Curlee Girlee's Crackin' the Kid Code

Allyn Rose, a former Miss America contestant lost her mom when she was just 16 years old. Her family history of breast cancer forced her to re-examine her life and her breasts. After choosing a preventive double mastectomy, Allyn was featured as a model in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition. Taking control of her life and choosing to break the chain of cancer, Allyn founded a non-profit called The Previvor to raise breast cancer awareness and educate women on their options.

Thrifting clothes was just a passion of Chiara Menage before she decided to turn it into a small business where she listed and sold the used vintage and modern clothes she found. Through a twist of fate, Chiara was contacted by the costume designer of Netflix's hit series The Crown and many of her products can now be seen worn by Princess Diana in the most recent season.  

Professor Rebecca Raby, sociologist and expert on childhood and adolescents has done extensive research on dress codes in school and the very negative and discriminatory impact this has on girls which can affect them for years to come.  Rebecca is measured and soft spoken in her tone but her words are  powerful and her message is thought provoking.  Protecting your child from the negative implications of being dress coded is an important part of protecting who they are now and ensuring who they will become!

Recently featured in the NY Times, Faith Fox is an attorney and single mom who wasn't seeking the spotlight but became someone to reckon with when her son's 9th grade class introduced a book assignment that she felt was inappropriate, especially as he is one of only 2 black children in the classroom.  Faith's son was a straight A student and rising basketball star but he was expelled nonetheless.  Faith stood up for what she believed was right. What do we teach our children, when we punish them and their parents for taking a stand??

Recently featured in the NY Times, Faith Fox is an attorney and single mom who wasn't seeking the spotlight but became someone to reckon with when her son's 9th grade class introduced a book assignment that she felt was inappropriate, especially as he is one of only 2 black children in the classroom.  Faith's son was a straight A student and rising basketball star but he was expelled nonetheless.  Faith stood up for what she believed was right. What do we teach our children, when we punish them and their parents for taking a stand?? 

NYC Mayor Campaign Manager Rick Fromberg weighs in on our recent election. Rick has been a campaign manager for NYC Mayor Bill De Blasio, Hillary Clinton, and others.  He has been watching this election carefully and today he weighs on voter counting, voter turn-out and voter-fraud!  Listen to this episode if you want to be up on the latest!

Olivia Troye, is brave and honest and real. This former Member of the Corona Task Force and aide to Vice President Mike Pence details what it really felt like working at the White House, during these challenging times.  As Mike Short, Chief of Staff to Mike Pence is diagnosed with Covid, Olivia recalls how mask wearing was frowned upon and how  the culture of fear in the White House permeated.  What led Olivia, a lifelong Republican and person who really cared about her job and the American people to finally say "no more".  Taking a stand and swimming against the tide is never easy, listen to this Episode and you will  have a window behind the scenes at the White House.  

Do you want to know what in-person school is really like?  From real kids?  During Corona?!!  Listen to Elie and Ari, 2 of my adorable children who are in middle and lower school in person!  You will get the real scoop straight from those in the actual trenches!  Elie and Ari discuss recess, wearing a mask all day and social distancing in the classroom!  Whether your child is learning virtually or in person, you won't want to miss this one!!

Barry is a serial entrepreneur, who started a movement that has Forbes and Oprah talking about!  Find out more about this one-of-a-kind man on this week's Episode!

Nancy Stearns Bercaw is a seventeen-time NCAA All-American athlete and was inducted into the University of South Florida's Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009. Her writing has appeared in publications around the world, including the New York Times, the Huffington Post, the Korea Herald, U.S. News & World Report, Abu Dhabi's Tempo magazine, and ScaryMommy.com. She is the author of Brain in a Jar: A Daughter's Journey through Her Father's Memory and a contributor to Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living with Alzheimer's and Other Dementias.

Jane Green is a NY Times Best selling author, mom of six and all around interesting person.  She has been part of the ABC News Time, has had her own show on BBC Radio London and regularly appears on TV and radio.  As if that wasn't enough, she is a graduate of the International Culinary Institute of New York , amateur decorator and passionate gardener. As a mom of SIX how does she find the time??? Find out in this week's Episode

Rabbi Marc Schneier is the founding Rabbi of one of the pre-eminent synagogues in the world.  But he is not just a Rabbi.  He is a visionary and a leader and he has dedicated his life to finding commonalities and healing divisiveness among the black and white community.  Listen to this podcast and you will learn how one man with a vision can be instrumental in bringing about change.  You wlll also hear about Marc's acting with Sara Jessica Parker, of Sex and the City, you won't want to miss this one! 

Dr. Angela Williamson is a filmmaker, speaker, educator and author of the bestselling children's book, My Life with Rosie:  A Bond Between Cousins, released on Juneteeth in celebration of the real woman behind the story everyone thinks they know.  Dr. Angela is a woman with vision and heart which she brings full force to the work she does and the book she recently authored.  Married to Rosa Parks cousin, Angela got an up close- look into the real woman who was at the heart of the segregation movement.  Listen to the Episode and you too will meet the Real Rosie!

Winn Claybaugh has been CEO of Paul Mitchell Hair Salons Schools for two decades so he knows hair and beauty.  But he also knows people and is a man of big ideas, big dreams and a big heart. We can all learn from each other but some of us are natural motivators; Winn Claybaugh has been named by CNN as one of the top motivational speakers!   Listen to this podcast and you will  understand why.  He truly believes in making a difference and his words of wisdom resonate so deeply .  I like to call it wisdom with heart and soul- see if you agree!

