🌟 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

🌟 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 09.02 – Kid’s Version: No Such Thing as Failure

🕒 Episode Length: 17 minutes 58 seconds

🎙️ Bio:

In this playful and powerful episode, Adam and Megan talk directly to kids and teens about something really important: the idea that failure isn’t real—it’s just feedback. Using examples from Moana, Michael Jordan, and even their own lives, they show how trying something and not getting it right the first time doesn’t mean you’re not good at it—it means you’re learning.

Whether it's being cut from a team, missing a goal, or getting tough feedback, this episode is all about bouncing back, finding your "why," and saying the most important word of all: again.

You’re not failing—you’re growing.

🔎 Episode Breakdown:

🎯 Core Themes:

• There’s no such thing as failure—only feedback.
• Growth happens when we keep trying, even when it’s hard.
• Everyone, even heroes, messes up sometimes.
• You get better by doing things again—not by being perfect.
• Pain and disappointment can be powerful teachers.

🧠 Key Takeaways:

• Falling down isn’t failure. It’s part of getting stronger.
• Comparing yourself to others can steal your joy—focus on your own journey.
• Feedback can feel hard, but it’s how we grow.
• It's okay to feel frustrated—just don't quit!
• Everyone has moments of doubt, but your dreams are worth fighting for.

🛠️ Tools & Frameworks:

• The Power of “Again” – Keep going, keep trying, and keep growing.
• Feedback, not Failure – Mistakes are lessons in disguise.
• Growth Mindset – Skills can be developed with time and effort.
• Invisible Backpack – Everyone carries experiences that shape how they react—be kind to yourself.
• Reclaiming Your “Why” – When you remember why you started, you’ll remember why it’s worth it.

📞 Resources:

• If you’re feeling stuck, sad, or unsure, talk to a parent, teacher, coach, or trusted adult.
• Grundy Eunoia Wellness Center is always here to help. You can stop by, call, or send in an anonymous question for the podcast.
• Donation and support links can be found on our website and social media.

🌀 Reflection Prompt:

🎁 Message to Kids:

Everyone messes up sometimes—even superheroes! But when you get back up and try again, that’s when the real growth happens. You are learning, growing, and becoming stronger every time you say “I’ll try again.” That’s what makes you powerful.

🔗 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