Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids Today

Are we raising a generation that knows more but thinks less? In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, educator, developmental theorist, and author Dr. Jonathan Strecker joins host Lianne Castelino to unpack why modern convenience — from AI tools to screen time — may be quietly undermining the intellectual, emotional, and social development of today's teens.

Dr. Strecker, Head of School and author of How Modern Convenience Is Dumbing Down Our Children, introduces his five intelligences framework and explains what parents can do right now to rebuild their kids' capacity for deep thinking, resilience, and real-world problem-solving.

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino sits down with entrepreneur, business coach, and mom of four, Alana Kayfetz, to explore why so many mothers put themselves last—and how to change that.

From mom burnout and self-neglect to self-prioritization and identity shifts in motherhood, this conversation dives into the real challenges modern moms face. Learn how to balance parenting, career, and personal well-being without guilt, and why self-care is essential—not optional—for raising healthy families.

Whether you're a working mom, stay-at-home parent, or mom entrepreneur, this episode offers practi...

Why do tantrums, emotional outbursts, and teenage shutdowns happen—and what can parents do differently?

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with award-winning mediator, peacemaker, and bestselling author Doug Noll about the groundbreaking science behind emotional validation and why traditional parenting approaches often miss the mark.

Drawing on decades of experience in conflict resolution, neuroscience, and emotional intelligence training, Noll explains how simply naming a child's emotions can help calm emotional meltdowns, strengthen parent-child relationships, and support healthy brain development.

Key takeaways:

• Why logic does...

What happens when autism and ADHD go undiagnosed until adulthood?

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with neurodiversity consultant and entrepreneur Noelle Sinclair about her late diagnosis—and how it transformed her life as a parent, professional, and individual.

Sinclair shares eye-opening insights into masking in girls, the hidden signs of neurodivergence in teens, and why many children are misunderstood or overlooked. She also offers practical, compassionate advice for parents raising neurodivergent tweens, teens, and young adults—especially those who may be struggling silently.

From building inde...

What does it really mean when your adult child isn't "launching" on your timeline?

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino sits down with Dr. Jeffrey Jensen Arnett — developmental psychologist, Clark University senior research scholar, and the man who coined the term "emerging adulthood" — to unpack one of the most misunderstood life stages of our time.

Dr. Arnett explains why the years from 18 to 29 are a distinct developmental stage, not extended adolescence or young adulthood, and why parents who understand this are better equipped to support their children without pushing them...

Can cannabis use during the teen years slow your child's cognitive development — even before you notice the signs?

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to neuroscientist and cannabis researcher Dr. Krista Lisdahl, Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, who breaks down the findings of the largest long-term study of brain development in U.S. youth ever conducted.

Dr. Lisdahl explains what the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study — tracking over 11,000 young people from ages 9 to 19 — reveals about cannabis, THC, and the developing teen brain...

Licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Anna Levy-Warren has spent more than two decades helping kids and families navigate executive functioning challenges — but it wasn't until she became a mother of three neurodiverse children that her understanding truly deepened.

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast with host Lianne Castelino, Dr. Levy-Warren unpacks why home is such a difficult environment for kids with EF challenges, what the developmental curve really looks like (the brain isn't fully developed until age 20–25), and the concrete strategies that actually work.

She also shares why she believes empathy and collaboration — not co...

Are schools missing the most important lessons kids need to succeed? In this episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino speaks with youth mentor and entrepreneur Rob Heller, founder of the BOOST Program and author of The Missing Course for Today’s Youth.

With over 20 years of experience, Rob shares why success is not luck-based—but skill-based—and explains the critical life skills kids and teens aren’t learning in school. From social skills and character development to mental health and managing screen time, this conversation is packed with practical insights for parents.

Learn how to r...

Parenting teens today isn’t just challenging—it’s completely different than it used to be.

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino sits down with clinical psychologist Dr. Jerry Weichman to unpack what’s really driving the rise in teen anxiety, stress, and emotional overwhelm—and why so many parents feel unprepared to handle it.

Drawing on nearly three decades of experience working with over 6,500 families, Dr. Weichman explains how social media and smartphones have fundamentally reshaped adolescence. Today’s teens aren’t just dealing with peer pressure—they’re navigating a co...

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, Lianne Castelino speaks to Chris DeArmitt, PhD, materials scientist, a global advisor on plastics policy and evidence-based research, speaker, author and father.

The discussion explore one of today’s most debated environmental and health topics: plastics and microplastics in everyday family life.

