Sht Your Teenagers Won't Tell You Podcast (2024)

23/11/2023

Navigating the intricacies of crafting the perfect personal statement as a high school senior involves the art of skillfully constructing a narrative that authentically reflects one's individuality, maturity, and readiness for the next educational level. Although it’s much easier said than done! Join us as we delve deeper into the world of personal statement essays! https://www.wespeakteen.com/episodes/the-secret-to-writing-a-great-personal-statement

In this episode, Cathy and Meredith explore key strategies for unlocking the secrets to crafting an outstanding personal statement including the challenges it presents, its underlying purpose, setting strong goals, and the significance of understanding what defines you as a student. They discuss some of the most commonly made mistakes, offer pragmatic tips, and debunk the myth about reaching a grand conclusion. They also explore common mistakes well-intentioned parents often make and the no-nos of advice from “people who really don’t know what they are talking about!”

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or online: https://www.wespeakteen.com/episodes/the-secret-to-writing-a-great-personal-statement

16/11/2023

It’s often said that getting into college is simply the luck of the draw, totally random, and unpredictable. But today’s podcast guest firmly believes it’s anything but that. He sees it as both an art and a science, a meticulous process that demands care, thought, and effort. We’re back for a very special episode of Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You! We’re thrilled to have an amazing admissions professional and an even more amazing friend, Tim Brunold! He is currently the Dean of Admission at and an enrollment specialist, here today to share his wisdom and insights into the world of college admissions from both perspectives – an admissions professional and parent of a college-ready kid.

Join the conversation to hear more from Tim as he explains enrollment management and the science of it. He talks about numbers, volume, and the sense of the scale of applications, and why there’s no such thing as a universally acceptable college student! He highlights the goal of most colleges to create a well-rounded class versus well-rounded individuals, and elaborates on why families should have confidence in admissions offices. We deep dive into a discussion about character and the role it plays in the process, how they navigate the issue of character measuring, and the clues they look for.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or online: https://www.wespeakteen.com/episodes/college-admissions-insider-interview

09/11/2023

NEW EPISODE! https://www.wespeakteen.com/episodes/roadmap-to-college

Our biggest advice for kids approaching college is simple: You’re going to be fine! This episode talks about the process of preparing for college. We’ve found that it’s predictable and routine and you can know it all in advance! Tune in today to hear our thoughts on the college preparation experience starting with Ninth Grade. We discuss the major shifts that often happen during Tenth Grade and what to bear in mind as a parent before exploring the test preparation process in Sophomore Year. It can be hard to determine what colleges care about and we aim to enlighten listeners on some of the process and how best to support your kids with decision-making along the way. Senior Year is the time to prioritize applications and this episode covers how to approach the lead-up to this pivotal year and how a counselor can support kids every step of the way. Rest assured, there are plenty of bases you can cover if you stay informed and get organized. Tune in today to hear some essential tips on how to do exactly that.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or online https://www.wespeakteen.com/episodes/roadmap-to-college

14/10/2023

Giving teenagers the power to make decisions about their own lives can be terrifying, but it is an essential part of growing up. https://www.wespeakteen.com/episodes/am-i-making-too-many-decisions-for-my-teen

In today’s episode, we are talking all about agency and how we can empower our children to learn how to make reflective, good choices. Tuning in, you’ll hear about why this is so important, how to guide our teens in decisions about their academic journeys, the dangers of forcing them into things, how to help them recover from a series of bad choices, when they shouldn’t be in charge, and so much more. We even delve into how our actions of love may actually be inhibiting our children’s growth before discussing the big impacts of agency in our kids’ lives. So to hear all this and be inspired to raise more thoughtful people, press play now!

Listen on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts or online https://www.wespeakteen.com/episodes/am-i-making-too-many-decisions-for-my-teen

07/10/2023

As we see a lot of things shifting in the world of college admissions, one of the things expected this year was that the Supreme Court would strike down Affirmative Action. We felt this would be an important topic on the podcast and wanted to open up the conversation and share our thoughts and beliefs regarding the decision. Join us as we talk about the definition of Affirmative Action in this context and the current narrative regarding race and elite colleges. We also take a closer look at the recently published study, ‘Diversifying Society’s Leaders? The Determinants and Causal Effects of Admission to Highly Selective Private Colleges.’ With this episode, we want to inspire parents and students to think deeper when it comes to college admissions, emphasize the importance of reaching beyond just getting into college, and encourage them to focus more on diversification. Tune in now, for all this, and more.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or online https://www.wespeakteen.com/episodes/what-the-end-of-affirmative-action-means-for-everyone

If you’ve got topics you’d like to hear more about, comment below or email us: [email protected]

23/09/2023

Welcome to Season 3 of Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You! In our newest episode, we want to talk about starting the school year strong. What can you as parents do to help set your kids on a trajectory to success?

We dive into some of the things we think are important for students to conquer, including setting schedules, getting organized, educating themselves on and making use of their school’s resources, and becoming skilled at advocating for themselves. We also discuss effective study strategies that can help students navigate the transition in learning and study habits from middle school to high school, as well as the value of learning from natural consequences, cultivating a sense of independence, and why we think it’s important to talk to your children about school policies. If you want to hear more about these topics and why it’s crucial for your children to be engaged in their school communities, don’t miss this information-packed episode!

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or online https://www.wespeakteen.com/episodes/startingtheschoolyearstrong

If you’ve got topics you’d like to hear more about, comment below!

16/09/2023

Welcome back to Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Season 3! Almost. The trailer for this season is out with a preview of the educational yet entertaining content we have planned for you including special guests!

New to our podcast? It's where Cathy & Meredith share our tips on raising healthy thriving young adults on everything from how to motivate your teen to college admissions real talk to body positivity, mental health, teen s*x, and more! We've interviewed college professors, parents, former students, and we've got more coming this season.

Catch up on the first two seasons and subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss out on new episodes. Listen online, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Stitcher!

If you’ve got topics you’d like to hear more about, email us [email protected] so that we can bring you what you want to hear!

*xeducation

30/06/2023

To better serve you and your teen, we'd love to learn more about you our listeners! Please take 2 minutes to fill out this questionnaire: https://forms.gle/fXixssEzhrid2gNK9

And as a thank you, you can be entered for a chance to win a free coaching 5 pack from Village Coaches!
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The giveaway is open to both current and new Village families, so if you know a parent of a teen who might be interested, feel free to share it with them!⁠
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We'll randomly draw the winner on July 31 and they'll be emailed directly. Beware of scam accounts asking for personal information!⁠
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09/06/2023

Welcome to the last episode of season two of Sh*t Your Teenagers Won't Tell You! Our topic for this week’s episode focuses on how to cultivate and promote your child’s wellness during the summer. And perhaps, while you are at it, how to cultivate your own wellness as a parent, too! https://www.wespeakteen.com/episodes/whats-the-purpose-of-summer

We are excited to share some practical realities that can help drive decision-making for the summertime. We kick off with thoughts on the role of summer, the ideal ways to spend it, and a quick what not to do. We further dive into subtopics like the importance of balance, how family values play a role in choosing summertime activities, and why Cathy thinks getting your teenagers outside is imperative! We again touch on why getting kids out of their comfort zone and doing hard things is vital to their sense of self and their future and why a summer job is absolutely not lame. Tune in to hear why we think exposing your kids to differences and the reality of the real world can help set them up for success throughout their lives.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or online https://www.wespeakteen.com/episodes/whats-the-purpose-of-summer

02/06/2023

This podcast episode is a timely and personal one. We broach the topic of raising q***r kids with Suzi Nam who is part of the Napier Executive Search team, a Leadership Development Coach, a DEI Consultant, and a coach at Village Coaches.

This is a timely topic because q***r kids are currently in the midst of a mental health crisis, and as parents, teachers, educators, and administrators, we need to be clued up on how to support them.

Hear about Suzi’s experience of raising two q***r kids (including what it was like when they came out to her and her husband and the different challenges and obstacles they have so far encountered), and the different types of support that are so essential.

If these topics are newer to you, we also dive into what q***r means, what cis-gender means, and more, so listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or online: https://www.wespeakteen.com/episodes/raising-q***r-kids

***rkids

25/05/2023

When should you get your kid a smartphone? And if you do take the leap, what rules and boundaries should you establish? In this podcast episode, we delve into the intricate landscape of parental decision-making regarding smartphones. We dissect the ins and outs of parental control mechanisms, explore effective strategies to maintain a healthy balance of freedom and guidance in this digital age, and discuss how to cultivate a broader sense of responsibility.

Through insightful research and expert opinions, we shed light on how social connections can flourish beyond the screen, emphasizing the significance of offline interactions and cultivating a well-rounded social foundation. Discover practical tips and actionable strategies to help navigate the smartphone conundrum with confidence, ensuring your child's digital journey is positive and balanced.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts Stitcher, or online: https://www.wespeakteen.com/episodes/when-should-i-get-my-kid-a-smartphone

16/05/2023

On this episode of Sh*t Your Teenagers Wont' Tell You Podcast, we eagerly share our thoughts and reflections on the 2022 admissions cycle. We won’t be offering facts and figures, instead, we offer you what we saw with the group of students, and their families, that we worked with this year last year. We touch on trends, themes, and takeaways that continue to be true. Join us as we get into it.

