Moms of Tweens and Teens
The Moms of Tweens and Teens podcast offers encouragement, expert advice, and equips moms with a deeper understanding of the unique needs of their tween or teen and how to meet them where they’re at and support them to thrive. Sheryl Gould is the Founder of Moms of Tweens and Teens, a nationally recognized Parenting Educator, Speaker, and Author of “SOS: The Technology Guidebook for Parents of Tweens and Teens, Get The Answers You Need, Keep Them Safe and Enjoy Your Kids Again” and the forthcoming book, “You're Not Crazy, You’re Not A Bad Parent, And No Your Adolescent...
When Your Son Pulls Away: What He Wishes You Knew
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Does it feel like your son is pulling away? Maybe he used to follow you around the house telling you all about his day, and now you barely get two words at dinner. Maybe he’d rather be gaming than talking to you. If your heart hurts a little, I so understand, and you are not alone.
In this episode I share the list my son Charley wrote years later about what he wanted and needed from me as a teen but couldn’t put into words at the time. It’s tend...
What’s Really Happening to Our Boys? The 6 Factors with Dr. Leonard Sax
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Is your son smart and capable, but he just doesn’t seem to care? Maybe he’s glued to his games, checked out at school, or you have a nagging feeling something online is pulling him away. You’re not imagining it, and you’re not alone.
This week I sit down with family physician and psychologist Dr. Leonard Sax to talk about the brand-new edition of his book, Boys Adrift: The Six Factors Driving the Growing Epidemic of Unmotivated Boys and Underachieving Young Men. He walks us through what has changed...
Stop Trying: How “I’ll Try” Keeps Moms Stuck with Carla Ondrasik
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If you’re a mom who feels like you’re always trying—trying to be more patient, more present, more organized—and yet still end most days feeling like you’re falling short, this episode is for you.
Today on the show, I’m joined by Carla Ondrasik — a former music executive who helped launch hits like “Genie in a Bottle” for Christina Aguilera, worked with icons like Barbra Streisand and NSYNC, and even discovered the songwriter who would later become her husband, John Ondrasik — the voice behind Five for Fighting.
C...
Helping Neurodivergent Teens Find Connection and Belonging with Jamie Pastrano, creator of Synchrony
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If you’re parenting a neurodivergent teen and find yourself quietly wondering about their future friendships, independence, or sense of belonging—this episode is for you.
In today’s conversation, I’m joined by Jamie Pastrano, a licensed social worker, autism advocate, and the co-founder of Synchrony, a groundbreaking social app that officially launched in January 2026.
Jamie’s journey began as a mom raising her son Jesse, who is autistic. Like so many parents of neurodivergent kids, she worked tirelessly to support him through childhood—only to real...
Walking With Your Anxious Teen (Even When You’re Scared Too) with author Amber Lia
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If you’re a mom lying awake at night, worried about your tween or teen’s anxiety… this episode is for you.
In this deeply meaningful and hope-filled conversation, I’m joined by Amber Leah, author, speaker, and mom, for an honest heart-to-heart about what it’s really like to walk alongside a child who is struggling with anxiety, stress, and depression.
Amber vulnerably shares her family’s story—watching her son Ollie struggle during his preteen and teen years—and the fear, helplessness, and heartbreak that...
How to Help Your Tween or Teen Regulate Their Emotions (and Stay Calm Yourself!) with Lisa Danahy
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It’s so easy to lose it when our kids’ emotions are running high. We tell them to “calm down,” and before we know it… we’re yelling too.
If that sounds familiar, you’re going to love this episode.
My special guest, Lisa Danahy, is a certified yoga therapist, educator, and founder of Create Calm. She’s spent more than 35 years helping kids, parents, and teachers learn practical ways to manage big emotions, regulate their nervous systems, and create more calm at home, in classrooms, and within themselve...
How Executive Functioning Impacts Tweens & Teens and What You Can Do To Help, Interview wtih Dr. Anna Levy-Warren
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In this insightful conversation, Dr. Anna Levy-Warren, a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Organizational Tutors, breaks down the concept of executive functioning (EF)—the brain processes that help kids and teens organize, plan, focus, and manage their emotions. Discover how everyday tasks like getting ready for school, homework, and handling transitions can feel overwhelming for both kids and parents. Dr. Levy-Warren shares actionable strategies to help families support their tweens and teens with EF challenges, while also addressing the role of anxiety and how to manage family dynamics.
Key ta...
Finish College in High School: A Debt-Free Path with Shelley Branine (This blew my mind!)
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In this episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Shelley Branine, and let me tell you—this conversation blew me away. Shelley is a truth seeker, freedom fighter, wife, and warrior mom of two amazing daughters—one of whom actually graduated from college just a week before finishing high school.
As a mom myself, I was inspired hearing her story of how she navigated the college process with her girls and discovered the power of dual enrollment. Shelley explains how high school students can take coll...
Drop the Rope: How to Help (Not Enable) Your Teen Struggling with Weed, Vaping, or Alcohol with Amber Hollingsworth
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If your teen has been vaping, using weed, lying, or just seems totally unmotivated—and you’re tired of the constant arguments or feeling unsure how to help them turn things around—this episode is for you.
Amber Hollingsworth is an addiction specialist and creator of the YouTube channel Put The Shovel Down—and in this interview, Amber shares what really helps when teens are experimenting, struggling, or unmotivated to change.
Amber shares
Why “waiting for rock bottom” backfires—and what creates change insteadThe #1 most enabling behavior (hint...The Truth About Unmotivated Teens (and What to Do About It) with Dr. Melanie McNally
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Do you have a teen who spends most of their time in their room, glued to their phone, avoiding homework, and tuning you out—no matter what you say or do?
You’re not alone—and today’s conversation will help you understand what’s really going on and what you can do about it.
In this powerful and practical episode, Sheryl sits down with Dr. Melanie McNally, clinical psychologist, brain coach, and author of Helping Your Unmotivated Teen: A Parent’s Guide to Unlock Your Child’s Potential and T...
From Cooking to Confidence: Helping Teens Develop Life Skills with Katie Kimball
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Do you ever feel like all your tween or teen eats is buttered noodles or ramen? 🙋♀️ I hear this from so many moms — and I’ve been there too! We want our kids to eat healthier and learn life skills, but with everything on our plates, it feels impossible to make it happen.
That’s why I’m so excited about this conversation with Katie Kimball. Katie is a mom of four, a former teacher, and the creator of Kids Cook Real Food, named the best online cooking class for kids by the W...
How to Create Margin and Care for Your Soul as a Mom with Tyra Lane-Kingsland
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Feeling burned out? Need some encouragement and inspiration? Or maybe you just need to hear a little reassurance today?
Well, friend, you are in the right place. I am so excited to welcome our special guest, Tyra Lane-Kingsland, to the show!
Whenever I talk to Tyra, I leave feeling so encouraged, refreshed, inspired, and filled up. She’s like going to an emotional chiropractor!
She is a mother of six, the founder of Inspired Life, a passionate coach, speaker, author, and a true advocate for the...
How to Help Your Teen Plan for College (Without the Debt) with Shellee Howard from College Ready
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🎓 Feeling overwhelmed by the college process? You’re not alone.
Whether your teen is unsure about their future or you’re wondering how you’ll ever afford college, this episode is packed with wisdom, clarity, and hope.
I’m joined by Shellee Howard, founder and CEO of College Ready and mom of four—all of whom graduated debt-free, including a Harvard grad. Shellee shares how she turned her own confusion and frustration into a mission to help families navigate the college process with confidence, strategy, and clarity.<...
Moving, Clutter, and Creating Community | Interview with Ali Wenzke, Author of The Art of Happy Moving
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Have you recently moved—or are you simply trying to feel more at home where you are? In this uplifting episode, I sit down with Ali Wenzke, author of The Art of Happy Moving, who has moved 10 times in 11 years and brings a wealth of wisdom on building community, letting go of clutter, and finding joy in life’s transitions.
We dive into:
The emotional side of moving (and why it’s not talked about enough)Practical, doable decluttering tips (even with sentimental items and kids!)How to...Embracing God’s Love in the Middle of Our Mess with Jennifer Thompson
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In this deeply moving episode, I sit down with Jennifer Thompson—blogger, speaker, and author of Return to Jesus—for an honest conversation about faith, shame, healing, and the unconditional love of God.
Jennifer shares her powerful story of overcoming self-worth struggles and performance-based faith, including her experience with post-abortive shame and how a Bible study helped her finally understand that she is fully loved and accepted by God. Through raw honesty and vulnerability, Jennifer reminds us that we don’t have to hide the parts of our story that feel broken...
