The ‘Smartphone-free Childhood’ movement has alerted many of us to the dangers inherent in our – and our kids’ – use of devices. But while we can shield children from technology in their early years, withdrawing from the online world is not an option for most of us in adult life. So how do we ensure that we – and our children when they grow up – develop a he ... Show More
Oct 4
The Thick of It: 20 Years On, with Armando Iannucci, Peter Capaldi, Chris Addison and Rebecca Front (Part Two)
Malcolm Tucker. Pet ASBOs. A law requiring everyone in Britain to carry around a plastic bag. It’s been twenty years since Armando Iannucci‘s The Thick of It first brought the chaos and drama of the fictitious ‘Department of Social Affairs and Citizenship’ into our lives. First a ... Show More
38m 25s
Oct 2024
Breaking Screen Addiction: A Teen’s Perspective on Setting Boundaries (#212)
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 of l ... Show More
38m 25s
Feb 2025
Brain Rot: Reclaim Your Focus in the Digital Age
In this enlightening episode of English Plus Podcast, we dive into the phenomenon of brain rot—the subtle erosion of our ability to focus and think deeply in today’s digital age. We explore how constant notifications, endless scrolling, and rapid-fire information are transforming ... Show More
12m 10s
Sep 9
How To Stay In Control! Even When Conversations Turn Emotional
When someone gets emotional in conversation, it can be tough to know how to respond. In this episode, I share how to keep your cool without shutting them down or losing yourself in the moment. You’ll learn how to recognize your own physical reactions, ground yourself with simple ... Show More
22m 18s
Sep 10
Make Oversharing Your Superpower with Tefi Pessoa
What happens when two professional oversharers get together? Pure magic... and a little chaos. JVN is joined by the incomparable Tefi Pessoa — culture commentator, internet big sister, and now host of her brand-new podcast Tefi Talks. Come for the tea, stay for the wisdom, and le ... Show More
53m 2s
Apr 2025
The 3 Parenting Skills That Shape Future Communicators
If you're a parent, there’s nothing more important than teaching your kids how to communicate — how to handle a "no," how to disagree without disrespect, and how to show kindness even when it’s hard. That’s what this episode is all about. I’m sharing a few key lessons from my own ... Show More
20m 4s
Feb 2025
How Screens Hurt Kids’ Brains: A Conversation with Dr. Victoria Dunckley, MD (#228)
In this episode, Melanie welcomes Dr. Victoria Dunckley, an integrative psychiatrist and author of Reset Your Child’s Brain: A Four-Week Plan to End Meltdowns, Raise Grades, and Boost Social Skills by Reversing the Effects of Electronic Screen Time. This conversation, taken from ... Show More
50m 9s
Jul 2024
Neuroscience Hacks to STOP Doom Scrolling & Optimize Your Life w/ Nicole Vignola
Today I’m joined by neuroscientist, corporate consultant, author & speaker, Nicole Vignola. In this episode Nicole shares a laundry list of neuroscience hacks to best support your mental health, manage stress, and reach peak mental performance. Tune in to start re-wiring your bra ... Show More
53m 7s