Episodi
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In this episode, Iâm diving into the all-too-familiar chaos of family gatheringsâspecifically, how to prepare yourself and your teenager for navigating tricky relatives at the summer barbecue. Whether youâre hosting or traveling, youâll walk away with three powerful tools to help set boundaries, avoid drama, and model healthy responses to uncomfortable situations. These are tools I share often in my office, because they workâand summer is too short to spend feeling anxious or reactive. Letâs fill your parenting tool belt and keep your vacation from turning into a battlefield.
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In this solo episode, I dive into a message I believe every parent needs to hear: you deserve to prioritize yourself â and it's actually good for your kids when you do. Iâve been noticing a pattern in my work with parents who are running themselves ragged trying to meet every single need and whim of their children, while completely sidelining their own. I walk through why this is not only unhealthy for you, but also a disservice to your kids. Tune in to find out why Iâm inviting you to consider that investing in your physical and mental health, your marriage, your friendships, and your time alone isnât selfish â itâs essential.
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Episodi mancanti?
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In this heartfelt and deeply personal episode, I sit down with my daughter Riley Youngâback for her second appearance on the podcastâjust days after she graduated from USC with a degree in Business Administration. We dive into what it really feels like to stand at the edge of one of lifeâs biggest transitions: college to adulthood. Riley reflects on the communities that shaped her, how her identity has evolved, and what sheâs learned about balance, motivation, and self-care. For any parent witnessing their child take this leap, or for anyone navigating change themselves, I hope this conversation offers both insight and inspiration.
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In this episode, I dive into the often-overlooked heart of the family: your marriage. With summer approaching and more time spent as a family unit, Iâve been hearing a lot from moms about the tensionâand opportunityâthat can come with being around our partners more. I offer five actionable strategies to help you nurture your relationship like the living, breathing organism it is. From reconsidering the settings where we spend time with our partners to learning how to meet emotional bids, I share real stories (including a few from my own marriage), grounded insights, and ways to reconnectâso your relationship thrives, not just survives.
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Summer can get overwhelming fast if we donât get intentional about our time. In this episode, I walk you through four practical rules for setting boundariesâincluding how to pause before saying yes, how to listen to your gut instead of your âshoulds,â and how to use simple filters to make better decisions about your time. I also share one of my favorite summer traditions for familiesâa sweet, screen-free way to stay connected through old-school letter writing. Letâs make this a season where your choices reflect what matters most.
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In this episode, I sit down with two longtime members of my Monday parenting groupâAngela and Danaâfor a candid and heartfelt conversation about raising confident girls in today's image-saturated world. With daughters navigating middle school, we dive deep into the challenges of body image, social media pressure, privacy, and societal expectations. We talk about the importance of modeling self-love, celebrating uniqueness, and creating space for our girls to build real confidence before the world tells them who to be. Join us for laughs, insight, and actionable tips on how to empower the next generation of strong, self-assured young women.
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In this episode, Iâm joined by my friend and parenting group member Vicky Shustermanâan accomplished lawyer, full-time working mom, and thoughtful human navigating the deeply personal terrain of acceptance. We explore the emotional tension between the dreams we have for our children and the reality that unfolds, inspired by the beloved essay Welcome to Holland. Vicky opens up about her own journey balancing ambition, motherhood, and self-doubt, as we dive into what it really means to accept your children for who they areâand to let go of the fantasy of who you imagined theyâd be.
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In this episode, I dive deep into the Netflix miniseries Adolescence, a haunting and powerful story that shines a light on the emotional lives of boysâespecially those struggling to find their place in a world with narrow definitions of masculinity. I reflect on why I work with so many more parents of boys than girls, and what this show reveals about the pain, confusion, and isolation so many young men face today. We talk about the dangers of emotional repression, the cultural pressures boys experience, and how parentsâespecially dadsâcan begin modeling vulnerability and emotional expression. Also, I strongly encourage you to watch Adolescenceâit's not just a show, it's a conversation starter.
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In this episode, Iâm joined by Lindsay Tanneâcollege admissions expert, Harvard grad, and parent herselfâfor a real and refreshing conversation about how to navigate the high school years with less stress and more clarity. We dig into how parents can support without overstepping, when to start thinking about college (hint: earlier than you might think), and how to protect your relationship with your teen during this intense time. Lindsay shares practical, compassionate advice on how to stay sane, preserve family peace, and actually enjoy the journey.
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In this episode, I share a concept I call "Backpocket Phrases"âsimple, effective comeback lines that can help your child handle mean-spirited comments or bullying with confidence. I walk you through a three-step approach for supporting your child: starting with empathy, putting them in the driver's seat, and brainstorming a strong comeback together. I'll also share five specific backpocket phrases and tips on how to help your child practice delivering them effectively. My hope is that by the end of this episode, you'll feel ready to guide your child through tough social moments with empathy and confidence.
