Practical tools and powerful insights for trauma-informed parenting. Learn how to heal your childhood, do your own inner work, and break generational cycles—so you can raise capable, resilient, and emotionally healthy children. Each episode offers strategies and stories to bring more calm, connection, and joy to your parenting journey.
Take this short, anonymous survey Parental Overwhelm: What Is Making Parenting So Hard?
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation Contact Authentic Parenting Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook Work with Anna Podcast Production by Aminur
Take this short, anonymous survey Parental Overwhelm: What Is Making Parenting So Hard?
What happens when a parent and an adult child become estranged? What happens when one of them decides to go no contact?
Family estrangement is not a new phenomenon, but it seems to be increasingly visible in recent years. And I think it is a complex social phenomenon that deserves a closer look.
OTHER EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE
How to Stop Holding a Grudge with Judith Rabinor, PhD The Complicated Mother-Daughter Relationship with Judith Rabinor, PhD The Power of Storytelling with Kristy Lauricella and Judith Rabinor, PhD How to turn Self-Care into a Way of Life with Judith Rabinor, PhD The Power of Deep Listening wiht Judith Rabinor, PhD How Mother Loss Shapes Who We Become with Hope Edelman and Judith Rabinor, PhD Who We Are and How We Heal with Nina Mongendre How Changing Your Story Can Change Your Life with Nina Mongendre (LIVE Podcast) Updating Your Relationship with Your Parents -Part 1 with Daniel Maté LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation Contact Authentic Parenting Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook Work with Anna Podcast Production by Aminur
Take this short, anonymous survey Parental Overwhelm: What Is Making Parenting So Hard?
Andy Chaleff on grief, vulnerability, parental loss, and the "little deaths" we experience throughout life. In this intimate conversation, we explore what happens when we allow ourselves to face loss rather than avoid it, how mortality can shift our perspective, and how writing letters can help us express what was left unsaid.
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation Contact Authentic Parenting Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook Work with Anna Podcast Production by Aminur
Take this short, anonymous survey Parental Overwhelm: What Is Making Parenting So Hard?
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation Contact Authentic Parenting Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook Work with Anna Podcast Production by Aminur
Take this short, anonymous survey Parental Overwhelm: What Is Making Parenting So Hard?
What happens when a parent and an adult child become estranged? What happens when one of them decides to go no contact?
Family estrangement is not a new phenomenon, but it seems to be increasingly visible in recent years. And I think it is a complex social phenomenon that deserves a closer look.
OTHER EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE
How to Stop Holding a Grudge with Judith Rabinor, PhD The Complicated Mother-Daughter Relationship with Judith Rabinor, PhD The Power of Storytelling with Kristy Lauricella and Judith Rabinor, PhD How to turn Self-Care into a Way of Life with Judith Rabinor, PhD The Power of Deep Listening wiht Judith Rabinor, PhD How Mother Loss Shapes Who We Become with Hope Edelman and Judith Rabinor, PhD Who We Are and How We Heal with Nina Mongendre How Changing Your Story Can Change Your Life with Nina Mongendre (LIVE Podcast) Updating Your Relationship with Your Parents -Part 1 with Daniel Maté LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation Contact Authentic Parenting Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook Work with Anna Podcast Production by Aminur
Take this short, anonymous survey Parental Overwhelm: What Is Making Parenting So Hard?
Andy Chaleff on grief, vulnerability, parental loss, and the "little deaths" we experience throughout life. In this intimate conversation, we explore what happens when we allow ourselves to face loss rather than avoid it, how mortality can shift our perspective, and how writing letters can help us express what was left unsaid.
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation Contact Authentic Parenting Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook Work with Anna Podcast Production by Aminur
Self-diagnosis, therapy speak, social media, and mental health labels are changing how young people understand themselves and their emotions. In this episode, we explore when these labels can help, when they can limit us, and how to move beyond diagnosis toward greater self-awareness, emotional language, and connection.
OTHER EPISODES YOU MAY ENJOY
Are We Over-Diagnosing Our Kids? Rethinking ADHD, Autism, and the Search for Normal When Self-Help Becomes Harmful: Why You Should Stop Trying to Heal All Your Trauma Your Mental Health and What's Going Right with Dr. Paul Conti Why Chasing a Better You Is Making You Miserable with Seth Gillihan, PhD LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation Contact Authentic Parenting Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook Work with Anna Podcast Production by Aminur
What if some of the screen-time advice you've been following is outdated?
This candid conversation gets real about kids, smartphones, social media, screen-free meals, bedtime and what screens are really doing to family life. Plus, a fascinating experiment with children may make you rethink screen time altogether.
