Celebrating 150 Episodes of Taking the Helm Podcast: A Milestone Moment with Erin Plumb

As we mark a major milestone in the journey of Taking the Helm, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement! Our 150th episode is here, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate this achievement with none other than Erin Plumb, a recognized leader in assistive technology, accessibility, and inclusion. Erin’s insights on the role of technology in supporting learners both inside and outside the classroom provide an inspiring and timely conversation that speaks to the heart of what this podcast is all about: empowering children and youth to thrive.

Reflecting on the Journey: 150 Conversations of Impact

Reaching 150 episodes wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible guests who have joined me on this journey. From educators, parents, and mental health experts to innovators and advocates, each guest has shared their wisdom, stories, and strategies to help shape a better future for our children and young people. By helping all of us see things from a different perspective, we each are learning new strategies and finding resources so we can be well ourselves and model for our children and students. Every episode has been a building block in the mission to promote proactive strategies for emotional well-being, resilience, and the importance of mental health and inclusion.

I’m truly grateful to each person who has taken the time to share their expertise and experience on Taking the Helm. Your voices have inspired, challenged, and motivated our listeners—parents, educators, and anyone committed to the well-being of children and youth. Together, we’ve worked toward a shared vision: empowering those who nurture the next generation, whether in classrooms or homes, with the tools to guide them toward success and emotional resilience.

Don’t Miss Our 150th Episode

This milestone episode with Erin Plumb is not just a celebration of the past but a nod to the future of education, accessibility, and inclusion. As an expert in assistive technology, Erin has spent over 20 years helping to remove barriers for students with diverse learning needs. Her work is shaping the future of how we approach digital equity, inclusivity, and the powerful role technology plays in fostering educational opportunities for all learners.

In this episode, Erin dives deep into:

💥 What assistive technology is and why it’s critical in today’s digital world.

💥 How assistive tech supports students in areas like reading, writing, math, and STEM programs.

💥 The pros and cons of using technology in the classroom, with insights on how it can help educators and students with special needs.

💥 Apps and tools that can make learning more accessible for all.

💥 How to embrace AI safely in schools and the exciting potential of future developments in assistive technology.

💥 Guidelines to help parents choose the correct and secure apps for their children that meet their developmental and cognitive needs.

This conversation is essential for educators, parents, and anyone involved in the education space. Erin’s insights will empower you with knowledge on how to better support learners, especially those with special needs, using the latest technology.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Guests and Listeners

As we reflect on the 150 episodes of Taking the Helm, I want to take a moment to thank all of our guests. Your voices have been a beacon of inspiration, and your willingness to share your knowledge has made this podcast a truly valuable resource for parents, teachers, and anyone working to improve the lives of children and youth. Together, we’ve created a space for meaningful conversations that spark change.

To our loyal listeners: thank you for being part of this journey. Your support and engagement keep this podcast going, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to connect with you. I hope you continue to find value in every episode, and I encourage you to share these conversations with your networks—because when we share knowledge, we empower change.

A Special Thank You to Kathryn Collins

I’d also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Kathryn Collins, who has been graciously guest-hosting the podcast and this milestone episode. Kathryn’s passion for inclusive education and her thoughtful approach to every conversation made this episode even more special. Having Kathryn as a collaborator on Taking the Helm has been such a joy, and I’m incredibly grateful for her contributions and insight.

Join Us for Our 150th Celebration

If you haven’t tuned in yet, now is the perfect time! Listen to our 150th episode with Erin Plumb on your favourite podcast app on March 12th.

Also, feel free to explore all 150 episodes on my website, where you can search by guest name or topic to find episodes that resonate with you. And, of course, don’t forget to subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you never miss a show.

Thank you again to every guest, every listener, and every person who has helped shape the Taking the Helm podcast. Here’s to the next 150 episodes of growth, learning, and empowering the leaders of tomorrow.

In-Powerment: Digging Deep into How Families Can Truly Thrive

This press release was published KINGSVILLE, AZ, UNITED STATES, October 7, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/

Taking the Helm podcast presents a 1:1 interview with Radhika (aka Rad) Lakhani, an accomplished attorney, coach, and thought leader in conscious lawyering. Rad shares her deeply personal journey from professional success to spiritual awakening, revealing how life's greatest challenges shaped her mission to guide others toward living their most epic lives.

Interview Highlights:

• Content Warning: Rad opens up about the heartbreaking loss of her son at birth and how this devastating experience led her to ask the biggest question of her life—and receive a life-altering answer. Her personal armageden.

