In today’s special episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Andrew Newman — award-winning author, storyteller, and founder of Conscious Stories. Andrew brings a calm yet playful energy to his work, and his passion for nurturing meaningful parent-child connection truly shines through. Today we explored the importance of the last 20 minutes of the day and how this sacred time can deeply influence a child’s emotional regulation, sleep quality, and self-confidence. Andrew shared insights from his TEDx talk and his growing library of bedtime stories that are designed to support emotional wellness, attachment, and calm in both homes and classrooms. Whether you're a parent or a teacher, this episode offers powerful tools and fresh inspiration to help the children in your life thrive.

*For privacy and protection, all children mentioned in this episode are referred to using fictional names or general references. I deeply honor the confidentiality of every child and family I work with.

See all episodes LIVE on YouTube: In a Spiritual Sense KIDS!

link:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQBgQnDQn0nXEcmYZqx8VgA

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Meet our Special Guest:

Andrew Newman is the award-winning author and founder of www.ConsciousStories.com, a growing series of bedtime stories purpose-built to support parent-child connection in the last 20 minutes of the day.

Andrew’s TEDx Why the last 20 minutes of the day matter, weaves trauma-informed awareness and attachment bonding into the wonders of storytime, outlining the importance of quality connection before sleep for your child's ability to regulate, rest deeply, and wake up confident.

Andrew is a featured expert on Mindvalley’s Little Humans, and has been opening speaker for Deepak Chopra, keynote speaker at Dr. Becky Bailey’s Conscious Discipline Conference and author-in-residence at the Park Community Charter School in Wisconsin.

He brings a calm yet playful energy to speaking events and workshops, inviting and encouraging the creativity of his audiences, children, parents, and teachers alike.

Visit www.consciousstories.com and choose an emotions bundle to help your kids with

1) Fear and Anxiety,

2) Love and relationships,

3) Self Worth,

4) Anger and Rebellion

Use coupon: PODCAST to save at checkout

Contact: Andrew@consciousstories.com

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*Check out our sister channel, In a Spiritual Sense, where we work to bridge the gap between science and spirit! Available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms!

For those looking to connect further please see my accounts below:

email: info@inaspiritualsense.com
website: inaspiritualsense.com
instagram: @stacypiagno https://www.instagram.com/stacypiagno/
TikTok: @in_a_spiritual_sense https://www.tiktok.com/@in_a_spiritual_sense?_t=8nKbtkX8Fu2&_r=1

Today we’re getting into the brain! Join me where we explore the timeless power of storytelling—not just as entertainment, but as a transformative teaching tool. Discover how imaginative tales can nurture mindfulness, build emotional intelligence, and spark intuition in both children and adults. In addition, today we’ll discover how stories create neural pathways that support learning, empathy, and memory, making them one of the brain’s FAVORITE ways to absorb values and life lessons. So whether you're a parent, teacher, or curious mind, this episode offers insight into how narrative can shape character and consciousness in gentle, lasting ways.

*For privacy and protection, all children mentioned in this episode are referred to using fictional names or general references. I deeply honor the confidentiality of every child and family I work with.

See all episodes LIVE on YouTube: In a Spiritual Sense KIDS!

link:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQBgQnDQn0nXEcmYZqx8VgA

*Check out our sister channel, In a Spiritual Sense, where we work to bridge the gap between science and spirit! Available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms!

For those looking to connect further please see my accounts below:

email: info@inaspiritualsense.com
website: inaspiritualsense.com
instagram: @stacypiagno https://www.instagram.com/stacypiagno/
TikTok: @in_a_spiritual_sense https://www.tiktok.com/@in_a_spiritual_sense?_t=8nKbtkX8Fu2&_r=1

Today I’m letting you in on a little secret — I was a strong-willed child. And as a teacher, and now an adult, who vividly remembers those early years, I’ve come to realize how much those experiences have shaped how I understand children today — especially the spirited, stubborn, and incredibly determined ones.