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This week, I welcomed Susan, a certified nutrition and wellness coach specializing in midlife wellness for busy moms. Susan shares practical tips to help parents create healthier routines without overwhelming themselves. From building a solid kitchen foundation with clean ingredients to meal planning, batch cooking, and smart shopping, Susan's advice makes healthy living accessible for families juggling busy schedules. If you've ever wondered how to avoid chaotic meal times or feel more confident navigating nutrition, this episode is packed with strategies and insights.
Find more about Susan:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wellplayed4lifeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellplayed4lifeEmail: [email protected]
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In this episode, we explore a powerful parentingâand lifeâtool: the courage to name your truth before it becomes a problem. Whether itâs setting boundaries with family, managing stress with a spouse, or helping kids navigate anxiety, naming things aloud can prevent resentment, ease tension, and set you up to succeed. I share real-life scenarios with practical scripts you can use right away. By the end, youâll see how truth-telling fosters self-acceptance, strengthens relationships, and helps you parent with confidence.
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Spring is here, and your child isnât the same kid they were in September! In this episode, I share 10 essential parenting tips to help you recognize and respond to your childâs growth as they transition into the final stretch of the school year. From shifting your language to fostering independence, embracing empathy, and helping them navigate friendships and expectations, these strategies will help you meet your child where they are now. Tune in for practical advice to usher in the "April version" of your kid and strengthen your connection in the process!
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In this solo episode, I reflect on my recent trip to Northern Iceland and the deep sense of belonging I found in nature. Sitting in a hot tub nestled in the Troll Peninsula, I had a revelationânature accepts me as I am, without judgment, without expectations. This led me to question how we, as parents, nurture our childrenâs sense of self-worth. Do we unknowingly place conditions on our love, teaching them they are only "good enough" if they achieve certain markers? I invite you to consider whether your childâs connection to nature might be a sign of their need for unconditional acceptance and how we can foster that within our homes.
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After 41 years together, including 33 years of marriage, people always ask us, âWhatâs your secret?â In this special Valentineâs Day episode, I finally convinced my husband, Don, to join me in the studio. Weâre sharing the lessons, laughter, and love that have kept us strong, from the best marriage advice weâve ever received to the small habits that make a big difference. Whether youâre celebrating decades with your partner or just starting out, we hope this conversation offers inspiration, insight, and maybe even a few laughs.
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In this week's episode, I sat down with Mahlia Lindquist, a former lawyer turned devoted mom, to dive into her unexpected journey into motherhood. She opens up about how she once thought parenting wasnât for her, only to find incredible joy and fulfillment in raising her two daughters. We talk about how her unconventional upbringing, shaped by a trailblazing mother, influenced her parenting style and the lessons sheâs learned along the way. Join me for a heartfelt and honest conversation about embracing lifeâs surprises and redefining what it means to be a parent.
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In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend Carol Rooney to reminisce about our years of motherhood, friendship, and the moments that have shaped us along the way. We dive into the chaos of raising kids, the unexpected joys and struggles of parenting, and the way our friendship has been a constant source of laughter and support. From the small victories to the overwhelming mental load, we share the stories that every parent can relate to. We also dream about what life looks like in the next chapterâone where we finally get to put ourselves first for a change. Join us for a warm, honest, and often hilarious conversation about the beauty and madness of it all.
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Parenting can often feel like walking down a street filled with unexpected challenges, and this week, I explore how we can guide our kidsâand ourselvesâthrough these moments with patience and understanding, using Portia Nelson's poem Autobiography in Five Short Chapters as a starting point. I'll also talk about common setbacks your child might face as they develop and share simple strategiesâlike breaking tasks into manageable steps, using visual reminders, and encouraging accountabilityâto help them grow. By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped with actionable strategies to guide your child's development and build a more supportive, understanding relationship.
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Parenting is full of decisions that donât have easy answers. In this solo episode, I explore the concept of "both-and thinking," an approach that helps parents embrace the gray areas and find solutions that balance boundaries with compassion. From navigating teenage independence to tackling lifeâs unexpected hurdles, this mindset offers a way to honor multiple truths at once. Join me as I share real-life examples and actionable strategies to help you build stronger, more flexible relationships with your kids.
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In this solo episode, Iâm diving into a challenge many parents face: What do you do when your teenage daughter starts withdrawing? Whether sheâs shutting the door, spending more time alone, or pulling away from the connection you once shared, it can be confusing and worrisome. Iâll explore how to distinguish between typical adolescent behavior and potential signs of depression, share practical strategies for reconnecting, and offer tips for fostering meaningful conversations that go beyond the surface. From navigating sibling rivalry and addressing false narratives to planning individual dates and using alternative communication methods like texting, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you support your teen while respecting her growing need for independence. Tune in to learn how to rebuild connection and navigate this normal yet challenging stage of parenting.
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