Rick gets things started with some more Dad jokes and discussion about shopping mall massage chairs. Nick shares some of his and Danielle’s recent RV adventuring to Gettysburg with their family.

Dr. Nick continues his 16 Keys to Effective Educational Leadership by reading through Keys 5-8. Nick and Rick discuss how ego often gets in the way of putting people first. Rick provides some examples regarding people putting ideology first as well. The guys talk about the importance of laughing and enjoying the work of the helping professions and discuss some tricks to doing humor well without offending or acting inappropriately. Lastly, Nick expands on the importance of bringing a solution when you bring a problem to discuss to prevent simple complaining.   

In the “Building the Brochure” segment, Dr. Nick and Dr. Rick continue their investigation into Search Institute’s research on the 40 Developmental Assets. The discussion begins with #33. Interpersonal Competence – Young person has empathy, sensitivity, and friendship skills. And continues with #34. Cultural Competence – Young person has knowledge of and comfort with people of different cultural/racial/ethnic backgrounds. Rick shares some resources for social emotional learning relevant for therapists and school counselors. He also recommends inspirational speaker – Nick Vujicic’s – Altitude is Attitude Curriculum, which is based off of the CASEL.org model and resources. Nick ties together the two assets and talks about his approach as a Dad to helping his daughters gain cultural competence. 

The Every Rose has Its Thorn segment this week sees the guys discussing “Air Conditioning.” While the guys find much to like about air conditioning, there are a few downfalls to discuss as well.

The last segment finds the guys once again digging back into the mailbag to respond to fan questions. Rick and Nick take turns responding to a listener who is considering heading back to school in her fifties to pursue a career as a counselor. Rick talks the importance of “calling” and Nick wisely recommends considering some of the practical challenges as well. Neither consider age itself to be a critical factor.

Enjoy Episode XXVII of Nick & Rick’s Excellent EdVenture!