Practical tools and powerful insights for trauma-informed parenting. Learn how to heal your childhood, do your own inner work, and break generational cycles—so you can raise capable, resilient, and emotionally healthy children. Each episode offers strategies and stories to bring more calm, connection, and joy to your parenting journey.
Courtney Conley on how something as simple as a daily walk can transform not just your physical health but your mental health, your relationships, and your overall well-being. We explore: the 10,000-step rule is wrong you signature walk your walking mindset movements snacks proper footwear (you probably don't have one) and more LINKS AND RESOURCES Support the podcast by making a donation Contact Authentic Parenting Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook Work with Anna Podcast Production by Aminur
If ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected and wondered what's actually going on in your body—this episode is for you. Physiotherapist Jessica Maguire on what the nervous system actually is, what the vagus nerve does, and why things like heart rate variability matter more than we might realize. Get her book: The Nervous System Reset: Heal Trauma, Resolve Chronic Pain, and Regulate Your Emotions with the Power of the Vagus Nerve If you are new to this podcast and don't know where to start, download my free trauma kit , a curated playlist to help you understand trauma how trauma impacts your body, brain, nervous system, and relationships — and what supports real healing It includes 10 handpicked conversations with experts like Dr. Gabor Maté, Deb Dana, Dr. Paul Conti, and Dick Schwartz. Download it and start listening today at authenticparenting.com/traumakit OTHER EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE How to Recover from Burnout by Regulating Your Emotions and Nervous System Befriending Your Nervous System with Deb Dana How to Regulate Your Nervous System How Trauma Gets " Stuck" in Your Nervous System with Irene Lyon Mind-Body Tools to Develop Stress Resilience LINKS AND RESOURCES Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur
Rachael Renae, an author, artist, play and creativity enthusiast on the power of on how to prioritize play to overcome blocks, better connect with yourseves and your people, and confidently live big, fulfilling lives. Mindset shifts to start seeing play in the everyday Guidance to help you find your version of play Strategies to turn play into a regular practice Exercises to release expectations on your creativity Get her book: Prioritize Play: Express Your Creativity, Boost Your Confidence, and Foster Deeper Connection LINKS AND RESOURCES Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur
I've spent over a decade in the self-development space, and somewhere along the way, I began to see a pattern: the more people focus on healing, the more their lives start to revolve around what's wrong. More analyzing, more processing, more regulating and less living, less connecting, less being. So in this episode, I want to talk about something that might feel uncomfortable, even controversial: there comes a point when trying to heal all your trauma can actually keep you stuck and why you may need to stop, or at least do it very differently. LINKS AND RESOURCES Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur
Kevin Maguire, author of The New Fatherhood , about what is shifting inside modern fatherhood and why so many men are trying to parent differently than they were parented themselves. Did you know that dads can experience postpartum depression too? We talk about the move from "protect, provide, preside" to something more emotionally present and engaged, and what it actually takes to stay connected when things feel overwhelming. We explore anger and emotional regulation, the challenge many fathers experience around vulnerability and play, and the identity shift that happens when a man becomes a parent. OTHER EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE Reactivity, Fatherhood, and the Balancing Act of Ambition and Presence How To Be a Feminist Dad 3 Secrets To Thriving as a Single Dad with Justan Mitchell Inner Work for Fathers with Charles C. Daniels Jr., PhD LINKS AND RESOURCES Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur
Jon Gustin from Tired Dad on what it really means to show up as a father not perfectly, but intentionally, how to keep the bigger picture front and center when you're exhausted, triggered, and pulled in a hundred directions… and why the real work of parenting starts within. Also, why anger it's not a superpower, even though so many men have been taught that it is. And much more. Get his book: The Tired Dad.: 100 Reflections on Showing Up for What Matters Most LINKS AND RESOURCES Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur
Returning guest, renowned psychiatrist and author Dr. Paul Conti on tapping into our often ignored and long over-looked generative drive, the primary factor that's already going right in each of us. The generative drive helps you get things done, solve problems creatively, help others and feel connected to something larger than yourself. When activated, it brings you peace, contentment, and delight. The 5 Part Function of Self: When you alter your function you alter your life trajectory Cultivating a daily self-inquiry practice Learning compassionate curiosity Progressive muscle relaxation Rewiring Life Narratives Get his new book: What's Going Right: A Powerful New Method for Optimizing Your Mental Health Listen to Dr. Conti's first epsiode on the podcast: The Invisible Epidemic of Trauma with Paul Conti, MD LINKS AND RESOURCES Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur
Screens—and managing them—have become one of the biggest daily struggles for parents today. In today's episode, I'm joined by Michaeleen Doucleff , author of Dopamine Kids , and this conversation felt both grounding and eye-opening. Like so many of us, she found herself struggling with screens and ultra-processed foods in her own homeand instead of blaming or restricting harder, she got curious about what's really going on underneath. We talk about what dopamine actually isand the myths we've gotten wrong. Why the pull toward scrolling and "easy" rewards is so powerful, and what it really means to help kids (and ourselves) do hard things. She introduces her model for understanding what she calls "dopamine magnets," how to curate the cues in our environment, and why resistance alone doesn't work.
