The Art of Raising Humans

Parenting Legacy
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

Kyle and Sara Wester are Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) with over 20 years experience working with children and teenagers in Tulsa, Oklahoma.Their podcast will help you parent from a place of freedom, love, and courage. Their passion is to help you uncover areas of fear and shame in your parenting and inspire you to empower your children to become healthy adults.They use the latest research in neuroscience coupled with their own experience raising 3 children.

  1. 3 days ago

    The Good Enough Dad with Maggie Dent (Episode 217)

    In this episode of Art of Raising Humans, Kyle and Sara Wester sit down with beloved Australian parenting author, educator, and champion for boys Maggie Dent to talk about dads, sons, emotional safety, repair, and why children do not need perfect fathers.   Maggie shares practical wisdom for fathers who want to parent differently but may not know what that looks like in real life. Together, we explore how dads can be strong without being harsh, how boys often open up through side-by-side connection, and why repair matters more than perfection.   If you are a dad, love a dad, are raising boys, or want to better understand the powerful role fathers play, this conversation will leave you encouraged and reminded that being a “good enough dad” really can be enough.   In this episode: • Why dads matter so deeply • How dads can connect with sons • Why boys often open up through walks, car rides, movement, and presence • What may be underneath anger in tween and teen boys • How dads can repair after yelling or losing their temper • Why children need emotional safety more than perfection   Connect with Maggie Dent Website: maggiedent.com Instagram: @maggiedentauthor YouTube: Maggie Dent Podcast: The Good Enough Dad Podcast   Books: Mothering Our Boys From Boys to Men Help Me Help My Teen Girlhood Parental As Anything   View the full podcast transcript at:  https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/the-good-enough-had-with-maggie-dent   Visit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey.   Resource Website:  https://www.artofraisinghumans.com Video Courses:  https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumans Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumans Podcast Website:  https://www.theartofraisinghumans.com Book List: https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/booklist   The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.

    47 min

  2. 15 June

    Screen Time Without the Power Struggles (Episode 216)

    If you're like most parents, you've probably had a moment this summer where you said, "Okay, time to turn it off," and suddenly found yourself in a negotiation, an argument, or a full-blown meltdown.   Screens have become one of the biggest parenting challenges of modern life. They're entertaining, social, educational, and often genuinely helpful. But they can also create power struggles, emotional outbursts, and frustration for both kids and parents.   In this episode, Kyle and Sara explore a different way to think about screens. Instead of focusing on control, punishment, or finding the perfect amount of screen time, they discuss how parents can help children develop healthy screen habits while still enjoying the benefits technology can offer.   You'll hear practical ideas for reducing conflict, understanding what's happening beneath screen battles, and leading your family with connection instead of control. Kyle and Sara also share five practical shifts parents can begin using immediately to create healthier rhythms around screens and reduce daily battles.   In This Episode: Why turning off screens can feel so difficult for kidsWhat screens may be providing for children emotionally and sociallyWhy screen battles are often about more than the screen itselfCommon parenting responses that unintentionally increase conflictThe difference between creating limits and creating healthy rhythmsHow to support smoother transitions away from devicesWhy awareness works better than shameWhat screens may be crowding out in a child's lifeHow to collaborate with kids when creating screen expectationsWhat to do when children still become upset about screen limitsFive practical shifts you can start using this week A Different Way to Think About Screens: Screens aren't going away. Our job isn't to eliminate them. Our job is to help our children learn how to use them with awareness, balance, and self-control while they're still under our guidance.   When we move beyond fear, shame, and constant power struggles, we create opportunities to teach the skills our kids will need for a lifetime of healthy screen use.   View the full podcast transcript at:  https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/screen-time-without-the-power-struggles   Visit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey.   Resource Website:  https://www.artofraisinghumans.com Video Courses:  https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumans Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumans Podcast Website:  https://www.theartofraisinghumans.com Book List: https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/booklist   The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.

