If you’ve ever wondered whether your child’s struggles with reading are actually connected to ADHD, learning differences, confidence, or all of the above, this episode is going to feel like a giant exhale.

I’m joined by Megan Penrod, founder of Developing Readers Academy, who brings a fresh, whole-child approach to literacy. Yes, she teaches phonics. Yes, she uses Orton-Gillingham. But she also teaches kids what neurons are, how their brains grow, and why a mistake isn’t a failure — it’s a “pot of gold” that helps build a new pathway. (Honestly? I want someone to talk to me like that.)

Megan and I dig into what actually helps struggling readers make progress, why confidence and self-talk matter just as much as decoding skills, and how parents can feel empowered instead of overwhelmed. Her approach blends evidence-based reading instruction with emotional resilience and brain science — and the results speak for themselves.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why traditional reading interventions sometimes fall flat

• How understanding the brain boosts reading confidence

• The “ADHD Success Triangle” and where reading fits in

• What families really need to know to support struggling learners

• Why mistakes are golden (literally) when it comes to building new neural pathways

If you’ve been feeling stuck, stressed, or unsure about the next right step for your child, take a breath — this episode will leave you feeling grounded, encouraged, and better equipped to move forward with clarity.

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Have you ever wanted to talk to me on the phone while I'm driving? Didn't think so... but this week you get the opportunity anyway!!! Sit in traffic and talk inclusion with me!

I've had several friends, clients, and educators raise this question over the last couple of weeks: How much modification is appropriate for a student? Is there a limit, a tipping point, that would determine that a child's placement shouldn't be in the general education classroom? And if a child is accessing GenEd with a lot of modifications, what does assessment look like?

I've been asked that enough recently that I honestly started to question what I knew, so I've gone back and read - oh, I don't know - about 4 books on special education that EdD students read, 4 books on inclusive ed, and a couple on behavior - and I came up with the same answers. (And no, while this episode gives a great example of my rambly head, I'm not crazy!)

Please enjoy my diatribe on inclusion and modification!

If you’ve ever found yourself juggling all the things—family, advocacy, work, and maybe a touch of “why am I like this?”—this episode is for you.

I’m joined by Dr. Angelyn Franks, a speech-language pathologist turned mindfulness researcher, to talk about what burnout really looks like and how we can actually start managing stress in ways that work for us. We go deep into the difference between real, values-aligned self-care and the kind that just feels like another chore on your to-do list. (Spoiler: if your “relaxing” pedicure feels like a task, it might be time to rethink it.)

We also talk about the science behind chronic stress, why our bodies sometimes betray us, and how a little humor—plus maybe some “boob ice”—can go a long way in resetting your nervous system.

In this episode, we discuss :

• Why traditional self-care often backfires (and what’s actually helpful)
• The four hidden stress triggers that make your body go “nuts”
• How to recognize burnout before you hit the wall
• Practical ways to align self-care with your values so it actually works
• 
  

If you’ve been feeling wired, tired, or just plain done, take a deep breath. This episode is your reminder that you can’t pour from an empty cup—but you can refill it in ways that feel right for you.

Timestamps

• 00:00 Introduction and Greetings
• 00:08 Funny Story and Weekly Challenge
• 00:52 Inversions and Self-Care Strategies
• 02:05 Boob Ice and Coping Mechanisms
• 04:21 Guest Introduction: Angelyn Franks
• 04:59 Mindfulness and Stress Management
• 07:55 Burnout and Chronic Stress
• 13:37 Understanding Stress and Self-Care
• 14:37 Strategies for Managing Stress
• 16:04 Recognizing Stress Symptoms
• 27:25 Relative and Absolute Stressors
• 34:43 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Angelyn