Healthy Teen Life

Healthy Teen Life
  • 5.0 (7)
  • NUTRITION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Healthy Teen Life is a weekly podcast providing teens, college-age young adults and their parents, with information, inspiration, and guidance on current teen health, nutrition, and mental wellness topics. Tap your podcast player icon below to listen now!

  1. 175: How to Overcome Teen Self-Doubt and Build Real Confidence with Laura Olinger

    1D AGO

    175: How to Overcome Teen Self-Doubt and Build Real Confidence with Laura Olinger

    If you have ever felt like you're not good enough, not confident enough, or that one bad moment defines who you are, this episode is for you. Leslie sits down with Laura Ollinger, Teen & Parent Well-Being Coach, speaker, and certified Parent-Child Whisperer™, to get into the hidden ways self-doubt shows up in everyday teen life and, more importantly, what to actually do about it. Blending neuroscience, positive psychology, and her own experience raising four teens, Laura brings humor, heart, and real science to one of the most common struggles teens face today. This one is for teens who feel the pressure to perform, parents who want to support their teen without adding more stress, and anyone who's ever let that inner voice get a little too loud. Laura shares practical mindset tools for shifting perspective, practicing self-compassion, and taking the small steps that build lasting confidence, plus two specific takeaways for parents and one powerful action step every teen can start today.   Questions Answered in This Episode: How does self-doubt secretly show up in a teen's everyday life, even when they don't recognize it? What's the first step to breaking free from the performance mindset and actually feeling like yourself? How can teens practice self-compassion when their inner critic is already running the show? What small, concrete steps can teens take today to start building a confident mindset? Connect with Laura Ollinger: Laura Ollinger is a Teen & Parent Well-Being Coach, inspirational speaker, and certified Parent-Child Whisperer™ who helps families move from conflict to connection. She blends research-backed tools with her own experience raising four teens to guide parents and students toward less stress, more confidence, and stronger relationships. Laura also hosts The Positively Healthy Mom Podcast and delivers her signature youth keynote, The Decider, to schools across the country.   Website: positivelyhealthycoaching.com Instagram: instagram.com/positivelyhealthycoaching Facebook: facebook.com/positivelyhealthycoaching LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/laura-ollinger   Connect with Leslie: Parents: Schedule a free Clarity Call with Leslie here to help your teen or young adult resolve weight and unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem.   Grab Leslie's free guide: 5 Ways to Help Your Teen Eat Better Without Making Things Worse Website: leslierosecoaching.com Instagram: instagram.com/leslierosecoaching Facebook: facebook.com/leslierosecoaching Disclaimer

    46 min
  2. 174: On Second Thought: 4 Best Questions to Take Control of Teen Stress - and get immediate relief

    FEB 11

    174: On Second Thought: 4 Best Questions to Take Control of Teen Stress - and get immediate relief

    Stress and anxiety can feel unavoidable in your teen and college years — from school pressure and exams to friendships and expectations. But what if there was an easy way to manage it? In this episode, Leslie sits down talks with Ariel Balfour to break down why stress feels so intense and how stress isn’t something to fear — it’s a signal. We explore simple, Ariel's powerful 4-step reset you can use anywhere to calm your nervous system, think clearly, and regain control — plus a few additional practices that support your efforts and boost results. This episode helps you understand your stress instead of fighting it — and gives parents language and tools to support without adding pressure.   For more on Ariel: Her Free download https://www.instagram.com/thearielbalfour https://www.tiktok.com/@t2tmama free fb group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/t2tmama    Like this episode? Hit follow and then leave a review or comment — we’d love to hear what you think.   Parents: Schedule a free Clarity Call with Leslie here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem.   5 Ways to Help Your Teen Eat Better  - Without Making Things Worse Https://cc.leslierosecoaching.com/eat-healthier-5-steps   Disclaimer

    32 min
  3. 173: The Emotional Brain Under Stress — and the Tools That Actually Help

