The Positively Healthy Mom

Laura Ollinger, M.Ed. in Health & Wellness | Teen & Parent Well-Being Coach

Mastering Parenting Teenagers with Confidence & Connection Stop nagging and start connecting. The Positively Healthy Mom is the essential resource for moms of teens and preteens who want to navigate the "messy middle" of adolescence without losing themselves. Hosted by Teen & Young Adult Well-Being Coach Laura Ollinger, this podcast is built on a singular truth: a healthy, regulated mother is the secret to a thriving home. Do you find yourself asking: How do I connect with my teen without them shutting down or exploding? How do I support my teen’s mental health and anxiety without making it worse? What do I need to know about the teen brain to communicate better?Every Wednesday, Laura brings you deep-dive conversations with neuroscientists, child therapists, coaches and academic strategists to provide real-time answers to the complex issues families face today. What We Solve Together: Teen Mental Health & Resilience: Research-backed strategies for raising resilient teenagers in high-pressure school and sports environments. Neurobiology & Positive Parenting: Understanding the teen brain to move from a relationship of control to one of deep, lasting connection. Maternal Well-Being & Burnout Recovery: Tactical time management and emotional regulation tools (EFT, HeartMath, and breathwork) to help you reclaim your identity. Digital Wellness: Navigating social media boundaries, cell phone contracts, and screen time. College & Academic Strategy: Expert insights on college admissions and academic pressure.About Your Host:Laura Ollinger is a Teen & Parent Well-Being Coach dedicated to helping moms of teens and tweens thrive. She holds a Master’s in Health and Wellness Education, is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, and maintains multiple certifications—including Elite Certified Neuroencoding Specialist, Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach, Dr. Amen Brain Health Trainer, and certification from the HeartMath Institute in Stress, Anxiety, and Emotional Regulation. As a mom of four (two boys and two girls aged 12–16) and the founder of Positively Healthy Coaching, Laura understands firsthand the challenges and rewards of parenting during the teen and tween years. Through her coaching programs and The Positively Healthy Mom Podcast, she equips parents with the mindset, skillset, and self-awareness needed to cultivate confidence, connection, and emotional mastery. Learn more at www.thepositivelyhealthymom.com. Connect with Laura: Web: Positively Healthy Coaching Instagram: @positivelyhealthycoaching YouTube: The Positively Healthy Mom Channel

  1. 4d ago ·  Video

    College Freshman Loneliness: How Parents Can Help Without Taking Control

    How Do I Help My College Freshman Who Is Lonely and Struggling to Adjust?In this episode of The Positively Healthy Mom, Laura is here for a rare solo episode. This episode dives into navigating the social adjustment period of college, helping parents learn how to validate their freshman's feelings and lend them confidence without taking over or micromanaging. Laura Ollinger is giving moms of freshman college students the advice and encouragement they need right now in this short 18-minute episode. For personalized coaching with your teen or young adult, don’t hesitate to reach out.Key Conversations in This Episode Reminder that curated social media feeds create a false perception of how fast everyone else is fitting in Why stepping back and allowing your student to experience discomfort builds essential autonomy How micromanaging from a distance accidentally sends a message that you do not believe they are capable Simple ways to help your freshman challenge extreme, black-and-white thinking about their college experience How sharing your own unwavering belief in your child serves as a safety net during hard momentsQuestion & Answer For Moms of College FreshmenQ. What should I do when my college freshman calls me complaining that they are lonely or struggling to make friends? A. Validate their feelings instead of trying to fix the situation. Remind them that social media highlights are curated and fitting in takes time. Avoid doing the work for them, such as sending club lists, as taking control can signal a lack of confidence in their ability. Instead, offer gentle support to take small baby steps together and show them that you fully believe in their capability to navigate hard things. Connect With Your Host, Laura Ollinger Instagram: @positivelyhealthycoaching Looking For A Speaker For You’re Next Event, Let’s Chat! Rate this podcast! If this episode gave you a glimmer of hope or a new path forward for your family, please take 60 seconds to leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your review helps other tired, searching moms find our community!

