Episodios

  • The Poetry & Power of Self-Compassion as We Parent
    Jun 16 2025

    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 Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer, celebrated poet and parent educator, as they explore what it means to parent with grace instead of perfection.

    Drawing on both research and lived experience, Rosemerry offers a path toward parenting that’s emotionally sustainable—and deeply human.

    Together, they discuss:

    • What self-compassion really is (and why it’s not indulgent)
    • How it benefits our health, motivation, and relationships
    • The link between grace for ourselves and connection with our children
    • The latest science from Dr. Kristin Neff and the field of self-compassion research
    • Why embracing our own imperfections is a powerful parenting act


    Whether you’re navigating daily struggles or simply looking to show up with more presence and care, this conversation is a powerful reminder: we teach our children not by being perfect—but by being real.

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    54 m
  • Beyond the Backpack: Montessori Ideas for Summer
    May 8 2025

    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 for curiosity-driven learning.

    Drawing from years of Montessori teaching experience and her doctoral research on how teacher beliefs shape student outcomes, Christina shares practical, project-based ideas for summer—from baking and gardening to trip planning and self-reflection.

    This episode is ideal for any parent looking to support their child’s growth this summer in a way that’s joyful, intentional, and deeply engaging—without relying on worksheets or screen time.

    📝 Download the Montessori Summer Project Guide here.

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    24 m
  • Adolescence, Decoded: What Netflix Gets Right About Teen Life
    Apr 2 2025

    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 emotional accuracy, why it hits a nerve for adults, and what it reveals about how we understand—and often misunderstand—adolescence.

    The episode touches on sensitive topics and is intended for adult listeners.

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    24 m
  • The Adolescent Brain: Risks, Rewards, and Resilience
    Mar 12 2025

    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 adolescence, the crucial role of risk-taking, and how parents can support their teens through this transformative stage.

    Dr. Steinberg explores why adolescence now lasts into the mid-20s, how brain plasticity shapes behavior, and how parents can balance warmth with firm boundaries to help their teens thrive. Whether you're raising a teen or preparing for what’s ahead, this conversation offers critical insights into fostering independence, resilience, and responsible decision-making in today’s youth.

    Tune in to hear why adolescence is both a vulnerable and opportunistic stage—and how we can better support the teens in our lives.

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    44 m
  • Revolutionizing Education: Mastery, Montessori & What Works
    Jan 30 2025

    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 explore how Montessori and Mastery-based learning offer a compelling alternative to the traditional sorting machine of grades, GPAs, and standardized tests.

    Inspired by David Brooks’ viral Atlantic article, How the Ivy League Broke America, this conversation dives into the flaws of traditional academic systems and highlights real-world, skills-based approaches that foster true intellectual growth.

    💡 Why does the mastery movement matter now more than ever?
    💡 How do Montessori and Mastery-based schools prepare students for an uncertain future?
    💡 What can parents do to redefine success for their children?

    Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of learning.

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    33 m
  • Digital Natives: Parenting in a Connected World
    Jan 8 2025

    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 independence.🤝 Building trust and resilience in a hyper-connected world.💡 Helping children navigate social media pressures and self-worth.


    Tune in for relatable advice and expert insights to guide your family through the digital age.


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    32 m
  • Taming Holiday Frenzy: Parenting Tips That Work
    Dec 18 2024

    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:

    • Maintaining comforting routines while embracing holiday spontaneity
    • Traveling with young children and creating familiar spaces on the go
    • Managing family gatherings and setting social expectations gracefully
    • Planning meaningful, Montessori-inspired activities at home or away

    Whether you’re traveling, hosting, or keeping it low-key, this episode offers practical advice for a peaceful, joyful winter break with your family.

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    18 m
  • Beyond Us vs. Them: Teaching Kids to Build Bridges, Not Walls
    Dec 10 2024

    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:

    🎙️ Fostering Compassion: Helping kids develop empathy through everyday acts of kindness.

    🎙️ Breaking the Echo Chamber: Teaching respectful disagreement without the need to “win.”

    🎙️ Balancing Values and Independence: Encouraging kids to form their own beliefs while staying connected to family values.

    🎙️ Managing Parent Anxieties: Creating a home environment that promotes thoughtful dialogue and emotional resilience.


    Discover expert-backed strategies to help your family navigate today’s complex, divided world.

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    33 m