Cultivating Excellence Podcast

Dr. Rebecca Resnik
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Biweekly

Cultivating Excellence is the podcast for professional parents who are passionate about their children's education, success, and happiness. Your host, Dr. Rebecca Resnik, Licensed Psychologist, brings you some of the 'best and brightest' experts from psychology and education for lively conversations about raising kids in an age that is increasingly complex and competitive.

  1. Jun 3

    EP 37: Mastering the SAT and ACT: Strategies for Success

    This episode features expert Emily discussing the latest in college entrance exams, including the SAT and ACT, and how students and parents can best prepare for them. Topics include test structure, strategies, timing, and the importance of foundational skills. Want to learn more about Emily and her work? Be sure to check out Private Prep, where you can find additional information about her role and expertise: https://privateprep.com/

    54 min

  2. May 20

    EP 36 - Positive Sibling Relationships

    In this insightful interview, Gabriele Nicolet shares expert advice on nurturing positive sibling relationships, understanding developmental differences, and managing the emotional complexities of family dynamics. Discover practical strategies for fostering resilience, empathy, and long-term harmony among children. Gabriele Nicolet, Speech Language Pathologist and expert on parenting neurodivergent kids, joins us to talk all about sibling relationships. Gabriele's Parent Coaching Practice https://www.gabrielenicolet.com/Gabriele's Raising Orchid's Practice https://www.raisingorchidkids.com/about-us/Gabriele's Complicated Kids Podcast https://complicatedkids.com/

    46 min

  3. May 6

    EP 35 - Raising Resilient Teenagers

    This interview explores the challenges faced by today's teenagers, emphasizing the impact of technology, the importance of real-world experiences, and effective parenting strategies to foster independence and emotional health. Julie Baron and Associates https://www.juliebaronandassociates.com/Julie's book What Works with Teens: A Professional's Guide https://www.amazon.com/What-Works-Teens-Professionals-Authentically/dp/1626250774Books we mentioned---The Anxious Generation by Dr. Jonathan HaidtBrainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain by Dr. Dan SiegalThe Good Life by Dr. Robert WaldingerHow to Talk so Kids/Teens Will Listen and Listen so Kids/Teens Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine MazlishFight Less, Win More by Jonathan Smith and Derek Gaunt, The Black Swan Group10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People by Dr. David Yeager

    50 min

  4. Apr 22

    EP 34 - Strong Marriage, Strong Kids

    In today’s fast-paced world, the dynamics of parenting and relationships have become increasingly complex. Dr. Samantha Rodman-Whiten, known as Dr. Psych Mom, shares valuable insights on how couples can foster a loving environment for their children while navigating the challenges of modern life. Samantha's professional website https://www.drsamantharodman.com/Dr. PsychMom https://www.drpsychmom.com/about/The Dr. Psych Mom podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-psych-mom-show-with-clinical-psychologist/id1603301666Dr. Rodman Whiten's books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/Samantha-Rodman/author/B014MRIMKG?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1773260036&sr=8-2&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=ac090b04-63ee-45f7-9f81-97c51a140fc6

    39 min

  5. Apr 8

    EP 33 - Parenting for intellectual and creative development

    Dr. Marcou's practice in Bethesda, Maryland https://www.drrobymarcou.com/ Interesting books we discussed in today's episode: The Geography of Thought: How Asians and Westerners Think Differently and Why by Nesbitt The Smartest Kids in the World and How They Got that Way by Amanda Ripley The Bilingual Edge by Dr. Alison Mackey More than Words: How Talking Sharpens the Mind and Shapes our World by Dr. Maryellen MacDonald and of course, wonderful books to enjoy with children, including: Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin, Bread and Jam for Frances by Russel Hoban, and the Amelia Bedelia books by Herman Parrish