OTHER EPISODES YOU MAY ENJOY
The Dopamine Crisis in Kids: Why Screen Time Advice Isn't Working for Your Child Screen Addiction: How to Stay Sane in a Digital Age -Nancy Colier How to Navigate Social Media Safely with Your Kids with Imran Ahmed Why Social Media is Toxic for Women and Girls Kara Alaimo, PhD Why You Can't Pay Attention and How to think Deeply Again with Johann Hari Strategies for Digital Well-being: How to Reduce Stress, Gain Focus and Gain Control of Your Life Growing up in Public Strategies for Digital Parenting Should You Worry About Kids' Screen
Time How AI Can Support Parenting: Answering Your Parenting Questions Can You Use AI in Your Parenting?: Answering Your Parenting Questions-Anna, Laura and ChatGPT Strategies for Digital Well-Being: How to Reduce Stress, Gain Focus and Take Control of Your Life LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation Contact Authentic Parenting Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook Work with Anna Podcast Production by Aminur
Your young adult is home, not working, and has no idea what comes next. Is it failure to launch or something deeper?
In this episode, Evan Sanchez explains why your young adult may not be lazy or unmotivated, why pushing harder can backfire, and what parents can do to help without creating more pressure.
TEDx talk by Julie Lythcott-Haims Why are so many adult children moving back home?
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation Contact Authentic Parenting Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook Work with Anna Podcast Production by Aminur
When getting your child to school becomes a daily battle, what's really going on?
School refusal is often misunderstood or overlooked. In this episode, Jayne Demsky explains what it is, why it happens, how to recognize it and what parents and schools can do to help.
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation Contact Authentic Parenting Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook Work with Anna Podcast Production by Aminur
Can you become calm in just 90-seconds? What does calm mean? How does it feel? Why choose the power of the pause? We can't think out os stress. Disvoer the LAR-LAR method to calm, connection and kindness.
Get her book: The Power of the Pause: 90 Seconds to Calm, Reset, and Reconnect
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation Contact Authentic Parenting Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook Work with Anna Podcast Production by Aminur
Courtney Conley on how something as simple as a daily walk can transform not just your physical health but your mental health, your relationships, and your overall well-being.
We explore:
the 10,000-step rule is wrong you signature walk your walking mindset movements snacks proper footwear (you probably don't have one) and more LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation Contact Authentic Parenting Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook Work with Anna Podcast Production by Aminur
If ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected and wondered what's actually going on in your body—this episode is for you.
Physiotherapist Jessica Maguire on what the nervous system actually is, what the vagus nerve does, and why things like heart rate variability matter more than we might realize.
Get her book: The Nervous System Reset: Heal Trauma, Resolve Chronic Pain, and Regulate Your Emotions with the Power of the Vagus Nerve
If you are new to this podcast and don't know where to start, download my free trauma kit, a curated playlist to help you understand trauma how trauma impacts your body, brain, nervous system, and relationships — and what supports real healing
It includes 10 handpicked conversations with experts like Dr. Gabor Maté, Deb Dana, Dr. Paul Conti, and Dick Schwartz.
Download it and start listening today at authenticparenting.com/traumakit
OTHER EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE
How to Recover from Burnout by Regulating Your Emotions and Nervous System Befriending Your Nervous System with Deb Dana How to Regulate Your Nervous System How Trauma Gets " Stuck" in Your Nervous System with Irene Lyon Mind-Body Tools to Develop Stress Resilience LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur
Rachael Renae, an author, artist, play and creativity enthusiast on the power of on how to prioritize play to overcome blocks, better connect with yourseves and your people, and confidently live big, fulfilling lives.
Mindset shifts to start seeing play in the everyday Guidance to help you find your version of play Strategies to turn play into a regular practice Exercises to release expectations on your creativity Get her book: Prioritize Play: Express Your Creativity, Boost Your Confidence, and Foster Deeper Connection
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur
I've spent over a decade in the self-development space, and somewhere along the way, I began to see a pattern: the more people focus on healing, the more their lives start to revolve around what's wrong. More analyzing, more processing, more regulating and less living, less connecting, less being.
So in this episode, I want to talk about something that might feel uncomfortable, even controversial: there comes a point when trying to heal all your trauma can actually keep you stuck and why you may need to stop, or at least do it very differently.
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur
Kevin Maguire, author of The New Fatherhood, about what is shifting inside modern fatherhood and why so many men are trying to parent differently than they were parented themselves. Did you know that dads can experience postpartum depression too? We talk about the move from "protect, provide, preside" to something more emotionally present and engaged, and what it actually takes to stay connected when things feel overwhelming. We explore anger and emotional regulation, the challenge many fathers experience around vulnerability and play, and the identity shift that happens when a man becomes a parent.
