Voices of Parenting

In this conversation, Mussi Diskin and Freddy Mendoza explore the Nurtured Heart Approach through a grounded discussion on parenting, teaching, and discipline. Freddy shares a guiding idea of “softening in order to strengthen,” reflecting on how flexibility and clear boundaries can build more resilient relationships than rigid or punitive control.
Together, they examine how fear-based discipline often leads to compliance or rebellion rather than true learning, and how children internalize messages about who they are through the way adults respond to their behavior. Mussi adds reflections on identity formation in children and the long-term impact of how mistakes are handled.
Through real-life examples—from curfews to classroom rules to everyday parenting moments—they reframe discipline as teaching rather than punishment, emphasizing connection, clarity, and recognizing a child’s inherent greatness even in moments of correction.
The episode offers a practical and thoughtful look at how to guide children in ways that build responsibility, trust, and inner strength without shame or fear.

Freddy Mendoza’s contact information: 
Freddy@nurturedheartinstitute.com
Buildingyourgreatness@gmail.com

For more from me visit my website MussiDiskin.com or email me at EnergizingHearts@gmail.com Check out my free parenting course called Parenting 101 at MussiDiskin.com/freecontent

In this episode, David Burke, Founder and Director of Serenity Mesa Youth Recovery Center, shares how discovering the Nurtured Heart Approach transformed the way he connects with young people in recovery. Working with adolescents who often come from difficult, traumatic, and challenging backgrounds, David found that the approach offered a powerful new framework for building trust, strengthening relationships, and helping youth recognize their own greatness.
David discusses what it was like to learn a completely different style of communication and why one of the approach's greatest strengths is that it doesn't require people to become someone they're not. 
The conversation also explores the impact of bringing the approach into Serenity Mesa, where it has transformed not only David's leadership but also the way staff engage with and support the youth they serve. From shifting culture to creating more positive interactions, David shares firsthand examples of how focusing on strengths can help young people thrive.
This episode is an inspiring look at the power of authentic connection, the importance of seeing greatness in others, and how a simple shift in approach can create lasting change for both youth and the adults who support them.

For more information about Serenity Mesa Youth Recovery Center visit their website at www.serenitymesa.com or call their office at 505-877-3644

For more from me visit my website MussiDiskin.com or email me at EnergizingHearts@gmail.com Check out my free parenting course called Parenting 101 at MussiDiskin.com/freecontent

In this deeply personal and powerful conversation, Mussi Diskin sits down with Heather Meyer to explore how the Nurtured Heart Approach can support us through chronic pain, chronic illness, grief, exhaustion, and life’s invisible struggles.
What happens when we turn the approach inward?
Together, Mussi and Heather explore how the principles of Nurtured Heart—inner wealth, recognition, boundaries, the Three Stands, and presence—can support not just challenging children, but our own nervous systems, healing journeys, and relationship with ourselves.
Heather vulnerably shares her 12-year journey through debilitating pain, identity shifts, fear, resilience, and the ongoing practice of self-compassion. The result is a moving and honest discussion about softness, strength, belonging, and what it means to truly care for yourself. If you’ve been looking to create a gentler relationship with yourself, this episode is for you. 
Connect with Heather through her website
dynamicwisdom.net 
For more from me visit my website MussiDiskin.com or email me at EnergizingHearts@gmail.com Check out my free parenting course called Parenting 101 at MussiDiskin.com/freecontent

In Part 2 of this conversation, Howard Glasser shares how the Nurtured Heart Approach is transforming foster care and children’s mental health systems. Howard explains how giving parents, foster families, educators, and professionals the tools to work with intensely challenging children has led to stronger families, fewer broken placements, and better long-term outcomes for kids.
Together, Howard and Mussi explore the idea that a child’s intensity is not something to suppress, but something to nurture and channel into greatness. A hopeful and inspiring conversation about resilience, connection, and creating lasting change for children and families.

Visit Nurturedheartinstitute.com for courses, videos and opportunities to train with Howard.

For more from me visit my website MussiDiskin.com or email me at EnergizingHearts@gmail.com Check out my free parenting course called Parenting 101 at MussiDiskin.com/freecontent

What if the chaos isn’t something to escape—but an invitation to become the simplicity within it? In this inspiring conversation, Howard Glasser shares the passion behind the Nurtured Heart Approach and explores how challenging behaviors can become opportunities for connection, growth, and transformation. Howard talks about becoming grounded within the chaos, growing your own inner wealth, and discovering what a more centered and meaningful life looks like during life’s most intense moments.

Howard invites listeners to shift the way they see intensity—not as something to fear or control, but as a doorway to deeper presence, stronger relationships, and lasting change. Whether you’re parenting, teaching, healing, or simply working on yourself, this conversation will leave you feeling grounded, inspired, and more connected to what truly matters, building inner wealth for the self and others. 

Visit Nurturedheartinstitute.com for courses, videos and opportunities to train with Howard.

For more from me visit my website MussiDiskin.com or email me at EnergizingHearts@gmail.com Check out my free parenting course called Parenting 101 at MussiDiskin.com/freecontent