Shows
Executive Function for All | A Podcast by Untapped LearningAaron Ragon: Building Resilience & Self-Advocacy in StudentsWhat does it really take to help students grow through struggle instead of being defeated by it? In this episode, Brandon sits down with Aaron Ragon, a leader with decades of experience in counseling, mental health, and student support. Aaron is a Partner of Student Support Services for Cherry Creek School District, oversees 192 counselors in Douglas County, and serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Denver.Aaron shares his powerful framework—the Zen Warrior mindset—and explains why resilience isn’t just about bouncing back, but about adapting with authenticity. He discusses the role of parent...
2025-09-1327 min
Reignite ResilienceTransforming Tragedy into Purpose + Resiliency with Aaron Ragon (part 2)Send a text"The greatest gift you can give anyone is your full attention."What happens when life's darkest moments become the catalyst for discovering your deepest purpose? In this profoundly moving conversation, a school counselor shares how a series of unexpected events—from being locked in a Japanese psychiatric facility with a friend in crisis to the devastating loss of his young son—shaped his professional journey and personal resilience.Through tears and triumph, we explore how human connection can transcend even the most challenging circumstances. When traditional communication failed with his deli...
2025-05-0825 minReignite ResilienceAdventures Worth Taking + Resiliency with Aaron Ragon (part 1)Send a textWhat happens when life pushes you to the absolute edge of your capabilities? Aaron Ragon's journey from broke college student to global adventurer reveals the transformative power of confronting our greatest challenges.Aaron takes us to the remote shores of Bristol Bay, Alaska, where a violent confrontation with a troubled man named Earl became one of his life's pivotal moments. With remarkable clarity, he recounts being cornered on a deserted beach, facing a drunk man wielding rebar who threatened to kill him. The split-second decisions Aaron made that night—and his choice to...
2025-05-0529 min
Arkansas TalentEp. 39- Non Competes with Aaron HeffingtonSend us a textAre you an employee bound by a non-compete agreement, or an employer enforcing one? Chris and Stephanie have navigated strict non-compete clause in the past, and they aim to shed light on current legislation and what the future may hold for both parties. With recent developments, including the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) attempt to ban most non-compete clauses, understanding the key elements of these agreements is more important than ever. Aaron Heffington, shareholder and director with Gill Ragon Owen, P.A lays the groundwork for non-competes, discusses their essential components, and provides insights...
2024-12-1154 min
Growing Together10 Meaningful Minutes: Guidance for Your Child with ADHDLaurie and Aaron have a conversation with Brandon Slade. Brandon is the founder and CEO of Untapped Learning and a leading expert on the topic of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD). Brandon talks about having ADHD and how he has dedicated his life to help others experiencing ADHD, Dyslexia, Anxiety and other executive function challenges. You can also watch the vidcast of this show here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrw0IY_DP0MQUESTIONSQ: How and why did you start working with ADHD?Q: Parents have told us that their ADHD childre...
2022-02-2516 min
Growing Together10 Meaningful Minutes, Conversation with Finessa FerrellLaurie and Aaron invite Finessa Ferrell onto the show. Finessa is a Social & Emotional Learning Specialist with the Colorado Education Initiative. Finessa is also the keynote speaker at this year's DCSD Summer Summit; Building and Leaders on July 26th. Finessa dives deep into (SEL) Social Emotional Learning and how it helps students, teachers and staff develop and build skills to help them thrive in their personal and professional life. You can also watch a vidcast of this episode here: https://youtu.be/ISs0VOUSswcHosts:Lauren LaComb, Coordinator - Healthy Schools / Health, Wellness & PreventionAaro...
2021-05-2721 minGrowing Together10 Meaningful Minutes, How to Encourage your Children to Become Better WritersAaron and Laurie invite friend and colleague, Jennifer Gottschalk on the show to talk about how to encourage your children to become better writers. Jennifer finds inspiration from some of her favorite authors that have written books on writing. Authors mentioned on today's show include Gail Carson Levine, Victoria Hanley, Annabeth Bondor-Stone, Connor White, Rebecca Stern, Grant Faulkner, Donald Maass and Stephen King. You can also watch a vidcast of this show here: https://youtu.be/N29IKm9uS38Hosts:Lauren LaComb, Coordinator - Healthy Schools / Health, Wellness & PreventionAaron Ragon, Lead Counselor / Perso...
2021-05-0117 minGrowing Together10 Meaningful Minutes, Changing ongoing habits for a less stressful lifeLaurie and Aaron invite friend and colleague Jon Widmier to discuss the best way to change some of the bad habits we've picked up over the years. You can also watch the vidcast of this show here: https://youtu.be/mzJUo89lAw4Hosts: Lauren LaComb, Coordinator - Healthy Schools / Health, Wellness & Prevention Aaron Ragon, Lead Counselor / Personalized Learning DepartmentGuest: Jon Widmier, Coordinator / Social Emotional & Behavior Services, Littleton Public Schools. Produced by The Curriculum Instruction & Professional Growth DepartmentDouglas County School DistrictYou can listen to this and future episodes by subscribing to Growing Togeth...
