10 for Teens + Tweens

What comes to mind when you hear the word "play"? What does play mean to you or look like for you? Also, when was the last time you allowed yourself to play? Let's talk about why and how you should bring more play into your life.

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A full transcript of this episode is available in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 150 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

Question for you–how’ve you been sleeping lately? Do you tend to stay up late doing homework, hanging out with friends, or scrolling through your phone–even on school nights? Or do you have to get up early for school, practice, or work?

Maybe you get to bed at a decent time, but it takes a while for you to fall asleep, or you wake up during the night and have a hard time getting back to sleep. So you feel exhausted during the day, yawning all the time, even dozing off while you fight to stay a...

When you feel nervous before taking a test, or competing in a sport, or singing on stage or starting something new, it's called performance anxiety. The good news is, there are methods to handle performance anxiety. Let’s explore a few.

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To help you, I created a "Jitters + Nerves" poster. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 148 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

What's your study strategy? How about instead of studying harder, you try studying smarter. I’m going to share multiple studying strategies, and you can decide which combination works best for you.

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A full transcript of this episode is available in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 147 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

As we wrap up March and Women’s History Month, remember that women and girls are still making history today and changing the world. I want to highlight a few modern sheroes in hopes that they will inspire you to pursue your passions:

Yesterday, March 8, was the 115th International Women’s Day! We've still got plenty of work to do for women to have the equality, rights, and support they deserve. Here are a few things I hope to see by the time you gals are my age.

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A full transcript of this episode is available in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 145 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

Sometimes it’s hard to love yourself, so let’s help make it easier.

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A full transcript of this episode is available in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 144 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

I’m not gonna sugar coat it–there are a LOT of troubling things going on in the world right now. Like, more than usual.

When you feel worried or weighed down by what you see happening, you often turn to adults for support. So I want to offer you validation, comfort, and guidance.

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A full transcript of this episode is available in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 143 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

Did you know that most New Year's Resolutions fail? Clearly how we're making them isn't working, maybe we should do things differently? Here's my new view on Resolutions to help you keep them.

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PS--I created a "2025 Year Reflection" worksheet. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 142 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com. 

Sometimes when we’re asked to volunteer, we’re not exactly enthusiastic about it. But volunteering doesn’t only benefit the organization or group the service project is helping–it also benefits those who volunteer to help. Let's discuss how giving service to others gives back to you too!

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A full transcript of this episode is available in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 141 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

10 for Teens + Tweens just celebrated it’s 5th birthday! Honestly this podcast exists because of you girls, so with all my heart, thank you for listening.

Have you ever heard about using visualization? It's a mental practice that can help you achieve your goals. Let's explore how to utilize it and how it can help you.

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A full transcript of this episode is available in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 140 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

Let's talk about the difference between secrets and things shared in confidence.  Plus--there are some things you shouldn't keep a secret. And what do you do if your friend shares something you told them in confidence--or if you do it to them?

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A full transcript of this episode is available in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 139 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

It’s been 20 years since I got the worst birthday gift I’ve ever received. I’m sure you wanna know what it was. I’m not just gonna spill tea in this episode, there’s a lesson to take from it, too.

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A full transcript of this episode is available in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 138 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

Nature offers numerous benefits and relief. It’s there waiting for us to experience it. The world is so noisy and it’s drowning out nature, so we need to get outside and reestablish our connection with it.

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To help you, I created a "Get Outside + Connect Your Energy" poster. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 137 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

Whether it’s a sports injury, food allergy, chronic illness, or something else, let’s talk about how to deal with health setbacks.

As a reminder, I am not a healthcare professional; I am not offering medical advice, a diagnosis, or treatment. I still think it’s important to have conversations about this, so you’ll feel more comfortable talking about it and advocating for yourself.

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A full transcript of this episode is available in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 136 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

Your energy is a valuable resource–which is why you should selectively choose who you give it to. This past week, a certain podcast broke the internet (wasn’t mine–yet). Now even if you’re not a fan of Taylor Swift or football, she shared solid wisdom that I think you girls should hear–even if you have already, it’s a good reminder.

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To help you, I created a "Your Energy" poster. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 135 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

Even if it’s the middle of the school year when you listen to this, I want to share my best advice  that can help you all year long.

Just so you know, I’m not just giving YOU girls this advice, I’m going to be practicing it too. I haven’t mastered these things, I may have a few decades of experience on you, but I’m still learning and growing alongside you. So I would love to hear what grandma hobby you try, what changes you notice by striving to be present, and how you get out...

I’ve got a hot take about beauty, and some of you might not like it that much, for others it might not apply to you right now. But I hope you’ll still listen because it needs to be said. It’s something I wish I understood years ago, so I’m trying to help you see it sooner than I did. Beauty is costing us too much time, money, and energy.

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A full transcript of this episode is available in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 133 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

I imagine you girls have seen or at least heard of Get Ready With Me videos–maybe even created one yourself. Reflecting on my teen routines from the 90s and early 2000s, if I had made Get Ready With Me videos, now knowing what I’ve learned over the years, I would change a lot of things. In hopes that you will learn from my mistakes, here are some of my Get Ready With Me Redos.

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A full transcript of this episode is available in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 132 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

One of the topics you gals message me about most is friendships. And I honestly understand why. Friendships have a huge impact on you, and they're a big and important factor throughout your tween and teen years.

We’ve talked about friendships in multiple episodes, and since it’s been a minute, we’re gonna talk about friendships again, specifically about who you surround yourself with.

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To help you, I created a "Surround Yourself With" poster. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 131 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com. 

I’ve received several requests for an episode on anxiety. Just like the ADHD episode 112, this topic is personal to me because I’ve experienced it. I will preface this by reminding you–I am not a healthcare professional, I am not offering medical advice, a diagnosis, or treatment. I still think it’s important you gals hear others’ perspectives, both so you’ll feel more comfortable talking about anxiety or seeking support if you need it, and also to help you better understand those who experience it.

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A full transcript of this episode is available in the 10 for T...

One of the most-requested topics--Puberty. So check out my chat with Dr. Cara Natterson from Less Awkward!

Dr. Cara Natterson and Vanessa Kroll Bennett created a host of resources to help teens/tweens AND their parents be less awkward about all things puberty! We discussed common puberty concerns, conversation starters and enders, and solid advice to help youth and parents better-understand each other. 

Connect with them on social media @less.awkward and learn more about their books, social media, podcast, website, newsletter, clothes, skincare products, etc. at LessAwkward.com!

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A full tran...

Peer pressure can cause you to give in, go along with what others are doing, and make choices that don’t actually align with you. Let's explore some common peer pressure scenarios and help you strategize what to do when you face them.
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A full transcript of this episode is available in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 128 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

You ever feel like, no matter what you do, you just can’t win? You're not wrong. And you're not alone.

So do it anyway.
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To help you, I created a "Do It Anyway" poster. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 127 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com. 

What do cassowaries, giant clams, or parrot fish have to do with you?

There’s  something I want to share that connects how I’ve been feeling lately (and maybe you have too) with my recent trip to Australia.
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To help you, I created a "You Matter" poster. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 126 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com. 

To wrap up Women’s History Month, let’s recognize some women who made an impact with their inventions. Throughout history women who made an impact rarely received credit for it, and were often left out of history books. So I want to introduce you to some of those women.
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A full transcript of this episode is available in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 125 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

In honor of Women’s History Month, I’m gonna share some women’s history with you. I know, this isn’t school, but I bet you’ll learn something new. Women’s rights have come a long way over the past two centuries. We still have more work to do, so let’s remember Women’s History and be inspired to make our own history.
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A full transcript of this episode is available in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 124 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

I can't wait for you to hear my conversation with Jill + Mary from Girls Mentorship!

Jill and Mary are mentoring girls to thrive as bold leaders, confident friends, and connected community members. We discussed why mentorship is so important, what messages they focus on in their programs, and the transformations they've seen when girls feel empowered.

Connect with Jill and Mary on social media @girlsmentorship and learn more about their Pursue More Summer Camp, as well as their After School and Peer Leader Programs, at GirlsMentorship.com.

