How in heaven’s name does someone BUILD A BRAIN! Please allow me to explain. In the late 1990’s, I was watching a webinar about teaching for intelligence. This very idea was counter to all I had been taught in college. Of course, intelligence is fixed - determined by the genes and early childhood. It can’t be “taught” or so I thought. But one man on the panel of child experts disagreed with everyone else. I saw his name was Reuven Feuerstein and he changed my life!
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Purposeful Lab is a Magis Center podcast exploring purpose in the universe and purpose in your life. Biologist Dr. Dan Kuebler and journalist Catherine Hadro team up to delve into the issues that impact our understanding of God, the cosmos, and ourselves. Guests include leading scientists, philosophers, and theologians.
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How to Unleash Your Mind's Full Potential - Purposeful Lab Podcast Interview
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Dr Jeanne was interviewed on The Purposeful Lab Podcast and with their permission we're sharing it here because we know you'll love it. Sign up for the Shoresh 2024 here and let's build a better brain together. Build A Brain is supported by wonderful donors such as Rick and Jeanne Zehr and Joe and Roxanne Miller. Our incredible sponsor is Guru Guid…
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It's always great to share the insights and the good news from the MindCap Center.Tune in for a brief listen to WBCL's segment about Shoresh 2024 featuring Dr Jeanne Zehr. Sign up for the Shoresh 2024 here and let's build a better brain together. Build A Brain is supported by wonderful donors such as Rick and Jeanne Zehr and Joe and Roxanne Miller.…
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In the final episode of Purposeful Lab, Catherine and Dan look back on some of the most memorable moments from the past five seasons. They discuss everything from biology and astrochemistry to neuroscience, consciousness, and philosophy, reviewing some of the fascinating topics they've explored together with their guests. Have your call in question…
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Psychological Insights for Healing and Growth - with Dr. Matthew Breuninger
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Catherine and Dan delve into a discussion with Dr. Matthew Breuninger, a licensed clinical psychologist and associate professor at Franciscan University of Steubenville. They explore how psychology intersects with faith to foster human flourishing, focusing on topics such as trauma, healing, and virtue formation. Dr. Breuninger shares insights from…
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Edith Stein on Art, Philosophy, and Sainthood - Genevieve Buono
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Genevieve Buono, currently writing her dissertation on Edith Stein's aesthetics, joins Dan and Catherine this week to discuss Stein's views on art, philosophy and her path to sainthood. Stein, a pioneering female philosopher, tragically perished in Auschwitz alongside her Jewish loved ones. Listen to this week's episode to discover the relevance of…
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Can Art Help Us Answer Life's Big Questions? -with Dr. Daniel McInerny
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Renowned author and philosophy professor, Dr. Daniel McInerny, joins hosts Dan and Catherine to delve into the profound question: Can art help us find meaning in life? Together, they explore the philosophy of art, delving into the unique ways in which art illuminates the human experience. Drawing from his acclaimed book 'The Good Death of Kate Mont…
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Why Do We Need Art? - with Dr. Katie Kresser
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Dr. Katie Kresser, a Professor of Art History at Seattle Pacific University joins Dan and Catherine to discuss the fundamental questions: why do humans create art, and what does that reveal about our unique nature? Is art essential to human flourishing? This episode is for both seasoned art enthusiasts and those seeking practical means to incorpora…
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Reuven’s Best Friend with Lou Falik
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Reuven’s best friend might be the way to introduce Prof. Lou Falik. As a prolific author, trainer, and producer of amazing ideas, it is such an honor to have him on Build A Brain. Our focus today will be on one of his recent publications, Integrating Social Cognition into Therapeutic Practice. Amazon links to Prof. Falik’s books: Integrating Social…
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10 Rules For Saving Our Society - with Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J.
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A must listen for anyone interested in transforming the current cultural landscape. Dan and Catherine interview Magis Center's founder and president, Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J. on his book "Ten Universal Principles: A Brief Philosophy of Life Issues" The implementation of these ten principles is the key to saving our culture and fostering its flouris…
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Can you believe it! Build A Brain has hit episode #50. To celebrate, I brought back your favorite, Kibwe Cooper, to discuss “Fear Setting”. The brain responds to fear with many specific reactions that can include shutting down, running away, fighting back, or freezing up. That’s OK if the stimulus is a lion, tiger, or bear. But how about just a mod…
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How to Unleash Your Mind’s Full Potential - with Dr. Jeanne Zehr
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Dr. Jeanne Zehr of the MINDCAP Center for Cognitive Advantage joins Dan and Catherine to discuss how to unleash your mind's full potential. For anyone suffering from COVID brain fog to dyslexia to just wanting to improve your cognitive functions this episode is for you. Dr. Zehr brings a wealth of knowledge to show just how amazing our brains reall…
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Personalism, the Philosophy We Need Today - with Dr. John F. Crosby
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Dan interviews philosopher, Dr. John F. Crosby on the new and exciting research in the field of personalism, a philosophy that highlights the importance of the human person. Personalism offers a fresh perspective on human existence, shedding light on life's mysteries, including the mysteries of life, death, and the ultimate purpose of the human per…
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Your Immortal Soul - with Fr. James Brent, O.P.
