Parenting Shrink Wrapped

Samantha Straub and Dr. Melissa Wellner
  • 5.0 (11)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Parenting Shrink Wrapped is your all-access pass to the wild and wonderful journey of raising kids! Hosted by Dr. Melissa Wellner, a double board-certified psychiatrist and child and adolescent psychiatrist, and Samantha Straub, a licensed therapist, educator, and parenting coach, this dynamic duo brings a perfect mix of professional expertise and mom humor. With five kids between them—and thousands more they’ve supported in their professional roles—they’re here to share practical strategies and real-life stories that will help you navigate everything from tantrums to teen drama. Whether you're handling sleepless nights or the chaos of carpool, you'll find relatable advice and a good laugh along the way. Strap in, because parenting is a ride, and we're here to make it a little smoother!

  1. 1D AGO

    What do Teens Really Need from Parents Right Now?

    Send us Fan Mail What do teens really need from parents right now? In this powerful episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa sit down with 19-year-old TEDx speaker and Cloud9 founder Sonia Suthar for an eye-opening conversation about communication, emotional intelligence, and what truly helps teens feel connected to their parents. Sonia shares practical advice for building trust, reducing pressure, and creating emotional safety at home, including her powerful “3 H’s” framework: Heard, Helped, or Held. This episode is full of wisdom, hope, and actionable tools for parents navigating the teen years. About Sonia Sonia is a 19-year-old founder who built Cloud 9 because she lived the gap herself, the one between what school teaches and what teens actually need to navigate real life. She works with teens and parents to build the kind of emotional intelligence and self-awareness that changes how families actually talk to each other. Her whole thing is that when a teen grows, the parent has to grow too, and that's where the real magic happens.  Connect with Sonia: LinkedIn: Sonia Katara YouTube: TedX Facebook: Cloud9 Instagram: Cloud9 Contact: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes. Follow: Sam – Instagram & Facebook Melissa – Facebook Work with Us: Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos. Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.

    36 min
  2. Understanding Healthy Sleep Environments with Naturepedic

    MAY 18

    Understanding Healthy Sleep Environments with Naturepedic

    Send us Fan Mail What creates a truly healthy sleep environment for kids and teens? In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa sit down with Arin Schultz, Chief Growth Officer of Naturepedic, to talk about safe sleep practices, organic mattresses, environmental toxins, and how sleep environments may impact emotional regulation, nervous system health, and overall wellness. Together, they discuss what many parents never think about when it comes to sleep, including off-gassing, mattress materials, safe sleep recommendations for babies, and why sensitive kids (of any age) may react more strongly to environmental stressors. This practical and thoughtful conversation helps parents better understand how small environmental changes may support healthier sleep for the whole family. About Arin: Chief Growth Officer, Arin Schultz, joined Naturepedic in 2014, bringing a strong background in manufacturing business development and sales operations. Working for the certified organic, non-toxic mattress pioneer has opened Arin’s eyes to the dangers of harmful chemicals and their pervasive presence in households across the globe and this knowledge has added a deeper purpose to his relentless push to help transform the brand’s vision into reality. As the lead on all Naturepedic sales and marketing efforts, Arin develops and implements strategies that support the company’s business growth, customer retention, product innovation and sustainability goals. He also plays a key role in all educational initiatives, including thought leadership articles, webinars, live events and more. A father of four and an empathetic listener, Arin leads with  his genuine desire to help families make the safest, healthiest sleep choices.  Resources:  • Learn more about Naturepedic: Naturepedic Contact: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes. Follow: Sam – Instagram & Facebook Melissa – Facebook Work with Us: Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos. Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.