    50 min

  6. Mar 27

    Nurturing High Achievers

    How do we support bright, capable students without pushing them into burnout? In this episode of Cultivating Excellence, Susan Holzman, Director of Academic Support at Bullis School, shares her thoughts on today’s high-achieving and exceptional students. Susan explains how the idea of the “smart kid” has changed over time. Today’s exceptional learners are often creative, curious, entrepreneurial, and deeply capable, but many also struggle with ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, executive functioning, perfectionism, or other learning differences. She explains why strong schools must offer both challenge and support, especially for students whose abilities vary across different areas. Susan also speaks candidly about the pressure many high-achieving students face. She highlights the dangers of overscheduling, chronic sleep deprivation, perfectionism, and multitasking, and she emphasizes that success should not come at the cost of joy, health, or emotional well-being. The conversation also explores how parents can set healthier boundaries, when to seek outside support such as executive functioning coaching or therapy, and why foundational skills still matter even for highly advanced learners.  Tune in as Susan shares practical wisdom for helping gifted and twice-exceptional students thrive with both rigor and balance. Resources: Follow and connect with Susan Holzman on LinkedIn. Learn more about the Bullis School on their LinkedIn and website. Visit the Learning Support at Bullis here. Listen as Susan speaks about Universal Design for Learning this summer at the Independent School Management's Summer Institute here.

    52 min

  7. Mar 20

    Raising and Educating Boys who Thrive

    Boys thrive when schools design for movement, establish clear routines, and build character without pushing kids past their limits. In this episode, Tara Montague, Assistant Head of Langdon School, explains how boy-friendly learning environments promote academic success, healthier behavior, and stronger long-term development from elementary through high school. She discusses why boys benefit from structured schedules, built-in outlets for movement, flexible classroom setups, and repeated directions to support focus and learning. The conversation highlights the importance of recess, daily physical activity, athletics, nutrition, and consistent routines, as well as the role of executive functioning support in middle school. Tara also explores leadership, ethics, healthy masculinity, parent-school partnership, advocacy across settings, and how phone-free campuses strengthen student connection while helping schools challenge students without breaking them. Tune in and learn how to help boys build resilience, character, and lasting motivation in today’s high-pressure world. Resources: Connect with and follow Tara Montague on LinkedIn. Follow Landon School on LinkedIn and visit their website.  Check out Dr. John Ratey’s book, Spark, and Richard V. Reeves’ book, Of Boys And Men.

    50 min

  8. Mar 13

    What Works for Students with LDs

    When learning environments are designed to match how the brain actually works, students who learn differently can thrive. In this episode, Dr. Bob Lane, Director of Admissions, explains how learning differences are often misunderstood as deficits rather than natural variations in how brains process information. He discusses why reading and writing are not innate skills and must be taught through explicit, systematic, evidence-based instruction, particularly for students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and executive functioning differences. The conversation explores how Orton-Gillingham–based multisensory instruction and small-group diagnostic teaching support skill development, and why writing must be taught intentionally rather than assumed. Dr. Lane also examines the limits of accommodations, emphasizing the need to build foundational skills first, and highlights how emotional safety, belonging, and strong relationships free cognitive bandwidth and foster authentic confidence through real success. Tune in and learn how the right environment can transform learning differences into strengths. Resources: Connect with and follow Dr. Bob Lane on LinkedIn. Follow Lab School of Washington on LinkedIn. Visit the school website to learn more about Lab’s mission, programs, and approach to supporting students who learn differently Interested in applying? Complete an inquiry on this page and register for one of the upcoming Admissions Info Sessions on this page “Sold a Story” Podcast by Emily HanfordA deep dive into how reading instruction shifted from evidence-based practices to ideology-driven approaches and the impact on studentshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sold-a-story/id1649580473 Dr. Rick Lavoie’s FAT City: How Difficult Can This Be?A powerful video for educators that simulates what it feels like to have learning disabilitieshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9NfoGiLKdA The Reservoir GroupExpert services in occupational therapy, psychological services (including testing), and speech and language therapy Learn more here about The Lab’s summer programs and learning opportunities

    52 min
See All (44)

Trailer

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Cultivating Excellence is the podcast for professional parents who are passionate about their children's education, success, and happiness. Your host, Dr. Rebecca Resnik, Licensed Psychologist, brings you some of the 'best and brightest' experts from psychology and education for lively conversations about raising kids in an age that is increasingly complex and competitive.

Information

You Might Also Like