Brainy Moms

Dr. Amy Moore
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Brainy Moms

Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast with smart ideas to help moms and kids thrive! Hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore along with rotating co-hosts Sandy Zamalis, Teri Miller, and Dr. Jody Jedlicka, this weekly show features conversations and guest experts in parenting, psychology, child development, education, and medicine with practical tips to help moms navigate the ups and downs of parenthood. We're smart moms helping make moms smarter...one episode at a time!

  1. Social Media & Teens: Advice on Limits, Conversations, & Safety | Jennifer Berger

    JUN 23

    Social Media & Teens: Advice on Limits, Conversations, & Safety | Jennifer Berger

    What if we approached teen technology and social media use more like teaching someone to drive rather than simply restricting access until they're "old enough"? Media literacy expert Jennifer Berger joins Dr. Amy and Sandy on the Brainy Moms podcast to introduce her groundbreaking program, the Social Media Driver's License, which does exactly that. After two decades of teaching media literacy to over 10,000 youth, Jennifer noticed a troubling pattern in how we approach teens and technology. Most resources emphasized monitoring, restriction, and punishment – approaches that often backfire by damaging parent-teen relationships and failing to build critical digital skills. Her response? Create a collaborative, skill-building program that prepares tweens and teens to navigate online spaces independently. The Social Media Driver's License features a unique dual-track approach. Kids ages 10-14 participate in a 10-session course led by older teenagers sharing hard-earned wisdom about social media navigation. Parents simultaneously access an audio course covering essential topics like handling online safety concerns, addressing problematic content, and maintaining healthy conversations about technology. This structure recognizes that eventually, teens will access technology, making preparation more valuable than restriction. Perhaps most refreshing is Berger's emphasis on maintaining connection. Rather than villainizing teens' digital worlds or implementing rigid, top-down rules, she advocates for genuine curiosity, collaborative boundary-setting, and calm responses when inevitable mistakes occur. As Dr. Amy notes during the conversation, "Connection is the number one buffer against mental health crisis," making this approach particularly valuable for supporting teen wellbeing. Ready to transform your approach to parenting in the digital age? Check out this episode!  CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: info@TheBrainyMoms.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Sandy's TikTok: @TheBrainTrainerLady Dr. Amy's brand new IG: @DrAmySaysGrace Dr. Amy's website: www.AmyMoorePhD.com

    45 min
  2. MTHFR and Epigenetics: Functional Medicine Insights for Parents | Dr. Randy James

    JUN 2

    MTHFR and Epigenetics: Functional Medicine Insights for Parents | Dr. Randy James

    Wondering what all the social media chatter about genes and genetic variants (like MTHFR) really have to do with your child's health? On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy talk to  functional medicine physician Dr. Randy James about the connections between our genes, our environment, and our overall wellbeing. Dr. James unpacks the philosophy of functional medicine, which seeks to understand the root causes of health issues rather than just masking symptoms. He explains why modern medicine often falls short when addressing chronic conditions or nebulous symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, or general unwellness. The key difference? Functional medicine recognizes that every human is "infinitely biochemically unique" and requires a personalized approach. Dr. James breaks down how our genes and environment interact. He demystifies the often misunderstood MTHFR gene variant, which affects approximately 40% of the population to varying degrees. This genetic variation impacts methylation – a critical process involved in detoxification, neurotransmitter production, and cellular repair. Research has shown statistical associations between MTHFR variants and conditions like ADHD, autism, depression, and other mental health challenges. But here's where hope enters the picture: Dr. James emphasizes that genetic predispositions are not deterministic. Just as someone with fair skin doesn't panic about their increased skin cancer risk but instead adapts with sunscreen and protective clothing, understanding your genetic variants allows you to make targeted lifestyle modifications that can dramatically improve outcomes. From prioritizing organic foods to eating plenty of green vegetables rich in natural B vitamins, these evidence-based strategies can help support optimal methylation pathways. Parents will find particular value in Dr. James' practical advice for supporting children with genetic predispositions. He outlines developmental red flags to watch for, explains why "normal" symptoms might not be healthy, and offers guidance for navigating the complex world of nutrition and supplementation without becoming overwhelmed. Ready to take control of your family's health journey? Join us for this empowering conversation that will change how you think about genes, environment, and your power to influence both. CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: info@TheBrainyMoms.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Sandy's TikTok: @TheBrainTrainerLady Dr. Amy's brand new IG: @DrAmySaysGrace Dr. Amy's website: www.AmyMoorePhD.com

