Parenting Shrink Wrapped

Samantha Straub and Dr. Melissa Wellner
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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. HACE 19 H

    #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

  2. 16 FEB

    #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

  3. 9 FEB

    #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

  4. 2 FEB

    #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

  5. 26 ENE

    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

  6. 19 ENE

    #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

  7. 12 ENE

    #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

  8. 5 ENE

    #58 - Mindful Parenting with Kristin Whiting-Davis

    Send a text Parenting comes with an invisible mental load that many caregivers carry without even realizing it. In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa are joined by therapist and mindfulness facilitator Kristin Whiting-Davis to explore the emotional weight of caregiving, unconscious “shoulds,” and the tendency for parents to over-function. They discuss why parenting can feel so exhausting, how constant vigilance impacts stress and well-being, and how small moments of mindfulness can help parents slow down, respond instead of react, and reset with compassion. This conversation offers reassurance and practical perspective for parents raising teens who want to care deeply without losing themselves in the process. About Kristin Kristin Whiting-Davis, LCSW-C, LICSW, LCSW, is a therapist, mindfulness facilitator, and founder of KWD Wellness, a virtual therapy and training practice serving caregivers and helping professionals across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. With more than twenty years of experience, she supports people who give deeply—parents, therapists, healthcare providers, and others who often feel the weight of being everything to everyone. Before moving full time into her current roles, Kristin worked across child welfare, community mental health, schools, a children’s hospital, and behavioral health management. She’s also a parent of two sons and a pet mom to three beloved animals. Her work blends trauma-informed care, mindfulness, and somatic awareness to help others find steadiness and sustainable wellbeing. 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
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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!

Información

  • Creador
    Samantha Straub and Dr. Melissa Wellner
  • Años de actividad
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodios
    65
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Parenting Shrink Wrapped
  • Mostrar sitio web
    Parenting Shrink Wrapped