Episodes

  • In this episode of Are We Creating ADHD?, we're tackling a crucial question that's on the minds of many parents and educators today—are the rising numbers of kids being diagnosed with ADHD a result of chemical imbalances, or is our environment significantly contributing to this hyper-stimulation? To get a clinical perspective, we're joined by Dr. James Gries, PhD, a renowned child psychologist with practices in Roslyn Heights and Mineola, NY.

     

    KEY POINTS COVERED

     

    Chemical Imbalance vs. Environmental Factors: Discussion on whether ADHD is primarily due to a chemical imbalance or environmental influences. Exploration of the modern hyper-stimulated lifestyle and its impact on children's behavior and attention spans.

     

    Clinical Insights from Dr. James Gries: Dr. Gries shares his expert opinions on the idiopathic nature of ADHD versus environmental factors. The significance of understanding the root causes to provide better support for children diagnosed with ADHD.

     

    Teaching Delayed Gratification: Dr. Gries emphasizes the importance of teaching children delayed gratification in an age of instant gratification. Practical advice on how parents and educators can implement strategies to help children develop patience and self-control.

     

    Guest Information

     

    Dr. James Gries, PhD

    Specialty: Child Psychology

    Locations: Roslyn Heights, NY Mineola, NY

    Dr. Gries is a highly respected child psychologist known for his work in diagnosing and treating ADHD. In this episode, he provides invaluable insights into the environmental and psychological factors contributing to the rising ADHD diagnoses among children.

     

    Call to Action

     

    If you found this episode insightful, please share it with other parents and educators who might benefit from these discussions. Don't forget to subscribe to Magic Seeds for more expert interviews and practical advice on child development and mental health.

     

    Thank you for tuning in to Magic Seeds. Until next time, remember that understanding and supporting our children's mental health is a community effort.

  • In this episode, hosts Laura and Adam discuss the increasing stress and mental health challenges faced by parents today, drawing insights from U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy's recent advisory. Dr. Murthy has highlighted parental stress as not just a familial issue but an urgent public health concern.

     

    Key Points Covered

     

    Surgeon General's Advisory: Dr. Vivek Murthy emphasizes that parenting has grown so demanding that it’s significantly affecting parents' mental health and well-being. The advisory points out that stressed, angry, and anxious parents are inadvertently impacting their children, leading to a generational cycle of anxiety and emotional check-out through excessive use of electronics and other means.

     

    Personal Stories: Laura and Adam share their personal experiences, reinforcing Dr. Murthy’s points with real-life examples. They discuss the challenges they face in balancing parenting with personal well-being and the visible effects on their children.

     

    Cultural Impact: The hosts explore how these widespread parental struggles are shifting cultural norms and expectations. Discussion on how children, witnessing and absorbing their parents' stress, are growing up with similar anxieties or retreating into technology as a coping mechanism.

     

    Solutions and Support: Suggestions on how parents can seek support and manage stress. Discussion on the importance of community, self-care, and open conversations about mental health within families.

     

    Conclusion

     

    This episode underscores the critical need for addressing parental stress as a public health issue. By acknowledging these challenges and seeking support, parents can better manage their well-being, ultimately positively impacting their children's mental health.

     

    Call to Action

     

    Tune in to hear more personal stories, expert insights, and practical advice on navigating the complexities of modern parenting. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more episodes tackling important issues affecting your everyday life.

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  • In this episode, hosts Laura and Adam tackle the mental burdens that come with the words "should," "have to," and "need to." These phrases can place unnecessary pressure, judgment, and expectations on our lives. By eliminating these from our minds, we can release a significant amount of stress and start living more freely and authentically.

     

    The key points discussed were the societal and personal expectations that often drive these words.

    The Impact of 'Shoulds' and 'Have Tos'

    How these phrases make us feel like failures when we don't meet them.

    Real-life examples of how "shoulds" and "have tos" manifest in daily life.

    The psychological impact of carrying these burdens.

    Strategies to Eliminate the Pressure Practical tips for reframing your language and mindset.

    Techniques for setting more realistic and compassionate goals.

    Exercises to help identify and challenge these limiting beliefs.

    Benefits of Releasing the Pressure Personal anecdotes from Laura and Adam on how their lives have changed.

    The emotional and mental health benefits of letting go.

     

    Conclusion

     

    Magic Seeds of the key takeaways from the episode.

    Encouragement to start practicing these strategies today.