    College Freshman Loneliness: How Parents Can Help Without Taking Control
  2. Sep 2 ·  Video

    Healing Teen Sports Injuries Naturally: Peptides, Stem Cells & Sleep Science

    Are peptides and stem cells safe for high-achieving teen athletes recovering from injuries?In this episode of The Positively Healthy Mom, I sit down with Dr. Jeff Gross, a board-certified neurological surgeon and founder of ReCELLebrate, who specializes in non-surgical regenerative medicine and spine health. If you are a mom navigating the high-pressure world of competitive sports and trying to help your teen athlete recover from an injury without resorting to invasive surgeries or heavy pharmaceuticals, this episode is packed with essential guidance. Key Conversations in This Episode: Exploring natural regenerative alternatives like BPC-157 and stem cell-derived exosomes to speed up injury recovery Understanding how moms can evaluate social media peptide trends with proper clinical guidance Implementing red light therapy, hydration, and long-hold stretching to maintain flexibility and muscle recovery Optimizing sleep hygiene and reducing screen time to lower brain stimulation and maximize natural healingQuestions & Answers For Moms of Teens & Young AdultsHow can teen athletes speed up recovery without invasive surgery or prescription pain medications?Natural cellular signaling tools—such as targeted peptide therapies (like BPC-157 and TB-500) and stem cell-derived biologics—can help target the root cause of muscle, tendon, or ligament tears, allowing young athletes to heal naturally and avoid unnecessary surgeries. Why is restorative sleep so critical for preventing burnout and athletic injury in teenagers?Teen brains and bodies undergo neurological repair during deep sleep. Turning off screens an hour before bed, reducing electromagnetic fields (EMFs), and using red light therapy help calm the nervous system so the body's natural cellular restoration process can work effectively. Meet Our Expert, Dr. Jeff Gross:Dr. Jeff Gross is a board-certified neurological surgeon with degrees from UC Berkeley and the George Washington University School of Medicine. With over two decades of experience treating spine and athletic injuries, he founded ReCELLebrate to focus on anti-aging and regenerative medicine, emphasizing modern biochemical treatments so surgery becomes a last resort. Guest Links: Website: https://recellebrate.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recellebrate/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@stemcellwhisperer LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/Jeffrey-gross-md-5605605/Connect With Your Host, Laura Ollinger on Instagram  @positivelyhealthycoachingRate this podcast! Please take 60 seconds to leave me a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your review helps other tired, searching moms find our community!

    Healing Teen Sports Injuries Naturally: Peptides, Stem Cells & Sleep Science
  3. Aug 26 ·  Video

    Letting Go Gracefully: Finding Your New Rhythm After College Drop-Off

    How do parents adjust during the college freshman transition and support their teen during college drop-off?In this episode of The Positively Healthy Mom, host Laura Ollinger, teen life coach and founder of Positively Healthy Coaching, opens up about the emotional and practical realities of dropping off her daughter at college. This episode is for any parent navigating the messy transition of letting go, setting healthy boundaries with their college student, and adjusting to home life without their teen. Key Conversations in This Episode: Giving grace through the messy first two weeks while establishing mutually agreed communication rhythms Prioritizing belonging by guiding students to take healthy risks and find their people Managing parent grief without putting emotional burden or pressure on your college student Emphasizing physical safety and practical awareness as students transition into campus independenceQuestions & Answers For Moms of Teens & Young AdultsHow often should parents communicate with their college freshman during the first few weeks? Set up a mutual agreement ahead of time—such as a scheduled weekly phone call—and allow your student to have a say in when communication happens so they can build their own routine without feeling hovered over. How can I help my college student adjust and make friends on campus? Encourage them to step out of their comfort zone, walk through club lists step-by-step to put meetings on their calendar, and try new activities until they find their community. Connect With Your Host, Laura Ollinger Instagram: @positivelyhealthycoaching Rate this podcast! If this episode gave you a glimmer of hope or a new path forward for your family, please take 60 seconds to leave me a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your review helps other searching moms find our community!

    Letting Go Gracefully: Finding Your New Rhythm After College Drop-Off
  4. Aug 19 ·  Video

    Will Your Teen Quit When College Gets Hard? How to Build Academic Resilience Before They Leave with Jewellyn Forrest

