In this powerful and refreshingly playful conversation, Dr. Tina Payne Bryson returns to talk about The Way of Play—her newest book and a much-needed reminder that play isn't just fun, it's foundational. We dive into the science and soul of play—from its impact on brain development and emotional intelligence to how it builds lifelong connection and resilienc ... Show More
Jan 30
How to Parent When the News and World Feel Really Heavy
In this solo episode, I talk directly to parents about how to show up for our kids when the world feels heavy and unsettling—without turning the conversation into politics. I share what research tells us about stress, co-regulation, and why our kids absorb our emotional state eve ... Show More
47m 48s
Jan 23
The 7 Conversations to Have with Your Kid Before They Get a Device w/ Dr. Jean Twenge
In this episode, I’m joined by psychologist and author Dr. Jean Twenge to talk about the seven essential conversations to have with kids before they get a device. We break down what kids need to understand about privacy, posting, and why nothing online is ever truly private. We a ... Show More
42m 17s
Oct 2025
Dr. Becky: How to Stay Patient When You’re Triggered
This one’s for the parents—or anyone raising little humans. I sit down with Dr. Becky Kennedy, clinical psychologist and bestselling author of Good Inside, to unpack what’s really behind kids’ “bad behavior.” We talk about the mindset shift every parent needs, the three words tha ... Show More
50m 51s
Feb 2025
How Screens Hurt Kids’ Brains: A Conversation with Dr. Victoria Dunckley, MD (#228)
<p>In this episode, Melanie welcomes Dr. Victoria Dunckley, an integrative psychiatrist and author of <a href='https://www.amazon.com/Reset-Your-Childs-Brain-Screen-Time/dp/1608682846/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=reset+your+childs+brain&qid=1617295780&sr=8-1'><em>Rese ... Show More
50m 9s
Oct 2025
Let’s Talk Bullying With Dr. Sheryl Ziegler
<p>Few things feel more triggering than hearing that your kid is being teased or left out. If your first instinct is to “fix” the situation - text the teacher, call a parent, march up to school - you’re not alone. But as Dr. Becky and Dr. Sheryl Ziegler explain, our own wounds ca ... Show More
37m 42s
Feb 2025
How To Play For Connection - Dr. Tina Byson and Georgie Wisen-Vincent
Hunter Clarke-Fields speaks with Tina Bryson and Georgie Wisen-Vincent about their book, 'The Way of Play,' which emphasizes the importance of play in child development and mental health. They talk about various strategies for play, the significance of presence and timing, the ro ... Show More
59m 28s
Sep 2022
First Phone - Catherine Pearlman [367]
Cellphones have become a fact of life, with children as young as eight (yes, eight!) getting their very own “devices.” In this episode, I talk to Catherine Pearlman—licensed clinical social worker and parenting expert—about her book, First Phone. I love this book! In it, she spea ... Show More
52m 31s
Jun 2025
Elissa Strauss - When We Care
Many of us are in the sandwich generation, caring for kids while also caring for aging parents. Caregiving is hard work: it’s physically exhausting when kids are little, and increasingly emotionally exhausting as they get older…meanwhile, elder care can be an intense combination ... Show More
53m 49s
Oct 2024
Breaking Screen Addiction: A Teen’s Perspective on Setting Boundaries (#212)
<p>In this episode, host Melanie Hempe is joined by her son, Andrew, who shares his personal insights on screen habits and addiction. Together, they dispel the myth that setting boundaries around screen time leads to rebellion. Instead, Andrew explains how boundaries are an act o ... Show More
38m 25s
Nov 11
The Cost of Compliance for Our Kids
<p>We often think of “good” kids as those who listen and follow rules, but what if constant compliance comes with a long-term cost? Dr. Becky talks with Dr. Sunita Sah, author of <i>Defy: The Power of No in a World that Demands Yes</i>, about rethinking defiance, the downsides of ... Show More
36m 15s