Joyful Courage - A Conscious Parenting Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Tammy J. Cohen — author of A Text Message Away — to talk about the power of connection through simple, consistent gestures. Tammy shares her personal journey of learning to lead with heart, empathy, and curiosity — even (especially) when the people you love put up walls. We talk about how texting can become a surprisingly meaningful bridge to connection with our kids (or anyone), why we often wear masks instead of showing our true selves, and how to move from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” Tammy also opens up about her own struggles with judgment and control and how she learned to trust her kids as they grew into adults. This conversation is full of reminders that our children — no matter how old — long to feel loved, seen, and safe with us. And that connection doesn’t have to be perfect to matter — it just has to be steady. Get show notes and more information at https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-592-daily-habits-that-build-connection-with-tam

In this episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I dive deep into how parents of teens can let go of control, validate their kids’ experiences, and rebuild trust—even when walls have gone up. You’ll hear tools and mindset shifts to dismantle your own armor, hand back energetic responsibility, and meet your teen with curiosity, acceptance, and love. Parenting tweens and teens can feel messy and humbling, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to grow alongside them. Listen in for practical Positive Discipline strategies to strengthen connection while respecting your teen’s independence. For more info and show nots, go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-591-dismantle-walls-and-deepen-your-bond-with-your-teen/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I chat with breathwork expert Kurtis Lee Thomas about how simple breathing techniques can help parents of teens manage stress, frustration, and overwhelm. Breathwork isn’t just for crisis moments—it’s a powerful daily tool to calm your nervous system, build resilience, and create more ease in family life. If you want practical strategies to stay present, connected, and lead with joyful courage, this episode is your breath of fresh air. For more info and show notes, go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-590-breath-as-a-superpower-with-kurtis-lee-thomas/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I revisit a timeless challenge: how to motivate teens to help out at home and follow through on commitments — without constant nagging or power struggles. I share mindset shifts and practical strategies for building cooperation, breaking through resistance, and nurturing real connection. You’ll hear why letting teens feel natural consequences matters and how to hold boundaries with love. Listen in for encouragement and tools to parent teens with respect and confidence! For more show notes and info go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-297-solo-show-thoughts-on-motivating-adolescents/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this powerful conversation with Dr. Traci Baxley, author of Social Justice Parenting, we explore how to raise children who embrace equity, compassion, and activism. We unpack hard topics like the N-word, critical race theory (CRT), systemic racism, and the importance of taking action — even when it’s uncomfortable. Dr. Baxley offers practical tools for fostering inclusion at home and in our communities. Tune in to learn how parenting and social justice intersect to create meaningful change. For more information and show notes, go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-331-raising-allies-with-traci-baxley/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you're parenting a tween or teen and feeling like you’re constantly walking on eggshells—this episode is for you. I talk about parenting teens without losing yourself in the process. I share why your peace of mind doesn't have to wait for your kid to change, and how you can tap into presence, groundedness, and calm—even in the messiest moments. I offer three mindset shifts and practical tools to regulate, hold boundaries with love, and lead with connection. This is about parenting from the inside out. Listen now and reclaim your peace, no matter what’s going on around you. For more info and show notes, go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-587-parenting-teens-without-losing-yourself/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

