Healthy Teen Life

Everyone’s talking about the glow up—but what if the best one starts on the inside? In this special summer episode, we’re hitting pause on new content and shining light on the ultimate self-care move: working on your inner game. Whether you’re heading back to high school or off to college, this is the perfect time to build confidence, boost your self-worth, and elevate your mindset. Tune in for th...

Ever find yourself mindlessly demolishing an entire bag of snacks and wondering "how did that even happen?" You're not alone - and you're definitely not broken. In this episode, we're diving into the 5 most common binge eating triggers that hit teens and young adults, and more importantly, the practical strategies that actually work to stop them. We'll unpack why your emotions might be driving you...

This episode explores how mindset work and self-love can be leveraged to overcome life’s struggles and in the process, rewire the brain for the better. Teens, your brain is wired to grow—and yes, you can change how it works. In this episode, we break down how to build resilience, boost your mindset, and feel more confident, even when life gets messy. You’ll hear Lawrence C. Harris’, one teen’s ins...

Why is it so hard just to be yourself as a teen? If you’ve ever felt like you had to hide parts of who you are to fit in, this episode is for you. We’re talking about personal freedom and how honoring your true self yields better results than conforming to a "norm" that leaves you feeling empty and lost. You’ll get two simple yet highly effective tools to help you feel more secure in your individu...

In this episode, I'm joined by Monica Crnogorac a Certified Life & Wellness Coach who helps teens manage anxiety and overwhelm that interferes with their daily lives. We unpack what anxiety really looks like in teens—especially the kind that hides behind perfectionism, procrastination, or “I’m fine.” We talk through how to spot the signs (even the ones you can’t see), common myths parents beli...

In this episode, I sit down with Ross Szabo—mental health advocate, author, and Wellness Director at Geffen Academy at UCLA—to explore how vital it is that we rethink our approach to mental health. We discuss the difference between emotions and mental health disorders, why using the right mental health vocabulary matters, and what families can do to normalize mental health the way we do physical h...

Teens often hear what to eat, but you rarely are taught the nuances of how to make your own smart choices. (at least not in a way that's healthy, realistic and reasonable). In this episode, we break down nutrition labels in a no-pressure, non-diety way—so you can stop guessing and start fueling yourself with confidence. You’ll learn: What food labels actually tell you (and what’s just marketing fl...

Most of us struggle with body image inside our head. As a teen or college student, most people probably aren't aware of how much thought and energy goes into body image because it's not something you want to share or admit -- until it starts to take over. If you're feeling like your body is a problem to be fixed, this episode cuts through the noise of toxic body culture and gives you practical too...

This episode is for any teen or young adult who has the food police running loose in their head or find thoughts about food are occupying too much mind space. It's time to stop feeling guilty about every bite! In this episode, we break down why your relationship with food is so complicated (spoiler: it's not your fault) and give you practical ways to make peace with eating. You'll learn how to rec...

Feeling anxious, low-energy, or just not like yourself lately? It’s not all in your head—and it’s not something you have to just deal with. In this episode, we unpack what’s really going on in your body and how an unhealthy metabolism could be causing anxiety, depression, brain fog, low energy, or other physical and mental health struggles… and the one major solution to start fixing it, now. Disco...

Ever wondered why traditional mental health treatments often fall short? Despite therapy sessions and prescriptions, are you or a loved one still struggling with anxiety or depression? Well, the answer might be on your plate, not just in your therapist's office. In this eye-opening episode, Leslie sits down with Dr. Matthew Bernstein, clinical psychiatrist for over 20-years, and a pioneer in metab...

Why do teens and college students stress eat during exam time; crave and binge on sweets after scrolling TikTok; or while feeling anxiety from social drama? This episode breaks down the science of how your nervous system contributes to emotional eating, explaining why willpower has nothing to do with stopping it. Discover practical "neurohacks" to recognize when anxiety is triggering your cravings...

