Family Dialogues

Dr. Taniesha Burke

When love feels strained, kids are struggling, and your home feels divided, it’s easy to wonder if peace and joy are still possible. The Family Dialogues Podcast reminds you they are. Each episode is a guide back to connection, helping couples heal, parents unite, and families grow stronger together, even when life gets messy. Listeners love this podcast because it starts where true change begins: with the partnership at the center of the home. Dr. Taniesha Burke helps parents rebuild love, trust, and teamwork so children can thrive in the security of a united family. You’ll gain proven, evidence-based strategies for nurturing emotional growth, fostering resilience in your kids, and creating a home that feels safe and joyful again. As a research psychologist, parenting coach, and mother of three, Dr. Burke brings both academic expertise and lived experience to every conversation. Her background in family relations, child development, and spiritual life coaching, combined with insights from world-class guests, offers practical wisdom you can apply right away. Whether you’re rekindling love, restoring peace, or building a stronger bond with your children, The Family Dialogues Podcast is your companion for raising families that stay connected, grounded, and full of joy no matter what challenges come your way.

  1. Boys, Girls, and the Brain: What Parents Need to Know About Movement, Focus, and Learning | Michael Gurian

    5d ago

    Boys, Girls, and the Brain: What Parents Need to Know About Movement, Focus, and Learning | Michael Gurian

    In this episode, Dr. Michael Gurian shares brain-based insights into how boys and girls may experience learning, movement, focus, and behavior differently. The conversation explores why some children struggle in traditional learning environments and why understanding brain development can help parents, educators, and caregivers respond with more compassion and effectiveness. Michael explains how areas of the brain, such as the cerebellum, influence movement, action, problem-solving, and the need for physical activity. He highlights why some boys may fidget or need to move more, while some girls may appear more able to sit still for longer periods. Rather than labeling children as difficult or distracted, this episode invites adults to better understand what may be happening beneath the behavior. This conversation is especially helpful for parents raising boys and girls, teachers supporting diverse learners, and anyone interested in child development, positive discipline, brain-based parenting, and helping children thrive at home and in school. Topics include: brain differences in boys and girls, child development, parenting boys and girls, movement and learning, fidgeting, focus, classroom behavior, positive discipline, emotional development, and brain-based education.   Recommended Resources The Gurian Institute Book: Boys and Girls Learn Differently Book: The Wonder Girls: Understanding the Hidden Nature of Girls Book: The Wonder of Boys: What Parents, Mentors, and Educators Can Do To Shape Boys Into Exceptional Men Book: The Mind of Boys   Podcast feedback: info@tanieshaburke.com

    1h 7m
  2. Parental Burnout Signs: Why You Feel Angry, Exhausted & Overwhelmed | Claire Plumbly

    May 19

    Parental Burnout Signs: Why You Feel Angry, Exhausted & Overwhelmed | Claire Plumbly

    Burnout is more than feeling tired. For many parents, it can look like snapping at their children, feeling emotionally numb, struggling to make decisions, doomscrolling, overshopping, or moving through the day on autopilot.   In this episode of Family Dialogues, Dr. Claire Plumbly, registered clinical psychologist, trauma expert, EMDR consultant, and author of Burnout: How to Manage Your Nervous System Before It Manages You, explains how chronic stress affects the nervous system and why so many modern parents feel overwhelmed. Dr. Plumbly breaks down the key signs of parental burnout. She also explains the difference between normal stress, chronic stress, and toxic stress, and how unmanaged stress can push parents into survival mode.  This conversation explores the hidden risk factors that contribute to burnout. Dr. Plumbly also shares practical tools for nervous system regulation. Whether you are a working mother, overwhelmed parent, or caregiver feeling stretched thin, this episode offers compassionate, practical guidance to help you recognize burnout, protect your mental health, and rebuild patience, connection, and emotional balance at home. Mentioned Resources & Programs Dr. Claire Plumbly’s book: Burnout: How to Manage Your Nervous System Before It Manages You Plum Psychology Instagram: Dr. Claire Plumbly Facebook: Dr. Claire Plumbly TikTok: Dr. Claire Plumbly Podcast feedback: info@tanieshaburke.com

