Raising Sparks with Maria Bello

Maria Bello

Raising Sparks is a space that navigates the depths of childhood and uncovers the limitless potential that lies within. As the proverb says, "It takes a village to raise a child"; raising sparks shares inspiring interviews with Psychologists, Parents, Educators, Neuroscientists, Therapists, and Holistic practitioners to understand our children's minds & souls and provide practical tools to support and cultivate resilience for the new generations to come. Hosted by Maria Bello, communications expert and personal development enthusiast.

Episodes

  1. 04/15/2024

    Ease Mom Guilt and Embrace Boundaries - with Hope Pokocky

    Join Maria Bello and Leadership Coach Hope Pokocky for an honest chat on navigating modern parenthood. Inspired by Forbes' Sixth Annual State of Motherhood Report, Maria and Hope dive into relatable topics: Letting Go of Guilt: Embrace self-compassion and release the weight of parental guilt. Time and Energy Hacks: Hope gives simple tips to balance priorities and safeguard your vitality. Boundaries for Balance: Setting healthy limits to honor your well-being and family time. Love & Connection: Cultivating meaningful relationships amidst life's hustle and bustle. Finding Your Joy: Strategies to thrive personally and professionally while raising a family. Tune in for down-to-earth advice and practical insights to navigate parenthood with grace and authenticity. Join Maria on each episode as we celebrate the wonder of childhood and learn how we can become fulfilled guides our children need. Follow us and join our community on social media at ⁠⁠@raisingsparkscollective⁠⁠, where you can find additional resources, show notes, and links to connect with our incredible guests.

    37 min

  2. 02/29/2024

    Bright Minds, Bright Future: Unlocking STEM Potential - with Patrick Mayard

    Get ready to dive into the exciting world of STEM education. Join host Maria Bello and special guest Patrick Mayard, President of the ⁠LMS Foundation⁠, as they chat about empowering kids from all backgrounds to shine in math and science. In honor of Black History Month, we're shining a light on how STEM Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths can open doors for young Afro-Canadians. From sparking curiosity in STEM subjects early on to using cool tech like AI to enhance learning, this episode is packed with insights to help your kids thrive. Here's what we'll cover: Making STEM fun and accessible for young minds How AI is revolutionizing the classroom experience Building resilience and confidence in our kids Creative teaching tips to inspire learning Don't miss out on this inspiring chat that's all about nurturing your child's potential! Tune in to Raising Sparks and let's ignite a passion for learning together.  Join Maria on each episode as we celebrate the wonder of childhood and learn how we can become the guides our children need.  Follow us and join our community on social media at ⁠⁠⁠@raisingsparkscollective⁠⁠⁠, where you can find additional resources, show notes, and links to connect with our incredible guests.

    51 min

  3. 12/15/2023

    Unveiling Dyslexia Magic Brilliance — with Lynn Greenberg

    Discover the transformative power of embracing neurodiversity in a heartfelt episode of Raising Sparks with host Maria Bello. Join Maria as she engages in an enlightening conversation with special guests Lynn Greenberg, co-author of the award-winning book, Robby the Dyslexic Taxi and the Airport Adventure, recipient of the prestigious 2023 Creative Child Awards Book of the Year. Lynn and her son, Jonathan, both familiar with the challenges and triumphs of dyslexia, share their inspiring journey firsthand. Their poignant narrative reveals a tale of resilience, creativity, and collaboration, offering invaluable insights into the world of neurodiversity. Through their acclaimed book and personal experiences, Lynn and Jonathan advocate for understanding and celebrating the unique strengths that come with neurodiversity. Jonathan’s artistic talent shines as he illustrates their book, adding a personal touch that vividly captures their remarkable journey. In this enriching episode, listeners gain essential tools and perspectives on nurturing relationships with neurodiverse children. Join Maria, and Lynn as they celebrate differences, offering a glimpse into the boundless possibilities that arise when we embrace and honor neurodiversity in our lives. Know more about Robby the Dyslexic Taxi and the Airport Adventure here: https://creativecabcompany.com Join Maria on each episode as we celebrate the wonder of childhood and learn how we can become the guides our children need. Follow us and join our community on social media at ⁠@raisingsparkscollective⁠, where you can find additional resources, show notes, and links to connect with our incredible guests.

