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Brainy Moms

130 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★★ - 31 ratings

Brainy Moms is a psychology and parenting podcast with smart ideas to help moms and kids thrive! Hosted by cognitive psychologist (and mom of 3) Dr. Amy Moore along with rotating co-hosts Dr. Jody Jedlicka, Teri Miller, and Sandy Zamalis, this weekly show features conversations and guest experts in parenting, psychology, child development, and education with practical tips to help moms navigate the ups and downs of parenthood.

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Episodes

Attention: what it is, why it matters, what to do about it with Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis

March 25, 2024 16:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MB

On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and board-certified cognitive specialist Sandy Zamalis delve into the topic of attention. Tune in to learn about the three primary types of attention, things parents can do at home to improve their child’s brain function, and different ways that ADHD is often addressed in the classroom. You’ll also hear about the findings of studies on cognitive skills, including the fact that attention isn’t actually the weakes...

Childhood Trauma and Resilience with guest Dr. Marc Hauser

March 14, 2024 18:00 - 1 hour - 46.8 MB

Have you ever wondered why some people are more resilient to childhood trauma? Or why the same adverse experiences can impact children and teens differently depending on where they live, how they were raised, or even how they perceive the experience? On this episode, Dr. Amy and Sandy are joined by Dr. Marc Hauser, a scientist with more than 300 published papers and seven books who has worked with at-risk children to help recover from their experiences and boost resilience. Sharing both scie...

The 411 on Cognitive Skills: What They Are, How They’re Trained, and How Strong Skills Make Learning Easier with Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis

March 08, 2024 21:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MB

On this episode, Dr. Amy and Sandy dig into cognitive skills. Learn what they are, how each of the major brain skills contributes to learning, and why someone—whether a child, teen, adult, or senior—might struggle if even one skill is holding them back from their full learning potential. Tune in to hear a sample demonstration from cognitive skills training and find out why accommodations and tutoring may not be helping your student, as well as which type of intervention might best address th...

Empowering Teen Girls: An Insider Shares What She’s Learned from Young Women with guest Chelsey Goodan

March 01, 2024 02:00 - 53 minutes - 36.7 MB

Join Dr. Amy and Sandy for this insightful episode of the Brainy Moms podcast as activist and author Chelsey Goodan shares what she’s learned from years of mentoring teen girls. Based on conversations that laid the foundation for her new book, “UNDERESTIMATED: The Wisdom and Power of Teenage Girls,” this episode delves into the challenges, feelings, and wisdom of young women. From social media and unrealistic beauty standards to the end of “mean girls” and what they actually want from their ...

The Ages & Stages of Anxious Kids: A Guide for Parents with guest Dr. Regine Galanti

February 15, 2024 17:00 - 53 minutes - 37 MB

Whether you’re parenting a 19-year-old or a preschooler, there’s a lot to be understood about anxiety at different ages and developmental stages. Author and clinical psychologist Dr. Regine Galanti joined Dr. Amy and Sandy for this episode about the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors associated with anxiety, why kids and teens are experiencing it, and what parents can do to help. She also explains what parents often do to make anxiety worse for their kids or teens and how to support our kids ...

Calm Your Anxiety with Food: Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection with Dr. Uma Nadoo

February 01, 2024 16:00 - 45 minutes - 31.5 MB

On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, Dr. Amy and Dr. Jody welcome Dr. Uma Naidoo, author of the international bestseller, “This Is Your Brain on Food” and the new book, “Calm Your Mind with Food: A Revolutionary Guide to Controlling Your Anxiety.” Tune in to learn more about how (and why!) what you eat affects your brain—including mood, energy, and cognition—with practical advice on how to make small changes for yourself or your family. From turmeric and omega-3s to the effects of dai...

Managing Your Mind and Energy with Systems to Organize Your Life with guest Leah Remillet

January 18, 2024 17:00 - 57 minutes - 39.8 MB

On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, balance strategist Leah Remillet returns to share more tips on how to organize the “busy” of your life in ways that help you manage your energy and your mind. From setting timers with messages to remind you about tending to relationships to scheduling time for joy and fun, her advice is about regaining control of your time in ways that feel healthy. If you’re constantly telling yourself that there “just aren’t enough hours in the day” to get it all...

