Get ready to dive into the world of financial aid with the amazing Howard Freeman! Today, we’re chatting about how navigating college expenses doesn't have to be as terrifying as a rollercoaster ride, especially when you have a guide like Howard, who's been helping families score affordable college options for over two decades. He’s got the inside scoop on everything from filling out those pesky FAFSA forms to understanding scholarships and grants—basically, he’s the financial aid superhero we never knew we needed!

With a sprinkle of humor and a whole lot of heart, Howard shares his passion for empowering students and families to make informed decisions without breaking the bank. So, whether you’re a parent pulling your hair out over tuition or a student wondering how to make college happen without selling a kidney, you’re in the right place! Buckle up, because this episode is packed with tips and tricks that can turn financial chaos into college dreams!

Guest Bio - Howard Freedman’s professional experiences were the right fit for creating a successful Financial Aid Consulting. For over twenty years, he has continued to make his clients feel confident and booming by helping them pursue the most affordable colleges. One of Howard’s favorite quotes is:

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to success is always to try once more.” Thomas Edison

Howard’s leadership and accomplishments in financial management, customer service, management, software consulting, process improvements, negotiations, and analytical skills saved organizations millions of dollars. It was only natural to reinvent himself into a more satisfying career as a financial aid consultant to give back to society positively.

Several years after creating Financial Aid Consulting, he was recruited to become the ACCESS program manager in the Boston Public School system. It helped him open his universe by providing financial aid services and scholarships to a diverse population of over 2700 high school seniors in over twenty high schools. This earned him a citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives. He later returned to Financial Aid Consulting.

He graduated from the College Board’s Financial Aid Institute and completed ongoing training with college financial aid and admissions department professionals. This helped to better understand how these organizations are taught and operate.

Howard assumed leadership positions in professional organizations while becoming a public speaker and author for general and college-related national publications. A vast collection of his articles is shared on this website. He is also a highly acclaimed author of three editions of his book, Making College Happen, available on Amazon.com.

The American Payroll Association recognized him as Man of the Year, and the Massachusetts State Senate honored him with a citation. He later received the Whatever Takes Award from his former employer, InPower, a software developer, for outstanding customer service.

Howard received his BS in Business Management from Northeastern University and an MBA from Suffolk University in Boston.

A gift from our guest: 5 Mistakes Parents Make When Saving for College and How to Fix Them

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Get ready to dive into a world where storytelling meets parenting magic! We’re chatting with the dynamic duo, Amanda and Aaron Johnson, who are all about transforming life's narrative into something spectacular. Amanda's got 25 years of experience turning personal backstories into epic tales through her projects like the Story Oracle, while Aaron brings his entrepreneurial flair to the mix, ensuring every story is as unique as the person telling it.

We’ll explore how using stories can help parents communicate better with their kids, fostering emotional literacy and connection. So, grab your favorite snack, kick back, and let’s unravel the enchanting power of storytelling together!

Entrepreneurial at heart, Aaron Johnson has been both deeply involved with start-ups and mesmerized by Story and the hero’s journey since he was a child. When he began paving his own non-traditional education and career paths and rediscovered some of his own potential through Improv, Debate, and Mock Trial competitions, he quickly realized that every system and solution needs to be unique because every person’s vision, mission, and path is different. Today, he is the Co-founder (and Business Wizard) of Saved By Story Publishing and the Conference Director of the Partners in Treatment Conference on Mental Health.

Amanda Johnson alchemizes twenty-five years of transformative experiences through story literacy, writing, and narrative medicine to fulfill her mission through The Story Oracle and Saved By Story: to equip individuals to use humanity’s most innate tools to transmute the pain of their backstory into a more magically-ever-after for themselves, their loved ones, and those they serve.

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A gift from our guests:

www.SavedByStory.house/foreshadows

This link has a full menu of free content to help fellow storytellers and story lovers utilize story to save their own story and save the world with it too.

