Parent Confidence Lab

Hans Kullberg & Cristina Bernardo
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Parenting

The Parent Confidence Lab is a podcast hosted by Hans Kullberg and Cristina Bernardo of Avocado Health. We feature leaders across healthcare, public health, and advocacy who are improving outcomes for parents, children, and families. Through real conversations, we explore what’s working, what’s not, and how we can better support parents at scale.

Episodes

  1. 30 Jun

    How Nora Dennis Is Transforming Youth Mental Health Through Nature, Community, and Holistic Healing

    Episode Summary:Mental health challenges among young people continue to rise, leaving many parents searching for approaches that go beyond traditional treatment. In this episode of Parent Confidence Lab, Hans and Cristina sit down with Dr. Nora Dennis, psychiatrist, addiction medicine physician, and founder of Jubilee Healing Farm, to explore a new model of healing rooted in nature, community, and human connection. Drawing from her experience leading behavioral health within the healthcare system, Dr. Dennis explains why she left conventional medicine to create a healing farm where movement, sunlight, sleep, meaningful relationships, and time outdoors are integrated into mental health care. She shares how loneliness, excessive screen time, disrupted routines, and social isolation have contributed to the growing youth mental health crisis—and why rebuilding connection is essential for lasting recovery. The conversation explores practical strategies parents can use to support their children, including creating healthy routines, encouraging outdoor play, reducing screen dependence, fostering gratitude, and finding meaningful ways to reconnect with teenagers. Dr. Dennis also discusses the science behind social connection, mirror neurons, forest bathing, and why healing happens best when people experience belonging within a supportive community. What You'll LearnWhy nature plays a powerful role in mental health and emotional healingHow excessive screen time contributes to anxiety, depression, and isolationWhy routines around sleep, meals, movement, and social connection improve mental wellnessThe importance of community and shared healing in recoveryHow loneliness impacts teenagers and emerging adultsWhy gratitude, wonder, and play strengthen emotional resilienceHow parents can reconnect with teens through shared activities instead of constant conversationThe science behind mirror neurons and face-to-face human connectionWhy movement and exercise can be as effective as medication for some forms of depressionHow holistic care addresses the whole person—not just symptoms About Nora DennisDr. Nora Dennis is a board-certified psychiatrist and addiction medicine physician with a background in maternal and child health. She is the founder of Jubilee Healing Farm, an innovative mental health clinic in North Carolina that combines evidence-based psychiatric care with nature, community, and holistic wellness practices. Through her work, Dr. Dennis is helping young adults and families discover new pathways toward resilience, healing, and human flourishing. Connect with Nora DennisWebsite: https://www.jubileehealingfarm.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nora-dennis/ Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicYouTubeiHeart RadioCaptivate Parent Confidence Lab by Avocado Health, your parenting partner in your pocket. Enjoying the show? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly parenting insights, episode updates, and expert tips straight to your inbox. Sign up here: https://avo-little-more-confidence.beehiiv.com/

    41 min
  2. How Elizabeth Wilberg Is Helping Families Build Strong Foundations Through Compassion, Early Support, and Community Care

    24 Jun

    How Elizabeth Wilberg Is Helping Families Build Strong Foundations Through Compassion, Early Support, and Community Care

