Dr. Why

PodPopuli Media

A thought-provoking podcast exploring the three P’s Parenting, Psychology, and Partnership. Hosted by Dr. Lauryn Young, Child Psychologist, and her husband, entrepreneur Javonne Young, the show unpacks real-life challenges and offers evidence-based strategies to help families thrive. From decoding children’s behaviors to strengthening relationships, and navigating the messy but meaningful work of raising resilient humans, Dr. Why is where questions turn into understanding and where chaos meets clarity.

  1. Parenting & Partnership Across Cultures Ep 13

    JAN 1

    Parenting & Partnership Across Cultures Ep 13

    In this episode of the Dr Why Podcast, Dr Lauryn and Javonne are joined by close friend, Jahmiel, to explore what parenting and partnership look like across different cultures. Through honest storytelling and candid reflection, the conversation unpacks how upbringing, societal norms, and cultural expectations shape how we parent, love, and relate to one another. The discussion moves between humor and vulnerability as the group reflect on Caribbean parenting styles, American cultural contrasts, and the challenges that arise when raising children within blended belief systems. From discipline and authority to emotional connection and communication, this episode highlights how love can look radically different while still sharing the same core intention. 00:00 – Episode begins 00:42 – Why parenting looks different across cultures 03:22 – Caribbean parenting vs Western norms 05:00 – Facing judgement and misunderstanding 06:04 – Parenting styles and partnership conflict  09:27 – Running a business together as parents 14:35 – Aromatherapy, psychology, and emotional regulation 16:03 – Smell, memory, and emotional healing 21:33 – Patience, self-reflection, and becoming a better parent 27:00 – Final reflections What You’ll Learn How cultural upbringing shapes parenting styles and expectationsWhy partnership requires flexibility when values differHow emotional regulation impacts child developmentThe role of self-awareness in becoming a better parentListen if you’ve ever wondered “How much of my parenting comes from culture rather than choice?”“Why does the way I was raised still show up in how I parent today?”“How do couples navigate parenting when their backgrounds are completely different?”“What happens when love is shared, but values clash?”“Can different parenting styles coexist without causing conflict?”Resources Website: youngmindspsych.com Instagram: @youngmindspsych | @dr.why_podcast Collaborator: Instagram @wicksbygrey Podcast: Dr Why Podcast on all major platforms YouTube: Dr Why Podcast TikTok: @youngminds_psych | @dr.whypodcast Join the Conversation How did the culture you were raised in shape the way you parent today? #DrWhyPodcast, #ParentingAcrossCultures, #CulturalParenting, #ModernParenthood, #CrossCulturalFamilies, #ParentingStyles, #PartnershipInParenting, #RaisingChildren, #FamilyDynamics, #InterculturalRelationships, #ConsciousParenting, #EmotionalIntelligence, #ParentingConversations, #MentalHealthInFamilies, #PsychologyOfParenting

    29 min
  2. Pivotal Moments That Shape Who We Become Ep 12

    12/23/2025

    Pivotal Moments That Shape Who We Become Ep 12

    Pivotal Moments That Shape Who We Become Ep 12 What happens when two best friends sit down and unpack the honest, raw, and defining moments that shaped their adult lives? In this emotional and deeply revealing episode, Dr Lauryn and Javonne sit with a close friend to explore the pivotal decisions, life-changing hardships, and the unexpected turns that influence who we grow into. From navigating the trauma of losing a child, to becoming a single parent, to rebuilding after business collapse, this conversation pulls back the curtain on how resilience is formed  and how friendship becomes the anchor through it all. They also dive into nostalgic stories, vulnerable reflections, and the big “fork in the road” moments that force us to choose who we want to be. A powerful, grounding, and intensely human episode about identity, adversity, healing, and the unspoken strength women carry. 00:00 – Episode begins 00:49 – Why are we here today?  00:59 – Childhood, identity & the first pivotal turning point 01:56 – Covid shuts everything down: fear, business & uncertainty 03:01 – Closing the business & entering survival mode 04:52 – Burnout, selling the business & knowing when it’s time to move on 09:12 – Choosing family over independence: the first major life shift 12:18 – Becoming a single mother & the weight of responsibility 13:38 – Losing a child & the pain that never fully heals 16:06 – Facing death & witnessing survival up close 23:13 – Miracles, resilience & the strength to pull through 27:27 – “Could you have imagined this future?” Reflecting on how far she’s come What You’ll Learn Why pivotal childhood moments quietly shape adult identityHow grief and unprocessed trauma carry into adulthoodThe emotional and practical realities of single parenthoodWhat it means to rebuild when everything collapsesThe role of friendship in healing and self-understandingHow resilience forms through adversity and choiceListen If You’ve Ever Wondered “How do we make sense of the hardest moments of our lives?”“What does healing look like when you never got to process the loss?”“How do friendships carry us through life’s turning points?”“What shapes identity more the choices we make or the ones we don’t?”Resources Website: youngmindspsych.com Instagram: @youngmindspsych | @dr.why_podcast Podcast: Dr Why Podcast on all major platforms YouTube: Dr Why Podcast TikTok: @youngminds_psych | @dr.whypodcast Join the Conversation What is the moment that changed who you became and what did it teach you about resilience, identity, or healing? #DrWhyPodcast #LifeLessons #Motherhood #Grief #Healing #Identity #Resilience #Parenthood #PivotalMoments #Friendship

