Episodes

This episode is the audio from a recent Facebook Live event that I co-hosted with Debbie Schwartz of Road2College. Debbie and I spoke with Jane and Jason Sarouhan of J2Guides. You might remember them from episode 16 on my podcast. During our conversation, we talk about the reasons why it might make sense to consider a gap year for the fall of 2020. With all of the uncertainty on college campuses right now and the possibility that students may be starting the fall semester online, a gap year, or ...

In this week's episode, I am sharing the audio recording from a recent Facebook Live event that I co-hosted with Debbie Schwartz of Road2College.com. During this live event, we interviewed Michael Horn and Jeff Selingo and heard their take on what's next in the world of higher education. Some of the topics we discussed include how college admissions will change in the coming months, the continuously updating status of test-optional colleges, the rescheduling of the SAT, ACT and AP exams and what...

Kellyann Rohr is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and School Counselor working for Florida Virtual School. As we all navigate our "new normal" including moving our kids to distance learning, Kellyann offers helpful advice to parents of kids of all ages. During our conversation, you will hear about why it's important for you, as a parent, to get your panic in check and to learn to trust the process. She also provides helpful tips for helping motivate students who don't enjoy or thrive in an onl...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Karla Quintanilla. To say that Karla is something special would be the understatement of the year. Karla is one of the wisest, most mature 20-somethings I've met in a long time. Just wait until you hear her story about the big aha moment she had in high school that led her to take a gap year. I'm sure you will be inspired by Karla when you hear all about her journey halfway around the world and back again, and how she eventually ended up at the...

Dr. Marcia Morris is a psychiatrist who has worked with college students for over 20 years at the University of Florida providing psychiatric care. She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and she is also a Program Director for Student Health Care Center Psychiatry. In this episode, we talk about the ways we can help our kids with mental health challenges including depression, suicide, and substance abuse. Dr. Morris shares her "four Ts" of mental health and wellness, what p...

After 20 episodes of the High School Hamster Wheel podcast, I am making a slight pivot. In the coming weeks, I will start bringing on parents and teens and young adults so we can have honest and vulnerable conversations about the trials, tribulations, joys, and celebrations of the teenage years. My hope is that if we start those honest conversations here, it will help spark the important and necessary conversations “in real life”, too. During these conversations, we will talk about “all the thin...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Diane Tavenner. Diane is the co-founder and CEO of Summit Public Schools, a nationally recognized non-profit that operates fifteen middle and high schools located in California and Washington State. Diane is also the author of Prepared: What Kids Need for a Fulfilled Life. As a parent of teens, I had a lot of questions for Diane and let me tell you, she had a lot of really great answers. During our conversation, we talked about the importance...

In this week's episode, I had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Gina Riley, an educational psychologist and Clinical Professor of Adolescent Special Education at Hunter College. While talking with Gina, I learned a lot about positive psychology, self-determination theory, and cognitive evaluation theory. I know what you’re thinking. Those are some fancy words. Believe me, I didn’t know what any of that meant. But have no fear! Gina did an amazing job of breaking it all down into straightforward,...

Have you ever interviewed for a job and wondered why you weren’t hired? Are you curious about what employers really look for in a job candidate? My guest today is Jackie Ducci, of Ducci & Associates, and she will answer those questions and more. Jackie is a hiring expert with over 15 years of experience in talent acquisition. During this episode, she shares the “inside scoop” about how hiring decisions are really made. Did you know that captaining a sports team is of interest to potential empl...

In this episode, I reconnected with my dear friend, Cynthia Hsiung. Cynthia and I met a LONG time ago when we were both working for Warner Bros. Online in California. Since that time, Cynthia has gone on to enjoy a long and successful career in the entertainment industry and during our conversation she offers advice, insights and her "secret sauce" for making it in Hollywood. She also shares some fun stories about the "real" people in show business, including Bono of U2 and the incredibly talent...

Planning a gap year experience

In this episode, I interview Michael Horn. Michael is the author of multiple books including Choosing College: How to Make Better Learning Decisions Throughout Your Life. The book is filled with helpful information and excellent advice for parents, teens or anyone considering college. During our conversation, we talk about the "Jobs To Be Done" methodology that Michael and his team applied when interviewing students, and Michael shares some of the big learnings they uncovered during the research...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Anna Stumpf. Anna directs the online Master's in Information and Computer Sciences program at Ball State University. Throughout her long career in teaching, Anna has noticed that people are not fully leveraging their own value, and she believes that developing a personal brand is key to finding success in the world. Anna refers to herself as the "Golden Ticket Prof". Tune in to hear Anna's unique theory on why each student has a golden tic...

