The Positively Healthy Mom

Laura Ollinger, M.Ed. in Health & Wellness | Teen & Parent Well-Being Coach
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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. 5d ago ·  Video

    Parent–Teen Communication: How to Stop Fighting Over Food and Screens

    What should I do when I find candy wrappers under my teen’s bed?In this episode of The Positively Healthy Mom podcast I am sitting down with Dr. Wendy Schofer to help us understand coping mechanisms our teens are using and how to get curious about them without shame. Listen to improve your parent–teen communication as we are shifting the perspective from control and judgment and moving toward curious connections around the topics of teen sleep, teen screens, and teen snacks. Together, we examine why traditional "evidence-based" plans often create friction at home, how parent burnout influences family habits, and why screens and sweet treats are frequently just coping mechanisms for anxiety and overwhelm. This episode is for moms of teens and young adults who want to foster healthier family lifestyle habits and deepen their parent–teen relationship through small steps.In this episode: Why traditional plans create family friction and how to shift to an ally-based approach with your teen. How to respond when you find candy wrappers under the bed without using shame or restriction. The hidden connection between sleep, social connections, screens, and emotional eating. Practical ways to move from "high alert" fix-it energy to compassionate curiosity.About My Guest, Dr. Wendy Schofer —a dual-board certified pediatrician, lifestyle physician, trauma-informed parenting coach, and founder of Family in Focus®. Connect with Dr. Wendy Schofer: www.WendySchoferMD.com | Instagram | YouTube Connect With Me, Your Host, Laura Ollinger - Ready to build connection and confidence with your teen? Book a coaching call with me at Positively Healthy Coaching or inquire about booking me as a speaker for your next event! Connect with me: @positivelyhealthycoaching Rate 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!

    Parent–Teen Communication: How to Stop Fighting Over Food and Screens

  2. Sep 23 ·  Video

    Why Your Teen Needs Courage (Not Bravery) to Survive High School & Beyond

    How can parents help teens build courage and manage social anxiety?In this episode of The Positively Healthy Mom, I sit down with Jennifer S. Miller, MEd., an author and expert with over 30 years of experience working with educators and families to support child and teen development. We explore the vital distinction between temporary bravery and true courage habits, offering actionable guidance for parents of teens navigating high school pressure, social anxiety, and college transitions. Key Conversations on Social Anxiety in Teens: Understanding why courage requires a pause and inner stillness rather than impulsive bravery Navigating social anxiety and helping teens build the courage to form authentic connections Supporting college students through loneliness without over-parenting or stepping in to fix thingsQuestions & Answers For Moms of Teens & Young AdultsWhat is the difference between bravery and courage in teen development?Bravery relies on impulsive, primitive brain responses to immediate danger. Courage requires an intentional pause and stillness to access inner wisdom and choose action in service of a noble goal. How can I support my teen when they struggle with social anxiety or making friends?Normalize social anxiety as a natural byproduct of expanding social awareness. Encourage in-person practice in low-stakes environments and allow your teen to navigate social discomfort rather than fixing it for them. Meet Our Expert: Jennifer S. Miller, MEd.For over thirty years, Jennifer Miller has worked with educators and families to help them become more effective with children and teens by understanding and supporting their learning and development. She is the author of Confident Parents, Confident Kids and her upcoming book Humanaissance: Igniting Courage In Our Teens and Ourselves. Connect with Jennifer Miller: Website: confidentparentsconfidentkids.org Instagram: @jennifersmithmiller1 LinkedIn: Jennifer S. MillerConnect With Your Host, Laura Ollinger Instagram: @positivelyhealthycoaching Rate 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! Looking for a speaker for your next event with teens or parents? Let's talk about how my expertise can elevate your event.

    Why Your Teen Needs Courage (Not Bravery) to Survive High School & Beyond

  3. Sep 16 ·  Video

    Before Your Teen Leaves: 7 Life Tools Every Teen Needs for College & Beyond

    How can I prepare my high-achieving teen to handle real-world pressure, stress, and independence before they leave home?In this episode of The Positively Healthy Mom, host Laura sits down with Rafael McMaster, Executive Director of Indivisible Arts, artist, author, and youth mental health advocate. High-achieving teens often look completely prepared on paper, yet struggle with deep overwhelm, perfectionism, and stress when facing real-world independence—whether heading off to college, stepping into the workforce, or facing high-pressure environments like military bootcamp. Rafael breaks down the fundamental emotional arithmetic every teen needs before launching, sharing how peer mentorship, creative expression, and metacognition can transform youth mental health. Key Conversations in This Episode: The 7 core life tools every teenager needs for emotional resilience and mental stability Why high-performing teens often listen to outside mentors and peers over their own parents, and how this might not be 100% true. How practicing metacognition and thought-watching helps teens navigate anxiety and daily stressors Real-world success stories of athletic teams practicing awareness Real-world success stories of teens applying these tools in college, high-stakes environments, and leadership roles Simple daily practices like the ABCs of the Heart to help teens lead from connection rather than constant analysisQuestions & Answers For Moms of Teens & Young Adults Q: Why do smart teens struggle with stress when leaving home?A: Academic and extracurricular skills do not automatically equal emotional readiness. Without basic mental health fundamentals like radical acceptance, self-compassion, and metacognition, teens lack the framework to process intense pressure on their own terms.Meet Our Expert, Rafael McMaster:Rafael McMaster is the Executive Director of Indivisible Arts, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth through mindfulness, creativity, and consciousness. He is also the founder of the RSN creative lab and the South Bay Artist Collective in Hermosa Beach, California, blending creative expression with youth mentorship to build emotional resilience in the next generation. Guest Links: https://www.rafaelmcmaster.com/ https://www.indivisiblearts.org/ Instagram: @mcmaster.peace | @indivisible_arts YouTube: @indivisiblearts Book: Fundamental Life ToolsConnect With Your Host, Laura OllingerRate This Podcast

    Before Your Teen Leaves: 7 Life Tools Every Teen Needs for College & Beyond

  4. Sep 9 ·  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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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

Information

  • Creator
    Laura Ollinger, M.Ed. in Health & Wellness | Teen & Parent Well-Being Coach
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    124
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 The Positively Healthy Mom
  • Show Website
    The Positively Healthy Mom