    Episode Summary: Parenting often requires balancing hope, resilience, and perseverance through both everyday challenges and life’s most difficult moments. Elizabeth Wilberg joins Hans and Cristina on the Parent Confidence Lab podcast to share her journey as a mother, nonprofit leader, and advocate for children and families. As Executive Director of Episcopal Community Services in San Diego, Elizabeth oversees programs that support early childhood education, children’s mental health, homelessness prevention, substance use recovery, and family stability. Elizabeth discusses how her own path to motherhood through adoption and IVF shaped her perspective on parenting, leadership, and community service. She explains why supporting children early in life can change the trajectory of entire families and how compassion, connection, and belonging are at the heart of effective family support programs. The conversation also explores grief, infertility, resilience, optimism, and the importance of showing up for people during life’s hardest seasons. What You’ll LearnWhy early childhood intervention can create lifelong positive outcomesHow strong family support helps children thriveThe role compassion plays in effective social servicesWhy optimism and an abundance mindset can strengthen resilienceHow adoption and IVF shaped Elizabeth’s parenting journeyThe importance of supporting parents alongside their childrenWhy showing up matters when loved ones are experiencing grief or lossHow Head Start programs help children develop academically and emotionallyThe value of inclusion, belonging, and community in child developmentWhy trusting your instincts is one of the most important parenting skills About Elizabeth WilbergElizabeth Wilberg is a nonprofit executive, writer, mother, and community advocate. She serves as Executive Director of Episcopal Community Services in San Diego, where she leads programs that support thousands of children, adults, and families each year. Through her work and writing, Elizabeth focuses on creating opportunities for families to build stability, resilience, and brighter futures. Connect with ElizabethLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/elizabethwilbergBlog: https://substack.com/@elizabethwilberg Listen & Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicYouTubeiHeart RadioCaptivate Parent Confidence Lab by Avocado Health, your parenting partner in your pocket. Enjoying the show? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly parenting insights, episode updates, and expert tips straight to your inbox. Sign up here: https://avo-little-more-confidence.beehiiv.com/

    37 min
  3. How Dr. Andrea Gropman Is Transforming Rare Disease Research Through Patient Advocacy, Precision Medicine, and Neurologic Discovery

    23 Jun

    How Dr. Andrea Gropman Is Transforming Rare Disease Research Through Patient Advocacy, Precision Medicine, and Neurologic Discovery

    Episode Summary Rare diseases often leave families searching for answers in a system that doesn’t always recognize what’s happening. On this episode of Parent Confidence Lab, Hans and Cristina sit down with Dr. Andrea Gropman, pediatric neurologist, researcher, and leader in neurometabolic medicine, to discuss how patient stories, family advocacy, and scientific innovation are changing the future of rare disease diagnosis and treatment. Drawing from more than two decades of research in urea cycle disorders and other rare metabolic conditions, Dr. Gropman explains how listening closely to families has led to groundbreaking discoveries, improved diagnostic approaches, and new therapies that are helping patients live not only longer, but better. She shares insights into genetic testing, personalized medicine, postpartum presentations of rare disorders, and why parents should trust their instincts when something feels wrong. This conversation is both an educational deep dive into rare disease medicine and a powerful reminder of the role parents play in driving medical progress. What You’ll LearnHow a single patient inspired Dr. Gropman’s career in rare disease researchWhat urea cycle disorders are and how they affect the brainWhy many rare disease symptoms are missed or misdiagnosedHow patient advocacy groups have accelerated treatment developmentThe role of MRI imaging in understanding rare neurologic disordersWhy some women previously considered “carriers” actually experience symptomsHow genetic testing and whole genome sequencing are transforming diagnosisWhy parent observations are often critical diagnostic dataThe challenges families face accessing rare disease treatments and testingHow personalized medicine and gene-editing therapies are changing the future of careWhy parents should continue advocating when they know something isn’t rightHow family stories often reveal what medical tests cannot About Dr. Andrea GropmanDr. Andrea Gropman is a pediatric neurologist, physician-scientist, and internationally recognized expert in neurometabolic and rare genetic disorders. She serves as Director of the Neurometabolic Translational Research Program and holds the Mark Tamer Endowed Chair for Pediatric Neurology at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Her research focuses on understanding how rare metabolic diseases affect the brain and developing innovative approaches to improve diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for patients and families. For more than 20 years, Dr. Gropman has worked alongside patient advocacy organizations, researchers, and clinicians to advance therapies for rare diseases, including urea cycle disorders. Her work has helped redefine disease understanding, improve patient outcomes, and support the development of emerging precision medicine approaches. Connect with Dr. Andrea GropmanLinkedIn: Dr. Andrea Gropman Listen & Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicYouTubeiHeart RadioCaptivate Parent Confidence Lab by Avocado Health, your parenting partner in your pocket. Enjoying the show? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly parenting insights, episode updates, and expert tips straight to your inbox. Sign up here: https://avo-little-more-confidence.beehiiv.com/

    51 min
  4. How David Washington Is Using Nature, Connection, and Mental Health Education to Help Families Thrive

    16 Jun

    How David Washington Is Using Nature, Connection, and Mental Health Education to Help Families Thrive

    Episode Summary Parenting can be overwhelming, especially when stress, anxiety, grief, and emotional challenges affect the entire family system. David Washington joins Hans and Cristina on the Parent Confidence Lab podcast to discuss how nature, connection, and nervous system regulation can support healthier relationships between parents and children. As a licensed clinical social worker and CEO and co-founder of The Planted Brain, David combines traditional mental health practices with horticultural therapy and trauma-informed care to help individuals and families heal. From the science behind nature's impact on the nervous system to the importance of parental regulation, attachment, and fatherhood mental health, David shares practical strategies parents can use to create stronger connections with themselves, their children, and their communities. The conversation also explores postpartum depression in both mothers and fathers, the role of neuroplasticity in changing behaviors, and how simple shared experiences can strengthen family bonds. What You'll LearnHow nature and horticulture can support emotional regulation and mental healthWhy nervous system safety is essential for healing and connectionThe role of polyvagal theory in understanding stress, anxiety, and traumaHow parents' emotional states influence their children's behaviorWhat mirror neurons teach us about connection and co-regulationWhy parental self-regulation is one of the greatest gifts you can give your childHow neuroplasticity helps parents create healthier behavioral patternsThe importance of attachment and connection in early childhood developmentWhy fathers can experience postpartum depression and emotional challengesPractical ways parents can connect with children through shared experiences and everyday activitiesHow nature-based activities can strengthen family relationships and emotional well-beingWhy prioritizing self-care helps parents better support their children About David WashingtonDavid Washington is a licensed clinical social worker, therapist, and the CEO and co-founder of The Planted Brain, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit mental health organization dedicated to increasing access to culturally responsive mental health services for historically marginalized and under-resourced communities. Through a unique combination of trauma-informed care, psychotherapy, horticultural therapy, and nature-based healing practices, David helps individuals and families build resilience, strengthen relationships, and improve emotional well-being. Connect with DavidHeadway: https://care.headway.co/providers/david-washingtonThe Planted Brain: theplantedbrain.org Listen & Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicYouTubeiHeart RadioCaptivate Parent Confidence Lab by Avocado Health, your parenting partner in your pocket. Enjoying the show? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly parenting insights, episode updates, and expert tips straight to your inbox. Sign up here: https://avo-little-more-confidence.beehiiv.com/

    48 min
  5. How Sara Sweat Is Helping Working Parents Set Boundaries Without Guilt and Protect Their Energy

    15 Jun

    How Sara Sweat Is Helping Working Parents Set Boundaries Without Guilt and Protect Their Energy

    Episode SummaryBalancing work, parenting, and personal well-being can leave many parents feeling exhausted and stretched too thin. Sara Sweat joins Hans and Cristina on the Parent Confidence Lab podcast to discuss why healthy boundaries are essential for working parents and how they can be used to protect time, energy, and family connection. Drawing from her experience as a trauma-informed coach and founder of Monarch, Sara explains the difference between boundaries, expectations, standards, and rules while offering practical tools parents can use immediately. From managing emotional energy and handling tantrums to creating non-negotiable calendar priorities and communicating boundaries effectively, Sara shares actionable strategies that help parents avoid burnout while showing up as their best selves at home and at work. What You'll LearnWhat healthy boundaries actually are and why they are often misunderstoodThe difference between boundaries, expectations, standards, and rulesHow to protect your time, energy, and emotional well-being as a working parentWhy energy management matters more than time managementHow small daily habits can create meaningful emotional and mental depositsThe power of moving from "furious" to "curious" during parenting challengesWhy calendars should include personal and family priorities, not just work commitmentsHow short, repeatable phrases can help reinforce boundaries during stressful momentsThe role of rituals and visual cues in creating consistent family boundariesWhy self-care and boundary-setting allow parents to care for others more sustainably About Sara SweatSara Sweat is a trauma-informed coach, founder of Monarch, and advisor to Avocado Health. With a background spanning healthcare technology, leadership, and counseling, she helps individuals and organizations apply human psychology principles to improve resilience, performance, and well-being. Her work focuses on helping high achievers create sustainable success through healthy boundaries, emotional awareness, and intentional growth. Connect with SaraLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sara-sweatWebsite: monarchsup.com Listen & Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicYouTubeiHeart RadioCaptivate Parent Confidence Lab by Avocado Health, your parenting partner in your pocket. Enjoying the show? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly parenting insights, episode updates, and expert tips straight to your inbox. Sign up here: https://avo-little-more-confidence.beehiiv.com/

    27 min
  6. How Angie Weber Is Helping Parents Stay Calm, Connected, and Confident Through Life’s Toughest Moments

    27 May

    How Angie Weber Is Helping Parents Stay Calm, Connected, and Confident Through Life’s Toughest Moments

    Episode Summary Parenting can feel overwhelming, especially during stressful mornings, sibling fights, emotional meltdowns, and the constant pressure to “get it right.” Angie Weber joins Hans and Cristina on the Parent Confidence Lab podcast to share her CALM Approach to Parenting, a practical framework designed to help parents regulate emotions, communicate more effectively, and build stronger family connections. From emotional regulation and family meetings to co-parenting and divorce support, Angie offers honest, actionable advice for parents navigating the chaos of everyday family life. What You’ll Learn The four pillars of Angie’s CALM parenting frameworkWhy emotional regulation starts with the parent firstHow giving children choices reduces power strugglesThe difference between consequences and ultimatumsWhy family meetings can improve communication and reduce stressHow parents can recognize emotional triggers before reactingWhy giving yourself grace is essential in parentingHow co-parenting tools can strengthen family relationships after divorce About Angie Weber Angie Weber is a parent coach, speaker, CEO of The Parent Toolbox, and director of the Divorce Support Collective. Through her coaching programs, parenting tools, and educational resources, Angie helps parents build calmer homes, stronger emotional connections, and healthier communication habits with their children and partners. Connect with Angie LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/angieweberThe Parent Toolbox: theparenttoolbox.infoDivorce Support Collective Listen & Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicYouTubeiHeart RadioCaptivate Parent Confidence Lab by Avocado Health, your parenting partner in your pocket. Enjoying the show? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly parenting insights, episode updates, and expert tips straight to your inbox. Sign up here: https://avo-little-more-confidence.beehiiv.com/

    37 min
  7. What Every New Parent Should Know with Pediatrician Alex Butler

    14 May

    What Every New Parent Should Know with Pediatrician Alex Butler

    Episode SummaryMost parents leave pediatric appointments with unanswered questions, and most healthcare tech ignores that. Dr. Alex Butler, pediatric hospitalist at Boston Children’s Hospital and founder of Alcott, joins Hans and Cristina to talk about why families are left out of healthcare innovation and what we can do about it. If you’ve ever walked out of a doctor’s visit wishing you’d said more, this one’s for you. What You’ll LearnWhy parents are the most underutilized resource in pediatric careHow to make the most of a 15-minute doctor’s appointmentWhat AI tools like Alcott are doing to empower familiesHow to trust your gut, even when a doctor pushes backWhy social media sets unrealistic parenting expectations About Alex ButlerDr. Alex Butler is a pediatric hospitalist at Boston Children’s Hospital and founder of Alcott, a free tool that helps parents prepare for and get more out of every healthcare visit. Connect with AlexLinkedIn: Alex ButlerAlcott: alcottai.com Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicYouTubeiHeart RadioCaptivate Parent Confidence Lab by Avocado Health, your parenting partner in your pocket. Enjoying the show? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly parenting insights, episode updates, and expert tips straight to your inbox. Sign up here: https://avo-little-more-confidence.beehiiv.com/

    48 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

The Parent Confidence Lab is a podcast hosted by Hans Kullberg and Cristina Bernardo of Avocado Health. We feature leaders across healthcare, public health, and advocacy who are improving outcomes for parents, children, and families. Through real conversations, we explore what’s working, what’s not, and how we can better support parents at scale.

Information

  • Creator
    Hans Kullberg & Cristina Bernardo
  • Years Active
    2k
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Hans Kullberg & Cristina Bernardo
  • Show Website
    Parent Confidence Lab