Get on Their Turf with Dr. Suzanne Simpson

Dr. Suzanne Simpson
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Are you worried about your teen’s anxiety, screen time, or emotional distance? You’re not alone. Get on Their Turf is the parenting podcast that helps you support your child’s mental health and build lasting connection. I’m Dr. Suzanne Simpson, teacher and researcher with 3 decades of experience, and biweekly I share expert interviews, parenting strategies, and real stories from my work in classrooms and a youth psychiatric unit. Episodes explore teen anxiety, depression, screen time struggles, listening without fixing, and spotting early warning signs of stress or crisis. Let’s raise kids who feel safe, seen, and heard—because connection changes everything.

  1. OCT 6

    Parenting When You’re Not OK How to Be Honest and Build Connection with Steven Phillip

    When you’re not OK, your kids don’t need perfection – they need your presence. In this conversation with Steve Phillip of The Jordan Legacy, we talk about how to be honest with your kids on hard days, how to listen first, and how vulnerability at home strengthens attachment, safety, and trust. Steve shares Jordan’s story, the warning signs he wishes he had recognized sooner, and practical ways families can talk about mental health; including how to name suicide responsibly and age-appropriately. If you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator, this episode will help you lead with presence, not performance. Timestamps 00:00 Intro – why authenticity matters for parents 01:15 Steve’s story – the day everything changed 05:30 Two choices after loss – purpose vs. paralysis 08:10 Three things parents must know about youth mental health 13:05 The signs we missed – sleep, “feeling trapped”, masked distress 17:42 How to get educated as a parent – beyond the broken system 22:18 Talking about suicide safely – language, age awareness, intent 28:40 Getting into your child’s world – listen before you lead 33:55 Modelling “I’m not OK today” without oversharing 39:20 Building secure attachment through everyday honesty 45:02 Family habits that increase connection at home 51:10 Workplaces, wellbeing, and present-eeism 55:28 Final takeaways – make time, drop the ego, stay close What you’ll learn Simple language to say “I’m not OK” while staying the steady adult Early signs parents often miss – and how to respond How to talk about suicide with care and clarity Why entering your child’s world first changes the conversation Daily family habits that build safety, trust, and connection Watch next “You Don’t Need Perfect Words – You Need to Show Up” “How to Listen So Your Teen Feels Safe” “Connection over Control: Getting on Their Turf” 👉 If this helped, subscribe for more parent education, youth mental health, and family connection conversations. Comment with one way you’ll model healthy vulnerability this week. Guest Steve Phillip – Founder, The Jordan Legacy. Speaker and advisor on workplace wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention. https://www.stevephilliptalks.com/ 👉SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.c Find my interview playlist on YouTube Dr Suzanne Simpson, at Get On Their Turf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC8JprFdrPA&list=PLi7xFsX7h7tdxBsVx38UIRVrvnCc_9IBW New releases every second Monday 8:00 am PST. 👉 Connect with me for more parenting insights and support: Instagram: / drsuzannesimpson LinkedIn: / dr-suzanne-simpson-2380112a9 ...

    42 min

  2. SEP 22

    Building the Village: How Parents Can Lead When the Mental Health System Falls Short with Janelle Miller Morovick

    Building the Village: How Parents Can Lead When the Mental Health System Falls Short with Janelle Miller Morovick In Building the Village: How Parents Can Lead When the Mental Health System Falls Short, Janelle Miller Morovick and I explore how parents become the front line of support when access to mental health care is broken. We talk stigma, provider shortages, and the confusing maze of services that many families face. More importantly, we unpack what parents can do: how emotional connection, listening without judgement, creating secure bonds, and giving children a sense of belonging can build resilience and wellness at home. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by how to help your child in crisis, this episode is for you—offering practical tools you can use today, and the hope that being present matters. Tune in now, share with someone who needs to hear this, and remember: you are not alone. • Many parents can’t access timely mental health care for their kids • Stigma, provider shortages & confusing systems make it worse • Emotional connection, listening, and presence build resilience • Parents are the bridge between kids and systems Find my interview playlist on YouTube Dr Suzanne Simpson, at Get On Their Turf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC8JprFdrPA&list=PLi7xFsX7h7tdxBsVx38UIRVrvnCc_9IBW New releases every second Monday 8:00 am PST. 👉 Connect with me for more parenting insights and support: Instagram: / drsuzannesimpson LinkedIn: / dr-suzanne-simpson-2380112a9 ...

    34 min

  3. SEP 8

    When Tears Meet Hope: Parenting Through Unexpected Challenges

    When Tears Meet Hope: Parenting Through Unexpected Challenges This episode is for every parent who sobbed when their child was born. When fear met hope in the delivery room, everything shifted. Michael Ray opens up about the overwhelming moment when his daughter, born with Down syndrome, arrived. What began in tears became a journey of unexpected resilience, joy, and profound connection—proof that hope can be found even in the most fragile beginnings. In this episode, you'll discover: • How facing your child’s challenges at birth can transform into a powerful source of hope • Why crying in the hospital doesn’t mean giving up—it can mean love is deepening • The lessons Michael’s daughter taught him about presence, purpose, and silent understanding • How the Smile Project Louisville emerged—driven by a father’s love and a child’s smile Find Michael: 💻 smileprojectlouisville@gmail.com ⌨ http://smileprojectlouisville.com/ Find my interview playlist on YouTube Dr Suzanne Simpson, at Get On Their Turf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC8JprFdrPA&list=PLi7xFsX7h7tdxBsVx38UIRVrvnCc_9IBW New releases every second Monday 8:00 am PST. 👉 Connect with me for more parenting insights and support: Instagram: / drsuzannesimpson LinkedIn: / dr-suzanne-simpson-2380112a9 ...

    34 min

  4. AUG 25

    Parenting Teens & Suicide Prevention: The Hidden Risks of High Achievers with Leslie Weirich

    Parenting Teens & Suicide Prevention: The Hidden Risks of High Achievers with Leslie Weirich In this episode, Dr. Suzanne Simpson talks with Leslie Weirich — mental health speaker, author of The Gifts of Grief, and suicide prevention advocate. Leslie shares the story of her son Austin, a high-achieving college athlete who died by suicide on World Suicide Prevention Day, and the hope she now offers parents everywhere. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out In the U.S. and Canada, call, text, or chat 988 at any time with a trained counsellor ready to listen. Suicide Crisis Helpline Prefer texting? U.S.: Text HOME to 741‑741 Canada: Text HOME (PARLER in French) to 686‑868, free & confidential  Find Leslie https://www.leslieshope.org The Gifts of Grief: https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Gifts-Grief-Four-Decades-Shaped/dp/B0CR88643H Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-weirich-a55a73159/ #drsuzannesimpson #getontheirturf #suicidepreventionmonth, #teenmentalhealth  Find my interview playlist on YouTube Dr Suzanne Simpson, at Get On Their Turf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC8JprFdrPA&list=PLi7xFsX7h7tdxBsVx38UIRVrvnCc_9IBW New releases every second Monday 8:00 am PST. 👉 Connect with me for more parenting insights and support: Instagram: / drsuzannesimpson LinkedIn: / dr-suzanne-simpson-2380112a9 ...

    53 min

  5. AUG 11

    The Truth About Parenting and Kids’ Mental Health: Why It Starts at Home with Nicole Runyon

    The Truth About Parenting and Kids’ Mental Health: Why It Starts at Home with Nicole Runyon #drsuzannesimpson #getontheirturf  Is it really fair to say that mental health starts at home? Nicole Runyon says yes—and more importantly, she says it’s where healing begins. In this episode, Nicole and I unpack one of the most debated truths in parenting: the home is where kids learn safety, love, and self-worth. But in a world that often outsources mental health to schools, professionals, and systems, Nicole challenges us to reclaim leadership in our own families—with love, boundaries, and accountability. If you’re a parent worried about your child’s emotional health, this episode offers clarity, hope, and practical insight for how to lead with compassion while doing your own inner work. In this episode, you will learn: • Why mental health begins with the parent-child relationship • The backlash against saying “mental health starts at home” • Why schools and therapy can’t replace healing within the home • The power of doing your own healing as a parent • How love and boundaries work together in leadership • What it looks like to reclaim your role as a parent • Why responsibility does not mean blame—it means opportunity ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Overview 01:12 – Why Mental Health Starts at Home 04:35 – Healing Ourselves to Lead Our Children 07:20 – The Danger of Outsourcing Parenting 11:10 – What Kids Need More Than Therapy 14:40 – Boundaries, Leadership, and Love 17:25 – Breaking Generational Patterns 21:00 – The Truth About Responsibility (Without Blame) 25:45 – Nicole’s Personal Story as a Mom 28:10 – How to Rebuild Connection at Home 31:00 – Final Reflections and Hope for Parents Order Free to Fly: https://nicolerunyon.com/free-to-fly/ You can find Nicole at: https://nicolerunyon.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolerunyonlmsw/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091145239655 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/igenerationmentalhealth/ Find my interview playlist on YouTube Dr Suzanne Simpson, at Get On Their Turf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC8JprFdrPA&list=PLi7xFsX7h7tdxBsVx38UIRVrvnCc_9IBW New releases every second Monday 8:00 am PST. 👉 Connect with me for more parenting insights and support: Instagram: / drsuzannesimpson LinkedIn: / dr-suzanne-simpson-2380112a9 ...

    36 min

  6. JUL 28

    The Power of Seeing Differently: A Conversation with Daoud Kuttab on Truth, Media, and Perspective

    The Power of Seeing Differently: A Conversation with Daoud Kuttab on Truth, Media, and Perspective #drsuzannesimpson #encounteringpodcast #getontheirturf  We all see the world through a lens—but what if we don’t even know we’re looking through one? In this powerful episode of Encountering, I speak with award-winning Palestinian-American journalist Daoud Kuttab about the urgent need to recognize that there are different ways of seeing—and how our assumptions, biases, and blind spots can shape (and misshape) the truth. From his early days reporting in the West Bank to his detention for exposing corruption, Daoud has devoted his life to telling authentic stories from the Arab world—especially the stories Western audiences rarely hear. We explore the cultural contrasts between Western individualism and Arab communal values, how media filters impact global perception, and why the key to real understanding is listening to people tell their own stories. This conversation isn’t just about journalism—it’s about parenting, empathy, connection, and teaching the next generation to think beyond their default lens. In this episode, you will learn: • How culture shapes the way we define truth, freedom, and identity • What most Western media leaves out about Gaza and Palestinian life • Why stereotypes thrive in the absence of direct voices • How honor and shame shape Arab family dynamics • Why social media is shifting global awareness—especially for young people • How parents can help kids grow up with curiosity and cultural humility ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 We don’t even know what we don’t know: Changing your lens 01:05 Meet Daoud Kuttab: Palestinian-American journalist and bridge-builder 02:45 Speaking truth to power—what real journalism looks like 06:00 Interviewing Yasser Arafat and being detained for asking hard questions 09:30 What journalists owe the public: Integrity over comfort 13:00 East vs. West: Individual rights vs. family and community 15:30 Honor, shame, and cultural identity in Arab society 19:30 How 9/11 reshaped Western views of Arabs and Muslims 24:35 Understanding Gaza: The history you won’t see on the news 27:45 The media blackout: Why Western journalists are barred from Gaza 30:50 The rise of social media as a tool for truth and di Find my interview playlist on YouTube Dr Suzanne Simpson, at Get On Their Turf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC8JprFdrPA&list=PLi7xFsX7h7tdxBsVx38UIRVrvnCc_9IBW New releases every second Monday 8:00 am PST. 👉 Connect with me for more parenting insights and support: Instagram: / drsuzannesimpson LinkedIn: / dr-suzanne-simpson-2380112a9 Facebook: ...

