65: GUEST | Why Your Kid Can’t Handle Hard Things with Leroy Slanzi

Grades aren't the problem. Emotional illiteracy is.

In this bold and expansive episode, Davina sits down with Leroy Slanzi, Canadian principal and founder of Emotional Schools, to unpack what’s really going on in classrooms (and homes) today. From emotional regulation in 5-year-olds to burnout in school leaders, this episode is a masterclass in behavior, boundaries, and the education revolution nobody's talking about loud enough.

Leroy brings 25 years of experience and no-bullshit clarity to this conversation about emotional intelligence, cultural pushback, and practical solutions for parents and educators. If you’ve ever wondered why your kid melts down over math or why your school's still obsessed with standardized tests, this one’s for you.

🔍 In This Episode, We Talk SHIFT About:

00:01 – Introducing Leroy + the mission behind Emotional Schools

02:20 – Why school leaders resist emotional intelligence integration

04:10 – Helicopter parenting, fear-driven admin, and cultural barriers

11:00 – Teaching 5-year-olds about polyvagal theory (!?)

14:05 – The calming space model: not your typical principal’s office

16:30 – Indigenous education, land-based learning, and the medicine wheel

21:20 – Boredom, play, and the emotional consequences of disconnection

23:30 – What happens when emotionally intelligent kids go home to emotionally unavailable adults