How to Help Your Teen Discover Their Strengths and Find Purpose and Direction with Dana Roefer
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Do you have a tween or teen who struggles to get excited about their life or find a sense of direction? It can feel overwhelming as a parent knowing how to support them.
As a parent, do you struggle to know how to motivate them or know how to help them discover their gifts and what they love to do?
As a parent, you want them to find purpose, but how can you help them find the right path in the midst of all t...
Reparenting Yourself and Breaking Generational Cycles with Shelly Robinson
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Do you ever wonder why you get so reactive about what your tween or teen says or does? One minute, something they say doesn’t bother you, and the next, you feel like you’re about to lose it? What’s going on with that?
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Shelly Robinson, a certified conscious parenting coach, the founder of Raising Yourself, and the creator of the Connected Kid Toolkit. Shelly is passionate about helping parents break generational cycles and build emotionally connected...
The Crucial Years: How To Lay A Strong Foundation For the Teen Years , Interview with Dr. Sheryl Zielger
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Did you know that the ages between 6 and 12 are often referred to as ‘the forgotten years’? In reality, these years are some of the most crucial in shaping our kids’ mental health and development. In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Sheryl Ziegler back to the show to share insights from her upcoming book, The Crucial Years: The Essential Guide to Mental Health and Modern Puberty in Middle Childhood.
Dr. Ziegler is a seasoned clinical psychologist, play therapist, podcast host, and author with over 20 years of experience. She has appeared...
How to Get Your Teen to Get Enough Sleep & Why It Matters: Expert Tips from Pediatric Sleep Strategist Jessica Bryant
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Do you struggle to get your teen to go to bed at a decent time?Are they so overloaded with homework and activities that late nights seem unavoidable?Do mornings feel like a constant battle to get them up?Jessica Bryant, representative of the Better Sleep Council (BSC), internationally recognized pediatric sleep strategist, keynote speaker, and the founder of Sleep Happy Consulting, is dedicated to answering the questions exhausted parents have about their kid’s sleepless days and ni...
How To Navigate Grief and Loss and Find Joy Again, A Sacred Interview with Krista St. Germain
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None of us get through this life without experiencing grief and loss. The question is, how do we work through that loss and come to believe that we can actually love our lives again?
My special guest today is Krista St-Germain, who knows firsthand what it means to face unimaginable loss since tragically and unexpectedly losing her spouse in 2016, leaving her with a title she never thought she’d have: widow.
Now a Post-Traumatic Growth and grief expert, life coach, and host of the Widowed Moms Podcast, Krista has been...
The Parent-Teen Connection: Transforming Parent-Teen Relationships with Susan Caso
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Parenting a teenager isn’t easy. Maybe your teen used to talk to you about everything, and now they’re constantly in their room and barely say a word. Or maybe every conversation seems to turn into an argument, and you’re struggling to connect. If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and today’s episode is for you.
I’m thrilled to have Susan Caso join us on the podcast. Susan is a therapist, consultant, and speaker with over 20 years of experience helping parent...
Mindfulness for Moms: Finding Calm in the Chaos with Kelly Smith
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Welcome to the Moms of Tweens and Teens Podcast!
Moms, let me ask you this: Do you ever feel like your mind is racing a hundred miles a minute like you’re stuck on a hamster wheel of to-dos, worries, and “what ifs”? It’s so easy to get distracted or feel overwhelmed when life demands so much from us. But what if there was a way to train our minds to slow down, reset, and find calm amidst the chaos?
That’s exactly why I’m so excited to have Kell...
How to Strengthen Your Relationship With Your Neurodiverse Teen & Move From Conflict to Cooperation with Elaine Taylor-Klaus and Diane Dempster
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Welcome to the Moms of Tweens and Teens Podcast!
Today, I'm excited to introduce two incredible guests, Elaine Taylor-Klaus and Diane Dempster, co-founders of ImpactParents and creators of the acclaimed podcast Parenting with Impact as well as authors of books, Parenting ADHD Now!: Easy Intervention Strategies to Empower Kids with ADHD and Parenting with Impact : Expert Advice to Empower Parents Raising Complex Kids.
. These two powerhouses specialize in helping parents of neurodiverse and complex kids navigate the challenges of parenting with greater ease...
