Podcast
Growing Good Humans Podcast
Hosted by Laura Barr · EN
Immerse yourself in the Growing Good Humans Podcast, featuring episodes with seasoned professionals covering various aspects of college admissions. Experience a continuous flow of knowledge that adapts to your schedule.
15episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Looking for Accommodations in College? Here's Everything You Need to Know
1w ago00:31:34Tap to summarizeIf your student might need accommodations in college — whether they have ADHD, a learning difference, an existing IEP or 504, or you were just starting to wonder what support could look like — this conversation was for you. 💛 We hosted a live Ask Me Anything on Growing Good Humans with Julie, an expert in transition services, and it was such an important conversation for families navigating the shift from high school to college support systems. Julie walked us through how college accommodations actually work and answered thoughtful questions from families about what the transition really looks like. One of the biggest takeaways? The system changes completely after high school. Colleges don’t follow IEPs, and students need to self-identify, provide documentation, and advocate for themselves. It can feel overwhelming at first — but it becomes much more manageable when families know what to expect ahead of time. Some of the topics we explored: • What accommodations are actually available in college • How students with ADHD, learning differences, and mental health needs can access support• The documentation families should start gathering now • How the process differs from high school — and why that matters • Julie’s transition checklist for families • Ways to help students build self-advocacy skills before move-in day Thank you to everyone who joined us and brought such thoughtful questions to the conversation. 💛Resources From EmergingDownload the Free Getting Ready to Launch Guide — includes a College Application Timeline for every grade levelExplore Our College Consulting Services — learn how Emerging guides families through the full processAcademic Services — mentored research projects and internship matching to help students build the experiences that stand outWork With Us — if this conversation sparked questions, we'd love to learn about your studentKeywordscollege career readiness, AI and the job market, college career services, freshman year college prep, high school career planning, what employers want, CU Boulder, Leeds School of Business, college admissions advice, college consulting, Emerging Consulting
Transcribe →How to Prepare Your ADHD Child for College | Laura Barr, CEO of Emerging Consulting
2w ago00:30:42Tap to summarizeLaura Barr is a high-level college consultant and the Founder and CEO of Emerging Consulting, where she helps students and families navigate the college process with clarity, strategy, and purpose. With a background in student-centered coaching, Laura brings a unique perspective to college planning. Her work is grounded in a simple yet powerful mission: to help raise and launch good humans through the power of education. In this episode, Laura breaks down how the college application process is about much more than getting accepted. It is one of the first real-world opportunities students have to develop executive function skills like planning, time management, organization, and self-advocacy. We cover: 🗓️Why the college process should be treated like a long-term project, not a last-minute task 👪How parents can support without overstepping, and when to step back 🎓What students with ADHD and executive function challenges need to succeed in college 🏫How to build independence before stepping onto campus 📃What actually matters when choosing the right college If you are a parent of a high school student or a student preparing for college, this episode will give you a clearer framework for approaching the process in a way that builds real-life skills, not just outcomes. Learn more about Laura Barr and her work: emergingconsulting.com/ (https://www.emergingconsulting.com/) laurabarr@emergingconsulting.comResources From EmergingDownload the Free Getting Ready to Launch Guide — includes a College Application Timeline for every grade levelExplore Our College Consulting Services — learn how Emerging guides families through the full processAcademic Services — mentored research projects and internship matching to help students build the experiences that stand outWork With Us — if this conversation sparked questions, we'd love to learn about your studentKeywordscollege career readiness, AI and the job market, college career services, freshman year college prep, high school career planning, what employers want, CU Boulder, Leeds School of Business, college admissions advice, college consulting, Emerging Consulting
Transcribe →Growing Good Humans Live: Career Readiness Starts in Freshman Year — What Every Family Needs to Know
2w ago00:31:27Tap to summarizeWhat does "career ready" actually mean in the age of AI — and when should students start building toward it? In this live conversation, Laura sits down with Michelle Chessler, Career Advisor at CU Boulder's Leeds School of Business, to answer that question honestly. Michelle brings a rare dual perspective: years as a global marketing leader across gaming, telecom, and construction tech, and now a front-row seat watching 18-year-olds navigate one of the most competitive job markets in history. If your student is in high school, this conversation is for you.Most families think about career services sometime in junior or senior year of college. Michelle Chessler thinks that's too late — and in this episode, she explains exactly why.As a Career Advisor at CU Boulder's Leeds School of Business, Michelle works daily with students who are trying to figure out who they are, what they want, and how to compete in a job market that AI is actively reshaping. Before stepping into this role, she spent years as a global marketing leader across the gaming, telecom, and construction tech industries — which means she doesn't just understand career development in theory. She knows what employers are actually looking for when a résumé lands on their desk.In this conversation, Laura and Michelle dig into the real work of career readiness: what it looks like, when it should start, and what parents can do right now to help their students build the kind of foundation that holds up well after graduation.In this episode, you'll learn:Why freshman year — not senior year — is the right time to start career explorationHow the rise of AI is changing what employers value on a résuméWhich skills and experiences actually differentiate candidates in a crowded fieldWhat questions families should be asking about career services on every college tourHow values clarification, interest exploration, and personality awareness create real career clarity — not just a job titleAbout Michelle ChesslerMichelle Chessler is a Career Advisor at CU Boulder's Leeds School of Business, where she helps students build confidence and clarity in their career journeys. Before transitioning into higher education advising, she held global marketing leadership roles across the gaming, telecom, and construction tech industries.Michelle holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology and Business from UCLA and an MBA from CU Boulder's Leeds School of Business. Originally from Southern California, she now lives in Boulder with her husband, their 17-year-old twin boys, and two dogs named Pickles and Pebbles.If this conversation sparked questions about how to help your student build toward a purposeful career — starting now — we'd love to talk. Visit emergingconsulting.com to learn more about how we work with families.Resources From EmergingDownload the Free Getting Ready to Launch Guide — includes a College Application Timeline for every grade levelExplore Our College Consulting Services — learn how Emerging guides families through the full processAcademic Services — mentored research projects and internship matching to help students build the experiences that stand outWork With Us — if this conversation sparked questions, we'd love to learn about your studentKeywordscollege career readiness, AI and the job market, college career services, freshman year college prep, high school career planning, what employers want, CU Boulder, Leeds School of Business, college admissions advice, college consulting, Emerging Consulting
Transcribe →AI in High School Research: The Do’s, Don’ts, and Dangers
Apr 2100:32:38Tap to summarizeArtificial Intelligence is everywhere—and today’s high school students are already using it daily, from drafting emails to researching assignments and preparing college applications.While most teens now understand that AI can’t (and shouldn’t) write their essays for them, many still have questions about where the appropriate line is. Can AI help with background research? Lab reports? Science fair data? College prep?In this highly practical conversation, Laura Barr was joined by Dr. Robert A. Malkin, PhD, PE, to demystify how AI fits into academic work for high school students—and where it can become problematic. Together, they unpacked when AI tools can thoughtfully support learning and when they risk undermining integrity and authentic skill development.💡 In This Episode, We Explored:- Whether AI is truly “new” in the world of science- The difference between generative and assistive AI- How (and whether) colleges use AI when reviewing applications- Why AI cannot generate a meaningful college application essay- When using AI for background research is appropriate- Whether AI can be used to research colleges prior to visits- The rise of literature reviews in applications—and how AI fits in- AI’s role in science fair projects, data analysis, and graphing- Where AI can be safely and ethically used, including language translationDesigned for parents, educators, and students navigating a rapidly shifting academic landscape, this conversation offered clear, grounded guidance for using AI wisely—without compromising academic integrity or authentic learning.👤 About Our Guest: Dr. Robert A. Malkin Dr. Malkin is Professor of the Practice of Biomedical Engineering and Global Health, Emeritus, at Duke University and Academic Director of the International Research Institute of North Carolina. His career has included faculty and research roles at Duke University, the University of Memphis, the University of Tennessee, The City College of New York, and Columbia University. He is the founder of Engineering World Health and The Global Public Service Academies, organizations dedicated to improving healthcare in the developing world, and has served as an expert advisor to multiple World Health Organization committees focused on healthcare technology and innovation.📚 Learn More:- A Guide to Academic Research for High School Students by Malkin & Hale: https://www.iri-nc.org/guidebook - Second edition coming soon!