OTHER EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE
Reactivity, Fatherhood, and the Balancing Act of Ambition and Presence How To Be a Feminist Dad 3 Secrets To Thriving as a Single Dad with Justan Mitchell Inner Work for Fathers with Charles C. Daniels Jr., PhD LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur
Jon Gustin from Tired Dad on what it really means to show up as a father not perfectly, but intentionally, how to keep the bigger picture front and center when you're exhausted, triggered, and pulled in a hundred directions… and why the real work of parenting starts within.
Also, why anger it's not a superpower, even though so many men have been taught that it is. And much more.
Get his book: The Tired Dad.: 100 Reflections on Showing Up for What Matters Most
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur
Returning guest, renowned psychiatrist and author Dr. Paul Conti on tapping into our often ignored and long over-looked generative drive, the primary factor that's already going right in each of us. The generative drive helps you get things done, solve problems creatively, help others and feel connected to something larger than yourself. When activated, it brings you peace, contentment, and delight.
The 5 Part Function of Self: When you alter your function you alter your life trajectory Cultivating a daily self-inquiry practice Learning compassionate curiosity Progressive muscle relaxation Rewiring Life Narratives Get his new book: What's Going Right: A Powerful New Method for Optimizing Your Mental Health Listen to Dr. Conti's first epsiode on the podcast: The Invisible Epidemic of Trauma with Paul Conti, MD LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur
Screens—and managing them—have become one of the biggest daily struggles for parents today.
In today's episode, I'm joined by Michaeleen Doucleff, author of Dopamine Kids, and this conversation felt both grounding and eye-opening. Like so many of us, she found herself struggling with screens and ultra-processed foods in her own homeand instead of blaming or restricting harder, she got curious about what's really going on underneath.
We talk about what dopamine actually isand the myths we've gotten wrong. Why the pull toward scrolling and "easy" rewards is so powerful, and what it really means to help kids (and ourselves) do hard things. She introduces her model for understanding what she calls "dopamine magnets," how to curate the cues in our environment, and why resistance alone doesn't work.
Dr. Debbie Raphael on the significance of social connection—friendships, community, and creating your village.
Connection isn't a luxury—it's a lifeline. It's one of the most powerful antidotes we have to stress, burnout, and loneliness. And yet, it's often the very thing that gets pushed to the bottom of our list when life feels overwhelming.
So as you listen, I want to leave you with this question:
What is one small step you can take today to strengthen an existing connection—or create a new one?
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur
Lisa Katayama, author and mom on what we can learn from the Japanese approach to parenting.
Get her book: The Japanese Way of Parenting: And What It Taught Me About Raising (Mostly) Calm, Caring, Capable Kids
OTHER EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE
What Cultures Around the World Can Teach You About Parenting with Marina Lopes Motherhood Is Political: Parenting, Policy, and Cultural Expectations with Abigail Leonard Are We Over-Parenting in America? The Danish Way of Parenting The my initial conversation The Japanese Way of Parenting LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur
Hilary Jacobs Hendel, a NYC-based AEDP psychotherapist and emotions educator on using the Change Triangle to understand, manage and regulate your core emotions for optimal well-being.
GET HER BOOKS
Parents Have Feelings, Too: A Guide to Navigating Your Emotions So You And Your Family Can Thrive It's Not Always Depression by Hilary Jacobs OTHER EPISODES YOU MAY ENJOY
Fear with Kristen Ulmer Anger with Russell Kolts, PhD Boredom with Hans Wilhelm The Upside of Your Dark Side with Todd Kashdan, PhD The Benefits of Negative Emotions Unwinding Anxiety with Dr. Jud Brewer Why Anxiety Is Good For You Even Though It Feels Bad How to Be Happier with Tal Ben-Shahar LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur
We hear a lot these days about boundaries, self-care, and protecting our energy. But what about generosity?
In this episode, Kristy Lauricella and I explore generosity—what it means, how it shows up in everyday life, and why noticing it can quietly transform how we experience the world. We discuss generosity as a mindset, not just big acts of giving; how to receive it from others; why acknowledging small acts of kindness matters; and the connection between generosity, gratitude, and happiness.
OTHER EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE
Death and Cupcakes with Kristy Lauricella Why We Need To Connect More with Kristy Lauricella How to Connect Deeply wiht Yourself and Others with Kristy Lauricella Navigating Adult Friendships Colonoscopy and Cannolis A Year in Review: Pausing, Reflecting and Looking Ahead The Power of Vulnerability to Create Intimacy LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur.
