In this episode, I’m thrilled to introduce something brand new — Curiosity Lab, a program designed to ignite the minds of 10–13-year-olds through real-world learning, led by inspiring high school mentors.Our very first teacher is Ava, a passionate and thoughtful high school student who’s teaching the first Curiosity Lab unit on public speaking. Ava shares how she discovered her love for speech and debate, why she wanted to teach younger students, and what it’s been like to design a unit that’s engaging, age-appropriate, and deeply meaningful.We talk about:<ul><li>Why peer-to-peer learning is so powerful</li><li>How Ava planned her lessons to spark curiosity in middle schoolers</li><li>What makes Curiosity Lab different from school</li><li>How younger students benefit from seeing older teens as role models</li></ul>Whether you&apos;re a parent of a curious preteen or just someone who believes in the power of inspired teaching, this episode will give you a behind-the-scenes look at something truly special. To register for the Curiosity Lab, to go TILC.to/CL ----- To register for the Ivy League Challenge, <a href='http://www.theivyleaguechallenge.com/'>visit our website</a> To follow on Instagram:  <a href='https://tilc.to/podcasts-instagram'>@TheIvyLeagueChallenge</a> To join us on our <a href='https://tilc.to/podcasts-facebook-group'>Facebook group for parents</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode, I’m thrilled to introduce something brand new — &lt;b&gt;Curiosity Lab&lt;/b&gt;, a program designed to ignite the minds of 10–13-year-olds through real-world learning, led by inspiring high school mentors.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Our very first teacher is &lt;b&gt;Ava&lt;/b&gt;, a passionate and thoughtful high school student who’s teaching the first Curiosity Lab unit on &lt;b&gt;public speaking&lt;/b&gt;. Ava shares how she discovered her love for speech and debate, why she wanted to teach younger students, and what it’s been like to design a unit that’s engaging, age-appropriate, and deeply meaningful.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We talk about:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Why peer-to-peer learning is so powerful&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;How Ava planned her lessons to spark curiosity in middle schoolers&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;What makes Curiosity Lab different from school&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;How younger students benefit from seeing older teens as role models&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;Whether you&amp;apos;re a parent of a curious preteen or just someone who believes in the power of inspired teaching, this episode will give you a behind-the-scenes look at something truly special.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;To register for the Curiosity Lab, to go TILC.to/CL&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;-----&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;To register for the Ivy League Challenge, &lt;a href='http://www.theivyleaguechallenge.com/'&gt;visit our website&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;To follow on Instagram:  &lt;a href='https://tilc.to/podcasts-instagram'&gt;@TheIvyLeagueChallenge&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;To join us on our &lt;a href='https://tilc.to/podcasts-facebook-group'&gt;Facebook group for parents&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode, I’m thrilled to introduce something brand new — Curiosity Lab, a program designed to ignite the minds of 10–13-year-olds through real-world learning, led by inspiring high school mentors. Our very first teacher is Ava, a passionate and thoughtful high school student who’s teaching the first Curiosity Lab unit on public speaking. Ava shares how she discovered her love for speech and debate, why she wanted to teach younger students, and what it’s been like to design a unit that...

