Best Beth Karas Podcasts (2024)

1
EP 68: Healing Through Play as an Adult with Kara Latta 27:05

1d ago27:05

27:05

Kara is a Play and Mindset Coach and your partner-in-fun on the path to healing perfectionism and rekindling your playful, creative spirit. Kara’s message is that play is anything but fluffy; it’s the secret sauce to more health, confidence, creativity, and joy (science says so too!). It's also a powerful healing tool to help us release perfectioni…

1
Let’s Take a Break from Alcohol… - with Karolina Rzadkowolska 49:26

2h ago49:26

49:26

*This month we're re-running our top episodes of all time. We hope you enjoy this conversation, whether it's your first time tuning in or a worthwhile re-listen! Whether you’ve been sober-curious for a while or never even considered taking a break from booze, today’s episode is for you. Karolina Rzadkowolska is a speaker, podcaster, and the author …

1
How to be your Happiest Self (REALLY!) - with Dr. Wendy O’Connor 43:11

6d ago43:11

43:11

*This month we're re-running our top episodes of all time. We hope you enjoy this conversation, whether it's your first time tuning in or a worthwhile re-listen! Life, love, and the pursuit of happiness - can we truly have it all? In today's episode of THRIVE, we're having a conversation with Stanford-trained clinical psychologist, Dr. Wendy O'Conn…

1
EP 67: Unlocking the Secrets of Children's Play with Anande Ferreira 29:57

8d ago29:57

29:57

Anande Ferreira is a mama and pediatric occupational therapist with a special interest in playfulness and sensory integration. She has over 10 years experience supporting children and their families. Upon completion of her Masters degree focused on playfulness, she presented her research at the World Federation of Occupational Therapy Congress and …

1
THE SECRET'S OUT! I can finally tell you... 19:00

12d ago19:00

19:00

I can't believe this is happening. But also I can, because GOD. This has been months and months in the making, so I'm stoked to finally spill the beans for you today...! THANKYOU to AirDoctor for sponsoring today's episode of THRIVE! Get up to $300 off your air purifier - AND a free 3-year warranty on ANY unit (an $84 value!) - at airdoctorpro.com …

1
10 Random Things Helping me Thrive Lately… 17:14

22d ago17:14

17:14

No gatekeeping here! These fun finds, tips, and tricks have been helping me truly THRIVE lately - so I have to be a friend and share... THANKYOU to BetterHelp for sponsoring today's episode of THRIVE. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/THRIVEPOD and get on your way to being your best self with 10% off your first month of therapy. THANKYOU …

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Everything you’ve been Wondering About Pelvic Floor Therapy - with Kara Cota 50:06

29d ago50:06

50:06

This is the one we’ve alllll been waiting for…it’s time to talk pelvic floor therapy. Erica has been in pelvic floor therapy on and off for over a year now, since around her second trimester of pregnancy with Jonah, and it has truly changed her life. One of those things you want to shout from the rooftops so every woman can know - no gatekeeping he…

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LIFE LATELY Mini-Sode: On Jonah's Birthday, Going Viral, & Podcast News... 14:31

1M ago14:31

14:31

Let's catch up on this past week! In ten minutes or less, we're talking Jonah's first birthday, the shadow side of going viral (ooof), and a bit of fun news for the THRIVE Podcast! THANKYOU to City Beauty for sponsoring today's episode of THRIVE! Get 15% off sitewide at citybeauty.com with code THRIVE (and you'll get a 60-day money-back guarantee!)…

1
EP 66: Understanding Autism in Early Childhood Education with Beth Duttera 30:57

1M ago30:57

30:57

Beth Duttera from Aut2ask, an autistic woman-led initiative uplifting autistic voices. Her support survey has over 2k voices from the autism community (inc educators!) speaking on how the current system and supports are failing us all. Listen as Kristen asks questions about autism to help others have a better understanding. Key Takeaways: Teacher T…

1
Making Family Budgeting FUN (+ Easy!) - with the Russell Family 56:43

2M ago56:43

56:43

Does budgeting feel like a dirty word to you? Or, maybe just…boring? Uncomfy? Generally UN-fun? The Russells are here to help! Sarah (from Team THRIVE!) is hopping *behind* the mic today with her husband, Ryan, to share the practical tips they use in their everyday life to make budgeting easier than ever before…and yes, actually FUN. They went from…