Authentic Parenting is a podcast about breaking generational trauma cycles and raising emotionally healthy children by growing ourselves first. If you want to parent differently than you were parented, this podcast is for you. We explore how emotions actually work and how childhood trauma lives in the brain, body, and relationships. You'll learn how to regulate your nervous system, stay calm under stress, prevent burnout, and respond instead of react — so you can become a more patient, grounded, and happier parent. Hosted by Anna Seewald, psychologist, educator and parent coach, this show blends psychology, trauma-informed insight, and honest conversations about what it really takes to raise our children while growing ourselves.
Board-certified physician Dr. Heather Hirsch on the symptoms of perimenopause, hormonal therapies, and what women need to know about this often misunderstood stage of life. In this conversation, we explore common perimenopause symptoms—including anxiety, insomnia, mood changes, brain fog, and shifts in energy and why these hormonal changes in women are often mistaken for depression or anxiety disorders. Dr. Hirsch explains what happens to estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone during perimenopause, when this transition typically begins, and how menopausal hormone therapy may help some women feel like themselves again.
Get her book: The Perimenopause Survival Guide: Make Sense of Your Symptoms and Build Your Personalized Treatment Plan Listen to: The TRUTH About Menopause: Symptoms, Solutions & Finding the Gifts in Midlife! with Tamsen Fadal LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur.
Rebecca Thompson, family physician, on redefining strength in motherhood and why vulnerability matters more than being the "strong mom." An honest conversation about the difference between pity and compassion, the tension between privacy and oversharing, and the emotional truth that grief and joy can coexist. This episode explores what it means to be witnessed in your story—and how holding the long view can sustain us through the messy, beautiful work of parenting.
Get her book: Held Together: A Shared Memoir of Motherhood, Medicine, and Imperfect Love – Navigating Grief and Joy Through Women's Diverse Journeys to Parenthood, Family, and Community
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur.
Dr. Ross Greene breaks down why more kids are struggling today and why it's not just social media's fault. He explains developmental variability, why meeting kids where they are isn't lowering expectations, and what really drives anxiety, depression, and distress in children. A must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone who cares about the next generation.
Listen to Dr. Green's first interivew: Parenting Your Challenging Child with Dr. Ross Greene
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur.
What is mental health? What is a diagnosis? Are ADHD and autism genetic? And what happens to families when every struggle gets a label?
In this provocative conversation, veteran child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Sami Timimi challenges many widely held assumptions about children's distress, resilience, and the role of experts. You may not agree with everything you hear — but if you're willing to stay open and curious, you'll gain a radically different lens on big emotions, learn how to support children without immediately turning them into patients, and discover ways to nurture resilience and confidence in everyday life.
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur.
Devon Kuntzman from Tranforming Toddlerhood on how can you respond to your toddler with both firmness and compassion, the three ingredients of effective parenting, and how to use discipline that actually works.
What toddler tantrums really mean The truth about the "terrible twos" Why toddlers communicate through behavior How to set limits while staying connected Discipline strategies that work in real life LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur.
In this special 10-year celebration, I'm joined by a small group of longtime listeners to reflect on what we've learned about becoming better parents. Together, we explore powerful lessons from a decade of podcasting, including the role of self-compassion, the importance of repair, emotion regulation, and deeper truths about trauma and healing. This honest, thoughtful conversation represents the voices of the broader Authentic Parenting community and a reminder that meaningful change happens when we learn and grow together.
Here are the other episodes in the 10-year anniversary series:
Ten Years, Many Lessons: A Personal Message to Begin 2026 10 Years of Podcasting: Revisiting Our 100th Milestone Episode 10-Year Celebration: Parenting, Podcasting & the Green Stroller Moment Ten Minutes, Ten Years Ago: A Conversation With My 10-Year-Old Traditions, Transitions, and Why 2017 Was an Important Year for the Authentic Parenting Podcast Milestone Episode 300: Listener Voicemails, Podcast Evolution, and Behind-the-Scenes Secrets 10 Years of Authentic Parenting: A Monthly Special Episode with Real Parenting Stories Episode 400: The Listeners Put Me on the Spot - 10-Year Anniversary Celebration Continues LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur.
To close the 10-year anniversary series, I'm sharing the very first episode of the Authentic Parenting podcast, recorded in 2015 and lost for many years. Listening back, I was surprised that it began with such a humble and honest conversation about overwhelm in the lives of busy mothers.
Thank you for being part of the Authentic Parenting global community.
Here are the other episodes in the 10-year anniversary series:
Ten Years, Many Lessons: A Personal Message to Begin 2026 10 Years of Podcasting: Revisiting Our 100th Milestone Episode 10-Year Celebration: Parenting, Podcasting & the Green Stroller Moment Ten Minutes, Ten Years Ago: A Conversation With My 10-Year-Old Traditions, Transitions, and Why 2017 Was an Important Year for the Authentic Parenting Podcast Milestone Episode 300: Listener Voicemails, Podcast Evolution, and Behind-the-Scenes Secrets 10 Years of Authentic Parenting: A Monthly Special Episode with Real Parenting Stories Episode 400: The Listeners Put Me on the Spot - 10-Year Anniversary Celebration Continues LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur.
