Our Gifted Kids Podcast

Share the journey of parenting gifted kids with Sophia as she interviews experts from the global gifted community. Gifted is more than just a high IQ and parenting gifted kids is hard and lonely. Our community shares knowledge, celebrates our quirkiness and provides a safe place to be gifted and neurodivergent. Parents, researchers, psychologists, educators, authors, and more all connect here with advice and support, so we have everything we need for every member of our family to thrive. At www.ourgiftedkids.com find show notes, blogs, free resources, a paid member community, subscribe to our free newsletter or get in touch. Join the Our Gifted Kids community through our Facebook page or free group and Instagram. Don’t miss any episodes by subscribing to the podcast and help others find us by leaving a review (please!). Talk to you soon! xx

#092 ADHD in Gifted Individuals: Insights w/ William Curb 08/29/2024

#091 From Frustration to Fascination: Guiding Gifted Kids w/ Dr. Joanne Foster 08/01/2024

#090 Gifted but Struggling: A Deep Dive into Underachievement w/ Brianne Hudak 07/11/2024

#089 When Sounds Hurt: Misophonia w/ Dr Heidi Lack 06/14/2024

#088 New Season, New Energy: Embracing 2024 with Our Gifted Kids 06/10/2024

#087 Unpacking dangerous myths about gifted & 2E boys w/ Deborah Gennarelli 09/30/2023

#087 Unpacking dangerous myths about gifted & 2E boys w/ Deborah Gennarelli #087 Unpacking dangerous myths about gifted & 2E boys w/ Deborah Gennarelli In this episode, we’re talking to Deborah Gennarelli about gifted and twice exceptional (2E) boys. A great episode unpacking those dangerous myths about gifted boys, diving into what makes them different, and providing real hands-on strategies to walk away with. Memorable quote… “ “I've particularly noticed, with the boys that I worked with, the emotional intensity. So these students think and feel deeply and often differently than other children. This is especially true for 2E boys who are wrestling with the fact that they're gifted, but they also feel inadequate or shame or other negative emotions. And I saw that with all the boys that I wrote about. They knew they were really smart, but then they started questioning, "Am I really smart?” - Deborah Gennarelli Bio… An experienced educator and gifted intervention specialist, Deborah Gennarelli has a master's degree in gifted education and her passion has been recognised by Teacher of the Year awards in three different school districts as well as an “All-County Teacher” award. As a gifted intervention specialist, she developed gifted education programs in several districts and now also consults; providing professional development on topics relevant to gifted children and supporting parents and students. A national speaker on the identification and support of gifted and 2e children, Deborah has also written the newly released, ‘Twice Exceptional Boys: A Roadmap to Getting it Right’. She is currently co-writing a second book about neurodiversity in adults and is a member of NAGC (National Association for Gifted Children), OAGC (Ohio Association for Gifted Children, and SENG (Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted). - - - - Enjoyed the podcast? Subscribe & leave us a review! 5 stars will do! - - - - We get it, if you’re feeling seen join the for more support. Access our for a deep understanding of giftedness. Love the podcast? Leave a review, make a , become a or find out more about . to our newsletter. Download your FREE ebook: Want to sponsor this podcast or be a guest? For ebooks, blogs, show notes and more go to - - - - Linktree: Facebook: Free Facebook Instagram: - - - - Episode Resources Website: LinkedIn: Book: - - - - Stay quirky and see you again soon! - Sophia /episode/index/show/ourgiftedkids/id/28184552

#086 What is living with ADHD really like? w/ Meghann Birks 09/01/2023

#086 What is living with ADHD really like? w/ Meghann Birks In this episode we’re talking to coach Meghann Birks about being gifted and having ADHD, late-in-life diagnosis, lived experience of ADHD, how we can manage from day to day, the challenges, the strengths, parenting and so much more. Memorable quote… “ “I think that the flip side of this is that there are things I found challenging as an adult and as a mother, that when I started to really understand my brain, the perspective changed. And then there was another layer of perspective shift for me that came when I started to do the work on reparenting myself. My 10-year-old son is constantly doing cartwheels and running around and I used to get quite resentful, especially in public spaces. I'm like, don't run into people. Be quiet. You know? All those social norms that we all feel the pressure of… And when I realised, my therapist asked me, ‘what was something you needed as a child that you didn't have?’ And my answer immediately was, I needed someone who could keep up with me. And immediately I went, I get to be that for him. And I can't always physically keep up with him because he is 10 and I am in my mid forties. However, I can give you the space for that exuberance to exist. And there is a huge part of the work that I do, especially with women, which coincides with midlife… Where a lot of the work that women do in midlife is far from a crisis. It is a reclamation of who we were before the world stamped it out of us.” - Meghann Birks Bio… Meghann Birks, is an Embodiment Coach and Trauma Informed Professional Trainer based on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula where she lives with her partner and two highly spirited boys. “I'm a coach, writer, dancer, Steel Mace Flow Coach and wannabe surf goddess who loves creating, coffee, lifting heavy, movement and sleep. I also have a wonderfully neurodivergent brain that shows itself via ADHD and I'm passionate about helping women with this diagnosis create an incredible life where they can flourish. I am fascinated by the stories we tell ourselves, how they impact us and how we can, with proper support, change the narrative to move us toward a pure and joyful expression of who we are and why we're here.” She holds the designation of Certified Professional Coach from the International Coach Academy, one of the world’s leading training organisations. This intensive course covered an array of learning modules and she was required to coach both internal and external clients under supervision from a Master Coach before she received her certificate. She also holds: Cert III in Fitness, Cert IV in Fitness (Personal Training), Completion of the Wim Hof Method Fundamentals Course, Numerous qualifications in the area of program design and facilitation, Steel Mace Flow Coach Level 1, Certificate in Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy from The Embody Lab, and ‘An Advanced Degree from the School of Hard Knocks, as some of my super fun eff-ups in life are the reason I am now so good at what I do.’ - - - - More… Enjoyed the podcast? Leave us a review! 5 stars will do! - - - - Love the podcast? Find out how to . Join the online Our Gifted Kids Do the Free ebook: to our newsletter - - - - Linktree: Facebook: Free Facebook Instagram: this podcast - - - - Episode Resources Meghann’s Sisters in Stoke Podcast: “Sisters in Stoke is a podcast for women and those who identify as women to share their stories of how they found their stoke and to inspire others to pursue their passion and purpose. My guests have truly embraced the spirit of "Let's f**k around and find out!" when it comes to going all in on creating a life they love and they share the obstacles they have overcome, what keeps them going when times are tough and just how good it feels to live a life where they can truly express who they are.” Meghann Birks Coaching: Website: Instagram: Facebook : Youtube: Linktree: The book I couldn’t remember - ‘The Power of Different” by Dr. Gail Saltz - - - - Hit play and let’s get started! /episode/index/show/ourgiftedkids/id/27909468

