Dr. Leslie Gruis takes us on a whirlwind tour through the fascinating world of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education, especially as it pertains to middle school girls. With over 30 years of experience at the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command, Dr. Grus has dedicated her life to not just understanding complex mathematics but also to demystifying it for the younger generation. She shares insights into the unique challenges girls face in STEM fields, particularly during those tumultuous middle school years when social dynamics shift and interests can wane.

With a mission to inspire and mentor, Dr. Grus emphasizes the importance of experiential learning and building confidence in young girls, showing them that they can indeed excel in mathematics and technology. Her anecdotes about robotics competitions and engaging activities highlight how fun and impactful learning can be when it's hands-on, proving that education isn't just about textbooks—it's about igniting passion and curiosity!

Born a patriot, Dr. Leslie Gruis spent 30 years as a mathematician and intelligence officer at the National Security Agency, where she helped develop technology solutions that balanced national security with civil rights. She later served at U.S. Cyber Command and the National Intelligence Council. Now retired, she writes and speaks on privacy, surveillance, and democracy—making complex topics accessible for everyday Americans. Dr. Gruis is the author of Privacy: Past, Present, and Future; The Privacy Pirates, and a forthcoming third book and she mentors K–12 STEM students, with a special focus on middle school girls.

Find Dr. Leslie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-gruis-b8060b141/

Dr. Leslie's Website

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Derek Crager is here to shake up the way we think about neurodivergence and technology! Diagnosed with ASD, ADHD, and dyslexia at the fabulous age of 50, Derek discovered that he wasn’t broken—he just needed a system that spoke his language. Now, he’s on a mission to revolutionize how we learn, work, and connect with his company, Practical AI, and to build a supportive community for autistics at AIforautistics.com.

We dive into the magic of using AI not just as a tool but as a bridge to understanding and empowerment, especially for families navigating the complexities of neurodivergence. Join us for a chat filled with honesty, humor, and a sprinkle of hope as we explore how embracing our differences can lead to extraordinary opportunities!

Derek Crager is a neurodivergent entrepreneur diagnosed at 50 with ASD, ADHD, and dyslexia. After decades of being told he was “too intense,” “too quiet,” or “too much,” Derek discovered the truth: his brain was never broken — the system just didn’t speak his language. Today, Derek leads Practical AI, where he's transforming how we work, learn, and connect — and he's building a powerful community at AIforAutistics.com to help others like him use artificial intelligence to build real, sustainable lives. Whether you're discussing mental health, neurodivergence, technology, or work culture, Derek brings honesty, humor, and hope.

A gift from our guest:

For individuals:

Membership at AIforAutistics.com a Practical AI Community teaching the neurodiverse how to learn and earn leveraging AI based programming and web development tools they may take anywhere.

https://aiforautistics.com and https://www.practicalai.app/community

For Organizations:

I'll empower your existing knowledge base and training programs with Pocket Mentor at no cost to you.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amazonleadership/

or https://www.practicalai.app

Derek's Website

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Get ready for a family affair like no other! The Bryant family joins us to chat about their unique homeschooling journey, which is as colorful as it is enlightening. They kick things off by introducing their book, "Trusting Timothy," which artfully tackles the subject of cheating through a lens of faith and family values. Each family member shares their perspective on homeschooling—from its challenges to its joys—highlighting how it has brought them closer together.

The kids, Ava, Bobby III, and Joseph, chime in with their experiences, revealing that while the socialization aspect was a concern, they found creative ways to connect with peers through sports and community activities. And hey, let’s not forget the daily dose of Bible reading that keeps their spirits high and their values strong! With laughter, love, and a sprinkle of divine guidance, this episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone curious about homeschooling or looking for a dose of inspiration to deepen their own family connections. So grab a comfy chair and settle in for this delightful discussion!

Bio - We are a Christian family(Bobby II, Ava, Joseph and Bobby III) who strongly believe in the power of GOD'S WORD. We are excited to share this message through our book, Trusting Timothy: A Story About Cheating.

Bryant's Website

@trustingtimothy_official on Instagram

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Copyright 2025 Kristina & Herb Heagh-Avritt

Mykal Olson: Guiding Fathers to Conquer Addiction and Save Their Families "I want to stop destroying my life and family, but I just don't know how." This haunting question remained unanswered for Mykal until it was too late. Yet, he transformed his darkest hours into a mission of hope and change for other families. Mykal didn't just recover; he transformed his experiences into a source of hope and strength for those who still struggle to find answers. When he's not coaching, hosting courses, or delivering inspirational speeches, Mykal cherishes family moments and dreams of one day sailing around the globe—spreading his message of creative transformation.

Mykal Olson

Mykal's Website

Mykal's Facebook group

A gift from our guest: Free digital book to help inspire fathers to forge a powerful future

Don’t Suffer Alone! From Isolation to Brotherhood: A Father’s Path to Addiction Awareness, Shattering Misconceptions, and Building Strong Relationships

https://thelifeforge.com/freebook

The heart of today’s chat is about breaking the cycle of addiction and the generational trauma it brings to families. Mykal Olson dives deep into the struggles many fathers face, especially those who feel they’re the reason their family dynamics are falling apart. It’s a raw conversation about acknowledgment, responsibility, and the power of change. Mykal opens up about his journey from despair to recovery and how important it is for dads to step up, not just for themselves but for their kids.

He emphasizes that recognizing the signs of addiction early can prevent reaching a point of no return. This isn’t just about redemption for oneself; it’s about setting a new standard for the next generation. We get into the nitty-gritty of how to reach out for help and create a supportive environment, because, let’s face it, isolation is the enemy. Michael’s message is clear: you can redefine your family's narrative, and it starts with having those tough conversations. Buckle up for an enlightening discussion that might just save a family or two out there!

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

VibrantFamilyEducation@gmail.com or Kristina Heagh-Avritt on Facebook

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Copyright 2025 Kristina & Herb Heagh-Avritt

In this episode, we sit down with Penelope Jane Smith, a vibrant financial freedom mentor who's taken the entrepreneurial world by storm with her unique approach to finances. Imagine turning a small investment into millions, only to face a heartbreaking crash that could make anyone lose hope. Penelope's story is one of resilience: after losing everything to the real estate market's turmoil, she found herself at a mastermind event that shifted her perspective dramatically. The conversation takes us through her journey of personal growth and how she pivoted to focus on empowering women entrepreneurs through innovative financial solutions, including her creation of the world's first cryptocurrency aimed at fostering financial independence for women.

We get into the nitty-gritty of how families can navigate their finances in challenging times, emphasizing the importance of cash flow planning and an abundance mindset. Penelope's engaging narrative style and her light-hearted humor make complex financial concepts accessible and relatable. She offers practical insights, encouraging listeners to take charge of their financial destinies while reminding us all that it’s never too late to start building a prosperous future. This isn’t just a podcast episode; it’s a celebration of hope, empowerment, and the belief that financial freedom is within everyone's reach.

Penelope Jane Smith

Penelope Jane Smith is the premier financial freedom mentor for entrepreneurs and the go-to expert for some of the biggest names in the conscious business industry. She is an acclaimed international speaker and certified trainer with over 20 years of teaching experience, the author of the Little Book of Prosperity, and the creator of Prosperity Coin, the world’s first cryptocurrency designed to support financial freedom for women entrepreneurs. Her unique magic is to support entrepreneurs to become financially free in 5 years or less with $10,000+ per month in passive income so they don’t have to depend on their business, a job, a partner, the government, or anyone else for money.

A gift from our guest: https://realprosperity.isrefer.com/go/FFF/VFE/

Download your free copy of The Financial Freedom Formula eBook, where you’ll discover exactly what it will take for you to become financially free, the two types of passive income, and how to get more of each.

