She explains that a truly good education is not just about getting A’s or doing well on standardized tests—it’s about helping kids become thoughtful, curious, morally grounded, independent thinkers. Together, Colleen and Dr. Kenny talk about how parents can look beyond GPA and begin asking bigger questions: Is my teen learning how to think? Can they write well? Can they have respectful disagreement? Are they developing purpose, leadership, and character?

Dr. Kenny also discusses the limitations of today’s education system, the importance of cultivating agency and ethical purpose, and how moms can fill in the gaps at home when schools focus too heavily on performance over deeper learning. The conversation also touches on technology, AI, and how to help teens develop critical thinking in a world full of noise, distraction, and shallow messages.

This episode is a powerful reminder that what matters most is not just whether our teens are successful on paper—but whether they are becoming wise, capable, grounded young adults.

3 Takeaways from the Episode

1. A good education is about much more than grades.

A truly well-educated teen is not just high-achieving—they are curious, thoughtful, compassionate, and able to think independently. Parents can help shift the focus from “How did you do?” to “What are you learning?”

2. Writing, discussion, and deep thinking matter.

Dr. Kenny emphasizes that writing is “thinking on paper.” If teens aren’t being taught to write carefully, revise thoughtfully, and engage with ideas deeply, they may be missing one of the most important parts of a strong education.

3. Moms can shape a deeper kind of learning at home.

Even if schools are focused on test scores and performance, moms can still cultivate meaningful education by encouraging curiosity, purpose, ethical reflection, reading, and thoughtful conversations about the world around them—including AI and technology.

Memorable Quote

“Focus on the learning, the grades will come.”

Guest Bio

Dr. Deborah Kenny is the founder of Harlem Village Academies and the Deeper Learning Institute, and one of the most influential educators in the country. She has been honored with the Columbia University Teachers College Distinguished Alumni Award and was named on Oprah’s Power List and Esquire’s Best and Brightest. She holds a PhD in Comparative International Education from Columbia University and is the author of The Well-Educated Child. She is also the mother of three grown children and lives in New York City.

Follow at: https://www.instagram.com/deborahkennyhva/?hl=en

Learn More at: https://www.thewelleducatedchild.org/

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In this powerful and deeply validating episode, Colleen O’Grady talks with returning guest Eli Harwood, licensed therapist, attachment expert, bestselling author, and founder of Attachment Nerd. Eli shares insights from her new book, How to Deal with Your ______ So Your Kids Don’t Have To, and helps moms understand why their own emotions matter so much in parenting.

Together, Colleen and Eli explore how feelings like anger, anxiety, loneliness, judgment, and control can quietly shape the way we show up with our tweens, teens, and young adults. Eli explains that parenting doesn’t just shape our kids—it also sharpens and develops us. She offers a compassionate framework for understanding our emotional habits, attachment patterns, and the ways our own childhood experiences can affect our parenting today.

This conversation is full of hope, practical wisdom, and powerful reminders that you do not have to be a perfect mom to create a secure, connected relationship with your child. What matters most is your willingness to reflect, repair, and keep growing.

3 Takeaways from the Episode

• Your emotions matter more than you think.
  The way you handle your own feelings teaches your teen how to handle theirs.
• Control can cost connection.
  When moms parent from fear and control, it often creates more distance instead of influence.
• Repair is more powerful than perfection.
  You don’t have to get it right all the time—what matters most is coming back, owning it, and reconnecting.

About Eli Harwood

Eli Harwood, MA, LPC is a licensed therapist, bestselling author, educator, and widely respected attachment expert who has spent nearly two decades helping people build secure, healthy relationships. She is the author of Securely Attached, Raising Securely Attached Kids, Uniquely Us, and How to Deal with Your Blank So Your Kids Don’t Have To. Eli is passionate about helping parents become more emotionally aware and connected so they can create the kind of relationships their kids can truly feel safe in. She is also the creator of the popular platform Attachment Nerd. Eli is a mom of three and brings both professional expertise and real-life parenting experience to this conversation.

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/attachmentnerd/?hl=en

Learn More at: https://www.attachmentnerd.com/

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⁠Hesha Abrams ⁠is on a mission to help people from all walks of life to find a solution when it seems impossible. A recipient of the Brutsche Award for Excellence in Mediation and 2021 Women Leaders in The Law, Hesha is an internationally recognized attorney, mediator and negotiator for crafting highly creative settlements and resolutions in very difficult matters. She has successfully mediated thousands of parties and was an innovator in the mediation field serving on the legislative task force that drafted landmark ADR laws and taught mediation and negotiation at the 2001 International Symposium on Negotiation and Conflict Resolution in The Hague.

Hesha recently published, Holding the Calm the Secret to Resolving Conflict and Defusing Tension. And we are going to discuss the secret in this episode. So if you would like to resolve conflict and defuse tension in your family then listen to this episode.

Contact Hesha at ⁠https://www.holdingthecalm.com/

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In this eye-opening episode, Colleen O’Grady sits down with trauma therapist and author Maggie Nick to explore the hidden cost of being the “good kid.” While these kids are often praised for being easy, responsible, and well-behaved, many are silently struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, and a deep fear of disappointing others.

Maggie shares her personal story of being a lifelong people-pleaser who looked “sunshine and rainbows” on the outside but felt intense pressure and self-criticism on the inside. Through her own healing journey, she discovered that shame—not behavior—is often at the root of the good kid pattern.

This conversation helps parents understand how well-intentioned parenting, combined with a child’s temperament and sensitivity, can unintentionally create kids who disconnect from their own needs in order to feel loved and accepted.

💡 3 Key Takeaways

1. “Good” Behavior Can Hide Internal Struggles
Good kids often look like they’re thriving—but many are anxious, self-critical, and disconnected from their own wants and needs. They’ve learned to focus outward—keeping others happy—while losing touch with themselves.

2. Shame Shapes Identity More Than We Realize
When kids receive messages like “I expected more from you” or “What’s wrong with you,” they don’t just change behavior—they internalize it. The takeaway becomes: “Something is wrong with me.” This can follow them into adulthood.

3. Small Parenting Shifts Can Break the Cycle
You don’t have to overhaul your parenting—just adjust your approach:

• Move from criticism to curiosity
• Allow your child to struggle without shame
• Stay connected: “I don’t like the behavior, but I’m always on your side”

These small shifts help your teen stay connected to themselves—and to you.

Learn More at: https://www.instagram.com/maggiewithperspectacles?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D

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Dr. Skelton introduces the idea of “threading the needle”—supporting a teen’s health without feeding the cultural obsession with body size. He encourages parents to move away from comments, pressure, and restriction, and instead create a home environment built on love and structure. That means modeling healthy habits, setting consistent routines around meals and snacks, limiting food-related commentary, and avoiding moral labels like “good” and “bad” foods.

Colleen and Dr. Skelton also explore the difference between healthy eating, disordered eating, and eating disorders, the emotional impact of weight talk in families, when parents should be concerned, and how to help teens develop a healthier relationship with food and their bodies. This episode offers practical, compassionate guidance for moms who want to protect both their child’s physical health and emotional well-being.

Three key takeaways from this episode:

1. Talking about weight can backfire.
Even loving comments like “Do you really need another cookie?” may be heard by teens as criticism or shame. Dr. Skelton encourages parents to focus less on weight and more on creating healthy family routines.

2. Replace pressure and restriction with love and structure.
Rather than policing food, parents can help by planning meals, setting snack and dinner routines, eating together when possible, and modeling a balanced relationship with food and movement.

3. Your teen’s worth is never defined by their body.
Helping teens build body confidence starts with what parents model at home—avoiding negative body talk, not commenting on appearance, and reinforcing that health, character, and identity matter far more than weight.

Learn More at:

https://school.wakehealth.edu/faculty/s/joseph-skelton

https://www.wakehealth.edu/specialty/b/brenner-fit

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In this episode, I talk with psychologist and optimism expert Dr. Deepika Chopra, author of The Power of Real Optimism: A Practical Science-Based Guide to Staying Resilient, Curious, and Open Even When Life Is Hard.

We explore the difference between toxic positivity and real optimism, and why trying to cheer our teens up when they’re upset often backfires. Dr. Chopra explains that real optimism doesn’t deny hard feelings—it helps teens learn how to move through them.

We also discuss why teens need validation before solutions, how parents can unintentionally fall into pessimistic thinking about their kids, and how shifting our language and mindset can help teens build resilience and confidence.

Dr. Chopra shares practical ways parents can help teens develop optimism as a skill—by reminding them that emotions are temporary, helping them collect evidence of their strengths, and modeling optimism in our own lives.

This conversation will encourage parents who may feel discouraged with their teen and remind them that hope and growth are always possible.

3 Takeaways for Parents

1. Validate feelings before fixing the problem.
Teens aren’t looking for us to immediately cheer them up or solve their problems. They want to feel heard, understood, and safe expressing their emotions.

2. Optimism is a skill—not a personality trait.
Teens can learn optimism by recognizing that difficult feelings are temporary and by remembering past challenges they have overcome.

3. Focus on strengths, not just problems.
When parents constantly focus on what their teen is doing wrong, it can shape how both the parent and the teen see them. Looking for evidence of strengths helps teens build confidence and resilience.

Learn More at: https://www.drdeepikachopra.com/

Follow at: https://www.instagram.com/drdeepikachopra/

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In this episode, Colleen sits down with adolescent psychologist Dr. Cam Caswell, also known as the “Teen Translator,” to unpack what it truly means to speak teen. They explore how small language shifts can completely change your relationship dynamic, why stricter consequences often backfire, and how behaviors like arguing, messy rooms, and pushback can actually be signs of healthy development. Dr. Cam shares practical tools parents can implement immediately — from handling screen time without making it the enemy, to phrases that de-escalate conflict and build emotional safety. This conversation is packed with wisdom to help you shift from control and fear to connection and confidence.

Dr. Cam Caswell is a nationally recognized adolescent psychologist, parent coach, TEDx speaker, podcast host, and founder of the Parenting Teens Academy. With over 20 years of experience and a doctorate in developmental psychology, she has helped thousands of families navigate shutdowns, anxiety, attitude, and emotional blowups. As a single mom of a 20-year-old daughter, she brings both clinical expertise and personal insight — along with humor, heart, and zero judgment.

🔑 3 Key Takeaways

1. Disrespect is often dysregulation.
When teens push back, argue, or use tone, they’re usually overwhelmed — not malicious. If parents regulate themselves first, it changes everything.

2. Connection is not a reward — it’s the foundation.
Withdrawing warmth, time, or relationship to punish behavior actually increases disconnection. Emotional safety builds cooperation.

3. “I see you. I get you. I’ve got you.”
When teens feel understood and emotionally secure, power struggles decrease and trust increases.

Learn more at: https://www.askdrcam.com/

Follow at: https://www.instagram.com/drcamcaswell/?hl=en

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How many times have we brought up a simple request to our teen, but it turns out to be not so simple because it triggers a huge emotional response? Moms can find themselves avoiding talking about important topics because they don’t know how to handle their emotions.

I invited Dr. Lisa Damour, the author of The Emotional Lives of Teenagers, to talk about this nuanced subject of teenage emotions. In this episode we focus on her chapter called Managing Emotions, Part One: Helping Teens Express Their Emotions and the following chapter called Managing Emotions, Part Two: Helping Teens Regain Emotional Control

Recognized as a thought leader by the American Psychological Association, Lisa Damour, Ph.D., co-hosts the Ask Lisa podcast, writes about adolescents for the The New York Times, appears as a regular contributor to CBS News, works in collaboration with UNICEF, and maintains a clinical practice. She is the author of three New York Times bestsellers, The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents, Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood and Under Pressure: Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls. She and her husband have two daughters and live in Shaker Heights, Ohio.

To find out more about the Emotional Lives of Teenagers go to ⁠https://drlisadamour.com/ ⁠

And while you are there go to the tab that says How Can I Help to get your downloadable bookmarks.

Follow Lisa on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lisa.damour/

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In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. Bronwen Carroll, pediatric emergency medicine physician, mom of four, and child protection advocate. With over 20 years of frontline experience, she shares what she’s seen, what works, and how parents can build “conversational scaffolding” early—so hard conversations feel natural later.

We talk about:

• Why healthy romantic relationships are built on early childhood friendships

• How to help teens recognize red flags in dating relationships

• The emotional and physical risks of teen dating violence

• Why welcoming your teen’s boyfriend or girlfriend may be smarter than banning them

• How to talk about consent in clear, practical ways

• Why honest conversations about sex don’t encourage early sexual activity (and what research from the Netherlands shows)

• How alcohol, vulnerability, and online spaces increase risk

• And most importantly—how to stay calm and connected when your teen is emotionally flooded

Dr. Carroll reminds us that no topic should be off-limits—and that starting the conversation today can make all the difference.

💡 Key Takeaways

1. Start Early with “Conversational Scaffolding.”
   The more we normalize discussions about friendship, feelings, and safety when kids are young, the easier it is to talk about dating and sexuality later.

2. Focus on How Relationships Make Them Feel.
   Teach teens to ask:

   • Do I feel supported?

   • Do I feel relaxed and accepted?

   • Or do I feel anxious, insecure, and like I’m walking on eggshells?

3. Stay Calm and Stay Curious.
   Panic creates power struggles. Curiosity keeps communication open.

Learn more at: https://www.bronwencarrollmd.com/

Follow at: https://www.instagram.com/bronwencarrollmd/

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In this episode, Colleen O’Grady sits down with Dr. Allison Alford, author of Good Daughtering: The Work You’ve Always Done, The Credit You’ve Never Gotten, and How to Finally Feel Like Enough, to name a role many women live out—but rarely talk about: daughtering.

Dr. Alford explains why adult daughters often don’t recognize (or receive credit for) the mental and emotional labor they carry, and how that invisibility can fuel guilt, resentment, and burnout. Together, they explore what it looks like to define “good enough,” set healthy boundaries, and create more balance—without losing love or connection.

✅ 3 Key Takeaways

1. Daughtering is more than what you “do.”
   It includes emotional labor, mental load, planning, worrying, smoothing conflict, and carrying responsibility—often unseen and unmeasured.

2. Burnout grows when expectations stay unspoken.
   Many women feel “never good enough” because they’re trying to meet a standard that hasn’t been clearly defined—by their parents, siblings, or even themselves.

3. You can define “good enough” and still be loving.
   Healthy daughtering includes boundaries. You don’t have to overfunction to prove your worth—and you’re not responsible for managing everyone else’s feelings.

   👤 About the Guest

Dr. Allison Alford holds a PhD in interpersonal communication from the University of Texas at Austin and is a leading scholar on daughter and family communication. Her work has been featured in outlets like The Atlantic and Oprah Daily, and she previously hosted the Hello Mother, Hello Daughter podcast.

Follow at: https://www.instagram.com/daughtering101/?hl=en

Learn More at: https://daughtering101.com/about/

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In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, Colleen O’Grady sits down with child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Sami Timimi, author of Searching for Normal. With over 35 years in the UK’s National Health Service, Dr. Timimi challenges many of the assumptions parents have been taught about teen mental health. Together, they explore why diagnoses like ADHD, autism, anxiety, and depression have exploded—and why medicalizing distress can sometimes steal hope instead of restoring it. This conversation reframes teen behavior through the lens of context, development, relationships, and resilience, reminding parents that emotions are not emergencies and that most teens are not broken—they’re responding to a stressful world.

About Dr. Sami Timimi

Dr. Sami Timimi is a British child and adolescent psychiatrist with more than three decades of clinical experience in the UK’s National Health Service. He has authored numerous academic papers and books and is widely known for his critiques of the over-medicalization of mental health. In Searching for Normal, Dr. Timimi offers a deeply humane, evidence-based challenge to psychiatric labeling and invites families to reclaim a more hopeful, relational understanding of distress.

Three Takeaways for Parents

1. Distress is not the same as disorder. Many teen struggles are understandable responses to pressure, change, and context—not signs of lifelong pathology.

2. Labels shape identity—and not always in helpful ways. Diagnoses can unintentionally limit teens, increase fear, and turn temporary struggles into permanent stories.

3. Relationships matter more than control. Teens don’t need to be “fixed”—they need connection, patience, and adults who aren’t afraid of emotions.

   Follow at: https://www.instagram.com/dr_samitimimi/?hl=en

   Learn More at: https://www.samitimimi.co.uk/

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In this episode, Colleen O’Grady talks with therapist and author Katie K. May about what’s really happening when teens have big, intense emotions—and why common parent responses (like “You’re fine” or “Relax”) often backfire. Katie introduces the concept of “fire feelers,” teens who experience emotions as all-consuming, and explains how self-destructive behaviors can become a desperate attempt to shut down emotional pain. You’ll learn why validation is the fastest way to lower emotional intensity, how “radical acceptance” helps parents stop fighting reality and start rebuilding connection, and why parents need a plan to regulate their own nervous system so they can respond instead of react—especially when safety is a concern.

Guest Bio: Katie K. May

Katie K. May is a licensed therapist, author, speaker, and group practice owner. She founded Creative Healing, a multi-location teen support center in the Philadelphia area, and is the author of You’re On Fire, It’s Fine: Effective Strategies for Parenting Teens with Self-Destructive Behaviors. With lived experience as a teen who turned to self-harm, Katie is one of a select few board-certified DBT clinicians in Pennsylvania. She equips parents and clinicians with practical, trauma-informed tools to decode behavior as survival and create lasting change.

Three Takeaways

1. Validation lowers the emotional “fire.” Before problem-solving, teens need to feel seen and understood—validation helps calm the nervous system and opens the door to change.

2. Radical acceptance reduces parental suffering. Accepting “this is where we are” doesn’t mean approving—it means stopping the fight with reality so you can respond more effectively.

3. Parents need their own regulation plan. A “stress meter” and a proactive calming strategy help moms manage fear, avoid catastrophic thinking, and stay steady when emotions run high.

   Learn More at: https://katiekmay.com/

   Follow at https://www.instagram.com/katiekmay/

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Today we are going to explore tolerations, messes, and irritations. You know the things that annoy you on a daily basis and steal your I feel good energy.

If I ask you the question what are you tolerating? What’s the first thing that comes to mind?

Maybe the first thing that comes to your mind is something about your teen, your boss, or your partner. In other words you are tolerating your relationships.

Or, maybe the first thing that you thought of is the color of your kitchen wall, all those piles of papers on the table, or the kitchen disposal that hasn’t worked in a year. You are tolerating things in your physical space.

Heres the thing. All of us tolerate things we shouldn't, instead of handling them. Every time we tolerate things instead of managing them they drain our energy. It steals our attention away from what we really want to do and what we want to achieve. And if we don’t handle these little things in life we can go into resignation. Like if I can’t handle these little irritations then I can’t have what I want and we feel this at a deep unconscious level.

This episode helps you become aware of what you're tolerating and gives you a plan to clean up your irritations and messes in your physical space and your relationships.

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In this powerful conversation, Colleen O’Grady talks with grief expert and widowed mom Krista St. Germain about what grief really looks like—beyond the outdated “five stages” idea. Krista shares her personal story of losing her husband suddenly and what she learned the hard way: grief doesn’t end, it changes—and healing comes from integrating loss into your life with compassion, emotional safety, and realistic expectations. Together, they explore how grief shows up differently in families (including anger, shutdown, clinginess, and conflict), why time doesn’t “heal” on its own, and how parents can support grieving teens without forcing conversations or pressuring anyone to “be okay.”

Krista St. Germain is a Master Certified Life Coach, post-traumatic growth and grief expert, widow, mom, and host of the Widowed Mom Podcast. After her husband was killed in a crash caused by an impaired driver, Krista rebuilt her life using tools from life coaching, nervous system regulation, and modern grief science. She now coaches and teaches widows—and educates the broader public—so people can move forward without being harmed by outdated, isolating grief myths.

1. Grief isn’t a problem to solve—it’s an experience to understand.
   When a teen becomes clingy, angry, or shuts down, start with: “How does this make sense?” Instead of pushing for words, offer steady presence, reassurance in the present, and emotional permission.

2. Healthy grieving includes both sorrow and restoration.
   The Dual Process Model helps families stop judging themselves: you’ll naturally move between “loss-oriented” moments (crying, remembering, handling logistics) and “restoration” moments (laughing, hobbies, friends). Healing lives in the back-and-forth.

3. Watch for secondary losses—and name them.
   Grief isn’t only the big loss. It’s also the “paper cuts” that keep coming: milestones, holidays, weddings, traditions, even taking something down in the house. Naming a moment as a secondary loss reduces shame and helps you respond with compassion instead of “What’s wrong with me?”

• When your teen won’t talk but is acting different:
  “I notice you’ve been wanting to stay close lately. That makes a lot of sense after what happened. You don’t have to talk about it, but I’m here—and we’ll get through this together.”

• When anger shows up (yours or theirs):
  “Something big is underneath this. We can take a pause. I’m not here to fight you—I’m here to understand what’s going on.”

• When you feel guilty for laughing or having a good moment:
  “This is the restorative bucket. I’m allowed to breathe. Grief and joy can exist in the same life.”

  
  

  Learn More at: https://www.coachingwithkrista.com/

  Follow at: https://www.instagram.com/lifecoachkrista/

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 For more information on Dr. Charles Sophy: ⁠https://drsophy.com/⁠.

Follow on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/sophyonthestreet/

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There’s been a surge in what experts are calling the “2 AM Spiral”—a late-night loop of overthinking fueled by screen time, academic pressure, social stress, and the natural sleep-cycle shift that happens during adolescence. In this episode, Colleen talks with therapist Kevin Logie about what’s really happening in teens’ brains during these late-night spirals, why sleep deprivation intensifies anxiety, depression, and irritability, and how parents can respond with more curiosity and less control. You’ll learn why this isn’t “teen drama,” how phones and lack of downtime play a major role, and practical, compassionate strategies to help teens regulate, reset, and sleep better—without turning bedtime into a nightly battle.

Kevin Logie is an associate therapist who brings creativity, warmth, and flexibility to his work with children, tweens, teens, and families. With a background in the arts and improv, Kevin blends narrative and person-centered therapy with evidence-based tools such as CBT, EMDR, ABA, and mindfulness practices. He specializes in helping clients rewrite unhealthy narratives, build emotional awareness, and develop resilience. Kevin is also a dad to a 12-year-old son, bringing both professional insight and lived experience into his work.

🌱 Three Key Takeaways for Moms

1. The 2 AM Spiral is biological, not behavioral.
Teens’ brains are still under construction, and late-night exhaustion weakens emotional regulation—making worries feel catastrophic at night.

2. Phones intensify spirals, but connection matters.
Instead of harsh phone rules, collaborative wind-down routines and advance warnings help teens disengage without feeling controlled.

3. Regulation beats resolution at 2 AM.
Late night isn’t the time to solve problems. Gentle tools like breathing exercises, body scans, calming sounds, and mindfulness help teens settle their nervous systems and return to sleep.

Follow The Mood Tools https://www.instagram.com/themoodtools/

Learn more at: https://moodtools.org/

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Our guest today Rachel Marie Martin is the founder of the social media community Finding Joy™, author of both Mom Enough and The Brave Art of Motherhood, and a founding partner in Audience Industries – a company designed to train and equip entrepreneurs in their ventures. Her articles have been translated into over 25 languages, her site reaches millions of visitors per month and she has a robust, engaged Facebook community. Her content has been featured in The Huffington Post, The Today Show, PopSugar, Motherly, and many more. She speaks worldwide encouraging moms and entrepreneurs to live each day with purpose and drive. Beyond that, she’s a mom to seven and calls Nashville, Tennessee, her home.

Follow Rachel Marie on Facebook at ⁠https://www.facebook.com/findingjoyblog⁠

Find out more at: ⁠https://findingjoy.net/author/rachel-marie-martin/

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Today’s teens and young adults are growing up on a very different bridge to adulthood than previous generations. In this powerful and hopeful conversation, Colleen O’Grady sits down with Lisa M. Lawson, President and CEO of the Annie E. Casey Foundation and author of Thrive: How the Science of the Adolescent Brain Helps Us Imagine a Better Future for All Children. Together, they explore how adolescent brain science—now understood to extend into the mid-20s—can transform the way parents guide, support, and relate to their teens. Lisa invites us to see teens through a lens of possibility rather than problems and introduces five essential “cables” that hold up the bridge of adolescence, from connection and education to financial stability and youth leadership. This episode is both deeply reassuring and incredibly practical for moms who want to widen the bridge for their teens and help them grow into resilient, confident adults.

Lisa M. Lawson is the President and CEO of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, where she leads national efforts to improve outcomes for children, youth, and families. Since stepping into the role in 2019, she has championed bold initiatives such as Thrive by 25, focusing on the wellbeing of Generation Z ages 14–24. Prior to becoming CEO, Lisa served as Executive Vice President and Chief Program Officer overseeing all grantmaking strategies, and as Vice President of External Affairs, where she led development of the KIDS COUNT Data Book. Before joining the foundation, she spent 14 years at UPS in senior leadership roles, including President of the UPS Foundation. She is also the author of Thrive, a hopeful and science-based guide to understanding adolescence.

⭐ Three Takeaways for Moms

1. Teen behavior isn’t defiance—it’s development.
   Impulsivity, emotional intensity, and peer influence are signs of a brain under construction, not bad character. Parents often serve as their teen’s “borrowed prefrontal cortex”—and explaining why decisions matter helps teens learn how to think, not just what to do.

2. Widen the bridge instead of turning it into a tightrope.
   College, careers, sports, and interests don’t have to be high-stakes, one-shot decisions. Teens thrive when they’re allowed to explore, pivot, and learn by doing—building confidence and resilience along the way.

3. Connection is the strongest protective factor.
   Teens don’t need perfect parents—they need consistent, caring adults. One solid relationship can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. Parenting was never meant to be done alone; it truly takes a village.

   Learn more at: https://www.aecf.org/people/lisa-lawson

   Follow at: https://www.instagram.com/annieecaseyfdn

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In this inspiring conversation, psychologist, author, and speaker Dr. Julia Garcia shares why hope isn’t something you passively wait for—it’s something you practice, one emotional habit at a time. Drawing from behavioral science, storytelling, and her own lived experience, Dr. Garcia reveals the five habits that help us navigate difficult emotions, interrupt cycles of overwhelm, and reconnect with a grounded sense of worth and possibility. She speaks directly to the silent struggles so many moms carry—the shame, pressure, worry, and emotional load that can eclipse hope—and offers a compassionate, practical roadmap for finding your way back to yourself. This episode will help you cultivate hope in your own life and model it for your teens, young adults, and entire family.

Dr. Julia Garcia is a psychologist, author, and internationally recognized speaker dedicated to empowering people through the science of mental health and emotional wellbeing. For nearly twenty years, she has helped educators, students, business leaders, families, and individuals navigate fear, doubt, burnout, and hopelessness by building sustainable habits of healing. Her book, The Five Habits of Hope, blends neuroscience, emotional practice, and real-life stories from people around the world to show that hope is not merely a feeling—it’s a daily discipline. Whether through her TEDx talks, interactive workshops, or national presentations, Dr. Garcia’s mission is to make the tools of hope accessible for everyone.

Three Takeaways for Moms of Teens and Young Adults

1. Hope is a Practice, Not a Personality Trait

You don’t have to feel hopeful to begin cultivating hope. Each of the five habits—reflection, risk-taking, release, receiving, and repurposing—creates a pathway back to emotional regulation, self-worth, and grounded optimism.

2. Your Feelings Don’t Make You Weak—They Make You Real

Emotions leads to overwhelm, burnout, and disconnection. Naming what you’re struggling with, taking emotional risks, and receiving support strengthens your resilience and helps your teen see that emotional honesty is part of wellbeing.

3. Your Kids Need to See Who You Are, Not Just What You Do

When your teens witness you engaging in passion, joy, creativity, rest, advocacy, and purpose—not just managing logistics and meeting expectations. Repurposing your emotions into something meaningful teaches them that hard things can lead to beautiful outcomes.

Learn More at: https://www.drjuliagarcia.com/habitsofhope/

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In this rich and eye-opening conversation, Colleen talks with Anna Lecat—researcher, author of Loving Conflict, intimacy consultant, and global speaker—about how conflict can be a bridge rather than a barrier. Anna shares her powerful framework for “fighting kindly,” transforming hard conversations into moments of connection, courage, and clarity. With stories from her own family, her multicultural life, and her work with couples and executive teams, Anna reveals how naming fears, listening deeply, and expressing humanity can turn everyday tensions into opportunities for deeper love and understanding.

Anna Lecat is the researcher and author of Loving Conflict, an intimacy and conflict consultant, and a global speaker on connection, trust, and collaboration. A proud EO member and triple immigrant, she has built companies and communities across Ukraine, China, the U.S., and now France. With over 25 years of experience supporting couples, executive teams, family businesses, and high-stakes relationships, Anna blends practical tools, embodied practices, and the relational language of dance and play to help people move through conflict, build trust, and create authentic connection—in love, leadership, and life. She believes the quality of our lives is determined by the quality of our relationships, and that intimacy is the key.

✨ Three Takeaways for Moms

1. Conflict is an opportunity—not a danger.
When handled with presence and curiosity, conflict becomes a doorway to deeper connection with your teen, not a threat to your relationship.

2. Name the fear beneath the fight.
Behind every tense moment is a fear—of being dismissed, misunderstood, or not enough. When moms and teens identify the fear, defenses soften and true dialogue begins.

3. Model the skills you want your teen to learn.
You teach conflict-resolution not by lecturing, but by showing vulnerability, taking responsibility for your part, apologizing when needed, and demonstrating how adults repair relationships.

Follow Anna at: https://www.instagram.com/anyalecat/

Learn More at: https://annalecat.com/

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Today’s guest is Deborah Farmer Kris. Deborah is an education journalist, parent educator Her bylines include PBS KIDS, NPR’s Mindshift, The Washington Post, the Boston Globe Magazine, and Oprah Daily. Deborah’s work is grounded in the two decades she spent as a K-12 teacher and administrator. She has a B.A. from Boston University in English, a B.S. from Boston University in Elementary Education and a Masters of Education from Rutgers University, 2009 for Counseling Psychology. . Her writing has been featured several times in The Washington Post; she is the co-author of the book Building Character in Schools: A Resource Guide; and she is the author of the picture book series All the Time, which has been featured on Oprah Daily, Slate's Mom and Dad are Fighting and more. 

