Best Rachel Merle Smith Podcasts (2025)

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Talking Transitions, Summer, and Change with Jamie Rue 49:33

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6M ago49:33

49:33

Jamie is back on All Things Montessori for this wonderful conversation! We talk about the responsibility the Montessori guide can feel in the classroom, how to survive summer with your children at home, and the changes we've both been through since starting All Things Montessori.By Rachel Merle-Smith

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Montessori for Grown Ups with Jamie Watts 33:12

8M ago33:12

33:12

This week, Rachel sits down with author and Montessorian, Jamie Watts to discuss Montessori for Grown Ups, Jamie's newest book. Jamie is the Director at Little River Montessori and has a wealth of knowledge of Montessori due to their extensive experience and background. This conversation tackles how adults can think about their cosmic task, how to …

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Toddlers, Motherhood, and Making Montessori Make Sense with Rachel Martin 37:44

9M ago37:44

37:44

This week, Rachel sits down with Rachel Martin from the Montessori Moms in the Wild podcast. They talk through raising children in the Montessori method, how to set up your home environment, and embracing the changes in the Montessori school world. Check out Montessori Moms in the Wild!By Rachel Merle-Smith

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Navigating the Bridge Between Home and School with Caroline Moulsdale 26:57

10M ago26:57

26:57

Rachel sits down with ABC Crate CEO and Founder, Caroline Moulsdale for this week's episode. Caroline started ABC Crate to help families bridge the gap between home and school by providing Montessori educational kits to build a supportive home environment. Interested in ABC Crate? Use CODE: Montessori for 20% off any of ABC Crate's services or educ…

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All Things Parenting, Episode 5: Finding Power in Your Cycle with Lauren Barton 39:27

11M ago39:27

39:27

Today, I sit down with the incredible Lauren Barton to talk all about womanhood, motherhood, and our cycles. We touch on how to talk about periods with children, how we experience them ourselves, and how we can find power in knowing our own cycle. Interested in working with Lauren? Check out her website.…

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The Montessori Planes of Development 17:45

1y ago17:45

17:45

This week, we are going back to basics and breaking down the first and second plane of development. The first plane of development centers on 0-6 years of age. This child loves order, movement, and soaks everything up around her. The second plane of development is all about the 6-12 years old child. This child loves adventure, being social, and has…

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All Things Parenting, Episode 4: Age Gaps Between Kids, Building Traditions, and Getting Outside with Leah O'Connell 33:25

1y ago33:25

33:25

On this fourth episode of All Things Parenting, my dear friend Leah returns to the podcast to talk about parenting. She has three beautiful children spanning the ages of 9, 4 and 16 months. We talk about the challenges and benefits of age gaps, finding the beauty in the simple things, and committing to building traditions with your family. Leah is …

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All Things Parenting, Episode 3: Taking Lessons from Our Own Upbringing with Zander Merle-Smith 52:13

1+ y ago52:13

52:13

On this episode of All Things Parenting, Zander is back to share his observations about entering a new phase of fatherhood. We discuss the hardship of watching your child get hurt, how to regulate our own emotions, and the beauty of the process. We touch on discipline and how we want to approach it as a team while Wilder grows. Sign up for the All …

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Montessori, Anxiety, and IVF - Rachel's Journey to Motherhood 1:29:29

1+ y ago1:29:29

1:29:29

This week I'm sharing my interview on the wonderful podcast, Know Ya Flow produced and hosted by my friend Lauren Barton. I'm sharing it here because I detail a very low point in my life that led me to therapy, working through failure, and embracing challenges that I was facing as a Montessori teacher. Check out Know Ya Flow!…

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Encouraging Curiosity about Social Justice with Shelby Kretz 31:53

1+ y ago31:53

31:53

Dr. Shelby Kretz is back on the podcast! Rachel and Shelby talk all about Little Justice Leader's new digital resource, how to have hard conversations with children, and how to move past shame and embrace curiosity when learning about social justice. Join the LJL Community! https://littlejusticeleaders.thinkific.com/bundles/little-justice-leaders-c…

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All Things Parenting, Episode 2: Raising Babies at Home with Alex Parris 24:24

1+ y ago24:24

24:24

The second episode of the All Things Parenting series focuses on raising children from a stay at home mom perspective. One of my best friends, Alex joins me for this incredible conversation all about gentle parenting, raising two kids, veganism, and the love we both feel for parenthood.By Rachel Merle-Smith

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Kei Ikeda Returns: Incorporating Dance into the Montessori Classroom 43:04

