SUMMARY

Michelle Kinder unpacks what self-compassion really looks like in everyday life. She talks about both the tender, nurturing side we usually think of and the fierce, protective side that helps us set boundaries and stay grounded.

Using the idea of the “two arrows,” Michelle explains how self-compassion changes the way we handle challenges: the first arrow is the pain we can’t avoid, the second is the unnecessary suffering we create for ourselves.

With practical tools and real-life examples, she shows how being kinder to ourselves can ease anxiety, strengthen resilience, and even boost motivation, creating ripples that benefit both us and the people around us. She also points to go-to, real resources from some of the most credible voices in the field that you can start using today, and you’ll discover them all in the episode.

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Oxygen for Educators is proudly sponsored by Tacky Box.

Follow on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/oxygen-for-educators/id1775510846

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Thank you to our sponsor, Tacky Box!

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SUMMARY

This episode feels like sitting down for coffee with someone who’s walked the walk and really cares about people. Brenda Scott, now the Director of Cultural Intelligence for SMU Athletics, shares her story from being a first-generation college student to becoming a leader who helps others reach their full potential. She talks about why cultural intelligence matters, how truly seeing and understanding someone’s background can change everything, and why relationships are the heartbeat of student success.

Through personal stories and hard-earned wisdom, Brenda reminds us that educators can be real-life superheroes, creating safe spaces, celebrating milestones, and giving students the confidence to dream bigger. It’s an inspiring conversation that will leave you thinking about the small, intentional ways we can make others feel seen, supported, and capable of more than they imagined.

Brenda Scott is the author of All I Need Is My Tablet, a great story for children when it comes to technology and family. She is also the founder of BScott Visions, LLC, a company dedicated to helping people reach their full potential and improve their quality of life. Her work emphasizes building strong structures, safe, supportive environments where individuals can discover their strengths, develop skills, and prepare for the future.

You can connect with Brenda on LinkedIn or reach her by email at bscottvisions@gmail.com or brendas@smu.edu.

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Impact of Educators
03:01 Introducing Brenda Scott
06:08 Brenda's Journey and Mission
09:04 Cultural Intelligence in Education
11:47 Advice for Educators
14:54 Building Relationships in the Classroom
17:44 Understanding Different Backgrounds
20:55 Navigating Current Challenges
23:44 The Importance of Belonging
26:54 Personal Stories and Legacy
29:56 Real-Life Impact of Support
32:42 The Role of Educators
35:37 Cultural Language and Connection
38:42 The Power of Empathy
41:35 Magic Wand for Cultural Intelligence
44:36 The Role of Teachers as Superheroes
47:32 Final Thoughts and Reflections

************************************************************************************************

Oxygen for Educators is proudly sponsored by Tacky Box.

Follow on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/oxygen-for-educators/id1775510846

Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2i21QueuqVqmEPmI7gzFfQ?si=1bef3354bff2402c

Follow on Audible: https://www.audible.co.uk/podcast/Oxygen-for-Educators/B0DKL68DLX?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEdbuPy-L7p4RZKZ_VWKCXwK_j8vbjZF2&si=7SHeSWZRllrseygs

Website: https://www.tackybox.com/podcast

Thank you to our sponsor, Tacky Box!

Website: https://tackybox.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tacky_box/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheTackyBox/

X: https://x.com/thetackybox

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thetackybox/

SUMMARY

Ever feel like some days you're calm and grounded, and others you’re just… barely holding it together? In this episode of Radical Hope, Michelle Kinder unpacks neuroception, your nervous system’s built-in radar that constantly scans for danger or safety (without you even knowing it).

She explains how our state creates our story, when we’re stressed or shut down, we see the world differently than when we feel safe and connected.

“Sometimes long after the threat has passed, we’re still carrying the cat hair.”
Even subtle past experiences can shape how we show up today.

Michelle shares tools for tuning into your nervous system and stacking your day with moments that move you toward calm, connection, and purpose. It’s not about mastering your nervous system, it’s about being in relationship with it.

Short, powerful listen. Totally worth it.

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