Unlock Your Child's Full Potential Podcast

Billy

This is the Unlock Your Child’s Full Potential podcast and I am your host Billy. I am a mom of 3 lovely girls and I’m looking for answers. I am looking for ways to fill the gaps left  by the school system and teach my kids the lessons that are going to prepare them for real life. I want to learn practical tips that I can put to practice so that I can raise capable and confident young people who are kind, caring and authentic and who bring value to the world.

I know it’s a lot. But I think  as parents we have the unique role of nurturing the potential of the special human beings entrusted to our care. We can’t expect school and the teachers to do everything and we don’t want to let the environment decide who our kids become. It's up to us to coach our children on how to be successful and fulfilled.

That’s why I practice what I call intentional parenting. It all starts with creating a clear, compelling vision of what you and your family are all about and asking yourself questions like “what kind of strengths and abilities will our children need to have in order to be successful when they grow up?”. Every one of us will have a different vision, what’s important here is to have some kind of  a plan. Because the window of opportunity to influence our kids' development is small and we better lay a good foundation early on.

That’s my goal here. To talk to as many parents, educators, experts, you name it, and ask the questions, look for the universal principles, find as many tools as possible to be a better parent and give my kids a head start in life. If that resonates with you, join me every Wednesday and  let’s inspire each other to create an environment where our children can blossom into the best versions of themselves.




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#31: IQ or EQ - Which matters more? Solo episode
Today
#31: IQ or EQ - Which matters more? Solo episode
Are you pondering a crucial question – IQ or Emotional intelligence (EQ), which matters more when it comes to raising your  kids? Let’s talk about this.I share with you why I think IQ and EQ aren't enemies; why they're like the yin and yang of parenting. Together, they create a harmonious blend that equips your kids for the real world. Improving your child’s cognitive skills doesn’t necessarily mean enrolling them in all kinds of extracurricular activities like math lessons, music education, solving puzzles, or playing chess. I firmly believe that the little practices we do on a daily basis, the little tweaks in the way we do life have the most effect in the long term. In this episode I will tell you about a strategy I recently learned and often use to improve my kids' cognitive function "Clear perception".I invite you to the FREE online summit I'm hosting - Boost your child's IQ & EQ- where the Brain Engineer ST Rappaport will give us actionable advice on how to improve  our children's cognitive functions. And because I am all about balancing IQ and EQ I have a second speaker that will focus on  creating a nurturing and supportive environment at home and teaching our children to understand and manage their emotions.  Dr. Talia Jackson is a relationship therapist and a mother of two teenage boys. The event is taking place on October 11th at 7pm Eastern Time Live on Zoom. Save your spot here:  www.unlockyourchildsfullpotential.com/summitGet your free copy of my Connection Blueprint - 5 tools to improve your relationship with your childSupport the show with a one time donation. Visit my ko-fi page Follow Billy on IG to stay updated about upcoming episodes and behind-the-scenes content: IG: your_childs_full_potentialFacebookwebiste: unlockyourchildsfullpotential.comVisit the website to explore additional resources related to this episode.
#29: Little Daily Practices for Staying Present and Connecting with Your Kids with Hunter Clarke-Fields
Sep 20 2023
#29: Little Daily Practices for Staying Present and Connecting with Your Kids with Hunter Clarke-Fields
As parents, we understand the value of being there for our children, both physically and emotionally. In our busy lives, it can be challenging to stay present and truly connect with our kids amidst work, chores, and other responsibilities. However, there are simple yet powerful daily practices that can help us maintain that connection while nurturing our children's emotional well-being. This episode is about bringing peace and calm into our parenting and our daily lives by using the mindful parenting approach.  My guest Hunter and I dive into:How to master most important parenting skill - calming down reactivityThe most common mistake parents make and how to correct itHow to build calm and cooperative relationships with our childrenExamples of little things to do every day to help your kids grow up to be kind, confident, and conscientious human beingsHunter Clarke-Fields is the creator of the Mindful Parenting course, host of the Mindful Parenting Podcast and author of the international bestseller, “Raising Good Humans: A Mindful Guide to Breaking the Cycle of Reactive Parenting and Raising Kind, Confident Kids,” and the newly released “Raising Good Humans Every Day: a daily guide which offers fifty simple ways to press pause, stop reacting, and start parenting with intention. Hunter struggled with my temper, anxiety and frustration as a parent at first. She now helps parents bring more calm and peace into their daily lives. She is also the mother of two active daughters, who challenge her everyday to hone her craft.Connect with Hunter:"Raising Good Humans Every Day" - Hunter's new bookWebsiteInstagramGet your free copy of my Connection Blueprint - 5 tools to improve your relationship with your childSupport the show with a one time donation. Visit my ko-fi page Follow Billy on IG to stay updated about upcoming episodes and behind-the-scenes content: IG: your_childs_full_potentialFacebookwebiste: unlockyourchildsfullpotential.comVisit the website to explore additional resources related to this episode.
