Decode Teen Emotions Podcast

Do you ever feel like you're carrying an invisible scorecard at home, constantly being measured against expectations you never agreed to? In this episode, John and therapist Susan unpack where family pressure actually comes from (hint: it's usually love and anxiety, not criticism), and teen guest Braydon shares what it's like to carry that low-level hum every day. Susan and Braydon explore the dif...

Have you ever reacted to something and wondered why it hit so hard? In this episode, host John sits down with teen emotional wellness expert Susan and teen guest Page to answer one of the most searched questions teens type into Google at midnight, "Why am I like this?" and what your past actually has to do with how you feel right now. Page opens up about going disproportionately hurt every time so...

Ever walked into your own house and felt your whole body tense up for no reason you can explain? In this episode, host John sits down with teen emotional wellness expert Susan and teen guest Braydon to unpack one of the most overlooked sources of teen stress, the home environment itself, and why it hits differently for both guys and girls. John gets real about life with three teenage boys and admi...

Ever wondered why some days feel completely impossible for no clear reason? In this episode, host John sits down with teen emotional wellness expert Susan and teen guest Page to get into the real science behind hormonal mood shifts during puberty, and what they mean for both guys and girls. John kicks things off by admitting he is a dad of three boys with zero personal experience in this territory...

Ever explode over something small and wonder why it hit so hard? In this episode, host John sits down with teen emotional wellness expert Susan and 16-year-old guest Brayden to break down one of the most powerful tools for managing your emotions: understanding your triggers. Susan explains what triggers actually are, why they sneak up on you, and how "stacked triggers" can turn a small moment into...

Decode Teen Emotions | Episode 2: The Soccer Game Snap — When Anger Gets Loud Ever said something in anger and immediately thought, "Why did I just do that?" You're not alone. In this episode, host Chris and teen guest Peyton get real about those moments when anger takes over — the snaps, the text spirals, the blowups that seem to come out of nowhere. With expert Susan breaking down the science, w...

When anger hits, it can feel overwhelming — like a storm you didn’t see coming. In this first episode of Decode Teen Emotions, we break down what anger really is, why it shows up so fast, and what it’s trying to tell you. Instead of feeling out of control, you’ll start to understand what’s happening inside — and how to respond in a healthier, more confident way. 📝 Grab your companion worksheet he...

New format. Real teens. Expert voices. Welcome back to the John & Susan Podcast — your go-to space for real conversations that help families and teens grow, connect, and thrive. In this intro episode, we’re reintroducing ourselves and sharing what’s new. You’ll hear from teens and special guests, including experts who work directly with them, bringing real perspectives and meaningful conversat...