Ripples of Resilience

Jana Marie Foundation
  • 4.8 (5)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Ripples of Resilience (TM) by Jana Marie Foundation provides parents, caregivers, and educators with practical tools and insights to support children’s mental health, emotional resilience, and well-being. Each episode covers strategies for fostering open communication, building resilience, and creating safe, nurturing environments where young minds can thrive.   Stay tuned, first episode will be released on September 10, 2025!

  1. JAN 28

    Compassion That Builds Resilience

    What if the fastest way to help kids bounce back isn’t more advice, but more care they can feel? We sat down with clinical child psychologist Dr. Peter Montminy to unpack compassion as a teachable skill—empathy plus the intention to help—and how it strengthens resilience at home and in the classroom. From the first minutes, we connect the science to the everyday: mirror neurons tuning into others’ emotions, the vagus nerve shaping the “vibe” of a room, and the dopamine and oxytocin shifts that turn caring into a virtuous cycle of calm and connection. We share how compassionate attention opens kids up to coaching on coping, communication, and self-regulation. You’ll hear a guided loving-kindness practice you can try tonight—wishing safety, health, happiness, and ease for a loved one, yourself, a struggling child, and the wider community. Then we get tactical: morning intentions that take 60 seconds, end-of-day reflections that take two, gratitude jars that keep small wins visible, and kindness walls that change classroom culture. These small routines build social-emotional skills, reduce isolation, and create safer spaces for learning. We also tackle a common myth: compassion isn’t rose-colored denial. It’s a clear-eyed response to real stress that balances hard truths with purposeful care. By modeling that stance—“things are tough, and we can still choose kindness”—we give kids a resilient mindset they can carry into conflict, setbacks, and growth. If you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator looking for evidence-based tools to make compassion a daily habit, this conversation offers both science and steps you can use right away. If this resonated, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review with one compassion ritual you’ll try this week. Your small actions create ripples. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for immediate support. This podcast is brought to you by Jana Marie Foundation and A Mindful Village. Jana Marie Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in State College, Pennsylvania which harnesses the power of creative expression and dialogue to spark conversations build connections, and promote mental health and wellbeing among young people and their communities. Learn more at Jana Marie Foundation. A Mindful Village is Dr. Peter Montminy's private consulting practice dedicated to improving the mental health of kids and their caregivers. Learn more at A Mindful Village | Holistic Mental Health Care for Kids. Music created by Ken Baxter. (c) 2025. Jana Marie Foundation. All Rights Reserved. This podcast was developed in part under a grant number SM090046 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The views, policies, and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAMHSA, HHS or the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

    23 min

  2. JAN 21

    From Stress To Stillness: Tools For Kids, Parents, And Teachers

    Stress doesn’t ask for permission; it shows up in the car line, at the red light, during homework, and right before bedtime. We explore a kinder, more workable way to meet it: short, judgment-free practices that reset the nervous system and train attention to come back home. With child psychologist Dr. Peter Montminy, we turn mindfulness from an abstract ideal into a set of repeatable reps you can fit into a packed day. We start by reframing mindfulness as paying attention on purpose to the present moment with kindness and curiosity. No gold stars for perfect calm—just honest noticing that becomes “good to know” data about energy, tension, and need. Dr. Montminy explains how consistent practice quiets the reactive downstairs brain and strengthens the executive functions we rely on for focus and emotional regulation. We connect the dots between neuroscience and everyday life, from lowering rumination and anxiety to improving heart rate variability and easing chronic stress symptoms. Then we get practical. Mindful minutes are the short, scheduled workouts—one to five minutes with silence or a guided app—that build your attention muscles. Mindful moments are the in-the-wild cues: red lights, showers, first sips of coffee, driveway pauses before walking into work or home. We show how these tiny resets help you arrive clearer and steadier to the next task. For kids and teens, we model first, then invite them in at their pain points—homework drag, after-school meltdowns, impulsive choices—framing mindfulness as a skill that makes life easier, not another chore. You’ll hear a brief guided body scan you can replay any time and get simple scripts to make practice playful and collaborative. By the end, you’ll have a handful of small, repeatable habits that lower stress, boost focus, and strengthen connection at home and in the classroom. If this conversation helps you or someone you care about, share it, hit subscribe, and leave a quick review so more families can find these tools. What mindful moment will you try today? If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for immediate support. This podcast is brought to you by Jana Marie Foundation and A Mindful Village. Jana Marie Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in State College, Pennsylvania which harnesses the power of creative expression and dialogue to spark conversations build connections, and promote mental health and wellbeing among young people and their communities. Learn more at Jana Marie Foundation. A Mindful Village is Dr. Peter Montminy's private consulting practice dedicated to improving the mental health of kids and their caregivers. Learn more at A Mindful Village | Holistic Mental Health Care for Kids. Music created by Ken Baxter. (c) 2025. Jana Marie Foundation. All Rights Reserved. This podcast was developed in part under a grant number SM090046 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The views, policies, and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAMHSA, HHS or the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