#28: Nurturing with Boundaries: Setting and Maintaining Healthy Limits for Your Child with Andy Goldstrom
Sep 13 2023
#28: Nurturing with Boundaries: Setting and Maintaining Healthy Limits for Your Child with Andy Goldstrom
Setting and maintaining healthy boundaries with your child is an act of love and care. It provides them with the structure they need to thrive and develop into confident, responsible, and empathetic individuals.  Knowing the rules and consequences helps them feel safe and understand the world around them. They learn that their actions have consequences and that they are responsible for their choices.Children who grow up respecting boundaries are more likely to develop empathy, communication skills, and the ability to negotiate and compromise.While it may seem like a difficult task, establishing boundaries in a loving and consistent manner is essential for your child's development and well-being.My guest Andy shares a few tips on how to set and maintain healthy limits and get your children actively involved in the process.Andy Goldstrom  is a successful business entrepreneur turned parent coach. When his  daughter experienced severe depression and anxiety Andy and his wife didn't know where to turn and get direction and support. Helping their young girl  was a trying and lonely experience.  Because of that he decided to become a certified parent coach and leverage his personal experience to be there for other struggling parents. Andy helps families communicate better and get in tune with their kids. He also focuses on uniting parenting approaches and setting  and maintaining boundaries with kids so they don't get in trouble in the first place. Connect with AndyGet your free copy of my Connection Blueprint - 5 tools to improve your relationship with your childSupport the show with a one time donation. Visit my ko-fi page Follow Billy on IG to stay updated about upcoming episodes and behind-the-scenes content: IG: your_childs_full_potentialFacebookwebiste: unlockyourchildsfullpotential.comVisit the website to explore additional resources related to this episode.
#27: Empowering Kids to Conquer Their Fears and Embrace New Challenges with Nancy Pickard
Sep 6 2023
#27: Empowering Kids to Conquer Their Fears and Embrace New Challenges with Nancy Pickard
Encouraging children to try new things, conquer their fears, and embrace the unknown is a vital aspect of their personal development. Most kids are not born courageous, it's up to us to nurture these qualities in them and help them become brave and adventurous souls.My guest Nancy Pickard shares some practical tips you can incorporate in your parenting approach to inspire your children to be brave and willing to try new things without worrying too much about the end result. Her favorite question to ask the kids is:How have you been brave today? What have you done that you were afraid to do and you did it anyway? After being a stay at home mom during her kids' childhood Nancy found her calling in coaching. Among many other certifications, she is an Empowered Parent Coach and a Courage Coach.  Coaching others to step out of fear and into bigger versions of themselves is her passion. Nancy is the author of "Bigger, Better, Braver" - a self-help book that inspires people to get out of their comfort zone and  live a bigger life.Books mentioned:Untethered Soul by Michael SingerBigger, Better, Braver by Nancy PickardConnect with Nancy:WebInstagramFacebookThe Real Life Momz Podcast - Unlock your inner superpower and reach your highest potentialGet your free copy of my Connection Blueprint - 5 tools to improve your relationship with your childSupport the show with a one time donation. Visit my ko-fi page Follow Billy on IG to stay updated about upcoming episodes and behind-the-scenes content: IG: your_childs_full_potentialFacebookwebiste: unlockyourchildsfullpotential.comVisit the website to explore additional resources related to this episode.