    FEB 4

    173: The Emotional Brain Under Stress — and the Tools That Actually Help

    Teen stress, emotional regulation, and mental health are deeply connected to how the brain works. When teens and college students are under pressure, the emotional brain can override logic, leading to overwhelm, impulsive reactions, and feeling out of control. This isn’t a willpower problem — it’s a stress response in the brain. In this episode, Leslie talks with psychologist Dr. Laurel Mellin, founder of Emotional Brain Training (EBT), about how stress affects the teen brain and why common advice like “try harder” or “just calm down” doesn’t help. We discuss: The emotional brain vs. thinking brain How stress impacts teen behavior, mood, and decision-making Why shame and self-criticism worsen stress and anxiety What emotional self-regulation really means Brain-based stress management tools teens and college students can use to calm the nervous system This episode offers a science-backed approach to teen mental health, helping teens and parents better understand stress, build emotional regulation skills, and respond with compassion instead of blame. For more on EBT: https://www.ebt.org/   Groups are available for teens upon request.  Get 30% off the Community Membership (includes app) - Use promotion code: JOY For Professionals - EBT Certification: https://www.ebtcertification.com/ Dr Mellin's book available at Amazon, starting February 15th, 2026:  The 5-Minute Solution: Self-therapy Anytime Anywhere. Like this episode? Hit follow and then leave a review or comment — we’d love to hear what you think.   Parents: Schedule a free Clarity Call with Leslie here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem.   5 Ways to Help Your Teen Eat Better  - Without Making Things Worse Https://cc.leslierosecoaching.com/eat-healthier-5-steps   Disclaimer

    48 min
  4. 172: Stay Motivated - The Secret Only 9% Know for Lasting Healthy Habits

    JAN 28

    172: Stay Motivated - The Secret Only 9% Know for Lasting Healthy Habits

    Stop waiting to “feel motivated.” Learn how to actually build motivation to eat healthy, move your body, and stick with it — even on low-energy days. We often think we just need to “get motivated” to eat better, work out, or finally stick to healthy habits. Think again. In this episode, we break down why motivation isn’t what you think it is — and why waiting to feel motivated keeps you stuck. You’ll learn how motivation actually works in your brain, why it fades so fast, and the simple steps to build it through action — even when you feel unmotivated, tired, or intimidated by exercise. This episode is for any teen or college student who wants to feel stronger, eat better, and actually follow through — without guilt, pressure, or unrealistic goals.   Like this episode? Hit follow and then leave a review or comment — we’d love to hear what you think.   Parents: Schedule a free Clarity Call with Leslie here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem.   5 Ways to Help Your Teen Eat Better  - Without Making Things Worse Https://cc.leslierosecoaching.com/eat-healthier-5-steps   Disclaimer

    15 min
  5. 171: Feeling Off? Check These 5 (Functional Medicine) Blood Markers First

    JAN 21

    171: Feeling Off? Check These 5 (Functional Medicine) Blood Markers First

    Feeling exhausted, anxious, bloated, foggy, or just not yourself—even though doctor visits end in more questions than answers, and your labs come back “normal”? Having health concerns as a teen or college student can be concerning when you're not sure what's going on. But not getting clear answers can be even more stressful, frustrating and sometimes, feel hopeless. In this chat with functional medicine practitioner Hali Laricey we break down 5 key blood markers often missing from common blood work that most patients don't know about -- and how having them can be the key to revealing what’s really going on in your body. You’ll learn: Why “normal” lab ranges can still miss root causes The 5 blood markers that point to bacterial, viral, or inflammatory stress and why this matters   How gut health, food quality, and chronic stress affect mood, energy, and focus Why anxiety and fatigue are often symptoms, not the real problem How teens and college students can advocate for themselves at the doctor This episode helps teens and college students feel informed and empowered —not overwhelmed—about their health. Website: https://halilaricey.com/resources Facebook: facebook.com/functionalwellnesswithhali Instagram: instagram.com/functionalwellnesswithhali/ Like this episode? Hit follow and then leave a review or comment — we’d love to hear how this episode helped you.   Parents: Schedule a free Clarity Call with Leslie here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem. Freebie: 5 Ways to Help Your Teen Eat Better  - Without Making Things Worse   Disclaimer

    50 min
  6. 170: The Hidden Impact of AI Filters on Teen Body Image and Mental Health

