Beyond Rewards and Punishment: A Conversation with Alfie Kohn (Episode 157)
Beyond Rewards and Punishment: A Conversation with Alfie Kohn (Episode 157)  
Podcast: The Art of Raising Humans
Published On: Mon Apr 28 2025
Description: In this thought-provoking episode, Kyle and Sara Wester sit down with renowned author and speaker Alfie Kohn—a powerful voice challenging traditional ideas about parenting, discipline, education, and motivation. Alfie doesn’t hold back as he dives into the unintended consequences of using rewards, punishments, and even praise with children. His insights, grounded in decades of research, have radically reshaped how countless parents and educators approach behavior and discipline. This conversation is equal parts challenging and inspiring—and yes, it even moved Sara to tears. Why? Because Alfie doesn’t just critique outdated approaches—he paints a compelling picture of what’s possible when we parent with unconditional love, curiosity, and trust. In this episode, Kyle and Sara explore:Why rewards and punishment may undermine intrinsic motivationHow praise can backfire—and what to do insteadWhat it looks like to support children’s autonomy and growthHow schools and families can foster genuine cooperation, not compliance Listeners will walk away with not only a deeper understanding of why traditional discipline falls short, but how to do things differently—and more effectively.About Our Guest:Alfie Kohn is the author of 14 influential books, including Punished by Rewards, Unconditional Parenting, The Myth of the Spoiled Child, and The Schools Our Children Deserve. He’s been featured on Oprah, The Today Show, and numerous other national platforms. His work has helped parents and educators across the globe rethink what it truly means to raise and teach children with respect and connection.Learn more at 👉 www.alfiekohn.org View the full podcast transcript at: https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/beyond-rewards-and-punishment-a-conversation-with-alfie-kohn Visit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey. Resource Website: https://www.artofraisinghumans.comVideo Courses: https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumansInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumansPodcast Website: https://www.theartofraisinghumans.com The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.