All Together: The Family Science Insights Podcast

Estrangement from an adult child is one of the most painful experiences a parent can face, filled with a litany of unanswered questions like, “should I reach out?”. This week on All Together: The Family Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella interviews psychotherapist and estrangement specialist Tina Gilbertson, LPC to answer this question, and find out what makes for a successful reconnection.

Specializing in supporting parents of estranged adult children, Tina Gilbertson, LPC is the founder of the Reconnection Club, an online resource for parents of estranged adult children. With a master’s degree in counseling psychology, Tina Gilbertson, LPC is licensed as an LPC in Colorado and Oregon, and is also a Board-Certified Telemental Health Provider, offering online therapy to clients in both states, as well as training and consulting globally. 

In this episode, Tina Gilbertson, LPC sheds light on how estrangement affects both the parents and children directly involved, as well as the family unit as a whole. Additionally, she addresses some common misconceptions about estrangement, both on the parents’ and children’s end, offering advice to those who are struggling with estrangement.

Together, Marie and Tina Gilbertson, LPC weigh up various habits that may be effective in finding peace, managing grief, and maintaining reconnection. So, tune in to this episode for evidence-based insights and expert advice on navigating estrangement!

Follow Tina Gilbertson, LPC’s work via the following links:

Produced by the Family Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://fa.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Family Science Labs.

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Estrangement from an adult child is one of the most painful experiences a parent can face, filled with a litany of unanswered questions like, “should I reach out?”. This week on All Together: The Family Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella interviews psychotherapist and estrangement specialist Tina Gilbertson, LPC to answer this question, and find out what makes for a successful reconnection.

Specializing in supporting parents of estranged adult children, Tina Gilbertson, LPC is the founder of the Reconnection Club, an online resource for parents of estranged adult children. With a master’s degree in counseling psychology, Tina Gilbertson, LPC is licensed as an LPC in Colorado and Oregon, and is also a Board-Certified Telemental Health Provider, offering online therapy to clients in both states, as well as training and consulting globally. 

In this episode, Tina Gilbertson, LPC sheds light on how estrangement affects both the parents and children directly involved, as well as the family unit as a whole. Additionally, she addresses some common misconceptions about estrangement, both on the parents’ and children’s end, offering advice to those who are struggling with estrangement.

Together, Marie and Tina Gilbertson, LPC weigh up various habits that may be effective in finding peace, managing grief, and maintaining reconnection. So, tune in to this episode for evidence-based insights and expert advice on navigating estrangement!

Follow Tina Gilbertson, LPC’s work via the following links:

Produced by the Family Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://fa.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Family Science Labs.

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You can also subscribe and listen to our podcasts on your preferred podcasting platforms:

In this episode of All Together, we dive into the topic of grandparenting, discovering why grandparents are important in a child’s life and how we can better connect with them and value them in our families. Joining host Sarah Stancombe in this topic is Dr. Freiberg, who publishes under J.W. Freiberg, J.D., Ph.D.

J.W. Freiberg, J.D., Ph.D. studies chronic loneliness through the lens of a social psychologist turned lawyer. He is the author of Surrounded by Others and Yet So Alone: A Lawyer’s Case Stories of Love, Loneliness, and Litigation, which explores chronic loneliness through case stories mined from his three decades as an attorney. J.W. Freiberg, J.D., Ph.D. is also the author of Four Seasons of Loneliness, and the editor of Growing Up Lonely, papers collected from the 2018 Symposium on Childhood Loneliness at The Kennedy Center in Boston. He is a member of the Massachusetts state bar and the bar of the Supreme Court of the United States.

In this episode, J.W. Freiberg, J.D., Ph.D. explains the role of the grandparent - someone who unconditionally loves a child, and is an important relation in the family, but often less stern than the parent. This role can be extremely important in times of complex family situations, and is vital to the grandchild for understanding the families cultural roots and family traditions. 

Together, Sarah and J.W. Freiberg, J.D., Ph.D. discuss questions from the internet about including grandparents more or less in the lives of grandchildren depending on the parents wishes. J.W. Freiberg, J.D., Ph.D. suggests a strategic approach to involving the grandparents in the grandchild’s life, if some planning is necessary. 

Connect with J.W. Freiberg, J.D., Ph.D. via his website: https://thelonelinessbooks.com/ 

Click on the ‘articles’ page to view an article based on the podcast conversation.

Produced by the Family Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://fa.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Family Science Labs.

