Parents & Teens Rising: Practical Tools for Raising Confident, Connected Teens
Welcome to Parents and Teens Rising, the podcast where we dive deep into the challenges and triumphs of raising teens and young adults in today’s world. Hosted by Teen and Parent coach Jasmyne Chandler, this show is all about empowering parents, teens, and young adults to step into confidence, connection, and courage.Through practical tools, real conversations, and inspiring stories, you’ll learn how to build stronger relationships, support your teen’s authenticity, and navigate everything from anxiety and self-esteem to purpose and independence.Whether your teen feels stuck, stressed, or simply different from the “norm,” this podcast will help you s...
Ep 39. You're on Fire, It's Fine, with Katie K. May
In today's episode, I have a special treat for you. Today I'm talking to Katie K. May, therapist, author, and founder of a therapy practice in the greater Philadelphia area that supports teens and families. Katie is also a board-certified self-harm specialist, and she wrote the book "You're On Fire, It's Fine: Effective Strategies for Parenting Teens with Self-Destructive Behaviors." This conversation was so good, and I know you're going to get so much out of it.
In this episode, we talk about:
What it means to be a "fire feeler" and why some teens...
Ep 38. The Power of Never Giving Up and Believing in Yourself (for Teens and Parents)
In this deeply personal episode, I share the long and winding journey that led me to finally sell out my middle school wilderness backpacking rite of passage trip, a dream that has taken years, setbacks, heartbreak, resilience, and unwavering belief to bring to life.
I open up about the science of grit, self-belief, growth mindset, and perseverance, while also sharing my own transformational experiences with wilderness rites of passage, solo time in nature, mentorship, and the challenges of building a purpose-driven business that supports teenagers and families.
This episode is for parents, teens, educators, mentors...
Ep 37. Your Parenting Teens Strategy 101: Creating the Ecosystem Your Teen Needs to Thrive
In today's episode, I'm sharing about the seven foundational pillars that make up the ecosystem your teenager needs to grow, thrive, and stay connected to you through one of the most complex seasons of their development. This isn't just a parenting strategy episode. It's also about you, your nervous system, your emotional patterns, and the environment you're creating every single day in your home, often without even realizing it.
Here's what we cover:
Point 1: You're the Soil, Not the Sculptor
Point 2: Your Nervous System is the Weather in...
Ep 36. The Power of Your Undivided Attention with Your Teenager
In this short but sweet episode, I’m sharing a simple (but often overlooked) parenting “hack” that has been making a big difference in my own relationship with my teens.
Like many of you, my days are full. By the time evening rolls around, it’s so tempting to check out on my phone, catch up on emails, or zone out. And my teens? They’re usually doing the same.
But I’ve realized that these everyday moments are actually some of the biggest opportunities for connection if we choose to use them intentionall...
Ep 35. Your Teen's Brain is Under Construction (Here's What You Need to Know)
Ever feel like your teen’s behavior makes no sense? What if I told you it’s not defiance, it’s brain development? In this episode, I'm breaking down what’s actually happening inside your teenager’s brain and how understanding it can completely change the way you parent.
💡 What I Talk About:
Why your teen struggles with impulse control (developing prefrontal cortex) How brain “pruning” shapes your teen’s habits and behaviors Why your teen’s brain is highly changeable (neuroplasticity) How dopamine drives risk-taking, motivation, and screen habits The ESSENCE framework:...
Ep 34. The Real Reasons You’re Struggling to Connect with Your Teenager
Struggling to connect with your teenager?
You’re not alone, and it may not be your teen that needs to change.
In this episode, I explore what might really be getting in the way of connection with my teenager, not their behavior, but how I’m showing up as a parent. I share five key patterns that can create disconnection and how small, intentional shifts can rebuild trust and closeness.
💡 What I Talk About:
Why your teenager is not a problem to fix (shifting from control-based parenting to connectio...Ep 33. Teen Mental Health, Nature, and the Power of Mentorship
Today, I’m opening up and sharing the heart behind my business, Guided Passages, and the journey that led me here. From leaving a stable teaching career to following a deeper calling, this has been a path of trust, courage, and listening to that quiet inner voice guiding me forward.
