Parenting Shrink Wrapped

Samantha Straub and Dr. Melissa Wellner
  • 5.0 (11)
  • 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. The Truth About Mom Guilt, Mental Load & What Moms Really Want for Mother’s Day

    2D AGO

    The Truth About Mom Guilt, Mental Load & What Moms Really Want for Mother’s Day

    Send us Fan Mail Motherhood is a mix of joy, pressure, connection, and–a whole lot of invisible work. In this Mother’s Day episode, Sam and Melissa hit record in the middle of a real conversation about what it actually feels like to be a mom. From deeply personal stories of mom guilt to the everyday mental load that never shuts off, this episode is both relatable and validating. They dive into: A powerful (and vulnerable) story about a parenting moment that still lingersThe ongoing tension between career and familyThe unseen responsibilities moms carry every dayWhat moms really want for Mother’s Day (and why it’s often not what we plan)This episode is a reminder that there’s no perfect way to do motherhood–and that the connection you build with your kids matters more than getting everything right. 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.

    34 min
  2. A Parent's Guide to Handling Bullying with Melissa and Sam

    APR 27

    A Parent's Guide to Handling Bullying with Melissa and Sam

    Send us Fan Mail Bullying is one of the most challenging situations a parent can face–and knowing how to respond isn’t always clear. In this episode, Sam and Melissa break down what bullying actually is, how to recognize the signs, and how to support your child in a way that builds confidence instead of escalating the situation. From school avoidance and anxiety to navigating conversations and involving the school, this episode gives parents a practical roadmap for handling a tough and emotional topic with clarity and intention. If you are struggling with your kid being bullied, contact Sam or Melissa for additonal help. You don't have to do this alone-we are here to help! 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.

    39 min
  3. How to Talk to Kids About Depression: A Parent’s Guide to Emotional Language

    APR 20

    How to Talk to Kids About Depression: A Parent’s Guide to Emotional Language

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa sit down with Kendall Concini, author of Cloudy Day Chronicles, to explore what it looks like to parent while navigating your own depression. Through a simple “cloud” metaphor, Kendall shares how she helps her young children understand emotional struggles without fear or confusion—giving them language, reassurance, and clarity. This conversation highlights the power of emotional honesty in parenting, showing that kids don’t need perfection. They need understanding. From building emotional intelligence to reducing anxiety, this episode offers practical, compassionate insight for any parent navigating hard days. About Kendall Kendall’s greatest adventure began not on the page, but at home, as a mother. Alma and Max aren’t just characters, they’re her children and wildest inspirations. They even helped co-write some of the funniest (according to them) one-liners in her pages. Alongside her husband, Matt, Kendall fills their days with laughter, curiosity, and the right amount of weirdness. Their dog, Kiaora, prefers quiet days on the couch with a blanket and a good book. When they’re not exploring together, the family can be found where the wild things are. Learn more about Kendall and her book. 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.

    35 min
  4. When Your Teen is On Fire. Understanding Self-Harm and Big Emotions

    APR 13

    When Your Teen is On Fire. Understanding Self-Harm and Big Emotions

    Send us Fan Mail When teens feel overwhelmed by big emotions, their behavior can become confusing—and sometimes frightening—for parents. In this episode, we’re joined by therapist Katie May to unpack what’s really happening beneath high-risk behaviors like self-harm, emotional shutdown, and reactivity. Together, we explore how these behaviors often serve as coping strategies, not attention-seeking, and why understanding the “why” behind them is key to helping your teen. We also break down the difference between self-harm and suicidality, the role of validation in building trust, and practical ways parents can respond without making things worse. If you’ve ever felt unsure how to support your struggling teen, this conversation will give you clarity, language, and a path forward. About Katie Katie K. May is a licensed therapist, author, speaker, and group practice owner. She founded Creative Healing, a multi-location teen support center in the Philadelphia area, and wrote the #1 Amazon best-seller You’re On Fire, It’s Fine. With lived experience as a teen who turned to self-harm, Katie is one of only 11 Linehan ("Lynn-uh-hayn") Board Certified DBT Clinicians in Pennsylvania, the gold standard treatment for self-harm and suicidal behaviors. She equips parents and clinicians with practical, trauma-informed tools to decode behavior as survival and create lasting change. 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.

