Conversation Balloons

Herb Bernstein, acomposer, producer, and arranger for hits in many genres, reflects on his memories of stars such as Laura Nyro, Johnny Carson, Julie Budd, and John Denver, all on his 94th birthday.  His humility, optimism, and humor give us a wonderful perspective on growing older.  We thank him and artist Julie Budd for sharing their song, "Looking Back," found on her CD at  https://ww...

**THIS IS A REPRISE OF EPISODE #56 ON 5.22.24** Former Army Ranger and West Point psychology professor Dave Grossman describes the mayhem violent video games are inflicting upon teens.  We discuss mass murder, sleeplessness, and sheepdogs. Granted, it's not an episode for the faint of heart (most kids should not listen), but we end on a surprisingly sweet note. Additional resources: Books by D...

What to do when Communists take over your country? If you're Kim Parker's dad, you build a boat, learn to navigate, and get the family out of there. After that harrowing escape, Kim grew up in the U.S., only to confront social changes that called her to be a leader in her profession, and her faith. YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzIenh7QbNU Additional resources: Association...

Sunday, September 7, is National Grandparents' Day! Grandparents by the hundreds of thousands are raising their grandchildren, with the parents out of the picture due to addiction, incarceration, or other traumatizing events. How are we supporting older folks and kin who step up to this challenge? An expert on "grandfamilies" and kinship families, Jamarl Clark, with Generations Unite...

Treatment for transgender kids is a topic as fluid as the gender identity of Gen Z. Adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Miriam Grossman describes the rarely-publicized risks of sex identity changes--medical and psychological--and ways that parents should respond to their trans kids. Warning: some graphic, but professional, discussion of this sensitive topic. News update: Since our interview, the U.S. v. S...

Jean Burk, founder of College Prep Genius, dishes on the tactics about scoring high on standardized tests like the SAT, gap years, teacher recommendations, and whether to guess on multiple choice. Did you know there are no full-ride scholarships for soccer? And that some kids are starting to prepare for college admissions in 6th grade? Before you break out in a cold sweat, listen to this whole epi...

Economist Dr. Clara Piano talks about declining birth rates, failed pronatalist policies, "luxury beliefs," and how families benefit cities in ways that singletons don't. Leah tells "a lovely story," since she doesn't know much about economics. Additional resources: --"The fertility gap and economic freedom," CE Piano and LR Stone, Contemporary Economic Policy --" Autocratic family policy," CE Pia...

Timothy Eaton, PhD Education, University of Alberta, inspires and instructs homeschooling parents on how to start their own homeschooling journey. He talks about the 6 roles of a homeschool father, and about how grandparents and other relatives can enrich the students' lives. Additional resources: hello@thisgoldenhour.org Thisgoldenhour.org Classicalconversations.com HSLDA.org https://www.theh...

Military expert Col. Dave Grossman discusses not only African and Middle Eastern child soldiers but also the experience of youthful draftees in Viet Nam. Along the way, we cover Ukraine's fighters, PTSD, video games, female child soldiers, sleep deprivation, chaplains, and how Grossman supports his own deployed grandson. Alert: some troubling content. 2d alert: we're not saying that the U.S. draft...

A caregiver and media wizard shares why and how her brand of entertainment for dementia patients benefits them and their loved ones. We discuss "simulated presence," "Sesame Street for adults," and how TV can encourage those with mental health issues to take their medication or drink more water. Allyson Schrier, Co-Founder and President of ZinniaTV, is our mindful and inspirational guest. Don't mi...

Pediatric sleep specialist Katie Bishop reveals her techniques to ensure that a baby snoozes all night long. From swaddling to sound machines, from co-sleeping to car naps--she's got well-founded and time-tested practical advice for infant care that parents, grandparents, and nannies can use right now! Additional resources: www.theearlyweeks.com I nstagram: @the_early_weeks

Erica Komisar tells her pressured New York City patients that their children have a universal, brain-based, irreducible need: their parents, mainly, mom. How to balance this need with career and personal fulfillment? We have to talk! Turns out that being there for babies benefits the parents too Additional resources: Komisar, Erica. Being There: Why Prioritizing Motherhood in the First Three Years...