    35 min
  3. How to Spot and Reverse Math Anxiety with Dr. Aditya Nagrath, Ph.D

    MAY 11

    How to Spot and Reverse Math Anxiety with Dr. Aditya Nagrath, Ph.D

    Send us Fan Mail What if math anxiety isn’t about intelligence at all? In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa sit down with Dr. Aditya Nagrath, founder of Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy, to explore why so many kids struggle with math and what parents can do to help. Together, they unpack how missing foundational number concepts can create frustration, avoidance, and anxiety later in middle school and high school, especially around algebra. This conversation offers practical insight into how parents can support confidence, reduce overwhelm, and help kids reconnect with learning in a healthier way. Learn more about Dr. Nagrath and Elephant Learning at ElephantLearning.com. ABOUT DR. NAGRATH Dr. Nagrath helps students overcome mathematics anxiety. Aditya is the creator and founder of Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy which helps students learn years of mathematics over the course of a few months using their system just 10 minutes per day, 3 days per week. With a PhD in Mathematics & Computer Sciences, Dr. Nagrath has spent over 30 years in industry as a software engineer, author, leader, speaker, and serial entrepreneur working on everything from atomic clocks to iOS and Android apps to Amazon’s Kindle Fire. As the Founder of Elephant Head Software, which won the prestigious JD Edwards Innovation Award in 2015, he has also done software projects for Pearson, Verizon, Telefonica, JD Edwards (Oracle), and other billion dollar companies. Find Dr. Nagrath’s book here:  Treating Mathematics Anxiety: Inclusive Strategies for Working with Students Exhibiting Mathematics Anxiety. Contact: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes. Follow: Sam – Instagram & Facebook Melissa – Facebook Work with Us: Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos. Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.

    34 min
  4. The Truth About Mom Guilt, Mental Load & What Moms Really Want for Mother’s Day

    MAY 4

    The Truth About Mom Guilt, Mental Load & What Moms Really Want for Mother’s Day

    Send us Fan Mail Motherhood is a mix of joy, pressure, connection, and–a whole lot of invisible work. In this Mother’s Day episode, Sam and Melissa hit record in the middle of a real conversation about what it actually feels like to be a mom. From deeply personal stories of mom guilt to the everyday mental load that never shuts off, this episode is both relatable and validating. They dive into: A powerful (and vulnerable) story about a parenting moment that still lingersThe ongoing tension between career and familyThe unseen responsibilities moms carry every dayWhat moms really want for Mother’s Day (and why it’s often not what we plan)This episode is a reminder that there’s no perfect way to do motherhood–and that the connection you build with your kids matters more than getting everything right. Contact: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes. Follow: Sam – Instagram & Facebook Melissa – Facebook Work with Us: Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos. Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.

    34 min
  5. A Parent's Guide to Handling Bullying with Melissa and Sam

    APR 27

    A Parent's Guide to Handling Bullying with Melissa and Sam

    Send us Fan Mail Bullying is one of the most challenging situations a parent can face–and knowing how to respond isn’t always clear. In this episode, Sam and Melissa break down what bullying actually is, how to recognize the signs, and how to support your child in a way that builds confidence instead of escalating the situation. From school avoidance and anxiety to navigating conversations and involving the school, this episode gives parents a practical roadmap for handling a tough and emotional topic with clarity and intention. If you are struggling with your kid being bullied, contact Sam or Melissa for additonal help. You don't have to do this alone-we are here to help! Contact: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes. Follow: Sam – Instagram & Facebook Melissa – Facebook Work with Us: Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos. Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.

    39 min
  6. How to Talk to Kids About Depression: A Parent’s Guide to Emotional Language

    APR 20

    How to Talk to Kids About Depression: A Parent’s Guide to Emotional Language

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa sit down with Kendall Concini, author of Cloudy Day Chronicles, to explore what it looks like to parent while navigating your own depression. Through a simple “cloud” metaphor, Kendall shares how she helps her young children understand emotional struggles without fear or confusion—giving them language, reassurance, and clarity. This conversation highlights the power of emotional honesty in parenting, showing that kids don’t need perfection. They need understanding. From building emotional intelligence to reducing anxiety, this episode offers practical, compassionate insight for any parent navigating hard days. About Kendall Kendall’s greatest adventure began not on the page, but at home, as a mother. Alma and Max aren’t just characters, they’re her children and wildest inspirations. They even helped co-write some of the funniest (according to them) one-liners in her pages. Alongside her husband, Matt, Kendall fills their days with laughter, curiosity, and the right amount of weirdness. Their dog, Kiaora, prefers quiet days on the couch with a blanket and a good book. When they’re not exploring together, the family can be found where the wild things are. Learn more about Kendall and her book. Contact: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes. Follow: Sam – Instagram & Facebook Melissa – Facebook Work with Us: Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos. Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.