     

    Call to Action

     

    Subscribe to our podcast for more insights and practical advice. Leave a review and share your thoughts on this episode. Follow us on Magic Seeds social media for updates and join our community discussions. Tune in and start your journey to a more liberated, pressure-free life today!

  • In this episode, we explore the crucial distinction between our emotions and the facts we create in our minds about ourselves. We discuss how to separate feelings from self-imposed narratives and transform these facts into characteristics that truly define us. By honoring our emotions without letting them dictate our self-perception, we can better manage heightened emotional moments. We introduce a "cheat sheet" to identify the sources of our emotions and calm them before they lead us astray. Abraham Hicks' emotional guidance chart is highlighted as a tool for navigating this process.

     

    KEY POINTS DISCUSSED

     

    Separating Feelings from Facts: Understanding the difference between emotions and the self-created stories we tell ourselves. Learning to honor emotions without allowing them to shape our self-identity or view of others.

     

    Using a Cheat Sheet for Emotional Moments: Developing a method to pinpoint the origin of heightened emotions. Techniques for settling emotions without letting them take control.

     

    Abraham Hicks' Emotional Guidance Chart:

    Introduction to the emotional guidance chart.

    How it can help guide us through the process of managing and understanding our emotions.

     

    Additional Resources

    Abraham Hicks' Emotional Guidance Chart: Learn more about Abraham Hicks' Emotional Guidance Chart.

     

    Call to Action

    We hope this episode helps you better understand how to manage your emotions and separate them from the narratives you create. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might find it helpful!

  • In this thought-provoking episode, we tackle the controversial question, "Are kids too soft?" Our hosts explore whether modern parenting has gone too far in shielding children from adversity and challenge. They discuss the importance of grit and resilience, and whether the current sensitivity in parenting may be doing more harm than good.

     

    Key Points Discussed

     

    Do Our Kids Have Grit?

    The discussion begins with the question of whether today's children possess enough grit and resilience.

     

    The Balance of Sarcasm and Sensitivity

    Adam and Laura explore how the attempt to be progressive has sometimes led to an overcorrection in sensitivity, making it difficult to use even mild sarcasm without offending.

     

    The Sensitivity Dial

    Is the sensitivity dial turned too high? The hosts debate whether the current cultural climate is too focused on avoiding offense and being overly cautious, stifling potential growth.

     

    Growth Through Adversity

    One of the central themes is the idea that growth requires agitation and challenge. Shielding kids from adversity may be preventing them from developing essential life skills.

     

    Parental Discomfort

    The conversation shifts to the parents' role, suggesting that much of the overprotectiveness stems from parents' own discomfort and fear of their children facing similar hardships they once did.

     

    Notable Quotes

    Laura's Insightful Quote:  "We as parents are so petrified of our past and the scars our past has made, that we are completely blind to all of the beautiful gifts that were born out of that adversity."

     

    Call to Action

    Join the Discussion We want to hear your thoughts! Do you think kids today are too soft, or are we just adapting to a more compassionate society? Share your opinions with us on social media using the hashtag #ToughKidsPodcast.

     

    Listen Now

    Subscribe and Listen Make sure to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode. Leave us a review and share this episode with fellow parents and educators.

  • In this episode of our podcast, hosts Laura and Adam explore the power of rewriting your own narrative. They discuss how the stories we tell ourselves shape our beliefs, experiences, and ultimately, our lives. However, what happens when the narrative we’ve crafted no longer serves us? Laura and Adam tackle this question head-on, offering insights and strategies for letting go of outdated stories to make room for growth, transformation, and new possibilities.

     

    Key Points Discussed:

     

    Understanding Your Narrative: Our narrative is the story we've created and often tell ourselves and others. It deeply influences our beliefs and experiences.

    Outgrowing Your Narrative: There are moments when we outgrow our narratives. Clinging to old stories can leave us feeling stuck and unfulfilled.

    The Importance of Letting Go: Releasing these outdated narratives opens up space for growth and new possibilities. Shedding old stories can be a transformative experience.

    Manifesting a New Life: Laura and Adam emphasize the need to visualize and manifest the life you want to live. They discuss practical steps to start becoming the person you aspire to be.

    Personal Growth and Transformation: Transformation begins with self-awareness and a willingness to change. The episode provides actionable advice on how to start rewriting your narrative.

     

    Call to Action:

    Reflect on the stories you've been telling yourself.

    Identify any narratives that no longer serve you.

    Begin the process of letting go and visualize the life you want to manifest.

