Best PLCS Empowerment Collective Podcasts (2025)

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What to Do During Child Meltdowns: Teaching Kids Emotional Regulation 15:44

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11h ago15:44

15:44

Child Meltdowns and Tantrums: Teaching Emotional Regulation Skills Is your child having daily meltdowns and tantrums? In this essential episode, veteran first-grade teacher Carla Heumann shares 17 years of proven strategies for managing emotional outbursts and teaching kids emotional regulation. Hosts Dr. Christopher Villarreal and Dr. Deb Anderson…

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Youth Sports Parenting: Supporting Without Pressuring Your Athlete 15:46

6d ago15:46

15:46

The Youth Sports Pressure Cooker: When Does Support Become Too Much? Remember when youth sports were just... fun? Dr. Lisa Chipps, Senior Associate Athletic Director at Creighton University, joins hosts Dr. Christopher Villarreal and Dr. Deb Anderson to unpack the mounting pressures facing young athletes today - and how parents can support without …

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What to Do When Your Kid Says 'I Don't Care' About Homework 15:42

8d ago15:42

15:42

When your kid says "I don't care" about homework, what are they really telling you? Nick Zadina from the Boys Town National Hotline joins us to flip the script on motivation. Drawing from his work in crisis intervention and motivational interviewing, Nick explains why punishments and fear-based motivation stop working the moment kids leave for coll…

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How to Tell if a School Threat is Real: FBI Expert Explains 15:58

22d ago15:58

15:58

In this critical episode, hosts Dr. Christopher Villarreal and Dr. Deb Anderson sit down with FBI Supervisory Special Agent Brian LeBlanc to decode school threats and expose the online predators targeting our children. Agent LeBLanc, who leads the FBI's Domestic Terrorism and Threat Response Squad, reveals why anonymous bomb threats are almost alwa…

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What Happens During a School Shooting: A First-Hand Account 16:34

23d ago16:34

16:34

Content warning: This episode contains discussion of school violence that may be sensitive for some listeners What really happens when a school goes into lockdown during an active shooter incident? In this powerful episode, Dr. Christopher Villarreal shares his first-hand experience of a school shooting, when he was a third-year teacher hiding unde…

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Parental Controls for Devices: Where to Start and What to Watch For 15:49

30d ago15:49

15:49

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by device settings or wondered what your kid's school Chromebook is actually filtering, this one's for you. PLCS Director of Technology Matt Moore breaks down the difference between what schools manage and what you can control at home - from iPhones and Androids to gaming consoles and Netflix profiles. He explains wh…

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Stop Fighting About Food: Expert Tips for Picky Eaters 15:44

1M ago15:44

15:44

Ever wonder why your child loved blueberries yesterday but refuses them today? Jennifer Anderson from Kids Eat in Color joins us to solve the "blueberry lottery" mystery and share game-changing strategies for feeding picky eaters. Learn why putting a cookie on the dinner plate might actually work, discover the simple protein-energy-color formula fo…

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Do School Cell Phone Policies Actually Work? Principal Shares Results 14:52

2M ago14:52

14:52

The kids themselves are saying it: "Thank you for putting in a cell phone policy." In this revealing episode of Mindshift, hosts Dr. Christopher Villarreal and Dr. Deb Anderson sit down with Papillion La Vista High School Principal Jason Ryan to explore the surprising reality of phone-free classrooms. Ryan shares how his school's three-year journey…

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What Are the Real Dangers of Vaping? Medical Expert Explains 15:28

2M ago15:28

15:28

One in ten eighth graders has tried vaping in the last 30 days. In this eye-opening solo episode, host Dr. Christopher Villarreal sits down with pediatrician and addiction medicine specialist Dr. Ken Zoucha to decode the vaping epidemic quietly infiltrating our schools. From understanding why vaping doesn't burn like cigarettes (making it dangerous…

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When Your Kid Struggles: Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Support 17:09

