Podcasts about whole family

Joining me is Ash Brandin, educator and author of Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family. Ash brings a fresh, nonjudgmental perspective to how families can navigate technology with intention and respect.   Together we explore:   - Why the “less is better” approach to screens often creates guilt and power struggles, plus a strategy that is more effective. - How to use Ash's “ABCs of screen time” framework (access, behavior, and content) to make intentional choices that meet everyone's needs. - The importance of respect and collaboration in setting screen boundaries (and boundaries in general) which help kids learn to be active participants, not passive rule-followers. - How video games are a form of play that, used intentionally, can build autonomy, resilience, and connection. - Practical strategies to help kids notice their internal states, regulate emotions, and transfer those skills beyond screens.   Whether you're navigating video games, phones, or family movie nights, this conversation offers practical tools and a compassionate perspective to help your whole family build a healthier relationship with technology.     LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST:

Do you ever catch yourself treating screens like contraband—tolerated in tiny doses, never to be openly celebrated? Ash Brandin, author of Power On: Managing Screen Time for the Benefit of the Whole Family, urges us to view screens as morally neutral and to focus on how they can serve the whole family's needs.In this episode, Ash shares their “Screen Time ABCs”: Access that adapts to context rather than rigid caps, Behavior as neutral data rather than blame, and Content choices that create better stopping points. They offer practical tactics like sticky-note reminders for Minecraft, reducing scarcity with predictable access and occasional “yes days,” using body doubling for schoolwork, and setting YouTube Kids to Approved Content Only to eliminate ads and algorithms. Ash also addresses AI, encouraging us to teach kids digital literacy and vetting skills rather than fear.Their perspective replaces guilt with guidance, helping families connect through technology instead of fighting against it. Tune in to hear Ash's thoughtful strategies and mindset-shifting advice.Resources:Follow Ash Brandin on Instagram: @thegamereducatorRead Power On: Managing Screen Time for the Benefit of the Whole Family by Ash BrandinFall class registration is open! Visit Julie's Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie's new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingJoin us at the Brave Learner Home: https://bravewriter.com/brave-learner-homeLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that's sure to grab and keep your child's attentionSubscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa's Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Connect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook:

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This episode focuses on children and parents around the Puget Sound enjoying an end-of-summer vacation. We will cover many venues designed for children of all ages. This will include: The Great Wolf Lodge, Seattle Children's Museum and a number of small farm petting zoos. Also included are places where families can sit down together and enjoy great pizza and other menu favorites while the kids are having the time of their lives. Matt Shea is our guest host.

Will Donna Adelson's Testimony BURN THE WHOLE FAMILY DOWN? Most defendants avoid the witness stand. Donna Adelson is running toward it. Even before her trial began, word spread that Donna intends to testify in her own defense. That's almost unheard of — and almost always dangerous. Because once you're in that witness box, you lose control. Prosecutors get to ask the questions. Jurors get to scrutinize your every move. For Donna, the risks are massive. The state has: Her airport arrest with one-way tickets to Vietnam, a non-extradition country. Recorded calls with her son Charlie after his conviction, dripping with consciousness of guilt. A narrative that every other conspirator has already been convicted, leaving Donna as the final piece. So why testify? Maybe it's overconfidence. Maybe it's control. Maybe it's Donna being Donna — the same woman who, in emails, told her grown daughter how to live her life and fought to keep her grandchildren close at any cost. Defense attorney Bob Motta explains why this decision is so high-stakes. Could Donna connect with jurors and humanize herself? Or will arrogance, control, and desperation bleed through and sink her case? This is the moment that could define the entire trial. Because when jurors remember this case, they won't just recall the charts or the witnesses — they'll remember Donna on the stand, trying to talk her way out of being branded the mastermind behind Dan Markel's murder. Subscribe now to follow every twist as the Adelson trial reaches its most dangerous stage. #DonnaAdelson #DanMarkel #TrueCrime #MurderTrial #HiddenKillers #BobMotta #FamilyCrime #CourtroomDrama #Justice #FloridaLaw Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

Will Donna Adelson's Testimony BURN THE WHOLE FAMILY DOWN? Most defendants avoid the witness stand. Donna Adelson is running toward it. Even before her trial began, word spread that Donna intends to testify in her own defense. That's almost unheard of — and almost always dangerous. Because once you're in that witness box, you lose control. Prosecutors get to ask the questions. Jurors get to scrutinize your every move. For Donna, the risks are massive. The state has: Her airport arrest with one-way tickets to Vietnam, a non-extradition country. Recorded calls with her son Charlie after his conviction, dripping with consciousness of guilt. A narrative that every other conspirator has already been convicted, leaving Donna as the final piece. So why testify? Maybe it's overconfidence. Maybe it's control. Maybe it's Donna being Donna — the same woman who, in emails, told her grown daughter how to live her life and fought to keep her grandchildren close at any cost. Defense attorney Bob Motta explains why this decision is so high-stakes. Could Donna connect with jurors and humanize herself? Or will arrogance, control, and desperation bleed through and sink her case? This is the moment that could define the entire trial. Because when jurors remember this case, they won't just recall the charts or the witnesses — they'll remember Donna on the stand, trying to talk her way out of being branded the mastermind behind Dan Markel's murder. Subscribe now to follow every twist as the Adelson trial reaches its most dangerous stage. #DonnaAdelson #DanMarkel #TrueCrime #MurderTrial #HiddenKillers #BobMotta #FamilyCrime #CourtroomDrama #Justice #FloridaLaw Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