Listen now on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or online: https://www.wespeakteen.com/episodes/reflections-on-this-years-admissions-cycle

04/05/2023

We want to tell parents to stop putting their eggs in those baskets and focus on what comes after college! In this podcast episode, we will drop a few truth bombs about the difficulties of getting into prestigious colleges and why it is not the end of the world if your teenagers don’t. https://www.wespeakteen.com/episodes/no-ones-getting-into-stanford-so-do-this-instead

Tuning in, you’ll hear all about why you need to encourage your children to think beyond college, mistakes parents make in their lack of objectivity during this process as well as not developing with the times, and why there needs to be a mindset shift around college and success in general.

Teenagers often feel very despondent and demotivated when they don’t get the news they want when college admissions are announced and in this episode, we delve into how that feeling of failure can be avoided and managed before discussing the dangers of forcing your child into a narrow definition of success.

Lastly, we explain why we are so inspired by teenagers who have experienced real hardship and why we all need a little bit of perspective. So to find out what to do when your child doesn’t get into the college of their choice and to get a bit of insight into the importance of having conversations around values, tune in now!

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or online: https://www.wespeakteen.com/episodes/no-ones-getting-into-stanford-so-do-this-instead

28/04/2023

A question often brought up by parents in our coaching sessions is, “Am I putting too much pressure on my kid?” Join us as we dive into a discussion about the tension between applying pressure versus expectation, and what that looks like. We go through a few real-life scenarios of parents and children and talk about some important points behind the motivation of the pressure.

And remember, be easy and gentle with yourselves, parents, as you walk the tightrope between pressure and healthy expectations, and remember, it’s okay to make mistakes.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or online https://www.wespeakteen.com/episodes/am-i-putting-too-much-pressure-on-my-kid

20/04/2023

College admissions are happening, so we've invited a special guest (and one of our favorite parents) to talk about her experience of supporting her kids through the process. https://bit.ly/3KLDg3f

Margot has a daughter who is happily attending college after much anxiety, and a son who is in the thick of the admissions process. In this episode, she compares her two children’s respective college processes and shares advice for parenting two drastically different individuals.

We talk about how one’s college process does not define them and how to gently impart that belief system to high-achieving kids. Margot opens up about how she supports her kids through hardships and disappointments and shares her profound takeaways from her daughter’s admissions process about our societal career trajectory as a whole.

Tune in to find out, from a parent’s perspective, how (and why) to demonstrate confidence in your kid, and where the focus should lie ahead of college decisions.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or online: https://bit.ly/3KLDg3f

21/03/2023

In the world of college admissions, there are countless things that make us go “ew” and today, we want to share them with you! We don’t want your kid to fall prey to same-kid syndrome and have admissions counselors rolling their eyes at their resume. In this episode, we share our views on service trips abroad, expensive leadership programs, internships, research programs, and more. We share examples of true value add experiences and the circumstances that warrant an exception to our stance on the above-mentioned endeavors. Tune in as we unpack our admissions-related aversions, and find out how your kid can make an impression as a happy consequence of pursuing meaningful experiences!

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and online https://www.wespeakteen.com/episodes/things-that-make-us-ew

11/03/2023

Today on the show, we talk about the many ways that teenagers can be mean, the myriad of reasons behind this behavior, and how to deal with these situations as a parent. https://www.wespeakteen.com/episodes/why-is-my-teen-mean-to-me

We discuss the importance of standing up for yourself, how your actions (and reactions) model behavior for your child, and how to de-escalate a tense situation and return to it when at a more neutral time. Our conversation also covers how you might be hurt by your child’s words and actions, the importance of being vulnerable with adolescents, and how to teach your child that apologizing does not absolve them of consequences.

Today’s episode is filled with helpful insights on a complicated subject, and there is no shortage of funny anecdotes and heartfelt reminders that you are not alone in this!

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or online: https://www.wespeakteen.com/episodes/why-is-my-teen-mean-to-me

04/03/2023

In this episode, we dive into what you won’t get in your hour-long junior college counseling meeting! Cathy and Meredith take us through the importance of being well-versed in context. How context plays a role in the college selection and admissions process and why you need to take both the volume of applicants and the competitive nature of admissions into account. We drop some truth bombs, talk about different admission software, and take a dip into course selection and extracurricular truths.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and online: https://www.wespeakteen.com/episodes/college-counseling-201-stuff-your-school-doesnt-always-tell-you

01/03/2023

How often do you find yourself thinking of ways to help your teenager get organized, keep their space clean, and have better time management? Cathy Chen and Meredith Herrera are here to offer five key strategies that all teens should use and how you can help them do it. Despite feeling seemingly obvious to adults it is important to emphasize why being organized matters, and Cathy and Meredith give some tips on how to help teens see and understand this. You will hear about all the important times of the day for teens and how to best maximize organization in these times. From using a google calendar, creating a good routine, the importance of consistency, making time real, and buying the real-deal alarm clock, this episode covers it all!