    56 min
  3. Why Parents Snap: Polyvagal Theory, Parenting Triggers & Co-Regulation | Deb Dana

    May 12

    Why Parents Snap: Polyvagal Theory, Parenting Triggers & Co-Regulation | Deb Dana

    In this episode of Family Dialogues, Dr. Taniesha Burke speaks with Deb Dana, author of Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory, about how parents can better understand stress, emotional dysregulation, tantrums, shutdowns, anger, anxiety, people-pleasing, and conflict through the lens of polyvagal theory.  Deb explains how the autonomic nervous system scans for safety and danger, why parents may snap, shut down, or feel overwhelmed, and how learning to “befriend” the nervous system can help families move from reactivity to connection.  Together, they explore practical ways parents can support co-regulation during meltdowns, strengthen emotional regulation through small daily “glimmer” practices, repair after rupture, and create more emotional safety with children and partners. This episode is especially helpful for parents who want to understand their triggers, respond more calmly to tantrums and bedtime battles, improve family communication, and raise children who can recognize and regulate their own emotions. In This Episode You’ll learn: What polyvagal theory is and why it matters for parents How the nervous system responds to safety, stress, conflict, and overwhelm The difference between fight, flight, shutdown, collapse, appeasement, and fawning Why children cannot learn lessons when they are dysregulated How parents can use co-regulation during tantrums and meltdowns Why “calm down” often does not work How glimmers, gratitude, and curiosity can strengthen regulation How couples can understand mismatched nervous system responses Why rupture and repair are essential for secure family relationships How to teach children emotional regulation by modeling it yourself Recommended Resources Deb Dana’s website: Rhythm of Regulation Deb Dana’s book: Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory Polyvagal Institute Deb Dana’s Rhythm of Regulation clinical training series Deb Dana’s books and cards on Amazon   Podcast feedback: info@tanieshaburke.com

    1h 6m
  4. How to Raise Confident Girls Who Set Boundaries & Trust Themselves | Kate Rope

    May 5

    How to Raise Confident Girls Who Set Boundaries & Trust Themselves | Kate Rope

    In this powerful episode of Family Dialogues, Dr. Burke speaks with award-winning journalist and author Kate Rope about how parents can raise girls who trust themselves, set healthy boundaries, express emotions safely, and grow into confident, self-aware young women. Kate shares why the elementary years, ages 5–12, are such a critical window for building a girl’s confidence, agency, emotional resilience, and body autonomy. She explains how small everyday parenting choices such as allowing girls to make decisions, say no to unwanted hugs, express anger, and listen to their instincts can shape lifelong self-trust. This conversation also explores the pressure girls face to be “nice,” accommodating, and pleasing, and why parents must create a home where difficult emotions such as anger, sadness, and disappointment are safe to express. Kate offers practical language parents can use to support emotional regulation without dismissing or shaming their daughters. The episode also addresses body image, social media, online safety, father-daughter relationships, and how caregivers can help girls understand that their bodies are not for judgment, performance, or approval, but for living, feeling, moving, and protecting them. Listeners will walk away with practical tools for raising confident, emotionally healthy, independent, and grounded girls. In This Episode You’ll hear about: Why girls need to learn self-trust before adolescence How parents can help girls express anger in healthy ways Why “you’re the boss of your body” should start early How to teach girls boundaries without guilt or shame Why forced hugs can send the wrong message about consent How social media affects girls’ body image and mental health Why listening, pausing, and asking better questions builds agency What fathers raising daughters need to understand about girls’ lived experiences How parents can repair mistakes and model healthy self-advocacy Recommended Resources & Platforms to Hyperlink Kate Rope’s website: KateRope.com Book: Strong as a Girl by Kate Rope Book: Strong as a Mother by Kate Rope Instagram: @KateRopeWriter The Jed Foundation Seleni Institute

    1h 5m
  5. Your Spouse Isn't Lazy, Selfish, or Unloving. They Have ADHD | Melissa Orlov