You're listening to Burnt Toast! Today, my guest is Ash Brandin of Screen Time Strategies, also know as The Gamer Educator on Instagram. Ash is also the author of a fantastic new book, Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family. Ash joined us last year to talk about how our attitudes towards screen time can be…diet-adjacent. I asked them to come back on the podcast this week because a lot of us are heading into back-to-school mode, which in my experience can mean feelingsss about screen routines. There are A LOT of really powerful reframings in this episode that might blow your mind—and make your parenting just a little bit easier. So give this one a listen and share it with anyone in your life who's also struggling with kids and screen time.Today's episode is free but if you value this conversation, please consider supporting our work with a paid subscription. Burnt Toast is 100% reader- and listener-supported. We literally can't do this without you! PS. You can take 10 percent off Power On, or any book we talk about on the podcast, if you order it from the Burnt Toast Bookshop, along with a copy of Fat Talk! (This also applies if you've previously bought Fat Talk from them. Just use the code FATTALK at checkout.)Episode 208 TranscriptVirginiaFor anyone who missed your last episode, can you just quickly tell us who you are and what you do?AshI'm Ash Brandin. I use they/them pronouns.I am a middle school teacher by day, and then with my online presence, I help families and caregivers better understand and manage all things technology—screen time, screens. My goal is to reframe the way that we look at them as caregivers, to find a balance between freaking out about them and allowing total access. To find a way that works for us. VirginiaWe are here today to talk about your brilliant new book, which is called Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family. I can't underscore enough how much everybody needs a copy of this book. I have already turned back to it multiple times since reading it a few months ago. It just really helps ground us in so many aspects of this conversation that we don't usually have.AshI'm so glad to hear that it's helpful! If people are new to who I am, I have sort of three central tenets of the work that I do: * Screen time is a social inequity issue. * Screens can be part of our lives without being the center of our lives. * Screens and screen time should benefit whole families.Especially in the last few years, we have seen a trend toward panic around technology and screens and smartphones and social media. I think that there are many reasons to be concerned around technology and its influence, especially with kids. But what's missing in a lot of those conversations is a sense of empowerment about what families can reasonably do. When we focus solely on the fear, it ends up just putting caregivers in a place of feeling bad.VirginiaYou feel like you're getting it wrong all the time.AshShame isn't empowering. No one is like, “Well, I feel terrible about myself, so now I feel equipped to go make a change,” right?Empowerment is what's missing in so many of those conversations and other books and things that have come out, because it's way harder. It's so much harder to talk about what you can really do and reasonably control in a sustainable way. But I'm an educator, and I really firmly believe that if anyone's in this sort of advice type space, be it online or elsewhere, that they need to be trying to empower and help families instead of just capitalizing on fear.VirginiaWhat I found most powerful is that you really give us permission to say: What need is screen time meeting right now? And this includes caregivers' needs. So not just “what need is this meeting for my child,” but what need is this meeting for me? I am here recording with you right now because iPads are meeting the need of children have a day off school on a day when I need to work. We won't be interrupted unless I have to approve a screen time request, which I might in 20 minutes.I got divorced a couple years ago, and my kids get a lot more screen time now. Because they move back and forth between two homes, and each only has one adult in it. Giving myself permission to recognize that I have needs really got me through a lot of adjusting to this new rhythm of our family.AshAbsolutely. And when we're thinking about what the need is, we also need to know that it's going to change. So often in parenting, it feels like we have to come up with one set of rules and they have to work for everything in perpetuity without adjustment. That just sets us up for a sense of failure if we're like, well, I had this magical plan that someone told me was going to work, and it didn't. So I must be the problem, right? It all comes back to that “well, it's my fault” place.VirginiaWhich is screens as diet culture.AshAll over again. We're back at it. It's just not helpful. If instead, we're thinking about what is my need right now? Sometimes it's “I have to work.” And sometimes it's “my kid is sick and they just need to relax.” Sometimes it's, as you were alluding to earlier, it's we've all just had a day, right? We've been run ragged, and we just need a break, and that need is going to dictate very different things. If my kid is laid up on the couch and throwing up, then what screen time is going to be doing for them is very different than If I'm trying to work and I want them to be reasonably engaged in content and trying to maybe learn something. And that's fine. Being able to center “this is what I need right now,” or “this is what we need right now,” puts us in a place of feeling like we're making it work for us. Instead of feeling like we're always coming up against some rule that we're not going to quite live up to.VirginiaI'd love to talk about the inequity piece a little more too. As I said, going from a two parent household to a one parent household, which is still a highly privileged environment—but even just that small shift made me realize, wait a second. I think all the screen time guidance is just for typical American nuclear families. Ideally, with a stay at home parent.So can you talk about why so much of the standard guidance doesn't apply to most of our families?AshIt's not even just a stay at home parent. It's assuming that there is always at least one caregiver who is fully able to be present. Mom, default parent, is making dinner, and Dad is relaxing after work and is monitoring what the kids are doing, right? And it's one of those times where I'm like, have you met a family?VirginiaPeople are seven different places at once. It's just not that simple.AshIt's not that simple, right? It's like, have you spent five minutes in a typical household in the last 10 years? This is not how it's going, right?So the beginning of the book helps people unlearn and relearn what we may have heard around screens, including what research really does or doesn't say around screens, and this social inequity piece. Because especially since the onset of COVID, screens are filling in systemic gaps for the vast majority of families.I'm a family with two caregivers in the home. We both work, but we're both very present caregivers. So we're definitely kind of a rarity, that we're very privileged. We're both around a lot of the time. And we are still using screens to fill some of those gaps.So whether it's we don't really have a backyard, or people are in a neighborhood where they can't send their kids outside, or they don't have a park or a playground. They don't have other kids in the neighborhood, or it's not a safe climate. Or you live in an apartment and you can't have your neighbors complain for the fifth time that your kids are stomping around and being loud. Whatever it is—a lack of daycare, affordable after school care —those are all gaps. They all have to be filled. And we used to have different ways of filling those gaps, and they've slowly become less accessible or less available. So something has to fill them. What ends up often filling them is screens. And I'm not saying that that's necessarily a good thing. I'd rather live in a world in which everyone is having their needs met accessibly and equitably. But that's a much harder conversation, and is one that we don't have very much say in. We participate in that, and we might vote for certain people, but that's about all we can really do reasonably. So, in the meantime, we have to fill that in with something and so screens are often going to fill that in.Especially if you look at caregivers who have less privilege, who are maybe single caregivers, caregivers of color, people living in poverty—all of those aspects of scarcity impacts their bandwidth. Their capacity as a caregiver is less and spread thinner, and all of that takes away from a caregiver's ability to be present. And there were some really interesting studies that were done around just the way that having less capacity affects you as a caregiver.And when I saw that data, I thought, well, of course. Of course people are turning to screens because they have nothing else to give from. And when we think of it that way, it's hard to see that as some sort of personal failure, right? When we see it instead as, oh, this is out of necessity. It reframes the question as “How do I make screens work for me,” as opposed to, “I'm bad for using screens.”VirginiaRight. How do I use screen time to meet these needs and to hopefully build up my capacity so that I can be more present with my kids? I think people think if you're using a lot of screens, you're really never present. It's that stereotype of the parent on the playground staring at their phone, instead of watching the kid play. When maybe the reason we're at the playground is so my kid can play and I can answer some work emails. That doesn't mean I'm not present at other points of the day.AshOf course. You're seeing one moment. I always find that so frustrating. It just really feels like you you cannot win. If I were sitting there staring at my child's every move in the park, someone would be like, “you're being a helicopter,” right? And if I look at my phone because I'm trying to make the grocery pickup order—because I would rather my child have time at the playground than we spend our only free hour in the grocery store and having to manage a kid in the grocery store and not having fun together, right? Instead I'm placing a pickup order and they're getting to run around on the playground. Now also somehow I'm failing because I'm looking at my phone instead of my kid. But also, we want kids to have independent time, and not need constant input. It really feels like you just can't win sometimes. And being able to take a step back and really focus on what need is this meeting? And if it's ours, and if it is helping me be more present and connected, that's a win. When I make dinner in the evening, my kid is often having screen time, and I will put in an AirPod and listen to a podcast, often Burnt Toast, and that's my decompression. Because I come home straight from work and other things. I'm not getting much time to really decompress.VirginiaYou need that airlock time, where you can decompress and then be ready to be present at dinner.I'm sure I've told you this before, but I reported a piece on screen time for Parents Magazine, probably almost 10 years ago at this point, because I think my older child was three or four. And I interviewed this Harvard researcher, this older white man, and I gave him this the dinner time example. I said, I'm cooking dinner. My kid is watching Peppa Pig so that I can cook dinner, and take a breath. And then we eat dinner together. And he said, “Why don't you involve her in cooking dinner? Why don't you give her a bag of flour to play with while you cook dinner?”AshOf all the things!VirginiaAnd I said to him: Because it's 5pm on a Wednesday and who's coming to clean the flour off the ceiling?AshA bag of flour. Of all the things to go to! VirginiaHe was like, “kids love to make a happy mess in the kitchen!” I was like, well I don't love that. And it was just exactly that. My need didn't matter to him at all. He was like, “h, well, if you just want to pacify your children…” I was like, I do, yes, in that moment.AshWell, and I think that's another part of it is that someone says it to us like that, and we're like, “well, I can't say yes,” right? But in the moment, yeah, there are times where it's like, I need you to be quiet. And as hard as this can be to think, sometimes it's like right now, I need you to be quiet and convenient because of the situation we're in. And that doesn't mean we're constantly expecting that of them, and hopefully that's not something we're doing all the time. But if the need is, oh my God, we're all melting down, and if we don't eat in the next 15 minutes, we're going to have a two hour DEFCON1 emergency on our hands, then, yeah, I'm gonna throw Peppa Pig on so that we can all become better regulated humans in the next 15 minutes and not have a hungry meltdown. And that sounds like a much better alternative to me!VirginiaThan flour all over my kitchen on a Wednesday, right? I mean, I'll never not be mad about it. It's truly the worst parenting advice I've ever received. So thank you for giving us all more space as caregivers to be able to articulate our own needs and articulate what we need to be present. It's what we can do in the face of gaps in the care system that leave us holding so much.That said: I think there are some nitty gritty aspects of this that we all struggle wit, so I want to talk about some of the nuts and bolts pieces. One of my biggest struggles is still the question of how much time is too much time? But you argue that time really isn't the measure we should be using. As you're saying, that need is going to vary day to day, and all the guidance that's been telling us, like, 30 minutes at this age, an hour at this age, all of that is not particularly germane to our lives. So can you explain both why time is less what we should fixate on? And then how do I release myself? How do I divest from the screen time diet culture?AshOh man, I wish I had a magic bullet for that one. We'll see what I can do.When I was writing this and thinking about it and making content about it, I kept thinking about you. Because the original time guidelines that everyone speaks back to—they're from the AAP. And they have not actually been used in about 10 years, but people still bring them up all the time. The “no time under two” and “up to an hour up to age five” and “one to two hours, five to 12.” And if you really dig in, I was following footnote after footnote for a while, trying to really find where did this actually come from? It's not based on some study that found that that's the ideal amount of time. It really came from a desire to find this middle ground of time spent being physically idle. These guidelines are about wanting to avoid childhood obesity.VirginiaOf course.AshIt all comes back, right?VirginiaI should have guessed it.AshAnd so in their original recommendations, the AAP note that partially this is to encourage a balance with physical movement. Which, of course, assumes that if you are not sitting watching TV or using an iPad, that you will be playing volleyball or something.VirginiaYou'll automatically be outside running around.AshExactly, of course, those are the only options.VirginiaIt also assumes that screen time is never physical. But a lot of kids are very physical when they're watching screens.AshExactly. And it, of course, immediately also imposes a morality of one of these things is better—moving your body is always better than a screen, which is not always going to be true, right? All these things have nuance in them. But I thought that was so interesting, and it shouldn't have surprised me, and yet somehow it still did. And of course it is good to find movement that is helpful for you and to give your kids an enjoyment of being outside or moving their bodies, or playing a sport. And putting all of that in opposition to something else they may enjoy, like a screen, really quickly goes to that diet culture piece of “well, how many minutes have you been doing that?” Because now we have to offset it with however many minutes you should be running laps or whatever.So those original recommendations are coming from a place of already trying to mitigate the negatives of sitting and doing something sort of passively leisurely. And in the last 10 years, they've moved away from that, and they now recommend what's called making a family media plan. Which actually I think is way better, because it is much more prioritizing what are you using this for? Can you be doing it together? What can you do? It's much more reasonable, I think. But many people still go back to those original recommendations, because like you said, it's a number. It's simple. Just tell me.VirginiaWe love to grab onto a number and grade ourselves.AshJust tell me how much time so that I can tell myself I'm I'm doing a good job, right? But you know, time is just one piece of information. It can be so specific with what am I using that time to do? If I'm sitting on my computer and doing work for an hour and a half, technically, that is screen time, but it is going to affect me a lot differently than if I'm watching Netflix or scrolling my phone for an hour and a half. I will feel very different after those things. And I think it's really important to be aware of that, and to make our kids aware of that from an early age, so that they are thinking about more than just, oh, it's been X amount of minutes. And therefore this is okay or not okay.Because all brains and all screens are different. And so one kid can watch 20 minutes of Paw Patrol, and they're going to be bouncing off the walls, because, for whatever reason, that's just a show that's really stimulating for them. And somebody else can sit and watch an hour and a half of something, and they'll be completely fine. So if you have a kid that is the first kid, and after 20 minutes, you're like, oh my god, it's not even half an hour. This is supposed to be an okay amount. This is how they're acting. We're right back to that “something's wrong. I'm wrong. They're bad,” as opposed to, “What is this telling me? What's something we could do differently? Could we try a different show? Could we try maybe having some physical movement before or after, see if that makes a difference?” It just puts us more in a place of being curious to figure out again, how do I make this work for me? What is my need? How do I make it work for us?And not to rattle on too long, but there was a big study done in the UK, involving over 120,000 kids. And they were trying to find what they called “the Goldilocks amount of time.”VirginiaYes. This is fascinating.AshSo it's the amount of time where benefit starts to wane. Where we are in that “just right”amount. Before that, might still be okay, but after that we're going to start seeing some negative impacts, particularly when it comes to behavior, for example.What they found in general was that the Goldilocks number tended to be around, I think, an hour and 40 minutes a day. Something around an hour and a half a day. But if you looked at certain types of screens, for computers or TV, it was much higher than that. It was closer to three hours a day before you started seeing some negative impacts. And even for things like smartphones, it was over an hour a day. But what I found so so interesting, is that they looked at both statistical significance, but also what they called “minimally important difference,” which was when you would actually notice these negative changes, subjectively, as a caregiver.So this meant how much would a kid have to be on a screen for their adult at home to actually notice “this is having an impact on you,” regularly. And that amount was over four and a half hours a day on screens.VirginiaBefore caregivers were like, “Okay, this is too much!” And the fact that the statistically significant findings for the minutia of what the researchers looking at is so different from what you as a caregiver are going to actually be thrown by. That was really mind blowing to me.AshRight, And that doesn't mean that statistical significance isn't important, necessarily. But we're talking about real minutiae. And that doesn't always mean that you will notice any difference in your actual life.Of course, some people are going to hear this and go, “But I don't want my kid on a screen for four and a half hours.” Sure. That's completely reasonable. And if your kid is having a hard time after an hour, still reasonable, still important. That's why we can think less about how many minutes has it been exactly, and more, what am I noticing? Because if I'm coming back to the need and you're like, okay, I have a meeting and I need an hour, right? If you know, “I cannot have them use their iPad for an hour, because they tend to become a dysregulated mess in 25 minutes,” that's much more useful information than “Well, it says they're allowed to have an hour of screen time per day so this should be fine because it's an hour.”VirginiaRight.AshIt sets you up for more success.VirginiaAnd if you know your kid can handle that hour fine and can, in fact, handle more fine, it doesn't mean, “well you had an hour of screen time while I was in a meeting so now we can't watch a show together later to relax together.” You don't have to take away and be that granular with the math of the screens. You can be like, yeah, we needed an extra hour for this meeting, and we'll still be able to watch our show later. Because that's what I notice with my kids. If I start to try to take away from some other screen time, then it's like, “Oh, god, wait, but that's the routine I'm used to!” You can't change it, and that's fair.AshYes, absolutely. And I would feel that way too, right? If someone were giving me something extra because it was a convenience to them, but then later was like, “oh, well, I have to take that from somewhere.” But they didn't tell me that. I would be like, Excuse me, that's weird. That's not how that works, right? This was a favor to you, right?VirginiaYeah, exactly. I didn't interrupt your meeting. You're welcome, Mom.Where the time anxiety does tend to kick in, though, is that so often it's hard for kids to transition off screens. So then parents think, “Well, it was too much time,” or, “The screen is bad.” This is another very powerful reframing in your work. So walk us through why just because a kid is having a hard time getting off screens doesn't mean it was too much and it doesn't mean that screens are evil? AshSo an example I use many times that you can tweak to be whatever thing would come up for your kid is bath time. I think especially when kids are in that sort of toddler, three, four age. When my kid was that age, we had a phase where transitioning to and from the bathtub was very hard. Getting into it was hard. But then getting out of it was hard.VirginiaThey don't ever want to get in. And then they never want to leave.AshThey never want to get out, right? And in those moments when my kid was really struggling to get out of the bathtub, imagine how it would sound if I was like, “Well, it it's the bathtub's fault.” Like it's the bath's fault that they are having such a hard time, it's because of the bubbles, and it smells too good, and I've made it too appealing and the water's too warm. Like, I mean, I sound unhinged, right?Virginia“We're going to stop bathing you.”AshExactly. We would not say, “Well, we can't have baths anymore.” Or when we go to the fun playground, and it's really hard to leave the fun playground, we don't blame the playground. When we're in the grocery store and they don't want to leave whichever aisle, we don't blame the grocery store. And we also don't stop taking them to the grocery store. We don't stop going to playgrounds. We don't stop having baths. Instead, we make different decisions, right? We try different things. We start a timer. We have a different transition. We talk about it beforehand. We strategize, we try things.VirginiaGive a “Hey, we're leaving in a few minutes!” so they're not caught off guard.AshExactly. We talk about it. Hey, last time it was really hard to leave here, we kind of let them know ahead of time, or we race them to the car. We find some way to make it more fun, to make the transition easier, right? We get creative, because we know that, hey, they're going to have to leave the grocery store. They're going to have to take baths in a reasonable amount of time as they grow up into their lives. We recognize the skill that's happening underneath it.And I think with screens, we don't always see those underlying skills, because we see it as this sort of superfluous thing, right? It's not needed. It's not necessary. Well, neither is going to a playground, technically.A lot of what we do is not technically required, but the skill underneath is still there. So when they are struggling with ending screen time, is it really the screen, or is it that it's hard to stop doing something fun. It's hard to stop in the middle of something. It's hard to stop if you have been playing for 20 minutes and you've lost every single race and you don't want to stop when you've just felt like you've lost over and over again, right? You want one more shot to one more shot, right?People are going to think, “Well, but screens are so much different than those other things.” Yes, a screen is designed differently than a playground or a bath. But we are going to have kids who are navigating a technological and digital world that we are struggle to even imagine, right? We're seeing glimpses of it, but it's going to be different than what we're experiencing now, and we want our kids to be able to navigate that with success. And that comes back to seeing the skills underneath. So when they're struggling with something like that, taking the screen out of it, and asking yourself, how would I handle this if it were anything else. How would I handle this if it were they're struggling to leave a friend's house? I probably wouldn't blame the friend, and I wouldn't blame their house, and I wouldn't blame their boys.VirginiaWe're never seeing that child again! Ash I would validate and I would tell them, it's hard. And I would still tell them “we're ending,” and we would talk about strategies to make it easier next time. And we would get curious and try something, and we would be showing our kids that, “hey, it's it's okay to have a hard time doing that thing. It's okay to have feelings about it. And we're still gonna do it. We're still going to end that thing.”Most of the time, the things that we are struggling with when it comes to screens actually boil down to one of three things, I call them the ABCs. It's either Access, which could be time, or when they're having it, or how much. Behavior, which you're kind of bringing up here. And Content, what's on the screen, what they're playing, what they what they have access to.And so sometimes we might think that the problem we're seeing in front of us is a behavior problem, right? I told them to put the screen away. They're not putting the screen away. That's a behavior problem. But sometimes it actually could be because it's an access issue, right? It's more time than they can really handle at that given moment. Or it could be content, because it's content that makes it harder to start and stop. So a big part of the book is really figuring out, how do I know what problem I'm even really dealing with here? And then what are some potential things that I can do about it? To try to problem solve, try to make changes and see if this helps, and if it helps, great, keep it. And if not, I can get curious and try something else. And so a lot of it is strategies to try and ways to kind of, you know, backwards engineer what might be going on, to figure out how to make it work for you, how to make it better.VirginiaIt's so helpful to feel like, okay, there's always one more thing I can tweak and adjust. Versus “it's all a failure. We have to throw it out.” That kind of all or nothing thinking that really is never productive. The reason I think it's so helpful that you draw that parallel with the bath or the play date is it reminds us that there are some kids for whom transitions are just always very difficult—like across the board. So you're not just seeing a screen time problem. You're being reminded “My kid is really building skills around transitions. We don't have them yet.” We hope we will have them at some point. But this is actually an opportunity to work on that, as opposed to a problem. We can actually practice some of these transition skills.AshAnd I really like coming back to the skill, because if we're thinking of it as a skill, then we're probably more likely to tell our kids that it's a skill, too. Because if we're just thinking of it as like, well, it's a screen. It's the screen's fault, it's the screen's fault. Then we might not say those literal words to our kids, but we might say, like, it's always so hard to turn off the TV. Why is that, right? We're talking about it as if it's this sort of amorphous, like it's only about the television, or it's only about the iPad, and we're missing the part of making it clear to our kids that, hey, this is a skill that you're working on, and we work on this skill in different ways.VirginiaI did some good repair with my kids after reading your book. Because I was definitely falling into the trap of talking about screen addiction. I thought I was saying to them, “It's not your fault. The screens are programmed to be bad for us in this way” So I thought, I was like at least not blaming them, but being like, we need less screens because they're so dangerous.But then I read your book, and I was like, oh, that's not helpful either. And I did have one of my kids saying, “Am I bad because I want to watch screens all the time?” And I was like, oh, that's too concrete and scary.And again, to draw the parallel with diet culture: It's just like telling kids sugar is bad, and then they think they're bad because they like sugar. So I did do some repair. I was like, “I read this book and now I've learned that that was not right.” They were like, oh, okay. We're healing in my house from that, so thank you.AshOh, you're very welcome, and I'm glad to hear that!I think about those parallels with food all the time, because sometimes it just helps me think, like, wait, would I be wanting to send this message about food or exercise or whatever? And if the answer is no, then how can I tweak it so that I'm sending a message I'd be okay with applying to other things. And I like being able to make those parallels with my kid. In my household right now, we're practicing flexibility. Flexibility is a skill that we're working on in so many parts of our lives. And when I say we, I do mean we. Me, everybody is working on this.VirginiaParents can use more flexibility, for sure.AshAbsolutely. And so like, when those moments are coming up, you know, I'm trying to say, like, hey, like, what skill is this right now? Who's having to be flexible right now? Flexible can be a good thing, right? We might be flexible by saying yes to eating dinner on the couch and watching a TV show. That's flexibility. Flexibility isn't just adjust your plans to be more convenient to me, child, so that I can go do something as an adult. And coming back to those skills so they can see, oh, okay, this isn't actually just about screens. This applies to every part of these of my life, or these different parts of my life, and if I'm working on it here, oh, wow, it feels easier over there. And so they can see that this applies throughout their life, and kind of feel more of that buy in of like, oh, I'm getting better at that. Or that was easier. That was harder. We want them to see that across the board.VirginiaOh, my God, absolutely.Let's talk about screens and neurodivergence a little bit. So one of my kiddos is neurodivergent, and I can both see how screens are wonderful for them at the end of a school day, when they come home and they're really depleted. Screen time is the thing they need to rest and regulate. And they love the world building games, which gives them this whole world to control and explore. And there's so much there that's wonderful.And, they definitely struggle more than their sibling with this transition piece, with getting off it. One kid will naturally put down the iPad at some point and go outside for a bit, and this kid will not. And it creates more anxiety for parents. Because neurodivergent kids may both need screens—in ways that maybe we're not totally comfortable with, but need to get comfortable with—and then struggle with the transition piece. So how do you think about this question differently with neurodivergence? Or or is it really the same thing you're just having to drill in differently?AshI think it is ultimately the same thing, but it certainly is going to feel quite more heightened. And I think especially for certain aspects of neurodivergence, especially, I think it feels really heightened because of some of the ways that they might be discussed, particularly online, when it comes to how they relate to technology. I think about ADHD, we'll see that a lot. Where I'll see many things online about, like, “kids with ADHD should never be on a screen. They should never be on a device, because they are so dopamine-seeking.” And I have to just say that I find that to be such an ableist framing. Because with ADHD, we're talking about a dopamine deficient brain. And I don't think that we would be having that same conversation about someone needing insulin, right? Like, we wouldn't be saying, like, oh yeah, nope, they can't take that insulin. VirginiaThey're just craving that insulin they need to stay alive.AshA kid seeking a thing that they're that they are somehow deficient in—that's not some sort of defiant behavior. VirginiaNo, it's a pretty adaptive strategy.AshAbsolutely, it is. And we want kids to know that nobody's brain is good or bad, right? There's not a good brain or a bad brain. There are all brains are going to have things that are easier or harder. And it's about learning the brain that you're in, and what works or doesn't work for the brain that you're in.And all brains are different, right? Neurotypical brains and neurodivergent brains within those categories are obviously going to be vastly different. What works for one won't work for another, and being able to figure out what works for them, instead of just, “because you have this kind of brain, you shouldn't ever do this thing,” that's going to set them up for more success. And I think it's great that you mentioned both how a screen can be so regulating, particularly for neurodivergent brains, and then the double-edged sword of that is that then you have to stop. VirginiaTransition off back into the world.AshSo if the pain point is a transition, what is it really coming from? Is it coming from the executive function piece of “I don't know how to find a place to stop?” A lot of people, particularly kids ADHD, they often like games that are more open-ended. So they might like something like a Minecraft or an Animal Crossing or the Sims where you can hyperfocus and deep dive into something. But what's difficult about that is that, you know, if I play Mario Kart, the level ends, it's a very obvious ending.VirginiaRight? And you can say, “One more level, and we're done.”AshExactly. We've reached the end of the championship. I'm on the podium. I quit now, right?But there's a never ending series of of tasks with a more open-ended game. And especially if I'm in my hyper focus zone, right? I can just be thinking, like, well, then I can do this and this and this and this and this, right?And I'm adding on to my list, and the last thing I want to do in that moment is get pulled out of it when I'm really feeling like I'm in the zone. So if that's the kind of transition that's difficult. And it's much less about games and more about “how do I stop in the middle of a project?” Because that's essentially what that is.And that would apply if I'm at school and I'm in the middle of an essay and we're finishing it up tomorrow. Or I'm trying to decorate a cake, and we're trying to walk out the door and I have to stop what I'm doing and come back later. So one of the tricks that I have found really helpful is to ask the question of, “How will you know when you're done?” Or how will you know you're at a stopping point? What would a stopping point be today? And getting them to sort of even visualize it, or say it out loud, so that they can think about, “Oh, here's how I basically break down a giant task into smaller pieces,” because that's essentially what that is.VirginiaThat's a great tip. Ash“Okay, you have five minutes. What is the last thing you're going to do today?” Because then it's concrete in terms of, like, I'm not asking the last thing, and it will take you half an hour, right? I'm at, we have five minutes. What's the last thing you're wrapping up? What are you going to do?Then, if it's someone who's very focused in this world, and they're very into that world, then that last thing can also be our transition out of it. As they're turning it off, the very first thing we're saying to them is, “So what was that last thing you were doing?”VirginiaOh, that's nice.AshThen they're telling it to us, and then we can get curious. We can ask questions. We can get a little into their world to help them transition out of that world. That doesn't mean that we have to understand what they're telling us, frankly. It doesn't mean we have to know all the nuance. But we can show that interest. I think this is also really, really important, because then we are showing them it's not us versus the screen. We're not opposing the screen, like it's the enemy or something. And we're showing them, “Hey, I can tell you're interested in this, so I'm interested in it because you are.” Like, I care about you, so I want to know more.VirginiaAnd then they can invite you into their world, which what a lot of neurodivergent kids need. We're asking them to be part of the larger world all the time. And how nice we can meet them where they are a little more.AshAbsolutely. The other thing I would say is that something I think people don't always realize, especially if they don't play games as much, or if they are not neurodivergent and playing games, is they might miss that video games actually are extremely well-accommodated worlds, in terms of accommodating neurodivergence.So thinking about something like ADHD, to go back to that example, it's like, okay, some really common classroom accommodations for ADHD, from the educator perspective, the accommodations I see a lot are frequent check ins, having a checklist, breaking down a large task into smaller chunks, objectives, having a visual organizer.Well, I think about a video game, and it's like, okay, if I want to know what I have available to me, I can press the pause menu and see my inventory at any time. If I want to know what I should be doing, because I have forgotten, I can look at a menu and see, like, what's my objective right now? Or I can bring up the map and it will show me where I supposed to be going. If I start to deviate from what I'm supposed to be doing, the game will often be like, “Hey, don't forget, you're supposed to be going over there!” It'll get me back on task. If I'm trying to make a potion that has eight ingredients, the game will list them all out for me, and it will check them off as I go, so I can visually see how I'm how I'm achieving this task. It does a lot of that accommodation for me. And those accommodations are not as common in the real world, or at least not as easily achieved.And so a lot of neurodivergent kids will succeed easily in these game worlds. And we might think “oh because it's addicting, or the algorithm, or it's just because they love it” But there are often these structural design differences that actually make it more accessible to them.And if we notice, oh, wow, they have no problem knowing what to do when they're playing Zelda, because they just keep checking their objective list all the time or whatever—that's great information.VirginiaAnd helps us think, how can we do that in real life? AshExactly. We can go to them and say, hey, I noticed you, you seem to check your inventory a lot when you're playing that game. How do we make it so that when you look in your closet, you can just as easily see what shirts you own. Whatever the thing may be, so that we're showing them, “hey, bring that into the rest of your world that works for you here.” Let's make it work for you elsewhere, instead of thinking of it as a reason they're obsessed with screens, and now we resent the screens for that. Bring that in so that it can benefit the rest of their lives.VirginiaI'm now like, okay, that just reframes something else very important for me. You have such a helpful way of helping us divest from the guilt and the shame and actually look at this in a positive and empowering way for us and our kids. And I'm just so grateful for it. It really is a game changer for me.AshOh, thank you so much. I'm so glad to hear that it was helpful and empowering for you, and I just hope that it can be that for others as well.ButterAshSo my family and I have been lucky enough to spend quite a lot of time in Japan. And one of the wonderful things about Japan is they have a very huge bike culture. I think people think of the Netherlands as Bike cCentral, but Japan kind of rivals them.And they have a particular kind of bike that you cannot get in the United States. It's called a Mamachari, which is like a portmanteau of mom and chariot. And it's sort of like a cargo bike, but they are constructed a little differently and have some features that I love. And so when I've been in Japan, we are on those bikes. I'm always like, I love this kind of bike. I want this kind of bike for me forever. And my recent Butter has been trying to find something like that that I can have in my day to day life. And I found something recently, and got a lovely step through bike on Facebook Marketplace. VirginiaSo cool! That's exciting to find on marketplace, too.AshOh yes, having a bike that like I actually enjoy riding, I had my old bike from being a teenager, and it just was not functional. I was like, “This is not fun.” And now having one that I enjoy, I'm like, oh yes. I feel like a kid again. It's lovely.VirginiaThat's a great Butter. My Butter is something both my kids and my pets and I are all really enjoying. I'm gonna drop a link in the chat for you. It is called a floof, and it is basically a human-sized dog bed that I found on Etsy. It's like, lined with fake fur.AshMy God. I'm looking at it right now.VirginiaIsn't it hilarious?AshWow. I'm so glad you sent a picture, because that is not what I was picturing?Virginia I can't describe it accurately. It's like a cross between a human-sized dog bed and a shopping bag? Sort of? AshYes, yes, wow. It's like a hot tub.VirginiaIt's like a hot tub, but no water. You just sit in it. I think they call it a cuddle cave. I don't understand how to explain it, but it's the floof. And it's in our family room. And it's not inexpensive, but it does basically replace a chair. So if you think of it as a furniture purchase, it's not so bad. There's always at least a cat or a dog sleeping in it. Frequently a child is in it. My boyfriend likes to be in it. Everyone gravitates towards it. And you can put pillows in it or a blanket.Neurodivergent people, in particular, really love it, because I think it provides a lot of sensory feedback? And it's very enclosed and cozy. It's great for the day we're having today, which is a very laid back, low demand, watch as much screen as you want, kind of day. So I've got one kid bundled into the floof right now with a bunch of blankets in her iPad, and she's so happy. AshOh my gosh. Also, it kind of looks like the person is sitting in a giant pita, which I also love.VirginiaThat's what it is! It's like a giant pita, but soft and cozy. It's like being in a pita pocket. And I'm sure there are less expensive versions, this was like, 300 something dollars, so it is an investment. But they're handmade by some delightful person in the Netherlands.Whenever we have play dates, there are always two or three kids, snuggled up in it together. There's something extremely addictive about it. I don't know. I don't really know how to explain why it's great, but it's great.AshOh, that is lovely.VirginiaAll right, well tell obviously, everyone needs to go to their bookstore and get Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family. Where else can we find you, Ash? How can we support your work?AshYou can find me on Instagram at the gamer educator, and I also cross post my Instagram posts to Substack, and I'm on Substack as Screen Time Strategies. It's all the same content, just that way you're getting it in your inbox without, without having to go to Instagram. So if that's something that you are trying to maybe move away from, get it via Substack. And my book Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family is available starting August 26 is when it fully releases.VirginiaAmazing. Thank you so much. This was really great.AshThank you so much for having me back.The Burnt Toast Podcast is produced and hosted by Virginia Sole-Smith (follow me on Instagram) and Corinne Fay, who runs @SellTradePlus, and Big Undies.The Burnt Toast logo is by Deanna Lowe.Our theme music is by Farideh.Tommy Harron is our audio engineer.Thanks for listening and for supporting anti-diet, body liberation journalism! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit virginiasolesmith.substack.com/subscribe