    28 min

  3. JAN 15

    How The Mindful Solutions Method Helps Kids Move From Reacting To Responding

    Stress isn’t just a feeling, it’s rewiring how kids pay attention, regulate emotions, and make choices. We sit down with clinical child psychologist and parenting coach Dr. Peter Montminy to break down a simple, powerful framework that helps families flip the script from reactivity to reflection. Instead of white-knuckling through meltdowns or nagging through homework, we teach a shared language—pause, breathe, choose—that makes self-regulation feel doable for kids and the adults who care for them. We start by mapping the brain’s stress response—how the “downstairs brain” hijacks the “upstairs brain” under chronic pressure—and why neuroplasticity means whatever we practice gets stronger. From there, we dive into the three core steps of the Mindful Solutions Method. Awareness begins with a gentle check-in: “What do you notice?” Kids learn to scan their environment, body, and thoughts without judgment, reconnecting to focus. Acceptance follows with breathing space and a new question: “What do you need?” That shift from resistance to reality opens doors to self-care and problem-solving. Finally, aligned action asks, “What will you choose?” so behavior matches values and goals, not just impulses in the moment. You’ll hear concrete examples for classrooms and living rooms: how to use prompts during transitions, how to adapt tone for a six-year-old versus a teen, and when to switch from questions to guidance if a child is highly dysregulated. We talk small wins—water breaks, movement resets, page checks—that build the muscles of executive function. With consistent practice at low-intensity moments, families strengthen the neural circuits for attention, calm, and cooperation. The result is a practical toolkit any caregiver can use to create safer, steadier spaces where young minds thrive. If this conversation helps, share it with someone who needs a calmer afternoon. Subscribe for more science-backed tools, and leave a review to tell us which prompt you’ll try first. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for immediate support. This podcast is brought to you by Jana Marie Foundation and A Mindful Village. Jana Marie Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in State College, Pennsylvania which harnesses the power of creative expression and dialogue to spark conversations build connections, and promote mental health and wellbeing among young people and their communities. Learn more at Jana Marie Foundation. A Mindful Village is Dr. Peter Montminy's private consulting practice dedicated to improving the mental health of kids and their caregivers. Learn more at A Mindful Village | Holistic Mental Health Care for Kids. Music created by Ken Baxter. (c) 2025. Jana Marie Foundation. All Rights Reserved. This podcast was developed in part under a grant number SM090046 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The views, policies, and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAMHSA, HHS or the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

    27 min

  4. 12/17/2025

    Episode 12: Play Heals: Why Fun Builds Resilience

    Feeling stretched by schedules, screens, and stress? We’re unpacking why play is not a luxury but a lifeline—one of the most effective ways to build emotional resilience, strengthen learning, and deepen family bonds. With clinical child psychologist and mindfulness teacher Dr. Peter Montminy, we define real play as self-directed, intrinsically joyful activity that switches the nervous system from fight-or-flight into safety, curiosity, and connection. From Cub Scout field adventures to living room creative messes, we explore how open-ended discovery helps kids test limits, resolve conflict, and grow both IQ and EQ, while giving adults a reliable reset that fuels focus and calm. We share a practical blueprint for making space for play in real life. Think of your week as a social-emotional diet: a balance of solo and social play, active movement and quiet creation, structured games and unstructured exploration, offline moments and intentional online time. You’ll learn why scheduling play like a wellness visit works, how child-directed special playtime strengthens parent-child attachment, and simple tools - phone reminders, post-its, accountability buddies—to protect these small but powerful rituals. We also dig into mindset: how to turn chores into flow, spot early signs you need more play (tension, irritability, shutdown), and use morning intentions plus evening reflections to grow what you want more of. To make it easy, we close with the Ripple Challenge: choose one playful moment each day. Sing in the car, build a tiny fort, doodle without judgment, or wander outside and notice the sky. Joy isn’t extra credit, it’s the engine for growth. If this conversation helps you breathe a little easier and try something light today, share it with a friend, subscribe for more conversations that build resilience, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. What playful moment will you choose next? If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for immediate support. This podcast is brought to you by Jana Marie Foundation and A Mindful Village. Jana Marie Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in State College, Pennsylvania which harnesses the power of creative expression and dialogue to spark conversations build connections, and promote mental health and wellbeing among young people and their communities. Learn more at Jana Marie Foundation. A Mindful Village is Dr. Peter Montminy's private consulting practice dedicated to improving the mental health of kids and their caregivers. Learn more at A Mindful Village | Holistic Mental Health Care for Kids. Music created by Ken Baxter. (c) 2025. Jana Marie Foundation. All Rights Reserved. This podcast was developed in part under a grant number SM090046 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The views, policies, and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAMHSA, HHS or the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

