Scrambled: The Children‘s Mental Health Podcast

Dr. Jessica Patel, Clinical Psychologist, returns to Scrambled to talk with Chad and Nikki about Autism. They discuss the ways that how we define and recognize autism has changed over the years.

Nikki and Chad talk about the habit of grudge holding, what can cause people to hold onto hurts, and strategies for letting go.

Chad and Nikki continue the conversation about depression in kids and families with strategies for recognizing and navigating the symptoms.

Nikki and Chad talk about what depression is, possible causes, and how to recognize it in children and teens. They provide an overview of possible treatments as well as ways to cope if you or a family member is diagnosed.

Return guest Leslie Vigor, parent and social emotional educator, joins Chad and Nikki for a conversation about the impact of screens on kids, with special focus on the incredible value of play for healthy emotional development in childhood.

Leslie Vigor, parent and Social/Emotional Educator, joins Nikki and Chad for a conversation about the risks and benefits of social media for children and teens.

Chad and Nikki talk about “Imposter Syndrome” and how this feeling of inadequacy can occur at any age, as well as what to do if you or your child experiences this when trying something new or challenging.

Nikki and Chad discuss “Misophonia,” a condition where people have an extreme reaction to certain sounds and what to do if you or your child shows signs of this disorder. A special, if not a bit ironic, note about this episode: Nikki got a new device and hadn't quite figured out all the sound settings before this episode was recorded so there is more background noise than typical. We apologize and will have that all cleaned up before our next episode!

Chad and Nikki welcome special guest, Jackie Martin, to talk about the difference between service dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support animals and her experience handling a therapy dog in a school setting.

Nikki and Chad discuss what to expect in a therapy session as well as ways to plan for sessions and get the most out of your experience.

Tiffaney Raines-Eaton, licensed therapist specializing in eating disorders, joins Chad and Nikki for a conversation regarding how to build healthy body image in our children.

Nikki and Chad discuss the difference between being alone and being lonely as well as the psychological benefits of spending time alone for different age groups.

Chad and Nikki are joined by Leslie Vigor, Director of Social Emotional Learning & Culture and Climate of an Illinois Regional Office of Education, for a conversation about the difference between restorative and punitive parenting as well as the use of restorative practices in the classroom.

In this episode of Scrambled, Chad and Nikki are joined by Dr. Ali Navidi, a clinical psychologist and CEO of GI Psychology, discussing disorders of brain-gut interaction and the gut-brain axis.

Joined by Kelly Baker, MSW, Nikki and Chad dip a toe into the complex topic of foster care and adoption and the mental health implications of these processes for children.

Nikki and Chad discuss disappointment, an emotion everyone experiences, often daily. They address ways to help kids process and cope with this feeling, as well as how parents can handle their own feelings of disappointment and model healthy responses for their children.

Chad and Nikki are joined by Dr. Paul DePompo, clinical psychologist and Cassandra Moore, LMFT, to talk about Tourette Syndrome.

Nikki and Chad discuss the disorder formerly known as “Seasonal Affective Disorder.” They share possible symptoms of depression with a seasonal pattern for children and adults, along with treatment options to consider if you think you or your child might be experiencing this.

In this episode, Scrambled co-hosts, Chad and Nikki explore the concept of group therapy, breaking down what it is and isn't. They clarify that group therapy is a therapeutic setting where multiple participants work on personal challenges with the guidance of a trained therapist, and it differs from support groups, which may not have a clinical structure. They discuss the benefits, including peer support, improved social skills, and learning from others' experiences, while also addressing potential risks such as feeling vulnerable in a group setting.

In this episode, Chad and Nikki dive into the growing trend of mental health days for kids, exploring the benefits these days offer, such as helping children manage stress, prevent burnout, and build emotional resilience.

Lisa Roberts, Pediatric Yoga Specialist, joins Nikki and Chad for a conversation about the benefits of yoga and mindfulness for children. They discuss ways to adapt these concepts to any child in any setting. Find out more about Lisa and her work at https://www.yoyoyogaschool.com/.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, coach, or caregiver, understanding how to address challenging behaviors with empathy and understanding can lead to more effective behaviors, improved skills, and positive relationships.

Chad and Nikki are joined by returning guest, Dr. Tanya Royster, Psychiatrist, for a conversation about mood disorders in children.

Nikki and Chad discuss practical strategies for navigating differences between co-parents and other adults working with children who might not see eye to eye regarding how behaviors and symptoms should be managed.