    34 min

  3. 8 June

    Why So Many Boys Are Angry Today with Dr. Katie Hurley

    Many parents are worried about what they're seeing in their sons.   Maybe your son seems more angry, aggressive, withdrawn, or difficult to reach than he used to be. Maybe you're wondering why conversations feel harder, emotions stay bottled up, or small frustrations quickly escalate into conflict.   In this episode, Kyle and Sara Wester sit down with psychologist and author Dr. Katie Hurley to explore what is really happening beneath the surface for boys today.   Together, they discuss the hidden pressures boys face, the influence of social media and online culture, why anger often becomes the only acceptable emotion for boys to express, and how parents can create stronger connections with their sons in a rapidly changing world. This conversation offers practical guidance, hope, and insight for parents who want to better understand their boys and help them thrive emotionally, socially, and mentally. If You've Ever Wondered: Why does my son seem so angry lately?Why won't my son talk about his feelings?How is social media affecting boys?What is the "manosphere" and why should parents pay attention?How do I respond when my son becomes verbally aggressive?How can dads build stronger emotional connections with their sons?What role do coaches, mentors, and male role models play?How can I help my son navigate today's culture without losing himself? In This Episode The hidden emotional pressures boys face todayWhy boys often express sadness, fear, shame, and anxiety through angerHow social media algorithms influence boys' beliefs and identityThe growing impact of online misogyny and toxic masculinityWhy boys often struggle to ask for helpThe importance of emotional connection and open conversationsHow shared activities can help boys open upWhy positive male mentorship mattersPractical ways parents can respond to aggression and disrespectThe difference between punishment and connectionHow calm, consistency, and connection help boys feel safe enough to growWhy repair and accountability are essential family skills Connect with Dr. Katie Hurley Instagram: @drkatiehurley Website: https://practicalkatie.com/ Books: Breaking the Boy CodeNo More Mean Girls  View the full podcast transcript at:  https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/why-so-many-boys-are-angry-today-with-dr-katie-hurley   Visit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey.   Resource Website:  https://www.artofraisinghumans.com Video Courses:  https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumans Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumans Podcast Website:  https://www.theartofraisinghumans.com Book List: https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/booklist   The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.

    41 min

  4. 1 June

    How To Stop Punishing Without Becoming Permissive

    Many parents today feel stuck between two extremes: Punishment and power struggles,OR permissiveness and inconsistency.  But what if there’s another way?   In this episode, Kyle and Sara Wester from Art of Raising Humans walk parents through their GUIDE framework, a practical, relationship-based approach that helps parents hold boundaries, teach responsibility, and build emotional regulation without relying on fear, shame, or punishment.   This conversation is filled with: real-life parenting examples,nervous system insights,and practical tools parents can begin using immediately with kids, tweens, and teens.  If you’ve ever wondered: “How do I hold limits without yelling?”“How do I teach accountability without punishment?”“What do I actually do during emotional meltdowns?”“How do I stay calm when my child loses control?”…this episode will give you a practical roadmap forward.   In This Episode Why punishment often fails to build long-term skillsThe difference between accountability and punishmentHow parent regulation changes difficult momentsWhat children actually need during emotional overwhelmThe GUIDE framework for calm, connected disciplinePractical ways to hold firm boundaries without fear or shameWhy repair matters after conflictHow to help kids build emotional regulation and responsibility  View the full podcast transcript at:  https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/how-to-stop-punishing-without-becoming-permissive   Visit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey.   Resource Website:  https://www.artofraisinghumans.com Video Courses:  https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumans Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumans Podcast Website:  https://www.theartofraisinghumans.com Book List: https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/booklist   The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.

