• #327 Create Calm with Your Teen
    Jun 30 2025
    Do you feel like your home energy often mirrors your teen’s mood—and not in a good way? What if you could shift the atmosphere in your home without saying a word? In this episode, Colleen O’Grady talks with Lisa Danahy, yoga therapist and founder of the nonprofit Create Calm, about how moms can bring more peace and regulation into their homes—and themselves. With decades of experience in education and yoga-based therapy, Lisa explains the role of the autonomic nervous system and the vagus nerve in our stress responses, and why physical practices—not just mental strategies—are the key to resetting our emotional states. She offers practical techniques like “Yoga Jacks,” “Washing Machine Twists,” and a rhythmic finger-tapping affirmation practice that moms can use to regulate themselves—and invite their teens to join. They also dive into the power of co-regulation, why mindfulness isn’t about control, and how big energy doesn’t have to lead to big drama. 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: 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. 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. 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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    44 mins
  • # 326 Summer and Screens
    Jun 23 2025
    Is your teen glued to their screen this summer? Do you know the difference between typical teen behavior and true digital distress? In this powerful episode, Dr. Jennifer Zu Marga, 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. Zu Marga 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: 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. 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. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    42 mins
  • # 325 Risky Behavior and the Teen Brain
    Jun 16 2025
    Are you worried your teen will experiment with alcohol, vaping, or other risky behaviors?Do you wonder how to have those crucial conversations without getting shut down—or tuned out? 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: 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. 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. 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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    45 mins
  • # 324 Teens, ADHD, and Big Emotions
    Jun 9 2025
    Are you parenting a teen with ADHD and wondering why they seem so emotionally intense? Have you ever felt helpless watching your child spiral from rejection or frustration, unsure how to support them? 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 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. 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. 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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    50 mins
  • # 323 Are Parental Controls and Screen Time Limits Working
    Jun 2 2025
    Are screen time limits really protecting your teen—or just giving you a false sense of security? And why do so many moms say, “My kid finally came back to themselves” after time away from their phone? 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    46 mins
  • # 322 When Teens Need a Psychiatrist
    May 26 2025
    Are you worried your teen's anxiety, depression, or mood swings are more than just “normal teen behavior”? Have you ever wondered if psychiatric medication could actually help—but felt scared or unsure where to start? 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: 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. 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. 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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    37 mins
  • # 321 Is Your Teen College Ready
    May 19 2025
    Are you wondering if your teen is truly ready for college? Are you stressed about the admissions process, student debt, or helping your teen find their path? You're not alone—and this episode is here to help. 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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    45 mins
  • # 320 When AI Becomes Your Teen's BFF
    May 12 2025
    Are you feeling unsure about how to guide your teen in the world of artificial intelligence? Have you wondered what your child is really doing with AI and how it's shaping their digital and emotional world? 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: 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. 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. 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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    50 mins