Chad and Nikki recently attended a Youth Mental Health First Aid course and share their experience in this episode.

There are a lot of tools a kid can use in their mental health toolbox. In this episode, Nikki & Chad offer 14 hacks that could help you or your child shake anxiety at the onset.  

The fear of public speaking is one of the most common fears there is. But that is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Panic Disorders.

Chad and Nikki are joined by Natasha Daniels of AT Parenting Survival. Natasha hosts a podcast and has published books, all about OCD. She is also the parent of children with anxiety and OCD. In this episode, she shares her professional and personal take on OCD in children and teens. 

Chad and Nikki are joined by Dr. Stephen Whiteside, Board-Certified Psychologist and Director of the Pediatric Anxiety Disorders Clinic at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, to talk about OCD diagnosis and treatment in children.

Nikki and Chad discuss strategies parents can use to build resilience against the impact of life's typical challenges, or in other words, “How Not to Ruin Your Kids in 10 Easy Steps.”

Nikki and Chad are joined by Nicole Wheatley, whose youngest child was diagnosed with brain cancer when her eldest daughter was just 3 years old. Tune in for a conversation about raising the siblings of children who have experienced trauma.

Justin Black, co-author and co-founder of Redefining Normal, joins Chad and Nikki for a conversation about generational trauma.

Nikki and Chad discuss the Adverse Childhood Experiences study from 1994, exploring the potential impact of ACEs on long term health and well-being.

Three time returning guest, Dr. Jessica Patel, Clinical Child Psychologist, joins Chad and Nikki to discuss treatment options for childhood trauma.

Dr. Jessica Patel, Child Clinical Psychologist, returns to Scrambled to discuss the many ways trauma can manifest in children.

Nikki and Chad share tips for coping with meltdowns and other parenting challenges.

Delving into the profound topic of trauma, Chad and Nikki embark on a thoughtful exploration by providing foundational insights into trauma and related disorders.

Mandy Harvey, Speaker and Trauma Healer, joins Nikki and Chad to start a conversation about trauma that will continue into several future episodes in 2024.

In the last episode of 2023, Chad and Nikki talk about self-esteem development in children. They share tips for helping the kids in your life build a healthy and stable view of themselves, one of the best gifts you can give!

In this Look Who's Talking Episode, Nikki and Chad are joined by Brian Kroening and Tom Fugelburg, two dads from Minneapolis making music for mental health. Tom and Brian share how they joined forces to create a musical movement for children's mental health. To sign up for their newsletter, visit seeking-permssion.com.

In an episode relevant to parents with kids of all ages, Nikki and Chad discuss lying. More specifically, are there times that lying to your kids is okay?

Chad and Nikki are joined by Sara Olsher, children's book author and illustrator and founder of Mighty and Bright, for a conversation about how to talk to kids about heavy subjects like divorce, cancer, and death.

In this third and final episode of our ADHD series, Dr. Tanya Royster returns to the conversation with the most current information about how psychiatry treats ADHD in children as well as a few non-medication treatment options that can help kids and families.

In the second installment of our ADHD mini-series, Dr. Tanya Royster returns to talk with Nikki and Chad about the process of diagnosing ADHD and the implications for this mental health disorder for kids and families.

In part 1 of a 3 part series, Chad and Nikki are joined by psychiatrist Dr.Tanya Royster who explains what ADHD is and is not, along with tips for recognizing the three different types of this disorder in kids.

We've talked before how anxiety can be a shapeshifter, but initially, does it show up different in boys and girls and is it easy to spot?

With the foundation for healthy coping discussed in the last episode, Chad and Nikki move on to quick ways for parents, and other adults, to de-escalate anxious, frustrated, or otherwise dis-regulated kids at home or school. 

It's back to school time, and Nikki and Chad do a deep dive into what it takes to have effective coping skills and share a couple simple-to-use coping skills to try as we face back to school anxiety or stress.

Scrambled welcomes Mike Oglesbee, author, coach, and hypnotherapist for Episode 53. Chad and Nikki explore alternative approaches to treating mental health symptoms while showcasing the work Mike is doing to help others.

In the  52nd episode of Scrambled, Chad and Nikki talk about the interesting and often complicated relationships between three childhood mental health conditions: OCD, Tourette's Syndrome, and ADHD.

Nikki and Chad highlight those little things parents do and don't do that can create anxiety for our kids in episode 51.