Educating the Human Potential: The American Montessori Society Podcast
A podcast about optimizing education for a better society.
Journey into the future of learning with two pioneering educators as they unlock the secrets of human potential through captivating conversations on education's biggest challenges. Explore "Educating the Human Potential," where Educational Psychologist Nicole Coman and renowned Montessori Educator William "Biff" Maier guide you through transformative discussions that are reshaping how we think about education. This podcast from the American Montessori Society sparks insightful conversations about the future of learning, featuring thought-provoking discussions with educational and cultural trailblazers.
Educating the Human Potential challenges the status quo in education—because how we learn shapes society itself. Each episode dives into the critical issues shaping education today, blending research, lived experience, and bold ideas. Whether it’s rethinking classroom models, exploring the psychology of learning, nurturing curiosity and resilience in children, or unpacking social and cultural forces at play in education, Educating the Human Potential delivers engaging, accessible conversations for parents, educators, policymakers, and lifelong learners alike.
Join Nicole and Biff as they engage with leading voices like Garrard Conley, who explores identity and inclusive education; Lisa Ling, award-winning journalist uncovering untold stories that shape families and schools; Donovan Livingston, educator and spoken word artist advocating for educational equity; Sharon and Chelsea Maxwell, a mother-daughter duo addressing intergenerational learning and social change; and Jay Van Bavel, a neuroscientist examining how group identity and psychology influence learning and society.
Educating the Human Potential: The American Montessori Society Podcast
A podcast about optimizing education for a better society.
Sponsored by:
American Montessori Society
http://www.amshq.org/montessori
Educating the Human Potential: The American Montessori Society Podcast
The Volatile Gift: Rethinking ADHD with Dr. Ned Hallowell
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In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, world-renowned psychiatrist and ADHD expert Dr. Ned Hallowell challenges everything we think we know about attention, learning, and human potential.
Drawing from decades of clinical experience — and his own life with ADHD — Dr. Hallowell reframes ADHD not simply as a disorder, but as a complex condition that can become a profound strength when understood and supported. He shares stories from his childhood, his work with children and families, and the mentors who helped shape his path, illustrating how encouragement, imagination, and the right environment can change the course of a life.
Together, the hosts and Dr. Hallowell explore:
- Why ADHD is so often misunderstood
- The role of environment, stimulation, and love in helping children thrive
- Medication myths and what the science actually says
- The emotional toll ADHD can take — and its extraordinary potential
- How educators and parents can help transform struggle into strength
At the heart of the conversation is a hopeful message: ADHD is not simply a deficit. With the right support, it can become a powerful asset — a “volatile gift” that, when nurtured, can lead to creativity, resilience, and remarkable achievement.
This episode invites educators, parents, and anyone living with ADHD to rethink what it means to learn differently — and to see the possibility where others too often see limitation.
Contact Us: humanpotential@amshq.org
Educating the Human Potential is a podcast about optimizing education for a better society, through a Montessori lens. Hosts Nicole Coman, a licensed educational psychologist specializing in school psychology and child development -- and a "Montessori mom" -- and Biff Maier, an American Montessori Society Living Legacy with decades of experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, engage with experts, educators, parents, and students. Each episode explores strategies to unlock human potential, offering thought-provoking conversations on learning, child development, and the evolving landscape of education. This podcast is presented by AMS, the American Montessori Society.
For more information about Montessori education, visit https://amshq.org/about-montessori/
And consider this AMS course for families interested in incorporating the Montessori philosophy into their day-to-day lives and parenting approach:
https://learn.amshq.org/parent-course-early-childhood