What I share in this episode:
The moment I realized teaching was no longer aligned with my purposeWhat I call “the roaring of the river” and how it led me to this workHow mentorship and rites of passage shaped my life (and why the...Ep 32. 5 Foundations for Teen Mental Health & Wellbeing
In this episode, I’m diving into five foundational areas that have a powerful impact on your teen’s mental health and overall well-being.
These aren’t complicated or groundbreaking ideas, but they’re the things that often get overlooked in the busyness of everyday life or avoided because they can feel like a constant battle.
And just to be clear, this isn’t about perfection. I don’t know any teen (or adult) who has all of these dialed in perfectly. What we’re aiming for is high standards with high support, helping our te...
Ep 31. Why Does My Teenager Shutdown When I'm Just Trying to Help, and What to Do Instead.
Today, I'm sitting down with Sonia Suthar, a 19-year-old entrepreneur and the Founder of Cloud 9, who is helping parents understand why teenagers shut down when we're just trying to help, and what we can do instead to build strong, connected relationships with them. She also shares how we can help our teens build confidence from the inside out, so this conversation is one you won't want to miss!
In this episode, we explore what’s really happening beneath teen behavior and why well-meaning parental responses can sometimes create distance instead of connection. Sonia of...
Ep 30. What Teen Athletes Really Need from Their Parents
Are you helping your teen athlete grow, or are you accidentally adding more pressure?
In this episode, I talk about how sports can be one of the most powerful developmental experiences in a young person’s life, and it's one way teens can learn perseverance, teamwork, leadership, and how to bounce back after mistakes.
But there’s something we don’t talk about enough... The role parents play in shaping that experience. What we say from the sidelines, in the car ride home, and during the hard moments can either build confidence or add st...
Ep 29. 7 Lessons from the Wilderness: How Teens Discover Strength, Connection, and Authenticity
Every summer, I watch teens step into the wilderness and come home transformed.
Out there, they learn they can do hard things, discover strength they didn’t know they had, connect with people outside their usual circles, and feel the freedom of being fully themselves.
Here are seven powerful lessons they carry back from our Rites of Passage journeys:
Resilience – “I can do hard things and survive.”Inner Strength & Confidence – uncovering courage they didn’t know they had.Unexpected Friendships – connecting with peers outside their usual circles.AuthenticityEp. 28: More than a Medal: What Alysa Liu Teaches us about Teen Motivation and Success
In this episode, I explore the powerful lessons in Alyssa Liu’s journey, from stepping away to winning Olympic gold on her own terms, and what her story teaches us about teens, identity, agency, and authentic success.
Her story isn’t just about sports. It’s about joy, ownership, and becoming who you truly are.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
Why teen motivation strengthens when it feels like their choice How to help teens build an identity bigger than achievement The difference between support and control (and why it matters) Wh...Ep. 27: The Number One Way to Increase Influence and Connection with Your Teen: Respect
In this episode, I break down what respect really looks like during adolescence, why it matters so deeply, and how we can lead our teens with both firmness and dignity.
When teens feel dismissed, talked down to, or controlled, their brains go into defense mode. But when they feel respected, they’re far more likely to stay open, honest, and cooperative even when the conversation is hard.
So often, we fall into the mindset that respect is something our teen has to earn. But the truth is, with teenagers, respect is often the fastest way to r...
Ep. 26: The Control Shift That Changes Everything With Teens: What You Can Control vs What You Can’t
I’m sharing a simple but powerful shift that can completely change your relationship with your teenager: learning what’s actually in your control and what isn’t.
When your teen is shutting down, acting out, bringing attitude home, or struggling with motivation, it’s so easy to fall into the trap of trying to control their behavior in the heat of the moment. But the truth is, the more we try to control what we can’t, the more disconnected and overwhelmed we feel.
In this conversation, I break down how focusing on your own respon...
Ep. 25: School Refusal in Teens: What to Do When School Becomes a Battle
In this episode, I’m breaking down school avoidance and school refusal in teens, including why it’s on the rise, what’s happening underneath the behavior, and practical, compassionate ways parents can support their teen without escalating conflict.
If your teen is melting down in the mornings, complaining of feeling sick, shutting down, or outright refusing to go to school, this episode will help you understand what’s driving the behavior and how to move forward without shame or fear.