#085 How to Use Creativity for Learning Differences & Executive Function w/ Dr Victoria Waller 07/05/2023

#085 How to Use Creativity for Learning Differences & Executive Function w/ Dr Victoria Waller In this episode, we’re talking to the vibrant and dynamic Dr. Victoria Waller about how to use creativity and a gifted child's interests to work on learning differences or practice executive function skills. An episode full of great ideas. You can find Dr. Waller's ebook Memorable quote… “ “So any parent that thinks, but I'm not creative, forget it. I've never met a child that can't build something.” - Dr. Victoria Waller “Every child wants to learn and it's hard for them, some of them, and it looks like they don't want to, but they do want to. I think the children with differences are geniuses of our time.” - Dr. Victoria Waller Bio… For over 40 years, Dr Victoria Waller has been a reading specialist and educational therapist. She helps children ages 5-11 who have trouble reading and writing, can't sit still in class, don't feel like they can participate—children whom teachers have all but given up on. Her book, Yes! Your Child Can - Creating Success for Children with Learning Differences, is #4 in Amazon’s New Releases in Children’s Learning Disorders. Every child can succeed in school and life, but some children need more help than others. She is here to help. Dr Waller holds a B.S in Education from Wayne State University, an M.Ed., is a certified reading specialist, and an Ed.D. focusing on reading and learning differences from the University of Cincinnati. She has been awarded the University of Cincinnati’s Distinguished Alumna College of Education Award, was one of three finalists for the L.A. Music Center’s Bravo Award for Outstanding Teaching. Her articles on creative reading and writing projects for children have been widely viewed on U.C.L.A.’s Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior website, and the award-winning Grandparentslink.com. She speaks about learning differences in children to many groups all over the United States. - - - - More… Love the podcast? Leave a review, or become a . - - - - Join our and share the ups and downs with other parents of gifted kids. Find everything you need to know in our . Free ebook: and more. to our newsletter. this podcast or become a . - - - - Linktree: Facebook: Free Facebook Instagram: - - - - Episode Resources Instagram: FaceBook: Twitter: Website: Amazon: magazine - - - - Hit play and let’s get started! /episode/index/show/ourgiftedkids/id/27308382

#084 Executive Function Strategies for your Gifted & ADHD Kids w/ Dr Marnie Cumner 06/07/2023

#084 Executive Function Strategies for your Gifted & ADHD Kids w/ Dr Marnie Cumner Join Dr Marnie Cumner to learn more about executive function in gifted, ADHD and autistic kids and adults and get lots of strategies and tips. Memorable quote… “ “Executive functioning is that term that relates to the set of thinking skills that are responsible for things like planning, organisation, getting started on things, finishing things, regulating your own attention, regulating your own behaviours and emotions. So it's the overarching skills that help to organise us and organise our thinking.” - Dr Marnie Cumner Bio… Dr Marnie Cumner is a Clinical Neuropsychologist on The Sunshine Coast, with specialised training in understanding how brain function affects our everyday thinking and behaviour. Paediatric Neuropsychology is a professional speciality, which focuses on understanding how the development of a child’s brain relates to their cognitive (thinking), behavioural, social and emotional functioning. Marnie provides assessment services for children and adolescents to better understand their individual strengths and difficulties. She investigates thinking skills, such as, memory, attention, language and problem-solving, as well as social-emotional functioning, academic performance and behaviour. Marnie uses the child’s individual profile of strengths and difficulties to provide tailored recommendations for improved learning, behaviour and emotion regulation. She uses a strengths-based model, which focuses on using a child’s strengths to minimise their difficulties. - - - - More… Enjoyed the podcast? Leave us a review! 5 stars will do! - - - - Love the podcast? Find out how to . Free ebook: to our newsletter - - - - Join our - - - - Linktree: Facebook: Free Facebook Instagram: this podcast - - - - Episode Resources Dr Marnie Cumner’s Website: Dr Marnie Cumnres previous episode: Book: Author: Christopher Kaufman Book: Authors: Peg Dawson, Richard Guare Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University: - - - - Hit play and let’s get started! /episode/index/show/ourgiftedkids/id/27043089