Dr. Debbie Raphael on the significance of social connection—friendships, community, and creating your village. Connection isn't a luxury—it's a lifeline. It's one of the most powerful antidotes we have to stress, burnout, and loneliness. And yet, it's often the very thing that gets pushed to the bottom of our list when life feels overwhelming. So as you listen, I want to leave you with this question: What is one small step you can take today to strengthen an existing connection—or create a new one? LINKS AND RESOURCES Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur
Lisa Katayama, author and mom on what we can learn from the Japanese approach to parenting. Get her book: The Japanese Way of Parenting: And What It Taught Me About Raising (Mostly) Calm, Caring, Capable Kids OTHER EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE What Cultures Around the World Can Teach You About Parenting with Marina Lopes Motherhood Is Political: Parenting, Policy, and Cultural Expectations with Abigail Leonard Are We Over-Parenting in America? The Danish Way of Parenting The my initial conversation The Japanese Way of Parenting LINKS AND RESOURCES Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur
Hilary Jacobs Hendel, a NYC-based AEDP psychotherapist and emotions educator on using the Change Triangle to understand, manage and regulate your core emotions for optimal well-being. GET HER BOOKS Parents Have Feelings, Too: A Guide to Navigating Your Emotions So You And Your Family Can Thrive It's Not Always Depression by Hilary Jacobs OTHER EPISODES YOU MAY ENJOY Fear with Kristen Ulmer Anger with Russell Kolts, PhD Boredom with Hans Wilhelm The Upside of Your Dark Side with Todd Kashdan, PhD The Benefits of Negative Emotions Unwinding Anxiety with Dr. Jud Brewer Why Anxiety Is Good For You Even Though It Feels Bad How to Be Happier with Tal Ben-Shahar LINKS AND RESOURCES Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur
We hear a lot these days about boundaries, self-care, and protecting our energy. But what about generosity? In this episode, Kristy Lauricella and I explore generosity—what it means, how it shows up in everyday life, and why noticing it can quietly transform how we experience the world. We discuss generosity as a mindset, not just big acts of giving; how to receive it from others; why acknowledging small acts of kindness matters; and the connection between generosity, gratitude, and happiness. OTHER EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE Death and Cupcakes with Kristy Lauricella Why We Need To Connect More with Kristy Lauricella How to Connect Deeply wiht Yourself and Others with Kristy Lauricella Navigating Adult Friendships Colonoscopy and Cannolis A Year in Review: Pausing, Reflecting and Looking Ahead The Power of Vulnerability to Create Intimacy LINKS AND RESOURCES Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur.
Authentic Parenting is a podcast about breaking generational trauma cycles and raising emotionally healthy children by growing ourselves first. If you want to parent differently than you were parented, this podcast is for you. We explore how emotions actually work and how childhood trauma lives in the brain, body, and relationships. You'll learn how to regulate your nervous system, stay calm under stress, prevent burnout, and respond instead of react — so you can become a more patient, grounded, and happier parent. Hosted by Anna Seewald, psychologist, educator and parent coach, this show blends psychology, trauma-informed insight, and honest conversations about what it really takes to raise our children while growing ourselves.
Board-certified physician Dr. Heather Hirsch on the symptoms of perimenopause, hormonal therapies, and what women need to know about this often misunderstood stage of life. In this conversation, we explore common perimenopause symptoms—including anxiety, insomnia, mood changes, brain fog, and shifts in energy and why these hormonal changes in women are often mistaken for depression or anxiety disorders. Dr. Hirsch explains what happens to estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone during perimenopause, when this transition typically begins, and how menopausal hormone therapy may help some women feel like themselves again. Get her book: T he Perimenopause Survival Guide: Make Sense of Your Symptoms and Build Your Personalized Treatment Plan Listen to: The TRUTH About Menopause: Symptoms, Solutions & Finding the Gifts in Midlife! with Tamsen Fadal LINKS AND RESOURCES Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur.
