The Generation Youth Podcast with James McLamb

Ep. #124: Can We Really Create Positive School Cultures? A Conversation with Dr. Jim Van Allan

🎙️💡✨ How can schools create an uplifting environment where teachers and students thrive? 🌟📚 In this episode, James McLamb sits down with Dr. Jim Van Allan, Educator, Speaker, and President of The Energy Bus for Schools, to discuss their nationwide program to improve school culture. 🚍💼 Dr. Jim shares real-life stories and powerful strategies that help schools strengthen relationships, boost teamwork, and foster a positive atmosphere. 👫🎓 Whether you're an educator, school leader, or simply care about education, you'll leave with practical tips to bring positivity to your school community. 🎧✨💪 Listen in and learn how small changes can make a significant impact! 🌟🚌💥🚀
 
Connect with Dr. Jim Van AllanWebsites: https://energybusforschools.com/ and https://jimvanallan.com/#about Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jim.vanallan 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimvanallan/ 
X: https://x.com/JimVanAllan 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-van-allan-0087646/ 
 
Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:59) Who is Dr. Jim Van Allan?
(5:03) Why Jim is passionate about school culture
(7:48) The evolution of The Energy Bus into a school framework
(9:57) What makes The Energy Bus for Schools unique
(12:05) How schools implement the Energy Bus rules
(16:01) Strategies for overcoming teacher skepticism
(20:56) Proven school success and engaging every staff member for actual results
(27:26) Data showing positive outcomes in schools
(31:01) Students leading Energy Bus initiatives in schools
(32:37) How schools can get involved in the Energy Bus program
(36:34) Outro

Ep. #123: Youth Sports Done Right: Lessons for Raising Resilient Athletes with Kirsten Jones

🎯🏆✨ Are you worried about putting too much pressure on your young athlete? 🤔 In this episode, host James McLamb talks with Kirsten Jones, a peak performance and sports parenting coach, about the growing pressures in youth sports. 🏅⚽ They offer practical advice on helping kids enjoy sports without feeling overwhelmed, 🧠💡 preventing burnout, and encouraging a healthy, fun environment. 😄🏀🥇 Kirsten shares her experiences and tips on how parents can guide their children toward finding joy, building resilience, and discovering their passions in sports and beyond. 💪🚀🔥 Tune in for an enriching discussion that promises to enhance your parenting approach in the sports arena. 🎧📈🌟
 
Connect with Kirsten Jones:Website: https://www.kirstenjonesinc.com/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-jones-1704805/ 
X: https://x.com/kirstenjonesinc 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirstenjonescoach/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPWTNsLn05GaDYV-K6ROflg 
Podcast: #RaisingAthletes 
 
Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(2:13) Kirsten’s sports journey and what led her to coaching
(9:32) Parenting lessons from youth sports
(16:59) Challenges of early sports specialization
(21:07) Delaying the specialization and the benefits of multi-sport athletes.
(24:49) Thinking beyond sports and encouraging free play
(30:22) Friends, fun, and fundamentals
(32:48) The financial pressures of youth sports and its effect on families
(36:38) Navigating youth sports dreams and realities
(42:46) Checking in with kids and helping them find their path in sports
(45:41) The importance of self-regulation
(48:22) Outro

Ep. #122: Empowering Youth: Real Talk on Consent and Boundaries with Mike Domitrz

🚸✨ How do you teach your kids to say "NO" 🛑 and respect boundaries confidently? In this episode of the Generation Youth Podcast, 🎙️ host James McLamb sits down with Mike Domitrz, Hall of Fame Speaker, author, subject matter expert, and 🎓 founder of the Center for Respect, to talk about teaching teens the importance of boundaries, consent, and healthy relationships. 💬 Mike shares personal stories, real-life challenges teens face, and practical advice 📚 for parents on having tough but necessary conversations. 💡 Whether you're a parent, student 🎒, or educator 🧑‍🏫, this episode is filled with helpful tips and tools 🛠️ to support young people 👫 in making safe 🔒 and respectful choices in today’s world. 🌟🙌💬🚀✨
Connect with Mike Domitrz:
Website: https://www.centerforrespect.com/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedomitrz/ 
X: https://x.com/MikeRespects 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikedomitrz 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikerespects 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/centerforrespect 
Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:55) Mike's journey and motivation
(4:47) Current challenges youth face regarding consent and boundaries
(8:18) Impact of teaching consent and bystander intervention
(9:56) When parents should start having these critical conversations with kids
(12:39) The importance of parents getting uncomfortable with their kids
(17:22) Empowering students with the tools to say "NO" and help others
(23:25) School programs that support ongoing education on respect
(27:26) Reactive Vs. Proactive
(29:17) Importance of body respect and digital boundaries in today’s world
(37:45) Outro