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Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of personalized education with our special guest, Helen Panos, a rockstar educator with over 25 years under her belt! We kick things off by tackling the elephant in the room: the crazy emphasis on standardized testing and how it often leaves kids stranded in the educational Bermuda Triangle.

Helen shares her journey from the public school system to founding Dynamics Learning, where she’s shaking things up with tailored tutoring, SAT prep, and even college application assistance! We chat about the importance of catching learning gaps before they snowball into a mountain of stress, and how parents can be proactive in their kids’ education. So grab your favorite snack and settle in, because we’re all about making learning fun and impactful, one giggle at a time!

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Money matters, and today we’re diving headfirst into the fun world of financial literacy for kids with our fantastic guest, Anthony Delany! He’s not just your average financial advisor; he’s the mastermind behind Owning the Dash, where he’s on a mission to teach children the ins and outs of money through delightful picture books.

We’re talking about why it’s crucial to start these conversations early and how teaching kids about money can be as thrilling as a rollercoaster ride—filled with ups, downs, and unexpected twists! Plus, we’ll explore how Anthony ties in life lessons about patience and compassion into his stories, proving that money talks can be both educational and entertaining. So grab your jelly beans and get ready for a sweet episode packed with wisdom, laughter, and plenty of dad jokes!

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In 2020, Kathi Sohn retired from her first career of 36 years with the U.S. Defense Department. Widowed in 2019, Kathi decided to devote her life to sharing the powerful work her beloved husband created – the Body Memory Process for discovering and releasing childhood trauma and beliefs. Kathi wrote a bestselling book on the Body Memory Process, You Made It Up, Now Stop Believing It, released in 2023. This powerful book provides background information via interesting case studies, and the entire Body Memory Process for childhood vow discovery and release. She now is a speaker and coach who is dedicated to mitigating the cycle of inter-generational trauma.

Kathi Sohn

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Free gift from our guest:

This free 19-page guide provides the little known connection between teen mental health and core beliefs.

https:// coaching.kathisohn.com/freeparentguide

Link to book page on Amazon: https://a.co/d/gcmTEdA

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Robert Melillo

Guest Bio - Dr. Robert Melillo is a leading expert in developmental neurological conditions such as ADHD, autism, OCD, tics, dyslexia, anxiety, and depression in both children and adults. With extensive knowledge of brain function, he has perfected a noninvasive, multi-modal method to significantly improve and correct many neurological disorders. His expertise in functional neuroanatomy and neurophysiology is unparalleled, backed by 30 years as a clinician, professor, brain researcher, and bestselling author. His book Disconnected Kids, soon to release its 3rd edition, is a cornerstone in its genre, translated into 16 languages. Co-founder of Brain Balance Achievement Centers and developer of the Melillo Method®, he also runs the Melillo Center for Developing Minds in NY. Dr. Melillo directs the National Institute for Brain and Rehabilitation Sciences and co-hosts the web series Disconnected Kids Reconnected Families with his wife Carolyn, boasting over 3 million views. He also hosts The Melillo Method Podcast, Everything Brain.

A free gift from our guest: Primitive Reflexes booklet for families to help them understand & test for Primitive Reflexes in kids

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/pdvrc5madwusqopxrdczf/MelilloMethod-PrimReflexesManual.pdf?rlkey=g2ecykuzwk9qn09ye6q0w9kzy&e=1&st=uig73omv&dl=0

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Dr. Robert Melillo, a rockstar in the field of brain health, joins us to dive headfirst into the complex world of neurological disorders that affect both kids and adults. With a background in neuroscience and a personal connection through his son's ADHD diagnosis, Dr. Melillo is on a mission to bridge the gap between brain function and behavior. He introduces us to his innovative Melillo Method, which has transformed thousands of lives, showing us that understanding the brain can lead to real, impactful change. We discuss everything from ADHD to autism, OCD, and anxiety, breaking down misconceptions that these conditions stem from brain injuries or genetic mutations. Instead, we learn that many children are simply experiencing functional disconnections in their brains, which can be addressed through targeted activities and therapies.