#26: Cultivating Critical Thinkers: How Studying History Equips Kids to Differentiate Facts from Opinions - Barbara Mojica
Aug 30 2023
#26: Cultivating Critical Thinkers: How Studying History Equips Kids to Differentiate Facts from Opinions - Barbara Mojica
Barbara Mojica is a historian, a lifelong educator, and the author of history books for kids called Little Miss History. Barbara explains the reasons kids need to know history and how it will help them in their day to day life, one of the main reasons being it teaches them to think critically. We talk about how young people today get their information primarily from google and they often accept the first answer they receive as THE answer. We discuss how to help kids become critical thinkers, to learn to investigate their sources and evaluate the information before coming to a conclusion. We get into how social media algorithms contribute to dividing people into  very structured viewpoints by feeding them information and opinions that are  already filtered according to their interest and this way reinforcing the same idea over and over. Barbara emphasizes that this limits the ability to have an open discussion where you can hear both sides of the answer. And this is why it is so important to teach our kids critical thinking so they can clearly differentiate facts from opinions. History empowers them to do just that.Using the whimsical Little Miss History character to narrate her book series, Barbara makes learning history a fun-filled adventure. She firmly believes, "If you don't know your history, you don't know what you're talking about."Little Miss History series14 Reasons Why You Need HistoryConnect with Barbara:websiteInstagramFacebookYoutubeGet your free copy of my Connection Blueprint - 5 tools to improve your relationship with your childSupport the show with a one time donation. Visit my ko-fi page Follow Billy on IG to stay updated about upcoming episodes and behind-the-scenes content: IG: your_childs_full_potentialFacebookwebiste: unlockyourchildsfullpotential.comVisit the website to explore additional resources related to this episode.
#25: Involving Kids in Household Chores: Building Skills and Responsibility with Valerie Recore
Aug 23 2023
#25: Involving Kids in Household Chores: Building Skills and Responsibility with Valerie Recore
Today I am joined by Valerie Recore, a productivity specialist, a time-giver and a certified Fair Play Method facilitator. Valerie helps moms gain a sense of control, spend more time with their families, and end their days feeling accomplished. This time we are doing something different. Instead of doing an interview, Valerie is going to coach me on getting my family involved in household tasks. Most of you know that I am a mom of three girls, ages 9,7 and 4. So we are going to use my family as an example to illustrate how to share the load of managing a household with our children. Aside from freeing a little bit our own overflowing plate, I think this is important because we want to teach our sons and daughters to have their own responsibilities, to help out and be a part of the family team, rather than expect everything to be done for them.  Chores are like mini crash courses in adulting - kids learn vital life skills that will serve them well when they're living on their own. They are an invaluable way to prepare them for life's challenges. By teaching responsibility, life skills, and fostering a sense of unity, we equip them with tools they'll carry into adulthood. Remember, it's not just about clean dishes or a tidy room—it's about nurturing capable, responsible, and well-rounded individuals.Connect with Valerie:Website InstagramFacebookBooks mentioned:Fair Play: A Game-Changing Solution for When You Have Too Much to Do by Eve RodskyGet your free copy of my Connection Blueprint - 5 tools to improve your relationship with your childSupport the show with a one time donation. Visit my ko-fi page Follow Billy on IG to stay updated about upcoming episodes and behind-the-scenes content: IG: your_childs_full_potentialFacebookwebiste: unlockyourchildsfullpotential.comVisit the website to explore additional resources related to this episode.
#24: Nurturing Young Minds: The Importance of Teaching Kids Thinking Skills with Brain Engineer ST Rappaport
Aug 16 2023
#24: Nurturing Young Minds: The Importance of Teaching Kids Thinking Skills with Brain Engineer ST Rappaport
In today's rapidly evolving world, where challenges are increasingly complex and dynamic, fostering strong thinking skills in children has become more crucial than ever. By equipping kids with the ability to think critically, solve problems creatively, and make informed decisions, we set them on a path to success in both their academic journey and future endeavors. In this episode my guest ST Rappaport explores the significance of teaching thinking skills to kids and shares specific exercises that can help nurture their cognitive functions.ST is a brain engineer and a certified Feuerstein method trainer.  In 5th grade she still couldn't read properly.  She had some weak areas in her cognitive functions. By solving the core issue and improving her thinking skills, (the skills behind all skills) she changed her life around. Today, after years of training and implementation, she works with entrepreneurs to help them rewire their brain to become more efficient and grow their business while experiencing more inner peace.  What's exciting is that you can always improve your cognitive functions.  Take this assessment to see how strong each of your cognitive functions are.Get in touch with ST:WebsiteInstagramYoutubeThe Real Life Momz Podcast - Unlock your inner superpower and reach your highest potentialGet your free copy of my Connection Blueprint - 5 tools to improve your relationship with your childSupport the show with a one time donation. Visit my ko-fi page Follow Billy on IG to stay updated about upcoming episodes and behind-the-scenes content: IG: your_childs_full_potentialFacebookwebiste: unlockyourchildsfullpotential.comVisit the website to explore additional resources related to this episode.
