Raising Our Gifted Children past shows

RGC25-39. Fiona and Molly McIntosh. U Shape Us

Sara Troy

Raising Our Gifted Children with Sara Troy and her guests Fiona & Molly McIntosh, on air from September 30th

U Shape Us: The power of imagination to turn ideas into friendships

So many of our children carry creative gifts that go unseen. I first noticed this with my daughter Molly, when we used a simple imagination game to help her make friends. From that moment grew U Shape Us—our mother–daughter social enterprise creating playful imagination games to spark creativity, connection, and belonging across generations. Each time a child shares an idea and sees it welcomed, it builds self-esteem and the deeper belief: “I am someone whose ideas matter. I am creative.” Parents, grandparents, and teachers often tell us they’ve discovered a new side of their children through these games, as ideas turn into friendships and voices are heard. At its heart, our message is simple: you belong where your ideas are welcomed.

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Molly and her mum Fiona McIntosh co-founded U Shape Us, a social enterprise based in Canberra, Australia using imagination games to build belonging. What began when Molly was just six years old—with a simple game that helped her make friends during a difficult time—has grown into games now reaching families, schools, and communities across the world. Today, Molly plays an active role in shaping and running the enterprise, bringing fresh creativity, lived experience, and the voice of a young person showing what it means to belong. Fiona, a solo mum with a background in human services, community development and inclusion, works alongside Molly to bring the games to life and share them widely. Together, they are proving how simple, playful ideas can ripple out to create lasting confidence, connection and community.

20 sec version : Fiona and her daughter Molly McIntosh are the co-founders of U Shape Us, a social enterprise from Canberra, Australia. What started when Molly was six years old as a simple game to help her make friends has now grown into imagination-based card games reaching families, schools, and communities around the world. Together, they’re proving how playful ideas can spark creativity, build confidence, and turn ideas into friendships.

www.ushapeus.com.au

www.instagram.com/ushape_us

www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-mcintosh-

facebook.com/ushapeus22

https://linktr.ee/ushapeus

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All of our shows/interviews are done by donation; if you enjoyed this show, please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support. Thank you. Please support Our Forgotten Seniors anthology and help to bring this book to awareness.

RG25-39. “Children’s Growth Amid Turmoil”

Self Discovery Wisdom Podcast

Raising Our Gifted Children with Sara Troy and her guests, LaChelle Adkins, Tina Feigal, Michaela Gaffen Stone, on air from September 30th

“Where Children Can Grow Amid Turmoil” is a conversation about creating havens of safety, love, and guidance for our children in a world often shaken by conflict and uncertainty. While the outer world may feel chaotic and destructive, we can still cultivate inner worlds of peace, spaces where children know they are valued, heard, and supported. This show explores how families, communities, and educators can plant seeds of hope, resilience, and compassion, ensuring that even amid turmoil, children can grow strong, confident, and ready to shine their light forward.

I am Sara Troy, host of Self Discovery Wisdom and a devoted child advocate. I bring together parents, educators, and supporters to raise awareness of children’s needs in today’s upside-down world. Through conversations and storytelling, I shine a light on the voices and solutions that nurture safety, resilience, and hope. My mission is simple: when we uplift and protect our children, we plant the seeds for a brighter and more compassionate future.

Co-Author and producer of “Our Forgotten Chilren” book

https://orchardofwisdom.org/sara-troy

https://selfdiscoverywisdom.com/2015/05/30/saras-view-on-life-2

“ The needs of ALL children go beyond academics, they require emotional support, personal connection, and safe spaces to grow. As America’s Supermom, I believe prioritizing mental wellness in school and at home, equips families to nurture confident, healthy kids who thrive without excuses.”

Co-Author of “Our Forgotten Chilren” book

Find LaChelle’s info here

https://orchardofwisdom.org/lachelle-adkins

Michaela Gaffen Stone, M.S., BCBA is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, multi-certified coach, and co-author of Our Forgotten Children. With decades of global experience and expertise in behavior analysis, she specializes in uncovering the hidden patterns that keep children and families stuck. Michaela is passionate about guiding parents and professionals to create supportive, sustainable environments where children can truly thrive, even amid today’s turmoil.

