This special episode of the Education Matters podcast, hosted by Jason Buccheri and Dr. Gina Cherkowski, features an in-depth conversation with renowned child psychiatrist and educator Dr. Jean Clinton. Recorded in anticipation of the 2026 Mental Health and Schools Summit, the discussion centers on the transformative power of human connection, encapsulated in Dr. Clinton’s guiding principle: “love builds brains”.

Dr. Clinton bridges the gap between complex neuroscience and daily life, explaining how safe, nurturing relationships act as essential “nutrients” for a child’s developing brain. The conversation explores the “brain under construction” during adolescence, shifting the focus from controlling behavior to understanding the biological drivers of risk-taking and peer connection.

Listeners will gain practical insights into the “rupture and repair” cycle in relationships and the importance of creating school environments where every student “feels felt”. Moving beyond individual roles, Dr. Clinton calls for a “systemness” approach, where educators, parents, and community leaders work together to prioritize the well-being and flourishing of every learner.