#083 The 5 Levels of Giftedness - All Grown Up w/ Dr Deborah Ruf 05/24/2023

#083 The 5 Levels of Giftedness - All Grown Up w/ Dr Deborah Ruf In our GAW episode, we’re talking to Dr Deborah Ruf about the 5 Levels of Giftedness and her new book which follows those original children who are now all grown up. Memorable quote… “ “So, those are the five levels and you really can find lists of those with lots of details and early milestones and that's how I created it. It was after I looked at the milestones of children over the years and what they were like when they were born and what they were like when they were three months old and six months old, and then a year and then two years, and see what they are like. And then later we have scores and we see how those fit or don't fit. And it really is rather amazing how well the scores are in the range you would predict from those milestones.” - Dr Deborah Ruf Bio… Deborah L. Ruf earned a Ph.D. in Tests & Measurement with a minor in Learning & Cognition at the University of Minnesota. She worked as a private consultant and specialist in gifted assessment, test interpretation, and guidance for the gifted for 30 years. She is the author of the award-winning book Losing Our Minds: Gifted Children Left Behind (2005) and retitled 5 Levels of Gifted: School Issues and Educational Options in 2009. In 2023, Dr. Ruf will release her follow-up longitudinal book study of the now-adult children from the original book and how they are doing now. Her focus has now progressed toward the social and emotional health of the gifted adults who parent gifted children. For more than 40 years, Dr. Ruf has served as a keynote speaker, workshop, and conference presenter, and written chapters for 5 textbooks, more than 12 peer-reviewed journal articles, and 100 plus articles and handouts for newsletters, magazines, and websites. - - - - More… Enjoyed the podcast? Leave us a review! 5 stars will do! - - - - Love the podcast? Find out how to . Free ebook: to our newsletter - - - - Join our - - - - Linktree: Facebook: Free Facebook Instagram: this podcast - - - - Episode Resources: Dr Deborah Ruf Dr Deborah Ruf Dr Deborah Ruf Website: Her first book - Article by Dr Deborah Ruf Medium - Unleash Monday Episode - - - - Hit play and let’s get started! /episode/index/show/ourgiftedkids/id/26886870

#082 Growing Creativity in Gifted Kids w/ Stephanie Higgs 05/10/2023

#082 Growing Creativity in Gifted Kids w/ Stephanie Higgs In this episode we’re talking to one of our favourite gifted educators and differentiation coach, Stephanie Higgs, about how we can all grow our creativity muscle, especially in our gifted kids. Memorable quote… “ “When we broaden that definition of what creativity even looks like, I think a lot more of us fit under that umbrella than we would initially think. And then even those of us who don't feel like it comes as naturally - that's one of the things I'm here to share today, is how we can grow and refine that area of talent.” - Stephanie Higgs Bio… Stephanie Higgs is a passionate, energetic, and engaging educator whose colleagues describe as radiating contagious joy. She has devoted her entire professional life to education, teaching in two of Tennessee’s three grand divisions. Stephanie earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where she then taught for six years at a museum magnet school and helped students achieve up to three years’ growth in reading in a single year. After relocating to Middle Tennessee, Stephanie became a fourth-grade teacher, which had been her dream since she was a fourth grader herself! In 2019, Stephanie became a gifted educator and differentiation coach, where the staff quickly named her their Teacher of the Year before being named a region-level semi-finalist for Tennessee Teacher of the Year. Soon after, Stephanie was honoured with the TAG (Tennessee Association for the Gifted) Horizon Award, which is given to a gifted educator demonstrating promise and leadership in the field. Later, Stephanie was named the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) Teacher of the Year. Stephanie recently graduated with an additional graduate degree from Tennessee State University in Instructional Leadership and now serves on the executive board as secretary for the Tennessee Association for the Gifted. - - - - More… Enjoyed the podcast? Leave us a review! 5 stars will do! - - - - Love the podcast? Find out how to . Free ebook: to our newsletter - - - - Join our - - - - Linktree: Facebook: Free Facebook Instagram: this podcast - - - - Episode Resources Stephanie Higgs: Instagram: TikTok: YouTube: Linktree: Bob Eberle - The book I love but couldn’t remember - - - - - Hit play and let’s get started! /episode/index/show/ourgiftedkids/id/26750175

#081 The Secret to Teaching Gifted Kids with Learning Differences w/ Dr Victoria Waller 04/27/2023

#081 The Secret to Teaching Gifted Kids with Learning Differences w/ Dr Victoria Waller In this episode, we’re talking to the vibrant and dynamic Dr Victoria Waller about teaching gifted kids with learning differences. Author, with over 40 years of experience, Dr Waller found the secret to engaging these awesome gifted kids! Memorable quote… “ “Look at Anderson Cooper, Richard Branson, astronaut Scott Kelly. They call them learning disabilities, but they're not. They're learning differences. They learn differently and they use their strengths and passions to learn. And that's what made them successful.” - Dr Victoria Waller Bio… For over 40 years, Dr Victoria Waller has been a reading specialist and educational therapist. She helps children ages 5-11 who have trouble reading and writing, can't sit still in class, don't feel like they can participate—children whom teachers have all but given up on. Her book, Yes! Your Child Can - Creating Success for Children with Learning Differences, is #4 in Amazon’s New Releases in Children’s Learning Disorders. Every child can succeed in school and life, but some children need more help than others. She is here to help. Dr Waller holds a B.S in Education from Wayne State University, an M.Ed., is a certified reading specialist, and an Ed.D. focusing on reading and learning differences from the University of Cincinnati. She has been awarded the University of Cincinnati’s Distinguished Alumna College of Education Award, was one of three finalists for the L.A. Music Center’s Bravo Award for Outstanding Teaching. Her articles on creative reading and writing projects for children have been widely viewed on U.C.L.A.’s Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior website, and the award-winning Grandparentslink.com. She speaks about learning differences in children to many groups all over the United States. - - - - More… Enjoyed the podcast? Leave us a review! 5 stars will do! - - - - Love the podcast? Find out how to . Free ebook: to our newsletter - - - - Join our - - - - Linktree: Facebook: Free Facebook Instagram: this podcast - - - - Episode Resources Instagram: Facebook: Twitter: Website: Amazon: - - - - Hit play and let’s get started! /episode/index/show/ourgiftedkids/id/26669595