In this episode, I cover:
What school avoidance and school refusal really m...Ep. 24: Raising Teens: 5 Ways Our Children are Our Greatest Teachers
In this episode, I’m sharing one of the biggest truths of my life: our children are some of our greatest teachers. I walk you through five lessons my kids have taught me so far, and how these lessons have shaped the way I show up in motherhood, especially in the teen years.
In this episode, I cover:
Regulate: learning how to stay grounded when I’m triggered or overwhelmedSurrender: practicing trust and letting go, one layer at a timeService: showing up with devotion while remembering I matter too<...Ep. 23: The 5 Secrets to Teen Confidence Every Parent Should Know
Teen confidence isn’t something your kid either “has” or doesn’t have; it’s something we can build. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 5 core skills I teach teens and young adults to help them move from anxiety and avoidance into real self-trust and forward motion.
I also share a story about a young adult I worked with who felt stuck after Covid, isolated, anxious, and disconnected from her life, until she found a pathway back to herself through creativity, new friendships, and small steps that created real momentum (including college planning and financial aid).
In thi...
Ep. 22: Raising Initiated Adults- New Freedoms, New Responsibilities
Today I’m sharing some thoughts I’ve been sitting with as I look at what’s happening in the world, and in everyday life. I keep coming back to the same idea: we’re missing clear pathways into adulthood. This episode is about what initiation is, what changes when young people are actually guided through it, and why rites of passage is at the heart of what we do at Guided Passages.
Key takeaways:
New freedoms come with new responsibilities: adulthood isn’t a free-for-all—it’s a role with impact, power, and accountabilityEp. 21: 10 Communication Pitfalls That Push Teens Away
If you want your teen to actually come to you, especially when things get messy, these 10 communication pitfalls are the patterns to notice, interrupt, and replace with more connected communication. In this short episode, we’re talking about the subtle habits that can create disconnection and erode trust with your teen, often without us realizing it.
The 10 Communication Pitfalls:
Fixing / advising in the meltdown momentMinimizingGuilt tripsBoundary policing + micromanagingNeeding to be rightLabels + “always/never” statementsNot apologizing / not repairingSilent treatment / passive-aggressive energyLosing your coolCritiquing + lecturingJoin Me Inside Skool
Want support practicing these shifts in real t...
Ep. 20: The Up-Level Reset (Part 4) The Identity Shift
In Part 4 of The Up-Level Reset, I'm closing out the mini-series with a powerful identity shift for 2026 because real change doesn’t stick when it’s built on pressure, willpower, or all-or-nothing resolutions. This episode helps you shift from outcome-based goals (“I need to fix this”) to identity-based change (“I’m the kind of person who…”), so your habits actually have somewhere to live. We’ll also uncover the feeling beneath your goals, explore how tiny, repeated wins rewire your brain over time, and end with a guided visualization to help you step into the version of you you’re becoming.
I...
Ep. 19: The Up-Level Reset (Part 3) Courage & Trust
We’re in Week 3 of my 4-part mini series, The Up Level Reset: Four Simple Shifts for a Stronger 2026, created to help you (and me) head into the new year with more clarity, alignment, and self-trust.
Part 1 – The Focus Shift: How where you place your attention shapes your emotional world and relationships.
Part 2 – Upgrade Your Beliefs: Questioning the stories that limit you and choosing thoughts that expand what’s possible.
In this Christmas Eve episode, Part 3 – Courage & Trust, we’re talking about listening to your inner voice, laying down...
Ep. 18: The Up-Level Reset (Part 2) Upgrade Your Beliefs
This week, I’m continuing my four-part mini series, The Up Level Reset: Four Simple Shifts for a Stronger 2026 created to help you start the new year feeling intentional and grounded.
This is Week 2, and we’re going a level deeper.
If last week was about where you place your attention, this week is about what you believe, about yourself, your life, your teen, and what’s possible for you in 2026.
I talk about how beliefs act like an invisible blueprint, how they shape your emotions and choices, and how to start rewriti...
Ep. 17: The Up-Level Reset (Part 1) The Focus Shift
In this first episode of The Up-Level Reset: Four Simple Shifts for a Stronger 2026, I’m kicking off a four-part mini series airing over the last four Wednesdays of 2025.
Lately, I’ve been feeling the weight of life: the grind, the to-dos, the heaviness of the world, and the emotional load of parenting and running a business. So this series is my personal reset too. I’m pulling out my tools, turning the page, and inviting you to do this with me.