     

    Join the Conversation: Have thoughts about this episode? Share your takeaways and join the discussion on our social media channels.

     

    Subscribe: Don't miss out on future episodes. Subscribe to our podcast on [platforms] for more insights and inspirational content.

     

    Feel free to use this summary and show notes to enhance your understanding and engagement with the episode “Rewriting Your Narrative.” Whether you're looking to make small changes or major transformations, this episode offers valuable guidance on making space for a more fulfilling and authentic life.

  • In this episode, hosts Laura and Adam explore the profound concept of shadow work. They discuss how taking a conscious look at our repressed feelings, emotions, fears, and desires can be a powerful tool for personal growth and healing. The hosts guide listeners through the process of accessing these hidden aspects of ourselves, offering practical tips and insights on how to release and transform them for massive healing.

     

    Key Points

     

    Introduction to Shadow Work: Understanding what shadow work is and why it is important.

    Identifying Shadows: Techniques to recognize and acknowledge repressed feelings, emotions, fears, and desires.

    Healing Through Shadow Work: Steps to release and transform these shadow aspects for personal growth and healing.

    Practical Tips: Simple, actionable strategies to incorporate shadow work into daily life. Featured

     

    Hosts

     

    Adam: A seasoned therapist with a passion for holistic healing and personal development.

    Laura: A mindfulness coach dedicated to helping individuals achieve inner peace and self-awareness.

    Call to Action: Don't miss out on this deep and transformative episode. Tune in to learn how you can harness the power of shadow work for your own personal growth and healing.

  • In this insightful episode of Magic Seeds, host Adam E. Gries reflects on his parenting skills, aiming to see if he is operating at an optimum level and truly connecting with his three children. By examining Adam's experiences and strategies, listeners can gain a perspective that might help them assess and enhance their own parenting journeys.

    Key Points Discussed

    Attunement: The importance of being in tune with your child's emotional and psychological state. Adam shares personal stories and observations about how he strives to understand and respond to his children's needs.

    Attachment Theory: How secure attachments are formed and maintained. Adam dives into the principles of attachment theory and discusses its practical applications in everyday parenting.

    Parental Expectations vs. Child's Development: The delicate balance between what parents expect from their children and the reality of their developmental stages. The discussion covers how unrealistic expectations can affect the parent-child relationship and ways to align expectations with developmental capabilities.

    Nurture vs. Discipline: Finding the right balance between nurturing your child's emotional well-being and instilling discipline. Adam shares his approach to combining love and guidance to foster a healthy, respectful, and supportive family environment.

    About the Guest

    This episode features Adam E. Gries, the host of Magic Seeds. Adam is a dedicated father to three beautiful children and brings his personal experiences and insights into parenting to the table. His reflections provide a relatable and thoughtful perspective for listeners looking to improve their parenting techniques.

    Call to Action

    Tune in to this episode to explore whether your parenting practices align with optimal strategies for attunement, attachment, and balanced nurturing. Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments, and don't forget to subscribe to Magic Seeds for more enlightening discussions on parenting and personal growth.

  • In this episode of Magic Seeds, host Laura R. Karch Gries takes a reflective look at her own parenting skills to examine whether she is operating at an optimal level of connection with her three children. Listeners are encouraged to adopt an observer's mindset to gain fresh perspectives on their own parenting techniques and experiences.

    Key Points Discussed:

    Attunement: Understanding the importance of being in sync with your child's emotional state. Techniques for recognizing and responding to your child's needs.

    Attachment Theory: Exploring how early attachment forms and its long-term impact on a child's development. Practical strategies to foster secure attachment with your children.

    Parental Expectations vs. Child's Level of Development: Balancing what parents expect from their children with what is developmentally appropriate. How to adjust expectations to support your child's growth and well-being.

    Nurture vs. Discipline: Differentiating between nurturing behaviors and disciplinary actions. Finding the right balance to promote a healthy, supportive environment for your child.

    About the Guest: Laura R. Karch Gries: Host of Magic Seeds podcast. Mother to three beautiful children. Laura shares her personal experiences and insights on parenting, making this episode a relatable and valuable resource for listeners seeking to improve their connection with their own children.

    Call to Action: Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical advice on enhancing your parenting skills. Adopt the observer's mindset Laura discusses and take the first step towards a deeper connection with your children.