1+ y ago43:04

43:04

Kei joins Rachel to talk through Montessori Dance and how it can help educators introduce dance into their classrooms. They discuss how music is innate in humans, ideas of how to introduce dance to children, and the joy music and dance bring to the world. Danse Paix au Partage (International Dance Peace Sharing event) Dancing Towards Peace Presenta…

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All Things Parenting, Episode 1: Embracing Fatherhood with Zander Merle-Smith 41:08

1+ y ago41:08

41:08

The first episode of the All Things Parenting series focuses on fatherhood. My husband, Zander joins me for this episode and we discuss the first few months of parenting, grieving your former self, and his experience with Montessori.By Rachel Merle-Smith

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Introducing All Things Parenting 4:52

1+ y ago4:52

4:52

All Things Parenting is a new offshoot of All Things Montessori. Becoming a parent has been the most incredible experience, and I wanted to sit down with experts, other parents, and my own husband to talk through parenting and doing it in a Montessori way. New episodes coming soon!By Rachel Merle-Smith

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The Montessori Child with Simone Davies & Junnifa Uzodike 43:48

2y ago43:48

43:48

Join Rachel and Jamie as they sit down with the incredible authors behind to book, The Montessori Child. They discuss the four planes of development, the inspiration behind this book, and how parents can use this book as a guide to implement Montessori in the home. Get your copy of the Montessori Child! Check out the Montessori Notebook. Check our …

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Capturing the Real Moments with Child & Family Photographer Leah O'Connell 38:32

2y ago38:32

38:32

This episode features the incredible Leah O'Connell, family and child photographer based in Charlottesville, VA. A best friend of mine and a innovative photographer, mother, and teacher we chat though capturing realness, doing Montessori in unique ways, and touch on parenting. Check out Firefly Photography!…

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Montessori & Infertility with Becky Myers-Pollock 53:03

2+ y ago53:03

53:03

Join Rachel as she sits down with primary guide and friend Becky Myers-Pollock as they talk through Becky's unique journey to pregnancy while being in the classroom. Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of miscarriage, fertility treatments, and pregnancy loss.By Rachel Merle-Smith

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Becoming a Montessori Parent 17:49

3y ago17:49

17:49

This week, Rachel sits down with a life update and talks through her journey to this incredible milestone.By Rachel Merle-Smith

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The Importance of Mentorship with Rising Tide Montessori 44:38

3y ago44:38

44:38

This week, Rachel sits down with Jamie Rue and Meg Trezise of Rising Tide Montessori to talk about their new Mentorship Program, Montessori Mentor On Demand. Interested in Montessori Mentor On Demand? Learn more by clicking on the link below! https://risingtidemontessori.podia.com/montessori-mentor-on-demand-for-the-3-6-practitioner…

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Montessori Homeschooling with Chelsea Roberts 43:10

3y ago43:10

43:10

Rachel sits down with Chelsea Roberts, who leads the development of the Homeschool program for Guidepost Montessori. Through this work she supports families around the world who want to bring Montessori's plan of education as an aid to life into their homes. We talk all about the details of homeschooling, accessibility, and how to get Montessori ou…

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Upstone Montessori: Austin Matte Returns 55:57

3y ago55:57

55:57

This week, I invited Austin Matte back to the podcast to give an update on his new school Upstone Montessori. Austin is a primary guide and founder of The Connected Montessorian, an online forum and resource for primary guides around the world. He gives an update on Upstone Montessori, the ins and outs of running a school, and the hardships along t…

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Living a Montessori Life 10:19

3+ y ago10:19

10:19

Join Rachel as she talks through how she is incorporating Montessori into her life while not being in the classroom.By Rachel Merle-Smith

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A Conversation with Amy Williams 43:41

3+ y ago43:41

43:41

Join Rachel this week as she sits down with Amy Williams, of Amy Williams Academy. Amy is a longtime family educator/coach who has 30+ years of experience as a parent, teacher, facilitator, and school leader. She brings such wisdom to this conversation about consent and supporting children and families. Check out the Amy Williams Academy! https://w…

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The Connected Montessorian with Austin Matte 38:29

3+ y ago38:29

38:29

This week, I got the chance to sit down with Austin Matte, primary guide and founder of The Connected Montessorian, an online forum and resource for primary guides around the world. We talk through his new school Upstone Montessori, being in the primary classroom, the bridge between home and the classroom, and so much more! Check out The Connected …

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Being Back in the Classroom with Jamie Rue 47:31

4y ago47:31

47:31

Jamie Rue is here and we are talking all about her experience getting back in the classroom. We talk through supporting children emotionally, how to adapt history lessons for the present day elementary child, and dig deep into why elementary children love pencils so much. Want to support All Things Montessori on Patreon? Sign up below! https://www.…

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A New Montessori Perspective 16:26

