Off Syllabus

The Brigade Schools

A platform by The Brigade Schools where experts come together for real conversations about growing up, learning, failing, parenting, identity, and navigating modern childhood. It's part podcast, part YouTube show, and fully aligned with Brigade's belief that every child's journey is unique — and worth listening to. We host conversations — real ones — about parenting in the digital age, student anxiety, learning challenges, friendship, identity, even failure. We feature not just students and teachers, but parents, alumni, and external experts. We listen. We reflect.

Episodes

  1. 27 FEB

    Raising Children with Stories: The Art of Storytelling with Ms. Geeta Ramanujam | Off Syllabus Ep. 2

    Are we raising "mechanical" children? In this episode of Off Syllabus, host Sangeetha Karthik sits down with the "Master Storyteller" herself, Ms. Geeta Ramanujam, Founder of Kathalaya’s International Academy of Storytelling.In a world dominated by screens and instant gratification, Geetha explains why storytelling isn't just a bedtime ritual—it is a vital life skill and a bridge for communication within families. From the "Rahul and the yellow lollipop" anecdote to the powerful metaphor of the camel in the zoo, this conversation explores how parents and teachers can use stories to build empathy, discipline, and deep-rooted connections. In this episode, you’ll learn:The Difference Between Instruction and Dialogue: Why your child stops listening when you start "advising."Storytelling as a Teaching Tool: How to make "boring" subjects like History or Science come alive. The 10-Minute Rule: Practical tips for busy, working parents to incorporate stories into daily routines.The "Seed" Philosophy: How to accept and nurture your child's unique potential without "trapping" them in your own ambitions. Live Demonstration: Watch Geeta bring a simple story to life using voice modulation and puppets. About the Guest:Ms. Geeta Ramanujam is an Ashoka Fellow, TEDx speaker, and the academician behind Kathalaya. She has travelled to over 45 countries, reviving the ancient art of storytelling for the modern world. Storytelling for children, Parenting tips India, Off Syllabus podcast, Geeta Ramanujam, Kathalaya, Creative teaching methods, Emotional intelligence in kids.Art of storytelling, Communication gaps in families, Digital detox for kids, How to tell stories to toddlers, Innovative education India, Parenting in the digital age.

    1h 10m
  2. 11 FEB

    It’s Okay to Ask for Help: Navigating Teen Mental Health | Off Syllabus Episode 1

    We tell first graders to "ask for help," but why do they stop by high school? Join us as we break the silence on the hidden struggles of today’s students.In the premiere episode of Off Syllabus, host Ms. Sangeetha Karthik and Ms. Bornono Sen sits down with expert counsellors Ms. Reshma Narayan (The Brigade Schools) and Ms. Renu Srinivasan (Trauma & Adoption Specialist) to discuss the "fulcrum" of healthy relationships: the courage to ask for help. From the "hoodwinking" of parents over screen time to the heartbreaking reality of self-harm and panic attacks, this episode provides a raw, unfiltered look at the modern parenting experience. In this episode, we cover:The Transition: Why children stop seeking help as they grow older. Digital Pressures: How social media, FOMO, and "brand status" impact teen identity.Recognizing Red Flags: Identifying the difference between "attention-seeking" and a "cry for help. "The Brain Science: Why adolescents struggle with immediate gratification and rational choices. Self-Harm & Panic Attacks: Practical advice for parents and teachers on responding to crisis with empathy, not judgment. 0:00 – Introduction to Off Syllabus 1:30 – Why kids stop asking for help in middle school 4:15 – Meet the Counsellors: Reshma & Renu 13:45 – Cultural differences in mental health awareness 18:00 – The "Screen Time" battle: Hoodwinking vs. Curiosity 31:00 – The truth about self-harm and emotional distress 43:00 – Academic pressure and the fear of failure 54:00 – Monitoring vs. Privacy: What is invasive? 1:05:00 – Final advice for parents: Connection over Correction #OffSyllabus #MentalHealthAwareness #ParentingTips #TeenMentalHealth #SchoolCounselling #AskingForHelp #EmotionalIntelligence #Education

    1h 37m

Trailers

About

A platform by The Brigade Schools where experts come together for real conversations about growing up, learning, failing, parenting, identity, and navigating modern childhood. It's part podcast, part YouTube show, and fully aligned with Brigade's belief that every child's journey is unique — and worth listening to. We host conversations — real ones — about parenting in the digital age, student anxiety, learning challenges, friendship, identity, even failure. We feature not just students and teachers, but parents, alumni, and external experts. We listen. We reflect.