Raising and Rising
Raising and Rising
Podcast Description
Welcome to Raising and Rising, the podcast where parents, educators, and women leaders elevate themselves and the children they nurture. Hosted by Sheryl from Self Directed Life, each episode offers heartfelt conversations, expert insights, and coaching tips to help you raise resilient, curious, and empowered children while growing into your fullest potential. Whether you're seeking joyful learning, conscious parenting, or confident leadership, Raising and Rising provides the tools and inspiration you need to thrive.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on themes of conscious parenting, educational wellbeing, and personal development. Notable episode topics include the stresses facing educators, the need for mental health support in children, and holistic education approaches, such as the importance of mindful learning environments and strategies for co-regulation between parents and children.
Welcome to Raising and Rising, the podcast where parents, educators, and women leaders elevate themselves and the children they nurture. Hosted by Sheryl from Self Directed Life, each episode offers heartfelt conversations, expert insights, and coaching tips to help you raise resilient, curious, and empowered children while growing into your fullest potential. Whether you’re seeking joyful learning, conscious parenting, or confident leadership, Raising and Rising provides the tools and inspiration you need to thrive.
In this Raising and Rising episode, I speak with Monica Cochran — a courageous, deeply experienced educator whose 40-year journey has taken her across public schools, special education programs, Montessori classrooms, corporate training, and micro school consulting.
Monica shares how her fluke entry into education became a lifelong mission to champion emotionally safe, child-centered learning — especially for neurodivergent children and the families who raise them. Together, we explore the vital role of co-regulation, attunement, and noticing our children's strengths, and why it’s never about perfection — but always about connection.
This episode is a warm, grounded reminder that the way we teach, guide, and parent must start with relationship, not curriculum. And that when we meet both our children and ourselves with compassion, growth flows naturally.
The surprising start to Monica’s 40-year education journey
How co-regulation and felt safety unlock learning
Why connection matters more than curriculum — especially for neurodivergent learners
What gets in the way of “teachable moments” — and how to make space for them
How to build capacity in parents so they can better support their kids
Rethinking education for a fast-changing world
00:00:00 – Introduction to Raising and Rising Podcast
00:00:55 – Meet Monica: A Journey in Education
00:01:22 – Early Challenges and Breakthroughs
00:04:04 – The Evolution of Education
00:05:56 – Building Connection and Felt Safety
00:10:16 – Supporting Neurodivergent Kids and Families
00:12:23 – The Importance of Strengths and Passions
00:19:50 – Future of Education and Self-Directed Learning
00:22:47 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Monica is the founder of Learning Without Borders, where she works with families, educators, and micro schools to support neurodivergent learners and reimagine education systems that honor the whole child.🌍 https://learningwithoutborders.com/
Monica primarily works through referrals and long-standing collaborations — but if her message resonates with you, don’t hesitate to reach out.
💡 Coaching & Resources
If you’re navigating parenting challenges or rethinking how your child learns best, I’d love to support you. I offer practical coaching infused with healing, neuroscience, and self-directed learning.👉 Start here
🌱 Join the Free CommunityYou’re not alone. Our Self Directed Life community is a space to heal, learn, and lead with curiosity and courage.👉 nas.io/SDL
📲 Follow on Instagram
Daily tools, deep truths, and a little bit of play — for conscious parents, educators, and women rising into their purpose.👉 @selfdirectedlearners.co
✨ Let’s keep raising and rising — together.
Disclaimer
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