Today, we’re diving into what it really means to raise (or teach) a strong-willed child — the behaviors, the power struggles, and most importantly, the why behind their actions. From the need for control and connection to the moments that call for tough love and tender hugs, I’ll walk you through real stories from my childhood, share research-backed insight from Dr. James Dobson’s The Strong-Willed Child, and offer practical tools for navigating those big emotional moments.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or someone who just wants to better understand these little firecrackers, this episode will give you perspective, laughs, and (hopefully) a little peace of mind.

*For privacy and protection, all children mentioned in this episode are referred to using fictional names or general references. I deeply honor the confidentiality of every child and family I work with.

See all episodes LIVE on YouTube: In a Spiritual Sense KIDS!

link:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQBgQnDQn0nXEcmYZqx8VgA

*Check out our sister channel, In a Spiritual Sense, where we work to bridge the gap between science and spirit! Available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms!

For those looking to connect further please see my accounts below:

email: info@inaspiritualsense.com
website: inaspiritualsense.com
instagram: @stacypiagno https://www.instagram.com/stacypiagno/
TikTok: @in_a_spiritual_sense https://www.tiktok.com/@in_a_spiritual_sense?_t=8nKbtkX8Fu2&_r=1

Today we’re talking about something that might surprise you—the power of boredom. As parents, teachers, and caregivers, we often feel the pressure to keep our kids constantly entertained. But what if boredom is actually one of the greatest tools we can give them? In this conversation, we dive into how allowing children to sit in boredom builds creativity, strengthens brain development, and fosters long-term independence and resilience.

Let’s reframe boredom, not as a problem to fix, but as an opportunity to spark curiosity and imagination. And remember: it’s not our job to constantly entertain our children—it’s our job to empower them to entertain themselves.

*For privacy and protection, all children mentioned in this episode are referred to using fictional names or general references. I deeply honor the confidentiality of every child and family I work with.

Today's Related Episode: E33: WHY GROUNDING MATTERS: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4ZGJuNji0baZ1Gcq5QFCmF?si=DCZgwkgySvGCy4N3Zn5Cww

See all episodes LIVE on YouTube: In a Spiritual Sense KIDS!

link:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQBgQnDQn0nXEcmYZqx8VgA

*Check out our sister channel, In a Spiritual Sense, where we work to bridge the gap between science and spirit! Available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms!

For those looking to connect further please see my accounts below:

email: info@inaspiritualsense.com
website: inaspiritualsense.com
instagram: @stacypiagno https://www.instagram.com/stacypiagno/
TikTok: @in_a_spiritual_sense https://www.tiktok.com/@in_a_spiritual_sense?_t=8nKbtkX8Fu2&_r=1

This week is an invitation to remember the inner world we once lived in so freely— and to reclaim it, not just for ourselves, but for our children. In this episode, we explore how imagination is far more than child's play; it's a powerful force for growth, emotional intelligence, and lifelong creativity. You'll learn how nurturing imagination in kids strengthens their brain development, problem-solving, and sense of self — and how continuing to engage your own imagination as an adult can bring joy, clarity, and even healing. Whether you’ve lost touch with your playful mind or want to create a home that celebrates wonder, this episode will help you reconnect with the magic that was never really gone — just waiting to be remembered.

*For privacy and protection, all children mentioned in this episode are referred to using fictional names or general references. I deeply honor the confidentiality of every child and family I work with.

Today's Related Episode: E34: YOUR INNER CHILD IS CALLING: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1sNjinrZMonB4bklJityau?si=PFCnoq5NTWC8WVkME073Ww

See all episodes LIVE on YouTube: In a Spiritual Sense KIDS!

link:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQBgQnDQn0nXEcmYZqx8VgA

*Check out our sister channel, In a Spiritual Sense, where we work to bridge the gap between science and spirit! Available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms!

For those looking to connect further please see my accounts below:

email: info@inaspiritualsense.com
website: inaspiritualsense.com
instagram: @stacypiagno https://www.instagram.com/stacypiagno/
TikTok: @in_a_spiritual_sense https://www.tiktok.com/@in_a_spiritual_sense?_t=8nKbtkX8Fu2&_r=1

In today’s episode we dive deep into the wild, wonderful chaos of everyday life—especially the kind that comes with raising little ones. Let’s face it: parenting isn't always picture-perfect. It’s messy, emotional, and at times, downright overwhelming. But what if we could befriend that chaos instead of resisting it? What if we could transmute all that raw, charged energy into something beautiful—through the power of love, laughter, and conscious presence? Join me as we explore how to alchemize the struggle into light, shift perspective, and embrace the magic that’s hidden in the madness.

