Estrangement between parents and adult children is more common than many realize — affecting an estimated 26% of adults aged 18 to 40. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino talks with Catherine Hickem, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, psychotherapist, founder of Parenting Adult Children , author and mom, about why these painful breakups happen and how to repair them. Hickem emphasizes the importance of discipline and self-awareness in fostering healthy connecti...
Aug 09, 2025•33 min•Season 4Ep. 230
Balancing the needs of aging parents while supporting young adult children is no easy task—and for millions in the sandwich generation , it’s a daily reality. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino dives into the realities of the sandwich generation —those balancing the care of aging parents while supporting young adult children with guest Dr. Shirley Davis. A seasoned HR leader, global workforce expert, best selling author, podcaster, entrepreneur, CEO of SDS G...
Aug 02, 2025•33 min•Season 4Ep. 229
First love can feel all-consuming—especially for teens navigating overwhelming emotions, identity, and digital pressure all at once. In this episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino sits down with acclaimed journalist, professor, and author Lisa A. Phillips, whose book "First Love: Guiding Teens Through Relationships and Heartbreak" explores the emotional rollercoaster of teen romance. The conversation unpacks the deep impact of first love and heartbreak on adolescent mental health—a...
Jul 26, 2025•32 min•Season 4Ep. 228
In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Ted Dintersmith, education disruptor, former venture capitalist, and author of Aftermath: The Math You Wish You Took . The discussion explores the gap between traditional math education and the real-world skills students actually need to succeed. Dintersmith distills the status quo by emphasizing the importance of creativity, critical thinking, and practical application. The conversation also delves into broader p...
Jul 19, 2025•35 min•Season 4Ep. 227
In today’s episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino delves into the findings of educational experts Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop, authors of 'The Disengaged Teen.' They share their insights on the various modes of learning—Passenger, Achiever, Resistor, and Explorer—and how understanding these can empower parents to better support their children. Through a blend of qualitative and quantitative research, the authors share the importance of fostering an environment w...
Jul 12, 2025•37 min•Season 4Ep. 226
The tween and teen years can feel like emotional whiplash — one minute you're managing mood swings, the next you're untangling tech rules or talking boundaries. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino interview Bailey Gaddis — certified parenting coach, doula, hypnotherapist, and mom of two — to help bring calm, confidence, and customization to the parenting journey. The discussion unpacks how to: Create parenting plans tailored to your child Support emotional gr...
Jul 05, 2025•34 min•Season 4Ep. 225
Parenting today often feels like navigating a storm without a map. In this powerful episode, Where Parents Talk host Lianne Castelino speaks with award-winning journalist and author Melinda Wenner Moyer about her latest book, "Hello Cruel World: Science-Based Strategies for Raising Terrific Kids in Terrifying Times." Together, they explore how parents can help their children thrive amid today’s most pressing challenges—from climate anxiety and social media pressures to hormonal shifts and mental...
Jun 28, 2025•30 min•Season 4Ep. 224
In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with author, columnist, and mother of two Pam Lobley about planning a slow summer and teh benefits of embracing boredom. Lobley, a former actres and comedian discusses the pressure parents feel to keep their kids constantly busy—and what happens when we stop. She shares her personal story of parental burnout and the bold decision to give her children an “unstructured summer”—what she dubbed a “summer of rot.” What be...
Jun 21, 2025•32 min•Season 4Ep. 223
What does it mean to be an engaged father today? In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino explores the evolving role of dads in raising emotionally grounded boys amidst toxic masculinity, social media, and shifting family dynamics, with guest Drew Soleyn. A leadership coach, speaker, Director of Dad Central Ontario and founder of Connected Dads, Soleyn unpacks the real challenges fathers face, from managing hormonal changes and digital distractions to fostering in...
Jun 14, 2025•29 min•Season 4Ep. 222
Making the leap from high school to university is a major life shift—for both students and parents. This transition can be a daunting experience particularly considering the myriad challenges posed by increased independence, academic pressures, and social dynamics. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Dr. Michael De Robertis, Professor Emeritus, York University who spent more than 35 years teaching astrophysics and astronomy. The discussion explore...