    47 min

  7. JUL 14

    Parenting a Nonverbal Child with Down Syndrome | A Smile That Changed Everything

    Parenting a Nonverbal Child with Down Syndrome | A Smile That Changed Everything #downsyndromeawareness #parentingjourney #specialneedsparenting What does it mean to hear “I love you” without words? That question shaped my entire journey as a father. My daughter Maddie was born with Down syndrome and is nonverbal, yet she taught me more about love than words ever could. Her smile became our unspoken language, leading me to start the Smile Project—a mission to spread authentic joy and connection in a divided world.  Whether it’s random acts of kindness or strangers who become family, this video dives deep into love, purpose, and perspective. We discuss raising a child with special needs, parenting in politically divided times, and finding hope through smiles.  If you're a parent of a child with Down syndrome, seeking mental health support, or simply craving inspiration—this is for you. Let’s build bridges, not walls. 💛 In this episode, you will learn: • What it means to parent a nonverbal child with Down syndrome • How smiles and body language communicate love without words • The emotional toll and beauty of nonverbal parenting • How to stay kind, present, and loving in a politically divided world • Why simple, daily encounters matter more than we think • The role of fathers in building emotional connection • How cultural and political tension affects our relationships ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Overview 01:20 – Meet Michael Ray: Father, Smile Advocate, Human Connector 04:00 – Parenting a Nonverbal Daughter with Down Syndrome 07:45 – Love Without Words: The Power of a Smile 11:10 – Finding Joy in Simplicity and Silence 15:30 – Emotional Presence Over Perfection 19:45 – When Politics Divides, Can Love Unite? 23:00 – Canada, the U.S., and Rising Tensions 27:30 – Choosing Kindness in a Divided World 31:00 – A Daily Commitment to Connect 34:00 – Final Reflections & The Lasting Power of a Smile You can find Michael at: smileprojectlouisville@gmail.com http://smileprojectlouisville.com/ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real stories that matter. Find my interview playlist on YouTube Dr Suzanne Simpson, at Get On Their Turf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC8JprFdrPA&list=PLi7xFsX7h7tdxBsVx38UIRVrvnCc_9IBW New releases every second Monday 8:00 am PST. 👉 Connect with me for more parenting insights and support: Instagram: / drsuzannesimpson LinkedIn: / dr-suzanne-simpson-2380112a9 ...

    51 min

  8. JUN 30

    Raising Fearless Girls: Lessons from Identity, Discrimination, & Forgiveness with Sylvia Yu Friedman

    What happens when a daughter grows up in a culture that preferred sons? In this powerful episode, award-winning author and human rights journalist Sylvia Yu Friedman opens up about her journey from early rejection to radical healing. She shares how childhood trauma shaped her confidence, career, and relationships—and how reclaiming her self-worth began with telling the truth, setting boundaries, and choosing forgiveness. Whether you’re a parent raising daughters or navigating your own childhood wounds, this conversation will help you reflect, realign, and create the kind of emotional legacy your children deserve. In this episode, you will learn: • How gender-based rejection affects girls’ self-worth and identity • The invisible impact of parental expectations and early trauma • Why forgiveness can be a gateway to generational healing • What it really means to model emotional resilience for your kids • How to help daughters grow up fearless, free, and emotionally strong Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Overview 01:00 – Growing Up Korean in Canada: Racism, Belonging, and Identity 04:00 – Gender Discrimination and the Invisible Wounds of Preference 07:30 – Competing for Approval: How Parental Rejection Shapes Girls 10:15 – The Turning Point: Forgiveness, Healing, and Family Reconciliation 13:00 – How Childhood Pain Affects Adult Relationships 15:30 – Why Boundaries with Parents Are Essential for Mental Health 18:00 – From Trauma to Purpose: Sylvia’s Path to Global Human Rights Work 21:00 – Uncovering Hidden History: Sex Slavery and Generational Trauma 24:30 – What Parents Can Learn About Resilience and Storytelling 27:00 – Living Fearlessly: What Holds Us Back—and How to Rise Above It 32:00 – How Parents Can Take Small, Brave Steps to Make a Difference About Sylvia Yu Friedman: Website: https://sylviayufriedman.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylviayufriedman Book: Fearless – https://www.amazon.com/Fearless-Freedom-Fulfilling-Fullest-Potential/dp/9815233106 Find my interview playlist on YouTube Dr Suzanne Simpson, at Get On Their Turf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC8JprFdrPA&list=PLi7xFsX7h7tdxBsVx38UIRVrvnCc_9IBW New releases every second Monday 8:00 am PST. 👉 Connect with me for more parenting insights and support: Instagram: / drsuzannesimpson LinkedIn: / dr-suzanne-simpson-2380112a9 ...

    34 min
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About

Are you worried about your teen’s anxiety, screen time, or emotional distance? You’re not alone. Get on Their Turf is the parenting podcast that helps you support your child’s mental health and build lasting connection. I’m Dr. Suzanne Simpson, teacher and researcher with 3 decades of experience, and biweekly I share expert interviews, parenting strategies, and real stories from my work in classrooms and a youth psychiatric unit. Episodes explore teen anxiety, depression, screen time struggles, listening without fixing, and spotting early warning signs of stress or crisis. Let’s raise kids who feel safe, seen, and heard—because connection changes everything.

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