This generation is increasingly looking to peer groups and the internet for child-rearing advice--a change from the past. Today, I'm joined by coach Deborah Porter who shares the benefits of understanding the seasons of parenthood and the value of mentorship. Deborah is a former Probation/Parole Officer and Criminal Investigator. She's now a sought-after life coach and media contributor who helps moms thrive. Links from this Episode Deborah's Website Deborah on IG SPONSORS LUS Brands – Get 15% o...
Sep 07, 2022•48 min•Ep. 321
We have many academic and expert guests on the podcast, but today we have a meaningful story of lived experience. In this episode, Ginger Zee, Chief Meteorologist for ABC News and New York Times Best-Selling author, shares the story of her mental health journey, the pursuit of healing, and building a successful family life & career. Links from this Episode Ginger’s Website Natural Disaster (I Cover Them, I Am One) A Little Closer to Home: How I Found the Calm After the Storm SPONSORS Faherty...
Aug 30, 2022•46 min
I would love to introduce you to a new podcast called "American Girl Fan Club" the newest show to be released on the American Girl Podcast Network. This podcast is hosted by two superfans, who interview experts, creators, authors, designers and more-- to give YOU and your family the inside scoop behind your favorite characters and stories at American Girl… and sneak peeks on some exciting things to come. I hope your family will listen and subscribe! apple.co/agfanclub
Jul 28, 2022•2 min
Child anxiety rates are on the rise, therefore, it's a topic that feels familiar to many parents. Last week I discussed child anxiety with expert Dr. Eli Lebowitz. In today's episode, I'm joined by fellow mom and mental health professional Niro Feliciano. We are answering questions submitted by listeners on the interaction of parenting styles and child anxiety. Links from this Episode Child Anxiety, Part I ft. Dr. Eli Lebowitz Niro’s Website This Book Won’t Make You Happy: Eight Keys to Finding ...
Jul 26, 2022•58 min•Ep. 319
Child anxiety is a topic on the mind of millions across the world. I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Eli Lebowitz about his innovative Space Treatment method, which he outlines in his new book Breaking Free of Child Anxiety & OCD. This method of treating anxiety in children is unique in that it works solely with the child's parents, and is shown to be as effective as working with the child. Professor Lebowitz studies and treats childhood and adolescent anxiety at the Yale Child Study Ce...
Jul 19, 2022•54 min•Ep. 318
Many of us are hitting the road or taking to the sky this summer for travel. If you've traveled with kids, you know that it's not easy. And if you are traveling with anxious or inflexible children, it can feel even more daunting. This is a two-part episode. First, I'm joined by award-winning Dawn Barclay, who has spent a career working in different aspects of the travel industry. Dawn is the author of the brand new book, Traveling Different: Vacation Strategies for Parents of the Anxious, the In...
Jul 13, 2022•55 min•Ep. 316
Social media gives us all an opportunity to create a false narrative of our lives. And too often, that narrative is of a life we wish we had or what we want to be. The result is a distorted sense of reality. For many of us, social media came into our lives and quickly became a slippery slope. Lena Derhally encourages us to take a step back and consider how we can be more intentional in the way social media plays a role in our lives. Lena is a licensed psychotherapist and expert in narcissism in ...
Jul 05, 2022•57 min
I would love to introduce you to "Let's Change Beauty" - a podcast powered by the Dove Self-Esteem Project. Let’s Change Beauty features intimate conversations with esteemed experts and celebrated guests from the worlds of beauty, gaming, sports, technology and entertainment. What if we could work together to create a world where we define beauty on our own terms? This is the world that cultural expert and host of Let's Change Beauty, Jess Weiner, invites you to help make a reality. I hope you l...
Jun 30, 2022•2 min
When we speak to our kids, words do matter. We don’t have to get it right all.the.time, but I like to use the same phrases repeatedly to help drive home important lessons. Therefore, I’m sharing the 10 exact expressions my kids hear on a regular basis. Sometimes the simplest things can be the most impactful. You can either listen along or read–in today’s episode, I’m sharing how I use these and why they are important. Links for this Episode Simple Families Podcast Episode 219: Absolute Thinking ...
Jun 28, 2022•25 min•Ep. 315
It can feel impossible to carve out an identity and personal space in motherhood. In today's conversation, Eve Rodsky shares her own experiences and encouraging words to set us on the path to finding ourselves again. Eve transformed a “blueberries breakdown” into a catalyst for social change when she applied her Harvard-trained background in organizational management to ask the simple yet profound question: What would happen if we treated our homes as our most important organizations? Eve Rodsky...