In this episode, I interview Jessica Roddenberry. Jessica is an architect by trade and is the Director of Design at BRPH. Her diverse project experience includes education, aviation, aerospace, and entertainment. Jessica believes that her job is to bring people together, listen to their stories and then design spaces that narrate those stories. During our conversation, we talk about the importance of learning in 3D and providing immersive learning experiences for kids. Jessica also shares her ...

Don Wettrick is the founder of the STARTedUP Foundation, author of “Pure Genius: Building a Culture of Innovation and Taking 20% Time to the Next Level” and was the Innovation Specialist at Noblesville High School in central Indiana. Don is known for his award-winning work as a middle school and high school teacher; educational and innovation consultant; and educational speaker. During our conversation, you'll hear about Don's experience inspiring teens both in and out of the classroom and about...

In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Cindy LaJoy. Cindy is a homeschooling mom of five wonderful children who are now thriving teens and young adults. During our conversation, Cindy shares stories about her family and the challenges they have faced (and overcome!) both in learning and in life. The LaJoy family is extraordinary. Be sure to tune in to hear about their new family business which was planned and built, and is now managed by their children. The LaJoys are a tru...

#010 - In this episode, I'm joined by Captain Jim Murphy, an American Airlines pilot. Jim has spent decades flying planes, both in the military and commercially. Jim offers lots of great advice for those looking to pursue a career in aviation. He also shares "a day in the life of a pilot". I learned a lot during our conversation and in fact, was left speechless more than once! Whether you are interested in a career in aviation or not, there's something for everyone in this episode! Be sure to v...

#009 - In this episode, I'm joined by Calvalyn Day of the Well Counseling Group. Calvalyn is a mother of four daughters, Mimi to four grandsons, and a school counselor by trade. During this interview, we talk about so many important and relevant topics for teens including intellectual and social development, improving communication, decision making, focusing on values while building self-esteem, exploring options through real-life exposure, developing self-confidence and so much more! Be sure t...

#008 - Are the teens in your life anxious about their future? Are they feeling stressed about how their grades and achievements will affect their life after high school? In this episode, I'm joined by Chelsea Torres, founder of Big Bad Brainery. During her 17 years of tutoring, Chelsea started noticing patterns in the way academic stress was affecting teens. So, she transitioned her business to offer ongoing support in the form of mentoring. This conversation is filled with useful tips and strat...

#007 - There's a well-kept secret tucked away in Central Florida. It's the nationally recognized Automotive Engineering Technology program at Seminole State College. With its master-level instructors and state of the art facility, this 2-year program offers students the opportunity to learn a highly-skilled trade that's in high demand. Join me as I speak with Mark Davis, Professor and Program Manager at SSC, where he talks about the classes, certifications, and cooperative internships offered th...

#006 - Skilled workers in the trades are in high demand! And home builders are among those struggling to find qualified people to complete the work needed. In this episode, I speak with Cuyler Davis, owner of Core Dimensions. Cuyler is a general contractor, custom home builder, and home inspector. He talks about the growing demand for skilled tradespeople and offers some great suggestions about getting young people excited about pursuing a career in the trades. Don't miss a single episode...sub...

#005 - Imagine a college where students can discover their interests and explore their passions through a custom curriculum designed especially for them. Thanks to my guest, Michelle Jones, this revolutionary educational experience is a reality. In this episode, we'll learn about Wayfinding Academy, the college that Michelle started from scratch and the incredible learning opportunities available to students. Michelle will also share her "5 Whys" strategy that she uses to help young people think...

#004 - In this episode, I'm joined by Elisabeth Arragon, Executive Director of Chalkboard Financial. Her nonprofit organization is committed to teaching teens financial skills to ensure financial success later in life. Listen in as we talk about budgeting for real-world scenarios, the dangers of debt and more. Also in this episode, useful tips for parents as they help their teens plan for their financial future, no matter what path they take. Don't miss a single episode...subscribe today! Show...

#003 - In this episode, I'm joined by Kristin Allaben, business owner, COO and coach with The Forte Factor. In her business, Kristin has developed effective strategies and tools to help clients identify their talents, strengths, and passions. This episode is filled with lots of great tips for parents to guide their teens as they discover their path to a happy and fulfilled life. Don't miss a single episode...subscribe today! Show notes are available at: https://betsyjewell.com/hshw003 Learn m...