Teens Uncharted: the Pod

Teens Uncharted
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Parenting

Teens Uncharted: the Pod Being a teenager today is messy, and we aren’t going to lie about it. Welcome to Teens Uncharted: the Pod where we drop the filters and talk about what’s actually going on. Hosted by Charity, this show bridges the gap between teens, parents, and the professionals who support them. From mental health and school struggles (yes, even IEPs) to high-risk behaviors and finding real connection, we tackle the hard stuff with zero judgment, total honesty, and real clinical insight. Whether you’re a teen trying to figure it out, a parent trying to understand, or a therapist doing the work, you're in the right place. Watch the video episodes on Spotify and YouTube, or listen anywhere you get your podcasts.

  1. 5d ago

    Why Autistic Girls Fly Under the Radar & Redefining Teen Social Skills | Teens Uncharted Ep. 67

    If you work with or raise a neurodivergent teen, you know that finding the right support can be challenging. In Episode 67 of Teens Uncharted: the Pod, host Charity Chaffee sits down with Dr. Diane Hudson. Dr. Hudson is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and former school psychologist who specializes in helping older autistic kids, teens, and their people. Dr. Hudson breaks down why so many autistic girls fly under the radar. These girls often receive anxiety or depression diagnoses before autism is ever considered. We also tackle the controversial history of applied behavior analysis (ABA). We explore how modern, neurodiversity-affirming approaches focus on building new behaviors rather than just extinguishing old ones to force teens into neurotypical expectations. In this episode, we cover: ✨ The Diagnostic Delay: Autistic girls frequently go misdiagnosed or undiagnosed until their teen years. They are often given mental health diagnoses before autism is even considered. ✨ Masking vs. Tools: There is a critical difference between forcing a teen to mask and teaching them actionable social skills. Teens can choose to use these social tools to confidently find their community and feel accepted. ✨ A Modern Approach: Older teens can benefit from a blend of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and behavioral science. This approach helps them connect with their own values without feeling managed or forced to change. ✨ Parenting Shifts: Parenting a neurodivergent teen requires a completely different approach from raising a neurotypical one. Parents can support their teens' therapy by practicing the skill of simply being available without putting pressure on them. ✨ Social Connections: Tailored social groups and parallel activities create low-pressure environments for girls. These spaces allow neurodivergent teens to unmask, feel understood by their peers, and realize they are not alone. Connect with Dr. Diane Hudson: Website: https://abc-pathways.com/ Instagram: @drdianehudson Free Resource (ND Friendships for Parents): https://static1.squarespace.com/static/66cf3fcdd13fbb5648e1eb64/t/6a55a03e76b945282f0d2578/1783996478296/ND+friendships+for+parents.pdf Join the Teens Uncharted Community: Clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/ Parents: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLjk1359K/ Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575657270757 Join us in Skool: https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/ #AutismInGirls #Neurodiversity #TeenTherapy #AutismAcceptance #BCBA #TeensUncharted #ParentingTeens #SocialSkills #NeurodivergentTeens

  2. Sep 26

    Why "Weird" is a Superpower: Neurodiversity & Teen Mental Health with Cynthia Baseman | Ep. 66

    What if the very things that make a teenager feel "weird" are the exact traits we should be protecting? In episode 66 of Teens Uncharted: The Pod, host Charity Chaffee sits down with author Cynthia Baseman to discuss her new young adult novel, Weirdos Welcome. Drawing from her personal experiences raising neurodiverse sons and witnessing her niece's journey with a late diagnosis, Cynthia explores the complex realities of high school for teens navigating autism, ADHD, OCD, and anxiety. This conversation challenges the traditional parenting goal of helping kids "fit in" and instead advocates for helping them become so comfortable with themselves that fitting in no longer matters. 🎧 The Inspiration Behind Weirdos Welcome: Cynthia's neurodiverse family inspired a seven-year writing and research journey to center teenagers who are usually treated as sidekicks. 🎧 The Gender Gap in Diagnosis: Girls often fly under the radar for autism and ADHD diagnoses, which is mirrored in the book's protagonist, Ray, who starts an "Audi Freak" blog to find others like her and harness their collective superpowers. 🎧 The Heavy Toll of Masking: The book explores the internal struggles of Braden, a character who appears to be the "cool kid" but secretly battles severe anxiety and OCD while terrified of people seeing "the me beneath the me". 🎧 Parental Guilt and Forgiveness: Cynthia offers vital perspective for parents of neurodiverse teens, emphasizing the importance of letting go of hindsight guilt and forgiving yourself for making the best decisions you could with the information you had at the time. 🎧 The Value of Curiosity: Replacing snap judgments with a curious lens helps us appreciate the highly valuable, unique ways neurodiverse minds approach and solve big problems. Follow and Support Cynthia Baseman: Grab your copy of Weirdos Welcome by Cynthia Baseman today! [https://cynthiabaseman.com/product/weirdos-welcome-a-novel/] Website: https://cynthiabaseman.com/ IG: @cynthia_d_baseman TikTok: @cynthiabasemanbooks Join the Teens Uncharted Community: Clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/ Parents: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLjk1359K/ Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575657270757 Join us in Skool: https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/ #TeensUncharted #CynthiaBaseman #WeirdosWelcome #Neurodiversity #TeenMentalHealth #AutismAwareness #ADHD #OCD #ParentingTeens #YALiterature #LateDiagnosis

  3. Sep 19

    Raising Teen Girls Without Losing Your Mind with Pediatric Nurse Amy Young | Teens Uncharted Ep. 65

    Raising teenage girls can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, especially when you are simultaneously navigating your own hormonal changes like perimenopause. In Episode 65 of Teens Uncharted, host Charity Chaffee sits down with pediatric nurse, seasoned dance mom, and author Amy Young to discuss the reality of the mother-daughter relationship. Drawing from 18 years in a pediatric office and her personal experiences raising two girls, Amy shares actionable advice for parents trying to hold it all together. She introduces her nursing-inspired "ABC framework" (Acknowledge, Boundaries, Care Plan) to help diffuse conflict and explains why the absolute best place to get your teenager to open up and spill the tea is in the backseat of a car. In this episode, we cover: 📌 The Hormone Clash: How to survive a household where your teen's puberty and your perimenopause collide. 📌 Perfectionism & Body Image: Why a young girl's anxiety and perfectionism are often mirrored directly from her mother. 📌 The Dance Mom Dynamic: Navigating competitive sports culture and why building a secure, supportive village over competition is crucial for both you and your kids. 📌 The Binder Generation: How moms carry the pressure of holding the family together while supporting growing teens and aging parents. 📌 Letting Them Fail: Knowing when to step in, when to let your teenager struggle, and why it is perfectly okay to let them quit a sport if they no longer love it. Be sure to check out Amy’s upcoming book, Hormones and Hair Ties: Raising Teen Girls Without Losing Your Mind, releasing on January 12th in both print and audiobook formats. [https://little-flower-43595.myflodesk.com/p7yajoaklj] Follow her at Instagram: @amyyoungadvice [https://www.instagram.com/amyyoungadvice/] Website: https://www.amyyoungadvice.com/ Join the Teens Uncharted Community: Clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/ Parents: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLjk1359K/ Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575657270757 Join us in Skool: https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/ #ParentingTeens #TeenGirls #MotherDaughter #TeensUncharted #AmyYoung #DanceMoms #Perimenopause #Puberty #PediatricNurse #MentalHealth #RaisingTeens #ParentingTips

  4. Sep 12

    Trauma-Informed Weightlifting: Flipping the Script on Teen Therapy with Nick Bremer | Ep. 64

    If you've ever sat across from a teen who is completely checked out on the therapy couch, you know that just talking about trauma doesn't always cut it. In Episode 64 of Teens Uncharted: the Pod, host Charity Chaffee sits down with Nick Bremer, a pre-licensed therapist based in Michigan who is completely flipping the script on somatic work. Nick is certified in trauma-informed weightlifting and uses physical resilience—literally picking up heavy things—to help teens process anxiety and trauma when words just aren't enough. Whether working with student-athletes navigating performance anxiety, teens managing ADHD, or LGBTQ+ youth building bodily autonomy, Nick seamlessly integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and somatic skills right on the gym floor. We dive into the neuroscience of the window of tolerance, why framing exercise as "intentional movement" is crucial for emotional regulation, and how to authentically connect with teens outside the confines of traditional talk therapy. Connect with Nick Bremer: Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/nick-william-bremer-jenison-mi/1392742 Instagram: @_therapy.with.nick_ https://www.instagram.com/_therapy.with.nick_?stkn=Y254bTUzODgwd2xk Tahoma Counseling: https://tahomacounseling.com/ Join the Teens Uncharted Community: Clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/ Parents: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLjk1359K/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575657270757 Skool: https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/ #TeensUncharted #TeenTherapy #TraumaInformedWeightlifting #SomaticTherapy #NickBremer #TeenMentalHealth #CBT #TraumaRecovery #StudentAthleteMentalHealth #TherapyForTeens

