Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids Today

How do you raise safe, confident kids in a world of gaming chats, AI tools, social media, and constant connectivity?In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to cybersecurity professionals Chad Rychlewski and Kae David, who share expert, practical advice from their book Cyber Smart Parenting. As both industry insiders, they translate enterprise-level cybersecurity strategies into realistic steps families can use at home.You’ll hear:Why digital safety conversations should begin in kindergartenThe risks of oversharing photos in the age of AIHow gaming voice chats expose children to strangersWhy locking your child’s credit protects against identity theftHow to talk to teens about their digital footprint without shameThe importance of family digital contractsWhy being present matters more than being technicalInstead of fear, this conversation focuses on empowerment. The safest kids aren’t the most restricted — they’re the ones who feel safe coming to their parents before a crisis happens.This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.Links referenced in this episode:whereparentstalk.com

Why do so many parents feel like they’re failing — even when they’re doing everything “right”?In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino is joined by Manu Brune, postpartum specialist, parent coach, mother of 3 and author of Overcorrecting: Parenting in the Middle While the World Shouts in Extremes. They unpack a timely issue facing parents today: overcorrection.Brune explains how many parents are unconsciously parenting in reaction to their own childhood experiences, swinging between extremes in an effort to “break generational cycles.” The result? Chronic stress, nervous system dysregulation, parental burnout, and growing self-doubt.This episode explores:How nervous system regulation shapes parent-child relationshipsWhy perfectionism and hyper-vigilance are exhausting parentsThe long-term impact of reactive parenting on children’s mental healthWhat co-regulation means and how children “borrow calm” from adultsHow to parent with consistency without rigidityWhy the space between parenting decisions matters more than the decisions themselvesThis podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.Links referenced in this episode:whereparentstalk.com

Life insurance can feel overwhelming for parents — especially when you’re juggling kids, careers, mortgages, and everyday life. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Laura McKay, co-founder and COO of PolicyMe and a mom of two, to break down life insurance in simple, practical terms for families.This essential conversation for parents covers what life insurance actually is, why it matters for moms and dads, the difference between term and permanent life insurance, how much coverage families really need, and common mistakes parents make when putting it off.You’ll also learn how life insurance fits into different stages of parenthood — from pregnancy and young children to teens and young adults — and how to take a small, manageable first step.What you'll learn:The basics of life insurance and its role in protecting parents and familiesTerm and permanent life insurance: what’s the difference?Determining the right coverage amount for your family’s needsCostly life insurance myths and mistakes parents should avoidPlanning life insurance around major life events, from pregnancy to homeownership and career shiftsThis podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.Links referenced in this episode:whereparentstalk.compolicyme.comCompanies mentioned in this episode:Policy MeFortune 500

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Matthew Kaufman, camp director, author, lifelong camp professional and father, about the powerful science behind camp and what parents can learn from it.Drawing from his book The Campfire Effect: How to Engineer Belonging in a Disconnected World, Kaufman explains how camp environments intentionally create safety, belonging, and healthy challenge—and why those elements are essential for learning and emotional growth.Parents will learn:Why children can’t learn or grow unless they feel emotionally safeHow positive stress (not zero stress) builds confidence and resilienceThe role of brain chemicals like cortisol, oxytocin, and endorphins in child developmentThe difference between supporting a child and rescuing themSimple, practical ways parents can recreate “camp-like” belonging at home through rituals and connectionThis conversation supports parents navigating anxiety, screen overload, and the pressure-filled school year.This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.Links referenced in this episode:whereparentstalk.com

What if your child’s genius has nothing to do with grades or test scores?In this episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Houlie Duque, educator, homeschool coach, and founder of Homeschool To Go, to challenge traditional ideas of intelligence and success in education.The conversation explores how every child is intelligent—just in different ways—and why the current education system often overlooks creativity, emotional intelligence, kinesthetic learning, and interpersonal strengths.Duque explains how parents can identify their child’s unique learning style, build confidence, and nurture strengths without pressure, labels, or comparison.This conversation also explores how homeschooling, project-based learning, and family rhythm can help parents create meaningful learning experiences—without overwhelm.In this episode, parents will learn:What “genius” really means in a childWhy grades and gifted labels don’t tell the full storyHow learning styles impact focus, motivation, and confidenceThe emotional impact of labelling children too earlyHow to support kids with ADHD or non-traditional learning needsSmall, realistic changes parents can make this weekHow homeschooling and experiential learning can work for busy familiesLinks referenced in this episode:homeschooltogo.orgwhereparentstalk.comCompanies mentioned in this episode:homeschooltogo.orgThis podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.Links referenced in this episode:whereparentstalk.com