Mindshift

PLCS Empowerment Collective
  • 5.0 (4)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Mindshift isn't just another education podcast – it's your go-to guide for revolutionary perspectives on raising, teaching, and empowering the next generation. Join hosts Dr. Christopher Villarreal and Dr. Deb Anderson as they tackle real challenges facing families and educators today, bringing you straight talk from experts who've been in the trenches. Whether you're a parent navigating screen time, a teacher seeking fresh strategies, or anyone invested in youth success, Mindshift delivers the aha moments you've been searching for. Because sometimes the best solution starts with a shift in perspective.

Episodes

  1. 1D AGO

    Shifting the Perspective on Offline Relationships

    What happens when kids forget how to make friends in person? Experts reveal shocking examples of students unable to interact after weeks together—despite wearing nametags! Discover why intentional face-to-face relationships build crucial resilience that screens can't provide, and how adults can model meaningful connections. Beyond the digital divide, this conversation offers parents and educators practical hope for nurturing the social skills young people desperately need in today's disconnec...

    16 min

  2. MAR 5

    Shifting the Perspective on Sleep

    Are you sleeping all wrong? Boys Town psychologist Connie Schnoes joins hosts Christopher and Deb to shatter sleep myths that might be harming your health. With 27 years of sleep expertise, Connie reveals why getting less than seven hours of sleep impairs you like having a 0.08 blood alcohol level and increases your risk of illness by 50-60%. Discover why eight hours is non-negotiable, the truth about melatonin supplements, and why teenagers biologically can't fall asleep early despite school...

    15 min

  3. FEB 26

    Shifting the Perspective on Kindness & Compassion

    What makes a truly kind child? Discover the surprising science behind compassion with researcher Dr. Vicki Zakrzewski from UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center. Beyond empty "be nice" commands, learn practical ways to show your child the powerful difference between superficial politeness and genuine kindness. This eye-opening conversation reveals why teaching compassion creates not just nicer kids, but more successful and resilient ones too - perfect for parents who worry kindness might ...

    15 min

  4. FEB 19

    Shifting the Perspective on Punishment

    What if punishment isn't about control, but about connection? In this eye-opening episode, behavior coach Chad Nichols reveals how to shift from traditional discipline to teaching and understanding. Through real-world examples—from preschool meltdowns to teen dinner battles—learn practical ways to help your kids navigate challenges while building stronger family bonds. No complicated behavior charts or guilt trips, just strategies that actually work.

    15 min

  5. FEB 12

    Shifting the Perspective on Academic Support

    It's not about being the best, it's about being their best. Sounds simple, right? In this game-changing episode, 35-year education veteran Gretchen Kalkowski joins hosts Christopher and Deb to share why this subtle shift in thinking could transform your family's approach to learning. From a four-year-old's basketball adventures to a high schooler's calculus complaints, discover how letting go of the "perfect grade" chase can actually lead to better learning (and happier kids!). Whether you're...

    15 min

  6. FEB 5

    Shifting the Perspective on Artificial Intelligence - Part 2

    "My grandkids know more about AI than I do!" Is this your fear too? Don't worry - you're not alone. In this eye-opening episode, UNO's AI Learning Lab expert Cassie Mallette returns to flip the script on AI anxiety. Discover why having your child use AI for homework might actually sharpen their critical thinking (yes, really!), and why some students are surprisingly hesitant to use it at all. From classroom 'calculator rules' to future careers, get practical guidance on navigating our AI-powe...

    15 min

  7. JAN 29

    Shifting the Perspective on Artificial Intelligence - Part 1

    'I was talking to my friend Claude about Christmas shopping...' Wait, who's Claude? In this enlightening episode, UNO's AI Learning Lab expert Cassie Mallette joins hosts Christopher and Deb to demystify artificial intelligence in our daily lives. From using AI to plan the perfect family vacation to having it help with tricky homework problems, discover why this technology might be more friend than foe. Whether you're tech-savvy or tech-nervous, this episode transforms intimidating AI concept...

    16 min

  8. JAN 22

    Shifting the Perspective on the Digital World

    Think screen time is the enemy? Think again. In this myth-busting episode, school counselors Emily Boisseree and Chris Bowlby flip the script on digital parenting. Instead of focusing on restrictions and time limits, discover why asking "how does this make you feel?" might be more powerful than setting another screen time rule. From turning TikTok scrolling into family bonding time to understanding why your kid loves watching gaming videos, our experts share practical ways to navigate the dig...

    15 min

  9. JAN 14

    Shifting the Perspective on Anxiety and Depression

    Is anxiety always a disorder, or could it be a protective response? In this illuminating episode, school psychologist Vern Davis-Showell and counselor Justine Clemenger join hosts Christopher and Deb to reframe how we think about children's mental health. From turning car rides into conversation opportunities to understanding the delicate balance between physical and digital safety, our experts offer practical wisdom for parents and educators. Whether you're a parent concerned about screen ti...

    15 min

  10. JAN 13

    Shifting the Perspective on Healthy Lifestyles

    'Just drink water and eat air' - sound familiar? If you're tired of unrealistic health goals and guilt-inducing resolutions, this episode is your permission slip to try something different. PE expert Kyle McMahon reveals why turning your family walk into a geocaching adventure or letting your picky eater help cook dinner might be more powerful than any strict diet plan. No guilt trips, no complicated plans - just practical ways to make healthy living feel less like a chore and more like play.

    14 min
  • 10 Episodes

    Ratings & Reviews

    5
    out of 5
    4 Ratings

    About

    Mindshift isn't just another education podcast – it's your go-to guide for revolutionary perspectives on raising, teaching, and empowering the next generation. Join hosts Dr. Christopher Villarreal and Dr. Deb Anderson as they tackle real challenges facing families and educators today, bringing you straight talk from experts who've been in the trenches. Whether you're a parent navigating screen time, a teacher seeking fresh strategies, or anyone invested in youth success, Mindshift delivers the aha moments you've been searching for. Because sometimes the best solution starts with a shift in perspective.

    Information

    • Creator
      PLCS Empowerment Collective
    • Years Active
      2K
    • Episodes
      10
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © 2025 PLCS Empowerment Collective
    • Show Website
      Mindshift

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