Full video available at https://www.youtube.com/@Built-InBesties

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@builtinbestiespodcast

We want to first thank Marla for being so gracious with her time and being our first guest on our podcast. We wanted to close out Mental Health Awareness Month in a meaningful way and Marla was instrumental in making this happen. Please check out her social media and countless other resources she has to offer to kids and parents alike.

Marla's Website: https://marladakin.com/

Farmington Valley Counseling Center: https://fvcounseling.com/

Marla's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marladakin/

In this special episode of Built-In Besties, we welcome our first guest, anxiety and mental health specialist Marla Dakin. Join us as we dive deep into essential conversations on teen anxiety, mental health, self-care, and the impact of social media. Marla shares insightful tips on validating children’s feelings and fostering resilience. We also explore growth mindsets and practical strategies for parents and teens to manage stress and anxiety effectively. Don't miss out on this valuable and heartfelt discussion. Be sure to subscribe, like, and check out Marla’s resources for more support.

00:00 Welcome to Built-In Besties

00:05 Introducing Our Special Guest: Marla Dakin

00:32 Candle of the Week

01:41 Marla Dakin Joins the Conversation

02:07 Marla's Resources and Tips

03:16 Understanding and Validating Anxiety

09:56 Balancing Self-Care and Resiliency

15:13 Coping Strategies for Anxiety

23:31 Emerging Trends in Teen Mental Health

25:05 Social Media and Generation Z

26:13 Balancing Social Media Use

27:46 Parental Guidance and Safeguards

33:26 The Impact of Algorithms

38:49 Embracing a Growth Mindset

44:23 Reflections on Parenting

48:53 Middle School Challenges

52:59 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Full video at https://www.youtube.com/@Built-InBesties

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@builtinbestiespodcast

Playlist links: Jackie's Version -

Zach's version -

Be sure to follow the giveaway rules to get the maximum entries! Winners announced May 18, 2025 on a LIVE YouTube podcast!

Episode 15. Taylor Swift Playlist Challenge & Special Merch Giveaway!

In episode 15 of Built-In Besties: A Dad and Daughter Podcast, we dive into a special Taylor Swift-themed episode. We're kicking things off with exciting news about an upcoming giveaway featuring exclusive built-in besties merch, including a hoodie, a candle, and a mug. This episode is all about crafting the ultimate Taylor Swift playlist designed for both superfans and newcomers. Join us as we discuss our favorite Taylor tracks, share stories from the Eras tour, and reveal how you can win our awesome giveaway. Stick around till the end for details on how to enter!

00:00 Exciting Giveaway Announcement

00:29 Introduction to the Podcast

00:43 Candle of the Week

01:29 Taylor Swift Episode Overview

02:01 Creating the Ultimate Taylor Swift Playlist

04:31 Track-by-Track Playlist Selection

16:54 Final Playlist Choices and Reflections

19:08 Final Playlist Picks

21:42 Recap of Chosen Songs

22:14 Quickfire Playlist Decisions

27:06 Giveaway Announcement

31:00 Eras Tour Highlights

39:03 Wrapping Up and Giveaway Details

Episode 14. We Yap A Lot

Welcome back to Built-In Besties: A Dad and Daughter Podcast! In this episode, we dive into some exciting updates and fun discussions. We touch on the details of our upcoming giveaway featuring exclusive Built-In Besties merchandise, including hoodies, candles, and mugs. We also share insights about our TikTok milestones, talk about personal favorites like Gilmore Girls, and get into the nitty-gritty of school experiences including unexpected French comprehension and the trials of testing. Plus, there's an entertaining recount of recent softball games and sliding adventures. Join us for a heartwarming and humorous episode.

Full video at: https://www.youtube.com/@Built-InBesties

Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@builtinbestiespodcast

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Setup

00:33 Exciting Giveaway Announcement

02:12 Candle of the Week

03:34 Gilmore Girls Obsession

05:09 School Testing and Homework

08:17 Morning Routine and Sleep Habits

12:15 Fashion Fit Check

15:07 Exploring Cheerleading Merchandise Ideas

16:29 Softball Practices and Clinics

18:14 Softball Games and Rivalries

20:47 Backyard Softball Practice

24:24 Occupational Therapy and Mental Health Awareness

26:30 School Updates and Language Learning

31:56 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

Sadly, our audio issues continue to be a problem but should be worked out by the next episode.

In this exciting episode of 'Built-In Besties: A Dad and Daughter Podcast,' join us as we dive into our latest adventures in travel, with a special focus on our memorable trip to Disney. We recount a chaotic travel experience with JetBlue, a whirlwind Disney day hitting multiple parks, and the unexpected events at a cheer competition. Get insights on our favorite rides, dining experiences, and some quirky mishaps along the way. Don't miss out on this episode filled with laughs, nostalgia, and Disney magic!

More details on our giveaway coming soon! Make sure to subscribe so you are eligible to win!

Full video available at https://www.youtube.com/@Built-InBesties

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@builtinbestiespodcast

00:00 Welcome to Built-In Besties

00:27 Weekly Highlights and Giveaway Announcement

02:20 Candle of the Week and Travel Talk

03:23 Nightmare Travel Experience

09:01 Disney Springs and Family Time

13:32 Cheer Competition and Disney Day

18:41 Collecting Disney Characters

19:01 Dining Challenges at GRA

20:05 Epcot Adventures

23:36 Magic Kingdom Highlights

25:45 Speedway and Other Rides

31:10 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Built-In Besties Episode 12 | Easter Special!

In this special Easter episode of Built-In Besties, we apologize upfront for a recording issue leading to relying on a laptop mic, which affects ASMR parts of the podcast. The episode covers various Easter-related topics including favorite traditions, an exciting Easter egg hunt, and discussing memorable Easter moments from the past. We also dive into our weekly 'Candle of the Week' segment, featuring a salted jasmine candle from CVS. Don't miss our fun Q&A from Easter egg questions, and get a glimpse of our Easter-themed decorations and plans for the holiday.

