TAKING THE HELM with Lynn McLaughlin

Ep 165: AI in Education: Designed to Support the Role of Educators, Parents and Professionals

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐟 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐈-𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐬𝐤 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞? Guest host Kathryn Collins sits down with Derek Crager to explore how AI is beginning to reshape learning in practical, student-centered ways. Derek is the creator of Pocket Mentor, an AI-powered platform designed to provide real-time, voice-based support for learning and reflection. Derek shares why Pocket Mentor is grounded in a “human-first” approach - where AI is designed to support, not replace, the role of educators, parents, and professionals. For students who hesitate to speak up, it creates a private space to build confidence. For those ready to go further, it removes limits on how deeply they can learn. Key points: 💥 Students are not accessing the world wide web - only the information in the data base of the program. 💥 What about accuracy? 💥 What about over-reliance or the human connection? 💥 How can tools like this can offer immediate support when traditional systems are limited by time, cost, or availability? 💥 What does this mean for a generation of children growing up with AI: the opportunities, the risks, and the responsibility to use it with intention and clear boundaries? This is not an all-or-nothing conversation. It’s a balanced, forward-looking discussion about how AI can enhance learning, support confidence, and expand what’s possible - when we keep people at the center. Derek Crager is a leader in applied AI and the founder of Human First AI, where he focuses on building technology that works alongside people - not in place of them. His work centers on helping individuals and organizations use AI to think more effectively, make better decisions, and extend their capabilities in meaningful ways. Grounded in a belief that AI should enhance human potential, Derek advocates for responsible, bounded systems that prioritize accuracy, accessibility, and human connection. Through his work and writing, including his book Human First AI, Derek is helping shape a future where technology strengthens - not replaces - the human experience. Connect with Derek:https://www.practicalai.app/community The Primary Purpose of This Podcast Is To Educate, Which Does Not Constitute Professional Advice or Services. The Views and Opinions Expressed are Those of The Guests. Their Appearance on The Podcast Does Not Imply Any Endorsement of Them, Their Products, or Their Services. Connect with Lynn: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnmcla Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye... LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla... Website: https://lynnmclaughlin.com/

Ep 164: More Than Behaviour: Understanding the Mind-Body Connection in Children

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧’𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥? Guest host Kathryn Collins sits down with Lisa Danahy, founder of Create Calm, to explore what it really means to support a child’s emotional and behavioural regulation. We often focus on what we see -tantrums, defiance, big reactions - but beneath it all is something deeper: the connection between the mind, the body, and a child’s developing sense of self.Lisa shares a powerful shift in perspective… from controlling behaviour to creating the conditions where children feel safe enough to learn how to regulate themselves.Key points: 💥 Why discipline needs to be redefined 💥 The role of movement, breath, and the nervous system 💥 Why children need us to model the skills we expect from them 💥 How “testing limits” is actually a sign of trust and growth💥 Simple, practical ways to build regulation before challenging moments happen. This conversation is a reminder that calm isn’t something we demand from children… it’s something we help them discover, starting with ourselves. With an MS in Yoga Therapy and BA in Psychology, over 30 years as a school administrator and SEL curriculum developer, and certification as an advanced educator and trainer, Lisa is highly skilled at creating accessible, evidence-based, successful curricula for behavioral and emotional regulation, as well as physical and mental health. Connect with Lisa: https://linktr.ee/lisadanahy?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid= The Primary Purpose of This Podcast Is To Educate, Which Does Not Constitute Professional Advice or Services. The Views and Opinions Expressed are Those of The Guests. Their Appearance on The Podcast Does Not Imply Any Endorsement of Them, Their Products, or Their Services. Connect with Lynn: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnmcla Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye... LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla... Website: https://lynnmclaughlin.com/

Ep 163: The Child Who Felt Invisible - and the Superpower That Changed Everything

