PODCAST · education
Grounded and Soaring
by Grounded and Soaring
The stakes for a child’s education are always high, but something is different now. We all feel it. The world our children will inherit is filled with promise and peril. They will have unparalleled opportunities to create, to build, to fulfill their potential, and they will have to navigate just as many distractions and shifting tides. We launched Grounded and Soaring because parents need help, and we at Marin Montessori School have years of experience that we want to share. Grounded and Soaring explores what it means to parent and educate in today’s world.
Episodes
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Navigating the Autumn Shift
Late summer transitions can feel less like a fresh start and more like an immediate stress test. In this Season 5 premiere of Grounded and Soaring, host Terry Dubow welcomes Rochelle Domingo, Director of Education for Toddler and Primary at Marin Montessori School, to unpack why back-to-school...
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The Magic of the Everyday: Simple Rhythms for a Joyful Summer
For parents, summer can feel like the longest season for a reason. When the predictable rhythms of the school year disappear, children can feel restless, leading to the "June spikes" in meltdowns we all know too well. In this Season 4 finale, Terry Dubow sits down with Siri Panday to discuss how…
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Algorithm vs. Imagination: Why Stories Are the Ultimate Learning Hack
“We live by the stories in our heads,” but how often do we stop to consider which stories are actually fueling our children’s sense of what’s possible? In a culture that often worships efficiency over wonder, it’s easy to treat storytelling as a mere "break" from hard work—something to occupy…
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More Than a Farm: Cultivating Capable Teens
In an era of immediate gratification and digital noise, how do we help teenagers find their footing? Terry Dubow walks down Marin Montessori’s Creekside Farm with Farm Manager Jeff Gossett to talk about why "real work" is the ultimate antidote to a screen-centered culture. From the precision of...
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The Gift of Time: Rethinking High School Readiness
We’ve inherited an industrial model of schooling that treats children like products on an assembly line, spitting them out into massive high schools the moment they hit age 14. But does the calendar actually reflect a child’s readiness for adult-sized pressures? In this episode, Terry Dubow sits...
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Raising Humans in a Digital Roar
If AI can do the homework, what happens to the student? In this episode, Sam Shapiro sits down with Eric Hudson, a strategic advisor who has helped hundreds of schools navigate the intersection of technology and humanity. Together, they explore how to raise kids who are "AI-literate" but—more...
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Raising Makers in the Age of AI
In a world where AI can answer every question, how do we teach our children to keep asking them? Tech veteran and artist, Jonathan Arena, joins Sam Shapiro to discuss the "Thinking Hand"—the vital connection between physical making and cognitive growth. Inside the Episode: The Garden Experiment:...
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Unscripted & Unfiltered: Veteran Parents Answer Your Questions
“How do I know they’re actually learning? And what happens when they hit the 'real world'?” Most of us grew up in traditional systems, navigating our days through the lens of grades and standardized tests. When parents choose a Montessori path, they often hold questions to themselves about the...
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Preventing Early Substance Use and Abuse in Kids and Teens
As families head into a busy season of gatherings, late nights, and less structure, many parents quietly wonder how to protect their kids from early substance use. In this episode, Sam Shapiro talks with Jessica Lahey, educator and author, most recently of The Addiction Inoculation, about what...
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The Human in the Loop: AI, Learning, and Well-being
AI changes everything. Stanford's Dr. Denise Pope, Co-Founder of Challenge Success, returns to discuss the "volcanic level of change" in education. In this episode, Dr. Pope reveals: The WEB Foundation: Why Well-being, Engagement, and Belonging are critical defenses against cognitive offloading....
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The Motivation Myth: Helping Kids Build Drive That Lasts
Many parents worry: Is my child motivated enough? In this episode, Terry Dubow and Minnie Wales, Director of Education for Elementary, talk about how motivation really develops—and why the ability to choose challenging work matters more than constant pushing. Key Takeaways: Why real motivation...
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Raising Mindful Kids in a Distracted World
Our children are growing up in a world of nonstop screens, noise, and pressure. How can we help them find calm inside the chaos? In this episode, meditation teacher and nonprofit founder Jessica Morey joins host Sam Shapiro, Head of Marin Montessori School, to talk about how mindfulness can...
