Beyond the Screen: The Family Connection Podcast

BTSF Podcast Network
BTSF Podcast Network
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

Beyond the Screen: The Family Connection Podcast is your go-to space for practical, guilt-free ways to raise curious, connected, and resilient kids in a digital world. Hosted by educator, parent, and founder of Beyond the Screen Families, Dr. Samantha Hayes, this weekly show delivers simple ideas, inspiring conversations, and screen-free challenges to help you create meaningful family moments — no complicated crafts or perfect schedules required. Whether you’re craving easy connection wins, ways to balance tech with real-life adventures, or fresh ideas for those “I’m bored” moments, you’ll find it here. Each episode gives you doable, real-world strategies you can try today, plus a peek inside the tools and resources helping families everywhere trade a little screen time for moments that stick. New episodes drop every week. Grab your free resources and family challenge kits at www.beyondthescreenfamilies.com and let’s build a connected, balanced family life together.

  1. 4d ago

    How to Raise Adventurous Kids in a Screen-Filled World with Katie Vieira

    What happens when we give kids the opportunity to experience adventure instead of simply watching it on a screen?   In this episode of Beyond the Screen: The Family Connection Podcast, I’m joined by Katie Vieira, author of Into the Field: Tennessee Summer, for a conversation about books, adventure, imagination, and why getting kids out into the real world matters.   Katie shares the story behind Into the Field, an adventure that follows kids as they face an interesting collision of screens and real-world. We talk about what inspired the story, why adventure is so important during childhood, and what kids gain when they have opportunities to explore, problem-solve, take risks, and experience the world for themselves.   In this episode, we talk about:   Why real-world experiences are so important for kids The inspiration behind Into the Field: Tennessee Summer How adventure builds confidence, independence, problem-solving, and resilience Why kids need opportunities to explore beyond the screen The power of imagination and outdoor experiences Why childhood doesn't need to be constantly entertained to be meaningful Simple ways families can create more opportunities for adventure in everyday life   At Beyond the Screen Families, we believe childhood is meant to be experienced; not just consumed. And sometimes the best adventure is the one that happens when we step away from the screen and see where the real world takes us.   If you're looking for ways to encourage your kids to read, explore, get outside, and experience more of the world around them, this episode will inspire you to make room for a little more adventure.   Learn more about Katie: @intothefieldbook https://katievieira.com/   You can grab her book where books are sold online.

  2. Sep 1

    Why Kids Can’t Just “Go Play” Anymore?

    Have you ever told your child, “Go play,” only to hear, “But I don’t know what to do”? You’re not alone. And it doesn’t necessarily mean your child has forgotten how to play. For many kids growing up surrounded by highly engaging, personalized entertainment, self-directed play is a skill that needs space, practice, and a little support. In this episode, Dr. Samantha Hayes explores why “just go play” doesn’t always work anymore, what happens when screens become the default way kids fill empty time, and how parents can gradually help children rebuild their ability to initiate, imagine, create, and persist in their own play. Because the goal isn’t to replace every screen with another adult-directed activity. It’s to help kids rediscover that they are capable of creating their own fun.   Want to learn more about the Wonder Box? Check it out here: https://www.beyondthescreenfamilies.com/product-page/wonder-box-subscription

  3. Aug 25

    Before the First Bell: Reset Your Child’s Screen Habits for Back-to-School

    Summer screen habits can be hard to leave behind. But you don't have to wait until homework, early mornings, and school stress collide to start resetting your family's screen rhythm.   In this episode, Dr. Samantha Hayes explains why the weeks before school starts can be the perfect time to establish realistic screen boundaries — without the battles, dramatic restrictions, or “no screens ever” approach. You'll learn how to create predictable routines, prepare replacement activities, navigate the after-school danger zone, and help your child transition from summer freedom to a balanced school-year rhythm.   Because the goal isn't raising kids who never use screens. It's raising kids who know how to use screens without screens running the show.   Learn More About the Wonder Box Membership Here: https://www.beyondthescreenfamilies.com/product-page/wonder-box-subscription

  4. Aug 18

    Dopamine Kids: Understanding Screens, Boredom & Modern Childhood with Michaeleen Doucleff

    What happens when high-stimulation activities become the default for our children, and for us?   In this episode of Beyond the Screen: The Family Connection Podcast, Dr. Samantha Hayes sits down with Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff, New York Times bestselling author of Hunt, Gather, Parent and her newest book, Dopamine Kids, to explore the science behind dopamine, screens, boredom, and modern childhood. Michaeleen has spent more than a decade reporting on children’s health for NPR and brings a unique perspective as both a scientist and a parent. Together, we unpack why screens have such a powerful hold on children, how high-stimulation activities can affect the way kids experience boredom and everyday life, and the signs parents might notice when a child is caught in a dopamine cycle.   But this conversation isn't about simply taking screens away, or about just screens. We talk about what parents can do instead... including why replacing an undesirable activity with meaningful alternatives is such an important part of changing family habits. Michaeleen also shares insight into what she calls the “fundamental needs” children have and why the role of parenting has changed in a world filled with products intentionally designed to capture our attention.   And while some of the science may feel daunting, this conversation ultimately leaves us with something incredibly important: hope. Hope that families can change their habits, that children can rediscover the richness of everyday life, and that we can create childhoods filled with experiences that truly stick.   If you've been wondering about the impact of screens on children, how dopamine affects behavior and motivation, or what you can actually do to create healthier habits at home, this episode is for you.   Learn more about Michaeleen Doucleff and Dopamine Kids at michaeleendoucleff.com.

  5. Jun 16

    My Top 12 Ways to Create a Memorable Summer Without Being a Cruise Director (Or Going Broke)

    Do you ever feel like summer comes with an impossible job description?   Keep the kids off screens. Make memories. Stay within budget. Prevent boredom. Don't lose your mind.   In this episode, Dr. Samantha Hayes shares her top 12 simple, affordable ways to create a memorable summer without constantly entertaining your kids or spending a fortune.   If you're looking for a summer that's filled with connection, curiosity, and fun—not exhaustion—this episode is for you.   If you'd like to see the Wonder Box, check it out here: https://www.beyondthescreenfamilies.com/products-boxes

  6. Jun 9

    Raising Curious Kids Through Cooking, Stories & Hands-On Learning

    In this episode, Jen, founder of⁠ Tasty Tales Cooking⁠ — a unique subscription experience that combines children’s books, cooking, and hands-on learning to help families connect beyond the screen— joins us to talk about the power of connection and learning over cooking.   With a background in education and years of experience running cooking enrichments for kids, Jen shares how Tasty Tales grew from a classroom and test kitchen idea into a screen-free family experience centered around stories, creativity, and real-life learning.   Jen also shares the philosophy behind Tasty Tales and why she believes some of the best learning happens when kids are reading stories, trying new foods, making messes, and creating memories together.   If you’re looking for practical ways to create more connection, curiosity, and screen-free experiences at home, this episode is full of inspiration and actionable ideas for families.   To learn more about Tasty Tales Cooking, visit them: Website: https://www.tastytalescooking.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastytalescooking

  7. Jun 2

    How to Host an Epic Family Adventure Day with a $0 Budget

    You do not need an expensive vacation, theme park tickets, or a packed itinerary to create meaningful family memories.   In this episode, Dr. Samantha Hayes shares how to create an unforgettable Family Adventure Day using what you already have... your neighborhood, your imagination, and intentional connection.   You’ll learn how to structure a low-pressure adventure day that feels exciting for kids, builds curiosity and connection, and doesn’t leave parents exhausted or overspending.   Because the best family memories often come from the simplest moments.   Want screen-free fun on the go? Check out our Wonder Pack--built for those on the go moments: https://www.beyondthescreenfamilies.com/products-wonderpack

  8. May 26

    How to Normalize Therapy & Emotional Health for Kids and Families

    In this episode, Dr. Samantha Hayes is joined by Allyssa VanHooser, licensed marriage and family therapist and author of Even Animals Go to Therapy, for a meaningful conversation about helping children understand emotions, normalize therapy, and build emotional resilience in a screen-heavy world.   Together, we explore how families can create emotionally healthy environments where children feel safe expressing feelings, asking for help, and developing self-awareness. Allyssa shares insights from her clinical work supporting children, teens, and families through anxiety, life transitions, emotional challenges, and mental health struggles.   If you want to raise emotionally aware, resilient kids who feel confident talking about feelings and mental health, this episode is full of encouragement, practical insight, and hope.    You can get Allyssa’s book, Even Animals Go to Therapy on Amazon: ⁠https://a.co/d/0ePVY9cO⁠   You can also find and connect with Allyssa on the following platforms: Instagram: ⁠@allyssavanhooserlmft⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/allyssa-vanhooser-74806b3/⁠ Website: ⁠https://www.insightfulmatters.com/⁠

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About

Beyond the Screen: The Family Connection Podcast is your go-to space for practical, guilt-free ways to raise curious, connected, and resilient kids in a digital world. Hosted by educator, parent, and founder of Beyond the Screen Families, Dr. Samantha Hayes, this weekly show delivers simple ideas, inspiring conversations, and screen-free challenges to help you create meaningful family moments — no complicated crafts or perfect schedules required. Whether you’re craving easy connection wins, ways to balance tech with real-life adventures, or fresh ideas for those “I’m bored” moments, you’ll find it here. Each episode gives you doable, real-world strategies you can try today, plus a peek inside the tools and resources helping families everywhere trade a little screen time for moments that stick. New episodes drop every week. Grab your free resources and family challenge kits at www.beyondthescreenfamilies.com and let’s build a connected, balanced family life together.

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