2021-03-2610 minGrowing Together10 Meaningful Minutes, Time ManagementLaurie and Aaron invite friend and colleague Jon Widmier to discuss tips & tricks for time management during these stressful times. Please watch the vidcast of this show here. https://youtu.be/qhNa47DoNdQHosts: Lauren LaComb, Coordinator - Healthy Schools / Health, Wellness & Prevention Aaron Ragon, Lead Counselor / Personalized Learning DepartmentGuest: Jon Widmier, Coordinator / Social Emotional & Behavior Services, Littleton Public Schools. Produced by The Curriculum Instruction & Professional Growth DepartmentDouglas County School DistrictYou can listen to past & future episodes by subscribing to Growing Together through...
2021-02-1910 minGrowing Together10 Meaningful Minutes, Advocating for our StudentsLaurie and Aaron invite friend and colleague Jon Widmier to discuss self advocating and how parents can help their children navigate these uncertain times. You can also watch a vidcast of this show here: https://youtu.be/6NW4dOhPl1wHosts: Lauren LaComb, Coordinator - Healthy Schools / Health, Wellness & Prevention Aaron Ragon, Lead Counselor / Personalized Learning DepartmentGuest: Jon Widmier, Coordinator / Social Emotional & Behavior Services, Littleton Public Schools. Produced by The Curriculum Instruction & Professional Growth Department Douglas County School District
2021-01-2214 minGrowing Together10 Meaningful Minutes, Laughter is The Best MedicineLaurie and Aaron talk about the scientific and therapeutic benefits of laughter. Also, Aaron tells a really funny story that will most likely get him in hot water. You can also watch the vidcast of this episode here: https://youtu.be/N5Q8e30zMYQHosts:Lauren LaComb, Coordinator - Healthy Schools / Health, Wellness & PreventionAaron Ragon, Lead Counselor / Personalized Learning DepartmentProduced by The Curriculum Instruction & Professional Growth DepartmentDouglas County School District
2020-12-1012 minGrowing Together10 Meaningful Minutes, Life StoriesDuring this stressful time of covid and politics, Laurie and Aaron keep it light and each tell one of their favorite life stories. Hosts: Lauren LaComb, Coordinator - Healthy Schools / Health, Wellness & Prevention Aaron Ragon, Lead Counselor / Personalized Learning Department You can also watch the vidcast of this show here: https://youtu.be/1E_ToPgyQHgProduced by The Curriculum Instruction & Professional Growth Department, The Douglas County School District
2020-11-2410 minGrowing TogetherTen Meaningful Minutes: Helping students with Anxiety during COVID-19 with Dr. CypersLaurie LaComb and Aaron Ragon talk with Dr. Scott Cypers, Director of Stress and Anxiety programs at the Helen and Arthur E Johnson Depression Center, about how to help students with anxiety. QUESTIONS:What advice do you have for families that are trying to balance school, work, and staying safe?Do you have any tips or tricks for parents in helping center kids at home?If you have parents take away one thing from this podcast, what would that be?
2020-05-0716 minGrowing TogetherTen Meaningful Minutes: Trade school optionsLaurie LaComb and Aaron Ragon talk with Patrick Alley, the training coordinator at DJEATC about their trade school program.QUESTIONS:What does your program do for students?What does it look like to join your program?How long does it take to work through the training?What's the earning potential for someone who becomes an electrician?Are the benefits good?How long have you been in this field?Do you personally work with recent graduates in this program?What traits do...
2020-04-2219 minGrowing TogetherTen Meaningful Minutes: Youth Services in Douglas CountyLaurie LaComb and Aaron Ragon talk with Marsha Alston, the Youth Services Program Manager at Douglas County Youth Initiative, about the different programs and services that are within Douglas County aimed to help and support our students. QUESTIONS:Tell us about the Douglas County Youth Initiative.What are other programs you offer to Douglas County?If there was one thing you wish all parents could take away from our conversation, what would it be?RESOURCES:https://www.search-institute.org/our-research/development-assets/developmental-assets-framework/https://www.douglas.c...
2020-03-0414 min
New England WeekendYour Questions Answered on Coronavirus, and Residents Fight Crumbling FoundationsDr. Aaron Schmidt, assistant professor of microbiology at the Harvard Medical School and Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard answers listener questions about coronavirus. He also talks with Nichole about what the virus is, how much risk we are really under, and ways people can take effective preventive measures. Michelle Loglisci with Massachusetts Residents Against Crumbling Concrete has the story of thousands of homes in central and western Massachusetts, built with concrete from a Connecticut quarry. The concrete was discovered to be contaminated with a mineral, pyrrhotite, which causes concrete to crumble. Now, the foundations of those...
2020-03-0147 minGrowing TogetherTen Meaningful Minutes: Support for At Risk YouthLaurie LaComb and Aaron Ragon talk with Amy Topelson about mental health, suicide prevention and how to help at risk students.QUESTIONS:What are signs or indications that a child may need help?If you see signs that your student is struggling, what should parents do?What should a parent do if your child tells you they are struggling with suicidal thoughts?What is the Second Wind Fund?How can parents receive support from the Second Wind Fund?RESOURCES: https://www.thesecondwindfund.org/ https...