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Dan and Catherine welcome Fr. James Brent, O.P. to discuss the soul, its powers and properties. What is the soul? How can the soul survive bodily death? What makes the human soul unique? Fr. James answers these questions and more on this week's podcast. Fr. James teaches at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C. He regularly lectures fo…
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Understanding the Mind and the Brain- with Dr. Sharon Dirckx
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Dr. Sharon Dirckx joins Dan and Catherine to discuss the differences between the mind, the brain, and what we know about consciousness. Have your call in questions be featured on the podcast: Leave a voicemail at 949-257-2436 Learn more and read articles: https://www.magiscenter.com/purposeful-labAv Dan Kuebler & Catherine Hadro & Sharon Dirckx
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What Does it Mean for Humans to Thrive? - with Psychologist Dr. Pam King
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Did you ever wonder what makes humans truly thrive? Dan and Catherine welcome Dr. Pam King to Purposeful Lab to answer that very question. Dr. King is a professor of applied developmental science and the executive director of the Thrive Center for Human Development at Fuller Seminary. With evolutionary psychology and theology as a guide, Dr. King e…
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Evolutionary Psychology: What Sets Humans Apart? - with Dan Kuebler
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Dan and Catherine explore the unique characteristics of the human brain that set us apart from other organisms. Delving into evolutionary psychology, they investigate how the development of the human mind and brain during childhood shapes our distinct identity as human beings. Touching on the science of brain evolution, the hosts navigate through t…
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Overcoming Childhood Trauma through Brain Plasticity - with Sofia Carozza
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In part two of an interview with Dr. Sofia Carozza, Dan, Catherine, and Sofia take a closer look at early childhood trauma and the brain. With the help of AI, Sofia spends her time at Harvard Medical researching how early experiences in life shape the brain structure and one's cognitive functions. What her research shows is that your brain can heal…
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Does the Human Brain Ever Stop Evolving? - with Sofia Carozza
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In part one of a two part interview, Dan and Catherine chat with Sofia Carozza, a neuroscientist conducting postdoctoral research at Harvard Medical School, on the complexities of the human brain. Sofia explains key aspects of brain development, neural plasticity, and the role of evolutionary biology in shaping the brain. Don't miss this insightful…
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A Crash Course in Human Evolution - with Dan Kuebler
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Catherine interviews Dan on one of his areas of expertise, human evolution. Not only is a Dan a professor of Biology at Franciscan University of Stubenville, but he is also the author of several articles and books on evolution. His newest book on evolution will be released in 2025 by Word On Fire Press. Dan and Catherine's discussion unearths the c…
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How Can a Loving God Allow Evil? - with Christopher Baglow
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Theologian Dr. Christopher Baglow joins Dan to delve into the problem of evil. Together, they grapple with the existence of natural disasters and human evil, and how they intersect with a loving deity's creation. Dr. Baglow, with his work at the McGrath Institute for Church Life and contributions to theological education, enriches our conversation …
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Finding Purpose in a Scientific World - with Daniel Toma
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Join Daniel Toma, Dan and Catherine to discuss nature's intrinsic purpose and the liturgical structure of the universe. Through the lenses of ecology, theology, and philosophy, they examine humanity's role in the grand cosmic hierarchy. Daniel Toma is a Professor of Biological Sciences at Minnesota State University Mankato. He is the author of Vest…
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Reconciling Genesis and Evolution - with Matthew Tsakanikas
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Join Dan and Catherine as they welcome back Dr. Matthew Tsakanikas, a distinguished theology professor renowned for his insights into Genesis. Together, they delve into the layers of Genesis, exploring the Catholic Church's perspective on its interpretation. This discussion spans the historical, scientific, and moral dimensions of this sacred text,…
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Does the Catholic Church Accept Evolution? - with Dan Kuebler
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Dan and Catherine discuss how to reconcile biological evolution with the Catholic faith. Particularly, how can we understand biological evolution in light of the human person as made in the image and likeness of God? Have your call in questions be featured on the podcast: Leave a voicemail at 949-257-2436 Learn more and read articles: https://www.m…
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A lifetime of Impact - David Martin Interview
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Meet Dr. David Martin You are going to love meeting Dr. David Martin, a distinguished scholar, professor, and Feuerstein trainer extraordinaire. Join Dr. Zehr as she buzzes around the world following the adventures of Dr. Martin in the United States and South Africa. If you have any interest in how the Feuerstein program can impact learners who hav…