    How can parents build academic resilience in teens so they don't quit when college gets hard? In this episode of The Positively Healthy Mom, I sit down with Jewellyn Forrest, an educational consultant and academic strategist who helps students master learning habits, emotional regulation, and self-coaching skills. If you are a mother of a middle schooler, high schooler, or young adult who wants to help your student transition from relying on parental micromanagement to developing independent learning confidence, this episode is for you. Key Conversations in This Episode Why traditional K–12 study habits collapse under college-level academic pressure Navigating the “Learning Mountain” to overcome feelings of failure and frustration Simple self-coaching techniques teens can use when facing difficult course material Moving parents from homework enforcers to supportive life coachesQuestions & Answers For Moms of Teens & Young AdultsWhy do good high school students often freeze or want to quit when they get to college? Most high school environments teach kids what to learn rather than how to learn. When bright students reach college and encounter complex material that requires real struggle, they mistake normal academic friction for personal failure. Without built-in emotional regulation and active study strategies, they feel overwhelmed, freeze, and want to quit instead of working through the challenge. Meet Our ExpertJewellyn Forrest is an educational consultant, academic strategist, and creator of The Learning Mountain. With over 30 years of classroom experience teaching students from pre-K to college (currently teaching at UT Austin) , Jewellyn specializes in helping students understand how they learn. She makes the learning process visible so academic challenges become a pathway to growth and self-efficacy rather than a signal to give up. Guest Links Website: autonomylearning.com Instagram: @autonomylearning LinkedIn: Jewellyn ForrestConnect With Your Host, Laura Ollinger Instagram: @positivelyhealthycoaching Rate this podcast! If this episode gave you a glimmer of hope or a new path forward for your family, please take 60 seconds to leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your review helps other tired, searching moms find our community! Work with me!

    Will Your Teen Quit When College Gets Hard? How to Build Academic Resilience Before They Leave with Jewellyn Forrest
  5. Aug 12 ·  Video

    Why Everyone Is Talking About Dysregulation: Real Talk on Teen Stress and Device Usage

    What is nervous system dysregulation in teens, and how does screen time affect teen stress? In this episode of The Positively Healthy Mom, we sit down with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, a therapist, school psychologist, leading expert in emotional regulation, and founder of Regulation First Parenting®. This episode explores how nervous system health directly impacts teen behavior, stress levels, and device habits, providing essential guidance for parents navigating emotional overload in adolescents and young adults. Key Conversations in This Episode: Understanding the root cause of nervous system dysregulation in adolescents How screen time and device overuse overstimulate the brain Why traditional coping strategies fail when a teen's nervous system is dysregulated The vital role of parent co-regulation and micro-moments in restoring household calmQuestions & Answers For Moms of Teens & Young AdultsWhat does nervous system dysregulation actually look like in teens, and why do normal coping strategies stop working when they're stressed?When a teen’s stress cup overflows, dysregulation shows up in very real ways—like being unusually crabby, shutting down, having big emotional meltdowns, or turning to constant screen scrolling to cope. It can even show up physically through sleep issues, gut problems, or skin flare-ups. When their system is overloaded, the frontal lobe—the part of the brain responsible for logic, self-control, and decision-making—literally goes offline. That’s why traditional discipline or relying on standard coping tools fails in the moment. It’s not that your teen doesn't want to calm down; their brain literally can't process or access those strategies until their nervous system feels safe and regulated. Meet Our Expert: Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge is a trusted expert in emotional and behavioral dysregulation, known for helping families calm the brain and create lasting change. She’s the creator of Regulation First Parenting® and the CALMS Dysregulation Protocol®, author of the upcoming book The Dysregulated Kid, and host of a top 1% podcast, Dysregulated Kids, with her work featured in The New York Times, Forbes, and Parents Magazine. Guest Links Website: drroseann.com Book: The Dysregulated Kid Podcast: Dysregulated Kids Podcast Instagram: @drroseann CALM PEMF the FDA Approved mobile port: Calming DeviceConnect With Your Host, Laura Ollinger Instagram: @positivelyhealthycoaching Rate this podcast! If this episode gave you a glimmer of hope or a new path forward for your family, please take 60 seconds to leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your review helps other tired, searching moms find our community!

    Why Everyone Is Talking About Dysregulation: Real Talk on Teen Stress and Device Usage
  6. Aug 5 ·  Video

