Parenting a Disabled Child: Systems, Services, and Supports with guest Kelley Coleman

On this episode of The Brainy Moms podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy are joined by Kelley Coleman, a feature film development executive turned author and advocate for parents and caregivers of individuals with disabilities. Kelley is here to talk about the concepts and information in her book, “Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child: Your Guide to the Essential Systems, Services, and Supports.” Kelley is the mother of two boys, one of whom has multiple disabilities and a service dog, and she shares her own experiences about learning to navigate the world in a new way to best support the journey for her entire family. You’ll hear her advice for other parents who are parenting a disabled child, including where to find support, tips for advocating for your child, and how the process of getting a service dog works. Whether you’re new to the caregiving journey or are just looking for inspiration, don’t miss this jam-packed episode!

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Improving Sleep for Children and Adults: A Dentist’s Surprising Method with Dr. Blaine Leeds

In one of our most fascinating episodes of the Brainy Moms podcast to date, dentist and author Dr. Blaine Leeds joins Dr. Amy and Teri to talk about a novel way to significantly improve the quality and quantity of sleep for children, teens, and adults. To our surprise, oral sleep apnea impedes restorative sleep, which experts are now determining to be the root cause of so many mental, emotional, cognitive, and physical issues. Learn how a simple DIY device is revolutionizing not only how we treat common conditions, but also how we think about their root cause. From depression to high blood pressure to memory issues, Dr. Leeds shares some of the dramatic results he’s seeing in his practice and across the country. Tune in to hear more about a pioneering device and its potential in uprooting how we address and possibly prevent a multitude of common disorders, ailments, and even diseases.

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Shattering Homeschooling Myths: The Truth About Opting Out of the School System with guest Christy Faith

On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, Dr. Amy is joined by Sandy and Teri—who have both been homeschool moms—to talk with Christy Faith about homeschooling. Christy shares topics from her new book, “Homeschool Rising: Shattering Myths, Finding Courage, and Opting Out of the School System,” and her flourishing online community of homeschooling families. You’ll hear how homeschooling has changed significantly over the years to evolve into a truly diverse and sustainable undertaking for all types of students, regardless of income, religion, setting, and individual needs. Learn how and why the American school system was launched and why so many families are now turning to this growing movement to educate their kids. Christy shares statistics from her research to dispel the myths many of us have heard about homeschooling, from socialization and sports to getting into college and going to prom. If you’ve ever considered homeschooling but thought it would be too hard or that your student would miss out on too much of the traditional schooling experience, tune in for this truly eye-opening conversation from someone on the front lines.

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Bedwetting, Constipation, & Accidents: Debunking Myths with Dr. Steve Hodges

Forget everything you think you know about bedwetting, poop accidents, and potty training. Dr. Steve Hodges, a professor of Pediatric Urology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine joined Dr. Amy and Sandy on this episode of Brainy Moms to drop some serious truth bombs about what’s really going on with most kids and teens who have accidents. (HINT: It’s not about bad behavior, deep sleep, or an underdeveloped bladder…and it’s never the kid’s fault.) You’ll hear what he stumbled upon during surgery as a pediatric urologist, what he recommends that parents do and don’t do, and why we’ve missed the mark on accidents for so many years. Learn what myths to let go of and the latest ways to treat bedwetting, daytime wetting, constipation and poop accidents, as well as things to consider during potty training. From Botox and InterStim to stool softeners, enemas, and diet, he shares the best options available, depending on the severity of the issues your child or teen is experiencing. He also touches on IBS, children with autism, and the value of x-rays in confirming the best approach. Tune in for this conversation with a leading expert who’s working on the cutting edge of these common medical conditions.

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Autism and Neurodivergence: New Research, Insights, and Approaches with guest Dr. Suzanne Goh

If you or someone you love has autism or a neurodivergent brain, you don’t want to miss this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast when Dr. Amy and Teri interview one of the top experts in the field, Dr. Suzanne Goh. Working at the forefront of comprehensive health services for autism, Dr. Goh shares research, statistics, and insights from the autism community. From nutrition and biofeedback to communication skills and the shift toward identity-first language, there’s so much new information to learn about neurodiversity-affirming care and supporting those we love. More than just a doctor or scientist, Dr. Goh offers front-line experience working with a variety of people with differently wired minds, something to which she brings curiosity, compassion, and a commitment to helping each individual thrive and feel respected. She also shares insights from her book, “Magnificent Minds: The New Whole-Child Approach to Autism”. Join us for this in-depth conversation that may completely turn the tables on how you think about neurodiversity.

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What Research Really Says About Birth Control with guest Dr. Mariza Snyder

Our previous episode with women’s hormone expert Dr. Mariza Snyder was so jam-packed with great information that we invited her back! This time on the Brainy Moms podcast, we’re talking about birth control, periods, perimenopause, PCOS, and menopause. This latest episode is equally full of valuable information, statistics, new research, and personal stories. Whether you’ve been thinking about getting your daughter on the pill, if and when you should take hormones for perimenopause, or just want to understand how women’s hormones affect every aspect of our lives, tune in for this in-depth discussion Dr. Amy and Sandy had with a leading hormone expert. Dr. Mariza is passionate about helping women understand what’s happening in their bodies—from their first period to their last and beyond—and she even shares insights on the types of experts to see. (HINT: It’s not an OB/GYN!) Grab a pen and paper because you’re going to want to take notes!

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Helping High-Achieving Women Address Burnout and Authenticity in the Workplace with guest Emily Drake

Join Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis for this conversation with inclusive change expert Emily Drake as we discuss some of the most common struggles that high-achieving women face in the workplace. Touching on topics surrounding disclosing vulnerabilities and asking for help when you’re overwhelmed. We talk about boosting connection to fight loneliness and what it means to be successful. And we get at the heart of what many women face in varying industries. Emily also shares her personal experiences coaching women (and men) to find peace through delegation, relationships, and understanding their values and strengths.

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Curing the Busy Brain to Find Focus, Tame Anxiety, & Sleep Again with Dr. Romie Mushtaq

On this episode, Dr. Amy and Teri are joined by Dr. Romie Mushtaq, a board-certified physician with more than 20 years of leadership in neurology, integrative medicine, and mindfulness. She’s here to talk about the subject of her new book, “The Busy Brain Cure,” which includes an 8-week plan to help adults regain their focus, alleviate raging anxiety, and get better quality and quantity sleep. She’s getting into the details about everything from healthy fats and thyroids to digital detoxes and a culture that has left so many of us overwhelmed, exhausted, and struggling to think clearly. Tune in to learn more about the latest discoveries into taming our busy brains!

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Childhood Trauma and Resilience with guest Dr. Marc Hauser

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

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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