• Pain Pushes You Until Vision Pulls You – A reflection on Dr. Brian Weiss' profound teachings and how this wisdom helped Rad navigate her own path.
• From Bay Street to Private Practice – Discover how Rad transitioned from a successful corporate law career to listening to her heart’s call for a more meaningful life.
• Conscious Lawyering – Learn about this revolutionary approach and its life-changing impact on Rad’s clients.
• The Pillars of an Epic Life – Rad outlines the foundational principles that allow us to truly thrive.
• The Power of Silence – Exploring why quieting the mind is an essential yet underrated tool for personal growth.
• Family Thriving – Rad reveals the three essential pillars parents and children need to thrive together.
• The Impact of Meditation – A deep dive into different meditation techniques and the powerful influence Dr. Joe Dispenza’s work had on Rad’s ability to break through personal barriers and unlock her next level of potential.

Rad shares valuable tools for those seeking personal transformation, conscious parenting, and a balanced life. https://www.voiceamerica.com/

About Radhika Lakhani Esq., LLM JD:

Radhika (aka: Rad) Lakhani Esq., LLM JD, is an expert in human conflict resolution and relationship dynamics. She has thousands of hours of experience as a divorce lawyer, mediator, children’s lawyer, court appointed dispute resolution officer, and educator. In 2022, after almost 20 years in law and ADR, Rad transitioned from family law lawyer to family IN-powerment educator.

Rad’s mission is to help families experience greater peace and harmony. She believes that when parents and children are IN-powered, with the right tools, they not only resolve their own conflict, but begin to truly THRIVE. Rad believes that every child deserves to be raised in a peaceful home.

Rad left law to help families heal conflict at the ROOT (which she realized the legal system is not designed to do). Over her years as a lawyer, Rad routinely shared mindfulness and self-development tools that had helped her get through her own massive life challenges. Over time her clients said that they were “life-changing”. She realized that instead of trying to “control” conflict, we need to raise awareness around the sources of conflict and help people resolve conflict “from within.”

Her experimental group-courses led to dozens of clients stating that they felt more empowered, less anxious, happier, & more at peace in 1-2 months. The results were incredible, and better yet, they were starting to positively impact her client’s children.

Rad's clients have called her their “life guru”, “Yoda” and “soul activator.” Her desire is to help people transform their greatest challenges into their greatest miracles, to help them experience rapid transformation with greater ease, and provide a new pathway for families to resolve conflict in a lasting and empowering way.
https://www.consciousnesswithrad.com/

About Lynn Mclaughlin

Lynn McLaughlin has served in many roles as an educator … Superintendent, Principal, Vice-Principal, Teacher, and Educational Consultant in a board of over 35,000 students. Lynn's professional speaking experiences have been local, provincial, and international. She is passionate about children's emotional well-being and what we as adults must do to ensure our children have the skills, mindset, and strategies to be successful and happy in today's world.

As a best-selling and award-winning author, Lynn has now teamed up with her niece, Amber Raymond, to co-author a children's book series titled, "The Power of Thought." Both are passionate about being proactive when it comes to children's mental health. They are visiting school communities both virtually and in-person, offering professional development for teachers as well as information evenings for parents and guardians titled, “Heart Matters, Embracing Emotional Health for All.

Lynn has hosted the podcast, Taking the Helm for over four years and is proud to bring the voices of others forward to learn and with and from. Dedicated to community causes, Lynn is a member of 100 Women Who Care Windsor/Essex and is a Rotarian and is a brain tumour survivor.
https://lynnmclaughlin.com/

About Taking the Helm:

Wednesdays 7 am PST on the Voice America Health and Wellness Channel, once per month.

Being emotionally well means we understand, accept and can manage our feelings effectively through times of change or challenge. Many children and youth are struggling in this complex world. We've become accustomed to waiting for symptoms before we seek help for our mental or physical health care. Imagine the synergy we can create by learning and modelling proven strategies, so children learn to manage their feelings from a young age. We're Taking the Helm with a proactive mindset to give kids a head start towards developing a positive quality of life, healthy social and problem-solving skills, self-regulation, confidence, and empathy.

Sandra Rogers
VoiceAmerica
+1 480-553-5756

Discover the GRIT Advantage: Lynn McLaughlin and Haze Schepmyer Unveil Strategies to Foster Guts in Children and Youth

This press release was posted on Presswire 17 July 2024

KINGSVILLE, AZ, UNITED STATES, July 17, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Have you discovered your own GRIT or recognized how important it is to know, show and sow not only your own, but teach your children how to do the same? Host Lynn McLaughlin is joined by Haze Schepmyer, a Life-Event Transition Consultant dedicated to helping individuals transition from surviving to thriving through life events.

What is GRIT and who’s got it? Discover the essence of GRIT and the characteristics of those who possess it.

Why is it important to know your GRIT? Reflect on Buddha's wisdom: "All that we are is the result of what we have thought," and learn why self-awareness of your GRIT matters.