    34 min

  5. 25 May

    Why Punishment Doesn’t Work (And What Actually Helps Kids Learn) with Jon Fogel

    Check out Jon Fogel's "Parent Lab" membership. It has courses, challenges, and coaching included. Learn more at Members.wholeparentacademy.com. In this episode, Kyle and Sara Wester sit down with parenting educator and author Jon Fogel to unpack the science behind punishment, discipline, emotional regulation, and raising resilient kids without fear, shame, or power struggles.   Jon explains why punishment often teaches the wrong lessons, what actually happens in a child’s brain during moments of stress, and why long-term influence comes through connection, boundaries, and skill-building; not fear or control.   Whether you’re parenting a strong-willed child, a neurodiverse child, or simply trying to break generational parenting patterns, this conversation offers practical, brain-based strategies that help parents lead with calm authority while still holding healthy boundaries.   If you’ve ever wondered: “If I don’t punish, won’t my child just keep doing it?”“What’s the difference between gentle parenting and permissiveness?”“How do I hold boundaries without yelling, shame, or punishment?”…this episode is for you.   In This Episode: Why punishment often teaches the wrong lessonWhat brain science reveals about discipline and emotional regulationThe difference between punishment, consequences, and permissivenessWhy kids need boundaries without fear-based parentingHow shame impacts a child’s brain and behaviorParenting neurodiverse children with greater understandingWhy most effective discipline happens after the moment, not during itHow to help children build resilience through natural consequencesPractical tools parents can use during meltdowns and conflict  Key Takeaways: Punishment may stop behavior temporarily, but it rarely builds long-term skillsChildren learn best when they feel safe, connected, and emotionally regulatedBoundaries and authority still matter in connected parentingNatural consequences are often more effective than punishmentParenting with empathy does not mean permissivenessLong-term influence is built through relationship and trust  Resources Mentioned: Punishment-Free Parenting: The Brain-Based Way to Raise Kids Without Raising Your Voice by Jon Fogel Set My Feelings Free by Jon Fogel Jon Fogel / Whole Parent: https://www.jonfogel.com The Parent Lab: https://www.jonfogel.com/parentlab Instagram: @WholeParent   View the full podcast transcript at:  https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/why-punishment-doesnt-work-and-what-actually-helps-kids-learn-with-jon-fogel   Visit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey.   Resource Website:  https://www.artofraisinghumans.com Video Courses:  https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumans Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumans Podcast Website:  https://www.theartofraisinghumans.com Book List: https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/booklist   The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.

    40 min

  6. 18 May

    Why Your Teen Needs to Disagree With You (And How to Stay Connected When They Do)

    Why does your teen suddenly argue about everything?   Why do simple conversations turn into tension, frustration, or shutdown?   In this episode, Kyle and Sara Wester unpack what’s actually happening in the teenage brain during adolescence and why disagreement is often a healthy sign of development—not disrespect.   You’ll learn why teens naturally start questioning parents, what fear this can trigger in moms and dads, and how to respond in ways that strengthen connection instead of damaging it.    This episode will help you stay calm during conflict, keep communication open, and build long-term influence with your teen without relying on control or power struggles.   If you’ve ever wondered: “Why is my teen pushing back so much?”“Am I losing influence?”“How do I stay connected without giving in?”…this episode is for you. In This Episode: What’s happening in the teenage brain during adolescenceWhy disagreement is part of healthy identity developmentThe difference between defiance and differentiationWhy control often weakens connection and influenceHow to stay calm and connected during conflictPractical ways to respond without shutting conversations downHow curiosity builds trust and communicationThe shift from controlling behavior to coaching decision-makingKey Takeaways: Teen disagreement is normal and developmentally healthyYour response matters more than winning the argumentConnection creates more long-term influence than controlCalm, curious parenting keeps communication openTeens still need guidance, even when they push back  View the full podcast transcript at:  https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/why-your-teen-needs-to-disagree-with-you-and-how-to-stay-connected-when-they-do   Visit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey.   Resource Website:  https://www.artofraisinghumans.com Video Courses:  https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumans Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumans Podcast Website:  https://www.theartofraisinghumans.com Book List: https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/booklist   The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.

    29 min

  7. 11 May

    Touched Out, On Edge, and Overwhelmed? Why Moms Feel This Way (and What Actually Helps)

    If you have ever felt touched out, on edge, or reactive with your kids even when nothing big is wrong, this episode will help you understand why.   Most parenting advice focuses on managing your time, your tasks, or your mindset. But what if the real issue is not what you are doing, but what your nervous system is constantly taking in?   In this episode of Art of Raising Humans, we talk about the overstimulation many moms experience every day and how constant input like noise, touch, questions, and emotional demands keeps your body in a state of stress.   We explain what is happening in your brain and body, why this often leads to snapping or shutting down, and what helps you feel calmer, more present, and more like yourself again. You will walk away with three simple shifts that reduce overstimulation, support your nervous system, and change the way you show up at home.   We also talk about how dads and partners can play a key role, not just by helping more, but by actively reducing the inputs that are overwhelming moms.   In this episode, we cover Why moms feel overstimulated even when nothing major is wrongThe difference between mental load and nervous system overloadHow constant input keeps your body in a stress responseWhy snapping or shutting down is often a physiological responseThree shifts that reduce overstimulation and increase calmHow partners can help by reducing input, not just adding support  Three shifts to reduce overstimulation Lower the input, not just the expectationsYour nervous system needs fewer demands, not just better coping strategies.Externalize what is looping in your mindGetting thoughts out of your head creates space and reduces internal noise.Shift from help to ownership at homeTrue relief comes when responsibilities are fully shared, not managed by one person.  Key takeaway You are not too sensitive. You are not handling it wrong. Your nervous system is overloaded. When you reduce the input, everything from your patience to your presence starts to change.   View the full podcast transcript at:  https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/touched-out-on-edge-and-overwhelmed-why-moms-feel-this-way-and-what-actually-helps   Visit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey.   Resource Website:  https://www.artofraisinghumans.com Video Courses:  https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumans Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumans Podcast Website:  https://www.theartofraisinghumans.com Book List: https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/booklist   The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.

    30 min

  8. 4 May

    Why Play Is the Missing Piece in Your Parenting (With Dr. Kim Van Dusen)

    What if one of the most powerful tools in parenting is something most of us overlook? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kim Van Dusen to talk about the role of play in building connection, improving behavior, and helping children navigate big emotions.   Many parents think of play as something extra — something fun if there is time. But as Dr. Kim explains, play is not just entertainment. It is one of the most effective ways to build trust, teach emotional skills, and create the kind of relationship that actually influences behavior. We talk about how to balance connection and boundaries, what to do when kids have big reactions, and how simple, playful moments throughout the day can completely shift the tone of your home.   If you’ve ever felt stuck in power struggles, overwhelmed by big emotions, or unsure how to connect with your child in the middle of hard moments, this conversation will give you practical and realistic ways to start. In this episode, we cover: Why play is more than just fun — it is a powerful parenting toolHow connection through play can improve behavior over timeThe balance between boundaries and connectionHow to respond to big feelings without losing your footingPractical ways to use play during transitions, meltdowns, and everyday momentsWhy some parents struggle to engage in play and how to overcome itHow play builds trust, safety, and emotional resilience in childrenPractical takeaways for parents: Look for small “playful pockets” throughout the dayUse simple tools like visual timers to ease transitionsCreate small rituals that build connectionFocus on your own regulation as the foundationBe willing to step into your child’s world — even briefly  About our guest: Dr. Kim Van Dusen is a therapist and parenting expert who helps families build stronger relationships through connection and play. Her work focuses on helping parents navigate behavior, emotions, and everyday challenges in a way that builds trust and long-term resilience.   Resources: Parenting Through Play (Book): AmazonAmazon.com Website: Kimvandusenkimvandusen.com Instagram: Instagraminstagram.com/theparentologist   View the full podcast transcript at:  https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/why-play-is-the-missing-piece-in-your-parenting-with-dr-kim-van-dusen   Visit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey.   Resource Website:  https://www.artofraisinghumans.com Video Courses:  https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumans Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumans Podcast Website:  https://www.theartofraisinghumans.com Book List: https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/booklist   The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.

    39 min
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About

Kyle and Sara Wester are Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) with over 20 years experience working with children and teenagers in Tulsa, Oklahoma.Their podcast will help you parent from a place of freedom, love, and courage. Their passion is to help you uncover areas of fear and shame in your parenting and inspire you to empower your children to become healthy adults.They use the latest research in neuroscience coupled with their own experience raising 3 children.

Information

  • Creator
    Parenting Legacy
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    217
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Art of Raising Humans
  • Show Website
    The Art of Raising Humans

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