- International Research Institute of North Carolina - Read more about Programs (https://www.iri-nc.org/programs) or head directly to APPLY NOW (https://www.iri-nc.org/apply)!Emerging Blogs About AI:- College to Career: How to Future-Proof Your Path in an Age of AI and Uncertainty: https://emergingconsulting.com/blog/college-prep/college-to-career-how-to-future-proof-your-path-in-an-age-of-ai-and-uncertainty/ - Your Teen’s Brain on ChatGPT: What the MIT Study Reveals—and How Parents Can Respond Thoughtfully: https://emergingconsulting.com/blog/college-prep/your-teens-brain-on-chatgpt-what-the-mit-study-reveals-and-how-parents-can-respond-thoughtfully/- Unlocking Potential: How AI and Tutor-Supported Test Prep Are Empowering Students with ADHD: https://emergingconsulting.com/blog/college-prep/unlocking-potential-how-ai-and-tutor-supported-test-prep-are-empowering-students-with-adhd/- The Future of Test Prep: How AI is Changing the Game: https://emergingconsulting.com/blog/college-prep/the-future-of-test-prep-how-ai-is-changing-the-game/Additional Emerging Podcasts on AI: - Episode 18: Ace Your Future: How AI is Revolutionizing Test Prep & College Admissions: https://emergingconsulting.com/blog/podcast/episode-18-ace-your-future-how-ai-is-revolutionizing-test-prep-college-admissions/- Episode 17: How (and Why) High Schoolers Should Get Involved in AI: https://emergingconsulting.com/blog/podcast/episode-17-how-and-why-high-schoolers-should-get-involved-in-ai/
Transcribe →How to Prepare for College: What Students & Parents Need to Know (College Transition Tips)
Apr 2100:31:51Tap to summarizeHow do you actually prepare for college — beyond grades and test scores?In this live conversation, Laura sits down with college transition educator and author Dr. Andrea Brenner (How to College) to unpack what truly prepares students for the move from high school to college. They discuss the emotional, social, and executive functioning skills students need to succeed during the first year of college — and what parents often underestimate about this transition. This video is for:• Parents preparing a teen for college• High school students getting ready for college life• Families navigating the transition from high school to higher educationAnyone looking for practical college readiness tips In this conversation, you’ll learn:• What “college readiness” really means• Why academic success alone doesn’t guarantee a smooth college transition• The independence, decision-making, and self-management skills students need• How parents can better support teens before move-in day • How to prepare emotionally and practically for the first year of collegeAndrea Brenner shares insights from years of working with first-year college students and introduces practical tools for families, including her book How to College and resources designed to help parents and teens have better conversations about college expectations. If you’re looking for real-world advice on preparing for college — for both students and parents — this conversation will help you approach the transition with more clarity and confidence.Special offer for our community: Andrea is offering $25 off registration for her How to College for Parents course. Use code SAVE25.Learn more and register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-to-college-for-parents-tickets-1980266858481?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl
Transcribe →How to Prepare for College: What Students & Parents Need to Know (College Transition Tips)
Feb 2400:31:51Tap to summarizeHow do you actually prepare for college — beyond grades and test scores?In this live conversation, Laura sits down with college transition educator and author Dr. Andrea Brenner (How to College) to unpack what truly prepares students for the move from high school to college. They discuss the emotional, social, and executive functioning skills students need to succeed during the first year of college — and what parents often underestimate about this transition.This video is for:• Parents preparing a teen for college• High school students getting ready for college life• Families navigating the transition from high school to higher education• Anyone looking for practical college readiness tipsIn this conversation, you’ll learn:• What “college readiness” really means• Why academic success alone doesn’t guarantee a smooth college transition• The independence, decision-making, and self-management skills students need• How parents can better support teens before move-in day• How to prepare emotionally and practically for the first year of collegeAndrea Brenner shares insights from years of working with first-year college students and introduces practical tools for families, including her book How to College and resources designed to help parents and teens have better conversations about college expectations. If you’re looking for real-world advice on preparing for college — for both students and parents — this conversation will help you approach the transition with more clarity and confidence.Special offer for our community: Andrea is offering $25 off registration for her How to College for Parents course. Use code SAVE25.Learn more and register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-to-college-for-parents-tickets-1980266858481?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurlEngage with us at Emerging Consulting!⭐ Website - https://emergingconsulting.com/⭐ Join our FREE Parent Community - https://emergingconsulting.circle.so/c/join-here/⭐ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/emergingconsulting/⭐ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsaLNkPYRJfp6oPhHoKZpAw⭐ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurabarr/⭐ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LauraBarrEd/Are you interested in learning more about our College Consulting services? Tell Us Your Story HERE - https://emergingconsulting.com/contact/
Transcribe →The Power of Cultural Exchange: A Conversation with Rotary's Tim Taravella