Learn more about Deborah at ⁠https://www.parenthood365.com/⁠

Follow on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/parenthood365/

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In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms of Teens, Colleen talks with Pam Jenkins, Chief Executive Officer of Shatterproof, a national nonprofit dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the United States. Pam explains how today’s substances (like Delta-8, synthetic THC products, and vaping) are more accessible and more potent, why mental health and substance use are so tightly linked, and why clear parental expectations are one of the strongest protective factors. You’ll hear practical, hopeful ways to start ongoing conversations, monitor wisely (without turning into the “drug police”), and support your child’s mental health so they’re less vulnerable to addiction.

About Pam Jenkins
Pam Jenkins is the Chief Executive Officer of Shatterproof, the leading national nonprofit focused on preventing and treating addiction and supporting long-term recovery. With a lifelong career in public health and health communication, Pam has led large-scale initiatives in areas such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and substance use. She has worked on government campaigns about marijuana, youth alcohol use, and created widely recognized public-health symbols like the red dress for women’s heart disease. Today, Pam leads Shatterproof’s policy advocacy, prevention programs, and family resources, all aimed at transforming how America understands and addresses addiction.

3 Key Takeaways for Moms

1. Access and potency have changed—your expectations still matter.
   Teens can easily access highly potent substances (like Delta-8 and other synthetic THC products, vapes, and stronger marijuana) in gas stations, convenience stores, and online. Even so, clear parental disapproval is one of the strongest protections against teen use. Don’t assume your kids “just know” how you feel—say it plainly and repeat it often.

2. Mental health and substance use are inseparable.
   Anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and social isolation all increase a teen’s vulnerability to drugs and alcohol—and drug use can, in turn, worsen or even trigger serious mental health issues like crippling anxiety, depression, and psychosis. Monitoring your child’s mood, behavior, friendships, grades, and social connectedness is as important as watching for the substances themselves.

3. Monitor early, talk often, and stay curious—not panicked.
   Effective prevention starts young: secure medications at home, know your child’s friends, stay engaged with school, and watch for changes in behavior or peer groups. Have many short, specific conversations—especially before parties or transitions—using curiosity (“What usually happens at those parties?”) rather than accusations. You don’t have to be an expert; you just need to be present, clear about your values, and willing to keep the dialogue going well into their college years.

   Find out more at: https://shatterproof.org/

   Follow at: https://www.instagram.com/weareshatterproof/

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In this heartfelt conversation, Dr. Judith Orloff, psychiatrist, empath, and New York Times bestselling author, joins Colleen O’Grady to explore how parents can understand and support their highly sensitive teens. Dr. Orloff shares how sensitivity and empathy—often misunderstood—are powerful traits that can help teens grow into caring, grounded adults when they have the right support. From defining what it means to be an empath, to setting healthy emotional boundaries, to helping sensitive teens manage overwhelm, Dr. Orloff offers practical wisdom for parents and heartfelt encouragement for anyone raising a deeply feeling child. Together, Colleen and Dr. Orloff discuss how sensitivity can be both a gift and a challenge, and how moms can nurture these qualities without taking on too much themselves.

Guest Bio: Dr. Judith Orloff

Dr. Judith Orloff is a psychiatrist on the UCLA Psychiatric Clinical Faculty and a New York Times bestselling author whose books include The Genius of Empathy, The Empath’s Survival Guide, and her newest children’s book, The Highly Sensitive Rabbit. She specializes in helping highly sensitive people and empaths thrive in an often overwhelming world. Dr. Orloff has spoken at the American Psychiatric Association, Google, Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit, and TEDx, and her work has been featured in The New York Times, O, The Oprah Magazine, USA Today, Teen Vogue, and Scientific American. Learn more at DrJudithOrloff.com.

🌿 Three Takeaways for Moms

1. Sensitivity is a Strength — Being an empath or highly sensitive teen is not a flaw. With the right understanding, it becomes a gift that fosters compassion, intuition, and creativity.

2. Healthy Empathy Requires Boundaries — Moms and teens alike need to learn the difference between healthy giving and overgiving; empathy is strongest when it includes discernment and self-care.

3. Create Space for Regulation and Connection — Encourage your teen to take breaks, breathe, and find quiet time. When moms model calm and self-awareness, it teaches teens how to manage emotional intensity in healthy ways.

Find out more: https://drjudithorloff.com/

Follow at: https://www.instagram.com/judith.orloff.md

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In this episode, I talk with Kari Kampakis, bestselling author, podcaster, and mom of four daughters, about her new book Is Your Daughter Ready? 10 Ways to Empower Your Girl for an Age of New Challenges. Kari shares wisdom from decades of parenting, writing, and mentoring teen girls—covering everything from truth and integrity to friendship, discernment, and relationship red flags. Together, we explore how to help our daughters root their identity in something solid, use their power for good, and navigate social pressures with wisdom and grace. Kari also offers a heartfelt reminder to moms: give yourself grace—you’re doing better than you think.

About Kari Kampakis

Kari Kampakis is a nationally known author, speaker, and podcaster from Birmingham, Alabama. She’s the author of Love Her Well, More Than a Mom, 10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know, Liked, and her newest release, Is Your Daughter Ready? Her books have been used widely in small groups and churches across the country. Kari’s writing has been featured in outlets like The Huffington Post and TODAY Parents. She’s passionate about helping moms and daughters grow in faith, confidence, and healthy connection.

Three Takeaways

1. Root identity early: Plant deep truths about who your daughter is before the world defines her.

2. Model discernment: Teach her to trust her gut, spot red flags, and set boundaries with grace.

3. Protect relationships: Don’t label people as toxic—address behaviors, avoid burning bridges, and remember that kindness wins long-term.

   Learn more at karikampakis.com

   Follow at https://www.instagram.com/karikampakis/

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In this powerful episode, we dive into The Loneliness Epidemic in Teens. Research shows that about half of adolescents today report feeling lonely—and many experience this at least once a week. Our guest, Lucy Rose, founder and leader of The Cost of Loneliness Project, shares eye-opening insights on what chronic loneliness looks like, how it differs from normal teenage growing pains, and why it has skyrocketed since COVID. Together, we explore practical ways moms can recognize signs of loneliness, start compassionate conversations, and help their teens rebuild real-life connections in an age dominated by screens.

Guest Bio:
Lucy Rose is the founder and leader of The Cost of Loneliness Project. A global relationship builder and award-winning expert in pharmaceutical health strategy, regulatory affairs, and communications, Lucy is committed to raising awareness about the personal, societal, and economic costs of loneliness. Through her work, she helps individuals, families, and communities create a culture of connectedness that fosters healthier, longer, and happier lives.

Three Takeaways:

1. Loneliness is not just sadness—it’s a lack of connection. Chronic loneliness impacts physical and emotional health, and it’s on the rise among teens.

2. Connection is a muscle. Teens who spend most of their social time online may forget how to initiate or maintain real-life friendships—but those skills can be relearned.

3. Model connection at home. Create small family rituals, put down the screens during meals, and show your teen that relationships take intention, empathy, and time.

   Find out more at: https://www.thecostofloneliness.org/

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In this episode, internationally recognized play designer and RISD professor Cas Holman (creator of the RIGAMAJIG and author of Playful) shows us why free play—play that’s freely chosen, personally directed, and intrinsically motivated—is essential for teens and adults. We talk about releasing judgment, embracing possibility, and reframing success (hint: it’s not the perfect selfie at the summit). Cas explains why boredom matters, how “consuming” play (scrolling) differs from “generative” play (making), and offers practical ways moms can invite more low-pressure play into everyday life—without becoming their teen’s cruise director.

Guest bio paragraph:
Cas Holman is an internationally recognized designer, educator, and play advocate. A longtime professor at the Rhode Island School of Design, Cas created RIGAMAJIG, a large-scale building kit used in thousands of schools and museums, and is featured on Netflix’s Abstract: The Art of Design. Their new book, Playful: How Play Shifts Our Thinking, Inspires Connection, and Sparks Creativity, distills two decades of designing for play, leading workshops at places like Google, Disney, and Nike, and collaborating with child-development experts to help all of us—kids, teens, and adults—reconnect with true play.

Three takeaways:

1. Boredom is productive. Letting teens linger in boredom helps them notice what they actually need and choose self-directed, creative action.

2. Reframe success. Swap “Did we reach the top?” for “Did we connect?”—and watch stress melt while curiosity rises.

3. Model, don’t manufacture. You don’t need to entertain your teen; be playful yourself. Release judgment, embrace possibility, and let “good enough” be great.

   Learn more at: https://casholman.com/

   Follow at https://www.instagram.com/casholman/

   
   

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Colleen talks with therapist and author Sophia Vale Galano, LCSW about recognizing teen anxiety (including surprising signs like irritability and anger), the biological and cultural drivers (from hormones to social media and admissions pressure), and what actually helps at home. They unpack why quick fixes backfire, how to communicate about hard topics, and ways to modify expectations, build self-esteem, and set boundaries over blanket restrictions (e.g., muting or curating feeds instead of banning apps). Sophia shares practical scripts, “what to say/what to avoid,” and mom-first strategies like leading by example and using preventive care long before a crisis.

Sophia Vale Galano is a licensed clinical social worker serving teens and adults in California. With experience across residential, inpatient, outpatient, and school settings, she specializes in adolescent anxiety and parent coaching. Her new book, Calming Teenage Anxiety, gives parents concrete tools and phrases to support anxious teens with clarity and compassion.

Three takeaways:

1. Listen before you fix. Validation opens the door; advice can slam it shut.

2. Boundaries beat restrictions. Curate tech (mute/restrict/positive follows) rather than blanket bans to protect self-esteem and trust.

3. Model what you want to see. Your therapy, rest, limits, and self-care quietly teach your teen how to manage anxiety.

   
   

   Learn more at: https://sophiagalano.com/book/

   Follow at: https://sophiagalano.com/book/

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In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, Colleen O’Grady welcomes stress expert Dr. Rebecca Heiss, author of Springboard: Transform Stress to Work for You. Dr. Heiss shares her powerful, research-backed approach to using stress as a source of energy and growth rather than something to avoid or suppress. She explains why trying to “calm down” often backfires, why stress can actually be a sign of meaning and purpose, and how parents can model healthier responses to stress for their kids.

With humor, science, and practical tools, Dr. Heiss breaks down her Fear Less Stress Formula—helping moms and teens recognize stress, reframe it as an adventure instead of an ordeal, and take small steps forward instead of freezing or avoiding. She also highlights how storytelling, mindset shifts, and psychological safety at home can empower both parents and teens to thrive.

1. Stress isn’t the enemy—it’s energy your body gives you to rise to challenges.

2. Stories shape outcomes—choose the one that best serves you and your teen.

3. Model the response you want—your emotional tone sets the “symphony” at home.

   
   

   Find out more at: https://rebeccaheiss.com

   Follow on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/drrebeccaheiss/

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In this empowering episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, Colleen O’Grady talks with Debra Beck, founder of Empowered Teens and Parents and award-winning author of My Feet Aren’t Ugly and What If Your Teen Isn’t the Problem?. Debra shares her own stories, practical tools, and compassionate wisdom for raising confident teens while staying steady as a parent in today’s fear-driven culture. Together they explore self-acceptance, social media’s impact, conscious parenting, and how to turn emotional triggers into opportunities for connection.

About Debra Beck
Debra Beck is a mentor, retreat facilitator, and bestselling author who has dedicated decades to helping families heal, reconnect, and thrive. Through her retreats, mentoring, and books, she empowers both teens and parents to shift from fear to love, building stronger relationships rooted in authenticity, compassion, and trust.

Takeaways

1. Model self-acceptance — Teens absorb how you speak about yourself, so practice compassion toward your own body and choices.

2. Shift from fear to love — Recognize when you’re triggered, pause, breathe, and return with calm energy before addressing your teen.

3. Guide through experiments — Instead of strict control, invite your teen to try small experiments (like putting their phone away) so they can feel the difference themselves.

   
   

   Find out more at: https://empoweredteensandparents.com/

   Follow on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/debra.beck.1806

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In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, Colleen O’Grady talks with Tiffany Sauder about what it really means to redefine work–life balance. Tiffany shares her journey from burnout to creating a sustainable rhythm where career, family, and self can thrive together. Through practical examples and honest stories, she helps moms understand how to clarify priorities, reduce guilt, and find peace in the middle of busy seasons.

Tiffany Sauder is a wife, mom of four daughters (ages 5 to 16), entrepreneur, podcast host, and keynote speaker. After years of chasing big dreams while burning out, she developed a new framework she calls “Life of AND”—where family, career, and self-care coexist in harmony. Tiffany now equips women to own the ordinary so they can unlock extraordinary lives, showing them how to be intentional, present, and ambitious without losing themselves.

1. Balance is alignment, not perfection — True balance happens when your time and money reflect your priorities and values, not when you split time evenly.

2. Get clear and intentional — Ask your kids what matters most to them, set boundaries, and let go of unnecessary guilt.

3. Outsource the ordinary — Don’t waste precious energy on tasks that can be delegated; save your time for connection, growth, and joy.

Learn more at https://www.tiffanysauder.com/

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tiffany.sauder/

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In this conversation, Colleen and pediatric psychologist Dr. Ariana Hoet unpack school avoidance—what it is, why it happens, and how moms can respond without escalating morning battles. You’ll hear how anxiety fuels avoidance (and why avoidance strengthens anxiety), the power of gradual exposure and tiny “wins,” and how to get granular: identify the real barrier (safety fears, social stress, learning struggles, sleep/screens), co-create a stepwise plan, and partner with the school. They offer concrete scripts, role-plays, and motivation-finding questions so your teen feels both validated and capable—and you’re not stuck at 7 a.m. stalemates.

Dr. Ariana Hoet is Executive Clinical Director at the Kids Mental Health Foundation and a pediatric psychologist serving primarily immigrant families in primary care. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor in Pediatric Psychology/Neuropsychology at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and The Ohio State University, training the next generation of behavioral health professionals. A trusted national voice, Dr. Hoit has been featured by USA Today, CNN, Good Morning America, and Newsweek. Her passion is translating research into practical, family-ready tools.

Three takeaways:

• Validate, then move forward: Empathize with the real feeling (“This is hard and scary”) and avoid the “just get over it” trap. Then use graduated exposure—tiny steps toward school—to shrink anxiety’s power.

• Get specific to solve: Pinpoint the blocker (safety fears, bullying, skill gaps, not knowing where to sit at lunch, sleep debt, screens, or possible learning differences). Specific problem → specific plan (role-play scripts, identify “safe people/places,” consider tutoring/evaluation, adjust sleep and tech).

• Build the village & motivation: Coordinate with teachers/counselors, connect your teen to belonging (clubs, teams, arts), and discover their reasons to go (friends, activities)—not just adult reasons like grades.

  
  

  Learn more at: https://www.kidsmentalhealthfoundation.org/about/our-team/clinical-director

  Follow on Instagram at:

  https://www.instagram.com/kidsmentalhealthfoundation/?hl=en

  https://www.instagram.com/arianahoetphd/?hl=en

  
  

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In this conversation, we unpack Growth Mindset through the lens of real classrooms and real homes. We explore why praising “smart” backfires, how to swap outcome praise for process praise (effort, strategies, persistence), and how to make “not yet” part of your family vocabulary. We dig into the Pygmalion effect (kids rise to expectations), the line between Growth Mindset and toxic positivity, and why frustration is often the signal that learning is happening. You’ll leave with concrete scripts, dinner-table routines that normalize mistakes, and simple ways to turn goals into daily practice steps your teen can control.

Guest bio:
Annie Brock is a former high-school English teacher and library director turned learning-experience designer. A long-time advocate of Growth Mindset, she co-authored The Growth Mindset Coach (over 200k copies sold) and continues to write and speak on practical ways educators and parents can cultivate perseverance and love of learning. Annie lives in Kansas with her husband, Jared, and their two kids.

Three takeaways:

• Praise the process, not the person: Swap “You’re so smart” for “I can see the strategies you used and how hard you worked.”

• Make “not yet” a house word: Reframe “I can’t do this” to “I can’t do this yet,” then choose one next step.

• Normalize mistakes: Share your own flubs and fixes; make home the safest place to struggle, analyze what didn’t work, and try differently.

  
  

  Find out more at: anniemaebrock.com

  Follow Annie on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-brock-690889132/

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In this episode, Colleen talks with artist and youth-mental-health advocate Rafael McMaster, founder of Indivisible Arts. Rafael shares how a 30-minute “Fundamental Life Tools” practice—taught in kid language and paired with an hour of hands-on art—helps teens regulate emotions, focus, and reconnect with purpose. You’ll hear how peer mentorship supercharges buy-in, why phones naturally disappear when real-life creativity is compelling, and how gratitude “G-flips,” intention setting, and compassion turn chaos into clarity—at home, in school, and even for foster youth.

About the guest
Rafael McMaster is a creative director, photographer, and founder/CEO of Indivisible Arts, a nonprofit in LA County dedicated to cultivating one million conscious youth through art, mentorship, and practical mindfulness. His forthcoming book, Fundamental Life Tools, distills seven everyday practices—awareness (“mind-watching”), acceptance, intention, gratitude (“G-flip”), compassion, forgiveness/resentment work, and connection—developed with teens and used in after-school labs and high-school classrooms (including Da Vinci Rise). He also pilots Stream of Consciousness • Life, a teen-taught micro-lesson platform.

1. Teach the tool, then do the art. A short, concrete practice (“mind-watching”) before creative time helps kids notice thoughts instead of obeying them—lowering anxiety and boosting self-control.

2. Make IRL more interesting than the phone. When spaces are playful, social, and soulful (music studio, fashion lab, spray-paint alley), teens forget their screens—no rules required.

3. Prioritize the soul over performance. Reframe art as “the language of the soul.” When kids reconnect with joy, presence, and gratitude, grades, sports, and auditions become more tolerable—and often improve—without fear-based pressure.

Learn more at: https://www.indivisiblearts.org/

Follow Rafael at https://www.instagram.com/mcmaster.peace/

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In this eye-opening conversation, I talk with Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, a family physician, health advocate, and mom of two girls, about the growing trend of teens turning to social media and AI for medical advice. Dr. Bayo shares the most common myths circulating online—from misinformation about birth control and fertility, to supplements that can damage the liver, to dangerous over-the-counter products like kratom energy shots marketed as “natural.” She explains why teens are especially vulnerable to believing influencers who “look and sound like them,” and how parents can begin to disrupt these patterns. We also explore practical ways to equip our teens with critical thinking skills and strategies to advocate for their health—while giving moms tangible steps to reduce anxiety and stay informed.

Guest Bio:
Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, MD, is a board-certified family physician, Medical Director of Urgent Care Clinics at St. Mary’s Health Network in Reno, Nevada, and a passionate patient advocate. Known as “Dr. BCW” on social media, she reaches millions through Instagram, TikTok, and her podcast Beyond Clinical Walls, where she helps families navigate healthcare and misinformation. A frequent guest on CNN and NBC, she also serves on the CDC’s National Community and Public Engagement Work Group and Nevada’s Patient Protection Commission. Drawing from her own journey of misdiagnosis, as well as her near-death experience during childbirth, Dr. Bayo brings both expertise and empathy as she empowers patients to take charge of their health.

Three Takeaways:

1. Not all information is credible—even if it sounds relatable. Teach your teen the difference between “accessible” and “trustworthy,” and remind them that not every influencer is a safe source of medical advice.

2. Ask questions instead of lecturing. When your teen believes something online, try asking, “What’s your plan if that doesn’t work?” to encourage critical thinking without sparking defensiveness.

3. Be proactive as a parent. Search what’s trending on TikTok or Google to get a glimpse of what your teen may be exposed to, and equip them with three essentials before leaving home: how to get medical help, what insurance they have, and what medications or allergies they must know.

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In this eye-opening episode, Colleen O’Grady welcomes trauma and adoption expert Bryan Post to unpack the neuroscience behind stress and connection in parenting. Bryan explains how fear-based reactions (driven by cortisol) and love-based responses (driven by oxytocin) shape our children’s behaviors—and our reactions to them. Drawing from his own story as an adoptee, Bryan introduces the concept of “stress-sensitive children,” emphasizing that behaviors we label as “bad” often stem from unhealed trauma and unconscious grief. Through vivid stories and science-backed insights, Bryan offers simple, powerful shifts moms can make—starting with breathing—to transform stress into connection.

Bryan Post is one of the nation's leading experts on child behavior, trauma, and adoption. An adoptee and former foster child himself, Bryan founded Fear to Love LLC and developed the Fear to Love Method, a neuroscience-based, love-focused approach to parenting children with challenging behaviors. He’s a therapist, speaker, and bestselling author of From Fear to Love and co-author of Beyond Consequences, Logic, and Control. He is also the creator of Bondify the first AI-powered trauma-informed parenting support app.

1. All behavior arises from a state of stress. Underneath every meltdown or defiance is a nervous system overwhelmed by fear, often from unexpressed trauma or grief—sometimes passed down for generations.

2. Oxytocin is the antidote to cortisol. Just as stress creates fear-driven behaviors, connection creates calm. Nurturing relationships, not consequences, help regulate the brain.

3. Breathe first. Respond second. When parents slow down and breathe, they can shift their vibration from fear to love. That energy change alone can stop a four-year tantrum cycle in its tracks.

   
   

   Learn more at https://www.bryanpost.com/

   Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bryanpostofficial/?hl=en

   Check out https://bondify.ai/

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In this heartwarming and eye-opening episode, Colleen O'Grady talks with Amy Hughes—mother of nine, writer, parenting coach, and author of the upcoming book Words Like Honey. Together, they explore the profound impact of the words we speak to our children, especially during the teen and young adult years. Amy shares how common phrases like “hurry up” or “don’t be sad” can trigger stress responses in kids and how language rooted in fear or control can erode connection. Drawing from her own imperfect journey and deep experience as a mother, Amy introduces the “4 Rs” framework—Rethink, Replace, Reframe, and Repair—offering parents a path to more intentional and healing communication. The episode is a compassionate reminder that it’s never too late to choose grace-filled words that build trust and nurture faith.

Amy Hughes is a writer, speaker, and parenting coach based on California’s Central Coast. A mother of nine children ranging from toddler to 30 years old, Amy’s warmth, humor, and real-life parenting wisdom have made her a sought-after conference speaker. She’s a featured contributor to Wild + Free and has been published in Scary Mommy, Encourage, Christian Unschooling, and more. Her upcoming book, Words Like Honey: How to Avoid Unintentional Harm, Model Kindness, and Nurture Your Child's Faith Through What You Say, is available wherever books are sold. Find her at simplelittleamy.com or on Instagram @simplelittleamy.

Three Key Takeaways:

1. Our words shape our children’s inner world. Phrases we say often—like “be careful” or “what’s wrong with you?”—can unintentionally trigger anxiety, shame, or self-doubt. Awareness is the first step to change.

2. Repair is always possible. Even if we’ve said the wrong thing in the past, taking ownership and apologizing can restore connection and model humility and growth.

3. Life-giving language builds trust. Instead of threats, comparisons, or venting, Amy encourages us to use specific encouragement, curiosity, and kindness to create lasting bonds with our teens and young adults.

   
   

   Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/simplelittleamy/?hl=en

   Learn More at https://simplelittleamy.com/

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In this powerful episode of the Power Your Parenting: Moms of Teens podcast, Colleen O’Grady is joined by seasoned therapist and executive coach Catherine Hickem to explore the often-overlooked transition between parenting teens and maintaining connection with adult children. Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience, Catherine shares hard-won wisdom about managing fear, adjusting expectations, and nurturing lifelong bonds. The conversation dives deep into the emotional complexities of this phase—highlighting why parents must do their own work, how fear can unintentionally drive adult children away, and what it truly means to support rather than control. With honest storytelling and practical insight, this episode is a must-listen for any mom navigating the “what now?” of the emptying nest.

Catherine Hickem is a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, executive coach, and founder of the DASH Group. With over 40 years of experience helping families, leaders, and organizations navigate emotional complexity and transformational change, Catherine brings profound insight into relationships and leadership. A mother herself, Catherine is passionate about helping parents build strong, authentic connections with their adult children.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. It's Never Too Late to Be a Great Parent – Repair and growth are possible at any stage, but it takes humility, emotional regulation, and a willingness to do your own work.

2. Let Go of Fear-Based Parenting – Adult children need confidence, not control. When we lead with fear, we risk damaging trust and closeness.

3. Support Looks Different Now – Ask your adult children, “How can I support you right now?”—and be willing to listen without fixing. That simple question builds safety and connection.

   Learn more at https://www.parentingadultchildrentoday.com/

   Follow at https://www.tiktok.com/@parentingadultchildren2d

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Lisa and I talk about how much has changed for girls in the past ten years. Lisa raised a very important question. "What skills does a girl need to not have sex with someone she doesn't want to have sex with.? or "What skills does a girl need to not send a nude picture?" Lisa stated that it's not a "character deficit it's a skills deficit." Girls need to be taught concrete and discrete skills like being able to stand up for herself, setting boundaries ahead of time, know how to enforce that boundary verbally and physically, knowing who to talk to when she needs support, knowing how to deal with coercion, and when to end or leave a situation.

Lisa Hinkelman, PhD, is the founder and CEO of Ruling Our eXperiences, Inc. (ROX). She is a counselor, educator, researcher and author. Hinkelman's work for the past fifteen years has focused on the critical issues impacting girls and how schools, parents and educators can effectively support and encourage girls' interpersonal, educational and career growth. Previously, as a Counselor Education faculty member at The Ohio State University, her teaching and scholarly research focused on social and emotional learning, non-academic barriers that impact learning and girls' self-concept development. She was selected as a Nominated Changemaker for The White House United State of Women, Smart Business CEO of the Year and is a Draper Richards Kaplan Social Entrepreneur Fellow. 

Contact Lisa at ⁠https://rulingourexperiences.com/⁠

Follow Lisa at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/rulingourexperiences/

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My guest today literally wrote the book.

Brooke Romney is a writer, speaker and leader of an online community who helps moms of teens and tweens create meaningful, healthy and enjoyable relationships with their children through practical application, education and community. Her goal is for every family to feel confident and connected. The mother of four boys ages tween to adult, Brooke knows parenting perfection isn’t real and takes an honest and hopeful approach with her audience. Her best-selling book 52 Modern Manners for Today’s Teens (Volumes 1 & 2) provides weekly tips to help parents and teens navigate the complexities of today’s world. The follow-up, 52 Modern Manners for Kids, will feature tips for kids and tweens aged four to 12 and is set to release this August. Brooke's work has been featured in The Washington Post, Scary Mommy and Forbes. Brooke and her family live in Utah.

Here are some examples of her modern manners for teens

• Be inclusive
• You attract what you put out into the world
• Say thank you
• Be reliable
• Reply
• Work with integrity
• Look up smile and say hello
• Don’t be annoying

In this episode she shares her secrets to getting teens to actually listen (and not blow you off) and follow through with these manners.

Follow Brooke on Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/brookeromneywrites/⁠

and ⁠https://brookeromney.com/

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Well, I definitely have been an anxious mom, just ask my daughter. Actually I have never met a mom especially a mom of a teen who hasn’t had to deal with anxious thoughts. Moms are going to worry. the challenge is how to make anxiety useful and not be a constant source of agony. In this episode we talk about how to get curious about anxiety and learn from it.

Joining us today is Yael Goldstein-Love. She is the author of the novels The Passion of Tasha Darsky, described as “showing signs of brooding genius” by The New York Times, and The Possibilities, forthcoming in July. She also practices psychotherapy, with a particular interest in the transition to parenthood, and is working toward her doctorate in clinical psychology. Her dissertation research focuses on how mothers experience their anxiety for the unknown futures of their children. She is a graduate of Harvard University and currently attends The Wright Institute. Her writing has appeared in The Boston Globe, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Wall Street Journal Speakeasy Blog, The Atlantic online, The Forward, Commentary, and other places. She lives with her six-year-old son and a very patient cat in Berkeley, CA.

Here are a couple of quotes from Yael's article on maternal anxiety.

"There is a mismatch between the primal maternal drive to protect our offspring and our knowledge that we’re largely powerless to do so, and this gap between what we long to do as mothers taxed with seeing the next generation in, and what we can realistically do as human beings, is one of the more brutal gifts of evolution. No wonder anxiety is such a fundamental part of motherhood."

"We don’t often think about the sheer existential heft of caring for a child, and how anxiety is baked right into it. To honor this aspect of mothering would be to look head-on at realities we all find harrowing: that life is fragile, we never know what’s coming next, we suffer, and in the end we die. Maternal worry gets at the heart of what is terrifying about being alive, and about loving."

Learn more at: ⁠https://www.yaelgoldsteinlove.com/⁠

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Lisa Danahy (C-IAYT, YACEP, MS) is a powerful educator and entrepreneur. Her non-profit, Create Calm, has facilitated cultural shifts and deep healing for thousands of students, teachers, and families in hundreds of schools and community organizations across the country since 2016.

With an MS in Yoga Therapy and BA in Psychology, over 30 years as a school administrator and SEL curriculum developer, and certification as an advanced educator and trainer, Lisa is highly skilled at creating accessible, evidence-based, successful curricula for behavioral and emotional regulation, as well as physical and mental health. She is the author of Creating Calm in Your Classroom.

Key Takeaways:

1. Your calm is contagious. You don’t need to fix your teen’s mood. When you regulate yourself first—through breath, movement, or mindfulness—you model what emotional balance looks like and help them get there too.

2. Energy is meant to move. Whether it’s stress, anxiety, or frustration, Lisa offers easy movement practices like “Washing Machine Twists” that help shift big energy safely out of the body.

3. Start where you are. You don’t need a yoga mat or a quiet room. Mindful movements and breath can happen in the kitchen, before you walk in the house, or alongside your dysregulated teen—with or without their participation.

   Learn more at: https://createcalm.org/

   Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/create_calm_yoga/

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In this powerful episode, Dr. Jennifer Zumarrarga, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, joins Colleen O’Grady to talk about the growing issue of digital distress—the emotional strain and anxiety caused by excessive screen use. Together, they explore how screens are impacting teens' mental health, from sleep issues to depression and even self-harm. Dr. Zumarrarga shares how her clinical work has evolved as digital habits have become a root cause of many emotional and behavioral issues in teens. The conversation dives deep into how the pandemic escalated screen dependency, how to spot signs of distress, and why setting boundaries around technology use is more critical than ever—especially during summer.

Jennifer Zumarraga, MD is a specialist in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology at El Camino Health in California. She has over a decade of experience working with children and adolescents of all ages. Dr. Zumarraga began her career in research at the National Institute of Mental Health, focusing on youth with ADHD. She went on to complete her training at the University of Rochester and the University of Southern California.

