TAKING THE HELM with Lynn McLaughlin

Lynn McLaughlin
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Join us as we ride the waves to calmer waters empowering our children and youth to take charge of their own well-being. The purpose of this podcast is to educate, which does not provide any financial, legal, medical, psychological services or advice. You are responsible for your own physical, mental and emotional well-being, decisions, choices, actions and results. Lynn McLaughlin Inc. disclaims any responsibility for your reliance on the contents of this podcast. If you are in need of professional advice or medical care, seek out the services of your own healthcare professional.

  1. Ep 165: AI in Education: Designed to Support the Role of Educators, Parents and Professionals

    MAY 13

    Ep 165: AI in Education: Designed to Support the Role of Educators, Parents and Professionals

    𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐟 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐈-𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐬𝐤 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞? Guest host Kathryn Collins sits down with Derek Crager to explore how AI is beginning to reshape learning in practical, student-centered ways. Derek is the creator of Pocket Mentor, an AI-powered platform designed to provide real-time, voice-based support for learning and reflection. Derek shares why Pocket Mentor is grounded in a “human-first” approach - where AI is designed to support, not replace, the role of educators, parents, and professionals. For students who hesitate to speak up, it creates a private space to build confidence. For those ready to go further, it removes limits on how deeply they can learn. Key points: 💥 Students are not accessing the world wide web - only the information in the data base of the program. 💥 What about accuracy? 💥 What about over-reliance or the human connection? 💥 How can tools like this can offer immediate support when traditional systems are limited by time, cost, or availability? 💥 What does this mean for a generation of children growing up with AI: the opportunities, the risks, and the responsibility to use it with intention and clear boundaries? This is not an all-or-nothing conversation. It’s a balanced, forward-looking discussion about how AI can enhance learning, support confidence, and expand what’s possible - when we keep people at the center. Derek Crager is a leader in applied AI and the founder of Human First AI, where he focuses on building technology that works alongside people - not in place of them. His work centers on helping individuals and organizations use AI to think more effectively, make better decisions, and extend their capabilities in meaningful ways. Grounded in a belief that AI should enhance human potential, Derek advocates for responsible, bounded systems that prioritize accuracy, accessibility, and human connection. Through his work and writing, including his book Human First AI, Derek is helping shape a future where technology strengthens - not replaces - the human experience. Connect with Derek:https://www.practicalai.app/community The Primary Purpose of This Podcast Is To Educate, Which Does Not Constitute Professional Advice or Services. The Views and Opinions Expressed are Those of The Guests. Their Appearance on The Podcast Does Not Imply Any Endorsement of Them, Their Products, or Their Services. Connect with Lynn: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnmcla Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye... LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla... Website: https://lynnmclaughlin.com/

    33 min
  2. Ep 164: More Than Behaviour: Understanding the Mind-Body Connection in Children

    APR 15

    Ep 164: More Than Behaviour: Understanding the Mind-Body Connection in Children

    𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧’𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥? Guest host Kathryn Collins sits down with Lisa Danahy, founder of Create Calm, to explore what it really means to support a child’s emotional and behavioural regulation. We often focus on what we see -tantrums, defiance, big reactions - but beneath it all is something deeper: the connection between the mind, the body, and a child’s developing sense of self.Lisa shares a powerful shift in perspective… from controlling behaviour to creating the conditions where children feel safe enough to learn how to regulate themselves.Key points: 💥 Why discipline needs to be redefined 💥 The role of movement, breath, and the nervous system 💥 Why children need us to model the skills we expect from them 💥 How “testing limits” is actually a sign of trust and growth💥 Simple, practical ways to build regulation before challenging moments happen. This conversation is a reminder that calm isn’t something we demand from children… it’s something we help them discover, starting with ourselves. With an MS in Yoga Therapy and BA in Psychology, over 30 years as a school administrator and SEL curriculum developer, and certification as an advanced educator and trainer, Lisa is highly skilled at creating accessible, evidence-based, successful curricula for behavioral and emotional regulation, as well as physical and mental health. Connect with Lisa: https://linktr.ee/lisadanahy?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid= The Primary Purpose of This Podcast Is To Educate, Which Does Not Constitute Professional Advice or Services. The Views and Opinions Expressed are Those of The Guests. Their Appearance on The Podcast Does Not Imply Any Endorsement of Them, Their Products, or Their Services. Connect with Lynn: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnmcla Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye... LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla... Website: https://lynnmclaughlin.com/

    36 min
  3. Ep 163: The Child Who Felt Invisible - and the Superpower That Changed Everything

    MAR 11

    Ep 163: The Child Who Felt Invisible - and the Superpower That Changed Everything

