Exceptional Educator Explores What Makes Us, Us

Each semester I have the opportunity to visit with high school students in Montgomery County, Maryland to talk about hypnosis.  During my informative (and entertaining) presentation I overview what hypnosis is, what it isn’t and popular applications – including stress management, self-confidence and athletic performance.

The kids are great and typically very engaged in the topic.  Equally impressive is the quality, professionalism and commitment of the educators who host me.

I’m a Montgomery County public school product myself and have three sons who will one day graduate from Whitman High School in Bethesda, MD.  As a parent, it is comforting to know the County has such a strong track record recruiting and retaining exceptional teachers.

One such educator is Dr. Joe Swope, who teaches AP psychology at Northwest High School in Germantown, Maryland.  After speaking in November to a group of Northwest students, I sat down with Dr. Swope for an exclusive Q&A.

Question:  You have quite an interesting background as a teacher, author and speaker.  Plus, you have earned a PhD.  Tell me about your advanced degree.

Dr. Swope

My doctorate pursuit was motivated by a desire to continue my own knowledge growth and study.  It took four years because I was working full-time as well.

I am intrigued by what makes “us, us.”  Is it background?  Culture?  I’ve come to realize there may be no answer to these questions.  

My thesis focused on the practice of self-hypnosis.  Could an average person learn hypnosis so they could make one hand warmer than the other?  Self hypnosis was such an interesting and helpful tool for my participants that many of them wanted to continue to use it in their lives.

Question:  How does the Montgomery County curriculum deal with the topic of hypnosis?

There is one class period dedicated to it as part of the discussion of altered states of consciousness.  I explore the differences between therapy and entertainment-oriented applications.  As part of the discussion with students, I also dispel myths about hypnosis, such as the notion that a person loses control.

Question:  Your biography states that you are a fifth degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do.  Is your study of martial arts helpful in your role teaching psychology?

It sure is; on many levels.  I have studied and practiced martial arts for 25 years.  While every sport has the ‘zone’ you can get into as an athlete, martial arts has the zone as its goal.  

Hypnosis Revealed: Video of My Talk to High School Students

Last week I had the opportunity to speak to an exceptional group of students at Northwest High School in Germantown, Maryland about hypnosis -- what it is (and isn't) and its health and wellness applications.   

Below is a video of my informative (and entertaining) introductory remarks.  During the talk I address the two most common questions I get about hypnosis:  1) Can anyone be hypnotized? and 2) What does it feel like to be hypnotized? 

Special thanks to Dr. Joe Swope at Northwest for hosting me.

Post Prom Fundraising for QO and Seneca Valley

Sign at Quince Orchard HS promoting my upcoming show.

It requires a Herculean effort for a school’s Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) or Booster Club to plan, organize, promote and host a post prom or all night graduation party.  Everyone involved is a volunteer.  It is very much a labor of love. 

There is also the challenge of paying for it all – the facility, food, entertainment, clean-up and security.  The cost runs well into the thousands of dollars.

That’s why the effort of organizations like Montgomery County Project Prom/Graduation (MCPPG) is so important.  MCPPG helps volunteers from member schools share best practices, plus they facilitate fundraising by applying for grants.

For five years I have donated my time to entertain at post prom and graduation events held by schools in Montgomery County and Fairfax County.  It is a whole lot of fun and, personally, very fulfilling to do my small part to help.

This year I’m raising my game through more direct support of the fundraising process.  On Saturday, November 19, I will be the headline performer at an event hosted by the Quince Orchard High School Booster Club.  Ticket sales for my Hypnotic Experience show and the accompanying silent auction will fund after school activities. 

Early in the New Year on Friday, January 13 I’ll do the same for a fundraising event hosted by Seneca Valley High School’s PTSA. 

Email me at m.russell.hausman@gmail.com if you would like more information about either of these shows.  I encourage you to come on out for a great time and to support two wonderful schools.   

Incredible Night at the Marine Corps Marathon Pep Rally

View from the stage at the Marine Corp. Marathon Pep Rally.

For me, entertaining is about engagement.  I donate my time to support events hosted by public high schools and colleges, community groups, charitable organization and not-for-profits.

I have found this to be a wonderful way to give back, while also affording me the opportunity to perform for event organizers and guests who truly appreciation my willingness to contribute.

This past Friday I had the privilege and honor to be part of the entertainment at the Marine Corps Marathon Pep Rally, held at the Gaylord Hotel at National Harbor, MD.  It was an incredible evening with hundreds of runners – many of whom competing in the Marine Corp. Marathon for the first time – coming together to share in the experience.

Perhaps most touching was a speaker from a non-profit called Wear Blue:  Run to Remember.  She participated in the marathon to honor the memory of a fallen medic.

My Hypnotic Experience show was incredibly well received.  I focused on visualization as a tool for athletic success and empowerment, which was a message that resonated with this audience of exceptional competitors.

Huge thanks to Marc Goldman and Sandra Osborn-Peters wit the US Marine Corps for including me!

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I just received this awesome testimonial from the Marine Corps Marathon Pep Rally event organizer.

"I was truly impressed with how well you managed the event and the professionalism you displayed throughout the evening.  We’d be delighted to have you continue to return to the Pep Rally!"

Sandra Osborn-Peters

Communications Coordinator

Marine Corps Marathon

 

Wear Blue:  Run to Remember Display

Marathon mascot cheers on the runners.