    1h 14m
  3. Sensory Processing & Emotion Regulation with Sarah Collins

    MAY 19

    Sensory Processing & Emotion Regulation with Sarah Collins

    Ever wonder why your child can't sit still during lessons? Why they melt down when they're wearing certain clothes? Or why they're suddenly screaming at you when they haven't eaten in hours? The answer might lie in sensory processing—a critical yet often overlooked component of learning and behavior. In this illuminating conversation, occupational therapist Sarah Collins unpacks how our sensory systems influence every aspect of learning and daily life. Beyond the familiar five senses we all know, she explains how our vestibular system (balance), proprioception (body awareness), and interoception (internal body signals) create the foundation for successful learning and emotional regulation. Sarah reveals the surprising connection between body awareness and emotion regulation, backed by research showing that children who struggle to sense what's happening in their bodies often have difficulty managing their emotions. This knowledge transforms how we understand "difficult" behaviors—what looks like defiance or lack of focus might actually be sensory overwhelm. The homeschooling environment offers unique opportunities to accommodate sensory needs. Instead of forcing children to adapt to one-size-fits-all learning environments, parents can create flexible spaces that support each child's sensory profile. Maybe your child comprehends better while gently rocking, standing, or even upside down! As Sarah explains, "calm" doesn't necessarily mean "still"—it means the nervous system is regulated enough to process information effectively. Most powerfully, Sarah shares practical strategies for identifying sensory needs and adapting environments accordingly. From morning routines that incorporate movement to sensory-friendly workspaces, these approaches can dramatically improve learning outcomes. She also discusses how to balance competing sensory needs when siblings have different—sometimes opposite—requirements for successful learning. Ready to transform your homeschool experience? Listen now to discover how understanding sensory processing can lead to less frustration, more enjoyment, and deeper learning for your entire family. CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: info@TheBrainyMoms.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Sandy's TikTok: @TheBrainTrainerLady Dr. Amy's brand new IG: @DrAmySaysGrace Dr. Amy's website: www.AmyMoorePhD.com

    48 min
  4. Beyond the Win: Tips for Parenting Young Athletes & Dancers | Dr. Chelsea Pierotti

    APR 21

    Beyond the Win: Tips for Parenting Young Athletes & Dancers | Dr. Chelsea Pierotti

    Wondering how to best parent your competitive athlete or dancer? Dr. Chelsea Pierotti joins Dr. Amy and Sandy on this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast to reveal the psychology behind peak performance and what parents can do to help—and sometimes, what they should stop doing. Drawing from her background as both a sports psychologist and professional ballet dancer, Dr. Chelsea shares why dancers face unique mental challenges as "artistic athletes." Unlike team sports with constant reactions, dancers follow choreographed routines that leave dangerous space for overthinking. She explains why even elite performers need strategies to stay present while letting physical skills flow automatically. The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Dr. Chelsea unpacks why training for unexpected difficulties builds genuine confidence. Just as Olympic champion Michael Phelps practiced with broken goggles, dancers need to experience music cuts or costume malfunctions in practice to develop true resilience. This "training for the rare" teaches athletes they can handle anything—a skill that transfers far beyond performance. Parents will particularly appreciate Dr. Chelsea's clear guidance on their proper role in youth sports. She advises parents to be supportive managers handling logistics, while gradually teaching children to communicate directly with coaches. Her mantra "control the controllables" helps athletes focus exclusively on their attention, actions, and effort—letting go of judges, referees, and other external factors they cannot change. Perhaps most valuable is our discussion of redefining success beyond winning. By focusing on the "gain" (progress made) rather than the "gap" (distance from perfection), athletes develop healthier mindsets and lasting motivation. The 1% rule she shares demonstrates how small daily improvements compound into remarkable growth. Ready to help your young performer develop mental toughness that serves them in competition and beyond? Listen now and discover how to support the journey of your athlete or dancer without stepping into the coach's lane. Highlights from this episode: Dancers face unique challenges as "artistic athletes" with subjective judging similar to gymnastics and figure skatingPerformance psychology helps athletes manage overthinking during routines when automaticity takes overElite athletes train for unexpected situations to build true confidence that can handle adversityParents should be supportive managers rather than trying to fix technical issuesBy middle school, athletes should be communicating directly with coaches"Control the controllables" – focus on attention, actions, and effort, not external factorsDefine success based on progress and improvement rather than just winningMental skills developed in sports translate to all areas of lifeThe 1% rule promotes small daily improvements that compound over timeAllowing children to experience negative emotions helps them develop resilienceCONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: info@TheBrainyMoms.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Sandy's TikTok: @TheBrainTrainerLady Dr. Amy's brand new IG: @DrAmySaysGrace Dr. Amy's website: www.AmyMoorePhD.com

