How do you explain war to a 10-year-old? What do you say when your child asks about tragic accidents they've heard about? In our hyper-connected world, children are exposed to disturbing news whether we plan for it or not, and dismissing their concerns with "don't worry about it" isn't enough.

In this episode, family therapist Cory Reid-Vanas (MA, LMFT) from Rocky Mountain Counseling Collective [https://www.rmcchealth.com/] shares practical, age-appropriate strategies for navigating these challenging conversations. We explore how children at different developmental stages process difficult information, why validating their feelings is crucial, and what it truly means to "show up" for kids during uncertain times.

Season Two/Episode Fifteen (Finale): When the World Feels Scary - Helping Kids With Disturbing News

In this episode, we explore one of the most personal challenges facing single parents - finding love and companionship while raising children and staying true to your values.

Jaydi Samuels Kuba, CEO of LJMatchmaking [https://www.ljmatchmaking.com/]and author of Your Last First Date, Secrets from a Hollywood Matchmaker, [https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Your-Last-First-Date/Jaydi-Samuels-Kuba/9781668079645]offers practical advice on online dating for busy single parents, setting boundaries that protect both your heart and your children, and finding partners who understand that your dedication to your kids isn't a burden. 

Whether you're newly single, divorced, widowed, or have been flying solo for years, this episode offers hope and practical guidance for finding love while raising the next generation.

Season Two/Episode Fourteen: Finding Love While Parenting - Dating Guide for Single Parents

What if the male loneliness epidemic isn't just a mental health crisis, but the predictable result of systems designed to strip boys of their emotional capacity?

In this episode, Brandon Bishop, author of "The 7 Anchors of Emotional Intelligence," [https://www.amazon.com/Anchors-Emotional-Intelligence-Building-Stronger/dp/B0FD4ZPVK9/ref=zg_bsnr_g_886138_d_sccl_1/139-5891456-0706934?psc=1] reveals a harsh truth: our culture deliberately punishes boys for emotional expression to serve systems that profit from disconnection.  He shares how reclaiming emotional intelligence isn't just personal healing—it's an act of resistance against unsustainable models of masculinity. He reveals his 7-anchor framework for helping men break free from emotional armor.

Season Two/Episode Thirteen: The Male Loneliness Epidemic - Breaking the Emotional Armor  

When your teenager is battling acne and mood swings while you're dealing with hot flashes and brain fog, it might feel like your house is under hormonal siege. But what if this challenging time could actually become your family's greatest opportunity for connection and health advocacy?

Dr. Amy Beckley, PhD and founder of Proov [https://proovtest.com/], shares how mothers navigating perimenopause can use their own hormone journey - backed by real data from at-home testing - to model informed health advocacy for their teenagers going through puberty.

Season Two/Episode Twelve: Double Hormones, Double Hope - Perimenopause and Puberty Under one Roof

What if childcare didn't force children to fit a predetermined mold, but instead shaped itself around each child's unique needs and strengths?

Carson Wagner, the founder of Lifetime of Love Nannies, [https://lifetimeoflovenannies.com/] discusses her approach to dismantling the cookie-cutter childcare industry—one personalized care plan at a time. Starting in Nevada and California, this innovative company has cracked the code on truly inclusive care, especially for children with special needs, while pioneering creative use of state funding to make quality care accessible to more families.

Season Two/Episode Eleven: Making Inclusive Childcare Accessible - Breaking Down Barriers for Special Needs Families

In an era where technology shapes how we learn and teach, crucial questions emerge: How do we make the most of educational technology while ensuring it serves all learners equitably?

Deb Mallin, founder of Mighty Doodle [https://mightydoodle.com/], explores the delicate balance between technological innovation and responsible, student-centered learning.

In this episode, we discuss how AI can create more inclusive literacy experiences, the ethical considerations of developing EdTech for young learners, and Deb's vision for a future where technology serves the needs of all children – not just those who learn conventionally.

Season Two/Episode Ten: Drawing Outside the Lines - Reimagining Educational AI for Diverse Minds

In a society that claims "it takes a village to raise a child," why are so many mothers raising children without one? This episode explores the growing crisis of maternal isolation and the absence of traditional support networks that once sustained families.

Dr. Shannon Weaver draws on her extensive research to discuss how the burden of childcare falls heavily on mothers both emotionally and financially. 

Whether you're a parent feeling isolated, someone who supports a parent, or simply interested in how social structures impact family life, this conversation with Dr. Weaver offers insights into one of the most pressing yet often invisible challenges facing families today.

Season Two/Episode Nine: The Vanishing Village - Is Modern Motherhood In Crisis?

From viral dance videos to professional child influencers, children navigate a digital landscape their parents never imagined. In this episode, cybersecurity expert Maria-Kristina Hayden, former Defense Intelligence Agency professional and founder of OUTFOXM, [https://www.outfoxm.com/]reveals the hidden risks facing both everyday kids and young social media stars.

Through the lens of recent cases, including the complex journey of teenage influencers earning six figures, Hayden shares what every parent needs to know about digital safety. Whether your child has 10 followers or 10 million, learn why traditional online safety advice is outdated and what works to protect our kids online.

Season Two/Episode Eight: Digital Shields: Protecting Children in the Age of Social Influence

Have you ever wondered why you struggle with organization, time management, or completing tasks – despite being a capable adult? Join us as we unravel the complexities of Adult ADHD with expert Billy Roberts. [https://focusedmindadhdcounseling.com/] In this eye-opening episode, we explore how ADHD manifests differently in adults than in children, why many adults go undiagnosed for years, and what a proper diagnosis could mean for your life.

Whether you're questioning your own experiences, supporting someone with ADHD, or simply curious about this often misunderstood condition, this episode offers vital information and hope for adults navigating life with ADHD.

Season Two/Episode Seven: Unmasking Adult ADHD Beyond the Childhood Diagnosis

In this episode, we meet a leader who channeled her experience as a teen mom in foster care into creating real solutions for vulnerable youth. Through The L.I.V.E. Outreach [https://theliveoutreach.org/], founded in 2014, Malika Williams is reshaping how support services connect with young people. What started as a program helping young women transition from foster care has grown into a dynamic youth support network, now launching a Mobile Mentoring Hub.

Join us for a conversation about turning personal experience into meaningful action. See how direct experience with the foster care system shapes an approach to youth support that's both practical and deeply personal.

Season Two/Episode Six: From Foster Care to Founder: Mobilizing Hope Through Mobile Mentorship

Whether you're a parent navigating the complexities of child custody, a nonprofit organization striving to support children and their caregivers, or a legal professional seeking to champion the rights of minors, this podcast is your go-to.

Cynthia Ramsaran

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