    Building an Emotionally Safe Home for Your Teen: Breaking Generational Cycles

    How can parents build self-awareness and break generational patterns to create an emotionally safe home for their teenagers? In this episode of The Positively Healthy Mom, Laura Ollinger continues the conversation with Stacey Greer, an ICF Professional Certified Coach, Master NLP Practitioner, relationship repair coach, and founder of The Upstream Method and the Family Peace Project. This episode dives into how parents can cultivate real-time self-awareness, reframe childhood memories, and extend self-compassion as they navigate the unpredictable choices of their teenagers. Moms of teens and young adults who want to stop passing on past generational wounds, handle teen decisions without judgment or panic, and create a calm, emotionally safe household will benefit greatly from this episode. Key Conversations in This Episode: How to respond with curiosity and support rather than panic or judgment when teens make unusual life or career announcements. Recognizing how our own unhealed childhood experiences affect our parenting and learning how to avoid passing old patterns down to our children. Using self-awareness and grace to recognize that as we evolve, our capacity and truth as parents continue to deepen. Understanding our own parents' limitations so we can let go of old resentment and show up with more grace for ourselves and our teens.Meet Our Expert:Stacey Greer is a relationship repair coach, speaker, bestselling author, ICF Professional Certified Coach, Master NLP Practitioner, and founder of The Upstream Method and the Family Peace Project. For over 15 years, she has guided parents and families through conflict, communication struggles, and emotional reactivity. Her mission is to help parents understand their inner process so they can create emotionally safe homes where love is stronger than fear, with a goal of impacting one million families through the Family Peace Project. Guest Links: Website: Stacey Greer Coaching (go visit the Family Peace Project tab on her site) Instagram: @staceynicolegreer  LinkedIn: Stacey N. GreerConnect With Your Host, Laura Ollinger Join The upcoming FREE Webinar: How To Go Back To School Without Freaking Out (for Teens) Instagram: @positivelyhealthycoaching Rate this podcast! If this episode gave you a glimmer of hope or a new path forward for your family, please take 60 seconds to leave Laura a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your review helps other tired, searching moms find our community!

    Building an Emotionally Safe Home for Your Teen: Breaking Generational Cycles
  7. Jul 29 ·  Video

    Fear vs. Love in Parenting: How to Regulate Your Emotions During Family Conflict

    How can parents stay calm and regulate their emotions when reacting to teen conflict? In this episode of The Positively Healthy Mom, we sit down with Stacey Greer, an ICF Professional Certified Coach, Master NLP Practitioner, relationship repair expert, and founder of The Upstream Method and the Family Peace Project. This episode explores how parents can understand their own emotional triggers and nervous system baselines so they can move away from fear-based reactions and respond with love during teenage conflict. Moms of teens and young adults who want to de-escalate household arguments and build safer, more trusting relationships with their kids will benefit greatly from this conversation. Key Conversations in This Episode: How unhealed childhood wounds and past experiences cause parents to overreact to teen behaviors like eye-rolling and door slamming. Identifying whether your reaction comes from a need to regain control out of fear or a desire to offer guidance out of love. Understanding the internal process that happens—from emotional triggers to nervous system reactions—before shouting or conflict escalates. Stacey introduces her mission to create safer, more compassionate homes and empower parents to become "peace builders".Question Moms Of Teens Are Asking: How can I create an environment where my teenager feels comfortable telling me the truth?Answer Discussed In This Episode: Teenagers feel safe being honest when parents regulate their own emotional reactions and refrain from withdrawing love or reacting with intense judgment when mistakes happen. By staying grounded in your nervous system baseline, you show your teen that love and connection are not at risk during tough conversations. Meet Our Expert:Stacey Greer is a relationship repair coach, speaker, bestselling author, ICF Professional Certified Coach, Master NLP Practitioner, and founder of The Upstream Method and the Family Peace Project. For over 15 years, she has guided parents and families through conflict, communication struggles, and emotional reactivity. Her mission is to help parents understand their inner process so they can create emotionally safe homes where love is stronger than fear, with a goal of impacting one million families through the Family Peace Project. Guest Links: Website: Stacey Greer Coaching (go visit the Family Peace Project tab on her site)Instagram: @staceynicolegreer LinkedIn: Stacey N. Greer Connect With Your Host, Laura Ollinger Join my FREE Webinar: How To Go Back To School Without Freaking Out (for Teens) Instagram: @positivelyhealthycoaching Rate this podcast!

    Fear vs. Love in Parenting: How to Regulate Your Emotions During Family Conflict
  8. Jul 22 ·  Video

    Tired of Medication Side Effects? Discover TMS: A Drug-Free Option for Teen Depression, OCD, & Autism