How do you grow and show your GRIT? Inspired by William James' insight, "Our greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another," understand the significance of nurturing your GRIT. Embrace Eckhart Tolle's belief that "Awareness is the greatest agent for change," and see how demonstrating your GRIT can inspire transformation.

Why should we sow our GRIT? Learn about the impact of modeling and nurturing GRIT as parents, guardians, mentors, role models, teachers, and community members.

What’s the GRIT game? Uncover the engaging and practical aspects of the GRIT game, a tool to instill resilience and perseverance in the younger generation.

https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/150714

About Haze Schepmyer,
Following the unexpected loss of her dream job in 2019, Haze founded Grow My GRIT to spark powerful conversations about facing life's challenges with resilience.

She emphasizes reframing thoughts to focus on personal strengths and resources during tough times. Haze created the GRIT Growth Guide, a tool that helps people understand, develop, and demonstrate their GRIT both personally and professionally. Her GRIT framework has supported individuals of all ages in finding meaningful ways to thrive through life's transitions.

We delve into the incredible value of GRIT, especially for children and youth. Haze will explore the essential elements of GRIT and why understanding, developing, and demonstrating it is crucial in today's world.

Visit Haze at: https://growmygrit.com/media-sheet

About Lynn Mclaughlin
Lynn McLaughlin has served in many roles as an educator … Superintendent, Principal, Vice-Principal, Teacher, and Educational Consultant in a board of over 35,000 students. Lynn's professional speaking experiences have been local, provincial, and international. She is passionate about children's emotional well-being and what we as adults must do to ensure our children have the skills, mindset, and strategies to be successful and happy in today's world.

As a best-selling and award-winning author, Lynn has now teamed up with her niece, Amber Raymond, to co-author a children's book series titled, "The Power of Thought." Both are passionate about being proactive when it comes to children's mental health. They are visiting school communities both virtually and in-person, offering professional development for teachers as well as information evenings for parents and guardians titled, “Heart Matters, Embracing Emotional Health for All.

Lynn has hosted the podcast, Taking the Helm for over four years and is proud to bring the voices of others forward to learn and with and from. Dedicated to community causes, Lynn is a member of 100 Women Who Care Windsor/Essex and is a Rotarian and is a brain tumour survivor.

About Taking the Helm
Wednesdays 7 am PST on the Voice America Health and Wellness Channel, once per month.

Being emotionally well means we understand, accept and can manage our feelings effectively through times of change or challenge. Many children and youth are struggling in this complex world. We've become accustomed to waiting for symptoms before we seek help for our mental or physical health care. Imagine the synergy we can create by learning and modelling proven strategies, so children learn to manage their feelings from a young age. We're Taking the Helm with a proactive mindset to give kids a head start towards developing a positive quality of life, healthy social and problem-solving skills, self-regulation, confidence, and empathy.

About VoiceAmerica
VoiceAmerica is the original digital broadcast company for the production and delivery of Live Internet Talk Radio programming and continues to be the industry leader in digital media, marketing, and distribution. We are the pioneers of digital radio programming and have been since 1999. We create and distribute over 500 unique and innovative radio programs for our millions of engaged listeners worldwide. Our network channels distribute live programs daily that reach a growing domestic and international audience who connect through all devices via our mobile, desktop, and tablet VoiceAmerica destinations. Learn more at http://www.voiceamerica.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. Call us any time to find out how VoiceAmerica can help you reach your audience, (480) 553-5756.

Sandra Rogers
VoiceAmerica
+1 4805535756
email us here

How Are You Today?

How do we respond, if we are in fact, nearing the ledge?

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Published in the Kingsville Neighbourhood Magazine, June 2021

When is the last time you openly discussed your own mental health and wellness with friends or family members? As a parent, can we speak honestly about our fears when one of our own children is struggling? Can we comfortably talk about it ourselves if we are the ones in crisis?

“I’m fine thanks,” or “Couldn’t be better” are typical answers to the age-old question. But how do we respond if we are in fact, nearing the ledge? We don’t want to burden our family and friends after all. They have enough going on in their own lives, don’t they? Perhaps we are embarrassed and don’t want anyone else to know. Maybe we’re worried we’ll be judged by others or we aren’t aware of the wealth of resources at our fingertips, many of which are outside of traditional counselling and therapy.

When our day-to-day life is negatively impacted because of how we are feeling, those around us are most definitely affected, as much as we may not want to admit it. Can we recognize the signs of those who are struggling, including caregivers?

My most recent book “Jackson” was written after speaking with many people, both those in caregiver roles and struggling themselves. Although fictional, it is a compilation of the real-life experiences of a mother and son as they fight their demons and desperation with love and hope. Generating honest, open, and real conversations, “Jackson” is helping us become comfortable talking about this subject which has been “taboo” for far too long. 