2M ago17:09

17:09

When teens withdraw to their rooms or kids say "I'm fine" through tears, how do you know when to worry? In this crucial episode of Mindshift, mental health expert Julia Hebenstreit joins Christopher and Deb to demystify suicide prevention and trasnform fear into action. Julia reveals why asking directly "Are you thinking of suicide?" won't plant th…

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Why Your Kid Says 'I Don't Want to Go to School' (And What to Do About It) 15:38

3M ago15:38

15:38

Remember when getting your kid to school was as simple as "because I said so"? Yeah, those days are GONE. In our season premiere, we're diving into the real talk about school attendance – from the 5-year-old declaring "I don't want to go!" to the teenager with the car keys and autonomy. We're unpacking why "life gets lifey" (best phrase ever), how …

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Shifting the Perspective on Expectations 15:57

6M ago15:57

15:57

Are we pushing our kids too hard—or not hard enough? In this thought-provoking finale to Season 1 of Mindshift, hosts Christopher and Deb explore the delicate balance of expectations with learning expert Mark Williams. The conversation begins with personal reflections—Christopher feeling pressured about his preschooler's achievements and Deb sharin…

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Shifting the Perspective on Summer Learning 15:25

6M ago15:25

15:25

Is your child's brain melting this summer? It doesn't have to! In this eye-opening episode of Mindshift, we dive into the world of summer learning with library dynamo Kelly Warehime. Forget boring worksheets—discover how counting M&Ms, playing video games as sports commentators, and involving kids in meal planning can spark learning without killing…

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Shifting the Perspective on Digital Life (Teen POV) 15:28

7M ago15:28

15:28

In this candid conversation, Mindshift welcomes high school students Taylor and Jacquelynn who pull back the curtain on Gen Z's digital reality. Discover which platforms today's teens actually use, why they maintain multiple accounts for different audiences, and how gender differences shape online engagement. The students speak honestly about navig…

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Shifting the Perspective on Neurodiversity 15:28

7M ago15:28

15:28

What if your child's different way of thinking isn't something to fix, but something to celebrate? In this enlightening episode of Mindshift, hosts Christopher and Deb explore neurodiversity with special education experts Kaylee Ayala and Dr. Heather Post. Discover what neurodiversity really means, how to recognize developmental differences in chil…

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Shifting the Perspective on Screen Time 15:32

7M ago15:32

15:32

Is screen time stealing our children's innocence? In this compelling episode, SmartGen Society expert Suzie Fogarty reveals the hidden costs of our digital dependence. From surprising research showing why Silicon Valley execs send their kids to low-tech schools to the heartbreaking admission from a teen that social media "cost me my innocence," thi…

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Shifting the Perspective on Money 14:37

7M ago14:37

14:37

In a world where some 4-year-olds think Target shopping is free and parents often find themselves hiding money conversations, how do we raise financially literate kids? Join hosts Christopher and Deb as they confront their own money challenges with Cobalt Credit Union expert Kendra Cain. From digital payment confusion to sibling spending difference…

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Shifting the Perspective on High School 15:29

7M ago15:29

15:29

Are parents pushing college prep as early as preschool? Dr. Julee Sauer challenges our outdated assumptions about high school education and student success. With refreshing candor from her 34-year career, she reveals why "durable skills" might matter more than perfect grades, and how the landscape of post-graduation options has expanded beyond trad…

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Shifting the Perspective on Sleep, Listener Q&A 15:37

8M ago15:37

15:37

Sleep expert Dr. Connie returns to answer your burning questions about getting better rest! From practical strategies for quieting a racing mind at bedtime to the truth about white noise and sleep apps, this episode delivers research-backed solutions for your most common sleep struggles. Dr. Connie busts myths about learning while you sleep, explai…

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Shifting the Perspective on Anger Management 14:37