    43 min
  3. Friendship, Parenthood & The Stories That Shape Us Ep 11

    12/16/2025

    Friendship, Parenthood & The Stories That Shape Us Ep 11

    Friendship, Parenthood & The Stories That Shape Us Ep 11  What happens when two lifelong best friends sit down to unpack childhood memories, motherhood, and the emotional realities of raising kids today? In this heartfelt, funny, and deeply reflective episode, Dr Lauryn and Javonne welcome Lauren’s childhood best friend someone who has been there for every milestone, every family moment, and every chaotic chapter of growing up. Together, they explore what it means to parent with honesty, navigate co‑parenting challenges, and stay grounded through the messy, beautiful journey of motherhood. They also dive into nostalgic stories from their school years, the wild phases kids go through, and the pivotal life moments that shaped who they each became. A warm, raw, and genuinely entertaining conversation about friendship that lasts, parenting that stretches you, and the moments that define a life. 00:00 – Introduction   00:58 – “She knows my entire life”: the depth of lifelong friendship   02:47 – Motherhood as the most transformative journey   03:41 – Time moving fast & wanting to slow it down   03:51 – Being “in the thick of it” as a parent   04:18 – Kids’ verbal explosions: the “F‑you four”   09:47 – Naked phases, bathing suits & hilarious kid behaviour   10:01 – Co‑parenting realities & raising a child largely on your own   13:04 – Kids forming their own understanding of family   13:46 – How resilient kids really are   18:59 – Skipping school & the ‘penny under the tongue’ trick   19:49 – Jerry Springer mornings & nostalgic chaos   22:47 – Life lessons, pivotal moments & choosing your path   What You’ll Learn Why lifelong friendships create the deepest understanding  How parenting evolves as kids get older (and more verbal)  The emotional weight of co‑parenting and single‑parent responsibility  Why kids make sense of family dynamics earlier than we think  How childhood stories shape adult identity  The resilience children naturally have  The importance of pivotal life moments and the paths we choose  Listen If You’ve Ever Wondered “How do lifelong friendships survive adulthood and motherhood?”  “What’s it like raising kids who are becoming more aware every day?”  “How do you navigate co‑parenting when you’re carrying most of the weight?”  “Why do kids go through such bizarre (and funny) phases?”  “How do childhood experiences shape who we become?”  Resources Website: youngmindspsych.com   Instagram: @youngmindspsych | @dr.why_podcast   Podcast: Dr Why Podcast on all major platforms   YouTube: Dr Why Podcast   TikTok: @youngminds_psych | @dr.whypodcast   Join the Conversation What’s the biggest lesson your childhood friendships have taught you about parenting, identity, or navigating life? #DrWhyPodcast #Friendship #Motherhood #Parenthood #CoParenting #ChildhoodStories #Resilience #GrowingUp #MomLife #BestFriends #FamilyDynamics #LifeLessons

    25 min
  4. Speech Therapy, Autism, Swallowing Disorders & The Realities of SLP Work

