<p dir="ltr">In this powerful conversation, Darin sits down with Lori Woodley — veteran school counselor, advocate, nonprofit founder, and author — to explore how we can transform education, parenting, and even workplaces through emotional intelligence, authenticity, and radical accountability.</p> <p dir="ltr">With 30 years of experience in schools and the nonprofit All It Takes, Lori shares what kids really need to thrive in today’s hyper-pressured, tech-driven world — and why the answer always comes back to genuine care, resilience, and presence.</p> <hr> <h3 dir="ltr">What You’ll Learn</h3> <p dir="ltr"><strong>[00:00]</strong> Welcome to SuperLife and sponsor intro<br> <strong>[05:21]</strong> Introducing Lori Woodley: School Counselor Advocate of the Year<br> <strong>[07:52]</strong> The gift of setbacks: how rejection led her to a career she loved<br> <strong>[09:34]</strong> Why surrendering control often opens doors we couldn’t imagine<br> <strong>[11:10]</strong> The pandemic’s impact on kids and why Lori started her nonprofit in 2010<br> <strong>[12:38]</strong> Early warning signs of mental health decline among kids<br> <strong>[13:52]</strong> How unrealistic expectations overwhelm educators and families<br> <strong>[16:01]</strong> Why Lori still believes in public schools — and how parents can advocate<br> <strong>[18:28]</strong> Educators aren’t mental health professionals… but they can still make a difference<br> <strong>[23:34]</strong> How one positive or negative comment from a teacher changes a child’s life<br> <strong>[25:39]</strong> Creating trusted spaces: why teachers must heal themselves too<br> <strong>[27:11]</strong> The “pity party” culture in staff rooms and how it spreads hopelessness<br> <strong>[29:07]</strong> Lori’s framework: Notice – Use – Act, and her book SEL Muscle Mastery<br> <strong>[35:39]</strong> Meeting people where they are, instead of “should-ing” on them<br> <strong>[40:26]</strong> Why autopilot keeps us stuck — and Lori’s “cross backwards” exercise<br> <strong>[44:03]</strong> Two steps forward: how small disruptions in routine spark transformation<br> <strong>[50:29]</strong> Tools for everyday life: don’t take things personally, radical accountability, noticing needs<br> <strong>[53:35]</strong> How appreciation styles can fracture relationships if misunderstood<br> <strong>[55:32]</strong> Why service-driven people struggle to receive recognition<br> <strong>[58:14]</strong> Hustle culture, shame, and learning to embrace rest<br> <strong>[01:06:10]</strong> The blame cycle between schools, parents, and kids<br> <strong>[01:07:24]</strong> Respect and care: why kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care<br> <strong>[01:12:00]</strong> Building belonging and attachment through simple daily gestures</p> <hr> <h3 dir="ltr">Thank You to Our Sponsors:</h3> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>Therasage:</strong> Go to <strong><a href="http://www.therasage.com/">www.therasage.com</a></strong> and use code DARIN at checkout for 15% off</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>Pique Tea:</strong> Go to <strong><a href="http://www.piquelife.com/darin">www.piquelife.com/darin</a></strong> to get 20% off all products for life and a free starter kit.</p> </li> </ul> <hr> <h3 dir="ltr">Find More from Lori Woodley</h3> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>Website:</strong> <a href="https://www.allittakes.org/">All It Takes</a></p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>Instagram:</strong> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lori.woodley/?hl=en">@lori.woodley</a></p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>Book:</strong> <a href="https://www.selmuscles.com/">SEL Muscle Mastery</a></p> </li> </ul> <hr> <h3 dir="ltr">Find More from Darin Olien:</h3> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>Instagram:</strong> <a href="https://instagram.com/darinolien">@darinolien</a></p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>Podcast:</strong> <a href="https://superlife.com/podcasts/">SuperLife</a></p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>Website:</strong> <a href="https://superlife.com/">https://superlife.com</a></p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>Book:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fatal-Conveniences-Harmful-Products-Sick_and/dp/0063114534"> Fatal Conveniences</a></p> </li> </ul> <hr> <h3 dir="ltr">Key Takeaway</h3> <p dir="ltr">“Kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. When we build cultures of authentic care — in schools, homes, or workplaces — we create the safety and connection that allow learning, healing, and true transformation to flourish.”</p> <p> </p>