Shows
Leading Voices in EducationDr. Michael Ungar: Resilience - Helping Kids Grow Through Challenge, Not OverprotectionIn this compelling episode of Leading Voices in Education, Dr. Michael Ungar—a renowned family therapist and resilience expert—offers a nuanced, research-backed perspective on what it truly means to help children thrive. Moving beyond the simplistic "bounce back" definition of resilience, Dr. Ungar emphasizes that resilience is not solely an internal trait but a dynamic process shaped by supportive environments, relationships, and equitable systems. Through engaging stories and practical strategies, he highlights the importance of age-appropriate challenges, natural consequences, and strong adult connections in building resilience. He critiques the overextension of trauma-informed practices that may unintentionally promote fragility, unde...2025-05-2736 minLeading Voices in EducationJessica Kruger - Redefining Resilience: Challenging Limits and PerceptionsIn this powerful episode of Leading Voices in Education, we sit down with Jessica Kruger — athlete, artist, entrepreneur, and advocate — whose story of resilience challenges assumptions and redefines what’s possible. From sailing the world as a child to navigating life after a spinal cord injury at age 15, Jessica shares her remarkable journey of reclaiming independence, pushing boundaries, and changing perceptions of disability. She opens up about her experiences breaking barriers in modeling, wheelchair rugby, and culinary school — including facing exclusion from programs and ultimately becoming the first wheelchair user to complete VCC’s pastry arts program. Alongside her accomplishm...2025-05-1332 minLeading Voices in EducationLamis Sabra: Cultivating CreativityIn this episode of Leading Voices in Education, hosts Sundeep Chohan and Kristi Blakeway engage in a compelling conversation with Lamis Sabra, an esteemed educator and advocate for creative learning. The discussion delves into the pivotal role of creativity in education, examining how it fosters student engagement and nurtures innovation. Sabra shares her insights on integrating creative practices into the classroom, emphasizing the importance of cultivating an environment where students feel empowered to express themselves and think critically. The episode also explores strategies for educators to overcome challenges in implementing creative curricula and highlights the transformative impact of embracing c...2025-04-2935 minLeading Voices in EducationChief Robert Joseph: Namwayut - We Are All OneThis powerful episode of Leading Voices in Education features Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, a hereditary chief and one of Canada’s most respected voices for reconciliation. In a heartfelt conversation, Chief Joseph shares his personal journey from the trauma of residential schools to becoming a national and global advocate for healing, love, and unity. Drawing from his book Namwayut: We Are All One, he speaks with wisdom and compassion about the meaning of reconciliation, the role of education in restoring identity and belonging, and how simple acts of kindness can lead to profound transformation. This episode invites educators and li...2025-04-1539 minLeading Voices in EducationDan Pontefract: Work-Life BloomOn this episode of Leading Voices in Education, we talk with Dan Pontefract, author of Work Life Bloom. We dive into the unrealistic pursuit of work-life balance and explore how educators, especially, can blend their professional and personal lives by embracing the concept of "blooming" rather than striving for perfection. Dan discusses how perfectionism, often fuelled by the multiple roles educators play, can hinder growth, and he encourages leaders to prioritize authenticity and value in their teams. The conversation also touches on key leadership qualities such as trust, norms, and how leaders can help their teams feel valued and...2025-04-0133 minLeading Voices in EducationLisa Baylis: Self-Compassion for EducatorsIn this episode, we sit down with Lisa Baylis, author of Self-Compassion for Educators, to explore how mindfulness and self-compassion can transform the way educators navigate stress, burnout, and exhaustion. Lisa shares powerful insights on cultivating resilience both inside and outside the classroom, offering practical strategies to foster sustainable well-being. Together, we discuss the unprecedented challenges educators face today and how mindful practices can help reduce feelings of guilt, insecurity, and self-judgment. Tune in to discover how embracing self-compassion can empower you to show up for yourself and your students with renewed energy and purpose.2025-03-1137 minLeading Voices in EducationNicola Wilson : Compassion in Practice and Reflective LearningA dedicated and experienced educator committed to fostering a culture of inquiry, collaboration, and deep learning through an integrated curriculum in Singapore. Passionate about student-led, skills-based education, Nicola empowers young people to become thoughtful, responsible global citizens.She shares her insights on compassionate systems, journaling, and reflective learning—both with her students and fellow educators. Emphasizing the power of vulnerability, she explores concepts like the Ladder of Inference, a model that helps us understand how we interpret situations and make decisions. By encouraging metacognition and shared thinking, Nicola equips learners with the tools to navigate complexity with cl...2025-02-2532 minLeading Voices in EducationPeter Senge: Compassionate Systems AwarenessIn this episode of Leading Voices in Education, we are joined by renowned systems thinker Peter Senge, who shares insights from his influential work, The Fifth Discipline. Peter discusses how principles of learning organizations and Schools That Learn can be applied to transform educational systems, with a particular emphasis on integrating compassionate systems awareness. He offers practical advice on how educators, leaders, and communities can confront the complex challenges of today’s schools, emphasizing the importance of compassion and empathy in system-wide change. With a focus on creating more adaptive, resilient, and collaborative learning environments, Peter provides actionable strategies to...2025-02-0633 min