    12/09/2025

    Speech Therapy, Autism, Swallowing Disorders & The Realities of SLP Work

    Speech Therapy, Autism, Swallowing Disorders & The Realities of SLP Work,  Dr Why Podcast Ep 10 What actually happens inside the career of a speech-language pathologist  and what do SLPs wish more families understood? In this episode of Dr Why, Dr Lauryn and Javonne sit down with Sam a medical SLP working across pediatrics, geriatrics, private practice, and hospital settings  to explore the challenges, emotional realities, and misconceptions surrounding communication and swallowing disorders. Together they unpack why some children don’t speak despite therapy, what “entering the client’s world” really means, the role denial plays in slowing progress, and how major neurological and medical conditions impact communication. Sam also shares the behind-the-scenes pressures of hospital work, differences between treating kids and older adults, the cognitive impact of UTIs in geriatrics, and why burnout hits so quickly in clinical environments. A candid, educational, and eye-opening conversation for anyone curious about speech therapy, autism support, family dynamics, or medical communication disorders. 00:00 – Introduction 00:38 – Why some children don’t speak: autism, motivation & communication differences 00:51 – Entering their world: functional communication explained 01:21 – When parents are in denial — and how it slows progress 03:27 – Hospital vs private practice: connection, pressure & burnout 04:32 – Strategies for families: safety, swallowing, and home carryover 05:29 – Adults & swallowing disorders: frustration, identity shifts & cognitive decline 07:52 – UTIs, delirium & the shocking cognitive spiral in geriatrics 09:52 – Burnout, patient pacing & the emotional load of SLP work 11:42 – Kids vs adults: which population does Sam actually enjoy more? What You’ll Learn Why some children with autism don’t develop speech — even in therapyWhat functional communication means and how SLPs build itHow parental denial affects progress and treatment outcomesWhy speech therapy is not magic, and why speaking can take months or years The emotional and cognitive reality of adults with swallowing disordersHow UTIs and medical decline drastically affect geriatric communicationThe systemic pressures inside hospital-based SLP workWhy burnout happens — and how SLPs navigate itThe difference between treating kids, adults, and elderly patientsWhy acceptance is the key predictor of growth for familiesListen If You’ve Ever Wondered “Why isn’t my child talking yet,  even in therapy?”“What does an SLP really do in hospitals?”“What are the signs of autism from a communication standpoint?”“Why do older adults decline so quickly after medical events?”“How can families better support speech progress at home?”“Why is swallowing therapy so emotionally charged?”“Is burnout inevitable in clinical work?”“What’s the difference between private practice and hospital SLP work?”Resources Website: youngmindspsych.com Instagram: @youngmindspsych | @dr.why_podcast Podcast: Dr Why Podcast on all major platforms YouTube: Dr Why Podcast TikTok: @youngminds_psych | @dr.whypodcast Join the Conversation What do you think is the most misunderstood part of speech therapy — autism support, swallowing disorders, or working with families? #DrWhyPodcast #SLPLife #SpeechTherapy #AutismSpectrumDisorder #SwallowingDisorders #PediatricSLP #GeriatricCare #MedicalSLP #CommunicationDisorders #FamilyDynamics #HospitalLife #TherapyTools #FunctionalCommunication #Neurodiversity #MentalHealth

    19 min
  5. The Twin Bond.....Psychology, Identity & Attachment Explained

    12/02/2025

    The Twin Bond.....Psychology, Identity & Attachment Explained

    What makes twins so psychologically fascinating, and how does being a twin shape identity, relationships, mental health, and adulthood? In this episode of Dr Why, Dr Lauryn and Javonne sit down with Sam a medical SLP, South Florida native, and identical twin to unpack the science, psychology, and emotional reality of being a twin. Together they explore how identical mannerisms develop, why twin bonds often run deeper than typical sibling relationships, what twin studies reveal about personality and genetics, and how over protectiveness, jealousy, and attachment play out as twins grow up. Sam also opens up about major life transitions, mental health changes, moving out of her parents’ home, starting a full-time job, navigating anxiety, and how therapy reshaped communication in her relationship. A warm, honest, funny, and deeply insightful conversation about twin hood, adulthood, identity, and connection. 00:24 – Introduction 00:38 – Meet Sam: medical SLP & twin 00:51 – Why twin studies matter in psychology 01:21 – Do they look alike? Appearance vs personality? 03:27 – The twin bond: “We talk 5–6 times a day” 04:32 – Over protectiveness, jealousy & boundaries 05:29 – A rare medical anomaly that shaped their connection 07:52 – Adulthood, moving out & mental health shifts 09:52 – How stress impacted her relationship 11:42 – Therapy breakthroughs & the “I’m flooded” strategy What You’ll Learn What makes twin bonds psychologically uniqueWhy twins share mannerisms — even when personality differsHow over protectiveness and jealousy show up in twin relationships • The science behind twin development and identityHow major life changes affect mental healthWhy anxiety can return — even on medicationHow therapy can transform communication patternsThe “I’m flooded” technique and emotional boundariesHow childhood bonds shape adult attachment stylesWhy transitioning into adulthood feels overwhelming for manyListen If You’ve Ever Wondered “Do twins really have a stronger bond?”“Why do twins act so similar even when they look different?”“What happens when life transitions trigger anxiety again?”“How do couples communicate better under stress?”“Does therapy help even if nothing is ‘wrong’?”“Why do some siblings talk every day while others don’t?”Resources Website: youngmindspsych.com Instagram: @youngmindspsych | @dr.why_podcast Podcast: Dr Why Podcast on all major platforms YouTube: Dr Why Podcast TikTok: @youngminds_psych | @dr.whypodcast Join the Conversation Do you think twin bonds are naturally stronger or does the relationship depend on how twins grow up? #DrWhyPodcast #TwinPsychology #SiblingBond #MentalHealth #SLPLife #TherapyTools #AdultingStruggles #FamilyDynamics #IdenticalTwins #PsychologyPodcast #AttachmentStyles #LifeTransitions #RelationshipCommunication

