From Science to Language: Carmen Balkejian on Education, Psychology, and Lifelong Learning

From Science to Language: Carmen Balkejian on Education, Psychology, and Lifelong Learning

In this engaging episode, we sit down with Carmen Balkejian, a former scientist whose passion for education, psychology, and the arts led her to a rewarding career teaching English to both children and adults. Drawing on her scientific background, Carmen shares how analytical thinking, curiosity, and evidence-based approaches have shaped her teaching philosophy, while emotional intelligence and human connection remain at the heart of her work. Together, we explore the evolving world of education, the changing realities of parenting, and the growing influence of technology, social media, and screen time on learning and development. Carmen offers valuable insights into language acquisition, addressing common misconceptions about learning a new language and discussing the unique challenges adult learners face. She also reflects on the joys of helping students gain confidence, communicate effectively, and discover new opportunities through language. Throughout the conversation, we examine how education has changed over the years, what qualities define exceptional educators today, and why Carmen remains optimistic about the future of learning. Packed with practical advice for parents, teachers, and lifelong learners, this episode is a thoughtful exploration of how we can continue to grow, adapt, and thrive in an increasingly complex world. Le Jardin D’Anglais- The English Garden Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lejardindanglaismarseille/ [https://www.instagram.com/lejardindanglaismarseille/] Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lejardindanglaismarseille [https://www.facebook.com/lejardindanglaismarseille] 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, Facebook and LinkedIn. Instagram link https://www.instagram.com/chartedroots/ [https://www.instagram.com/chartedroots/] TikTok Link https://www.tiktok.com/@chartedroots [https://www.tiktok.com/@chartedroots] Facebook Link https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575714368819 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575714368819] Linkedin Link https://www.linkedin.com/in/joty-gill-aa7710334/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joty-gill-aa7710334/]

Raising Great Dogs: Training, Family Life, and Building Lifelong Bonds

🐾 What does it take to raise a happy, well-behaved dog and build a lifelong bond? In this episode, professional dog trainer Courtney Hollis shares her journey into dog training and provides practical advice for families, first-time dog owners, and anyone considering adding a dog to their home. We explore how to choose the right dog, the realities of adopting rescue dogs, common training mistakes, and effective ways to address behavioural challenges. Courtney also discusses dogs and children, socialization, dog parks and daycares, nutrition, breed misconceptions, and what owners should understand about reactive or aggressive behaviour. Most importantly, we talk about the unique ways dogs enrich our lives, strengthen family connections, and teach valuable life lessons. Topics Covered: • Choosing the right dog for your family • What first-time dog owners need to know • Adopting and living with rescue dogs • Common training mistakes and how to avoid them • Managing behavioural challenges • Dogs and children: building safe, positive relationships • Understanding reactivity and aggression • Breed myths and misconceptions • Dog parks, daycares, and socialization • Nutrition, treats, and overall health • Creating a strong lifelong bond with your dog • The lessons dogs teach us about life, patience, and connection Whether you're a lifelong dog lover or preparing for your first puppy, this conversation is filled with practical insights and valuable takeaways. Hollis K-9 Coaching Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555674420476&mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555674420476&mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hollisk9coaching?igsh=dmh1aDhvcTE0YTM%3D&utm_source=qr [https://www.instagram.com/hollisk9coaching?igsh=dmh1aDhvcTE0YTM%3D&utm_source=qr] TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@hollis.k9.coachin?_r=1&_t=ZT-97Js4bpV0hC [https://www.tiktok.com/@hollis.k9.coachin?_r=1&_t=ZT-97Js4bpV0hC] YouTube  https://youtube.com/@hollisk9coaching?si=Rrp-8OLpsLKU_FxY [https://youtube.com/@hollisk9coaching?si=Rrp-8OLpsLKU_FxY] 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, Facebook and Linkedin. Instagram link https://www.instagram.com/chartedroots/ [https://www.instagram.com/chartedroots/] TikTok Link https://www.tiktok.com/@chartedroots [https://www.tiktok.com/@chartedroots] Facebook Link https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575714368819 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575714368819] Linkedin Link https://www.linkedin.com/in/joty-gill-aa7710334/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joty-gill-aa7710334/]

Teaching in the Digital Age: What Teachers, Parents, and Society Need to Know

What is really happening in today’s classrooms? In this candid conversation, Jennifer Losito from Tired But Teaching shares her experiences on the front lines of education and reflects on how teaching has evolved over the past two decades. We explore the growing influence of technology, smartphones, and social media on student learning, behaviour, and attention spans, as well as the changing relationship between schools and families. Jen offers powerful insights into teacher burnout, classroom challenges, student resilience, parenting trends, and what educators need most to thrive in today’s world. This episode is an honest look at the realities teachers face every day—and what parents, school leaders, and communities can do to better support both students and educators. Topics include: • Changes in education over the past 20 years • Technology, social media, and student behaviour • Teacher burnout and classroom challenges • The evolving role of parents • Building stronger school–family partnerships • Reasons for hope in education Whether you're a teacher, parent, administrator, or simply care about the future of education, this conversation offers valuable perspectives and practical takeaways. Tired But Teaching: https://www.instagram.com/tiredbutteaching_/ [https://www.instagram.com/tiredbutteaching_/] https://www.tiktok.com/@tired_butteaching [https://www.tiktok.com/@tired_butteaching] https://www.facebook.com/tiredbutteaching/ [https://www.facebook.com/tiredbutteaching/] 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, Facebook and Linkedin. Instagram link https://www.instagram.com/chartedroots/ [https://www.instagram.com/chartedroots/] TikTok Link https://www.tiktok.com/@chartedroots [https://www.tiktok.com/@chartedroots] Facebook Link https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575714368819 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575714368819] Linkedin Link https://www.linkedin.com/in/joty-gill-aa7710334/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joty-gill-aa7710334/]

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.”