    Apr 28

    Your Spouse Isn't Lazy, Selfish, or Unloving. They Have ADHD | Melissa Orlov

    When ADHD shows up in a marriage, it can often be misunderstood as laziness, selfishness, unreliability, or a lack of care. In this episode of Family Dialogues, Dr. Taniesha Burke speaks with ADHD relationship expert Melissa Orlov, author of The ADHD Effect on Marriage, about how ADHD can impact communication, trust, emotional regulation, household responsibilities, intimacy, and connection in couples.  Melissa explains why many adults first recognize ADHD patterns after a child is diagnosed, how a partner can misread ADHD symptoms, and why couples often fall into painful cycles such as over-functioning and under-functioning, resentment, criticism, emotional volatility, and the parent-child dynamic. She also discusses why education is often the first step toward healing, and how understanding ADHD can help couples move from blame and frustration toward compassion, accountability, and repair. This conversation is especially helpful for couples who suspect ADHD may be affecting their relationship, partners who feel overwhelmed by carrying the emotional or practical load, and adults who struggle with distractibility, time management, follow-through, emotional dysregulation, or feeling constantly criticized. Melissa reminds listeners that ADHD is not an excuse, but understanding it can provide a pathway to practical solutions. With the right tools, support, assessment, and willingness from both partners, ADHD-affected couples can rebuild trust, improve communication, and create a more connected and loving relationship. The episode also emphasizes that anyone who suspects ADHD should consider seeking a professional assessment rather than self-diagnosing. In This Episode How adult ADHD affects marriage and long-term relationships Why ADHD symptoms are often mistaken for laziness, selfishness, or not caring The parent-child dynamic in ADHD-affected couples Emotional dysregulation, resentment, defensiveness, and repair How ADHD impacts trust, communication, intimacy, and household responsibilities How to gently raise the possibility of ADHD with a partner Why education, support systems, and professional assessment matter How couples can move from blame to teamwork and reconnection Recommended Resources ADHDmarriage.com ADHD Marriage Consulting The ADHD Effect on Marriage by Melissa Orlov The Couple’s Guide to Thriving with ADHD by Melissa Orlov Melissa Orlov’s Couples Seminar / Nine-Session Seminar for ADHD-Affected Couples ADDitude Magazine Melissa Orlov’s ADDitude webinar on resentment in ADHD relationships Melissa Orlov - Psychology Today

    1h 2m
  6. Parenting ADHD with Confidence: How to Handle Defiance, Forgetfulness & Emotional Outbursts | Cindy Goldrich

    Apr 21

    Parenting ADHD with Confidence: How to Handle Defiance, Forgetfulness & Emotional Outbursts | Cindy Goldrich

    Parenting a child with ADHD can feel overwhelming with the constant reminders, emotional outbursts, forgotten tasks, and daily power struggles. But what if the key isn’t more discipline… but deeper understanding?  In this episode of Family Dialogues, ADHD expert Cindy Goldrich shares practical, research-informed strategies to help parents move from frustration to connection. Learn how to support your child’s executive function challenges, reduce conflict, and build independence without shame, punishment, or burnout. Whether you're navigating ADHD parenting, emotional regulation struggles, or daily routines, this episode offers actionable tools to create a calmer, more connected family dynamic.  What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why ADHD is not a behavior problem but a skill gap How executive function challenges impact memory, motivation, and routines The powerful mindset shift: “Parent the child you have” Why reward charts and punishments often fail with ADHD children How to reduce power struggles and defiance through collaboration The difference between enabling vs. supporting your child Simple strategies to build independence and responsibility How to communicate effectively: “Be brief, firm, and gone” Tools to support emotional regulation and self-awareness Why connection, not correction is the foundation of lasting change Key Takeaways: ADHD brains work differently; understanding this changes everything Children with ADHD are not lazy or unmotivated: They need skill-building support Strong parent-child relationships reduce conflict and improve outcomes Small shifts in communication and mindset can lead to major family transformation Resources & Programs Mentioned: Special resource for listeners - www.PTScoaching.com/DrBurke PTS Coaching Calm and Connected Parents Program ADHD Parent Coach Academy ADHD Teacher Trainer Academy Eight Keys to Parenting Children with ADHD (book) Substack (Cindy Goldrich) Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PTSCoaching Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ptscoaching LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ptscoaching

    57 min
  7. When Crisis Strikes: How One Family Survived a Brain Aneurysm & Built Unshakable Resilience | Scott Delahooke