  • In this insightful episode, we explore the developmental psychology of children and the broader implications for human behavior. Our guest, Dr. James Gries, a Ph.D. child psychologist from New York and father of three, shares his expertise on how understanding child development can lead to more effective parenting with fewer frustrations and outbursts. Key Points Discussed Nurture vs. Discipline The balance between nurturing children and disciplining them. How understanding a child's developmental stage can inform parenting strategies. Primary Attachment Theory The importance of primary attachments in early childhood. How these attachments influence behavior as children age. Developmental Stages A breakdown of different developmental stages and what to expect. Practical tips for parents to set realistic expectations based on these stages. Guest Information Dr. James Gries Ph.D. Child Psychologist, New York

    Key Takeaways

    Understanding Developmental Stages: Knowing where your child is developmentally can help set realistic expectations and reduce parental stress. Balancing Nurture and Discipline: Effective parenting involves a careful balance of nurturing and disciplined approaches. Importance of Primary Attachments: Strong early attachments are crucial for healthy development and behavior as children grow. Call to Action If you found this episode helpful, don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review! For more insights on developmental psychology and parenting tips, visit and join our community of engaged parents on Instagram.

  • In this episode, Laura and Adam discuss how life’s challenges can sometimes make us lose our way. The episode provides valuable insights into the importance of remaining rooted in personal connection to avoid getting mentally stuck in difficult times. Key Points Discussed:. Laura and Adam illustrate how challenges can lead to growth if we stay connected to our true selves. Getting Caught in Life’s Challenges: Life's challenges can make one feel overwhelmed and disoriented. Reconnecting with oneself is essential for navigating through tough times without losing mental clarity. Staying Rooted in Connection: Regular practices like meditation, journaling, and self-reflection can help maintain a strong connection with oneself. These practices act as anchors, keeping us grounded even when external circumstances are chaotic.

    Inspirational Quote "Staying connected to yourself is the key to not letting your mind get stuck in the muck."

  • In this inspiring episode, we sit down with David Wei, a remarkable individual and patient at Awakenings Health. David's story is a testament to the power of a positive attitude and relentless personal growth. He embodies the belief that living life to the fullest is not just desirable but necessary. From facing life's challenges head-on to rejecting limiting beliefs, David shares his philosophy on why anything other than living the best life is unacceptable. Key Points Discussed Healthy Lifestyle Choices Physical wellness through regular exercise and outdoor activities. The importance of fresh air and sunlight for overall well-being. Mental and Emotional Health Strategies for maintaining a positive outlook on life. The significance of continuous personal growth and self-improvement. Social Well-being Building a supportive community and nurturing relationships. Engaging in social activities that bring joy and fulfillment. Rejecting Limiting Beliefs Overcoming the mindset of "I'm too old" or "I should be sedentary." Living pain-free and actively at any age. Call to Action Feeling inspired by David Wei's story? Subscribe to our podcast for more uplifting episodes. Don't forget to leave a review and share your thoughts on how you're living your best life! Additional Resources Learn more about Awakenings Health and their approach to holistic well-being. Explore articles and tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle at any age.

  • In this heartwarming episode of Raising Good People, we are joined by three very special guests—our daughters, Kali (10), Ananda (9), and Siara (7). They discuss their inspiring summer project aimed at turning their charitable events into an online program to reach a wider audience. Key Points Covered: Community Trash Cleanups for Kids: How our young guests initiated and organized local trash cleanups. The impact these cleanups had on their community and their peers. Caring For The Homeless: Efforts made by Kali, Ananda, and Siara to support the homeless. Their experiences in distributing essential supplies and their future plans for expanding these efforts. Reading To The Elderly: The joy and connections formed through reading sessions with elderly community members. Stories and lessons learned from interacting with the elderly. Raising Funds and Supplies For Animal Shelters: Creative ways they raised funds and gathered supplies for local animal shelters. A look at the positive effects their contributions had on the shelters. Doing Art with Children in Need: How engaging in art projects with children in need helped build strong bonds and boosted morale. Future plans to incorporate more artistic activities into their charitable efforts. Guests We are thrilled to feature our daughters—Kali, Ananda, and Siara Gries—who share their experiences and the motivations behind their summer project. Their passion and dedication to making a difference in their community shine through in every discussion. Call to Action Tune in to this inspiring episode to learn how young minds can drive meaningful change. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.

