All Together: The Family Science Insights Podcast

Ever feel like compromise in your marriage just isn’t cutting it? This week on All Together: The Family Science Insights Podcast, host Dina Sargeant speaks to psychotherapist Duygu Balan, LPCC, LMHC to learn more about what makes compromise work. Specializing in familial and intergenerational trauma, as well as attachment wounding, Duygu Balan, LPCC, LMHC employs existential, relational, humanisti...

Marriage is often seen as the ultimate aspiration, punctuating every romantic film and happily-ever-after. Yet, marriage was originally a pragmatic social contract providing economic benefits, secured alliances, and ensured lineage. So, this week on All Together: The Family Science Insights Podcast, host Dina Sargeant speaks to psychotherapist and marriage counselor Mel Schwartz, M.Phil., LCSW abo...

Historically, the traditional model of marriage was an economic necessity for those who desired children. Much has changed since, and evolution has become the sustenance of enduring marriages. So, this week on All Together: The Family Science Insights Podcast, host Dina Sargeant is joined by psychotherapist and marriage counselor Linda Bloom to learn more about what it takes for love that stands t...

Finance may not be the family’s weeknight topic of choice, but it certainly is crucial for cruising through those inevitable bumps in the road unscathed. So, this week on All Together: The Family Science Insights Podcast, host Dina Sargeant is joined by financial planner Liz Frazier Peck to learn more about communication and decision-making in family finance. A member of multiple financial associa...

Storytelling is an art with a profound impact on family relationships, shaping family narratives, fostering communication, and building a sense of identity and belonging. So, this week on All Together: The Family Science Insights Podcast, host Dina Sargeant is joined by speaker and author Constance Scharff to explore the role of storytelling in family dynamics. Renowned for her expertise in addict...

There’s more than meets the eye with extended families: often distant on the surface, extended families play a significant role in strengthening families. So, this week on All Together: The Family Science Insights Podcast, host Dina Sargeant is joined by Dr. Sylvia L. Mikucki-Enyart to learn more about how the involvement of extended families can reinforce various pillars of the family. An expert...

Communication within a family is more than just the exchange of words; it is the heartbeat of connection and the foundation of a positive atmosphere. This is recognition of the immense impact that effective communication can have on fostering a culture of positivity and resilience within families.  In this captivating conversation, we will uncover the myriad ways in which positive communication pr...

ADHD is frequently discussed in the context of children or individuals, the experiences of parents grappling with ADHD symptoms are often overlooked. If you find yourself navigating the complex terrain of parenthood while dealing with ADHD, or if you're simply curious about how ADHD affects family life, this episode is tailored for you. Join Dina as she talks with Melissa Orlov, a highly regarded...

Discover how innovative techniques are empowering gay couples to realize their dreams of having children, including the fascinating phenomenon of twins born through these advancements. From in vitro fertilization (IVF) to surrogate motherhood and beyond, we uncover the ethical considerations, societal implications, and emotional dimensions surrounding these revolutionary reproductive options. Our...

Effective communication serves as the cornerstone of family rituals, acting as a conduit for shared values, traditions, and experiences. In this enlightening discussion, we delve deeper into the pivotal role that effective communication plays in nurturing and sustaining meaningful family rituals. Joining host Dina Sargeant, our esteemed guest speaker in this episode, Dawn O. Braithwaite, Ph. D., d...

Delve into the complex landscape of infertility, join us as we discuss what infertility entails, its prevalence, misconceptions, and the importance of supporting loved ones facing this challenge. As it can be physically and mentally exhausting for the individual undergoing treatment procedures, understanding the emotional toll of infertility treatment and providing steadfast support can foster res...

Join us for a profound discussion on domestic violence, focusing on the often-overlooked impact it has on children, who are known as the hidden victims of this pervasive issue. Our guest today is Beth Tyson, a childhood trauma consultant, 3x best-selling author, and passionate child welfare advocate. With years of experience as a trauma therapist for children and a deep personal understanding of P...

