Emily Kircher-Morris sits down with Tom Rademacher, an award-winning educator and author, to explore the nuances of creating affirming educational environments. They discuss the importance of vulnerability in teaching, the impact of neurodivergence on learning, and how personal experiences shape educational philosophies. Tom shares thoughts about his book series "Bucket and Friends," which teaches the power of embracing one's uniqueness and the role of agency and optimism in education.

TAKEAWAYS

• There are always opportunities to improve a supportive learning environment.

• Expressing vulnerability as a teacher can vastly improve relationships with students.

• Personal experiences can and will influence teaching philosophies.

• "Bucket & Friends" emphasizes the importance of embracing uniqueness.

• Agency and optimism have high value in an education context.

We only open the registration window for our Educator Hub a few times a year, and right now the window is open! Become part of this amazing community of teachers, administrators, parents of students, and people interested in making classrooms a better place for everyone.

Tom Rademacher is an award-winning educator and author with over 20 years of experience in education. He currently serves as a professor in the teacher licensure program at Reach University’s Oxford Teachers College and is the author of 50 Strategies for Learning without Screens, It Won’t Be Easy, Raising Ollie, and the upcoming chapter book series Bucket and Friends.

Named Minnesota Teacher of the Year in 2014, Tom brings humor, heart, and honesty to his work in preparing future educators and advocating for students. He lives in Minnesota with his family and their very large dog—just a little too close to the Mall of America.

BACKGROUND READING

Tom’s website, Instagram, LinkedIn

The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group.

On this episode, Emily Kircher-Morris chats with licensed mental health counselor Leon Garber, host of the Seize the Moment podcast, about the complexities of perfectionism. They explore the many layers, its ties to neurodivergence, and its impact on mental health. Leon shares what he knows about the different forms of perfectionism, including self-imposed, other-oriented, and socially prescribed perfectionism, and they discuss how these can manifest in various domains of life. They also examine the role of environmental factors and personal motivations in shaping perfectionistic tendencies.

TAKEAWAYS

• Self-imposed perfectionism sets unrealistic personal standards.

• Socially prescribed perfectionism stems from external expectations.

• Perfectionism often masks deep-seated shame.

• Domain-specific perfectionism targets areas of strength.

For a limited time, the window is open to join the Educator Hub! Become part of this amazing community of teachers, administrators, parents of students, and anyone else interested in making classrooms a better place for everyone.

Leon Garber, LMHC is a licensed mental health counselor based in Brooklyn, NY, specializing in obsessive-compulsive disorder, perfectionism, and existential concerns. His work explores how individuals can confront anxiety and cultivate a meaningful life through evidence-based strategies and philosophical reflection.

Leon is the co-host of Seize the Moment Podcast, where he explores a wide range of mental health topics, and shares his writing on Leon’s Existential Cafe, a blog focused on mental wellness, purpose, and personal growth. His approach integrates clinical expertise with deep curiosity about what it means to live well.

BACKGROUND READING

Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, Bluesky

The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group.

In this episode, Emily Kircher-Morris has a heartfelt conversation with Lake Bell, an award-winning actress, writer, and director, who opens up about her journey as a mother navigating her daughter Nova's epilepsy diagnosis. Emily and Lake talk about the challenges of living with neurodiversity, and discuss ways to turn them into victories. Lake shares the impact of seizures on Nova's identity, and she reflects on her own experiences with dyslexia. They talk about the importance of reframing neurodiversity, and the role of advocacy in destigmatizing conditions like epilepsy.

TAKEAWAYS

• Finding the right epilepsy medication can be challenging.

• Epilepsy can positively impact and shape family dynamics.

• Unique strengths are created in challenging situations.

• Stigmas surrounding epilepsy are an ongoing challenge.

• Uniqueness is just a difference, not a weakness.

Join us for our free event, Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools, a learning and continuing education opportunity. The event is Tuesday, September 9th at 8pm Eastern/5pm Pacific. It will feature a presentation by Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin, and you'll hear from a panel of experts about the future of education. Register now!

Lake Bell is an award-winning actress, writer, and director known for her work across film, television, and audio storytelling. She stars in HBO’s upcoming series The Chair Company opposite Tim Robinson and recently received the Hollywood Critics Association Award for her directing work on the Emmy-nominated limited series Pam and Tommy. Bell is also the author and narrator of Inside Voice: My Obsession With How We Sound, an acclaimed audiobook produced by Malcolm Gladwell’s Pushkin Media.

Bell made her directorial debut with In a World…, which premiered at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival and earned the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award along with widespread critical praise. Her second feature film, I Do... Until I Don’t, showcased her talents as a writer, director, and lead actress. Her acting credits include roles in Mother Couch, No Escape, Man Up, It’s Complicated, Home Again, and the Harley Quinn and Marvel’s What If animated series. A graduate of The Rose Bruford College in London, Bell is also a dedicated advocate, serving on the board of Women in Film and as a global ambassador for Women for Women International, championing the voices of women survivors of war.

BACKGROUND READING

Instagram, Wikipedia, All About Brains: A Book About People

The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group.