A 10-Year Anniversary Interview with Anna Seewald, Hosted by Laura Froyen
In this special 10-year anniversary interview, I sit down with my dear friend and colleague, Dr. Laura Froyen, to share the story behind the Authentic Parenting podcast. I open up about the times I almost quit the show, the moments I resented it, and what ultimately made me come back and keep going.
We dive into the challenges, surprises, and lessons learned along the way, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of the podcast over the past decade. This conversation is honest, reflective, and full of insights for anyone navigating the ups and downs of parenting, creative work, or long-term projects.
Thank you for being part of the Authentic Parenting global community.
Here are the other 10-year anniversary episodes:
Ten Years, Many Lessons: A Personal Message to Begin 2026 10 Years of Podcasting: Revisiting Our 100th Milestone Episode 10-Year Celebration: Parenting, Podcasting & the Green Stroller Moment Ten Minutes, Ten Years Ago: A Conversation With My 10-Year-Old Traditions, Transitions, and Why 2017 Was an Important Year for the Authentic Parenting Podcast Milestone Episode 300: Listener Voicemails, Podcast Evolution, and Behind-the-Scenes Secrets 10 Years of Authentic Parenting: A Monthly Special Episode with Real Parenting Stories Episode 400: The Listeners Put Me on the Spot - 10-Year Anniversary Celebration Continues LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur.
In this special 400th episode, Anna is joined by three longtime listeners and friends from the Authentic Parenting community. Together they laugh, reflect, and turn the tables in an honest conversation about connection, growth, and what makes this podcast so meaningful.
Check out the earlier 10-year anniversary episodes:
Ten Years, Many Lessons: A Personal Message to Begin 2026 10 Years of Podcasting: Revisiting Our 100th Milestone Episode 10-Year Celebration: Parenting, Podcasting & the Green Stroller Moment Ten Minutes, Ten Years Ago: A Conversation With My 10-Year-Old Traditions, Transitions, and Why 2017 Was an Important Year for the Authentic Parenting Podcast Milestone Episode 300: Listener Voicemails, Podcast Evolution, and Behind-the-Scenes Secrets LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur.
As part of the Authentic Parenting 10-year anniversary, I'm revisiting a classic monthly special episode. We answer listener questions, share favorite resources, and reflect on real parenting moments from our own homes—honest, relatable, and timeless.
Check out the earlier 10-year anniversary episodes:
Ten Years, Many Lessons: A Personal Message to Begin 2026 10 Years of Podcasting: Revisiting Our 100th Milestone Episode 10-Year Celebration: Parenting, Podcasting & the Green Stroller Moment Ten Minutes, Ten Years Ago: A Conversation With My 10-Year-Old Traditions, Transitions, and Why 2017 Was an Important Year for the Authentic Parenting Podcast Milestone Episode 300: Listener Voicemails, Podcast Evolution, and Behind-the-Scenes Secrets LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~019855d91718719d11
Celebrate 10 years of the Authentic Parenting Podcast with this special re-release of episode 300. I reflect on the podcast's evolution, share listener voicemails that are honest and heartwarming, and give you a peek behind the scenes—how episodes come together, special moments from live events, and the stories that make the podcast what it is.
Check out the earlier 10-year anniversary episodes:
Ten Years, Many Lessons: A Personal Message to Begin 2026 10 Years of Podcasting: Revisiting Our 100th Milestone Episode 10-Year Celebration: Parenting, Podcasting & the Green Stroller Moment Ten Minutes, Ten Years Ago: A Conversation With My 10-Year-Old Traditions, Transitions, and Why 2017 Was an Important Year for the Authentic Parenting LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~019855d91718719d11
Reflections, Top Episodes, and Behind-the-Scenes Growth
As part of the January 10-year anniversary of the Authentic Parenting podcast, I'm revisiting meaningful milestone episodes from the archives. This throwback to my 2017 year-end reflection highlights key traditions and transitions, behind-the-scenes moments, and the top 10 most downloaded episodes of the year.
Whether you're a longtime listener or new to the podcast, this episode invites you to pause, reflect on your own year, and notice how the podcast and parenting has evolved over time.
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~019855d91718719d11
This episode is such a sweet throwback. We recorded this short, 10-minute conversation with my daughter seven years ago when she was turning 10—and honestly, I had completely forgotten about it. The title says "Two Productivity Secrets from a 10-Year-Old," but what surprised me most wasn't just her insights—it was hearing her sweet voice and noticing how I talked to her. The way I spoke to her then is the way I still speak to her now.
