Authentic Parenting

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 Emoti...

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...

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:...

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...

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: Th...

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 deligh...

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 ab...

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 quest...

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...

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 An...

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 acknowledgin...

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...

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 diso...

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 lon...

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 interiv...

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 t...

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...

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 v...

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-y...

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 challeng...

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 Podcas...

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 Ou...

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: ...

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 listen...

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 the...