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Ask Dr Jessica

217 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day ago - ★★★★★ - 139 ratings

The “Ask Dr Jessica” is hosted by board-certified pediatrician and mom of three, Dr Jessica Hochman. In this podcast, you will hear her interview experts and share practical knowledge. Dr Jessica believes that, with greater knowledge, parenting worries lessen. She also believes that the less energy we spend on worries, the more we are able to enjoy the experience of parenting. 

Parenting Kids & Family
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Episodes

Ep 133: Why we need to schedule time for fun and experiences! Part 1: Mike Rucker, PhD, Author of "The Fun Habit"

April 22, 2024 13:00 - 34 minutes - 23.7 MB

Episode 133 of Ask Dr Jessica with Mike Rucker, PhD, author of "The Fun Habit" .  The conversation explores the concept of finding joy and pleasure in everyday life,  rather than solely pursuing happiness as an end goal.  He explains why we need to prioritize scheduling time for fun activities and creating core memories.   Takeaways Finding joy and pleasure in everyday life is more sustainable and fulfilling than solely pursuing happiness as an end goal. Being present and mindful in the m...

Ep 132: A holistic approach to seasonal allergies, with integrative pediatrician Elisa Song MD

April 15, 2024 13:00 - 36 minutes - 25 MB

In this episode, Dr. Elisa Song discusses integrative medicine and its role in treating allergies.  Dr. Song emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of allergies and using a combination of conventional medicine with alternative approaches to achieve optimal results. She also provides practical tips for managing allergy symptoms, such as using nasal saline sprays and HEPA filters. Additionally, Dr. Song shares insights on mold exposure and the potential health effects of mold....

Ep 131: Practicing mindfulness in parenting, with Dr Jill Campbell, clinical psychologist

April 08, 2024 13:00 - 47 minutes - 32.3 MB

Episode 131 of Ask Dr Jessica with Dr. Jill Campbell, a licensed clinical psychologist, shares her passion for teaching mindfulness to parents. Mindful parenting involves being present, non-judgmental, and empathic in the service of self-understanding and wisdom. By practicing mindfulness, parents can regulate their emotions and respond to their children in a more conscious and compassionate way. Dr. Campbell provides practical tips for applying mindfulness in challenging parenting situation...

Ep 130: Why freedom, independence and play is important for child development, and how overprotection can be harmful. With Peter Gray, neuroscientist and psychologist

April 01, 2024 13:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MB

Dr. Peter Gray, a neuroscientist and psychologist, discusses the importance of independence, freedom, and play in children's development. He challenges the cultural delusion of overprotection and highlights the low risks children face in the world today. Dr. Gray emphasizes the benefits of challenging and risky activities for children's growth and resilience. He argues that children are naturally curious and self-directed learners, and that parents should focus on fostering their independenc...

Ep 129: Talking to children about cancer, with child life specialist & therapist Kelsey Mora

March 25, 2024 13:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MB

Ask Dr Jessica episode 128 with Kelsey Mora, a dual certified child life specialist and therapist, discusses her work in supporting children and families facing illness and grief. She shares insights on how to talk to children about cancer diagnoses, emphasizing the importance of using clear and honest language. Kelsey also introduces her book, 'The Dot Method,' which provides a comprehensive guide for children and families navigating cancer. Kelsey's work with the Pickles Group, a nonprofit...

Ep 128: Your child's sleep: how to get more of it? with Katie Pitts, Founder & CEO of Sleep Wise Consulting

March 18, 2024 13:00 - 40 minutes - 27.9 MB

Do you struggle with sleep and your kids? Do you feel like you and your children would benefit from more rest? Katie Pitts, founder of Sleepwise Consulting, shares her journey into sleep consulting and her philosophy on sleep training.  Katie reviews common issues that arise with children's sleep, and she  provides valuable insights and tips. She also dispels common misconceptions about sleep training and highlights the significance of sleep for overall health.  Katie L Pitts, MS, MA, CSSC...