Jun 21, 2022•55 min
In today's society, we could all use a little more practice in critical thinking. Julie Bogart is known for her common sense parenting and education advice. She’s the author of the beloved book, The Brave Learner, which has brought joy and freedom to countless home educators. Her new book, Raising Critical Thinkers, offers parents a lifeline in navigating the complex digital world our kids are confronting. You may know Julie Bogart from her award-winning, innovative online writing program Brave ...
Jun 14, 2022•1 hr 3 min
I'm excited to chat with Bunmi Laditan--I've been a fan of her work for years and find myself repeating her beautiful words in everyday parenting. Bunmi, also know as The Honest Toddler, is a writer, poet, and mother who has inspired millions of women across the world. She's sharing more about life and her new book. Links for this Episode Find Bunmi on Instagram & Facebook Bunmi's Website: www.bunmiladitan.com Bunmi's Books SPONSORS KiwoCo: For unique learning activities and experiences, use...
Jun 07, 2022•36 min•Ep. 312
In light of the recent tragic events in Texas, I am moving up the interview with Dr. Kate Truitt. I have found Dr. Truitt's method of Havening so simple, yet powerful for managing stress and anxiety. I utilize this self-directed method on myself and have been teaching it to my children. I hope you find it useful as well. Dr. Kate Truitt is a neuroscientist and clinical psychologist with an M.B.A. in Healthcare Administration and has dedicated her life to advancing the treatment of trauma and str...
May 31, 2022•50 min
Got questions? Leave them for me on Speakpipe. Today, I am answering five different listener questions. Tune in to learn more about handling screen time, the middle childhood years, getting rid of toys and art, power struggles, and siblings challenges (we’ve all got ’em!). Links from this Episode Simple Families Podcast Episode 302 & 303: Analog Curious I & Analog Curious II Simple Families Podcast Episode 169: Too Many Toys Simple Families Podcast Episode 233: Expansion & Contractio...
May 24, 2022•33 min
We all talk to ourselves. For better or worse, our “chatter” or self-talk can have a profound impact on our moods, relationships, and confidence. It’s easy to operate on auto-pilot and let these thoughts come and go. But in my conversation with Ethan Kross today, he gives us tools to pump the brakes and shift our self-talk so that it works for us rather than against us. Ethan’s is the author of the bestselling book Chatter: The Voice in Our Head and Why it Matters. He’s also a professor and rese...
May 17, 2022•54 min
A few times a year, I invite a member of the Simple Families to share their story on the podcast. Today, we are on a journey to simplicity with Meredith Bay-Tyack. Meredith has been a long-time member of the community, but she opening admits that she’s very much a work in progress. Meredith applies simplicity to most aspects of family life. She loves to shop second-hand and strives to be low waste + minimal-ish–which she interestingly notes often conflict with one another. Links from this Episod...
May 10, 2022•52 min
In today’s world, we are faced with distractions at every turn. It can be hard to focus on the things that matter. In Joshua Becker’s new book, he explains that distractions make us feel restless, tired, and unfulfilled. In our conversation today we discuss distractions, envy, and raising kids to live a more intentional life. Links in Episode: Find Joshua on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Becoming Minimalist Things that Matter: Overcoming Distraction to Pursue a More Meaningful Life Article on...
May 03, 2022•49 min
Niro Feliciano set out to write the book on happiness…then she realized happiness wasn’t even the goal. Today, she joins me to discuss what contentment means and how we can ditch the metrics t0 move towards it. She’s a cognitive psychotherapist, mom of 4, and a brand-new author. Links from this Episode Niro’s Website This Book Won’t Make You Happy: Eight Keys to Finding True Contentment All Things Life with Niro Podcast SPONSORS Evite – Find thousands of unique invitation themes for your next pa...
Apr 26, 2022•57 min
Entrepreneurship and motherhood can seem like an overwhelming combination, but for Nell Shapiro & Stephanie Merks, it has brought them additional joy and purpose. The founders of Kibou are joining me to talk about turning their idea of a minimalistic mom-bag into a business and how they survived, even thrived, during the pandemic. Links from this Episode Kibou Website Kibou on Instagram Kibou on Facebook SPONSORS Ana Luisa Jewelry – Get 10% off with code SIMPLEFAMILIES Green Chef – Use code ...