Understanding Body Dysmorphic Disorder with guest Dr. Katharine Phillips

January 04, 2024 16:00 - 54 minutes - 37.7 MB

On this episode, Dr. Amy and Teri welcome Dr. Katharine Phillips, one of the leading experts on body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), to discuss what it is, how it manifests in terms of symptoms, and how it’s treated. Dr. Phillips explains what “red flags” parents might see, the causes of BDD, and how to talk to your kids or teens if you have concerns. She also shares the difference between anorexia and BDD, two different disorders, and why BDD has nothing to do with vanity. Tune into this podcast...

The Sex Talk: Tips for Discussing Sex, Intimacy, and Consent With Your Kids with guest, Clint Davis, MS, LPC

December 14, 2023 16:00 - 1 hour - 51.5 MB

On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, Dr. Amy and Teri welcome back trauma therapist Clint Davis for the third time. He’s appeared on two previous seasons of the podcast to discuss things like pornography and the dangers of social media for kids. Today, he joined us to discuss the topic of talking to your kids about sex and shares some wonderful insights from his new book, “Building Better Bridges: A Guide to Having Difficult Conversations that Can Save Our Children.”   About Clint D...

Raising Resilient Teens in an Era of Anxiety with guest Erica Komisar, LCSW

November 30, 2023 18:00 - 46 minutes - 31.9 MB

If you’re a parent of tweens or teens, you’ve probably wondered about the difference between “typical” teen angst—that is, normal worries, fears, and struggles associated with adolescence—and when there’s a deeper issue that might require talk therapy (or possibly, medication). Today, psychoanalyst and clinical social worker Erica Komisar joins us to share her experience and knowledge from more than 30 years in private practice. Hear what she has to say about identifying teens’ challenges an...

Help Your Teen Feel Connected, Competent, and Confident with guest Dr. Melanie McNally

November 16, 2023 19:00 - 54 minutes - 37.2 MB

If your teen is struggling with “big emotions” like anxiety, anger, frustration, or a lack of direction, we encourage you to listen this podcast episode where Dr. Amy and Dr. Jody interview licensed clinical psychologist and life coach Dr. Melanie McNally. We got some great take-aways about everything from self-awareness and awareness of others to self-regulation and setting goals and the role that parents can play in supporting their teen without grabbing the reins entirely. Don’t miss this...

Should We Let Our Kids Quit? Making Decisions Through The Lens of Your Family’s Values: A Mini-Episode with Dr. Amy and Dr. Jody

November 09, 2023 19:00 - 7 minutes - 4.94 MB

On this mini-episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast, Dr. Amy Moore and Dr. Jody Jedlicka discuss their feelings on whether it’s ok to let your kid quit an activity (such as sports or music lessons). Weighing the pros and cons of things like keeping your commitments vs. supporting your child or teen if they feel overwhelming anxiety or dread related to the activity, our co-hosts engage in an honest discussion about the tough choices parents need to make, and how these decisions can be supported b...

Unravel the Complexities of Women’s Hormone Health with guest Dr. Mariza Snyder

November 02, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 36.8 MB

On this episode of The Brainy Moms podcast, functional practitioner and women’s hormone expert Dr. Mariza Snyder joins Dr. Amy and Sandy to share a wealth of information on everything from perimenopause and metabolic health to delivery systems for bioidentical hormones. If you're trying to better understand why you’re gaining weight, tired, getting migraines, or having changes to your period, you won’t want to miss this incredibly informative episode! In fact, we learned so much from Dr. Mar...

Unravel the complexities of women’s hormone health with guest Dr. Mariza Snyder

November 02, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 36.8 MB

On this episode of The Brainy Moms podcast, functional practitioner and women’s hormone expert Dr. Mariza Snyder joins Dr. Amy and Sandy to share a wealth of information on everything from perimenopause and metabolic health to delivery systems for bioidentical hormones. If you're trying to better understand why you’re gaining weight, tired, getting migraines, or having changes to your period, you won’t want to miss this incredibly informative episode! In fact, we learned so much from Dr. Mar...