Jan 2700:32:56Tap to summarizeWhat happens when a high school student steps into a new country, a new culture, and a new way of seeing the world? 🌎In this inspiring episode, Laura Barr sat down with Tim Taravella, Chair of the Rocky Mountain Rotary Youth Exchange (RMRYE), to explore the life-changing impact of international exchange programs for teens.Tim brought both personal experience and deep professional insight to the conversation. A former foreign exchange student to Denmark, he has spent years helping students from around the world live with host families in Colorado—and supporting local students as they embark on exchanges abroad. Through RMRYE, he has overseen hundreds of exchanges, including his own son’s transformative year in Argentina. Tim also serves as the U.S. State Department Responsible Officer for Rocky Mountain Rotary Youth Exchange.During the conversation, Laura and Tim discussed:Why cultural exchange is one of the most powerful growth opportunities for teens 🌱How the Rotary Youth Exchange program works—and what makes it uniquely accessible 🧭What families should know about safety, host families, and student support 🌐How a year abroad builds confidence, independence, empathy, and global awareness 🚀Real stories of students who returned home transformed 📖Whether families are actively considering studying abroad or simply curious about the benefits and logistics of cultural exchange, this episode offered insight, clarity, and inspiration from a leader deeply committed to global education.👤 About Tim TaravellaTim Taravella is an experienced nonprofit executive with a 30-year track record of driving mission-focused results through innovative fundraising, community engagement, and organizational leadership. As Executive Director of Sense of Security, he has led a transformative organizational turnaround—building sustainable revenue streams, deepening donor relationships, and increasing statewide visibility to support Coloradans with breast cancer. His background includes development leadership at national and regional nonprofits, high-impact capital campaigns, and volunteer mobilization. A former licensed funeral director, Tim brings a unique blend of empathy, professionalism, and cross-sector perspective to his work.In addition to his leadership within Rotary Youth Exchange, Tim serves in multiple roles across cancer advocacy coalitions and philanthropic networks. He believes deeply in the power of thoughtful strategy, authentic relationships, and grassroots action to strengthen communities and expand opportunity.📚 Learn More about RMRYE:Outbound Applications: The Interview Process for 2026-27 School Year is complete - Applications for 2027-28 will be due on November 1, 2026. Click on Study Abroad to request an application!Learn more about the Long Term Exchange Program (LTEP)Learn more about the Short Term Exchange Program (STEP)Related Emerging Podcast Episodes: Episode 24: Across the Pond—Reasons Why You Might Want to Study Abroad in the UK or IrelandEpisode 16: A Different Freshman Year: Exploration of VERTO EducationRelated Emerging Blog Posts: Studying Abroad: The 2025 Guide for Students & Parents
Transcribe →AI in High School Research: The Do’s, Don’ts, and Dangers
Jan 2000:32:38Tap to summarizeArtificial Intelligence is everywhere—and today’s high school students are already using it daily, from drafting emails to researching assignments and preparing college applications. While most teens now understand that AI can’t (and shouldn’t) write their essays for them, many still have questions about where the appropriate line is. Can AI help with background research? Lab reports? Science fair data? College prep?In this highly practical conversation, Laura Barr was joined by Dr. Robert A. Malkin, PhD, PE, to demystify how AI fits into academic work for high school students—and where it can become problematic. Together, they unpacked when AI tools can thoughtfully support learning and when they risk undermining integrity and authentic skill development.💡 In This Episode, We Explored:Whether AI is truly “new” in the world of scienceThe difference between generative and assistive AIHow (and whether) colleges use AI when reviewing applicationsWhy AI cannot generate a meaningful college application essayWhen using AI for background research is appropriateWhether AI can be used to research colleges prior to visitsThe rise of literature reviews in applications—and how AI fits inAI’s role in science fair projects, data analysis, and graphingWhere AI can be safely and ethically used, including language translationDesigned for parents, educators, and students navigating a rapidly shifting academic landscape, this conversation offered clear, grounded guidance for using AI wisely—without compromising academic integrity or authentic learning.👤 About Our Guest: Dr. Robert A. MalkinDr. Malkin is Professor of the Practice of Biomedical Engineering and Global Health, Emeritus, at Duke University and Academic Director of the International Research Institute of North Carolina. His career has included faculty and research roles at Duke University, the University of Memphis, the University of Tennessee, The City College of New York, and Columbia University.He is the founder of Engineering World Health and The Global Public Service Academies, organizations dedicated to improving healthcare in the developing world, and has served as an expert advisor to multiple World Health Organization committees focused on healthcare technology and innovation.📚 Learn More:A Guide to Academic Research for High School Students by Malkin & Hale - Second edition coming soon!International Research Institute of North Carolina - Read more about Programs or head directly to APPLY NOW! Emerging Blogs About AI:College to Career: How to Future-Proof Your Path in an Age of AI and UncertaintyYour Teen’s Brain on ChatGPT: What the MIT Study Reveals—and How Parents Can Respond ThoughtfullyUnlocking Potential: How AI and Tutor-Supported Test Prep Are Empowering Students with ADHDThe Future of Test Prep: How AI is Changing the Game Additional Emerging Podcasts on AI:Episode 18: Ace Your Future: How AI is Revolutionizing Test Prep & College AdmissionsEpisode 17: How (and Why) High Schoolers Should Get Involved in AI
