Parenting Unplugged Podcast

Parenting Unplugged Podcast
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Parenting Unplugged: Raising Healthy Teen Minds Podcast

The Parenting Unplugged Podcast is a resource for parents, guardians, and caregivers looking for expert guidance on how to support their teens' mental and emotional well-being. Each episode is led by specialists in adolescent mental health, offering practical advice on managing anxiety, depression, trauma, and other key issues faced by teenagers today.

Designed to empower parents with actionable strategies, the podcast covers a wide range of topics from academic pressures and school anxiety to the effects of social media and peer dynamics. Our goal is to provide listeners with the tools they need to create a supportive environment for their children, promoting emotional wellness and healthy communication within the family.

New episodes are released monthly, featuring discussions with psychologists, counselors, and educators who bring both professional insight and empathy to the challenges parents face. Whether you’re navigating school stress, peer relationships, or managing the balance between independence and safety, the Parenting Unplugged Podcast offers thoughtful, evidence-based solutions.

Listen to the Latest Episode

Podcast Speakers and Objectives

September — From Fear to Confidence: Strategies for Managing School Anxiety and Avoidance

Host: Laura Koehler, PsyD
Objectives: 

  • Recognize the signs and symptoms of anxiety related to school.
  • Develop practical strategies to help your child manage anxiety in a healthy way.
  • Learn coping skills to practice with your child to reduce intense anxiety in the moment.

YouTube  Spotify

October — Preparing Your Teen for Academic Success: Navigating Honors and AP Classes

Host: Bob Watson, MAT, GCE1
Objectives: 

  • Review and clarify the Advanced Placement Act and how it changes scheduling for high school students in the 2024-25 school year.
  • Identify expectations for AP classes and behavior changes you should notice in your children.
  • Discuss boundaries and proactive parenting steps you can take to ensure that your child is able to maintain their academic placement and mental health.

YouTube  Spotify

November — Empowering Parents to Spot, Stop, and Support Against Bullying

Host: Jessica Butts, LCSW
Objectives: 

  • Identify various forms and instances of bullying.
  • Recognize parents' roles at home.
  • Review strategies and resources for parents to prevent and respond to bullying.

YouTube  Spotify

December — Empowering Your Child: Understanding Executive Functioning, Brain Development, and Essential Support Strategies

Host: Marie Sawyer, LCSW
Objectives: 

  • Identify executive functioning skills and understand how brain development can impact ability.
  • Increase knowledge of available resources to support you and your child.
  • Learn strategies for empowering your child to improve executive function skills.

January — Up in Smoke: Understanding Today's Scene In Adolescent Substance Use

Host: Beth Menges, LCPC, CADC
Objectives: 

  • Understand the stages of substance use.
  • Increase knowledge of marijuana potency and ways in which marijuana is being used.
  • Gain understanding of strategies to keep kids safe and healthy.

February — Overview and Warning Signs of Eating Disorders

Host: Sarah Denman, MA, MSA, LCPC
Objectives: 

  • Review 3 types of eating disorders.
  • Learn 3 warning signs for eating disorders.
  • Identify 2 resources to help their child if they suspect they have an eating disorder.

March — The Digital Dilemma: A Conversation About Social Media and Parenting

Host: James Hill, OTR/L
Objectives: 

  • Be familiar with the 2023 Surgeon General Advisory.
  • Share their concerns about parenting as it relates to social media.
  • Discuss possible constructive responses for parents.

April — Using Creativity to Build the Parent-Child Relationship

Host: Elizabeth Hill, ATR-BC, LCPC
Objectives: 

  • Learn 2 ways creativity can improve relationships.
  • Learn 2 benefits of creative expression for children/adolescents.
  • Learn 3 ways to use creativity to build the parent-child relationship.

May — Empowering Self-Esteem: Identifying Signs, Parental Strategies, and the 5 Love Languages

Host: Yaritza Camargo, LSW
Objectives: 

  • Utilizing the 5 Love Languages to assist in building self-esteem.
  • Recognizing signs of low and high self-esteem.
  • Identifying strategies for parents/guardians to use to empower their kids.

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