My guest today is Ann Garcia, and this episode is full of resources & advice you can use right now. Ann is an expert on paying for college and has two kids in college right now, so she really gets it. Ann starts with an explanation of why some college educations are so expensive, what other options are available, and why you need to define your budget for college. Ann shares tips for staying focused on goals & how to talk to your teen about college. Ann tells me when it could be right to take student loans and gives lots of info on how to get scholarships. We also touch on financial aid, FAFSA, CSS Profile, & institutional merit aid. Find more show notes and info at: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-392-college-financial-planning-with-ann-garcia/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this solo episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I am revisiting the wisdom of episode 428, where I unpack the power of perception in parenting teens—taking a look at how our kids interpret our actions, form beliefs, and make decisions based on what they think we value. I reflect on my own parenting journey and offer insight into the connection between behavior, motivation, and belonging. If you’ve ever felt stuck around your teen’s performance or attitude, this episode is a must-listen for positive discipline tools, connection, and real talk. I know you'll love it - listen in! Find more info and show notes at: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-428-considering-the-power-of-perception/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this powerful episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I talk with Dr. Robyn Koslowitz about post-traumatic parenting, emotional reactivity, entitlement, and how to raise resilient teens with compassion. We unpack how unresolved trauma can hijack our parenting and how to rewire our responses with awareness and grace. Dr. Robyn shares insights on teaching kids about needs vs. wants, building emotional regulation, and the importance of letting teens make mistakes. If you’re parenting teens and feel stuck in old patterns, this conversation offers tools, validation, and real hope. Tune in to feel seen, supported, and empowered. More info and detailed show notes at: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-584-post-traumatic-parenting-with-dr-robyn-koslowitz/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I wrap up the Positive Discipline for Teenagers book series with a deep dive into our unresolved teen issues—and how they sneak into our parenting. I reflect on my own experiences and share powerful tools to support healing, self-awareness, and courageous parenting. If you’ve ever wondered why certain challenges with your teen hit so hard, this conversation will help. I’m inviting you to shift from reactive to reflective, from fearful to courageous. Tune in to gain clarity, connection, and practical steps forward in your parenting journey. For more info and resources, go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-583-positive-discipline-for-teens-part-7-are-your-issues-getting-in-your-way/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I talk with psychologist and author Natalia Aiza about the emotional and practical challenges of parenting highly dependent young adults. We dive into the ways our own anxiety and desire to protect our kids can lead to unhelpful over-accommodation—and how to lovingly step back without stepping away. Natalia shares insights from her upcoming book and the SPACE model, reminding us that while we can’t force our kids into therapy or independence, we can shift the environment. We explore real-life examples, including turning off the phone at night, reducing codependence, and letting our kids experience natural consequences. If you’ve ever wondered how to support your struggling teen or young adult without enabling them, this episode is full of validation, practical tools, and compassion. Tune in to feel seen and empowered—you are not alone, and your efforts matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I break down the MAP process—Mirror, Align, Practice—a powerful tool for creating lasting transformation in your parenting. I share real-life stories (including a messy family meeting!) and offer encouragement for showing up with intention, even when it’s hard. You’ll learn why self-reflection matters, how to align with your values, and what brave, everyday practice looks like. If you’re ready to shift the dynamic in your family and parent with more connection and purpose, this episode is for you. Tune in for practical parenting support rooted in personal growth and real-life experiences. Find more information and show notes at: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/ eps-581-map-a-tool-to-transform-your-parenting/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I’m joined by the brilliant Kate Moryoussef, an ADHD women’s wellbeing coach, author, and mom. Kate shares her powerful story of being diagnosed with ADHD at 40 — along with one of her children — and we dig into what it really looks like to navigate family life when neurodiversity is part of the mix. Whether or not you or your child have an ADHD diagnosis, this conversation is rich with insight around emotional regulation, self-compassion, parenting with presence, and taking care of your own mental wellbeing. We talk about the unique challenges women face with ADHD, how emotional sensitivity shows up in everyday life, and why calm and self-awareness are essential for our relationships. Kate also introduces us to EFT (tapping) — a powerful tool for shifting energy and supporting self-regulation. If you're raising kids (neurodiverse or not), and you're looking for real tools and support for your own emotional health, you’re going to get so much from this episode

