Parenting Shrink Wrapped

Samantha Straub and Dr. Melissa Wellner
  • 5.0 (10)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Parenting Shrink Wrapped is your all-access pass to the wild and wonderful journey of raising kids! Hosted by Dr. Melissa Wellner, a double board-certified psychiatrist and child and adolescent psychiatrist, and Samantha Straub, a licensed therapist, educator, and parenting coach, this dynamic duo brings a perfect mix of professional expertise and mom humor. With five kids between them—and thousands more they’ve supported in their professional roles—they’re here to share practical strategies and real-life stories that will help you navigate everything from tantrums to teen drama. Whether you're handling sleepless nights or the chaos of carpool, you'll find relatable advice and a good laugh along the way. Strap in, because parenting is a ride, and we're here to make it a little smoother!

  1. 3H AGO

    How to Teach Kids Healthy Financial Habits with Lori Atwood

    Send a text Money is one of the biggest sources of stress in families — and one of the least discussed topics. In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa sit down with Lori Atwood, founder of Fearless Finance, to explore how parents can model calm, confident financial behavior and teach teens real-world money skills You’ll learn: ➡️How your emotional response to money shapes your child’s money story ➡️Why every family needs both an “oops” fund and an emergency fund ➡️When to start allowance (and why not to tie it to chores) ➡️How to introduce debit cards and banking in high school ➡️Why teens need small financial mistakes now ➡️How to explain investing and compounding before college Financial literacy is about more than dollars. It’s about resilience, values, and long-term thinking. Listen now and share with a parent who wants to raise financially capable teens. Ready to learn more? Mention "Shrink Wrapped" when you contact Fearless Finance to get $50 off your first meeting About Lori Lori Atwood is the founder and CEO of Fearless Finance and a CFP® professional.  Lori created Fearless Finance to make expert, fiduciary, hourly financial planning accessible to everyone with no sales, no minimums, and no judgement. Lori’s been in finance for over 25 years starting in investment banking, asset management and private equity before starting Fearless Finance in 2016. Connect with Lori and Fearless Finance Instagram: Fearless Finance Facebook: Fearless Finance Get expert support, fresh strategies, and a judgment-free parent community—so you can stop feeling stuck and start parenting your teen with more clarity, confidence, and connection. Contact: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes. Follow: Sam – Instagram & Facebook Melissa – Facebook Work with Us: Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos. Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.

    41 min

  2. FEB 23

    #65 Perimenopause and Parenting Teens: Why Your Anxiety, Brain Fog, and Sleep Changes Aren’t “All in Your Head”

    Send a text In this episode, Sam and Melissa welcome Dr. Susan Zink, board-certified psychiatrist and founder of Elemental Integrative Psychiatry, to explore how perimenopause impacts mood, anxiety, sleep, cognition, and overall functioning. They discuss: • What perimenopause is and how long it lasts  • Why estrogen and progesterone affect mood and sleep  • How perimenopause can mimic or worsen ADHD  • The role of sleep apnea and insomnia  • Lifestyle strategies and cognitive behavioral therapy for sleep  • The evolving research around hormone replacement therapy If you’ve noticed increased anxiety, irritability, brain fog, or sleep disruption in midlife, this episode offers clarity and hope. You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through it. About Dr. Zink  Dr. Zink is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with more than 16 years of experience and the founder of EleMental Integrative Psychiatry in Linwood, NJ. She specializes in helping women navigate anxiety, depression, insomnia, and hormonal mood changes related to pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause so they can feel like themselves again. As a mother of three daughters, she brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to the emotional complexity of these life stages.  Connect with Dr. Zink: Instagram Get expert support, fresh strategies, and a judgment-free parent community—so you can stop feeling stuck and start parenting your teen with more clarity, confidence, and connection. Contact: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes. Follow: Sam – Instagram & Facebook Melissa – Facebook Work with Us: Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos. Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.