    27 min
  6. What Is a Sensory Diet? Understanding Sensory Needs in Children Ep 8

    11/25/2025

    What Is a Sensory Diet? Understanding Sensory Needs in Children Ep 8

    What actually is a sensory diet, and why does it matter? In this episode of Dr Why, Dr Lauryn and Javonne sit down again with Occupational Therapy Assistant, Brianna, to break down one of the most misunderstood concepts in child development: the sensory diet. They explore what a sensory diet really means (and why it has nothing to do with food), how sensory input shapes behavior and regulation, why kids seek or avoid certain textures, and how parents can easily support sensory needs at home.  With real examples, expert insight, and plenty of hilarious moments involving color-changing toys, this episode is your practical guide to understanding sensory regulation. 00:00 – Introduction 00:49 – What is a sensory diet? 02:21 – Heavy work, textures & tactile play explained 03:53 – Sticky textures, bathroom routines & desensitising 05:21 – Why every child’s sensory needs are different 07:06 – “It’s mindful… like washing my car” 12:05 – Color-changing toys & how they’re used in therapy 14:25 – Can parents use sensory tools at home? 21:29 – OT, speech & psychology working together 23:19 – Using games to build emotional regulation 24:03 – How sensory prep sets kids up for success 27:38 – Final tools, takeaways & wrap-up What You’ll Learn What a sensory diet actually is (and isn’t)How sensory input affects behavior, emotions and learningWhy heavy work and tactile play support regulationHow to build sensory routines at homeWhy kids avoid or seek certain texturesHow OT, speech and psychology collaborateHow sensory prep improves therapy and daily routinesWatch/Listen If You’ve Ever Wondered “How do I know if my child needs a sensory diet?”“Why does my child avoid textures like slime, soap or certain foods?”“What activities help my child calm down or focus?”“Is sensory-seeking behavior normal?”“How can I support my child’s sensory needs at home or at school?”Resources Website: youngmindspsych.com Instagram: @youngmindspsych | @dr.why_podcast Podcast: Dr Why Podcast on all major platforms YouTube: Dr Why Podcast TikTok: @youngminds_psych | @dr.whypodcast Join the Conversation What sensory activities have helped your child the most? #DrWhyPodcast #SensoryDiet #SensoryNeeds #ChildDevelopment #ParentingPodcast #OTSupport #Neurodiversity #ParentingEducation #ChildBehavior #EmotionalRegulation

    29 min
  7. 11/18/2025

    Should You Stop Stimming? Understanding Sensory Needs in Children

    Should You Stop Stimming? Understanding Sensory Needs in Children, Dr Why Podcast Ep 7 What actually is stimming — and should parents try to stop it? In this episode of Dr Why, Dr Lauryn and Javonne sit down with Occupational Therapy Assistant Brianna to unpack one of the most commonly misunderstood behaviors in child development: stimming. They explore why children stim, how it helps with emotional and sensory regulation, what a “sensory diet” actually is, and why attempts to “cure” or eliminate stimming often make things harder — not easier.  With real examples, expert explanation, humor, and plenty of honest parenting moments, this episode is your crash course in understanding sensory needs. 00:00 – Introduction 00:37 – What is stimming? 01:12 – Why people stim: regulation & emotional expression 02:27 – “Stimming is not bad” — clearing up misconceptions 03:28 – Are some diagnoses more prone to stimming? 05:55 – Everyday sensory habits we ALL have 07:16 – Adults stim too — chewing, tapping, fidgeting 11:10 – Can you “cure” stimming? Why the answer is no 11:53 – Redirecting stims in helpful, non-disruptive ways 12:28 – The parenting struggle: knowing what to do vs doing it 16:24 – Personality, sensory needs & real-life parenting 19:05 – Stimming vs other behaviours: what’s the difference? 25:23 – Listening vs hearing — understanding how kids communicate What You’ll Learn Why stimming is a natural part of sensory and emotional regulationThe real meaning behind vocal, physical, and auditory stimsWhy stopping stimming can harm rather than helpWhen stimming becomes disruptive — and what to do insteadWhat a “sensory diet” actually is (and isn’t)How to redirect sensory needs without shame or punishmentWhy adults stim just as much as childrenHow to support your child’s sensory world with confidenceListen If You’ve Ever Wondered “Should I stop my child from stimming?” “Is stimming normal — or a sign of something more?” “How do I help my child regulate when things get overwhelming?” “Why does my child chew, tap, flap, or fidget constantly?” “How can I support sensory needs at home or in school?” Resources Website: youngmindspsych.com Instagram: @youngmindspsych | @dr.why_podcast Podcast: Dr Why Podcast on all major platforms YouTube: Dr Why Podcast TikTok: @youngminds_psych | @dr.whypodcast Join the Conversation Do you think parents should step in to stop stimming or help their child find a safer, more comfortable way to express it? #DrWhyPodcast #Stimming #SensoryNeeds #ChildDevelopment #ParentingPodcast #SensoryDiet #OTSupport #Neurodiversity #ParentingEducation #ChildBehaviour #EmotionalRegulation

