Dr. Meg Meeker welcomes Leslie Tyler , Director of Parent Education at Pinwheel and a champion for Children’s Digital Wellness, to unpack the risks and opportunities AI brings into our children’s lives. In this episode, we explore: Why children are early adopters of AI—and what parents need to know. The double-edged sword of AI as both a learning tool and a potential digital crutch. Key risks for kids using AI, from misinformation to emotional dependence. The role of parents in guiding safe AI u...
Jun 24, 2025•34 min•Ep. 404
Is your parenting stress spilling over into your child's life? You're not alone—and you're not powerless. In this episode, Mark Gerson, author of God Was Right , shares how biblical wisdom—paired with modern psychology—can radically shift the way we understand independence, fear, and success in parenting. We cover: The connection between parental stress and children's anxiety How ancient stories like Isaac’s birth and Joseph’s rise can transform your parenting style The myth of “stranger danger”...
Jun 17, 2025•37 min•Ep. 405
In this special Father’s Day episode, Dr. Meg Meeker talks with Rob Finlay, author of Hey Dad, Everything You Should Have Learned About Life but Didn’t . They dive into how parents—especially dads—can raise kids who are prepared for real-world responsibilities. In this episode: The life skills every teen needs before leaving home Why failure builds independence and confidence Communication, budgeting, and decision-making in everyday life The crucial role fathers play in raising self-sufficient k...
Jun 15, 2025•33 min•Ep. 405
What happens when a high-achieving, all-American girl is silently battling depression? In this powerful episode, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with Allie Marie Smith , life coach, speaker, and author of Social Media Reset , to explore how the pressure to be perfect—and the influence of social media—nearly led her to end her life. Allie shares her story of growing up in Silicon Valley, struggling with hidden sadness from a young age, and reaching a breaking point as a teen. She opens up about the mome...
Jun 06, 2025•36 min•Ep. 273
Do you feel like you're falling short as a parent? Dr. Meg Meeker, pediatrician and parenting expert, sits down with child and family therapist Craig Knippenberg to unpack why “good enough” is more than enough in today’s complex parenting landscape. Craig is the author of Shame-Free Parenting: Building Resiliency in Times of Hardship, Guns, and Social Media , and together, he and Dr. Meg explore how parents can stop chasing perfection and start parenting with compassion, consistency, and courage...
May 28, 2025•32 min•Ep. 233
What happens when a parent, once strong and accomplished, finds themselves trapped in addiction? In this compelling episode of the Parenting Great Kids podcast, Dr. Meg Meeker speaks with Nick Padlo , founder of Sophros Recovery in Tampa. A former combat veteran and addiction survivor, Nick shares how his journey through military service and personal struggle led him to create a treatment center focused on holistic healing for individuals facing both substance use and co-occurring mental health ...
May 19, 2025•38 min•Ep. 250
Do you feel like you're constantly running on empty trying to be the “perfect” parent? In this powerful episode of Parenting Great Kids , Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with Israa Nasir , licensed psychotherapist and author of Toxic Productivity: Reclaim Your Time and Emotional Energy in a World That Always Demands More , to unpack how the pressure to always “do more” is impacting parents and their children. Israa shares how toxic productivity is driven by perfectionism, fear of inadequacy, and cultur...
May 06, 2025•38 min•Ep. 252
What does it mean to parent when the world isn't built for you? Jessica Slice, author of Unfit Parent: A Disabled Mother Challenges an Inaccessible World , joins Dr. Meg Meeker to share her powerful story of raising a child with a disability. Jessica discusses the myths around "perfect parenting," the societal barriers disabled parents face, and how true connection matters far more than physical perfection. In this episode, we discuss: Jessica’s journey to disability – and motherhood – and how s...
Apr 30, 2025•35 min•Ep. 262
What’s the real key to college admissions success? It might not be what you think. In this empowering episode of Parenting Great Kids , Dr. Meg Meeker is joined by Dr. Pamela Ellis , also known as The Education Doctor . With experience guiding over 30,000 families and helping students earn an average of $75,000 in scholarships , Dr. Ellis shares invaluable insights that every parent needs to hear. In this episode, you'll learn: Why finding the right college fit matters more than just getting int...
Apr 21, 2025•40 min•Ep. 244
What’s driving the surge in teen anxiety—and how can parents help kids take back control of their mental health? In this episode, Dr. Meg Meeker is joined by Dr. Jodi Aman, a seasoned psychotherapist, author, and educator with nearly 30 years of experience helping teens and families break free from the grip of anxiety. Together, they explore the real reasons behind today’s teen mental health crisis—from social media to dopamine addiction—and offer practical, compassionate solutions for parents. ...
Apr 14, 2025•39 min•Ep. 232
What does it take to raise kids who think critically, challenge the status quo, and build real-world skills early in life? In this episode, Dr. Meg Meeker is joined by Connor Boyack , founder of the Libertas Institute and author of the bestselling Tuttle Twins book series. Connor shares how his work is helping families teach children about liberty, economics, and critical thinking—skills often left out of traditional education. Through engaging stories and hands-on learning experiences, he’s equ...
Apr 08, 2025•43 min•Ep. 241
Can allowing teens to drink at home teach them responsible alcohol use? Dr. Claudia Black, a leading expert in teen substance abuse and addiction, reveals why this approach may actually encourage drinking outside the home. In this episode, we discuss: Why parental supervision doesn’t prevent teen drinking – It often normalizes alcohol use. The real reasons teens drink – Peer pressure, social acceptance, and stress. How parents influence teen drinking habits – Your behaviors set the tone. Teen su...
Mar 19, 2025•34 min•Ep. 242
Struggling with your child's sleep? In this episode of Parenting Great Kids , Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with sleep expert Dana Obleman , founder of the Sleep Sense Program , to tackle common sleep challenges in babies, toddlers, and teens. They discuss: Why children wake up at night and how to help them sleep independently The four-month sleep regression and how to navigate it Strategies to reduce nighttime wake-ups in nine-month-olds Tips for healthy sleep habits in preschoolers and teenagers Th...
Mar 13, 2025•35 min
In this episode of Parenting Great Kids , Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with 15-year-old Elle Liemandt, the creator of Ask Elle , an AI-powered dating coach app designed for teens. They dive into the challenges of modern teen dating, exploring how social media platforms like Snapchat influence relationships and shape teen interactions. Elle shares insights on how her app helps teens rebuild essential social skills, handle rejection with confidence, and develop healthier dating habits. Dr. Meeker and ...
Mar 06, 2025•25 min
In this episode of Parenting Great Kids , Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with Joe Hashey to discuss balancing career ambitions with a thriving family life. Joe, a former educator turned fitness leader, shares his journey of recognizing work-family imbalance and the steps he took to correct it. After his father’s passing, he re-evaluated his family’s health and values, leading to The Strong Family Project —a structured approach to parenting that helps families: ✅ Define core values ✅ Build consistent r...
Feb 26, 2025•34 min
💡 What do adults wish they had known about teen dating? How can parents guide their teens to make healthier relationship choices? In this episode of Parenting Great Kids , Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with team member Alexie, who reflects on 20 years of dating experiences—starting at just 15. She shares insights on relationship challenges, emotional struggles, and regrets, highlighting the impact of parental guidance and the importance of open conversations in shaping healthier dating decisions. 🎙...
Feb 18, 2025•27 min•Ep. 240
With Valentine’s Day just behind us, many parents are reflecting on teen dating—when it should start, what rules to set, and how to guide their kids through relationships. In this Ask Dr. Meg episode of the Parenting Great Kids podcast, Dr. Meg Meeker answers the most common questions from parents, covering everything from the right age to start dating to setting healthy boundaries and expectations. She emphasizes the importance of open communication, encouraging parents to involve their teens i...
Feb 17, 2025•42 min•Ep. 261
“Authenticity isn’t about staying the same—it’s about being true to yourself across life’s many roles.” In this episode, media personality Jeanne Sparrow shares how she has embraced authenticity throughout her career and personal life, offering practical lessons for maintaining genuine connections. From interviewing iconic figures to navigating personal relationships, Jeanne reveals how to balance shifting roles while remaining true to yourself. This episode is packed with actionable advice for ...
Feb 06, 2025•35 min•Ep. 236
In this episode, we delve into the journey of sobriety with Chris Janssen, MA, BCC, author of Grace Yourself: How to Show Up for the Sober Life You Want. Chris shares her inspiring story, from recognizing her own drinking problem to the pivotal moment that led her to seek help. She provides valuable insights into understanding addiction, managing family and social dynamics, and the importance of building a supportive community. Listeners will also gain practical advice on navigating difficult fa...
Jan 27, 2025•34 min•Ep. 274
In this episode of Parenting Great Kids with Dr. Meg Meeker , Dr. Meg is joined by Julie Ryan McGue—an award-winning writer, domestic adoptee, and identical twin—to dive deep into the complexities of adoption and identity. Julie opens up about her journey of growing up as an adoptee, the emotional impact of being part of a closed adoption, and her search for birth relatives to uncover critical medical history. Listeners will gain valuable insights as Julie discusses: The emotional and psychologi...
Jan 22, 2025•36 min•Ep. 256
Join Dr. Meg Meeker for a meaningful conversation with Jim Burns, founder of HomeWord, on navigating conversations about sexuality with kids in today’s social media-driven world. They discuss how societal norms and digital influences shape children’s perceptions of sex and share practical strategies for parents to approach sex education with confidence and clarity. From handling awkward moments to addressing topics like pornography and sexual abuse, this episode offers valuable insights to help ...
Jan 12, 2025•33 min•Ep. 269
Mothers often carry an invisible mental load—managing schedules, making decisions, and handling emotional labor for their families. On this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker offers practical parenting advice to help moms ease that burden and break free from the relentless pressure to "do it all." She’s joined by Dr. Whitney Casares, author, pediatrician and founder of Modern Mommy Doc . Together, they explore why emotional well-being, not productivity, is the key to happier, health...
Jan 06, 2025•42 min•Ep. 275
Teaching manners to teens might seem old-fashioned, but in today’s complex social landscape, it’s more important than ever. In this episode, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with Brooke Romney, author of 52 Modern Manners for Today's Teens, to explore how modern etiquette can boost teens' confidence, strengthen their relationships, and open doors to new opportunities. Brooke shares the inspiration behind her bestselling book series and highlights five essential manners every teen should know, from intro...
Dec 30, 2024•32 min•Ep. 265
Holiday stress is a challenge many parents, especially mothers, face each year. In this special episode of Parenting Great Kids , Dr. Meg Meeker shares her personal insights to help you navigate the season with peace and joy. Instead of featuring a guest, this episode is all about Dr. Meg’s timeless advice on how to make the holidays meaningful for your family. From managing expectations to fostering deeper connections, you’ll walk away with practical tools to embrace a joyful, stress-free seaso...
Dec 23, 2024•36 min•Ep. 254
Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with former NFL linebacker and college football hall of famer David Pollack to explore his inspiring journey from professional athlete to author of the new book The Won’t Quit Kid . Pollack shares how a career-ending neck injury transformed his life, strengthening his faith and deepening his personal resilience. His story is one of perseverance, growth, and the power of embracing life’s unexpected challenges. Need parenting help? Grab a coaching spo t with Dr. Meg Meeker...
Dec 16, 2024•40 min•Ep. 248
Parental anxiety can significantly influence a child’s emotional well-being, but there are ways to create a calm, stable home. Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with Dr. John Deloney, a two-time #1 national bestselling author with two PhDs and over 20 years of counseling experience, to discuss how parents can reduce anxiety and foster a healthy environment for their kids. This episode explores how children mirror their parents' emotions and why addressing parental mental health is crucial. Insights inclu...
Dec 10, 2024•44 min•Ep. 234
Bedwetting is a common and often misunderstood issue that many families face, especially with boys. Drawing on her extensive experience as a pediatrician, Dr. Meg Meeker dedicates this solo episode to unpacking the causes, misconceptions, and practical solutions for managing bedwetting. She reassures parents that this is not their child’s fault and highlights the role genetics often play. Dr. Meeker shares actionable tips, such as using mattress covers, addressing underlying health conditions li...
Nov 24, 2024•13 min•Ep. 251
Navigating the often turbulent waters of raising teenagers can feel like a never-ending cycle of setting boundaries while trying to maintain trust. As parents, we frequently find ourselves at a crossroads, unsure of which direction to take. It's comforting to know that we're not alone in this journey. In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker welcomes Sean Donohue, a renowned parenting coach widely known for his relatable advice on platforms like TikTok. Sean shares his personal jo...
Nov 14, 2024•38 min•Ep. 249
In this episode of Parenting Great Kids , Dr. Meg Meeker welcomes David Gudgel, Director of Church Health for the Northern California Venture Church Network. David shares his wisdom on harmonizing faith and family life, drawing from his personal journey as both a parent and grandparent. He recounts transformative moments, like the spiritual awakening his parents experienced, which reshaped their family dynamics and instilled values of patience and resilience. David offers parents practical advic...
Nov 04, 2024•32 min•Ep. 251
In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker welcomes Dr. Maureen Michelle Peterson—pediatrician, life coach, and author of Reclaiming Life . Dr. Peterson shares her deeply personal journey of raising a child diagnosed with pediatric neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer, during her third year of residency. Despite her medical expertise, no amount of training could shield her from the emotional toll of the diagnosis. Years later, her family faced another life-altering challen...
Oct 21, 2024•40 min•Ep. 264