Three Key Takeaways:

1. Excessive screen time affects the basics: Sleep, nutrition, mood, and social interaction often suffer when teens are glued to their devices. Look for changes like irritability, withdrawal, or academic decline.

2. Limits are necessary—and hard: Teens often push back when you try to cut screen time. But consistency, clear boundaries, and calm conversations (held when everyone is regulated) can help establish healthier habits.

3. Help teens reclaim their summer: Work with your teen to create a list of 30–50 non-digital activities, develop a daily structure, and encourage real-world social connections. This effort now can prevent more serious mental health issues later.

   Learn more at:

   https://www.getcare.elcaminohealth.org/providers/jennifer-zumarraga-md-1518987601-1

   
   

   
   

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In this powerful episode, Dr. Crystal Collier joins Colleen to unpack the science behind teen decision-making, impulsivity, and risk. With compelling insights from her own story and decades of research, Dr. Collier explains how dopamine, brain development, and social pressure collide in the adolescent years. She shares how high-risk behaviors like vaping, binge drinking, and overusing tech can alter executive functioning—and what parents can do to help. From early prevention strategies to family code building, refusal skills, and brain-based praise, this episode offers actionable steps to help your teen thrive.

Crystal Collier, PhD, LPC-S, is a therapist, prevention researcher, educator, and author of The NeuroWhereAbouts Guide and Know Your Neuro: Adventures of a Growing Brain children's book series. The Know Your Neuro prevention model was selected for the Prevention and Education Commendation from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. Key Takeaways:

1. You can prevent risky behavior—but it takes consistency, brain-based conversations, and setting a clear family code. Starting early (even in 3rd grade) is ideal, but it’s never too late to begin.

2. Risky behavior alters brain development. Dopamine surges from vaping, drinking, or pornography can delay or damage the frontal lobe’s growth—impacting impulse control, empathy, and decision-making.

3. Refusal skills matter. Teens are more likely to say yes when they haven’t rehearsed saying no. Helping your teen develop assertive or even humorous ways to resist peer and social media pressure is critical to their safety and confidence.

Let your parenting be grounded in neuroscience—and empower your teen to protect their most valuable asset: their brain.

Learn more at https://www.drcrystalcollier.com/

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In this deeply compassionate and eye-opening episode, Colleen interviews Jheri South—a mom of seven neurodivergent children, ADHD coach, and parent mentor—about the often overlooked emotional side of ADHD, especially Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). Jheri shares her raw and inspiring journey from being a single mom in survival mode to becoming an empowered advocate and guide for parents of neurodivergent teens. Together, they discuss why ADHD isn’t just about distractibility—it’s about difficulty regulating attention and emotion. Jheri explains how understanding the neurological wiring of ADHD can radically shift a child’s self-worth and a parent’s approach. She also unpacks how a simple coaching tool helped her son break through emotional paralysis—and why parents must do their own work to create a stable foundation for healing and growth.

Jheri’s insights are grounded in both lived experience and professional expertise. She explains why many parents misinterpret emotional dysregulation as defiance, how girls often mask their symptoms, and why RSD episodes are not moments for discipline but for space and understanding. If you’ve ever wondered whether medication, coaching, or mindset work is the right path, Jheri provides a balanced, informed perspective—along with hope that your teen can thrive.

💡 Takeaways for Moms

1. ADHD is not just about focus—it’s deeply emotional. Many kids (and adults) with ADHD struggle with rejection sensitivity and emotional swings that can look like laziness, disrespect, or defiance. Recognizing this rewires your approach from frustration to empathy.

2. Connection matters more than perfection. Sherri emphasizes that building a relationship based on fun, love, and trust—not just academic success or behavior management—is what truly sustains teens, especially those with ADHD.

3. Support starts with you. Parents who ask, “How can I do this better?” create a healing path forward. Your mindset, consistency, and willingness to understand your child’s brain can make the difference between chaos and clarity.

   Find out more at: https://jherisouth.com/

   Follow Jheri at https://www.instagram.com/msjherisouth/

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In this powerful conversation with Claire Morell, author of The Tech Exit, we explore the real impact of smartphones and social media on our kids and why conventional parenting tools like screen time limits and parental controls often fall short. Claire shares her journey from policymaker to parent advocate and breaks down why the tech industry’s promises to families aren’t adding up. Instead of surrendering to tech as inevitable, Claire offers a radically hopeful and doable alternative: the “tech exit”—a smartphone-free and social media-free childhood. Backed by research and stories from families who’ve successfully made this shift, she reframes tech resistance not as deprivation, but as a profound gift of presence, imagination, and resilience.

Takeaways

Many parents try to moderate tech with time limits and parental controls, but these tools are often ineffective and misleading. Claire explains that screens act on the brain like addictive drugs, meaning moderation isn’t enough. She introduces her FEAST framework—Find families, Educate, Adopt alternatives, Set rules, Trade screens for real life—as a roadmap for reclaiming childhood from digital overwhelm. The most hopeful message? It’s never too late. Even if your teen is already hooked, a 30-day digital detox can reset your child’s brain, mood, and creativity. With courage, community, and practical strategies, your family can exit the tech trap—and flourish.

Find out more at claremorell.substack.com

Follow on X at https://x.com/claremorelleppc

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In this eye-opening episode, I speak with Dr. Paul Corona, a Southern California-based physician and author of The Corona Protocol. Dr. Corona shares why the traditional psychiatric model often falls short—and how his innovative approach combines mind and body medicine for faster, more effective healing. With over 30 years of experience, he explains how treating the root cause of mood disorders can change a teen’s life trajectory and even help prevent addiction, bullying, school shootings, homelessness, and suicide. We also dig into how to recognize when a teen needs psychiatric help, how medication really works, and why a diagnosis like ADHD doesn’t mean your child is “broken.”

Here are three powerful takeaways from our conversation:

1. Symptoms are signals. A drop in grades, irritability, or self-isolation may not just be stress—it could be an untreated mood disorder or anxiety that’s interfering with your teen’s functioning.

2. Medication isn’t the enemy. When properly prescribed, medications don’t “mess up” your teen—they restore balance, relieve suffering, and often lead to rapid transformation. And no, it doesn’t always mean a lifetime prescription.

3. You’re not a bad parent. Seeking help doesn’t mean you’ve failed. In fact, early intervention can change the course of your teen’s life—improving not just their mood, but their relationships, academics, and future well-being.

   
   

   Follow on Instagram at:

   https://www.instagram.com/drpaulcoronamd/

   Learn more at:

   https://drpaulcoronamd.com/

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In this inspiring and practical episode, Colleen interviews Shellee Howard, founder and CEO of College Ready. Shellee shares how her son’s big dream of going to Harvard launched her on a mission to help families get their teens into best-fit colleges—without going into debt. Drawing from both personal experience and years of expert consulting, Shellee explains what “college ready” really means (hint: it’s more about life skills than test scores). The conversation dives into passion projects, financial strategy, mindset shifts, and how to help your teen feel confident, not crushed, by the college admissions process.

Shellee Howard is the Founder and CEO of College Ready and CR Future Now, a Certified Independent College Strategist, and a best-selling author. A member of HECA and SOFA, she helps students gain admission to their best-fit colleges—often debt-free.

A sought-after speaker and consultant, Shellee has guided hundreds of students worldwide to top universities, ensuring they graduate debt-free and land jobs they love.

One key takeaway? Help your teen articulate their own greatness. They often don’t know how to express what they’ve accomplished.

Second, college readiness begins long before senior year—it’s about nurturing values, interests, and self-awareness.

And third, parents can support without pushing by being strategic advocates who see the bigger picture. Whether your teen is a high-achiever or still figuring things out, this episode will give you tools to guide them forward.

Learn more at: https://collegereadyplan.com/

Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

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In this timely and eye-opening episode, I talk with Teodora Pavkovic, Director of Wellbeing at Linewize and a global thought leader in digital wellness. We explore the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and how it's showing up in your teen's daily life—from schoolwork to entertainment to emotionally intimate chatbot relationships. Teodora shares how character-based bots are not just tools for creativity but are becoming substitutes for real connection, offering nonjudgmental, always-available companionship that teens may prefer over human relationships. We also dig into how AI can help or hinder development, and why curiosity, open conversations, and family tech agreements are more critical now than ever.

Teodora Pavkovic is the Director of Wellbeing at Linewize, where she leverages her decade-plus of experience as a youth psychologist, parenting coach and digital wellness practitioner to provide guidance and advice to parents, teachers and school administrators on topics concerning mental health, responsible and safe use of technology, tech ethics, parenting in the digital age and child development. A prominent figure in the global digital wellness community, Pavkovic is a member of both the American and British psychological associations, co-chair of Fairplay’s (formerly Campaign For a Commercial-Free Childhood) parenting professionals’ group and an advisory board member of several educational and mental health organizations. Here are three key takeaways from this conversation:

1. Awareness before fear. Many parents underestimate how much their kids are already engaging with AI, often in emotionally meaningful ways. Curiosity—not control—is your most powerful parenting tool when it comes to understanding and guiding their AI use.

2. AI is a new kind of “relationship.” Teens are forming connections with AI bots that feel empathic, safe, and nonjudgmental. This raises critical questions about how to maintain real-world emotional and social development.

3. Confidence is key—for both parent and teen. Parents don't need to be tech experts, but they do need to be engaged. When both you and your teen feel confident and supported, you're more equipped to set healthy digital boundaries and ensure AI serves your family's wellbeing—not the other way around.

   Learn more at:

   https://www.teopcoaching.com/

   https://www.linewize.com/

   Follow at:

   https://www.instagram.com/psycoachtp/

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In this powerful episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, Colleen welcomes Elizabeth Husserl, financial advisor and author of The Power of Enough, for a refreshing conversation about helping teens develop a healthy relationship with money. Elizabeth shares how our own relationship with money—whether rooted in scarcity, comparison, or abundance—directly shapes how our teens view financial wellbeing. Instead of chasing endless “more,” Elizabeth encourages teaching teens about true wealth: feeling satisfied, connected, purposeful, and free. Together, they explore the importance of the satiation paradigm and embodying wealth in everyday life, not just accumulating money. Practical tools like the "Wealth Mandala" exercise help families assess areas like freedom, leisure, belonging, and purpose, offering a more holistic way to talk to teens about success and happiness.

Elizabeth Husserl is a registered investment advisor representative, financial advisor, and cofounder of Peak360 Wealth Management, a boutique wealth planning firm. She holds a BS in economics from Tulane University and an MA in East-West psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies, where she has also taught as an adjunct professor. Her experience spans nonprofit work throughout the Americas, and she is a highly sought-after speaker, having led workshops at major tech companies, including Airbnb, Unity, and Google. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and daughter. 

Key Takeaways:

• Money and wealth are different. Money is a tool for transactions, but real wealth is a deeper, embodied experience of wellbeing—connection, purpose, freedom, and belonging.

• Teens need to be part of financial conversations. Including them in family money decisions helps them understand choices, responsibilities, and builds entrepreneurial thinking.

• Teaching satiation builds resilience. Encouraging teens to recognize what truly satisfies them—rather than chasing endless more—builds confidence, fulfillment, and a lifelong healthy relationship with money.

  
  

  Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/elizabethhusserl/

  Learn more about Elizabeth at https://elizabethhusserl.com/

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In this powerful episode, Dr. Lisa Orbé-Austin, psychologist and author of Your Child’s Greatness, joins Colleen to explore how imposter syndrome shows up in teens—and how parents can help prevent it. Lisa shares how imposter syndrome stems from not internalizing success, overvaluing others, and defaulting to perfectionism. Drawing from personal stories—including her daughter's fencing journey—Lisa highlights the importance of embracing failure, savoring small wins, and teaching your child to develop a growth mindset. You’ll hear heartfelt insights about helping your child build resilience and why internalizing success matters just as much as achieving it.

Dr. Lisa Orbé-Austin is a licensed psychologist and executive coach. She earned her doctorate in counseling psychology from Columbia University. Her expertise on impostor syndrome is regularly sought by the media, and she has appeared in outlets such as the

Financial Times, the TODAY show, Good Morning America, Forbes, HuffPost, Refinery29, and more. Dr. Orbé-Austin has been an invited speaker at various national conferences. Her first book, Own Your Greatness: Overcome Impostor Syndrome, Beat Self-Doubt, and Succeed in Life (Ulysses Press, 2020) coauthored with her partner, Dr. Richard Orbé-Austin, was a finalist for the Foreword INDIES Book Award. Her second book, Your Unstoppable Greatness: Break Free of Impostor Syndrome, Cultivate Your Agency, and Achieve Your Ultimate Career Goals H(Ulysses Press, 2022) is focused on dealing with the systemic dynamics that keep impostor syndrome in place and how to directly combat those dynamics.

Here are three inspiring takeaways from this conversation:

1. Failure is not the enemy—it's the classroom. Helping your teen reframe failure as part of the growth process builds resilience and self-belief. Let them fail safely, and support their emotional regulation afterward.
2. Celebrate the small wins. Whether it’s improving by one point or making it through a tough day, acknowledging progress helps your teen internalize success and develop confidence in their abilities.
3. Model and nurture self-worth. Teens learn by watching. When you savor your own wins and embrace your imperfections, you give your child permission to do the same—and combat imposter syndrome from the inside out.

Learn more at https://www.dynamictransitionsllp.com/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drorbeaustin/

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What would shift in your day if you took just three intentional minutes for yourself each morning?

In this deeply affirming and humorous episode, Colleen O’Grady welcomes Erin Morrison, author of Three Minutes for Mom: 365 Days of Empowerment, Encouragement, and Growth for a More Connected Motherhood. Erin shares how a simple daily practice—rooted in short reflections and compassionate reminders—can transform a mother’s emotional landscape. From real talk on “mom bods” and meltdowns to metaphors like “feelings are like laundry,” the conversation covers how small mindset shifts can help moms feel more grounded, connected, and confident. Erin emphasizes that empowerment doesn’t mean being perfect—it means believing in your goodness, even on the messy days. Together, Colleen and Erin remind moms that it's not personal—it's developmental—and that motherhood is an ongoing experiment, not a performance.

As the creator of The Conscious Mom, Erin's approach to motherhood gives mothers exactly what they need: tools to make tiny shifts and create big change. With two master's degrees in Counseling from Columbia University and a specialization in conscious parenting, Erin uses her down-to-earth, non-judgmental style to help mothers f feel more confident, connected & calm. As a mom of two, she understands the dynamics of parenting-and lives them herself so she can help parents everywhere dramatically and positively improve their relationships with their children.

Three Takeaways:

1. You don’t have to be perfect to be a great mom. Let go of the pressure to get it all right. What your kids need most is your presence, not your perfection.
2. Start your day with you. Taking just a few minutes in the morning for reflection, gratitude, or a grounding ritual can completely change your energy—and what you bring to your family.
3. Believe in your child, even when you can’t believe their story. When your teen spirals into dramatic thinking, stay grounded. Your belief in them—even when they don’t believe in themselves—is an anchoring force.

Find out more at https://theconsciousmom.com/

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/itstheconsciousmom/

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In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms of Teens, Colleen O’Grady sits down with family travel coach Laura Rahn to explore how family vacations can become meaningful, memory-making experiences rather than stress-filled disasters. Together, they unpack why so many well-intentioned trips go off the rails—hint: it often starts before the bags are even packed. Laura shares her “Dream, Design, Depart” process, helping families clarify the purpose of their trip, communicate expectations ahead of time, and include teens in the planning process so everyone feels heard and invested.

Laura Rahn is a retired educator and a certified Family Travel Coach. She lives in Virginia with her husband and wonderful dog. As a military BRAT, she has been traveling her whole life. Laura has been involving her two adult daughters in the vacation planning process since they were old enough to have a voice and loves sharing her passion for family travel with others.

One key takeaway is that clear communication is everything—bringing your teen to the table early allows for shared expectations and fewer meltdowns. Another is to define the "why" of your vacation before picking the "where"; when everyone understands the purpose, the rest falls into place. Finally, moms are reminded not to lose themselves in the hustle—you matter too, and it’s okay to want something out of the vacation that’s just for you. After all, a truly great family trip leaves everyone feeling restored and connected.

• Follow on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/groups/seldomadullmoment 
• Learn more about Laura at https://www.seldomadullmoment.com/ 
• Freebie: bit.ly/42xgCFH  PDF of "The Busy Parents Guide to Start Planning that Dream Vacation with your Family"

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In this episode, we talk about what anxiety-driven anger looks like in our teens.

Kelsey Torgerson Dunn, MSW, LCSW, specializes in anxiety and anger management therapy for kids, teens, and college students. She opened her group practice, Compassionate Counseling St. Louis, in early 2017. She practices cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness skills, and often finds that just having someone on your side is the most helpful part of counseling.

Kelsey recently published When Anxiety Makes You Angry written for teens.  “Using a proven-effective approach rooted in evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), When Anxiety Makes You Angry will help you identify the anxiety beneath your anger, accept difficult emotions—rather than fighting or trying to ignore them—and learn healthy coping and self-regulation skills to help you find emotional balance. You’ll also discover how to “train your brain” to stop and think before reacting; and how to choose calm over chaos when faced with the things that trigger your anxiety or anger.

To learn more contact Kelsey at https://www.kelseytorgersondunn.com/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselingwithkelsey/

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What are adults missing about teens and technology? A lot.

Harvard University Project Zero researchers, Common Sense Media collaborators, and real-life parents Emily Weinstein and Carrie James are the authors of BEHIND THEIR SCREENS: What Teens are Facing (and Adults are Missing). In their book, James and Weinstein combine their years of research on technology use by adolescents—including data gathered during the first year of the COVID pandemic—to explore how teens use their phones, messaging apps, social media, and more to navigate their real-world relationships in new and surprising ways. The authors also have the benefit of the expertise of teens themselves. By working with dozens of middle and high school students across the United States—part of the authors’ Teen Advisory Council—Weinstein and James explain in adolescents’ own words why they do what they do online, and what tweens and teens wish their parents understood about the connected world they're living in.

Emily Weinstein is a Research Director at Project Zero at Harvard and a Lecturer at the Graduate School of Education. Carrie James is a sociologist and Principle Investigator at Project Zero at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She is the author of Disconnected: Youth, New Media, and the Ethics Gap (MIT Press). The authors' work has been covered in Time, the Boston Globe, the Washington Post, and the Atlantic, and they are sought-after speakers on teens and technology. You can learn more at www.behindtheirscreens.com

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In this episode of Power Your Parenting – Moms with Teens, host Colleen O’Grady sits down with Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson, co-authors of The Self-Driven Child and their latest workbook, The Seven Principles for Raising a Self-Driven Child. Together, they explore how fostering a sense of autonomy in teens can actually make them more motivated and resilient. They discuss the critical difference between control and influence, the importance of parents being a non-anxious presence, and how stepping back can help teens step up. Through relatable examples and real-life experiences, they illustrate how letting go of excessive monitoring and trusting teens to navigate their own decisions—while still providing guidance—can lead to stronger relationships and more self-sufficient young adults.

 William Stixrud, Ph.D. is a clinical neuropsychologist and a faculty member at Children's National Medical Center and George Washington University Medical School. He lectures and writes widely on the adolescent brain, meditation, and the effects of stress, sleep deprivation, and technology overload on the brain. He is on the board of the David Lynch Foundation.

 Ned Johnson is the founder of PrepMatters and the coauthor of Conquering the SAT: How Parents Can Help Teens Overcome the Pressure and Succeed. A sought-after speaker and teen coach for study skills, parent-teen dynamics, and anxiety management, his work has been featured on NPR, NewsHour, U.S. News & World Report, Time, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal.

Here are three key takeaways from this conversation: First, teens need to develop a sense of control over their own lives to build confidence and resilience—over-managing them often backfires. Second, maintaining a calm and supportive presence as a parent is more effective than reacting with anxiety, as emotions are contagious. Lastly, success isn’t defined by a perfect academic record or a linear path—giving kids room to make mistakes and learn from them is one of the greatest gifts a parent can provide. This episode will leave you with a fresh perspective on parenting and practical ways to create a more positive, less stressful dynamic with your teen.

Learn more at https://theselfdrivenchild.com/

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/theothernedjohnson/

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In this episode of Power Your Parenting – Moms with Teens, host Colleen O’Grady sits down with Dr. Ran Anbar, author of The Life Guide for Teens: Harnessing Your Inner Power to Be Healthy, Happy, and Confident. Dr. Anbar shares practical strategies to help teens take control of their emotions, shift their mindset, and build resilience. Through years of counseling thousands of adolescents, he’s discovered that small changes—like the words teens use, their ability to visualize success, and how they manage fear—can lead to profound growth. He also discusses the impact of sleep, social media, and self-talk on teen well-being, offering parents tools to support their children in developing independence and emotional strength.

Ran D. Anbar, MD, FAAP, is board certified in both pediatric pulmonology and general pediatrics. He offers counseling and hypnosis services at Center Point Medicine in La Jolla, California, and in Syracuse, New York. Dr. Anbar is the author of the acclaimed Changing Children’s Lives with Hypnosis: A Journey to the Center (Rowman & Littlefield, 2021), as well as a regular columnist for Psychology Today Online. Dr. Anbar is the founder of Center Point Medicine, serving the mission of making mental health care more accessible for children.

Here are three key takeaways from the conversation: First, the words we use—both as parents and teens—shape our reality. Encouraging positive language and shifting from “I can’t” to “I will” can transform confidence and motivation. Second, learning to manage emotions and fears is a crucial skill. Rather than dismissing fears, parents can help their teens face them with imaginative solutions, empowering them to handle stress more effectively. Lastly, giving teens space to make mistakes is essential. Overparenting, whether through micromanaging or bulldozing obstacles, can hinder their ability to navigate life’s challenges. Instead, parents should transition from being enforcers to supporters, allowing teens to develop problem-solving skills that will serve them well into adulthood.

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In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, Colleen O’Grady speaks with transformational coach Anne Marie Chereso about the power of conscious parenting. They explore how self-awareness is the foundation for authentic connection and why parenting from a place of presence—not fear—can help reduce drama and conflict. Anne Marie shares her personal experiences navigating parenting challenges and offers insight into how our own unresolved emotions can affect the way we interact with our children. Through mindfulness, self-reflection, and a commitment to emotional regulation, moms can transform their relationships by fostering deeper understanding and trust.

Author, Meditation Teacher, and Transformational Coach, Annmarie Chereso empowers parents, children and families to discover authentic happiness and true success.

With over two decades of expertise, Annmarie has trained educators, students, and parents globally through online courses, coaching, speaking engagements, workshops, and retreats. She's collaborated with renowned leaders including Dr. Shefali Tsabary and The Conscious Leadership Group.

This episode highlights three key takeaways for moms. First, true connection with your teen starts with self-awareness—when you understand your own emotional triggers, you can respond rather than react. Second, resisting the urge to control your teen’s experience and instead acting as a compassionate witness allows them to navigate challenges while feeling supported. Lastly, making space for daily joy, even in small ways, helps shift the energy in your home and fosters a more positive parent-child dynamic. By embracing conscious parenting, moms can create a calmer, more connected relationship with their teens.

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In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, host Colleen O’Grady sits down with Dr. Blaise Aguirre, a leading psychiatrist and expert in adolescent mental health. Together, they dive into the complex and often hidden struggle of teen self-hatred. Dr. Aguirre shares how self-hatred differs from temporary self-doubt, often becoming deeply ingrained in sensitive teens. He discusses how it can lead to self-destructive behaviors, the connection between sensitivity and self-worth, and why traditional approaches—like simply telling a child they are loved—often fall short. Instead, he highlights the power of deep listening, validation, and helping teens recognize and embrace their unique strengths.

Our guest Dr. Blaise Aguire is the author of I Hate Myself: Overcome Self-Hatred and Realize Why You're Wrong About You. Dr. Blaise Aguirre, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, Founding Medical Director of McLean Hospital's adolescent dialectical behavior therapy program.

This episode offers three key takeaways for moms of teens. First, listening without immediately trying to fix or dismiss a teen’s emotions is one of the most powerful tools for connection. Second, acknowledging and valuing a teen’s personal interests—rather than comparing them to siblings or societal expectations—helps foster self-acceptance. Lastly, small acts of self-compassion, such as recognizing personal strengths and moments of kindness, can gradually help shift a teen’s self-perception from criticism to self-love. Dr. Aguirre’s insights remind parents that while self-hatred is difficult to tackle, with patience, understanding, and the right support, teens can learn to see themselves with greater kindness and confidence.

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In this episode, Colleen O’Grady sits down with New York Times bestselling author Melanie Shankle to discuss the deep waters of motherhood, particularly the struggles of raising teenage daughters. Melanie shares her journey of uncovering generational patterns, healing from past wounds, and guiding her daughter through the painful reality of mean girl culture. As a mother, she discovered that unresolved personal struggles can impact parenting, making it crucial to confront our own "dragons." Through Caroline’s experiences, they discuss the importance of self-advocacy, resilience, and the powerful role of a mother’s support in shaping a teen’s confidence and emotional health.

Melanie Shankle is a three-time New York Times bestselling author of Here Be Dragons, Sparkly Green Earrings, The Antelope in the Living Room, and Nobody’s Cuter Than You. She speaks at events nationwide and co-hosts the wildly popular podcast, The Big Boo Cast. Melanie and her husband, Perry, live in San Antonio, Texas, and are the parents of Caroline.

Three key takeaways from this conversation: First, healing from personal wounds is essential to breaking unhealthy cycles and equipping children with the emotional strength they need. Second, mean girl dynamics can be intense, but teaching teens to set boundaries and stand up for themselves fosters resilience and self-respect. Lastly, moms play a crucial role in helping teens process their experiences by listening, validating their feelings, and guiding them toward positive relationships. Above all, trust that the challenges teens face today can shape them into stronger, more compassionate individuals in the future.

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In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, host Colleen O’Grady sits down with Dr. Meredith Gansner, a child psychiatrist and researcher, to discuss the rising rates of teen depression in the digital age. Together, they explore how social media, online interactions, and excessive screen time contribute to adolescent mental health struggles. Dr. Gansner shares insights from her research and her new book, Teen Depression Gone Viral, highlighting how parents can recognize signs of depression, differentiate between typical teen emotions and clinical concerns, and take proactive steps to support their child’s well-being. They also tackle the difficult topic of suicidal ideation, how parents can navigate these conversations, and the importance of maintaining open communication while setting digital boundaries.

Dr. Meredith Gansner is an instructor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and attending child psychiatrist at Boston Children’s Hospital. After completing medical school at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, she completed her psychiatry residency at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Brigham and Women’s Hospital and a fellowship in child psychiatry at Cambridge Health Alliance. Her research explores high-risk digital media use in adolescents and managing high-risk digital media habits. She is an active member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry media committee, has written articles about mental health and digital media for The Psychiatric Times,The Boston Globe, and Slate magazine.

Key takeaways from this conversation include the importance of observing your teen’s level of functioning rather than just their emotions, understanding that social media is not inherently harmful but can be risky without guidance, and remembering that parents need support too—caring for yourself helps you better support your teen. With expert advice and practical strategies, this episode empowers moms to feel more prepared to guide their teens through the challenges of growing up in a digital world.

Learn more about Dr. Gansner at https://www.childrenshospital.org/directory/meredith-gansner

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In this episode of Power Your Parenting – Moms with Teens, Colleen O’Grady welcomes Dr. Paul Sunseri a seasoned family therapist and author of Gentle Parenting Reimagined: How to Make It Work with Oppositional and Defiant Kids. Together, they dive into the challenges of parenting strong-willed teens and explore why traditional parenting strategies often fall short with oppositional kids. Dr. Sunseri shares his journey of working with high-conflict families, uncovering what truly works when it comes to setting limits, reducing arguments, and fostering better communication.

Paul Sunseri, Psy.D., is a clinical psychologist and father of four who treats children and adolescents with serious mental health conditions. He is the developer of Intensive Family-Focused Therapy (myIFFT.org), a highly effective form of family-based mental health care.

One of the key insights from this conversation is the importance of clarity, consistency, and disengagement in parenting. Dr. Sinceri explains that parents often get trapped in unnecessary arguments because teens use red herrings—distractions and emotional outbursts—to steer the conversation away from responsibilities. He emphasizes that arguing with a teen is never productive and that parents should focus on setting clear expectations without engaging in power struggles. Instead of negotiating endlessly, parents should hold firm boundaries and use practical consequences, such as limiting screen time, until responsibilities are met. Disengagement is another crucial strategy—when a teen escalates, staying calm and walking away removes the emotional fuel that drives the conflict, ultimately leading to fewer power struggles.

Three Key Takeaways:

1. Stop engaging in arguments: The moment a conversation turns into a debate or escalates into yelling, step back. Arguments require two participants—when you refuse to engage, the conflict loses its power.
2. Use structured consequences effectively: Screens and privileges should be earned, not given freely. By tying them to responsibilities like homework and chores, teens learn accountability without constant battles.
3. Disengage from emotional explosions: Instead of reacting to tantrums or verbal outbursts, remain calm, state your boundary, and walk away. Over time, this teaches teens self-regulation and reduces dramatic confrontations.

By shifting their approach, parents can create a more peaceful home environment, helping their teens develop responsibility while maintaining a loving connection.

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Learn more about Dr. Sunseri and his services, Go to his website at https://www.myiift.org/

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In this episode, Colleen and Susan explore the challenges of parenting in today’s high-pressure world and emphasize the importance of creating emotional safety and connectedness at home. They discuss how critical it is for teens to feel a sense of belonging and trust in their parents, not just as enforcers of rules but as compassionate guides who see and accept them for who they are. The conversation highlights the difference between addressing behavior and unconditionally accepting your child as a person. The hosts also delve into the concept of “secure attachment,” which can be nurtured through intentional listening, emotional regulation, and moments of true connection—even in the midst of life’s busyness. Through relatable examples and practical advice, the podcast equips parents to create an environment where their teens feel safe to be open and transparent.

Susan Caso, MA, LPC, helps people find the feeling of connectedness that creates

heartfelt interactions. A sought-after therapist, consultant, and speaker with over twenty

years in clinical practice, Susan has helped parents, teens, couples, and families create

emotional safety to build stronger relationships. Susan holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education from the University of Colorado.

Susan’s work has been featured in media outlets such as Mother.ly, andThe Hollywood Reporter. She is the author of the Parent -Teen Connection: How to Build Lifelong Family Relationships.

