Cultivating Excellence Podcast

EP 36 - Positive Sibling Relationships

In this insightful interview, Gabriele Nicolet shares expert advice on nurturing positive sibling relationships, understanding developmental differences, and managing the emotional complexities of family dynamics. Discover practical strategies for fostering resilience, empathy, and long-term harmony among children. Gabriele Nicolet, Speech Language Pathologist and expert on parenting neurodivergent kids, joins us to talk all about sibling relationships. Gabriele's Parent Coaching Practice https://www.gabrielenicolet.com/ [https://www.gabrielenicolet.com/] Gabriele's Raising Orchid's Practice https://www.raisingorchidkids.com/about-us/ [https://www.raisingorchidkids.com/about-us/] Gabriele's Complicated Kids Podcast https://complicatedkids.com/ [https://complicatedkids.com/]

EP 35 - Raising Resilient Teenagers

This interview explores the challenges faced by today's teenagers, emphasizing the impact of technology, the importance of real-world experiences, and effective parenting strategies to foster independence and emotional health. Julie Baron and Associates https://www.juliebaronandassociates.com/ [https://www.juliebaronandassociates.com/] Julie's book What Works with Teens: A Professional's Guide https://www.amazon.com/What-Works-Teens-Professionals-Authentically/dp/1626250774 [https://www.amazon.com/What-Works-Teens-Professionals-Authentically/dp/1626250774] Books we mentioned--- The Anxious Generation by Dr. Jonathan Haidt Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain by Dr. Dan Siegal The Good Life by Dr. Robert Waldinger How to Talk so Kids/Teens Will Listen and Listen so Kids/Teens Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish Fight Less, Win More by Jonathan Smith and Derek Gaunt, The Black Swan Group 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People by Dr. David Yeager

EP 34 - Strong Marriage, Strong Kids

In today’s fast-paced world, the dynamics of parenting and relationships have become increasingly complex. Dr. Samantha Rodman-Whiten, known as Dr. Psych Mom, shares valuable insights on how couples can foster a loving environment for their children while navigating the challenges of modern life. Samantha's professional website https://www.drsamantharodman.com/ [https://www.drsamantharodman.com/] Dr. PsychMom https://www.drpsychmom.com/about/ [https://www.drpsychmom.com/about/] The Dr. Psych Mom podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-psych-mom-show-with-clinical-psychologist/id1603301666 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-psych-mom-show-with-clinical-psychologist/id1603301666] Dr. Rodman Whiten's books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/Samantha-Rodman/author/B014MRIMKG?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1773260036&sr=8-2&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=ac090b04-63ee-45f7-9f81-97c51a140fc6 [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Samantha-Rodman/author/B014MRIMKG?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1773260036&sr=8-2&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=ac090b04-63ee-45f7-9f81-97c51a140fc6]

EP 33 - Parenting for intellectual and creative development

Dr. Marcou's practice in Bethesda, Maryland https://www.drrobymarcou.com/ [https://www.drrobymarcou.com/] Interesting books we discussed in today's episode: The Geography of Thought: How Asians and Westerners Think Differently and Why by Nesbitt The Smartest Kids in the World and How They Got that Way by Amanda Ripley The Bilingual Edge by Dr. Alison Mackey More than Words: How Talking Sharpens the Mind and Shapes our World by Dr. Maryellen MacDonald and of course, wonderful books to enjoy with children, including: Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin, Bread and Jam for Frances by Russel Hoban, and the Amelia Bedelia books by Herman Parrish

Nurturing High Achievers

How do we support bright, capable students without pushing them into burnout? In this episode of Cultivating Excellence, Susan Holzman, Director of Academic Support at Bullis School, shares her thoughts on today’s high-achieving and exceptional students. Susan explains how the idea of the “smart kid” has changed over time. Today’s exceptional learners are often creative, curious, entrepreneurial, and deeply capable, but many also struggle with ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, executive functioning, perfectionism, or other learning differences. She explains why strong schools must offer both challenge and support, especially for students whose abilities vary across different areas. Susan also speaks candidly about the pressure many high-achieving students face. She highlights the dangers of overscheduling, chronic sleep deprivation, perfectionism, and multitasking, and she emphasizes that success should not come at the cost of joy, health, or emotional well-being. The conversation also explores how parents can set healthier boundaries, when to seek outside support such as executive functioning coaching or therapy, and why foundational skills still matter even for highly advanced learners.  Tune in as Susan shares practical wisdom for helping gifted and twice-exceptional students thrive with both rigor and balance. Resources: * Follow and connect with Susan Holzman on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-holzman-aa1567150/]. * Learn more about the Bullis School on their LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/school/bullis-school/] and website [https://www.bullis.org/]. * Visit the Learning Support at Bullis here [https://www.bullis.org/academics/learning-support]. * Listen as Susan speaks about Universal Design for Learning this summer at the Independent School Management's Summer Institute here [https://isminc.com/events/summer-institute-2026].