A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Parks, is a NY Times Bestseller detailing the harrowing walk of an 11 year old boy Salva Dut from his hometown in South Sudan to refuge in Ethiopia.  Salva was just a child sitting in a classroom dreaming about lunchtime when his life fell apart. As one of the Lost Boys of Sudan, Salva walked hundreds of miles to safety encountering untold horrors and losses along the way.  Salva somehow managed to find the hero inside himself and after coming to America and finishing college, he decided to give back to his people by building wells.  Water for South Sudan was born and today Salva has dedicated his life to ensuring that as many Africans as possible have clean running water.  With Coronavirus in our midst nothing could be more important in maintaining health and safety than a fresh water supply.  Salva!  It was an honor to have you as our guest.  Listen to this podcast it inspire you to find the hero inside all of us!

Eli Beer was just a six year old boy when he witnessed a bombing.  The memory stayed with him for a long time and he promised himself that one day he would save lives.  Eli is a man who keeps his word and then some.  In this week's Episode of Changing the Course, Eli talks about his miraculous recovery from the Coronavirus from intubation to extubation as he retells the chilling memories of being sedated for 30 days.  His story is one of hope and of survival but ultimately his story is one of heroism. We can all be heroes in our everyday life, we just need to take opportunities that lie in our midst.  Eli has taken those opportunities and in doing so he has saved thousands of lives and united those from varying walks of life.  Eli, the world is brighter because you are in it.  We are so happy for your recovery. 

Ellen O'Niell is a school prinipical in NYS.  She likes to think outside the box and is trying to collaborate with other educators to follow guidelines and safely navigate the new school year for our children.  Listen to this Episode and you will get the inside scoop on what goes on behind the scenes and in the minds of those leading the charge!

If you haven't heard the name Jace Chapman yet, I promise you will!  Jace was the hit of the acclaimed Netflix series, Healing Powers of Dude, which tackles anxiety in children in a whole new way.  Jace is a self motivated actor, mountaineer and oldest party of five!  He has climbed and reached Summits at age 11,  helped save his dad's life and wants to use his influence to help those less fortunate realize their dreams.  Where do you find a child like this??  Jace Chapman- we are really excited to see what the world has in store for you!

Martino is someone who breaks all molds and defies traditional stereotypes.  Adopted at birth, he spent much of his childhood with an abusive father.  Many years later he will find the opportunity to retrace his roots and go back to where he came from.  We are all a product of both our upbringing and our ancestry- listen to this episode and you will be inspired to find out where you are most deeply rooted!  You will also get one of the easiest and best curly girl tips ever!!

Martino Cartier has been named "America's most sought after stylist" by W Magazine, but even more impressive than his styling abilities are big heart, open mind and extraordinary ability to inspire all those he comes in contact with. As founder of Wigs and Wishes, Martino ensures that ANYONE who needs a wig due to illness, gets one, no questions asked. As creator of innovative and cutting edge hair styling products he has shown us all that sometimes good people are rewarded by finding more and more good with every turn they take. During corona time, Martino's acts of kindness are touching thousands who in turn are inspired to act similarily. On a recent FB live he raised $43,000 in just 2 hours and is helping the Hatzolah organization and Eli Beer save millions of lives with his generous contribution. Martino! Keep it up- the world needs more people like you!

Are you single?  Worried it may be getting too late to have a child?  Wanting to get your life in order and "almost perfect" before you thought about this next stage in life??   Jacey Lambros was just like you.   Jacey Lambros is a former Rokette in NYC and now an entrepreneur as the owner of Jane Do.  On this week's Episode Jacey opens up about her egg freezing journey.  You will get a window into the process behind the scenes, the physical procedure and the emotional turmoil.  Listen to the Episode and if you are thinking about freezing your eggs to not miss an opportunity- think no more, just do it!!

If you and your kids love Blues Clues and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood- listen to this episode and meet the creator and executive producer!  Angela Santomero is so multi talented it's hard to attribute just one or two adjectives to her.  But when I think of making a difference and contributing to a positive impact on children, I think of Angela.Angela began her career in the early 1990's at Nickelodeon.  Her Talents were quickly and easily identified and she became executive producer and writer of the very popular kids show Blues Clues.  When Fred Rogers died in 2003, "Kevin Morrison (CEO-Fred Rogers Co.) reached out to Angela and asked what show she would do to honor Fred's legacy". Her idea was an animated version of Fred Rogers' Neighborhood of Make Believe. This was the birth of  the very popular Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood.  Angela recently added "best selling author" to the list of credentials as the author of her new book, Radical Kindness.  Hopefully we can all make a difference in other people's lives.  Angela and the children's shows she creates, make an impact that will last a long time!

Rosie Quinn is an 8 year old who is wise beyond her years, adorable in spirit and soul and kind to the core! We had the pleasure of interviewing Rosie and her equally awesome mom Paula, founders of Coming Up Rosies, a non-for-profit that teaches children with alopecia and others with hair loss to embrace themselves just as they are.At Curlee Girlee our mission is to empower girls to love and embrace their unique selves, curly hair or not hair at all. Rosie Quinn embodies uniqueness and teaches us all a lesson about hair! Rosie we can't wait to see what the world has in store for you; we know you have big plans and we are rooting for you!