Ep.#121: Fear Isn’t the Enemy: Unlocking Mental Fitness for Young Leaders with AJ Shavell

🔥✨ What if fear is not something to avoid but a tool to help us grow? 💪 In this episode, host James McLamb chats with mental fitness coach AJ Shavelle about how fear, especially the fear of failure, affects today’s youth. 😱👊 AJ explains how fear isn’t something to avoid but to understand and use for growth. 🌱 He shares practical tips for parents, teachers, and leaders 👩‍🏫👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 to help young people face their fears, build resilience, and see failure as a stepping stone. 🏆 They also discuss the pressure of online comparisons 📱 and the importance of focusing on the journey, not just the end goal. 🛤️✨ Tune in for helpful advice on supporting the next generation 🌍 in a tech-driven world! 💻🚀
Connect with AJ Shavell:X: https://x.com/coachajkings 
Website: https://thegrowthcompass.beehiiv.com/ 
Free Newsletter: https://thegrowthcompass.beehiiv.com/subscribe 
Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:53) Who is AJ Shavell?
(3:42) Understanding fear and how it affects today’s youth
(6:13) The role of technology in amplifying fear and anxiety
(12:30) Fear of failure Vs. Fear of others' opinions (FOPO)
(14:54) Fear of success and fear of disappointment
(17:58) Tips for parents to help children overcome fear
(20:44) Clear, consistent communication and reinforcing the feelings
(25:20) How fear drives success and failure in high achievers
(29:46) How to connect with AJ Shavell and his work
(33:59) Outro

Ep. #120: The Power of Presence: How Love Transforms Lives with Derrick Pearson

The Power of Presence: How Love Transforms Lives with Derrick Pearson
 
✨🔥 What does it mean to live each day with purpose truly? In this uplifting episode of the Generation Youth Podcast 🎙️, host James McLamb sits down with Derrick Pearson, a coach 🏆, sportscaster 🎥, and bestselling author 📚. Derrick shares how his life-altering experience 💫 changed his outlook on life, leading him to make love ❤️ his guiding principle. He explains how starting and ending each day with love has shaped his approach to teaching, coaching, and personal growth 🌱. Together, they offer practical, actionable advice on building strong connections 🤝, especially with those most challenging to reach, by showing up with truth, care, and consistency. This conversation equips us with the tools 🛠️ we need to build meaningful connections and empowers us to live with purpose and make every moment count ⏳💡.
Connect with Derrick Pearson:
Website: https://theticketfm.com/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-pearson-b5580524/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/937theticket 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derrickpearson/ 
X: https://x.com/937theticket 
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@937theticket 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@937TheTicket 
Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(2:20) Derek’s journey as a coach, sportscaster, and radio station owner
(5:09) Life lessons from a life-altering experience
(11:02) Connecting through purpose & presence
(19:20) What are young people searching?
(24:44) Love as the Priority in Education
(29:16) Planting for purpose: For outcome, not

Ep. #119: Purpose Over Grades: Raising Smart, Confident Kids with Trish Wilkinson