8M ago14:37

14:37

Is "anger management" missing the point? In this provocative episode, therapist Anita Akers joins Christopher and Deb to flip conventional wisdom on its head. The conversation ignites when Deb declares anger management "stupid," leading to a fascinating exploration of how we've misunderstood this universal emotion. Discover the brain science behind…

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Shifting the Perspective on Separation & Divorce 15:21

8M ago15:21

15:21

When divorce transforms a family, what happens to the children navigating this emotional terrain? In this compelling episode, mental health therapist Liz Wollmann demolishes common myths about "damaged children of divorce" while offering a framework for parents facing this challenging journey. Drawing from her extensive experience as a collaborativ…

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Shifting the Perspective on Offline Relationships 15:33

8M ago15:33

15:33

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 divid…

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Shifting the Perspective on Sleep 15:26

9M ago15:26

15:26

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%. Disco…

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Shifting the Perspective on Kindness & Compassion 15:27

9M ago15:27

15:27

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 reve…

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Shifting the Perspective on Punishment 15:13

9M ago15:13

15:13

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 s…

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Shifting the Perspective on Academic Support 15:15

9M ago15:15

15:15

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…

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Shifting the Perspective on Artificial Intelligence - Part 2 15:12

10M ago15:12

15:12

"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 student…

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Shifting the Perspective on Artificial Intelligence - Part 1 15:39

10M ago15:39

15:39

'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, dis…

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Shifting the Perspective on the Digital World 14:49

10M ago14:49

14:49

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 …

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Shifting the Perspective on Anxiety and Depression 15:19

10M ago15:19

15:19

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 b…

1
Shifting the Perspective on Healthy Lifestyles 13:48

10M ago13:48

13:48

'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…

PLCS Empowerment Collective Podcasts

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Mindshift: Transforming Perspectives on Parenting & Education

Dr. Christopher Villarreal & Dr. Deb Anderson | PLCS Empowerment Collective

1
What to Do During Child Meltdowns: Teaching Kids Emotional Regulation 15:44

1
Youth Sports Parenting: Supporting Without Pressuring Your Athlete 15:46

1
What to Do When Your Kid Says 'I Don't Care' About Homework 15:42

1
How to Tell if a School Threat is Real: FBI Expert Explains 15:58

1
What Happens During a School Shooting: A First-Hand Account 16:34

1
Parental Controls for Devices: Where to Start and What to Watch For 15:49

1
Stop Fighting About Food: Expert Tips for Picky Eaters 15:44

1
Do School Cell Phone Policies Actually Work? Principal Shares Results 14:52

1
What Are the Real Dangers of Vaping? Medical Expert Explains 15:28

1
When Your Kid Struggles: Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Support 17:09

1
Why Your Kid Says 'I Don't Want to Go to School' (And What to Do About It) 15:38

1
Shifting the Perspective on Expectations 15:57

1
Shifting the Perspective on Summer Learning 15:25

1
Shifting the Perspective on Digital Life (Teen POV) 15:28

1
Shifting the Perspective on Neurodiversity 15:28

1
Shifting the Perspective on Screen Time 15:32

1
Shifting the Perspective on Money 14:37

1
Shifting the Perspective on High School 15:29

1
Shifting the Perspective on Sleep, Listener Q&A 15:37

1
Shifting the Perspective on Anger Management 14:37

1
Shifting the Perspective on Separation & Divorce 15:21

1
Shifting the Perspective on Offline Relationships 15:33

1
Shifting the Perspective on Sleep 15:26

1
Shifting the Perspective on Kindness & Compassion 15:27

1
Shifting the Perspective on Punishment 15:13

1
Shifting the Perspective on Academic Support 15:15

1
Shifting the Perspective on Artificial Intelligence - Part 2 15:12

1
Shifting the Perspective on Artificial Intelligence - Part 1 15:39

1
Shifting the Perspective on the Digital World 14:49

1
Shifting the Perspective on Anxiety and Depression 15:19

1
Shifting the Perspective on Healthy Lifestyles 13:48