Here are three powerful takeaways from the episode:

1. Shift from judgment to acceptance: Teens thrive when they know their parents accept them unconditionally, even when their behavior falls short. Separating the person from the behavior allows you to address issues without damaging the relationship.
2. Listen to understand, not to fix: When teens come to you with concerns, resist the urge to jump straight into problem-solving. Instead, focus on listening, validating their emotions, and empathizing with their experience to build trust and connection.
3. Model emotional regulation and introspection: Your ability to handle stress and reflect on your emotions directly impacts your teen. By staying calm and self-aware, you create a safe space where your teen feels encouraged to share and grow.

This episode is packed with actionable advice for navigating the ups and downs of parenting teens while fostering lifelong connections.

Find out more at susancaso.com

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Dr. Heidi Brocke is a Toxic Relationship Awareness & Healing Specialist. After spending 14 years in an extremely emotionally and narcissistically abusive relationship she broke the chains and turned her past into her passion; She left her 24 years career in healthcare to use her life experience and education to be the person she needed when she herself was trapped in the darkness of an unhealthy relationship to provide hope, healing, and freedom to those whose lives have been affected by toxic relation-ships, emotional abuse, and narcissistic behaviors.

Through education, she presents the understanding needed to empower others to walk through fear and into their freedom.Today she has helped hundreds rid and heal their toxic relationships and hosts the popular podcast, It’s not Normal, It’s Toxic-rid your life of toxic people - with over a million downloads worldwide.

She’s an international keynote speaker, recipient of Empowering Women in Business of The Year award by Inspiring Lives Magazine, and has been featured in both Forbes and Time Magazines for the dedication given to her clients and for her work in the toxic relationship area.

To contact Dr. Heidi or take her Toxicity Profile Analysis and Quiz go to https://coachingwithdrheidi.com/

Follow Dr. Heidi on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/coachingwithdrheidi/ 

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This episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens tackles these concerns head-on with expert guest Philip Bates, a former educator and principal, now working in college prep at UWorld. Together, Colleen O’Grady and Philip walk moms through how to prepare their teens—whether they’re unsure of their future path, striving for Ivy League dreams, or just figuring out what’s next after high school. From creating a plan for standardized testing to encouraging a growth mindset, this episode is full of actionable advice to simplify a daunting process.

Philip Bates was a successful educator and school administrator for 17 years. Now he’s proud to be working for UWorld. Their mission is to develop and launch products to prepare high school students to be successful on the SAT, ACT, and AP exams.

In this episode, Colleen and Philip explore practical strategies for guiding teens through the maze of college prep without adding unnecessary pressure. They discuss the importance of starting conversations early—such as casual visits to college campuses during family trips—and how to meet your child where they are emotionally and developmentally. Philip shares his personal and professional insights on balancing academic rigor, extracurricular involvement, and life skills like self-management. He emphasizes the value of listening to your teen’s goals and passions rather than imposing your expectations. With a focus on growth mindset and realistic planning, this episode provides a roadmap for navigating junior and senior years, from handling high-stakes tests like the SAT and ACT to making informed decisions about college applications.

Key Takeaways:

1. Start Early but Stay Casual: Introduce the concept of college early by visiting campuses casually during trips, but avoid pressuring your child to have everything figured out too soon. Meet them at their current developmental stage.
2. Encourage a Growth Mindset: Standardized tests don’t define your teen’s intelligence or future. Frame them as opportunities for improvement, and help your child focus on progress rather than perfection.
3. Self-Management is Key: Beyond academics, teach your teen essential life skills like managing their time, money, and responsibilities. These are just as critical to their success in college and adulthood as their GPA or extracurriculars.

Tune in to this insightful episode for tools and strategies to empower both you and your teen on the journey to college readiness.

Find out more more at uworld.com

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In this episode, host Colleen O’Grady sits down with author and podcast host Amy Wilson to unpack the invisible workload moms carry, the pressures of perfectionism, and the delicate art of balancing love with boundaries. Drawing from her new book, Happy to Help: Adventures of a People Pleaser, Amy shares laugh-out-loud moments and poignant insights into why moms often overextend themselves and how they can reclaim their time and joy. They explore societal expectations, self-imposed pressures, and how moms can reset the narrative by prioritizing self-care and genuine connection with their teens.

Amy Wilson is the author of the memoir When Did I Get Like This? and

her latest book, Happy to Help. Since 2016 she has been the co-host of

the Webby-honored podcast What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of

Motherhood. Amy is also an actor who appeared on Broadway and as a

series regular on TV sitcoms. She lives with her family in New York City.

Key Takeaways:

1. Perfectionism Isn’t Sustainable: Moms often hold themselves to impossibly high standards, but recognizing and challenging these societal and self-imposed expectations can create space for authenticity and well-being.
2. Redistribute the Invisible Workload: It’s not just about delegating tasks; it’s about teaching others in the household to notice, track, and take ownership of responsibilities.
3. Connection Over Correction: Teens need to know they matter unconditionally. Balance pushing them toward their potential with simply being present and offering support without strings attached.

This episode is a heartfelt reminder that you can step back, let go of perfectionism, and still thrive as a mom.

Find out more at amywilson.com.

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Elizabeth Barbour, M.Ed. has spent 25 years helping people integrate mind, body and spirit for wholeness. As an intuitive life and business coach, speaker and author, she is a creative force when to comes to releasing pain, healing wounds, transforming old stories into new beginnings, and celebrating the beauty and joy of life’s milestones.

Elizabeth guides women through a self-care and ritual process where grief and gratitude can live side by side. A firm believer of the power of community, she guides her clients to create connections, so they aren’t left to carry weight of their grief alone. As a Life Coach and Shamanic practitioner, she brings a unique blend of traditional coaching techniques and ancient wisdom to her practice. Elizabeth is the author of two books – Smart Self-Care for Busy Women and Sacred Celebrations, Designing Rituals to Navigate Life’s Milestone Transitions.

To learn more about Elizabeth go to elizabethbarbour.com

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Sacred Celebrations book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLTXRL56 

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In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, Colleen O’Grady dives into the complexities of raising confident and self-assured daughters in a culture rife with gender biases and beauty pressures. Joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Jo-Ann Finkelstein, author of Sexism and Sensibility: Raising Empowered Resilient Girls in the Modern World, the conversation explores practical strategies to combat sexism, instill healthy entitlement, and cultivate self-worth in girls. From teaching daughters to recognize and resist gender bias to empowering them with tools to handle social media pressures and assert bodily autonomy, this episode equips moms with actionable insights to support their daughters in developing true confidence and resilience.

Jo-Ann Finkelstein, PhD, is a clinical psychologist who was educated at Harvard University and Northwestern University and now maintains a private clinical practice. An expert blogger for Psychology Today, her work has been highlighted in The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Harvard Business Review, Women’s Health, Oprah Daily, Parents, and on HuffPost and CNN. Her writing has appeared in The Washington Post, Ms., and Your Teen, among other publications. Dr. Finkelstein serves on the Advisory Board for Stop Sexual Assault in Schools, has served on the board of the Chicago Chapter of the National Organization for Women and lives in Chicago, Illinois.

Key takeaways from this episode include: First, seize teachable moments to help your daughter critically evaluate cultural messages about beauty, gender roles, and power dynamics. Second, practice body neutrality by focusing on your daughter’s strengths, capabilities, and character, rather than appearance, to counteract the beauty culture's hold. Finally, instill healthy entitlement by encouraging your daughter to speak up, negotiate for what she deserves, and embrace her authority and ambition, preparing her to thrive in relationships and future leadership roles. This episode is a must-listen for any mom ready to guide her daughter toward living boldly and authentically.

Learn more about Jo-Ann at https://www.joannfinkelstein.com/

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In this special 300th episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, Colleen O’Grady invites four close friends—moms who’ve been through it all—for an honest and heartfelt conversation. Together, they reflect on the middle school and high school years, navigating everything from shifting friendships and social media pressures to the bittersweet milestones of teenage independence. They share raw and relatable stories about the struggles, like dealing with broken hearts, driving privileges, and different parenting values. Beyond the challenges, they celebrate the moments of joy, laughter, and growth that come with watching their teens mature into young adults.

Sue Ludwig is a mom of two grown kids, ages 27 and 25. She is the president and founder of the national association of neonatal therapists, an occupational therapist by background, and author of the book, Tiny Humans, Big Lessons.

Dr. Shannon D. South, aka the “Joy Doctor”, is an award winning therapist, an amazon best-selling author, and an inspirational speaker. She is an expert in the field of spirituality and healing trauma for over 25 years and the Founder of the Inner Counselor Certification Program.

Sara Dickison Taylor is President and Founder of Celebrate Life by Design, LLC. As a certified Executive Leadership Coach, she has helped countless individuals maximize their life potential and turn their wildest dreams into reality.

Sherry Duson is a family therapist who has been in practice since 1999. She has specialized in the needs of new mothers, focusing on perinatal mental health, both as a practitioner and the founder of The Center for Postpartum Family Health in Houston, Texas.  

Here are three powerful takeaways from the episode: First, let go of perfection and trust the process—it’s okay if the journey isn’t linear; your kids will find their way in their own time. Second, focus on building connection over control—your relationship will matter far more than the pressures of grades, college, or success. Finally, prioritize yourself as a mom—taking care of your emotional well-being models resilience and self-love for your teens.

Whether you’re in the trenches of middle school drama or navigating the complexities of launching young adults, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone, and there’s joy in the journey.

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In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, Colleen O’Grady welcomes Dr. Jodi Aman, a social work expert with decades of experience helping teens overcome anxiety and build self-confidence. Together, they unpack why today’s teens are more anxious than ever and discuss actionable strategies for managing mental health. Dr. Aman highlights the role of validation, agency, and purpose in easing anxiety, while emphasizing the importance of fostering resilience and community. From learning to calm anxiety in seconds to understanding how the modern digital and convenience culture impacts teens, the conversation provides a roadmap for parents to help their kids thrive emotionally.

Jodi Aman is a doctor of social work with 28 years of experience in clinical practice. She helps clients heal from trauma, understand the world, and reclaim self-confidence. She created C.O.M.P.A.S.S., an emotional wellness curriculum for middle and high school health classes designed to mitigate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

You can find her live-streamed show on her YouTube channel @doctorjodi, where she discusses topics unique to Generation Z. With her videos, TEDx Wilmington talk, "Calm Anxious Kids," and her award-winning books, she's helped over 2 million understand and reverse the current mental health crisis.

Key Takeaways:

1. Anxiety is Manageable: Anxiety thrives on doubt and inaction. Teaching teens to recognize it, stay unbothered, and take immediate, small actions can significantly reduce its intensity.
2. Fostering Confidence: Teens gain self-esteem and resilience when they experience their own agency. Encouraging problem-solving, giving purposeful responsibilities, and validating their feelings can transform their self-view.
3. Connection Over Isolation: Isolation exacerbates anxiety and depression. Encourage teens to engage in meaningful, real-world activities like volunteering, spending time with others, and building community to foster a sense of belonging and purpose.

This episode is packed with insights and tools to empower moms and teens alike!

Find out more at jodiaman.com

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This episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms of Teens dives deep into the world of sibling dynamics with Dr. Jonathan Caspi, a renowned expert on sibling relationships and author of Raising Loving Siblings: How to Stop the Fighting and Help Your Kids Connect. With practical insights and relatable anecdotes, this conversation explores why sibling fights happen, the role parents play in fueling or diffusing these conflicts, and actionable steps to foster sibling closeness.

Jonathan Caspi, PhD, MSW, is Professor of Family Science & Human Development at Montclair State University in Montclair, NJ. Dr. Caspi is an internationally recognized sibling expert. In addition to research, writing and teaching about families and siblings, he has been a family therapist for over 30 years, with a private practice in NJ. Dr. Caspi is also frequently tapped as a media consultant for family-related matters. 

Parents often "wing it" when addressing sibling rivalry, stepping in only when fights escalate, inadvertently giving more attention to negative behaviors. Dr. Caspi emphasizes the importance of catching siblings in their good moments, praising cooperation and kindness to reinforce positive dynamics. He shares how favoritism and comparisons, even when unintentional, can fuel resentment, and why creating clear family rules and proactively addressing high-stress moments like car rides or post-school hours can make a significant difference. The episode also highlights the importance of addressing deeper issues, such as sibling perceptions of favoritism or emotional triggers, through open, validating conversations.

Three key takeaways: First, actively recognize and praise siblings when they get along to encourage more of those moments. Second, create structured family rules and plan ahead for high-stress situations to reduce conflict and teach problem-solving skills. Lastly, validate your children’s feelings about favoritism or comparisons without dismissing them, and focus on identifying each child’s unique strengths to foster mutual respect. This episode reminds moms that sibling harmony is a journey—and that it starts with thoughtful, consistent parenting.

Learn more at siblingexpert.com

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In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms of Teens, Colleen O'Grady invites chef, designer, and mom Marcela Valladolid to share her best tips for staying sane during the holiday season. Together, they tackle how to let go of perfection, manage holiday stress, and create a warm, joyful environment for your family. Marcela emphasizes the importance of planning ahead, embracing simplicity, and focusing on the energy you bring to your home during the holidays. She also offers practical tips for cleaning, entertaining, and even engaging reluctant teens.

Marcella Valladolid is an Emmy nominated chef, television personality, designer, and author.

Author and mother. She has hosted shows like Food Network's The Kitchen and Mexico Made Easy and written five best selling cookbooks. As a busy mom of three, she is also a master of cleaning up after kitchen messes, which is why she now serves as the cleaning ambassador at Pinalen, Chloralen and Ensueno Laundry.

Marcela highlights the importance of letting go of unrealistic expectations. Instead of striving for a picture-perfect holiday, focus on the feelings and memories you create. Practical advice includes starting holiday prep early, sticking to recipes you know well, and cleaning as you go to avoid feeling overwhelmed. For entertaining, she suggests menus with forgiving dishes like casseroles or lasagna, which can be prepared ahead of time, and setting a formal table to make any gathering feel special. Marcela also shares creative ideas, like adding games or piñatas with prizes, to engage teenagers and make the holidays more fun for everyone.

Three key takeaways: First, your energy as a mom sets the tone for the holidays—prioritize joy over perfection and trust that your efforts are creating lasting memories for your family. Second, practical planning, such as cleaning high-traffic areas in advance and delegating tasks to your partner or guests, can make the holidays far less stressful. Finally, remember that teens might not always show enthusiasm, but the love and effort you put into the season will resonate with them over time.

Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/chefmarcela/

Learn more at casamarcela.com

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In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms of Teens, host Colleen O'Grady dives into the topic of alcohol use among moms, the rise of addiction since COVID, and how recovery can reshape both personal and family dynamics. Joined by licensed addiction counselor and author Sarah Allen Benton, Colleen explores the nuanced challenges that moms in recovery face, from finding healthy ways to cope with stress to navigating the emotional toll that addiction can have on relationships with teens. Benton shares her personal experiences and insights on what it means to live a "recovery lifestyle," addressing the importance of emotional sobriety and how addiction can affect every area of life.

Key insights include the importance of creating sustainable self-care practices that don’t rely on substances. Benton emphasizes that managing stress as a parent often means saying “no” to additional commitments and removing the cultural expectation to do it all. This episode also highlights how families can support a parent in recovery, setting up boundaries that strengthen family bonds and empower teenagers to process any lingering anger or hurt. Benton stresses the need for open communication and suggests resources like support groups and counseling to help families rebuild trust and stability.

Sarah Allen Benton is a licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Addiction Counselor, and Mental Health Counselor. She has been a parent in recovery from alcoholism for more than 18 years. She is co-owner of Benton Behavioral Health Consulting, LLC, offering clinical and business support services to innovative addiction and mental health companies. Her recently released book, Parents in Recovery: Navigating a Sober Family Lifestyle can be found anywhre books are sold.

Learn more about Sarah at https://www.bentonbhc.com/

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In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms of Teens, host Colleen O’Grady invites licensed psychotherapist Duygu Balan to discuss practical strategies for moms navigating their children's anxiety. Together, they explore the unique pressures facing today's youth, including the impact of social media, heightened global awareness, and an unpredictable world. Balan, co-author of Confidently Chill: An Anxiety Workbook for New Adults, highlights how expressive writing can be a powerful tool for self-reflection, stress reduction, and resilience, helping young people externalize their worries and separate genuine concerns from imagined fears. The conversation emphasizes creating an environment where teens feel heard and supported in their journeys toward independence.

Balan’s approach, known as the Balan Method, offers a structured yet flexible way to help teens manage anxiety. It encourages creating a calming environment, grounding the body through breathing exercises, and using writing prompts to explore thoughts and feelings. These techniques help teens transform abstract anxieties into manageable, real-life actions. Through writing exercises, Balan shows how teens can externalize worries, clarify goals, and build confidence. Moms are encouraged to guide teens gently through these practices, keeping communication open and validating their children's experiences without pressure or judgment.

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/duygubalan/

Find out more about Duygu at https://www.duygubalan.com/

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In this podcast episode, Colleen O'Grady engages in an insightful conversation with Leona Burton, exploring the unique challenges and triumphs of being both a mother and a business owner. They discuss the intricacies of balancing entrepreneurship with raising children, especially during the often tumultuous teen years. Leona shares her journey of founding Moms in Business International and her experiences with juggling a fast-paced career while raising six children of varying ages. Their conversation sheds light on the pressures moms face to "do it all," the societal expectations that often lead to feelings of guilt, and the importance of creating a supportive community for moms who need to balance business growth with family life. The episode emphasizes the importance of clarity, intention, and being kind to oneself amidst the chaos of parenting and working.

Leona Burton is a dynamic entrepreneur, high-performance coach, and the founder of MIB International, the world’s largest community for women and mums in business. With over a decade of experience in business development, she has become a prominent figure in empowering women to achieve success. As a Forbes-featured Jack Canfield Advanced Success Coach, Leona specializes in guiding others through personal and professional growth, focusing on areas like visibility, sales, and marketing. Her leadership extends beyond the business realm, as she is a passionate advocate for mental health and personal well-being, balancing her career with being a mother to six children.

Key takeaways from this episode highlight the importance of intentional time management and prioritizing both personal well-being and family needs. The conversation reinforces the idea that perfection is unattainable and that embracing the messy, imperfect moments is part of both parenting and business ownership. Leona and Colleen stress the value of open communication, not just with children but within one's own support network. Moms are encouraged to trust their intuition, practice self-care, and set boundaries to avoid burnout. The episode ultimately serves as a reminder that while the journey is challenging, with a clear vision and community support, moms can thrive in their dual roles as parents and professionals.

Follow Leona at https://www.instagram.com/leonaburtonofficial/

Learn more about Mums/Moms in Business at https://mib.international/about-mib-international/

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In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms of Teens podcast, Colleen O’Grady speaks with Dr. Pamela Ellis, author of What to Know Before They Go, to break down how parents can help their teens navigate the journey to college without unnecessary stress. Dr. Ellis emphasizes that college preparation should not feel overwhelming and should be done gradually throughout the high school years. She discusses the importance of identifying the right college fit for your teen, taking into account academic, social, financial, and vocational factors. Dr. Ellis also debunks common myths around the college admissions process, such as the misconception that it’s difficult to get into most colleges and that the sticker price reflects what everyone pays. She reassures moms that the majority of colleges are accessible and affordable with many offering generous scholarships.

Pamela Ellis, MBA, PhD—The Education Doctor®—partners with busy parents to help their teen find a college that feels like home without over-paying. As an award-winning CEO and consultant, Dr. Pamela’s experience with the education system includes advising school districts, community organizations, and institutes of higher education. She founded Compass College Advisory in 2010 and has served over 1,000 families. 95% of their students have been admitted to their top-choice colleges and the average scholarship is $75,000. Dr. Pamela is a highly sought-after speaker and author of the best-selling book What to Know Before They Go: College Edition. Dr. Pamela graduated from Stanford University and the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, and she earned a doctorate from the Stanford University School of Education.  

Key takeaways include the value of starting the college conversation early by helping teens identify what is important to them in a school, from social environment to academic focus. Dr. Ellis advises that research and preparation should be a gradual process, beginning with building good study habits in freshman year and shifting to researching schools and writing college essays by junior and senior year. Finally, she reminds parents to take care of themselves during this process, ensuring that they can offer support without becoming overwhelmed themselves.

Learn more about Dr. Ellis at: https://theeducationdoctor.com/

Follow on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/drpamelaellis/

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In this episode of the Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens podcast, Colleen O’Grady discusses the powerful role that nature plays in the development and mental well-being of tweens, teens, and young adults. Joined by experts Dr. Pooja Sarin Tandon and Dr. Danette Swanson Glassie, the conversation dives into how nature can improve executive functioning, cognitive skills, and resilience in teens. The guests emphasize that exposure to nature helps develop life skills, such as planning, decision-making, and building strong social connections, all while reducing stress and anxiety. They also highlight that nature doesn’t have to mean grand adventures; even small, nearby nature experiences, like walking in a park or stargazing, can have a big impact.

POOJA SARIN TANDON, MD, MPH, FAAP, is a general pediatrician and researcher at the Seattle Children’s Hospital, an associate professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine, and the director of health at the Trust for Public Land. She has published widely on the importance of physical activity, outdoor time, and nature contact for health. She lives in the Seattle area with her husband and two children.

DANETTE SWANSON GLASSY, MD, FAAP, is a primary care pediatrician and child advocate. She is the cofounder and board president of the nonprofit BestStart Washington and leads its Project Nature initiative—a program to support pediatric medical professionals as they encourage children to spend time in nature. She is the coeditor of Caring for Our Children. Dr. Glassy lives in the Seattle area and enjoys exploring nature in the Pacific Northwest with her two grandchildren.

Key takeaways from the episode include the idea that nature provides a unique opportunity for teens to practice independence and resilience, as well as giving families a chance to bond in a stress-free environment. Parents are encouraged to integrate nature into everyday life, whether through shared outdoor activities or giving teens the space to explore on their own. Finally, the episode offers a gentle reminder that nature isn’t just for kids; it’s a powerful parenting tool for moms to reduce their own stress and build better connections with their teens.

To find out more about their new book Digging into Nature go to https://www.projectnaturewa.com/naturebooks/

Dr. Tandon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pooja-s-tandon-md-mph-672040299/

Dr. Glassy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danette-glassy-12b00067/

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In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, Colleen O’Grady dives deep into the topic of sleep deprivation among teens, a growing issue that affects 70% of high schoolers. Colleen is joined by Jessica Bryant, an expert in pediatric sleep and advocate for prioritizing rest in our busy lives. Together, they discuss how sleep deprivation not only impacts teens' mental health, leading to anxiety and depression, but also hinders their academic performance and emotional regulation. They explore why it’s critical for parents to set boundaries around sleep, especially with the distractions of phones and extracurricular activities that extend into late hours. Through real-life stories and expert insights, Jessica emphasizes the importance of creating a sleep routine and being aware of the signs of sleep deprivation, such as trouble waking up or irritability throughout the day.

The conversation highlights three key takeaways for parents: First, sleep is a powerful tool for mental and physical well-being, and lack of it can directly contribute to academic struggles and mood swings. Second, teens often don’t recognize how sleep-deprived they are, so it’s crucial for parents to start conversations about how their bodies feel and encourage good sleep hygiene. Lastly, parents can help their teens by setting an example—putting down their own phones at night, establishing a bedtime routine, and making rest a family priority. These small steps can make a profound difference in reducing stress and creating a more balanced and harmonious home environment.

Jessica Bryant, representative of the Better Sleep Council (BSC), internationally recognized pediatric sleep strategist, keynote speaker, and the founder of Sleep Happy Consulting, is dedicated to answering the questions exhausted parents have about their child’s sleepless days and nights. She achieves this through a range of initiatives, including corporate wellness events, community workshops, and personalized one-on-one support.

Find out more at Better Sleep Council: https://bettersleep.org https://www.instagram.com/bettersleeporg/

Follow Jessica at https://www.instagram.com/sleephappy

https://www.sleephappyconsulting.com/

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In this episode, host Colleen O'Grady dives deep into the complex but essential topic of setting boundaries with teens, featuring expert therapist Juliane Taylor Shore. They explore the emotional and psychological work required to establish boundaries that stick—boundaries that not only help teens navigate tough situations but also encourage them to trust and respect themselves and others. Julianne discusses the importance of separating feelings from actions, especially when teens are lashing out. Moms are encouraged to understand the difference between a direct request and venting, and how to maintain their own emotional integrity even when things get heated. Through real-life examples, Julianne explains the four key types of boundaries—external, psychological, containing, and physical—and how each one plays a role in creating healthy family dynamics.

Juliane Taylor Shore, LMFT, LPC, SEP, is a therapist, author, and teacher who is creating spaces where people can move into more self-compassion, self-trust, empowerment, and integrity. She regularly teaches and speaks to people from all around the world and translates new understandings in neurobiology into practices that can support brain change. She is the author of Setting Boundaries that Stick: How Neurobiology Can Help You Rewire Your Brain to Feel Safe, Connected and Empowered. She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, Adam, their daughter, Stella, and their rescue pointer mix, Layla.

Three key takeaways from the episode include: First, setting effective boundaries is more about how we respond to our teens than controlling their behavior; it's about building trust and living into your values. Second, maintaining your own emotional well-being during difficult moments is crucial, which is why practicing self-compassion and learning to pause before reacting is essential. Finally, boundary work is often accompanied by grief as it highlights the painful but necessary process of growth—for both you and your teen. Recognizing and embracing this emotional work is a critical part of parenting through the teenage years.

Find out more at https://www.julianetaylorshore.com/

Follow Juliane on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/julianetaylorshore/

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In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, host Colleen O'Grady sits down with parenting expert Anita Cleare to discuss practical strategies for understanding and connecting with teens, especially when it feels like they’re constantly withdrawing into their own worlds. Anita, author of the new book How to Get Your Teenager Out of Their Bedroom, shares her personal experiences of parenting teens and the challenges she faced, despite her professional expertise. Together, they explore the importance of respecting teens' autonomy, collaborating with them to solve problems, and using small, meaningful moments to build connection. Anita emphasizes the role of a teen’s brain development in their behavior and how parents can shift from nagging to nurturing by managing their emotions and expectations. They also dive into the concept of avoiding catastrophic thinking, which can escalate conflict, and instead focus on guiding teens through their emotional and social struggles.

Anita Cleare (MA AdvDip) is a parenting expert, writer and coach and co-founder of the Positive Parenting Project a social enterprise which aims to bring the benefits of proven evidence-based parenting strategies to as many parents (and children) as possible.

Her new book How to Get Your Teenager Out of Their Bedroom tools and strategies for understanding connecting with and being there for your teenager which came out on September 10 th 2024. Anita’s first book, The Work/Parent Switch (known as The Working Parent’s Survival Guide in USA) is a positive parenting guide for working parents.

Key takeaways from this episode include the importance of collaboration, where working with your teen to find compromises fosters cooperation rather than conflict. Little moments matter, as small interactions, like casual chats in the kitchen, can build stronger relationships over time and help teens feel connected. It’s also crucial to understand their world, acknowledging that teens' digital lives and friendships are integral to their identity, while helping them find balance with real-world activities. Lastly, regulating emotions is essential—parents should manage their own stress first, creating a calm atmosphere that can help teens better handle their own emotions and reactions. 

Follow Anita on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/anitacleare_parenting/

Learn More about Anita at https://anitacleare.co.uk/

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In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, Colleen O'Grady interviews Alex Edmonds, author of May Contain Lies: How Stories, Statistics, and Studies Exploit Our Biases and What We Can Do About It. Together, they discuss the growing challenge of misinformation and how it impacts teens in today’s world. Edmonds breaks down how teens are vulnerable to false claims online and what parents can do to help them navigate this complex digital landscape.

Alex Edmans is Professor of Finance at London Business School. His TED talk "What to Trust in a Post-Truth World" has been viewed two million times; he has also spoken at the World Economic Forum, Davos, and the UK Parliament. In 2013, he was awarded tenure at the Wharton School, and in 2021, he was named MBA Professor of the Year by Poets&Quants. Edmans writes regularly for the Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times, and Harvard Business Review. His first book, Grow the Pie, was a Financial Times Book of the Year. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences. 

The rise of social media and online platforms has made teens more vulnerable to misinformation, as they are frequently exposed to unverified information. Like adults, teens are susceptible to confirmation bias, meaning they gravitate toward information that aligns with their existing beliefs, which makes it harder for them to analyze opposing views critically. Their tendency toward black-and-white thinking further complicates matters, as they often see the world in absolutes, making them more likely to fall for exaggerated or simplistic claims. Teaching teens to engage in critical thinking, question the evidence behind the information they encounter, and assess sources is essential in combating misinformation. Parents play a vital role in this process by fostering an open dialogue, encouraging curiosity, and creating a home environment where critical thinking is valued. In a world dominated by social media influencers and viral content, misinformation spreads rapidly, especially when it taps into teens' cultural identities or trusted public figures, making parental guidance even more important.

Find out more at maycontainlies.com

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/aedmans/

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Our guests today are Linda and Charlie Bloom

Married since 1972, Linda and Charlie Bloom have been working with groups, individuals, couples and organizations to enhance the quality of their relationships and communication skills since 1975. They both have Master’s degrees in Clinical Social Work and have lectured, led seminars and provided consultation at universities and learning institutes throughout the United States as well as internationally. They have written and published four books, Happily Ever After…and 39 Other Myths about Love: Breaking Through to the Relationship of Your Dreams, 101 Things I Wish I Knew When I Got Married: Simple Lessons to Make Love Last, Secrets of Great Marriages: Real Stories from Real Couples about Lasting Love, and That Which Doesn’t Kill Us: How One Couple Became Stronger in the Broken Places. Their organization, Bloomwork is dedicated to promoting healthy, fulfilling, and successful relationships for individuals, couples and organizations. Their newest book was just released, An End to Arguing: 101 Valuable Lessons for all Relationships.

For great content and to learn more about Linda and Charlie's work go to https://bloomwork.com/

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In this episode, Colleen O'Grady continues her conversation with Eli Harwood, diving into attachment styles and how they shape our relationships with teens. Eli explains the four main attachment styles—secure, anxious-ambivalent, avoidant, and disorganized—and how these patterns manifest in both children and parents. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in parenting, noting how unresolved childhood issues can shape our responses to conflict with our teens. Eli encourages moms to be present and supportive, not overly controlling or dismissive, which helps create secure attachments. The episode also tackles how to differentiate between rescuing and supporting your teen through life's challenges, and the critical role of emotional regulation in parenting. Finally, Eli shares practical advice on how moms can take care of themselves and model healthy emotional behavior for their teens.