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Neuroscience and the Need for Relationship - with Sofia Carozza
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Season 2 reaches its conclusion in Episode 6, where Dan interviews Sofia Carozza on the role of love and relationship in brain development. Sofia, a postdoctoral research fellow at Harvard Medical School, specializes in computational modeling and focuses on the impact of adversity on the development of the human brain. Her research enriches this ev…
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Probing the Subatomic World - with Aaron Dominguez
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Dan and Catherine discuss the world of particle colliders and the quest for new physics with Dr. Aaron Dominguez. Dr. Dominguez is Currently serving as the Provost and an Ordinary Professor of Physics at The Catholic University of America, Dr. Dominguez brings a wealth of experience from extensive research, including contributions to the study of t…
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Esty Rappaport - The Gen Z Feuerstein Mediator
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My friends, you are in for a treat! Esty Rappaport is the latest guest on Build A Brain! I am so very proud to have been a trainer, a mentor, and even an international travel companion to this remarkable talented young mediator. Esty specializes in entrepreneurs, especially those who have a bit of ADHD. You know who you are! Almost all entrepreneur…
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Is Extraterrestrial Life Compatible With Christianity? - with Matthew Tsakanikas
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In light of the recent congressional hearings on UFOs, Dan and Catherine engage in a thought-provoking conversation with theologian, Dr. Matthew Tsakanikas on extraterrestrial life. They delve into the available data on UFOs and contemplate the implications that extraterrestrial life would have on Christianity. Drawing from the wisdom of C.S. Lewis…
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Epistemology: How Do We Know What We Know? - with Fr. Gregory Pine
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Is the universe knowable at all? Is anything certain? Many philosophers would say we cannot know anything with certainty. That seemingly simple statement actually has some pretty dire consequences. However, with a proper understanding of how we come to know, we can uncover truths behind what makes the universe so vast and beautiful and discover our…
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Jeanne’s Journey with The Feuerstein
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In this episode we'll take a look behind the curtain as Dr. Jeanne Zehr shares her story of going from success to purpose, becoming a Feuerstein Institute trainer and building The MindCap Center. Join us for this enlightening conversation and don't forget to share and leave 5 Stars! Help us keep the podcasts coming by joining us on Patreon.... You'…
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The Universe, Multiverse, and Beyond - with Stephen Barr
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In the latest Purposeful Lab episode, Dan and Catherine unravel the mysteries of the universe with Dr. Stephen Barr. As a renowned researcher in theoretical particle physics and Professor Emeritus of the Univerity of Delaware, Dr. Barr shared valuable insights on quantum physics, multiverse theories, and the intersection of science and theology. Ha…
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Highlights from the 2023 Society of Catholic Scientists Conference - with Stephen Barr, Chris Baglow, & Sofia Carozza
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Are science and faith mutually exclusive, or can they harmoniously coexist? This is the question we focus on in our latest podcast episode. Dan and Catherine reflect on Purposeful Lab Season 1 and share what’s to come in Season 2. Throughout both seasons, the relationship between faith and science is an undercurrent to many of the topics covered. I…
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A Lifetime of Mediation - Msgr. James Gilg
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Welcome back Build A Brain friends! We are honored to bring you an intriguing interview with Msgr. James Gilg, a Catholic priest who became a principal at Father Flanagan High School, named for the founder of Boys Town, in Omaha, Nebraska. He successfully led the implementation of our famous Feuerstein program. The school, began in 1982, was envisi…
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Welcome to Season 3 - Introduction
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Welcome to Season 3 of the Build a Brain Podcast! This season we’ll be interviewing practitioners, and experts about the Feuerstein Method. Together we'll discover the real world impacts and unexpected benefits of implementing the Feuerstein program. Build A Brain is supported by wonderful donors such as Rick and Jeanne Zehr and Joe and Roxanne Mil…
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The Four Levels of Purpose - with Fr. Robert Spitzer
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Unlock the secrets of human purpose and happiness in an enlightening conversation with Fr. Robert Spitzer, President of Magis Center. This journey into the depths of human nature will unravel the four levels of happiness, starting from immediate gratification to the ultimate happiness of living in goodness and love. Fr. Spitzer, with his deep insig…
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Living Harmoniously with Nature: Insights from Aristotle - with John Cuddeback
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What's the order of the universe and what does it mean for us? Unearth the answers with guest, Dr. John Cuddeback. As head of the Department of Philosophy at Christendom College, Dr. Cuddeback brings a wealth of knowledge on human nature, philosophy, and the deeper questions of life that science often overlooks. Together, Catherine and Dr. Cuddebac…