Jun 07, 2025•35 min•Season 4Ep. 221
Feeding challenges aren’t just for toddlers—many parents find themselves facing a new kind of mealtime stress when their kids become tweens and teens. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino is joined by Dena Kelly, a licensed counsellor, board-certified behaviour analyst, and paediatric feeding therapist, who specializes in helping families navigate the emotional and physical toll of picky eating in older children. Kelly shares evidence-based strategies for tack...
May 31, 2025•37 min•Season 4Ep. 220
How can parents raise strong, confident daughters in a world still shaped by sexism? In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Dr. Jo-Ann Finkelstein , clinical psychologist, award-winning author, and mother of two, about how to support girls' self-esteem, mental health, and identity development in today’s social climate. The conversation explores how sexism subtly influences girls’ daily lives—from screen time to social media. Learn practical parenting...
May 24, 2025•36 min•Season 4Ep. 219
Are we overlooking what the brain is really telling us about ADHD, autism, and behaviour in kids? In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Dr. Robert Melillo, a pioneer in childhood brain development who unpacks the science behind neurodevelopmental disorders—and challenges common assumptions. Drawing on over 30 years of experience, Dr. Melillo explains how many of these challenges stem from functional brain imbalances rather than genetic factors. He sha...
May 17, 2025•37 min•Season 4Ep. 218
What happens when a parent faces a life-threatening diagnosis while raising a young family? In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Marisa Peters—cancer survivor, mother, and founder of Be Seen —to explore how her journey through illness reshaped her approach to parenting, mental health, and personal growth. Peters discusses navigating emotional turmoil, fostering connection in times of uncertainty, and raising resilient kids amidst adversity. The conve...
May 10, 2025•33 min•Season 4Ep. 217
In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino is joined by Doug Bolton, clinical psychologist, educator, and author, for an in-depth conversation on the complex realities of parenting in today’s world. Bolton sheds light on the rising rates of youth anxiety and stress—and how well-meaning parental behaviours can sometimes contribute to these challenges. The discussion explores the critical role of emotional regulation, the value of community, and the importance of prio...
May 03, 2025•33 min•Season 4Ep. 216
In this episode of Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Dr. Tasneem Sajwani, a family physician with expertise in obesity medicine and mom. They discuss the newly released Canadian Pediatric Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines, which recognize obesity as a complex, chronic disease influenced by genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors. The episode covers how these guidelines aim to improve care through individualized, evidence-based approaches and highlig...
Apr 26, 2025•32 min•Season 4Ep. 215
The leap from adolescence to adulthood is tricky — and too often, young people find themselves unprepared for the real world. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino welcomes Rob Finlay — entrepreneur, author of Hey Dad: Everything You Should Have Learned About Life and Didn’t , and father of four — to discuss what it really takes to raise resilient, capable young adults today. Finlay pulls back the curtain on his own parenting journey, sharing lessons learned, m...
Apr 19, 2025•32 min•Season 4Ep. 214
In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Dr. David Yeager, a renowned developmental psychologist, author, and father of four, about the science behind motivating tweens, teens, and young adults. A former grade school teacher and current Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Yeager challenges common misconceptions about adolescent behaviour. He explains why shifting our mindset—from seeing teens as problems to recognizing the...
Apr 12, 2025•34 min•Season 4Ep. 213
In a world where parenting collides daily with cultural shifts, political tensions, uncertainty and a relentless stream of information, overwhelm is increasingly a common emotion. How can parents stay grounded—and help their children do the same? In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino and Arron Neal —a communications expert, cultural strategist, columnist and mom of two— explore strategies for how today’s parents can thoughtfully navigate the pressures of raisin...
Apr 05, 2025•30 min•Season 4Ep. 212
In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino explores the alarming statistics surrounding hearing impairment in Canada, particularly among children, with Peter Stelmacovich, an audiologist and hearing loss patient. Stelmacovich, who is part of HearCanada's Mississauga clinic, shares his lived experience with the profound implications hearing loss can have including: language acquisition and academic success. He emphasizes the importance of early detection and interven...
