Episode 109 —

Podcast Episode: Raising Kids Who Value Their Elders

Guest: Isabel Tom

Website: valueofwrinkles.com

In this heartfelt and practical episode, we sit down with Isabel Tom, a public health expert, caregiver, author, and the voice behind The Value of Wrinkles. Raised in a multigenerational home and shaped by the wisdom of grandparents who lived to 98 and 102, Isabel shares how her upbringing—and her professional work in hospice and senior living—led to her life’s mission: helping families bridge the gap between generations.

Isabel believes that children who grow up honoring and connecting with their elders develop deeper empathy, gratitude, and resilience. Through tools like the Grandkid Investigator Kit, Isabel equips families—especially homeschooling parents—with creative and meaningful ways to nurture intergenerational bonds.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why helping children value older adults can be life-changing
• The hidden emotional benefits of grandparent-grandchild relationships
• How to handle tricky family dynamics with in-laws and grandparents
• Simple ways to create lasting intergenerational connections at home

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, Isabel’s insights will inspire you to rethink how you talk about aging and legacy with the children in your life.

About Isabel Tom:

Isabel holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Maryland and has been featured on AARP’s Take on Today, Don’t Mom Alone, and Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman. Her wisdom is both timely and timeless.

Learn more at: valueofwrinkles.com

🔗 Learn more about Isabel Tom and the Grandkid Investigator Kit

📘 Book: The Value of Wrinkles

📦 Get a FREE Mission from the Grandkid Investigator Kit: valueofwrinkles.com/freemission

📸 Instagram: @isabelctom

📘 Facebook: The Value of Wrinkles

P.S. Isabel is a friend—and I’m so glad to share this conversation with you!

Cleverly Changing Podcast - Episode 109 "Preparing Teens for Real-World Success"

Guest: Orlana Darkins Drewery

Episode Overview

In this empowering episode of the Cleverly Changing Podcast, we’re joined by Orlana Darkins Drewery, a media and marketing expert who has dedicated her career to helping young adults, nonprofit organizations, and churches amplify their messages and impact. Orlana is also the founder of The Shyne Network and The Shyne Awards, a premier event that celebrates the achievements of young people aged 13-24 from around the globe.

Together, we explore the vital topic of Preparing Teens for Real-World Success. Orlana shares practical strategies that parents, educators, and community leaders can use to help teens unlock their talents, build resilience, and thrive in today’s fast-changing world.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How parents and teachers can nurture teens’ talents, even in challenging environments.
• The importance of starting career readiness conversations at home.
• Strategies to bridge the gap between parents and teens for stronger relationships.
• Inspiring stories from The Shyne Awards and how celebrating youth achievement can transform lives.
• Actionable tips for helping teens discover their passions and build real-world skills.

Key Questions Discussed

1. What inspired Orlana to create The Shyne Network and The Shyne Awards?
2. What are the biggest challenges teens face in preparing for the real world, and how can families support them?
3. How can parents help teens explore career options and develop life skills at home?
4. What are the best strategies for improving communication and trust between parents and teens?
5. How can celebrating young people’s achievements empower communities and change lives?

About Orlana Darkins Drewery

Orlana is a dynamic leader with a passion for uplifting youth and creating platforms for positive change. Through her work with The Shyne Network, she has built a space where young people are celebrated for their talents, achievements, and contributions to their communities. Orlana’s work extends beyond awards, offering guidance and mentorship to help the next generation succeed.

Why You Should Listen

If you’re a parent, teacher, or community leader looking for actionable advice to support the teens in your life, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Orlana’s expertise in youth development, paired with her heartfelt stories from The Shyne Awards, will leave you motivated to make a difference.

How to Connect with Orlana Darkins Drewery

• Website: The Shyne Network
• Instagram: @TheShyneNetwork
• Facebook: The Shyne Network
• Website: OrlanaDarkinsDrewery
• Instagram:OrlanaDarkinsDrewery

Listener Challenge

Take one tip from today’s episode and put it into action! Whether it’s having a conversation with your teen about their career interests or finding a way to celebrate their achievements, small steps can lead to big results.

Stay Connected

Subscribe to the Cleverly Changing Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform, and leave us a review to let us know what you think!

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @CleverlyChanging
• Facebook: Cleverly Changing
• Website: CleverlyChanging.com

Thank you for listening and supporting the Cleverly Changing Podcast! Let’s empower our families and communities together.

Tags: Teens, Parenting, Youth Development, Career Readiness, Real-World Success, The Shyne Network, Education

Cleverly Changing Podcast Show Notes

Episode Title: Back from Hiatus: Embracing Self-Exploration and Self-Directed Learning

Hosts: Elle and Miriam

Welcome back to the Cleverly Changing Podcast! After a brief hiatus, Elle and Miriam return with exciting updates, inspiring discussions, and a treasure trove of resources for parents and educators.

Episode Highlights:

1. New Beginnings:
   • Elle and Miriam share their personal updates and what they've been up to during the break. Get ready to hear about their latest adventures and new projects on the horizon.
2. Self-Exploration:
   • Miriam delves into the importance of self-exploration for both parents and children. She shares her journey and how self-exploration has enriched her life, offering practical tips on how you can start your own journey of discovery.
3. Self-Directed Learning:
   • Learn about the benefits of allowing kids to engage in self-directed learning. Miriam discusses how giving children the freedom to pursue their interests can lead to a deeper and more meaningful educational experience.
4. Bird Watching for Young Explorers:
   • If you have a budding bird watcher at home, download the Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Labs App. This fantastic tool helps kids identify and learn about different bird species, making bird watching both fun and educational.
5. Enhancing Language Skills:
   • Explore the Duo Lingo App, a powerful resource for language learning. Whether your child wants to learn a new language or improve their current skills, Duo Lingo makes the process engaging and effective.
6. Elle's Family Updates:
   • Elle shares about her daughter's new passion for drumming and her experience taking lessons. She also talks about the benefits of supplemental education at Mathnasium, a learning center focused on math tutoring.
7. Online Learning Resources:
   • Discover Educere and Griggs Academy, two excellent platforms where students can take online classes. These resources provide flexibility and a wide range of subjects to enhance your child's education.
8. Digital Art for Creative Kids:
   • For students who love to draw, Elle and Miriam recommend turning their artwork into digital art. They discuss various tablets that can help, such as Wacom tablets and the XP-PEN Artist 15.6 Pro Graphics Drawing Tablet with a battery-free stylus and 60° tilt functionality.

Resources Mentioned:

• Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Labs App: A great app for young bird watchers to identify and learn about various bird species.
• Duo Lingo App: An app designed to help users of all ages learn new languages in a fun and interactive way.
• Mathnasium: A learning center offering math tutoring to help students improve their math skills.
• Educere: An online learning platform offering a wide range of courses for students.
• Griggs Academy: Another excellent online learning resource for students.
• Wacom Tablets: High-quality tablets for digital art.
• XP-PEN Artist 15.6 Pro Graphics Drawing Tablet: A versatile tablet with a battery-free stylus and 60° tilt functionality for creating digital art.

Join the Conversation: We love hearing from our listeners! Share your thoughts on self-exploration, self-directed learning, and the resources we mentioned. Have you tried any of these apps or platforms? Let us know how they’ve worked for you and your family.

Subscribe and Follow: Don't miss out on future episodes! Subscribe to the Cleverly Changing Podcast on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content.

Thank You for Listening: We’re thrilled to be back and can’t wait to bring you more insightful and engaging content. Thank you for your continued support!

Stay Cleverly Changing!