How can parents raise strong, confident daughters in a world still shaped by sexism?

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Dr. Jo-Ann Finkelstein, clinical psychologist, award-winning author, and mother of two, about how to support girls' self-esteem, mental health, and identity development in today’s social climate.

The conversation explores how sexism subtly influences girls’ daily lives—from screen time to social media. Learn practical parenting strategies to help girls build confidence, emotional strength, and a healthy sense of self-worth.

Takeaways:

• Understanding the impact of societal sexism on girls' self-esteem is crucial for parents today.
• Parents need to be mindful of implicit biases that influence how they communicate with daughters.
• Teaching girls about gender bias prepares them to navigate societal challenges effectively.
• Recognizing and addressing the emotional health of girls can help combat the pressures of perfectionism.
• Open communication about the realities of consent and relationships is vital for young girls.
• Empowering girls to assert themselves helps foster independence and resilience against bullying.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Psychology Today
• New York Times
• Atlantic
• Oprah Daily
• Harvard Business Review

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparentstalk.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Psychology Today
• New York Times
• Atlantic
• Oprah Daily
• Harvard Business Review
• EV magazine

Are we overlooking what the brain is really telling us about ADHD, autism, and behaviour in kids? In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Dr. Robert Melillo, a pioneer in childhood brain development who unpacks the science behind neurodevelopmental disorders—and challenges common assumptions.

Drawing on over 30 years of experience, Dr. Melillo explains how many of these challenges stem from functional brain imbalances rather than genetic factors. He shares non-medication-based strategies and early intervention insights that can help parents support their child’s development and emotional well-being.

A father of three, including a neurodiverse child, Dr. Melillo offers practical tools and renewed hope for families navigating neuro-developmental disorders.

Key Takeaways:

The sharp rise in childhood neuro-developmental disorders like ADHD and autism underscores the urgent need for deeper insight and more effective intervention strategies.

Dr. Melillo highlights how subtle brain imbalances—not just external behaviours—are often at the root of learning and behavioural challenges.

Addressing these issues requires more than medication; a holistic, brain-based approach can help uncover and treat underlying causes.

Recognizing delays in developmental milestones is crucial, as they may signal neurological imbalance and broader cognitive issues.

Hormonal shifts combined with increased screen exposure can significantly affect children's emotional well-being—calling for more intentional, tech-conscious parenting.

Equipping parents with science-backed tools fosters resilience and independence in children while helping them navigate bullying, peer pressure, and the digital world with confidence.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• The Melillo Method

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparentstalk.com

What happens when a parent faces a life-threatening diagnosis while raising a young family? In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Marissa Peters—cancer survivor, mother, and founder of Be Seen—to explore how her journey through illness reshaped her approach to parenting, mental health, and personal growth.

Peter discusses navigating emotional turmoil, fostering connection in times of uncertainty, and raising resilient kids amidst adversity.

The conversation also dives into the role of communication, the importance of consent and awareness in relationships, and how discipline and vulnerability can coexist in the chaos of real life.

Takeaways:

• Navigating the complexities of parenting while facing health challenges requires a delicate balance of discipline and communication, especially when children are involved.
• Marissa Peters emphasizes the importance of understanding hormonal changes and emotional health during significant life transitions like illness and motherhood.
• Social media plays a crucial role in shaping our perception of independence and consent within relationships, particularly among young adults and teens.
• Experiencing adversity can lead to profound insights about ourselves and the power of advocating for our health amidst the chaos of family life.
• Building resilience in children through open discussions about health issues fosters emotional intelligence and can mitigate the impacts of bullying and stigma.
• Ultimately, prioritizing mental and physical health is essential for parents to effectively support their children during challenging times.

Links referenced in this episode:

• bscene care
• whereparentstalk.com
• from carpools to chemo

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Be Seen
• Carl's Jr.
• Sara Bareilles
• The Chicks
• Rascal Flatts
• Lil Nas X

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparentstalk.com

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino is joined by Doug Bolton, clinical psychologist, educator, and author, for an in-depth conversation on the complex realities of parenting in today’s world.

Bolton sheds light on the rising rates of youth anxiety and stress—and how well-meaning parental behaviours can sometimes contribute to these challenges.

The discussion explores the critical role of emotional regulation, the value of community, and the importance of prioritizing connection over competition.

The conversation also examines the influence of digital culture, device use, and social media on youth relationships and the evolving understanding of consent.

Bolton offers insights to help parents navigate the delicate balance between discipline, open communication, and fostering independence—all in support of their children’s emotional and mental well-being.

Takeaways:

• The unprecedented levels of anxiety and depression in youth today can be partly attributed to the pressures of academic achievement and the competitive nature of modern schooling.
• Effective parenting requires a focus on emotional regulation and building connected relationships rather than relying on traditional incentives and punishments.
• Creating a sense of belonging within communities is crucial for children's mental health, serving as a buffer against stress and trauma.
• Parents must prioritize their own emotional health to model and encourage resilience and coping skills in their children.
• The impact of social media and device usage on children's mental health is significant, underscoring the need for open communication and understanding around consent and relationships.
• Encouraging independence in children is vital, but it should be balanced with the need for support and guidance to navigate the challenges of adolescence.

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparents talk.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• North Shore Academy
• Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
• Baby Einstein
• Dan Pink
• Bruce Perry
• Stuart Shanker
• Ross Green
• Stuart Ablon
• Teresa Barker
• Susie Wise

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

In this episode of Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Dr. Tasneem Sajwani, a family physician with expertise in obesity medicine and mom.

They discuss the newly released Canadian Pediatric Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines, which recognize obesity as a complex, chronic disease influenced by genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors.

The episode covers how these guidelines aim to improve care through individualized, evidence-based approaches and highlights the role of communication, consent, and mental health in managing pediatric obesity.

Takeaways:

Paediatric obesity is a chronic and multifactorial disease that requires compassionate, evidence-based care, not mere lifestyle changes.

The new Canadian guidelines emphasize the importance of quality of life over weight reduction in managing pediatric obesity.

Parents must communicate openly with their children about health concerns, focusing on overall well-being rather than weight alone.

Access to specialized care for pediatric obesity remains limited, highlighting the necessity for advocacy and systemic change in healthcare.

Stigma surrounding obesity can hinder access to care; therefore, it is crucial to foster supportive environments for affected families.

Involving children in healthy lifestyle choices can empower them and shift the focus from weight to health, fostering independence and discipline.

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparentstalk.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Edmonton Weight Management Center
• Canadian Paediatric Obesity Clinical Practical Guidelines
• Canadian Medical Association Journal
• Obesity Canada

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

The leap from adolescence to adulthood is tricky — and too often, young people find themselves unprepared for the real world. In this episode of theWhere Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino welcomes Rob Finlay — entrepreneur, author of Hey Dad: Everything You Should Have Learned About Life and Didn’t, and father of four — to discuss what it really takes to raise resilient, capable young adults today.

Finlay pulls back the curtain on his own parenting journey, sharing lessons learned, missteps made, and the pivotal skills kids aren't being taught — from handling emergencies and managing finances to navigating relationships and finding their footing in an uncertain job market.

With a mix of personal anecdotes, sharp insights, and a refreshing dose of humor, he offers parents a roadmap to help their children build confidence, independence, and emotional strength.

The discussion tackles the new challenges facing today’s youth — from the impact of social media to the false promise of a ‘magic carpet ride’ childhood — and explore why it's more important than ever to let kids face real-world struggles before they leave home. Thought-provoking, practical, and inspiring, this episode will leave you rethinking how to best prepare your children for the life ahead.

Takeaways:

• Navigating the complexities of adolescence requires parents to balance discipline with independence, fostering resilience in their children.
• Communication about emotional health and consent in relationships is crucial for the mental well-being of today's youth.
• With the pervasive influence of social media, teaching kids about device usage and its impact on their social interactions is essential.
• Parents often shelter their children too much, which can hinder their ability to face real-world challenges and learn from mistakes.
• Understanding hormonal changes during adolescence can help parents provide better support for their children's physical and emotional health.
• Encouraging kids to engage in conversations with adults can boost their confidence and prepare them for future networking opportunities.

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparentstalk.com

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Dr. David Yeager, a renowned developmental psychologist, author, and father of four, about the science behind motivating tweens, teens, and young adults.

A former grade school teacher and current Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Yeager challenges common misconceptions about adolescent behaviour. He explains why shifting our mindset—from seeing teens as problems to recognizing their potential—is essential for effective parenting and teaching.

As co-founder of the Texas Behavioural Science and Policy Institute, Dr. Yeager draws on his extensive research in adolescent development, motivation, engagement, and mental health. He explores how communication styles and feedback can either uplift or discourage young people, and shares actionable strategies from his new book, 10 to 25, to help teens thrive.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding adolescent hormonal changes can improve communication and connection.
• Mindful device use is critical to protecting teen mental health and social development.
• Open dialogue and encouragement of independence help parents counteract bullying.
• Early, honest conversations about consent and relationships support healthier teen development.
• Combining high expectations with empathy builds resilience and social media smarts.
• Evolving your parenting approach can better support your teen’s emotional well-being and autonomy.

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparentstalk.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• University of Texas at Austin
• Texas Behavioral Science and Policy Institute

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

In a world where parenting collides daily with cultural shifts, political tensions, uncertainty and a relentless stream of information, overwhelm is increasingly a common emotion. How can parents stay grounded—and help their children do the same?

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino and Arron Neal —a communications expert, cultural strategist, columnist and mom of two— explore strategies for how today’s parents can thoughtfully navigate the pressures of raising kids in an increasingly noisy world.

From screen time and social media to misinformation, identity, and consent, Arron shares strategies for managing overwhelm, staying present, and modelling critical thinking.

Learn how intentional disconnection, open dialogue, and curiosity can become powerful tools for building emotional resilience in your family.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ How to counter overwhelm in a 24/7 digital culture

✅ Why stepping back from screens strengthens family connections

✅ Tools for raising kids who question what they see and hear

✅ The importance of discussing social and political issues at home

✅ How to nurture independence and emotional wellness in tweens and teens

Takeaways:

• In today's digital age, it's essential to prioritize both emotional and physical health by intentionally disconnecting from devices to foster family relationships.
• As parents, we must model curiosity and critical thinking in our children's media consumption, ensuring they understand the motives behind the messages they receive.
• Engagement in public discourse is crucial; it empowers us to navigate the complexities of communication, especially when discussing political and social issues with our children.
• Ignoring difficult conversations about societal issues can harm our children's understanding; it's our responsibility to guide them through the noise of misinformation.
• The intersection of parenting and technology requires us to create a culture of digital mindfulness, encouraging our kids to engage thoughtfully with social media.
• To successfully navigate life's challenges, instilling a sense of independence and discipline in our children will help them make informed choices in their future relationships.

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparentstalk.com