How to Support Your Tween or Teen When They Have No Friends with Special Guest Sheri Gazitt
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Today, we're going to be talking about how to help our tweens and teens who are struggling with friendships, and this is really painful as a mom.
If you have a kid who is lonely and is struggling with girl drama, it might look a little bit different if you have a boy, but they have their version of that. If they're spending a lot of time isolated and alone in their room, they're not connecting outside of social media. Maybe they've even been bullied or excluded from friend groups, a...
How to Organize Your Life and Declutter Using the Enneagram, Interview with Laurie Palau
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Hey friend,
If you struggle with clutter and being organized.
If you are frustrated with your kid and their bedrooms and how disorganized they can be.
If you’re wondering why it’s so hard to keep it all together with everything you have to do.
I am so excited for you to listen to this episode with Laurie Palau!
Laurie Palau is the author of HOT MESS: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO GETTING ORGANIZED, host of the popular weekly podcast This ORGANIZED Life, which has over 3M down...
How To Let Go to Help Them Grow: Supporting Your Teen To Thrive, Interview with Dr. Cameron Caswell
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Hi friend. Welcome to the show today, and I am so glad that you're spending time with me.
In today's episode, we are talking about the tough process of letting go. Letting is one of the most difficult things when your your kid hits the middle school years - you're in this big transition, and I found this so hard - "When do I step in? When do I step back?"
It's hard to let go when you watch them making decisions that you're not crazy about and you wa...
How To Raise Confident Daughters, Mind, Body, and Spirit, with Kristi K. Hoffman
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Welcome friend,
Kristi K. Hoffman is an award-winning, Emmy-nominated TV host, media producer, journalist, lifestyle influencer, family woman, businesswoman, philanthropist, and best-selling teen social issues author of Total Package Girl: Discover the Ultimate You for Life.
As a journalist and media professional starting out in a time when men dominated the industry, Kristi realized there was a massive need to build up girls and help them realize they are capable of anything they set their minds to.
She struggled quite a bit with body image and sexual h...
The Keys To Creating A Happy Summer
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Summer is the perfect time for fun and relaxation, but it can also bring its share of challenges.
You might be thrilled about the endless possibilities, from beach trips to movie marathons, yet also worried about your teens spending too much time in their rooms, glued to screens, or perhaps out with friends, potentially getting into trouble. You might want some ideas on how to make it a great summer with your tweens and teens.
In t...
Rising Above Your Story with Karena Kilcoyne
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We've all experienced pain and trauma in our lives, whether it be trauma with a "little t" or "big T" trauma. There have been people, events, and situations that have hurt and wounded us. As a result, we've developed defense mechanisms to shield ourselves from the pain and to keep us safe. And yet, not dealing with our pain and wounds holds us back from healing, joy, freedom, and peace. But this takes courage.
Today, I am honored to welcome Karena Killcoin, the best-selling author of "Rise A...
What Our College-Bound Kids Need to Know with The College Doc, Dr. Jill Grimes
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I'm so excited that Dr. Jill Grimes is back. She is the college doc and just came out with her newest edition of "The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook: Your Guide for Everything from Hangovers to Homesickness." It is a great gift if you have a high school grad. It gives so much information that will help your college student navigate their health and symptoms.
In this episode, we talk about everything from how to support them in talking to their doctor to how to talk to them about getting their...
How To Have Healthy Talks About Sex and Intimacy in A Confusing Culture, Interview with Dina Alexander
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Welcome to today's episode of How To Have Healthy Talks About Sex and Intimacy in A Confusing Culture.
When it comes to sex, our bodies, love, and intimacy, our kids are bombarded with false, unhealthy, and confusing messages.
How do we talk to our kids about what healthy relationships, sex and intimacy look like?
My special guest today is Dina Alexander, here to help us navigate this challenging landscape and empower our children with the knowledge they need for healthy, po...
How To Ditch The Mom Lies and Find Your Way Back To Yourself with Heather Chauvin
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Welcome to the show today, and I am so glad you're here. I want to start today by sharing something that my friend Amy sent to me yesterday. This is a meme entitled "How to be a mom in 2017. "We could actually change that to "2024" because it still applies to us today.
Make sure your children's academic, emotional, psychological, mental, spiritual, physical, nutritional and social needs are met. While being careful not to overstimulate, under-stimulate, and properly medicate, helicopter, or neglect them in a screen-free processed foods-free, GMO-free, negative energy-free, plastic-free...