De Armitt shares a controversial and science-driven perspective on common fears around plastics, microplastics, and environmental impact—challenging widespread beliefs and highlighting what decades of research actually show.

He articulates that the narrative of being 'drowned in plastic' is misleading, as plastics repr...

Substance use and addiction are affecting more families than ever—and many parents feel unprepared, overwhelmed, and alone.

In this episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino speaks with certified family recovery specialist Kim Porter, co-founder of Be Part of the Conversation.

Drawing from both professional expertise and lived experience as a mother, Kim shares powerful insights into how addiction develops, why it’s often missed, and what parents can do if they suspect something is wrong.

From understanding today’s evolving drug landscape—including cannabis, fentanyl, and vaping products—to navigating stigma, se...

The tumultuous waters of parenting in today's world often requires a nuanced understanding of emotional and mental health, especially as our children face unique challenges such as bullying, social media pressures, and the complexities of consent and relationships.

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Micheline Green, an integral master coach, educator, executive coach, author and mom to explore why traditional, control-based parenting is failing today’s families—and what to do instead.

Blending neuroscience, leadership principles, and real-life parenting insights, Micheline reveals how parents can shift from reac...

In today’s fast-moving digital world, parents face an urgent challenge: how to raise children who can think critically, question information, and navigate the growing influence of AI and social media.

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with John Krotec—educator, entrepreneur, U.S. Army veteran, and founder of Neo Masculinity Solutions—about why teaching kids how to think is more important than ever.

Drawing from personal experience, leadership training, and his work developing AI-integrated learning tools, Krotec shares actionable insights for parents, including:

Strong relationships are the foundation of a healthy family—but parenting stress, busy schedules, and miscommunication can take a toll on even the strongest couples.

In this episode of Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with therapist Dr. Dan Sneider about how parents can build stronger, more connected relationships while raising children.

Learn practical, research-backed strategies for improving communication, setting healthy boundaries, managing conflict, and staying emotionally connected—even during the most demanding parenting years.

This episode is a must-listen for parents of tweens, teens, and young children who want to crea...

Why do children misbehave—and what is their behaviour really trying to tell us?

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with paediatrician, author, and mother Dr. Kristen Cook about the science behind children’s behaviour and what today’s overwhelmed parents need to know.

Drawing on more than 15 years of clinical experience, Dr. Cook explains how understanding brain development—from toddlers to teens—can transform the way parents respond to tantrums, lying, emotional outbursts, and risk-taking behaviour.

Parents will learn why the brain doesn’t fully develop unti...

Why are so many young adults struggling with independence today—and what can parents do differently?

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk Podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with licensed school psychologist, author and father David Krasky, whose book Raising Future Adults explores how parents can prepare children and teens for real-world success.

Drawing on two decades of experience working with families and students, Krasky explains how modern parenting trends—including overprotection, helicopter parenting, and the pressures of technology—may unintentionally limit a child’s ability to build independence and essential life skills.

The di...

On this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast host Lianne Castelino sits down with leading body image researcher Dr. Charlotte Markey, professor at Rutgers University and author of The Body Image Book for Girls, for a conversation about raising confident kids in a social media-saturated world.

With nearly 30 years of research on body image, eating behaviours, puberty, and mental health, Dr. Markey unpacks the unprecedented pressures facing today’s tweens and teens — especially girls aged 9 to 15 — as they navigate hormonal changes alongside relentless digital comparison. From influencer culture and device use to bullying and shifting weight-loss trends...

On this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino sits down with picky eating expert, educator, and founder of Raising Healthy Families, Katie Kimball.

Kimball explains why teaching teens to cook is about far more than food. It’s about:

With teen anxiety and depression rates rising, parents are searching for practical ways to empower their children. Kimball shares research-backed insights on how...

How do you raise safe, confident kids in a world of gaming chats, AI tools, social media, and constant connectivity?

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to cybersecurity professionals Chad Rychlewski and Kae David, who share expert, practical advice from their book Cyber Smart Parenting. As both industry insiders, they translate enterprise-level cybersecurity strategies into realistic steps families can use at home.

You’ll hear:

Why do so many parents feel like they’re failing — even when they’re doing everything “right”?

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino is joined by Manu Brune, postpartum specialist, parent coach, mother of 3 and author of Overcorrecting: Parenting in the Middle While the World Shouts in Extremes. They unpack a timely issue facing parents today: overcorrection.

Brune explains how many parents are unconsciously parenting in reaction to their own childhood experiences, swinging between extremes in an effort to “break generational cycles.” The result? Chronic stress, nervous system dysregulation, parental burno...