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A full transcript of our...

Because SO much of your life involves digital interaction, it’s important to know how to navigate it. Like I’ve said before, I want to add to your safety tool box because I know what it’s like to be in an unsafe situation online and NOT know what to do, and that can feel scary. My hope is that by talking about these safety tips, you can feel more capable because you’ll have learned what to do.
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A full transcript of this episode is available in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 121 show notes on EmpowerfulG...

I've lost count of how many times you girls requested Crushes + Ships pt. 2! So back by popular demand, this time we'll discuss what to look for in a crush, how to talk to your crush, what if your crush doesn’t like you back, and more.

Check out ep. 042 Crushes + Ships pt. 1 here!
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A full transcript of this episode is available in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 121 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

A lot of voices are telling you otherwise, but you cannot hate yourself into loving yourself. For many of us, loving ourselves is not as easy as showing love to others. But you deserve the same love from yourself that you show to others. Let's explore ways you can practice self love.
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To help you, I created a "What I Love About Myself" poster. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 120 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com. 

You gals may have heard of, or experienced, imposter syndrome--which makes you feel like you’re a fake who doesn't deserve your achievements, even though you earned them.

How do we deal with imposter syndrome? The solution is probably not what you think, but so important for you to know.
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To help you, I created a "I Deserve It" poster. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 119 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com. 

My very wise friend invited/gently challenged my friends and I to take a daily hour of silence. Initially I thought it sounded fairly easy.

I didn’t know I had so much to learn. I want to share my experience to help you find time for silence in your life.
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A full transcript of this episode is available in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 118 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

You’ve probably seen the INs and OUTs trend videos, so to kick off this year’s episodes, I’m gonna share my 2025 INs and OUTs for teen and tween girls. We’ve got the whole year ahead of us, and I hope that these ideas help you look forward to it.

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To help you, I created a "2025 INs + OUTs" list. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 117 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

That’s a wrap on 2024. As you reflect on the past year, what might stick out in your mind are negative memories, what you didn’t get to do, and things you had a hard time with, failed at, or gave up.

The past year may have knocked you down a few times. But you got back up, and–you’re still standing. You’re still here. Even if you’re hanging on by a thread, keep holding on. Let's help you stand steadier.
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To help you, I created a "2024 Year Reflection" worksheet. Get your printable in th...

There’s a saying that goes, “Boys will be boys.” But I think it's time we rephrase that. This is a tough topic, but because there are boys your age who are being taught certain beliefs and behaviors, I think it’s important that you learn about this so you can recognize it.
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To help you, I also shared books that explore this topic in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 115 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

We just celebrated Thanksgiving in the US, and we've already discussed gratitude in episodes 003, 049, and 079--could there possibly be even more to say about gratitude? Actually, yes. The reason I keep revisiting this topic is because practicing it can have a profound impact on your life.

Recognizing and appreciating the tiny glimmers around us can actually make a huge difference in our life.
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To help you, I created a "Glimmers List." Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 114 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

Sometimes you’ll set goals and reach them, and sometimes you won’t. So then what do you do?
 
You may remember, a few months ago I made a big hairy audacious goal to reach ONE MILLION podcast downloads by my birthday at the end of September. Did I get there by then? Actually, no. But I want to tell you what happened–and listen til the end for an update.
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To help you, I created a "When You Don't Reach a Goal" worksheet. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 113 show notes on Empower...

I’ve had multiple requests for an episode on ADHD. This topic is personal to me because I was diagnosed with ADHD 3.5 years ago, a few months after I started this podcast. I will preface this by reminding you–I am not a healthcare professional, I am not offering medical advice or a diagnosis. I still want to share my experience because I feel it’s important to talk about ADHD to spread awareness. Whether you have it too or know someone who does, understanding it better will help your relationships with others.

A full transcript of this e...

Media literacy is absolutely crucial for people to develop because we live in a digital world. And if you haven’t heard yet–you can’t believe everything you read OR see OR hear on the internet. So I want to cover some essential tools that will help you navigate news media in your digital life.
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To help you, I created a "News Media Literacy" poster. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 111 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.