#22: Embracing Grit and Resilience: Raising Strong Kids in a Wobbly World with Christie Darnick
Aug 2 2023
#22: Embracing Grit and Resilience: Raising Strong Kids in a Wobbly World with Christie Darnick
This is a topic that's close to every parent's heart - raising gritty and resilient kids in a world that seems to throw curveballs at us every other day. Life can be a rollercoaster ride, and as we navigate the ups and downs, we want our children to grow up with the tools they need to face challenges head-on and come out shining like stars.Christie Darnick is the mother of 2 successful, grounded, and balanced young adults who she raised while caring for a disabled husband. Christie has been a school psychologist for 20+ years and has worked with children and families for more than 30 years. She has been drawn to the topic of resilience since her own challenging childhood and observed that, in the midst of chaos and sometimes trauma, many people are resilient despite the circumstances.  There are many factors involved in being resilient. Some people have some of the traits naturally, and for others it may need to be nurtured and developed. Having a sense of optimism, hope for the future, and realizing that current circumstances can change are just a few of these traits. Resilience increases with community and family support. Our children don’t have to be traumatized to develop grit.In this conversation we talk about what opportunities we as parents have to model the bounce back qualities our kids will need to be competent, confident adults.Connect with Christie:Instagram Email - christinedarnick@gmail.comGet your free copy of my Connection Blueprint - 5 tools to improve your relationship with your childSupport the show with a one time donation. Visit my ko-fi page Follow Billy on IG to stay updated about upcoming episodes and behind-the-scenes content: IG: your_childs_full_potentialFacebookwebiste: unlockyourchildsfullpotential.comVisit the website to explore additional resources related to this episode.
#21: Empowering Little Superheroes: Self-Defense Skills for Kids with Mandi Pratt
Jul 26 2023
#21: Empowering Little Superheroes: Self-Defense Skills for Kids with Mandi Pratt
You know what's super important in this wild world? Keeping our little superheroes safe and sound! That's why this week we talk about something cool and empowering – self-defense skills for kids! As parents, our ultimate mission is to raise strong, resilient, and self-assured children, and self-defense can play a key role in that. My guest Mandi Pratt found herself in an abusive relationship and after leaving her husband she wanted to know real, actionable tips to help protect herself and her young son from a crazy life situation that left them with the FBI at their front door. Over the past decade, she has spent countless hours in hands-on training from a top level self-defense instructor. She claimed her life and power back and now teaches other women how to do the same through her podcast and training on emotional and physical self- defense.Let’s hear from Mandi and why she thinks it’s important to start educating kids about self-defense early on in an age appropriate way.Connect with Mandi:The PodcastWomen Aware And PreparedInstagramMentioned in the episode:The Mend ProjectTwo Things To Know Before Buying Pepper Spray - The BookThe Real Life Momz Podcast - Unlock your inner superpower and reach your highest potentialGet your free copy of my Connection Blueprint - 5 tools to improve your relationship with your childSupport the show with a one time donation. Visit my ko-fi page Follow Billy on IG to stay updated about upcoming episodes and behind-the-scenes content: IG: your_childs_full_potentialFacebookwebiste: unlockyourchildsfullpotential.comVisit the website to explore additional resources related to this episode.
