Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids Today

Lianne Castelino
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The Where Parents Talk podcast empowers parents to navigate the challenges of raising kids, teens, and young adults today with science-backed insights, evidence, and the lived experiences of parenting thought leaders. Every Saturday, host, award-winning journalist and mom, Lianne Castelino, distills parenting hot topics with her guests, including: managing hormonal changes, fostering healthy communication, and promoting emotional, mental, and physical health and well-being of kids. Get proven tips and expert advice on addressing device usage and managing social media to the latest evidence on bullying, consent, and relationships, to help instil discipline, encourage independence, and build resilience in children. Discover trusted advice, delivered with empathy and optimism, to support your parenting journey and help your family thrive.

  1. Raising Independent Kids in an Overprotective World

    5D AGO

    Raising Independent Kids in an Overprotective World

    Why are so many young adults struggling with independence today—and what can parents do differently? In this episode of the Where Parents Talk Podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with licensed school psychologist, author and father David Krasky, whose book Raising Future Adults explores how parents can prepare children and teens for real-world success. Drawing on two decades of experience working with families and students, Krasky explains how modern parenting trends—including overprotection, helicopter parenting, and the pressures of technology—may unintentionally limit a child’s ability to build independence and essential life skills. The discussion explore practical strategies for helping kids develop executive functioning skills, resilience, and social confidence—while balancing the parental instinct to protect with the long-term goal of raising capable adults. In this conversation, you’ll learn: • Why independence among teens and young adults is declining • The long-term risks of overprotective or “helicopter” parenting • The critical role of executive functioning skills in real-world success • Why social skills may be one of the most important predictors of future success • How “lighthouse parenting” can help parents guide children without controlling them • Practical ways parents can encourage self-advocacy and independence • Strategies for supporting neurodiverse children while fostering autonomy This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience. You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health. Links referenced in this episode: whereparentstalk.com

    30 min
  2. Raising Body Confident Kids: Dr. Charlotte Markey on Body Image, Diet Culture & Social Media

    FEB 28

    Raising Body Confident Kids: Dr. Charlotte Markey on Body Image, Diet Culture & Social Media

    On this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast host Lianne Castelino sits down with leading body image researcher Dr. Charlotte Markey, professor at Rutgers University and author of The Body Image Book for Girls, for a conversation about raising confident kids in a social media-saturated world. With nearly 30 years of research on body image, eating behaviours, puberty, and mental health, Dr. Markey unpacks the unprecedented pressures facing today’s tweens and teens — especially girls aged 9 to 15 — as they navigate hormonal changes alongside relentless digital comparison. From influencer culture and device use to bullying and shifting weight-loss trends, she explains how cultural ideals can distort self-perception and contribute to dieting, disordered eating, and low self-worth. This evidence-based discussion equips parents with tools to: Recognize early warning signs of body dissatisfaction and disordered eatingNavigate puberty conversations beyond just physical changesBuild media literacy and resilience in the age of social mediaFoster open communication about consent, relationships, and emotional healthCreate a body-positive home environment without overemphasizing appearanceUnderstand when professional support may be needed Dr. Markey also explores the lasting effects of the pandemic, the rise in eating disorder rates, and how parents’ own attitudes toward food and appearance shape their children’s beliefs. If you’re raising a tween, teen, or young adult and want science-backed strategies to help them develop body confidence, independence, and emotional resilience in a world that often prioritizes image over well-being, this episode is essential listening. Links referenced in this episode: whereparentstalk.com Companies mentioned in this episode: Rutgers University This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience. You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

    32 min
  3. The Recipe for Independence: Teaching Kids Life Skills Through Cooking

    FEB 21

    The Recipe for Independence: Teaching Kids Life Skills Through Cooking

    On this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino sits down with picky eating expert, educator, and founder of Raising Healthy Families, Katie Kimball. Kimball explains why teaching teens to cook is about far more than food. It’s about: Reducing teen anxiety through competence and ownershipBuilding executive functioning and life skillsStrengthening family connectionPreparing kids for independent adulthoodAvoiding the “avalanche effect” at age 18Creating a healthy family culture around food With teen anxiety and depression rates rising, parents are searching for practical ways to empower their children. Kimball shares research-backed insights on how cooking builds confidence that spills into academics, social life, and emotional well-being. The conversation shares approaches on how to raise a confident, capable adult who can budget, meal plan, feed themselves, and build meaningful community. This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience. You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health. Links referenced in this episode: whereparentstalk.comraisinghealthyfamilies.com Companies mentioned in this episode: Raising Healthy FamiliesKids Cook Real Food

    34 min
  4. Cyber Smart Parenting: Protecting Kids in a Digital World

    FEB 14

    Cyber Smart Parenting: Protecting Kids in a Digital World

    How do you raise safe, confident kids in a world of gaming chats, AI tools, social media, and constant connectivity? In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to cybersecurity professionals Chad Rychlewski and Kae David, who share expert, practical advice from their book Cyber Smart Parenting. As both industry insiders, they translate enterprise-level cybersecurity strategies into realistic steps families can use at home. You’ll hear: Why digital safety conversations should begin in kindergartenThe risks of oversharing photos in the age of AIHow gaming voice chats expose children to strangersWhy locking your child’s credit protects against identity theftHow to talk to teens about their digital footprint without shameThe importance of family digital contractsWhy being present matters more than being technical Instead of fear, this conversation focuses on empowerment. The safest kids aren’t the most restricted — they’re the ones who feel safe coming to their parents before a crisis happens. This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience. You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health. Links referenced in this episode: whereparentstalk.com

