Noodles in the Sandbox

Do certain behaviors in others make you instantly see red? In today’s episode we dive into the fascinating world of button-pushing and shadows—those behaviors that trigger us most and what they reveal about ourselves. This episode unpacks why some things bother us so deeply, how to turn our frustrations into opportunities for growth, and what it means to approach life and those around us with "fresh eyes." Spoiler: it’s a...

What if feedback wasn’t a chore but a deliciously crafted experience? In this episode, we’re stepping into the Feedback Café, where feedback isn’t just given—it’s served. Drawing from our learner-driven community, we explore a menu of feedback recipes, from the "Cup o' Soup" to the "Challenge Sundae". Whether you’re guiding young heroes, coaching a team, or just trying to get someone to clean the kitchen wi...

In this episode, we explore the art of giving and receiving qualitative feedback in a way that builds trust, clarity, and growth. Together, we unpack three key ingredients of delicious and nutritious feedback—Warm, Cool, and Challenge—and reflect on how they can create a powerful cycle of recognition, reflection, and action. From recognizing effort and excellence to identifying growth areas and issuing a call to adventure, this con...

What do donuts and personal growth have in common? In today’s episode, Andrew and I explore the Challenge Donut, a visual framework for navigating comfort, challenge, and panic zones in life. We break down the layers: the cozy comforts in the center, the sweet spot of growth in the challenge zone, and the often overwhelming edges of the panic zone. Along the way, we debate whether you can learn without discomfort, why it’s good to ...

I must say, I was surprised when Andrew told me he wanted to do an episode about Constructive Critique.  This framework can be one of the hardest to master, because it often involves an uncomfortable challenge - giving a friend feedback about how their actions are negatively impacting how we feel or challenging them to keep a promise that they have made, but are not upholding. In this episode, we dive into the art of giving Constru...

What makes a space sacred? Is it the rituals we create, the history we honor, or the quiet moments of reflection we bring? In this episode, we delve into a family trip to Washington DC where we visited Arlington National Cemetery.  It’s a place where the undulating hills of headstones spark profound questions about human connection and individuality. Join us as we explore the paradox of belonging to something greater while yearning...

In this thought-provoking episode, we dive headfirst into the brave new world of artificial intelligence through the lens of Ethan Mollick’s Co-Intelligence. How does AI reshape creativity, relationships, and even the definition of mastery? From sleepless nights of discovery to ethical dilemmas and the concept of a "human in the loop," this conversation explores the profound questions AI forces us to confront. Whether you...

In this episode, we dive into the role of feedback in learner-driven environments. What exactly is feedback? Why does it matter? And how can it transform growth for young heroes (and us)? From qualitative insights to quantitative metrics, we explore how feedback fuels self-awareness, effort, and leadership. Plus, we unpack how to create a culture where giving and receiving feedback isn’t just a skill—it’s an art form. Whether you&a...

In this episode, Nick, Tara and I discuss a topic we hold close: the "Warm-Hearted, Tough-Minded" framework. This mental model explores the balance between empathy and accountability in leadership, family life, and personal relationships. What does it look like to lead with warmth while holding firm boundaries? How does each of us define tough-mindedness versus warm-heartedness, and how does it play out in our daily lives...

In this episode, I had the privilege and the pleasure of sitting down with my friend and fellow parent, Alex Watkins to dive into The Gardener and the Carpenter, a book by Alison Gopnik that takes a humorous yet heartfelt look at the reality of modern parenting. Navigating the “gardener” vs. “carpenter,” approach to parenting, we discuss the struggle between curating experiences for young people and letting go of our expectations. ...

Today’s episode explores the role of AI in learning. Together, Ava and I reflect on AI tools like ChatGPT, critical thinking, and how technology shapes learning. Does AI help us grow, or does it risk turning us into "grumpy, bored blobs" as Ava so eloquently put it? We discuss when tools are helpful versus harmful, whether they create shortcuts that may actually hinder our development, and how to balance curiosity with re...

In today’s episode, we unpack a common misconception about learner-driven environments: that they’re actually just a chaotic free-for-all. For those of us who crave order (even when we know intellectually that it’s not productive!), the thought of kids managing themselves can trigger a “Lord of the Flies” alarm. But here’s the truth: structure is alive and well in these spaces, just in a different, dynamic way. We dive into how str...

In this episode, we dive deep into the tricky waters of setting boundaries as a parent. We explore the relationship between clarity, boundaries, and freedom, and why being clear is actually a form of kindness—especially when it comes to parenting. It's hard work, no doubt, but setting and enforcing boundaries isn't just about making life easier; it's about giving kids the tools to make real choices and fostering thei...

In today’s episode of Noodles in the Sandbox, we’re diving headfirst into the power of frameworks. We all know how chaotic life can get, especially when it comes to helping kids (or ourselves) navigate new challenges. That’s where frameworks come in. These flexible tools can act as maps, guiding us toward better decisions, more intentional actions, and clear communication. But here’s the real question—can frameworks really help fos...

In this episode of Noodles in the Sandbox, Angela, Tara, and Nick dive into the messy world of habits—good, bad, and downright perplexing. From the fear of letting kids build poor habits to the importance of reflection and growth mindset, the trio continues to explore the age-old parenting dilemma: when do you step in, and when do you let your kids figure it out? Join us as we explore the balance between building strong values, emb...

In this episode of Noodles in the Sandbox, Tara, Nick and I dig into the often uncomfortable topic of, well, discomfort! Whether it’s boredom, frustration, or failure, the trio talks about the role discomfort plays in helping both parents and kids grow. How much discomfort is too much? When should parents step in, and when is it better to let kids wrestle with challenges on their own? We chat about how to balance patience with prog...

In this episode of Noodles in the Sandbox, we dive deep into the third and final monster in our series: the Victimhood Monster. This tricky foe shows up when we feel like the world is against us, when "why me?" thoughts take over, or when we find ourselves blaming others instead of taking control. Join us as we discuss how to recognize when you’re battling your inner victim, and how secret weapons like gratitude and can’t...

In this episode of Noodles in the Sandbox, we dive into the second of our monster mini-series: the Resistance Monster. Resistance shows up when you know exactly what you should be doing but choose to avoid it. We explore how this monster creeps into our lives, why we resist, and what secret weapons can help us take that first crucial step toward defeating it. From procrastination and apathy to the power of small steps and finding y...

In this episode of Noodles in the Sandbox, we continue our mini-series on monsters, focusing on one we all know too well: the distraction monster. What does distraction look like in our daily lives, and how can we avoid it? Eva and Andrew break down their own experiences battling distraction, from noisy environments and tempting conversations to the allure of comfort zones. We’ll explore their strategies to overcome distraction, li...