The Paula Faris Show That Sounds Fun Network

We’re answering your questions about teen drinking and substance abuse because it’s a topic that you’re asking us to talk about and a topic that is causing a lot of tension in your homes. 

I remember taking my first drink when I was five. My dad gave me a sip of his beer, and I loved it but never abused it growing up. Conversely, John distanced himself from alcohol until he was in his 20s because of an alcoholic grandfather. So, out of the gate, we’re approaching this subject from different perspectives.

Because we wanted to stick to the facts and the hard questions on this topic, we’ve invited Jessica Lahey, an author and expert on it, to the conversation. She’s a recovering alcoholic and has been researching and writing about it for over a decade. 

We’re going to tackle all your questions: Should you give your teens a safe space to drink? What is it doing to their brains? What are the real numbers? And we’re going to bust some myths about it in the process. 

Life happens, friends. Let’s talk about it. 

Listen in to learn more : 

(00:40 - 01:39) Mother's Day Gift Planning With Paula
(05:33 - 07:21) Parenting and Substance Abuse Prevention
(08:37 - 09:53) Substance Use Risk and Adolescence
(15:08 - 16:09) Trends in Adolescent Substance Use
(25:40 - 26:54) Concerns About Adolescent Vaping and Addiction
(29:25 - 31:05) Parenting and Conflicting Views on Alcohol
(32:52 - 34:08) Parental Approach to Underage Drinking
(36:18 - 37:49) Teen Substance Abuse Risks and Facts

In this episode, we are digging into why age matters when it comes to substance use and its effects on the brain, how substances have changed from when we were growing up, the statistics on substance use in teens and young adults, and why providing a “safe place” for teens to drink may have different results than you might think. 

LINKS 

LINK TO JESSICA’S WEBSITE
https://www.jessicalahey.com/

LINK TO PAULA’S NEWSLETTER
https://www.paulafarisofficial.com/newsletter


FOLLOW PAULA ON INSTAGRAM  
https://www.instagram.com/paulafaris/?hl=en


LINK TO CARRY’S NEWSLETTER 
https://carrymedia.com/the-carry-all/


Mother’s Day Giveaway with ABLE
Mamas, our team at CARRY™️ is giving away a bundle of our favorite things that go in The CARRY ALL bag (the ultimate working mom bag, our collaboration with  ABLE )

Not only can you get 30% off the bag and ABLE’s entire site using the code CARRYMOM30 (through May 8)…
10 OF YOU ARE WINNING THIS BUNDLE
-Owala water bottle (because there’s an interior water bottle holder in the bag!)
-GOODR Sunglasses gift card
-SIMPLIFIED Planner from their new spring line
-ABLE Leather conditioner to keep your bag beautiful
-Signed copies of Paula’s books– “WHO Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up” and “You Don’t Have To CARRY It All”
TOTAL = $175 VALUE
HOW DO YOU ENTER?
Anyone who has ordered the bag from March through May 8 is automatically entered to win. We’ll do the rest! We have your contact information and will contact the winners by May 10. 
Purchase your bag today! https://bit.ly/4dqGTsR

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I’ve been pretty open about caring for my aging mother while juggling a family of five. There’s actually a term for this stage of life-- when you’re caring for your kids and your parents. It’s called ‘The Sandwich Generation’ when you’re sandwiched between caring for your kids and your parents. 

When I heard your similar stories and learned that so many of you are in the thick of this season, I knew we had to talk about it. And I knew there was only one person we needed to talk to. 

Jessica Kim is a mom of three and a fellow mompreneur who cared for her parents in her home until they passed away. In 2018, she founded IANA Care because she experienced firsthand how isolating, overwhelming, and unsupported this time of life can be. (IANA=I Am Not Alone)  

Caring for our parents is an honor, but it can also be a big stressor. I hope this conversation helps you navigate what to do when caring for your kids and parents. And, more importantly, I hope you know you’re not alone in it. 

Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It. 

Listen in to learn more:
(09:13 - 11:25) Selling the Family Home Emotional Journey
(15:49 - 16:34) Acknowledging the Role of Caregiver
(28:46 - 30:00) Support for Caregivers

In this episode, we discuss the importance of naming and defining our role as caregivers, why caregiving does not have to be all or nothing, two questions to ask as you decide what to delegate, why caregivers burn out, and what we can do about it, and some practical tools to help ease the load on your caregiving journey. 

LINKS

Find out more information about IANA -
https://ianacare.com/ 

Link to Paula's newsletter
https://www.paulafarisofficial.com/newsletter


Follow Paula on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/paulafaris/?hl=en


Link to Carry's Newsletter
https://carrymedia.com/the-carry-all/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m not sure we’ve had more interest in any other topic than the one we’re going for today. We’re talking YOUTH SPORTS: the #1 reason your kids should play, how to NOT be one of those crazy sports parents, and whether youth sports have gone too far. 

It’s a big topic to tackle (no pun intended), for sure. But one that we’re all very passionate about. 

There’s a reason 70% of kids quit sports by the age of 13: the pressure, intense parents, and unrealistic expectations. 

In fact, there’s a bit of tension in our own home about how far is too far. We’ll talk about how we’ve navigated it, answer some of your biggest questions, and explain why we believe every kid should play youth sports. 

You’ll also enjoy hearing John’s take on all this, as he's coached college, high school, and AAU basketball and was a college basketball All-American (which is super hot).

Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It.

Listen in to learn more:
(00:00 - 00:40) Parents' Expectations in Youth Sports
(03:29 - 03:48) Sports-Loving Duo Met in College
(07:58 - 08:24) Coaching Youth Basketball Lessons
(10:46 - 11:53) Qualities of an Exceptional Athlete
(18:36 - 20:08) High School Athletes and Sports Chances
(26:02 - 27:01) Perspective on Letting Kids Compete
(28:56 - 29:51) Year-Round Travel Sports Specialization
(35:14 - 36:16) Individualized Support for Children
(38:31 - 39:17) Connecting With Teen Boys

Summary: 
In this episode, we explore the benefits of youth sports that shape our kids long after the ball stops bouncing, what it means to keep our expectations realistic as parents, how to encourage and support our kids without pushing them too hard or too far, and how to navigate the pressure of intense sports schedules as a family. 

LINKS:

LINK TO PAULA’S NEWSLETTER
https://www.paulafarisofficial.com/newsletter


FOLLOW PAULA ON INSTAGRAM  
https://www.instagram.com/paulafaris/?hl=en


LINK TO CARRY’S NEWSLETTER 
https://carrymedia.com/the-carry-all/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mario Lopez joins me to talk about parenting, marriage, and how turning 50 really messed with him. 

The “Saved By The Bell” alum and Access Hollywood host says his favorite role is family man. I was honestly a little surprised, in a good way, to hear he’s a strict and hands-on parent. 

I loved getting to know Mario and hearing how much he adores his wife of 10+ years, as well as how they navigate their relationship while raising three children. 

Mario and I also share a love for The Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Mario spent a lot of time at his local club growing up, and I’ve been a longtime supporter and Trustee of the BGCA. 

You’re going to love seeing a new side of AC Slater, um, Mario. And hear his hot take on all the things we’re talking about as parents. 

Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It! 

Listen in to learn more:

(03:16 - 04:01) - Mario Lopez - Marriage and turning 50  
(07:24 - 08:34) Parenting in the Digital Age
(18:22 - 19:24) Life-Giving Activities and Passions
(21:28 - 22:12) Upcoming Episode – The Youth Sports Debate +  Paula vs. John

In this episode, we are diving into the importance of being present for our kids, why being a strict parent is not a bad thing, the thoughts and feelings that come up with midlife and turning 50, and how to prioritize your partner in the midst of raising a busy, active family.