Could My Kid Be Suicidal? What to Do and Say. A Personal Story with AnneMoss Rogers
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Hi, friends; welcome to the show.
I'm so glad that you're here. Mental health and emotional wellness is something that we all want for our kids. And if our kids are struggling, if they're going through a tough time, if they're spending a lot of time in their bedrooms, and they're sad, and they are isolated and they're lonely, or you have a kid that is struggling with depression or anxiety or substance abuse.
It's heartbreaking. You feel powerless and confused; it's scary.
And the big...
Getting Your Kids To Do Chores: A Radical and Refreshing Approach with Lori Sugarman
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Hi Friend,
Welcome to Season 2 Episode 1 of the Moms of Tweens and Teens podcast!
If you struggle to get your tweens and teens to do chores and help out around the house, you want to listen to this podcast!
My special guest is Lori Sugarman. She is a Certified Fair Play Facilitator and Family Coach and the author of the recently released book Our Home: The Love, Work, and Heart of Family.
Du...
Building Community And Making A Difference In Our World, Interview with Angela Melfi
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Welcome friend!
I believe we all want to feel inspired to make a positive difference in our world.
Today's episode is all about chasing those dreams of making a real difference in the world.
I'm super excited because we've got Angela Melfi on the show, co-founder of Threads Worldwide. Picture this: gorgeous, unique jewelry that's not just about beautiful but about doing good, too. Threads Worldwide is all about creating life-changing work for women worldwide through the creating and selling of fair trade artisan jewelry.
An...
How To Embrace Your Feminine Power To Have More Influence and Success In Your Life, Interview with Lauren Schifferdecker
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Hi Friend, Welcome to the show today. I’m so glad that you are tuning in and spending time with me.
As women and moms, we have a lot of power and influence. We are leaders. We are the CEO of our homes. We have beautiful feminine qualities and gifts inside of us.
But rarely do we talk about the feminine gifts when it comes to being influential and powerful. We tend to undervalue or overlook our feminine power.
In...
You are Mom Enough through the challenges, the loneliness, the heartache and shame, with Rachel Marie Martin of Finding Joy
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Welcome friend,
I am super honored to have Rachel Marie Martin on the show today. If you don’t recognize her name, she is the writer behind the site FindingJoy.net.
She’s written about divorce, heartbreak and reconnecting with an estranged child, dealing with an autoimmune disease in her youngest, feeling overwhelmed with littles, living through financial crises, waiting up for teens, and simply being overwhelmed and overjoyed by the day in, day out demands of motherhood.
A second...
How to Guide Your Teen Through Challenges And Help Them Find Grit & Resilience, with Jesse LeBeau
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Jesse LeBeau is one of today’s most highly sought-after youth speakers and teen coaches. His unlikely underdog story has inspired millions of teens through his speaking, best-selling books, and youth programs.
He is one of the world's premiere basketball trick artists and is regularly featured on TV, film, and international tours. Jesse travels all around the country, speaking at schools to youth, and has a reality series called ‘The LeBeau Show,’ where you can follow him around the country and see firsthand his significant impact on youth, particul...
Going From Exhaustion and Overwhelm to Finding Balance As A Mom with Kristin Bartholomew
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Hi Friend Happy New Year 2024!
I am so excited about this new Year - I am leading a workshop next week, Creating an Abundant Mom Life in 2024, on Wednesday, January 17th at 12N CDT - you can register on the Moms of Tweens and Teens website, and I’m sharing the link in the show notes here: https://momsoftweensandteens.mykajabi.com/creating-abundant-2024
Kristin Bartholomew is here with me today and she is an EQ-i Certified Executive Coach and Le...
Parenting Beyond Tips and Tricks: Embracing Authenticity and Growth in Parenting Our Kids with Dr. Norrine Russell
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If you have an ADHD kid you understand the frustration, arguing and misunderstanding this can cause for parents and their kids.
My special guest today is Dr. Norrine Russell, she is an Executive Functioning & ADHD Expert who founded Russell Coaching for Students in 2009. She is also the mother of two atypical children. Dr. Russell knows firsthand that being a parent of a struggling student is tough.
In this episode, Dr. Russell shares
Parenting struggles and self-care for moms. 0:01Sheryl Gould di...