    Some children shine in obvious ways. Others quietly wonder if anyone truly sees them. Guest Host Kathryn Colins speaks with Dr. Mark Perloe, a retired IVF specialist and grandfather, whose relationship with his two grandsons inspired him to write his first children’s book. One grandson is highly focused and neurodivergent. The other sometimes feels invisible -but uses humour as his superpower to connect. We explore: 💥 How children who feel unseen can discover their own strengths 💥 The power of humour, empathy, and kindness in building confidence 💥 The unique role grandparents and adults can play in nurturing emotional well-being 💥 Why noticing and valuing every child creates stronger families and communities 💥 How Milo's story has helped to build a connection between siblings. How did Mark and his cousin work together to make publishing Milo's Superpower possible? Mark worked as a doctor specializing in IVF for 32 years.Now retired, Mark’s favorite thing to do is spend time with his two grandsons. He is thrilled to be writing his first children’s book!   Mark's co-author, is his cousin Justine Perloe. She is a 2nd grade teacher and loves sharing stories with her students! She even shared a very early draft of Milo’s Superpower with them. She is so excited to be a part of this project! Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is simply see a child - and help them recognize the superpowers they already have. Connect with Mark: https://www.milossuperpower.com/ The Primary Purpose of This Podcast Is To Educate, Which Does Not Constitute Professional Advice or Services. The Views and Opinions Expressed are Those of The Guests. Their Appearance on The Podcast Does Not Imply Any Endorsement of Them, Their Products, or Their Services. Connect with Lynn: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnmcla Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye... LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla... Website: https://lynnmclaughlin.com/

    34 min
  4. Ep 162: Helping a Child With Autism Thrive: What the Science Shows

    FEB 11

    Ep 162: Helping a Child With Autism Thrive: What the Science Shows

    Dr. Theresa Lyons, Ph.D. in chemistry from Yale University, shares her unique perspective as both a scientist and a mother of a daughter with autism. Drawing on cutting-edge research and her personal journey, Dr. Lyons explores the underlying health and environmental factors that can influence a child’s development beyond the autism diagnosis. She launched "Navigating Awetism" to help parents. 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐬𝐤, “𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐈 𝐝𝐨 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞?” Dr. Lyons breaks down complex research into actionable insights that parents and caregivers can understand and apply. Key takeaways include: ​💥 Understanding the role of genetics and risk factors in autism and how research informs what we can address.​💥 Exploring environmental factors that can influence a child’s sleep, health and behaviour. ​💥 Looking at gut health, food allergies, and sensitivities as possible contributors to well-being. (Gluten, Candida and other gut infections.)​💥 How functional medicine approaches, including Vitamin D, B12, and other assessments, can uncover hidden opportunities for improvement.​💥 The role of detoxification and overall health management in supporting daily functioning and quality of life.​💥 Emphasizing a whole-child approach that empowers parents to take proactive steps while respecting each child’s unique needs.​💥 Supporting the entire family. ​ Dr. Lyon's Website: https://awetism.net/Dr. Lyon's Autism Science Links: https://awetism.net/category/cutting-edge-autism-science/ The Primary Purpose of This Podcast Is To Educate, Which Does Not Constitute Professional Advice or Services. The Views and Opinions Expressed are Those of The Guests. Their Appearance on The Podcast Does Not Imply Any Endorsement of Them, Their Products, or Their Services. Connect with Lynn: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnmcla Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye... LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla... Website: https://lynnmclaughlin.com/

    39 min
  5. Ep 161: Star Students | Where Curiosity Drives Learning

    JAN 14

    Ep 161: Star Students | Where Curiosity Drives Learning

    Kimberly Gawne is an educator and founder of Star Students, a program that creates personalized learning plans driven by each child’s interests. Starting as a tutor during COVID-19 school closures, she now supports families with homeschooling, curriculum guidance, and real-world learning experiences, helping students develop critical thinking and a love of learning. Guest host Kathryn Collins dives into the key topics with Kim: 💥 Why did Kim leave the public/private school systems and begin tutoring? 💥 How does Star Students work to support parents who home school? 💥 What are the age ranges, daily instructional time and choices for parents? 💥 What are the challenges of homeschooling and some solutions? 💥 Why is critical thinking so important? 💥 How can parents prepare themselves to begin? Star Students Website: https://www.starstudents.co/ The Primary Purpose of This Podcast Is To Educate, Which Does Not Constitute Professional Advice or Services. The Views and Opinions Expressed are Those of The Guests. Their Appearance on The Podcast Does Not Imply Any Endorsement of Them, Their Products, or Their Services. Connect with Lynn: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnmcla/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynnmclaughl... YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye... LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla... Website: https://lynnmclaughlin.com/

    39 min
  6. Ep 160: Holiday Magic Without the Meltdown with Laurel Crossley

    2025-11-26

    Ep 160: Holiday Magic Without the Meltdown with Laurel Crossley

    𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐨𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬 𝐮𝐩? Laurel Crossley joins us again with guest host Kathryn Collins to explore how small, thoughtful decisions can make a huge difference for families during the holidays. From keeping little ones comfortable and predictable to helping older kids engage in meaningful ways, we cover boundaries, calm moments, and simple strategies to create lasting memories without the overwhelm. Key Points: 💥 Keeping young children settled and comfortable, even when routines are challenged. 💥 Setting clear expectations with extended family to reduce tension and stress. 💥 Creating calm spaces and rhythms that support babies, toddlers, and new parents. 💥 Reimagining gift-giving and holiday activities to boost connection, not clutter. 💥 Involving older children in planning, budgeting, and traditions that teach life skills. 💥 Recognizing when it’s time to pause or step back to protect your child’s well-being. ​Connect with Laurel: ⁠laurelcrossley.com⁠ The Primary Purpose of This Podcast Is To Educate, Which Does Not Constitute Professional Advice or Services. The Views and Opinions Expressed are Those of The Guests. Their Appearance on The Podcast Does Not Imply Any Endorsement of Them, Their Products, or Their Services. ​ ​ Connect with Lynn:​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnmcla/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynnmclaughl...​ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye...​ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla... Website: https://lynnmclaughlin.com/

