Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids Today

In today’s episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino delves into the findings of educational experts Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop, authors of 'The Disengaged Teen.' They share their insights on the various modes of learning—Passenger, Achiever, Resistor, and Explorer—and how understanding these can empower parents to better support their children. Through a blend of q...

The tween and teen years can feel like emotional whiplash — one minute you're managing mood swings, the next you're untangling tech rules or talking boundaries. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino interview Bailey Gaddis — certified parenting coach, doula, hypnotherapist, and mom of two — to help bring calm, confidence, and customization to the parenting journe...

Parenting today often feels like navigating a storm without a map. In this powerful episode, Where Parents Talk host Lianne Castelino speaks with award-winning journalist and author Melinda Wenner Moyer about her latest book, "Hello Cruel World: Science-Based Strategies for Raising Terrific Kids in Terrifying Times." Together, they explore how parents can help their children thrive amid today’s mo...

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with author, columnist, and mother of two Pam Lobley about planning a slow summer and teh benefits of embracing boredom. Lobley, a former actres and comedian discusses the pressure parents feel to keep their kids constantly busy—and what happens when we stop. She shares her personal story of parental burnout and the bo...

What does it mean to be an engaged father today? In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino explores the evolving role of dads in raising emotionally grounded boys amidst toxic masculinity, social media, and shifting family dynamics, with guest Drew Soleyn. A leadership coach, speaker, Director of Dad Central Ontario and founder of Connected Dads, Soleyn unpacks the r...

Making the leap from high school to university is a major life shift—for both students and parents. This transition can be a daunting experience particularly considering the myriad challenges posed by increased independence, academic pressures, and social dynamics. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Dr. Michael De Robertis, Professor Emeritus, York...

Feeding challenges aren’t just for toddlers—many parents find themselves facing a new kind of mealtime stress when their kids become tweens and teens. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino is joined by Dena Kelly, a licensed counsellor, board-certified behaviour analyst, and paediatric feeding therapist, who specializes in helping families navigate the emotional...

How can parents raise strong, confident daughters in a world still shaped by sexism? In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Dr. Jo-Ann Finkelstein , clinical psychologist, award-winning author, and mother of two, about how to support girls' self-esteem, mental health, and identity development in today’s social climate. The conversation explores how sex...

Are we overlooking what the brain is really telling us about ADHD, autism, and behaviour in kids? In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Dr. Robert Melillo, a pioneer in childhood brain development who unpacks the science behind neurodevelopmental disorders—and challenges common assumptions. Drawing on over 30 years of experience, Dr. Melillo explains ho...

What happens when a parent faces a life-threatening diagnosis while raising a young family? In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Marisa Peters—cancer survivor, mother, and founder of Be Seen —to explore how her journey through illness reshaped her approach to parenting, mental health, and personal growth. Peters discusses navigating emotional turmoil,...

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino is joined by Doug Bolton, clinical psychologist, educator, and author, for an in-depth conversation on the complex realities of parenting in today’s world. Bolton sheds light on the rising rates of youth anxiety and stress—and how well-meaning parental behaviours can sometimes contribute to these challenges. The discussion ex...

In this episode of Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Dr. Tasneem Sajwani, a family physician with expertise in obesity medicine and mom. They discuss the newly released Canadian Pediatric Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines, which recognize obesity as a complex, chronic disease influenced by genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors. The episode covers ho...

The leap from adolescence to adulthood is tricky — and too often, young people find themselves unprepared for the real world. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino welcomes Rob Finlay — entrepreneur, author of Hey Dad: Everything You Should Have Learned About Life and Didn’t , and father of four — to discuss what it really takes to raise resilient, capable young...

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Dr. David Yeager, a renowned developmental psychologist, author, and father of four, about the science behind motivating tweens, teens, and young adults. A former grade school teacher and current Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Yeager challenges common misconceptions about adolesc...

In a world where parenting collides daily with cultural shifts, political tensions, uncertainty and a relentless stream of information, overwhelm is increasingly a common emotion. How can parents stay grounded—and help their children do the same? In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino and Arron Neal —a communications expert, cultural strategist, columnist and mom...

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino explores the alarming statistics surrounding hearing impairment in Canada, particularly among children, with Peter Stelmacovich, an audiologist and hearing loss patient. Stelmacovich, who is part of HearCanada's Mississauga clinic, shares his lived experience with the profound implications hearing loss can have including: lan...

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino explores the profound impact of outdoor play with journalist and author, Linda Akeson McGurk. The discussion delves into the Scandinavian philosophy of "friluftsliv," or open air living, and its benefits for children and families alike. McGurk, an advocate for nature connection, and mother of two, shares how embracing the gre...

High-achieving parenting often comes with the weight of expectations, not just from society but also from within ourselves. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino delves into how these pressures can impact both our emotional health and our children's well-being with her guest, Kate Kripke. A licensed clinical social, maternal and maternal wellness expert, Kripke s...

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino discusses the complexities of family relationships amidst addiction and mental health challenges/ Guest Janice Johnson Dowd, a licensed master social worker and author, shares her personal journey of recovery and the profound impact of addiction on her family dynamics. From her childhood experiences in an alcoholic household...

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino explores the profound impact that grandparents and the elderly can have on the younger generation, with author, Isabel Tom. Tom, draws from her own experiences growing up in a multi-generational home to illustrate how these connections foster resilience, empathy, and a deeper understanding of life's complexities in children....

Understanding the impact of imposter syndrome on youth is crucial to navigate their developmental journey. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, Lianne Castelino dives unpacks how early childhood experiences and family dynamics can foster feelings of inadequacy, leading children to question their abilities and worth with Dr. Richard Orbé-Austin. A licensed psychologist, executive coac...

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino delves into the intricate balance of parenting while navigating the tumultuous landscape of mental health and public service, with Canada's Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.. The Honourable Ya'ara Saks, Associate Minister of Health, shares her personal insights and professional experiences. She highlights the challeng...

The tumultuous waters of parenting tweens and teens can often feel like trying to keep a ship afloat in a storm. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, Lianne Castelino delves into the significance of mindfulness and intentional communication as crucial tools in fostering strong relationships with our adolescents --- with her guest Kristen Manieiri. Maneiri, a conscious living coach, s...

Navigating the complexities of parenting often requires a leadership mindset, especially in our digital age where device usage and social media play pivotal roles in our teens' lives. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino delves into how parents can cultivate discipline and effective communication while addressing the emotional and physical health of their childr...

What’s trending in the world of teens and their sex lives? This episode dives into the pressing concerns around adolescent sexual health, focusing on the alarming decline in condom usage and the rise of sexually transmitted infections among young people in Canada. Where Parents Talk podcast host Lianne Castelino speaks to Dr. Sarah Flicker, a professor at York University, who discusses how hormona...