Ep 127: Headed to college? Here's what you need to know. With Jennifer Tabbush, college counselor

March 11, 2024 13:00 - 41 minutes - 28.7 MB

Jennifer Tabbush shares her insights and advice on the college application process to help guide students find the best "fit" for their educational needs.  Jennifer founded Headed For College to help families in need of expert educational consulting, college and graduate school counseling, and academic planning.  In this podcast episode, Jennifer discusses many of the questions parents think about as their kids prepare for college. How does a child find the right fit for them? How can colleg...

Ep 126: How to treat pain in children? w/ Drs Lonnie and Paul Zeltzer, pioneers in the field of pediatric pain treatment

March 04, 2024 14:00 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MB

Drs. Lonnie and Paul Zeltzer are are pioneers in the field of pediatric pain treatment.  We discuss many different ways to treat pain--including alternative, non-pharmacological approaches to pain management, including sleep hygiene, breathing techniques, hypnotherapy, placebo and mindfulness. They also  explain when medications such as opioids may help helpful.  Additionally the role for herbs, topical anesthetics  and more!  Dr Lonnie Zeltzer and Dr Paul Zeltzer are pioneers in the field ...

Ep 125: Bladder and bowel issues? Consider constipation! The perspective of a pediatric urologist, Dr Steve Hodges

February 26, 2024 14:00 - 44 minutes - 30.4 MB

Ask Dr Jessica is joined by Dr. Steve Hodges, a pediatric urologist, discusses the connection between constipation and urinary issues in children. He explains that constipation is often the root cause of bladder and bowel problems, including urinary tract infections and bedwetting.   This conversation explores the topic of constipation in children and its relationship to accidents, particularly bedwetting.  Dr Hodges also provides  information on where to find more resources and treatment op...

Ep 124: Divorce and Children, with Christina McGhee

February 19, 2024 14:00 - 31 minutes - 22 MB

Ask Dr Jessica episode 124 with Christina McGhee, an expert in divorce and co-parenting. We discuss various aspects of divorce and its impact on children, as well as strategies for effective co-parenting.  Christina also provides advice on avoiding common mistakes, seeking support, and keeping children out of the middle of conflicts. She offers resources and guidance for parents going through divorce. Takeaways Plan and prepare before talking to children about divorce, considering the timi...

Ep 123: How can minimalist principles help with parenting? With Diane Boden, host of The Minimalist Mom podcast

February 12, 2024 14:00 - 40 minutes - 27.6 MB

In this conversation, Jessica interviews Diane Boden, host of the Minimalist Mom podcast.   Diane talks about the challenges of living with less in a world focused on consumerism and the importance of being intentional with possessions. Diane provides practical tips for decluttering books and toys, and overall the conversation highlights the benefits of minimalism and Diane Boden discusses strategies for decluttering and organizing kids' toys and sentimental items. She emphasizes the importa...

Ep 123: How can using minimalist principles improve the parenting experience? With Diane Boden, host of The Minimalist Mom podcast

February 12, 2024 14:00 - 40 minutes - 27.6 MB

In this conversation, Jessica interviews Diane Boden, host of the Minimalist Mom podcast.   Diane talks about the challenges of living with less in a world focused on consumerism and the importance of being intentional with possessions. Diane provides practical tips for decluttering books and toys, and overall the conversation highlights the benefits of minimalism and Diane Boden discusses strategies for decluttering and organizing kids' toys and sentimental items. She emphasizes the importa...

Ep: 122 How to talk about sex & puberty with your teen? with Dolly Klock MD founder of Adolessons!

February 05, 2024 14:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MB

Dr. Dolly Klock, a family medicine physician and founder of Adolessons, discusses the importance of open conversations about sex and puberty with children and adolescents. Dr. Klock provides guidance on starting conversations at different ages and addresses the challenges of talking to shy or reluctant children. She also highlights the prevalence of pornography exposure among children and the importance of discussing it with them. Dr. Klock offers various services, including parent coaching,...

Ep 121: “Mommy brain”! what it is and how to offer support, with Jodi Pawlusky, neuroscientist and psychologist

January 29, 2024 14:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MB

Episode 121 of Ask Dr Jessica with Jodi Pawluski, a neuroscientist and psychologist, discusses how we can support mothers throughout pregnancy and in the postpartum period.  She explains the concept of the 'mommy brain', and how the brain adapts to the demands of motherhood. Jodi emphasizes the importance of understanding the normal range of emotions during pregnancy and postpartum. She also discusses the importance of sleep and self-care, nutrition, movement and exercise, social interaction...