Coronavirus has become synonymous with pain, loss and fear.  Make no mistake we are in a war.  A war that is affecting even those not directly impacted with health complications.  Dr. Leo Galland, Harvard educated, author of many bestselling books and recipient of numerous awards is our guest today to help shed light on the latest developments that his research and team is working on.  Listen to this episode and you will find out things about this virus you never knew about!

Rhonda Moskowitz, a certified parenting coach has helped countless parents and children in so many modern-day struggles.  A few months ago, Rhonda came on our show, after being featured in the NY Times, to discuss her views on the impact devices have on our children in this ever-growing world of technology.  Today Rhonda is here to help us navigate raising our children during the coronavirus.  In a matter of weeks, days even, it feels like everything has changed and parents are at a  loss of how to explain things to our children, how to help them be productive, happy, carefree during this time that feels anything but that and how we as parents can be open, real and emotional with our children while still protecting them from every harsh news piece easily accessible on their devices.  Listen to this episode, it will make everything feel less overwhelming and easier to manage.

Dr. Abdu Sharkawy who is seen regularly on CTV of Canada and was recently interviewed on the Dr. Phil Show, wrote a Facebook post on March 5, that went viral.   Dr. Sharkawy detailed his concern that all reason would be lost in the face of the intense feelings of panic everyone is experiencing, March 5 seems like a long time ago and much has changed in the world since then.  Dr. Sharkway, from the front lines, is not afraid to admit, that he, along with many other medical professionals,  may have initially underestimated the fierceness of this virus,   As days progress and the virus spreads we must be socially and morally responsible and work to stop this virus by keeping our distance, however difficult that may be.  Be prepared, not scared and do your part to help put an end to the Coronavirus.  Listen to this Episode with this powerful doctor and you will know what you need to be doing!

Megan Taylor Morrison has been quoted as saying that loneliness equates with less satisfaction, less productivity, less creativity. As someone who had worked from home for many years, she felt lonely much of the time and when she began her work as a life and business coach with clients who worked similarily she noticed they too felt the same. She began co-working groups and both she and her clients found a sense of community even online. Hopefully, the coronavirus will be gone soon and isolation and social distancing will be words of the past but teaching our children and ourselves about building communities online may outlive these strange times. Listen to this Episode for yourself and your child- our children need social contact now more than ever! Feeling lonely doesn't have to be a daily emotion even during isolation!

Julia Chebotar practices healthy eating with easy-to-do recipes that busy moms can incorporate into their nighttime repertoire. We learned so many things from Julia. My favorite is that eating seasonally is as or more important than following that "organic" label everywhere. Whether you are a vegan, a vegetarian or a healthy meat- eater; understanding what you are ingesting is what it is all about! We really are what we eat! Julia is all about balance in your diet and your life! Find out how growing up as a red-headed Curlee Girlee made Julia who is she is today!

When you get the opportunity to chat with the writers of the hit show, Victorious, Erica Spates and Sam Littenberg-Weisberg, you jump at the chance.  Especially when those writers are now also the writers and producers of a new hit on Netflix, The Healing Power of Dude, which features Jace Chapman and Sophie Kim in roles that are both touching, funny and engaging all at once. Social Anxiety is real but often masked well so that those around you can mistake it for "just being shy" or even awkward, maybe even "not that nice" but behind all the masking is pain and fear and a desire to simply fit in without all the difficulties.  The Healing Power of Dude brings these important issues to the forefront, entertaining kids along the way and opening a dialogue that can only add to positive change.  Listen to this podcast and you will get the behind the scenes look into this awesome show!

Harmony and Karate- These two words may sound like an oxymoron but Sensi John has somehow managed to turn fighting and peace into an art form. It started in his school in NYC "Harmony By Karate" but soon John became a global movement of countering bullying with peace and pairing Karate with Harmony.John was featured on countless media outlets including CNN and ABC News and his Harmony Power Awards giving back to communities and countering bullying are melding peace and fighting to create Harmony in children of all walks of life everywhere. [01:49] Why Harmony By Karate?Sensei John is focused on the healing part of the martial art - empowerment, healing of the soul, etcMixing the mind with the body to create harmony especially for children to develop learningFocusing on the inner development of the human bodyMartial Arts is not just about the physical aspect but it's just the surface[04:12] The Difference between Harmony By Karate and other DojosSensei John teaches his students to come from a place of restraint rather than being reactiveWhen people lose their temper, they lose everythingThey have to learn how to learn to express their anger constructivelyYou might have heard stories of martial artists hitting someone because they weren't focused on the healing modalities of the martial art which is supposed to be aboutOther martial arts are focused on ego-based environments which are competitive in nature and are not focused on inner development. [07:55] The right time for parents to speakParents should understand that when a child wants to speak to you, it's not your time to speak.Parents usually interject judgement instead of listening to their childrenListening to your children sets a good example to them and will mirror your behavior as they get older[09:06] Being Bullied as a childSensei John started getting bullied at the age of 8 when someone grabbed him by the hair and slammed him.That incident became the impetus of his martial arts career along with his long-time crusade against bullying [13:14] Starting a movementHe shared stories of his former students and how Karate By Harmony changed their lives[14:00] Embracing the word HumanityYou have to embrace humanity and not just use the word for marketing purposesOne rule in his dojo is to embrace humanity in all its various forms. The way to teach empathy is teaching kids how to give, who to give to, and make it a habit 14:44He got a call for Dept Of Education and they're interested in his movement. 

