Teaching Humanity Remotely with Dr. Mindy Shaw

In this episode, Dr. Shaw re-visits one of her favorite topics and that is how to avoid being the cause of your own suffering.  At first, one might think "how am I the cause of my own suffering?" but Dr. Shaw walks us through some clear and simple examples of how our own quick over-reactions can lead us down a path where we meet failure instead of success.  It's really another sign that how we show up is what matters.  The facts an...

In this brief but insightful podcast, Dr. Shaw examines some simple ways to improve communication with others, especially others that have a different point of view.  She offers clear advice to ways to communicate that avoid bullying or accusations.  When we make each other wrong, that doesn't create peace, it creates a battle.  When we have respect for other opinions than our own, that makes peace.   We need to know when to speak,...

In this brief but insightful episode, Dr. Shaw discusses how to be energy efficient when it comes to speaking with others.  We are not going to speak the same with long-time close friends as we would with casual acquaintances.  If you're observing a situation and knowing your audience, you will end up behaving and reacting the way the situation dictates... and that's not being insincere... it's just reality.  Knowing when to stay s...

Dr. Shaw often uses the expression, "We are what we pay attention to," and in this brief episode, Dr. Shaw cites examples of how that actually works.  Whether you are trying to sell your home or keep calm in a challenging situation or whatever it is, the power of thought can truly sway or influence the outcome.  As a result, it is important that we model for our children that it can be helpful to understand that our attention and o...

In this podcast episode, Dr. Shaw addresses the notion of teaching our children good citizenship.  She notes that it is similar to good sportsmanship wherein knowing how to lose and to win graciously may be the most important part of playing a game.  Teaching good citizenship can start with simple tasks like cleaning the environment, but it can also be demonstrated in so many ways... kindness being an example or showing honesty or ...

In this episode, Dr. Shaw examines the concept of self-doubt.  She begins with a reference to one of her favorite books, The Four Agreements, and she talks about a featured notion of that book which is to be impeccable with your words.   Her interpretation of that is to not go against yourself, because if you do, with your perception pf self-doubt you may have a self-fulfilling prophecy on your hands.  She puts forth that the way t...

In this highly personal episode, Dr. Shaw reacts to a message that came to her from an acquaintance...  the message was supposed to positive, but because the message was rooted in bad sportsmanship and over-zealous pride it triggered a reaction in Dr. Shaw that made her want to remind everyone of the inclusiveness that America was built upon.  There are lessons for us all in what she shares here, including for parents raising child...

In this episode, Dr. Shaw takes a quick look at the notion of SELF-LOVE.  For starters, the development and maintenance of self-love begins with not being down on oneself.  With our children, it's important to model our ability to navigate difficult waters.  Self-love also promotes self-trust.  Giving your child a good amount of responsibility demonstrates to them that you feel that they understand their natural boundaries and abil...

In this episode, Dr. Shaw succinctly sums up her three key ingredients for having a relationship that's based on emotional well-being. Her list is a simple one... (1) fill your emotional tank, even if you fill it yourself, (2) hold the space for your partner to be okay with having a bad day, and (3) table the conversation if it's clearly not a good time for it.  That list sounds simple, and it is, but during this podcast Dr. Shaw i...

In this brief episode, Dr. Shaw explores that moment for all of us when we grasp a concept that we are learning, and the experience of learning kicks into gear.  She refers to that as the moment the light bulb goes on over our heads, but she also points out that the crucial moment is what we do in the learning process before that moment of understanding kicks in.  When we are trying to teach something new, we need to hold onto two ...

In this brief but important episode, Dr. Shaw takes a close look at what it means to share your feelings honestly with your friends and with your associates.   In any instance where we feel that telling the truth will create a negative consequence, we may have our rationale, but in reality, honesty is the best policy.  The old saying that "the truth will set you free" is correct, but it is all based on your belief system.  We must ...

On this brief podcast, Dr. Shaw takes a moment to express her gratitude and share her desire to help people and continue to contribute to society.  As she hits the 4 1/2 year mark in the life of her weekly podcasts, Dr. Shaw wanted to simply reflect on her desire to share her expertise each week and to thank those who have been so supportive of her podcast efforts.  Her reflection here reminds us that having a positive impact on so...

In this brief but very valuable episode, Dr. Shaw shares some timeless wisdom regarding maintaining friendships as quality relationships.  For a long time she has promoted the concept that friendships, relationships and partnerships are only truly succeeding if all parties involved are lifted up.   No one needs nor should anyone tolerate a relationship where you are made to feel worse or smaller or less than someone else.  She poin...

It this episode, Dr. Shaw discusses when and how to designate responsibility to our children.  She draws an important comparison between responsibility and respect because they both need to earned and they both need to be mutual.  She also illustrates how responsibility must be a product of responsiveness, and what that really means.  Here, Dr. Shaw also re-introduces the concept of modeling the kind of result(s) you want for your ...

This podcast was recorded on March 1, 2025, the day after the surreal meeting of the U.S. President and the President of Ukraine at the White House.  Dr. Shaw has been a proponent of ethics and humanity for a long time... she has written 22 children's nonfiction books on social and emotional behavior... and she cannot digest the embarrassing bullying that took place at the White House on Feb. 28, 2025.  Her comments on this podcast...

In this very valuable episode, Dr. Shaw dives into not only the importance of having quality relationships, but she also provides a road map for how to have and maintain them.   She breaks it down into what she calls the "6 C's"... Communication, Conflict management, Caring for yourself and those around you, Connecting openly and deeply, Commitment and Courage.  These essential ingredients to quality relationships are listed and di...

In this episode, Dr. Shaw takes a close look at what it means to either live with self-doubt OR to cast doubt aside and live with an attitude of possibility.  Dr. Shaw acknowledges that there are many things that we may not be able to master or ever to do well, but understanding our reasonable limitations is not the same as living in doubt.  She puts forth that doubt (along with regret and guilt) is a creator of obstacles and that ...