Check out the earlier 10-year anniversary episodes:
Ten Years, Many Lessons: A Personal Message to Begin 2026 10 Years of Podcasting: Revisiting Our 100th Milestone Episode 10-Year Celebration: Parenting, Podcasting & the Green Stroller Moment
Revisiting the 200th Episode of Authentic Parenting. Longtime listener Lauren Thomas interviews Anna about parenting, podcasting, and the unforgettable "green stroller" moment—an honest, behind-the-scenes look at the show.
Lauren asks about some of my most favorite guests, the top three most impactful episodes, and the most authentic moment of the podcast. We talk about interviews that went off the rails, guests who caught me off guard, and moments that challenged me as a parent and host. You'll hear about the most difficult age with my kid, the ways I keep a "go-with-the-flow" approach, the little things that embarrass my tween but I keep doing, and even why a 3-star review made me cry for a week.
Check out the earlier 10-year anniversary episodes:
Ten Years, Many Lessons: A Personal Message to Begin 2026 10 Years of Podcasting: Revisiting Our 100th Milestone Episode LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~019855d91718719d11
What did it really mean to reach 100 episodes in the early days of podcasting?
As part of our 10-year podcast anniversary, we're revisiting the 100th episode—a major podcast milestone at a time when most shows didn't last beyond a few episodes. This special throwback episode includes listener participation, the original podcast intro, and early production from the show's beginnings. A meaningful look back at how this podcast started, what it was built on, and why honoring the past matters as we continue to grow.
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~019855d91718719d11
As the podcast marks its 10-year anniversary, I'm sharing a personal message about the lessons, growth, and moments that shaped this journey. I'll also let you know what's coming up in January as we begin a new year together.
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~019855d91718719d11
This is our final episode of the year, and today I'm doing something I always love—looking back and reflecting. I'll be revealing the Top 10 most downloaded episodes of 2025, sharing why these conversations resonated so deeply, and highlighting a couple of episodes and guests that were personal favorites for me.
Top 10 Mastering the Art of Validation: How to Make People Feel Seen and Understood with Caroline Fleck, PhD How to Raise Capable and Resilient Children with Sheryl Ziegler Raising Emotionally Aware Boys Who Turn into Strong Men with Tosha Schore Reclaiming Your Inner Child: Heal the Past and Live Fully with Nina Mongendre The Family Dynamic: The Mystery of Sibling Success with Susan Dominus Why Kids Are Struggling—and How to Help Them Thrive with Ned Johnson Stop People Pleasing: How to Value Yourself and Your Needs with Amy Wilson How to Recover from Burnout by Regulating Your Emotions and Nervous System with Michelle Grosser How to Connect Deeply With Yourself and Others with Kristy Lauricella 7 Ways to Improve Well-Being, Reduce Stress, and Stay Grounded in Difficult Times with Anna Seewald and Laura Froyen LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~019855d91718719d11
In this final episode of the year, we slow down and reflect on what this year held—the meaningful moments, the hard ones, and the lessons we want to remember. I'm joined by my dear friend Kristy Lauricella as we answer reflective questions (available to download), share our unexpected words of the year, and talk about the books, podcasts, and shows that stayed with us. This conversation isn't about doing the year "right," but about noticing, closing the year with intention, and offering ourselves a little more self-compassion.
Download this free PDF with pwoerful questions.
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~019855d91718719d11
Jeff Hittner on the invisible pressures dads carry every day—balancing ambition with presence, holding emotions they were never taught to express, feeling the weight of being a provider while wanting to be deeply connected, and silently wondering whether they're doing enough.
03:18 — Why dads default to fixing
06:10 — How conflict exposes emotional patterns you didn't realize you were repeating
09:27 — What happens inside your body in the first seconds of reactivity
12:55 — How shame hides in anger or withdrawal and shifts your parenting
16:40 — Why ambition and presence feel at odds—and how to hold both
19:12 — How the definition of "providing" can create hidden distance
22:03 — What kids actually need from you when they're dysregulated
26:44 — How small repairs rebuild connection after hard moments
29:58 — Why dads often hide their struggles and how vulnerability helps
33:21 — How real-time emotional attunement works—and what derails it
37:49 — What regulated fatherhood looks like in everyday interactions
41:30 — Why self-compassion matters more than perfect parenting
44:56 — How tiny daily habits build long-term emotional resilience
48:20 — What keeps parents stuck in reactive cycles and how to break them
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services.
