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

Are schools missing the most important lessons kids need to succeed? In this episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino speaks with youth mentor and entrepreneur Rob Heller, founder of the BOOST Program and author of The Missing Course for Today’s Youth.
With over 20 years of experience, Rob shares why success is not luck-based—but skill-based—and explains the critical life skills kids and teens aren’t learning in school. From social skills and character development to mental health and managing screen time, this conversation is packed with practical insights for parents.
Learn how to raise confident, resilient kids in today’s phone-driven world—and why connection, humility, and struggle are essential for long-term success.
Takeaways:
Understanding hormonal changes during adolescence is crucial for supporting our children's emotional health.
Device usage among teens can significantly impact their social skills and mental health, requiring proactive communication from parents.
Discipline in teaching life skills is essential, as it lays the foundation for independence and resilience in the face of bullying.
Navigating consent and relationships is a key component of parenting today, especially with the influence of social media on youth interactions.
Fostering open communication about emotional and physical health can empower teenagers to make informed decisions regarding their well-being.
Encouraging a struggle mindset helps teens recognize the value of overcoming challenges, thus enhancing their character and relationships.

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

Parenting teens today isn’t just challenging—it’s completely different than it used to be.
In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino sits down with clinical psychologist Dr. Jerry Weichman to unpack what’s really driving the rise in teen anxiety, stress, and emotional overwhelm—and why so many parents feel unprepared to handle it.
Drawing on nearly three decades of experience working with over 6,500 families, Dr. Weichman explains how social media and smartphones have fundamentally reshaped adolescence. Today’s teens aren’t just dealing with peer pressure—they’re navigating a constant stream of comparison, validation, and unrealistic expectations that can deeply impact self-esteem and mental health.
At the centre of the conversation is what Dr. Weichman calls “electronic addiction”—the compulsive, dependency-like relationship many young people have with their devices. He breaks down why this is happening, how it affects developing brains, and what parents must do to set effective boundaries without damaging trust.
But this isn’t about fear—it’s about action.
Dr. Weichman offers clear, practical strategies to help parents shift from reactive to proactive, including how to:
Build resilience as the foundation of strong mental health
Communicate in ways teens will actually respond to
Model emotional regulation and stress management at home
Navigate conversations about relationships, boundaries, and consent in the digital age
Create structure around screen use without constant conflict

This episode is both a wake-up call and a roadmap—giving parents the insight, tools, and confidence to support their children through one of the most complex stages of development in a hyper-digital world.
Key takeaways:
Teen mental health challenges are being amplified by constant digital exposure and social comparison
Social media and smartphones are designed to drive compulsive use—what experts call “electronic addiction”
Many parents feel unequipped, but small shifts in approach can have a big impact
Resilience—not perfection—is the key to helping kids cope and thrive
Open, honest communication builds trust and reduces conflict
Parents’ own stress and behavior play a critical role in their child’s wellbeing

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

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, Lianne Castelino speaks to Chris DeArmitt, PhD, materials scientist, a global advisor on plastics policy and evidence-based research, speaker, author and father.
The discussion explore one of today’s most debated environmental and health topics: plastics and microplastics in everyday family life.
De Armitt shares a controversial and science-driven perspective on common fears around plastics, microplastics, and environmental impact—challenging widespread beliefs and highlighting what decades of research actually show.
He articulates that the narrative of being 'drowned in plastic' is misleading, as plastics represent a minimal fraction of our overall material use. De Armitt ’s insights are particularly relevant for parents who are inundated with conflicting information about the safety of plastic products used in homes, schools, and everyday life.
De Armitt ’s key message revolves around the importance of scientific literacy and critical thinking, especially in the face of sensationalized media reports. He argues that many fears surrounding microplastics are exaggerated and that the actual scientific evidence does not support the level of concern that is often portrayed. By presenting well-researched data, he empowers parents to make informed decisions without succumbing to anxiety driven by misinformation.
From food safety and children’s exposure to recycling, greenwashing, and environmental decision-making, this conversation unpacks the myths parents are hearing and the science behind them.
This episode dives into critical thinking, media influence, and how to evaluate environmental claims with evidence—not fear.
Takeaways:
Understanding the myths surrounding plastics can help parents navigate the complexities of environmental concerns more effectively.
It's crucial for parents to teach their children critical thinking skills to help them discern fact from fiction in today's information overload.
The idea that we're drowning in plastic is a myth; plastics constitute less than 1% of all materials we use.
Parents should feel reassured that everyday plastic items are FDA approved and have been thoroughly studied for safety.
While recycling is beneficial, the most impactful action families can take is to reduce overall consumption of high-impact materials.
Instead of worrying about microplastics, parents should focus on more pressing environmental issues like reducing travel and meat consumption.

Links referenced in this episode:
whereparentstalk.com
plasticsresearchcouncil.com
chrisdearmitt.com
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.
Companies mentioned in this episode:
Plastic Research Council
FDA
European Food Safety Agency

Substance use and addiction are affecting more families than ever—and many parents feel unprepared, overwhelmed, and alone.
In this episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino speaks with certified family recovery specialist Kim Porter, co-founder of Be Part of the Conversation.
Drawing from both professional expertise and lived experience as a mother, Kim shares powerful insights into how addiction develops, why it’s often missed, and what parents can do if they suspect something is wrong.
From understanding today’s evolving drug landscape—including cannabis, fentanyl, and vaping products—to navigating stigma, setting healthy boundaries, and supporting a child without enabling harmful behaviour, this conversation offers practical guidance and hope.
Kim also explains the critical role of open communication, early intervention, and community support in helping families move from fear and isolation to healing and resilience.
Key topics include:
Early signs of substance use in teens and young adults
Why addiction is often misunderstood—and missed
How to talk to your child without judgment or panic
Setting boundaries while maintaining connection
The impact of mental health and social media on youth
Where parents can find support and resources

Links referenced in this episode:
whereparentstalk.com
https://conversation.zone

Companies mentioned in this episode:
Be part of the Conversation
Ethos Treatment

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.

The tumultuous waters of parenting in today's world often requires a nuanced understanding of emotional and mental health, especially as our children face unique challenges such as bullying, social media pressures, and the complexities of consent and relationships.
In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Micheline Green, an integral master coach, educator, executive coach, author and mom to explore why traditional, control-based parenting is failing today’s families—and what to do instead.
Blending neuroscience, leadership principles, and real-life parenting insights, Micheline reveals how parents can shift from reacting in moments of stress to responding with calm, clarity, and connection.
Key takeaways include:
Understanding hormonal changes and their impact on emotional health is crucial for parents navigating their children's development.
Effective communication between parents and children fosters independence and helps combat bullying in a social media-driven world.
Establishing discipline through guidance rather than control nurtures emotional health and leads to healthier relationships.
The importance of consent in relationships is a pivotal topic for today's youth, and parents should facilitate these discussions.
Regular practice in self-regulation equips parents to model emotional steadiness, providing a safe environment for children amidst chaos.
Conscious parenting transforms the home environment into a space of growth, highlighting the significance of emotional connection over mere behaviour management.

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