Full video at https://www.youtube.com/@Built-InBesties

00:00 Introduction and Technical Issues

01:00 Easter Celebrations Begin

02:34 Candle of the Week

03:44 Easter Basket Questions

05:01 Disney Memories

08:14 Easter Bunny for a Day

10:07 Squirrel Mischief During the Egg Hunt

11:12 Favorite Easter Memories

14:34 Easter Traditions and Routines

16:18 Easter Egg Hunt Adventures

18:05 Favorite Easter Candies

19:19 Wrapping Up the Easter Special

Full video available at https://www.youtube.com/@Built-InBesties

In episode 11 of Built-In Besties: A Dad and Daughter Podcast, we reflect on our recent live podcast experience, emphasizing the importance of likes and subscriptions from our viewers. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including school challenges, family dynamics, and the upcoming Allstar Worlds competition. The discussion also delves into Jacquelyn's insights on the pressures of modern school life, the role of technology in education, and the significance of empathy and emotional intelligence in teaching. We wrap up with Jacquelyn's passionate thoughts on making school a better place for students. Join us for an engaging and heartfelt conversation that offers a glimpse into our world.

00:12 Welcome to Built and Besties

00:18 Reflecting on the Live Episode

00:46 Encouraging Viewer Engagement

01:15 Health and Allergies

01:57 Weekly Recap and Family Time

03:18 Travel and Work Updates

05:43 Cheerleading and Upcoming Competitions

10:12 Disney Plans and Spring Break

11:40 Candle of the Week

12:16 Fun Questions and Hypotheticals

18:10 Generational Differences and School Experiences

25:08 Understanding Children's Anger and Frustration

25:32 Challenges of Modern Education

27:38 The Burden of Technology in Schools

29:45 Lunch Breaks and School Policies

35:18 The Importance of Empathy in Education

52:48 Group Dynamics and Leadership in School Projects

57:28 The Role of Phones in Student Security

59:32 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of Built-In Besties: A Dad and Daughter Podcast, we are both battling a cold but still try to bring humor and charm. We discuss our goals to avoid coughs and sneezes during the recording, share Jackie's recent return to school after being sick, and chat briefly about work. We reflect on popular trends like superhero and villain dress-up days and 'Little White Lies' t-shirt events at cheerleading. We then dive into our recent Adam Sandler movie marathon, watching '50 First Dates' and 'Mr. Deeds'. Jackie touches on her favorite TV shows, TikTok trends, and a surprising story about a girl who pretended to be someone she wasn't. The episode wraps up with an entertaining candle of the week segment and a fun mouth trumpet performance by @fixingupthewrightway @Another.e210 Tune in for a heartwarming and entertaining listen! #beanicehuman #raisingdaughters #podcast #mouthtrumpet

00:12 Welcome to Built-In Besties: A Dad and Daughter Podcast

00:23 Dealing with Sickness

01:06 School and Work Updates

02:02 Cold or COVID?

03:29 Superhero vs. Villain Day

05:20 TikTok Ban Rumors

06:52 Little White Lies Event

08:18 Adam Sandler Movie Marathon

11:39 Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life

17:12 Discussing Rory and Lorelai's Relationship

18:29 Favorite TV Shows and TikTok Content

19:30 The Bizarre Story of Natalia Grace

21:51 Candle of the Week and Inspirational Quotes

22:51 Family and Health Updates

26:05 Disney Characters and Upcoming Trip

29:33 School and Report Cards

30:32 Mouth Trumpet and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Built-In Besties: A Dad and Daughter Podcast, we catch up on our week, discussing work stress and the popularity of our latest cheesy bread video. We delve into a heartfelt conversation about managing hemiplegic migraines, touching on personal experiences and coping mechanisms from past episodes. We also talk about upcoming cheer competitions, dealing with allergies, and engage in an intriguing game where we imagine stepping into someone else’s body for a day. Tune in for a mix of fun, real-life challenges, and thoughtful discussions and be a nice human!

00:12 Welcome to Built-In Besties

00:43 Recap of the Cheesy Bread Video

02:13 Migraine Struggles and Experiences

11:00 Medical Diagnosis and Coping Strategies

11:52 Recent Migraine Episode

16:00 Candle of the Week

16:59 Dealing with Allergies and Sickness

19:35 A Game of Imagination: Whose Body Would You Step Into?

26:58 Excitement for the Cheer Competition

30:19 Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts and Goodbyes

In this episode of Built-In Besties, join the dad and daughter duo as we discuss our exhausting yet eventful week. We touch upon Zach’s busy work schedule and the viewer trends on their podcast. Jackie shares highlights from her recent trip to Florida, including navigating the airport on crutches, attending a beautiful wedding, and indulging in Domino's cheesy bread at a black-tie event. We also muses over social media influencers, TikTok trends, and our favorite content creators. Tune in for updates on Jackie’s recovery post-surgery, her plans to rejoin cheer practice, and her gift-giving traditions. Don’t miss the fun, laughter, and heartfelt moments shared in this candid family chat.

In this episode of Built in Besties: A Dad and Daughter Podcast, we recap our week, including a trip to Target during a weather shift and a special Sunday family dinner. We discuss Jacquelyn's recovery from recent surgery, her experience with ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), and how it affects her daily life, including attending occupational therapy. The conversation also covers her challenging return to school on crutches and anticipation for an upcoming family wedding in Florida.

Don't forget to send your best mouth trumpet rendition to [email protected]

Video available on YouTube: youtube.com/@built-inbesties

@builtinbestiespodcast on all other social platforms!