This week we dive into some of the scarier challenges parents face while raising tweens and teens. As usual, I emphasize the importance of building relationships, life skills, and personal growth. This episode discusses heavy topics like lack of friends, bullying, drug use, sex, suicide, and more, based on chapter 13 of the 'Positive Discipline for Teenagers' book by Jane Nelson and Lynn Lott. I advocate for open communication, harm reduction, curiosity, and providing unconditional love and support to help adolescents navigate these challenges. Can't wait to hear what you think - Find more show notes and info about our sponsors at https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-579-positive-discipline-for-teens-part-6-handling-scary-behaviors/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I have a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation with Christina Olivetti — a writer, educator, and passionate advocate for gender inclusion. Christina shares her powerful journey of raising her transgender son, Jake, and the deeply personal story behind her memoir, About Bliss. We talk about so much — from the importance of gender-affirming care and navigating medical decisions, to the emotional highs and lows that come with parenting a transgender child. Christina’s honesty, wisdom, and compassion shine through, and she offers incredible insights for parents who are walking a similar path or simply want to understand and support the trans community better. She also speaks about her involvement with Free Mom Hugs, a national organization offering love and support to LGBTQ+ families — a truly inspiring part of the conversation. I encourage all parents to tune in. Whether you’re raising a trans child or want to show up more fully as an ally, this episode is an im

In this episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I invite you to reflect with me on how our beliefs about our children can shape their behavior and our relationship with them. I revisit some key themes from past episodes and dive deeper into why it’s so important to look inward. When we take the time to examine our own belief systems, we open the door to creating a more positive and empowering environment for our teens and tweens. I talk about the value of self-awareness, curiosity, and our own ongoing growth as parents. You’ll hear practical ways to approach everyday parenting challenges—ways that come from seeing our kids as capable and resilient human beings. My hope is that this episode encourages you to explore your beliefs, shift your perspective, and find new ways to connect more meaningfully with your children. For more info and show notes, go to https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-480-power-of-examining-beliefs-we-hold-about-our-teens-and-tweens/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcas

I want to take a moment to share some personal updates with you. As my husband undergoes cancer treatment, I’ve made the decision to replay some powerful past episodes of the podcast that I believe are just as relevant and impactful today. One of those episodes is a conversation I had with Oren Jay Sofer, the author of Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication. In our talk, Oren beautifully weaves together his experiences with meditation and communication to show how we can bridge the gap between inner mindfulness and how we connect with others. We dive into the heart of mindful parenting—focusing on presence, curiosity, and intention—and discuss simple, practical ways to bring these qualities into our everyday lives. I encourage you to really listen in. You’ll hear strategies for embracing those all-important mindful pauses, nurturing a genuine sense of curiosity, and shifting from blame to identifying needs in your relationships. These tools aren’t just theory—they can truly transf

We are revisiting Episode 388 - and it's a good one! I’m breaking down 4 powerful steps to build trust and connection—even when your teen shuts you out. This isn’t a behavior problem—it’s a relationship one. You’ll reflect on your own reactions, learn how to truly listen, and show up in ways your teen can trust. Let’s get real, get honest, and rebuild connection—together. For show notes and more go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/solo-4-steps-being-support-teen-needs/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode is a dive deep into the concept of mistaken goals in parenting teens, exploring how our kids' challenging behaviors are often rooted in unmet needs like attention, power, revenge, assumed inadequacy, and excitement-seeking. I break down each mistaken goal, sharing how parents can recognize the hidden messages behind their teen’s actions and respond with empathy, connection, and positive discipline. If you’re struggling with power struggles, risky behavior, or feeling disconnected, this series is for you. Listen now to gain practical strategies and fresh insights that will transform your relationship with your teen. For more information and show notes, go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-574-positive-discipline-for-teens-part-5-why-do-they-act-like-that/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Back again with a follow up replay - this episode was recorded the same week as my show with Dr. Bryson (the one revisited in eps 572). I loved the convo so much I was inspired to go deeper into trusting our teen’s development. This show goes into what is happening in the teen brain and how to work WITH our kids to promote relationship and autonomy over time. Enjoy! Find more info and show notes at: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-512-trusting-our-teens-development/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices