As families head into a busy season of gatherings, late nights, and less structure, many parents quietly wonder how to protect their kids from early substance use.

In this episode, Sam Shapiro talks with Jessica Lahey, educator and author, most recently of The Addiction Inoculation, about what really keeps kids safer, why early use is so detrimental, and how parents can stay connected and influential in the years that count most.

We think this is an important episode that's best listened to (for the first time at least!) without kids around.

Key takeaways:

• Why delaying first use is one of the most powerful protective factors for kids and teens.

• How strong family connection and clear expectations reduce risk more than lectures or scare tactics.

• Practical scripts for starting honest, age-appropriate conversations about alcohol and other drugs.

• What the research shows about anxiety, perfectionism, and self-medication in high-achieving communities.

AI changes everything. Stanford's Dr. Denise Pope, Co-Founder of Challenge Success, returns to discuss the "volcanic level of change" in education.

In this episode, Dr. Pope reveals:

• The WEBB Foundation: Why Well-being, Engagement, and Belonging are critical defenses against cognitive offloading.

• The Real Solution to Cheating: Why schools must shift to Authentic Assessment (real-world, engaging work).

• Guiding Principles: How parents can use the "Does it make us better?" test for new technologies.

• The Loneliness Risk: Why human-to-human connection and empathy are more vital than ever.

Many parents worry: Is my child motivated enough?

In this episode, Terry Dubow and Minnie Wales, Director of Education for Elementary, talk about how motivation really develops—and why the ability to choose challenging work matters more than constant pushing.

Key Takeaways:

• Why real motivation grows from curiosity, not pressure
• How daily routines build independence and focus
• Ways parents can help kids choose “just-right” challenges
• Why internal drive matters more than grades

Don't forget to read Minnie's article on this topic!