Suicide is the second-largest cause of death for our youth between 15 – 24 years of age in Canada. There is a growing movement recommending that we as parents have “The Talk” with our teenagers which includes a purely preventative, science-based, 4-step script. Jackie Simmons (Co-Founder of the Teen Suicide Prevention Society) believes that having “The Talk” just might save our child’s life. Her TEDx speech is empowering.

In a series of surveys conducted by the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (Canada's largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital and a world-leading research centre in this field), one year into the pandemic, “About one in five Canadians reported high levels of mental distress”. If we are not experiencing this ourselves directly, someone we care for likely is or will be.

Why not pick up the phone or visit someone you haven’t checked in with for a while? Start the conversation that may be so desperately needed, for yourself or that individual. It just may be the spark that helps you or someone else take the first step towards a hopeful future.

References

The Centre for Addictions and Mental Health

https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-health-and-covid-19/covid-19-national-survey

Lynn’s website with mental health resource links

https://lynnmclaughlin.com/jackson

Have “The Talk” to Stop Teen Suicide TEDx

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzmmBXgXb70

RAISING MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS: WRITING "JACKSON"

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When is the last time each of us openly discussed mental illness with friends or family members? As a parent, can we speak honestly about our fears and desperation when one of our own children is living with this debilitating disease? Can we comfortably talk about it ourselves if we are the ones in crisis?

The goals for my most recent book Jackson are very clear, as a mother and son find themselves wandering through the constantly evolving landscape of acute and chronic mental health. This novel is meant to help increase understanding and raise awareness so we can recognize the signs of those around us who are struggling, including caregivers. I hope it generates honest, open, and real conversations where we can each become comfortable talking about this subject which has been “taboo” for far too long. 

The most rewarding aspect of being an author comes from the reader and book club invitations. It’s the validation that we have indeed met our goals. In the past month, after the release of Jackson, time and time again the feedback from readers (and audiobook listeners) has been heartwarming.

Thank you to Mary-Anne and her fellow book club members in LaSalle, Ontario. It was a pleasure to hear feedback from you and discover how “Jackson” touched each of you in very different ways.

Jackson is increasing awareness as affirmed by those who are facing their own mental illness.

“His experiences are raw and uncut, as confused and desperate as one can feel when all you know is heightened awareness of all that’s around you. Everyday tasks can seem like mountains to climb, and giving up looks more and more appealing.” (Savera, Goodreads)

“While this book is fictional, the situations that are dealt with are very real. I know through first hand experience of having dealt with my own mental health challenges and how people treated me, with misunderstanding, with curiosity, with insensitivity but with a single parent mother who loved me, stood by each and every moment.” (Ian, Goodreads)

This novel is also an accurate portrayal of the unique and personal battle fought by every family who is faced with the unthinkable. How do we cope as caregivers?  

“Kudos to Lynn on capturing the feelings of Jackson as he struggles with his mental illness and her portrayal of every parents’ heartache in recognizing and coping with the reality of having such a child. Very insightful and definitely worth reading!” (Mare, Amazon)

“Jackson is a stark but clear guide as to how one family finds a way to first acknowledge and then to ultimately accept the realities of mental health and through it all maintain a deep and abiding love for one another…. In its entirety, Jackson provides a sense of safety and security in the knowledge that there are pathways through the convoluted and terrifying world of mental health. There are ways that can and do nurture compassion and love.” (Introduction of Jackson by A Goyette, MSW/RSW)

“I thought of Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar as I read this. I felt a need to help Jackson but found myself wanting. Whatever. Any book on a par with The Bell Jar is worth reading, at any time, any place. Read it.”  (C. Maddox, Goodreads)

One in five of us in Canada and the United States will experience a mental illness in our lifetime. If it doesn’t happen to us directly, it likely will for someone we care for. With unwavering empathy, Jackson is a bold and unforgettable story of a family navigating through the terrifying waters of mental illness. While there is no simple fix with a kiss to the forehead, will Jackson learn to hear the chatter in his head and know what to do about it? Will love and hope prevail?

Why not pick up the phone or visit someone you haven’t checked in with for a while? Start the conversation that may be so desperately needed. You may be the spark that helps someone take the first step towards their future.

Addendum: If you are a member of a book club, I’d be honoured to join you and your group either in person or virtually. Let’s talk!

JACKSON 

Jackson battles to take control of his own mind and life but is haunted by demons. His mother faces her own turmoil and anguish, struggling to accept and understand the unthinkable, as she desperately tries to save her son.

With unwavering empathy, “Jackson” is a bold and unforgettable story of a family navigating through the terrifying waters of mental illness. While there is no simple fix with a kiss to the forehead, will Jackson learn to hear the chatter in his head and know what to do about it? Will love and hope prevail?