#20: Equipping kids with dyslexia with the right tools and support to excel in life - Lia Lamela
Jul 19 2023
#20: Equipping kids with dyslexia with the right tools and support to excel in life - Lia Lamela
Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their learning differences. Dyslexia, a common learning disorder, affects the way people process language and can pose significant challenges in reading, writing, and spelling. However, with the right tools and support, children with dyslexia can thrive and unleash their true potential.  In this interview Lia Lamela and I explore the importance of providing appropriate resources and encouragement to empower children with dyslexia on their learning journey. Lia shares what it was like growing up dyslexic, what the hardships were, what she was thankful for. Looking back,  she ruminates on how parents can best support their children with learning challenges. She is a great example of how with the right tools and the support of your family you can conquer any weakness you have.Lia is an electrician with a truly sparky personality. She is on a mission to empower other women in the trades and to build a strong supportive construction career community. She is the host of the Sparky Life podcast which is all about trade tales.Connect with Lia:Sparky Life PodcastInstagramFacebookYoutubeBooks Lia recommends:Limitless by Jim KwikMindset by Carol Dweck Get your free copy of my Connection Blueprint - 5 tools to improve your relationship with your childSupport the show with a one time donation. Visit my ko-fi page Follow Billy on IG to stay updated about upcoming episodes and behind-the-scenes content: IG: your_childs_full_potentialFacebookwebiste: unlockyourchildsfullpotential.comVisit the website to explore additional resources related to this episode.
#19: Empowering Children: Teaching the Art of Self-Love with Becky Tilley
Jul 12 2023
#19: Empowering Children: Teaching the Art of Self-Love with Becky Tilley
Self-love is an essential foundation for a child's emotional well-being and overall happiness. By nurturing self-love from an early age, we equip children with the necessary tools to navigate life's challenges with resilience and confidence.In this interview Becky and I talk about practical tools to empower our children to embrace their individuality, celebrate their strengths, find beauty in their imperfections,  and love themselves unconditionally.Becky Tilley is a passionate writer, advocate, and content creator dedicated to spreading the message of self-love and embracing our unique qualities. Her journey towards this purpose was shaped by a deeply personal experience—both herself and her two youngest children were diagnosed with Koolen-de-Vries Syndrome.Through this challenging experience, Becky embarked on a profound journey of self-discovery and understanding. It became clear to her that in order to be the best role model and inspiration for her children and others, she needed to cultivate a deep sense of self-love and acceptance within herself.Becky’s new book "Thrive Rare" is a heartfelt account of her personal journey, centred around finding strength and resilience in the face of rare diagnoses, both for herself and her children. It delves into the power of embracing our uniqueness and celebrates the extraordinary within each of us.Connect with Becky via:InstagramFacebookTwitterYoutubeGet your free copy of my Connection Blueprint - 5 tools to improve your relationship with your childSupport the show with a one time donation. Visit my ko-fi page Follow Billy on IG to stay updated about upcoming episodes and behind-the-scenes content: IG: your_childs_full_potentialFacebookwebiste: unlockyourchildsfullpotential.comVisit the website to explore additional resources related to this episode.
The Miracle Morning for Parents and Families - Amazing Book Takeaways
Jul 5 2023
The Miracle Morning for Parents and Families - Amazing Book Takeaways
Welcome to another  episode from the series Amazing book takeaways. In this segment  I share concepts and ideas  I read and loved in a parenting or a personal development book that I think you could benefit from. Have you heard of  the Miracle Morning series by Hal Elrod? His books have helped thousands of people enjoy a peaceful and focused start of their day. They are a wonderful mix between a self-care routine and a personal development practice. As a mom of three young children I am a passionate advocate for having a self-care routine in place. Today I want to present to  you my takeaways from  the book “The Miracle Morning for Parents and Families”, which   is especially tailored to the needs of the parents struggling with all the added responsibilities of parenthood and little time to dedicate to themselves and their personal development. I am convinced that implementing the morning ritual in our lives will not only help us keep our sanity but will influence tremendously the way we raise our kids.✅ Get this audiobook for FREE when you sign up for Audible   Get your free copy of my Connection Blueprint - 5 tools to improve your relationship with your childSupport the show with a one time donation. Visit my ko-fi page Follow Billy on IG to stay updated about upcoming episodes and behind-the-scenes content: IG: your_childs_full_potentialFacebookwebiste: unlockyourchildsfullpotential.comVisit the website to explore additional resources related to this episode.