Life insurance can feel overwhelming for parents — especially when you’re juggling kids, careers, mortgages, and everyday life. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Laura McKay, co-founder and COO of PolicyMe and a mom of two, to break down life insurance in simple, practical terms for families.

This essential conversation for parents covers what life insurance actually is, why it matters for moms and dads, the difference between term and permanent life insurance, how much coverage families really need, and common mistakes parents make when putting it off.

Yo...

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Matthew Kaufman, camp director, author, lifelong camp professional and father, about the powerful science behind camp and what parents can learn from it.

Drawing from his book The Campfire Effect: How to Engineer Belonging in a Disconnected World, Kaufman explains how camp environments intentionally create safety, belonging, and healthy challenge—and why those elements are essential for learning and emotional growth.

Parents will learn:

What if your child’s genius has nothing to do with grades or test scores?

In this episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Houlie Duque, educator, homeschool coach, and founder of Homeschool To Go, to challenge traditional ideas of intelligence and success in education.

The conversation explores how every child is intelligent—just in different ways—and why the current education system often overlooks creativity, emotional intelligence, kinesthetic learning, and interpersonal strengths.

Duque explains how parents can identify their child’s unique learning style, build confidence, and nurture strengths without...

Food allergies affect 1 in 13 children—and for many parents, the fear and uncertainty can feel overwhelming.

In this episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Malina Malkani, pediatric registered dietitian, bestselling author, and mom of three, to break down the latest science-backed guidance on food allergy prevention.

Learn why early introduction of allergenic foods like peanut and egg during infancy can significantly reduce the risk of food allergies, what the research really says about safety, and how parents can confidently introduce allergens in simple, baby-safe ways. Malkani explains the critical window for pr...

Modern parenting often feels like a race against time. Between school pressures, screens, and rising rates of anxiety and depression, many parents are left wondering what their children truly need—and how to support them without burning out themselves.

In this episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino is joined by occupational therapist, naturalist, parent coach, and author Kathleen Lockyer, founder of the Nature Led Approach and author of Wild Inside. With more than 25 years of experience in child development, mental health, sensory integration, and trauma-informed care, Kathleen offers a reframing of youth mental health—rooted in o...

As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes the world our children are growing up in, many parents are left wondering: What does this mean for my child’s identity, values, and future?

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with global technology thought leader and author Don Tapscott to explore the rise of identic AI and why understanding it is no longer optional for parents.

Drawing from his latest book, You to the Power of Two: Redefining Human Potential in the Age of Identic AI, Tapscott explains how AI is evolving fr...

In this episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino speaks to licensed professional counsellor, teen therapist, author and mom Katie K. May about teen mental health.

Drawing from her own experience as a former “teen on fire” and her clinical work with adolescents and families, May unpacks emotional dysregulation, self-harm, and the powerful role validation plays in strengthening parent-teen relationships. She discusses helping parents better understand big emotions, identifying when typical teen behaviour signals deeper concern, and responding in ways that de-escalate conflict rather than intensify it.

May also explains why self-harm is often used...

In this episode of theWhere Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Marcus Fernandez — founder and CEO of the largest homeopathy school in the U.K., bestselling author, longtime educator, and father of two — about natural medicine and family health.

With more than 30 years of experience in the field, Fernandez shares how public perception of homeopathy has evolved, why more parents are exploring natural remedies, and how simple, accessible tools can support children’s well-being. He explains the principles behind homeopathy, common misconceptions, and how natural and conventional medicine can complement one another rather than divide families.

F...

In this episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Dr. Caroline Fleck—licensed psychologist, Stanford instructor, corporate consultant, and author of Validation: How the Skill Set that Revolutionized Psychology Will Transform Your Relationships, Increase Your Influence, and Change Your Life.

Dr. Fleck breaks down one of psychotherapy’s most impactful yet misunderstood tools: validation. She explains why it’s more than agreement or praise, how it strengthens connection, and why it’s essential for influencing behaviour—especially in tweens, teens, and young adults.

Through real-life examples, neuroscience insights, and practical skills, Dr. Fleck shar...

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Dr. Will Dobud, an award-winning researcher and social worker. Dr. Dobud sheds light on the alarming rise in youth anxiety and depression, suggesting that perhaps the real issue lies not within the kids themselves, but in the systems surrounding them.

The discussion explores the importance of communication and independence in fostering resilience, while also addressing the delicate balance between discipline and allowing kids to experience struggle. With the prevalence of bullying and the pressures of social media, Dr. Dobud emphasizes the need for...

