In a world where teenage angst meets parental anxiety, we sit down with Isla Reddin, a powerhouse in the realm of family coaching. This episode is chock-full of insights that will have you nodding along, laughing, and maybe shedding a tear or two. Isla opens up about her personal experiences with her own sons and the challenges she faced navigating the murky waters of adolescence and education. With humor and humility, she recounts her attempts to transform her frustrations into actionable strategies that empower families. The crux of her philosophy? It’s not about being the perfect parent; it’s about being present and adaptable. We tackle the tough topics—why so many parents feel isolated and overwhelmed, and how societal expectations can create a chasm between families and the support they need. You’ll walk away with practical tips on how to bridge that gap, foster connection, and ultimately, create an environment where your kids can thrive. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and get ready for a lively discussion that’s as enlightening as it is entertaining—this is one you won’t want to miss!

A gift from our guest: https://islareddin.com/real-conversations/

This short video training and 1-page cheat sheet give you 3 ways to start real conversations again – without nagging, pressure, or power struggles.

Download it now, so you know what to do & say, and your teen knows you’re still there and always will be.

Bio - Professional Certified Coach & Parent–Teen Mentor Teen and parent mental health is at a breaking point — and Isla Reddin has spent nearly two decades helping families, educators, and leaders bridge the gap. With 20+ years of international experience, Isla has worked with thousands of young people from grade school through college and into the workplace. Along the way, she has equipped parents, teachers, and professionals with tools to turn conflict into connection and uncertainty into growth. Her work is grounded in adolescent brain science, stress psychology, and two decades of hands-on experience with learners and leaders at every stage of development. As both a professional coach and a parent who has walked the rocky road of adolescence at home, Isla brings empathy alongside expertise. Her philosophy is simple: “It’s not about perfection. You just need to show up — and learn how to show up differently.”

Isla's Website

Isla's Facebook page

@islamreddin on Instagram

Isla on YouTube

Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.

Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kids

Follow us on these socials:

Facebook

LinkedIn

Rich Kozak is a strategic mentor for individual brands -- 49 years defining & languaging brands with his servant’s heart. Certified as a Global Branding Consultant, Rich worked with partners worldwide. Today, he shares his gifts with individuals -- heart-centered entrepreneurs & professionals, experts & authors -- evolving their top level umbrella brands with CLARITY that aligns everything they say & do, including creating & writing books to move their brand forward. Get your branding right!

Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.

Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kids

Follow us on these socials:

Facebook

LinkedIn

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook Group - The Family Learning Circle

Facebook Business Page: Vibrant Family Education

Support Bringing Education Home

Copyright 2025 Kristina & Herb Heagh-Avritt

This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.

In a delightful exchange filled with laughter and genuine insights, Cathy Freeman joins us to discuss how creativity can serve as a powerful tool for emotional rejuvenation. Cathy, a mixed media artist and creative mentor, passionately believes that women are the heart keepers of their families and communities. This episode is a celebration of the creative spirit, emphasizing the vital role that art plays in restoring joy, calming stress, and fostering emotional wellness. Cathy’s perspective is both refreshing and relatable, as she shares her journey and the pivotal moments that led her to empower women through art.

Listeners will find themselves nodding along as Cathy shares her philosophy that “if mom's not happy, nobody's happy.” She passionately discusses the emotional impact that a nurturing environment has on family dynamics, and how women can reclaim their happiness by embracing their creativity. The episode is packed with practical advice, from how to create safe spaces for personal expression to the importance of nurturing one’s own heart before caring for others. Cathy’s anecdotes pull on the heartstrings, providing a rich tapestry of experiences that resonate deeply with listeners, reminding us that we are all in this together.

Moreover, the episode dives into the nitty-gritty of practical creativity, offering listeners a plethora of ideas to incorporate art into their daily lives. Kathy encourages everyone to explore their artistic side, regardless of their skill level, and champions the notion that creativity is not about perfection but about the joy of expression. She shares fun exercises, like journaling and simple art projects that can serve as a form of self-care. As the conversation unfolds, it becomes clear that Cathy's mission is to foster a community of support and inspiration among women, reminding us that by lifting each other up, we can create a more joyful and harmonious environment for ourselves and our families.

A gift from our guest: Grab your Heart Keeper Bundle here: https://cathy-freeman.mykajabi.com/heart-bundle. OR, go to MyArtSisters.com and click on the GIFT SHOP.

I’m so excited to share the Heart Keeper Bundle with you! I focus on three core practices — Create, Renew, and Inspire — because they support your mind and emotions, cultivating peace, balance, and resilience. God provides the daily strength; our part is to create the “pause,” stepping back from life’s challenges so we can build resilience and see a fresh perspective.

Inside your free bundle, you’ll find a sampling of what I offer in the My Art Sisters community:

• Create: a fun art project
• Renew: a weekly Grow Joy journaling section
• Inspire: a demo of painting an uplifting card to gift a friend

All patterns are included so you can follow along. These activities provide quiet moments to pause, reflect, and refresh — helping you step back into life with more joy.

My Background

After earning a BFA degree from the University of North Texas in Interior Design:

Interior Designer, HOK Architects, Dallas (1984–1986)

Owner, Healing Spaces (1986–1990)

Certified Master Rapid Eye Technician - RET: MRET - Salem OR. May 2002

Reflexologist, The Stone Institute, St. Charles, MO (2008–2016)

EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) Practitioner

Certified Personal Fitness Trainer, (Cooper Clinic, Dallas)

Founder, Real Positive Change (2014–Present)

Founder, Cathy Freeman Art & My Art Sisters (2022–Present)

Today, I guide women to experience artful self-care — the practice of using...