In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Pamela Hobart, philosopher coach, writer, and mother of four, about how gifted and talented students can truly thrive in today’s education system.
Hobart draws on her academic background, coaching experience, and personal parenting journey to explore how children — and adults — can turn overthinking into meaningful action.
She shares insights on why traditional schools often leave high-ability students underchallenged, how “enrichment” programs can fall short, and what it takes to provide an education that fosters both intellectual growth and emotional resilience. Hobart also discusses GT School, where AI-driven mastery learning combines with life skills workshops and dedicated human guides to create an environment that accelerates learning while nurturing social-emotional development.
Key topics discussed in this episode include:
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Transforming indecision and overthinking into practical strategies for children and adults
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The challenges and misconceptions of gifted education
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How AI-powered learning accelerates academic growth while freeing guides to focus on emotional development
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Life skills workshops — from financial literacy to teamwork — that prepare kids for real-world success
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Why a child’s learning environment can significantly influence motivation, confidence, and resilience
PAMELA HOBART
Philosopher-Coach
Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Learners Expert
Mother of 4
“A lot of people that I encounter in my life, they have baggage from their prior education and you can end up with educational baggage in a lot of different ways.
You can sort of be an overachiever who perceives yourself to have been put on this very straight and narrow achievement track that you could not deviate from for many, many years. Then you get a job and there’s kind of script anymore that can be tough.”