2020-02-1912 minGrowing TogetherDCSD: Global issues, student stress, and how to teach difficult topics.Erica Mason talks with Laurie LaComb, Aaron Ragon and Heather Berry about teaching difficult issues like climate change to students. QUESTIONS:How do we talk about and teach difficult topics?What is a good explanation we can use to explain climate change to students?What are positive steps we can take to help our students take control and deal with anxiety caused by climate change?What advice do you have for teachers, when it comes to teaching difficult topics and dealing with student anxiety?What are some r...
2020-02-1214 minGrowing TogetherTen Meaningful Minutes: Addiction and phonesLaurie LaComb and Aaron Ragon discuss technology use among students. QUESTIONS:Why should we be talking about technology use?From a wellness point of view, what are your thoughts and tips for technology use?RECOURSES:https://www.screenagersmovie.com/https://www.raisingdigitalnatives.com/screenwise/For Teens:https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-social-media-workbook-for-teens-goali-saedi-bocci-phd/1129213552
2020-01-2912 minGrowing TogetherTen Meaningful Minutes: What is MindfulnessAaron Ragon talks with Laurie LaComb about mindfulness, what it is and how it is being used in Douglas County schools. QUESTIONS:Can you tell me what mindfulness is?Why have we been introducing this to schools?Any antidote to share?What would like our listeners to take away from this?--
2020-01-0912 minGrowing TogetherTen Meaningful Minutes: Part Two of Tips, tricks, and trap doors. Helping your student through the college processIn this episode, Laurie LaComb and Aaron Ragon continue their discussion about preparing your students for college.QUESTIONS:Can you describe the application process?Are there essays college's dont want to read?What is the process for students to get letters of recommendation?As parents, is there anything we should avoid?
2019-12-1815 minGrowing TogetherTen Meaningful Minutes: Part One of Tips, tricks, and trap doors. Helping your students through the college processIn this episode, Laurie LaComb talks with Aaron Ragon about preparing your students for college. Tips for how to apply, the importance of visiting schools, and how to make wise financial decisions when choosing a school. QUESTIONS:How do you start the search for the right college?Why is it important to visit colleges?How to know if the school is a good fit for your student?How to help your student make wise financial decisions when choosing a school?When do they introduce Na...
2019-12-0411 minGrowing TogetherTen Meaningful Minutes: If student struggles arise, what are the best steps to take to solve themLaurie LaComb and Aaron Ragon define anxiety, identifying signs of anxiety, and providing a few strategies.QUESTIONS:If student struggles arise, what are the best steps to take to solve them?What steps can parents take to help find solutions within the school setting?Resources: DCSD website- Healthy Schools & Mental Healthhttps://www.dcsdk12.org/about/our_district/departments/health_wellness_and_prevention/healthy_schools___wellness_resources
2019-11-1315 minGrowing TogetherTen Meaningful Minutes: AnxietyLaurie LaComb talks with Aaron Ragon (DCSD Counselor Leader), about what anxiety is followed by strategies and tips to help students and others deal with it.QUESTIONS:What is anxiety?What are signs of anxiety that parents need to look out for? What are some ideas of how to handle anxiety?Resources:https://www.dcsdk12.org/about/our_district/departments/health_wellness_and_prevention/healthy_schools___wellness_resources
2019-09-3010 min
This Past Weekend w/ Theo VonNocturnal Emissions | This Past Weekend #127Back from not being well. Following up on commitment, talking Nick Saban, and taking a call from my brother. Support Our Sponsors BetterHelp Professional & Affordable Online Counseling http://betterhelp.com/theo SaneBox http://www.sanebox.com/theo Free 2 Week Trial Grey Block Pizza http://bit.ly/GreyBlock Music “Smoky Little Beat” - Jameson Flood http://instagram.com/jameson_flood Submit a video question on LiveRaise’s Fan Line: http://bit.ly/Theo_FanLine Theo Von/This Past Weekend Patreon: http://bit.ly/TheoVon_Patreon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theovon/ https://www.instagram.com/thispastweekend_/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheoVon Facebo...
2018-09-031h 30
This Past Weekend w/ Theo VonOcean Rower Lia Ditton | This Past Weekend #126Sitting down with Captain Lia Ditton who will attempt to become the first woman to row across the Pacific Ocean. Lia Ditton Instagram http://www.instagram.com/rowliarow Lia’s Website https://rowliarow.com/ Support Our Sponsors Hood Hat http://www.hoodhat.com Use code LABOR18 for 20% off Unruly Bastards http://www.unrulybastards.com $20 supports their Kickstarter & gets you a game SaneBox http://www.sanebox.com/theo Free 2 Week Trial Acteon http://www.getacteon.com Use code THEO for 40% off Grey Block Pizza http://bit.ly/GreyBlock Music “Shine” - Bishop Gunn http://bit.ly/Shine_BishopGunn Submit a video questi...
2018-08-302h 02