How Period Product Access (and Other Barriers) Impact Education

What if something as basic as access to period products or deodorant was keeping students out of the classroom? In this eye-opening episode of Mindshift, hosts Christopher and Deb tackle one of education's most overlooked barriers with Kristin Lowrey, founder of Access Period.

Through candid conversation and real stories from Nebraska schools, discover why hygiene is an educational equity crisis affecting students across all demographics. Kristin reveals the shocking reality of how many students miss school due to lack of basic hygiene products, and why this problem extends far beyond what you might expect.
From period poverty to housing instability, this episode exposes the invisible barriers preventing students from showing up fully prepared to learn. But more importantly, you'll walk away with concrete actions you can take, whether you're a parent wanting to raise empathetic kids or a community member ready to make a difference.

Creative Tools for Emotional Expression

Licensed clinical social worker and expressive arts therapist Betsy Funk reveals how creative activities help children process emotions when words aren't enough. Learn practical strategies parents can use at home, why art journals work for emotional regulation, and how non-artists can benefit from creative expression. Discover how schools are using art therapy groups to support student mental health and find resources for your family through the Nebraska Expressive Arts Therapy Foundation.

How Much Academic Pressure Is Too Much?

PLSHS Principal Jeff Spilker reveals the "sweet spot" between helpful stress that motivates learning and harmful pressure that paralyzes students. Learn why today's students put more pressure on themselves than parents do, discover practical strategies for when your child fails a test, and understand why both students and parents should "never worry alone" when navigating academic challenges.

How to Navigate Difficult Conversations That Build Trust
Join communication coach Nicole Paul as she reveals why we avoid difficult conversations and how to transform them into relationship-building opportunities. Learn the critical difference between directives and dialogue, why treating hard conversations as one-offs is a mistake, and how to invite (not ambush) people into challenging discussions. She also reveals why conversations create change even when they don't go as planned, offering hope for anyone who's been avoiding an important discussion.

Perfect for parents, managers, and anyone who's been putting off a conversation that matters. Learn how to move from avoidance to action with confidence and compassion, and discover why difficult conversations can actually strengthen your most important relationships.

Understanding School Testing: A Parent's Guide to MAP and State Assessments

Join hosts Dr. Christopher Villarreal and Dr. Deb Anderson as they demystify school testing with Angie Wright, Director of Assessment at Papillion La Vista Community Schools. Learn what MAP Growth and NSCAS tests really measure, how teachers use assessment data to personalize learning, and practical ways parents can support their children through the testing process. Discover why testing isn't just about ranking but about helping every child grow and succeed at their own pace.

How to Talk to Kids About Death, Grief, and Hope

When 1 in 15 kids lose a parent or sibling by age 18, knowing how to support grieving children becomes essential. In this powerful episode, grief expert Cliff McEvoy from the Collective for Hope shares practical strategies for talking to kids about death, including why using proper words like "dead" matters and the healing power of saying our loved ones' names. Learn about support resources available for families, discover why grief has no linear stages, and hear touching personal stories that illustrate how families can transform grief into connection. Whether you're a parent, educator, or caregiver, this conversation provides compassionate, expert guidance for supporting children through loss while honoring both grief and hope.

What Holiday Chaos Teaches About Priorities and Connection

Join hosts Dr. Christopher Villarreal and Dr. Deb Anderson as they welcome wellness coach Heather Kearney, a 15-year veteran of stress management with military service in both the Air Force and Navy. Discover practical strategies for managing holiday overwhelm, including the powerful breathing technique you can do in your car, tips for communicating boundaries with family, and why prioritizing self-care isn't selfish. Learn how to balance holiday traditions with well-being and show up as your best self for the people you love.

Why Boundaries Actually Build Stronger Kids

In this game-changing episode, hosts Dr. Christopher Villarreal and Dr. Deb Anderson explore why setting boundaries feels so hard, and why the repair after breaking them matters even more. Social work expert Katie Robbins reveals the surprising truth: boundaries aren't about walls, they're about connection. Discover why kids need you to lose your temper sometimes (yes, really), how to repair after you've yelled, and the one family routine that changes everything. Perfect for parents who feel guilty saying no and want discipline strategies that actually strengthen relationships.