Unplugged & Rooted

Understanding Autism: Lived Experience, Mental Health, and Supporting Neurodivergent Children

In this episode, we are joined by Maria, a coach and mental health advocate from Norway who shares her personal journey of growing up and living with autism. Drawing from her lived experience, Maria offers honest reflections on the challenges, strengths, and realities of being autistic in today's world. Together, we explore the support that made a difference in her life, common misconceptions about autism, and how parents, educators, and communities can create more inclusive environments where autistic children and young people can thrive. We also discuss the growing pressures facing children and families today, including social media, rising anxiety, mental health challenges, and the impact of constant digital connectivity. Maria shares practical insights for parents and caregivers, along with an important message about understanding, acceptance, and supporting neurodivergent youth. Whether you are a parent, educator, mental health professional, or simply interested in learning more about autism through the lens of lived experience, this conversation offers valuable perspectives and actionable takeaways. Instagram: @m.lucen_journal TikTok: @m.lucen If you’d like to share podcast input, ideas, or feedback, email us at jngill@chartedrootseducation.ca. Check out our website, www.chartedrootseducation.ca, for coaching, courses, and more. You can also find us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook under the name “chartedroots.”

Youth, Safety & Community: A Conversation with Calgary Police

In this important conversation, we sit down with representatives from the Calgary Police Service, Superintendent Smart and Sergeant Berti, to discuss the realities facing young people and families today. From youth crime trends and gang prevention to social media safety, the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), and youth diversion programs, we explore how parents and communities can better support youth before problems become crises. We also discuss the changing realities of parenting in the digital age, the unique challenges immigrant and newcomer families may face, and the critical role that schools, community organizations, law enforcement, and families play in creating safe and thriving communities. Whether you're a parent, educator, community leader, or simply someone who cares about the well-being of young people, this episode offers valuable insights, practical advice, and hopeful solutions for supporting Calgary's next generation. https://www.instagram.com/calgarypolice/ https://www.instagram.com/calgarypolicediscovery/ https://www.instagram.com/calgarypolice_chief/ https://www.instagram.com/cpfyyc/ https://www.instagram.com/cityofcalgary/  https://www.tiktok.com/@calgarypoliceofficial https://www.calgarypolice.ca/public-safety/youth-safety-and-programs.html If you’d like to share podcast input, ideas, or feedback, email us at jngill@chartedrootseducation.ca. Check out our website, www.chartedrootseducation.ca, for coaching, courses, and more. You can also find us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook under the name “chartedroots.”

From Classroom to Coaching: Helping Parents Navigate Today's Challenges with Lori Rogers

Parenting today can feel more overwhelming than ever. In this episode, we sit down with Lori Rogers, a Kid Behaviour and Parent Coach, to explore the challenges modern families face and what parents can do to better support their children while reducing stress at home. Drawing on her background in education and years of experience working with families, Lori shares what she's observed about the changing landscape of childhood, why so many children are struggling with emotional regulation, and why parents are feeling increasingly stressed, anxious, and overwhelmed. We discuss common behaviour challenges such as tantrums, defiance, and emotional outbursts, as well as practical strategies for responding effectively while maintaining healthy boundaries and stronger parent-child connections. Lori also explains what a parent coach does, when families should consider seeking support, and how parents can foster resilience, emotional intelligence, and cooperation in their children. Whether you're navigating daily power struggles or simply looking for greater confidence in your parenting approach, this conversation is filled with practical insights, encouragement, and actionable takeaways that can make a meaningful difference in family life. Lori Rogers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orlyanne/ [https://www.instagram.com/orlyanne/] If you’d like to share podcast input, ideas, or feedback, email us at jngill@chartedrootseducation.ca. Check out our website, www.chartedrootseducation.ca, for coaching, courses, and more. You can also find us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook under the name “chartedroots.”

Homes, Healing & Hope: A Frontline Child Protection Story with Naomi

In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Naomi, an Out of Home Care Residential Coordinator in Australia, who oversees residential homes and semi-independent living programs for young people transitioning out of care. Naomi shares what life really looks like on the frontlines of child protection — from supporting vulnerable children and training staff, to navigating trauma, mental health challenges, poverty, social media, and the growing pressures families face today. We also dive into the changing landscape of parenting, the impact of screen addiction and unresolved trauma, and why creating safe, supportive environments for children matters now more than ever. This episode is honest, eye-opening, and deeply human — offering insight into the realities many children and families are experiencing behind closed doors. If you care about children, parenting, education, mental health, or community support, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Note: The recording experienced some lagging and overlapping audio, which may have been due to the long-distance connection between Australia and Canada. Despite this, the conversation still speaks volumes about what’s happening today. Naomi Buckby: https://www.instagram.com/nmbcoaching.au/ [https://www.instagram.com/nmbcoaching.au/] If you’d like to share podcast input, ideas, or feedback, email us at jngill@chartedrootseducation.ca. Check out our website, www.chartedrootseducation.ca, for coaching, courses, and more. You can also find us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook under the name “chartedroots.”

Parenting in Turmoil: Raising Kids in an Overwhelmed World

In this episode, psychologist Melissa Sawers from Aspen Psychology Group joins us for an important conversation about the emotional realities families are facing today. From parental burnout and childhood anxiety to emotional regulation, discipline, identity, trauma, and the impact of social pressures, we explore why raising children feels more complex than ever. Melissa shares practical insight into what children truly need to feel emotionally safe, connected, and resilient — and how parents can support their children without losing themselves in the process. Melissa Sawers: https://www.instagram.com/melissapsychology/ [https://www.instagram.com/melissapsychology/] If you’d like to share podcast input, ideas, or feedback, email us at jngill@chartedrootseducation.ca. Check out our website, www.chartedrootseducation.ca, for coaching, courses, and more. You can also find us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook under the name “chartedroots.”