StrollerCoaster: A Parenting Podcast

When you get down, do you bounce back? Resilience is a crucial skill for life! So what can we parents do to raise resilient kids? First Lynn has a riveting convo with Christina Hillsberg, a former CIA Intelligence Analyst and author of “License to Parent: How My Career as a Spy Helped Me Raise Resourceful, Self-Sufficient Kids”. Then we’ll hear from Jacqueline Chen about her son whose resilience m...

Is it healthy to be a parent to your children as well as their best friend? Is it even possible? It seems like modern parenting attempts to straddle this line but what are the facts behind the fad? We talk to Dr. Nicole Beurkens, a clinical psychologist, nutritionist, and special education teacher, about finding the right dynamic between parent and child. Then we hear the story of Aaronica Cole, a...

When kids want something in the store should you buy it for them? Do you give them an allowance? Why? On this episode Lynn talks with mother of two, financial planner, and author of “Beyond Piggy Banks and Lemonade Stands: How To Teach Young Kids About Finance”, Liz Frazier Peck, so we can figure out how and when we should talk to our kids about money. We’ll also hear the incredible story of how m...

Bullying is an issue that so many of us grapple with but not enough of us understand. In this episode, we're going to change that. Today, Lynn talks with journalist and author Melinda Wenner Moyer to learn about some of the science behind bullying. We also have an amazing story from author Carrie Goldman about how her daughter’s encounter with bullying became a rallying point for people all around...

After ranking in the top 2% of Apple Podcasts for Kids & Family in our debut season…we’re back for Season 2! That means even more insightful interviews with parenting experts and inspiring stories from parents just like you. Leading the way is StrollerCoaster’s brand new host, news anchor for CNN and NBC, Lynn Smith! Plus exciting celebrity guests who share incredible stories about how they balanc...

No StrollerCoaster season would be complete without our very own mailbag. What questions did you curious listeners have for us? How did our incredible experts and parenting stories change Faith’s and Justin’s lives? Faith and Justin reveal their OWN Parenting Confessions, and of course a time out for YOU! 

Our hosts share their favorite smart and surprising parenting moments - all wrapped up in one episode! With eye-opening info from experts and great take-aways on topics like: screen addiction, surviving the “parenting mental load,” connecting with our kids, and more. It’s a can’t-miss 26 1/2 minutes! 

We’re talking sleep for the whole family. Including YOU. This episode is solution-based and inspiring! We’ll talk with the awesome and down-to-earth Dr. Craig Canapari, author, and Director of the Yale Pediatric Sleep Center. We’ll also hear from super sleep guru Tonja B., who you will SO relate to: She went from sleep deprived, to professional sleep guide! And of course a peaceful time out - for...

'There was an Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe, who had so many kids she didn't know what to do'... but honestly she wasn't THAT old when you think about it and she and her kids have PLENTY to do. Our 9-year old director and his cast of amazing improv actors perform their version of the classic nursery rhyme that’s full of surprises, sound effects, twists and turns and a shoe on the move! It's "story...

Listening. It sounds easy but it's actually quite complicated. Today, Faith will explore the topic with Joanna Faber & Julie King, the authors of ‘How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen: A Survival Guide to Life with Children Ages 2-7’. These moms and educators have spent their entire LIVES figuring out strategies to talk and listen to kids more effectively. Then, Kevin Del Aguila of Frozen on Bro...

Oh no! Hansel and Gretel are lost in the woods! Can they find their way back home? Join them on their journey filled with breadcrumb-loving birds, a chocolate lawnmower, and a magical Candy Wizard! Presented by our 9-year-old director and his cast of amazing improv actors, this version of Hansel & Gretel is full of surprises, interactive fun, original songs and unexpected twists and turns! It's "s...

Whether you’re a working parent or stay-at-home, join us as Faith talks with Josh Levs, former NPR and CNN journalist and a leading expert on work-life balance, who opens our eyes (and ears) to why dads need balance. Get inspired by Marla Bautista, military wife, entrepreneur, and mom who reminds us that it’s never too late to create balance. And nod along to some parenting confessions.

Goldilocks just wants to visit her Aunt Joanie but she has the wrong address! So she ends up in the house of three friendly bears tasting everybody's favorite afternoon snack: porridge. Our 9-year old director leads his cast of amazing improv actors as they perform a one-of-a-kind version of the classic children's story. It's full of musical surprises, interactive fun, cool sound effects and unexp...

In this episode we take a look at some of the unexpected ways that kids learn about the world. Faith talks to Lyn Huston, a teacher at a one-room schoolhouse in Duckwater, Nevada, about what it's like to teach a whole community of children in the same classroom. We also hear the inspiring story of how Rob Kenney, the creator of the popular YouTube channel "Dad, How Do I?", took the departure of hi...

Little Red Riding Hood has a brand new look with her very cool, very fresh sparkly SNEAKERS. This week on StoryTime we’ve got her exciting, never-before-heard adventure to grandma’s house. Our 9-year old director leads his cast of amazing improv actors as they perform their version of the classic children's story. It's full of wolfy surprises, interactive fun, cool sound effects and unexpected twi...

When you become a parent, food becomes a bigger part of life than ever before. On this episode: Faith talks to former editor of Epicurious.com, Tanya Steel, who partnered with Michelle Obama on The Healthy Lunchtime Challenge; we hear a compelling story from a mother about her daughter's life-threatening food allergy; and hilarious Parenting Confessions! PLUS! A chance to win super-fun Munchkin gi...

We've all heard the story of the Three Little Pigs, but did you know there was a FOURTH little pig who DJ's on the weekends? DJ Oink in the house. It's time for the never before told story of The Four Little Pigs. Our 9-year-old director and his cast of amazing improv actors perform their version of the classic children's story. It's full of surprises, interactive fun, cool sound effects and unexp...

Parenting can be stressful. No kidding, right? So, how do we manage stress to create healthy relationships and loving homes while not losing it? We talk and laugh with Katharine Reid about how to handle our stressful “mental load.” We’ll hear an incredible story from Victoria Wiggins whose son speaks with a stammer and how she’s helping him thrive. Plus Parenting Confessions, and finally, fantasti...

Jack & The Beanstalk? He's old news! Now it's time to hear the never before told story of FRED & The Beanstalk. Our 9-year old director and his cast of amazing improv actors perform their version of the classic children's story. It's full of surprises, interactive fun, cool sound effects and unexpected twists and turns! It's "story time" like you've never heard it before! Perfect for kids! And par...

Phones. Tablets. Video Games. What are we going to do about screens? Faith talks to Sara DeWitt (PBS), who has spent her career finding innovative ways to educate our children in the digital age. We hear a compelling story from Melanie Hempe, the founder of ScreenStrong, about how she turned her son's struggle with screen addiction into a force for change. Plus parenting confessions!

Do those little decisions we make every day as parents have an effect on our kids? Let’s find out! On this episode: Faith talks to child development expert Janet Rotter about which parenting decisions matter most. We also hear an inspiring story of a mother overcoming a unique parenting challenge. And fun with true Parenting Confessions! 

An introduction to StrollerCoaster: A Parenting Podcast. A smart, fun, must-listen podcast for parents of kids of all ages. Created by Munchkin Inc. (The Most Loved Baby Lifestyle Brand in the World), with three time Emmy-winning host Faith Salie (CBS Sunday Morning, NPR's Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me), each episode features amazing stories, fascinating guests, innovative parenting tips, and tons of "...