🌟 Capes & Conversations – The Official Podcast of Grundy Eunoia Wellness Center

Where we unlock the hero within!

Hosted by Adam Kotowski and Megan Rose McMullen, MS, this podcast is a space for parents and kids to explore mental health, personal growth, and the power of storytelling. Each episode dives into lessons on emotional resilience, confidence, and how to become the hero of your own story—featuring characters from your favorite movies, shows, and games. No matter what challenge you're facing, Capes & Conversations is here to remind you: you are not alone.

🛡️ Episode 11.02 – Kid’s Version: Don’t Expect You from Others

🕒 Episode Length: 14 minutes 37 seconds

🎙️ Bio:

Have you ever been frustrated that someone didn’t understand you? Or felt like your parents expected you to be perfect? In this episode, Adam and Megan explore what happens when we expect others to think, act, or feel the same way we do—and why that can cause a lot of unnecessary stress.

Using examples from Encanto, Sherlock Holmes, Star Wars, and more, this episode reminds us that perfection isn’t real—but perspective is. Learning how to accept yourself (even when others don’t fully “get” you) is one of the greatest superpowers you can build.

🔎 Episode Breakdown:

🎯 Core Themes:

• Perfection isn’t the goal—progress is.
• Expecting people to act or think like us causes disappointment.
• You don’t need to earn acceptance—being yourself is enough.
• Confidence in who you are helps reduce bullying and pressure.
• You have the power to write your own story, your own way.

🧠 Key Takeaways:

• Like Maribel in Encanto, many kids feel unseen when expectations are too high—but that doesn’t mean you aren’t valuable.
• People who expect a lot from you usually care—but you don’t need to be perfect to be loved.
• Everyone has their own strengths, timelines, and ways of learning. Be patient with yourself.
• The people who succeed are usually the ones who keep showing up—even when things aren’t easy.
• When you stop expecting others to “get it,” you gain freedom and peace.

🛠️ Tools & Frameworks:

• “D = A – M” → Discouragement = Adversity – Meaning
  If you’re feeling discouraged, try finding the meaning in what you're learning.
• Growth Mindset Reminder – Skills can be learned. You don’t need to be good right away.
• The “Shoot for the Moon” Mindset – Aim high and you'll still land somewhere amazing.
• Rebel with a Cause – Being different isn’t wrong. It’s powerful when it's tied to purpose.

📞 Resources:

• Got a superhero, situation, or question you want us to talk about?
  You can send it to us anonymously through the GEWC website and we might feature it in a future episode!
• Need support working through emotions, friendships, or family stuff? Ask your parent or guardian to schedule a session with us at Grundy Eunoia—we’re here for you.

🌀 Reflection Prompt:

🎁 Message to Kids:

You don’t need to be like anyone else to matter. Your story, your heart, and your unique superpowers are more than enough. When you show up as your true self, you make space for others to do the same—and that’s what real confidence looks like.

🔗 Support Our Mission:

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Grundy Eunoia Wellness Center ensures every child has access to mental health services, mentorship, and guidance—regardless of financial status. Want to help another kid find their confidence? Sponsorship and donation links are in the show notes, on our website, and through our social media pages.

🔗 Listen now & subscribe:

🎧 Spotify
🍏 Apple Podcasts
🌍 Our Website
📺 YouTube

🌟 Capes & Conversations – The Official Podcast of Grundy Eunoia Wellness Center

Where we unlock the hero within!

Hosted by Adam Kotowski and Megan Rose McMullen, MS, this podcast is a space for parents and kids to explore mental health, personal growth, and the power of storytelling. Each episode delves into topics like resilience, emotional well-being, and the lessons we can learn from our favorite heroes in movies, books, and games. Whether you're a parent looking for insight or a listener discovering the strength within, Capes & Conversations is here to guide you on your journey.

🛡️ Episode 10.02 – Kid’s Version: Choice is Better Than No Choice

🕒 Episode Length: 16 minutes 19 seconds

🎙️ Bio:

Ever felt like you didn’t have a say in something? Like your choices were already made for you? In this episode, Adam and Megan talk about what it really means to have power—even when the situation feels out of your control.

Using stories from The Hunger Games, personal experiences with sports, and even hero characters like The Witcher, we explore the power of choosing your attitude, even when you can’t control everything else. Heroes aren’t just the ones who win battles—they’re the ones who choose who they become, no matter what.

When life feels tough, frustrating, or unfair… remember this: you always have a choice.

🔎 Episode Breakdown:

🎯 Core Themes:

• Even when you can’t control the situation, you can control your response.
• Your attitude is your superpower.
• Growth mindset vs. fixed mindset—everything can be learned.
• Choosing perspective makes you feel stronger, not stuck.
• Rules and expectations can exist—but how you show up in them is up to you.

🧠 Key Takeaways:

• Heroes like Katniss Everdeen and The Witcher show us that power isn’t about winning—it’s about choosing who you want to be.
• Just because something is hard doesn’t mean it’s impossible.
• You don’t always hear the full message—so take time to really listen before reacting.
• It’s okay to feel upset when things don’t go your way, but your response is your responsibility.
• Growth comes from learning skills you didn’t have before—not just being naturally good at something.

🛠️ Tools & Frameworks:

• D = A – M → Discouragement = Adversity – Meaning
  When life is hard, look for the meaning—then you’ll feel more hopeful.
• Perspective Shift Practice – If something feels frustrating, ask: “What am I learning from this?”
• Skill, Not Talent – Everything is learnable with time and effort.
• Henry Ford Reminder – “Whether you think you can or can’t, you’re right.”

📞 Resources:

• Got a hero you love? A school or family challenge you want to talk about?
  Send us an anonymous question through our website and we may feature it in a future episode!
• Want help learning how to manage your emotions or make good choices? Ask your parent to schedule a session with us—we’re here for you.

🌀 Reflection Prompt:

🎁 Message to Kids:

You won’t always get to decide what happens—but you can always choose how to handle it. Your choices shape your future, and your attitude shapes your strength. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to stay curious, open, and willing to try again.

🔗 Support Our Mission:

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Grundy Eunoia Wellness Center ensures every child has access to mental health services, mentoring, and guidance—regardless of financial status. Want to sponsor a child’s journey? Donation links are in the show notes, website, and on our social media pages.

🔗 Listen now & subscribe:

🎧 Spotify
🍏 Apple Podcasts
🌍 Our Website
📺 YouTube