You'll also get a magic link where you can claim a free ticket to Penelope's Financial Freedom 101 Online 3-Day Event where in just three days, you'll get the money skills, tools and systems to become financially free forever!

Penelope Jane's Website

Penelope Jane's Facebook page

@penelopejanesmith360 on Instagram

Penelope Jane on YouTube

@PenelopeJane360 on X

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

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Copyright 2025 Kristina & Herb Heagh-Avritt

Jen Dryer, our guest for today, brings a treasure trove of knowledge and experience to the table. With more than 20 years in the educational sector, she's not just a consultant or a coach; she's a fellow parent who truly gets it. Jen shares her own experiences raising two boys, one of whom is on the autism spectrum, and how those experiences led her to co-found Raising Orchid Kids. The mission? To provide support, education, and resources for families like hers.

As we dig deeper into the episode, Jen discusses the overwhelming journey many parents face when they first realize their child is neurodivergent. She recounts her own story of discovery and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it. Together, we explore the importance of early intervention, advocating for children’s needs, and the power of community in helping parents feel less isolated. Jen reminds us that parenting a neurodivergent child is not just about challenges; it’s about celebrating their unique strengths and finding joy in their differences.

Throughout our chat, Jen shares invaluable tips on how to communicate with children about their neurodiversity, suggesting that framing discussions around their brains and bodies can foster understanding and self-advocacy. The episode culminates in a rich discussion about the importance of connection, compassion, and support among families. If you’re a parent or educator, this episode is packed with insights that will not only inform but also inspire you to embrace the beautiful chaos of raising orchid kids.

Jen Dryer

Jen's Website

Jen's Facebook page

Jen's Facebook group

@raising_orchid_kids on Instagram

The episode kicks off with an introduction to the fabulous Jen Dryer, a powerhouse in the realm of parenting and education for neurodivergent children. With over two decades of experience, Jen opens up about her personal journey, including her own family dynamics that inspired her to co-found Raising Orchid Kids. This organization aims to empower parents through online classes, workshops, and support groups tailored for families navigating the complexities of raising neurodivergent kids. Jen’s candid storytelling about her sons, one of whom is autistic and the other with ADHD, sets a tone of authenticity and relatability.

We dive into the nitty-gritty of what it means to support neurodivergent children and their parents. Jen emphasizes the importance of early intervention, sharing how her son made remarkable strides by leveraging available resources when he was just a toddler. She highlights a key takeaway: “No one wins when you wait.” This mantra resonates throughout the conversation, reminding parents that trusting their instincts is crucial. Jen passionately advocates for parents to seek help without shame or stigma, fostering a community where they can feel seen and understood.

The discussion flows seamlessly into practical strategies for parents. From advocating for children in school to understanding the intricacies of their unique brains, Jen offers actionable advice on how to teach kids about their neurodivergence in an empowering way. The episode wraps up with a call to action for parents to connect with Jen and the Raising Orchid Kids community, emphasizing that they are not alone in this journey. It's a heartfelt and enlightening conversation that offers both support and inspiration for families navigating the neurodivergent landscape.

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

Paul and Sarah Wandrey, married for 6 years, live in Minnesota with their two children under 5. They are both passionate about family and share interests in hiking, travelling, lake days, and spending quality time together as a family.

Paul's Website

Paul's Facebook page

@thewhydadpodcast on Instagram

Paul:

Software developer by day, by night I pursue building my passion project, The 'Why Dad?' Podcast. My mission, alongside my co-host, is to find out what it means to be a dad, why it matters, and how we can become the best dads possible. As an early dad and an aspiring one respectively, we are doing this by digging into habits, philosophies, and the experiences of other dads and aspiring dads.

I am passionate about loving and guiding my children by being the best husband, father, and man possible. My passion for learning especially about all things self-improvement, parenting, psychology, and neuroscience drives me to understand how we can better nurture and support our children's development.

Sarah:

…was born and raised in Minnesota and has lived here her whole life. She is the youngest of 4 kids, with 3 older brothers. She attended public schools in the same Minneapolis/St Paul suburb through high school, and then pursued degrees in Marketing and Spanish at the University of Minnesota. After graduation, she started working in sales for a global company based out of Minnesota, and has been a Sales Manager for the past 6 years. She earned her Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of Minnesota in 2021.

Today, we're diving into the delightful chaos of family life with the Wandreys, Paul and Sarah! This power couple from Minnesota, who’ve been married for six years and have two little ones under five, are on a mission to figure out what it truly means to be awesome parents. With Paul moonlighting as a podcast host of the "Why Dad Podcast," they’re exploring the ins and outs of fatherhood while also tackling the big question: how do you choose the right educational path for your kiddos?

We’ll be sharing laughs, insights, and a sprinkle of parenting wisdom as we chat about the joys and challenges of family bonding, education choices, and the ever-elusive work-life balance. So buckle up, because this episode is about to get real, relatable, and maybe even a little ridiculous!

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

VibrantFamilyEducation@gmail.com or Kristina Heagh-Avritt on Facebook

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Copyright 2025 Kristina & Herb Heagh-Avritt

Kathryne Imabayashi is a whirlwind of wisdom and experience! With over 40 years in education across five continents, she’s not just a teacher; she’s a parenting coach, speaker, and author on a mission to help parents raise emotionally healthy boys. So, what’s the scoop? We dive deep into her journey, exploring the pivotal moment that sparked her passion for understanding boys. Picture this: Kathryne and her son are on a fishing trip in Japan when a gang of boys wanders by. Instead of excitement, Kathryne felt a pang of fear—what if her son grew up to provoke the same reaction in others? This moment ignited her quest to transform misconceptions about boys and help parents navigate the wild world of raising them.

Kathryne’s insights are like gold nuggets for parents grappling with the unique challenges boys face as they grow. From one-on-one coaching to her podcast “Unlocking the Parenting Code,” she shares practical strategies that empower parents to foster confidence and compassion in their sons, turning them into remarkable men. This episode is a treasure trove of stories, tips, and genuine heart, and it’s just the kind of chat that’ll leave you inspired and ready to tackle parenthood with newfound

Guest Bio: Kathryne Imabayashi is an experienced educator, parenting coach, speaker, and author, dedicated to supporting parents and teachers in raising boys who grow into emotionally healthy, confident, and compassionate men. With over 40 years in education across Canada, Japan, Lebanon, Thailand, Georgia and Qatar, Kathryne has worked as a teacher, principal, and school director in a wide range of cultural and educational settings.

She is the founder of Sonhood Coaching, where she empowers parents and educators to better understand boys’ unique emotional and developmental needs. Kathryne shares her insights through one-on-one coaching, live workshops, and online events. She also hosts the podcast Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys, featuring real conversations with parents and experts from around the world.

Kathryne is the author of the book Raising Boys Who Become Remarkable Men: Intentionally Parenting Your Son from Birth to 8, a heartfelt and practical guide for parents navigating the early years with their sons.

Throughout her career, Kathryne has served as President of the Tokyo Association for International Preschools, founded and directed an international preschool in Japan, and developed early years curricula. She holds a Canadian Teaching License, a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Maine, and a Master of Education from Framingham State University.

Now living in Itoshima, Fukuoka-ken, Japan, Kathryne continues her mission of helping families create stronger connections, challenge harmful stereotypes about boys, and foster the emotional well-being of the next generation.

Kathy's Website

Kathy's Facebook page

@sonhoodcoaching on Instagram

Kathy on YouTube

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

VibrantFamilyEducation@gmail.com or Kristina Heagh-Avritt on Facebook

Support Bringing Education Home

Copyright 2025 Kristina & Herb Heagh-Avritt