S8 E10: Making Fitness Part of Your Life w/Fitness Coach Kyle Fitzsimons

In our final episode of Season 8, we speak with Boston-based fitness coach at EverybodyFights and Life Time gym, Kyle Fitzsimons, about how adults can integrate fitness into their life. As a young person, fitness may be built into your schedule and routine, especially for those involved in athletics. However, once that structure goes away, individuals enter adulthood where there is a need to figure out how fitness can become part of one’s life in a way that feels fulfilling and can bring social connection. In this thoughtful discussion, we talk with Kyle about how to approach finding one’s own version of a fitness routine and community, as there can be a variety of options to choose from and/or to create with others. We also discuss sport psychology and executive function concepts that can be helpful. Kyle is an avid and incredibly seasoned runner (including marathons); however, our discussion connects with individuals across all facets of fitness and fitness classes, whether it be strength training, yoga, cardio, and so on. We discuss the physiological, mental, emotional, and relational benefits of a fitness community, which may be more important than ever given the widespread societal challenges with mental health and social isolation. We are just so grateful for Kyle to join us to bring to life her experiences and wisdom gained throughout her vast experiences not only as an athlete but also as a trainer and fitness coach bringing joy, inspiration, and connection to so many people in the Boston area. Taking one step at a time, despite feeling vulnerable at first, may ultimately lead to life-changing experiences of embracing a fitness community.

Summary:

• The holistic benefits of fitness routines
• The gift of a positive fitness community
• The transition out of structured sports team environments
• Executive function strategies for motivation and goal achievement
• Working through feeling vulnerable around others

The Reid Connect-Ed Podcast is hosted by Siblings, educational therapist, Alexis Reid, M.A. and licensed psychologist, Dr. Gerald Reid, produced by CyberSound Recording Studios in Boston, MA and original music is written and recorded by Gerald Reid (www.Jerapy.com).

*Please note that different practitioners may have different opinions- this is our perspective and is intended to educate you on what may be possible.

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Follow us on Instagram @ReidConnectEdPodcast

Show notes & Transcripts: https://reidconnect.com/reid-connect-ed-podcast

S8 E9: Sleep & Sexual Health: Preparing Adolescents for College

In this conversation, we discuss the nuances and specifics of how to speak with your children about sexual and sleep health prior to their adjustment to college. These can feel like difficult conversations but we are here to help you figure out how to initiate and maintain dialogue about such important topics that are often overlooked and/or misunderstood. We are joined by Abby Fierman, founder of The Bare Facts, who is a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner with over 20 years of experience in sexual health. Johanna Fierman Snyder is a certified child sleep consultant and former educator with 15 years of classroom experience, including as a first- and fourth-grade teacher and learning specialist in New York City.

Summary:

• Foundations of sexual and sleep health
• Challenges of having sensitive conversations
• Starting and maintaining open dialogue
• Situations and expectations to address
• Debunking certain myths

The Reid Connect-Ed Podcast is hosted by Siblings, educational therapist, Alexis Reid, M.A. and licensed psychologist, Dr. Gerald Reid, produced by CyberSound Recording Studios, and original music is written and recorded by www.Jerapy.com

*Please note that different practitioners may have different opinions- this is our perspective and is intended to educate you on what may be possible.

Show notes & Transcripts: https://reidconnect.com/reid-connect-ed-podcast

Be Curious. Be Open. Be Well.

S8 E8: Music Therapy w/Dr. Joy Allen from Berklee College of Music

In this episode, Gerald and Alexis speak with Dr. Joy Allen, Chair of the Music Therapy Department and Founding Director of the Music & Health Institute at Berklee College of Music. This rich discussion acknowledges how music is intricately woven into the fabric of our lives. We invite you, the listener, to reflect on how music has and continues to impact your life. Dr. Allen explains what music therapy is and how music therapists can utilize strategies and interventions that foster healing, empowerment, and growth to support individuals’ mental and physical well-being.