Are you ready to start the new year with calmer, more connected parenting? In this episode, I share 7 practical ways to parent with intention in 2026 while avoiding common pitfalls that can derail your goals. We cover screen time, home environments, children's play, shared meals, technology, and the small but powerful shifts that can transform your family life. You'll also hear exercises and tips to check in with yourself, stay intentional, and create a year filled with connection and purpose.
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~019855d91718719d11
An OG podcaster, the founder and CEO of the Women's Meditation Network Katie Krimitsos on listening to your inner knowing, trusting your intuition and taking action even if you don't know all the answers.
04:00 – How fear and tears marked her first podcast recording.
06:30 – Why starting with no plan led to building a six-figure business.
09:00 – The intuitive pull that sparked an entirely new meditation show.
11:00 – How to follow intuition even when fear shows up.
13:00 – Confronting impostor syndrome as a meditation guide.
15:00 – Why early download success confirmed she was on the right path.
17:00 – The difference between intuition's whisper and fear's noise.
19:00 – How meditation became her tool to hear inner guidance.
21:30 – A "whisper moment" that led to comforting a grieving friend.
24:30 – Teaching her daughter to trust her gut over peer pressure.
27:00 – How she recognized school struggles and ignored conventional advice.
29:30 – Why listening to intuition transformed her daughter's learning journey.
32:00 – How journaling, walks, and reflection guide big life pivots.
34:30 – Why failure is just a stepping stone in following your inner voice.
37:00 – How meditation can unlock your intuition and live an aligned life. LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~019855d91718719d11
How to help a parent who feels their teen is "out of control" becomes a doorway into understanding what lies beneath aggression and lying, the difference between dysregulation and being out of control, why we often have parenting upside down by giving young kids too much autonomy and tightening control in the teen years, and how to hold authority with kind, firm limits while staying curious and non-punitive in the complex landscape of family life.
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~019855d91718719d11
Have you ever stopped to wonder how the stories you grew up with—the ones you absorbed in childhood—still shape the way you parent today?
Author and creative coach GG Renee Hill on uncovering, rewriting, and reclaiming the stories that define us.
Timestamps:
0:03 – How our childhood stories shape parenting
0:06 – Parenting from old patterns
0:09 – When others silence your intuition
0:12 – Finding yourself amid parenting chaos
0:15 – GG's inner child awakening
0:18 – Turning sensitivity into strength
0:21 – Growing up with a schizophrenic mother
0:25 – Redefining strength as a Black mom
0:29 – Coaching kids without tearing them down
0:33 – GG's breaking point and repair
0:38 – Anger is human, violence is not
0:43 – Hope for a more conscious generation
0:48 – Healing through storytelling and reflection
0:53 – The power of rewriting your narrative
0:58 – GG's message to parents and creators
Her book: Story Work: Field Notes on Self-Discovery and Reclaiming Your Narrative Her viral essay, "Choosing My Mental Health over My Mother" LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~019855d91718719d11
00:00 – Introduction to Andrea Leigh Rogers
02:15 – From dancer to wellness entrepreneur
04:40 – Creating Xtend: blending Pilates and dance
06:55 – The birth of Small Moves, Big Life
09:10 – Why small moves matter
11:25 – Escaping the cycle of overwhelm
13:45 – Motivation follows action
16:05 – Redefining success for modern women
18:30 – The FEEL framework explained
21:10 – Letting go of mom guilt
23:25 – Doing less, living more
25:50 – Finding joy in movement
28:15 – Simplifying routines and priorities
31:00 – Self-compassion in daily life
33:20 – Raising confident, balanced kids
36:10 – Andrea's final message of encouragement LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~019855d91718719d11
Seth Gillihan, PhD says the path to peace isn't fixing yourself — it's expanding yourself. We explore how to stop chasing "better" and start living fully, now. We'll explore mindfulness practices, stoic wisdom, and practical tools for quieting anxiety, facing fear, and reclaiming presence in a culture that conditions us to believe we are broken.
00:00 — Why we're wrong about self-improvement 02:45 — The hidden cost of chasing perfection 07:30 — The real location of happiness
A surprising shift in perspective that could change your life. 12:15 — Self-worth sabotage
How society quietly convinces us we're not enough — and what to do about it. 17:40 — Self-expansion vs. self-improvement
A game-changing distinction most people miss entirely. 22:10 — The overlooked truth about worry and how to break free from it. 28:55 — Doing it scared 34:20 — Stoic practices that actually work
Simple, practical tools that could transform your daily life. 40:10 — Secrets to avoiding burnout
A mindset shift and daily ritual that keeps energy high. 45:00 — The closing truth OTHER EPSIODES YOU MAY LIKE
The Power of Acceptance with Seth Gillihan, PhD (LIVE PODCAST) Finding Healing, Peace and Joy with Seth Gillihan, PhD-Part 1 LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~019855d91718719d11
Dr. Levin on the often misunderstood topic of traumatic grief — how it differs from ordinary grief, why it can feel so overwhelming, and what truly helps in the healing process.