Mar 29, 2025•29 min•Season 4Ep. 211
In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino explores the profound impact of outdoor play with journalist and author, Linda Akeson McGurk. The discussion delves into the Scandinavian philosophy of "friluftsliv," or open air living, and its benefits for children and families alike. McGurk, an advocate for nature connection, and mother of two, shares how embracing the great outdoors can enhance physical, mental, and emotional health, while fostering resilience and indep...
Mar 22, 2025•35 min•Season 4Ep. 210
High-achieving parenting often comes with the weight of expectations, not just from society but also from within ourselves. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino delves into how these pressures can impact both our emotional health and our children's well-being with her guest, Kate Kripke. A licensed clinical social, maternal and maternal wellness expert, Kripke shares strategies on how to foster emotional resilience in our kids while navigating the challenges o...
Mar 15, 2025•31 min•Season 4Ep. 209
In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino discusses the complexities of family relationships amidst addiction and mental health challenges/ Guest Janice Johnson Dowd, a licensed master social worker and author, shares her personal journey of recovery and the profound impact of addiction on her family dynamics. From her childhood experiences in an alcoholic household to her own struggles with alcoholism, Janice provides an insightful perspective on the choices that ...
Mar 08, 2025•36 min•Season 4Ep. 208
In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino explores the profound impact that grandparents and the elderly can have on the younger generation, with author, Isabel Tom. Tom, draws from her own experiences growing up in a multi-generational home to illustrate how these connections foster resilience, empathy, and a deeper understanding of life's complexities in children. The conversation examines the importance of communication and discipline in bridging generational ga...
Mar 01, 2025•32 min•Season 4Ep. 207
Understanding the impact of imposter syndrome on youth is crucial to navigate their developmental journey. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, Lianne Castelino dives unpacks how early childhood experiences and family dynamics can foster feelings of inadequacy, leading children to question their abilities and worth with Dr. Richard Orbé-Austin. A licensed psychologist, executive coach, speaker and author, sheds light on the intricate relationship between parenting styles and the pr...
Feb 22, 2025•33 min•Season 4Ep. 206
In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino delves into the intricate balance of parenting while navigating the tumultuous landscape of mental health and public service, with Canada's Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.. The Honourable Ya'ara Saks, Associate Minister of Health, shares her personal insights and professional experiences. She highlights the challenges parents face in fostering open dialogue with their children, especially in an era filled with soc...
Feb 15, 2025•40 min•Season 4Ep. 205
The tumultuous waters of parenting tweens and teens can often feel like trying to keep a ship afloat in a storm. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, Lianne Castelino delves into the significance of mindfulness and intentional communication as crucial tools in fostering strong relationships with our adolescents --- with her guest Kristen Manieiri. Maneiri, a conscious living coach, shares her insights on how hormonal changes during these years can lead to emotional upheaval, both f...
Feb 08, 2025•32 min•Season 4Ep. 204
Navigating the complexities of parenting often requires a leadership mindset, especially in our digital age where device usage and social media play pivotal roles in our teens' lives. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino delves into how parents can cultivate discipline and effective communication while addressing the emotional and physical health of their children with leadership consultant Valerie Cockrell. Cockerell brings a wealth of experience from her rol...
Feb 01, 2025•32 min•Season 4Ep. 203
What’s trending in the world of teens and their sex lives? This episode dives into the pressing concerns around adolescent sexual health, focusing on the alarming decline in condom usage and the rise of sexually transmitted infections among young people in Canada. Where Parents Talk podcast host Lianne Castelino speaks to Dr. Sarah Flicker, a professor at York University, who discusses how hormonal changes, device usage, and social media influence teenagers’ understanding of relationships and co...
Jan 25, 2025•33 min•Season 4Ep. 202
Navigating the turbulent waters of your child's 20s can be challenging, especially as they face significant uncertainty in their lives. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Dr. Meg Jay, a developmental clinical psychologist, author, speaker and mom. Dr. Jay emphasizes the importance of understanding this decade as a critical period for mental health and emotional well-being. With societal milestones shifting later in life, parents must adapt their ex...
Jan 18, 2025•33 min•Season 4Ep. 201