The Mother Load: Finding Balance When Your Life Feels Off-Kilter with guest Leah Remillet

October 19, 2023 14:00 - 1 hour - 41.8 MB

On this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast,  Dr. Amy and Sandy talk with Leah Remillet, a balance strategist who helps women do less, but better. Join us to hear Leah’s suggestions around everything from scheduling joy and learning to say “no” to setting up systems in every part of your life. This high-energy and entertaining episode opens with Leah sharing her own story of how burnout led her to restructuring everything to prioritize her physical and mental health and how she came out the o...

Nurturing Boys: Holistic Parenting to Raise Loving, Well-Rounded Sons with Dr. Shelly Flais

October 05, 2023 22:00 - 56 minutes - 38.7 MB

Are you tired of hearing people say, “Man up!” or “Boys will be boys” around your son? Or perhaps you’ve seen boys discouraged from liking the color pink, learning to cook meals, or expressing feelings of sadness or disappointment. If you’re ready to break generational stereotypes and raise well-rounded boys who will grow up to be well-rounded men, you won’t want to miss this episode. Dr. Amy and Sandy are joined by guest Dr. Shelly Flais, author of “Nurturing Boys to Be Better Men: Gender E...

Help Your Teen Value Better (and More!) Sleep

September 28, 2023 16:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MB

On this mini-episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, Dr. Amy Moore talks with cohosts Teri Miller and Sandy Zamalis about a listener’s question regarding how to help your teens value better sleep. CONNECT WITH US Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: [email protected] Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Dr. Amy's website: www.AmyMoorePhD.com Sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com

Autonomy-Supportive Parenting: Reduce Stress & Raise Competent, Confident Children with guest Dr. Emily Edlynn

September 21, 2023 16:00 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MB

On this episode, Dr. Amy and Teri are joined by Dr. Emily Edlynn to discuss concepts from her book, “Autonomy-Supportive Parenting; Reduce Parenting Burnout & Raise Competent, Confident Children.” If you’re burned out on doing everything for your kids, confused about punishment vs consequences, or can’t stand the thought of opening Infinite Campus one more time this semester, we encourage you to listen to Dr. Edlynn’s insights! From our three basic human needs of autonomy, competence, and re...

Teri’s Son Just Got Married!

September 14, 2023 06:00 - 9 minutes - 6.31 MB

Today we have a special announcement from one of our regular Brainy Mom co-hosts, Teri Miller. She joined host Dr. Amy Moore and fellow co-host Sandy Zamalis to share some big news about her family and we made sure the cameras were rolling to capture this special moment among friends for our regular listeners who have come to know our podcast hosts.  CONNECT WITH US Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: [email protected] Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Dr. Amy's website: www.AmyMoor...

Nurturing Girls: Communicating with Tween and Teen Daughters with guest Dr. Kimberly Palmiotto

September 07, 2023 16:00 - 52 minutes - 36.3 MB

If you’re raising a girl (or FOUR, like this episode’s guest, Dr. Kimberly Palmiotto), we encourage you to listen to our discussion about navigating adolescence. From challenging family rules and navigating life on social media to developing mutual respect and finding ways to communicate, Kim offers unique and useful insights into parenting during the transition between childhood an adulthood. Grounded in both personal experience and her work as an educational psychologist and licensed thera...

How parents and preteens can navigate technology together with guest Jessica Speer

August 24, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 45.3 MB

Social scientist and author Jessica Speer returns to the Brainy Moms podcast a third time to discuss her book, “The Phone Book: Stay Safe, Be Smart, and Make the World Better with the Powerful Device in Your Hand.” In this illuminating conversation, Jessica shares stories, insights, and tips for parents about how to help support their preteens and young teens as they navigate life online. From persuasive design (which pulls users back into the digital world) and the good that can come from d...