Launching the Curiosity Lab with Ava D

What if your child’s future success—especially with college admissions—hinges  on how curious they become before they even get there?In this episode, I break down the Curiosity Window, the critical developmental phase between ages 10 and 13, when your child’s brain is primed for identity formation, exploration, and deep learning. If curiosity is nurtured now, it becomes a foundation for confidence, motivation, and impact later. If ignored, that spark often fades—leading to disengaged, uncertain teens.You&apos;ll also hear why I created Curiosity Lab, a live weekly program designed specifically for 10–13 year-olds to build curiosity, critical thinking, and communication skills through hands-on learning.🔍 What You’ll Learn:<ul><li>Why ages 10–13 are a critical phase for curiosity and identity</li><li>How this period affects motivation, confidence, and future college prep</li><li>What parents can do now to set their kids up for long-term success</li></ul>📅 Join Curiosity Lab:Enrollment is open now for Curiosity Lab, our live Zoom-based exploration program for students ages 10–13. 📍 Start Date: April 2nd 🕗 When: Wednesdays at 8:00 PM Eastern 🧠 What: New topics every 4–6 weeks, guided reflection, hands-on projects, and final presentations 💬 Led by: Outstanding high school students who model curiosity and leadership 🎥 Miss a class? All sessions are recorded for flexibilityWhether your child is 10 and just starting to explore or 13 and ready to take charge, this is the time to shape their curiosity and set them on the path toward a meaningful, successful life. Register now: TILC.to/CL  ----- To register for the Ivy League Challenge, <a href='http://www.theivyleaguechallenge.com/'>visit our website</a> To follow on Instagram:  <a href='https://tilc.to/podcasts-instagram'>@TheIvyLeagueChallenge</a> To join us on our <a href='https://tilc.to/podcasts-facebook-group'>Facebook group for parents</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;What if your child’s future success—especially with college admissions—hinges  on how curious they become &lt;em&gt;before&lt;/em&gt; they even get there?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this episode, I break down the &lt;b&gt;Curiosity Window&lt;/b&gt;, the critical developmental phase between ages 10 and 13, when your child’s brain is primed for identity formation, exploration, and deep learning. If curiosity is nurtured now, it becomes a foundation for confidence, motivation, and impact later. If ignored, that spark often fades—leading to disengaged, uncertain teens.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You&amp;apos;ll also hear why I created &lt;b&gt;Curiosity Lab&lt;/b&gt;, a live weekly program designed specifically for 10–13 year-olds to build curiosity, critical thinking, and communication skills through hands-on learning.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;🔍 What You’ll Learn:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Why ages 10–13 are a critical phase for curiosity and identity&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;How this period affects motivation, confidence, and future college prep&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;What parents can do now to set their kids up for long-term success&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;📅 Join Curiosity Lab:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Enrollment is open now for &lt;b&gt;Curiosity Lab&lt;/b&gt;, our live Zoom-based exploration program for students ages 10–13.&lt;br/&gt; 📍 &lt;b&gt;Start Date&lt;/b&gt;: April 2nd&lt;br/&gt; 🕗 &lt;b&gt;When&lt;/b&gt;: Wednesdays at 8:00 PM Eastern&lt;br/&gt; 🧠 &lt;b&gt;What&lt;/b&gt;: New topics every 4–6 weeks, guided reflection, hands-on projects, and final presentations&lt;br/&gt; 💬 &lt;b&gt;Led by&lt;/b&gt;: Outstanding high school students who model curiosity and leadership&lt;br/&gt; 🎥 &lt;b&gt;Miss a class?&lt;/b&gt; All sessions are recorded for flexibility&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Whether your child is 10 and just starting to explore or 13 and ready to take charge, this is the time to shape their curiosity and set them on the path toward a meaningful, successful life.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Register now: TILC.to/CL &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;-----&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;To register for the Ivy League Challenge, &lt;a href='http://www.theivyleaguechallenge.com/'&gt;visit our website&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;To follow on Instagram:  &lt;a href='https://tilc.to/podcasts-instagram'&gt;@TheIvyLeagueChallenge&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;To join us on our &lt;a href='https://tilc.to/podcasts-facebook-group'&gt;Facebook group for parents&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

What if your child’s future success—especially with college admissions—hinges  on how curious they become before they even get there? In this episode, I break down the Curiosity Window, the critical developmental phase between ages 10 and 13, when your child’s brain is primed for identity formation, exploration, and deep learning. If curiosity is nurtured now, it becomes a foundation for confidence, motivation, and impact later. If ignored, that spark often fades—leading to disengaged, u...