Summary

• How music is woven into the fabric of our lives
• A conceptual understanding of music therapy
• Strategies and interventions used by music therapists
• Where and how music therapy can be integrated into healthcare
• A reflection of how music impacts you

The Reid Connect-Ed Podcast is co-hosted by Siblings, educational therapist, Alexis Reid, M.A. and licensed psychologist, Dr. Gerald Reid, produced by CyberSound Recording Studios, and original music is written and recorded by www.Jerapy.com

*Please note that different practitioners may have different opinions- this is our perspective and is intended to educate you on what may be possible.

Show notes & Transcripts: https://reidconnect.com/reid-connect-ed-podcast

Be Curious. Be Open. Be Well.

S8 E7: Healing Trauma Through Play w/Steve Gross, MSW, Founder, The Life is Good Playmaker Project

In this episode, Alexis and Gerald speak with Steve Gross, MSW, founder of The Life is Good Playmaker Project to discuss the value of play as it pertains to creating a context for healing amongst children who have endured trauma and stressors in their life. Steve shares personal stories of his formative experiences that led him to a career focused on helping children heal and grow through positive experiences that elicit trust, care, and joy. We discuss a conceptual understanding of being trauma-informed and how play and genuine openness in a trusting relationship can be powerfully therapeutic. We acknowledge how easily adults and children can lose touch with their playful nature when experiencing the traumas and stressors of life that create a survival instinct and ultimately can contribute to disconnection and loneliness; and how to return to that playful nature with intention and prioritization.

Summary:

• The psychological and relational value of playfulness
• The significance of relationships in healing trauma
• The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
• From being Trauma-informed to being Play- and Healing Relationship-informed
• Regaining one’s playful nature and connection

Be curious. Be Open. Be well.

The Reid Connect-Ed Podcast is hosted by Siblings, educational therapist, Alexis Reid, M.A. and licensed psychologist, Dr. Gerald Reid, produced by CyberSound Recording Studios, and original music is written and recorded by www.Jerapy.com

*Please note that different practitioners may have different opinions- this is our perspective and is intended to educate you on what may be possible.

S8 E6: Using Music to Improve Movement for Parkinson's Disease w/Dr. Terry Ellis

Gerald and Alexis are joined by Dr. Terry Ellis of Boston University to discuss her cutting edge research on how music can be used to help individuals with Parkinon’s Disease to improve their walking and quality of life. In this episode, Dr. Ellis shares foundational knowledge about what Parkinson’s Disease is, how it affects the brain, and the way in which music can workaround the affected areas of the brain to dramatically improve a person’s quality of life.

• An understanding of Parkinson’s Disease
• How Parkinson’s Disease affects the brain
• Parkinson’s impact on an individual and their relationships
• Cutting edge music-based interventions for movement
• The multi-faceted benefits of music and movement

Terry Ellis, Ph.D., PT is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy and Director of the Center for Neurorehabilitation at Boston University. Dr. Ellis also serves as the Director of the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) National Rehabilitation Resource Center. Her research is funded by National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the APDA and broadly focuses on understanding mechanisms underlying walking impairments in persons with Parkinson disease and developing rehabilitation approaches to improve real-world walking in the home and community settings. She has expertise in music-based digital therapeutics and soft robotic apparel to improve real-world walking and to prevent freezing of gait. Dr. Ellis has a Ph.D. in Behavioral Neurosciences from Boston University School of Medicine and is a licensed physical therapist with board certification in Neurologic Physical Therapy. She has published numerous articles and lectures internationally on topics related to the optimization of rehabilitation in Parkinson disease.

The Reid Connect-Ed Podcast is hosted by Siblings, educational therapist, Alexis Reid, M.A. and licensed psychologist, Dr. Gerald Reid, produced by CyberSound Recording Studios, and original music is written and recorded by www.Jerapy.com

*Please note that different practitioners may have different opinions- this is our perspective and is intended to educate you on what may be possible.

Show notes & Transcripts: https://reidconnect.com/reid-connect-ed-podcast

Be Curious. Be Open. Be Well.