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Gospel-centered Goal-setting & Doing the Thing You were Made to Do - with Rebecca George 56:56

2M ago56:56

56:56

This one’s for the go-getter girls. Are you one of them? You’re a high achieving, big dreaming, goal setting, coffee drinking gal who’s maybe also Type A, maybe an Enneagram 3, maybe an oldest sibling…maybe a recovering perfectionist and/or retired “girlboss.” Rebecca George is our guest today, here to remind YOU of your God-given gifts…and how to …

1
EP 65: Boredom and Play with Deborah MacNamara 30:52

2M ago30:52

30:52

Deborah MacNamara is a counselor, on Faculty at the Neufeld Institute and author of Rest Play Grow: Making Sense of Preschoolers (or anyone who acts like one), and Nourish: Connection, Food, and Caring for our Kids (and everyone else we love). Join Deborah and I as we tackle all things boredom. Key Takeaways: Boredom Boosts Creativity: Boredom fost…

1
Gospel-centered Dating & What you Actually DESERVE in Relationships - with Ainsley Britain 53:21

2M ago53:21

53:21

Podcaster, speaker, author and Enneagram coach Ainsley Britain is here to break down the “boo-boo dudes” - the always-unideal, sometimes-toxic, never-Mr.Rights who leave you feeling more confused, isolated, and ultimately less loved than you deserve. So…what DO you deserve? And how can you go about dating - especially in this century - in a godly, …

1
Scents & Memories: Here's How (+ Why) your Brain Connects the Two! - with Beth Geddio (P.S. WE MADE A CANDLE!!!) 43:12

2M ago43:12

43:12

Ever smell something that instantly brings you back to a specific memory, person, or point in time? Maybe the smell of fresh cut grass, or sugar cookies in the oven, or your mom’s perfume? I know what candle was burning in our little townhouse basement back in 2020, and every time I smell Polo cologne it feels like my dad is here for the holidays. …

1
EP 64: Building Equitable and Inclusive Early Childhood Environments with Alicia Highland 31:54

2M ago31:54

31:54

Alicia Highland and I talk about ways to make environments more inclusive and also touch on what that can look like in nature based settings. Alicia completed her Master's in Curriculum and Instruction, with specializations in Environmental Education and Nonprofit Management, and a Master's in Elementary Education. Now that she is taking a break fr…

1
It's almost here...!!!! 15:19

2M ago15:19

15:19

Today on THRIVE, E is behind the mic to share some quick stories behind each piece, so that you can hear a bit more about the heart and intention that went into months of making this collection happen. Everything is a nod to an "era" behind-the-scenes here, but was designed to be fun, comfy, and cute for you whether you're a podcast listener, blog …

1
EP 63: Behaviors When There is an Absence of Play with Prerna Richards 33:22

2M ago33:22

33:22

Listen as Prerna and I pick up from where we left off from after our last episode together (Episode 56). We talk about what happens when there is an absence of play and how it can affect behaviors in different ways. Key Takeaways: Stress and Escalation of Behaviors: Kristen and Prerna talk about how the absence of play increases stress for both chi…

1
EP 62: Exploring Reggio Emilia Approach with Jayda Rivera 30:56

3M ago30:56

30:56

Join me as I learn a little more on what the Reggio Emilia Approach looks like with Jayda Rivera, the visionary behind Reggio Roots. With her work at a Playschool inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, she aspires to nurture, develop, and guide individuals and educators who share her ideologies. Key Takeaways: Understanding the Reggio Emilia Appro…

1
You were Uniquely Made for This - with Becca Wierwille 41:04

3M ago41:04

41:04

For years, Becca Wierwille felt different than everyone else. Namely because she was born with only half of one arm. But instead of letting her limb difference define her, she’s learned to lean in, acknowledge how it impacts her life, and then use it as a way to celebrate others’ differences and God’s intentional design for each of us. Today, Becca…

1
EP 61: Play Based Learning for School Age Children with Mariana Carazo 31:36

3M ago31:36

31:36

In this episode, I am talking with Mariana Carazo, a Columbia University graduate with a Master's in Curriculum and Teaching and over 20 years in education. Currently, she pioneers a play-based homeschooling approach for her children, embodying her belief in reimagining education. Mariana actively advocates for play as a transformative tool in 21st…

