Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom Picks Cool Mom Picks

"Life is hard. Adulting is hard. The political climate is hard," confesses Dr. Christine Koh, one of my favorite humans and the host of the Edit Your Life Show. So she's here to share 5 small (really!) life edits you can make right now, that have immediate and positive impact.
One of my favorite: Identifying the kinds of people you should be spending time with, thanks to a 4-question litmus test. It's brilliant.
You'll find Christine's tips to be actionable, specific, and above all, realistic! I know you'll get so much out of her wisdom and this honest conversation, because phew, we can all use a little centering right now.
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This episode is a must-listen for all parents of kids who have smartphones, especially if you're worried about the impact of social media on mental health. 
Dr. Devorah Heitner a renowned author and expert on kids and technology, joins me to provide thought-provoking insights that challenge a lot of the conventional wisdom, so get ready for a fresh take on parenting in the digital age. 
You'll get actionable advice for parents, compelling research that supports it, and the nuances of complex issues surrounding kids, tech, and well-being -- including where she agrees and disagrees with the Surgeon General's recommendations, the unintended consequences of social media age restrictions, and the laws and regulations that we should be advocating for to ensure heath and safety for all of us. Not just for our children.
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So here's a fun surprise: Today, my own daughter and rising high school senior, Sage, joins me on Spawned for the first time! She's asking fantastic questions about college admissions on behalf of teens who have shared them with us.
In our third and final podcast in our Insider's Guide to College Admissions, with Alyse Levine of Premium Prep, you'll learn about weighted grades, class rank, tough math teachers, padding extracurriculars, arguing with parents about college preferences, and procrastinating on the personal essay. Plus, Sage's excellent hack for identifying colleges where you'll fit in.
This is such a fun, helpful episode -- and I hope you'll consider listening with your own college-minded kids, who probably have different questions than you do.
A special offer from Premium Prep: Mention Spawned for a free 30-minute college counseling session with a best-fit counselor at Premium Prep
A special offer from Phyla Skincare: Save 25% with code COOLMOM on the game-changing, derm-recommended, probiotic acne serum that prevents breakouts before they start, with literally no side effects. (Literally!)
Follow Spawned: Apple, Spotify, Amazon
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Shownotes from today's episode: Cool Mom Pick Podcast Page
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What a treat to have 30 minutes during Pride Month with the one and only Jonathan Van Ness, who's out with a brand new children's book, Gorgeously Me! We're talking about how to create a culture of acceptance for kids who are different, but we touch on so much more. Like the book that traumatized Jonathan as a kid (eek!), their strongest memory of Barney, the importance to them of faith and spiritual connection, unpacking the mantra "I am exactly who I'm meant to be," optimism for the future, and some compelling advice for parents who want to raise our kids to be the best version of themselves.
I can't wait for you to listen!
Also, I have to humblebrag a little that Jonathan says I "slayed my Cool Pick of the Week" -- but theirs is fantastic too. Stick around to hear them both.
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Thanks to our sponsor Premium Prep, the personalized college counseling service that helps with applications, financial aid, essay writing, and more. Visit PremiumPrep.com and mention Spawned or Cool Mom Picks for a free 30-minute 1:1 session with a best-fit counselor.
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I am so happy to continue our 3-Part Insider Guide to the College Admission Process with my guest, Alyse Levine, one of the country's most prominent college counseling experts. Today we're focusing on a grade-by-grade guide to supporting our kids on the path toward college applications.
Some of the topics we cover:

Why middle school should be about focusing on healthy work habits

How and when to make the most of clubs and after-school experiences

Plotting out high school courses like a decision tree

Why Alyse calls 10th grade "a pivotal year"

What “demonstrated interest” is, and why it matters

Different ways to visit colleges and when to start

How and when to start creating your college list

How to frame the (dreaded) personal essay to take off pressure

Why there are no limits to essay topics (contrary to popular belief)

How to decide whether to apply Early Decision

Putting mental health first, always.


Spoiler: Even if you start late, it may not be late. Just breathe!
A special offer from Premium Prep: Mention Spawned for a free 30-minute college counseling session with a best-fit counselor at Premium Prep, who will be matched to your student. They've helped guide 93% of their students into one of their top three choices, so take advantage! She also describes on the podcast just what the team can do for you in those 30 minutes.
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Shownotes from today's episode: Cool Mom Pick Podcast Pages
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Fresh off his viral commencement address at the University of Michigan, I'm joined by best-selling author Brad Meltzer. (Yes, that Brad Meltzer from the "I Am..." biographical children's books we all own!) He talks about his thoughts on kindness as a "naive ideal worth fighting for," the need for more empathy online, his love for the Harlem Globetrotters, and why he believes one person can change the world. Plus, he shares some deeply personal stories of kindness that changed his own life, including one in a random men's room. You are going to love what he has to say.
Plus, by popular demand, Cool Picks of the Week is back! Whoo! (Though a new audio cue...eh, stay tuned for that one.)
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Thanks to our sponsor Premium Prep, the personalized college counselling service that helps with applications, financial aid, essay writing, and more. Visit PremiumPre.com and mention Spawned or Cool Mom Picks for a free 30-minute 1:1 session with a best-fit counselor they'll match to your student's interests and your family's needs.
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Follow Spawned: Apple, Spotify, Amazon
Join: The Spawned Podcast FB Community
Find Cool Mom Picks: Instagram, Facebook, Threads
Find Liz Gumbinner: Instagram, Facebook, Substack, Threads
Find Brad Meltzer: Website, Amazon, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads
Shownotes from today's episode: Cool Mom Pick Podcast Page
Subscribe for cool picks right in your inbox: coolmompicks.com/subscribe/
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