The Adolescent Brain: Risks, Rewards, and Resilience

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.