1
Homeschooling + Homesteading - with Shelbey Kendall 48:26

3M ago48:26

48:26

Ever wonder what it would be like to just…do it all yourself? Nix the drama of the public school systems and call the shots for your kids from the comfort of your own home? Cut the crap with the food industry and cultivate a healthier, more holistic livelihood with your own farm fresh eggs or dairy milk on your own little homestead? Maybe the thoug…

1
EP 60: Child Led Learning and Emergent Curriculum with Tiffany Pearsall 39:34

3M ago39:34

39:34

In this episode, I am talking to my good friend Tiffany Pearsall, a passionate play advocate and the founder of Play Frontier, a groundbreaking nonprofit childcare center. Join us as we chat about what child led learning and Emergent Curriculum looks like in play based settings. Key Takeaways: "Greatest Hits" Approach: Kristen and Tiffany talk abou…

1
The One with our Unpopular Opinions... - with Team THRIVE 49:27

3M ago49:27

49:27

This one might be...unpopular. But we're here for it, and we hope you will be, too! Erica, Sarah, and Taylor from Team THRIVE are behind the mic together to share their *unpopular* opinions, from Gilmore Girls to grammar, Beyonce to body positivity, barrel leg jeans to boxers-as-shorts (and every trend in between) - it's loaded with our hot takes a…

1
Create a Life you Actually LOVE - with Stephanie May Wilson 54:27

4M ago54:27

54:27

"You get to decide." Really, you do! And whether that thought feels instantly empowering or overwhelming, Stephanie May Wilson is here to help. As an author, speaker, TEDxTalker, and popular podcaster with over 8 million downloads, Stephanie is no stranger to the "Everything Era" - the decade-ish where most of our wildly huge, defining, important m…

1
EP 59: Creating a space from a Million Dollar Grant with Tiffany Pearsall 40:38

4M ago40:38

40:38

Today’s episode features an inspiring conversation with Tiffany Pearsall, a passionate play advocate and the founder of Play Frontier, a groundbreaking nonprofit childcare center. Join us as we chat about Tiffany’s journey, from the challenges of relocation to the exciting moment she secured a million-dollar grant to bring her vision to life. Learn…

1
EP 58: Exploring Artistry in Early Childhood with Faigie Kobre 51:13

4M ago51:13

51:13

Today I am chatting with Faigie Kobree, a former preschool and kindergarten teacher, director, and now an elementary school art teacher using the choice based TAB method. She also educates teachers how to switch from copycat crafts to creative art. Key Takeaways: Process-based Learning: Kristen and Faigie emphasize learning through exploration, cur…

1
30 Things You Should Know About Me... 17:21

4M ago17:21

17:21

She's thirty, flirty, and...THRIVING! Happy birthday to our leading lady behind the mic, Erica! To kickoff a new year, a new chapter, a new DECADE, we're keeping it fun and funky with 30 fun facts. There's some spicy takes and sweet stories inside, so grab a coffee (or champagne) and cheers with us to thirty. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE CATCHING UP W…

1
EP 57: The Importance of Play for Adults with Reagan Fulton 29:42

4M ago29:42

29:42

Today I am chatting with Reagan Fulton, Founder of Playful Acre and advocate for integrating play into daily life for all ages. We chat about the importance of adults including play into their own lives. It is essential not only for children, but for us too! Key Takeaways: Play is Essential for All Ages: Reagan and Kristen emphasize the importance …

1
EP 56: The Connection of Play and Brain-Behaviors with Prerna Richards 35:38

5M ago35:38

35:38

Today I am chatting with Prerna Richards, an early childhood education consultant and keynote speaker with 38 years of experience in ECE. Prerna started her own company called Together We Grow, providing professional development, behavior coaching and NAEYC consulting. She believes in empowering and uplifting educators and does that through trainin…

1
EP 55: Free the Glue with Kayla Souza 37:52

5M ago37:52

37:52

Today I am chatting with Kayla Souza who opened a small play and nature based preschool that she runs from my home and backyard after working for 20 years in traditional classrooms. In this episode we talk about one of my current favorite things to talk about and that is letting go and freeing the glue! Key Takeaways: Getting Creative With Glue: Kr…

1
The Pursuit of Meaning - with Dr. Lauren Gilbert 54:08

5M ago54:08

54:08

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of...meaning? Believe it or not, people who pursue happiness are scientifically LESS happy (and more stressed and less healthy) than people who pursue something else entirely: meaning. But what does pursuing "meaning" actually MEAN? Dr. Lauren Gilbert breaks down the science today on THRIVE. We also talk about living …

1
EP 54: Understanding Gestalt Language Processing with Jess Teixeira 40:35

6M ago40:35

40:35

Today I am chatting with Jess Teixeira, a certified speech-language pathologist in Massachusetts who specializes in supporting gestalt language processors and their families through direct services and parent and professional consultations and coaching. Have you ever heard of Gestalt Language Processing? If not, you have to listen in because this i…

1
EP 53: Developing the Fundamentals of ABCs Through Play with Stacy Benge 23:43

6M ago23:43

23:43

Today I am chatting with Stacy Benge, an early childhood speaker who approaches learning in the early years with practicality and common sense. Stacy is the author of the new book, The Whole Child Alphabet: How Young Children Actually Develop Literacy, published by Exchange Press. Listen as we talk about how young children actually develop literacy…

1
Yes, Jesus Cares about your Mental Health - with Laura Smith 48:19

6M ago48:19

48:19

We’re back with best-selling author, speaker, Bible teacher, and my friend Laura Smith, and we’re chatting all about her newest book: Holy Care for the Whole Self. It’s full of truth and encouragement connecting our mental AND spiritual health journeys, and it’s going to leave you feeling refreshed and breathing easier in your own earthly walk. But…

1
EP 52: Breaking the Behavior Chart Cycle with Megg Thompson 42:56

6M ago42:56

42:56

Today I am chatting with Megg Thompson, a neuro-affirming behavior consultant that uses LOVE-based strategies to help kids be their absolute best! In this episode we talk about doing away with behavior charts, stickers, rewards, and more. Tune in to find out what we can do differently! Key Takeaways: Behavior Charts and External Motivation: Megg an…

1
Catching up with the Gwynns - Life Lately with TWO KIDS 47:23

6M ago47:23

47:23

A dog, two cats, and two kids, OH MY! Erica's husband Jamie is behind the mic with her today for a special Valentine's Day edition of THRIVE - and nothing is off limits. Let's catch up on life lately, from off-the-cuff thoughts on adding another kid to the crew, to hottest (and spiciest) takes on saving money at Disney World, what we're watching, a…

1
EP 51: Making Research Accessible in Early Childhood with Emily Clark, M.Ed 34:31

6M ago34:31

34:31

Today I am chatting with Em about all things research! Emily Clark, M. Ed is an international early childhood education advocate with teaching certifications from both the US and the UK. She founded EarlyEdEm.com to bring real early childhood research to the real educators who need it most. Key Takeaways: Access to Research: Research can feel overw…

1
Thriving in Your Mom Era - with Rachael Elmore 57:28

6M ago57:28

57:28

The one where we break down PPD and PPA. If you’re a mama, this one’s for you. Licensed therapist, author and speaker Rachael Elmore pulls back the curtain on real mom life in such a beautiful, vulnerable way that’ll have you thinking “AH, so I’m not crazy…and I’m not alone.” In this episode, we talk all about mental health in motherhood, and we al…

1
EP 50: Embracing Pedagogical Documentation in Child Development with Ana Valle Rivera 27:10

7M ago27:10

27:10

Today I am chatting with Ana Valle Rivera, a proud mother of three, a public speaker, a consultant, and the founder of Early Years Thriving. In this episode, we explore the significance of pedagogical documentation in early childhood education, emphasizing its role in understanding and supporting authentic play-based learning experiences while offe…

1
How to Live by Design, Not Default - with Julie Ciardi 54:29

7M ago54:29

54:29

Today’s episode is for all the girlies who have ever felt trapped in a life lived on “default.” It’s an awesome conversation with my fabulous friend Julie, who on the outside, very much looks like she “does it all.” She’s got a 7-figure business, a top 1.5% globally ranked podcast, over 20 years of marketing and sales experience, had a brick and mo…