#080 Parents Guide to Gifted Kids’ First Year of School - 5 Things You Need To Know 04/19/2023

#079 Parents Guide to Gifted Kids’ First Years of School #3, Part 2 w/ Jess Farago 04/09/2023

#079 Parents Guide to Gifted Kids’ First Years of School #3, Part 2 w/ Jess Farago We're talking to Jess Farago, a provisional psychologist, and mum of a gifted child this week and today Part 2 of that conversation goes out. In this episode Jess shares how the second half of her son's first year of school went and all the tips and tricks she's discovered along the way. Memorable quote… “ "I like to do things with people and socialise and hang out with friends but I also found when we spent our holidays with more downtime than social time, it was so much better for him. I saw a different child starting one term when spent the last week of holidays doing nothing. We just hung out at home. Took the dog for a walk, hung out with family, and caught up with a couple of friends, but it was a really low-key break. He went back so refreshed." - Jess Farago Bio… Jess Farago is the mum of a gifted son; a 5-year-old who has recently completed his first year of primary school. In addition, Jess is a provisional psychologist who has a passion for neurodivergence and understanding the gifted and neurodiverse brain and behaviour. Jess observed differences between her son and other children when her son was a baby, and it was drawn to her attention by professionals, that her son might be gifted and to monitor it. Therefore, the journey of extensive gifted research, reading, understanding and ongoing observation began. Jess has found the path of being a mum to a gifted child filled with so much joy, however, it has not been easy and is exhausting. Some of the most challenging parts for Jess over the last 5 years has been with the stigma attached to the word 'gifted'. For years she felt isolated and that there was little to no support out there. But that didn't stop Jess from ensuring her son received as much support as possible wherever he went and that she advocated for him. This is where Jess found navigating the mainstream school system a challenge. Jess has good knowledge of the education system having worked in the school system and has been faced with some very positive experiences, however, there have been some big challenges in the mainstream school setting concerning her son. - - - - More… Enjoyed the podcast? Leave us a review! 5 stars will do! - - - - Love the podcast? Find out how to . Free ebook: to our newsletter - - - - Join our - - - - Linktree: Facebook: Free Facebook Instagram: this podcast - - - - Hit play and let’s get started! /episode/index/show/ourgiftedkids/id/26474040

#078 Parents Guide to Gifted Kids’ First Years of School #3, Part 1 w/ Jess Farago 04/06/2023

#078 Parents Guide to Gifted Kids’ First Years of School #3, Part 1 w/ Jess Farago In this episode, we’re talking to Jess Farago, a provisional psychologist, and mum of a gifted child who is at the end of their first year of schooling. She shares with us their journey over the year and the tips and tricks she's discovered along the way. Memorable quote… “ “There's a stigma attached to it, which I found really hard dealing with. And I still do. I'm getting a lot more confident about it. But my heart races if someone says, ‘oh wow… look at [his] writing, look at his reading… you should have him assessed’. ‘Oh, I have, actually, he's gifted…’ But my heart's racing. I'm so used to the eye roll… It's really challenging… We are like a little team. It's definitely been difficult but it's also been amazing.” - Jess Farago Bio… Jess Farago is the mum of a gifted son; a 5-year-old who has recently completed his first year of primary school. In addition, Jess is a provisional psychologist who has a passion for neurodivergence and understanding the gifted and neurodiverse brain and behaviour. Jess observed differences between her son and other children when her son was a baby, and it was drawn to her attention by professionals, that her son might be gifted and to monitor it. Therefore, the journey of extensive gifted research, reading, understanding and ongoing observation began. Jess has found the path of being a mum to a gifted child filled with so much joy, however, it has not been easy and is exhausting. Some of the most challenging parts for Jess over the last 5 years has been with the stigma attached to the word 'gifted'. For years she felt isolated and that there was little to no support out there. But that didn't stop Jess from ensuring her son received as much support as possible wherever he went and that she advocated for him. This is where Jess found navigating the mainstream school system a challenge. Jess has good knowledge of the education system having worked in the school system and has been faced with some very positive experiences, however, there have been some big challenges in the mainstream school setting concerning her son. - - - - More… Enjoyed the podcast? Leave us a review! 5 stars will do! - - - - Love the podcast? Find out how to . Free ebook: to our newsletter - - - - Join our - - - - Linktree: Facebook: Free Facebook Instagram: this podcast - - - - Hit play and let’s get started! /episode/index/show/ourgiftedkids/id/26462760

#077 Parents Guide to Gifted Kids’ First Years of School Series #2 Part 2 w/ Stephanie Higgs 03/31/2023