The Curiosity Window

If you’ve ever felt helpless watching your teen struggle with stress, you’re not alone. Many parents want to help but don’t know how to do it in a way that actually works. In this episode, we dive into why today’s teens feel more overwhelmed than ever, the common mistakes even well-meaning parents make, and how to shift your parenting approach to truly support your child. Learn how to move from &quot;boss&quot; to &quot;coach&quot; so your teen can build resilience, confidence, and the skills to manage stress in a healthy way.💡 Key Takeaways: 🔹 Why today’s teens are more stressed than ever: ✔️ Tougher academics and college admissions pressure ✔️ Social media’s endless comparison trap ✔️ Lack of downtime and play leading to burnout🔹 The Parenting Shift: Move from being an enforcer to a coach ✔️ Instead of controlling, guide your teen to problem-solve and take ownership ✔️ Teens need trust and independence in small decisions so they can handle big ones ✔️ Support their growth without micromanaging🔹 Common Mistakes Parents Make &amp; What to Do Instead: ✔️ Comparing them to others → Instead, acknowledge their unique challenges ✔️ Trying to fix everything → Instead, guide them to their own solutions ✔️ Doubling down on control → Instead, pick your battles and give them autonomy where possible🔹 Actionable Steps to Help Your Teen Manage Stress: ✅ Shift from &quot;boss&quot; to &quot;coach&quot;—ask questions that help them find their own solutions ✅ Regulate yourself first—your calm creates their calm ✅ Create a safe space for conversations—use observations, not accusations ✅ Help them prioritize and reframe negative thinking ✅ Encourage healthy coping habits—sleep, movement, and self-advocacy matter ✅ Build long-term resilience—teach them to see stress as a sign of growth ----- To register for the Ivy League Challenge, <a href='http://www.theivyleaguechallenge.com/'>visit our website</a> To follow on Instagram:  <a href='https://tilc.to/podcasts-instagram'>@TheIvyLeagueChallenge</a> To join us on our <a href='https://tilc.to/podcasts-facebook-group'>Facebook group for parents</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;If you’ve ever felt helpless watching your teen struggle with stress, you’re not alone. Many parents want to help but don’t know how to do it in a way that actually works. In this episode, we dive into why today’s teens feel more overwhelmed than ever, the common mistakes even well-meaning parents make, and how to shift your parenting approach to truly support your child. Learn how to move from &amp;quot;boss&amp;quot; to &amp;quot;coach&amp;quot; so your teen can build resilience, confidence, and the skills to manage stress in a healthy way.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;💡 &lt;b&gt;Key Takeaways:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br/&gt;🔹 &lt;em&gt;Why today’s teens are more stressed than ever:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br/&gt;✔️ Tougher academics and college admissions pressure&lt;br/&gt;✔️ Social media’s endless comparison trap&lt;br/&gt;✔️ Lack of downtime and play leading to burnout&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;🔹 &lt;em&gt;The Parenting Shift:&lt;/em&gt; Move from being an enforcer to a &lt;b&gt;coach&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br/&gt;✔️ Instead of controlling, guide your teen to problem-solve and take ownership&lt;br/&gt;✔️ Teens need trust and independence in small decisions so they can handle big ones&lt;br/&gt;✔️ Support their growth without micromanaging&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;🔹 &lt;em&gt;Common Mistakes Parents Make &amp;amp; What to Do Instead:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br/&gt;✔️ &lt;b&gt;Comparing them to others&lt;/b&gt; → Instead, acknowledge their unique challenges&lt;br/&gt;✔️ &lt;b&gt;Trying to fix everything&lt;/b&gt; → Instead, guide them to their own solutions&lt;br/&gt;✔️ &lt;b&gt;Doubling down on control&lt;/b&gt; → Instead, pick your battles and give them autonomy where possible&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;🔹 &lt;em&gt;Actionable Steps to Help Your Teen Manage Stress:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br/&gt;✅ Shift from &amp;quot;boss&amp;quot; to &amp;quot;coach&amp;quot;—ask questions that help them find their own solutions&lt;br/&gt;✅ Regulate yourself first—your calm creates their calm&lt;br/&gt;✅ Create a safe space for conversations—use observations, not accusations&lt;br/&gt;✅ Help them prioritize and reframe negative thinking&lt;br/&gt;✅ Encourage healthy coping habits—sleep, movement, and self-advocacy matter&lt;br/&gt;✅ Build long-term resilience—teach them to see stress as a sign of growth&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;-----&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;To register for the Ivy League Challenge, &lt;a href='http://www.theivyleaguechallenge.com/'&gt;visit our website&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;To follow on Instagram:  &lt;a href='https://tilc.to/podcasts-instagram'&gt;@TheIvyLeagueChallenge&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;To join us on our &lt;a href='https://tilc.to/podcasts-facebook-group'&gt;Facebook group for parents&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

If you’ve ever felt helpless watching your teen struggle with stress, you’re not alone. Many parents want to help but don’t know how to do it in a way that actually works. In this episode, we dive into why today’s teens feel more overwhelmed than ever, the common mistakes even well-meaning parents make, and how to shift your parenting approach to truly support your child. Learn how to move from "boss" to "coach" so your teen can build resilience, confidence, and the skills to manage stress in...

