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PODCAST

Forget What You Learned: Reimagining Education for Today"s Families

Pacific Preparatory

Forget What You Learned is a place for families to thoughtfully evaluate the contemporary educational landscape. We empower you to challenge your own thinking and the status quo of today’s traditional school system, and ask the question: are my kids thriving? Host Cory Greenberg chats with innovators, experts and other parents who are changing the conversation, inspiring families to reimagine what educational success looks like today. Brought to you by Pacific Preparatory.

education

All Episodes

42:05

Ashley Schwenn: Your Child Has a Team: How Do You...

Forget What You Learned: Reimagining Education for... ·

2026/10/05

In this conversation, Ashley, a school psychologist with experience across six districts and a current private practice focused on children with complex educational needs, brings a rare inside-outside perspective on how schools and families can work together more effectively. Having worked at every level — from classroom consultation to district-wide systems — she understands both where the gaps are and what it actually takes to close them. The discussion explores what meaningful educational ...

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34:51

Kody Harms: Rethinking Social Success for Autistic Kids

Forget What You Learned: Reimagining Education for... ·

2026/09/28

In this conversation, Kody Harms, Board Certified Behavior Analyst and neuro-affirming therapist with over 15 years of experience, challenges some of the most common assumptions about what support for neurodiverse kids and teens should actually look like. Rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Kody's approach starts with a simple but powerful question: who does this person want to be? The discussion explores how to help neurodiverse young people build a life that aligns with their own v...

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44:58

Sarah Collins: The Classroom Problem Isn’t Always the...

Forget What You Learned: Reimagining Education for... ·

2026/09/21

In this conversation, Sarah Collins, occupational therapist and founder of HomeschoolOT, explores what it looks like to build a learning environment that actually fits the child in front of you. Drawing from her work with homeschooling families and her own experience as a homeschooling parent, Sarah unpacks how sensory needs, motor development, and learning style should shape the way kids are taught — not the other way around. The discussion covers practical strategies for parents who want to...

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38:15

Dr. Jade Starleaf: Twice Exceptional Kids: What...

Forget What You Learned: Reimagining Education for... ·

2026/09/14

In this conversation, Dr. Jade Starleaf, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in autism, OCD, ADHD, and anxiety, offers a refreshingly human perspective on what it means to truly understand a neurodivergent child. As both a clinician and a mother of a neurodivergent child, she brings a rare dual lens to the conversation — one that holds space for the worry and uncertainty parents feel while never losing sight of the extraordinary strengths their children carry. The discussion explore...

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43:03

Dr. Viannae Nelkin: Rethinking ADHD and Autism in Girls

Forget What You Learned: Reimagining Education for... ·

2026/09/07

In this conversation, Dr. Viannae Carmona Nelkin, a licensed pediatric neuropsychologist trained across some of the country's most respected children's medical centers, brings rare clinical depth to the question of how we identify and understand neurodivergence in kids. As the founder of The Children's Neuropsychology Center, Dr. Nelkin specializes in early childhood development and complex developmental presentations — including the female phenotype of neurodivergence, which is too often mis...

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35:55

Tricia Xavier: Recognizing School Mismatch and...

Forget What You Learned: Reimagining Education for... ·

2026/08/31

In this conversation, Tricia Xavier, an independent school admissions leader with over a decade of experience across Los Angeles, pulls back the curtain on how families can navigate educational decisions with more clarity and less anxiety. Drawing from her work at Westmark School and the International Dyslexia Association, Tricia brings a deeply informed perspective on supporting students with language-based learning differences — including dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and ADHD — and wh...

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39:34

Flora McCormick: Why Gentle Parenting Breaks Down

Forget What You Learned: Reimagining Education for... ·

2026/08/24

In this conversation, Flora McCormick, licensed counselor and founder of Sustainable Parenting, shares her framework for raising kids who are confident, cooperative, and genuinely connected to the adults in their lives. With nearly two decades of experience coaching parents and educators, Flora unpacks what it actually looks like to be both kind and firm at the same time — and why most families are swinging too far in one direction without realizing it. The discussion explores brain-based too...

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36:55

How to Embrace AI While Preserving the Humanity of...

Forget What You Learned: Reimagining Education for... ·

2025/10/20

In this episode, Cory and educator Carl Hooker dive into the fast-moving world of AI and what it really means for the future of learning. Far from sounding the alarm, they explore how AI can enhance creativity, personalize education, and help students think more critically—not less. Carl shares practical ways teachers can bring AI into the classroom without losing what matters most: human connection. They talk about scaffolding, rethinking assessments, and why failure is essential for growth....

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38:53

Breaking Down the Modern Homeschooling Landscape with...

Forget What You Learned: Reimagining Education for... ·

2025/10/12

In this episode, Cory sits down with Vida Mercer to break down what modern homeschooling really looks like—and it’s far from one-size-fits-all. They unpack common myths, explore the challenges and freedoms of unschooling, and dive into how educational trauma shapes families' choices. Vida, a second-generation homeschooler and education consultant, shares why the parent-child relationship is at the heart of a thriving homeschool experience. From trusting the learning process to preparing for c...

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41:26

Elizabeth Hamblet Asks: Do Accommodations at the...