This week is about the simplest shift that can bring the fastes...
Ep. 16: Is Your Teen Unmotivated? Here’s What’s REALLY Going On
If it feels like you’re constantly pushing your teen to do homework, clean their room, plan for college, or even just get out of bed, you are so not alone. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down a truth I wish every parent knew:
It's not that your teen isn't motivated; they’re just not motivated by the things you want them to be.
There are real developmental, psychological, and neurological reasons behind this, and when you understand what’s actually going on underneath that “I don’t care” attitude, everything shifts.
Today...
Ep. 15: Rites of Passage- The Missing Piece Our Teens Desperately Need
In this episode I explore why intentional rites of passage are critically missing in today’s youth culture, and how parents can guide their young people into these powerful experiences.
🎧 What You’ll Hear in This Episode
The why behind rites of passage: what happens when teens don’t receive a ritualized transition and what happens when they do.A breakdown of the three phases of a rite of passage: separation, challenge (threshold), and incorporation.What these phases look like in real life, especially in a wilderness setting.How parents can help their teens plug into authentic...Ep. 14: How to Help My Anxious Teen- 5 Steps Every Parent Needs to Know
In today’s episode, I’m diving into something so many of us are navigating right now: teen anxiety - why it happens, why it feels so overwhelming, and how to help your anxious teen feel calmer, more confident, and less alone.
As both a parent and a youth coach, I break down what’s happening in your teen’s body and brain, why anxiety shows up the way it does, and the compassionate strategies that actually help—rather than the ones that backfire.
If you’ve been asking, “How do I help my anxious teen?” this ep...
Ep. 13: What If ‘Success’ for Your Teen Looks Different Than You Expected?
In this week’s episode, I’m unpacking something I think every parent, coach, and mentor wrestles with at some point, which is the idea of "success."
We all want to see our teens thriving and happy, but what if success doesn’t always look like a dramatic transformation? What if it’s quieter… slower… and sometimes invisible at first?
In this conversation, I share what I’ve learned from years of working with teens and families about what real growth actually looks like — and why it takes time.
Here’s what I dive into:
Why...Ep.12: Teen Screen Time and Mental Health- 5 Hidden Impacts and How to Help (Without Power Struggles)
Screens are everywhere — and if you’ve ever felt like you’re losing the screen-time battle at home, you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s really happening in your teen’s brain, why phone use is so addictive, and the five hidden ways it affects their confidence, sleep, motivation, and mental health.
We’ll talk about how to move from control to collaboration, model healthy habits ourselves, and create boundaries that build connection instead of conflict.
💡 Highlights
The neuroscience behind screen addiction and dopamine hitsHow social media fuels comparison and low...Ep. 11: How to Support Your Teen Without Getting Pulled Under
Parenting teens can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. When they’re anxious, stressed, or hurting, we feel it too. Our hearts are right there in the storm with them — which makes sense, because we love them so deeply. But sometimes that love and empathy can pull us under, leaving us exhausted, reactive, or even anxious ourselves.
In this episode, I’m sharing what I’ve learned about how to support your teen without getting pulled under and how to stay loving, present, and connected without carrying all of their emotions as your own.
I’ll walk you t...
Ep. 10: LEAKED 5-Minute Guided Mediation for Teens - Ignite a Positive Mindset
In today’s episode, I’m sharing something I normally only offer inside my 12-week teen coaching programs — a leaked 5-minute guided meditation designed to help your teen or young adult ignite a positive mindset, shift their thoughts, and start their day with confidence and calm.
This calming and empowering meditation helps teens — and anyone who listens — reframe challenges, find focus, and create more positivity in everyday life.
👉 Want your teen or young adult to access more mindset tools and emotional regulation techniques?
Learn more about my Rise Up & Ignite Coaching prog...
Ep. 9: How to Stop Yelling at Your Teen (and Actually Stay Calm)
In this episode, I’m talking about something that doesn’t get said enough: we can’t just send our teens to coaching or therapy and expect everything to change if we aren’t willing to do the work, too.
Real, lasting change doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens in the family system. When we, as parents, start learning how to regulate our own emotions, shift old patterns, and show up differently, we create the safety and stability our teens need to grow and heal. It’s just as important for us to do our own inner...