Hair Love, the short animated film, won the Oscar this year and it is no wonder.  The inspiration for this adorable movie was none other than our guest Derrick Culpepper, owner of Active Dads Rule, Derrick strives to be a good example for dads everywhere.Derrick was going about his routine and just getting his young daughter ready for her school day, but the video he made to show his wife went viral.  The rest, as they say, is history.  Listen to this episode and find out what happened along the way and why so many people found comfort and inspiration in this adorable video.Show notes[2:00] How Derrick made the viral video with his daughterHis wife was out of town and it was his turn to take care of her daughterHe wanted to show evidence to his wife that he's doing his job while she's awayAfter recording the video, he uploaded the video to Facebook so he could share it to his wife and it ended viralThe intention was just to share it with her wife[3:55] How the video became viralAt first, it was just family and friends who saw and reacted to the video but after 10 months, it suddenly accumulated 500 viewsAfter 500 views, it suddenly grew to 5000...then 30000.[6:37] The correlation between the killing and his videoHis video showed the counter to the narrative being portrayed in the media about African-American men[12:00] Receiving an email from Cosmopolitan MagazineHe got an email from Cosmopolitan Magazine Asking him for permission if they can use the video to their siteEventually, he got asked if he wants to get featured in a documentary[14:07] Building a community called Active Dads RuleDerrick wants to encourage dads to be more involvedHis goal is to be self-less in the family in this society of self-centredness[18:01] Meeting Matthew Cherry and being the inspiration for the Oscar-nominated movie Hair Love[20:15] Why it's important to wear their hair naturallyEmbrace your natural self and accept who you areLove yourself regardless of what you see on social media[24:50] Derrick's son, DJHis son signed a scholarship to Southwestern University in Kansas where he'll pursue his athletic career and higher education[27:23] The correlation between serving the community and his passion to serve othersDerrick strives to stay hungry to serveHis motto is "The biggest room in the world is the room for improvement" so he keeps on finding ways to serve his family and communityIt always starts at home[28:55] What's next for Derrick and Active Dads RuleDerrick is looking forward to making more videosConnect with Derrick CulpepperYouTube 

Tammy Rabideau's story is as uplifting as it is moving; deeply personal, Tammy's journey with her daughter beside her, will inspire you to keep moving through all life's obstacles. Tammy was homeless not too many New Year's Eves ago, but she pulled herself back up and her young daughter was awarded a full scholarship to a top Ivy League college. Tammy chronicles her story from falling to rising in a beautiful essay, As the Ball Dropped our Life Fell Apart, chosen by Dan Jones, editor for the NY Times Style section's Modern Love column.Tammy's soft-spoken demeanor and calm exterior match a quiet strength and a woman of fierce determination and a refusal to give up. We all have struggles, disappointments, pain, listen to this episode as it will make want to strive through life's difficulties and come out shining on the other end.

Deciding to Divorce is never easy, nobody knows that better than Susan Guthrie, divorce attorney and mediator for over 30 years, (but trust me, she doesn't look a day over 40!). Susan is the host of her own podcast- Divorce and Beyond and in her role as a divorce attorney, she has been helping couples make a clean, responsible and cordial break always being mindful of their children and the bond they once shared.Susan shares her insights and years of experience both as a litigator and mediator in this week's podcast. Susan has been featured in and on media outlets such as CNBC, Market Watch, Forbes, the ABA’s Just Resolutions Magazine, Thrive Global, The Nook Online and many more; it is no wonder- listen to this Episode whether you are going through a divorce or just want to hear Susan's take on the recent movie, The Marriage Story, either way you will walk away just a little bit smarter and if you are breaking up- you will have the tools to do it the right way! 

Do you often feel overwhelmed, too busy to read your to-do list let alone add one more thing to your plate? We felt the same way; between raising children, work, business ventures, the struggle of every-day life, we didn't think we had any time left in our busy schedules.  But when you want to make time you will be amazed at what happens.Simple Acts: Of kindness, of giving back, of taking a moment to impact someone around you. Honestly "simple" is a misnomer because really acts of kindness can be hugely impactful, even life-changing which makes one believe that they are anything but simple.  Natalie Silverstein, author of Simple Acts:  The Busy Family's Guide to Giving back, explains in this week's episode how the beauty and the monumental lie in simplicity.  Grandeious acts of kindness, huge donations to charities, the Bill Gates Foundation- these are wonderful and they can be life-changing to those who are the beneficiaries of these institutions.  But you need not donate large sums of money or head a foundation to make life-changing impacts.  A smile, a kind word, a hand-made craft to the elderly, a toothbrush to the homeless these small things are anything but small.  Listen to this episode and you will fall in love with Natalie just as we did. She is an author, the founder of non-for profit and a person who followed her passion to do good all around her.  Her young husband was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease but even this failed to get her down.  After the shock of the discovery wore off, Natalie founded an organization, The Silverstein Foundation for Parkinson’s, determined to find a cure.  If you listen to Natalie you will be convinced that she will.   Natalie we are rooting for you!  Listen to this episode - it will "simply" change who you are! Follow Atara at Curlee GirleeFollow Grace at The Baby Spot