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or online https://www.wespeakteen.com/episodes/the-secret-to-being-an-a-student

15/02/2023

Is private school or public school better?

Choosing a school for your child can be an incredibly challenging decision to make. One of the top questions we receive is whether or not we would send our own children to the schools we have worked at. We spend today’s episode unpacking the considerations we deem most important when searching for the right fit for your child and how to tackle this weighty decision. We share some of the lessons we’ve learned from our professional experiences, and anchor our conversation in the guiding question of what you value most. Tune in to hear our thoughts on how to get the right support for your child’s development based on who you want to see them become.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or online: https://www.wespeakteen.com/episodes/is-privateschool-or-public-school-better

11/02/2023

We touch on which schools to apply to, essay tips, and what to make of school rankings before unpacking some essential considerations that will help you to determine which institution is the best fit for your child, and much more, including the number 1 biggest mistake we see.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or online: https://www.wespeakteen.com/episodes/most-common-mistakes-seniors-make-on-college-apps

04/02/2023

We know how difficult it can be to navigate your highly emotional, sometimes nasty, boundary-testing teenagers and today on Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You, we are unpacking the enigma that is parenting teens. https://www.wespeakteen.com/episodes/our-top-tips-for-parenting-teens

In this episode, you will hear our top tips for parenting teens, ranging from finding the balance between giving them independence and still being the parents they so desperately need, to how to handle alcohol and all things taboo.

We delve into the dangers of trying to be your child’s friend, why teenagers need very strong boundaries, how to model behavior for them at all times, and why they need you to help them learn how to emotionally regulate.

It is in the nature of teenagers to push boundaries and we discuss how being too permissive is problematic before asking you to fact-check your teens when something sounds strange. Finally, we want to remind you to shower your teens with love!

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or online: https://www.wespeakteen.com/episodes/our-top-tips-for-parenting-teens

21/01/2023

Extracurricular activities are a huge component of healthy development for teens. In this episode, we discuss the vast benefits of extracurriculars and how to approach the topic with your kids. You’ll hear our thoughts on the demands of sports commitments and whether some extracurriculars are better than others. If you’re wondering what colleges are really looking for in terms of extracurriculars and community service, you’ve come to the right place. Tune in to find out everything you need to know about the role of extracurricular activities in your child’s life.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and online: https://www.wespeakteen.com/episodes/are-some-extracurriculars-better-than-others

12/01/2023

Considering hiring a tutor to help your child at school? Tutoring can help students build essential learning skills, boost confidence, and increase subject comprehension. To help us unpack the benefits of tutoring is the Senior Director at Hayutin Education, Maya Varga.

In this episode, Maya answers all our questions about tutoring. We learn how to assess a student’s inventory of skills, key indicators your child would benefit from tutoring support, tailoring the approach to each student, and the value of building learning capacity. We also discuss what aspects to consider when looking for a tutor & how to tell whether tutoring is working.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or online https://www.wespeakteen.com/episodes/does-my-kid-need-a-tutor-answer-that-question-and-more-with-expert-tutor-maya-varga

06/01/2023

The college application and admission process is different to what it used to be, and this requires a mindset shift of the parents who have children in high school. In this episode of Sh*t Your Teenagers Won't Tell You, Diane Campbell shares advice on how to navigate college counseling during high school, why it’s never too late to visit a college counselor (yes, even if you’re a senior), her thoughts on IECs, and the dreaded “gap trap.”

College applications can be complicated and confusing and as a parent, it’s your responsibility to guide your child while also offering them independence. Tune in today to hear it all from the Director of College Counseling at Liberty Common High School and the founder of Campbell College Consulting.

Listen now via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or online https://www.wespeakteen.com/episodes/how-to-work-effectively-with-your-schools-college-counselor

29/12/2022

What if there was a more affordable solution to college? In today’s episode, we speak to Niamh Kavanagh about the benefits of studying in Ireland and why it should be a consideration for any student wanting to pursue a college degree. Niamh is an International Recruitment Officer and Regional Manager of North & South America at the . We discuss the benefits of studying in Ireland and what students can expect from attending an Irish university. We learn about the main differences between Irish and American universities, the culture shock many international students experience, and the benefits of the compulsory work experience required by Irish universities. Niamh also provides insight into common character traits of potential students and details the support system Limerick University offers for international students. Join us to discover the benefits of studying in Ireland and how to make it happen.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or online: https://www.wespeakteen.com/episodes/want-to-cut-college-tuition-in-half-how-about-college-in-ireland

Sht Your Teenagers Won't Tell You Podcast