    JAN 14

    170: The Hidden Impact of AI Filters on Teen Body Image and Mental Health

    AI filters, photo editing, and social media beauty standards are changing the way teens and college-age young adults see themselves — often without them even realizing it. In this episode, Leslie talks with artist and researcher Gretchen Andrew about how AI-driven images are shaping self-perception, setting unrealistic expectations, fueling comparison, and quietly impact mental health. Discover: How AI filters distort reality (even when they seem subtle or “harmless”) Why teens and college students are especially vulnerable during body and brain development The connection between filtered images, anxiety, body dysmorphia, and self-worth Why even filtering your own photos can disrupt self-perception How beauty standards are becoming increasingly narrow, unrealistic, and homogenized Simple ways to engage with social media more consciously How awareness can act as a protective buffer against harmful comparison This episode helps teens question what they’re seeing — and reconnect with who they actually are. Follow Gretchen: Instagram  LinkedIn https://www.gretchenandrew.com/   Tell us what you thought of this episode - leave a comment or DM Leslie on Instagram @Leslierosecoaching.   Parents: Schedule a free Clarity Call with me here to help your teen/YA build greater self-esteem while resolving food and body image issues.   Grab a copy of my FREE Parent Guide: 5 Ways to Help Your Teen Eat Better  - Without Making Things Worse   Disclaimer

    34 min
  7. 169: How Food Ingredients Guide Teens to Eat Better, Without Restriction

    JAN 7

    169: How Food Ingredients Guide Teens to Eat Better, Without Restriction

    Tired of obsessing over calories or feeling confused about what you're actually eating? You're not alone. Most of us have been taught to judge food by numbers on a label or trendy health claims — and honestly, it just makes eating more stressful. In this episode, nutrition expert Julia Putzeys breaks down why what's actually IN your food matters way more than calories — and how understanding ingredients can help you feel more energized, less anxious around food, and actually enjoy what you eat. You'll discover: Why calorie counting can make you think about food MORE (not less) How ultra-processed foods mess with your energy, mood, and those constant cravings The real difference between packaged foods and ultra-processed foods (spoiler: they're not the same) How to decode ingredient labels without your brain melting Why knowing what you're eating gives you actual control over your food choices Easy food swaps that don't require giving up your favorites A game-changing app that cuts through confusing labels and makes smart choices simple Perfect for teens who want to: Stop stressing about every meal Understand food without a nutrition degree Feel better without restrictive diets Make informed choices that actually work for their life Learn how to eat in a way that feels good, sustainable, and drama-free — because understanding your food shouldn't be complicated. Use this link to download the free version of the Trash Panda app on iOS or Android.   Teens & parents - don't be shy, leave us a comment on what you liked about the episode, we love to hear from you.   Parents: Get my free parent guide here: 5 Ways to Help Your Teen Eat Better   For more in-depth support and coaching on unhealthy eating and body image issues, schedule a free Clarity Call with Leslie here.   Disclaimer

    39 min
  8. 168: Safe vs. Unsafe Relationships: What Teens Should Know

    12/31/2025

    168: Safe vs. Unsafe Relationships: What Teens Should Know

    What does a safe relationship really look like — at home, at school, or while dating? In this powerful episode, Leslie talks with Sabrina Osso, founder of Osso Safe and survivor-advocate, about why respect must be the foundation of every relationship and how teens can recognize warning signs before things escalate. This conversation covers: The difference between discipline vs. abuse Why home safety impacts confidence, mental health, and future relationships Early red flags in teen and college dating (control, isolation, humiliation, love-bombing) How emotional abuse can hide behind “jokes,” jealousy, or pressure Why teens deserve voice, choice, and safety — before things get out of hand Practical ways teens can protect themselves and seek support This episode empowers teens and young adults to trust their instincts, recognize unsafe dynamics early, and understand what real respect looks like. Sabrina also shares the Osso Safe certification, how it's more effective in bringing peace to the home and practical, actionable steps for teens and parents on prevention, safety strategies, and breaking cycles of violence.   Sabrina and OssoSafe: Website: https://www.ossosafe.com/ Home Safe Home, For You and Me Written by Sabrina Osso and Illustrated by Aiwaz Jilani http://amazon.com/dp/B0BHLBWMXQ   TEDx Talk… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyAhN_xwCxs&feature=youtu.be   Follow the show: Hit follow, leave a comment or a review -- your voice matters. Parents: For support with teen self-esteem and food+body issues, schedule a free Clarity Call with Leslie here.   Disclaimer

    43 min
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About

Healthy Teen Life is a weekly podcast providing teens, college-age young adults and their parents, with information, inspiration, and guidance on current teen health, nutrition, and mental wellness topics. Tap your podcast player icon below to listen now!

Information

  • Creator
    Healthy Teen Life
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    176
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Healthy Teen Life

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