    55 min
  5. Launching Your Adult Child: Fostering Independence without Severing Connection | Dr. Jack Stoltzfus

    APR 7

    Launching Your Adult Child: Fostering Independence without Severing Connection | Dr. Jack Stoltzfus

    Are you struggling to launch your adult child? Have you ever found yourself wondering if you're overstepping boundaries with your adult child? Maybe you're caught in the cycle of questioning how often to text them, whether to offer advice, or if you're supporting them the right way? You're not alone.  On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy talk with Dr. Jack Stoltzfus – clinical psychologist, America's launch coach, and author of "The Parent's Launch Code". Dr. Jack reveals that the transition to adult independence is challenging precisely because "the problem with young adults is they're adults, you can't control them." This fundamental shift requires parents to abandon old power dynamics and embrace a partnership approach. Dr. Jack explains why this particular parenting stage feels so difficult, sharing eye-opening statistics including that more than 50% of young adults between 18-29 now live with their parents. Rather than viewing this as failure, he redefines successful launching as achieving self-sufficiency and responsibility, regardless of living situation. The real measure of success is whether young adults can stand independently while maintaining a caring bond with parents. The conversation takes a poignant turn when discussing estrangement – with one in four young adults cutting off communication with parents for months or indefinitely. Dr. Jack offers practical strategies to prevent this heartbreaking outcome, including his innovative "five-year plan" approach that helps young adults envision their future while creating manageable steps toward independence. Whether you're wrestling with questions about charging rent, setting boundaries when adult children return home from college, or navigating the delicate balance between offering support without enabling dependence, this episode provides compassionate guidance. Dr. Jack's framework of combining unconditional love with what he calls "backbone" (clear values and boundaries) offers a roadmap for maintaining connection while fostering independence. For every parent wondering how to love and launch simultaneously, this conversation is an essential guide to launching your adult child with confidence and care. CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: info@TheBrainyMoms.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Sandy's TikTok: @TheBrainTrainerLady Dr. Amy's brand new IG: @DrAmySaysGrace Dr. Amy's website: www.AmyMoorePhD.com

    56 min
  6. The Brain Science of Reading (Part 2): Why Cognitive Skills Matter More Than Curriculum | Donesa Walker

    MAR 24

    The Brain Science of Reading (Part 2): Why Cognitive Skills Matter More Than Curriculum | Donesa Walker

    America faces a reading crisis that's worsening despite decades of curriculum changes and interventions. In this eye-opening continuation of our Brainy Moms series on reading, Dr. Amy and Sandy interview reading and dyslexia specialist Donesa Walker. We explore why reading scores keep declining nationwide and what parents can do about it. Louisiana's dramatic rise from near-bottom to 16th in national reading rankings offers valuable insights. Their success came through mandatory science of reading training for all teachers, high-dose tutoring for struggling students, and crucially, empowering parents with educational choices. Yet even this success story highlights a fundamental truth: schools cannot bear sole responsibility for reading achievement. The discussion takes a fascinating turn when we examine the cognitive foundations of reading. Processing speed, working memory, attention, and other brain skills form the bedrock upon which reading abilities are built. Without these foundations, reading interventions become like "laying asphalt over potholes" – temporarily effective but ultimately failing to create lasting change. Donesa explains why traditional reading interventions often show disappointing results in research studies – they simply don't address the underlying cognitive weaknesses. Meanwhile, a program called ReadRx combine cognitive training with reading instruction and has demonstrated dramatic improvements, with studies showing 4-5 year gains in just 24 weeks. We also explore how background knowledge shapes reading comprehension. When children lack rich experiences that build vocabulary and background knowledge, reading becomes an empty exercise. This explains why the number of books in a home directly correlates with reading test results, and why programs providing free books to children make such a difference. The conversation concludes with a paradigm-shifting perspective: every parent is essentially a homeschool parent, simply choosing where and by whom curriculum is delivered. This perspective empowers families to take control of their children's reading journey, filling curriculum gaps and providing the experiences and cognitive development necessary for reading success. Join us to discover practical strategies for developing your child's reading skills beyond the classroom, and learn why brain health deserves the same attention as physical health in today's educational landscape. CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: info@TheBrainyMoms.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Sandy's TikTok: @TheBrainTrainerLady Dr. Amy's brand new IG: @DrAmySaysGrace Dr. Amy's website: www.AmyMoorePhD.com