What does it really mean to be an engaged parent? In this episode, Michael Kelly—author of The Whole Story for the Whole Family—joins us to talk about parenting with intentionality. From helping kids grow in faith to normalizing spiritual conversations at home, Michael unpacks the mindset and actions that shape engaged parenting. Whether you're raising little ones or navigating the teen years, this conversation offers encouragement, practical tips, and a reminder that parenting is more of a field than a factory.Book: The Whole Story for the Whole Family – by Michael KellyBook: The Tech-Wise Family – by Andy Crouch--Question of the Week: (Younger) What do you think it would mean for me to be the "best parent ever?" (Older) Where do you need me to dial in more into your life? Where would you like me to step back?--Hosts: Amy Lowe & Sara JonesGuest: Michael KelleyProducers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun--Learn more about WinShape Camps at WinShapeCamps.org!Instagram: @WinShapeCampsTikTok: @WinShapeCampsFacebook: @WinShapeCamps 

For more of my latest content, subscribe to my YouTube channel, Dark Asia with Megan and join our awesome community. Your support means everything, and I can't wait to share more Asian cases with you! On Other Platforms: • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@darkasiawithmegan • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darkasiawithmegan • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darkasiameganlee

Send us a textAddiction. Depression. Darkness. Generational pain. Evangelist Kendia Taylor's story could have ended in tragedy but God had another plan.In this unforgettable episode of That Supernatural Talk Podcast, Evangelist Kendia shares how Jesus not only set her free from drugs, toxic relationships, and demonic torment… but how God saved her whole family.

Are you about to start home education and feeling overwhelmed by all the choices, routines, and expectations? You're not alone! In this episode of the Get Your Head Straight to Home Ed series, Kelly Rigg (home educating mum, mindset coach, and podcast co-founder) talks honestly about the realities of transitioning into home ed life—especially how to create a routine that actually works for your whole family, not just your kids. We explore: Why home education is a lifestyle shift, not just an education decision How to factor in YOUR needs, ambitions, and well-being (not just your child's) The truth about time, structure, and finding balance as a home ed parent Why “busy” isn't always better—and how to avoid hustle culture and burnout The power of intrinsic learning, curiosity, and letting go of school-based routines Practical tips for building a rhythm that feels good for everyone, including you You'll also hear about Kelly's own journey (and mistakes!), why it's okay to use the national curriculum as a starting point, and how to gently question what really matters most for your family. Plus, get reassurance that it's normal to feel unsteady—and that you're allowed to slow down, say no, and make space for your own growth and happiness. Mentioned in this episode: The “Get Your Head Straight to Home Ed” workbook (journaling prompts & self-reflection tools) The “First 30 Days of Home Ed” calendar (gentle daily prompts for a soft landing—grab it from the Offroading Motherhood website) Free 30-minute coaching chat with Kelly for parents who want extra support You can grab all of these from www.offroadingmotherhood.co.uk/work-with-me If you're struggling to balance everyone's needs or worried you'll lose yourself in the process, this episode will help you breathe, reset, and step into home ed with more confidence and clarity. Ready to build a home ed life that works for all of you? Share your thoughts, questions, or routines with us on Instagram or TikTok @bighomeedpodcast—or book a free chat with Kelly today!