ELI HARWOOD is a licensed therapist who lives in Colorado with her husband, Trevor, and their three children. Eli has been nerding out on attachment research for the past two decades and is on a mission to help make the world a better place, one relationship at a time. She continues this mission in her clinical work, her writing, and running her mouth about attachment on social media. When she isn't working to make the world a more secure place, she is playing dress-up with her kids, obsessing about her sourdough starter, and reminiscing about that one time she won a set of globes as a Price is Right contestant.

Takeaways:

1. Healing is crucial—When moms resolve their own emotional baggage, they model healthy attachment behaviors, which helps their teens feel more secure and confident.
2. Secure conflict—Conflict with teens is natural, but how you approach it matters. Avoid leading with anxiety or perfectionism; instead, use conflict as an opportunity for growth and understanding.

Learn more about Eli at AttachmentNerd.com.

Follow her on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/attachmentnerd/

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In this episode of the Power Your Parenting Moms of Teens Podcast, host Colleen O'Grady sits down with licensed therapist Eli Harwood to discuss the transformative power of connection-focused parenting. Harwood, who has spent two decades studying attachment, shares her insights on how building secure attachments with teens can foster confidence, empathy, and resilience. The conversation delves into the importance of attunement, co-regulation, and the shift from being a safe haven to a secure base as teens grow. Harwood emphasizes the critical role of maintaining an authentic connection with teens, even as they begin to turn to their peers for support.

ELI HARWOOD is a licensed therapist who lives in Colorado with her husband, Trevor, and their three children. Eli has been nerding out on attachment research for the past two decades and is on a mission to help make the world a better place, one relationship at a time. She continues this mission in her clinical work, her writing, and running her mouth about attachment on social media. When she isn't working to make the world a more secure place, she is playing dress-up with her kids, obsessing about her sourdough starter, and reminiscing about that one time she won a set of globes as a Price is Right contestant.

Key Takeaways:

Connection-focused parenting is essential for fostering a teen's emotional and mental health. By prioritizing connection over control, parents can help their teens feel seen, heard, and supported, which in turn strengthens their resilience and self-esteem. Harwood stresses the importance of showing up consistently for both the tender and triumphant moments in a teen's life and encourages moms to focus on "lighting up" when their child enters the room, listening actively, and being quick to repair any relational ruptures. As teens grow, they naturally begin to rely more on their peers, but maintaining a secure attachment with their parents remains crucial for their overall well-being.

Learn more about Eli at AttachmentNerd.com.

Follow her on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/attachmentnerd/

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In this episode of the Power Your Parenting Moms with Teens podcast, Colleen O'Grady interviews Amy Betters-Midtvedt, author of You'll Make It and They Will Too. Together, they dive into the realities of parenting teens, from dealing with midnight anxiety to navigating challenging relationships. Amy shares her journey of learning to let go of control and focusing on connection with her teens, offering insights on how to balance boundaries with empathy. The conversation also touches on practical strategies for managing teenage friendships, dating, and faith, emphasizing the importance of choosing love over judgment.

Amy Betters-Midtvedt, is a Today Parenting contributing author with more than a million readers and 25 years of experience working with adolescents and families. In both her job as a literacy coach and in her personal life—where she and husband, Todd, wrangle their five children—she has been surrounded by kids and teens and is passionate about serving them. Amy has a master's degree in leadership, curriculum, and instruction.

Takeaways are--Let go of the fear-based approach to parenting, recognizing that trying to control every aspect of your teen's life only creates more conflict. Instead, focus on understanding and guiding them, allowing space for their independence to flourish. Prioritizing connection over constant correction is key—building a strong relationship with your teen is more valuable than always trying to fix their behavior. Look for opportunities when they are open to talk, and listen without judgment. Additionally, embrace flexibility when it comes to faith and values; allow your teen to question and explore their beliefs, and support them as they find their own path, trusting that their journey will be unique and personal.

Learn more about Amy at https://amybettersmidtvedt.com/

Follow Amy on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/amy.betters.midtvedt/

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You are going to love this episode. Today we are going to dive into a teenager's emotional life. I think what makes parenting teens so challenging is dealing with their intense emotions. Sometimes you're the target of their emotional storms and sometimes they turn their emotions inward. You worry about them being depressed or anxious.

How many times have we brought up a simple request to our teen, but it turns out to be not so simple because it triggers a huge emotional response? Moms can find themselves avoiding talking about important topics because they don’t know how to handle their emotions.

I invited Dr. Lisa Damour, the author of The Emotional Lives of Teenagers, to talk about this nuanced subject of teenage emotions. In this episode we focus on her chapter called Managing Emotions, Part One: Helping Teens Express Their Emotions and the following chapter called Managing Emotions, Part Two: Helping Teens Regain Emotional Control

Recognized as a thought leader by the American Psychological Association, Lisa Damour, Ph.D., co-hosts the Ask Lisa podcast, writes about adolescents for the The New York Times, appears as a regular contributor to CBS News, works in collaboration with UNICEF, and maintains a clinical practice. She is the author of three New York Times bestsellers, The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents, Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood and Under Pressure: Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls. She and her husband have two daughters and live in Shaker Heights, Ohio.

To find out more about the Emotional Lives of Teenagers go to https://drlisadamour.com/ 

Follow Lisa on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lisa.damour/

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In this episode of the "Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens" podcast, Sandra Stanley and her daughter, Allie Stanley Cooney, join us to discuss their new book, Meet Me in the Middle: Eight Mother-Daughter Conversations About Life and Faith. They share their journey of co-authoring the book, where each wrote separate sections for mothers and daughters, and how they created a "meet me in the middle" section to foster open dialogue and deeper understanding.

Sandra Stanley received her Bachelor of Science degree from Georgia Tech and Master of Arts from Dallas Theological Seminary. Sandra has a heart for foster kids and foster families, as she and Andy have been foster parents since 2010. Her ministry passion is promoting foster care in the local church. Much of her time these days is spent working on various writing projects and continuing her involvement with Fostering Together, the foster care initiative of North Point Ministries.

Allie Stanley Cooney graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Communication. She completed the North Point Residency program and simultaneously earned a Masters of Christian Education degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. She has a heart for middle school and high school students and can often be spotted at any number of local coffee shops pouring into girls in those seasons of life.

The episode is packed with practical advice on navigating the tricky waters of the mother-daughter relationship during the teen years, focusing on the importance of communication, understanding each other’s fears, and managing stress together.

Key takeaways include the importance of being a student of your daughter—understanding her unique personality, fears, and stressors—and how this awareness can transform your relationship. Sandra and Allie emphasize the power of preemptive conversations, discussing tough topics before they become conflicts, and how these dialogues can lay a foundation of trust and mutual respect. They also highlight that even when challenges arise, maintaining the relationship should always be the priority, helping moms and daughters grow closer through the ups and downs of adolescence.

• Website: https://www.sandrastanley.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandrawstanley

https://www.instagram.com/alliekaycooney

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In this episode, Colleen O'Grady explores the phenomenon of being a "teen" pleaser—a mom who seeks to satisfy her children, often neglecting her own well-being in the process. Colleen shares stories from several moms who faced disappointment after their efforts to please their teens were met with ingratitude. She discusses the inherent beauty in a mom's desire to please but warns of the pitfalls when this drive goes unchecked. The episode delves into the concept of "The Great Exchange," where moms expect their efforts to be met with gratitude and good behavior and what happens when that doesn't happen. Colleen identifies four key beliefs that can turn a mom into a pleaser: wanting to give their kids what they never had, feeling guilty, fearing their teen's anger, and believing it's selfish to prioritize themselves. The negative impacts of being a pleaser are highlighted, including feeling like a bad mom, disempowerment in parenting, and fostering entitlement in teens.

Takeaways:

1. Recognize and Reclaim Balance: Moms need to acknowledge where they are out of balance and start turning their attention back to themselves. This includes understanding their emotions, setting clear boundaries, and practicing self-care.
2. Say No and Mean It: Learning to say no, even in small situations, helps strengthen the ability to set limits and regain control in the parent-child relationship.
3. Seek Support: Finding a trusted confidant or engaging in coaching can provide the necessary support to break the cycle of being a pleaser and foster healthier family dynamics.

By following these steps, moms can create a more balanced and empowered approach to parenting, ultimately benefiting both themselves and their teens.

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I have the perfect guest who can help us navigate through these tricky waters of politics.

Lindsey Cormack is an associate professor of Political Science and Director of the Diplomacy Lab at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. She earned her PhD in Government from New York University and is raising a daughter on the Upper East Side. She currently serves as the Secretary for Community Board 8 in Manhattan. She created and maintains the digital database of all official Congress-to-constituent e-newsletters in the DCInbox Project.

Her research has been published in multiple journals such as Political Behavior, Congress & the Presidency, Legislative Studies Quarterly, Political Science Research and Methods, American Politics Research, Politics & Policy, as well as in popular outlets including the New York Times, The Washington Post, The New York Post, NBC News, the The Hill, and more.

Lindsey Cormack's recently published, How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It's Up to You to Do It), speaks directly to an America in which civic knowledge is alarmingly sparse and many people dread politics. It's a tool for parents, educators, and anyone eager to fill this gap. In the book, Cormack offers an engaging and practical approach to discussing political issues and the inner workings of the U.S. government with children and teens.

Here are some Key Takeaways from this episode:

• Start early with political discussions to lay the foundation for informed and engaged citizens.
• Help your teens understand the structure and function of government to reduce political apathy and frustration.
• Encourage participation in local politics to foster a sense of community and practical understanding.
• Use real-life examples and interactions with local politicians to make politics relatable and accessible.
• Promote healthy political conversations to develop critical thinking and advocacy skills in your teens.

Empowering your teens with knowledge and tools for civic engagement not only helps them navigate the political landscape but also fosters a sense of responsibility and community involvement. By taking an active role in their civic education, you can help them become well-rounded and informed

Learn more about Lindsey at https://www.lindseycormack.com/.

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtoraiseacitizen/

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Do you notice a difference between your digital habits and those of your teenagers?

JENNIE KETCHAM CROOKS is the founder of the West Coast Anxiety Clinic, a clinical licensed social worker, and an anxiety and OCD specialist. Prior to starting the West Coast Anxiety Clinic, she was the Director of Clinical Education at Seattle Anxiety Specialists and before that, the lead medical social worker at the Polyclinic. Jennie has been involved in research at the University of Washington, a guest lecturer at Harvard University, and appeared on a number of popular television shows from Headline News and The View to Oprah.

Jennie is the author of LOOK UP The 30-Day Path to Digital Minimalism and Real Life Maximalism.

In this episode we discuss how digital habits are formed and how they can often lead to overconsumption and mental health issues like anxiety. Jenny shares her personal story of missing her daughter's first steps because of being absorbed in her phone, highlighting how easy it is to fall into this trap. The conversation covers practical strategies to identify and change these habits, emphasizing the importance of modeling positive behavior for our children. They also explore how digital overuse can prevent us from experiencing meaningful connections and real-world activities. Finally, they address the critical need for downtime and boredom to allow our brains to rest and recharge.

Here are 3 practical takeaways.

1. Set Boundaries with Digital Devices:

Establish clear boundaries for when and where digital devices can be used. For example, consider creating phone-free zones in your home, such as the dinner table or bedrooms. This helps to foster more meaningful interactions and ensures that digital consumption doesn't interfere with quality family time.

1. Model Healthy Digital Habits:

Your children are watching and learning from your behavior. Make a conscious effort to demonstrate healthy digital habits, such as limiting screen time, prioritizing face-to-face interactions, and choosing real-world activities over digital ones. This sets a positive example for your kids to follow.

1. Prioritize Self-Care and Real-World Connections:

Take care of your own needs by scheduling regular self-care activities that do not involve screens. This could include hobbies, exercise, or socializing with friends in person. By fulfilling your own needs outside of the digital world, you'll be less likely to rely on your phone for comfort and more present for your family.

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/becomingjennie/

Learn more at: https://westcoastanxiety.com/

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In this insightful episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, Colleen O'Grady dives deep into the realities of parenting and its impact on relationships. Joined by Leonie Akhidenor they discuss the common conflicts parents face.

Leonie Akhidenor is a certified relationship coach, property developer and consultant, part-time model and mother of two boys. Dubbed ‘The Parenting Guru’ (Daily Mail, 2023) she is the founder and host of the ‘Parenthood Podcast’, where she focuses on sharing stories about our biggest challenges and lessons as parents. Unlike a lot other parenting podcasts, Leonie’s audience appeals to both mums and dads, as she talks directly with parents about uncomfortable topics in order to remove stigmas and normalize the experiences of modern day parenthood.

With a style that feels a lot like group therapy - Leonie delves into topics with guests such as losing the spark with your partner after having children, or how you can overcome feelings of resentment, conflict in parenting styles and how we can find ourselves again after the weight of responsibility wears us down. Frank, caring and helpful in her approach - Leonie has established herself as the ‘real talk’ advice guru for all couples on their parenting journey.

such as the mental load that often falls on moms, resulting in feelings of resentment and inequality in responsibilities.

Leonie states that parents commonly fight about the inequality of household responsibilities, with moms often carrying the heavier mental load, leading to feelings of resentment. Additionally, differences in parenting styles and the challenges of maintaining intimacy and connection in the relationship are frequent sources of conflict.

They also explore the impact of parenting on a mom’s identity, emphasizing the importance of maintaining personal interests and self-care. The conversation touches on the importance of quality time with partners to reignite intimacy, strategies for dealing with differences in parenting styles, and practical ways to delegate household tasks to reduce stress. Additionally, they discuss the unique challenges of raising a biracial family and the common frustrations dads experience when they feel sidelined. This episode is packed with practical advice and heartfelt stories to help moms navigate the complex dynamics of family life.

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/parenthoodpod/

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My guest today is an expert on tweens. Joann Schauf is the founder of Your Tween and You, an author and a seasoned speaker who specializes in parenting and adolescent coaching. She authors the blog, The Tween Times, and actively engages with parents through workshops and conferences. She holds a Master of Science in Counseling.

Joann Schauf discusses the crucial process of identity formation in tweens, emphasizing that this period is marked by significant changes in their sense of self. Tweens experience a variety of emotions and face confusion as they navigate their developing identities. They might express doubt, confidence, and fluctuating interests in rapid succession, all while questioning their beliefs and experimenting with different roles. Schauf highlights the importance of mothers shifting their parenting approach to be more collaborative and supportive, rather than authoritative. Moms should engage in open conversations, allow their tweens to express themselves, and offer guidance without judgment. By doing so, they provide a safe environment for tweens to explore and understand who they are becoming, fostering both independence and a strong parent-child connection.

To find more about Joann and her book, "Loving the Alien" go to https://www.yourtweenandyou.com/

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/yourtweenandyou/

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In this episode, Colleen O'Grady talks with Marla Mervis Hartman, creator of "Love Your Body, Love Yourself."

After experiencing years of dysfunction in relation to food, exercise, and body confidence, Marla transformed her life through the radical act of self-compassion and friending herself. She has since used her experiences to help empower women as they choose appreciation for their bodies, honor themselves through nourishing lifestyle choices, and cultivate confidence along the way. Marla works at Ai Pono  a Eating Disorder Recovery Center. Most recently, she has been featured at TEDx Salinas. Currently, Marla lives in Maui with her husband, Olaf, and son, Aspen–where she works full-time as a professional coach, speaker, facilitator, and Instructor. Marla will see her first book, Be-Friend Yourself on bookshelves beginning of 2024.

Marla discusses her journey of healing her relationship with food and body image, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion. Marla shares tools for managing emotional eating, such as identifying underlying issues, promoting self-care, and fostering a positive body image through modeling healthy behaviors. She highlights the impact of diet culture on both moms and teens and offers strategies for open communication. The conversation also covers the importance of parents healing their own relationships with food to provide a supportive environment for their teens and the critical influence of a mother's relationship with food on her children's attitudes towards eating and body image.

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/loveyourbodyloveyourselfalways/

Learn more about Marla at https://www.loveyourbodyloveyourself.com/

BE-Friend Yourself Book Pre-order Link:

https://www.loveyourbodyloveyourself.com/book

FREE GIFT

Breaking the Cycle of Emotional Eating https://goloveyourbodyloveyourself.com/emotionaleating

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What are the essential values that help cultivate a healthy and connected family?

In this episode I interview Julie and Chris Bennett, authors of Fighting for Family, The Relentless Pursuit of Building Belonging.

The Bennetts share their journey of moving from Oklahoma to Los Angeles and how this adventurous leap, combined with facing personal challenges like Julie's battle with cancer, has shaped their family dynamics.

Julie and Chris Bennett are the founders of Welcome Home Lifestyle which exists to create and promote content that celebrates all things family.

Both Julie and Chris are graduates of Baylor University and have spent the majority of their 23 years of marriage working in vocational ministry. Through overwhelming challenges, they have learned how to fight for the things that matter and devote themselves to helping others do the same.

Alongside their passion for building belonging for others, they love nothing more than beach football, spontaneous road trips, and throwing a good party.

The Bennetts live in Malibu, CA where Chris serves as lead pastor of Vintage Church Malibu.

They emphasize the importance of intentionality in building family connections, advocating for open and honest conversations, and believing the best about each other, even during tough times. The Bennetts discuss their six core values for cultivating family, which include seeking to understand before being understood and working through hard things instead of walking away. They also highlight the significance of humility, vulnerability, and the willingness to learn from each other, noting that a healthy family is about being real and embracing the messiness of life together.

To learn more go to https://www.fightingforfamily.org/

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/juliebennett_/

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In this episode of the "Power Your Parenting" podcast, Colleen O'Grady hosts Erin Loechner, the author of "The Opt Out Family: How to Give Your Kids What Technology Can't." Erin shares her journey from being a social media influencer to leading a low-tech lifestyle. Founder of global tech-free movement The Opt-Out Family, Erin Loechner is a former social media influencer who walked away from a million fans to live a low-tech lifestyle—and is now teaching others how to do the same. Her cutting-edge work has been praised in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, and the Huffington Post, as well as on the Today Show. When she’s not scrawling on her trusty steno pad, Erin, her husband, and their three kids spend their days chasing alpenglow, reading Kipling, and biking to town for more tortillas.

Five key points include: 1) The pervasive belief that kids need technology is challenged, suggesting families can thrive without it. 2) Erin's family motto is "be more engaging than the algorithm," focusing on meaningful offline activities. 3) The negative impacts of technology on children’s mental health are highlighted with compelling statistics. 4) Erin shares practical strategies for families to reduce screen time, such as creating device-free zones and engaging in tech-free retreats. 5) She emphasizes the importance of parents modeling low-tech behavior and fostering real-life connections to help kids develop critical thinking and a love for discovery. Additionally, Erin discusses the challenges and strategies for managing technology in schools, advocating for alternatives to digital assignments and promoting device-free environments to enhance students' focus and well-being.

Learn more at https://www.erinloechner.com/

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In this heartfelt episode, Colleen interviews award-winning writer and podcaster Clarissa Moll, who shares her personal journey of navigating grief after the sudden loss of her husband in 2019. Clarissa, a remarried widow and mother of seven, discusses her two upcoming books, "Hurt, Help, Hope" and "Hope Comes to Stay," which offer essential guidance for teens and younger children dealing with grief.

First, she emphasizes the importance of understanding that grief manifests differently for each child, ranging from clinginess to a need for solitude. Second, she highlights the necessity of self-care for parents to ensure they can support their children effectively. Third, Clarissa discusses the significance of maintaining family unity and open communication to prevent the family from splintering after a loss. Fourth, she stresses the value of creating a supportive environment that includes normalizing grief, encouraging resilience, and leveraging trusted adults to provide additional support for grieving teens.

Additionally, Clarissa advises moms to be patient with their teens' grief journey and to avoid imposing a timeline on their healing process. She emphasizes that grief can take years to process, and it's crucial for parents to provide a stable, understanding presence without pressuring their teens to "move on" too quickly. This patience and acceptance can help teens feel supported and understood, fostering a healthier, more genuine healing process. Finally, Clarissa advises moms to be patient with their teens' grief journey and to avoid imposing a timeline on their healing process. She emphasizes that grief can take years to process, and it's crucial for parents to provide a stable, understanding presence without pressuring their teens to "move on" too quickly. This patience and acceptance can help teens feel supported and understood, fostering a healthier, more genuine healing process.

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mollclarissa/

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With almost twenty-five years of experience as a financial advising professional, Jeffrey Panik, MSFS, CFP® knows that his job is to help clients strike a balance between living well today and planning for the future. Throughout his career, Jeff has worked with hundreds of families, individuals, and small businesses to help them set goals, strategically manage their assets, and work toward achieving their dreams. The first in his family to attend college, Jeff believes it is imperative to start the discussion of financial literacy early to best prepare for financial success throughout life. Jeffrey is the author of Your Future Is Now: A Guide to Understanding Your Finances and Gaining Independence.

In this episode, Jeff emphasizes the importance of starting financial literacy discussions early. He provides practical tips on teaching teens about the real costs of credit cards and responsible spending. You'll learn about various budgeting tactics that suit different personalities, understand the true costs of college and how to manage student loans effectively, and discover ways to encourage your teens to work part-time and save. Jeff also highlights the value of early financial education and the impact of practical experiences like internships and part-time jobs.

Follow Jeffrey on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffpanik/

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Julia Geffner is a growth marketer, strategist, and customer experience executive and current chief digital and marketing officer at Summer Discovery, the global leader in pre-college programs for nearly six decades. She has 20 years of experience in executive and C-level digital and traditional marketing experience and revenue growth roles. She is passionate about youth education and loves that she gets to help create interactive and fulfilling learning experiences for teens.

She graduated from Brown University with a B.A. in political science and an M.B.A. from Fordham School of Business in marketing and management. Most importantly, Julia is a mom to her two incredible children.

Learn more about Summer Discovery and Julia at https://www.summerdiscovery.com/about/our-team

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/summerdiscovery

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Our guest today is Lisa Speransky. Lisa grew up in New York City, attending specialized public schools and Columbia University. Through years of her own experience as a well-known tutor and mentor in NYC, she came to understand how a tutoring relationship can be life-changing for a student and began expanding her company in 2003. Lisa also enjoyed a 13-year corporate career in consumer products, spending 3 of those years in a C-level role before returning to IVY to pursue her mission to help students find joy in learning.

How to motivate teens to study?

"Emphasize the higher stakes of final exams compared to regular tests, and remind them that consistent studying can prevent last-minute stress and improve performance."

How to handle procrastination?

"Encourage the use of calendar blocking to break study tasks into manageable chunks, making it easier to start and stay on track without feeling overwhelmed."

The importance of reducing stress.

"Help your teen manage exam stress by providing organizational tools and reinforcing that a single test is not the end of the world; your support and understanding are key."

To find out more about Lisa or IVY go to:

https://ivytutorsnetwork.com/about/our-team

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivytutorsnetwork/

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Our guest today Audrey Wisch left Stanford to found Curious Cardinals, mobilizing peers to inspire K-12 students to discover their passions. With her vision to unlock students' potential through personalized mentorship, she raised $6.8m in ventured funding. Recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30, Audrey empowers youth and provides college students meaningful work.

In this episode we explore:

· How will AI change the future of k-12 education? How will AI change the workforce and what affect will that have on our kids?

· How do you go about introducing AI to teens? Where do you draw the line?

· What can we learn from social media’s take over when it comes to navigating this new technology? 

· How can parents use AI to save time? 

· What are common misconceptions you aim to debunk regarding AI? 

· How can AI help teens who are neurodivergent? 

· What stance can parents take when it comes to drawing boundaries vs encouraging enthusiastically the utilization of AI in their teens’ lives? 

· Should I let my kid use this or not? How should I have conversations with my kids about this?

· Is it cheating to use ChatGPT to help with an essay? How can we think about what's moral vs what's not?

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In this episode we talk about what is a Reflective Parent and can teens be reflective. We explore the three basic biobehavioral systems: reward systems, mentalizing, and the stress/threat system and how understanding this empowers us to be better parents.

Our guest today is Sheila Redfern PhD ,a Consultant Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychologist. She is currently a Head of Clinical Services for Family Trauma at Anna Freud, a children and families mental health charity in London, UK. Dr Redfern also worked as a senior lecturer as part of Guy's Medical School from 1996-2005. She is the Director of Redfern Psychology Services, an independent clinical psychology practice, where she offers direct clinical work, training and supervision and where she is devoted to promoting insight, compassion, and empathy in individuals, families, institutions, and communities.

Dr. Redfern’s clinical psychology practice spans thirty years, and she has published extensively in peer reviewed journals on parenting, fostering and child and adolescent mental health for the professional audience. Dr Redfern has authored two books for parents; Reflective Parenting: A Guide To Understanding What's Going on in your Child's Mind (Routledge) and How do You Hug A Cactus? Reflective Parenting with Teenagers in Mind (Routledge).

To learn more go to: https://redfernpsychology.org/

How Do You Hug a Cactus? Reflective Parenting with Teenagers in Mind https://amzn.eu/d/idhOCKY

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In this episode we talk about how parents and society at large underestimate teenage girls. We talk about amazing things that teenage girls have accomplished and how they are redefining leadership and power with all these accomplishments.

Our guest today Chelsey Goodan is the author of the USA Today national bestseller, UNDERESTIMATED: The Power and Wisdom of Teenage Girls (Gallery Books), which has been recommended by Oprah Daily, saying: “If you have a teenage girl in your life, you need to read this.” Amazon's Editorial Director chose UNDERESTIMATED as her "Editor's Pick, Best Nonfiction,” featuring it on CBS Mornings, and when Chelsey was recently on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna, they exclaimed: "We couldn't stop talking about your book."

Chelsey has been a mentor and empowerment coach to teenage girls for 16 years. She speaks regularly to audiences about gender justice and serves as the mentorship director of DemocraShe, which supports and guides girls from underserved communities into leadership positions. 

Find out more about Chelsea at https://www.chelseygoodan.com/ 

Follow on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/chelseygoodan/?hl=en

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Kaitlin Feurer is a dynamic mentor, seasoned consultant, and highly experienced coach specializing in cheerleading, tumbling, and mindset development. With a passion for guiding individuals towards fearlessness and surpassing limitations, Kaitlin has empowered a diverse range of clients, from cheerleaders and athletes to aspiring business owners.

Kaitlin's impact extends far beyond individual coaching sessions, as she has been sought after to share her wisdom and insights on various podcasts and publications. Her greatest joy lies in guiding her clients to break free from self-imposed limitations and unlock their full potential in health, wealth, vision, and business. Through her guidance, Kaitlin empowers others to step into their greatness and create a life of fulfillment and abundance.

Contact kaitlin@shawnfeurer.com

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kaitfeurer/

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My name is Hannah Maruyama, and I help parents and teens/young adults between the ages of 16-20 create custom career roadmaps that don't require them to buy college degrees. From tech to trades. Midwife apprentices, drone pilots, sommelier training, dog grooming, sales, software developers, organ transplant techs, voice acting, watchmakers, salvage divers, recruiters, video game animation, anything!

My husband Ryan and I run @degreefree on Tiktok, which has over 100,000,000 views and the Degree Free Podcast (a top US Careers Podcast!).

To find out more about Hannah and Degree Free go to https://degreefree.co/

Follow on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@degreefree?lang=en

Check out Degree Free Launch. Power Your Parenting listeners get a $500 dicount. Degreefree.co/launch 

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Karyl McBride, PhD LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, just like me. She's in Denver, Colorado with 39 plus years of public and private practice. She specializes in treating clients with dysfunctional family issues.

For the past many years, Dr. McBride has been involved in private research regarding parental narcissism and the debilitating effects of narcissism in relationships. She has treated many adult children of narcissistic parents, as well as many others involved in relationships with narcissists in her private practice. Dr. McBride is considered a pioneer and leading expert in her field.

Dr. McBride has also extensive clinical experience in the fields of trauma, sexual abuse, domestic violence, divorce, and step family therapy, marital and family therapy, and specialized trauma treatment like eye movement, desensitization, reprocessing, otherwise known as EMDR.

"Narcissistic parenting tends to present in either engulfing or ignoring, which kind of seem like opposite. But with the engulfing narcissistic parent, the child never really gets a chance to develop who they are, because they're constantly being told what to think, what to wear, how to dress, how to wear your hair, what to believe in, how we act. So that pushes out that time for the psychic energy of the child to be developing.

The child that is ignored, the other type of narcissistic parenting, that child is scurrying around constantly trying to get the love and approval and affection and attention of the narcissistic parent. And therefore, again, the psychic energy is taken up. So they're not able to focus on themselves." Dr. Karyl McBride

To find out more go to: https://willieverbegoodenough.com/

Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DrKarylMcBride

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John Coleman trained as a clinical psychologist and was formerly a senior research fellow at the University of Oxford. He is the founder of a research centre studying adolescents and their families, and during his career he has also run a special school for troubled teenagers and worked as a policy advisor for the government. He was awarded an OBE for services to young people in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2001.

In this episode we explore these questions.

1. In what way is the brain changing?
2. What role do hormones play in the teenage brain?
3. Why do teenagers stay up late and struggle to get up in the morning?
4. Do teenagers really take more risks?
5. Why are teenagers so argumentative and how come their moods shift so quickly?
6. How does understanding the developing brain improve relationships and communication at this crucial stage?



To learn more about Dr. John Coleman go to https://www.jcoleman.co.uk/

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Did you know that your subconcious mind controls 95% of your daily activity?

"And it's pre-programmed with paradigms which are habits, thoughts, and beliefs that reside in the subconscious mind. So 5% consciously says, I want to do something different but 95% goes back to anything that's been programmed into us."

"I sometimes use the analogy of the giving tree. And a stump of a woman is someone who takes care of everybody else first."

"So the first thing you have to do to be a really good parent is look inside and say, Okay how am I not showing up in my power."

We have such a powerful, sincere and inspiring guest today. So buckle up and enjoy the ride.

Shawn Feurer is a Universal Mindset Disruptor with 20+ years of experience. Former business coach, now a transformative mindset mentor, Shawn focuses on revolutionizing thinking patterns to foster freedom, abundance, joy, and love in life. His mission: help individuals transform unproductive habits and shift mindsets to achieve their dreams, epitomized by his motto, "ENJOY THE RIDE." 