    36 min
  7. Ep 159: Before Birth and Beyond | The Lasting Power of Calm Beginnings

    2025-11-12

    Ep 159: Before Birth and Beyond | The Lasting Power of Calm Beginnings

    𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐦 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬? 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐦 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐠 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬?  For over 40 years, Laurel Crossley has dedicated her career in support of children and their families. From hosting parent and child workshops to coaching parents and their children, Mindfulness & Meditation has been at the centre of her work offering coping strategies for those dealing with worry and anxiety. During the pandemic, she was approached by her local television station to create a program to support families and children and Help! We’ve Got Anxiety!™ began. Today, she offers Meditating Munchkins™ for preschools, daycares and schools for children ages 18 months - 5 years as a mental health promotion strategy teaching the fundamentals of meditation.  Laurel shares how a mother’s emotional state, even before birth, can shape a child’s development for years to come. 💥 She explains the importance of supporting maternal mental, emotional, and spiritual health 💥 How early calm and connection lay the foundation for resilient, empathetic children. 💥 From mindfulness in everyday life to modelling emotional regulation during tantrums 💥 Practical strategies for parents and educators 💥 The power of outdoor play, sensory tools, and storytelling to help children manage their emotions. Connect with Laurel: laurelcrossley.com The Primary Purpose of This Podcast Is To Educate, Which Does Not Constitute Professional Advice or Services. The Views and Opinions Expressed are Those of The Guests. Their Appearance on The Podcast Does Not Imply Any Endorsement of Them, Their Products, or Their Services. Connect with Lynn: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnmcla/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynnmclaughl... YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye... BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/lynnmclaughlin.bsky.social LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla... Website: https://lynnmclaughlin.com/

    42 min
  8. Ep 158: Rewiring the Brain | Neurofeedback for Kids and Teens

    2025-10-08

    Ep 158: Rewiring the Brain | Neurofeedback for Kids and Teens

    How can non-invasive neurofeedback can help children and adolescents struggling with ADHD, learning differences, anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, and more. Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and neurofeedback specialist Lisa Cramer explains how brainwave patterns influence focus, behavior, and emotions—and how neurotherapy can gently guide the brain toward healthier, more functional states. Key topics: 💥 What happens during a neurofeedback assessment 💥 When it should be considered, and why it’s becoming an increasingly trusted option for families 💥 Real-life success stories 💥 The science of brainwaves and neuroplasticity. What does the research say? 💥 How to find a qualified practitioner. 💥 Safety and contraindications parents need to consider 💥 Emotional regulation can be brain based 💥 Neurofeedback in training, not treatment Over the past 26 years, Lisa has worked with clients of all ages, supporting them through challenges of emotional dysregulation, trauma, and brain injury. In 2016, Lisa expanded her practice to include neurofeedback, recognizing its transformative impact with complex cases and individuals who felt they had “tried everything.” Since then, she has become a leader in integrative neurotherapy, blending QEEG brain mapping, advanced neurofeedback modalities, psychotherapy, and functional medicine. Lisa is the founder and director of Mind Body Neuro of Illinois and Mind Body Neuro of Colorado. Through these clinics (and virtually), she leads a team of skilled providers dedicated to offering cutting-edge brain-based treatments alongside compassionate, individualized care for all ages. Lisa's website: https://www.mindbodyneurotherapy.com/ Find a qualified practitioner: Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA) https://www.bcia.org/ QEEG certifications https://iqcb.org/ The science and research about neurofeedback: https://www.mindbodyneurotherapy.com/the-science-behind-neurofeedback The Primary Purpose of This Podcast Is To Educate, Which Does Not Constitute Professional Advice or Services. The Views and Opinions Expressed are Those of The Guests. Their Appearance on The Podcast Does Not Imply Any Endorsement of Them, Their Products, or Their Services. Connect with Lynn: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnmcla/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynnmclaughl... YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye... BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/lynnmclaughlin.bsky.social LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla... Website: https://lynnmclaughlin.com/

    35 min
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Join us as we ride the waves to calmer waters empowering our children and youth to take charge of their own well-being. The purpose of this podcast is to educate, which does not provide any financial, legal, medical, psychological services or advice. You are responsible for your own physical, mental and emotional well-being, decisions, choices, actions and results. Lynn McLaughlin Inc. disclaims any responsibility for your reliance on the contents of this podcast. If you are in need of professional advice or medical care, seek out the services of your own healthcare professional.

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