ScreenStrong Families

• Raising Kids in a Screen-Saturated World—Without Losing Your Mind with Dr. Andrew Doan (#238)

  In this powerful crossover episode, Dr. Andrew Doan welcomes Melanie Hempe—registered nurse, author, and founder of ScreenStrong—to share her deeply personal and eye-opening journey from screen struggles to screen solutions. Originally featured on Dr. Doan’s Podcast, this conversation dives into the real impact of screens on families and how one mom’s wake-up call became a national movement.Melanie recounts how her oldest son’s battle with video game overuse led her to uncover the science behind screen addiction—and how it’s particularly dangerous for developing brains. Together, she and Dr. Doan explore:The neuroscience of screen overuse in kids and teensWhy smartphones and gaming aren't essential for healthy developmentWhat makes parents hesitate—and what helps them finally take actionPractical tools and inspiring stories from families who’ve successfully unplugged and reconnectedWhether you’re just beginning to question screen norms or ready to make a change in your home, this episode offers both the science and encouragement to help you move forward with confidence.Check out Dr. Andrew Doan's YouTube channel and website.Support the showDon't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong! Get your copy of the BRAND NEW KBS Home Edition! Start your ScreenStrong Journey today! Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more! Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador! ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount) Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount) Production Team: Host: Melanie Hempe Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

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• ENCORE: The Science of Media Use and the Teenage Brain with Dr. Douglas Gentile (#23)

  In this encore episode of the ScreenStrong Families Podcast, Melanie Hempe revisits an important conversation with Dr. Douglas Gentile, award-winning research scientist, educator, author, and professor of developmental psychology at Iowa State University.Together, they dive into the scientific research behind the addictive nature of video games and explore why many parents struggle to accept the mounting evidence. Dr. Gentile explains how gaming impacts children's developing brains, why certain games are designed to keep kids playing, and how overuse can prevent them from building real-world skills.He also offers a preview of what’s ahead in the fields of diagnosis and screening tools for screen overuse, equipping parents with insight into how science is catching up with what many families are already experiencing.Dr. Gentile shares practical advice for parents: set limits, create balance, and stand firm even when children resist. As he wisely cautions: “Don’t feed the bears.” His message is clear—it’s worth the effort to protect your child’s development. “Trust that parenting matters.”If you missed this episode the first time, or need a fresh reminder of why boundaries around gaming are so critical, this is a must-listen encore.Support the showDon't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong! Get your copy of the BRAND NEW KBS Home Edition! Start your ScreenStrong Journey today! Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more! Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador! ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount) Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount) Production Team: Host: Melanie Hempe Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

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• No Phones, No Problem: How One Family Raised Tech-Strong Teens Without Smartphones with Dan Rothert (#237)

  In today’s episode, Melanie Hempe sits down with Dan Rothert—a former college soccer coach, now consultant, and proud ScreenStrong dad—to share how he and his wife, Karen, a middle school teacher, successfully raised three thriving teens without personal smartphones. Yes, you read that right: no phones, no pushback—and no regrets.Dan’s story challenges the cultural script and shows that strong leadership and intentional parenting can lead to emotionally resilient, socially confident, and academically successful kids—all without the constant presence of a screen.You’ll hear:The “why” behind their no-phone decisionHow they built a family culture that made pushback almost nonexistentThe real-life benefits their teens have experiencedHow to respond to doubters and criticsAnd one powerful piece of advice Dan has for every parent on the fenceThis episode is a breath of fresh air and a beacon of hope for families feeling overwhelmed by digital pressure. You are not alone—and yes, this is possible for your family too.Support the showDon't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong! Get your copy of the BRAND NEW KBS Home Edition! Start your ScreenStrong Journey today! Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more! Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador! ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount) Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount) Production Team: Host: Melanie Hempe Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

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• We Need to Talk About Kids & Porn Exposure with Dr. Adriana Stacey (#236)

  In this urgent and eye-opening episode of the ScreenStrong Families Podcast, host Melanie Hempe is joined by child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Adriana Stacey to tackle one of the most difficult, but essential, topics facing parents today: early porn exposure.Drawing from real-world stories and powerful brain science, Melanie and Dr. Stacey explain why today’s digital landscape is especially dangerous for young, developing brains—and how porn exposure can become a deeply traumatic memory that sticks for life. But there’s good news: parents are not powerless.Together, they offer seven practical, research-backed strategies to protect your child from porn exposure and help them build a healthy, shame-free foundation for digital habits. From ditching personal devices and limiting sleepovers to starting age-appropriate conversations early, this episode provides the tools you need to defend your child's innocence and mental health.Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or educator, this episode will help you move from fear to action—and give you the confidence to say no to toxic tech and yes to ScreenStrong solutions.🔗 Resources Mentioned:Kids Brains & Screens CurriculumCanopy Filter (Recommended Parental Controls)ScreenStrong Ambassador ProgramPrevious episode with Smith Alley on talking to kids about pornSupport the showDon't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong! Get your copy of the BRAND NEW KBS Home Edition! Start your ScreenStrong Journey today! Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more! Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador! ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount) Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount) Production Team: Host: Melanie Hempe Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

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• Offline and Intentional: A Conversation with Tin Can Founder Chet Kittleson (#235)

  In this inspiring episode, Mandee Hamann sits down with Chet Kittleson, entrepreneur and founder of Tin Can, a company on a mission to help kids and families connect offline—without the interference of screens. Chet shares the story behind Tin Can's creation, the challenges of raising kids in a hyper-digital world, and how meaningful connection can be reclaimed through intentional, tech-free moments.From the inspiration behind the simple-yet-powerful Tin Can to the importance of curiosity, trust, and communication in parenting, this conversation is full of encouragement and practical insight. Whether you’re just starting your screen-free journey or looking for new ways to strengthen family bonds, Chet’s message will resonate deeply.PricingThe pre-order price is $75, and then it'll go to $100 after that. Tin Can now has a free plan for families who only want/need Can2Can calling (ie. the ability to call/receive calls from Tin Cans). The Party Line Plan, where they can add normal numbers to their approved network (cell phones, landlines, 911, etc) is $9.99 / month. Use the invite code SCREENSTRONG to receive a free month of service. You can also email Chet with any questions, comments, or ideas at [email protected] the showDon't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong! Get your copy of the BRAND NEW KBS Home Edition! Start your ScreenStrong Journey today! Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more! Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador! ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount) Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount) Production Team: Host: Melanie Hempe Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

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