  5. Sep 5

    How Therapists & Schools Can Actually Work Together | Teens Uncharted Ep. 63

    If you work with teens, you know that therapy does not happen in a vacuum, and eventually, school will enter the chat. In Episode 63 of Teens Uncharted, licensed mental health counselor Charity Chaffee dives into the complexities of school collaboration during the back-to-school season. As requested by our listeners, this episode explores how therapists, parents, and school professionals can communicate effectively. The goal is to work together in a way that protects teens, supports caregivers, and keeps everyone on the same team. Key Takeaways in This Episode: 💜 The Annual Cycle of Teen Stress: There is a predictable pattern of teen struggle throughout the school year. This cycle often begins with the anxiety of heading back to school. It is followed by increased boredom and academic pressure during the mid-October and November grind. Finally, teens often experience prolonged challenges during the long, grueling month of March. 💜 Effective Communication Strategies: Outside therapists should proactively schedule short, 10-15 minute chats with school psychologists or social workers at the beginning of the academic year. This allows professionals to share relevant information and discuss client needs without violating confidentiality. 💜 Proactive Safety Planning: It is highly recommended to establish safety plans early in the school year. Therapists and parents must understand a school district's specific crisis management and screening protocols. Getting ahead of these policies prevents care teams from scrambling reactively during an active crisis. 💜 Defining Healthy Roles: Parents are advised against acting as the primary enforcers of educational tasks and homework. Instead, schools must be the ones to enforce academic rules and deliver natural consequences. 💜 Navigating Professional Disagreements: Outside therapists must maintain collaborative, civil relationships with school staff. It is crucial not to speak poorly about the school to the teen, as this breaks down therapeutic rapport. Furthermore, private therapists should avoid attempting to direct the work or enforce the lanes of school professionals. Whether you are a private practice therapist, a school counselor, or a parent navigating the teenage years, this episode provides actionable guidance to better support the adolescents in your life. Join the Teens Uncharted Community: Website: https://www.teensuncharted.com/ Facebook Group for Clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/ Facebook Group for Parents: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLjk1359K/ Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575657270757 Join us in Skool: https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/ #TeensUncharted #TeenTherapy #SchoolCollaboration #MentalHealthCounseling #ParentingTeens #BackToSchool #TherapistTips #CharityChafee

  6. Aug 29

    You’re Fired: What to Do When a Teen Client Drops You | Teens Uncharted Ep. 62

    In Episode 62 of Teens Uncharted, licensed mental health counselor Charity Chafee tackles an unspoken reality in the field: getting abruptly fired by your teen clients. Rather than letting a sudden termination trigger imposter syndrome or financial panic, this episode explores how to process the experience and use it to become a better clinician. In this episode, we cover: 🎧 Why being fired is an inevitable milestone in a therapist's career and a valuable opportunity for professional growth. 🎧 The difference between an emotional, knee-jerk firing and a standard discharge after goals are met. 🎧 How to preload termination protocols during the initial intake to help teens and parents practice healthy transitions and conflict resolution. 🎧 Why a therapist's goal during a termination discussion should be understanding the client's choice, not convincing them to stay. 🎧 How to objectively analyze a failed case to recognize your accountability and process your own guilt or shame. Resources & Links: Download the free "You're Fired" processing workbook at https://www.teensuncharted.com/clinical-resources-teens-uncharted to help you critically analyze and move through abrupt terminations. Join a community of 6,000+ professionals in our new Facebook group: "Therapists Who Work with Teens". https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/ Parents: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLjk1359K/ Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575657270757 Join us in Skool: https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/ #TeensUncharted #TeenTherapy #TherapistLife #MentalHealthCounselor #ClinicalPractice #ClientTermination #TherapistTips

  7. Aug 15

    Mental Health Care, Collaboration & The Lindsay Clancy Trial | Teens Uncharted the Pod Ep.61

    Welcome back to the very first episode of our newly rebranded podcast, Teens Uncharted the Pod! Whether you have been here since the beginning or are just tuning in, we are so happy to have you for the Season 2 premiere. This podcast is dedicated to discussing teens through the lens of the professionals who work with them, including therapists, social workers, doctors, and coaches. In this episode, Charity tackles the common pushback that working with teenagers carries too high of a liability. Here is what we are unpacking today: ✨ The Liability Myth: Charity explains why she believes teens actually carry less liability than adults. She highlights how teenagers have a built-in web of collaborative support, including school social workers, pediatricians, and guardians. ✨ Systemic Reflections: The devastating Lindsay Clancy trial is an opportunity to take a critical look at the mental health system. Charity discusses how even in a state with top-tier care like Massachusetts, a lack of collaboration between providers can leave dangerous gaps. ✨ Insurance Hurdles: Insurance companies often dictate care and prioritize their wallets over clients. Charity points out how the current system discourages essential collaborative consultation by treating it as unpaid labor for therapists. ✨ Exciting Updates: Charity shares her nervous excitement about being accepted to speak at an upcoming summit in March 2027, where she will present on harm reduction frameworks for teens. ✨ Season 2 Preview: Get ready for a packed season featuring interviews with psychiatrists, DBT specialists, and individuals sharing their lived experiences receiving mental health care as teens. "I think we can learn a lot from tragedy if we can lean into it and really take a critical look at what happened and why." Connect with the Community: Website: Check out https://www.teensuncharted.com/ and sign up for the mailing list to get all the upcoming goodies. Facebook Group: Join the conversation in the "Therapists Who Work with Teens" Facebook group, which has grown to almost 6,000 members! https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/ Parents: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLjk1359K/ Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575657270757 Join us in Skool: https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/ #TeensUncharted #TeenTherapy #MentalHealthPodcast #TherapistLife #MentalHealthSystem #TherapyLiability #SocialWork #Season2Premiere

  8. Aug 8

    The Finale of 'No Cap' & Busting Teen Therapy Myths! | Episode 60

    Welcome to Episode 60 of the Teens: No Cap Podcast! I can't believe we've made it to 60 episodes, and to celebrate, we have some massive announcements. This episode marks the official finale of our "No Cap" era, as we are shifting gears and rebranding to Teens Uncharted the Pod starting next season. Thank you to all the wonderful guests who have shared their expertise and helped this community grow! In This Episode, We Cover: 🌟 Exciting updates on our Facebook community, "Therapists Who Work with Teens," which is now almost 6,000 members strong. 🌟 My reflections on the successful beta launch of the Parent Integration Training. 🌟 A sneak peek at a new deep-dive clinical training on teens launching in late September or early October. 🌟 A fun and insightful game of "Cap or No Cap" where we tackle common misconceptions and myths about teen mental health. Myths We Bust in the "Cap or No Cap" Game: 🌟 If a teen gets straight A's and plays sports, their mental health is perfectly fine. 🌟 Sleeping all weekend and isolating is just normal teenage hormones. 🌟 Self-harm and dark social media posts are simply attention-seeking behaviors. 🌟 Asking a struggling teen directly about suicidal thoughts will put the idea in their head. 🌟 Therapy is only necessary if you have hit rock bottom or have a severe mental health diagnosis. 🌟 Social media is the 100% sole reason for the current teen mental health crisis. 🌟 Teens today are softer and lack the resilience of older generations. 🌟 Putting a teenager on antidepressants or anxiety medication will definitively change their personality. Get Involved & Join the Community: Clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/ Parents: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLjk1359K/ Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575657270757 Join us in Skool: https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/ #TeensUncharted #TeenMentalHealth #TherapistsWhoWorkWithTeens #TeenTherapy #PodcastFinale #CapOrNoCap #MentalHealthAwareness #ParentIntegration

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Teens Uncharted: the Pod Being a teenager today is messy, and we aren’t going to lie about it. Welcome to Teens Uncharted: the Pod where we drop the filters and talk about what’s actually going on. Hosted by Charity, this show bridges the gap between teens, parents, and the professionals who support them. From mental health and school struggles (yes, even IEPs) to high-risk behaviors and finding real connection, we tackle the hard stuff with zero judgment, total honesty, and real clinical insight. Whether you’re a teen trying to figure it out, a parent trying to understand, or a therapist doing the work, you're in the right place. Watch the video episodes on Spotify and YouTube, or listen anywhere you get your podcasts.

Information

  • Creator
    Teens Uncharted
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Teens Uncharted

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