    35 min
  7. When Your Teen is On Fire. Understanding Self-Harm and Big Emotions

    APR 13

    When Your Teen is On Fire. Understanding Self-Harm and Big Emotions

    Send us Fan Mail When teens feel overwhelmed by big emotions, their behavior can become confusing—and sometimes frightening—for parents. In this episode, we’re joined by therapist Katie May to unpack what’s really happening beneath high-risk behaviors like self-harm, emotional shutdown, and reactivity. Together, we explore how these behaviors often serve as coping strategies, not attention-seeking, and why understanding the “why” behind them is key to helping your teen. We also break down the difference between self-harm and suicidality, the role of validation in building trust, and practical ways parents can respond without making things worse. If you’ve ever felt unsure how to support your struggling teen, this conversation will give you clarity, language, and a path forward. About Katie Katie K. May is a licensed therapist, author, speaker, and group practice owner. She founded Creative Healing, a multi-location teen support center in the Philadelphia area, and wrote the #1 Amazon best-seller You’re On Fire, It’s Fine. With lived experience as a teen who turned to self-harm, Katie is one of only 11 Linehan ("Lynn-uh-hayn") Board Certified DBT Clinicians in Pennsylvania, the gold standard treatment for self-harm and suicidal behaviors. She equips parents and clinicians with practical, trauma-informed tools to decode behavior as survival and create lasting change. Contact: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes. Follow: Sam – Instagram & Facebook Melissa – Facebook Work with Us: Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos. Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.

    39 min
  8. How to Pay for College Without Putting Your Family at Risk

    APR 6

    How to Pay for College Without Putting Your Family at Risk

    Send us Fan Mail Paying for college has become increasingly complex, and for many families, the financial decisions involved can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Sam and Melissa are joined by financial planner Kimberly Weihbrecht to break down how FAFSA, financial aid packages, and student loans actually work–and why costs can vary so widely from one school to another. They also explore upcoming changes to student loan policies in 2026, the risks of parent borrowing, and practical strategies for navigating the process, including how to appeal for financial aid and advocate for your family. This conversation offers clarity, reassurance, and actionable steps for parents facing one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. About Kimberly Kimberly Weihbrecht, CCFS®, CSLP®, is a financial planner at Fearless Finance, where she helps clients gain confidence and clarity around their financial lives. Kim works with individuals and families on cash flow management, debt and savings strategies, retirement planning, specializing in college financial planning, including guidance on FAFSA and financial aid decisions, and student loan management. Connect with Kimberly: https://fearlessfinance.com/ Contact: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes. Follow: Sam – Instagram & Facebook Melissa – Facebook Work with Us: Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos. Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.

    40 min
See All (78)

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Parenting Shrink Wrapped is your all-access pass to the wild and wonderful journey of raising kids! Hosted by Dr. Melissa Wellner, a double board-certified psychiatrist and child and adolescent psychiatrist, and Samantha Straub, a licensed therapist, educator, and parenting coach, this dynamic duo brings a perfect mix of professional expertise and mom humor. With five kids between them—and thousands more they’ve supported in their professional roles—they’re here to share practical strategies and real-life stories that will help you navigate everything from tantrums to teen drama. Whether you're handling sleepless nights or the chaos of carpool, you'll find relatable advice and a good laugh along the way. Strap in, because parenting is a ride, and we're here to make it a little smoother!

Information

  • Creator
    Samantha Straub and Dr. Melissa Wellner
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    78
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Parenting Shrink Wrapped
  • Show Website
    Parenting Shrink Wrapped

You Might Also Like