PAULA’S KIDS BOOK, which 100% benefits the  Boys and Girls Club of America 

MARIO LOPEZ ON INSTAGRAM 

LINK TO PAULA’S NEWSLETTER
https://www.paulafarisofficial.com/newsletter


FOLLOW PAULA ON INSTAGRAM  
https://www.instagram.com/paulafaris/?hl=en


LINK TO CARRY’S NEWSLETTER 
https://carrymedia.com/the-carry-all/

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He’s one of my favorite humans, and I refuse to censor him; that’s why this conversation is spicier than usual. Dan Harris was my "work husband" for a long time at Good Morning America, where we co-anchored the weekend edition of GMA. 

A few years ago, Dan made a bold and scary decision. One that caused him much anxiety. He walked away from ABC News to spend more time with his family. 

So, what do you do when your career and family don’t align? When it conflicts with who you want to be?

Dan talks about how he wrestled with the decision, why he ultimately walked away, and the extreme pressure most men feel to provide. 

Today, you’ll find Dan working from home on his 10% Happier podcast and meditation app and enjoying his existence as an “ex-anchorman.” 
Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It!

Listen in to learn more : 

(00:37 - 01:24) “Spicy” Work-Life Balance With Dan Harris
(06:27 - 07:38) Challenges in Starting a Business
(09:41 - 10:36) ABC News Support for Book
(16:26 - 17:46) A Father's Relationship With Nine-Year-Old Son
(19:56 - 20:58) Paula’s First Day School Absence and Being Set Free From Guilt
(28:05 - 29:55) Managing Stress and Self-Compassion
(35:46 - 37:03) Finding 10% Happier

Remember to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts to hear what we discuss weekly. 

RESOURCES:

Connect with Dan Harris
https://www.danharris.com/

LINK TO PAULA’S NEWSLETTER
https://www.paulafarisofficial.com/newsletter


FOLLOW PAULA ON INSTAGRAM  
https://www.instagram.com/paulafaris/?hl=en


LINK TO CARRY’S NEWSLETTER 
https://carrymedia.com/the-carry-all/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This may have been one of the biggest AHA moments I’ve had as a parent. So much of the guilt I’ve carried as a parent has been regarding work and missing important moments. 

My dear friend Jon Acuff, an author/speaker and one of the quippiest humans you’ll meet, will tell us how we can DITCH THE GUILT of being a working parent. Even if our job stinks. 

Had it not been for Jon, I’d have absolutely melted when I recently missed my kids’ first day of school because of work. I would have called myself a “bad mom” and lamented to my family about how awful I felt. But because of Jon, not only did I not carry any guilt, but my kids were actually cheering me on! 

It boils down to how we talk about it (kids have these things called “mirror neurons”) and whether we invite our family into our work. I can’t wait for you to hear this conversation and find the freedom I’ve found. 

Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It. 


Listen in to learn more : 
(01:06 - 02:39) Ditching Working Parent Guilt
(06:28 - 07:35) Impact of Parental Attitudes on Work
(12:25 - 13:08) Impact of Mirror Neurons on Parenting
(18:04 - 18:33) Demonstrating Persistence in Imperfect Job
(24:19 - 25:39) Changing Mindset Through Positive Reflection
(29:53 - 31:15) Loneliness Epidemic and Isolation Supernova
(34:23 - 35:07) Work-Life Integration and Career Decisions

Remember to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts to hear what we’re talking about each week. 

RESOURCES:

 ALL ABOUT JON
https://jonacuff.com/

LINK TO PAULA’S NEWSLETTER
https://www.paulafarisofficial.com/newsletter


FOLLOW PAULA ON INSTAGRAM  
https://www.instagram.com/paulafaris/?hl=en


LINK TO CARRY’S NEWSLETTER 
https://carrymedia.com/the-carry-all/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices