Shows
Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodayRaising Resilient Girls: Parenting Beyond SexismHow can parents raise strong, confident daughters in a world still shaped by sexism?In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Dr. Jo-Ann Finkelstein, clinical psychologist, award-winning author, and mother of two, about how to support girls' self-esteem, mental health, and identity development in today’s social climate.The conversation explores how sexism subtly influences girls’ daily lives—from screen time to social media. Learn practical parenting strategies to help girls build confidence, emotional strength, and a healthy sense of self-worth. Takeaways: Understanding the impact of soc...2025-05-2435 minWhere Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodayRaising Resilient Girls: Parenting Beyond SexismHow can parents raise strong, confident daughters in a world still shaped by sexism?In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Dr. Jo-Ann Finkelstein, clinical psychologist, award-winning author, and mother of two, about how to support girls' self-esteem, mental health, and identity development in today’s social climate.The conversation explores how sexism subtly influences girls’ daily lives—from screen time to social media. Learn practical parenting strategies to help girls build confidence, emotional strength, and a healthy sense of self-worth. Takeaways: Understanding the impact of soc...2025-05-2435 min
Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodayUnderstanding Your Child's Brain: A Holistic Approach to Developmental DisordersAre we overlooking what the brain is really telling us about ADHD, autism, and behaviour in kids? In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Dr. Robert Melillo, a pioneer in childhood brain development who unpacks the science behind neurodevelopmental disorders—and challenges common assumptions. Drawing on over 30 years of experience, Dr. Melillo explains how many of these challenges stem from functional brain imbalances rather than genetic factors. He shares non-medication-based strategies and early intervention insights that can help parents support their child’s development and emotional well-being.A fath...2025-05-1736 minWhere Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodayUnderstanding Your Child's Brain: A Holistic Approach to Developmental DisordersAre we overlooking what the brain is really telling us about ADHD, autism, and behaviour in kids? In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Dr. Robert Melillo, a pioneer in childhood brain development who unpacks the science behind neurodevelopmental disorders—and challenges common assumptions. Drawing on over 30 years of experience, Dr. Melillo explains how many of these challenges stem from functional brain imbalances rather than genetic factors. He shares non-medication-based strategies and early intervention insights that can help parents support their child’s development and emotional well-being.A fath...2025-05-1736 min
Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodayWhen Parents Become Patients: Inside a Cancer JourneyWhat happens when a parent faces a life-threatening diagnosis while raising a young family? In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Marisa Peters—cancer survivor, mother, and founder of Be Seen—to explore how her journey through illness reshaped her approach to parenting, mental health, and personal growth. Peters discusses navigating emotional turmoil, fostering connection in times of uncertainty, and raising resilient kids amidst adversity. The conversation also dives into the role of communication, the importance of consent and awareness in relationships, and how discipline and vulnerability can coex...2025-05-1033 minWhere Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodayWhen Parents Become Patients: Inside a Cancer JourneyWhat happens when a parent faces a life-threatening diagnosis while raising a young family? In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Marisa Peters—cancer survivor, mother, and founder of Be Seen—to explore how her journey through illness reshaped her approach to parenting, mental health, and personal growth. Peters discusses navigating emotional turmoil, fostering connection in times of uncertainty, and raising resilient kids amidst adversity. The conversation also dives into the role of communication, the importance of consent and awareness in relationships, and how discipline and vulnerability can coex...2025-05-1033 min
Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodayNew Paediatric Obesity Guidelines: What Parents Need to KnowIn this episode of Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Dr. Tasneem Sajwani, a family physician with expertise in obesity medicine and mom. They discuss the newly released Canadian Pediatric Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines, which recognize obesity as a complex, chronic disease influenced by genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors. The episode covers how these guidelines aim to improve care through individualized, evidence-based approaches and highlights the role of communication, consent, and mental health in managing pediatric obesity.Takeaways:Paediatric obesity is a chronic and multifactorial disease that...2025-04-2632 minWhere Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodayNew Paediatric Obesity Guidelines: What Parents Need to KnowIn this episode of Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Dr. Tasneem Sajwani, a family physician with expertise in obesity medicine and mom. They discuss the newly released Canadian Pediatric Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines, which recognize obesity as a complex, chronic disease influenced by genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors. The episode covers how these guidelines aim to improve care through individualized, evidence-based approaches and highlights the role of communication, consent, and mental health in managing pediatric obesity.Takeaways:Paediatric obesity is a chronic and multifactorial disease that...2025-04-2632 min
Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodaySimplifying Adulting Preparation: Essential Skills for Today's Young AdultsThe leap from adolescence to adulthood is tricky — and too often, young people find themselves unprepared for the real world. In this episode of theWhere Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino welcomes Rob Finlay — entrepreneur, author of Hey Dad: Everything You Should Have Learned About Life and Didn’t, and father of four — to discuss what it really takes to raise resilient, capable young adults today.Finlay pulls back the curtain on his own parenting journey, sharing lessons learned, missteps made, and the pivotal skills kids aren't being taught — from handling emergencies and managing finances to navigating relationsh...2025-04-1932 minWhere Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodaySimplifying Adulting Preparation: Essential Skills for Today's Young AdultsThe leap from adolescence to adulthood is tricky — and too often, young people find themselves unprepared for the real world. In this episode of theWhere Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino welcomes Rob Finlay — entrepreneur, author of Hey Dad: Everything You Should Have Learned About Life and Didn’t, and father of four — to discuss what it really takes to raise resilient, capable young adults today.Finlay pulls back the curtain on his own parenting journey, sharing lessons learned, missteps made, and the pivotal skills kids aren't being taught — from handling emergencies and managing finances to navigating relationsh...2025-04-1932 min
Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodayThe Science of Motivation: How to Engage Tweens, Teens and Young AdultsIn this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Dr. David Yeager, a renowned developmental psychologist, author, and father of four, about the science behind motivating tweens, teens, and young adults.A former grade school teacher and current Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Yeager challenges common misconceptions about adolescent behaviour. He explains why shifting our mindset—from seeing teens as problems to recognizing their potential—is essential for effective parenting and teaching.As co-founder of the Texas Behavioural Science and Policy Institute, Dr. Yeager draw...2025-04-1233 minWhere Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodayThe Science of Motivation: How to Engage Tweens, Teens and Young AdultsIn this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Dr. David Yeager, a renowned developmental psychologist, author, and father of four, about the science behind motivating tweens, teens, and young adults.A former grade school teacher and current Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Yeager challenges common misconceptions about adolescent behaviour. He explains why shifting our mindset—from seeing teens as problems to recognizing their potential—is essential for effective parenting and teaching.As co-founder of the Texas Behavioural Science and Policy Institute, Dr. Yeager draw...2025-04-1233 min
Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodayUnplugging for Clarity: Taming Information Overload and OverwhelmIn a world where parenting collides daily with cultural shifts, political tensions, uncertainty and a relentless stream of information, overwhelm is increasingly a common emotion. How can parents stay grounded—and help their children do the same?In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino and Arron Neal —a communications expert, cultural strategist, columnist and mom of two— explore strategies for how today’s parents can thoughtfully navigate the pressures of raising kids in an increasingly noisy world.From screen time and social media to misinformation, identity, and consent, Arron shares strategi...2025-04-0530 minWhere Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodayUnplugging for Clarity: Taming Information Overload and OverwhelmIn a world where parenting collides daily with cultural shifts, political tensions, uncertainty and a relentless stream of information, overwhelm is increasingly a common emotion. How can parents stay grounded—and help their children do the same?In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino and Arron Neal —a communications expert, cultural strategist, columnist and mom of two— explore strategies for how today’s parents can thoughtfully navigate the pressures of raising kids in an increasingly noisy world.From screen time and social media to misinformation, identity, and consent, Arron shares strategi...2025-04-0530 min
Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodayStrategies for High-Achieving Parents: Balancing Expectations and EmotionsHigh-achieving parenting often comes with the weight of expectations, not just from society but also from within ourselves. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino delves into how these pressures can impact both our emotional health and our children's well-being with her guest, Kate Kripke. A licensed clinical social, maternal and maternal wellness expert, Kripke shares strategies on how to foster emotional resilience in our kids while navigating the challenges of modern parenting, including the influence of social media and device usage.The discussion explores the intricate connections between how...2025-03-1530 minWhere Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodayStrategies for High-Achieving Parents: Balancing Expectations and EmotionsHigh-achieving parenting often comes with the weight of expectations, not just from society but also from within ourselves. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino delves into how these pressures can impact both our emotional health and our children's well-being with her guest, Kate Kripke. A licensed clinical social, maternal and maternal wellness expert, Kripke shares strategies on how to foster emotional resilience in our kids while navigating the challenges of modern parenting, including the influence of social media and device usage.The discussion explores the intricate connections between how...2025-03-1530 min
Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodayHealing Relationships Amidst Addiction with Janice Johnson DowdIn this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino discusses the complexities of family relationships amidst addiction and mental health challenges/Guest Janice Johnson Dowd, a licensed master social worker and author, shares her personal journey of recovery and the profound impact of addiction on her family dynamics. From her childhood experiences in an alcoholic household to her own struggles with alcoholism, Janice provides an insightful perspective on the choices that shape our lives and the importance of communication in healing. She discusses the pivotal moments that led her to seek help...2025-03-0835 minWhere Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodayHealing Relationships Amidst Addiction with Janice Johnson DowdIn this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino discusses the complexities of family relationships amidst addiction and mental health challenges/Guest Janice Johnson Dowd, a licensed master social worker and author, shares her personal journey of recovery and the profound impact of addiction on her family dynamics. From her childhood experiences in an alcoholic household to her own struggles with alcoholism, Janice provides an insightful perspective on the choices that shape our lives and the importance of communication in healing. She discusses the pivotal moments that led her to seek help...2025-03-0835 min
Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodayThe Value and Impact of Healthy Child-Grandparent RelationshipsIn this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino explores the profound impact that grandparents and the elderly can have on the younger generation, with author, Isabel Tom.Tom, draws from her own experiences growing up in a multi-generational home to illustrate how these connections foster resilience, empathy, and a deeper understanding of life's complexities in children. The conversation examines the importance of communication and discipline in bridging generational gaps, while also tackling societal perceptions of aging and the emotional health benefits that come from nurturing these bonds. With the...2025-03-0132 minWhere Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodayThe Value and Impact of Healthy Child-Grandparent RelationshipsIn this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino explores the profound impact that grandparents and the elderly can have on the younger generation, with author, Isabel Tom.Tom, draws from her own experiences growing up in a multi-generational home to illustrate how these connections foster resilience, empathy, and a deeper understanding of life's complexities in children. The conversation examines the importance of communication and discipline in bridging generational gaps, while also tackling societal perceptions of aging and the emotional health benefits that come from nurturing these bonds. With the...2025-03-0132 min
Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodayNavigating Imposter Syndrome: Empowering Your Child to ThriveUnderstanding the impact of imposter syndrome on youth is crucial to navigate their developmental journey. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, Lianne Castelino dives unpacks how early childhood experiences and family dynamics can foster feelings of inadequacy, leading children to question their abilities and worth with Dr. Richard Orbé-Austin. A licensed psychologist, executive coach, speaker and author, sheds light on the intricate relationship between parenting styles and the prevalence of imposter syndrome. Communication and discipline play pivotal roles in shaping a child's self-perception, especially in a world increasingly influenced by social m...2025-02-2233 minWhere Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodayNavigating Imposter Syndrome: Empowering Your Child to ThriveUnderstanding the impact of imposter syndrome on youth is crucial to navigate their developmental journey. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, Lianne Castelino dives unpacks how early childhood experiences and family dynamics can foster feelings of inadequacy, leading children to question their abilities and worth with Dr. Richard Orbé-Austin. A licensed psychologist, executive coach, speaker and author, sheds light on the intricate relationship between parenting styles and the prevalence of imposter syndrome. Communication and discipline play pivotal roles in shaping a child's self-perception, especially in a world increasingly influenced by social m...2025-02-2233 min
Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodayBalancing Public Service and Parenting: A Politician's Take on Mental HealthIn this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino delves into the intricate balance of parenting while navigating the tumultuous landscape of mental health and public service, with Canada's Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.. The Honourable Ya'ara Saks, Associate Minister of Health, shares her personal insights and professional experiences. She highlights the challenges parents face in fostering open dialogue with their children, especially in an era filled with social media noise and misinformation. Saks reflects on her dual role as a public figure and a single mom to two teenage daughters...2025-02-1539 minWhere Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodayBalancing Public Service and Parenting: A Politician's Take on Mental HealthIn this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino delves into the intricate balance of parenting while navigating the tumultuous landscape of mental health and public service, with Canada's Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.. The Honourable Ya'ara Saks, Associate Minister of Health, shares her personal insights and professional experiences. She highlights the challenges parents face in fostering open dialogue with their children, especially in an era filled with social media noise and misinformation. Saks reflects on her dual role as a public figure and a single mom to two teenage daughters...2025-02-1539 min
Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodayNavigating the Tween & Teen Years: Mindfulness and ConnectionThe tumultuous waters of parenting tweens and teens can often feel like trying to keep a ship afloat in a storm. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, Lianne Castelino delves into the significance of mindfulness and intentional communication as crucial tools in fostering strong relationships with our adolescents --- with her guest Kristen Manieiri.Maneiri, a conscious living coach, shares her insights on how hormonal changes during these years can lead to emotional upheaval, both for parents and children. We explore the delicate balance of maintaining independence while ensuring our kids feel supported in...2025-02-0832 minWhere Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodayNavigating the Tween & Teen Years: Mindfulness and ConnectionThe tumultuous waters of parenting tweens and teens can often feel like trying to keep a ship afloat in a storm. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, Lianne Castelino delves into the significance of mindfulness and intentional communication as crucial tools in fostering strong relationships with our adolescents --- with her guest Kristen Manieiri.Maneiri, a conscious living coach, shares her insights on how hormonal changes during these years can lead to emotional upheaval, both for parents and children. We explore the delicate balance of maintaining independence while ensuring our kids feel supported in...2025-02-0832 min
Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodayLeadership Strategies from Home to WorkNavigating the complexities of parenting often requires a leadership mindset, especially in our digital age where device usage and social media play pivotal roles in our teens' lives. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino delves into how parents can cultivate discipline and effective communication while addressing the emotional and physical health of their children with leadership consultant Valerie Cockrell. Cockerell brings a wealth of experience from her roles in leadership and motherhood, offering insights on transferable skills that can enhance both parenting and professional environments. She emphasizes...2025-02-0131 minWhere Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodayLeadership Strategies from Home to WorkNavigating the complexities of parenting often requires a leadership mindset, especially in our digital age where device usage and social media play pivotal roles in our teens' lives. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino delves into how parents can cultivate discipline and effective communication while addressing the emotional and physical health of their children with leadership consultant Valerie Cockrell. Cockerell brings a wealth of experience from her roles in leadership and motherhood, offering insights on transferable skills that can enhance both parenting and professional environments. She emphasizes...2025-02-0131 min
Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodayNavigating Teen Sexual Health: Trends Every Parent Should KnowWhat’s trending in the world of teens and their sex lives? This episode dives into the pressing concerns around adolescent sexual health, focusing on the alarming decline in condom usage and the rise of sexually transmitted infections among young people in Canada. Where Parents Talk podcast host Lianne Castelino speaks to Dr. Sarah Flicker, a professor at York University, who discusses how hormonal changes, device usage, and social media influence teenagers’ understanding of relationships and consent. As the pandemic disrupted vital sex education, many youth missed critical opportunities to learn about their physical and emot...2025-01-2533 minWhere Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodayNavigating Teen Sexual Health: Trends Every Parent Should KnowWhat’s trending in the world of teens and their sex lives? This episode dives into the pressing concerns around adolescent sexual health, focusing on the alarming decline in condom usage and the rise of sexually transmitted infections among young people in Canada. Where Parents Talk podcast host Lianne Castelino speaks to Dr. Sarah Flicker, a professor at York University, who discusses how hormonal changes, device usage, and social media influence teenagers’ understanding of relationships and consent. As the pandemic disrupted vital sex education, many youth missed critical opportunities to learn about their physical and emot...2025-01-2533 min
Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodayUnlocking Independence: Helping Your Twentysomething Navigate LifeNavigating the turbulent waters of your child's 20s can be challenging, especially as they face significant uncertainty in their lives. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Dr. Meg Jay, a developmental clinical psychologist, author, speaker and mom.Dr. Jay emphasizes the importance of understanding this decade as a critical period for mental health and emotional well-being. With societal milestones shifting later in life, parents must adapt their expectations and focus on fostering independence and resilience in their young adults. This episode dives into key trends affecting today's 20...2025-01-1832 minWhere Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodayUnlocking Independence: Helping Your Twentysomething Navigate LifeNavigating the turbulent waters of your child's 20s can be challenging, especially as they face significant uncertainty in their lives. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Dr. Meg Jay, a developmental clinical psychologist, author, speaker and mom.Dr. Jay emphasizes the importance of understanding this decade as a critical period for mental health and emotional well-being. With societal milestones shifting later in life, parents must adapt their expectations and focus on fostering independence and resilience in their young adults. This episode dives into key trends affecting today's 20...2025-01-1832 min
Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodayUnlocking Gentle Parenting: Expert Strategies for Challenging KidsIn this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Dr. Paul Sunseri, a child and family clinical psychologist, researcher, author and father of four. Dr. Sunseri's latest book is called Gentle Parenting Reimagined, which offers a transformative approach to parenting, especially for those struggling with challenging behaviours in their children. He discusses how traditional gentle parenting techniques often fall short when dealing with oppositional or defiant kids. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the emotional states of children and suggests a shift from engaging during moments of dysregulation to allowing...2024-12-2830 minWhere Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids TodayUnlocking Gentle Parenting: Expert Strategies for Challenging KidsIn this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Dr. Paul Sunseri, a child and family clinical psychologist, researcher, author and father of four. Dr. Sunseri's latest book is called Gentle Parenting Reimagined, which offers a transformative approach to parenting, especially for those struggling with challenging behaviours in their children. He discusses how traditional gentle parenting techniques often fall short when dealing with oppositional or defiant kids. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the emotional states of children and suggests a shift from engaging during moments of dysregulation to allowing...2024-12-2830 min