Bob Marley's 1977 song "Jamming" isn't just a catchy tune — it's a celebration of togetherness, community, peace and mutual respect.MarleyZiggy ap1 c.jpg (3912x4890, AR: 0.8)The iconic song is also the inspiration behind the latest children's book by Bob Marley's eldest son, Ziggy Marley.The book is called "Pajammin': A Reggae Pajama Party for the Whole Family."Ziggy Marley is a nine-time Grammy winner, Emmy winner, musician, humanitarian and author. He'll also headline the inaugural KPBS San Diego Book Festival on Saturday.He joined Midday Edition to discuss the process behind writing the book and his love for family tradition and playfulness.Guest: Ziggy Marley, award-winning musician and author of "Pajammin: A Reggage Pajama Party for the Whole Family"

Sara is learning about the potential pitfalls of marrying a man who won't stand up for her against his family. Call 1-800-DR-LAURA / 1-800-375-2872 or make an appointment at DrLaura.comFollow me on social media:Facebook.com/DrLauraInstagram.com/DrLauraProgramYouTube.com/DrLauraJoin My Family!!Receive my Weekly Newsletter + 20% off my Marriage 101 course & 25% off Merch! Sign up now, it's FREE!Each week you'll get new articles, featured emails from listeners, special event invitations, early access to my Dr. Laura Designs Store benefiting Children of Fallen Patriots, and MORE! Sign up at DrLaura.com

"Real American Space Folk" band Electric Blue Yonder was praised by longtime Boston Gobe senior rock critic, the late Steve Morse, for its “meditative mashup of trippy folk-rock psychedelia, cut with a raw Alabama flavor befitting their roots.” Slant Magazine called EBY “a diamond-bright exploration of rock's past, present, and hopeful future.” Electric Blue Yonder has released three critically-praised albums, drawing inspiration from the psychedelic folk, surf, and cosmic country rock of the ‘60s and the Space Age prog/art rock explorations of David Bowie and Pink Floyd, all while shifting time to the early roots and parlour style guitar of the 20th century. Now EBY is spreading its wings, inviting the young and young at heart to step into a world of color, wonder, and nature's magic with the band's first album for kids and families, MicroPARTY, set for release on April 25.Beth Hataway and Johnny Veres are at the heart of Electric Blue Yonder. You can learn more about their music and touring at https://electricblueyonder.com.Don't miss this one! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Eric and David as they dive into a fascinating discussion with Collin Garbarino, Arts and Culture Editor at World News. Explore the intersection of film and theology as they analyze the Christian allegories in Disney's "Frozen" and the impact of PG movies on the box office. Discover why live-action remakes often miss the mark and how nostalgia shapes Hollywood's storytelling. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on media literacy and the evolving landscape of family entertainment. Watch the episode here. For more from Collin, visit https://collingarbarino.com/ Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 00:43 - Welcome 02:44 - Professor to Film Reviewer 04:06 - The Gospel in Frozen 21:05 - Trends in Family Movies 20:43 - Entertainment for the Whole Family? 32:20 - Live-Action Remakes 38:08 - Disney Adults & Bluey 44:25 - Until Next Time… Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE and click the notification bell. Follow & connect: https://linktr.ee/popcorntheology Support: https://www.patreon.com/popcorntheology Rate and review to get 2 FREE Popcorn Theology Stickers! Write a 5-star review and send a screenshot, along with your mailing address, to feedback@popcorntheology.com, and you'll receive 2 FREE stickers! iTunes link here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/popcorn-theology/id990110281 #filmanalysis #ChristianThemes #FrozenMovie #BoxOfficeTrends #LiveActionRemakes #NostalgiaInFilm #MediaLiteracy #FamilyEntertainment

The 1st day of school plan that makes it better for the whole family.Keep the Wow Wednesday! Front yards are getting scarier this Halloween. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us a textHow secure is your emotional connection with your partner?In this episode of the Coaching Your Family Relationships Podcast, with guest Thomas Westenholz, we explore how attachment styles impact the way we relate to our partners—and how those patterns ripple into the rest of our family system.You'll learn:What attachment theory reveals about the ways we connect, argue, withdraw, or pursue in our closest relationshipsHow to recognize your own attachment style—and why that awareness is the key to building emotional safetyHow a distant or conflict-filled partner relationship can lead to tension, emotional distance, or even estrangement from adult childrenThe basics of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and how it helps couples repair and rebuild trustWhy healing the parent-partner bond is foundational for improving communication and connection across the entire familyWhether you're feeling emotionally shut down, constantly on edge, or just wondering why your relationship feels “off,” this episode will give you language, insight, and real strategies to begin shifting the dynamics—without blame or shame.Learn more about Thomas Westenholz:WebsitePodcast Tina Gosney is the Family Conflict Coach. She works with parents who have families in conflict to help them become the grounded, confident leaders their family needs. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with us: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tinagosneycoaching/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tinagosneycoaching ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tina is certified in family relationships and a trauma informed coach. Visit tinagosney.com for more information on coaching services.

Episode Highlights With SheilaHow she has four kidneys and jokes that if anyone needs a kidney to call herSetting the foundation before supplements and what this meansHow digestion and cellular health come into play for true wellnessWhy the cell wall matters and how we often ignore this pieceHow to create healthy cell wallsHer order of events for supplements to optimize gut and cell wall healthWe get a bump in inflammation when we eat and how she uses this to our advantageShe treats supplements like medication and gauges results carefullyHer timeline for integrative supplementation Proteins get broken down and absorbed to make up neurotransmittersThe importance of sunshine for kids, when vitamin D supplementation is important and why she doesn't supplement vitamin D in the summer- we can't overdose on vitamin D from the sunProtein in kids and how to help them get enough, and help them digest it wellNervous system factors that come into play especially for kidsResources MentionedHealthy Kids, Happy Moms: 7 Steps to Heal and Prevent Common Childhood Illnesses by Sheila KilbaneSheila Kilbane - Website Integrative Supplement Guide

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In this episode of Life of And, Tiffany sits down with lifestyle blogger and wellness coach Heather Brown to explore the life-giving impact of the “Sunday Reset” — a simple weekly ritual that sets the tone for your schedule, your mindset, and your well-being. Heather shares how her experience with burnout and postpartum depression led her to develop a sustainable rhythm of meal planning, movement, and spiritual alignment that she now teaches in her community.Together, they unpack how small, weekly decisions can eliminate mental clutter, reduce family stress, and build momentum in all areas of life — not through hustle, but through intentionality.If you're tired of starting each week in chaos, this episode will help you reset with purpose and lead your home with peace.What You'll Learn:Why Sunday resets are the secret to sustainable wellness and peace of mindHow Heather's “Triple Threat Triangle” connects mind, body, and spiritSimple shifts to make your meal plan work for your values, not against themReal-Life Wellness Tools:Build a Sunday reset anchored in family calendars, meal plans, and weekly intentionRethink health as a lifestyle, not a quick fix — start with what's attainableUse movement as a tool for mental and emotional clarityReplace decision-making pain with proactive rhythms that support the week aheadConnect with Heather:Healthy by Heather BrownInstagramLinkedInTimestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:17) Heather's surprising life journey(04:08) The impact of Heather's work(07:40) The Triple Threat Triangle(11:46) Heather's postpartum journey(15:59) The Sunday reset and intentional living(20:58) Meal planning and family meetingsCheck out the apps and sponsor of this episode:Created in partnership with Share Your GeniusDownload the Summer Sanity Toolbox: Start with priorities. Add structure. Make space for joy. Because summer is yours too.Other Episodes in the Summer Sanity Series:How to Support a Killer Summer for Your Teens: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-support-a-killer-summer-for-your-teens/id1555762235?i=1000709403154Summer Survival Systems for the Whole Family: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/summer-survival-systems-for-the-whole-family/id1555762235?i=1000708565509 5 Tools & Apps To Keep You Aligned This Summer: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/5-tools-apps-to-keep-you-aligned-this-summer/id1555762235?i=1000706783024 A Working Parent's Guide to Navigating Summer: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a-working-parents-guide-to-navigating-summer/id1555762235?i=1000705671662Less Chaos, More Protein: Tiffany's Summer Food Game Plan: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/less-chaos-more-protein-tiffanys-summer-food-game-plan/id1555762235?i=1000710405520 The One Thing I Stopped Doing That Gave Me My Weekends Back: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-one-thing-i-stopped-doing-that-gave-me-my-weekends-back/id1555762235?i=1000711463300Budgets, Boundaries, and Raising Confident Teens: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/budgets-boundaries-and-raising-confident-teens/id1555762235?i=1000714637894 

This week we get called out for what we said on an old episode! We also chat about the Cancelled podcast ending soon, the jailing of the woman who poisoned her family with mushrooms and we share your best 'things no one says' in our TikTok About It! Join the group chat and 07428957885 and send us your stories, dilemmas and anything you want us to chat about! VOTE FOR US IN THE BRITISH PODCAST AWARDS!! https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/votingWe're also trying out SICK COFFEE which is new in Glasgow! - https://www.instagram.com/sickcoffeegla/Check out our *NEW* weekly vlog on YouTube!https://www.youtube.com/@GirlsOverheardVlogsUNLOCK OUR EXTRA JUICY BONUS EPISODE ON SPOTIFY: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/girlsoverheard/subscribeJoin the group chats on Patreon and unlock a full extra episode every Wednesday! https://www.patreon.com/c/GirlsOverheardSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2aOtGuxPxIenVDwmUwWjOhPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/GirlsOverheardGirls Overheard Insta: https://www.instagram.com/girlsoverheardGirls Overheard TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@girlsoverheard Ash: https://www.instagram.com/mamareid/Eilidh: https://www.instagram.com/eilidhwells/Lauren: https://www.instagram.com/lauren.fairbairn/FAQHow do I send a message in to you guys?The best way is to WhatsApp or message us on 07428957885! You can send us a text, a voice note or even any TikToks you want us to chat about! And don't worry, we will always keep you anonymous!How many episodes do you release every week?We put out our main episode on a Monday and our bonus episode, Confession Sessions goes out every Wednesday! This one has even more stories and juicier gossip so it's available for our Patreon Rat Pack. Join us over there and you'll get access to our forums, first access to live show tix and more! When is your next live show? We haven't announced any live shows for 2025 but any new dates will always be announced on Confession Sessions first so make sure you're on there!Where can I find you on socials?We're on Instagram and TikTok as @girlsoverheard so come join us! Email: girlsoverheardpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode of Life of And, Tiffany gets real about what it looks like to hit pause mid-summer and reflect on what's working, what's not, and how to move forward with more intention (and a lot less pressure).Fresh off a 20-year anniversary trip to Europe, she shares candid takeaways on marriage, personal growth, and what happens when your dream renovation turns into a reality check. Tiffany opens up about emotional missteps, communication gaps, and how taking space helped her and JR reconnect in a whole new way.She's grading her summer goals (spoiler: the pickleball plan is a fail), leaning into slower rhythms, and talking honestly about what it means to show up for your family—even when the house is sticky and the schedule's a mess.If you're behind on your summer intentions or just need permission to course-correct, this one's for you.What You'll Learn:Why slowing down can actually improve your relationshipsWhat Tiffany learned in Europe about being fully presentHow to handle mismatched expectations with your partnerTimestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:46) Celebrating 20 years of marriage in Europe(03:40) The power of being plan-free on vacation(06:06) Embracing new experiences and the unknown(11:26) From a six to a nine and a half in marriage(14:09) When your remodel dreams go off-budget(19:05) Taking a step back to move forward(22:40) Mid-summer goals: what's working and what's not(25:04) The great pickleball fail and a summer B grade(28:13) On club sports, family sacrifices, and changing your mind(33:48) Final reflections and laughing through the messCheck out the apps and sponsor of this episode:Created in partnership with Share Your GeniusDownload the Summer Sanity Toolbox: Start with priorities. Add structure. Make space for joy. Because summer is yours too.Other Episodes in the Summer Sanity Series:How to Support a Killer Summer for Your Teens: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-support-a-killer-summer-for-your-teens/id1555762235?i=1000709403154Summer Survival Systems for the Whole Family: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/summer-survival-systems-for-the-whole-family/id1555762235?i=1000708565509 5 Tools & Apps To Keep You Aligned This Summer: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/5-tools-apps-to-keep-you-aligned-this-summer/id1555762235?i=1000706783024 A Working Parent's Guide to Navigating Summer: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a-working-parents-guide-to-navigating-summer/id1555762235?i=1000705671662Less Chaos, More Protein: Tiffany's Summer Food Game Plan: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/less-chaos-more-protein-tiffanys-summer-food-game-plan/id1555762235?i=1000710405520 The One Thing I Stopped Doing That Gave Me My Weekends Back: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-one-thing-i-stopped-doing-that-gave-me-my-weekends-back/id1555762235?i=1000711463300

Last week, I shared how not having a plan can create chaos throughout the whole family when long term care is needed. This week, I used the same need and family but added LTC insurance as a tool to help pay for care expenses. Listen and learn how helpful even a small plan can work to make life a little less difficult during a very difficult time. Then schedule some time with me to design your plan See current and projected costs of care (use 5% COLA to project Learn what your state's Medicaid program let's you keep and qualify for help

Is your kid's bedtime routine a sweet dream…or a beautiful nightmare? In this episode, the Mamas are joined by Brandi Jordan - pediatric sleep specialist, postpartum doula, lactation consultant, and professional baby whisperer. Brandi breaks down how sleep actually works, from healthy newborn sleep habits to setting boundaries with big kids who still crawl into your bed. She talks about dream feeds, developmental milestones, co-sleeping vs. the cry-it-out method, and how to create the right environment for restful sleep - for your little ones and yourself. Because yes, Village, your sleep matters too.Check out Brandi's agency - The Cradle Company, her podcast "Dear Doula", and follow her on Instagram @brandi_jordan_official for more tips.________________________ We love getting Listener Letters! Send any thoughts or questions for the Mamas at podcasts@blacklove.com.Make sure you connect with our Mamas:Ashley - @watermeloneggrollsCodie - @codiecoMelanie - @melaniefiona________________________ LOVE BLACK LOVE? Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/blacklove?s...For more Black Love interviews and articles, visit http://www.BlackLove.comFollow Facebook: blacklovedoc Instagram: blacklove Tiktok: blackloveinc#BlackLoveDoc #blacklove #blacklovemagic

It's time for July Three Things! Tune in for a game, fantasy dinner parties, writing process dives, best books of the year (so far), Materialists thoughts, and more!    Becca's Things Materialists Hallmark Movie Game Dream Summer Dinner Party    Olivia's Things Materialists Favorite Reads in 2025 so far (Becca's includes One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune, Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall, Heart the Lover by Lily King. Olivia's includes Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy, Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance by Allison Espach)  Writing Process Evolutions   Obsessions Becca - Old Navy tank tops Olivia - Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance by Allison Espach   What we read this week Becca - These Summer Storms by Sarah MacLean (out 7/8); Fun For the Whole Family by Jennifer E. Smith Olivia - The Bombshell by Darrow Farr, Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance by Allison Espach, It's a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan, Dear Writer by Maggie Smith   This Month's Book Club Pick - Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (have thoughts about this book you want to share? Call in at 843-405-3157 or email us a voice memo at badonpaperpodcast@gmail.com)   Sponsors Sunny Side Up - Grab your copy of Sunny Side Up by Katie Sturino wherever books are sold. Caraway - take 10% off your next purchase at Carawayhome.com/BOP or use code BOP at checkout.   Join our Facebook group for amazing book recs & more!  Buy our Merch! Join our Geneva! Order Olivia's Book, Such a Bad Influence! Subscribe to Olivia's Newsletter! Order Becca's Book, The Christmas Orphans Club! Subscribe to Becca's Newsletter!  Follow us on Instagram @badonpaperpodcast. Follow Olivia on Instagram @oliviamuenter and Becca @beccamfreeman.    

In this episode of Life of And, Tiffany gets candid about the real cost of raising financially literate kids — and why teaching your teen how to budget might be the best parenting move you make this year.Tiffany shares how she and her husband JR are navigating financial literacy with their daughters, including the system they built to give her agency over her money without removing support. They talk about creating explicit agreements (not unspoken expectations), designing budgets based on real-life categories, and the emotional tug-of-war that comes with watching your kids make their own money mistakes. You'll hear how Tiffany is using tools like Greenlight to simulate real-world pay cycles and how she's building in monthly “money meetings” to instill habits that will serve her daughters long after they leave home.Whether you're trying to stop handing out $20s on demand, or want to set your teen up for financial success, this episode breaks it down with honesty, humor, and a whole lot of practical takeaways.What You'll Learn:How to shift from implicit expectations to explicit financial agreements with your kidsThe monthly categories Tiffany includes in her daughter's teen budgetWhen to let kids fail (on purpose) to teach real-world financial lessonsReal-Life Budgeting Tools: Use Greenlight to simulate a real paycheck cadenceSeparate “mom pays” vs. “teen pays” categories to reduce conflictTreat budgeting like a skill-building exercise, not a control mechanismRevisit and revise the budget every 90 days with your teenTimestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:06) Why financial literacy is a non-negotiable life skill(03:00) Remodeling vs. moving — the real cost of family decisions(06:15) The mailbox letter experiment and its surprising result(10:54) Building a teen budget with intention (not punishment)(13:49) Collaborating with your kids instead of controlling the process(16:04) How Tiffany mimics real pay cycles through biweekly allowance(19:36) The power of written financial agreements(21:10) What her daughter pays for — and what she doesn't(22:58) Reconciling budgets and developing spending awareness(24:31) Preparing teens for adult expenses — one category at a time(28:18) A real story about interest, cupcake sales, and a Brandy Melville skirt(33:01) Final reflections and parenting through financial personality typesCheck out the apps and sponsor of this episode:Created in partnership with Share Your GeniusDownload the Summer Sanity Toolbox: Start with priorities. Add structure. Make space for joy. Because summer is yours too.Check out our Teen Budget TemplateOther Episodes in the Summer Sanity Series:How to Support a Killer Summer for Your Teens: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-support-a-killer-summer-for-your-teens/id1555762235?i=1000709403154Summer Survival Systems for the Whole Family: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/summer-survival-systems-for-the-whole-family/id1555762235?i=1000708565509 5 Tools & Apps To Keep You Aligned This Summer: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/5-tools-apps-to-keep-you-aligned-this-summer/id1555762235?i=1000706783024 A Working Parent's Guide to Navigating Summer: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a-working-parents-guide-to-navigating-summer/id1555762235?i=1000705671662Less Chaos, More Protein: Tiffany's Summer Food Game Plan https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/less-chaos-more-protein-tiffanys-summer-food-game-plan/id1555762235?i=1000710405520 The One Thing I Stopped Doing That Gave Me My Weekends Back https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-one-thing-i-stopped-doing-that-gave-me-my-weekends-back/id1555762235?i=1000711463300

The parents of a girl who was raped by three strangers have spoken out after the men were found guilty following a trial...A court heard how the child was plied with drugs and assaulted by the group after they came across her in a supermarket car park.Reporter Lauren Abbott has spoken to the victim's parents and joins today's episode of the podcast.Also in this episode, police have told us a 'perfect storm' led to anti-social behaviour in Broadstairs at the weekend.It's thought a number of young people from other parts of Kent headed to the town after the end of GCSE exams which coincided with the hot weather.Fights broke out and footage online shows a restaurant being smashed up. Hear from a shop owner, local councillor and police.Meantime,  the podcast has been told antisocial behaviour in Herne Bay has got so bad - there's going to be a public meeting about it tonight.Police and councillors are due to face questions from fed-up residents and business owners.The man who oversees the police in Kent has been giving us an update on how they're tackling so called 'heritage crime'.It's after a high profile theft of two First World War memorial plaques from a church in the Luton part of Chatham last month.Football, and former Gillingham head coach Stephen Clemence has taken on a role at Blackpool.He's joining the backroom staff at league one side Blackpool - joining up with former Gills player Steve Bruce who's manager there.