  • In this episode, we uncover the secret behind living an empowered life. Join our hosts as they sit down with guests, Laura and Adam, to discuss how forward-thinking, preparation, and understanding the sequence of life's operations can lead to a more fulfilled existence. Learn the simplistic wisdom of the seasonal cycle and discover how looking at the past season can guide you to move forward when you feel stuck. Key Points Discussed Forward Thinking: The importance of having a vision and planning for the future. How anticipating challenges can prepare you for success. Preparation Over Preventative Care: Why preparation is more crucial than merely preventing problems. Strategies to effectively prepare for life's uncertainties. Understanding the Sequence: The significance of knowing the order of operations in life. How the seasonal cycle can offer simple yet profound wisdom. Seasonal Wisdom: If you're feeling stuck, evaluate the previous season to gain insights on moving forward. Practical examples of applying seasonal wisdom to everyday life.

  • In this episode, we explore practical strategies and insights on how to create a healthier lifestyle. Our guest, Laura Karch-Gries, a Fitness and Health & Wellness expert, shares her expertise on overcoming obstacles, understanding motivation, and finding joy in activities that contribute to overall well-being. Key Points Discussed Eliminate or Reduce Obstacles Identify and address common barriers such as orthopedic problems, time restrictions, and fatigue. Get to Know YOU Discover what makes you tick and tailor your lifestyle changes accordingly. Think Long Distance Focus on being an observer rather than fixating on immediate results. Understand that long-term consistency is key. Motivation Types Determine if you are intrinsically (internally) or extrinsically (externally) motivated to better plan your activities and goals. Seasonal Preferences Identify the seasons in which you feel most alive and integrate activities that align with these times. Enjoyable Activities Engage in activities you genuinely enjoy to maintain a sustainable healthy lifestyle. Stress Management Assess your stress levels, recognize your triggers, and find effective ways to manage them. Guest Information Laura Karch-Gries Fitness and Health & Wellness Expert Exercise Physiology/Biomechanics Specialist Holistic Health Practitioner Yoga Therapist Specialized Neurological Trainer Conclusion Creating a healthy lifestyle is a multifaceted endeavor that involves understanding yourself, addressing obstacles, and finding joy in the process. Tune in to gain valuable insights from our expert guest, Laura Karch-Gries, and start your journey towards a healthier, happier life. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more episodes filled with expert advice and practical tips

  • In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Brian Monthie, an accomplished business coach who transitioned from the corporate world to an independent career. Brian shares his incredible journey, detailing the challenges he faced and the courage it took to create his dream life. Now, as a business coach, he helps companies and individuals succeed by building highly aware, strategic, and transformative programs. Topics Discussed Brian's Background and Transition: Starting at the bottom and the initial struggles Key moments that propelled him to pursue his dream Overcoming challenges and developing resilience Creating a Dream Life: The steps Brian took to build his coaching business How he leveraged his corporate experience in his new role The importance of having a clear vision and goal-setting Courage and Personal Growth: The role of courage in personal and professional transformation Building self-awareness and strategic thinking Brian's approach to turning challenges into growth opportunities Brian’s Coaching Philosophy and Methods: Overview of customized workshops, 1:1 coaching, and local retreats Applying his certifications (CPCC, ORSCC, ICAgile) in coaching practices Strategies for guiding managers and executives through challenging climates About the Guest Brian Monthie is a certified team, agile, and leadership coach and facilitator (CPCC, ORSCC, ICAgile). He specializes in guiding managers and executives through today’s complex business environments by converting shared knowns into growth experiences. Through his coaching, Brian helps businesses achieve real, felt results and discover newly optimized directions. Resilience and Vision: How maintaining a clear vision and resilience can help you overcome any obstacle. Strategic Growth: The significance of strategic thinking and awareness in achieving business success. Transformative Coaching: Insights into how tailored coaching programs can drive personal and professional growth.

  • In this episode titled “Green, Ripe or Rotten?”, we revisit Laura Gries and take a deep dive into her ongoing journey of conquering her fears and limiting beliefs. Six months ago, Laura shared her struggles with the fear of failure in business, her hesitation to embark on a new entrepreneurial journey, guilt about not doing enough for the disabled community, and her lack of confidence in her physical appearance. Fast forward to today, Laura has launched a new business this past April that is accessible to the disabled population, yet she continues to wrestle with self-confidence issues. Hosts Laura and Dr. Gries use the metaphor of labeling these personal landmarks as Green, Ripe, or Rotten to illustrate the stages of her progress. They also explore the principles of the Seasonal cycle in Chinese Medicine, which includes the phases of Harvest, Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. One of the key exercises discussed involves creating an exhaustive list of everything in your life, effectively emptying your consciousness onto an “external hard drive” and categorizing everything as green, ripe or rotten. This practice can lead to feelings of lightness, happiness, calm, peace, and even liberation.