Ep 121: “Mommy brain”! what it is and how to offer support, with Jodi Pawluski, neuroscientist and psychologist

January 29, 2024 14:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MB

Episode 121 of Ask Dr Jessica with Jodi Pawluski, a neuroscientist and psychologist, discusses how we can support mothers throughout pregnancy and in the postpartum period.  She explains the concept of the 'mommy brain', and how the brain adapts to the demands of motherhood. Jodi emphasizes the importance of understanding the normal range of emotions during pregnancy and postpartum. She also discusses the importance of sleep and self-care, nutrition, movement and exercise, social interaction...

Ep 120: How to make parenting around food feel less hard, with Dr Sheila Carroll, Pediatrician and Obesity Medicine Physician

January 22, 2024 14:00 - 48 minutes - 33.4 MB

Dr. Sheila Carroll, a board-certified pediatrician and certified life coach, discusses her transition from clinical medicine to helping parents and families navigate childhood obesity and promote healthy lifestyles. She emphasizes the importance of understanding emotional eating and finding natural pleasures as alternatives to unhealthy food choices. Dr. Carroll also provides practical advice on creating healthy shopping lists, reading food labels, and avoiding added sugars. She encourages p...

Ep 119: How to strive for greatness in parenting! with Saul Blinkoff, "Life of Awesome" podcast host

January 15, 2024 14:00 - 45 minutes - 31.4 MB

Ask Dr Jessica epiosde 119. In this conversation, Disney animator, motivational speaker and "Life of Awesome" podcast host, Saul Blinkoff shares his insights on raising children and helping them pursue their dreams. He emphasizes the importance of discovering one's unique purpose and stepping out of the comfort zone to achieve personal growth. Saul also highlights the significance of supporting children's dreams and providing them with the belief and encouragement they need. He discusses the...

Ep 119: How to strive for greatness in parenting! with Saul Blinkoff

January 15, 2024 14:00 - 45 minutes - 31.4 MB

Ask Dr Jessica epiosde 119. In this conversation, Disney animator, motivational speaker and "Life of Awesome" podcast host, Saul Blinkoff shares his insights on raising children and helping them pursue their dreams. He emphasizes the importance of discovering one's unique purpose and stepping out of the comfort zone to achieve personal growth. Saul also highlights the significance of supporting children's dreams and providing them with the belief and encouragement they need. He discusses the...

Ep 118: How to help our children form a healthy relationship with food? With Charlene Lichtash, MD Obesity specialist

January 08, 2024 14:00 - 36 minutes - 25 MB

Happy New Year! To bring in the new year, this weeks Ask Dr Jessica talks to Dr. Charlene Lichtash, a board-certified internal medicine resident who specializes in obesity medicine and metabolic health, discusses strategies for raising children with a healthy relationship with food.  Dr. Lichtash advises parents to teach their children to differentiate between whole and processed foods and to focus on replacing rather than restricting foods.  She emphasizes the importance of understanding th...

Ep 117: How to reduce fear and anxiety around vaccines? with Jody Thomas, CEO of Meg Foundation for pain

December 18, 2023 14:00 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MB

Jody Thomas, a clinical health psychologist and CEO of the Meg Foundation for pain, discusses strategies  to reduce fear and anxiety around needles in children.  Many children are affected by anxiety around vaccinations, and the Meg Foundation offers support to families to help.  She provides practical advice for parents to prepare their children for vaccinations, including creating a plan, using positive language, and considering other techniques such as utilizing numbing cream and vibratio...

Ep 116: Nourished, Connection, Food and Caring for our kids, w/ Dr Deborah MacNamara

December 11, 2023 14:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MB

On this episode of Ask Dr Jessica, Deborah MacNamara discusses her new book 'Nourished' Connection Food and Caring for our Kids.  She explores the challenges of picky eating and the evolutionary perspective on food preferences. She provides practical tips for parents of picky eaters and highlights the significance of creating a positive mealtime environment. MacNamara also addresses nutritional concerns and the importance of trusting the process. She discusses the connection between food and...

