Mothers of Boys Survival Guide

From high school practices to college recruiting, the demands on our boys (and us moms!) ramp up fast.  In our latest episode of the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide, Coach Matt Hogan shares what every parent needs to know about:
✔️ The real time commitment in high school sports
✔️ When recruiting actually starts (hint: later than you think)
✔️ Highlight reels, prospect camps & how not to waste money
✔️ Balancing academics and athletics for the long game

Matt’s a former college and high school coach, sports dad of two, and the leader of the Annapolis Hawks Club Lacrosse...

Beyond Chicken Nuggets

If you’ve ever bribed your kid with dessert, begged them to “just take one bite,” or watched them live exclusively on goldfish crackers… this one’s for you. 🙋‍♀️

In this week’s Mothers of Boys Survival Guide podcast, we’re joined by Jacqueline Stern, registered dietitian and founder of Annapolis Nutrition, who helps parents take the stress out of mealtimes.

We talk about:
👉 Why picky eating happens (and when it’s more than just a phase)
👉 How to stop food battles before they start
👉 Packing stress-free snacks for school, camp, and playd...

Do you have a son who avoids reading like it’s a chore? You’re not alone—and this episode is packed with support and solutions.

We’re joined by literacy expert and fellow boy mom Dr. Jessica Hovland, who shares real talk and practical tips for helping boys become more confident readers. From bedtime routines and graphic novels to Minecraft books and reading to the dog 🐶—you’ll walk away with strategies you can use today.

Whether your son is just starting to read or facing challenges in middle or high school, this episode is for you. 💙<...

Bracing for Takeoff: When Your Son Leaves the Nest

Is your son gearing up to leave for college—or already out the door with a box of ramen and a half-packed first aid kit? 

In this episode of the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide, we talk with mom Rebecca Vandall about the emotional ups, downs, and unexpected wins of launching a son into adulthood. 

We cover:
✅ How to stay connected without hovering
✅ What to pack (and what sparks dorm friendships!)
✅ Navigating homesickness, independence, and sibling shifts
✅ Real-life strategies like “Proof of Life...

Battle-Tested: 10 Parenting Tips Every Boy Mom Wants to Know

What do you get when you raise 7 kids (4 boys) and survive to tell the tale? A whole lot of wisdom — and even more heart. 💙

This week on the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide, Suzy and Cheryl sit down with Mary Pat Gaeng, a mom of 7 and grandmother of 6, to share the 10 boy mom truths she’s learned the hard way.

Purposeful Play: Raising Boys Who Learn by Doing

Is your son always on the move, building, pretending, or turning life into a game? You’re not alone—and it’s not just play, it’s purposeful learning!

In this inspiring episode of the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide, veteran kindergarten teacher and boy mom Kathy Baer joins Suzy Shaw and Cheryl Bohn to break down how purposeful play builds brain development, supports emotional growth, and teaches vital life skills like communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.

💡 Discover how simple activities—like playing with a cardboard b...

Raising Boys with Brains in Mind: A Guide to Their Development

What’s really going on inside your son’s head? In this episode, international speaker and bestselling author Mike Kuczala joins Suzy Shaw and Cheryl Bohn to explore how boys’ brains develop—from birth through adolescence—and why movement is essential to their growth and learning.

From kinesthetic learning to puberty and screen time, Mike explains how physical activity, emotional support, and environment shape boys’ ability to focus, thrive, and mature. Whether you're raising a toddler or navigating the teenage “man cub” years, this conversation wil...

🎙️ Postpartum Depression: What New Moms Really Go Through

In this eye-opening episode of the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide podcast, psychologist and mom of five Dr. Kimberly Scipione joins us to break the silence around postpartum depression.

We talk about:
✔️ The difference between baby blues and clinical PPD
✔️ Why social media fuels unrealistic expectations
✔️ When to seek help—and how partners can support
✔️ Effective therapies and how long recovery really takes

Whether you're a new mom, a partner, or someone who cares about maternal mental health, this episode is for you.

🔔 Subsc...

New baby in the house? Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone.
In this episode of The Mothers of Boys Survival Guide, we talk with an experienced pediatric nurse (and mom of six!) about what really happens after delivery. From postpartum recovery and hormones to feeding stress and emotional ups and downs — this is the real talk every mom needs to hear.

Whether you’re in the thick of it or supporting someone who is, this episode is full of comfort, clarity, and expert advice. 💙👶

🎙 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform
📘 Grab the book: Mothers of B...