    Apr 14

    When Crisis Strikes: How One Family Survived a Brain Aneurysm & Built Unshakable Resilience | Scott Delahooke

    What happens when life changes in an instant? In this deeply moving episode of Family Dialogues, we explore how one family navigated a sudden, life-threatening brain aneurysm, and what kept them grounded through fear, uncertainty, and recovery.  Scott Delahook shares the powerful story of his wife Mona’s medical emergency, the emotional and spiritual resilience required during ICU uncertainty, and the practical steps every family should take to prepare for the unexpected. This episode is a must-listen for parents, couples, and caregivers seeking guidance on family resilience, crisis management, emotional strength, and faith during adversity. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: What really happens during a brain aneurysm and emergency brain surgery How to stay grounded in high-stress, life-threatening situations Why avoiding information overload can protect your mental health in a crisis The critical importance of medical directives, wills, and family preparedness How to build a strong support system and community before you need it The role of faith, surrender, and emotional resilience in healing Practical ways families can work together and delegate during emergencies Insights into traumatic brain injury recovery and long-term healing Why connection, love, and co-regulation are essential for both patients and caregivers Key Takeaway: Preparation, community, and faith are not optional; they are essential. Investing in relationships and having difficult conversations now can transform how your family survives and heals during crisis. Recommended Resources: Medical Directive / Advance Care Planning Resources Estate Planning & Family Trust Services Brain Injury & Stroke Recovery Support Groups Caregiver Support Communities (online & local) Faith-Based Counseling & Community Groups Mona Delahooke’s Parenting Resources & Books For episode feedback: info@tanieshaburke.com

    1h 9m
  8. Why 90% of Families Lose Their Wealth (And How to Prevent It) | Emily Griffiths-Hamilton

    Apr 7

    Why 90% of Families Lose Their Wealth (And How to Prevent It) | Emily Griffiths-Hamilton

    In this powerful episode of Family Dialogues, Dr. Tanisha Burke sits down with family enterprise advisor Emily Griffiths Hamilton to unpack the truth about generational wealth, succession planning, and building a lasting family legacy. Most families focus on making money, but far fewer know how to sustain wealth across generations without conflict, entitlement, or loss. Emily introduces the concept of a “family bank” which a framework that goes beyond finances to include shared values, communication, and intentional parenting. You’ll discover why 70% of wealth is lost by the second generation, and 90% by the third, and how families can break that cycle. This episode explores: Why communication, not money, is the #1 reason families lose wealth The difference between financial wealth vs. human and intellectual capital How to create a family vision and shared values that guide decisions Why giving children “everything” can undermine resilience and independence How to raise children who are financially responsible, confident, and purpose-driven Practical ways to introduce money conversations at age-appropriate stages How to avoid inheritance conflict, entitlement, and family breakdown Whether you’re building wealth from scratch or thinking about your legacy, this episode will help you raise children who are not just wealthy—but prepared, grounded, and connected. 🔗 Recommended Resources Build Your Family Bank – Emily Griffiths Hamilton (Book) Family Meetings Course – Dr. Taniesha Burke

    1h 34m

About

When love feels strained, kids are struggling, and your home feels divided, it’s easy to wonder if peace and joy are still possible. The Family Dialogues Podcast reminds you they are. Each episode is a guide back to connection, helping couples heal, parents unite, and families grow stronger together, even when life gets messy. Listeners love this podcast because it starts where true change begins: with the partnership at the center of the home. Dr. Taniesha Burke helps parents rebuild love, trust, and teamwork so children can thrive in the security of a united family. You’ll gain proven, evidence-based strategies for nurturing emotional growth, fostering resilience in your kids, and creating a home that feels safe and joyful again. As a research psychologist, parenting coach, and mother of three, Dr. Burke brings both academic expertise and lived experience to every conversation. Her background in family relations, child development, and spiritual life coaching, combined with insights from world-class guests, offers practical wisdom you can apply right away. Whether you’re rekindling love, restoring peace, or building a stronger bond with your children, The Family Dialogues Podcast is your companion for raising families that stay connected, grounded, and full of joy no matter what challenges come your way.

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