Forget What You Learned: Reimagining Education for... ·

2025/10/06

In this episode, Cory and Elizabeth Hamblett dive into what students with learning differences really need to succeed in college—and it’s not just accommodations. They unpack the shift from high school support systems to college expectations, highlighting the importance of self-advocacy, emotional resilience, and true independence. Elizabeth challenges the idea that more support is always better, urging families to focus on skill-building, not just paperwork. Brought to you by Pacific Prepara...

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42:18

Jess Chermak Gives the Inside Scoop About AP Classes...

Forget What You Learned: Reimagining Education for... ·

2025/09/29

In this episode, Cory and college admissions expert Jess Chermak unpack the high-stress world of high school course selection and the myths surrounding AP overload. They explore why students don’t need to take every advanced class to impress colleges—and how chasing perfection can backfire. From the politics of AP credits to the value of authenticity in applications, Jess shares how students can craft a meaningful academic path that reflects who they are, not just what looks good on paper. It...

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33:52

Ellen Braaten on What Demotivated Kids are Actually...

Forget What You Learned: Reimagining Education for... ·

2025/09/22

In this episode, Dr. Ellen Bratton discusses the growing issue of low motivation in children, exploring its causes and implications. She emphasizes the importance of balancing aptitude and pleasure in children's activities, the impact of societal pressures, and the role of parents in fostering motivation. The conversation covers various aspects, including sports, academics, screen time, and the need for open communication between parents and children. Dr. Bratton provides practical strategies...

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40:34

Parenting Through Crisis: Making Peace with...

Forget What You Learned: Reimagining Education for... ·

2025/09/15

In this conversation, education consultant Jennifer Taylor discusses the complexities of deciding on out-of-home therapeutic placements for children facing mental health challenges. Drawing from her personal and professional experiences, she addresses the stigma surrounding these decisions, the evolution of treatment programs, and the importance of family involvement in the therapeutic process. Jennifer emphasizes the need for parents to recognize when they have exhausted their options and th...

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52:00

Navigating the Maze of Educational Testing with Jana...

Forget What You Learned: Reimagining Education for... ·

2025/09/08

In this conversation, Cory and Jana Parker explore the complexities of educational testing for children, focusing on the differences between various types of evaluations, the role of schools and pediatricians in the assessment process, and the importance of understanding diagnoses. They discuss how parents can navigate the system to get the best support for their children, the implications of labels, and the need for comprehensive evaluations to ensure appropriate interventions. In this conve...

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46:07

Susie Chau Embraces Travel as a Life-Changing...

Forget What You Learned: Reimagining Education for... ·

2025/09/01

In this conversation, travel expert Susie Chow discusses the transformative power of long-term travel for families, emphasizing the importance of experiential learning and cultural exposure. She shares her personal journey from a conventional career to founding her travel business, highlighting how travel can foster personal growth and empathy in children. The discussion covers practical aspects of planning extended travel, including educational options, overcoming common obstacles, and the g...

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43:57

Beyond Elite and Troubled Students: Krissy Naspo Asks...

Forget What You Learned: Reimagining Education for... ·

2025/08/25

In this episode, Cory and education consultant Chrissy Naspo explore the multifaceted world of boarding schools, debunking myths and discussing who can benefit from these institutions. They delve into the opportunities boarding schools provide, the importance of finding the right fit for students, and the vital partnership between parents and schools. Chrissy shares insights on how boarding schools can cater to diverse student needs and the role of community in fostering personal growth. In t...

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37:51

Controlling What We Pay Attention To: Dr. Ashley...

Forget What You Learned: Reimagining Education for... ·

2025/08/18

In this conversation, Dr. Ashley Smith shares her personal journey with anxiety and how it has shaped her professional expertise. The discussion explores the intersection of mental health, technology, and education, emphasizing the importance of resilience, control, and the role of parents and schools in supporting children's mental health. Dr. Smith highlights the impact of technology on attention spans and anxiety, the potential of mental health apps and AI, and the need for a shift in pare...

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38:29

Jamai Blivin Reimagines the Degree-Before-Work Paradigm

Forget What You Learned: Reimagining Education for... ·

2024/10/07

In today’s episode (our season closer!), Cory speaks with Jamai Blivin, who’s spent her recent career on this dilemma: most people need a high-paying job to afford college, but need college to afford a higher paying job. She is a tireless advocate for the systemic change that would begin to resolve this mismatch. Jamai believes we need to emphasize the importance of actual skills over that piece of paper, and she has ideas about how to make it happen. One of them is pretty simple:...

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30:55

Exploring Alternative Post-Secondary Education...

Forget What You Learned: Reimagining Education for... ·

2024/09/30

In today’s episode, Educational Consultant Shayna Abraham, discusses the need for alternative options to traditional four-year colleges. Sometimes it seems like we all have tunnel vision in terms of the path our kids should trudge through the K-12 system and beyond. But is it right for every student? Are our kids always ready at 18 to abruptly leave the highly structured high school and home life for the college dorm and freedom to just skip class if they want to? With the mind-boggling price...

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36:29

Sheila Akbar’s Secret to Helping Students Build...

Forget What You Learned: Reimagining Education for... ·

2024/09/23

In today’s episode, we chat with Sheila Akbar, whose resume reflects a person who has achieved ultimate success, within the definition of the word that many parents of school-age kids would covet. I mean, she’s got two degrees from Harvard and a double PhD. Her career spans Wall Street, the halls of academia, and finally entrepreneurship where’s she’s found her true passion: helping students and families navigate the college prep experience. Her personal story is a lot more nuanced, and invol...

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40 results

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