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Finding Calm After Back-to-School
Why do so many families find this stretch of the school year so hard? The adrenaline of the new year has faded, but the pace hasn’t slowed down. In this episode, Terry Dubow talks with Siri Panday, Marin Montessori’s Director of Education for Toddler and Primary, about how families can navigate...
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Why Wonder Matters
Wonder is not a luxury; it is essential for raising curious, resilient, and joyful children. In this episode, Terry Dubow, Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives at Marin Montessori School, talks with Tree Sturman, Director of the Junior High, about how modern childhood can crowd…
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AI in Schools: Lessons on Keeping Education Human
While artificial Intelligence is changing schools, the most important work remains human. In this episode, Marin Montessori Head of School, Sam Shapiro, talks with Jenny Elliott, Head of Student and Academic Life at Choate Rosemary Hall, about what one of the nation’s most respected boarding...
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The Poetry & Power of Self-Compassion as We Parent
In a time when parents face rising pressure to get everything right, this episode offers something rare and essential: a deeply honest, poetic, and practical conversation about the transformative power of self-compassion. Join Marin Montessori School’s Head of School, Sam Shapiro, and guest...
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Beyond the Backpack: Montessori Ideas for Summer
What if summer wasn’t just time off—but time well used? In this episode of Grounded and Soaring, Marin Montessori Head of School Sam Shapiro talks with Dr. Christina Carroll, an Elementary Guide and educational researcher, about how families can rethink the summer months as a powerful opportunity...
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Adolescence, Decoded: What Netflix Gets Right About Teen Life
Netflix’s Adolescence is more than just another teen drama—it’s a window into the risks, contradictions, and hidden struggles of today’s young people. In this special pop culture episode, Terry Dubow and Bill Sneed, Director of the Junior High at Marin Montessori School, explore the show’s...
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The Adolescent Brain: Risks, Rewards, and Resilience
Adolescence is longer—and more complex—than ever before. In this episode of Grounded and Soaring, Marin Montessori Head of School Sam Shapiro sits down with Dr. Laurence Steinberg, one of the world’s foremost experts on adolescent development. Together, they unpack the neuroscience of…
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Revolutionizing Education: Mastery, Montessori & What Works
What if our education system prioritized deep learning over competition? In this episode of Grounded and Soaring, host Terry Dubow speaks with Scott Looney, Head of Hawken School and founder of the Mastery Transcript Consortium, and Bill Sneed, Director of Marin Montessori’s Junior High, to…
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Digital Natives: Parenting in a Connected World
In this episode, Sam Shapiro welcomes Dr. Devorah Heitner, author of Growing Up in Public and Screenwise, to explore parenting strategies for today’s digital natives. Together, they discuss: 📱 Teaching kids digital etiquette and fostering empathy online. ⏳ Managing screen time while encouraging...
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Taming Holiday Frenzy: Parenting Tips That Work
Winter break can be magical—but also overwhelming for young kids and parents alike. In this episode, host Terry Dubow talks with Siri Panday, Marin Montessori’s Director of Education for Toddler and Primary, about creating a joyful, enriching holiday experience. Discover expert-backed tips on:...
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Beyond Us vs. Them: Teaching Kids to Build Bridges, Not Walls
In today’s divided world, how can parents raise kids who listen with empathy, think critically, and engage in meaningful dialogue—even when faced with opposing views? In this episode of Grounded and Soaring, host Terry Dubow sits down with educators Minnie Wales and Bill Sneed to explore: 🎙️...
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Grateful Families: Lessons from Japanese Psychology for Everyday Life
In this special Thanksgiving episode of Grounded and Soaring, Sam Shapiro speaks with Gregg Krech, author and expert on Japanese psychology, about creating a family culture of gratitude. Explore how Naikan reflection—a method of structured self-reflection—can help families counteract negativity...
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Early Support, Big Impact: Speech and Occupational Therapy for Kids
In this episode of Grounded and Soaring, Marin Montessori’s Siri Panday speaks with Gabrielle Perelmuter, occupational therapist and founder of Little Hands, and Cierra Crowe, speech and language pathologist, about the transformative power of early intervention. Discover how occupational and…
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Election Anxiety? How to Talk to Your Kids about Civic Engagement
In this episode of Grounded and Soaring, Head of School Sam Shapiro speaks with neuropsychologist Dr. Ghazaleh Rafati on how parents can introduce the concepts of voting, civic responsibility, and democracy to children of various ages. In an increasingly polarized world, understanding how to…
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Confident Goodbyes: Navigating Separation Anxiety
In this episode of Grounded and Soaring, Terry Dubow and Siri Panday, Director of Education for Toddler and Primary at Marin Montessori, dive into the complexities of separation anxiety in young children. From school drop-offs to moments of everyday goodbyes, learn how to create routines that...
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Thinking Differently: Redefining Education for an Uncertain Future
Welcome back to Grounded and Soaring. In this first episode of Season 3, Terry Dubow and Sam Shapiro dive into the importance of "thinking differently" about education. Based on Sam's recent blog post, this episode explores how to break free from outdated assumptions about learning, encourage...
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Preventing Summer Slide: Expert Tips from Marin Montessori School
In this final episode of our second season, we focus on how to prevent the summer slide. With insights from our level directors at Marin Montessori School, we offer actionable steps to keep your child engaged and learning over the summer. Episode Highlights: Eye-opening statistics on summer...
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Game-Changer: Early Behavioral Support for Young Kids
In this enlightening episode of Grounded and Soaring, Siri Panday, Director of Education for Toddler and Primary at Marin Montessori School, hosts a brief conversation with Rachel Manfredi, a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst and Behavioral Health Director from Child Development Center of Marin...
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Navigating the AI Frontier: A Dialogue on Education
Explore the evolving landscape of education in the age of artificial intelligence with Sam Shapiro, Head of School at Marin Montessori, and Dr. Alex Curtis, Head of the New England Boarding School Choate Rosemary Hall. This episode dives into the implications, challenges, and opportunities that…
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Into the Wild: Unleashing Curiosity with Adventure
Into the Wild: Unleashing Curiosity with Adventure explores the transformative power of experiential learning beyond the classroom. Join Terry Dubow and Bill Sneed from Marin Montessori School as they recount a recent snow science trip to the Sierras, delving into the profound impact of…
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From Diet to Dreams: Building Healthier Habits for Kids
"From Diet to Dreams: Building Healthier Habits for Kids" is a must-listen episode of Grounded and Soaring, the podcast that dives deep into nurturing healthier, happier kids in today's complex world. Join Sam Shapiro, head of school at Marin Montessori, and special guest Anahad O'Connor, a...
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Beyond the Code: AI's Impact on Education
In this thought-provoking episode of Grounded and Soaring, Sam Shapiro, head of Marin Montessori School, speaks with Noah Orgish, educational technologist at Marin Academy, in a deep dive into the role of AI and technology in modern education. They explore the impacts, challenges, and potentials…
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Affluence and Anxiety: Raising Grounded Kids in a High-Pressure World
In this eye-opening episode of Grounded and Soaring, Sam Shapiro, Head of Marin Montessori School, speaks with Dr. Madeline Levine, a psychologist renowned for her insights into the paradoxes of parenting in prosperity. They delve into the unexpected emotional challenges faced by children in...
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Purposeful Play: Fostering Athletic Joy
In this episode of Grounded and Soaring, join Sam Shapiro and his guests – all parents at Marin Montessori and professionals in sports and education – as they delve into cultivating a love for physical activity and sportsmanship in children. Explore how Montessori principles can foster…
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Growing Slowly: The Value of Extending Childhood
In the latest episode of 'Grounded and Soaring,' host Terry Dubow invites Marin Montessori School's Eluna Antle and Carla Rummo to explore the acceleration of adolescence that we see everywhere in our culture. Eluna, an Upper Elementary teacher, and Carla, a parent of young adolescents, describe...
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Holiday Harmony: Expert Insights for Travel & Staycations
Navigate school breaks with ease and creativity in our latest Grounded and Soaring episode. Whether embarking on a family trip or enjoying a staycation, Siri Panday, Marin Montessori School's Director of Education for Toddler and Primary, offers valuable tips for a rewarding time with your young...
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Facing the Climate Crisis: A Family's Emotional Guide
Join Sam Shapiro, head of Marin Montessori School, in a vital discussion with psychoanalyst Sally Weintrobe about how parents and children can face the climate crisis with honesty, humanity, and, ultimately, hope. This episode delves into managing climate emotions amid the escalating climate...
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The Silo Breakers: A Fresh Take on Junior High Math
In this episode of "Grounded and Soaring," join Terry Dubow and Marin Montessori educators, Liesbeth Koning and Seth Kroschel, as they tackle the evolution of math education for young minds. Discover how the Junior High's new math program steps away from traditional methods to foster a learning...
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Limits are Love: Why Boundaries Help Kids Thrive
The Grounded and Soaring podcast is back for season two -- and just in time for parents prepping for the new school year. In this episode, authors and experts Sheri Glucoft Wong and Olaf Jorgenson join Sam Shapiro, Head of Marin Montessori School, to share parenting tips based on their book…
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Raising Emotionally Intelligent Kids: Insights from an SEL Expert
In this episode of Grounded and Soaring, host Sam Shapiro, head of Marin Montessori School, delves into the transformative world of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) with expert guest Meena Srinivasan. Together, they unravel the significance of SEL in nurturing emotional intelligence and providing...
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Raising Respectful Teens in a Rude World
In an age where adult rudeness seems to be on the rise, how do we ensure our teens don't follow the same path? Join Terry Dubow and Bill Sneed from Marin Montessori School as they delve into the challenges of raising adolescents amidst a backdrop of adult incivility. Drawing insights from a...
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Navigating Dopamine Nation: Parenting in the Age of Immediate Gratification
In this episode of Grounded and Soaring, we dive deep into the challenges of parenting in an age of instant gratification and digital distractions. Join Sam Shapiro, Head of School at Marin Montessori School, in a thought-provoking conversation with renowned expert Dr. Anna Lembke, a professor of...
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Off To a Good Start: Montessori-Inspired Back to School Mornings
Are your mornings a hectic rush? Discover the Montessori approach to mastering back-to-school mornings in this episode of Grounded and Soaring. Join Terry Dubow, Director of Communications and Story at Marin Montessori School, and Siri Panday, Director of Education for Toddler and Primary, as…
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Parenting for Well-Being: Navigating Uncertainty with Dr. Denise Pope
Feeling the weight of an uncertain world? It's common for parents to grapple with anxiety about the future, and this can unintentionally affect their children. Join us as we delve into this topic with Dr. Denise Pope, the visionary behind Stanford University's groundbreaking research-based...
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How to Raise Thrivers: Author Interview
As parents, we know our kids will face challenges and disappointments, but we don't always know how to prepare them to bounce back. In this episode, Michelle Borba, author of Thrivers, joins Sam Shapiro, Head of Marin Montessori School, to discuss a handful of practical tools parents can use to...
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Real Fear. Real Hope: A Conversation about Social Media
We all know it: something is not working for the youth in our society right now. Data, scholarship, and lived experience all tell us that social media and unimpeded technology have disrupted childhood profoundly and, often, destructively. In this episode, Sam Shapiro, head of Marin Montessori...
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Tips for Healthy and Fun Family Food: Interview with Nimisha Gandhi
What could be more essential -- and challenging -- than feeding your child food they love and that they need? It can be a struggle, but there's hope! In this episode, Sam Shapiro, Head of Marin Montessori School, speaks with Nimisha Gandhi, who runs Moon Cycle Nutrition, about her approach to...
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Want a Healthy College Kid? Start Now.
In this episode, Sam Shapiro, Marin Montessori's Head of School, speaks to Varun Soni, Dean of Religious Life at the University of Southern California, about the mental health crisis on college campuses and what we might do about it. Throughout their deeply felt conversation, they try to work...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The stakes for a child’s education are always high, but something is different now. We all feel it. The world our children will inherit is filled with promise and peril. They will have unparalleled opportunities to create, to build, to fulfill their potential, and they will have to navigate just as many distractions and shifting tides. We launched Grounded and Soaring because parents need help, and we at Marin Montessori School have years of experience that we want to share. Grounded and Soaring explores what it means to parent and educate in today’s world.
HOSTED BY
Grounded and Soaring
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Grounded and Soaring have?
Grounded and Soaring currently has 58 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Grounded and Soaring about?
The stakes for a child’s education are always high, but something is different now. We all feel it. The world our children will inherit is filled with promise and peril. They will have unparalleled opportunities to create, to build, to fulfill their potential, and they will have to navigate just as...
How often does Grounded and Soaring release new episodes?
Grounded and Soaring has 58 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Grounded and Soaring?
You can listen to Grounded and Soaring on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Grounded and Soaring?
Grounded and Soaring is created and hosted by Grounded and Soaring.
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