Purpose Over Grades: Raising Smart, Confident Kids with Trish Wilkinson
 
🎙️✨ Have you ever wondered how you can help your child learn more effectively and confidently? In this episode, James McLamb connects with Trish Wilkinson, an author and educator, to share practical ways to help children thrive academically and emotionally. 🌟 Trish, a mom of neurodivergent kids, reveals her "Prepare, Purpose, Process" framework, which keeps kids focused, engaged, and motivated to learn. 🧠 From fun exercises to physical activity and purpose-driven learning, these tips can make a huge impact! 🌈 Whether you're a parent, teacher, or coach, discover small steps that lead to big results. 🚀📚 Don't miss this inspiring conversation! 👏
Connect with Trish Wilkinson:
Website: https://thebrainstages.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/brainstagesparenting/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trish-wilkinson-brain-stages/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrainstages/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trishwilkinson7778 
Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(2:35) Trish’s background and how she started developing brain-friendly teaching techniques
(7:10) Key insights on ADHD and neurodivergent learning methods
(11:34) The impact of physical activity on academic performance
(16:28) The “Prepare, Purpose, Process” method
(23:41) The power of giving kids a reason and purpose to learn
(30:50) Move, think, and process
(36:54) Processing and reflecting on learning: Why it matters
(44:05) 3P's and brain breaks
(49:02) Outro

Ep. #118: Building Champions: Sherry Winn’s Game-Changing Leadership for the Next Generation

🌟🎧 Do you ever wonder how the stories we tell ourselves shape our lives? In this inspiring episode, host James McLamb connects with Coach Sherry Winn, a two-time Olympian 🥇 and leadership expert 💼, to discuss the power of positive self-talk 🗣️ and leadership in shaping success. Sherry shares how internal struggles, not external ones, often define outcomes, drawing from her experience coaching athletes 🏅 and working with leaders. The conversation dives into the impact of "I am" statements 💬 on personal development and how focusing on positive language can shift mindsets 🔄.
 
Whether you're a parent 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, teacher 👩‍🏫, coach 🏋️‍♂️, or anyone looking to make a positive impact, Coach Winn’s practical advice and uplifting stories ✨ offer simple, effective ways to shift your mindset and help others grow 🌱.
Connect with Coach Sherry Winn:Website: https://www.thewinningleadershipcompany.com/about/ 
Books: https://www.thewinningleadershipcompany.com/books/ 
X: https://x.com/Sherry__Winn 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sherry.winn.16 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SherryMWinn 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewinningleadershipcompany/ 
Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:51) Sherry Winn's background
(4:28) The importance of "I Am" statements
(8:03) How negativity shapes thoughts
(10:22) Turning negative experiences into positive learning moments
(14:07) The influence of early messages on personal development
(19:04) Life beyond sports
(23:27) Aligning beliefs with goals for success
(26:05) Changing who you are to reach your goals
(28:51) Planting a seed
(32:12) Outro

Ep. #117: Own Your Mark: Caroline INSPIRES On Empowering Youth

 How can we inspire today's youth to believe in their potential? In this inspiring episode, James McLamb sits down with the passionate and vibrant Caroline INSPIRES Bennett, a dynamic speaker, artist, poet, consultant, educator, and founder of Caroline Inspires LLC, who shares her journey of becoming a beacon of hope for young people, especially Black youth. 🌟✨
 
🌍📚 Caroline shares her journey from North Tulsa, Oklahoma, and how her roots have shaped her commitment to empowering young people to embrace their light and thrive. She also touches on the power of art in youth development, encouraging listeners to see perfection as being complete and embracing the process of growth. 🎨🌱
 
💪🏽🗣️ Together, they discuss the power of owning one's story, the importance of co-creating safe spaces, and how to help youth survive and thrive. This conversation is packed with actionable and practical advice for parents, teachers, and anyone invested in empowering youth, the value of time in achieving success, and the importance of transparency from older generations to help guide the younger ones. ⏳💡
Connect with Caroline Bennett:
Website: https://www.carolineinspires.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolineinspires 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolineinspiresbennett/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CarolineInspires 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolineinspires/ 
Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(2:07) Caroline Bennett's background and mission
(5:15) Core message to youth: Survive, Thrive, and Shine
(12:31) Practical tips for empowering youth
(16:27) Co-creating platforms with youth
(23:30) Redefining perfection and embracing completeness
(28:42) Challenges of modern youth and the value of time
(33:43) The good, the glory, and the story
(37:32) Let your light shine
(40:28) Outro