Join us for an insightful discussion on managing boundaries within families, focusing on the complex dynamics of familial estrangement. In recent years, familial estrangement has become a topic of increasing awareness, often signaling a culmination of negative communication patterns among family members. However, the reasons behind these sudden breaks in ties can be unclear, leaving families grapp...

Dive into a stimulating discussion on familial estrangement, exploring its intricacies, effects, and pathways to reconciliation. Familial estrangement can evoke a range of emotions, from loss and grief to isolation. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for navigating mental health challenges and seeking appropriate support. In this enlightening conversation, we’re joined by Vinita Mehta, Ph. D...

Many families grapple with unspoken conversations about domestic violence, a silent epidemic prevalent in various cultures. In this episode, we shed light on this pressing issue with the guidance of collaborative counselor and therapist, Hui Wen Tong. Leveraging Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Attachment-based Therapy, and other person-centered modalities, Hui Wen offers compassionate support...

Welcome to our discussion on navigating family resilience in the face of loss, featuring renowned clinical psychologist, family therapist, and author Froma Walsh, Ph. D. Loss can profoundly affect family dynamics, challenging the very fabric of our connections. But amidst grief, how do families find resilience? Join us as we delve into this crucial topic with Froma Walsh, Ph. D., a distinguished P...

When it comes to sibling relationships—sibling rivalry, jealousy, and empathy can take place. When navigating a sibling relationship alongside the challenges of disability, it may occasionally impact the dynamic, posing long-term challenges. In today’s show, Dina is joined by Dr. Carolyn Shivers, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Niagara University, NY. Shivers has been a part...

Now, we are approaching the dawn of a new year, the perfect time to rejuvenate and reassess our lives, giving us an opportunity to create resolutions and plans, particularly in the context of our partnerships. But how do we bring up the discussion for renewal to strengthen our relationship? Welcome to a brand new episode of All Together: The Family Science Insights Podcast. Join host Dina Sargeant...

With children off school and families gathering together, there can be a number of challenges families face on their usual routine. Everyone in close quarters, different celebratory traditions and cultures amongst the family.  In today's episode of All Together, host Dina Sargeant is joined by Sarah Lee, clinical psychologist and PhD candidate. Dina and Sarah discuss the various dynamics within a...

I know what you’re thinking: How do art and communication go together? Family relationships can be conflicting, nurturing, or safe for each member. Sometimes individuals also perceive those relationships differently. In today's episode of All Together, host Dina Sargeant is joined by Su Mei Tan, founder of Art Tearapy and an art therapist based in Melbourne. While she began her journey by building...

Before the journey of marriage even begins, many individuals grapple with the apprehension of settling down after their first marriage. Prenup seems to act as a trigger for a lot of people, seen as a harbinger of the worst rather than the better. In today's episode of All Together, host Dina Sargeant is joined by Dr. Henry Kha, a Senior Lecturer of Law at Macquarie University. With primary researc...

Every family has different ways they have learned to communicate. This particular pattern impacts how we speak to each other, how we solve problems that occur, and the ways in which we care for each other. In this episode of "All Together: The Family Science Insights Podcast," host Dina Sargeant is joined by Dr Jennifer L. Bevan, a professor in the School of Communication at Chapman University in...

With Grandparents' Day approaching, there are significant questions surrounding family relationships from the perspective of grandparents: how they interact with family members, provide family support, and set boundaries to balance family life with their own. In this episode of the All Together Podcast, Dina is joined by Dr. Robyn Mills, a retired psychologist and a grandmother of six children. Sh...

Welcome to a new episode of the All Together Podcast: The Family Science Insights Podcast, where we explore the intricate dynamics of remarriage and the journey of building a strong, secure, and loving blended family. Host Dina Sargeant engages in a candid conversation with Ron Deal, a licensed family and marriage therapist, and the founder of Smart Stepfamilies™, Director of FamilyLife Blended® f...

The practice of adoption stands as one of the most profound and transformative journeys a family can embark upon, reshaping our contemporary understanding of what constitutes a family. It is a deeply emotional process that unites individuals not solely through biological ties, but also through a collective decision and a shared sense of belonging. In this compelling episode of "All Together," our...