Ask Dr. Amy: How to choose an intervention AFTER your child’s learning disability diagnosis

August 17, 2023 22:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MB

Has your child or teen recently received a learning disabilities diagnosis? For many parents, there’s an immediate sense of overwhelm. What interventions are right for my child based on their specific diagnosis? How do I know what’s truly effective in strengthening their specific cognitive deficits vs. just a blanket, one-size-fits all intervention? On this mini-episode, Dr. Amy and Sandy discuss next steps for parents and how to evaluate different interventions that can be helpful based on ...

Building your family’s emotional sanctuary with guest Donna Tetreault

August 10, 2023 06:00 - 59 minutes - 41 MB

Description: On this episode, we speak with Dr. Phil’s resident parenting expert Donna Tetreault about The C.A.S.T.L.E. Method for building a family foundation. Her approach combines years of evidence-based research and Donna’s interviews with psychologists, educators, doctors, parents, and teens to help families create an emotional sanctuary based on compassion, acceptance, security, trust, love, expectations, and education. Join us for this powerful podcast that left us all feeling informe...

A Cognitive Psychologist Shares Her 5 Pillars of ADHD with Dr. Amy Moore

July 27, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 44.9 MB

Today Dr. Amy Moore takes off her hostess hat at The Brainy Moms podcast and takes on the role of guest expert. Co-host Sandy Zamalis interviews Dr. Amy about her 5 Pillars of ADHD and her own experience being diagnosed at age 18 with attention deficits. Join us for this in-depth conversation from a leading expert on attention and cognitive deficits!     About Dr. Amy: Dr. Amy Moore is a cognitive psychologist at LearningRx in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at the headquarters of the largest...

Poop Happens! Potty training expert returns to explain the good, the bad, and the ugly of BMs with guest Mary Vaughn

July 13, 2023 14:00 - 43 minutes - 29.8 MB

We learned so much about potty training from Mary Vaughn that we’ve asked her back for “Part 2: Number 2.” That’s right, on this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, Dr. Amy and Teri talk with Mary about potty training for bowel movements. If you’re struggling to find answers about sensory issues, constipation, wiping, or simply why some kids don’t want to poop in the potty, check out this episode. It’s a mix of light-hearted joking, funny stories from our own potty-training vaults, and plent...

The Parent-Teen Partnership: 5 Steps to Create Calm and Reduce Conflict with guest Jeanine Mouchawar

June 29, 2023 15:00 - 1 hour - 42.6 MB

No one who has done it will ever tell you that parenting through the teen years is easy. Navigating through the realities of school, driving, friendships, dating, curfews, and a still-developing brain can leave parents—and teens—feeling frustrated and unheard. If you’re frustrated with your teen’s choices and what you’ve tried isn’t working, you’re not alone. Jeanine Mouchawar joined Dr. Amy and Sandy to share her expertise on creating positive results through communication. Find out how to ...

Parenting in the Age of Digital Media: Technology’s Impact on Kids and Teens with Dr. Katie Davis

June 15, 2023 15:00 - 51 minutes - 35.3 MB

Are selfies really just a waste of time? Are some forms of digital media better than others when it comes to kids and teens? Do researchers know how much technology use is “too much” for youth? Like most parents, you’re probably concerned about the impact of digital media on your child’s learning, development, and well-being. On this episode, Dr. Amy and Teri are joined by Dr. Katie Davis, whose extensive research has led her to become one of the leading experts on the subject. Katie walks u...

Peaceful Parenting Tools with guest Sarah R. Moore

June 01, 2023 14:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MB

When Sarah R. Moore hears someone bemoaning a toddler’s tantrum with, “Oh, he just wants attention,” she’s likely to respond with, “Yes, and?” It’s a term she learned from an improv class but one she frequently applies to parenting. And in terms of tantrums—be it from a toddler or teen—she believes the cry for attention is due to an unmet need. Sarah joins Dr. Amy and Sandy on the Brainy Moms podcast to talk about a variety of tools she believes can be beneficial in helping children, teens, ...