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The Human Animal: Reason and Free Will - with Stephen Barr
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Take a deep dive into the fascinating world of consciousness with our esteemed guest, Dr. Stephen Barr, professor emeritus of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Delaware. What if our conscious awareness is a paradox that the physical world cannot decipher? Together with Dr. Barr, we unpack the mystery of consciousness, exa…
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Evolution on Planet Earth: A Discussion with Cambridge University’s Simon Conway Morris
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Dan Kuebler interviews Simon Conway Morris, emeritus professor of evolutionary paleobiology at the University of Cambridge. Simon Conway Morris recently published the book From Extraterrestrials to Animal Minds, in which he dismantles six myths of evolution. In the interview, Dan and Dr. Conway Morris discuss a few of these myths, and how the truth…
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Are We Alone or Is There Life on Other Planets? - Karin Öberg
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In this episode of The Purposeful Lab podcast, Dan and Catherine have an enlightening conversation with Dr. Karin Öberg, an astronomy professor at Harvard University who specializes in astrochemistry. Dan, Catherine, and Dr. Öberg delve into topics such as the Big Bang, how stars and galaxies form, what makes a planet habitable, alien life, the Jam…
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In this introductory episode, biologist Dan Kuebler and journalist Catherine Hadro present an overview of the topics they'll explore in Season 1. Dan shares his journey from an English major to a molecular biologist, driven by the search for answers to life's big questions. Catherine describes the unique collaboration between a scientist and journa…
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By now we hope that you have a sense of belonging to the Build A Brain team of listeners around the world! We wrap up the twelve parameters of mediation today with such an important one - how to mediate others so they have a sense of belonging. So needed in our fractured world, more than ever, this is one to dive into with your Host, Dr. Jeanne Zeh…
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So this podcast is not about sharing cookies, though if you feel compelled to send a box our way, we promise to share! Today we discuss the importance of helping those who we mentor to share their thoughts. How can we help the child or friend who stays all locked up inside? Join us today to hear Dr. Jeanne Zehr and Kibwe Cooper share insights on th…
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Instilling a sense of hope in others, especially when they are quite certain there is none to be found, is a challenge for sure! Join us on this podcast to learn how much our words matter when we mediate. For more information on how to build a brain visit MindCap Center Show Credits Host: Jeanne Zehr Editor: Kibwe Cooper Producer: Kibwe Cooper Orig…
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Reuven Feuerstein said, “Change is the most stable characteristic of human beings.” Although we may not even recognize it when it does happen. Now that neuroscience supports this idea with research in the field of neuroplasticity, we have more good reasons to believe in the power of this parameter of mediated learning experience. For more informati…
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Have you ever “lost it” by becoming angry or emotional and later regretting it? It’s possible that you lost your ability to self-regulate. Mediation for this could be a lifetime journey for many of us. How can we help ourselves self-regulate? How do we help others? What is the difference between self-regulation and impulse control? Listen in as Dr.…
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Seeking, Setting & Achieving Goals
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When was the last time you set yourself up for failure by setting an unrealistic goal? We all fall prey to this one! But can we improve our skills in this arena? Yes, we can and we can begin with even young children! Explore this fascinating concept with Dr. Zehr and Kibwe Cooper as they dive into the mediation of goal setting! For more information…
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Feeling of Competence We may have more skill than we realize! Have you ever had a friend point out how good you are at something and you are thinking quite the opposite? Imagine how a child might need mediation for this! Feuerstein chose wisely when he added this parameter of mediation for high-quality human interaction. Listen in! Show Credits Hos…
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“That’s too hard!” is often heard from children and adults as a reason to not do a certain task. Let's exchange that word “hard” with the word “challenge” and you instantly can sense the difference. Mediating others to do challenging things is the focus of this episode. Truly connected to neuroscience, mediating for challenge can literally build yo…
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The mediator can be a parent, a teacher, a counselor, or a friend. When the mediator helps another to see the big picture and go beyond the immediate need to just complete a task, we are getting to the heart of transcendence. This is like building a bridge between a simple worksheet and principles for life. Let’s call them nuggets of wisdom! Take a…
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We all have that special person in our life that we could spend hours with at a coffee shop solving the world’s problems. We also remember that one amazing teacher who helped us to finally see value in a school subject that we thought we disliked! At least I hope you had one of those teachers! Dr. Zehr had a certain Mr. Williams in 7th grade. She d…
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