Helping siblings get along - 10 tips for dealing with sibling conflict
Jun 28 2023
Helping siblings get along - 10 tips for dealing with sibling conflict
Does mentioning the word sibling rivalry trigger an immediate and intense reaction for you?  Does the dynamic between your children produce high levels of stress in your home? Trust me, you're not alone!It could be the competition between the kids, the envy that one child feels for the accomplishments of the other, the resentment that each of them feels for the privileges of the other or simply the personal frustrations that they don’t dare let out on anyone else but their brother or sister. If you can recognise your family along these lines, Trust me, you're not alone. Sibling conflict is an undeniable part of growing up with brothers or sisters. And yet we can do more than just wait for things to get better on their own. In this episode I would like to explore ways we can survive our kids' quarrels and even turn them into valuable learning opportunities. I will give you a framework for dealing with them effectively.  It’s not something I came up with, the method has been around, I’m combining a few resources I have used throughout the years that help me get a better understanding of and deal with the heated arguments that inevitably arise. Resources:www.upbringing.coSiblings without Rivalry by Adele Faber & Elaine MazlishGet your free copy of my Connection Blueprint - 5 tools to improve your relationship with your childSupport the show with a one time donation. Visit my ko-fi page Follow Billy on IG to stay updated about upcoming episodes and behind-the-scenes content: IG: your_childs_full_potentialFacebookwebiste: unlockyourchildsfullpotential.comVisit the website to explore additional resources related to this episode.
How to support our highly sensitive children - understanding sensory overload with Rashida Laxmidhar
Jun 21 2023
How to support our highly sensitive children - understanding sensory overload with Rashida Laxmidhar
Have you ever noticed your little one being deeply affected by certain sounds, textures, or environments? Or perhaps they seem to experience emotions more intensely than their peers? If these observations resonate with you, I invite you to join me on an eye-opening exploration into the world of highly sensitive children.In the latest episode of the podcast Rashida Laxmidhar unravels the mysteries surrounding sensory overload and its impact on our little ones. We explore the subtle signs that may indicate your child is highly sensitive, creating a safe space for you to reflect and connect with your child on a deeper level.Rashida is a mom of two and she has recently been introduced to the sensory concept. Having this new awareness has helped her better understand her children’s challenges and, looking back, her own childhood. Rashida is also the host of Parents Connecting, a podcast that emphasizes human connections through stories, conversations and real experiences of life, in lieu of the airbrushed lives we often see through social media and pop culture. She has a strong core belief that through conversations about the entirety of one’s life, [the good, the bad AND the ugly], is when we truly connect, relate, and learn from one another.Connect with Rashida:Parents Connecting PodcastIG: @rashida.parentsconnecting Books mentioned:The Highly Sensitive ChildGet your free copy of my Connection Blueprint - 5 tools to improve your relationship with your childSupport the show with a one time donation. Visit my ko-fi page Follow Billy on IG to stay updated about upcoming episodes and behind-the-scenes content: IG: your_childs_full_potentialFacebookwebiste: unlockyourchildsfullpotential.comVisit the website to explore additional resources related to this episode.
Parenting Through Adversity: Lessons in Courage and Mindfulness with Kristina Driscoll
Jun 7 2023
Parenting Through Adversity: Lessons in Courage and Mindfulness with Kristina Driscoll
Today I share an inspiring conversation with the lovely Kristina Driscoll from the "She's Brave" podcast where she helps women find their path to become brave, resilient and authentic. Kristina has learned how to be brave because she had to. Life has really thrown her some curveballs. She married her soulmate who was 24 years older than her and in 4 years they had their long-awaited child. Kristina’s husband was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's when their son was only 5 years old. She was the caregiver to them both for 12 years. In our conversation Kristina shares the unique lessons she had to learn as a mother and what she had to teach her son in order to be able to survive and thrive in this challenging situation.Kristina  emphasises the importance of living in the present, spending quality time with children, and seeking help and building a community of support. The conversation touches on therapy for children, the difficult decision of moving a loved one to a care home, and the myth of overprotective parenting.The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle Oprah's Book ClubConnect with Kristina:IG - @shesbravepodcastFB - Kristina.driscoll.1FB group www.shesbravepodcast.comGet your free copy of my Connection Blueprint - 5 tools to improve your relationship with your childSupport the show with a one time donation. Visit my ko-fi page Follow Billy on IG to stay updated about upcoming episodes and behind-the-scenes content: IG: your_childs_full_potentialFacebookwebiste: unlockyourchildsfullpotential.comVisit the website to explore additional resources related to this episode.