1
EP 49: Making Boxed Curriculum Work for Play-Based Education with Melysa Mei 36:36

7M ago36:36

36:36

Today I am chatting with Melysa Mei who is a preschool teacher that practices an open-ended child-led philosophy through play and is also the founder and CEO of Pre-K Spot. We discuss how to meet the requirements for using boxed curriculum in a play-based setting. Key Takeaways: Flexibility Within Structure: Melysa emphasizes the importance of unde…

1
Feeling Stuck? The Good News is... - with Hope Reagan Harris 46:50

7M ago46:50

46:50

If you’re in a season where you just feel STUCK - we’ve got good news for you today. Your purpose doesn’t pause! Even when it feels like nothing is happening, God is working - and your story isn’t done. Author Hope Reagan Harris is on THRIVE today sharing her own story of finding and living her purpose through multiple career and family moves, even…

1
EP 48: Strategies for Healthy Child Sleep Habits with Lindsey Nickoles 20:19

7M ago20:19

20:19

Today I am chatting with Lindsey Nickoles who has been in the Early Childhood Development field for almost a decade and just started a new journey of being a Newborn Care Specialist and Parent Educator! We will be talking about the importance of personalized care, collaboration, and understanding the impact of sleep on a child's well-being and deve…

1
Godly Time Management Tips to feel more “Balanced” - with Christy Wright 49:53

7M ago49:53

49:53

If life feels like one big circus act where you’re always the main juggling act - today’s episode will breathe new life into your soul. #1 national bestselling author, speaker, and business coach Christy Wright is here to completely shake up how you view BALANCE, and it will change your life in the best sense. In today’s episode, we’re talking godl…

1
EP 47: Embracing Authentic Connections and Humanizing Education with Finn Menzies 53:54

7M ago53:54

53:54

Today I’m chatting with Finn Menzies, former early childhood educator turned family coach. We discuss how vital it is to shift from traditional teacher performance to authentic and real connections with caregivers. Discover the pivotal roles that play, trust, and open communication play in creating a more authentic educational experience for childr…

1
How to THRIVE in 2024 (+ beyond) 22:57

7M ago22:57

22:57

Welcome to Season FIVE of Thrive! We're back + better than ever with hot tips and practical ways to step it up from surviving to thriving, this year and beyond. We're keeping it attainable AND sustainable with ten intentional ways that Erica is THRIVING in 2024. Feel free to steal any for your own thriving this year! MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE SMARTP…

1
EP 46: Fostering Authentic Connections Through Boundaries and Play with The Connected Child 45:21

8M ago45:21

45:21

Today I’m chatting with Jerica and Jules from The Connected Child, two former early childhood educators with over 25 years of expertise working with children & families. Their mission is to equip families with strategies designed specifically for their needs to strengthen relationships and form a deeper bond with their children. We discuss how to n…

1
EP 45 Demystifying Developmentally Appropriate Practice with Jean-Mari Dagarin 30:24

8M ago30:24

30:24

Today I’m chatting with Jean-Mari Dagarin, an advocate for play-based learning and developmentally appropriate practice (DAP). We define and explore the essence of DAP and its crucial role in childhood and how it fosters optimal learning environments for young children. Key Takeaways: Protecting Childhood: DAP, according to Jean Marie, revolves aro…

1
EP 44: Building Social Skills in Children Through Art with Beverly Beck 32:06

9M ago32:06

32:06

Today I’m chatting with Beverly Beck, the mastermind behind Happy Little Humans, and we’re talking about one of my favorite things: creativity. We chat about creative expression and its profound impact on the social-emotional development of young children. Key Takeaways: Creative Expression as Learning: Beverly elaborates on how creative expression…

1
EP 43: Early Childhood Advocacy in Action with Kristy DeGraaf 30:50

9M ago30:50

30:50

Today, I’m chatting with Kristy DeGraaf, a family child care provider, trainer and childcare coach. Kristy started her career in social work and moved to Family Childcare 15 years ago after finding it hard to locate good care for her own children. We are talking about advocacy in Early Childhood Education and how you can get involved! Kristy sheds …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Beth Karas Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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