Empowered to Connect Podcast

It's August, so kids are going back to school all over the place! Join us today as we throw it back to one of our favorite conversations! We delve into a crucial Back to School conversation with author of Beyond Behaviors, Brain Body Parenting and acclaimed pediatric psychologist, Mona Delahooke! The ETC Team join Mona as this episode delves into effective strategies grounded in neuroscience to navigate the upcoming school year, focusing on emotional well-being, academic success, and social adjustment. Tune in for a concise yet impactful dialogue that empowers parents and caregivers with actionable insights for fostering resilience, positive connections, and overall growth as children transition back to school.

To learn more about Empowered to Connect, check out our website, follow us on social media and YouTube!

The Fawn Response! The least known of all the stress responses! We relied on the work of Pete Walker from his incredible book: PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving as we crafted this episode. Stela Sinanaj, Clinical Therapist, and Becca McKay, Program Manager of the ETC Institute join us to explain the ins and outs of the fawn response as well as how to better support the loved ones in your life who identify with this stress response!

The Stress Responses - you know - Fight, Flight and Freeze...well, you may be surprised to learn that there are actually 4 stress responses ("Fawn" is the fourth - don't worry, we'll cover it in great detail in a few weeks). We'll look at how you can support both yourself and those you love IN those responses! Today, we dive into the "Freeze" Response.

I'm OUT and you can't thaw me - the Freeze Response is one of the toughest to handle as a parent, friend or caregiver. It can disguise itself in lots of ways, but don't worry, we're here to help! Expressive Arts Therapist Jill Stockberger and ETC Staffer Becca McKay join us to discuss how we can support ourselves and those we love when they freeze.

The Stress Responses - you know - Fight, Flight and Freeze...well, you may be surprised to learn that there are actually 4 stress responses ("Fawn" is the fourth - don't worry, we'll cover it in great detail in a few weeks). We'll look at how you can support both yourself and those you love IN those responses! Today, we dive into the "Flight" Response.

How do we support ourselves or our people when they're in flight mode? You'll have to listen in to find out! JD, Becca and Dr. Rachel Peterman explore the ins and outs of the flight response with a unique twist that you do not wanna miss.

To learn more about Empowered to Connect, check out our website and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube!

The Stress Responses - chances are, you've heard of them - Fight, Flight and Freeze...well, you may be surprised to learn that there are actually 4 stress responses ("Fawn" is the fourth - don't worry, we'll cover it in great detail in a few weeks) and we are taking the next several weeks to do deep dives into each of them! We'll look at how you can support both yourself and those you love IN those responses! Today, we dive into the "Fight" Response.

Those who identify with a fight stress response have learned to step up to the plate to protect themselves. This instinctive reaction often sends them into an aggressive, sometimes attack mode to fend off the danger they face - real or perceived. What's the best way to support someone with a fight response? You'll have to listen in to find out! JD, Becca and Tona walk through everything from what a stress response is to how to support those you love in the middle of those 'fight' responses. 

To learn more about Empowered to Connect, check out our website and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube!

Today, we’re joined by Kaycee Stanley, Executive Director and Founder of The Reel Hope Project — an organization using powerful, strengths-based videos to connect kids in foster care with their forever families. 

Kaycee shares the heart behind their mission, the balance of holding onto hope while honoring each child’s story, and how their videos capture what makes each child come alive. 

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about storytelling, connection, and making a lasting impact! 

To learn more about The Reel Hope Project, click here!

Friendships Matter More Than You Think!

Whether you’re surrounded by a solid circle of friends or navigating a season of loneliness, connection matters. This week on the podcast, we’re breaking down the three types of friends everyone needs — those walking alongside you, those a step ahead, and those just a bit behind.

Join us as we share personal stories and practical insights on how to build a rich, meaningful community. Whether you’re feeling connected or craving deeper connections, this episode is for you.

What is regulation anyway—and why does it matter for our kids (and us)?

This week we’re diving into the basics of self-regulation—what it really means to be balanced and steady, why deep breaths aren't always enough, and how our kids move from needing our help (co-regulation) to doing it on their own.

We talk about:
✨ What dysregulation actually looks like (hint: it's not always a meltdown)
How attachment plays into emotional regulation
Why one-size-fits-all solutions don’t work
And how compassion—for our kids and ourselves—is the real game-changer

Whether your child is bouncing off the walls or shutting down completely, this episode is for you. And remember, you are not alone!

Head to YouTube to watch our short video on What is Self Regulation!

It’s more than cake and balloons.

What does it really mean to celebrate someone — especially our kids? Is it about big parties and perfect gifts? Or is it something deeper?

This week on the podcast, we’re talking about the heart behind celebration: the power of being seen, known, and cherished. We’ll share stories of moments we felt celebrated, and explore how simple, intentional gestures can speak louder than any party ever could.

Because at the end of the day, celebration says:
✨ I see you.
✨ You matter to me.
✨ Your needs and wants are important.

Let’s raise kids who feel this kind of celebration — every day.

Marriage is hard. And if you’re in a tough season, you are not alone!

On today’s episode, we sit down with Empowered to Connect's very own Mo and Tona Ottinger, as they share their marriage journey with honesty and wisdom.

What happens when you and your spouse aren’t on the same page? When you realize marriage isn’t as simple as A + B = C? Your marriage doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s—but growth happens when we extend the same compassion to our spouse that we do to our kids.

As Mo shares on the episode:
"This is harder than I thought… and there is a gift in the growing."

Join us for this powerful conversation about love, struggle, and the beauty of learning together.

Show notes: 
Stress capacity window downloadable