00:00 – Introduction to thanatology and grief work
02:15 – What makes grief traumatic
05:20 – Traumatic vs. non-traumatic loss
07:45 – Common reactions after sudden loss
10:05 – When grief becomes stuck
12:30 – Stabilizing the nervous system
15:10 – How trauma impacts meaning-making
17:40 – The theory of shattered assumptions
20:25 – Post-traumatic growth and hope
23:00 – Continuing bonds with the deceased
25:35 – Integrating loss and healing
28:10 – Supporting others through grief
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~019855d91718719d11
Licensed Clinical Social Worker and trauma therapist Estefana Johnson shares what makes CMI unique, how it differs from other trauma modalities like EMDR, why our nervous system often overrides logic, and how tuning into 'signals' — rather than symptoms — can transform healing.
(00:00) Introduction to CMI — what Critical Memory Integration is and how it reframes "symptoms" as "signals." (03:45) Difference Between CMI and EMDR — how CMI diverges from EMDR in theory, process, and focus on organic experience processing. (08:20) The Roots and Creation of CMI — how the model emerged from integrating multiple trauma modalities into one cohesive approach. (11:10) Present-Day Focus — why CMI starts with current discomfort rather than diving directly into past memories. (14:25) The Mind vs. the Nervous System — why mindset alone isn't enough and how the nervous system shapes perception and healing. (18:40) Understanding "Critical Memories" — what makes some memories so influential and how they form lifelong behavioral patterns. (22:15) Beyond "Big T" and "Small T" Trauma — why trauma categories are subjective and how CMI honors each person's lived experience. (26:00) The CMI Process — how clinicians assess tolerance for discomfort and guide clients through following body-based signals. (33:10) A Self-Guided CMI Practice — a simple exercise for tuning into sensations and emotions with curiosity and compassion. (40:00) Integration, Compassion, and Regulation — the role of self-compassion, co-regulation, and practical tools like breathwork in healing. (45:30) Closing Reflections — trusting your body's wisdom and learning more about CMI training through Arise Alliance. Podcast Production by Aminur: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~019855d91718719d11
Dr. Amy Apigian on the fascinating and often overlooked—biology of trauma.
[00:00] Introduction and shared connection around trauma, resilience, and Armenian heritage. [05:00] Story of becoming a foster parent during medical training and first encounter with childhood trauma. [15:00] Struggles of supporting traumatized children without adequate tools or professional guidance. [25:00] Personal health breakdown leading to chronic fatigue, autoimmunity, and a deeper look into trauma biology. [35:00] Discovery that therapy alone wasn't enough — biology and physiology also play key roles in trauma. [45:00] Explanation of stress at the cellular level, mitochondria changes, and the "cell danger response." [55:00] Distinction between stress, overwhelm, trauma, and how burnout develops. [01:05:00] How trauma is stored in memory and physiology, with a personal story illustrating hidden trauma. [01:20:00] Exploration of chronic pain, sleep issues, IBS, and how they relate to a dysregulated nervous system. [01:35:00] Survival mode shuts down detoxification and accumulates toxins over years, leading to illness. [01:45:00] Why nervous system regulation is the essential first step in healing — but not the full solution. [01:55:00] Introduction of cellular repair to address oxidative stress, DNA damage, and generational trauma. [02:10:00] A holistic framework for healing: mind, body, and biology working together ("small hinges move big doors"). [02:25:00] Guidance on where to start: choosing manageable steps that build momentum and confidence. [02:35:00] Closing reflections on living more fully alive, plus resources, book, and social links. LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. Podcast Production by Aminur: https://www.upwork.com...
Todd Sarner is a parenting coach and psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience helping families turn daily power struggles and emotional chaos into connection, calm, and cooperation at home.
[00:00] Introduction — why quick fixes on social media backfire
[02:35] What parents really need instead
[05:10] The foundational role of attachment
[08:25] "Collect before you direct" explained
[12:00] Walking the middle path between chaos and rigidity
[16:40] Parenting as our kids (and we) grow and evolve
[20:15] What children need most from us today
[24:50] How Todd's philosophy has shifted over time
[29:30] Practical tools: bridging and matchmaking
[34:15] The Disney Hug Rule for connection
[38:20] The magic of satiation hugs
[42:00] Closing reflections and takeaways
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. *This episode was edited and produced by Aminur. If you need expert support to bring your dream podcast to life — from editing to full production — Aminur can help make it happen. You'll find his link in the show notes.
Podcast Production by Aminur: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~019855d91718719d11