Ep 115: When do kids see a plastic surgeon? w/ Andrew Cohen MD

December 04, 2023 14:00 - 23 minutes - 16.1 MB

Episode 115 of Ask Dr Jessica, Dr Andrew Cohen, a board certified plastic surgeon practicing in the valley of Southern California discusses the overlap between pediatrics and plastic surgery. He explains what a plastic surgeon is and the history of plastic surgery. Dr. Cohen also shares the procedures he performs, including breast reductions for teenagers and gynecomastia surgery for boys. He provides advice on when to refer patients to a plastic surgeon for lacerations and the timing of clo...

Ep 114: Grow Wild--how to get our kids to move more outside! Katy Bowman

November 27, 2023 14:00 - 43 minutes - 30.3 MB

Katy Bowman is a biomechanist, best selling author of 10 books, a movement educator, and you may have heard of her amazing podcast—  Move your DNA—which talks about how we can all add more movement to our lives.  Today we are going to talk about her latest book —Grow Wild, which is an inspirational guide to getting kids to move more outside.   Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. ...

Ep 113: How should parents handle "unwanted behaviors"--like anger, lying and swearing? with Dr Siggie Cohen

November 20, 2023 14:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MB

Episode 113 of Ask Dr Jessica is part 2 with Dr Siggie--and on this episode we talk about unwanted behaviors--like anger, lying and use of swear words--and how parents should approach children with these behaviors.  Dr Siggie is a mom of three and child developmental specialist with over 35 years experience.  She has also become an instagram sensation (with over 1 million followers) because of her calm, purposeful and helpful parenting advice. She gives parents direct instruction and advice...

Ep 112: Sibling rivalry, advice for parents! with Dr Siggie!

November 13, 2023 14:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MB

On this weeks episode of Ask Dr Jessica, we are excited to welcome back Dr Siggie Cohen! We discuss sibling rivalry and how parents should approach sibling conflict.  Dr Siggie is a mom of three and child developmental specialist with over 35 years experience.  She has also become an instagram sensation (with over 1 million followers) because of her calm, purposeful and helpful parenting advice. She gives parents direct instruction and advice to help increase connection between parents and ...

Ep 111: How to teach our kids to read? with Ruth Rothfeld-Hochman

November 06, 2023 14:00 - 26 minutes - 17.9 MB

In this weeks episode of Ask Dr Jessica, speech therapist Ruth Rothfeld-Hochman explains best practices to teach reading to our children.  We know that confidence with reading is a very important skill, that helps in many aspects of life, but how do we best support our children?   Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pedi...

Ep 110: Insects and Animals bites--how to prevent and treat! Part 2: with David Epstein MD FAAP

October 30, 2023 13:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MB

This weeks episode of Ask Dr Jessica is part 2 with Dr David Epstein, a practicing board-certified pediatrician and pediatric critical care physician. In this episode we will discuss bites--how to avoid them and how to treat them!  We talk about bee stings, insect bites, cat bites, dog bites and even human bites!  Please follow Dr Epstein on instagram @davidepsteinmd.  He also has a podcast called "Dr Dave's Pediatric Pearl's Podcast".  Also, check out his website! Dr Jessica Hochman is a...

Ep 109: How to avoid and treat common pediatric injuries? Part 1: with David Epstein, MD, MS FAAP

October 23, 2023 13:00 - 39 minutes - 26.9 MB

This weeks episode of Ask Dr Jessica with Dr David Epstein, a practicing board-certified pediatrician and pediatric critical care physician. In this episode we will hear  Dr Epstein's thoughts about common injuries in children that Dr Epstein sees while working in an urgent care--including how to treat and how to avoid common pediatric injuries.  We discuss topics like basic wound care , avoiding ingestions, and best practices to avoid drownings.  This part 1 of a 2 part interview. Please f...

Ep 108: Chaos to connected--Helping parents navigate challenging behavior with connection, with Kaili Zeiher

October 16, 2023 13:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MB

Episode 108 of Ask Dr Jessica with Kaili Zeiher.  Kaili is a pediatric occupational therapist and mom of three, and she hosts a podcast called "Chaos to connected".  Kaili started her podcast because she was struggling with her son's behavior, and she found  using traditional discipline, with consequences, bribes and punishment just wasn't effective.  She uses a  parenting technique, called "Hand in Hand parenting", which focuses on helping our kids behavior improve through connection .   If...