Some children shine in obvious ways. Others quietly wonder if anyone truly sees them. Guest Host Kathryn Colins speaks with Dr. Mark Perloe, a retired IVF specialist and grandfather, whose relationship with his two grandsons inspired him to write his first children’s book. One grandson is highly focused and neurodivergent. The other sometimes feels invisible -but uses humour as his superpower to connect. We explore: 💥 How children who feel unseen can discover their own strengths 💥 The power of humour, empathy, and kindness in building confidence 💥 The unique role grandparents and adults can play in nurturing emotional well-being 💥 Why noticing and valuing every child creates stronger families and communities 💥 How Milo's story has helped to build a connection between siblings. How did Mark and his cousin work together to make publishing Milo's Superpower possible? Mark worked as a doctor specializing in IVF for 32 years.Now retired, Mark’s favorite thing to do is spend time with his two grandsons. He is thrilled to be writing his first children’s book!   Mark's co-author, is his cousin Justine Perloe. She is a 2nd grade teacher and loves sharing stories with her students! She even shared a very early draft of Milo’s Superpower with them. She is so excited to be a part of this project! Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is simply see a child - and help them recognize the superpowers they already have. Connect with Mark: https://www.milossuperpower.com/ The Primary Purpose of This Podcast Is To Educate, Which Does Not Constitute Professional Advice or Services. The Views and Opinions Expressed are Those of The Guests. Their Appearance on The Podcast Does Not Imply Any Endorsement of Them, Their Products, or Their Services. Connect with Lynn: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnmcla Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye... LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla... Website: https://lynnmclaughlin.com/

Ep 162: Helping a Child With Autism Thrive: What the Science Shows

Dr. Theresa Lyons, Ph.D. in chemistry from Yale University, shares her unique perspective as both a scientist and a mother of a daughter with autism. Drawing on cutting-edge research and her personal journey, Dr. Lyons explores the underlying health and environmental factors that can influence a child’s development beyond the autism diagnosis. She launched "Navigating Awetism" to help parents. 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐬𝐤, “𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐈 𝐝𝐨 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞?” Dr. Lyons breaks down complex research into actionable insights that parents and caregivers can understand and apply. Key takeaways include: * 💥 Understanding the role of genetics and risk factors in autism and how research informs what we can address. * 💥 Exploring environmental factors that can influence a child’s sleep, health and behaviour. * 💥 Looking at gut health, food allergies, and sensitivities as possible contributors to well-being. (Gluten, Candida and other gut infections.) * 💥 How functional medicine approaches, including Vitamin D, B12, and other assessments, can uncover hidden opportunities for improvement. * 💥 The role of detoxification and overall health management in supporting daily functioning and quality of life. * 💥 Emphasizing a whole-child approach that empowers parents to take proactive steps while respecting each child’s unique needs. * 💥 Supporting the entire family. Dr. Lyon's Website: https://awetism.net/Dr. Lyon's Autism Science Links: https://awetism.net/category/cutting-edge-autism-science/ The Primary Purpose of This Podcast Is To Educate, Which Does Not Constitute Professional Advice or Services. The Views and Opinions Expressed are Those of The Guests. Their Appearance on The Podcast Does Not Imply Any Endorsement of Them, Their Products, or Their Services. Connect with Lynn: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnmcla Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye... LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla... Website: https://lynnmclaughlin.com/

Ep 161: Star Students | Where Curiosity Drives Learning

Kimberly Gawne is an educator and founder of Star Students, a program that creates personalized learning plans driven by each child’s interests. Starting as a tutor during COVID-19 school closures, she now supports families with homeschooling, curriculum guidance, and real-world learning experiences, helping students develop critical thinking and a love of learning. Guest host Kathryn Collins dives into the key topics with Kim: 💥 Why did Kim leave the public/private school systems and begin tutoring? 💥 How does Star Students work to support parents who home school? 💥 What are the age ranges, daily instructional time and choices for parents? 💥 What are the challenges of homeschooling and some solutions? 💥 Why is critical thinking so important? 💥 How can parents prepare themselves to begin? Star Students Website: https://www.starstudents.co/ The Primary Purpose of This Podcast Is To Educate, Which Does Not Constitute Professional Advice or Services. The Views and Opinions Expressed are Those of The Guests. Their Appearance on The Podcast Does Not Imply Any Endorsement of Them, Their Products, or Their Services. Connect with Lynn: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnmcla/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynnmclaughl... YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye... LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla... Website: https://lynnmclaughlin.com/