Advocating for your neurodiverse student in a school system designed for the neurotypical with guest Dr. Bibi Pirayesh

May 18, 2023 14:00 - 50 minutes - 34.6 MB

Do you have a child or teen who is considered “neurodiverse” compared to their peers? It’s a broad term used often used to characterize atypical patterns of thought or behavior. But as more students are labeled “neurodiverse,” is their way of thinking truly “atypical” or simply another way of functioning beyond the standard for which our current school systems are designed? Dr. Bibi Pirayesh joined Dr. Amy and Teri to weigh in on our current educational system and the ways in which it breaks...

A potty-training coach shares her tips to get your child out of diapers with guest Mary Vaughn

May 04, 2023 06:00 - 45 minutes - 31.5 MB

If you’ll be potty training your child, grandchild, or even a toddler in childcare, this Brainy Moms podcast interview hosted by Dr. Amy and Teri with guest Mary Vaughn is a must listen! (Even those of us who have been through potty training already learned a lot!) From the five signs your child is ready to start potty training and how to effectively use pull-ups, to when ADH (the antidiuretic hormone) begins being secreted to slow the production of urine overnight, this episode was so jam-p...

Insulin Resistance and Pre-Diabetes in Women:Using Nutrition & Fasting to Reverse the Cycle Before It’s Too Late with guest Matty Lansdown

April 20, 2023 14:00 - 53 minutes - 36.5 MB

What’s the difference between pre-diabetes and diabetes? Just how serious is insulin resistance? What strategies and methods can we use at home to control our blood sugar? Nutritionist Matty Lansdown, host of the “How to Not Get Sick and Die” podcast, joins Dr. Amy and Sandy today to share his knowledge and advice on eating for optimum health. From managing stress and boosting focus to losing weight and preventing so many of the diseases and health issues that can come from poor nutrition, y...

Helping Your Teen Choose Their Own Unique Path in an Academically Competitive World with guest Cindy Muchnick, MA

April 06, 2023 18:00 - 58 minutes - 40.1 MB

Community college? Gap year? Four-year private university? Today’s teens are facing overwhelming pressure to follow a traditional path from high school to college, often with little regard for their readiness, motivation, or interest. Cindy Muchnik, co-author of “The Parent Compass: Navigating Your Teen’s Wellness & Academic Journey in Today’s Competitive World” joined the Brainy Moms podcast to share some advice on how to preserve your relationship with your teen while navigating a competit...

Intentional Parenting: Establishing Boundaries, a Family Culture, and a Growth Mindset with guest Monica Swanson

March 23, 2023 15:00 - 54 minutes - 37.6 MB

Do you struggle to find the balance between setting boundaries and giving freedoms to your kids? Do you worry that your teens are unprepared to leave the nest? Are you concerned you’re spending more time raising your voice than connecting with your toddler? Monica Swanson, author of Boy Mom; What Your Son Needs Most from You and Raising Amazing; Bring Up Kids Who Love God, Like Their Family, and Do the Dishes Without Being Asked shares her wisdom, stories, and suggestions on this episode of ...

Peaceful Parenting Through Tough Moments at Any Age with guest Laura Reardon

March 11, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 42.1 MB

If you’ve struggled to control your own emotions during a toddler tantrum or tween storm, you’re not alone. Parenting is full of everyday challenges that often lead to big feelings, bad behavior, and reactionary responses—and we’re not just talking about the kids.  Parent coach Laura Reardon joined The Brainy Moms podcast to share her insights on effective strategies to get through the toughest, most emotionally charged moments of parenting. From homework meltdowns and how unmet needs can t...

Parenting a Differently Wired Kid on Your Own Terms with guest Debbie Reber, MA

February 23, 2023 16:00 - 45 minutes - 31.5 MB

If you’re parenting a differently wired kid, you may have concerns that go beyond the already heavy stressors that can come with parenting. Am I parenting to bring out the best in my child or doing what’s comfortable, easy or socially expected?  Is my child’s IEP just addressing the behavior rather than the stressors that are causing the behavior? Is my neurodivergent student going to be left behind because they don’t perform well on standardized tests despite being very smart? Am I stuck in...

Shame, Taboos, and Trauma: Talking to your Kids about their Bodies, Intimacy, and Porn with guest Clint Davis, MS, LPC

February 09, 2023 16:00 - 57 minutes - 39.9 MB

On this episode of the Brainy Moms parenting podcast, Dr. Amy and Teri welcome the return of trauma therapist Clint Davis to the show to share his insights about an uncomfortable topic: protecting your kids from sexual abuse and trauma. Beyond just recommending parental-control apps, Clint delves into the psychology behind age-appropriate curiosity, the impact of pornography on both children and adults, and the importance of creating a safe space for communication without shame. This is an e...

Conscious Parenting: Finding Balance Between Permissive and Punitive Approaches with guest Dr. Elham Raker

January 26, 2023 15:00 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MB

Has someone ever told you to “enjoy every minute of parenting because it goes by so fast”? Or that “you only have 18 summers”? For some of us, the extra pressure to feel like we have to relish every touch point with our kids only adds to the stress we feel as busy parents just trying to do our best to juggle it all.  On this episode, Dr. Amy and Sandy interview Dr. Elham Raker, pediatrician and certified parent coach who has worked with parents through telemedicine and her virtual coaching p...

Juggling Work and Parenthood without the Guilt with guest Dr. Yael Schonbrun

January 12, 2023 18:00 - 48 minutes - 33.2 MB

 Are you a working parent who constantly feels overwhelmed, frustrated and/or riddled with guilt? Welcome to the club! For most of us, it’s hard to feel like we’ve got the time, energy, or temperament to balance our lives in a way that feels connected, creative, and inspired. On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy talked to clinical psychologist Dr. Yael Schonbrun who shared her insights and tips to help us get perspective, apply strategies, and find camaraderie in thi...

Hey Mom, Who’s Taking Care of You? (Let’s Talk About Emotional Exhaustion) with guest Nancy Colier, LCSW

December 15, 2022 07:00 - 57 minutes - 39.9 MB

If we asked you, “who’s taking care of you?” what would your response be? We bet the responses would range from a spit-take to a chuckle, from a frown to actual tears. Nancy Colier, author of The Emotionally Exhausted Woman, Why You're Feeling Depleted, and How to Get What you Need  has asked a number of women this question as she worked on her book and, almost without fail, the women cried—they were desperate for her book and desperate for someone to care for them. We’re sure you can relate...

How to Connect with your Kids (Before they Stop Listening!) with guest Dr. Amanda Craig

December 01, 2022 18:00 - 45 minutes - 31.5 MB

If you want to set yourself (and your kids!) up for a successful relationship as they enter their teen years, it starts with deep connection with tweens! Research shows that kids between the ages of 9 and 12 are starting to think for themselves, but they still listen to what mom and dad have to say. That makes tweens the perfect age for building deep connections that will last them into and beyond their teenage years! This conversation with Dr. Amanda Craig, author of the book, Who Are You a...

Tired of Yo-yo dieting? Losing weight isn’t just about what you eat (or when you eat it) with guest Matty Lansdown

November 17, 2022 07:00 - 50 minutes - 34.9 MB

Have you ever tried a diet and lost weight, only to put the weight back on a few months or a year later? Research shows that as many as 80% of overweight people who manage to slim down noticeably after a diet gain some or all of the weight back within one year. That staggering figure can be overwhelming and discouraging when we’re trying to lose weight.  Dr. Amy sat down with Matty Lansdown, founder of the Healthy Mums Collective, to discuss why so many diets leave us feeling frustrated and...

Caring for your newborn: How to feel confident as a new mom (and when to worry) with guest Dr. Emeka Obidi

November 03, 2022 06:00 - 51 minutes - 35.1 MB

Are you a new mom? Do you love a new or soon-to-be mom? If you do, then this podcast episode is for you! It’s been a while since Dr. Amy and Dr. Jody were mothers of newborns, but the story hasn’t changed much: we are all just wondering if our babies are okay! Becoming a first-time mother may seem like an instinctual rite of passage for many women, but once baby is born, many of us find that we have more questions than answers. And it can be hard to know where to turn in the middle of the ni...

Self-care: It’s not selfish, and it’s probably not what you think! with guest Dr. Tamara Beckford

October 20, 2022 14:00 - 39 minutes - 27.5 MB

If you’ve ever felt stressed (like, you know, every other mom who’s lived through the past two years), and if you’ve ever tried to do something about it, it’s likely that someone, somewhere along the way, has asked you this question: “What do you do for self-care?” We know, we know, that can cause quite a visceral reaction! In fact, it does just that for our very own Dr. Amy. But—here’s the good news! According to our guest on this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Tamara Beckford, self-care is pr...

How to help your kids successfully navigate the school system (Hint: it starts with a strong parent-teacher relationship) with guest Punam Saxena

October 06, 2022 06:00 - 48 minutes - 33 MB

Every family has their own set of goals for their children after they graduate high school and fly the nest. No matter whether your family’s goals are secondary education at an Ivy League institution, learning a trade at a vocational school, or heading straight into the workforce, parents can play an active role in their child’s education and help them safely experience both successes and failures as part of their journey.  Join Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis for a chat with Punam Saxena, ...

Want to Heal Your Trauma? Don't Start with Therapy, Start with the Body! with guest Dr. Aimie Apigian

September 22, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 43.4 MB

Whether we know it or not, each of us is carrying trauma inside of our bodies. Even with a charmed childhood, there are moments in your life when you experienced a feeling of overwhelm. Each time we don’t work through those feelings, they add to our unresolved trauma. We carry all of that trauma into our adulthood—and into motherhood.  Dr. Amy Moore and Teri Miller sat down with Dr. Aimie Apigian, who is the creator of the Biology of Trauma Methodology. Dr. Aimie explains to Dr. Amy and Ter...

Is Not Getting Enough Sleep Really That Bad For Us? with guest Dr. Jennifer Reid

September 13, 2022 06:00 - 57 minutes - 39.5 MB

What’s the big deal if we don’t get enough sleep? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Sandy asked psychiatrist and insomnia expert, Dr. Jennifer Reid that question and she shared several ways that sleep deprivation impacts both our physical and mental health. We talk about the basics of sleep, the difference between sleep deprivation and insomnia, and the impact of sleep on weight, metabolism, immune system function, focus and attention, and overall health. It’s kind of a big deal th...

What Parents Need to Know about Speech and Language Development with guest Sarah Billingham

August 30, 2022 06:00 - 56 minutes - 38.7 MB

Did you know that as parents, we are the best partner to support early language skills in our children? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interview speech and language specialist teacher, Sarah Billingham of Confident Kids.  Sarah shares how parents are the most “tuned in” to the speech and language skills of young children and how we are uniquely suited to help them develop those skills.  She shares specific tips for communicating in ways that optimize their speech and langua...

Help Your Child Survive the Stressors of Middle School with guest Jessica Speer

August 16, 2022 06:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MB

Middle School is a time filled with big changes and big stressors for many adolescents. On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interview Jessica Speer, social scientist and author of the new book, Middle School: Safety Goggles Advised. Jessica shares what she discovered from interviewing middle schoolers about what they defined as their top stressors. The big ones? Social media, judgement by peers, friendships, crushes, gossips, and popularity. Jessica talks about many of the strug...

Get Your Toddler Talking with guest Jill Urbane

August 02, 2022 06:00 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MB

Communication and language in early childhood is intricately connected to behavior and social-emotional development. Every temper tantrum is an attempt to communicate an unmet need. How do we help young children develop effective communication skills? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Sandy interview the Mentor Mom, Jill Urbane. Jill is an early childhood interventionist and social worker who specializes in the connection between speech development, emotions, social skills, and b...

How to Quiet Your Inner Mean Girl with guest Onnie Michalsky, M.A.

July 26, 2022 06:00 - 57 minutes - 39.5 MB

Hey Moms! Are you ready to silence that inner “mean girl” who says you’re not enough? Are you exhausted from doing all the things and ready to shed your Supermom cape? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Sandy interview licensed therapist and host of Moms without Capes, Onnie Michalsky, about how to quiet our inner mean girls and take off our supermom capes. Onnie shares tips on identifying our own needs and emotions, setting boundaries, banishing guilt over self-care, and more. CO...

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