    39 min
  5. How to Pay for College Without Putting Your Family at Risk

    APR 6

    How to Pay for College Without Putting Your Family at Risk

    Send us Fan Mail Paying for college has become increasingly complex, and for many families, the financial decisions involved can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Sam and Melissa are joined by financial planner Kimberly Weihbrecht to break down how FAFSA, financial aid packages, and student loans actually work–and why costs can vary so widely from one school to another. They also explore upcoming changes to student loan policies in 2026, the risks of parent borrowing, and practical strategies for navigating the process, including how to appeal for financial aid and advocate for your family. This conversation offers clarity, reassurance, and actionable steps for parents facing one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. About Kimberly Kimberly Weihbrecht, CCFS®, CSLP®, is a financial planner at Fearless Finance, where she helps clients gain confidence and clarity around their financial lives. Kim works with individuals and families on cash flow management, debt and savings strategies, retirement planning, specializing in college financial planning, including guidance on FAFSA and financial aid decisions, and student loan management. Connect with Kimberly: https://fearlessfinance.com/ 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.

    40 min
  6. How to Help Your Teen Find Career Direction with Jessica Roffe

    MAR 30

    How to Help Your Teen Find Career Direction with Jessica Roffe

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa sit down with career coach, Jessica Roffe, to talk about what career readiness really looks like for teens and young adults today. With over a decade of experience helping students navigate uncertainty, Jessica shares a refreshing perspective: teens don’t need to have it all figured out. They need to start with self-awareness, curiosity, and real-world exploration. Together, they unpack how parents can support their teens without adding pressure, why depth of experience matters more than doing “all the things,” and how simple steps like conversations, networking, and trying new opportunities can build confidence over time. This episode is full of practical, reassuring advice for any parent guiding their teen through the early stages of figuring out their future. About Jessica Jessica Roffe has spent over 12 years helping students and young adults turn uncertainty into career confidence.  She is the Founder of Career Beginnings LLC, where she supports students and young professionals through personalized coaching and practical workshops focused on career readiness– including internships and job searches, resumes and LinkedIn, networking, interviewing, and building a strong personal brand. In addition to running Career Beginnings, Jessica works full time at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, where she advises and teaches students and has earned a Distinguished Teaching Award for instructional excellence. She is a Certified Career Services Provider through the National Career Development Association and holds a master’s degree in Higher & Postsecondary Education from Columbia University’s Teachers College. Additional Resources OneStopCareer. https://www.careeronestop.org/ O*Net https://www.onetonline.org/  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.

    35 min
  7. The Importance of the Couple Relationship on the Family with Katharine Petzold

    MAR 23

    The Importance of the Couple Relationship on the Family with Katharine Petzold

    Send us Fan Mail  In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa talk with therapist Katharine Petzold about how a couple’s relationship shapes a child’s emotional wellbeing. Through relatable (and often funny) moments, they explore why parents react the way they do, introducing the “wounded child,” “adaptive child,” and “wise adult.” The conversation emphasizes that it’s not about perfection, but repair—modeling healthy connection after conflict. You’ll leave with simple, practical insights to strengthen your relationships and create a more emotionally secure home, plus a fun musical bonus at the end.  About Katharine Katharine Petzold is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW-C) with 9 years of experience, specializing in relationship and couples therapy. She is a Certified Relational Life (RLT) Therapist and Facilitator of RLT’s Relationship Bootcamp, leading biannual intensive workshops that build connection, accountability, and emotional intimacy for individuals, couples, and the mental health professionals who work with them. Katharine’s compassionate, skills-based approach is grounded in relational and neurobiological insights. By night, she is also a singer-songwriter (Kat Parsons) and has recently recorded new songs about parenting. Learn more about the Relationship Bootcamp Find out about the Emotional Fitness Studio 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
  8. The Real Struggles of Work Life Balance for Parents

    MAR 16

    The Real Struggles of Work Life Balance for Parents

    Send us Fan Mail Working parents face some of the highest rates of stress and burnout globally. In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa talk with Dr. Rosina McAlpine about how workplaces can become truly family-friendly–and why burnout prevention matters You’ll learn: Why working parents are at higher risk of burnoutWhat psychosocial safety means in the workplaceThe five steps to building a family-friendly organizationWhy prevention beats crisis responseHow being “self-full” benefits everyoneIf you’re balancing parenting and career, or leading an organization that employs working parents, this conversation is essential. About Dr. Rosina McAlpine Dr. Rosina an internationally recognized expert on parenting, managing work and family life, working parents, researcher, and media contributor.  Dr. Rosina is the founder of Win Win Parenting, a research-based program that is delivered in small, medium and large organisations and workplaces for all levels of government to inspire and resource working parents with strategies to better navigate day-to-day parenting challenges, support their mental health, manage work-life balance, reduce stress, and prevent burnout.  Dr. Rosina can offer a unique perspective –she has been featured on TV, print and radio media platforms – highlights include: the New York Post, The Today Show, with a regular spot on ABC Radio, and has spoken at corporate events globally.  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.

    36 min
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5
out of 5
11 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
    75
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Parenting Shrink Wrapped
  • Show Website
    Parenting Shrink Wrapped

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