Episode 107: Slumberkins: Using play to support your child's emotional growth ! with Kelly & Callie, creators of Slumberkins

October 09, 2023 13:00 - 26 minutes - 18.1 MB

Ask Dr Jessica Episode 107 with educator  Callie Christensen and therapist Kelly Oriard.   They are the  co-CEOs and co-Founders of Slumberkins,  which are essentially characters in the form of a stuffed animal that come with a themed book, bringing these characters to life.  Slumberkins will make more sense as you hear the interview--but  essentially Slumberkins are designed to help kids navigate through different emotions, all with the goal to help promote healthy, positive emotional devel...

Ep 107: Slumberkins: Using play to support your child's emotional growth ! with Kelly & Callie, creators of Slumberkins

October 09, 2023 13:00 - 26 minutes - 18.1 MB

Ask Dr Jessica Episode 107 with educator  Callie Christensen and therapist Kelly Oriard.   They are the  co-CEOs and co-Founders of Slumberkins,  which are essentially characters in the form of a stuffed animal that come with a themed book, bringing these characters to life.  Slumberkins will make more sense as you hear the interview--but  essentially Slumberkins are designed to help kids navigate through different emotions, all with the goal to help promote healthy, positive emotional devel...

Ep 106: A new RSV shot for kids--should your child get it? with Michael Hochman MD, MPH

October 02, 2023 13:00 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MB

Today’s episode features Dr Michael Hochman,to discuss the newly approved FDA product to prevent RSV in children, Nirsevimab (sold under the brand name Beyfortus). Recently there have been two RSV vaccines approved for adults—one for individuals over 60 years old, and one for use in pregnancy to prevent RSV in infants.  On today’s podcast, the conversation will focus on  Nirsevimab, a shot that has been approved by the FDA for all babies up to 8 months old and  a second shot for infants up t...

Ep 105: Scoliosis in children--an overview! With Michael Heffernan MD, pediatric spine surgeon,

September 25, 2023 13:00 - 37 minutes - 26 MB

On today's episode of Ask Dr Jessica, we discuss the topic of scoliosis.   Today's guest is Dr Michael Heffernan, pediatric spine surgeon who works at Children's hospital of Los Angeles. In this episode we talk about everything you've ever wondered about scoliosis--like, what is scoliosis exactly? is it preventable? if a child is diagnosed with scoliosis, what can be done about it?   If a child has scoliosis, will it lead to back pain? When is bracing indicated? If a child is recommended to ...

Ep 104: The Explosive Child w/ Kim Hopkins LCSW

September 18, 2023 13:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MB

Are you a parent who too often struggles with your child's behavior? Are you looking for guidance? On today’s podcast we will review a book called “The Explosive Child” by Dr Ross Greene, to help parents with children who tend to be easily frustrated and inflexible.  This book gives an optimistic perspective on behaviorally challenging children, and it also offers a valuable, step by step approach, which they call "CPS", to help parents. Today's podcast is joined by licensed clinical social...

Ep 103 How to form secure attachments with our children? with Dr Sarah Bren

September 11, 2023 13:00 - 51 minutes - 35.4 MB

Episode 103 of Ask Dr Jessica features Dr Sarah Bren, who hosts the podcast "Securely Attached".  In this episode, we talk about what a secure attachment is exactly, and why it's important for a child's development.  As parents, we want our kids to feel safe, trusting and close to us--but how do we ensure we are doing this?  Dr Bren reviews the key factors to help kids securely attach, and she also discusses ways to help repair insecure attachment. To learn more from Dr Sarah Bren, check ou...

Ep 102: Fainting (Syncope)-- when to worry? w/ Electrophysiologist & Pediatric Cardiologist Dr Silka, MD

September 02, 2023 04:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MB

Episode 102 of Ask Dr Jessica with Dr Michael Silka MD, electrophysiologist and pediatric cardiologist.  On this episode we discuss fainting! (also known as syncope).  We talk about reassuring signs of fainting (often known as vasovagal syncope) and how to distinguish it from times when losing consciousness may be more concerning (for example, how to know when it's cardiac (the heart)?   Dr. Silka is an innovator in the fields of pediatric cardiology and electrophysiology and has pioneered ...

Fainting (Syncope)--when is it normal and when to worry? w/ Electrophysiologist & Pediatric Cardiologist Dr Silka, MD

September 02, 2023 04:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MB

Episode 102 of Ask Dr Jessica with Dr Michael Silka MD, electrophysiologist and pediatric cardiologist.  On this episode we discuss fainting! (also known as syncope).  We talk about reassuring signs of fainting (often known as vasovagal syncope) and how to distinguish it from times when losing consciousness may be more concerning (for example, how to know when it's cardiac (the heart)?   Dr. Silka is an innovator in the fields of pediatric cardiology and electrophysiology and has pioneered ...

Ep 101: When is a gluten-free diet helpful? with Harry Cynamon MD, pediatric gastroenterologist

August 28, 2023 13:00 - 37 minutes - 25.5 MB

Episode 101 of Ask Dr Jessica welcomes Dr Harry Cynamon to talk about when a gluten-free lifestyle is recommended--so many people are preferring gluten free menu items, but is it really helpful?  For example, eating "gluten-free" is the treatment for a condition called celiac disease.  In this conversation,  Dr Cynamon explains what celiac disease is, what the symptoms are, and how it is diagnosed & treated.  We also talk about in what situations eating gluten free appears to be more "trendy...

When is a gluten-free recommended? With pediatric gastroenterologist & celiac specialist, Harry Cynamon, MD

August 28, 2023 13:00 - 37 minutes - 25.5 MB

Episode 101 of Ask Dr Jessica welcomes Dr Harry Cynamon to talk about when a gluten-free lifestyle is recommended--so many people are preferring gluten free menu items, but is it really helpful?  For example, eating "gluten-free" is the treatment for a condition called celiac disease.  In this conversation,  Dr Cynamon explains what celiac disease is, what the symptoms are, and how it is diagnosed & treated.  We also talk about in what situations eating gluten free appears to be more "trendy...

Screen addiction and what we can to do to prevent this, with Dr Nicholas Kardaras

August 21, 2023 13:00 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MB

Episode 100!! This is a special episode---a treat and an honor to have guest Dr Nicholas Kardaras to discuss screen addiction and children.  Dr. Nicholas Kardaras is an Ivy-League educated psychologist, an internationally renowned speaker, and one of the country’s foremost addiction experts.  He is the CEO and Chief Clinical Officer of Maui Recovery in Hawaii and Omega Recovery in Austin, Texas. A former Clinical Professor at Stony Brook Medicine in NY where he specialized in teaching the n...

Autism--an overview! With Dr Taryn Liu, pediatric neurologist.

August 14, 2023 13:00 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MB

Episode 99 of Ask Dr Jessica with Dr Taryn Liu, discussing autism.  Dr Liu is a dedicated pediatric neurologist who specializes neuro developmental disabilities in children, and she primarily treats children with autism.   In this podcast, you will hear Dr Liu share her compassion and insights into autism spectrum disorder.  She demystifies common misconceptions, and also explains the social and emotional challenges.  Additionally, she highlights early signs in children, like joint attention...

How to keep our eyes and vision healthy? with Dr Bryce Applebaum, OD, FCOVD

August 07, 2023 13:00 - 37 minutes - 26 MB

Dr. Bryce Appelbaum is an optometrist  who is a pioneer in the field of neuro-optometry and he is passionate about helping people reach their maximum vision potential.  He has found that vision is much more than 20/20 vision and often times visual issues get undetected.    Today we talk about how when children are experiencing behavioral issues and frustration in school, it is important to consider visual issues as a cause.   In this episode, you’ll hear Dr Applebaum also talk about the exci...

Let them Play! The Benefits of Free Range Kids, with author Pam Lobley

July 31, 2023 13:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MB

This weeks Ask Dr Jessica conversation features Pam Lobley, author of   "Why Can't We Just Play". The podcast discusses her book and her experience as a writer and parent. Her book revolves around the idea of giving her children a summer without any scheduled activities to allow them more time for unstructured play and exploration, embracing a more relaxed approach to childhood. She discusses the positive impact this decision had on her family and her own life. The conversation highlights t...

Preventing child sexual abuse: with Feather Berkower LCSW

July 24, 2023 13:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MB

On this episode of  Ask Dr Jessica we talk to Feather Berkower, LCSW Feather Berkower, LCSW, is one of the nation's leading experts in children sexual assault prevention.  She dedicated her career--which now spans over three decades-- to helping educate parents and educators to protect  children from child sexual assault. Using her community-based approach, she has trained over 150,000 school children, parents, and youth professionals across the United States. One of parents greatest fears ...

Updates in Inflammatory Bowel Disease with Dr Mel Heyman, director of UCSF Pediatric IBD program

July 17, 2023 13:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MB

On this weeks episode of Ask Dr Jessica, Dr Mel Heyman a pediatric gastroenterologist joins to discuss  inflammatory bowel disease or IBD—which refers to two conditions: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.  And while IBD is relatively uncommon, it does affects over 1% of the US population. And so in this episode —not only does Dr Heyman  give an overview of IBD — he also explains the treatment options- of which there have been many exciting advancements. Dr. Mel Heyman directs the UCSF ...

The psychology of twins: Dr Joan Friedman, twin expert, psychologist and author

July 10, 2023 13:00 - 38 minutes - 26.8 MB

Episode 94 of Ask Dr Jessica with Dr Joan Friedman, twin expert.  Twins face unique  challenges, and Dr. Friedman has made it her career to help the parents of twins.  On this episode, Dr Friedman  shares her views and insights about the emotional needs of twins and gives advice to families.  She herself is an identical twin and the mother of five, including fraternal twin sons.    To learn more about Dr Friedman, you can follow her on instagram @ dr.joanfriedmantwinexpert, check out her we...

How can parents help children with learning differences? Dr Victoria Waller

July 03, 2023 13:00 - 18 minutes - 12.6 MB

This week, Dr Jessica Hochman talks to Dr Victoria Waller, author of "Yes! Your Child Can: Creating Success for Children with Learning Differences".   Dr Waller has been a reading specialist and educational therapist for over 40 years and is passionate about helping children who have learning differences succeed.  Her book offers parents a can-do, step-by-step approach to help parents  navigate testing,  considerations of starting a medication and choosing a team to help support your child. ...

How to talk to children about grief? Randi Wolfson, Grief Educator

June 26, 2023 13:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MB

Episode 92 of Ask Dr Jessica discusses the topic of grief.  Randi Wolfson has been a grief educator and writer for 20 years, and she is passionate about helping grievers.  Experiencing loss is an unfortunate reality of life— and parents are often unsure how to talk about death with their children.   On today's podcast, Randi and Dr Jessica Hochman discuss grief—and Randi provides insight into how to best broach the subject with children.   To learn more from Randi, please check out her Faceb...

The Puberty Podcast! Puberty 101 with Cara Natterson MD and Vanessa Kroll Bennett

June 19, 2023 13:00 - 42 minutes - 29.3 MB

This weeks's episode of Ask Dr Jessica is joined by the hosts of The Puberty Podcast, Dr Cara Natterson and Vanessa Kroll Bennett.  In this episode we talk about all things relating to puberty! Often I find that talking about puberty can be awkward, but Dr Cara and Vanessa are so knowledgeable, funny, and honest--that they are paving the way to show us that these conversations don't have to be awkward.  They offer great advice and tips --especially helpful to anyone who has tweens or teens. ...

Anemia, blood clots, nose bleeds, bruises and more! Gavin Roach MD , pediatric hematologist.

June 12, 2023 13:00 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MB

This weeks episode of Ask Dr Jessica is joined by a pediatric hematologist, Dr Gavin Roach.  Hematologist are doctors that specialize in disorders of the blood.  In this episode, Dr Roach explains what are the most common reasons why people visit a hematologist.  We discuss iron deficiency anemia @4:53 (signs to look for and how to treat), blood clots @24:49 (signs to look for and how to manage), bruises  @33:13 (what bruising is normal and when to think about seeing a hematologist) and blee...