    23 min

  5. 12/10/2025

    Episode 11: Holiday Resilience, Without The Pressure

    Holiday cheer often comes bundled with hidden stress, complex emotions, and the pressure to make everything just right. We dig into a kinder way to celebrate by redefining resilience as flexible awareness rather than flawless planning, and we share practical tools you can use immediately—no extra time or supplies required. We begin with a reset: naming mixed feelings without judgment and swapping perfection for presence. With child psychologist and mindfulness teacher Dr. Peter Montminy, we explore how a simple exhale-first breathing practice nudges your nervous system out of fight-or-flight and back into calm, so you can choose responses instead of reacting. From there, we get concrete about boundaries that actually work—scheduling real downtime, setting a spending plan you can live with, and noticing which gatherings are energy-gaining versus energy-draining. You’ll hear how to say no with warmth and clarity, and why that honesty often deepens connection. We also rework gratitude so it feels true, not forced. Try the “yes, and” mindset to honor hard emotions while noticing what still supports you, then amplify your practice by naming what you appreciate, who you appreciate, and why it matters. Finally, we move from isolation or overload toward meaningful connection through quality time, small acts of generosity, and traditions that evolve with your life. A short guided reflection closes the episode, offering self-kindness phrases you can return to anytime you feel stretched thin. If you’re ready to trade perfect for peaceful and make room for small moments of calm, laughter, and connection, this one’s for you. Listen now, subscribe for the next episode on the power of play, and share this conversation with someone who could use a gentler holiday.  If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for immediate support. This podcast is brought to you by Jana Marie Foundation and A Mindful Village. Jana Marie Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in State College, Pennsylvania which harnesses the power of creative expression and dialogue to spark conversations build connections, and promote mental health and wellbeing among young people and their communities. Learn more at Jana Marie Foundation. A Mindful Village is Dr. Peter Montminy's private consulting practice dedicated to improving the mental health of kids and their caregivers. Learn more at A Mindful Village | Holistic Mental Health Care for Kids. Music created by Ken Baxter. (c) 2025. Jana Marie Foundation. All Rights Reserved. This podcast was developed in part under a grant number SM090046 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The views, policies, and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAMHSA, HHS or the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

    25 min

  6. 12/03/2025

    Episode 10: Self-Compassion, Real Resilience

    Self-compassion isn’t a shortcut around hard feelings; it’s the sturdy bridge that carries us through them. We sat down with clinical child psychologist and mindfulness teacher Dr. Peter Montminy to unpack what self-compassion really is and why it’s the missing ingredient that turns stress into resilience rather than burnout. We trace the roots of our self-critical habits, from the brain’s negativity bias to the pressure cooker of unfinished to-do lists and social comparison. Then we turn to what actually helps. Dr. Montminy breaks down the three pillars popularized by Dr. Kristin Neff, self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness, and shows how each one shifts your inner stance from punitive to supportive. You’ll hear a guided self-compassion break you can use anytime, plus simple daily practices: the friend-to-self exercise, the “oh” pause that interrupts spirals, and short loving-kindness phrases that re-train your attention toward care. Along the way, we connect the dots between compassion and performance, exploring research that shows how being kinder to yourself preserves motivation, reduces shame, and expands your ability to face challenges. We talk about modeling self-regulation for kids, why “perfectly imperfect” is a powerful reset, and how to apply compassion when you feel like you’re failing at compassion. Expect grounded tools, clear language, and steps you can try the next time your inner critic gets loud. If this conversation helps you breathe easier, share it with a friend who needs it, subscribe for more resilience tools, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. Your small actions support big change. What practice will you try today? If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for immediate support. This podcast is brought to you by Jana Marie Foundation and A Mindful Village. Jana Marie Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in State College, Pennsylvania which harnesses the power of creative expression and dialogue to spark conversations build connections, and promote mental health and wellbeing among young people and their communities. Learn more at Jana Marie Foundation. A Mindful Village is Dr. Peter Montminy's private consulting practice dedicated to improving the mental health of kids and their caregivers. Learn more at A Mindful Village | Holistic Mental Health Care for Kids. Music created by Ken Baxter. (c) 2025. Jana Marie Foundation. All Rights Reserved. This podcast was developed in part under a grant number SM090046 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The views, policies, and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAMHSA, HHS or the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