Apr 21, 2022•50 min
Procrastination has been on my mind lately, so I invited an expert, Dr. Tim Pychyl, to dissect and explain the many examples I could list in my life where I find myself delaying tasks that feel important. I was fascinated to learn that not all my delays are considered procrastination, how mindfulness relates to procrastinating, and what my 6-year old daughter thinks about this topic. Listen to hear my interview with Tim (and my little girl!). Links from this Episode Tim’s Website – Procrastinati...
Apr 14, 2022•53 min
Welcome back to Part II of Analog Curious (if you missed Part I, catch it here). In this episode, I continue to explore my analog curiosity and provide some useful ways I have been able to decrease the impact of screen time and social media use. One thing is for sure, I’m a work in progress. I’d love to hear more about your journey! Want to get on the waitlist for the new (simpler) Simple Families Community? The post Analog Curious – Part II appeared first on Simple Families....
Apr 07, 2022•52 min
If you follow me on social media, you may have noticed that I’ve been on a bit of a digital detox. Or what I’m calling, being “analog curious”. This means I want to know what life feels like relying on technology less. In the past two years, technology has barged its way into all aspects of our lives. And for a while, this hasn’t been sitting well with me. It feels like a double edged sword. During the pandemic, a time of great isolation, technology brought us together. Technology has brought ab...
Mar 31, 2022•42 min
Let’s redefine what “bad behavior” in childhood really means. So often, we view challenging behavior as a sign of our own shortcomings as parents, but our episode today explains that most difficult behaviors are actually a neurological response to stress, fear and/or discomfort. What if we could figure out how to manage the behavior by learning more about the way the nervous system operates? Today, I am thrilled to be talking to Dr. Mona Delahooke about her new book, Brain-Body Parenting: How to...
Mar 17, 2022•41 min
If you (or your loved ones) are living with clutter; trying to make space for connection over content; or moving to a smaller home or retirement community, then you’ll love hearing from my friend, Matt Paxton. Matt is an Emmy-nominated hoarding expert and in today’s episode he’s sharing more about his new book, Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff, and his journey to life with less. Links to get in touch with Matt: Book Instagram Twitter Legacy List The post Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff appear...
Mar 11, 2022•46 min
Mothers all over the world have faced similar challenges across generations. Today, I’m chatting with Ana Tajder. Ana is the host of Thank you, Mama a podcast where she interviews woman from around the world about the lessons they learned from their mothers. Today, I’ll be interviewing her about her own mom, who was an awarded Yugoslavian Actress/artist. Ana Tajder was born in Zagreb, Coatia and had to flee to Austria when the war reached her hometown as a child. There, she continued her educati...
Mar 03, 2022•41 min
Today we are talking about accommodating, especially accommodating anxious behaviors in our kids. Sometimes accommodating is also known as enabling. This happens when an anxious person asks another person in their life to do something specific that relieves their anxiety. Like when your kid is fearful about going to bed and you lay with them until they fall asleep; when they are nervous about going to a birthday party so you cancel at the last minute, or when they are afraid of taking the bus so...
Mar 01, 2022•40 min
Parenthood rarely turns out as we expect. In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Rachel Nielson, the host of the podcast 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms. Rachel is a mother, teacher, and writer. In this episode she’s sharing her journey to motherhood. Get in Touch with Rachel: Her Podcast Her Website Instagram The post Idealizations appeared first on Simple Families.
Feb 19, 2022•41 min
In honor of Valentine’s Day and the Re-Launch of my Partners in Parenthood program, I have my partner, David, on the podcast today. We are talking about the highs and lows of parenthood and about how we have grown together in the process. The post Partnership appeared first on Simple Families.
Feb 10, 2022•1 hr 8 min
In today’s episode, Kanesha Baynard opens up about her experience and expertise with the topic of multigenerational family living. This type of living arrangement has become increasingly more common in recent years with the pandemic and child care challenges. Find Kanesha on her website + instagram + twitter. The post Multigenerational Families appeared first on Simple Families.
Feb 04, 2022•47 min
Many of you listening are moving towards a more intentional approach to parenting, so I know you will enjoy this episode. Mr. Chazz Lewis is one of few male voices in the movement towards more respectful parenting. I’m thrilled that he let me pick his brain on topics like mistakes, cooperation, the parent-child relationship, and breaking cycles. Find Chazz online: Instagram TikTok Podcast Patreon The post Mr. Chazz appeared first on Simple Families.
Jan 27, 2022•1 hr 1 min