4y ago16:26

16:26

Join Rachel as she talks through her new adventure in her Montessori journey. Join All Things Montessori on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/allthingsmontessoriBy Rachel Merle-Smith

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Reflecting on 2021 & Mental Health 13:03

4y ago13:03

13:03

Rachel sits down this week to talk about her own personal experience with mental health in the Montessori classroom. She also reflects on 2021, goes through all the amazing episodes and guests, and shares insight about her own teaching journey. Thank you all for listening this year and always! Happy New Year! Send us an email at: allthingsmontessor…

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The Power of Language with Diane Nickerson 46:45

4y ago46:45

46:45

This week, Rachel sits down with Diane Nickerson, Director of Castle Island Bilingual Montessori School. They talk through how a bilingual program works in the Montessori space, the meaning behind words, and shared experiences with language. Check out Castle Island Bilingual Montessori! https://www.castleislandmontessori.org/ Become a Patron of All…

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Simone Davies | The Montessori Notebook 37:35

4y ago37:35

37:35

This week, Rachel sits down with Simone Davies from The Montessori Notebook, a podcast and online resource for Montessori parents. We talk through parenting, how to handle tantrums, and the beauty of the Montessori toddler age. Check out The Montessori Notebook! https://www.themontessorinotebook.com/ Become a Patron of All Things Montessori! https:…

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Social Justice with Shelby Kretz 26:12

4y ago26:12

26:12

This week, Rachel sits down with Shelby Kretz, founder of Little Justice Leaders, a company that helps teachers and parents talk about all issues revolving social justice. Check out Little Justice Leaders! https://littlejusticeleaders.com/ Join us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/allthingsmontessori?fan_landing=tr…

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Celebrating 2 Years of All Things Montessori 11:38

4y ago11:38

11:38

In this episode, Rachel reflects the past two years of All Things Montessori and talks through the reason it was created. Thank you to everyone who has been on this journey with All Things Montessori!By Rachel Merle-Smith

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Learning Beautiful with Kim Smith 27:29

4y ago27:29

27:29

This week, Rachel sits down with Kim Smith, founder of Learning Beautiful, a company that creates Montessori inspired materials rooted in computer science and technology. Check out Learning Beautiful! https://www.learningbeautiful.com/ Join us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/allthingsmontessori?fan_landing=tr Check out Sapling Supply! Get 10% o…

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A Conversation with Infant and Toddler Expert Tracy Grewe 41:58

4+ y ago41:58

41:58

This week, Rachel sits down with Montessori infant and toddler development expert, Tracy Grewe. Tracy Grewe is an Infant and Toddler Development Consultant with 20+ years of experience as a Certified AMI Instructor running a Montessori school. Chairman of the Board of a non-profit organization for over 20 years raising funds to support Montessori e…

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Getting Ready for the School Year with Jamie Rue 26:23

4+ y ago26:23

26:23

Jamie is back for this fun episode all about getting ready for the school year. We chat about Sea Lavender, getting the classroom ready, and the joys of the first few weeks of school. Check out Rising Tide | https://www.risingtidemontessori.org/ Check out Sea Lavender Montessori https://www.sealavendermontessori.org/ Join us on Patreon https://www.…

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Montessori Dance with Kei Ikeda 35:39

4+ y ago35:39

35:39

This week, Rachel sits down with Kei Ikeda to talk all about dance and movement in the Montessori classroom. Check out Montessori Dance! https://www.montessoridance.com.au/ Join us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/allthingsmontessori?fan_landing=tru Check out Sapling Supply! Get 10% off site-wide https://www.sapling-supply.net/ PROMO CODE: ATM10…

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The Teacher Series | Becky Myers-Pollock, Primary 36:59

4+ y ago36:59

36:59

In this fifth episode of The Teacher Series, Rachel talks with Becky about running an all-day, all-year primary program, the importance of practical life, and the importance of taking time away from the classroom to reset. Join us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/allthingsmontessori?fan_landing=true Check out Sapling Supply! Get 10% off site-wid…

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The Teacher Series | Kathryn Castillo, Elementary 30:08

4+ y ago30:08

30:08

In this fourth episode of the Teacher Series, Rachel sits down with elementary teacher Kathryn Castillo. They talk through supporting an all year elementary program, lesson planning and the spiritual preparedness of the adult. Join us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/allthingsmontessori?fan_landing=true Check out Sapling Supply! Get 10% off site…

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Summer Reset with Jamie Rue 31:59

4+ y ago31:59

31:59

Jamie is back for this fun episode all about summer and how to reset and refresh for the school year. Check out Rising Tide! https://www.risingtidemontessori.org/ Check out Sea Lavender Montessori! https://www.sealavendermontessori.org/ Join us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/allthingsmontessori?fan_landing=true Check out Sapling Supply! Get 10…