The Sunday NY Times Style Section is synonymous for many with sleeping late, lazy Sunday mornings, maybe a cup of coffee by your night table, perhaps a croissant or a donut half-eaten next to your newspaper.  For me, The NY Times Style section is about four words:  The Modern Love Column.  I LOVE the modern love column.  I wait for it all week, get excited to know the paper will be at my door, grab it before my husband can crinkle it up, making it harder to find my page.  And when it is in my hands I immediately flip through until I find the familiar font and the simple drawings accompanying this column. When I read Zoe Fishman’s column recently, The Subway Crush Who Crushed Me, I was blown away. Zoe’s writing is like poetry; her words flow one into the other and I found myself teary-eyed and choked up, not even realizing I was crying until a tear dropped on the paper in front of me.  I knew I had to interview Zoe; I wanted to hear her story in her own voice and share her words with our audience.Zoe is now a single mom, a published author, a writing teacher but more than all of that she is thoughtful, deliberate, interesting and funny.  I liked her as much as I had hoped I would; the woman behind the words does not disappoint. Read the column here and listen to our podcast with Zoe Fishman. You will laugh, smile, maybe shed a tear.  You will definitely walk away holding the ones you love more closely, remembering that life is precious and that moments of happiness lie in the mundane and that in the end only love is real! 

Mika Perry is put-together, organized, thoughtful, smiling almost picture-perfect.  But things are not always what they seem.  Several years ago, Mika found out her husband was cheating on her and her world almost fell apart.  She wanted to crawl into a corner and not come out but she had a new baby and a husband she did love.  Slowly Mika put the pieces back together and in this intimate podcast, she details just how she got through one of the hardest times of her life.  When your husband has an affair your world comes crashing down.  Life as you know it  ceases to exist, but Mika Perry created a new life and in doing so she uncovered pieces of herself she had never known.  Mika Perry describes her life now as better than ever and she attributes much of her growth and happiness to the very difficult time period post-affair.  You can grow from trials and tribulations if you want to, Mika Perry proves that and much more!  Listen to our interview and you will find out how to create goodness from disaster.

Davide Digirio- Tedx speaker, best-selling author, motivational speaker.  Davide coined two phrases that I absolutely love: “comparanoia” and “being unapologetic”.  Listening to Davide’s Tedx talk was like listening to your wisest friend give you advice.  It was calming, smart, and mostly just... true. We know that comparing ourselves to others is bad.  We know that children suffer from this tenfold and that the harm this does to their sense of self can be so difficult to undo.   We know as parents and educators we need to teach them that comparing themselves to others is counter to their uniqueness.  These are things we know or at least we are supposed to know. But listening to Davide talk about so many important topics in both a light-hearted fun way and a deep soulful manner is somehow more impactful than just knowing.  His calm voice and his thoughtful non-judgemental demeanor make his advice feel less like advice and more like things your grandmother always told you when she braided your hair or made you hot chocolate or helped you tie your shoes for the first time.  Davide is an author, a speaker, an educator,  but he is so much more, listen to this Episode and you will immediately know exactly what I mean.

Curlee Girlee podcast interviews Gil Zamora of the famed Dove Beauty SketchesWhen you look in the mirror, what do you see? All too often, we can be harsh, critical, unforgiving in how we view our reflection.  Women and girls particularly fall victim to negativity and self-loathing. Girls as young as eight or nine years old feel the pressures of social media, fitting in and looking just like their friends do.Dove brand set out to make changes and in doing so they launched The Dove Real Beauty Sketches Campaign. Similar to what we do at Curlee Girlee, Dove wanted to empower, encourage, and appreciate women of all shapes, sizes, ethnicities and diverse make-ups. Dove wanted women to see themselves as others see them; often less critically then we see ourselves.  In an effort to spread their message, Dove Real Beauty Campaign released its real beauty sketches video. Our guest today, Gil Zamora, is integral to this campaign and this very widely viewed video is one of the most acclaimed of its kind, with over 100 million views. Gil Zamora began his career as a police officer for the San Jose Police Department. As a young boy, he always loved to sketch but a career in law enforcement seemed to be the “right” thing to do.  Eventually, his love and passion for drawing won out and he became certified as an FBI Sketch artist. Gil worked on many high profile cases and was instrumental in solving thousands of cases with his ability to sketch from other people’s memories.  His popularity in the San Jose area led Unilever to seek out his expertise and employ him as their sketch artist for this groundbreaking video.I have watched this video countless times both by myself, with friends and even with my young daughters, each time I am unable to speak after the reveal is unveiled.  The impact this video will have on you will be palatable. Beauty standards are both innate and learned.  We can change the conversation with our children by exposing them to positive role models and influences.  Gil Zamora is one such individual. Listen to our interview and you will be entertained, humbled and awed by Gil and his accomplishments.  Together we can change the coarse of curly hair and in doing so empower ourselves and our children.So let’s get started now! Follow Grace at The Baby SpotFollow Atara at Curlee GirleeFollow Gil Zamora on Facebook at Gil Zamora Forensic Artist