Rebecca Thompson, family physician, on redefining strength in motherhood and why vulnerability matters more than being the "strong mom." An honest conversation about the difference between pity and compassion, the tension between privacy and oversharing, and the emotional truth that grief and joy can coexist. This episode explores what it means to be witnessed in your story—and how holding the long view can sustain us through the messy, beautiful work of parenting. Get her book: Held Together: A Shared Memoir of Motherhood, Medicine, and Imperfect Love – Navigating Grief and Joy Through Women's Diverse Journeys to Parenthood, Family, and Community LINKS AND RESOURCES Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur.
Dr. Ross Greene breaks down why more kids are struggling today and why it's not just social media's fault. He explains developmental variability , why meeting kids where they are isn't lowering expectations, and what really drives anxiety, depression, and distress in children. A must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone who cares about the next generation. Listen to Dr. Green's first interivew: Parenting Your Challenging Child with Dr. Ross Greene LINKS AND RESOURCES Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur.
What is mental health? What is a diagnosis? Are ADHD and autism genetic? And what happens to families when every struggle gets a label? In this provocative conversation, veteran child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Sami Timimi challenges many widely held assumptions about children's distress, resilience, and the role of experts. You may not agree with everything you hear — but if you're willing to stay open and curious, you'll gain a radically different lens on big emotions, learn how to support children without immediately turning them into patients, and discover ways to nurture resilience and confidence in everyday life. LINKS AND RESOURCES Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur.
Devon Kuntzman from Tranforming Toddlerhood on how can you respond to your toddler with both firmness and compassion, the three ingredients of effective parenting, and how to use discipline that actually works. What toddler tantrums really mean The truth about the "terrible twos" Why toddlers communicate through behavior How to set limits while staying connected Discipline strategies that work in real life LINKS AND RESOURCES Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur.
In this special 10-year celebration, I'm joined by a small group of longtime listeners to reflect on what we've learned about becoming better parents. Together, we explore powerful lessons from a decade of podcasting, including the role of self-compassion, the importance of repair, emotion regulation, and deeper truths about trauma and healing. This honest, thoughtful conversation represents the voices of the broader Authentic Parenting community and a reminder that meaningful change happens when we learn and grow together. Here are the other episodes in the 10-year anniversary series: Ten Years, Many Lessons: A Personal Message to Begin 2026 10 Years of Podcasting: Revisiting Our 100th Milestone Episode 10-Year Celebration: Parenting, Podcasting & the Green Stroller Moment Ten Minutes, Ten Years Ago: A Conversation With My 10-Year-Old Traditions, Transitions, and Why 2017 Was an Important Year for the Authentic Parenting Podcast Milestone Episode 300: Listener Voicemails, Podcast Evolution, and Behind-the-Scenes Secrets 10 Years of Authentic Parenting: A Monthly Special Episode with Real Parenting Stories Episode 400: The Listeners Put Me on the Spot - 10-Year Anniversary Celebration Continues LINKS AND RESOURCES Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur.
To close the 10-year anniversary series, I'm sharing the very first episode of the Authentic Parenting podcast, recorded in 2015 and lost for many years. Listening back, I was surprised that it began with such a humble and honest conversation about overwhelm in the lives of busy mothers. Thank you for being part of the Authentic Parenting global community. Here are the other episodes in the 10-year anniversary series: Ten Years, Many Lessons: A Personal Message to Begin 2026 10 Years of Podcasting: Revisiting Our 100th Milestone Episode 10-Year Celebration: Parenting, Podcasting & the Green Stroller Moment Ten Minutes, Ten Years Ago: A Conversation With My 10-Year-Old Traditions, Transitions, and Why 2017 Was an Important Year for the Authentic Parenting Podcast Milestone Episode 300: Listener Voicemails, Podcast Evolution, and Behind-the-Scenes Secrets 10 Years of Authentic Parenting: A Monthly Special Episode with Real Parenting Stories Episode 400: The Listeners Put Me on the Spot - 10-Year Anniversary Celebration Continues LINKS AND RESOURCES Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur.