    30 min
  5. Overcorrecting in Parenting: Nervous System Regulation, Burnout, and Finding the Middle Ground

    FEB 7

    Overcorrecting in Parenting: Nervous System Regulation, Burnout, and Finding the Middle Ground

    Why do so many parents feel like they’re failing — even when they’re doing everything “right”? In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino is joined by Manu Brune, postpartum specialist, parent coach, mother of 3 and author of Overcorrecting: Parenting in the Middle While the World Shouts in Extremes. They unpack a timely issue facing parents today: overcorrection. Brune explains how many parents are unconsciously parenting in reaction to their own childhood experiences, swinging between extremes in an effort to “break generational cycles.” The result? Chronic stress, nervous system dysregulation, parental burnout, and growing self-doubt. This episode explores: How nervous system regulation shapes parent-child relationshipsWhy perfectionism and hyper-vigilance are exhausting parentsThe long-term impact of reactive parenting on children’s mental healthWhat co-regulation means and how children “borrow calm” from adultsHow to parent with consistency without rigidityWhy the space between parenting decisions matters more than the decisions themselves This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience. You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health. Links referenced in this episode: whereparentstalk.com

    35 min
  6. The Parent's Guide to Life Insurance

    JAN 31

    The Parent's Guide to Life Insurance

    Life insurance can feel overwhelming for parents — especially when you’re juggling kids, careers, mortgages, and everyday life. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Laura McKay, co-founder and COO of PolicyMe and a mom of two, to break down life insurance in simple, practical terms for families. This essential conversation for parents covers what life insurance actually is, why it matters for moms and dads, the difference between term and permanent life insurance, how much coverage families really need, and common mistakes parents make when putting it off. You’ll also learn how life insurance fits into different stages of parenthood — from pregnancy and young children to teens and young adults — and how to take a small, manageable first step. What you'll learn: The basics of life insurance and its role in protecting parents and familiesTerm and permanent life insurance: what’s the difference?Determining the right coverage amount for your family’s needsCostly life insurance myths and mistakes parents should avoidPlanning life insurance around major life events, from pregnancy to homeownership and career shifts This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience. You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health. Links referenced in this episode: whereparentstalk.compolicyme.com Companies mentioned in this episode: Policy MeFortune 500

    27 min
  7. The Brain Science Behind Camp

    JAN 24

    The Brain Science Behind Camp

    In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Matthew Kaufman, camp director, author, lifelong camp professional and father, about the powerful science behind camp and what parents can learn from it. Drawing from his book The Campfire Effect: How to Engineer Belonging in a Disconnected World, Kaufman explains how camp environments intentionally create safety, belonging, and healthy challenge—and why those elements are essential for learning and emotional growth. Parents will learn: Why children can’t learn or grow unless they feel emotionally safeHow positive stress (not zero stress) builds confidence and resilienceThe role of brain chemicals like cortisol, oxytocin, and endorphins in child developmentThe difference between supporting a child and rescuing themSimple, practical ways parents can recreate “camp-like” belonging at home through rituals and connection This conversation supports parents navigating anxiety, screen overload, and the pressure-filled school year. This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience. You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health. Links referenced in this episode: whereparentstalk.com

    36 min
  8. Uncovering Your Child’s Genius: Rethinking Intelligence, Learning Styles & Education

    JAN 17

    Uncovering Your Child’s Genius: Rethinking Intelligence, Learning Styles & Education

    What if your child’s genius has nothing to do with grades or test scores? In this episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Houlie Duque, educator, homeschool coach, and founder of Homeschool To Go, to challenge traditional ideas of intelligence and success in education. The conversation explores how every child is intelligent—just in different ways—and why the current education system often overlooks creativity, emotional intelligence, kinesthetic learning, and interpersonal strengths. Duque explains how parents can identify their child’s unique learning style, build confidence, and nurture strengths without pressure, labels, or comparison. This conversation also explores how homeschooling, project-based learning, and family rhythm can help parents create meaningful learning experiences—without overwhelm. In this episode, parents will learn: What “genius” really means in a childWhy grades and gifted labels don’t tell the full storyHow learning styles impact focus, motivation, and confidenceThe emotional impact of labelling children too earlyHow to support kids with ADHD or non-traditional learning needsSmall, realistic changes parents can make this weekHow homeschooling and experiential learning can work for busy families Links referenced in this episode: homeschooltogo.orgwhereparentstalk.com Companies mentioned in this episode: homeschooltogo.org This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience. You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health. Links referenced in this episode: whereparentstalk.com

    32 min
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About

The Where Parents Talk podcast empowers parents to navigate the challenges of raising kids, teens, and young adults today with science-backed insights, evidence, and the lived experiences of parenting thought leaders. Every Saturday, host, award-winning journalist and mom, Lianne Castelino, distills parenting hot topics with her guests, including: managing hormonal changes, fostering healthy communication, and promoting emotional, mental, and physical health and well-being of kids. Get proven tips and expert advice on addressing device usage and managing social media to the latest evidence on bullying, consent, and relationships, to help instil discipline, encourage independence, and build resilience in children. Discover trusted advice, delivered with empathy and optimism, to support your parenting journey and help your family thrive.

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