At last, you get to know the host behind our Curlee Girlee's Cracking the Kid Code podcast! Atara Twersky,  the Mom behind the Curlee Girlee book series and the Curlee Girlee movement and Today Show Style Hero is here answering questions about her incredible new book, Curlee Girlee's Got Talent. Atara shares that Curlee Grilee has entered a talent show and does not go the traditional way as far as talents are concerned. We find our favorite curly heroine choosing a STEM experiment as her talent. Parents and children everywhere are going to love this book and it's sending a clear message that everyone has an incredible talent!We then get Atara to dish on everything from travel to Motherhood. We find out what inspires her as a Mom and as a person, whether she is a city girl or a country girl and the one thing that brings her peace!You don't want to miss this wonderful entrepreneur, author and Mom behind this fun podcast! Visit Atara at Curlee GirleePick up Curlee Girlee, the first book of the Curlee Girlee book series!Visit Grace at The Baby Spot

Working moms take heed!  This podcast is for you!  Julie Finn, CEO of the Working Mother's Mentor is our special guest today.  Julie went through the system checking all the boxes by attending the best schools, obtaining great degrees and finding herself high on the corporate ladder. Becoming a mom was just one more thing Julie was going to excel it and she did.  But despite her success, Julie felt that something was not right and the traditional roles she was placed in were not fulfilling her in the ways she wanted or needed to be fulfilled.  "Working Mother's Mentor" was born out of Julie's need to help herself and now as CEO, Julie is helping working moms find their groove and keep it by synthesizing, organizing and prioritizing.Listen to this podcast you will be entertained and also learn a ton!

Rhonda Moskowitz, an expert recently featured in the NY Times, Style section, is our amazing guest on today's podcast.  Technology is fantastic and has so many upsides both at home and in the classroom, but when devices overtake our lives, our home, and our children suffer.  Rhonda explains the pitfalls of devices, how children do better with a pen in hand rather than a keyboard and how the endless hours on phones or computers negatively affect their brains.  Rhonda further explains that there is an actual phenomenon called "Persuasive Design" which makes it nearly impossible to stop watching once we begin so that when children' say "I can't stop" they actually cannot!  If you want to find out the best way to handle device and what to do to replace them listen to this episode with expert, Rhonda Moskowitz. Visit Grace at The Baby SpotVisit Atara at Curlee GirleeBuy Curlee Girlee and Curlee Girlee's Got Talent

Naturallycurly.com is a name recognized by curly girls everywhere- on this week's episode, we interviewed one of the founders of Naturallycurly.com, Michelle Breyer.  Michelle began her career as a broadcast journalist but her hair got in the way, literally!  Michelle knew she needed to create a community for curly women to discuss, debate and decide on best hair products, best styling techniques and best hair care for curly girlies.  Along the way she realized that her work in this area was making a difference.  She gave up her day job to focus on Naturallycurly.com.  Today this website is an important resource for women with curls.  Listen for some great tips whether you are just beginning to embrace your curls or deciding to go sliver. This show is MUST-LISTEN for curlee girlees and their moms and dads everywhere! 

Dave Dahl- founder of Dave’s Killer Bread:  If you love healthy, whole-grain breads, his name is synonymous with the best bread known to mankind.    But Dave’s story is more really one of transformation.  Dave was homeless, then in prison with little hope of a promising future and yet somehow he turned his life around and in doing so, he found peace balance and purpose in his life.Dave’s Killer bread not only makes delicious bread that will feed your family in a natural healthful way but the company’s mission of employing ex-felons teaches us all a lesson of second chances.As parents, we constantly need to remind ourselves and our children that mistakes are not fatal and that they cannot define who we are.  We have the ability to turn things around and do the right thing and with proper guidance, we can learn to read, follow instructions, make better friends and eventually build multi-million dollar companies.  Dave Dahl is living proof.  Listen to his words carefully and you will hear a story of positive change that everyone can learn from. Follow Grace at The Baby SpotFollow Atara at Curlee GirleeBuy Atara's Books!

 A CNN HERO Rabbi G began a non profit organization, Kids Kicking Cancer, after watching his very young daughter die of cancer over 30 years ago.  Rather than fall into a hole of despair, Rabbi G decided to channel his grief toward helping other children and their families.   His powerful mantra- POWER PEACE PURPOSE and the term he coined and trademarked BREATH BRAKE really speaks volumes for children with cancer.  Rabbi G has taken his program globally and you can find him in remote parts of Africa and in small villages in Asia helping children to regain their power in the face of their illness.  Very remarkably, Rabbi G has been able to use his powerful techniques for children and adults everywhere with and without illness and he has been invited to teach his program to corporate executives both in the U.S. as well as across the globe.  Empowering parents and their children to regain their sense of self and empower them after trauma and illness has shown children everywhere that these techniques really DO work.   Children can feel helpless and disempowered many times during the course of their daily activities in the classroom, in the playground and even in the home.  Rabbi G is bringing his program to schools everywhere so that ALL children can reap the benefits.  You don't want to miss our conversation and you will be laughing and crying during this poignant interview. Visit Atara at Curlee GirleeVisit Grace at The Baby Spot

Breaking a sweat: it seems easy and something everyone wants to do at least once a day but is not. As Nadia Murdock tells us on our podcast Breaking a sweat is not easy when you have a child and a job, finding time to have 5 minutes alone is a challenge; carving out a half hour to stay in shape can at times seem impossible.We caught up with Nadia Murdock from Nadia Murdock Fit who details her way to fitness, eating and staying healthy, and finding balance in our lives by training our minds and changing our bodies! We all need more of it and we all need good roles models - count Nadia among the best!