#077 Parents Guide to Gifted Kids’ First Years of School Series #2 Part 2 w/ Stephanie Higgs Today we finish our conversation with gifted educator and differentiation coach Stephanie Higgs, in part 2 of episode 2, in the Parents Guide to Gifted Kids' First Year of School Series. We talk about… where is the best place to send my gifted child to school and what kinds of qualifications educators might have, when is the best time to start school for gifted kids? What are the misconceptions about gifted learners? Memorable quote… “ ”A lot of our listeners are going to be parents, but I'm coming from the educational side, so I love partnering and saying we are a team. First and foremost, we are a team. You as the parent are your child's biggest advocate and you know them best. I have more experience on the education side and I have some background and some expertise and years of experience there. But you know your child the best. But the best part is we're both huge strong advocates for your kids. So we are a team. And so I think that kind of frees up some of that, ‘am I overstepping?’ ‘Am I saying too much?’ But you do know your kid best and you've had… four or five or six years of every minute, every day with this kiddo and a teacher is new to that picture. And so we do have to partner, we have to link... we really have to work together.” - Stephanie Higgs Bio… Stephanie Higgs is a passionate, energetic, and engaging educator whose colleagues describe as radiating contagious joy. She has devoted her entire professional life to education, teaching in two of Tennessee’s three grand divisions. Stephanie earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where she then taught for six years at a museum magnet school and helped students achieve up to three years’ growth in reading in a single year. After relocating to Middle Tennessee, Stephanie became a fourth-grade teacher, which had been her dream since she was a fourth grader herself! In 2019, Stephanie became a gifted educator and differentiation coach, where the staff quickly named her their Teacher of the Year before being named a region-level semi-finalist for Tennessee Teacher of the Year. Soon after, Stephanie was honoured with the TAG (Tennessee Association for the Gifted) Horizon Award, which is given to a gifted educator demonstrating promise and leadership in the field. Later, Stephanie was named the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) Teacher of the Year. Stephanie recently graduated with an additional graduate degree from Tennessee State University in Instructional Leadership and now serves on the executive board as secretary for the Tennessee Association for the Gifted. - - - - More… Enjoyed the podcast? Leave us a review! 5 stars will do! - - - - Love the podcast? Find out how to . Free ebook: to our newsletter - - - - Join our - - - - Linktree: Facebook: Free Facebook Instagram: this podcast - - - - Episode Resources Stephanie Higgs: Instagram: TikTok: YouTube: Linktree: AAEGT - - An allegory about what happens to smart kids who skate through elementary school, and don't get opportunities to develop persistence, grit, and the true self-confidence that comes from knowing how to tackle a genuine challenge. Andy McNair - - - - Hit play and let’s get started! /episode/index/show/ourgiftedkids/id/26372625

#076 Parents Guide to Gifted Kids’ First Years of School Series #2 Part 1 w/ Stephanie Higgs 03/29/2023

#076 Parents Guide to Gifted Kids’ First Years of School Series #2 Part 1 w/ Stephanie Higgs In episode 2 of Parents Guide to Gifted Kids' First Year of School Series, we’re talking to gifted educator and differentiation coach from Nashville, Tennessee, Stephanie Higgs. We talk about… where is the best place to send my gifted child to school and what kinds of qualifications educators might have, when is the best time to start school for gifted kids? What are the misconceptions about gifted learners? Memorable quote… “ ”One of the norms that we've established in my class is to lean into struggle. And again, if we wait until these kids are older to identify them or to serve them, it's really uncomfortable for them to lean into struggle because they have been set on cruise control for all this time in class. And so, it's really nice and powerful and we can start that at a young age because not only can we challenge them academically, but we can really pair that with some social-emotional support for how to handle challenges, how to lean into struggle, how to develop that stamina and that perseverance what that says about us as learners. Because I think sometimes it becomes almost an affront on who we are as a person when so much of our identity is in our intellect and in schooling, and all of a sudden it's challenging. What does that say about me if I can't do this? What if someone finds out that I don't know how to solve this problem? If we normalise that from the very beginning, we can teach those in tandem all the way.” - Stephanie Higgs Bio… Stephanie Higgs is a passionate, energetic, and engaging educator whose colleagues describe as radiating contagious joy. She has devoted her entire professional life to education, teaching in two of Tennessee’s three grand divisions. Stephanie earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where she then taught for six years at a museum magnet school and helped students achieve up to three years’ growth in reading in a single year. After relocating to Middle Tennessee, Stephanie became a fourth-grade teacher, which had been her dream since she was a fourth grader herself! In 2019, Stephanie became a gifted educator and differentiation coach, where the staff quickly named her their Teacher of the Year before being named a region-level semi-finalist for Tennessee Teacher of the Year. Soon after, Stephanie was honored with the TAG (Tennessee Association for the Gifted) Horizon Award, which is given to a gifted educator demonstrating promise and leadership in the field. Later, Stephanie was named the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) Teacher of the Year. Stephanie recently graduated with an additional graduate degree from Tennessee State University in Instructional Leadership and now serves on the executive board as secretary for the Tennessee Association for the Gifted. - - - - More… Enjoyed the podcast? Leave us a review! 5 stars will do! - - - - Love the podcast? Find out how to . Free ebook: to our newsletter - - - - Join our - - - - Linktree: Facebook: Free Facebook Instagram: this podcast - - - - Episode Resources Stephanie Higgs: Instagram: TikTok: YouTube: Linktree: AAEGT - - An allegory about what happens to smart kids who skate through elementary school, and don't get opportunities to develop persistence, grit, and the true self-confidence that comes from knowing how to tackle a genuine challenge. - - - - Hit play and let’s get started! /episode/index/show/ourgiftedkids/id/26361003

#075 Parents Guide to Gifted Kids’ First Years of School Series #1 Part 2 w/ Emily 03/27/2023

#074 Parents Guide to Gifted Kids’ First Years of School Series #1 Part 1 w/ Emily 03/22/2023

#073 Celebrating & Reflecting on 100,000 gifted downloads! 02/10/2023

#072 A Very Gifted Christmas - Permission for Parents of Gifted Kids to Make This Christmas Easier 12/06/2022

