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. 5D AGO

    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/ Get expert support, fresh strategies, and a judgment-free parent community—so you can stop feeling stuck and start parenting your teen with more clarity, confidence, and connection. 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

  2. MAR 30

    #70 How to Help Your Teen Find Career Direction with Jessica Roffe

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa sit down with career coach, Jessica Roffe, to talk about what career readiness really looks like for teens and young adults today. With over a decade of experience helping students navigate uncertainty, Jessica shares a refreshing perspective: teens don’t need to have it all figured out. They need to start with self-awareness, curiosity, and real-world exploration. Together, they unpack how parents can support their teens without adding pressure, why depth of experience matters more than doing “all the things,” and how simple steps like conversations, networking, and trying new opportunities can build confidence over time. This episode is full of practical, reassuring advice for any parent guiding their teen through the early stages of figuring out their future. About Jessica Jessica Roffe has spent over 12 years helping students and young adults turn uncertainty into career confidence.  She is the Founder of Career Beginnings LLC, where she supports students and young professionals through personalized coaching and practical workshops focused on career readiness– including internships and job searches, resumes and LinkedIn, networking, interviewing, and building a strong personal brand. In addition to running Career Beginnings, Jessica works full time at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, where she advises and teaches students and has earned a Distinguished Teaching Award for instructional excellence. She is a Certified Career Services Provider through the National Career Development Association and holds a master’s degree in Higher & Postsecondary Education from Columbia University’s Teachers College. Additional Resources OneStopCareer. https://www.careeronestop.org/ O*Net https://www.onetonline.org/  Get expert support, fresh strategies, and a judgment-free parent community—so you can stop feeling stuck and start parenting your teen with more clarity, confidence, and connection. 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. MAR 23

    #69 The Importance of the Couple Relationship on the Family with Katharine Petzold

    Send us Fan Mail  In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa talk with therapist Katharine Petzold about how a couple’s relationship shapes a child’s emotional wellbeing. Through relatable (and often funny) moments, they explore why parents react the way they do, introducing the “wounded child,” “adaptive child,” and “wise adult.” The conversation emphasizes that it’s not about perfection, but repair—modeling healthy connection after conflict. You’ll leave with simple, practical insights to strengthen your relationships and create a more emotionally secure home, plus a fun musical bonus at the end.  About Katharine Katharine Petzold is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW-C) with 9 years of experience, specializing in relationship and couples therapy. She is a Certified Relational Life (RLT) Therapist and Facilitator of RLT’s Relationship Bootcamp, leading biannual intensive workshops that build connection, accountability, and emotional intimacy for individuals, couples, and the mental health professionals who work with them. Katharine’s compassionate, skills-based approach is grounded in relational and neurobiological insights. By night, she is also a singer-songwriter (Kat Parsons) and has recently recorded new songs about parenting. Learn more about the Relationship Bootcamp Find out about the Emotional Fitness Studio Get expert support, fresh strategies, and a judgment-free parent community—so you can stop feeling stuck and start parenting your teen with more clarity, confidence, and connection. 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.

    43 min

  4. MAR 16

    #68 The Real Struggles of Work Life Balance for Parents

    Send us Fan Mail Working parents face some of the highest rates of stress and burnout globally. In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa talk with Dr. Rosina McAlpine about how workplaces can become truly family-friendly–and why burnout prevention matters You’ll learn: Why working parents are at higher risk of burnoutWhat psychosocial safety means in the workplaceThe five steps to building a family-friendly organizationWhy prevention beats crisis responseHow being “self-full” benefits everyoneIf you’re balancing parenting and career, or leading an organization that employs working parents, this conversation is essential. About Dr. Rosina McAlpine Dr. Rosina an internationally recognized expert on parenting, managing work and family life, working parents, researcher, and media contributor.  Dr. Rosina is the founder of Win Win Parenting, a research-based program that is delivered in small, medium and large organisations and workplaces for all levels of government to inspire and resource working parents with strategies to better navigate day-to-day parenting challenges, support their mental health, manage work-life balance, reduce stress, and prevent burnout.  Dr. Rosina can offer a unique perspective –she has been featured on TV, print and radio media platforms – highlights include: the New York Post, The Today Show, with a regular spot on ABC Radio, and has spoken at corporate events globally.  Get expert support, fresh strategies, and a judgment-free parent community—so you can stop feeling stuck and start parenting your teen with more clarity, confidence, and connection. 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

  5. MAR 9

    #67 Family Vacation Expectations: How to Travel with Kids Without Losing Your Mind

    Send us Fan Mail Spring break season is here…and with it comes family travel. In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa explore how to manage family vacation expectations so you don’t come home needing another vacation You’ll learn: Why vacations don’t change personalitiesHow to clarify the purpose of your tripHow to travel with teens realisticallyWhy buffer days matterHow to handle sibling conflict on vacationWhy money doesn’t guarantee funTravel doesn’t erase family dynamics. But it can create shared experiences that matter. Listen now and share with a parent planning spring break. Get expert support, fresh strategies, and a judgment-free parent community—so you can stop feeling stuck and start parenting your teen with more clarity, confidence, and connection. 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.

