UNrattled: A Podcast for Parents

You know outdoor play is good for your kids. Fresh air, room to move, fewer meltdowns, more joy—it just works . But let's be real: getting your child outside every day isn't always easy. And the same goes for their early learning program. In this episode of UNrattled , we dig into what's really getting in the way of outdoor play—at home and in child care settings. From unpredictable weather and sa...

We're back! In this casual kickoff to Season 3, Jessica, Venay, and our returning regular guest Joshua Jones catch up on summer adventures, share some honest "rattled moments," and talk about what it really feels like to settle into a new school year. Joshua reintroduces himself to listeners, opens up about life as a girl dad, and gives us a glimpse into what he's bringing to the podcast this seas...

Is screen time hurting or helping your child's development? It depends on how you use it. In this episode of UNrattled: A Podcast for Parents , we sit down with early childhood leaders from Alabama Public Television (APT) to explore how trusted media like PBS Kids programming can actually support healthy brain development, boost literacy, and encourage social-emotional growth. Director of Early Ch...

In this special episode of UNrattled , recorded live from the Gulf Coast Early Childhood Summer Symposium, we sit down with Dr. Craig Bailey—Director of Early Childhood at Yale's Center for Emotional Intelligence—to unpack one of the most powerful yet often overlooked tools in parenting and education: emotional intelligence. Dr. Bailey introduces us to RULER , Yale's groundbreaking approach to soc...

Are today's kids missing out on one of the most important parts of childhood? In this powerful episode of UNrattled we are joined by Ryan Grady—educator, researcher, and founder of Childology—to explore why risky play is essential for raising confident, capable, and resilient children. From scaling trees and chasing friends in the yard to balancing on logs and building forts, risky play allows chi...

Transitions are part of everyday life—but for toddlers, even the smallest changes can feel overwhelming. Whether it's time to leave the park, start bedtime, or shift from one activity to the next, those moments often lead to big emotions and bigger meltdowns. In this special episode of UNrattled: A Podcast for Parents, we're digging into the heart of why transitions are so hard for young children—...

In this powerful and practical episode of UNrattled , we're diving deep into the urgent conversation every parent, caregiver, and educator needs to be having—how screen time and social media are impacting children's mental health. Joined by Amanda Lightsey of the Children's Trust Fund of Alabama and Jeff Davis from Fowler Davis 4 Change, we explore their groundbreaking statewide initiative, Safe S...

If you're parenting a child with ADHD—or suspect your child might have it—this episode is packed with expert guidance to help you navigate the challenges and celebrate the strengths of neurodivergent kids. Our guest, Maggie Kellar, PMHNP, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner specializing in ADHD across the lifespan, returns to break down the emotional, social, and self-esteem struggles t...

Parenting is already a tough job, but when your child has ADHD, it can feel like you're navigating an entirely different world. Maybe your child struggles to focus, bounces from one task to another, or experiences emotions that seem bigger than life. Perhaps a teacher has raised concerns, or you're constantly questioning whether their behavior is typical or if something more is happening. In this...

Navigating parenthood often comes with a hefty price tag. From diapers to daycare and unexpected expenses, it can feel like you're constantly treading water financially. Many parents find themselves overwhelmed trying to balance the costs of raising children with other financial responsibilities. The pressure to provide while staying afloat can lead to stress and uncertainty about the future. In t...

  Parenting is one of the most rewarding journeys, but it can also feel overwhelming and isolating. How do we build the support systems we need? Where can we find trusted parenting resources? And how do we connect with other families who truly understand what we're going through? In this episode of UNrattled, we sit down with Lynn Knighton, publisher of Eastern Shore Parents Magazine and Mobile Ba...

The holidays are over, and as much as we love the extra family time, relaxed schedules, and late mornings, reality sets back in— it's time to re-establish routines. But transitioning back to structure can be challenging, both for parents and kids. In this episode of UNrattled: A Podcast for Parents , hosts Austin Lee, Jessica Stinson, and Vinnie dive into the struggles of resetting routines , mana...

In this continuation of our two-part series, UNrattled: A Parenting Advice Podcast , we dive deeper into the art of helping your children form healthy friendships. Joined again by Joshua Jones, a former Youth Violence Prevention Coordinator, we unpack actionable strategies for guiding your kids in choosing friends who uplift and support them. From managing peer pressure to building parent-child co...

