Setting the Standard Podcast
Two award-winning middle school teachers. Over 50 years of combined experience. And yes—they still love their jobs.
Join these seasoned educators on Setting the Standard as they share the real, unfiltered stories from their decades in the classroom—the triumphs, the mistakes, and everything in between. With humor, heart, and a passion for helping students (and the adults who work with them), they bring a fresh, insightful perspective to education today.
Whether you’re an educator, parent, or just curious about what really goes on behind the classroom door, you’ll walk away with practical strategies on executive function, life lessons, and navigating the ever-changing world of middle school—with a few laughs along the way.
This is not just another education podcast. This is Setting the Standard—where experience meets inspiration.
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Episode 1:
Executive Functioning 101 – Understanding Your Brain’s Command Center
What if the biggest obstacle to success isn’t laziness—but understanding how the brain actually works?
In the premiere episode of Setting the Standard, veteran educators Jared Mills and Danielle Gillespie unpack the fascinating world of executive functioning—the mental skills that help us plan, organize, focus, regulate emotions, manage time, and follow through on our goals. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, coach, or simply someone trying to understand yourself better, this episode provides a practical introduction to the brain’s “command center.”
You’ll discover:
- What executive functioning is and why it doesn’t fully develop until our mid-20s.
- The 10 essential executive functioning skills and how they influence learning, work, and everyday life.
- Why people can excel in some executive functioning skills while struggling in others.
- The powerful connection between dopamine, motivation, and task initiation.
- The critical difference between executive dysfunction and laziness—and why that distinction changes everything for educators, parents, and individuals.
Filled with relatable stories, research-backed insights, and practical takeaways, this episode lays the foundation for understanding why we do what we do—and how we can better support ourselves and the students in our lives.
Join us as we begin exploring how understanding the brain can transform the classroom, the home, and everyday life. Because when experience meets inspiration, everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
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