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In this episode we explore curiosity. Is a restless child misbehaving or are they asking for help? Children’s natural curiosity and desire to move are often stifled by adult expectations and structured environments. While structured learning is important, it’s crucial to find ways to incorporate movement and exploration into the classroom to support children’s learning and development. By protecting the space for wonder and allowing children to engage with the world around them, we can foster a love for learning and a deeper understanding of the world.

Movement is a natural and essential part of a child’s learning process, serving as a gateway to curiosity and engagement. Rather than suppressing movement, educators should create environments that allow for meaningful physical engagement, recognizing that it can enhance focus and memory. By embracing a child’s biological drive to explore, we can foster a lifelong connection to wonder and discovery.

As always I appreciate your time, hope you find something here that starts a conversation.

Until next time, Try ~ AdJuSt ~ Try Again

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Why do bicycles hold such a special place in our lives?

For some, they're freedom. For others, they're transportation, exercise, adventure, or the key to childhood memories that never quite fade. In this episode, I explore why bicycles have fascinated me for as long as I can remember, from pretending to be Ponch on neighborhood rides to launching homemade BMX jumps in the woods, and eventually sharing the joy of cycling with my own children.

Along the way, we talk about what really happens in your brain when you ride a bike, why experienced cyclists always say "look where you want to go," how vision helps keep you balanced, and why riding a bicycle becomes one of those rare skills we almost never forget.

This isn't an episode about becoming a faster cyclist or buying the perfect bike. It's about the stories we collect on two wheels, the people we meet, the confidence we build, and the simple freedom that keeps calling us back.

Whether you're a lifelong rider, someone whose bike has been collecting dust in the garage, or someone who's never quite learned, I hope this conversation reminds you why bicycles have captured imaginations all over the world.

In this episode:

• Childhood memories and the bikes that shaped us
• Why bicycles feel like freedom
• Teaching children to ride and the lessons that come with it
• The surprising neuroscience of balance, vision, and procedural memory
• Why "look where you want to go" is more than just good advice
• How the meaning of cycling changes as we grow older
• My favorite bicycle movies (yes... Rad made the list!)

Because movement isn't just about getting somewhere.

Sometimes it's about remembering who you were along the way.

Until next time, thanks for listening...

Try ~ AdJuSt ~ Try Again

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This episode critiques dodgeball in physical education, arguing it promotes negative habits like targeting weaknesses and celebrating elimination. It highlights survivorship bias, noting that while some enjoyed dodgeball, many others felt excluded and discouraged. The episode suggests alternative activities that teach resilience and confidence without the negative aspects of dodgeball.

Physical education is not just about sports, but about teaching movement literacy and essential life skills. Elimination games like dodgeball are being removed from PE classes because they often leave struggling students behind, hindering their learning and enjoyment of physical activity. Instead, PE classes are incorporating games that are designed to be inclusive and challenging, helping students develop confidence, competence, and a lifelong love for movement.

Thanks for listening!

Until next time, Just Keep Trying!

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The episode explores the life of Tom Brown Jr., a renowned wilderness survival expert and tracker. It highlights his childhood mentorship under Stalking Wolf, a Lipan Apache elder, and his decade-long wilderness wanderings, honing his survival skills. The episode also draws parallels between Brown and Chris McCandless, emphasizing the importance of proper preparation and mentorship in wilderness survival.

Children learn about the world through movement, actively exploring physics and developing spatial and situational awareness. As adults, we become efficient at navigating familiar environments, relying on digital tools and losing touch with the ground beneath our feet. This “Digital Blindness” diminishes our ability to read the world, a skill that can be regained by engaging with our surroundings and utilizing the sensory information our feet provide.

Thank you as always for taking the time to listen!

Until next time, Just Keep Trying!

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This episode of the Movement Sherpa Podcast, hosted by Chris Luby, explores Walking. This episode focuses on Dr. John Francis, who walked across the United States in silence for 17 years, highlighting the power of walking and silence for connection and environmental awareness. The episode also delves into the science of walking, emphasizing the cognitive benefits of a 3 mph pace, known as the “speed of observation,” and the importance of optic flow for brain health.

Walking benefits the brain by quieting the amygdala and activating the Default Mode Network, leading to relaxation and creative problem-solving. Global data shows that countries with high walking rates, like Hong Kong and Japan, often have happier populations due to their built environments. In contrast, car-centric cultures like the U.S. have lower walking rates and face challenges like unsafe streets and car-dependent infrastructure.

Thank you as always for taking your time to listen.

Until Next time, Just Keep Trying!

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The First Full Episode!

This episode of the Movement Sherpa Podcast explores the fear of looking silly while dancing, particularly among adults. The episode delves into the reasons behind this fear, including the influence of social media and the Spotlight Effect, where individuals believe others are overly critical of their actions. It also highlights the positive impact of dancing, such as fostering a sense of community and triggering a state of flow.

The discomfort with dancing in the United States may stem from a cultural shift from participation to performance. While many cultures view dance as a communal activity, Americans often see it as entertainment for professionals. This shift has led to a lack of practice and a fear of looking silly, highlighting the importance of embracing movement and participating in activities like dancing for the joy of it.

Thank you for taking your time to listen!

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The Movement Sherpa Podcast, hosted by Chris Luby, aims to explore movement as a lens for understanding ourselves and the world. Chris, a physical educator and advocate for quality physical education, believes movement deserves a broader conversation beyond exercise and calories. The podcast will delve into topics like parenting, health, community design, adventure, technology, culture, and aging. It's like a travel show but instead of places, it's all about Movement.