Redefining Resilience: A Mother’s Journey Through Loss, Love, and Injury
In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Rebecca Faye Smith Galli — columnist, resilience expert, advocate, and bestselling author — about what it truly means to live with resilience in the face of unimaginable loss and change.A mother of four (including two children with special needs) and a grandmother, Smith Galli’s journey has been marked by profound challenges — from losing her brother at a young age, to raising children with epilepsy and autism, to becoming paralyzed just days after a divorce. Through it all, she’s discovered practical wisdom and hope that continue to inspire parents and caregivers around the world.Together, the conversation unpacks the real meaning of resilience — how to face adversity with honesty, accept what cannot be changed, and still find ways to live fully and joyfully. Smith Galli shares her strategies for staying “possibility-driven,” teaching children about emotional awareness, and nurturing family connection amid uncertainty.Key themes:Defining resilience through lived experienceParenting children with special needsCoping with grief, loss, and unexpected changeFinding hope through journaling, mindfulness, and daily intentionModelling resilience and emotional honesty for kidsTakeaways: Hormonal changes during adolescence can significantly affect communication and discipline in young adults. Social media usage has created new avenues for bullying, impacting emotional and mental health among teens. Establishing independence is crucial for teens, but it's equally important to foster open communication with them. The integration of physical health and emotional well-being is vital for resilience in facing life's challenges. Understanding consent and relationships is essential for teaching teens about healthy interactions in a digital age. Parents should embrace the concept of resilience, encouraging their children to adapt and thrive despite life's adversities. Links referenced in this episode:whereparentstalk.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: Pathfinders for Autism 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.
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The Gut–Brain Connection: Understanding GI Disorders in Kids & Teens
Did you know that your child’s stomach aches might have more to do with their mind than their meals?In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast host Lianne Castelino speaks with Dr. Ali Navidi, licensed clinical psychologist and CEO of GI Psychology, about the link between the gut and the brain — and what every parent should know.Dr. Navidi explains how gut–brain disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome IBS, functional abdominal pain, and dyspepsia can begin in early childhood, how anxiety and stress can fuel digestive symptoms, and why clinical hypnosis and CBT are proven tools to help kids heal.Learn when to seek help, how to support your child’s emotional and physical well-being, and why building safety and routine can make all the difference.Takeaways: Understanding the connection between gut health and emotional well-being is crucial for children and teens, as hormonal changes and anxiety can exacerbate GI disorders. Parents should be proactive in maintaining routines for their children, as consistency can foster independence and discipline, while avoiding the pitfalls of anxiety-driven behaviour. Open communication about feelings and body awareness is essential in helping children articulate their emotional health, particularly in relation to physical symptoms they may experience. Effective treatments for gut-brain interaction disorders include cognitive behavioural therapy and clinical hypnosis, which empower kids to manage their symptoms and improve their mental health. Links referenced in this episode:whereparentstalk.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: GI Psychology 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.
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The Real Talk: How to Prepare Your Young Adult for Life's Challenges
What should parents really be telling their kids before they leave the nest? In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to writer and mom of three, Joanne McHugh, creator of the newsletter Things Your Mom Should Have Told You.McHugh how parents can help their young adults navigate love, work, money, and life’s inevitable messiness — without lecturing or sugarcoating.She shares how her own daughters inspired her mission to offer honest, heartfelt, and practical wisdom to 20-somethings finding their footing in today’s complicated world.Key topics:Why “happy talk” can backfire when preparing kids for adulthoodHow sharing your own struggles builds stronger relationshipsTalking about dating and finances without sounding like a sermonNavigating hustle culture and burnoutHelping young adults normalize the messiness of their 20sThis 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
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Rethinking Gifted Education: The Role of AI, Mastery, and Life Skills
In this episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Pamela Hobart — philosopher coach, writer, mother of four, and gifted education advocate. Hobart shares her journey from academia to coaching, and now to her work at GT School, where AI-driven mastery learning meets life skills education for high-ability students.Drawing on her background in philosophy and coaching, Hobart explains how she helps people transform “overthinking” into wisdom and action — a process just as vital for adults facing career crossroads as it is for children navigating school. She reveals why traditional education systems often fail gifted learners, leaving them either underchallenged or burdened with “educational baggage,” and why enrichment activities like dissecting sharks or busywork projects don’t truly meet their needs.Hobart also discusses GT School, a model blending AI-powered mastery learning with life skills workshops and human guidance. Instead of measuring success by seat time or average grades, GT School prioritizes academic acceleration, emotional resilience, and practical skills such as financial literacy, teamwork, and project management. Students not only advance faster academically but also learn to embrace failure, build confidence, and develop a love of learning.Hobart unpacks common misconceptions about gifted learners, the role of AI in education, and why guides — drawn from diverse backgrounds beyond traditional teaching — are central to creating environments where children thrive. Key Takeaways:The limits of traditional educationTurning overthinking into wisdomGifted ≠ enrichmentThe role of AI in learningLife skills matterThis 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
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Unlocking Teen Potential: Self-Regulation as a Superpower
Self-regulation is a superpower that can transform a teen’s emotional, social, and academic life. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to psychologist and first-time author Dr. Cathy Wu. The former college professor and mom dives into why mastering self-regulation is essential for today’s youth—and how parents can help. From navigating technology and social pressures to fostering healthy habits and meaningful communication, Dr. Wu shares practical strategies for empowering teens to thrive. The conversation also explores insights from her new book, The Self-Regulation Handbook for Teens and Young Adults, and discover how to guide your teen toward confidence, resilience, and success.Takeaways: Self-regulation is a crucial skill for teens, impacting their emotional, social, academic, and physical development. Dr. Wu's book offers tools for teens aged 15 to 21 to navigate challenges and improve self-awareness. Parents should model healthy technology use to foster better self-regulation in their teens. Conversations about emotional well-being should be casual and led by curiosity, not judgment. Understanding the trauma-informed approach is essential for supporting teens in today's challenging environment. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provide practical techniques for managing stress and emotions. Links referenced in this episode:whereparents talk.comThis 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
About Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids Today
The Where Parents Talk podcast empowers parents to navigate the challenges of raising kids, teens, and young adults today with science-backed insights, evidence, and the lived experiences of parenting thought leaders.
Every Saturday, host, award-winning journalist and mom, Lianne Castelino, distills parenting hot topics with her guests, including: managing hormonal changes, fostering healthy communication, and promoting emotional, mental, and physical health and well-being of kids.
Get proven tips and expert advice on addressing device usage and managing social media to the latest evidence on bullying, consent, and relationships, to help instil discipline, encourage independence, and build resilience in children.
Discover trusted advice, delivered with empathy and optimism, to support your parenting journey and help your family thrive.
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