In this week's episode, we are talking to Taralee O'Malley-Hurff about the important and not very well known topic of PANDAS.  Today October 9 is PANDAS Awareness Day and we believe this topic is important for EVERY parent to know about.  Your child may come down with a fever, chills and be diagnosed with Strept throat.  You go to the doctor, give them antibiotics and you think it is all over.  Hopefully, it is, but not always.  Taralee's O'Malley Hurff has become a reluctant advocate for PANDAS when her young daughter began exhibiting severe obsessive-compulsive disorder following a strep infection.  At first, she thought it was just "odd" behavior that would resolve itself, but as symptoms continued Taralee became frantic to find answers.  She did and in the process, she shed light on this condition that often, traditional medical doctors, are unable to diagnose.  It is a real disease and it is SCARY but knowledge is power and understanding what to look for and how to treat PANDAS can go a long way toward ultimate remission.Taralee is a champion for families suffering with this diagnosis.  In a quiet, thoughtful way, she tells her story and through her words, our audience will be informed as to this condition so they can help their child should the need arise.  This episode is a MUST listen for every parent!

Dr. Ross Greene "On collaborative parenting: How to Reduce Stress and bring Harmony to your Home" on CG's Crackin' the Kid Code Podcast #104The Kids We Lose documentary creator and author of The Explosive Child has a life changing approach for your child. Dr. Ross Greene found that rewarding good behavior and punishing bad behavior with your child does not work! Parents have expectations that some children have difficulty making. The conflict between many children and parents is that expectations are not being met and a child in conflict is feeling frustrated and exploding, causing more conflict. Dr. Greene has an innovative and supportive way of helping parents and children with conflict resolution. It’s time for parents to ask children to not only be the source of finding a solution of a problem but most importantly, have ownership of the solution. Atara and Grace speak to Dr. Ross Greene to give parents the top tips they need to defuse heated arguments and to help your child understand conflict resolution.

Author Gabrielle Hartley "Better Apart | Can one really divorce gracefully?!" on Crackin' the Kid Code Podcast #103Gabrielle Hartley is an attorney, mediator, speaker and author. She is known for a unique, non-toxic approach to divorce that she developed over two decades in practice. Gabrielle keeps 99% of her cases out of the courtroom and at the negotiating table as she effectively supports her clients to create a healthy, uplifted post-divorce life for them. Gabrielle served as court attorney for Judge Jeffrey Sunshine in NYC matrimonial court and is a member of the Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation. She currently resides in Northampton, MA with her husband and three sons. Find out more at GabrielleHartley.com. Visit Grace At The Baby SpotVisit Atara At Curlee GirleeBuy Curlee Girlee and pre-order Curlee Girlee’s Got Talent 

Lyss Stern founder of DIVA MOMS "Learn To Be a Diva Mom in a Good Way!" on CG's Crackin' the Kid Code Podcast #102 Diva Moms founder Lyss Stern is empowering Moms! We talk curls, confidence, kindness and how to raise confident kids while being DIVALYSSIOUS!! Owning your Motherhood never looked so good with our special guest Lyss Stern! Lyss is the founder of Diva Moms, the marketing company started by Lyss to bring a wide community of Moms to top marketers. She started this company organically and has become an authority of modern-day parenting. Lyss started Diva Moms when she was a kindergarten teacher! After becoming pregnant with her first baby, she went to a new Mothers luncheon and a lightbulb went off. There has to be MORE for Moms. Lyss had a PR background and coupled with being around and working with parents and children set the forefront for Diva Moms.     Visit Grace At The Baby SpotVisit Atara At Curlee GirleeBuy Curlee Girlee and pre-order Curlee Girlee’s Got Talent 

 Dr. Sarah Weinberger "On Parenting, Body Image and More!" CG's Crackin' the Kid Code Podcast #101Dr. Sarah Weinberger - Why HOW we look can negatively impact how we feel- and what to do to ensure this STOPS!  Dr. Sarah on parenting, body image, changing our inner narrative and more!Debuting Our Podcast and Choosing Our First Guest was Fun and EasyDebuting our podcast, Curlee Girlee's Crackin' the Kid Code was one of the most exciting experiences that Grace and I have shared.  Friends first and then business partners, Grace and I teamed up to navigate the world of parenting in a fun and informative way. Honing in on current and timely issues, Interviewing amazing expert guests and sharing our mom point of views will hopefully bring our podcast to the forefront of many conversations;  we hope to be a catalyst of positive and lasting change.  Selecting our interview with  Dr. Sarah Weinberger as our first Episode was a natural fit.  Dr. Sarah is a mom, just like we are and an expert in a field that we have come to know well.  We hope you enjoy this show as much as we enjoyed producing it!Moms have busy lives. We are the consummate multi-taskers.  We juggle our careers, manage our children’s activities, shop for dinner, prepare dinner, buy clothes, help with homework, plan trips; the list goes on and on and it often feels never-ending.  Sometimes as busy mothers, we can get so caught up in helping everyone around us we forget about who we are. Often women struggle with deep-rooted insecurities in connection with their appearances.  An often overlooked, under-researched part of women’s struggle with self-image is their hair. Women with naturally curly hair face an even greater societal pressure to fit in and conform to society’s current ideal of straight hair.  We were delighted to have Dr. Sarah Weinburger on the show to shed some light and wisdom on body positivity for both children and parents.I first met Dr. Sarah in the playground, but I really got to know her after she contacted me when my first children's book Curlee Girlee debuted.  Curlee Girlee takes the character, Curlee Girlee, on an adventure that challenges a young girl's sense of self and turns her struggle into a realization that being who you are and loving yourself and all your unique features, sets the path to self love and empowerment.  What I didn't know from writing my book, but what Dr. Sarah informed me, was that Curlee Girlee's struggle and her ultimate revelations, make her a champion for not just young girls but for women of all ages.  In fact, Dr. Sarah, who is a psychologist, with a particular focus on women's health; including body self-image, began using the Curlee Girlee book as a tool in her college classroom.In the age of social media, women's challenges become even more complex and navigating the pressures of being a woman in a globally connected world has even greater consequences.  Dr. Sarah encourages everyone to find positive ways to address ourselves and our children and be mindful of how our view of ourselves and our body image challenges can affect our daughters' self-esteem.Atara and Grace want to Ensure Positive Body ImageTogether Grace and I  are each parenting to 2 daughters (and one son).  Ensuring that our children are brought up with positive role models is of paramount importance.  Finding these role models can often be a struggle, especially when you as a mom are struggling yourself.   As a woman, imparting confidence to your child, begins first and foremost with feeling confident yourself. Children intuitively sense their parent's insecurities; being able to empower ourselves will go a long way to empower our children and ensuring they become the confident adults they are meant to be.  Dr. Sarah offers her expertise on how body image, in particular hair, can become a defining feature for a women and how, hair, from a cultural perspective, can be a tool of power or insecurity.At just four years old, Dr. Sarah’s second daughter, who is another curlee girlee,  is already very preoccupied with her curls. Dr. Sarah and I both agree that empowering children, at a very young age, to love their hair and all their uniqueness,  will change their inner dialogue so that they can grow up to be the confident young adults able to navigate the world feeling empowered and unstoppable.Grace added that very young girls, in first and second grade, are already using body shaming.  Grace explained that in her family they work on being a curl-confident and a body-positive household.  Dr. Sarah says hair is emblematic. Why are we fitting into a certain mold?  From a clinical perspective, children as young as four or five years old are already having preconceived notions of what a perfect look or body type should be.  We need to change those notions and begin a new dialogue.According to Dr. Sarah’s extensive research in this area, one very important way to instill positive body image is to ensure that we as parents do not enages is ANY negative self-talk.  This can be challenging when watching what you eat, or trying on clothes that you make feel uncomfortable, but it is important to ensure that your child does not pick up on your self-doubt.  Dr. Sarah insists that simply providing positive affirmations to your child is not enough; if your child sees you obsess about food, agonize at the dinner table, stress about weight loss, or even look in the mirror one too many times,  they will internalize those feelings and make them their own. Dr. Sarah cautions parents to avoid any and all negative body talk. This also includes not talking about friends and family as well as those in the media. This does not mean that one does not care about their appearance; rather we must be mindful of how we phrase things and model appropriate body cues so that your home becomes a home that truly embraces diversity of all kinds.No Negative Self TalkGrace and I would love to see a world where people view one another through lenses, that take into account the whole person, rather than allowing a cultural perspective or the media trend to define what beauty is. We all have the power to change the standard of beauty to reflect a myriad of charactersitcs and a diverse array of features.  I always like to say that change happens slowly but then suddenly. As long as we remain both persistent and consistent, we, as a society, can be the catalyst of sustainable change.Dr. Sarah and I both love the incredible and impactful video called “Dove’s Real Beauty Sketches”,  in which women describe themselves as well one another to a forensic sketch artist Gil Zamora.  Gil then produced two sketches based on these separate descriptions.   The difference in the two sketches was so vast, confirming that how we see ourselves is often much harsher than how others describe and see us.  Dr. Sarah challenges all of us to change how we greet one another. Rather than focusing on how someone looks as in “ you look so beautiful today”, tell your mom, or your daughter, or your best friend, how wonderful seeing them makes you feel. Shed the “you look so great!”  and supplant it with “It’s so great to see you!”Dr. Sarah is a champion for women and young girls everywhere. Her expertise in the field of hair and body image makes her an important advocate for change and someone to keep on our watch list! Visit Grace At The Baby SpotVisit Atara At Curlee GirleeBuy Curlee Girlee and pre-order Curlee Girlee’s Got Talent  Visit Grace At The Baby SpotVisit Atara At Curlee GirleeBuy Curlee Girlee and pre-order Curlee Girlee’s Got Talent 

Curlee Girlee's Crackin' the Kid Code brings Atara Twersky, founder of curleegirlee.com and Grace Cross, owner of thebabyspot.ca, together in an effort to help us all navigate the road to empowerment and finding balance for ourselves and our children.  Between us we are raising five children- two curlee girlees, one baby and a boy!  We will host experts and professionals, celebrities and authors and we will all weigh in on an array of important and interesting topics.  This is a parenting podcast like no other.  So join us as together we work toward Crackin' the Kid Code!