Hosted by Will Masara, Skye Hughes and Amanda Marshall
Welcome back to Podclass! In Episode 60, we’re diving deep into the almond-shaped part of the brain that controls far more than we often realise – the amygdala.
From teenage decision-making to adult tantrums over shoelaces, this conversation explores how our emotional brain shapes the way we react, relate and respond – especially in schools. Packed with practical takeaways, episode 60 is essential listening for anyone supporting young people to feel safe, seen and understood.
🧠 Segment 1: What is the Amygdala?
“Can you believe something so small could create whole-body responses in a millisecond?” – Amanda
The amygdala sits in the limbic system, acting as our internal alarm bell. It’s wired to scan for threats and rewards – reacting before we even realise it. But that speed comes at a cost: it’s not always accurate.
The team share personal stories and relatable metaphors to help educators understand why students may appear irrational, distracted or overly reactive – and why that doesn’t mean they’re being “difficult.”
💥 Segment 2: Young People, Perceived Risk and Emotional Hypersensitivity
“Teenagers aren’t irrational. Their motivational priorities are just different.” – Skye
In this powerful discussion, the hosts break down the emotional hypersensitivity of adolescence. Teens are biologically wired to seek connection, approval and belonging – and when these feel threatened, the amygdala fires.
The team challenge deficit-based thinking around “undeveloped” brains and instead invite listeners to consider what young people are motivated by, and how educators can respond with empathy and grace.
🧭 Segment 3: Practical Tools for De-escalation and Feedback
“Sometimes all we need is 30 seconds for the prefrontal cortex to catch up.” – Will
From box breathing to wise feedback, the hosts explore tools that can help both young people and adults stay calm, connected and clear-headed – even when emotions run high.
Amanda highlights how tone and body language can trigger a student’s sense of threat, while Skye offers a simple, research-backed structure for delivering feedback in ways that soothe, not stress, the amygdala.
✏️ Practical Strategies for Educators
- Give grace: Assume that students’ emotional responses may be amygdala-driven, not intentional misbehaviour.
- Use “wise feedback”: Frame feedback with belief in the student’s capability to meet expectations.
- Monitor your tone: Delivery matters as much as content. Harsh tone can trigger fight-or-flight.
- Pause before reacting: Let your prefrontal cortex weigh in before responding emotionally.
- Teach co-regulation: Help young people understand their own brains so they can self-regulate over time.
❤️ Final Thought
Understanding the amygdala isn’t just brain science – it’s relational practice. When we recognise the role of perceived threat in student behaviour, we create safer, more emotionally intelligent learning environments.
🎧 Listen now at ylaaus.com/podclass
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🌱 Learn more about YEP & YLAA: youthengagementproject.com | ylaaus.com