#071 Unpacking Strength-Based Learning w/ Sam Young 11/24/2022

#071 Unpacking Strength-Based Learning w/ Sam Young Today we catch up with a recent guest Sam Young, from Young Scholars Academy, as we unpack strength-based learning and find out what the big deal is all about! Keep an eye out for: open house on 8 December. Our Gifted Kids , and Our new ! Enjoyed the podcast? then subscribe or get your , or at Please leave a review on your podcast player and help parents find us! If this episode inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear about it in our group or or feel connected & supported in our community, the . Memorable Quote “When we think of strength based learning we're really talking about focusing… where the energy or where the mind goes… everything flows… and a strength based education is just a choice to focus on here, the strength area, and just bring this up knowing that this [the area of deficit] will come to. It's a choice that we make as educators and as mentors, as psychologists, as a therapist, everyone to say, yes, there are these areas, there are these struggle areas, but we also need to focus on developing, primarily, the strength areas, the areas that feel good and know that everything else will follow suit.” – Sam Young “At its core, deficit-based learning… steeps our students… in a space where they are not thriving and it constantly reminds them… of where they're struggling, how they're coming up short and what they're not doing. And that has been shown to have real consequences on their psyche, on their self-worth, on their self-esteem, on confidence and their ability to then be successful in this life. Paradoxically, by helping someone bring the bottom up, so to speak, you're actually harming them.” – Sam Young Resources – home page has link to live open house event! Ebook by Our Gifted Kids (& replay) 5 December 2022 | 07:30 PM Adelaide (South Australia) Bio Sam Young Samuel Young, MEd, is a growth-minded, two-time Fulbright Scholar and Director of Young Scholars Academy, a strength-based, talent-focused virtual enrichment center that supports twice-exceptional students and their families. Samuel is a neurodivergent educator who has ADHD. As an ADHD learner, he has a tremendous understanding of, experience in, and respect for all things related to neurodiverse education. Before founding Young Scholars Academy, Samuel taught in a variety of capacities—including nearly a decade at Bridges Academy—at an array of programs in the US, Europe, and Asia. Travel and culture are near and dear to him. He has led 2e students to over 7 countries for immersive cultural and educational trips. Samuel has been featured in the documentary 2e2: Teaching The Twice Exceptional, the textbook Understanding The Social and Emotional Lives of Gifted Students, 2nd Ed., Variations Magazine, 2e News, and other publications. Hit play and let’s get started! /episode/index/show/ourgiftedkids/id/25121598

#070 Giftedness Right Now w/ Marc Smolowitz 10/31/2022

#070 Giftedness Right Now w/ Marc Smolowitz It’s our final BONUS episode for Gifted, Talented & Neurodiversity Awareness Week; and we’ve been Bringing Joy & Equity in Focus all week with seven podcasts! As a proud partner of The G Word, Our Gifted Kids is delighted to raise awareness once again as we talk about #gifted joy & equity! Enjoyed the podcasts? Our online communities are currently open until midnight Thursday 3 November! Or , or , at Please leave a review on your podcast player and help parents find us! Resources Marc Smolowitz & Bio Marc Smolowitz Marc Smolowitz is a multi-award-winning director, producer, and executive producer who has been significantly involved in 50+ independent films. The combined footprint of his works has touched 250+ film festivals & markets on 5 continents, yielding substantial worldwide sales to theatrical, television, and VOD outlets, notable box office receipts, and numerous awards and nominations. His credits include films that have screened at the world's top-tier festivals such as Sundance, Berlin, Venice, Tribeca, Locarno, Chicago, Palm Springs, SF FILM, AFI Docs, IDFA, DOC NYC, CPH: DOX, Tokyo, Melbourne, Viennale, Jerusalem, among others. In 2009, Marc founded 13th Gen, a San Francisco-based boutique film and entertainment company (see: that works with a dynamic range of independent film partners globally to oversee the financing, production, post-production, marketing, sales, and distribution efforts of a vibrant portfolio of films and filmmakers. The company has successfully advanced Marc's career-long focus on powerful social issue filmmaking across all genres. In 2016, he received one of the prestigious Gotham Media Fellowships to attend the Cannes Film Festival's Producers Network marking him as one of the USA's most influential independent film producers. In 2022, Marc is currently in post-production on THE G WORD -- a feature-length documentary that aims to be the most comprehensive film ever made on the topics of gifted, talented, and neurodiverse education across the United States. The film asks the urgent equity question -- In the 21st century, who gets to be Gifted in America and Why?. Learn more at: Hit play and let’s get started! /episode/index/show/ourgiftedkids/id/24848931

#069 Why Dungeons & Dragons is Gifted Bliss w/ Sam Young 10/27/2022

#069 Why Dungeons & Dragons is Gifted Bliss w/ Sam Young It’s Gifted, Talented & Neurodiversity Awareness Week; and we’re Bringing Joy & Equity in Focus with this year’s theme. As a proud partner of The G Word, Our Gifted Kids is delighted to raise awareness once again with a whole week of podcasts. Actually, 6 episodes! Where we talk about #gifted joy! Podcast Line Up Marc Smolowitz introduces the week with - #064 Gifted Talented & Neurodiversity Awareness Week does #giftedjoy Monday #065 Gifted Joy & Gifted Play; Why it's Different w/ Kate Donohue Tuesday #066 Why Gifted Folk Need Board Games! w/ Justin Ratcliff Wednesday #067 How to Express Your Gifted Self with Digital Music & Art w/ Johannes Dreyer Thursday #068 A Higher Skate of Mind for Gifted Kids w/ Josh Smith Friday #069 Why Dungeons & Dragons is Gifted Bliss w/ Sam Young Enjoyed the podcasts? Our online community is currently open until midnight Thursday 3 November! Or , or , at Please leave a review on your podcast player and help parents find us! Our GTN Awareness Week Links Sign up for free virtual events at Marc Smolowitz & Kate Donohue & Justin Ratcliff’s Favourite Board Game Links: boardgameoracle.com boardgamegeek.com Johannes Dreyer & Josh Smith & Sam Young & Bio Sam Young Samuel Young, MEd, is a growth-minded, two-time Fulbright Scholar and Director of Young Scholars Academy, a strength-based, talent-focused virtual enrichment center that supports twice-exceptional students and their families. Samuel is a neurodivergent educator who has ADHD. As an ADHD learner, he has a tremendous understanding of, experience in, and respect for all things related to neurodiverse education. Before founding Young Scholars Academy, Samuel taught in a variety of capacities—including nearly a decade at Bridges Academy—at an array of programs in the US, Europe, and Asia. Travel and culture are near and dear to him. He has led 2e students to over 7 countries for immersive cultural and educational trips. Samuel has been featured in the documentary 2e2: Teaching The Twice Exceptional, the textbook Understanding The Social and Emotional Lives of Gifted Students, 2nd Ed., Variations Magazine, 2e News, and other publications. Hit play and let’s get started! /episode/index/show/ourgiftedkids/id/24814950