    27 min

  4. 11/01/2023

    Parents: Unleash Your Child's Genius - With Eleni Dracopoulos

    Join host Maria Bello for an enlightening episode of Raising Sparks. We're here to explore a topic close to every parent's heart: nurturing and tapping into the genius within you and your children. Our special guest, Eleni Dracopoulos, a Visionary Leadership expert, shares five practical steps to uncover your unique genius. Eleni has a unique talent for uncovering the brilliance in individuals and igniting their courage to share their genius with the world. With a decade of experience working with kids of all ages and a background in Psychology, Instructional Design, and certification as a Life Coach, Eleni is uniquely qualified to guide us.  In this episode, you'll learn the difference between skills (learned capabilities) and abilities (innate talents). Discover how embracing and sharing your genius can be a transformative gift to serve the world at a higher level. Tune in to this episode of Raising Sparks to learn how you and your children can unlock your unique genius and contribute to making the world a better place. It's an enlightening conversation that promises to inspire and empower both parents and caregivers.

    1h 1m

  5. 10/14/2023

    Conflict and War: Guiding Kids Through Tough Times - With Lin Sok

    Join host Maria Bello for a special episode of Raising Sparks, where we tackle a common concern among parents, caretakers, and educators: how to discuss conflict and war with children. We all want to shield our kids from the harsh realities of the world, but they must understand what's happening out there. The question is, how? In this episode, Maria welcomes Lin Sok, who shares a powerful personal story. While we're not war experts, Lin's story is a must-listen.  It's the journey of a family deeply affected by the Cambodian genocide, narrated by the child, now an adult, who lived through it. Discover how Lin's parents, with grace and gratitude, explained her difficult reality to their child. Their approach transformed Lin's perspective and influenced how they now educate their children. Don't miss Raising Sparks with Maria Bello as we explore tackling tough subjects with kids. Learn from Lin's story, and discover how to navigate these conversations with love and hope for a better world.  Tune in for heartfelt insights and practical guidance on raising informed and compassionate children.

    52 min

  6. 09/19/2023

    Teach Your Kids Healthy Relationship Skills Now - with Diana Eskander

    On today's episode, Maria Bello welcomes ⁠Diana Eskander⁠, an esteemed relationship expert, ICF accredited coach and TEDx speaker who will share her profound insights. Together, they embark on a captivating exploration of how the way we have related in childhood determines how we relate as adults. Every parent and caregiver faces common concerns and Maria and Diana will equip you with the essential tools to navigate these challenges effectively. Get ready for an episode that's as enlightening as it is captivating! ⁠Diana Eskander⁠, our relationship guru, delves into the heart of the matter, unpacking the fascinating dynamics of conscious communication. You'll discover how your early experiences set the stage for adult connections. Dive into the transformative power of modelling and how your actions serve as a template for your child's future relationships. Maria and Diana go deeper, discussing the art of copying—our natural inclination to emulate the relationships we witnessed in our youth. They shed light to empower your children with essential skills, enabling them to establish healthy boundaries and standards for themselves, ensuring they grow into adults equipped to build flourishing relationships. This episode transcends mere parenting—it's about laying the foundation for a lifetime of strong, meaningful connections. Be the unwavering anchor your children need, providing them with a rock-solid base for their relationships in adulthood. Prepare for a conversation that promises to be both enlightening and enthralling. Welcome to "Raising Sparks," where Maria Bello and Diana unveil the secrets to nurturing robust relationships within your family and beyond. On this episode, you will find: The profound impact of childhood experiences on adult relationships. Unpacking conscious communication and its role in fostering healthy connections. Harnessing the transformative power of modelling and mirroring. Attuning their nervous system to yours. Observation over Expectations. Vital skills for setting boundaries and standards from an early age. Becoming the anchor your child needs for a lifetime of strong connections. Stay tuned for this enriching episode that promises to furnish you with the insights and tools needed to nurture thriving relationships within your family. Follow us and join our community on social media at ⁠@raisingsparkscollective⁠, where you can find additional resources, show notes, and links to connect with our incredible guests.

    39 min

  7. 08/25/2023

    From Chaos to Calm: Transformative Benefits of Breathwork for Effective Parenting and Education - with Esther Kalaba

    In today's episode, your host, Maria Bello, explores the practice of Breathwork with Esther Kalaba, somatic psychotherapist and medical herbalist renowned as the "breathwork lady".  Tune in to this episode of Raising Sparks to discover how breathwork offers simple yet potent benefits to enhance mental well-being. Esther's expertise aids parents, educators, and caretakers in seamlessly integrating these practices into daily life, fostering emotional resilience for all ages, going from chaos to calm. Maria and Esther explore the power of conscious breathing to manage children's tantrums and stress. Learn how mirroring breath patterns unconsciously can be harnessed to create emotional connections and regulate our emotions. Unlock the potential of breathwork to cultivate family harmony and forge deeper bonds. Tune in to "Raising Sparks" for actionable insights and wisdom to enhance your parenting journey. On this episode you will find: Seamless integration of breathwork into daily routines for parents and caregivers. Using breath to navigate children's tantrums and foster emotional regulation. Simple 3 min breathwork technique to practice yourself and with your kids. Cultivating family harmony through the power of conscious breathing to calm the monkey that resides in our minds.  Don't miss this episode where Maria Bello and Esther Kalaba unveil the transformative power of breathwork for parenting success. Tune in now and elevate your parenting game! Follow us and join our community on social media at @raisingsparkscollective, where you can find additional resources, show notes, and links to connect with our incredible guests.

    29 min

  8. 08/23/2023

    Empower Your Parenting with Human Design — with Desiree Ruiz

    In each episode, Maria Bello will get into the world of childhood, addressing common concerns that parents and caregivers face while diving into inspiring tools to support both; children and adults.  Join host Maria Bello as we delve into the world of Human Design. Accompanying us is special guest ⁠⁠⁠Desiree Ruiz⁠⁠⁠, a Certified Coach, Human Design mentor, and Entrepreneur, who brings a wealth of wisdom to help you build stronger connections for both; children and adults. Tune in to this episode of Raising Sparks for an eye-opening exploration of Human Design. Maria Bello and ⁠⁠Desiree Ruiz⁠⁠, join forces to equip you with a tool that will empower you to uncover your child's authentic self, celebrate their unique strengths, and navigate parenting challenges with confidence. Whether you're a seasoned parent or just embarking on the journey of caregiving, this episode offers a roadmap to effective communication, personalized nurturing, and a genuine sense of validation that every child craves, making them feel truly seen, heard, and loved. Unlock profound insights between you and your child's personality, behaviours, and unique qualities through the lens of Human Design.  Learn how this framework can revolutionize your parenting approach, leading to more effective communication and personalized nurturing.  Through relatable anecdotes and actionable advice, Desiree Ruiz demonstrates how to seamlessly integrate Human Design principles into daily interactions with your children and get to know yourself better in order to understand your communication dynamics.  Don't miss this opportunity to revolutionize your approach to parenting with the wisdom of Human Design.  Join Maria on each episode as we celebrate the wonder of childhood and learn how we can become the guides our children need. Follow us and join our community on social media at @raisingsparkscollective, where you can find additional resources, show notes, and links to connect with our incredible guests.

    46 min

  9. Season 1 Trailer

    Welcome to Raising Sparks

    Welcome to "Raising Sparks," the podcast that delves into the captivating world of childhood, where sparks of imagination and potential ignite. As the ancient proverb reminds us, it takes a village to raise a child. And in this village, we come together to illuminate the path for the new generations. I believe that within each child lies a universe of infinite possibilities, and it's our responsibility to nurture those sparks of brilliance. On "Raising Sparks," we'll engage in enlightening interviews with psychologists, parents, educators, therapists, and holistic practitioners. Join me as we celebrate the wonder of childhood and learn how we can become the guides our children need. Together, we'll light the way, nurture the sparks, and witness the brilliance of our children as they grow into stronger, more resilient, and empathetic human beings. Coming soon to your favourite podcast platforms. Stay tuned to ignite a brighter future together.

    2 min

Trailer

About

Raising Sparks is a space that navigates the depths of childhood and uncovers the limitless potential that lies within. As the proverb says, "It takes a village to raise a child"; raising sparks shares inspiring interviews with Psychologists, Parents, Educators, Neuroscientists, Therapists, and Holistic practitioners to understand our children's minds & souls and provide practical tools to support and cultivate resilience for the new generations to come. Hosted by Maria Bello, communications expert and personal development enthusiast.

Information