*For privacy and protection, all children mentioned in this episode are referred to using fictional names or general references. I deeply honor the confidentiality of every child and family I work with.

See all episodes LIVE on YouTube: In a Spiritual Sense KIDS!

link:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQBgQnDQn0nXEcmYZqx8VgA

*Check out our sister channel, In a Spiritual Sense, where we work to bridge the gap between science and spirit! Available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms!

For those looking to connect further please see my accounts below:

email: info@inaspiritualsense.com
website: inaspiritualsense.com
instagram: @stacypiagno https://www.instagram.com/stacypiagno/
TikTok: @in_a_spiritual_sense https://www.tiktok.com/@in_a_spiritual_sense?_t=8nKbtkX8Fu2&_r=1

Is your little one bouncing with energy, struggling to settle, or feeling a little “all over the place”? In this episode, we dive into gentle, practical ways to help kids move from chaos to calm using body-based regulation tools. You’ll learn how grounding can support focus, emotional balance, and a deeper connection to the present moment—without labeling your child as “too much.” We’ll also explore how technology might be overstimulating young nervous systems, and how small shifts in screen habits can lead to big improvements in attention and wellbeing. This is a reminder that there’s nothing wrong with our kids—they’re just learning how to tune their inner rhythms. Let’s help them reconnect with their bodies and find their calm, one breath at a time.

*For privacy and protection, all children mentioned in this episode are referred to using fictional names or general references. I deeply honor the confidentiality of every child and family I work with.

Today's Linked Episode: E33- WHY GROUNDING MATTERS: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4ZGJuNji0baZ1Gcq5QFCmF?si=VjwevSIBSKSRoOinvPGj0g

See all episodes LIVE on YouTube: In a Spiritual Sense KIDS!

link:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQBgQnDQn0nXEcmYZqx8VgA

*Check out our sister channel, In a Spiritual Sense, where we work to bridge the gap between science and spirit! Available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms!

For those looking to connect further please see my accounts below:

email: info@inaspiritualsense.com
website: inaspiritualsense.com
instagram: @stacypiagno https://www.instagram.com/stacypiagno/
TikTok: @in_a_spiritual_sense https://www.tiktok.com/@in_a_spiritual_sense?_t=8nKbtkX8Fu2&_r=1

In today’s episode we’re exploring one of the most powerful tools we have as parents, caregivers, and teachers: PRESENCE. How is it that children can so easily move with the flow of life? Could following their example teach us to do the same? Today we will dive into how presence helps regulate our energy, calm the mental noise, and deepen our connection with ourselves and our children.

We’ll also unpack how many of our lower emotions—like anxiety, impatience, and sadness—are linked to the mind pulling us out of the present moment, and how presence can act as a form of meditation throughout our day. Whether you’re washing dishes, holding space in the middle of chaos, or simply observing your child play—presence can be your medicine.

If you’re ready to experience more clarity, connection, and flow in your parenting and in your life, this episode is for you. Let’s slow down time together!

*For privacy and protection, all children mentioned in this episode are referred to using fictional names or general references. I deeply honor the confidentiality of every child and family I work with.

See all episodes LIVE on YouTube: In a Spiritual Sense KIDS!

link:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQBgQnDQn0nXEcmYZqx8VgA

*Check out our sister channel, In a Spiritual Sense, where we work to bridge the gap between science and spirit! Available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms!

For those looking to connect further please see my accounts below:

email: info@inaspiritualsense.com
website: inaspiritualsense.com
instagram: @stacypiagno https://www.instagram.com/stacypiagno/
TikTok: @in_a_spiritual_sense https://www.tiktok.com/@in_a_spiritual_sense?_t=8nKbtkX8Fu2&_r=1