What to Do When Your Teen is Overwhelmed

If I could sit down with my teenage self, I’d have a lot to say about college admissions—especially in today’s high-pressure environment. In this episode, I share the advice I wish someone had given me at 16, including the biggest misconceptions I had about the admissions process and what actually mattered in the long run. If you&apos;re feeling overwhelmed by grades, extracurriculars, and the constant pressure to be &quot;impressive,&quot; this episode will help you shift your mindset and focus on what truly makes a difference—not just for getting into college, but for long-term success.💡 Key Takeaways: 🔹 Your value is not determined by where you go to college. The students who focus on becoming valuable, not just impressive, are the ones who succeed. 🔹 The biggest admissions myths: ✔️ Myth #1: “If I do everything right, I’ll get into my dream school.” (Reality: Admissions is unpredictable.) ✔️ Myth #2: “I need to be the best at everything to stand out.” (Reality: Depth matters more than breadth.) ✔️ Myth #3: “Getting into a top college = guaranteed success.” (Reality: Success depends on what you do, not where you go.) 🔹 The Lottery Ticket vs. Toolbox Mindset – Stop playing the admissions lottery and start building skills, experiences, and relationships that will serve you for life. 🔹 What actually mattered in the long run: Loving learning, being resourceful, and building strong relationships. 🔹 Action steps you can take today: Identify a problem to solve, audit your activities, develop key skills, and focus on what truly excites you.🚀 Want to create a standout college application AND set yourself up for real success? Check out The Admissions Advantage Roadmap at <a href='https://www.theivyleaguechallenge.com'>www.theivyleaguechallenge.com</a> for a clear, strategic approach to building a compelling application that reflects who you truly are. ----- To register for the Ivy League Challenge, <a href='http://www.theivyleaguechallenge.com/'>visit our website</a> To follow on Instagram:  <a href='https://tilc.to/podcasts-instagram'>@TheIvyLeagueChallenge</a> To join us on our <a href='https://tilc.to/podcasts-facebook-group'>Facebook group for parents</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;If I could sit down with my teenage self, I’d have a lot to say about college admissions—especially in today’s high-pressure environment. In this episode, I share the advice I wish someone had given me at 16, including the biggest misconceptions I had about the admissions process and what actually mattered in the long run. If you&amp;apos;re feeling overwhelmed by grades, extracurriculars, and the constant pressure to be &amp;quot;impressive,&amp;quot; this episode will help you shift your mindset and focus on what truly makes a difference—not just for getting into college, but for long-term success.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;💡 &lt;b&gt;Key Takeaways:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br/&gt;🔹 &lt;em&gt;Your value is not determined by where you go to college.&lt;/em&gt; The students who focus on becoming valuable, not just impressive, are the ones who succeed.&lt;br/&gt;🔹 &lt;em&gt;The biggest admissions myths:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br/&gt;✔️ Myth #1: “If I do everything right, I’ll get into my dream school.” (Reality: Admissions is unpredictable.)&lt;br/&gt;✔️ Myth #2: “I need to be the best at everything to stand out.” (Reality: Depth matters more than breadth.)&lt;br/&gt;✔️ Myth #3: “Getting into a top college = guaranteed success.” (Reality: Success depends on what you do, not where you go.)&lt;br/&gt;🔹 &lt;em&gt;The Lottery Ticket vs. Toolbox Mindset&lt;/em&gt; – Stop playing the admissions lottery and start building skills, experiences, and relationships that will serve you for life.&lt;br/&gt;🔹 &lt;em&gt;What actually mattered in the long run:&lt;/em&gt; Loving learning, being resourceful, and building strong relationships.&lt;br/&gt;🔹 &lt;em&gt;Action steps you can take today:&lt;/em&gt; Identify a problem to solve, audit your activities, develop key skills, and focus on what truly excites you.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;🚀 &lt;b&gt;Want to create a standout college application AND set yourself up for real success?&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Check out &lt;b&gt;The Admissions Advantage Roadmap&lt;/b&gt; at &lt;a href='https://www.theivyleaguechallenge.com'&gt;www.theivyleaguechallenge.com&lt;/a&gt; for a clear, strategic approach to building a compelling application that reflects who you truly are.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;-----&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;To register for the Ivy League Challenge, &lt;a href='http://www.theivyleaguechallenge.com/'&gt;visit our website&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;To follow on Instagram:  &lt;a href='https://tilc.to/podcasts-instagram'&gt;@TheIvyLeagueChallenge&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;To join us on our &lt;a href='https://tilc.to/podcasts-facebook-group'&gt;Facebook group for parents&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