Dr. Melillo emphasizes the importance of movement and sensory stimulation in brain development, and he provides parents with practical steps to help their children find balance and connection. The episode is brimming with hope and practical advice, making it a must-listen for parents navigating the challenges of neurological disorders.

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Kevin R. Strauss, M.E. is an innovator, emotional health & wellness expert, and CEO of Uchi, a social app dedicated to strengthening relationships and improving behaviors. As a trained biomedical engineer with more than 75 patents, a book titled Innovate The 1%, and numerous peer-reviewed publications in spine, psychology, and human behavior, Kevin’s career has fueled his passion for understanding people and “why we behave the way we do.” Kevin’s mission is simple: to make life easier and happier for everyone by supporting Formula 4 Wellness—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. When he's not developing solutions for balanced well-being, Kevin enjoys expedition backpacking, ballroom dancing, and is a 24-year, injury-free Ironman Triathlete and Coach.

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A gift from our guest: Uchi is a free social platform proven to strengthen relationships and improve behaviors. Why not try a 30-day challenge with your family & friends! "A question a day can keep the therapist away." Download Uchi free on the App Store and Google Play. Learn more at https://uchiconnection.com

In this episode, we unravel the intricacies of emotional health with none other than Kevin R. Strauss, who’s not just your average guest—he’s a certified innovator with a flair for understanding human behavior. Kevin’s expertise shines as he explains his Formula 4 wellness, which encompasses physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. We delve into the fascinating idea that emotional health is the cornerstone of our well-being and how it’s often overshadowed by a focus on mental health. Kevin passionately argues that emotional health is about our ability to give and receive love and connection, and it’s this very foundation that can prevent a host of behavioral issues.

His Uchi app serves as a bridge to foster these connections within families, making conversations flow like a river instead of a dam. Through playful banter, we discuss the challenges of getting teens to engage with their parents and how Uchi can help start those all-important conversations in a way that feels less confrontational. Kevin’s humor and insights turn what could be a heavy topic into a lighthearted exploration of how we can all strive to be more emotionally connected. So whether you’re a parent, a teen, or just someone looking to enhance your relationships, this episode is packed with gems that will make your heart smile!

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Daniela Dohnert is a Visual Artist, Life Coach, and Mother from Venezuela with a deep passion for empowering teenagers. Through her education, she discovered the transformative power of perspective in communication and self-esteem. Having experienced firsthand the benefits of these perspective shifts in her own relationships with her teenage children, she is dedicated to helping families foster stronger, more meaningful connections.

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A gift from our guest: Parent teen connection guide - simple tips to connect deeper with your teen

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kGucu6ruuQg_qcOIWUsP_sY01TfWTIo0/view?usp=sharing

Join us as we roll up our sleeves and dig into the importance of communication in family life with the dynamic Daniela Dohnert! This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone who’s ever felt lost in the labyrinth of teenage emotions. Daniela shares her journey of discovering how a change in perspective can radically alter the way we relate to our kids. With a background rich in art and coaching, she brings a unique flair to the table, reminding us that parenting isn’t just about rules and discipline, but about connection and understanding. We chat about the vulnerability of teenagers during their adolescent years, shedding light on the pressures they face and how often they’re misunderstood. Daniela’s mission? To save lives by ensuring teens feel heard and valued.

We dive into practical strategies that parents can implement to enhance communication with their children. Daniela emphasizes the need for parents to step back and listen without jumping in to fix every problem. By adopting a bird’s-eye view of situations, parents can help their teens navigate their emotions better, leading to a healthier family dynamic. It's about creating a dialogue, not a monologue! This episode is filled with relatable anecdotes, humor, and heartfelt advice that is sure to resonate with anyone looking to strengthen their family bonds. So, if you’re ready to transform your communication style and truly connect with your teen, tune in and let’s get the conversation started!

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