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Sami Timimi, psychiatrist and author of Searching for Normal.

The conversation examines the current approach to diagnosing mental health conditions in young people. Drawing on extensive clinical experience, Dr. Timimi questions the growing tendency to interpret behavioural patterns—such as inattention or restlessness—as indicators of fixed psychiatric disorders. He outlines how diagnostic labels, including ADHD, may influence a child’s developing identity and can shape long-term expectations about their abilities and well-being.

The conversation explores the br...

How can parents teach kids to think critically, tell truth from falsehood, and navigate an online world filled with AI-generated content and misinformation?

In this episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Matthew Johnson, Director of Education at MediaSmarts, about practical ways parents can build digital media literacy at home.

Discover how to talk to your kids about honesty, praise effort over results, and foster open communication in a digital age where AI, deepfakes, and disinformation are shaping childhood experiences.

Johnson shares practical strategies for parents to engage in ongoing...

In this episode of theWhere Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Michael Chiasson — speaker, musician, writer, and author of Things We Wish Our Parents Knew.

Drawing on 20+ years of speaking to youth across North America, Chiasson shares lessons from thousands of anonymous letters written by teens about what they wish their parents understood.

Discover what today’s young people are truly trying to say — about love, loneliness, expectations, and the need to be seen and heard. Learn how to build emotional safety, encourage open communication, and nurture deeper connection with your tween, teen, or you...

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Rebecca Faye Smith Galli — columnist, resilience expert, advocate, and bestselling author — about what it truly means to live with resilience in the face of unimaginable loss and change.

A mother of four (including two children with special needs) and a grandmother, Smith Galli’s journey has been marked by profound challenges — from losing her brother at a young age, to raising children with epilepsy and autism, to becoming paralyzed just days after a divorce. Through it all, she’s discovered practical wisdom and hope that...

Did you know that your child’s stomach aches might have more to do with their mind than their meals?

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast host Lianne Castelino speaks with Dr. Ali Navidi, licensed clinical psychologist and CEO of GI Psychology, about the link between the gut and the brain — and what every parent should know.

Dr. Navidi explains how gut–brain disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome IBS, functional abdominal pain, and dyspepsia can begin in early childhood, how anxiety and stress can fuel digestive symptoms, and why clinical hypnosis and CB...

What should parents really be telling their kids before they leave the nest?

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to writer and mom of three, Joanne McHugh, creator of the newsletter Things Your Mom Should Have Told You.

McHugh how parents can help their young adults navigate love, work, money, and life’s inevitable messiness — without lecturing or sugarcoating.

She shares how her own daughters inspired her mission to offer honest, heartfelt, and practical wisdom to 20-somethings finding their footing in today’s complicated world.

Key...

In this episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Pamela Hobart — philosopher coach, writer, mother of four, and gifted education advocate.

Hobart shares her journey from academia to coaching, and now to her work at GT School, where AI-driven mastery learning meets life skills education for high-ability students.

Drawing on her background in philosophy and coaching, Hobart explains how she helps people transform “overthinking” into wisdom and action — a process just as vital for adults facing career crossroads as it is for children navigating school.

She reveals why traditional education systems...

Self-regulation is a superpower that can transform a teen’s emotional, social, and academic life. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to psychologist and first-time author Dr. Cathy Wu. The former college professor and mom dives into why mastering self-regulation is essential for today’s youth—and how parents can help. From navigating technology and social pressures to fostering healthy habits and meaningful communication, Dr. Wu shares practical strategies for empowering teens to thrive. The conversation also explores insights from her new book, The Self-Regulation Handbook for Teens and Young Adults, and discov...

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Dr. Shawn Kelly, pediatrician, adolescent addictions specialist, and father of two.

Dr. Kelly shares why he co-authored a Canadian Medical Association Journal editorial on gambling advertising, the moment his own young son confused sports stats with betting terms, and why he sees this issue as a “Wild West” for youth health.

The discussion unpacks:

When children leave home, parents often face a powerful mix of emotions—grief, pride, uncertainty, and even freedom.

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, licensed therapist, TEDx speaker, author, and mom Molly Carroll joins host Lianne Castelino to explore the realities of the empty nest.

From the emotional challenges of letting go, to redefining identity and rediscovering purpose, Carroll shares insights, strategies, and stories that help parents navigate this life transition with compassion and confidence.

Whether you’re preparing for your child to leave, in the midst of an empty nest...