It's Global Intergenerational Week!  So we connect with national expert on shared-site programs bringing seniors and kids together, Dr. Shannon Jarrott, as she describes how the generations can thrive together when retirement centers and daycare, or elder activity sites and schools, can mingle.  Physical and emotional benefits accrue to both age cohorts.  You'll learn what cyber seniors and memory...

Black scholar and educator and American Enterprise Institute senior fellow Ian V. Rowe on why and how his Vertex schools are shaping low-income young people with moral foundations and optimism.  Children in the Bronx are learning the four cardinal virtues and the personal agency which lead them into "the success sequence" that lifts kids out of poverty. Additional Resources: Book: Agency...

A certified personal trainer, nurse, and fitness guru brightens the picture of menopause with practical tips and her inspirational outlook. This stage of women's health, often overlooked, prompts a lively chat about perimenopause and "the change." Additional Resources: Website:  Reneecarls.com Instagram:  @reneecarls YouTube: Renee Carls

Ukrainian-born Dimitry Toukhcher has created fashion for men in over 25 countries, designing for Hollywood movies and celebrities like Jordan Peterson, Piers Morgan, and Ozzy Osbourne.  He spoke to us from his throne beneath the portrait of another client, Alice Cooper, about how he rose from Soviet austerity to the flamboyant success of his clothing brand, LGFG.  We also talk about his new book c...

Noted psychologist Dr. Josh Coleman outlines the alarming trend of adults breaking off contact with their parents for their own mental health.  He has counseled thousands of the parties to this intimate kind of conflict, leading a large percentage to reconciliation.  Leah offers practical suggestions for preventing this anguish and drama with specific parenting techniques.  They talk about the imp...

Caylee Carullo, experienced teacher and author of The Calm Classroom course (success is 100% guaranteed!), loads us with doable strategies for getting kids to nap, share, and stop the aggravating behaviors.  Her insights on giving kids a sense of purpose are spot on! We loved this guest so much that even though there were some sound glitches, we've gotta put this out there! Additional Resource...

A useful graphic to visualize personalities: 4 colors represent 4 temperaments.  Karen Stubbs uses Kathleen Edelman's theory of the basic wiring of our personalities to demonstrate how parents can understand their children--and improve their behavior.  Leah explores common childrearing scenarios with Karen, and she kicks off this episode with a tiny tutorial on the color of your kid.  Karen Stubbs...

A child and family therapist coaches us on connecting with our teens.  Amie Anger's practical tips on kids' emotional, physical, and spiritual development in the home are to take notes on! Find Amie on Instagram @therealparent

 Personal trainer and fitness coach Renee Carls talks exercise and other healthy habits for older adults.  Encouragement abounds!  Additional resources: ReneeCarls.com Instagram  @Renee Carls   Conversation Balloons Episode w/ Dr. Gozal about Sleep

Conversation Balloons podcast has hit new levels! Hear some good news in this tiny episode with big feelings in it.

Child play expert Lizzie Assa, founder of Workspace for Children, suggests how parents, grandparents, and teachers can guide kids into independent, creative play with the right toys, play areas, and words.  This episode is packed with concrete tips, just in time for Christmas! Additional resources:  Workspaceforchildren.com (Lizzie's website is chock full of resources and thoughtful articles:) 

Bestselling author Rod Dreher starts our holiday season by describing the wonders and miracles that led him and others out of depression, chronic illness, and unbelief.  How to recapture the enchantment ofchildhood?  It could involve aliens, the Jesus Prayer, or going on a bus tour of Paris.... Additional resources: Living in Wonder: Finding Mystery and Meaning in a Secular Age by Rod Dreher Frann...

The band Hanson went from child stars in the 90's to dads of teens themselves today as they still record and perform around the world.  Isaac Hanson candidly talks about growing up famous and instilling virtue in his kids.  Isaac's warmth and humility made him one of our favorite guests! Additional Resources: Hanson.net The hit that started it all:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHozn0YXAeE