S8 E5: Making the Most of College Courses

In the age of AI where information and knowledge can be found in a split second, this episode dives into the purpose of a college course and shares wisdom, ideas, and strategies from experience in the classroom both as a student and as a professor.

In this discussion, Gerald and Alexis break down a college course. More specifically, they discuss the way in which professors and students can more intentionally and thoughtfully make the learning experience more engaging, accessible, and purposeful.

Summary

• Executive functions supports for navigating a college course
• How professors can address AI in the classroom
• Ways of making courses more engaging, accessible, and meaningful
• How professors and students can approach syllabi intentionally
• Common challenges experienced by professors and students

The ReidConnect-Ed Podcast is hosted by Siblings, educational therapist Alexis Reid, M.A. @AlexisAnnReid and licensed psychologist, Dr. Gerald Reid, produced by @CyberSoundRecordingStudios, and original music is written and recorded by Gerald Reid @MusicJerapy (www.Jerapy.com).

*Please note that different practitioners may have different opinions- this is our perspective and is intended to educate you on what may be possible.

Show notes & Transcripts: https://reidconnect.com/reid-connect-ed-podcast

Be Curious. Be Open. Be Well.

S8 E4: A Deeper Connection with Our Dogs and Ourselves w/Grace Chon

Grace Chon is an acclaimed photographer and author, former art director in the advertising industry, podcast host, and is on a journey to help people recognize and appreciate that natural world through consciousness, creativity, and connection.

In this episode, Alexis and Jerry come together with Grace to discuss the way in which we perceive and connect with our inner nature, as well as with animals. Grace shares her personal journey of tuning into her authentic and genuine nature that led to a life path of pursuing her curiosity and deepest values and interests.

We discuss the parallels to the therapeutic process Gerald sees in his patients as well as the self-awareness Alexis fosters in her clients as an educational therapist. Grace shares the pre-verbal connection we have with animals and pets, especially with dogs, and the way in which we can learn unconditional love with dogs in a way we may struggle to access with other human beings.

Summary:

• The journey of going inward toward discovering one’s authentic self
• The idea of inner coherence and how we interact with life
• The meaning of unconditional love shared by dogs
• The way in which we can attune with our dogs
• The value of being open and curious while still grounded

The ReidConnect-Ed Podcast is hosted by Siblings educational therapist Alexis Reid, M.A. and licensed psychologist Dr. Gerald Reid, produced by CyberSound Recording Studios in Boston, MA and original music is written and recorded by Gerald Reid (www.Jerapy.com).

*Please note that different practitioners may have different opinions- this is our perspective and is intended to educate you on what may be possible.

Follow us on Instagram @ReidConnectEdPodcast

Show notes & Transcripts: https://reidconnect.com/reid-connect-ed-podcast

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In this episode Alexis & Jerry meet with Adam Lewis, M.A. - head of school at Catholic Memorial High School in Boston, MA - to discuss the current landscape of supporting adolescent boys. We have an in depth and thoughtful dialogue about the pressures that adolescent boys feel these days. We consider ways of engaging with boys to address their vulnerabilities from a place of respect, genuine care, and perspective-taking as a way to break down the barriers. The important and significant role of women in the lives of boys is also explored and acknowledged. There are so many important messages within this episode that we hope are insightful and inspiring.

Summary:

• The ways that boys may experience and manifest mental & emotional challenges
• How to engage with boys to facilitate honest conversations
• Societal and environmental pressures for boys
• The importance of women in the lives of boys

The ReidConnect-Ed Podcast is hosted by Siblings Alexis Reid, M.A. (educational therapist) and Dr. Gerald Reid (licensed psychologist), produced by CyberSound Recording Studios in Boston, MA and original music is written and recorded by Gerald Reid (www.Jerapy.com)

*Please note that different practitioners may have different opinions- this is our perspective and is intended to educate you on what may be possible.

Follow us on Instagram @ReidConnectEdPodcast

Show notes & Transcripts: https://reidconnect.com/reid-connect-ed-podcast

Listen on Spotify

Listen on Apple Podcasts