    Is there a drug-free alternative to ADHD, depression, and OCD medication for my teenager?In this episode of The Positively Healthy Mom, we sit down with Kelley Jensen, a dedicated brain health advocate, co-host of the Refrigerator Moms podcast, and representative of Brain Performance Technologies. This episode delves into the cutting-edge worlds of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy (MeRT)—offering a literal lifeline to moms of neurodivergent teens and young adults who are tired of managing severe medication side effects or dealing with treatment-resistant conditions. Key Conversations in This Episode: Why so many neurodivergent youth experience severe side effects or zero progress from traditional antidepressants and stimulants, and how neuro-modulation offers a non-invasive reset. Real-world insights into how targeting specific brain regions can dramatically improve sleep, regulate circadian rhythms, reduce intrusive thoughts, and unlock "autistic joy." Demystifying the in-office experience for highly sensitive or anxious teenagers and children so parents can feel confident exploring this safe, drug-free therapy. The core differences between TMS and MeRTQuestions Moms Of Teens Are Asking And This Episode is Answering:Question: My teen has tried multiple medications for depression and OCD, but nothing is working. Is it safe to try something like brain stimulation? Answer: Yes. Standard TMS is fully FDA-cleared for Major Depressive Disorder and OCD. Because it is completely non-invasive and requires no anesthesia or sedation, it avoids the systemic, exhausting side effects (like emotional blunting, weight changes, or sleep disruptions) common with heavy psychiatric "medication cocktails." Question: How can MeRT therapy specifically help an autistic teenager who struggles with anxiety and poor sleep? Answer: MeRT doesn't try to "cure" autism; instead, it uses a personalized brain map to locate areas of neurological dysregulation. By delivering targeted magnetic pulses to optimize alpha waves, it helps smooth out the nervous system, which naturally improves sleep quality, balances circadian rhythms, and makes daily anxiety much more manageable.Meet Our Expert: Kelley Jensen is an expert in interventional psychiatry solutions and a prominent voice at Brain Performance Technologies. As a co-host of the popular Refrigerator Moms podcast, she dedicates her time to helping families navigate neurodiversity, shedding light on evidence-based, drug-free alternatives that significantly improve quality of life for autistic and neurodivergent individuals. Connect With Your Host, Laura Ollinger Join The upcoming FREE Webinar: How To Go Back To School Without Freaking Out (for Teens) Instagram: @positivelyhealthycoaching Rate this podcast! If this episode gave you a glimmer of hope or a new path forward for your family, please take 60 seconds to leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your review helps other tired, searching moms find our community!

    Tired of Medication Side Effects? Discover TMS: A Drug-Free Option for Teen Depression, OCD, & Autism
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About

Mastering Parenting Teenagers with Confidence & Connection Stop nagging and start connecting. The Positively Healthy Mom is the essential resource for moms of teens and preteens who want to navigate the "messy middle" of adolescence without losing themselves. Hosted by Teen & Young Adult Well-Being Coach Laura Ollinger, this podcast is built on a singular truth: a healthy, regulated mother is the secret to a thriving home. Do you find yourself asking: How do I connect with my teen without them shutting down or exploding? How do I support my teen’s mental health and anxiety without making it worse? What do I need to know about the teen brain to communicate better?Every Wednesday, Laura brings you deep-dive conversations with neuroscientists, child therapists, coaches and academic strategists to provide real-time answers to the complex issues families face today. What We Solve Together: Teen Mental Health & Resilience: Research-backed strategies for raising resilient teenagers in high-pressure school and sports environments. Neurobiology & Positive Parenting: Understanding the teen brain to move from a relationship of control to one of deep, lasting connection. Maternal Well-Being & Burnout Recovery: Tactical time management and emotional regulation tools (EFT, HeartMath, and breathwork) to help you reclaim your identity. Digital Wellness: Navigating social media boundaries, cell phone contracts, and screen time. College & Academic Strategy: Expert insights on college admissions and academic pressure.About Your Host:Laura Ollinger is a Teen & Parent Well-Being Coach dedicated to helping moms of teens and tweens thrive. She holds a Master’s in Health and Wellness Education, is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, and maintains multiple certifications—including Elite Certified Neuroencoding Specialist, Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach, Dr. Amen Brain Health Trainer, and certification from the HeartMath Institute in Stress, Anxiety, and Emotional Regulation. As a mom of four (two boys and two girls aged 12–16) and the founder of Positively Healthy Coaching, Laura understands firsthand the challenges and rewards of parenting during the teen and tween years. Through her coaching programs and The Positively Healthy Mom Podcast, she equips parents with the mindset, skillset, and self-awareness needed to cultivate confidence, connection, and emotional mastery. Learn more at www.thepositivelyhealthymom.com. Connect with Laura: Web: Positively Healthy Coaching Instagram: @positivelyhealthycoaching YouTube: The Positively Healthy Mom Channel