    54 min
  7. The Brain Science of Reading: Why America's Children Are Falling Behind (Part 1) with Donesa Walker

    MAR 17

    The Brain Science of Reading: Why America's Children Are Falling Behind (Part 1) with Donesa Walker

    Wondering why America's children are struggling to read fluently? Is your child struggling with reading? Reading and dyslexia specialist Donesa Walker joins Dr. Amy and Sandy on this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast to unpack the alarming decline in America's reading performance revealed in the latest Nation's Report Card.   With the wisdom gained from 30+ years working with dyslexic students, Donesa challenges our fundamental understanding of reading instruction. "Reading begins in the brain, not in the classroom," she explains, revealing why conventional approaches often fall short despite decades of educational reform efforts.   The conversation takes a fascinating turn as we explore the neurological foundations of reading. Cognitive skills like processing speed, working memory, and visual-auditory processing, and reasoning form the bedrock upon which reading is built, yet traditional interventions rarely address these crucial elements. This explains why many struggling readers show the "two steps forward, one step back" pattern despite receiving specialized instruction.    We also chat about Louisiana's remarkable reading turnaround story, where targeted interventions and a holistic approach moved the state from near-bottom to 16th nationally in reading performance. While celebrating this success, Donesa cautions that addressing America's reading crisis ultimately requires parents to recognize their crucial role. "Every parent is a homeschool parent," she asserts, explaining why schools alone cannot solve our literacy challenges.    Ready to transform your understanding of reading challenges and discover evidence-based solutions that actually work? Listen now to gain practical insights that could change how you support the readers in your life. CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: info@TheBrainyMoms.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Sandy's TikTok: @TheBrainTrainerLady Dr. Amy's brand new IG: @DrAmySaysGrace Dr. Amy's website: www.AmyMoorePhD.com

    43 min
  8. Teaching Teens Healthy Eating with guest Claire Ketchum

    MAR 3

    Teaching Teens Healthy Eating with guest Claire Ketchum

    Does your teen have an unhealthy relationship with food? Want to learn some tips for nurturing and teaching your teen some heathy eating habits? Join Dr. Amy and Sandy on this episode of the Brainy Moms podcasts as they interview Claire Ketchum, the innovator of the Peaceful Eating Method.  Drawing from her own challenges with yo-yo dieting, Claire joins us to illuminate pathways for teens to develop positive body images and sustainable eating patterns. Together, we delve into the reasons why teens fall into unhealthy eating cycles and how parents can intervene with compassion and insight, fostering self-confidence and well-being without triggering defensiveness. Dive into practical parenting strategies as we address teen stress and its impact on eating habits. We unpack the importance of identifying stressors, whether they stem from school, home, or social encounters, and how these can affect eating behaviors. Learn about effective techniques like the emotional freedom technique that can help manage stress and promote healthier habits. This discussion also touches on the delicate issue of self-esteem, especially for female teens, and how parents can model a healthy relationship with food to guide their children subtly. Through empowering tools like positive self-talk, Claire offers strategies to help teens cultivate a resilient self-image. We explore how parents can encourage this growth by fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making about food choices. Uncover the challenges of immediate gratification and its influence on teens, as well as how structured habit shifts can lead to lasting lifestyle changes. Together, we provide a roadmap for parents and teens to break free from the dieting cycle and embrace healthier, more balanced lives. Here’s a recap of what we talked about on this episode:    • Recognizing the impact of stress on eating habits  • The critical mother-daughter dynamic regarding body image  • Tools for initiating conversations about food  • Strategies for modeling a healthy relationship with food  • Addressing the influence of social media on body image  • Techniques for combating negative self-talk  • Claire's programs for parents and teens  • Encouragement for parents to embrace change and modeling behaviors  CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: info@TheBrainyMoms.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Sandy's TikTok: @TheBrainTrainerLady Dr. Amy's brand new IG: @DrAmySaysGrace Dr. Amy's website: www.AmyMoorePhD.com

    44 min
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5
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36 Ratings

About

Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast with smart ideas to help moms and kids thrive! Hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore along with rotating co-hosts Sandy Zamalis, Teri Miller, and Dr. Jody Jedlicka, this weekly show features conversations and guest experts in parenting, psychology, child development, education, and medicine with practical tips to help moms navigate the ups and downs of parenthood. We're smart moms helping make moms smarter...one episode at a time!

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Amy Moore
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    171
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Brainy Moms
  • Show Website
    Brainy Moms

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