EPISODE · Dec 12, 2025 · 25 MIN
She Learned to Rewire Her Brain in Middle School—Homeschool to Violinist and Marathon Runner
from MindBodySpace · host Dr. Juna Bobby
What if the habits your child builds in middle school could shape their entire future?In this episode of the MindBodySpace Podcast, Dr. Juna reconnects with Noelle Naito—now a Juilliard-trained violinist and marathon runner—who began her brain training journey as a homeschooled middle schooler. With just a few simple tools like daily logging, mindfulness, movement, and mental training techniques like cognitive reappraisal, Noelle learned how to manage stress, build focus, and become the boss of her own brain.Together, they reflect on how small changes led to major transformation, from running one block at a time to crossing a marathon finish line—and how any young person can learn these same tools to set them up for lifelong resilience!Whether you're a parent, educator, or high-achiever yourself, this conversation will leave you inspired, grounded, and ready to build the kind of brain that thrives—on stage and in life.Brain Boss is the MindBodySpace program designed especially for tweens to build these exact skills—using neuroscience, visualization, and habit-building to create real, lasting confidence.👩🏫 Want your child to learn these tools? Check out our Brain Boss program → https://www.mindbodyspace.com/brainboss💡 What You’ll Learn:The tiny habits that started Noelle’s transformationHow she used visualization before auditions and racesWhy exercise is the ultimate brain training toolThe power of tracking emotions, energy, and focus00:00 - Introduction & Noelle's Experience with Physical Activity00:39 - Welcome to the MINDBODY Space Podcast01:53 - Noelle's Achievements and Background02:11 - Conversation Begins: Dr. Juna & Noelle Reunite03:19 - Noelle's Violin and Musical Journey04:44 - The Importance of Habits in Middle School07:36 - Noelle's Early Exercise and Running Story09:51 - The Impact of Running and Exercise11:08 - Meditation and Mental Health13:07 - Visualization and Performance Preparation14:44 - Building Healthy Habits for Life16:11 - The Let Them Theory & Perspective Shifts18:08 - Daily Routines: Meditation, Exercise, and Gratitude20:01 - Wrapping Up: Noelle's Growth and Final Thoughts25:06 - Outro & Where to Find NoelleHow to teach your middle schooler mental strength, one week at a time🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes on parenting, neuroscience, and resilience. 📩 Join the Brain Boss list: https://www.mindbodyspace.com/newsletter 📦 Shop Brain Bun & Brain-Based Tools: https://www.mindbodyspace.com/shop🔖 Tags:#BrainBoss #MindBodySpace #Juilliard #ResilientKids #MiddleSchoolMindset #Neuroplasticity #PeakPerformance #HabitTracking #CognitiveReappraisal #ParentingWithScience
What this episode covers
What if the habits your child builds in middle school could shape their entire future?In this episode of the MindBodySpace Podcast, Dr. Juna reconnects with Noelle Naito—now a Juilliard-trained violinist and marathon runner—who began her brain training journey as a homeschooled middle schooler. With just a few simple tools like daily logging, mindfulness, movement, and mental training techniques like cognitive reappraisal, Noelle learned how to manage stress, build focus, and become the boss of her own brain.Together, they reflect on how small changes led to major transformation, from running one block at a time to crossing a marathon finish line—and how any young person can learn these same tools to set them up for lifelong resilience!Whether you're a parent, educator, or high-achiever yourself, this conversation will leave you inspired, grounded, and ready to build the kind of brain that thrives—on stage and in life.Brain Boss is the MindBodySpace program designed especially for tweens to build these exact skills—using neuroscience, visualization, and habit-building to create real, lasting confidence.👩🏫 Want your child to learn these tools? Check out our Brain Boss program → https://www.mindbodyspace.com/brainboss💡 What You’ll Learn:The tiny habits that started Noelle’s transformationHow she used visualization before auditions and racesWhy exercise is the ultimate brain training toolThe power of tracking emotions, energy, and focus00:00 - Introduction & Noelle's Experience with Physical Activity00:39 - Welcome to the MINDBODY Space Podcast01:53 - Noelle's Achievements and Background02:11 - Conversation Begins: Dr. Juna & Noelle Reunite03:19 - Noelle's Violin and Musical Journey04:44 - The Importance of Habits in Middle School07:36 - Noelle's Early Exercise and Running Story09:51 - The Impact of Running and Exercise11:08 - Meditation and Mental Health13:07 - Visualization and Performance Preparation14:44 - Building Healthy Habits for Life16:11 - The Let Them Theory & Perspective Shifts18:08 - Daily Routines: Meditation, Exercise, and Gratitude20:01 - Wrapping Up: Noelle's Growth and Final Thoughts25:06 - Outro & Where to Find NoelleHow to teach your middle schooler mental strength, one week at a time🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes on parenting, neuroscience, and resilience. 📩 Join the Brain Boss list: https://www.mindbodyspace.com/newsletter 📦 Shop Brain Bun & Brain-Based Tools: https://www.mindbodyspace.com/shop🔖 Tags:#BrainBoss #MindBodySpace #Juilliard #ResilientKids #MiddleSchoolMindset #Neuroplasticity #PeakPerformance #HabitTracking #CognitiveReappraisal #ParentingWithScience
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She Learned to Rewire Her Brain in Middle School—Homeschool to Violinist and Marathon Runner
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