    37 min

  3. FEB 16

    #64 How to Parent a Child with a Completely Different Personality Than Yours

    Send a text What happens when your child’s personality is nothing like yours? In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa sit down with psychiatrist Dr. Brian J. Dixon to explore how temperament differences shape family dynamics. We unpack: ➡️The difference between introversion and extroversion ➡️Why personality mismatches can trigger parental worry ➡️How development changes personality expression over time ➡️The role of social media in amplifying personality extremes ➡️When to seek consultation — and when to relax If you’ve ever wondered whether your teen’s behavior reflects a deeper issue or simply who they are, this episode provides clarity, reassurance, and practical insight. Because different doesn’t mean broken. And you don’t have to navigate it alone. Dr. Brian J. Dixon is an award winning psychiatrist and author who believes that an examined life is a life worth living.  He is owner of Texas based Mindful, a direct pay psychiatry practice and Simply Psych, providing business coaching to the nation's bravest mental health clinicians. Get expert support, fresh strategies, and a judgment-free parent community—so you can stop feeling stuck and start parenting your teen with more clarity, confidence, and connection. Contact: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes. Follow: Sam – Instagram & Facebook Melissa – Facebook Work with Us: Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos. Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.

    42 min

  4. FEB 9

    #63 Teen Mood Swings or Depression with Dr. Afshan Sultana

    Send a text In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa sit down with child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Afshan Sultana to talk about teen depression–how it shows up, how it’s different from normal teenage mood swings, and what parents can do when they’re concerned.  They break down the emotional, behavioral, and academic signs to watch for, how to talk to your teen without minimizing their feelings, and when it’s time to seek professional help. This is an honest, compassionate conversation designed to give parents clarity and confidence during a difficult season.  For more expert support and practical tools on teen mental health and communication, parents are also invited to join the free Teen Savvy Parent Summit, happening, Feb 15 and 16, 2026, where specialists share guidance to help you better understand and support your teen. Register for free at: teensavvycoaching.com/summit Get expert support, fresh strategies, and a judgment-free parent community—so you can stop feeling stuck and start parenting your teen with more clarity, confidence, and connection. Contact: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes. Follow: Sam – Instagram & Facebook Melissa – Facebook Work with Us: Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos. Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.

    43 min

  5. FEB 2

    #62 The Art of Step-Parenting with Richard Ramos

    Send a text Step-parenting and blended families come with unique emotional challenges for both adults and kids. In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa talk with Richard Ramos, founder of Parents on a Mission and author of The Art of Step-Parenting, about why connection must come before correction in blended families. They explore discipline, loyalty conflicts, and the importance of adult emotional maturity when supporting kids through family change. This conversation offers grounded, compassionate guidance for parents navigating step-parenting, co-parenting, or complex family dynamics. Resources Mentioned The Art of Step-Parenting by Richard Ramos Parents on a Mission RichardRRamos.com Get Richard’s free resource: 3 Tools to Navigate Disrespect, Eye Rolls, and Back Talk Richard Ramos equips parents and community leaders with tools to rebuild trust, strengthen families, and mentor the next generation with confidence. Through Parents on a Mission, he helps communities create safer, stronger futures by empowering parents to lead with clarity, consistency, and care.  Get expert support, fresh strategies, and a judgment-free parent community—so you can stop feeling stuck and start parenting your teen with more clarity, confidence, and connection. Contact: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes. Follow: Sam – Instagram & Facebook Melissa – Facebook Work with Us: Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos. Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.

    37 min

  6. JAN 26

    How to Help an Anxious Teen: When Worry Is Normal—and When It’s Not

    Send a text In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa are joined by therapist and author Sophia Vale Galano for a practical, compassionate conversation about supporting teens with anxiety. Sophia shares key insights from her book Calming Teenage Anxiety, including how parents can shift from fixing to curiosity, recognize when anxiety becomes more than everyday stress, and avoid unintentionally rescuing or reinforcing anxious patterns. This episode offers clear guidance, realistic reassurance, and actionable takeaways for parents navigating teen anxiety with greater confidence and connection.  About Sophia Sophia Vale Galano is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a private therapy practice in Los Angeles, California. She has worked with teens and their families for over a decade and is the author of Calming Teenage Anxiety: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Your Teenager Cope with Worry. Want more conversations like this one? The Teen Savvy Parent Summit brings together top experts to help you navigate teen anxiety, mental health, and real-life parenting challenges with confidence. Register for the free online summit today! Get expert support, fresh strategies, and a judgment-free parent community—so you can stop feeling stuck and start parenting your teen with more clarity, confidence, and connection. Contact: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes. Follow: Sam – Instagram & Facebook Melissa – Facebook Work with Us: Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos. Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.