    43 min

  6. MAR 2

    How to Teach Kids Healthy Financial Habits with Lori Atwood

    Send us Fan Mail Money is one of the biggest sources of stress in families — and one of the least discussed topics. In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa sit down with Lori Atwood, founder of Fearless Finance, to explore how parents can model calm, confident financial behavior and teach teens real-world money skills You’ll learn: ➡️How your emotional response to money shapes your child’s money story ➡️Why every family needs both an “oops” fund and an emergency fund ➡️When to start allowance (and why not to tie it to chores) ➡️How to introduce debit cards and banking in high school ➡️Why teens need small financial mistakes now ➡️How to explain investing and compounding before college Financial literacy is about more than dollars. It’s about resilience, values, and long-term thinking. Listen now and share with a parent who wants to raise financially capable teens. Ready to learn more? Mention "Shrink Wrapped" when you contact Fearless Finance to get $50 off your first meeting About Lori Lori Atwood is the founder and CEO of Fearless Finance and a CFP® professional.  Lori created Fearless Finance to make expert, fiduciary, hourly financial planning accessible to everyone with no sales, no minimums, and no judgement. Lori’s been in finance for over 25 years starting in investment banking, asset management and private equity before starting Fearless Finance in 2016. Connect with Lori and Fearless Finance Instagram: Fearless Finance Facebook: Fearless Finance Get expert support, fresh strategies, and a judgment-free parent community—so you can stop feeling stuck and start parenting your teen with more clarity, confidence, and connection. 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.

    41 min

  7. FEB 23

    #65 Perimenopause and Parenting Teens: Why Your Anxiety, Brain Fog, and Sleep Changes Aren’t “All in Your Head”

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Sam and Melissa welcome Dr. Susan Zink, board-certified psychiatrist and founder of Elemental Integrative Psychiatry, to explore how perimenopause impacts mood, anxiety, sleep, cognition, and overall functioning. They discuss: • What perimenopause is and how long it lasts  • Why estrogen and progesterone affect mood and sleep  • How perimenopause can mimic or worsen ADHD  • The role of sleep apnea and insomnia  • Lifestyle strategies and cognitive behavioral therapy for sleep  • The evolving research around hormone replacement therapy If you’ve noticed increased anxiety, irritability, brain fog, or sleep disruption in midlife, this episode offers clarity and hope. You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through it. About Dr. Zink  Dr. Zink is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with more than 16 years of experience and the founder of EleMental Integrative Psychiatry in Linwood, NJ. She specializes in helping women navigate anxiety, depression, insomnia, and hormonal mood changes related to pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause so they can feel like themselves again. As a mother of three daughters, she brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to the emotional complexity of these life stages.  Connect with Dr. Zink: Instagram Get expert support, fresh strategies, and a judgment-free parent community—so you can stop feeling stuck and start parenting your teen with more clarity, confidence, and connection. 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.

    37 min

  8. FEB 16

    #64 How to Parent a Child with a Completely Different Personality Than Yours

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when your child’s personality is nothing like yours? In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa sit down with psychiatrist Dr. Brian J. Dixon to explore how temperament differences shape family dynamics. We unpack: ➡️The difference between introversion and extroversion ➡️Why personality mismatches can trigger parental worry ➡️How development changes personality expression over time ➡️The role of social media in amplifying personality extremes ➡️When to seek consultation — and when to relax If you’ve ever wondered whether your teen’s behavior reflects a deeper issue or simply who they are, this episode provides clarity, reassurance, and practical insight. Because different doesn’t mean broken. And you don’t have to navigate it alone. Dr. Brian J. Dixon is an award winning psychiatrist and author who believes that an examined life is a life worth living.  He is owner of Texas based Mindful, a direct pay psychiatry practice and Simply Psych, providing business coaching to the nation's bravest mental health clinicians. Get expert support, fresh strategies, and a judgment-free parent community—so you can stop feeling stuck and start parenting your teen with more clarity, confidence, and connection. 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.

    42 min
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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
    71
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Parenting Shrink Wrapped
  • Show Website
    Parenting Shrink Wrapped

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