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The Teacher Series | Sarah Loden, Primary 31:45

4+ y ago31:45

31:45

In this third episode of The Teacher Series, Rachel sits down with primary teacher Sarah Loden. Sarah has been working with children for many years and they talk through her journey to the primary classroom, grace and courtesy, and the importance of patience in the classroom. For a limited time, get 20% off site-wide at Sapling Supply! PROMO CODE: …

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Two Montessori Dads | An Interview with Sapling Supply 34:03

4+ y ago34:03

34:03

This week, Rachel sits down with Joe Isenberg and Paul Riley, the two men behind Sapling Supply. We talk about the mission of Sapling Supply, being a Montessori Dad, and how important furniture is to the Montessori classroom. For a limited time, get 20% off site-wide at Sapling Supply! PROMO CODE: MD20 https://www.sapling-supply.net/ Join us on Pat…

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The Teacher Series | Carly Jongema, Lower Elementary 30:56

4+ y ago30:56

30:56

In this second episode of The Teacher Series, Rachel sits down with lower elementary teacher Carly Jongema. Carly has been in the classroom for five years and began her teaching experience in a 6-12 environment. They talk through the fun of working with six year olds, the importance of the arts, and the true meaning of our Montessori work. Join us …

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Mentorship 35:21

4+ y ago35:21

35:21

Jamie and Rachel talk through a few updates for All Things Montessori and then dive into the importance of mentorship for teachers, parents, and administration. Join us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/allthingsmontessori?fan_landing=true Check out Sapling Supply! Get 10% off sitewide! https://www.sapling-supply.net/ PROMO CODE: ATM10…

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The Teacher Series | Sarah McCabe, Upper Elementary 39:39

4+ y ago39:39

39:39

In this first episode of The Teacher Series, Rachel sits down with upper elementary teacher, Sarah McCabe. Sarah has been in the classroom for five years, and worked as an assistant for three years prior to training at WMI. They talk through transitioning from training to classroom, the hardships of the pandemic, and the joy of working with childre…

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Singing with Children 19:22

4+ y ago19:22

19:22

This week, Rachel talks through singing with children and the beautiful connections that can be made through music. Join us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/allthingsmontessori?fan_landing=true Check out Sapling Supply! Get 10% off sitewide! https://www.sapling-supply.net/ PROMO CODE: ATM10By Rachel Merle-Smith and Jamie Rue

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The Importance of Reading Aloud to Children 8:23

4+ y ago8:23

8:23

This week is all about the importance of reading aloud to children and the importance of including this in your elementary classroom or the home. Join us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/allthingsmontessori?fan_landing=true Check out Sapling Supply! Get 10% off sitewide! https://www.sapling-supply.net/ PROMO CODE: ATM10…

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Cooking with Children 31:34

5y ago31:34

31:34

This week, Jamie and Rachel talk all about cooking with children in the classroom and in the home. Join us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/allthingsmontessori?fan_landing=true Check out Sapling Supply! Get 10% off sitewide! https://www.sapling-supply.net/ PROMO CODE: ATM10By Rachel Merle-Smith and Jamie Rue

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A Montessori Approach to History 35:29

5y ago35:29

35:29

This week, Jamie talks through her Refresher Course session titled, Adapting a Montessori Approach to History for the Post-2020 World. Join us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/allthingsmontessori?fan_landing=true Check out Sapling Supply! Get 10% off sitewide! https://www.sapling-supply.net/ PROMO CODE: ATM10…

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Yoga with Children 22:15

5y ago22:15

22:15

This week's episode is all about yoga! Rachel talks through her own experience with introducing yoga to children in the classroom and how impactful it can be. Signed up for the Refresher Course yet? Jamie Rue is presenting on Sunday and will be on a panel on Friday! Click the link below to register. Register for The Virtual Montessori Experience 20…

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Talking with Elementary Chidlren 19:34

5y ago19:34

19:34

This is a Patreon bonus episode that we decided was too good not to share! This episode discusses the art of talking with elementary children. It's such a fun episode, and if you become a patron of All Things Montessori, you can expect more bonus content, just like this! Join us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/allthingsmontessori?fan_landing=tr…

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Supporting Your Parent Community 35:13

5y ago35:13

35:13

This week, Jamie and Rachel sit down and talk through the importance of supporting your parent community. Join us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/allthingsmontessori?fan_landing=true Check out Sapling Supply! Get 10% off sitewide! https://www.sapling-supply.net/ PROMO CODE: ATM10By Rachel Merle-Smith and Jamie Rue