    30 min
  8. Who Decides What Makes a Good Mom?

    11/11/2025

    Who Decides What Makes a Good Mom?

    Who Decides What Makes a Good Mom? Redefining Modern Motherhood, Dr Why Podcast Ep 6 What actually makes a *good* mom — patience, presence, or perfection?In this episode of Dr Why, Dr Lauryn and Javonne explore one of the most emotionally charged and misunderstood questions in parenting: what defines a “good mother”? They unpack decades of research on motherhood norms, including the idea of the “present mother,” and question whether society expects women to sacrifice too much. Together with returning guest, Becca Salvin, they dive into cultural expectations, gender roles, working motherhood, and the guilt that comes with trying to do it all, with plenty of laughs and real talk along the way. 00:00 - Introduction 00:27 - Defining the “working mom” and what really makes a good mother 05:10 - What the research says about modern motherhood 06:33 - The “present mother” myth — always there, always perfect 07:41 - Do moms really have to do it all? 10:37 - Old-school gender roles vs modern partnerships 13:31 - Being “present and patient” — why that’s easier said than done 18:24 - How culture shapes our expectations of motherhood 19:25 - The guilt trap of working mothers 21:04 - Marriage, business and parenting — finding your balance 25:47 - Keeping the spark alive after kids 31:48 - No parent is perfect — and that’s okay What You’ll Learn Why the “good mom” stereotype is outdated and unrealisticWhat research really says about working motherhoodThe truth about mom guilt — and how to let it goHow couples navigate parenting, partnership, and business togetherWhy patience and presence don’t always go hand-in-handListen If You’ve Ever WonderedWhat actually defines a “good mom” todayHow working moms can balance career and family without losing themselvesWhy guilt is such a universal part of motherhoodHow to build a partnership that works at home *and* in businessConnect with Becca Instagram: @beccasalvin and @thedemoboyzz Facebook: Rebecca Miller  And Demo Boyzz YouTube: @theDemoBoyzz TikTok: @thedemoboyzz www.demoboyzz.com Resources Website: youngmindspsych.com Instagram: @youngmindspsych | @dr.why_podcast Podcast: Dr Why Podcast on all major platforms YouTube: Dr Why Podcast TikTok: @youngminds_psych | @dr.whypodcast Join the Conversation Do you think being a “good mom” means putting your kids first no matter what  or taking care of yourself too? #DrWhyPodcast, #DrLaurynYoung, #JavonneYoung, #BeccaSalvin #DemoBoyzz, #ModernMotherhood, #ParentingPodcast, #WorkingMom, #MomGuilt, #ParentingScience, #FamilyDynamics, #GenderRoles, #Partnership, #GoodMom, #ParentingEducation, #WorkLifeBalance, #Motherhood, #DrWhy, #Podcast, #ParentingSupport, #RealTalk, #ModernParenting, #Parenthood

    35 min

About

A thought-provoking podcast exploring the three P’s Parenting, Psychology, and Partnership. Hosted by Dr. Lauryn Young, Child Psychologist, and her husband, entrepreneur Javonne Young, the show unpacks real-life challenges and offers evidence-based strategies to help families thrive. From decoding children’s behaviors to strengthening relationships, and navigating the messy but meaningful work of raising resilient humans, Dr. Why is where questions turn into understanding and where chaos meets clarity.