Today we are talking about the roots of "The Self Driven Child" with my co-author, Dr. William R. Stixrud. Discover how our understanding of autonomy and control transformed our approach to parenting and education. We explore the neuroscience behind stress and motivation, sharing our journey from initial insights to the profound impact our work has had globally. Join us as we recount our Marvel origin story and reveal the science and anecdotes that shaped our bestselling books.

Dr. William Stixrud, a clinical neuropsychologist, joins me, Ned Johnson, as we discuss the key principles of our collaboration. From handling stress to fostering intrinsic motivation, this episode covers it all. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to our podcast, this episode offers valuable insights into creating a supportive environment for children and young adults.

Episode Highlights:

[0:34 ] - Welcoming Dr. William Stixrud and introducing the topic of autonomy and control.

[1:34 ] - The global impact of "The Self Driven Child" and the importance of a sense of control.

[2:12 ] - Discussing stress and its effects on the brain from Dr. Stixrud's early research.

[5:39 ] - How stress and control relate to motivation and mental health.

[6:28 ] - Personal anecdotes and professional experiences on stress and motivation.

[8:45 ] - The concept of autonomy in parenting and education.

[13:17 ] - The bi-directional relationship between stress and brain function.

[17:07 ] - Practical advice on supporting autonomy in children.

[20:24 ] - The impact of test preparation on stress and performance.

[25:38 ] - Addressing the physiological aspects of stress and anxiety.

[30:02 ] - Reflections on the journey of writing "The Self Driven Child".

[31:03 ] - Concluding thoughts and a sneak peek into the next episode. 

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If you have a high school aged student and would like to talk about putting a tutoring or college plan together, reach out to Ned's company, PrepMatters at www.prepmatters.com