  • In this episode titled "Fight, Flight & Feed," we dive into the intricate relationship between our mind, body, and spirit, particularly focusing on how our emotional and mental states influence our eating habits and overall well-being. Mind-Body-Spirit Connection: Exploring the parallels between the food we consume and how it fuels our bodies. Understanding the body’s ability to distinguish between pure and impure substances and how it mirrors our experience filtering in life. Emotional and Mental State Impact: Guest Heather Dawn Fleming discusses how our emotional and mental states significantly affect the choices we make regarding food. Delving into the body's readiness to process and digest food based on our mental and emotional well-being. Conscious Eating: Bringing a heightened level of consciousness to the act of eating and understanding its transformative potential. Addressing the common issue of people bullying themselves into eating what they think they SHOULD eat, often leading to a fight or flight response. Emotional Eating Patterns: How negative emotions like worry, sadness, or anger can drive us to make certain food choices, often to balance out those feelings. Recognizing that feeling edgy might lead to cravings for something sweet or carbohydrate-rich to soften those edges. Guest Information: Heather Dawn Fleming: Role: A respected nutritionist who advocates for reprogramming how we nourish both our mind and body through intuitive practices. Takeaway Message: Understanding the deep connection between our emotions, mental state, and eating habits is essential. By bringing consciousness to our eating processes and recognizing the impact of our emotional state, we can make healthier choices that better serve both our physical and mental well-being. Make sure to follow Heather Dawn Fleming, Conscious Nutrition, for more insights on nourishing your mind and body intuitively. Stay tuned for more episodes where we continue to explore the profound connections between our bodies, minds, and spirits. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you found this episode insightful!

  • In this heartwarming episode of our podcast, we explore the profound impact and importance of hugs and human touch in conveying love and connection. Hosts Laura and Adam share their personal experiences and philosophies related to the art of hugging, emphasizing it as a way to express, "I see you," "I am connecting with you right now," and "I am present with you here and now." The Significance of Hugs: Laura and Adam discuss why they consider hugs to be a meaningful way to show affection and connect with others on a deep, emotional level. Human Connection Through Touch: The hosts explore how human touch serves as a powerful tool for human connection, capable of conveying warmth, presence, and empathy. Understanding Touch Adversity: Acknowledging that not everyone identifies with or feels comfortable with physical touch, Laura and Adam introduce the concept of "touch adversity" and discuss its implications. The Power of a Genuine Hug: Drawing an analogy to a loving grandmother hugging her grandchildren after a long absence, Laura shares the depth of emotion and sincerity that can be communicated through a heartfelt hug. This episode features insightful contributions from guest speakers Dr. Adam and Laura Gries, who share their professional and personal perspectives on the importance of physical touch in human relationships and emotional well-being. Dr. Adam Gries: Provides a psychological analysis of why human beings need physical touch and how it affects our mental health and social bonds. Laura Gries: Shares touching anecdotes about the role of hugs in her life, emphasizing their capacity to heal, comfort, and connect us to others.

  • In this heartfelt episode, we explore a topic that may hit close to home for many listeners—the struggle of balancing family life with the demanding pressures of work. Our host dives deep into how fathers and husbands often bear the heavy responsibility of providing for their families. This sense of duty can be particularly overbearing during the early years of a child's life or when financial stability feels uncertain. While the intention behind working long hours is to secure the well-being of loved ones, there's an emotional cost that is often overlooked. Dr. Adam Gries joins us as a guest speaker, bringing his expertise in family dynamics and mental health. Dr. Gries discusses how men can find themselves withdrawing from the emotional heart of the family—their connection with their spouse and children. This withdrawal, while unintentional, can lead to feelings of isolation for every family member and may even contribute to a sense of alienation over time. Throughout the episode, Dr. Gries offers insight into the importance of open communication and the value of quality time spent with family. He opens up about strategies on how to regain balance, emphasizing the necessity of being emotionally present and not just physically providing. Whether you're a father feeling the weight of responsibility or a family member witnessing this dynamic, this episode is a thoughtful examination of the personal sacrifices made for family and how to find your way back to what truly matters. Key Points Discussed: The pressure fathers and husbands feel to provide financially for their family. The emotional distancing that can result from being overly focused on work. Dr. Adam Gries's perspective on maintaining family connections amidst career demands. Practical advice for staying emotionally connected with your spouse and children.