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In this episode of All Together, host Sarah Stancombe is joined by expert Kurt Ela, Psy.D. to discuss the role of grandparents in the family, their impact on grandchildren, and their relationship with parents.

Kurt Ela, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist and associate professor of psychiatry at Georgetown University School of Medicine. He works with patients throughout the life cycle, with an emphasis on child and adolescent therapy as well as parenting and grandparenting. He has been awarded the Department’s Psychotherapy Supervisor of The Year Award, The Wellness Coach Recognition Award, and The William Licamele, M.D. Distinguished Seminar Teacher Award. Kurt received his BA from Amherst College and his doctorate from The George Washington University. He completed his internship at the University of Pennsylvania where he worked with pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients.

Connect with Kurt Ela, Psy.D. via the follow platforms:

Produced by the Family Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://fa.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Family Science Labs.

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Domestic violence is often misunderstood as being limited to physical harm, but the reality is far broader and more complex. This week on All Together: The Family Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella interviews domestic and family violence researcher and Professor Susan Heward-Belle to answer the critical question: is emotional abuse a form of domestic violence?

Based at The University of Sydney, Professor Susan Heward-Belle has a longstanding track record of research, teaching, advocacy and social work practice at the intersections of the family violence, law and child protection systems. Her work pertains to improving not only legal, policy and practice responses that center dignity for victims-survivors, but also accountability for those who use violence and coercive control. Currently, Professor Susan Heward-Belle leads multiple large research projects that contribute to knowledge for improved policy and practice responses to survivors of domestic, family and sexualized violence.

In this episode, Professor Susan Heward-Belle sheds light on what domestic violence and emotional abuse look like within a family, along with the potential long-term consequences for children who grow up in such environments. Additionally, Professor Susan Heward-Belle offers advice for those who may be experiencing any kind of abuse, or have loved ones who are.

Together, Marie and Professor Susan Heward-Belle answer questions from the internet about emotional abuse and domestic violence within families, and discuss useful habits for maintaining positive family functioning. So, tune in for an episode that shines a light on the hidden realities of emotional abuse, and discover knowledge and resources for building safer, healthier relationships!

Follow Professor Susan Heward-Belle’s work: https://www.sydney.edu.au/arts/about/our-people/academic-staff/susan-hewardbelle.html

Produced by the Family Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://fa.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Family Science Labs.

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What if the real key to aging well isn’t found in a pill—but in how you move and what you eat?

Aging is inevitable, but science is showing that how we age—and how well we live as we grow older—can be influenced by two powerful tools: nutrition and exercise.

This week on All Together: The Family Science Insights Podcast, host Sabrina Oktavelia is joined by Professor James McKendry, Ph.D., an expert in muscle biology and healthy aging, to unpack how diet and movement shape our health span—the years we live not just longer, but better.

Currently part of the Food, Nutrition, and Health Program at the University of British Columbia, James McKendry, Ph.D.'s research focuses on skeletal muscle preservation, nutrient signaling, and optimizing physical function in aging adults. His work aims to extend the health span by exploring how targeted nutrition and exercise can protect muscle mass and vitality as our family grows older.

In this episode, James McKendry, Ph.D. breaks down common misconceptions about aging, the critical distinction between lifespan and health span, and why that difference matters. James McKendry, Ph.D. and Sabrina dive into nutrient timing, protein intake, and evidence-backed dietary patterns that support longevity—alongside practical guidance on the types of physical activity that offer the greatest benefit as we age.

Whether you’re in midlife, retirement, or simply planning for a healthier future for your loved ones, this conversation offers science-backed insights and actionable strategies for maintaining strength, independence, and quality of life for years to come.

Tune in this week to discover how smart movement and intentional eating can help you and your family age less and live more.

Follow James McKendry, Ph.D.’s work at:

Produced by the Family Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

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The journey to attaining wealth for our family often comes with occupational stress and burnout. How can we balance our family’s materialistic needs and well-being? In this episode of All Together: The Family Science Insights Podcast, host Sabrina Oktavelia dives into this topic with professional counselor Mandy Doria. Together, they explore how personal resilience can be nurtured through the approaches for wellbeing and occupational induced burnout amidst capitalistic strain in supporting family wellbeing.

Mandy Doria is a professional counselor, yoga teacher and assistant professor of psychiatry, currently practicing at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus near Denver. With 14 years of experience in psychiatry helping individuals who are struggling with complex trauma and grief, providing a compassionate approach to sessions and training, guiding others to reduce occupational stress and balance family dynamics with new understandings.

In this conversation, Mandy Doria explains how to attain well-being by having a good relationship with the family function can help reduce the possibility of burnout. She discusses the importance of a shift in focus to be more present with family. She emphasized the need for self care through being joyful, having enough sleep, and time alone.  

Mandy Doria also shares practices for cultivating long-term resilience in maintaining balance within the family dynamics in this capitalistic society by budgeting energy, time and money. This episode offers practical advice for anyone seeking ways to pursue wellbeing and how to tackle burnout caused by occupational stress. 

Follow Mandy Doria’s work at:

Collective Care for Communities www.cc4c.co 

Produced by the Family Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://fa.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Family Science Labs.

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Having different people, with different roles, expectations and mindsets can create a dynamic that won't last too long. Without healthy boundaries, family members can seem more like housemates, that frustrate each other to no end, than a family that cares for and respects each other. Our expert in this area is professor Megan McCoy, Ph.D., LMFT, AFC®, CFT™, whose expertise involves marriage and family therapy, as well as financial therapy. 

Teaching courses at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels at Kansas State University, Megan McCoy, Ph.D., LMFT, AFC®, CFT™ has published over forty articles in top-tier mental health, family science, financial counseling, and financial planning journals

In this episode, Megan McCoy, Ph.D., LMFT, AFC®, CFT™ gives advice on having conversations about money, setting boundaries and managing conflict.

Together, Marie and Megan McCoy, Ph.D., LMFT, AFC®, CFT™ discuss how writing down your financial worries and having a plan before going into a conversation can really assist in having productive conversations and better problem solving.

Follow Megan McCoy, Ph.D., LMFT, AFC®, CFT™’s work here: https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/pfp/about/people/meganmccoy/

Follow Megan McCoy, Ph.D., LMFT, AFC®, CFT™ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-mccoy-phd/

Produced by the Family Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://fa.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Family Science Labs.

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Fluctuations in sexual desire throughout life are natural, yet often left unaddressed between couples. So, this week on All Together: The Family Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella interviews psychoanalyst Roberta Satow for advice on navigating these tough times.

Serving as professor emerita of sociology at Brooklyn College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, Roberta Satow, Ph.D. also practices psychoanalysis in Washington, Connecticut. Additionally, Roberta Satow, Ph.D. is the author behind two novels, ‘Our Time is Up’ and ‘Two Sisters of Coyoacan’, as well as non-fiction book ‘Doing the Right Thing: Taking Care of Your Elderly Parents Even if They Didn’t Take Care of You’.

In this episode, Roberta Satow, Ph.D. highlights the connection between sexual desire and family, as well as the importance of communication between partners. To add, she discusses communication techniques for discussing changing needs with your partner.

Together, Marie and Roberta Satow, Ph.D. weigh up practical tips for rekindling intimacy and maintaining a satisfying sex life. So, whether you’re a newlywed, long-term couple, or somewhere in between, tune in to this episode for valuable insights on navigating these natural changes!

Follow Roberta Satow, Ph.D.’s work via the following links:

PsychologyToday: https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/contributors/roberta-satow-phd

Connect with Roberta Satow, Ph.D. via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertasatow/

Produced by the Family Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://fa.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Family Science Labs.

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Effective communication is the cornerstone of strong family relationships, but as life’s complexities increase, miscommunication, misunderstandings, and unresolved conflicts can strain even the closest bonds. In this episode, host Marie Stella interviews diplomat coach Eric Maisel, Ph.D. on how relationship coaching helps to strengthen communication within families.

Having written over 50 books and edited several more, Eric Maisel, Ph.D. is not only a diplomat coach, but also lead editor for the Ethics International Press Critical Psychology and Critical Psychiatry Series, presenting solicited chapters from international experts on a wide variety of underexplored subjects. Furthermore, he pens a blog on Psychology Today, ‘Rethinking Mental Health’, which has garnered over three million views.

In this episode, Eric Maisel, Ph.D. addresses the everyday consequences of communication — or lack thereof — within families, as well as the challenges of internal conflicts. Additionally, he highlights the importance of strong family bonds, and sheds light on what relationship coaching can bring to the table.

Together, Marie and Eric Maisel, Ph.D. discuss how gratitude and rituals can assist in everyday communication in relationships and families. So, tune in to this episode to learn more about how relationship coaching can transform the way families communicate!

Follow Eric Maisel, Ph.D.’s work on his website: https://ericmaisel.com/

Produced by the Family Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://fa.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Family Science Labs.

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