You know you should exercise for your health, you want to start something, anything, yet you're struggling to find your "jam". Or you're exercising but it seems like a struggle to do and stay consistent. In this episode Leslie challenges conventional fitness narratives and dives into rethinking movement—not as a punishment or obligation, but as a personal journey that inspires joy and longevity. D...

In a world that pushes perfectionism and self-criticism, what if the real secret to resilience was being your own best friend? In this episode, on Self-Compassion, we explore personal struggles with self-doubt and reveal how the science-backed practice of self-compassion can transform your relationship with yourself. Featuring insights from Dr. Kristin Neff's research, this episode offers teens an...

In this powerful episode we delve into the transformative power of three inherent virtues every human possesses: uniqueness, equality, and infinite value. Listen to discover how understanding these virtues can transform how teens and young adults navigate the complexities of life, from social media pressures to college anxieties, dating and friendship challenges, and major life decisions. Learn pr...

In this eye-opening episode, we break down how social media's filtered reality impacts teen and young adult body image. Learn to spot editing techniques, understand the psychology behind comparison, and discover practical action steps to help manage screen time and protect your self-image while still enjoying social platforms. Featuring three actionable steps to build a healthier relationship with...

Getting in the kitchen could be the key to healthier eating, greater confidence, and real-world independence for teens and young adults in college or living on their own. In this episode, Leslie is joined by Lynn Fredericks, founder and CEO of Family Cook Products and the Teen Battle Chef program—a hands-on experience that teaches cooking skills for teens while fostering teamwork, leadership, and...

Ever realize you haven't eaten all day but don't actually feel hungry? It can have you wondering if something is wrong. In this revealing episode, we explore why so many young people are losing touch with their natural hunger cues—from jam-packed schedules to the subtle influence of social media's "perfect eating" posts. Discover why your body's "hunger clock" gets confused, how ignoring hunger si...

Are you often hungry despite your efforts to eat "right"? Are you constantly thinking about food, you've told yourself not to eat...only to find yourself eating? In this episode, we explore how restrictive eating patterns might be sabotaging your relationship with food and leaving you perpetually hungry. Whether it's skipping meals, eliminating food groups, or obsessively counting calories, these...

Ever wonder why you're eating when you're not hungry? Do you sometimes feel like it just takes over before you know it? Do you want effective solutions to override the cravings or stop mindless eating? This episode, the second of a 4-part miniseries on hunger and eating, delves into the often overlooked topic of emotional eating, discussing its true nature, psychological drivers, and ways to ident...

First in a four-part series on building a healthier relationship with hunger and food, this introductory episode answers questions for teens and young adults navigating confusing messages about food, eating, and body image. You'll understand why it's so easy to confuse physical and emotional hunger; learn the five surprising physical hunger signs you might be missing daily; and practical questions...

It's Eating Disorder Awareness Week! Are you concerned about your eating habits or body image? Do you know the warning signs of an eating disorder? What about in a friend? Or if your a parent, what about signs in your teen or young adult? In this crucial episode, we dive deep into the realities of eating disorders, which affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Learn why eating disorde...

In this episode of the Healthy Teen Life Podcast, Leslie brings you a fresh perspective on motivation with Dr. Jodi Amman. This was a deep discussion on the underlying drivers of motivation and the common barriers teens face when struggling to find it. With over 28 years of clinical practice, Dr. Amman offers invaluable insights and actionable advice to help teens and young adults foster a motivat...

Body image struggles are real, and they can seriously mess with your confidence. But what if you could change your relationship with how you look? This episode is your ultimate guide to breaking free from unrealistic beauty standards and building genuine self-acceptance. We'll tackle the tough stuff - social media comparison, negative self-talk, and those moments when you feel like you don't measu...

Get ready to dive deep into understanding your true value! As the second episode of a three-part miniseries on Emotional Awareness,  we're breaking down the difference between self-worth, self-esteem, and self-confidence. You'll learn why feeling good about yourself isn't about achieving perfection, but understanding your inherent worth. Through practical strategies, we'll explore how to combat ne...