    37 min

  7. JAN 19

    #60 How Parents Can Talk About Bodies, Boundaries, and Relationships Without Shame

    Send a text Talking about bodies, boundaries, and relationships can feel uncomfortable for many parents — but silence often does more harm than good. In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa are joined by therapist, educator, and author Dr. Tina Schermer Sellers for an honest conversation about how shame develops, why it impacts connection, and how parents can create safer, healthier conversations with their kids. This episode offers reassurance, practical guidance, and a reminder that parents don’t need to have it all figured out — just a willingness to stay in the conversation. Learn more about Dr. Tina: https://www.drtinashameless.com/ Dr. Tina Schermer Sellers, PhD, LMFT, CST-S is a therapist, educator, and author with nearly 30 years of experience in relational and sexual health. She is the author of Sex, God & the Conservative Church and Shameless Parenting, and the founder of the Northwest Institute on Intimacy and Inanna Rising. Her work centers on healing shame, strengthening relationships, and advancing compassionate, justice-informed care.  Resources mentioned: Not Under My Roof, a book mentioned in the episodeShameless Parenting by Dr. Tina Schermer SellersSex, God, and the Conservative ChurchGet expert support, fresh strategies, and a judgment-free parent community—so you can stop feeling stuck and start parenting your teen with more clarity, confidence, and connection. Contact: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes. Follow: Sam – Instagram & Facebook Melissa – Facebook Work with Us: Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos. Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.

    45 min

  8. JAN 12

    #59 Kids These Days, Addressing Youth Mental Health with Dr. Will Dobud

    Send a text Are teens being over-diagnosed? In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa talk with researcher and educator Dr. Will Dobud about teen mental health beyond labels. They explore the difference between distress and disorder, how diagnoses can shape identity, and why resilience grows through experience—not quick fixes. Resources mentioned in the episode: "You Aren't in The DSM": https://asteriskmag.com/issues/12-books/you-arent-in-the-dsm Parenting Shrink Wrapped Episode 15: The Power of Play About Will Dr. Will Dobud is a social worker, researcher, and educator who works with adolescents and families internationally. His research focuses on improving therapy outcomes for teens and promoting safe, ethical practices. He is an award-winning researcher recognized for excellence in research, teaching, and crime prevention. www.kidsthesedaysbook.com A special invite from Will: “If people purchase Kids These Days, they can email me and I can add them to a password protected section of the website which has our parenting resources booklet that I used for my adolescent programs we ran in Australia.”  Get expert support, fresh strategies, and a judgment-free parent community—so you can stop feeling stuck and start parenting your teen with more clarity, confidence, and connection. Contact: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes. Follow: Sam – Instagram & Facebook Melissa – Facebook Work with Us: Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos. Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.

    53 min
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5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Parenting Shrink Wrapped is your all-access pass to the wild and wonderful journey of raising kids! Hosted by Dr. Melissa Wellner, a double board-certified psychiatrist and child and adolescent psychiatrist, and Samantha Straub, a licensed therapist, educator, and parenting coach, this dynamic duo brings a perfect mix of professional expertise and mom humor. With five kids between them—and thousands more they’ve supported in their professional roles—they’re here to share practical strategies and real-life stories that will help you navigate everything from tantrums to teen drama. Whether you're handling sleepless nights or the chaos of carpool, you'll find relatable advice and a good laugh along the way. Strap in, because parenting is a ride, and we're here to make it a little smoother!

Information

  • Creator
    Samantha Straub and Dr. Melissa Wellner
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    66
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Parenting Shrink Wrapped
  • Show Website
    Parenting Shrink Wrapped