Today we’re talking about what it really means to thrive in a world that often feels overwhelming—for our kids and for us. My guest is Stephanie Malia Krauss, author, speaker, and strategist whose new book How We Thrive: Caring for Kids and Ourselves in a Changing World explores the urgent need to protect the human essentials—things like sleep, play, connection, and wonder—that modern life so often erodes. Stephanie and I explore the idea of “rehumaning” how we live, learn, and parent. We talk about the interconnectedness of body, mind, heart, and spirit, and the importance of collective care in raising kids in today’s world. Stephanie shares practical, grounded ways to navigate overwhelm and make small shifts in daily life that can help families move from merely surviving to truly thriving.

 

About Stephanie Malia Krauss

Stephanie Malia Krauss is an author, speaker, and strategist helping leaders rehuman how we live, learn, and work. Her newest book, How We Thrive: Caring for Kids and Ourselves in a Changing World, examines the urgent need to protect the human essentials—like sleep, play, connection, and wonder—that modern life diminishes or denies.

Stephanie's commitment to this work began as a teacher and coach, where she witnessed how different environments can deplete or restore people. She later founded a school for young people furthest from opportunity, and now leads national and state efforts in education and youth development. Working with leaders from classrooms to Congress, Stephanie advises states, districts, and national organizations through her consulting shop, First Quarter Strategies. Stephanie is also the author of Whole Child, Whole Life: 10 Ways to Help Kids Lives, Learn, and Thrive and Making It: What Today’s Kids Need for Tomorrow’s World.

Things you'll learn from this episode 

• Why collective care and community are essential antidotes to modern overwhelm and burnout

• How the practice of rehumaning helps us reconnect with our core human needs

• Why honoring the interconnectedness of body, mind, heart, and spirit is key to real resilience

• How small, intentional shifts in daily rhythms can meaningfully improve family well-being

• Why thriving means living in full animation—rooted in love, belonging, and advocacy—not just enduring

 

Resources mentioned

• How We Thrive: Caring for Kids and Ourselves in a Changing World by Stephanie Malia Krauss

• Rehumaning Childhood (Stephanie’s Substack)

• Rehumaning website

• Geoffrey Cohen on Belonging: The Science of Creating Connection and Bridging Divides (Stanford Digital Education)

• Stephanie Malia Krauss’ website

• Whole Child, Whole Life: 10 Ways to Help Kids Live, Learn, and Thrive by Stephanie Malia Krauss

• Making It: What Today’s Kids Need for Tomorrow’s World by Stephanie Malia Krauss

• Whole Child, Whole Life website

• How We Can Prepare Differently Wired Children for an Uncharted Future, with Stephanie Malia Krauss (Tilt Parenting Podcast)

• How to Help Our Kids Thrive in Tough Times, with Stephanie Malia Krauss (Tilt Parenting Podcast)

• Making It: What Today’s Kids Need for Tomorrow’s World by Stephanie Krauss

• Dr. Eric Soto-Shed (Harvard researcher)

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