We are Traci and Ellie, two bookish friends who read in any spare minute that we have.  This week, we are discussing five star reads for us, not necessarily for other readers. To shop the books listed in this episode, visit our shop at bookshop.org.   Care to join us on Patreon with even more content?  We would love to have you join us at From the Bookstacks of Literally Reading! Literally Reading:  Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall  Fun for the Whole Family by Jennifer E. Smith Crack the Book Open: The Love of My Life by Rosie Walsh  The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren Rabbit Cake by Annie Hartnett Tartufo by Kira Jane Buxton  Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney  The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix  

Ever feel like you're fine... but also kind of exhausted, bloated, and running on caffeine and willpower? Yeah, same. The truth is, just because you're not sick doesn't mean you're actually healthy. That's where Lisa Smith comes in.Lisa is a licensed dietitian, nutritionist, and the host of the Pretty Well podcast, and she's on a mission to help busy women like us take control of our health—without the overwhelm. In this episode, we dive into:The surprising connection between your gut, hormones, and energy levelsWhat tests actually matter (and which ones are a waste of money)Simple changes that can have a huge impact on how you feelIf you're ready to stop guessing and start thriving, this one's for you.For more from Tiffany, sign up for her newsletter.Connect with Lisa:WebsitePodcastInstagramTimestamps:(00:00) Intro(02:00) Tiffany's introduction and health goals(02:24) Lisa's journey to functional medicine(06:01) How to start with functional medicine and testing(10:23) Managing decision fatigue and trusting professionals(12:05) What to look for in a functional medicine practitioner(14:29) Challenges clients face when starting health changes(16:50) Sustainable habits over perfection(23:30) Teaching kids healthy habits and nutrition(30:26) Advice for fueling your body on tired days(34:13) Tips for managing stress with breathing and movement(36:08) The power of small, consistent stepsCheck out the apps and sponsor of this episode:Created in partnership with Share Your GeniusGive yourself the gift of time with your kids this summer by outsourcing your laundry! Local to North Indianapolis? Check out Laundry Valet. Use code LIFEOFAND for $10 off your order.  For a nationwide option, check out Poplin. Code TIFFANY15 will get you $15 off your first order. Download the Summer Sanity Toolbox: Start with priorities. Add structure. Make space for joy. Because summer is yours too.Ready to Crush Your Summer? Check out the Summer Sanity Series to set yourself up for a summer that everyone loves (including YOU): How to Support a Killer Summer for Your Teens: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-support-a-killer-summer-for-your-teens/id1555762235?i=1000709403154Summer Survival Systems for the Whole Family: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/summer-survival-systems-for-the-whole-family/id1555762235?i=1000708565509 5 Tools & Apps To Keep You Aligned This Summer: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/5-tools-apps-to-keep-you-aligned-this-summer/id1555762235?i=1000706783024 A Working Parent's Guide to Navigating Summer: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a-working-parents-guide-to-navigating-summer/id1555762235?i=1000705671662Less Chaos, More Protein: Tiffany's Summer Food Game Plan https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/less-chaos-more-protein-tiffanys-summer-food-game-plan/id1555762235?i=1000710405520

What if the key to a happier, more fulfilling life was something you did effortlessly as a child, but have almost forgotten as an adult? Meet Laura Haver, the author of "Play Together” who's on a mission to help families rediscover the transformative power of play. Dr. Jennifer Reid sits down with this happiness and play expert to uncover why so many of us have lost touch with joy, and more importantly, how to get it back. Key Points: * Play isn't a luxury - it's a fundamental human need that requires us to overcome internalized blocks, guilt, and cultural pressures. By starting small, being intentional, and honoring both our own and our children's natural creativity, we can reclaim this essential pathway to joy and connection.* Laura's definition of play - "Play is an invitation to do something for yourself for the pure joy of it and play is a pathway to living a vibrant and fulfilling life"* Self-directed nature - One key aspect of play is "that it's self-led. You want to do it because you want to do it"Practical Tools Mentioned* Meditation and mindfulness: Body scan meditations for getting present* Gratitude practice: "Three new things that you're grateful for" each night to build gratitude muscle* Free playlist planner: Available to help adults remember what they enjoy doingRecommended Resources: Take Back the Game by Linda Flanagan1000 Hours Outside, founded by Ginny YurichLet Grow OrganizationLaura's Playlist PlannerAbout the GuestLaura Haver is on a mission to inspire people of all ages around the world to infuse their lives with play. She is a happiness and play expert, author, speaker and life, book, and energy coach. She has helped thousands of people to experience more fun, fulfillment and joy in their lives. She is the author of Play Together: Games & Activities for the Whole Family to Boost Creativity, Connection & Mindfulness. She's been featured on the Today Show, Fox, CBS, Parents, Shape and more. Laura is also the founder of the Author Moms community, which connects, supports and inspires fellow writing moms. Visit laurahaver.com and @lauramhaver on Instagram for more info.Thanks for listening to The Reflective Mind Podcast and reading A Mind of Her Own! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.Dr. Reid on Instagram: @jenreidmd and LinkedIn and her upcoming book, Guilt Free!Also check out Dr. Reid's regular contributions to Psychology Today: Think Like a Shrink.Seeking a mental health provider? Try Psychology TodayNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255Dial 988 for mental health crisis supportSAMHSA's National Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357)-a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.Disclaimer:The views expressed on this podcast reflect those of the host and guests, and are not associated with any organization or academic site.The information and other content provided on this podcast or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information purposes only.If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that have read on this website, blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services (911) immediately. You can also access the National Suicide Help Line at 1-800-273-8255 or call 988 for mental health emergencies. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amindofherown.substack.com

In this episode of Life of And, Tiffany sits down with working mom Caitlin Bond to talk about one of her favorite time-saving life upgrades: outsourcing your laundry.Caitlin gets real about what it's actually like to hand over the laundry basket — from the mental hurdle of “can I really send my stuff to a stranger?” to the game-changing feeling of having your Sundays back. Spoiler: she's never going back.They break down why this isn't just about clean clothes — it's about creating space for the things that matter. You'll hear tips for finding a local or national service that works for your family, what to try first, and how to create a simple rhythm that makes it all feel easy.If laundry is running your life (or just living in your head rent-free), this episode will give you the push you need to try something different.What You'll Learn:How outsourcing laundry saves time and reduces stress for busy familiesWhy letting go of control can actually feel freeingTips for finding the right local or nationwide laundry service that fits your needsReal-Life Hacks:Use a flat-fee laundry bag — pack it fullTry services that fold or hang for youBuild a system to put it away in 10 minutes or lessThink of it like a “mental 401K” — you're investing in your energy, tooTimestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:06) Why outsourcing laundry changed Caitlin's life(05:00) Overcoming control and trust hurdles(07:25) The benefits of working with a local laundry valet(10:00) Creating rhythms for putting away laundry(14:00) Cost considerations and mental clarity gains(18:40) Balancing work, parenting, and chores(20:45) Recommendations for local and national laundry services(22:10) Final thoughts on investing in yourselfCheck out the apps and sponsor of this episode:Created in partnership with Share Your GeniusGive yourself the gift of time with your kids this summer by outsourcing your laundry! Local to North Indianapolis? Check out Laundry Valet. Use code LIFEOFAND for $10 off your order.  For a nationwide option, check out Poplin. Code TIFFANY15 will get you $15 off your first order. Download the Summer Sanity Toolbox: Start with priorities. Add structure. Make space for joy. Because summer is yours too.Other Episodes in the Summer Sanity Series:How to Support a Killer Summer for Your Teens: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-support-a-killer-summer-for-your-teens/id1555762235?i=1000709403154Summer Survival Systems for the Whole Family:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/summer-survival-systems-for-the-whole-family/id1555762235?i=1000708565509 5 Tools & Apps To Keep You Aligned This Summer: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/5-tools-apps-to-keep-you-aligned-this-summer/id1555762235?i=1000706783024 A Working Parent's Guide to Navigating Summer: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a-working-parents-guide-to-navigating-summer/id1555762235?i=1000705671662Less Chaos, More Protein: Tiffany's Summer Food Game Plan: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/less-chaos-more-protein-tiffanys-summer-food-game-plan/id1555762235?i=1000710405520

In this episode of Life of And, Tiffany Sauder shares how she's setting her family up for a healthier, more intentional summer — and it all starts in the kitchen.Tiffany pulls back the curtain on what it actually looks like to feed a busy household of four girls. From prepping protein and produce in advance to setting simple snack agreements, she walks through the real-life food systems that keep her family fed without turning meals into a daily battle.You'll also hear what Tiffany's prioritizing this summer — like playing pickleball, unplugging for her anniversary trip, and creating rhythms that help her whole family stay aligned (and sane).Whether you're tired of the endless “What's for lunch?” questions or just want your days at home to flow smoother, this episode offers smart, sustainable ways to eat well, live intentionally, and actually enjoy summer.What You'll Learn:How Tiffany simplifies family meals with easy, healthy food prepWhy clear priorities can help working moms actually enjoy summerWays to empower kids to make better food choices without micromanaging

In this episode, Peyton and Alaina discuss the challenges and triumphs of parenting, focusing on toddler bedtime battles, potty training, and the importance of self-care. They share personal experiences and tips on sleep hygiene, building friendships as parents, and maintaining a healthy routine for both children and themselves. The conversation emphasizes the significance of teamwork in parenting and the need for parents to prioritize their own well-being while navigating the complexities of family life.Follow us on Instagram- ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mommeetsworldpod/ ⁠Email us-   mommeetsworldpod@gmail.comMoment- Alaina- Salt lamphttps://a.co/d/4jHZC1KBamboo Sleep Sackhttps://kytebaby.com/products/sleep-bag-in-mist-1-0Peyton- Magic Merlin Sleep Suit https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Merlins-Magic-Sleepsuit-Cotton-Blue-3-6/dp/B00WRM10L2?th=1Hatch Sound Machine- https://www.hatch.co/rest-plus-second-genCherish The First Six Weeks: A Plan that Creates Calm, Confident Parents and a Happy, Secure Baby https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0307987272?ref_=mr_referred_us_au_auSponsors- Clean Lemon - Code MOMMEETSWORLD50⁠⁠⁠https://cleanlemonllc.com/⁠⁠NaturoBest Supplements - ⁠⁠https://naturobest.com/collections/shop?sca_ref=8539966.ygLhP1yF8K&utm_source=naturobest_site&utm_medium=affliliate_link&utm_campaign=8539966alaina-brookmyer

In this episode of Life of And, Tiffany Sauder dives into how she's preparing her home and her teens for a more intentional summer. Tiffany shares real-life parenting strategies that go beyond just surviving the season—and instead foster growth, independence, and joy for older kids and their families.From co-creating summer plans with her daughters to managing screen time and helping teens build executive function, Tiffany unpacks the developmental truths of adolescence and how parents can structure the summer to support their teens emotionally, socially, and practically. Whether you're raising a soon-to-be driver or a preteen with big feelings, this episode is packed with thoughtful ideas to make this summer more constructive and connected.What You'll Learn:How to co-create summer plans that include your teen's priorities and yoursWhy structure and explicit agreements reduce chaos and increase claritySimple ways to build executive function and emotional resilience in teens