Ep. 8: Why Following Your Own Dreams Makes You a Better Parent
This week, I’m sharing something that’s been on my heart after an incredibly full (and honestly, exhausting) week — a reminder that one of the best things we can do for our kids isn’t actually about them… it’s about us.
In this episode, I talk about how following our own dreams and passions doesn’t just make us happier — it gives our teens permission to live boldly too. I share what happened when I finally stopped pushing through exhaustion, took time to reset, and reconnected with the things that bring me joy — like beadwork, nat...
Ep. 7: Nature, Connection, and Belonging: How Time Outdoors Transforms Teen Mental Health
In this episode, Jasmyne explores the profound connection between nature, mental health, and adolescence—and how time spent outdoors can calm the nervous system, strengthen resilience, and awaken a sense of belonging in young people.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
How immersion in nature helps regulate the nervous system and reduce anxiety in teensWhat a 2023 meta-review of 1,600 studies reveals about the link between nature exposure and adolescent well-beingHow “talking circles” and council practices foster empathy, emotional regulation, and belonging among youthWhy unstructured outdoor play is critical to healthy development (and what...EP. 6: Parenting Teens with Compassion and Neuroscience: A Conversation with Tiffany Grimes
Welcome back to Parents and Teens Rising! Today’s episode is a little different—I’m resharing a recent conversation where I was interviewed by my mentor and colleague Tiffany Grimes on her podcast Rewired: Neuroscience Meets Real-Life Change. This originally aired as Episode 8, Rewiring How We Parent Teens with Neuroscience and Coaching. Tiffany is the CEO of Empower Coaching and Training and a powerhouse in the coaching industry.
In the episode, we explore what’s really happening in the developing teen brain and how parents can use compassion, curiosity, and coaching strategies to move from frustration to conne...
Ep. 5: LEAKED Paid Training for Teens – Building Your Growth Mindset
Today’s episode is something special—I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look at one of the lessons from my paid coaching programs, Rise Up and Ignite. Normally, this training is just for my students, but I wanted to share it here because the message is too important to keep behind closed doors.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
The difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset (and why it matters).How the way you think about challenges can either hold you back or launch you forward.5 powerful steps yo...Ep. 4: 10 Steps to a Better Connection with Your Teenager
If you’ve ever wondered why your teen doesn’t talk to you like they used to, you’re not alone. The teenage years bring a whole new set of challenges — distance, eye rolls, and the occasional slammed door.
But here’s the good news: connection is still possible, and it doesn’t require perfection.
In this episode, I’m sharing 10 simple but powerful steps you can start practicing today to build (or rebuild) a stronger connection with your teenager. From small daily gestures to handling conflict with steadiness, these tools wi...
Ep. 3: Setting Boundaries with Your Teen without Constant Conflict
Setting boundaries with our teens can feel like walking a tightrope — one wrong move and the whole thing can spiral into arguments, resentment, or total shutdown.
But here’s the truth: boundaries don’t have to create distance. In fact, when done well, they strengthen your connection.
In this episode, I’m sharing practical tools and real-life examples to help you set healthy boundaries with your teen while keeping trust and respect intact. We’ll talk about when to hold firm, when to let things go, and how to include your teen’s voi...
Ep. 2: Backpacks, Beaches, and Becoming: Finding Myself Through Rites of Passage
Hey everyone — welcome back to Parents & Teens Rising!
In this episode, I’m taking you on a journey through my own story — from my messy and confusing high school years, to the wilderness rites of passage that cracked me wide open, to the hikes, the challenges, the discoveries, and the transformation that eventually led me to the work I do today with teens and parents.
I’m sharing the parts of my story I’ve never fully told before — the years of searching, the moments of profound connection in nature, and...
Ep. 1: When Your Teen Doesn't Fit the Mold: Supporting Their Authenticity and Identity
Episode 1: When Your Teen Doesn’t Fit the Mold
If you’ve ever worried that your teen doesn’t fit the “traditional” path — whether it’s school, sports, friends, or even personality — you are not alone. In this first episode of Parents and Teens Rising, I’m diving into what it really means when your teen doesn’t fit the mold… and why that’s not something to fix, but something to understand, support, and celebrate.
We’ll talk about:
Why so many teens today struggle to fit societal expectatio...