If I could sit down with my teenage self, I’d have a lot to say about college admissions—especially in today’s high-pressure environment. In this episode, I share the advice I wish someone had given me at 16, including the biggest misconceptions I had about the admissions process and what actually mattered in the long run. If you're feeling overwhelmed by grades, extracurriculars, and the constant pressure to be "impressive," this episode will help you shift your mindset and focus on what tru...

A Message to My Teenage Self About College Admissions

What if you could see yourself, right now, as a student at your dream college? What if you could feel what it’s like to walk across campus, sit in a classroom, and engage with world-class professors and peers?In this special guided visualization, I’ll take you through an immersive experience where you’ll: ✅ Step into the shoes of your future self at your dream university ✅ Feel the excitement and confidence of belonging in that environment ✅ Discover what kind of student you want to be—not just where you want to go ✅ Leave with a clear sense of purpose and steps you can take right now to become that personThis isn’t just about college admissions—it’s about becoming the kind of student who thrives, no matter where you go. 🎯 Want a step-by-step roadmap tailored to your teen’s strengths? Get the Admissions Advantage Roadmap ➡️ www.theivyleaguechallenge.com ----- To register for the Ivy League Challenge, <a href='http://www.theivyleaguechallenge.com/'>visit our website</a> To follow on Instagram:  <a href='https://tilc.to/podcasts-instagram'>@TheIvyLeagueChallenge</a> To join us on our <a href='https://tilc.to/podcasts-facebook-group'>Facebook group for parents</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;What if you could see yourself, right now, as a student at your dream college? What if you could feel what it’s like to walk across campus, sit in a classroom, and engage with world-class professors and peers?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this special guided visualization, I’ll take you through an immersive experience where you’ll:&lt;br/&gt;✅ &lt;b&gt;Step into the shoes of your future self&lt;/b&gt; at your dream university&lt;br/&gt;✅ &lt;b&gt;Feel the excitement and confidence&lt;/b&gt; of belonging in that environment&lt;br/&gt;✅ &lt;b&gt;Discover what kind of student you want to be&lt;/b&gt;—not just where you want to go&lt;br/&gt;✅ &lt;b&gt;Leave with a clear sense of purpose&lt;/b&gt; and steps you can take right now to become that person&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This isn’t just about college admissions—it’s about &lt;b&gt;becoming the kind of student who thrives, no matter where you go.&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;🎯 Want a step-by-step roadmap tailored to your teen’s strengths? &lt;b&gt;Get the Admissions Advantage Roadmap&lt;/b&gt; ➡️ www.theivyleaguechallenge.com&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;-----&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;To register for the Ivy League Challenge, &lt;a href='http://www.theivyleaguechallenge.com/'&gt;visit our website&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;To follow on Instagram:  &lt;a href='https://tilc.to/podcasts-instagram'&gt;@TheIvyLeagueChallenge&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;To join us on our &lt;a href='https://tilc.to/podcasts-facebook-group'&gt;Facebook group for parents&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

What if you could see yourself, right now, as a student at your dream college? What if you could feel what it’s like to walk across campus, sit in a classroom, and engage with world-class professors and peers? In this special guided visualization, I’ll take you through an immersive experience where you’ll: ✅ Step into the shoes of your future self at your dream university ✅ Feel the excitement and confidence of belonging in that environment ✅ Discover what kind of student you want to be—not j...

Visualize Yourself in Your Dream College Today

Equipping you to successfully pursue the college of your dreams. I believe that the world needs every student to reach their full potential. College admittance shouldn't hold you back. I'm an educator and Harvard grad who has been in your shoes. I designed this podcast to accompany the Ivy League Challenge (my online course) to support my listeners. I've met with graduates, admissions officers, and professors to identify the criteria used to select candidates. I've crafted a road map for success and can share it with you.&nbsp;

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