SHINING WITH ADHD #198: An Episode for the Whole Family: Celebrating ADHD StrengthsThe Childhood Collective5/21/2025SUMMARYLet's take a moment to focus on ADHD strengths. This episode is just for kids (and their grown-ups!) because having ADHD comes with some pretty amazing superpowers. Today, we're talking all about the incredible strengths of ADHD brains. If your child ever feels like ADHD is only about challenges, this is the perfect episode to remind them just how awesome they are!MEET OUR TEAMWe are Lori, Mallory, and Katie. Lori and Mallory are child psychologists, and Katie is a speech language pathologist. Most importantly, we are moms, just like you. After working with families over a combined total of 40 years, we saw a need to provide ongoing support and education to parents raising children with ADHD.LINKS + RESOURCESEpisode #198 TranscriptThe Childhood Collective InstagramHave a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at hello@thechildhoodcollective.comMentioned in this episode:Creating Calm CourseCreating Calm is a video-based course that will teach you simple, step-by-step strategies to help you parent a happy and independent child with ADHD (ages 4-12 years old). Whenever and wherever you have an internet connection. Use the code PODCAST for 10% off!Creating Calm Course

How does an entire family become involved in church work vocations? David Beikmann (principal and teacher at Linn Lutheran School, Linn KS, moving to Zion Lutheran School in Pierce, Nebraska), his wife Diane Beikmann (Lutheran teacher) and daughter Camryn Beikmann, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about who encouraged each of them to pursue church work, David's time serving at Linn Lutheran School, the chapel service at Linn Lutheran that focused on Set Apart to Serve, how David and Diane have created a culture of church work formation and recruitment at Linn Lutheran, Camryn's journey into church worker formation at Concordia University, Nebraska, and the letter of intent she signed to attend CUNE for Lutheran Teacher Education. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

In this episode of Life of And, Tiffany Sauder gets candid about how she's prepping her home and mindset for summer with toddlers and elementary-aged kids. Joined by producer and working mom Samantha Johnson, Tiffany walks through her real-life systems to bring more structure—and less screen time—into the chaos of summer.From rotating toys and creating play zones to making explicit agreements about iPad time and snacks, Tiffany and Sam share their strategies for keeping kids engaged, the home organized, and themselves sane. Whether you're staring down a season of “I'm bored” or trying to work from home with kids underfoot, this episode is full of practical ideas that make summer feel more fun—for everyone.What You'll Learn:Tiffany's 8 go-to systems for surviving summer with toddlers and elementary kidsHow to keep kids engaged at home without relying on screens or campsSimple ways to reduce chaos and create more calm for the whole family

Relationship Reddit Stories, OP's best friend doesn't like her boyfriend so attempts to get her whole family to break them up including her Dad who she doesn't even talk to! 0:00 Intro0:18 Story 110:27 Story 1 Comments / OP's Replies11:36 Story 1 Update 116:20 Story 1 Comments / OP's Replies23:00 Story 1 Update 220:41 Story 1 Comment / OP's reply#redditupdate #redditrelationship #redditstoriesreddit Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/mark-narrations-the-wafflecast-reddit-stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm beyond excited to welcome my friend Stephanie Niemis, a certified holistic nutritionist, recipe developer, and mother. She loves creating healthy recipes that are both nourishing and delicious. Most of her recipes are gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo-friendly, and naturally sweetened. Her recipes are simple and kid-approved, making them perfect for busy families. Stephanie's Instagram account is one of my favorite food accounts to follow — she's truly a creative genius. In this episode, Stephanie and I discuss her favorite “hacks” to ensure her family gets the nutrition they need, how to eat healthily on a budget in terms of both money and time, the ingredients she avoids at all costs, and her advice for content creators looking to enter the food space.Suggested Resources:Stephanie's Instagram | WebsiteEat Dessert FirstJac's Anti-inflammatory free ebookSend me a text!If you're looking for that healthy, radiant, post-vacation glow, you need to checkout OSEA! And right now, you can get 10% off your first order at OSEAMalibu.com with the code WELLNSTRONG! This episode is proudly sponsored by: SizzlefishLet's talk about fueling your body with the best nature has to offer. If you're looking for premium, sustainable seafood delivered straight to your door, you need to check out Sizzlefish! Head to sizzlefish.com and use my code “wellnstrong” at checkout for an exclusive discount on your first order. Trust me, you're going to taste the difference with Sizzlefish!Join the WellnStrong mailing list for exclusive content here!Want more of The How To Be WellnStrong Podcast? Subscribe to the YouTube channel. Follow Jacqueline: Instagram Pinterest TikTok Youtube To access notes from the show & full transcripts, head over to WellnStrong's Podcast Page

In response to a discussion about offroading family haulers for Will in NC, the guys find themselves discussing their own journey in the auto industry as enthusiasts and journalists. They also debate the delicate balance between needs and wants for James in Vancouver. Social media questions ask if America has a Corvette Dispenser, which car and driver would the guys choose for a ride-along at the ‘Ring, and is there a car that gets away with having as many variants as a 911? Please rate + review us on iTunes, and subscribe to our two YouTube channels. Write us with your Car Debates, Car Conclusions, and Topic Tuesdays at everydaydrivertv@gmail.com or everydaydriver.com. Don't forget to share the podcast with your car enthusiast friends! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wonder what it really takes to grow potent, high-quality herbal medicine—from the ground up? In this inspiring conversation with Elise Higley of Oshala Farm, we explore the art, science, and soul of regenerative organic herb farming.We'll talk about:How regenerative organic farming nurtures both plants and peopleThe behind-the-scenes process of growing, harvesting, drying, and testing herbsWhy sourcing herbs from small farms matters for your health—and the planetWhat it really takes to start (and sustain) a medicinal herb farmThe magic of Herb Camp and connecting directly with plantsYou'll walk away with a deeper appreciation for where your herbal medicine comes from—and why supporting local, ethical farms is so powerful.06:00 – The beginnings of Oshala Farm10:00 – What “regenerative organic” really means18:00 – Why herb quality starts in the soil26:00 – The drying process & testing for potency33:00 – Lessons for aspiring herb farmers45:00 – How Herb Camp connects people & plantsCheck out the full episode and show notes right here!

Delicious and healthy spices for the whole family!   Link Mentioned Magic mushroom powder   Holistically Healthy Woman: 4 Steps to Move Away from Modern Medicine for Christians www.herholistichealing.com/free   Free Community www.facebook.com/groups/herholistichealing   Book (Discover God's Health Wisdom: Exposing 8 Common Myths That Keep You Sick) www.herholistichealing.com/book   Holistic Health Coaching www.herholistichealing.com/coaching   Website www.herholistichealing.com   E-mail hello@herholistichealing.com   This content is not meant to be personal medical advice.

Katie and Tommy discuss the most hated practices people “have” to do during Lent. Is it fasting? Extra prayers? Almsgiving? They dig into why these practices feel so hard—and why we often dread them—even when we know they're supposed to help us grow. Plus, they share some personal stories, spiritual insights, and maybe even a few Lenten hot takes you didn't see coming. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

Join us for this episode with Dr. Melissa Sonners, the inspiring founder of Be Inspired Mama, to dive into the transformative power of "bioharmonizing." Melissa shares her insights on the importance of embracing more being and less doing, helping us reframe our approach to daily life. We explore practical strategies for optimizing brainwaves throughout the day, as well as how to simplify and streamline your health routine for maximum benefit. She also emphasizes the profound impact of role-modeling for your children, showing them the value of self-care, mindfulness, and balance. Tune in for a conversation packed with tips and inspiration to help you thrive!Dr. Melissa Sonners is the passionate force behind Be Inspired Mama, dedicated to helping moms turn their struggles into strengths. With a deep background in prenatal, postpartum, and pediatric care, Melissa combines the latest research with a heartfelt commitment to empowering women. Her journey took a personal turn when she was diagnosed with a neurological form of Lyme disease in 2017. This challenge taught her the importance of self-care, a lesson she now shares with moms everywhere through her work and teachings.SHOW NOTES:0:31 Welcome to the show!3:36 Dr. Melissa Sonner's Bio4:18 Welcome her to the podcast!6:12 How she keeps herself on track10:03 How to get clear on your WHY13:39 The Connection Code15:01 Renee's Time-Tracking exercise18:08 Creating a timeout in your day20:15 Delegating & and saying N.O.23:37 “The Percentage Game”28:54 Role modeling for children31:48 *PIQUE TEA*34:01 How to make biohacking work for your family39:38 More Being41:45 Her experience with Lyme disease43:42 Brain Wave syncing53:18 Binaural Beats56:33 Where to find her59:39 Her finale piece of advice1:00:25 Thanks for tuning in!RESOURCES:Website: https://www.drmelissasonners.com/IG: @beinspiredmamaPique Tea - 20% off for life + a FREE starter kitOur Sponsors:* Check out Effecty and use my code BIOHACKERBABES for a great deal: https://www.effecty.com* Check out Puori: https://Puori.com/BIOHACKERBABESSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/biohacker-babes-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

The child welfare system is not perfect. Not only is it subject to the types of challenges all government programs can face—such as a lack of funding, policy gaps, and inefficiencies—it's also very overloaded. As a result, many biological parents don't receive the best resources to help them navigate their circumstances, and often, they are confused about how to access the resources that are available. Here at The Forgotten Initiative, we're committed to advocating for the best interests of children and families while ensuring that the laws and procedures designed to protect them are upheld. This is exactly what Esther Sherrard, a dedicated private consultant, works to do every day! Esther helps agencies, courts, and faith communities improve child welfare outcomes by preserving, restoring, and growing families. She was a licensed foster parent for older youth and has spent 10 years with the Federal Child and Family Services Review team. Esther is determined to see more children and families involved in the child welfare system experience positive outcomes. In this episode, Esther shares some of the challenges biological parents face when trying to navigate the system, the importance of the local church standing in the gap to support children and families in foster care, why we should seek to show true compassion to biological parents, and much more. This conversation was grounding and inspiring as we seek to fulfill God's calling to promote justice and support families. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/esther-sherrard-266/

Lisa feels she has a lot in common with the “Woman at the Well” story in John 4, such as spending years feeling guilt, shame, and fear until she met Jesus. Lisa is proud that God is now using her past to help others find peace and healing. Al is surprised by the grandiose schemes quiet, shy Jase plotted back when they were kids, including sending his hard-earned money off to buy shrinking powder to use on the rest of the Robertson family. In this episode: John 3, verses 19-21; John 4, verses 3-42 “Unashamed” Episode 1060 is sponsored by: https://purehealthresearch.com — Get a 35% discount when you use code UNASHAMED at checkout! https://myphdweightloss.com — Find out how Al is finally losing weight! Schedule your one-on-one consultation today by visiting the website or calling 864-644-1900. https://puretalk.com/unashamed — Get 50% off your first month when you make the switch! https://preborn.com/unashamed — Click the link or dial #250 and use keyword BABY to donate today. Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices