Episodes and Show Notes

Attention: What It Is, Why It Matters, What To Do About It with Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis

About this Episode

On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and board-certified cognitive specialist Sandy Zamalisdelve into the topic of attention. Tune in to learn about the three primary types of attention, things parents can do at home to improve their child’s brain function, and different ways that ADHD is often addressed in the classroom. You’ll also hear about the findings of studies on cognitive skills, including the fact that attention isn’t actually the weakest brain skill in most people with ADHD. Find out what options you may have to boost your child’s cognitive skills to the point that they may no longer need classroom accommodations, and why perceived behavioral issues may actually be about dopamine levels in the brain. If you or someone you love struggles with attention-related challenges, you don’t want to miss this episode! 

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Childhood Trauma and Resilience with guest Dr. Marc Hauser

About this Episode

Have you ever wondered why some people are more resilient to childhood trauma? Or why the same adverse experiences can impact children and teens differently depending on where they live, how they were raised, or even how they perceive the experience? On this episode, Dr. Amy and Sandy are joined by Dr. Marc Hauser, a scientist with more than 300 published papers and seven books who has worked with at-risk children to help recover from their experiences and boost resilience. Sharing both scientific research and personal experience from working with at-risk youth, Marc helps break down some of the “why” behind the effects of adverse and traumatic experiences, as well as what parents, teachers, therapists, and other caregivers of at-risk children and teens can do to best support them. Join us for this in-depth conversation that touches on everything from corporal punishment in schools and neglect in Romanian orphanages to the impact of community violence and how chronic stress impacts the immune system.

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The 411 on Cognitive Skills: What They Are, How They’re Trained, and How Strong Skills Make Learning Easier with Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis

About this Episode

On this episode, Dr. Amy and Sandy dig into cognitive skills. Learn what they are, how each of the major brain skills contributes to learning, andwhy someone—whether a child, teen, adult, or senior—might struggle if even one skill is holding them back from their full learning potential.Tune in to hear a sample demonstration from cognitive skills training and find out why accommodations and tutoring may not be helping your student, as well as which type of intervention might best address the challenges your child is facing. Join us for this high-level overview of cognitive skills before we tackle individual brain skills in future episodes.

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Empowering Teen Girls: An Insider Shares What She’s Learned from Young Women with guest Chelsey Goodan

About this Episode

Join Dr. Amy and Sandy for this insightful episode of the Brainy Moms podcast as activist and author Chelsey Goodan shares what she’s learned from years of mentoring teen girls. Based on conversations that laid the foundation for her new book, “UNDERESTIMATED: The Wisdom and Power of Teenage Girls,” this episode delves into the challenges, feelings, and wisdom of young women. From social media and unrealistic beauty standards to the end of “mean girls” and what they actually want from their parents, Chelsey shares real stories, feedback, and unique perspectives from years of tutoring, mentoring, and listening to what teen girls think, feel, and want to see change. Tune in to learn more about how this young but wise cohort is changing perceptions, demanding change, and creating a better future for the girls that come after them.

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5 Pillars of ADHD with Dr. Amy Moore

About this Episode

Today Dr. Amy Moore takes off her hosting hat at The Brainy Moms podcast and takes on the role of guest expert. Co-host Sandy Zamalis interviews Dr. Amy about her 5 Pillars of ADHD and her own experience being diagnosed at age 18 with attention deficits. Join us for this in-depth conversation from a leading expert on attention and cognitive deficits!  

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The Ages & Stages of Anxious Kids: A Guide for Parents with guest Dr. Regine Galanti

About this Episode

Whether you’re parenting a 19-year-old or a preschooler, there’s a lot to be understood about anxiety at different ages and developmental stages. Author and clinical psychologist Dr. Regine Galanti joined Dr. Amy and Sandy for this episode about the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors associated with anxiety, why kids and teens are experiencing it, and what parents can do to help. She also explains what parents often do to make anxiety worse for their kids or teens and how to support our kids by looking at things through a lens that may be very different from our own upbringing and life experience. If you’re raising a kid with anxiety, check out this Brainy Moms podcast episode to get practical tips and advice from a true expert on the subject.

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Calm Your Anxiety with Food: Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection with Dr. Uma Naidoo

About this Episode

On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, Dr. Amy and Dr. Jody welcome Dr. Uma Naidoo, author of the international bestseller, “This Is Your Brain on Food” and the new book, “Calm Your Mind with Food: A Revolutionary Guide to Controlling Your Anxiety.” Tune in to learn more about how (and why!) what you eat affects your brain—including mood, energy, and cognition—with practical advice on how to make small changes for yourself or your family. From turmeric and omega-3s to the effects of dairy, sugar, and gluten, this is a must-watch episode for everyone who wants to impact their brain health through what they eat—or don’t.

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Managing Your Mind and Energy with Systems to Organize Your Life with guest Leah Remillet

About this Episode

On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, balance strategist Leah Remillet returns to share more tips on how to organize the “busy” of your life in ways that help you manage your energy and your mind. From setting timers with messages to remind you about tending to relationships to scheduling time for joy and fun, her advice is about regaining control of your time in ways that feel healthy. If you’re constantly telling yourself that there “just aren’t enough hours in the day” to get it all done or you’re constantly feeling unbalanced in your work-play life, this episode with Dr. Amy and Sandy is for you!

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Understanding Body Dysmorphic Disorder with guest Dr. Katharine Phillips

About this Episode

On this episode, Dr. Amy and Teri welcome Dr. Katharine Phillips, one of the leading experts on body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), to discuss what it is, how it manifests in terms of symptoms, and how it’s treated. Dr. Phillips explains what “red flags” parents might see, the causes of BDD, and how to talk to your kids or teens if you have concerns. She also shares the difference between anorexia and BDD, two different disorders, and why BDD has nothing to do with vanity.Tune into this podcast to learn who is typically affected by BDD and when it usually sets in, as well as the three most common areas of the body that usually cause concern for those who suffer from BDD. You don’t want to miss this interview with a true subject-matter expert!

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The Sex Talk: Tips for Discussing Sex, Intimacy, and Consent With Your Kids with guest, Clint Davis, MS, LPC

About this Episode

On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, Dr. Amy and Teri welcome back marriage and family therapist and trauma expert Clint Davis for the third time. He’s appeared on two previous seasons of the podcast to discuss things like pornography and the dangers of social media for kids. Today, he joined us to discuss the topic of talking to your kids about sex and shares some wonderful insights from his new book, “Building Better Bridges: A Guide to Having Difficult Conversations that Can Save Our Children.”

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