

Tune in to gain insights into grief as a complex and evolving process, and discover ways to support yourself and others through its challenges on the "Probably Important Podcast."

For support in your grief check out Cat Anderson as a End of Life Doula and Grief Educator at https://www.reachtrauma.com/

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Season 1 Ep 15 - Be Your Own Hero with Jenine Lehfeldt, Founder & Owner of Sweet Serenity Yoga

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Join hosts Mariel and Josh in a deep and insightful conversation with Jenine as they explore themes of self-discovery, authenticity, and recovery. Together, they share personal experiences of trying to fit into different social groups and the powerful realization that they could belong anywhere. Jenine emphasizes the importance of doing shadow work to understand oneself better, especially in the fourth decade of life.
The trio also discusses the benefits of bringing different groups together through shared joy and unity. They touch on the challenges of running a business, the collective trauma experienced globally due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the benefits of using internal family systems as a tool for understanding and managing personal triggers and emotions.
Jenine's story of overcoming serious challenges, including an electrocution injury that permanently affected her ability to work in the film industry and her struggle with alcoholism and depression, highlights the importance of taking responsibility for one's own life and seeking help. Through vulnerability and seeking support, Jenine, Mariel, and Josh show that healing and recovery are possible.
For more information on Jenine's work and yoga studio, visit [sweetserenityyoga.com](https://sweetserenityyoga.com/).