#068 A Higher Skate of Mind for Gifted Kids w/ Josh Smith 10/27/2022

#068 A Higher Skate of Mind for Gifted Kids w/ Josh Smith It’s Gifted, Talented & Neurodiversity Awareness Week; and we’re Bringing Joy & Equity in Focus with this year’s theme. As a proud partner of The G Word, Our Gifted Kids is delighted to raise awareness once again with a whole week of podcasts. Actually, 6 episodes! Where we talk about #gifted joy! Podcast Line Up Marc Smolowitz introduces the week with - #064 Gifted Talented & Neurodiversity Awareness Week does #giftedjoy Monday #065 Gifted Joy & Gifted Play; Why it's Different w/ Kate Donohue Tuesday #066 Why Gifted Folk Need Board Games! w/ Justin Ratcliff Wednesday #067 How to Express Your Gifted Self with Digital Music & Art w/ Johannes Dreyer Thursday #068 A Higher Skate of Mind for Gifted Kids w/ Josh Smith Friday #069 Why Dungeons & Dragons is Gifted Bliss w/ Sam Young Enjoyed the podcasts? Our online community is currently open until midnight Thursday 3 November! Or , or , at Please leave a review on your podcast player and help parents find us! Our GTN Awareness Week Links Sign up for free virtual events at Marc Smolowitz & Kate Donohue & Justin Ratcliff’s Favourite Board Game Links: boardgameoracle.com boardgamegeek.com Johannes Dreyer & Josh Smith & Sam Young & Bio Josh Smith Free Mind Skate School was founded by Josh Smith, a local skateboarder who has been skating in Adelaide for 20+yrs. Josh has become well known in the skate community and to local councils over the years due to his constant involvement in the facilitation of skate-related events and competitions, as well as being a competition judge with the Australian Skateboard Federation. On top of that, for nearly half a decade Josh has been seen at skateparks across Adelaide coaching beginners to help boost the next generation of Adelaide skaters. What started as a part-time job while studying full-time all those years ago, has turned into a way of life. As well as being an avid skater, Stigma Stall mentor Josh also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioural Science and has vast experience in youth mentoring/engagement. Using positive mentorship through skateboarding to build a trusting and informal relationship, this serves as the foundation that positive change can be built upon. Skateboarders are incredibly resilient, which comes from years of mastering their craft. In life we must get back up when we fall, and although falling is inevitable at times, this does not have to mean failure. Through progression in their skating, clients see within themselves that positive change is possible in their life. This inherently promotes clients to willingly take responsibility for their own future, whilst continually building confidence and developing resilience. Hit play and let’s get started! /episode/index/show/ourgiftedkids/id/24813372

#067 How to Express Your Gifted Self with Digital Music & Art w/ Johannes Dreyer 10/25/2022

#067 How to Express Your Gifted Self with Digital Music & Art w/ Johannes Dreyer It’s Gifted, Talented & Neurodiversity Awareness Week; and we’re Bringing Joy & Equity in Focus with this year’s theme. As a proud partner of The G Word, Our Gifted Kids is delighted to raise awareness once again with a whole week of podcasts. Actually, 6 episodes! Where we talk about #gifted joy! Podcast Line Up Marc Smolowitz introduces the week with - #064 Gifted Talented & Neurodiversity Awareness Week does #giftedjoy Monday #065 Gifted Joy & Gifted Play; Why it's Different w/ Kate Donohue Tuesday #066 Why Gifted Folk Need Board Games! w/ Justin Ratcliff Wednesday #067 How to Express Your Gifted Self with Digital Music & Art w/ Johannes Dreyer Thursday #068 A Higher Skate of Mind for Gifted Kids w/ Josh Smith Friday #069 Why Dungeons & Dragons is Gifted Bliss w/ Sam Young Enjoyed the podcasts? Our online community is currently open until midnight Thursday 3 November! Or , or , at Please leave a review on your podcast player and help parents find us! Our GTN Awareness Week Links Sign up for free virtual events at Marc Smolowitz & Kate Donohue & Justin Ratcliff’s Favourite Board Game Links: boardgameoracle.com boardgamegeek.com Johannes Dreyer & Josh Smith & Sam Young & Bio Johannes Dreyer Johann Dreyer is a South African-born music producer, educator and expressive therapist. Johann's ethos can be defined as: "Ask not what the pen does to the paper, instead ask what the paper does for the pen." Johann's diverse experience and formal qualifications provide a broad perspective when working with clients, creating an interactive and personalised experience. Johann has a great passion for working with neurodiverse people, assisting with creative expression and emotional well-being. For the past six years, Johann has provided a person-centered approach utilizing modern technology to facilitate music production or digital art sessions. Client outcomes have included public performances, art exhibitions and the formal release of music on public platforms. He has been involved in the music industry for the past 15 years and teaching for the last eight years. He actively creates music and art and amongst his qualifications has completed a Master of Creative Industries and a Bachelor of Audio Production. Hit play and let’s get started! /episode/index/show/ourgiftedkids/id/24789579