    27 min

  7. 11/19/2025

    Episode 9: Love And Limits: Raising Resilient Kids

    Conflict doesn’t mean something’s wrong with your family. It simply means everyone’s needs actually matter. We sat down with clinical child psychologist and mindfulness teacher Dr. Peter Muttminy to unpack how everyday clashes can become moments of learning, connection, and real growth. From preschoolers who need clear limits, to elementary kids obsessed with fairness, to teens chasing identity and belonging, we outline what changes at each stage and how to respond with a mix of warmth, structure, and skill. Together we break down the Nonviolent Communication framework into four steps you can use tonight: name what happened without judgment, recognize the feelings below the surface, connect to core needs on both sides, and make a specific, doable request. We pair that with active listening that avoids the empathy-killing “but,” and a practical “reflect and redirect” move that helps kids reach their own goals while meeting your boundaries. When emotions run hot, we talk about calling a respectful timeout, not as punishment, but as a reset, followed by a quick huddle to set a better plan. Most importantly, we reframe discipline as teaching. The aim isn’t compliance for today; it’s self-regulation for life. By shifting from manager to consultant as kids grow, you help them internalize values, make wiser choices, and recover faster from mistakes through honest repair. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep authority and still build trust, this conversation offers clear language, concrete examples, and compassionate structure to calm conflict and strengthen your bond. If this episode helped, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s in the thick of family negotiations, and leave a quick review to help more caregivers find these tools. Your small actions create big ripples. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for immediate support. This podcast is brought to you by Jana Marie Foundation and A Mindful Village. Jana Marie Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in State College, Pennsylvania which harnesses the power of creative expression and dialogue to spark conversations build connections, and promote mental health and wellbeing among young people and their communities. Learn more at Jana Marie Foundation. A Mindful Village is Dr. Peter Montminy's private consulting practice dedicated to improving the mental health of kids and their caregivers. Learn more at A Mindful Village | Holistic Mental Health Care for Kids. Music created by Ken Baxter. (c) 2025. Jana Marie Foundation. All Rights Reserved. This podcast was developed in part under a grant number SM090046 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The views, policies, and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAMHSA, HHS or the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

    28 min

  8. 11/12/2025

    Episode 8: Rethinking Limits: How Boundaries Protect Kids, Adults, and Relationships

    Boundaries aren’t walls that shut people out, they’re the guiderails that keep connection steady, respectful, and safe. We sit down with Dr. Peter Montminy, clinical child psychologist and certified mindfulness teacher, to unpack how clear, compassionate limits help kids and caregivers thrive without sliding into power struggles or burnout. We start by defining healthy boundaries across daily life, including physical needs like sleep and downtime, emotional space during conflict, and relational agreements that reduce friction. Dr. Montminy introduces the "Four Cs": clarity about what matters, communication that is simple and respectful, consistency that builds trust, and compassion that keeps limits warm, not harsh. You’ll hear a practical, word-for-word script to calm tense moments: “When you do X, I feel Y, and I would like if we do Z instead.” We explore how to hold firm values while allowing flexibility at the edges through choice within limits and the Plan B mindset for life’s curveballs. We also reframe the big myths. Boundaries aren’t selfish; they prevent resentment and protect the relationship. They don’t push people away when done kindly; they make connection safer. They aren’t rigid; they adapt without abandoning core values. And kids can absolutely understand limits, especially when we model them consistently. From morning routines to homework battles, from partner communication to self-care choices, you’ll learn small steps that ripple outward: two reminders then follow through, naming one clear “no” to protect a bigger “yes,” and agreeing on repair when words come out rough. Walk away with concrete tools to set expectations, lower conflict, and support nervous system regulation during stressful moments. If you’re ready to trade repeating yourself ten times for calm, clear follow through, and to teach kids real resilience through everyday moments, this conversation offers scripts, structure, and hope. If it resonates, share it with a friend, then subscribe and leave a review so more caregivers can find these tools. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for immediate support. This podcast is brought to you by Jana Marie Foundation and A Mindful Village. Jana Marie Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in State College, Pennsylvania which harnesses the power of creative expression and dialogue to spark conversations build connections, and promote mental health and wellbeing among young people and their communities. Learn more at Jana Marie Foundation. A Mindful Village is Dr. Peter Montminy's private consulting practice dedicated to improving the mental health of kids and their caregivers. Learn more at A Mindful Village | Holistic Mental Health Care for Kids. Music created by Ken Baxter. (c) 2025. Jana Marie Foundation. All Rights Reserved. This podcast was developed in part under a grant number SM090046 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The views, policies, and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAMHSA, HHS or the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

    25 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Ripples of Resilience (TM) by Jana Marie Foundation provides parents, caregivers, and educators with practical tools and insights to support children’s mental health, emotional resilience, and well-being. Each episode covers strategies for fostering open communication, building resilience, and creating safe, nurturing environments where young minds can thrive.   Stay tuned, first episode will be released on September 10, 2025!

Information

  • Creator
    Jana Marie Foundation
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Jana Marie Foundation. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Ripples of Resilience