The Smart Thinking Podcast

In nature, negative is always attracted to positive. In human nature however, negative attracts more negative. Take a listen as Ted breaks down how to normalize positivity with behaviors and processes. It is time to normalize positivity in our lives and workspaces. This can only occur if we, as individuals, begin to challenge the norm of negativity. Follow Ted's four steps: See positivity Seek positivity Be a supermodel of positivity Expect positivity

Spring break is around the corner and that means we'll have time to reflect, reenergize, and maybe even relax. Since we are all leaders, that means we all need to invest in ourselves so that we can increase our ability to serve others. On this episode we explore six texts and a process using AI -- to help us increase the application of our learning. Leaders are Readers! The books: Yes to Life, Viktor Frankly 13 Things Mentally Strong Women Don't Do, Amy Morin The Inner Game of Tennis, W. Timothy Gallwey The Digital Delusion, Jared Horvath Who is Government, Michael Lewis Theo of Golden, Allen Levi Plus a great new release produced at Golden Bear Studios: Roots Run Back to You by Day Ashworth

Spring is a season of change and when we lead change, we need some reminders to help us help ourselves and others get through the natural storms of change. We will explore the key behaviors for supporting change by focusing on processes that forecast the changes for others as well as providing tools and processes to support behaviors that will allow for others to find success in all the natural newness. People are pretty good at responding to changes in the weather – if they’re prepared. The same goes for organizational change! Smart Thinking Retreat Registration: https://events.cesa6.org/events/30986398049

Each of us need to grow forward. Coaching yourself and others through tools and processes is the best way to increase your leadership capacity and skill sets. Take a listen as we explore how to apply some of the best practices in coaching to support all those we serve and mostly ourselves. This type of coaching is applicable in every arena we find ourselves in – personally and professionally.

Each of us need to grow forward. Coaching yourself and others through tools and processes is the best way to increase your leadership capacity and skill sets. Take a listen as we explore how to apply some of the best practices in coaching to support all those we serve and mostly ourselves. This type of coaching is applicable in every arena we find ourselves in – personally and professionally.

Take a listen as we discuss how to increase your ability to have meaningful conversations. Ted and Craig discuss how to lean into our difference, and they review strategies to support strong interactions that are purposeful. Vulnerability and authenticity are always difficult at work and finding impactful processes and behaviors to increase empathy are key. This episode will help you see new ways to approach conversations so that you are more confident and authentic when working with and leading others. Craig: https://weberconsultinggroup.net/

On every journey, we need to intentionally review (reflect) how far we’ve come and set goals (project) to ensure successful completion. Take a listen as we discuss a strategy that is fun and engaging and will allow you to increase your leadership and support students, colleagues, and yourself through intentional strategies to support growth. All of this by talking to or writing your younger self and advising your older self. The research is clear – reflect and project -- and you can help others (and yourself) be healthier, happier, and more engaged in life.

Would you like to get the people around you to be the best version of themselves? Would you like to be able and willing to take risks, adopt change, and collaborate? Well, you need to make it safe for them. Take a listen as Ted shares a process for increasing psychological safety in the classroom, conference room, and boardroom. Remember - a question never asked -- is never answered. We need to ask questions to get from complaint to solution. Email Ted for the tool: [email protected] Buy Deb Talans new single here

Parenting is the single greatest calling and responsibility for each of us that is at the same time equally being unnerving and frustrating. It is a lonely business where we have more questions than answers. Join us on this episode as we explore questions raised by parents at one of the smart thinking parenting sessions offered by Ted. If you are interested in Ted coming to your school or workplace to help empower parents - email him at [email protected]

What is the impact of technology in the classroom? Well, after over a decade of schools around the world utilizing technology in the classroom, the results are in, and they’re not great. Join Ted and Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath as they discuss Jared’s newest research and his book The Digital Delusion. You will leave this conversation wanting to read the book and significantly shift your current belief that technology in the classroom is a critical need. Turns out – it is not a need – it is a hinderance to learning, brain development, and skill attainment. Jared will be a speaker at Ted's Smart Thinking Leadership Retreat this summer in July 2026. Watch for details at cesa6.org Purchase Book Here

Over the course of a school year or project, people tend to decrease in their tolerance for others while at the same time increasing their understanding of people. When this happens we need to reframe how we treat others so that -- we and they -- find success. Too often we begin to grow frustrated and then emotions from all parties take over. Take a listen as we share the impact of positive reinforcement, the research to back it up, and ways to grow your own ability to see the good!

Micro resolutions lead to macro outcomes. Join us as Ted shares five ways to support your well-being and mental fitness heading into your weekend, your week, or the New Year. These are five practical steps that allow you to learn, grow, and go forward with a better level of control. These steps will reduce anxiety and increase your ability to be present. Smart Thinking Shorts Ted Tools and Book

There is a lot of time being spent on student behaviors in early childhood across all school systems. Children are struggling with self-regulation, learning, social as well as emotional control. These challenges are having a BIG impact on everything from learning to staff well-being. On this episode we look at the history of early childhood education and review what schools can do, parents can do and what we can do together to win back kindergarten.

What process do you use to support the well-being of yourself and others? Ted explains the application and the neuroscience behind the SCARF model (David Rock) and how growing your understanding of the SCARF principles can create an increased sense of control and a tool to support individual and cultural well-being. Status: Refers to an individual's relative importance to others Certainty: Deals with the ability to predict the future and understand what to expect in a situation Autonomy: Sense of control over one's own decisions and actions. Relatedness: Feeling of safety and belonging within a group Fairness: perception of fair treatment and equitable distribution of resources and opportunities

Two questions are addressed on this episode. How do I support my child so that they fend and fail for themselves and how do I deal with the manipulation of children as a parent? Ted discusses parenting techniques and this episode is very relevant for anyone who works with, supports, teaches, or cares about children. Share this one far and wide to help parents and guardians support more resilient and independent children. Don't forget to attend the Smart Thinking Mid-Year Retreat. Register here.

This conversation is a fantastic reminder of the impact we all have on others - especially how young people can change our direction. Listen as Ted and Matthew explore the impact of maintaining positivity, listening to the influences around you and finding joy in the work of life. Matthew’s journey from musician to music teacher, professor and motivator comes from a place of genuine curiosity and passion. Matthew shares how to shift culture while growing leaders from within. Listen as he describes the power of each of us and how music has influenced his life and those he serves. Smart Thinking Mid-Year Retreat Registration: https://events.cesa6.org/events/36250872939