In this powerful episode of the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide, we talk with licensed clinical psychologist Adam Iacarino about how moms can support their sons' mental health, build resilience, and foster independence. From preparing boys for therapy to navigating big transitions and promoting confidence through volunteering, Adam offers real talk and actionable insights every parent needs to hear. 

🎙 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform
📘 Grab the book: Mothers of Boys Survival Guide
🌐 Join the community: MothersOfBoys.life

Hey MOB (Mothers of Boys) community! Our latest podcast episode is here, and it’s one you won’t want to miss. 💙

Cheryl Bohn sits down with author and co-host Suzy Shaw to dive into a honest, hilarious, and heartfelt conversation about raising boys—from toddler tantrums to teenage trials, to becoming a young adult (and, of course-everything in between). 

Suzy shares stories, bite-sized strategies from her book, and what it really takes to raise independent, confident young men in today’s world. We talk about her stages of development: the Death Wish Stage, Man Cubs, becomi...

This week on the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide podcast, we’re celebrating ALL the amazing moms out there with a heartfelt, hilarious, and wisdom-filled Mother’s Day episode. 💕

Host Cheryl Bohn is joined by author Suzy Shaw and Suzy’s mom, Barby Shaw—aka Nanna Dana — for stories that span generations of motherhood, from chaotic “Mudder’s Days” to finger rhymes, Foxy Loxy hikes, and the magic of Winnie the Pooh. 🧸

✨ You’ll laugh (cat food pancakes?!), maybe tear up a bit (birth stories and bedtime songs), and definitely feel seen as a mom. Barby brings timeless advi...

In this episode, the MOB talks with longtime coach and sports program director Matt Hogan about how parents can best support their sons in youth athletics. With experience coaching at top programs like the University of Maryland, the U.S. Naval Academy, and now as Executive Director of HoganLax and the Annapolis Hawks, Matt shares valuable insight into what makes a great coach, how to keep youth sports positive, and what parents can do to help their boys thrive on and off the field. Whether your son is just picking up a ball or deep into competitive play, this...

In this episode of the Mother of Boys (MOB) Podcast, we’re joined by strength and conditioning expert Annie Carey Linton to talk all things movement, muscles, and motivation for boys! 💪 From early play to teen training, Annie shares how moms can support healthy physical development at every age.

🎙 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform
📘 Grab the book: Mothers of Boys Survival Guide
🌐 Join the community: MothersOfBoys.life

Is your son full of energy, and you're wondering if it's just his personality or something more like ADHD? In this episode of the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide, Cheryl Bohn and Suzy Shaw talk with retired pediatrician Dr. Barnaby Starr about the signs of ADHD, how to support high-energy boys, and when to seek professional help. Learn practical parenting strategies, the role of diet and routine, and how to boost your child's focus and self-esteem. Don't miss this valuable conversation packed with expert insights and real mom experiences!

🎙 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform
📘 Grab t...

We’re honored to have Dr. Paul Hokemeyer join us on the latest episode of the Mother of Boys Survival Guide podcast. A globally recognized clinical and consulting psychotherapist, Dr. Hokemeyer brings deep expertise in family systems and the emotional health of high-functioning individuals and families. In this episode, he shares thoughtful, practical strategies for parenting neurodivergent boys—from emotional regulation to creating structure in the home—all through the lens of compassion and connection.

🎙 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform
📘 Grab the book: Mothers of Boys Survival Guide
🌐 Join the community: MothersOfBoys.life

Ever wondered what neurodiversity really means? Dr. Paul Hokemeyer breaks it down—why early recognition matters, how to support your child with effective parenting strategies, and the truth about diagnosis & medication. But most importantly? He shares how to embrace your child’s unique strengths and empower them to thrive! 

🎙 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform
📘 Grab the book: Mothers of Boys Survival Guide
🌐 Join the community: MothersOfBoys.life

Tara Segree, author of Bringing Mindfulness Into the Classroom, joins the MOB hosts to discuss mental health strategies for managing stress. Discover practical mindfulness techniques to help moms and children manage stress and build emotional resilience. From breathing exercises to guided meditations, this podcast discusses easy, effective strategies for parents to support their own children and teach their children positive mental health techniques for well-being.

🎙 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform
📘 Grab the book: Mothers of Boys Survival Guide
🌐 Join the community: MothersOfBoys.life

New parents, get expert newborn care advice from Pediatrician Dr. Barnaby Starr! In this episode, we cover everything you need to know about your baby’s first weeks—feeding, sleep routines, recognizing illness signs, and preparing siblings for the transition. Tune in for must-know parenting tips to give your newborn a healthy start!

🎙 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform
📘 Grab the book: Mothers of Boys Survival Guide
🌐 Join the community: MothersOfBoys.life