#066 Why Gifted Folk Need Board Games! w/ Justin Ratcliff 10/24/2022

#065 Gifted Joy & Gifted Play; Why it's Different w/ Kate Donohue 10/23/2022

#065 Gifted Joy & Gifted Play; Why it's Different w/ Kate Donohue It’s Gifted, Talented & Neurodiversity Awareness Week; and we’re Bringing Joy & Equity in Focus with this year’s theme. As a proud partner of The G Word, Our Gifted Kids is delighted to raise awareness once again with a whole week of podcasts. Actually, 6 episodes! Where we talk about #gifted joy! Podcast Line Up Marc Smolowitz introduces the week with - #064 Gifted Talented & Neurodiversity Awareness Week does #giftedjoy Monday #065 Gifted Joy & Gifted Play; Why it's Different w/ Kate Donohue Tuesday #066 Why Gifted Folk Need Board Games! w/ Justin Ratcliff Wednesday #067 How to Express Your Gifted Self with Digital Music & Art w/ Johannes Dreyer Thursday #068 A Higher Skate of Mind for Gifted Kids w/ Josh Smith Friday #069 Why Dungeons & Dragons is Gifted Bliss w/ Sam Young Enjoyed the podcasts? Our online community is currently open until midnight Thursday 3 November! Or , or , at Please leave a review on your podcast player and help parents find us! Our GTN Awareness Week Links Sign up for free virtual events at Marc Smolowitz & Kate Donohue & Justin Ratcliff’s Favourite Board Game Links: Johannes Dreyer & Josh Smith & Sam Young & Bio Kate Donohue Kate has been working in the disability sector for more than 20 years. She has been a DIR therapist, kindergarten and school teacher, service leader, mentor, support worker and public speaker & presenter. Kate was raised in rural SA and was a first-generation university attendee. She taught on Pitjantjatjara land, leading the special needs programs and co-facilitating the aboriginal inclusion programs with Aboriginal elders. Kate is grateful to be able to live and work on Kaurna land. Her passion developed from her experiences of growing up 'thinking, learning and experiencing my world differently'. She found ways to thrive in her own unique way in a world that is not designed for people who are different. This gives her valuable insights and a natural ability to relate. Kate's work experiences include researching disability inclusion in Norway, working with youth at risk in Canada and supporting children with severe and complex needs in the Cook Islands and rural Australia. Kate has facilitated many parent support groups and committees. Kate's learning journey really began when she became a parent to 2 neurodivergent girls and began to explore her own neurodivergence from a neurodivergent-affirming perspective. Kate has supported hundreds of neurodivergent people and their families, educators, therapists & employers in the last 20 years. Kate has a deep understanding of neurodivergence which she uses to mentor, educate and support regardless of where people are on their journey. Hit play and let’s get started! /episode/index/show/ourgiftedkids/id/24775146

#065 Gifted Joy & Gifted Play; Why it's Different w/ Kate Donohue 10/23/2022

#064 Gifted Talented & Neurodiversity Awareness Week does #giftedjoy w/ Marc Smolowitz 10/20/2022

#064 Gifted Talented & Neurodiversity Awareness Week does #giftedjoy w/ Marc Smolowitz It’s Gifted, Talented & Neurodiversity Awareness Week; and we’re Bringing Joy & Equity in Focus with this year’s theme. As a proud partner of The G Word, Our Gifted Kids is delighted to raise awareness once again with a whole week of podcasts. Actually, 6 episodes! Where we talk about #gifted joy! GTN Awareness Week Podcast Line Up Marc Smolowitz introduces the week with - #064 Gifted Talented & Neurodiversity Awareness Week does #giftedjoy Monday #065 Gifted Joy & Gifted Play; Why it's Different w/ Kate Donohue Tuesday #066 Why Gifted Folk Need Board Games! w/ Justin Ratcliff Wednesday #067 How to Express Your Gifted Self with Digital Music & Art w/ Johannes Dreyer Thursday #068 A Higher Skate of Mind for Gifted Kids w/ Josh Smith Friday #069 Why Dungeons & Dragons is Gifted Bliss w/ Sam Young Enjoyed the podcasts? Our online community is currently open until midnight Thursday 3 November! Or , or , at Please leave a review on your podcast player and help parents find us! Our GTN Awareness Week Guest Links Sign up for free virtual events at Marc Smolowitz & Kate Donohue & Johannes Dreyer & Josh Smith & Sam Young & Bio Marc Smolowitz Marc Smolowitz is a multi-award-winning director, producer, and executive producer who has been significantly involved in 50+ independent films. The combined footprint of his works has touched 250+ film festivals & markets on 5 continents, yielding substantial worldwide sales to theatrical, television, and VOD outlets, notable box office receipts, and numerous awards and nominations. His credits include films that have screened at the world's top-tier festivals such as Sundance, Berlin, Venice, Tribeca, Locarno, Chicago, Palm Springs, SF FILM, AFI Docs, IDFA, DOC NYC, CPH: DOX, Tokyo, Melbourne, Viennale, Jerusalem, among others. In 2009, Marc founded 13th Gen, a San Francisco-based boutique film and entertainment company (see: that works with a dynamic range of independent film partners globally to oversee the financing, production, post-production, marketing, sales, and distribution efforts of a vibrant portfolio of films and filmmakers. The company has successfully advanced Marc's career-long focus on powerful social issue filmmaking across all genres. In 2016, he received one of the prestigious Gotham Media Fellowships to attend the Cannes Film Festival's Producers Network marking him as one of the USA's most influential independent film producers. In 2022, Marc is currently in post-production on THE G WORD -- a feature-length documentary that aims to be the most comprehensive film ever made on the topics of gifted, talented, and neurodiverse education across the United States. The film asks the urgent equity question -- In the 21st century, who gets to be Gifted in America and Why?. Learn more at: Hit play and let’s get started! /episode/index/show/ourgiftedkids/id/24742446

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