Navigating friendships is a critical part of growing up, and as parents, it's essential to guide our children toward positive, meaningful relationships. In this episode of UNrattled , we sit down with Joshua Jones, a seasoned expert in youth violence prevention and community engagement, to explore how friendships shape a child's identity, mental health, and future. Joshua shares his wealth of know...

Thanksgiving is a time for food, family, and sometimes, chaos. In this lighthearted episode of UNrattled, your hosts Austin, Jessica, and Vinny take a break from heavy parenting topics to dive into the realities of Thanksgiving for families. From navigating family dynamics and co-parenting challenges to sharing hilarious food mishaps and cherished traditions, this episode brings a mix of humor and...

In this special episode of UNrattled , we share a timely message from our sister podcast, Tiny Talks on Early Learning. Hosts Jessica Stinson and Austin Lee welcome Elise Cranston, the Director of Advocacy at Childcare Aware of America, to discuss the vital role voting plays in shaping the future of childcare and early education in the United States. As the national election approaches, Elise high...

In this powerful episode of UNrattled: A Podcast for Parents , hosts Austin Lee and Jessica Stinson are joined by coparenting experts Michon Trent and Ashley Newsome from The Family Center in Mobile, Alabama. Together, they explore the complex dynamics of coparenting after separation or divorce, focusing on the strategies needed to keep the child's well-being front and center in all decisions. Fro...

In this empowering episode of the UNrattled Podcast , host Austin Lee sits down with Maggie Kellar , a psychiatric nurse practitioner and certified ADHD specialist, to explore the profound challenges and opportunities of parenting with ADHD . This conversation dives into what it means to manage ADHD as an adult while raising children, offering deep insights into the neurodevelopmental aspects of A...

In this eye-opening episode of UNrattled , hosts Austin Lee and Jessica Stinson tackle the growing issue of parental stress, a topic highlighted by the U.S. Surgeon General's recent advisory. Joined by Melissa Creighton, a mental health advocate from the Mobile County Health Department, the episode dives deep into the modern-day pressures parents face. From the unrealistic comparisons fueled by so...

Season 1 of the UNrattled Podcast is officially wrapped! We've learned so much this season and are excited to dive into Season 2. We'll be airing new episodes in October, but we're taking a break in September to plan our next steps. We'd love your input! If you have a topic you'd like us to cover or are interested in joining us on the show, click the link below. We're always looking for passionate...

In this essential episode of UNrattled: A Podcast for Parents , host Austin Lee is joined by online safety expert Kristi Bush to discuss how parents can better protect their children in today's digital age. From elementary school kids just getting their first smartphone to teenagers navigating the complexities of social media, Kristi shares practical advice on fostering online safety for kids and...

Join us for a heartfelt episode of UNrattled, where we dive into the complexities and joys of blended families with our special guest, Ken Peterson of 'Chasegr8.' Ken, an attorney based in Fairhope, AL, is not just a legal expert but also a dedicated father and community leader. Drawing on his own upbringing with a resilient mother and a father who battled illness, Ken shares his journey of mainta...

In this episode of UNrattled, join hosts Austin and Jessica as they dive into the highs and lows of summer adventures with kids. Special guest Justine Bixler, President and CEO of United Way of Southwest Alabama, shares a personal story of the time she was left behind at Disney, highlighting the importance of staying connected with family. Austin recalls his own epic childhood meltdown, while Jess...

In this lively episode of UNrattled, Austin, Jessica, and Venay dive into the hilarious and heartwarming world of kids seeking independence. Join them as they share amusing stories of their children trying to carve out a bit of freedom, from the cute to the chaotic. Listen in as they recount the funny situations that ensued and reflect on those precious moments when their kids actually gained a li...

In this heartfelt episode of UNrattled, we are honored to welcome the multi-talented DJ Pryor, a name synonymous with inspiration, laughter, and the power of giving back. DJ Pryor's journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a renowned stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and philanthropist is nothing short of remarkable. DJ Pryor has not only captivated audiences worldwide with his comedic bri...