Specializing in Inner BluePrint, Leadership Development, and more, Shawn offers tailored solutions for financial growth, relationship enhancement, and overall wellness across the U.S. and Canada. At the heart of his philosophy: change begins within. Guided by the principle, "Tell me what you want, and I'll show you how to get it," Shawn stands as a partner in growth, ushering in a life of limitless possibilities.

Find out more about Shawn at : https://www.shawnfeurer.com/

Follow Shawn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnfeurer/

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In this episode we define what an abusive relationship is. How can parents know if their teens is an abusive relationship and what are the warning signs. And most importantly how can parents talk to their teens and protect them against the abuse or being the abuser.

I brought in another family therapist to discuss this important subject.

Our guest today is Eden Garcia-Balis, M.S. LMFT who was appointed Chief Executive Officer for Airport Marina Counseling Service (AMCS) in 2014. She has been in the mental health field for over 19 years with experience in leadership and management of service programs, business operations and fundraising. In addition, she was the Executive Director of the Pasadena Mental Health Center. Eden has a passion for working with the underprivileged and underserved and believes all people regardless of their socioeconomic status deserve quality mental health services they can afford. She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and brings a strong clinical background to her position at AMCS.

I asked Eden why a third of all U.S. teens will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they are in relationship with. I mean that's really high.

"It's very high. It's alarming and I'm often asked, why is that statistic so high? When you look at what our children are listening to, when you look at what our children, our youth, our teens are seeing on TV, they don't know what a healthy relationship looks like.

Some of the questions we dive into are...

1.  Why do you think there has been rise in domestic violence among teens and why do you think it is more common than ever?

2. What are some of the warning signs parents or guardians should look for if they suspect their teen may be in violent or unhealthy relationship?

3. What are some of the ways parents can talk to their kids about dating violence and when is the right time to have this conversation?

4. What advice would you give teens who are in a relationship with a partner that is exhibiting violent, controlling or unhealthy behaviors?

5. What advice would you give parents who suspect, or know, their child is in an unhealthy relationship?

Find out more about Eden at https://www.amcshelps.com/management

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Today I have a guest who will help us explore these questions. She calls herself an advocate for the value of unpaid labor.

Bio: Lori Sugarman-Li believes deeply in the power of families and is a passionate voice in the cultural shift aiming to articulate the value and visibility of unpaid work. Her career as a Communications Strategist, combined with a decade devoted to full-time care of her family, community, and children's charities worldwide, served as the inspirational backdrop for her professional relaunch as a Coach, Speaker, and Author. She is dedicated to fostering meaningful conversations within families, encouraging them to contemplate how they care for one another and their shared space. Lori, her husband, and two sons are Canadian-born and live steps from Lake Michigan in Chicago.

Here are some of the questions we explored.

How should families approach the allocation of household roles to encourage participation from each member? In what ways can parents help their children connect with tasks that play to their strengths? What advice do you have for families to ensure everyone's preferences and abilities are respected and accommodated? How does assigning tasks aligned with a teen's interests influence their sense of responsibility? How do you suggest we teach teens to see the value in the unpaid work that goes into running a home? What language shifts do you propose for discussing domestic work that can help elevate its importance? Could you share some insights on how to illustrate the deeper significance of everyday chores to teens?

"Because the ultimate goal, the real desire here is full task ownership by everybody. Because what we know is that not only does the mother perform 75% of the executional work, but typically the mother is holding all of the mental and emotional work as well."

https://ourhomeourpride.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ourhomeourpride/

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Our guest today is Forest Bronzan.

Forest is a co-founder and on the board at Digital Detox where he leads global initiatives for digital wellness and helped grow the company to a customer base in over 80 countries and is the CEO at Camplight - helping parents take a practical approach to navigating raising kids with tech. As a father of two children, Forest has a deep passion for improving the relationship society has with technology.

Listeners can visit camplight.com to learn more, or digitaldetox.com

Find Forest on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/forestbronzan/

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Our guest today - Karleen Savage is sought-after speaker, trainer, hostage negotiator, and conflict resolution expert with a passion for fostering peaceful, harmonious environments. Through her Savage Theory of Resolution, she emphasizes the importance of communication and collaboration in order to achieve success. Through more than 15 years of professional experience, Karleen has learned that the conflicts we experience in business are usually a reflection of the conflicts happening at home. This belief inspired her to write her book The Confident Teen Blueprint. Throughout her career, Karleen has worked with corporations, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and government agencies, creating a positive environment for growth and development.

https://www.karleensavage.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karleensavage/

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Our guest today is known as the screentime consultant and has just published her book , The Screentime Solution: A Judgment-Free Guide to Becoming a Tech-Intentional Family , and of course in this episode we discuss what does it mean to be a tech intentional family and how to implement that.

Emily Cherkin, M.Ed., is a nationally recognized consultant who takes a tech-intentional approach to addressing screentime challenges. A former middle school teacher, she has been featured for her work in the New York Times, the Washington Post, on the Today Show (twice), Good Morning America, Australia Weekend Today‚ the BBC, NPR, Sirius XM Radio, and numerous parenting websites, blogs, and podcasts. Chuck Norris has quoted her. Emily teaches parenting courses, offers private parent consultations, facilitates professional development training, and provides personalized school presentations built on her tech-intentional approach. As a parent to a twelve- and fifteen-year-old, Emily understands deeply the real-life challenges of parenting in the digital age. Emily is also the co-founder of The Student Data Privacy Project, an advocacy group focused on protecting schoolchildren’s data. More can be

To learn more go to www.thescreentimeconsultant.com.

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thescreentimeconsultant/ 

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How does vaping impact the brain? Is vaping addictive? How should you educate your son or daughter about vaping? If you find out your tween or teen is vaping, how should you handle it?

Aaron Weiner, PhD, is a licensed, board-certified psychologist, master addiction counselor, clinician, author, and frequent speaker on addiction treatment and issues. Dr. Weiner is the immediate Past President of the Society of Addiction Psychology, serves on the Public Policy Committee for the American Society of Addiction Medicine, and is a member of the Science Advisory Board for the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions. He earned his doctorate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and completed his fellowship in Addiction Psychology at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System.

To learn more:

 https://www.weinerphd.com/

 https://www.weinerphd.com/vaping

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A ShouldStorm is a high-pressure culture of criticism and anxiety that pushes perfectionistic parenting. The Shouldstorm has an opinion on every little thing parents do, but it often contradicts itself. It tells parents what they should or should not do, and threatens that kids will suffer if parents don’t follow those shoulds to the letter.

Parents internalize the shoulds; the Shouldstorm lives in our heads and makes parents feel anxiety and shame.

To get free of the Shouldstorm I invited Dr. Alison Escalante to be our guest

Dr. Alison Escalante is a board-certified pediatrician and an Adjunct Professor of Pediatrics at Rush University. She has been treating children for almost twenty years and has spent the last ten years exploring methods and workable solutions to target parental stress. She’s a regular contributor to Psychology Today and Forbes, and her work has also been featured in Inc. and USA Today. 

Alison will share a unique approach that helps parents resist a culture that causes anxiety and stress to be more and do more in the pursuit of parenting perfection. Dr. Escalante is a pediatrician, mother and the author of the new book SIGH SEE START: How to be the Parent Your Child Needs in a World that Won’t Stop Pushing.

To learn more go to: https://theprimarycarer.com/ 

 Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/alison.escalante.md/

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Jesse LeBeau is one of today’s most highly sought after youth speakers and teen coaches. His unlikely underdog story has inspired millions of teens through his speaking, best-selling books and youth programs. He is one of the worlds premiere basketball trick artists and is regularly featured on TV, film, and international tours. Jesse’s new reality series ‘The LeBeau Show’ allows viewers the chance to follow him around the country and see firsthand the major impact he is having on youth.

Jesse is not only an amazing teen coach but he has great practical advice for moms. Jesse is definitely inspirational you will want to take notes.

To learn more about Jesse go to  https://theattitudeadvantage.com/welcome/

Follow Jesse on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jesselebeau/

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An anxious teen is challenging to parent especially if they refuse to do something they should do, like go to school, go to soccer practice, or do their homework. It's easy to get into arguments with an anxious teen. Conversations frequently spin out of control.

To talk about these challenges I have invited Cynthia Coufal to join us today

Cynthia Coufal is a Certified Life Coach for teens and young adults. She has a podcast and YouTube channel called The Teen Anxiety Maze. Cynthia spent 31 years as a teacher and school counselor in Public Schools. She started a podcast during the pandemic to reach her students since she couldn’t see them face to face. This led to her wanting to have a broader audience than just the students in her school building. Cynthia now has clients around the US and listeners all over the world. Cynthia is YouMap®Assessment Certified. She uses the profile to help young people understand what their strengths, values, preferred skills, and interests are. This helps them find their WHY for tackling anxiety.

Email: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com

Website: www.cynthiacoufalcoaching.com

https://www.instagram.com/cynthiacoufalcoaching/?hl=en

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO9WBijdxeYpQSekM7RZYvA

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In this episode, we talk about what anxiety-driven anger looks like in our teens.

Kelsey Torgerson Dunn, MSW, LCSW, specializes in anxiety and anger management therapy for kids, teens, and college students. She opened her group practice, Compassionate Counseling St. Louis, in early 2017. She practices cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness skills, and often finds that just having someone on your side is the most helpful part of counseling.

Kelsey recently published When Anxiety Makes You Angry written for teens.  “Using a proven-effective approach rooted in evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), When Anxiety Makes You Angry will help you identify the anxiety beneath your anger, accept difficult emotions—rather than fighting or trying to ignore them—and learn healthy coping and self-regulation skills to help you find emotional balance. You’ll also discover how to “train your brain” to stop and think before reacting; and how to choose calm over chaos when faced with the things that trigger your anxiety or anger.

To learn more contact Kelsey at https://www.kelseytorgersondunn.com/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselingwithkelsey/

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This eye-opening statistic forms the backdrop of our discussion, where we explore the dynamics of parenting stress on relationships.

Our conversation will delve into practical strategies for couples, inspired by the 33% who not only survive but thrive during parenthood.

We explore topics like creating meaningful connection moments, nurturing essential rituals, remaining actively involved in each other's lives, and cultivating a positive mindset that focuses on strengths rather than shortcomings.

Sharla and Robert will empower you with insights that transform relationships under the pressures of parenthood.

Dr. Robert and Sharla Snow, a married couple with over 31 years together, passionately combine science, art, and personal experience to coach couples in achieving lasting and joyful marriages. With backgrounds in neuroscience, NLP, and Time Line Therapy, they also hold certifications in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. Their mission is inspired by their own journey, growing from divorced families to a thriving family of six, as they strive to transform relationships globally.

Find out more about Robert and Sharla at: https://masteryourmarriagepodcast.com/

Follow on Social at: https://www.instagram.com/masteryourmarriage/ 

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Elizabeth Barbour, M.Ed. has spent 23+ years helping people integrate mind, body and spirit for wholeness. As an intuitive life and business coach, speaker and author, she is a creative force when to comes to releasing pain, healing wounds, transforming old stories into new beginnings, and celebrating the beauty and joy of life’s milestones. 

Elizabeth guides women through a self-care and ritual process where grief and gratitude can live side by side. A firm believer of the power of community, she guides her clients to create connections, so they aren’t left to carry weight of their grief alone. As a Life Coach and Shamanic practitioner, she brings a unique blend of traditional coaching techniques and ancient wisdom to her practice. Elizabeth is the author of two books – Smart Self-Care for Busy Women and Sacred Celebrations, Designing Rituals to Navigate Life’s Milestone Transitions.

To learn more about Elizabeth go to elizabethbarbour.com

Follow Elizabeth on social media at:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethbarbour

IG: https://www.instagram.com/elizabthbarbour/ 

Sacred Celebrations book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLTXRL56 

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What are adults missing

about teens and technology?

A lot. Drawing on perspectives from more than 3,500 teens, Harvard Project Zero researchers Emily Weinstein and Carrie James bring stories and data together for a powerful reframe of what teens are up against – and what teens need adults to understand.

Emily Weinstein is a Research Director at Project Zero at Harvard and a Lecturer at the Graduate School of Education. Carrie James is a sociologist and Principle Investigator at Project Zero at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She is the author of Disconnected: Youth, New Media, and the Ethics Gap (MIT Press). The authors' work has been covered in Time, the Boston Globe, the Washington Post, and the Atlantic, and they are sought-after speakers on teens and technology.

You can learn more at www.behindtheirscreens.com

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Our guest today is an Australian gem. His specialty is how to persuade stubborn people. I think teens can be the most stubborn of people. In his recently published book Mindstuck he gives us 15 persuasion tools.

Michael McQueen has spent the past two decades helping organizations and leaders win the battle for relevance. From Fortune 500 brands to government agencies and not-for-profits, Michael specializes in helping clients navigate uncertainty and stay one step ahead of change.

He is a bestselling author of ten books and is a familiar face on the international conference circuit, having shared the stage with the likes of Bill Gates, Dr. John C. Maxwell, and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. Michael has spoken to hundreds of thousands of people across five continents since 2004 and is known for his high-impact, research-rich, and entertaining conference presentations.

Having formerly been named Australia’s Keynote Speaker of the Year, Michael has been inducted into the Professional Speakers Hall of Fame. He and his family live in Sydney, Australia.

Follow Michael on Instagram and Linkedin.

https://www.instagram.com/michaeljmcqueen/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmcqueen1/

Find out more at  MINDSTUCK.NET 

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Kimberly Nix Berens, Ph.D., is a scientist-educator and Founder of Fit Learning. She co-created a powerful instruction system based on behavioral science and the Technology of Teaching, which has transformed the learning abilities of thousands of children worldwide, including those who are struggling, average, gifted, or learning disabled.  

For more than 20 years, her system of instruction has produced one year’s worth of academic growth in only 40 hours of training. Her learning programs effectively target such essential areas as early learning skills, basic classroom readiness, phonemic awareness, reading fluency, comprehension, inferential language, basic and advanced mathematics, logical problem solving, grammar, and expressive writing.  

From her early beginnings in a broom closet at the University of Nevada – Reno, Dr. Berens has helped grow Fit Learning to an organization with more than 30 locations worldwide. She currently lives in Long Island with her husband and two children, where she oversees Fit Learning locations in Long Island, New York City, and Connecticut. Blind Spots: Why students fail and the science that can save them is her first book.

Find out more at: https://www.drkimberlyberens.com/

Follow Dr. Berens at https://www.instagram.com/drkberens/

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Our featured guest, Nancy Tengler a seasoned investor and mother, shares her unique approach to improving the financial IQ of children. Drawing from personal experiences, she turned every shopping trip into an investment research exercise for her son and daughter. While some moments were embarrassing, the lasting impact is evident as her adult children manage investments with the acumen of professionals.

Tune in as our guest underscores the importance of leveraging everyday experiences to build financial knowledge.

Practical tips for listeners include incorporating investment research into daily activities, discussing brands and trends with friends and teens, and fostering financial literacy through opening brokerage accounts for teens.

Nancy Tengler’s career as a portfolio manager spans 40 years; she is currently the CEO and Chief Investment Officer of Laffer Tengler Investments. Nancy is a passionate advocate for women’s financial literacy and she leads the firm’s Women & Wealth initiative. Nancy is a sought-after TV and print financial commentator on local and national media outlets. She lives in Incline Village, NV with her 2 labs and hikes the Tahoe Trail daily.  

In this podcast episode, we delve into the empowering rise of female investors, exploring the estimate that women now control over 50% of global wealth and the transformative impact on financial decision-making. With 95% of women poised to become primary financial decision-makers, we uncover key insights to empower them with essential financial knowledge

Follow and learn more about Nancy Tengler on Linkedin and on her Websites

https://www.linkedin.com/company/laffertengler/ 

https://laffertengler.com/nancy-tengler/ 

https://nancytengler.com/

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Kristi's guidance, drawing on 5 core principles, teaches us to cherish our connection to ourselves, others, and the world to practice and embody a grateful life. She gives us 5 practices that will help our teens cultivate gratefulness. Kristi discusses the difference between gratitude and gratefulness and why this distinction is important.

KRISTI NELSON is the executive director of A Network for Grateful Living. She has spent more than 30 years in nonprofit leadership, development, and consulting, working at the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, and the Soul of Money Institute. Nelson is a Stage IV cancer survivor and lives with her family in western Massachusetts.

To learn more about Kristi: https://grateful.org/kristi-nelson/  

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Michael Jacobus is an internationally renowned Camp Director and youth development specialist. With a passion for empowering young minds, he founded Reset Summer Camp to combat the challenges of screen addiction after witnessing its impact on his own family. As a parent who once dealt with a gaming-addicted child, Michael's journey makes him a relatable advocate. Reset Summer Camp offers an immersive clinical program on a university campus, blending a summer camp atmosphere with therapy to help participants detox and develop vital life skills. Michael and his dedicated team are on a mission to create a healthier, more balanced future for our youth.

Contact Michael at (mjacobus@resetsummercamp.com)

Find out more about Reset Summer Camp: https://www.resetsummercamp.com/our-team

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KIRSTEN ELSTNER is a distinguished National Geographic Explorer and the visionary founder of National Geographic Photo Camp, an initiative that has empowered young photographers across the globe for two decades. With a career spanning over 30 years in the field of photography, Kirsten has been a trailblazer in using visual storytelling as a tool for social impact. Under her leadership, Photo Camp has expanded to more than 35 countries, mentoring thousands of teens and young adults in the art of photography and narrative. Her work has been instrumental in giving a voice to underrepresented communities, allowing them to share their unique perspectives through compelling images and stories. Kirsten's accolades include numerous awards and her work has been featured in prominent publications. As she looks to the future, Kirsten remains committed to fostering the next generation of storytellers, amplifying voices that need to be heard.

Find out more about National Geographic Photo Camp

https://explorer-directory.nationalgeographic.org/kirsten-elstner

https://www.instagram.com/ngphotocamp/

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I wanted to bring in a guest who is an expert on the Enneagram to explain what it is and how it can be useful to you. Enneagram is not a religion; it’s a tool to help you understand your personality type.

Elaine Bailey Anderson is the owner and founder of Coach Brilliant, a coaching academy that serves professional coaches, and service-based business owners, offering training and certifications, as well as business and marketing strategy.

Elaine is an Accredited Professional with the International Enneagram Association with over 30 years of professional expertise in Human Resource Development.

As a professional Leadership Development Consultant, Elaine has designed programs in leadership, coaching, and behavioral skills, delivering training to Fortune 500 companies and small businesses around the world, and working with thousands of executives, managers, and leaders.

You can contact Elaine at: info@coachbrilliant.com or www.coachbrilliant.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elainejbailey/

Want to know your personality type?

You can have a one-on-one coaching session with Elaine to find out your Enneagram type. (Normally this is $250 but for our listeners, Elaine is offering it for $150.)

Type in Coupon Code: TYPINGMOM

Link:

https://coachbrilliant.com/uncover-your-enneagram-type/

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Dr. Anna B. Tanner is Vice President of Child and Adolescent Medicine for Accanto Health, with brands Veritas Collaborative and the Emily Program. She is a board-certified Pediatrician who has specialized in the care of complicated adolescent patients, in particular patients with eating disorders, for almost 25 years. Dr. Tanner completed medical school and residency at Vanderbilt University, and then remained there to serve on the Pediatrics faculty in the Division of Young Adult and Adolescent Medicine. Dr. Tanner has been very involved in advocacy and education efforts and serves on national and international committees for eating disorders education. She speaks frequently across the United States on the Medical Complications of Eating Disorders, especially as they affect children and young adolescents, and contributed a book chapter on that topic in the 4th edition of Dr. Philip S. Mehler’s Eating Disorders: A Comprehensive Guide to Medical Care and Complications. Dr. Tanner currently serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Pediatrics for Emory University School of Medicine and Morehouse School of Medicine. She is co-chair of the Academy of Eating Disorders (AED) Medical Care Standards Committee and a member of the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP) Curriculum Committee. Dr. Tanner is a Fellow in the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine (SAHM), a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and a Certified Eating Disorders Supervisor. She has been named by Atlanta magazine as a “Top Doctor” every year from 2013 to 2023 and named by Castle Connelly as an Exceptional Woman in Medicine and one of America’s Most Honored Doctors.

Email Dr. Anna Tanner at anna.tanner@accanto.com

Learn more at https://veritascollaborative.com/about-veritas/leadership-team/anna-tanner/

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Our guest today Rachel Marie Martin is the founder of the social media community Finding Joy™, author of both Mom Enough and The Brave Art of Motherhood, and a founding partner in Audience Industries – a company designed to train and equip entrepreneurs in their ventures. Her articles have been translated into over 25 languages, her site reaches millions of visitors per month and she has a robust, engaged Facebook community. Her content has been featured in The Huffington Post, The Today Show, PopSugar, Motherly, and many more. She speaks worldwide encouraging moms and entrepreneurs to live each day with purpose and drive. Beyond that, she’s a mom to seven and calls Nashville, Tennessee, her home.

Follow Rachel Marie on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/findingjoyblog

Find out more at: https://findingjoy.net/author/rachel-marie-martin/

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 Our guest today is Luke Entrup

Luke teaches his clients to cultivate the clarity of the mind, to discover the wisdom of the body, and to harness passion as the jet fuel of their transformation. He works as a coach and teacher. He takes clients through major life transitions and rites of passage, acting as the bridge between who they are today and who they dream to be tomorrow. He is a frequent speaker on the topic of reintroducing rites of passage into our culture. He is the founder of the Father-Son Connection Experience, a weekend rite of passage for boys and their father figures.

Find out more about Luke at www.fathersonconnection.com and www.lukeentrup.com.

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Ruth Klein is an author and founder of the nonprofit Universal Mom, which works to help children and teens uncover their talents through the art of writing. With her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Spiritual Psychology with an emphasis on Health, Consciousness, and healing, Ruth is passionate about helping youth reach their full potential by believing in themselves. Prior to founding Universal Mom, for 22 years Ruth led the nonprofit Self-Esteem Council, which went into high schools to work with sophomores & juniors. In less than 10 hours, they changed student’s perceptions of their lives, increasing their self-esteem and confidence. Many of the students they worked with had the confidence to apply for summer jobs, get involved in school activities the following year, and apply to college when previously, college was not even on their radar. Outside of her non-profit work, Ruth has a successful career that spans over thirty years, she has helped her clients create a 360° Brand and convert their expertise and content into best-selling books that have gone on to be high-ticket programs, TedX speeches, PBS specials, TV guest spots, 5 figure speaking engagements. The author of 7 best-selling books, her upcoming release for parents is titled, Conscious Connection, and is slated for an early 2024 release.

Find out more at: https://universalmom.org/ and https://ruthklein.com/

Follow on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ruth.klein/

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You're going to love our next guest and his book, Time to Move On: The 7 Career Myths Keeping You From Finding Your Dream Job.

Mustafa Ammar is the founder and CEO of “The Passion MBA”, a global coaching company. He is also a life-coach who coached hundreds of professionals around the world to find their dream careers and build their dream businesses, by applying his coaching methodology “The Passion Blueprint”. Mustafa is also the author of “Time to Move On”

Mustafa lived several career lives in one single life. He started his career as a pharmacist out of a passion for chemistry, then he became an international diplomat out of a passion for building bridges among different cultures and traveling the world, where he worked in China, Malawi, and the United Nations.

He then worked as an investment specialist at The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), where he was in charge of business development and bringing investments to various regions including Africa, The Middle East & Latin America. Mustafa successfully brought more than $1.1 billion worth of finance in infrastructure projects in the Middle East alone during his tenure at AIIB.

Mustafa holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with distinction from Alliance Manchester Business School in the UK. He also holds another master's degree in diplomatic studies & negotiations and a BA in pharmaceutical sciences.

Contact Mustafa and learn more at: https://mustafaammar.com/

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thepassionmba/

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This is such an important discussion about the common mistakes parents make and what you should do instead.

Our guest today is Dan Blewett.

Dan is a former professional baseball player, speaker, online entrepreneur and the author of four books. His most recent, This Slump Shall Pass, teaches mental skills to athletes of all sports. A resident of Washington, D.C., his focus is on teaching young people the mental and physical skills they need to have happy, successful sports careers. He reaches athletes, coaches and parents through his YouTube channels and on social media, where he has 130,000 followers combined across his platforms. In addition to teaching sport skills, Dan uses his wide audience to advocate for play and youth sports reform.

His writing, videos, speaking and other work can be found at Danblewett.com and his social media handles @CoachDanBlewett.

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At the heart of all of this is motivation. Nothing frustrates a mom more than an unmotivated teen.

So what can we do? Why are so many teens unmotivated? So much drama comes from trying to get your teen to do what they are supposed to do.

How do you motivate them without it being a big blow up?

Our guest today is a mom, a well-respected researcher and an experienced clinician.

Dr. Ellen Braaten is an experienced and prominent psychologist, researcher, speaker, and author. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Learning and Emotional Assessment Program (LEAP) and the Kessler Family Chair in Pediatric Neuropsychological Assessment at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). She also holds an appointment of Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School (HMS). She is the author of The Child Clinician’s Report-Writing Handbook and How to Find Mental Health Care for Your Child, and co-author of the bestselling book, Bright Kids Who Can’t Keep Up and Straight Talk About Psychological Testing for Kids. Her newest book is Bright Kids Who Couldn’t Care Less: How to Rekindle Your Child’s Motivation. She earned her MA from the University of Colorado and her PhD from Colorado State University.

Learn more at https://www.ellenbraatenphd.com/

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With a master’s degree in organizational management and over a decade of experience running human resources, through Chaos to Calm Jenna uses easy-to-implement strategic tools and philosophies to guide busy parents and help them streamline the endless tasks they face every day. By creating more time and less stress, they can spend more hours appreciating their family, making sure they have what they need, and giving themselves the space they need and live their lives with intention and joy. Chapters are targeted at Efficiency, Habits, Communication, Community, and Self-Care, and include how-tos and simple small tasks anyone can take to lower the frenetic pace of every day.

In this episode, we dive into how moms can be more energy-efficient, time-efficient, and task-efficient. We explore healthy habits that bring you calm and how to trash the ones that don’t serve you. You will love all the practical tips that you can apply right away.

Learn more about Jenna at https://jennahermans.com/ 

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jennazhermans/

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In this episode we talk about what is brainwave dysregulation and how that manifests with teens. We explore what Neurofeedback is and how it can be helpful to all teens especially teens who have adhd , anxiety, trauma, and depression.

Our guest today Dianne Kosto is an industry-leading expert and visionary, is the Founder and CEO of SYMMETRY Neuro-Pathway Training. Recognized as a compassionate “Mom on a Mission,” Dianne is dedicated to making Neurofeedback technology accessible to families and individuals worldwide. Drawing from her personal journey and the trauma her family endured due to brainwave dysregulation, she is committed to helping others avoid similar challenges.

Dianne has been a trusted mentor and consultant for Neurofeedback providers across the continent, transcending various professions since 2010. Her invaluable expertise continues to guide and inspire through SYMMETRY’s SAGE Advisors division.

Dianne Kosto’s path has been marked by unwavering resolve and a profound dedication to improving the quality of lives through Neurofeedback. Her personal and professional journey is chronicled in her upcoming book, ‘From Trauma to Triumph: A Mom’s Mission with Neurofeedback,' which is set to launch on 9.9.23. It is a testament to her commitment to helping each brain learn to better regulate, and in ., helping each person pave their own path from trauma to triumph.

Contact Dianne at  844-272-4666 , info@symmetryneuropt.com, symmetryneuropt.com 

Follow Dianne at:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SymmetryNeuroPT/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/symmetryneuropt/

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Brooke Romney is a writer, speaker and leader of an online community who helps moms of teens and tweens create meaningful, healthy and enjoyable relationships with their children through practical application, education and community. Her goal is for every family to feel confident and connected. The mother of four boys ages tween to adult, Brooke knows parenting perfection isn’t real and takes an honest and hopeful approach with her audience. Her best-selling book 52 Modern Manners for Today’s Teens (Volumes 1 & 2) provides weekly tips to help parents and teens navigate the complexities of today’s world. The follow-up, 52 Modern Manners for Kids, will feature tips for kids and tweens aged four to 12 and is set to release this August. Brooke's work has been featured in The Washington Post, Scary Mommy and Forbes. Brooke and her family live in Utah.

Here are some examples of her modern manners for teens

• Be inclusive
• You attract what you put out into the world
• Say thank you
• Be reliable
• Reply
• Work with integrity
• Look up smile and say hello
• Don’t be annoying

In this episode she shares her secrets to getting teens to actually listen (and not blow you off) and follow through with these manners.

Follow Brooke on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/brookeromneywrites/

and https://brookeromney.com/

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Our guest today answers these questions.

For over 40 years, DR. KUNI BEASLEY has been helping students reach their college goals. Since 2011, Dr. Beasley and his team have helped students earn over $300 million in scholarships and grants, with students admitted to the top institutions in the country to include the Ivy League (Harvard, Cornell, etc.), Service Academies (West Point, Annapolis, etc.), and Top Tier colleges (MIT, Stanford, Duke, etc.). His SAT/ ACT Prep program has been used in public and private schools in over 20 states. Dr. Beasley was the Dean of the New College Preparatory Academy with 22 sites across the country from Springfield, MA, to Hot Springs, AR, to Palm Springs, CA. Dr. Beasley has a BS from Texas Christian University (Go Frogs), an MBA from Oklahoma City University, a Doctor of Ministry from Tyndale Seminary, and Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Arlington. He went to college 22 years and paid for only one semester.

To learn more: https://www.beasleycollegeprep.com/

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Joining us today is Yael Goldstein-Love. She is the author of the novels The Passion of Tasha Darsky, described as “showing signs of brooding genius” by The New York Times, and The Possibilities, forthcoming in July. She also practices psychotherapy, with a particular interest in the transition to parenthood, and is working toward her doctorate in clinical psychology. Her dissertation research focuses on how mothers experience their anxiety for the unknown futures of their children. She is a graduate of Harvard University and currently attends The Wright Institute. Her writing has appeared in The Boston Globe, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Wall Street Journal Speakeasy Blog, The Atlantic online, The Forward, Commentary, and other places. She lives with her six-year-old son and a very patient cat in Berkeley, CA.

Here are a couple of quotes from Yael's article on maternal anxiety.