Transcribe →Executive Function 101: The Hidden Superpower for Adulting
Jan 1300:32:12Tap to summarizePractical Strategies to Strengthen the Brain’s CEOExecutive function skills—planning, organization, emotional regulation, task initiation, and follow-through—are the foundation of independence, resilience, and success in adulthood. Yet for many teens and young adults—especially those with ADHD, anxiety, learning differences, or gifted/twice-exceptional profiles—these skills develop unevenly and under intense pressure.On January 12, Emerging Founder & CEO Laura Barr was joined by expert clinicians Dr Elly Maras & Dr Kim Yoshino from Birch Psychology for a thoughtful, research-informed conversation about executive function development in today’s world—and what parents can do to support it.This conversation blended clinical insight, educational strategy, and real-world application to help families better understand how the brain develops, why teens struggle, and how they build skills that actually stick.🧠 💻 What We ExploredThe Intersection of Social Milestones & Brain DevelopmentHow advances in technology and social media have influenced adolescent brain developmentSocial experiences teens are gaining—and missing—compared to previous generationsHow delayed independence can impact the development of executive function skillsTechnology as a Double-Edged SwordWays technology can support executive function through tools like organization systems, reminders, and scaffoldingHow technology can undermine executive function by impacting focus, emotional regulation, and task initiationHow families can establish healthier, more intentional boundaries around technology useWhat Parents Can Do to Prepare Their TeensRealistic ways parents can support executive function skill development at homeWhat helps teens internalize executive function skills rather than relying on constant reminders or external pressureWhen executive function coaching is helpful and when a clinical assessment or therapy may be more appropriate🌱 Why This Conversation MatteredExecutive function challenges are often mistaken for lack of motivation or effort. In reality, they reflect skill gaps shaped by brain development, stress, environment, and modern demands. This conversation helped parents shift from frustration to understanding—and from micromanaging to meaningful support.👥 About the GuestsDr Elly MarasLicensed clinician & trained school psychologist specializing in ADHD, neurodiversity, trauma-informed assessment, and family-centered therapy. Read Elly’s full bio.Dr Kim Bowers YoshinoDoctoral-level psychologist with expertise in ADHD, giftedness, twice-exceptionality, emotional regulation, and special education systems and advocacy. Read Kim’s full bio. 📚 ResourcesLearn more about Birch Psychology Emerging’s Executive Function Coaching Pricing Guide - Empowering students with skills for academic success and life beyond the classroomExecutive Function: A Complete Family Guide - A comprehensive resource from Emerging for understanding, supporting, and strengthening executive function in high school teensFeel like we might be a great fit but not sure exactly what services your student might need? Tell us your story! Tell us about their interests, passions, struggles, and the outcome you’re hoping for and we’ll be in touch!Fill out the Executive Skills Questionnaire from Peg Dawson & Richard Guare
Transcribe →The Soft Skills: Helping Your Student with ADHD Thrive in College!
Dec 800:37:16Tap to summarizeCollege readiness isn’t just about academics — it’s equally about relationships, communication, and emotional awareness. In this conversation with Emerging’s Founder & CEO, Laura Barr, we explored the soft skills that help students with ADHD thrive socially and personally in college.The session highlighted the real-world skills that make independence sustainable and success meaningful:Building Authentic Friendships: We discussed how students can move from convenience-based high school friendships to intentional, lasting connections in college. 👉 One prompt Laura recommended: “What helps you feel connected to people?”Handling Conflict & Repair: Families learned why conflict is a normal part of healthy relationships and how repair work builds resilience, emotional confidence, and trust.Upleveling Social & Communication Skills: Laura shared practical strategies for emailing professors, joining new communities, and collaborating with peers — often challenging areas for students with ADHD.Managing Impulsivity & Emotional Regulation: The session covered tools students can use to pause, reflect, and redirect before emotions take over.Using Resources & Anchors: We emphasized normalizing help-seeking and identifying academic, social, and emotional supports that help students stay grounded and successful.🎯 OutcomesBy the end of the session, parents, students, and educators walked away with:- A deeper understanding of the soft side of college readiness — and why it matters just as much as academics- Conversation prompts and strategies to help build these habits at home- Insight into how self-awareness, communication, and connection support long-term success for students with ADHD📚 Resources Mentioned in the EpisodeLaunch ChecklistThe Naked RoommateFrom Dorm to DoorstepTable Topics (Conversation Cards)Michelle Garcia Winner – Social Thinking Resources for Tweens & TeensSocial Thinking Resources for Young Adults and Adults
Transcribe →