Co-Author of “Our Forgotten Chilren” book

Find Mikki’s info here

https://orchardofwisdom.org/mikki-gaffen-stone

Guiding Children through Today’s Turmoil

Tina Feigal will offer tips for making your guidance age- and developmentally-appropriate (since age and development don’t always sync) using sensitivity and curiosity. She’ll offer specific wording for a variety of age groups and ways to respond when your children have questions. 

Tina Feigal, M.S., Ed. 

Parent Coach, Author, and Trainer

Find Tina’s other show with Sara and all her info here

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Find the book and authors here.

https://orchardofwisdom.org/our-forgotten-children-book

Raising Our Gifted Children shows

FIND MORE SHOWS OF ILLUMINATION HERE

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ll of our shows/interviews are done by donation; if you enjoyed this show, please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support. Thank you. Please support Our Forgotten Seniors anthology and help to bring this book to awareness.

RGC25-32. Tina Feigals,Present Moment Parenting

Self Discovery Wisdom Podcast

Raising Your Gifted Children with Sara Troy and her guest Tina Feigal, on air from August 12th

Nationally acclaimed parent coach and trainer Tina Feigal returns with this revised edition of her book, formerly titled The Pocket Coach for Parents. With new content on trauma-effective parenting, Present Moment Parenting: Your Guide to a Peaceful Life with Your Intense Child will help you:
— Understand the connection between the child’s heart and brain
— Recognize how the brain responds to stress and trauma
— Learn effective parenting strategies to decrease intensity and create peace at home

There are many reasons a child doesn’t respond to typical parenting techniques–a mental health diagnosis (such as ADHD or ODD), a life challenge (such as divorce or removal from home), autism, attachment issues, giftedness, physical or emotional trauma–or simply being ”hard to handle.” Whatever the root cause of the intensity, Present Moment Parenting will give you the tools you need to create a peaceful life.

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After raising my 3 beautiful sons, I returned to university to finish my bachelor’s and then master’s degree in School Psychology. I then worked in schools for a few years and later decided to attend a weekend training to become a life coach. Walking out of the training, I had this inspirational thought: “I’m a parent coach!” Since this was in 2000, there were no other parent coaches, so I set out to create the role. I’ve now certified over 850 parent coaches worldwide, and also helped a treatment foster care organization to build a team of 24 parent coaches to help kids stay put in their homes instead of being moved from home to home because of their behavior. They’ve been highly successful while using my Present Moment Parenting methods. I wrote a book by the same title, and also the “Healing the Heart of Your Traumatized Child” e-book. My TEDx Talk is “How to Stop Kids’ Meltdowns and Gain Their Cooperation.”

AMAZON

I will mail ONE FREE copy of my book to one participant

https://howdoiparentthischild.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinafeigal

https://www.youtube.com/channel

www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572458816245

https://www.instagram.com/tfeigal

FIND MORE SHOWS OF ILLUMINATION HERE

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ll of our shows/interviews are done by donation; if you enjoyed this show, please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support. Thank you. Please support Our Forgotten Seniors anthology and help to bring this book to awareness.

GV25-26. Dr Josh McConkey on Fatherhood

Self Discovery Wisdom Podcast

Our Global Veterans with Sara Troy and her guest Dr Josh McConkey, on air from July 1st

It is critical to highlight a growing crisis that’s often underreported and often ignored: the decline of strong, engaged fatherhood, and its impact on the future of our nation.

Dr. Josh McConkey, candidate for Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina, combat veteran, emergency physician, author, and dad of three kids, argues that restoring fatherhood is essential to reverse rising youth anxiety, fractured families, and weakened communities. His new book, ‘Be the Weight Behind the Spear, calls on men to re-embrace their role as present, purposeful fathers and leaders, both at home and in society.

Dr. McConkey brings a unique, boots-on-the-ground perspective. With experience leading soldiers in war zones and caring for patients on the front lines, Dr. McConkey is uniquely suited to provide a perspective on resilience and leadership. He’s seen what happens when young people lack guidance, and the impact when military dads come home from the battlefield to raise kids with discipline, resilience, and heart. He believes America’s healing starts with men who lead their families with strength, honor, and emotional presence. “Fatherhood is not optional — it’s foundational,” believes Dr. McConkey.

Be the Weight Behind the Spear is more than a book—it’s a mission to restore character, courage, and conviction in today’s fathers, sons, and mentors.

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Military dads have a unique perspective on leadership that extends far beyond the battlefield. Their experiences teach us valuable lessons about leading with integrity, purpose, and calm under pressure — qualities that are just as vital at home as they are in combat. Communities can play a powerful role in supporting and inspiring men to show up with courage and compassion, creating spaces where vulnerability and strength walk hand in hand. By embracing practical steps to rekindle the American spirit of fatherhood — from active presence to emotional resilience — we strengthen not just our families, but the very fabric of our nation. There is a deep and undeniable link between fatherhood and national resilience; when fathers are empowered, connected, and engaged, the ripple effect is felt across generations. The battlefield may be far away, but the mission at home is just as vital, and the lessons learned in the service can guide us all toward stronger, more loving families.

Dr. McConkey’s credentials include:

  • Commander, 459th Aeromedical Staging Squadron at Andrews Air Force Base
  • Combat flight surgeon with 340+ flight hours (90 in combat zones)
  • Author of the award-winning book “Be the Weight Behind the Spear,” recently nominated for a Pulitzer Prize
  • Founder of The Weight Behind the Spear Foundation
  • Recently announced candidate for Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina

AMAZON

https://www.weightbehindthespear.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-mcconkey-md

https://www.youtube.com/channel

https://www.instagram.com/joshmcconkeymd

FIND MORE SHOWS OF ILLUMINATION HERE

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All of our shows/interviews are done by donation; if you enjoyed this show, please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support. Thank you. Please support Our Forgotten Seniors anthology and help to bring this book to awareness.

 RG24-52. Liliane Fortna, The Four Santas

Self Discovery Wisdom Podcast

Raising Our Gifted Children with Sara Troy and her guest Liliane Fortna, on air from December 17th


The Four Santas. Celebrate this Christmas season with this heartwarming new take on Santa Claus.

Dive into this delightful Christmas picture book to discover his magical origin, his reason for spreading joy and love to children throughout the world, and how he is able to make all those deliveries in only one night!

This holiday season, experience the magic of Christmas with author and award-winning writer Liliane Fortna. Her latest book, ‘The Four Santas’, is a beautifully illustrated Christmas tale that explores the origin of Santa Claus, his mission to spread joy and love, and the secret behind delivering gifts to children worldwide in just one night. Perfect for children aged 5-9—or anyone who believes in holiday magic—The Four Santas is a must-have for your Christmas collection and a heartfelt gift for young readers.

Liliane also celebrates the season with her breathtaking Winter Wonderland holiday display in her home featuring a sparkling lake, faraway villages, Santa’s workshop, and countless other festive scenes. This awe-inspiring creation will captivate visitors of all ages and immerse them in the spirit of the season. Everyone is invited to enjoy this magical holiday display.

“As much as I love writing about Santa and his magical world, I also love bringing that world to life for others to enjoy,” says Fortna. “Come in and explore the Winter Wonderland, and let’s celebrate the joy of Christmas together!”

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Don’t miss this special opportunity to meet Liliane Fortna, get your copy of The Four Santas personally signed, and enjoy the holiday magic her Winter Wonderland has to offer. For more information about the event, click here.

Liliane Fortna is an internationally recognized, multi-award-winning author, best known for her ability to bring the magic of storytelling to life. Her latest book, The Four Santas, offers a heartwarming and imaginative new take on the beloved figure of Santa Claus, capturing the spirit of Christmas for both children and adults alike.

Born in Hanoi, Vietnam, Liliane is of French-Vietnamese descent. She grew up in France and has since lived in various parts of Europe, Asia, and the United States. In 2016, she became a U.S. citizen. Fluent in both French and English, she holds a degree in English Literature.

Now based in Charlottesville, VA, Liliane has become a bestselling author and gold-medal award winner. In addition to her writing, she is known for creating a breathtaking Winter Wonderland holiday display at her home, complete with a sparkling lake, distant villages, Santa’s workshop, and countless festive scenes, further bringing the magic of the season to life. Visit her online at Liliane Fortna.

AMAZON

https://www.lilianefortna.com/childrens-books

Facebook

Liliane Fortna (@lilianefortna) • Instagram

Liliane Fortna (Blandin) | LinkedIn

FIND MORE SHOWS OF ILLUMINATION HERE

Discover the sites we share on linktr.ee/saratroy

BE OUR GUEST AND SHARE THE WISDOM

All of our shows/interviews are done by donation, if you enjoyed this show please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support, thank you. and please support Our Forgotten Children’s anthology and help to bring this book in to awareness.