"There is a mismatch between the primal maternal drive to protect our offspring and our knowledge that we’re largely powerless to do so, and this gap between what we long to do as mothers taxed with seeing the next generation in, and what we can realistically do as human beings, is one of the more brutal gifts of evolution. No wonder anxiety is such a fundamental part of motherhood."

"We don’t often think about the sheer existential heft of caring for a child, and how anxiety is baked right into it. To honor this aspect of mothering would be to look head-on at realities we all find harrowing: that life is fragile, we never know what’s coming next, we suffer, and in the end we die. Maternal worry gets at the heart of what is terrifying about being alive, and about loving."

Learn more at: https://www.yaelgoldsteinlove.com/

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Hunter Clarke-Fields MSAE, E-RYT (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is a Mindfulness Mentor, Mindful Mama Podcast Host, Mom, Global Speaker, and Number 1 Bestselling Author of “Raising Good Humans” with a New Book: “Raising Good Humans Every Day” (Aug 1, 2023). Hunter has over 20 years of experience in meditation and yoga practices, and helps moms bring more calm and family cooperation into their daily lives. She is a Mindfulness Meditation Teacher, the creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training, and has taught mindfulness to thousands worldwide, including a recent trip to Egypt. Hunter presents talks on parenting, is a certified teacher of Parent Effectiveness Training. In addition, Hunter coaches smart, accomplished, over-stressed individuals on how to cultivate mindfulness. Hunter is the mother of two active daughters, who challenge her every day to hone her craft! Her work has appeared in CNBC Make It, Parade, Paleontology, Motherhood Moment, The Hollywood Digest, along with on ABC Portland, NBC Milwaukee, and CBS South Bend,Kansas Public Radio, and many podcasts. And as part of her self-care, Hunter likes to do Scottish country dancing.

Learn more about Hunter at https://MindfulMamaMentor.com

Follow Hunter on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mindfulmamamentor/?hl=en

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I interview a knowledgeable and fellow therapist who is a parent to teens and is a therapist to teens. She is also an author and wrote Your Amazing Teen Brain which is written for teens but is good for moms as well. If you have a teen that can get lost in big feelings and get caught in negative automatic thoughts this book will help them understand their brain and give them tools to change their brain in a positive way. Her book is full of interesting research like how teens can increase their IQ through effortful work.

Let me introduce you to Elisa Nebolsine.

In addition to her clinical work, Elisa serves as an adjunct faculty at the Beck Institute in Philadelphia, and at Catholic University’s graduate school of social work. Additionally, Elisa teaches and consults on cognitive behavioral therapy and clinical practice with children and adolescents both locally and nationally.

Elisa earned her master’s degree in clinical social work from Smith College, and she has been working with kids, teens, and young adults for the past twenty-five years. She has been featured in publications ranging from the Atlantic to NPR, and has been named a Washingtonian (DC) “Top Therapist” in multiple categories.

 Contact Elisa at https://www.cbtforkids.com/

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Our guests today are Juna Gjata and Edward Phillips MD.

JUNA GJATA graduated from Harvard in 2017, with degrees in cognitive neuroscience and a minor in music. She is a concert pianist and composer. Gjata created and hosts the health podcast Food, We Need to Talk. She lives in Cambridge, MA.

EDWARD M. PHILLIPS MD, is Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School and Founder of the Institute of Lifestyle Medicine. He has trained over 25,000 clinicians from 115 countries. He lives in Needham, MA.

They recently published FOOD, WE NEED TO TALK: The Science-Based, Humor-Laced Last Word on Eating, Diet and Making Peace with Your Body (on-sale July 11, 2023 from St. Martin’s Press).

In Juna’s own words, “I want this book to be the book I wish I had at eighteen before I started all the crazy diets and plans. I want it to communicate the basics of nutrition, exercise, fat loss, metabolism and health – all the things that I thought were not well understood and largely out of my control.” Perfect for fans of the Maintenance Phase podcast, Food, We Need to Talk provides all the information, and more, for readers to make informed decisions about their health journeys, whether their goal is looking, feeling, or living better.

Find out more at: https://www.foodweneedtotalk.com/about

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodweneedtotalk/

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ANGUISH

If you are a mom and anguish over your kids, I want you to know you are not alone. Many moms silently suffer with big feelings of anguish. You see something in your teen that you feel shame about or are worried about. You hide this from others because you don’t want to be judged and it would feel too awful to tell anyone else. So you isolate in your anguish.

Here's what’s normal moms---- you can love your teen and the teenage years, you can be proud of their accomplishments and think they are amazing AND your teens will struggle, make some choices that scare you, make you sad, and pushes against your values. All these things cause us anguish.

In this episode I define anguish and how moms experience it. Anguish can be brutal on moms.

Moms can't completely escape anguish but your can dial down the severity. I give you five practical ways you can contain the anguish and not let it dominate your life.

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Our guest lives her message. Andee Martineau, a mom of 6, a reformed yeller, a bestselling author, and the creator of Connect Method Parenting: a breakthrough parenting framework that leverages connection as the primary mechanism for influencing children. Her approach helps parents discover why their kids don’t listen and shows them the step-by-step process of regaining influence and building relationships that will last a lifetime. With hands-on experience raising her own children (ages 14-23), intensive coursework in developmental psychology, and years of experience in parenting coaching, Andee has been able to help thousands of parents learn the parenting methodology that gets their kids to WANT to listen. Her goal is to help parents stay calm, confident, and connected no matter what their kids are doing, and build strong relationships through every phase and stage.

Andee recently published Connect Method Parenting:How to Get Your Kids to Want to Listen to You Without the Yelling, Ultimatums and Bribes.

In this episode Andee talks about...

• how parenting is not correcting
• control the controllable's
• parenting“report card doesn’t include your child's behavior.
• why I love D’s F’s and bombed tests..
• how to connect consistently and choose connection even when you want to yell

Contact Andee at https://connectmethodparenting.com/

Follow Andee on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/andeemartineau/

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How many times have we brought up a simple request to our teen, but it turns out to be not so simple because it triggers a huge emotional response? Moms can find themselves avoiding talking about important topics because they don’t know how to handle their emotions.

I invited Dr. Lisa Damour, the author of The Emotional Lives of Teenagers, to talk about this nuanced subject of teenage emotions. In this episode we focus on her chapter called Managing Emotions, Part One: Helping Teens Express Their Emotions and the following chapter called Managing Emotions, Part Two: Helping Teens Regain Emotional Control

Recognized as a thought leader by the American Psychological Association, Lisa Damour, Ph.D., co-hosts the Ask Lisa podcast, writes about adolescents for the The New York Times, appears as a regular contributor to CBS News, works in collaboration with UNICEF, and maintains a clinical practice. She is the author of three New York Times bestsellers, The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents, Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood and Under Pressure: Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls. She and her husband have two daughters and live in Shaker Heights, Ohio.

To find out more about the Emotional Lives of Teenagers go to https://drlisadamour.com/ 

And while you are there go to the tab that says How Can I Help to get your downloadable bookmarks.

Follow Lisa on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lisa.damour/

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Dr. Melanie is a licensed clinical psychologist and life coach specializing in working with Gen Z-ers who are eager to embrace their authentic selves. With 16 years of experience in the field of mental health and 9 years specifically dedicated to supporting tweens, teens, and young adults, she has developed innovative programs that foster self-confidence, goal-setting, and mental wellness.

She holds a PsyD in clinical psychology from Adler University and a master's degree in counseling from Roosevelt University. Additionally, she is a licensed psychologist in 27 states through the Psychology Inter-jurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT). Dr. Melanie's expertise in youth mental health was recognized when she was invited to speak on a White House panel addressing the mental health needs of young people.

Dr. Melanie is the author of The Emotionally Intelligent Teen: Skills to Help You Deal with What You Feel, Build Stronger Relationships, and Boost Self-Confidence, which offers teens proven-effective tools for developing emotional intelligence—the ability to identify and express their emotions in healthy ways. The book is set to be released on December 1st.

Contact Dr. Melanie at

Website: https://www.destinationyou.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmelaniemcnally/

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To answer this question I brought in Dr. Orie who is the author of What's Getting into My Daughter?: 7 Golden Rules for Helping Her Thrive through the New Challenges of Young Womanhood 

DR. ORIE ACHONWA is best known as the health authority for a new generation. She has appeared on CBS, NBC, ABC, Fox, eHealth Radio, and other well-known networks, media outlets, and panels to share her perspectives on various health topics and lifestyle medicine. Thrive Global named her a female founder to watch and she also received a Healthcare Innovation Award from United Healthcare. Outside of the clinic, Dr. Orie is active in several projects focused on the future of our collective well-being. The City of Dallas recognized her with a Community Service Award and she's also been featured in Entrepreneur and Authority Magazine’s Women in Wellness series.

In this episode, we talk about some of her favorite Golden Rules for helping our daughters thrive.

contact Dr. Orie at plumknowyourbody@gmail.com drorie.com

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 With us today is Bully Proof Expert, Master Rich Grogan, a 6th Degree Black Belt& Master Martial Artist with 40 years Martial Arts experience. He has spent the last 30 years of his life teaching, coaching & educating kids & adults with the power of hope, courage & confidence to believe in themselves to overcome their fears to stand up to bullying, and stand out in the crowd to become Bully Proof. In addition, he’s the host of the Grogan’s Bully Proof Podcast, a certified Ziglar Speaker, Trainer & Life Coach, and the founder of Grogan’s Martial Arts, one of the largest martial arts academies in the Midwest. He is a Christian, father of three and loving husband.

• Who is the meanest, nastiest, cruelest bully anyone will ever face? 
• What do you mean that believing in yourself & becoming bully proof is an inside job?
• Bullying is never going away? Then how do we stop it?
• How does the right mindset & positive mental attitude develop self-confidence?
• How does someone who’s lacking confidence & self-worth start believing in themselves?

 Email: bullyproof@grogansma.com

Website: https://grogansbullyproof.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorconfidence 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/warriorconfidence/

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Our guest today has created delicious recipes without gluten, dairy, or processed sugars. She has five teenage daughters who are the biggest critics in the world and they agree that these recipes are amazing.

Cristy Kisner is the owner and creative culinary visionary behind Cristy’s Kitchen, a gluten-free and dairy-free organic bakery and café that was the subject of a viral post and fundraiser on Humans of New York. She lives with her husband and five daughters in Roswell, Georgia. 

She has just released her book, Cristy’s Kitchen: More Than 130 Scrumptious and Nourishing Recipes Without Gluten, Dairy or Processed Sugars.

Cristy says, "When my second daughter was very young, I discovered that she was gluten intolerant. As there was no school to learn how to cook gluten-free, I started researching and experimenting to understand how the chemistry of the ingredients works, investigating the power of each ingredient, the benefits of organic food, and the need to read the labels of everything I bought in the supermarket, so, my goal was to create gluten-free recipes that were delicious but also nutritious. I started creating healthy lunch boxes that her classmates made fun of at first, but in the end, they liked them so much that the school moms asked me to give them baking classes to learn how to make nutritious muffins and cookies."

To learn more visit: https://www.cristyskitchenga.com/

Follow on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cristyskitchenga/

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Renée Mill is a senior clinical psychologist, author, and corporate speaker who is passionate about helping people overcome anxiety and stress. With over 20 years of experience, she has become a leading expert in the field of mental health and emotional intelligence. Renée is the author of three best-selling books: Anxiety Free, Drug-Free, Parenting Without Anger, and No Sweat Parenting. Her work has been featured on various media outlets, including The Today Show, Sunrise, and The Morning Show.

In this episode, Renee challenges the idea that anger is necessary for parenting. She also talks about the six beliefs that stir rage.

1. Personalizing: It's all about me!
2. Generalizing: My teen is doomed!
3. Exceptionalizing: This is so bad, it's out of the ordinary!
4. Catastrophizing: This is a disaster!
5. Romanticising: But my life was supposed to be perfect!
6. What else can go wrong? Woe is me!

Renee treats anxiety without medication and tells us how she differs from traditional methods. She gives us several cognitive and behavioral tools that help overcome anxiety and stress.

Contact Renee Mill at https://anxietysolutionscbt.com/about/renee-mill/

Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063633678077

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Our guests today have a passion for middle school kids to bloom fully.

Katie, Becky, and Allie are three moms who know what it's like to raise a family, with a total of 17 children between them. They're also successful businesswomen as co-founders of "I Believe in Me," an online mentoring program for tween girls. The program focuses on strengthening and protecting girls in today's uncertain and often destructive social climate. With backgrounds in business, health, and beauty, Katie, Becky, and Allie have the perfect combination of skills to mentor girls during this critical time in their lives. Katie is the CEO of Singers Company, which has been building confidence in little girls through singing and dancing for over 30 years. Becky is a fitness trainer and habits coach who empowers women of all ages with systems and strategies to organize their lives. Allie is a beauty business owner who is passionate about helping girls and women look and feel confident. Their unique mentoring program, "I Believe in Me," promotes self-motivation and resilience through a garden-themed approach.

https://www.bloomfully.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ibelieveinmegirls/ 

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We may think about signing our kids up for camp or planning the family vacation and that's about it.

But if you want to set yourself up for success this summer you need to be intentional about what you want before you are in the middle of the summer. These questions can help.

1. What do you need to recover from the school year?
2. What are your top priorities or values for the summer?
3. What season am I in? (Knowing this helps shape your expectations.)
4. How can I improve my relationship with my teen this summer?
5.  What does my kid need this summer?

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The college admissions process can be stressful and intimidating for both parents and teens. I've brought in an expert who can help us understand what today's colleges are really looking for. This episode will give you practical and tactical advice.

.Sam Hassell holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California and is a published research scientist, having spent four years in psychology and neuroscience research at Columbia University. In his research, he investigated topics such as vicarious emotion processing; the role of mindset in influencing various domains from physical performance to mental experience; and the effects of misinformation. Building upon his experiences in academia and over a decade in educational services, Sam spearheaded the Great Minds Advising program, a premium college consulting service at Westchester Prep, where he is also currently an owner. His college advising team leverages cutting-edge strategy and insight into the college review process while helping students intricately craft the intellectual depth, niches, and admissions stories that set them apart at even the most elite colleges. For the most recent 2022-23 application cycle, 100% of the Great Minds Advising team’s students applied early decision and were accepted. Over the past 3 years, Sam and his team’s students have earned admission to Columbia, Yale, Stanford, Penn, Duke, Dartmouth, Vanderbilt, WashU, UC-Berkeley, and many other top institutions, gained admission to the Ivy League at a rate of 11x the national average, and earned over $1M in merit scholarships.

Episode Highlights:

• The unique challenges of students applying in 2023 and beyond
• Is taking optional tests an advantage for college applicants
• Difference between hard factors or metrics versus soft factors in admissions
• Does putting pressure on our teens make any difference 
• Ideal age for students and parents to start thinking about college admissions and where a child's passions and abilities lie
• Encouragement to the listeners

Contact Sam:

website: westchesterprep.com

company email: info@westchesterprep.com

email (mine): sam@greatmindsadvising.com

company phone: (914) 495-8648

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Parents need to know about the rise in cases of online child/teen “sextortion” in which adult predators posing as minors on social media and gaming networks essentially trick kids into sending them explicit images and then turn around to threaten them with exposure if they don’t pay. 

According to the FBI, which recently issued a rare public safety alert to parents about this alarming trend, there were 18,000 reported cases of child sextortion last year alone.  

Despite the subject matter, this is an uplifting and comforting episode that focuses on protecting our teens and how teens can recover when they've been exploited.

Our guest today is Jennifer Kelman -

Jennifer Kelman is a mental health expert on JustAnswer, where she has provided online support to those in need since 2012. In addition to her work on JustAnswer, Kelman has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for more than 30 years and maintains a private practice specializing in relationships, parenting, and children’s mental health issues. She is also a children’s book author having written three books that delicately weave in themes of trust, vulnerability, and hope in her stories. Kelman has lectured extensively around the country and appeared on news and television programs covering a range of issues including relationships, parenting, body-image, eating disorders and children’s mental health. For more information about Jennifer’s work on JustAnswer, visit

You can contact Jennifer at:

https://www.justanswer.com/relationship/expert-therapistjen/

https://www.jenniferkelman.com/

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Dr. Ann Childress, MDDr. Childress is president of the Center for Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Inc. where about 80% of her practice is research-based. She also has adjunct faculty appointments at the University of Nevada Las Vegas School of Medicine and Touro University of Nevada College of Medicine. She is board certified in psychiatry, with a subspecialty in child and adolescent psychiatry.

Dr. Childress has authored more than 80 articles in scientific journals and a book chapter. As a co-principal investigator, she has participated in more than 180 clinical trials. Her research has focused on the treatment of children and adolescents with mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, autism, and Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder.

Dr. Childress is President-elect of the American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders, Education Director for the Nevada Psychiatric Association, a distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, and a member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Dr. Childress is an internationally recognized expert in the treatment of ADHD.

You can contact Dr. Ann Childress at https://www.drannchildress.com/

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Today more and more teens struggle with test anxiety. It’s a real thing. A little anxiety can help your performance but too much anxiety will hurt your test scores. One of the reasons that test anxiety is on the rise, is there is so much pressure over test results. It feels like it's high stakes and when something feels high stakes, you feel anxious. The higher the stakes the more anxiety you have.

Our guest today is ASHLEY HARLOW, PH.D., MB

Dr. Ashley Harlow is a licensed child and adolescent psychologist and a nationally-certified school psychologist on the Behavioral Health team at Children's Hospital & Medical Center in Omaha, Neb. He has served in his role at Children's since 2010 and provides individual and family therapy to children, adolescents, and parents in primary care and school settings. Dr. Harlow works with families facing common behavioral and psychological concerns, including tantrums, aggression, noncompliance, toileting, and sleep disruption, as well as anxiety, depression, and adjustment distress.

Dr. Harlow received his Ph.D. in school psychology from Indiana University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Nebraska Omaha.

Learn more about Dr. Harlow at https://www.childrensomaha.org/provider/ashley-harlow-phd-mba/

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MEREDITH ETHINGTON is a mother, author, and founder of the Perfection Pending blog, which presents mothers with encouragement, humor, and heart. Her debut book, Mom Life: Perfection Pending was published through Absolute Love Publishing and debuted online as the #1 choice in the motherhood category. She is the co-owner and editor at FilterFreeParents.com.

Meredith resides in Salt Lake City, Utah, and you can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, where she encourages mothers to laugh at themselves and admit that while parenting is the best thing ever, it’s also the hardest job on earth.

Learn more about Meridith and her newest book Mother Load at https://perfectionpending.net/about-meredith-ethington/

Follow Meridith at https://www.instagram.com/perfectpending/

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Gaia Bernstein

Gaia Bernstein is a Law Professor, Co-Director of the Institute for Privacy Protection and Co-Director of the Gibbons Institute for Law Science and Technology at the Seton Hall University School of Law. She writes teaches and lectures in the intersection of law, technology, health and privacy. Gaia is also the mother of three children who grew up in a world of smartphones, iPads and social networks. Her recent book: Unwired: Gaining Control Over Addictive Technologies shatters the illusion that we can control how much time we spend on our screens by resorting to self-help measures. Unwired shifts the responsibility for a solution from users to the technology industry, which designs its products to addict. The book draws out the legal action that can pressure the technology industry to re-design its products to reduce technology over-use.

Gaia has academic degrees in both law and psychology. Her research combines findings from psychology, sociology, science and technology studies with law and policy. Gaia’s research has been featured extensively by the media including the New York Times, Forbes, ABC News and Psychology Today. Gaia has spearheaded the development of the Seton Hall University School of Law Institute for Privacy Protection’s Student-Parent Outreach Program. The nationally acclaimed Outreach Program addresses over-use of screens by focusing on developing a healthy online-offline balance and the impact on privacy and online reputation. It was featured by the Washington Post, CBS Morning News and Common-Sense Media.

To find out more about Unwired go to : https://gaiabernstein.com/

Follow Gaia at https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaia-bernstein/

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In this episode I bring you and expert and a mom of an 8th grade boy. So she lives in this stuff professionally and personally.

·      Titania Jordan is the Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Parent Officer of Bark Technologies, an online safety company that helps keep kids safe online and in real life.

·      A renowned thought leader on digital parenting, Titania has contributed to pieces in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Huffington Post, Fox Business, Daily Mail, USA Today, Vogue, and more. Her first book, Parenting in a Tech World, was published in 2020 and quickly became a bestseller on Amazon. Titania was also featured in the 2020 documentary Childhood 2.0. She also frequently appears as a subject matter expert on nationally broadcasted programs such as the TODAY Show, Steve Harvey, The Doctors, CBS This Morning, Good Morning America, Fox News, Sirius XM Radio, and CNBC.

Follow Titania on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/titaniajordan/

Learn more about Bark at: https://www.bark.us/

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In our culture today we often think of motherhood as one continuous report card where each day we ask ourselves, "Am I a good mom or bad mom?" But this report card has no B’s, C’s or even D’s . It's either we give ourselves a "A" for good mom or "F " for being a bad mom.

So what is the criteria for our daily grading scale of "A" or "F" ? Most often our grade is based on how well our teen is behaving or performing. The reasoning here is that if your teen is doing well you are a good mom if they aren't then you are a bad mom.

This is a terrible way to assess our effectiveness or worthiness as a mother. It's full of judgment.

As you know the life of a mom is complex. Parenting is complex, It's more like a 10,000 word puzzle.

The only way to make sense of your life as a mom is through story. And each of our stories has multiple chapters. Your story is not over when your teen graduates from high school or even college. Actually there are more chapters with your son or daughter after they graduate from high school than before.

I believe your life as a mom is really an epic adventure. There are tests, trials and ordeals to navigate through but there are also hidden treasures and a reward to discover.

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 My guest today has some great advice for us and he models what he talks about.

 Kirt Manecke is the author of the book, audiobook and online course Smile & Succeed for Teens: Must-Know People Skills for Today’s Wired World, and the Parent’s Guide for Smile & Succeed for Teens. Winner of the Mom’s Choice Gold Award, and Teachers’ Choice Award Smile & Succeed for Teens is a quick, easy read to help teens master social and career skills for success. Kirt is the former owner of an award-winning start-up specialty retail business and is an expert in sales and fundraising. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Northville in Michigan and enjoys volunteering with animal welfare and land conservation organizations.

To learn more go to https://www.smilethebook.com/

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Stress disempowers us. Stress sets us up for drama. Stress steals the joy out of our relationships.

In this episode I give you 3 practical ways to dial down the teen stress.

1. Be kind to yourself
2. Dial down the drama
3. Be intentional instead of reactive, specifically about the way you think about your teen and how you spend time with them.

This episode is full of tips and takeaways that will dial down your teen stress today.

We live in a stressful culture. Stress has become the new normal. We rush from one thing to another with no downtime. We need to be proactive to resist this trend. Why is dialing down the stress so important? Everything we've longed for, everything we've hoped for, everything we've prayed for is on the other side of stress. Don't let stress rob you of these precious teenage years.

In this episode I mentioned my 7-Week Power Your Parenting Program that is starting on February 27th. If you would like to know more click this link. https://colleenogrady.com/joinpyp/

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Dr. Heidi Brocke is a Toxic Relationship Awareness & Healing Specialist. After spending 14 years in an extremely emotionally and narcissistically abusive relationship she broke the chains and turned her past into her passion; She left her 24 years career in healthcare to use her life experience and education to be the person she needed when she herself was trapped in the darkness of an unhealthy relationship to provide hope, healing, and freedom to those whose lives have been affected by toxic relation-ships, emotional abuse, and narcissistic behaviors.

Through education, she presents the understanding needed to empower others to walk through fear and into their freedom.Today she has helped hundreds rid and heal their toxic relationships and hosts the popular podcast, It’s not Normal, It’s Toxic-rid your life of toxic people - with over a million downloads worldwide.

She’s an international keynote speaker, recipient of Empowering Women in Business of The Year award by Inspiring Lives Magazine, and has been featured in both Forbes and Time Magazines for the dedication given to her clients and for her work in the toxic relationship area.

To contact Dr. Heidi or take her Toxicity Profile Analysis and Quiz go to https://coachingwithdrheidi.com/

Follow Dr. Heidi on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/coachingwithdrheidi/ 

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Well, I interview the perfect guest who is the founder of Mama Systems.

Laura Hernandez walks her talks. Laura is a home management coach and founder of Mama Systems. She is the mother of ten children. In just five years, her and her husband added six children to their family - three biological and three through adoption. Four of her kids attend public school, and they have home-school five children, and Laura also manages 20+ appointments a week for her four special needs children. Laura is passionate and dedicated to helping women bring more peace to their homes. Designing customized systems that help a family run more smoothly and reduce a mother's daily workload is Laura’s specialty.

Find out more about Mama Systems at https://www.mamasystems.net/ 

Laura has a free Self-Care Guide for our listeners at https://www.mamasystems.net/poweryourparenting

Follow Laura on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mamasystems/

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Our guests today are Linda and Charlie Bloom

Married since 1972, Linda and Charlie Bloom have been working with groups, individuals, couples and organizations to enhance the quality of their relationships and communication skills since 1975. They both have Master’s degrees in Clinical Social Work and have lectured, led seminars and provided consultation at universities and learning institutes throughout the United States as well as internationally. They have written and published four books, Happily Ever After…and 39 Other Myths about Love: Breaking Through to the Relationship of Your Dreams, 101 Things I Wish I Knew When I Got Married: Simple Lessons to Make Love Last, Secrets of Great Marriages: Real Stories from Real Couples about Lasting Love, and That Which Doesn’t Kill Us: How One Couple Became Stronger in the Broken Places. Their organization, Bloomwork is dedicated to promoting healthy, fulfilling, and successful relationships for individuals, couples and organizations. Their newest book was just released, An End to Arguing: 101 Valuable Lessons for all Relationships.

For great content and to learn more about Linda and Charlie's work go to https://bloomwork.com/

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How do you reduce sibling rivalry?

How can you stop being the homework/screentime/food/sleep warden?

To address these issues I have invited Sue G. Groner to be our guest.

As the founder of The Parenting Mentor, a multifaceted platform for parents looking for guidance in raising emotionally healthy, self-resilient children, Sue provides simple and effective parenting strategies. With the goal of reducing everyday stress and anxiety that inevitably comes from being a parent, Sue provides a roadmap that shifts perspective to help parents be happier and more relaxed. 

Sue is the author of Parenting with Sanity and Joy. 101 Simple Strategies,  the host of The Parenting Mentor Sessions Podcast and a certified Positive Discipline parent educator. She is also the creator of the CLEARR™, a method of parenting developed through years of trial (and her fair share of errors!). CLEARR™ adheres to the belief that parenting strategies should be grounded in six important pillars: Communication, Love, Empathy, Awareness, Rules, and Respect.

To learn more about Sue https://theparentingmentor.com/

Follow Sue on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/theparentingmentor/

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 To explore this question, I invited Sandra Stanley to be my guest. Moms you are going to love this episode.

Sandra Stanley received her bachelor of science degree from Georgia Tech and master of arts from Dallas Theological Seminary. Sandra has a heart for foster kids and foster families, as she and Andy have been foster parents since 2010. Her ministry passion is promoting foster care in the local church. Much of her time these days is spent working on various writing projects and continuing her involvement with Fostering Together, the foster care initiative at North Point Ministries.

Sandra and her husband Andy Stanley just published their new book Parenting Getting It Right which we dive into today. Their it, their north star which we talk a lot about in this show is parenting with the relationship in mind. I couldn’t agree more.

To connect with Sandra and learn more about her book Parenting: Getting It Right go to https://www.sandrastanley.com/

Connect with Sandra on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sandrawstanley/

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What does mothering look like from a wholehearted foundation?

You still do the hard part of parenting. You still monitor your teen, set boundaries and guidelines. But this is only one facet of your relationship with your teen. You are not just a mother machine that hustles for productivity or perfectionism. You show up as a wholehearted human being. Your whole self shows up with your family.

Your passionate, spontaneous, playful, fun side gets to show up too. You get to share who you are, your interests. If your teen only sees you with an angry face they are not seeing the many facets of you. You want them to see you smile and laugh as well as being serious and firm. When you are mothering from a wholehearted foundation you see your whole child. You see their heart too. You don’t just hyper-focus on their grades. You see them in a wholehearted way. You see their sense of humor and pay attention to their inside jokes. You are sensitive to where they are vulnerable and what breaks their heart and what lights them up. You can discern the difference between procrastination and when they are truly afraid or hurt. You see the many facets that make them their unique self.

When you mother from a wholehearted foundation you will find that you enjoy your teen and your life a lot more.

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To answer these questions I have interviewed Dr. Lisa Strohman.

Dr. Lisa Strohman has widely become known for her advocacy and education around mental wellness as it relates to our digital lives. She has worked with thousands of parents, schools, and children around the globe. An attorney, clinical psychologist, and author, Dr. Strohman established the Digital Citizen Academy, a non-profit program offered to schools with an in-home plan that educates, empowers, and inspires balance and prosocial use of technology.  

Her newest book Digital Distress: Growing Up Online was just released in 2021. The first book of its kind to focus specifically on Gen Z, highlighting how children, who have grown up with technology as ubiquitous as air, are impacted by the challenges of growing up in a digital world.

We talk about process addictions and the brain and how technology can hijack the structure of the teenage brain.

We explore the behavior factors, physical symptoms, emotional symptoms, and interpersonal effects of technology abuse. We look at the alarming statistics of teens and pornography.

This podcast is full of practical advice to empower parents and teens to resist technology abuse.

Contact Dr. Lisa Strohman at https://drlisastrohman.com/

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Today we are going to explore tolerations, messes, and irritations. You know the things that annoy you on a daily basis and steal your I feel good energy.

If I ask you the question what are you tolerating? What’s the first thing that comes to mind?

Maybe the first thing that comes to your mind is something about your teen, your boss, or your partner. In other words you are tolerating your relationships.

Or, maybe the first thing that you thought of is the color of your kitchen wall, all those piles of papers on the table, or the kitchen disposal that hasn’t worked in a year. You are tolerating things in your physical space.

Heres the thing. All of us tolerate things we shouldn't, instead of handling them. Every time we tolerate things instead of managing them they drain our energy. It steals our attention away from what we really want to do and what we want to achieve. And if we don’t handle these little things in life we can go into resignation. Like if I can’t handle these little irritations then I can’t have what I want and we feel this at a deep unconscious level.

This episode helps you become aware of what you're tolerating and gives you a plan to clean up your irritations and messes in your physical space and your relationships.

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Angela Jia Kim is the founder of Savor Beauty, a natural skincare and facial spa brand inspired by Korean beauty and self-love rituals, and a former international, classical concert pianist. Called “the unexpected beauty virtuoso” by MindBodyGreen, she created the award-winning skincare in her kitchen, became an accidental entrepreneur, and built a multimillion-dollar enterprise around the philosophy of manifesting beauty, brilliance, and balance.

She has led hundreds of women empowerment workshops and her Savor Beauty Self-Care Planner has sold over 100,000 copies. A highly recognized skin and self-care expert, her skincare and spas in New York City have been chosen as “Best of New York” and featured in top publications such as The New York Times, Vogue, Elle, People, Allure, Well+Good, and more.

Angela lives in New York City with her tween daughter, mini golden retriever, and philanthropic partner.

Angela would love to share her Virtual Goody Bag with listeners who purchase her book, Radical Radiance over on https://radicalradiance.com. After purchasing Radical Radiance, they become a member of Angela's exclusive self-love community and get access to her free Virtual Goody Bag (worth over $350), including her manifestation workshop, beauty-food recipes, and her 1 minute glow routine. More information regarding the Virtual Good Bag can be found via this link https://www.radicalradiance.com/virtual-goody-bag

Email: angela@savorbeauty.com

Website:

http://www.angelajiakim.com/

https://www.savorbeauty.com/

Social links:

https://www.instagram.com/angelajiakim/

https://www.instagram.com/savorbeauty/

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In this show we are going to discuss 4 common myths about honesty that make teens lie more and 4 strategies that teach kids to value honesty. Besides discussing lying, honesty and trust we are going to talk about all things respect. Have you ever said to your teen, "You need to respect me," and what does that really mean? Did your teen respect you more after you told them that.

Todays guest is Colleen Doyle Bryant is the author of five books and more than 50 learning resources about making good choices for the right reasons. Her Talking with Trees series for elementary students and Truth Be Told Quote series for teens are used in curriculums to teach good character traits and social emotional skills like honesty, respect, responsibility, and kindness. More than 100,000 of her good values teaching resources are downloaded each year by parents and teachers around the world. Colleen’s upcoming release, Rooted in Decency, looks at why common decency is suffering today, why that’s so unsettling, and how society can get back to a shared set of values that promotes cooperation and trust.

To know more about Colleen's books or contact her https://colleendoylebryant.com/

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Do you fall in the trap of asking your teen "how was your day," and they tell you "fine." Would you like to get past the one-word answer.

In this episode I interview Elizabeth Bennett an award-winning Principal with over 35 years of experience in the school system as an educator and administrator. She coaches parents on how to have courageous conversations with their kids to build healthy and helpful relationships. Her new book, Courageous Conversations: A Guide for Parents to Understand and Connect with their Teens gives parents easy-to-implement strategies to create a powerful and loving relationship with their teen, without lectures, shame or guilt.

To learn more, visit: elizabethbennettgroup.com

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Our guest today is an expert in music education.

Dana Vachharajani's multifaceted career has been marked by singing in top venues, founding and teaching in her own private music school, Dana V Music, as well as consulting, and advising to further develop music education. As the teaching advisor for Ensemble Music Schools, she oversees the positive recruitment, retention and development of the many talented and nurturing teachers that are at the heart of our organization as well as oversees the pedagogical growth in each of our schools. A graduate of The Juilliard School and Carnegie Mellon University, she has been a featured soloist in Carnegie Hall, and Alice Tully Hall, as well as a touring artist and soloist with major orchestras around the US. Dana is a mother to three incredible children and also currently teaches voice at Dana V Music, the original Ensemble Music School. 

To learn more about Ensemble Music Schools or contact Dana go to https://www.ensembleschools.com/ 

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I think this is a perfect podcast to be released in the holiday season. How about starting this fun habit during the holidays.

Dr. Mike Rucker is an organizational psychologist, behavioral scientist, and charter member of the International Positive Psychology Association. He has been academically published in publications like the International Journal of Workplace Health Management. His ideas about fun and health have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Fast Company, Psychology Today, Forbes, Vox, Thrive Global, Mindful, mindbodygreen, and more. He currently serves as a senior leader at Active Wellness.

There are so many gems in this episode. Why develop a fun habit? "It increases vitality and makes life worth living."

Connect with Mike at https://michaelrucker.com

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thewonderoffun

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Today’s guest is Deborah Farmer Kris. Deborah is an education journalist, parent educator Her bylines include PBS KIDS, NPR’s Mindshift, The Washington Post, the Boston Globe Magazine, and Oprah Daily. Deborah’s work is grounded in the two decades she spent as a K-12 teacher and administrator. She has a B.A. from Boston University in English, a B.S. from Boston University in Elementary Education and a Masters of Education from Rutgers University, 2009 for Counseling Psychology. . Her writing has been featured several times in The Washington Post; she is the co-author of the book Building Character in Schools: A Resource Guide; and she is the author of the picture book series All the Time, which has been featured on Oprah Daily, Slate's Mom and Dad are Fighting and more. 

Learn more about Deborah at https://www.parenthood365.com/

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/parenthood365/

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Patrick Cummings is an entrepreneur, business coach, and wealth management advisor who—after giving his all for twelve years to the corporate world—decided to start his own business so he could be closer to his young children and rebalance his life. Patrick has made a career out of being a family man, and his expertise and honest accounts of his own mistakes and triumphs would offer the perfect mentorship and encouragement to parents struggling to balance work and family. 

Patrick’s new book, The Family-Business Balancing Act, provides an inspiring guide that helps business owners gain perspective and take steps toward achieving harmony and balance in their lives—so their work and their relationships can thrive

To find out more contact Patrick at https://www.pnpstrategies.com/

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Leo Waldenback is the co-founder, and head of growth, of Zutobi Drivers Ed, a gamified e-learning platform pioneering online driver’s education by making it fun, affordable, and accessible for all. Waldenback founded Zutobi to help teens get proper driver’s education and make the roads a safer place.   

Get free resources and contact Leo at https://zutobi.com/us

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Emma Benoit became extremely passionate about suicide prevention after surviving a suicide attempt in 2017, the summer before her senior year in high school. At the time, she was a popular varsity cheerleader with a supportive family and lots of friends, but on the inside, she was filled with depression and anxiety, and had never told a soul about it. Her attempt resulted in a spinal cord injury that left her paralyzed but helped her find faith and purpose; and propelled her on a mission to use her painful experience and miraculous recovery to help others.

A few months after her attempt, Emma started the website liferejuvenated.org and a blog to share her story and recovery journey, in an effort to help other teens who are struggling. In early 2018, Emma began working on a documentary film called My Ascension, which was released in 2021, that chronicles her recovery journey and advocacy work, while addressing the youth suicide epidemic.

Learn more at: https://www.myascension.us/

Follow at https://www.facebook.com/myascension/

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In this episode I interview KIM JOHN PAYNE, M.ED., a counselor, educator, consultant, and researcher for over thirty years. Kim is the author of several acclaimed books, including Simplicity Parenting, The Soul of Discipline, and Being at Your Best When Your Kids Are at Their Worst. 

His newest book is Emotionally Resilient Tweens and Teens: Empowering your Kids to Navigate Bullying, Teasing and Social Exclusion.

We explore questions like, What does emotionally resiliency look like in our teens and tweens? and What can parents do to raise empowered teens? This episode is full of practical wisdom.

Contact Kim at https://www.simplicityparenting.com/

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 For more information on Dr. Charles Sophy: https://drsophy.com/.

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophyonthestreet/

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The truth is anxiety is exhausting and is a huge reason we can feel all mothered out.

To talk about this I brought in a knowledgeable guest.

 Lynn Lyons, LICSW has been psychotherapist for 25 years and specializes in treating anxious children and their parents, with a special interest in interrupting the generational pattern of worry in families. 

Lynn has a podcast called, Flusterclux, where she helps parents understand how to manage anxiety. Katie Couric has also interviewed Lynn, and she has been featured in Psychology Today, The New York Times, NPR and Reader's Digest. 

Her new book, The Anxiety Audit offers an eye-opening look at the 7 sneaky ways that anxiety and worry weave their way into our families, our friendships, and our jobs, and provides actionable steps to reverse the cycle and reclaim our emotional well-being. 

 https://www.instagram.com/lynnlyonsanxiety/ 

https://www.lynnlyons.com/

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I brought in an expert with great practical advice.

Bestselling Author, Coach, Speaker & Certified Divorce and Co-Parenting Specialist Michelle Dempsey-Multack is the bestselling author of Simon & Schuster's Moms Moving On: Real Life Advice on Conquering Divorce, Co-Parenting Through Conflict, and Becoming Your Best Self and founder of the Moms Moving On community. Her notoriety on Instagram coupled with her extensive expertise in divorce and co-parenting have made her a sought after coach. Michelle also hosts the popular weekly divorce podcast, Moms Moving On.

So If you are married, divorced, single remarried you will get something out of this episode. Coparenting can be extremely challenging and I have listened to so many moms in my practice who feel the other parent doesn’t support them or listen to them and actually disempower their parenting decisions.

Contact Michelle at https://momsmovingon.com/

Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themichelledempsey/

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It can feel like they’ll never be ready and you’re running out of time?

In this episode I discuss how to enjoy these last few years with your teen and why it can be so hard. I explore what is normal for teens before they take off into the world. The content I discuss comes from my bestselling book Dial Up the Dream: Make Your Daughter's Journey to Adulthood the Best for Both of You. If you like what you hear today, pick up your own copy of Dial Up the Dream from wherever books are sold.

Get My Free E-Book https://colleenogrady.com/bestmomever/

Learn more about Best Mom Ever Virtual Summit at www.allisonmichelle.co

Get your copy of Dial Up the Dream: https://amzn.to/3SbUV6L

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Shonda Moralis, MSW, LCSW is on a mission to help women play big without burning out. She is a Life Balance Coach, Therapreneur, Author, and Podcast Host. Shonda serves on the board of Shanthi Project, an education nonprofit providing evidence-based mindfulness services to children and adults. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two kids, loves to play outside, endeavors to practice what she preaches, and is perennially fascinated by what makes people tick. 

Contact Shonda at https://www.shondamoralis.net/

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/shonda.moralis/

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Jackie Polk is an addiction awareness and recovery influencer who is five years sober from drugs and alcohol. During her addiction, Jackie experienced overdose, domestic violence, homelessness, lost custody of her sons, and more.

Today, she has turned her life around, regained custody of her kids and uses her platform to inspire others and encourage open conversations about addiction and recovery. She shares her impactful story with over 110K followers across TikTok, Instagram, and other social media platforms. She currently lives in Oklahoma with her husband and twin boys.

Find Jackie on:

o  Instagram (@itsjackie_polk)

o  Tik Tok (jackiepolk)

o  Facebook

Learn More about Deterra Pouches at: https://deterrasystem.com/

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Dr. Laura McGuire is an internationally recognized consultant, survivor, researcher, seminarian, and author of the book Creating Cultures of Consent (Rowman & Littlefield, 2021) and The Sexual Misconduct Prevention Guidebook: Consent and Conduct for Higher Education Campuses (Fielding University Press, 2022). They were named as one of the 2022 Champions of Pride by the Advocate Magazine and are regularly featured in media outlets for their expertise and approachability.

Dr McGuire is a certified member of the American Association of Sexuality Educators Counselors and Therapists (AASECT), and The Society of Professional Consultants. Dr. McGuire lives in the United States, where she works as an adjunct professor at Widener & Dominican University and CEO at The National Center for Equity and Agency.

To learn more and contact Laura:

https://equityandagency.com/

https://drlauramcguire.com/

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Our guest today Lauren Cikara is the Director of K-12 Initiatives at Active Minds. Active Minds was founded at the University of Pennsylvania following the suicide of founder Alison Malmon's brother. At Penn, Alison looked for existing mental health groups that she could bring to campus to combat the stigma of mental illness, encourage students to seek help early, and prevent future tragedies. Finding none, she created her own student-to-student model and formed an organization known as Open Minds. In just a few years, Alison was fielding calls from all over the country from students and administrators wanting to do something on their own campuses, both at K-12 schools and universities. In 2003, the organization, now known as Active Minds, established a national office in Washington, DC and was incorporated as a 501(c)3 organization. Now in more than 1,000 campuses and communities, Active Minds directly reaches more than 1.9 million people each year through awareness campaigns, events, advocacy, outreach, and more.

Active minds is about changing the conversation about mental health and therefore changing the culture.

Find out more about Active Minds at https://www.activeminds.org/ 

Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/active_minds/

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Well today I have two wonderful guests who can help you with teens and money?Jean Chatzky & Kathryn Tuggle, co-founders of HerMoney and the authors of How To Money: Your Ultimate Visual Guide to the Basics of Finance.

 Jean Chatzky is CEO and co-founder of HerMoney, the author of over a dozen books (including Money Rules, Women with Money, and Not Your Parents' Money Book), an award-winning magazine columnist and host of the HerMoney podcast. After decades of reporting on personal finance—including 25 years on the Today show—she knows that now more than ever, a successful financial life is within every woman’s grasp—and with the HerMoney team, she’s on a mission to help you get it. In her free time, Jean loves running, finding new ways to use her sourdough starter, and cooking for friends. Raised in the midwest, she now lives in Philadelphia with her family and new pup. Find her on Twitter and Instagram.

Kathryn Tuggle is Chief Content Officer and Gracie-Award winning Editor-in-Chief at HerMoney.com. She produces the HerMoney Podcast and co-hosts its popular mailbag segment. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Kathryn has spent the last two decades writing and editing for magazines, television and websites in New York. When she’s not educating women about their money, Kathryn can probably be found thrift store shopping, teaching a yoga class, or browsing bookstores in Paris.

Learn more at https://hermoney.com/

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/hermoneymedia/

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What are adults missing

about teens and technology?

A lot. Drawing on perspectives from more than 3,500 teens, Harvard Project Zero researchers Emily Weinstein and Carrie James bring stories and data together for a powerful reframe of what teens are up against – and what teens need adults to understand.

Emily Weinstein is a Research Director at Project Zero at Harvard and a Lecturer at the Graduate School of Education. Carrie James is a sociologist and Principle Investigator at Project Zero at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She is the author of Disconnected: Youth, New Media, and the Ethics Gap (MIT Press). The authors' work has been covered in Time, the Boston Globe, the Washington Post, and the Atlantic, and they are sought-after speakers on teens and technology.

You can learn more at www.behindtheirscreens.com

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Hesha Abrams is on a mission to help people from all walks of life to find a solution when it seems impossible. A recipient of the Brutsche Award for Excellence in Mediation and 2021 Women Leaders in The Law, Hesha is an internationally recognized attorney, mediator and negotiator for crafting highly creative settlements and resolutions in very difficult matters. She has successfully mediated thousands of parties and was an innovator in the mediation field serving on the legislative task force that drafted landmark ADR laws and taught mediation and negotiation at the 2001 International Symposium on Negotiation and Conflict Resolution in The Hague.

Hesha recently published, Holding the Calm the Secret to Resolving Conflict and Defusing Tension. And we are going to discuss the secret in this episode. So if you would like to resolve conflict and defuse tension in your family then listen to this episode.

Contact Hesha at https://www.holdingthecalm.com/

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 Dr. Norrine Russell began Russell Coaching for Students in 2009, now a premier national coaching practice for middle school through college students with students across the US and Canada. Her passion for providing support to frustrated students and weary parents is fueled by her own experience of raising two complex children who are both neurologically atypical (her children’s diagnoses include autism, mood disorders, ADHD, giftedness, and learning differences). Dr. Russell knows firsthand the exhaustion parents face as they day in and day out seek solutions for their out-of-the-box children. The entire team at Russell Coaching is committed to supporting the psychological wellbeing, education, and family life of their clients.

To learn more contact Russellcoaching.com or call 212 716-1161

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/russellcoachingllc/

Special offer: Mention Power Your Parenting and you will get 10% off the first three months of coaching.

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Not 100% of the time.

But yes you can be a mom and chase after peace. It's good for you and your teen.

In this episode we will explore five ways moms lose their peace and how to not fall into those traps. You will be given four practical ways moms can dial up their peace..

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You hear phrases like keep your teens under control because you don’t want them to be out of control

and then you hear

don’t be too controlling or over controlling,

or

you need to exercise self control

And then you have parental controls for everything social media.

So I think it's easy to get confused about where you should stand on the whole control issue. In this episode we explore healthy control or monitoring vs being over controlling. We will look at the 4 traps over controlling moms fall into.

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Our guest today Dr. Ran Anbar is going to talk about how you can change teens and adult lives through hypnosis. Many people have negative connotations and misperceptions about hypnosis, Dr. Anbar explains hypnosis is not mind control over another person depicted in many children's and adult movies. It’s the complete opposite. Hypnosis therapy helps people claim more personal power –over their bodies their feelings and their relationships.

Dr. Ran Anbar, MD, FAAP, author of new book “Changing Children’s Lives with Hypnosis” (November, 2021, Rowman & Littlefield). is board certified in both pediatric pulmonology and general pediatrics but what separates him from many doctors is the 25 years of experience he has treating children with hypnosis and counseling. He is considered one of the leading experts in this field and has served as a guest editor and advisory editor for the American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis. Dr. Anbar is on a mission to bring clinical hypnosis into the mainstream helping thousands of children benefit from this often misunderstood and under-utilized therapy. His new book is a down to earth guide on how this therapy works, including case studies of children he has worked with personally, with step by step advice for parents on they can take advantage of this non-invasive, painless method of treatment in caring for their children’s medical problems and emotional needs. 

 Here are some of the questions we explored.

1. How did you find your way to hypnosis after several years as a practicing pulmonary and general pediatrician   
2. How can hypnosis help when medical therapy isn’t working  
3. Can hypnosis help teens with anxiety? And what would that look like?
4. Is hypnosis the same as visualization or meditation? How are they similar and how are they different?
5. What role does the subconscious play in hypnosis?

 More info at https://www.centerpointmedicine.com/provider/ran-d-anbar-md-faap

Email at  ran.anbar@centerpointmedicine.com  

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Maybe we can take a cue from our teens.

We expect them to take risks, try new things and put themselves out there even when it’s hard. We expect them to take action and experiment with new activities. In other words we want them to get off the couch and step out of their comfort zone. We have witnessed them do that over and over again.

Maybe it's time we do the same.

In this episode I invite Sue Ludwig to talk with me about how moms can dial up their own dreams while in the thick of parenting. You don't need to have everything figured out. You can take one small step and dial up your dream one click at a time.

Sue is a dear friend and a sought-after speaker, consultant, writer, and educator. A licensed occupational therapist and certified neonatal therapist, she is president and founder of the National Association of Neonatal Therapists, where she uses a unique blend of clinical expertise, innovation, and leadership to support the advancement of this specialized field on a global level.

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Typically, when your daughter leaves home and you feel her absence, is when you start to become aware of the first draft of the Mom Story . The first draft tends to be full of negative emotions. This is when the resentments and disappointments surface from your years of mothering. The first draft is when you feel you lost more than you gained by being a mom. It's when you admit to yourself that parenting is/was hard.

The good news is that the first draft is just part of the story. You don't want to get stuck in the first draft because you will be stuck in negative emotions. This is not good for you or for your relationships with your teens and family. To become aware of your first draft story takes courage, self-reflection and some soul-searching.

Now that you have your first draft you want to integrate this into the second draft of the Mom Story which is a more complete and conscious story. The second draft takes a new set of eyes but you'll find that you have actually gained more than you have lost by being a mother.

Too often our Mom Story is tossed about on the turbulent waves of life and our teens turbulent emotions. In other words we feel dependent on our family to shape our Mom Story. Often we are waiting for validation and appreciation. It's time to not be dependent on anyone else to shape The Mom Story. It's time to own your story.

Your Mom Story is so important because it shapes how you feel about yourself and how you feel about your relationships and it sets the course for your future.

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 Questions we address are:

 What is the best way to get organized and get started on applications?

• How do you avoid writer's block when it comes to writing your essays?
• How to help teens that are completely overwhelmed and don’t think there is anything special about their life.
• What are schools looking for in an essay? What are schools not looking for?
• What should students consider in writing supplemental essays?
• What are some traps that moms fall into when trying to help their teens with college applications.
• What is your best piece of advice for moms who are trying to motivate teens with their college applications.

Contact Cara at connect@carakalf.com, or get free resources at carakalf.com,

Follow Cara on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/carakalf/ 

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"Sherry Duson is a Texas and an Arizona Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice, and the Founder and Director of The Center for Postpartum Family Health in Houston, Texas. Since 1999 she has focused her practice on helping new mothers and the needs of young families. In 2014, she opened the Center for Postpartum Family Health, using therapists training under her supervision, to provide services on a sliding scale to the community.

Sherry and I dive into Chapter 7 Healing Conversations in my book Dial Up the Dream. Healing conversations rarely begin as healing conversations they start as hard conversations. In this episode I discuss the Six Keys to a Healing Conversation.

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My guest today Catherine Newman is the author of What Can I Say: A Kid's Guide to Super-Useful Social Skills to Help You Get Along and Express Yourself.

 Middle school is an essential time to learn and practice social skills, including how to get along with others, talk about hard things, be an ally, and a good friend. In What Can I Say?, Catherine Newman, provides supportive guidance to help kids establish or and maintain meaningful relationships with friends, teachers, family members, and others in their communities.

Catherine Newman is the author of the award-winning bestseller How to Be a Person, as well as two parenting memoirs: Waiting for Birdy and Catastrophic Happiness, and a middle-grade novel, One Mixed-Up Night. She is also the co-author of Stitch Camp. Newman is the etiquette columnist for Real Simple magazine and the editor of the James Beard Award-winning kids’ cooking magazine ChopChop. Newman lives in Amherst, Massachusetts, with her family.

Visit Catherine at catherinenewmanwriter.com.

Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/catherinewman/ 

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Safety expert and former scientist, Cathy Pedrayes is best known to her 2.3 million TikTok followers as the “mom friend.” With her signature blue dress and pearls, Cathy's content includes clever safety tips, such as how sleeping with a door closed can save a life and go-to lies for awkward situations and what not to post and what to do when strangers approach you or knock on your door. Cathy’s safety life hacks have been covered by Good Morning America, Buzzfeed, Today, and more, as well as in her new book published by Simon & Schuester, The Mom Friend Guide to Everyday Safety and Security: Tips From the Practical One in Your Squad.

We also discuss. . .

What are 5 seemingly innocent questions that strangers use to take advantage of you? 

What should teens know about protecting themselves in their dorm or apartment? 

What are the top apps to ease worried parents’ minds?

Follow Cathy on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@cathypedrayes?lang=en

Follow Cathy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cathypedrayes/ 

Contact Cathy at info@cathypedrayes.com

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BIO:

Known for being able to help teens get their spark back within three sessions, Cai Graham is a UK-based Master Teen Mentor with three decades of experience as a mom and Master Practitioner in NLP, hypnotherapy, and coaching. She goes straight to the heart of the issue and brings a side of humor to lighten difficult subjects.

Cai is a podcaster, international speaker, and Amazon #1 best-selling author of The Teen Toolbox. Her mission is to help parents to support their children so that together they can build a mentally healthier and happier generation of young people.

Three tools from The Teen Toolbox

Box Breathing : Calming the chaos in your head :  www.caigraham.com/boxbreathing

Brain Dumping : Prioritising tasks to avoid overwhelm :  www.caigraham.com/brain-dumping

3 Questions : Opening up the dialogue with your teen :  www.caigraham.com/threequestions

 Learn more about Cai at https://www.caigraham.com/ 

Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/caigraham/ 

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Sherry Duson is a Texas and an Arizona Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice, and the Founder and Director of The Center for Postpartum Family Health in Houston, Texas. Since 1999 she has focused her practice on helping new mothers and the needs of young families. In 2014, she opened the Center for Postpartum Family Health, using therapists training under her supervision, to provide services on a sliding scale to the community.

Sherry did a great job of interviewing me. You will enjoy listening to a couple of seasoned therapists who have lived (and living) through these emerging adult years with our own daughter's. We get real!

Dial up the Dream is launching May 3rd, 2022. You can order it anywhere books are sold.

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Do you ever wonder what it might be like to not feel anxious all the time?

The good news is you no longer have to feel alone and isolated.

You me and anxiety helps you identify anxiety, recognize its symptoms, and take intentional action to manage and overcome it so that it no longer has a negative grip on your life.

This book does not promise that overcoming and managing anxiety will be easy, but it will show you that you have the ability and tools to navigate through it.

Dr. Robyn Graham is an anxious introvert on a mission to help teen girls go from feeling anxious to relentless by sharing her life-long journey with anxiety and the tools and resources that helped her not only survive but thrive. As a clinical pharmacist, professional photographer, brand strategist, and business coach, Robyn has witnessed both the clinical and social complications of anxiety and how it holds people, especially girls and women, back from achieving their goals and dreams.

Robyn is a mom to Joshua, Samuel, and Grace, wife to Dr. John Graham, dog mom to Stella and Kona, and a daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. This is her first book.

You can follow Dr. Graham on the following social media channels:

·      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therobyngraham

·      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therobyngraham

·      Twitter: https://twitter.com/therobyngraham

·      LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobyngraham

Contact Robyn at https://therobyngraham.com/ 

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There is so much wisdom in this episode like,

"Kids don't learn kindness because we shamed them into it. True Kindness needs to be experienced and felt--ideally with their parents." Cathy Cassani Adams.

Cathy Cassani Adams, LCSW, co-hosts the Zen Parenting Radio podcast and is co-founder of the annual Zen Parenting Conference. She is a social worker and former elementary school educator from a family of educators, and a yoga teacher who is a forever student when it comes to breathing and mindfulness. Cathy teaches in the Sociology/Criminology Department at Dominican University, and she lives outside of Chicago with her husband Todd and their three daughters

Learn more about Cathy and her new book at https://zenparentingradio.com/

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/zenparentingradio/

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In this episode I interview Kari about her new book, More Than a Mom: How Prioritizing Your Wellness Helps You (and Your Family) Thrive.

Kari Kampakis is an author, speaker, and podcaster from Birmingham, Alabama. Her newest book  which we are going to talk about in this episode is, More Than a Mom: How Prioritizing Your Wellness Helps You (and Your Family) Thrive, Her book was just released on April 5, 2022. Her other books, Love Her Well: 10 Ways to Find Joy and Connection with Your Teenage Daughter, 10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know and Liked: Whose Approval Are You Living For, have been used widely across the country for small groups studies. 

Kari’s work has been featured on Today show, Today Parents, and Focus on the Family,  Kari also hosts the Girl Mom podcast. Kari and her husband, Harry, have four daughters and a dog named Lola. Join Kari on Instagram, Facebook, and the  Girl Mom Podcast, or visit karikampakis.com.

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What do I mean by being grounded.? (You may call it centered or anchored)

It's when you are deeply rooted in yourself, in your clarity, in your values, in your spirituality and faith. And when you are rooted you are not preoccupied, you are present to the world around you and yourself. Being grounded is like a strong oak tree with deep deep roots. Even when hurricane winds of drama start to blow the tree remains stable . It might lose some leaves or some twigs but it stands strong even in the worst of storms...even adolescent storms. Another metaphor for being grounded is being anchored. Again you stay steady even though there is turbulence all around you.

It’s very challenging for moms to stay grounded. And here's why. Because everyone is pulling for our attention. In this podcast I will give you practical ways to stay grounded.

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In this episode, we talk about what anxiety-driven anger looks like in our teens.

Kelsey Torgerson Dunn, MSW, LCSW, specializes in anxiety and anger management therapy for kids, teens, and college students. She opened her group practice, Compassionate Counseling St. Louis, in early 2017. She practices cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness skills, and often finds that just having someone on your side is the most helpful part of counseling.

Kelsey recently published When Anxiety Makes You Angry written for teens.  “Using a proven-effective approach rooted in evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), When Anxiety Makes You Angry will help you identify the anxiety beneath your anger, accept difficult emotions—rather than fighting or trying to ignore them—and learn healthy coping and self-regulation skills to help you find emotional balance. You’ll also discover how to “train your brain” to stop and think before reacting; and how to choose calm over chaos when faced with the things that trigger your anxiety or anger.

To learn more contact Kelsey at https://www.kelseytorgersondunn.com/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselingwithkelsey/

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Andrea Perry received her degree in Psychology from California Polytechnic State University in 2009. Post college her efforts were focused in the adolescent counseling sector, working with youth in multiple different capacities. in 2015, she was introduced to Guardian Group and the efforts to prevent and disrupt trafficking. With a passion to make a difference in this world and help young people she began volunteering and later joined the team full time.

Jeff Keith started his anti-trafficking work in 2004 while working with global anti-human trafficking organizations and researching best practices in the fight against human trafficking in the United States. During his research, Jeff recognized an opportunity to significantly reduce human trafficking in the United States by providing focused training, directed networking, better resource coordination and innovative anti-trafficking technology, and thereby founded Guardian Group.

To find out more go to https://guardiangroup.org/

Follow on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guardiangroupus/

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In this episode I interview Dr Charlotte Markey, a leading body image expert for close to three decades. While body image concerns have traditionally been considered a female-centric issue, recent research suggests that 75% of adolescent boys are dissatisfied with their bodies. Now more than ever, boys are facing the same competing pressures: to look a certain way, to wear the right clothes and shoes, to be strong and muscular, and on the mental health side, to hide their feelings and worries from others. 

That’s why the author of The Body Image Book for Girls tackles the subject for boys in a new book, Being You: The Body Image Book for Boys, which Cambridge University Press will publish on April 7, 2022, and I urge you to schedule an interview. 

Charlotte Markey, Ph.D., is one of the world’s leading experts in body image research, having studied all things body image, eating behavior, and weight management for close to three decades. A professor of psychology and founding director of the Health Sciences Center at Rutgers University, she is passionate about helping people develop a positive perception of their bodies. The author of The Body Image Book for Girls: Love Yourself and Grow Up Fearless, Dr. Markey will release her latest book, BEING YOU: The Body Image Book for Boys, from Cambridge University Press in April 2022. Her previous publications include Smart People Don’t Diet: How the Latest Science Can Help You Lose Weight Permanently, which Scientific American praised as “possibly the best book about weight loss ever written,” and Body Positive: Understanding and Improving Body Image in Science and Practice, co-edited with Drs. Elizabeth Daniels and Meghan Gillen.

To learn more about Dr. Charlotte Markey go to: https://markey.camden.rutgers.edu/

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/char_markey/?hl=en

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