Family Perspectives

Join Kylie Collette and To’a Aui as they speak with Lara Almeida and Talise Hirschi, two graduate students in the Marriage, Family, and Human Development master’s program in the School of Family Life at Brigham Young University. In this episode, they discuss how social media and technology influence adolescents, young teens, and family dynamics. Tune in to learn how families can support one another as social media is introduced and how to help each other develop healthy relationships with both themselves and technology. 

Join Olivia Flores and Madi Bingham as they sit down with Dr. Ashley LeBaron-Black, a professor in the School of Family Life at Brigham Young University, to explore how parents can effectively teach their children about money—from early childhood through emerging adulthood. They discuss practical strategies like allowance and financial transparency, the long-term impact of early financial socialization, and how couples can navigate finances together when they come from different backgrounds.

Join Laynie Woodward and Sara Tolley as they discuss with Dr. Rick Miller, a professor in the School of Family Life at Brigham Young University. This episode Dr. Miller discusses the importance of marriage and family therapy as a protective measure for overall life satisfaction and health. Learn about the impact and importance that marital therapy has, and the important role that insurance companies can play within what Dr. Miller calls, another “public health crisis”.  

Join Kylie Howes and Nicolas Mouhsen as they sit down with Dr. Alex Jensen, professor in the School of Family Life, to explore the unique challenges that individuals with autism and their families experience as they grow up and try to develop caring sibling relationships.

Join Vanessa Brouse and Emily Higham as they sit down with Dr. Danny Frost, professor in the School of Family Life, to explore the art of civil discourse—both in society and at home. Learn how families can navigate hard conversations with curiosity and respect, stay true to their values while embracing others’ perspectives, and build stronger relationships through thoughtful communication. 

Join Laynie, Sara, and Dr. Cortney Evans-Stout  (SFL Associate Professor) as they discuss Santa's influence on children and the importance of imagination, play, and family relationships. With research based findings, historical anecdotes, and personal experiences this discussion offers insight to the role of Santa in a child's life. 

In this episode, hosts Olivia Flores and Kylie Collette chat with Dr. Chelom Leavitt to discuss healthy sexuality in marriage relationships. They chat about what healthy sexuality looks like, how growing up affects our perspective, and how we can prepare ourselves, even before marriage, to share sacred and beautiful experiences with our spouse. With spiritual, physical, and emotional insights, this conversation offers guidance and creates a new foundation for those wanting to learn more about a common, yet not often discussed, topic.

Join Sara Tolley, Emma Call, and Dana Hunter (SFL Associate Professor) as they "dish out” the fun facts of healthy eating. Learn about nutritional guidelines, cooking tips, and the importance of mealtime throughout each chapter of life. 

My Cooking Essentials Book by Dana Hunter & Kourtney Glenn: 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G9z_8_bxwPMlGR4D0x3W9FiKuGyXZEDVrs8oROAKug4/edit?usp=sharing 

Join Anna Lemke and Kylie Howes as they explore the transitions to emerging adulthood and empty nesting with Dr. Larry Nelson and Jeremy Yorgason, professors in the School of Family Life. With powerful analogies, encouraging words, and treasures of tips, these family life experts offer insight into how young adult children and parents can support each other in their quest for personal and family wellness. 

In this episode, hosts Brooke Ashcraft and Joey Averett sit down with Dr. Ashley Larsen Gibby and Lanette Nelson to explore the question, “Adoption: Is It Worth It?” They dive into common myths, unique challenges adoptive families face, long-term outcomes for adoptees, and what the latest research reveals. With both expert insight and personal experience, this conversation offers guidance for anyone considering adoption or wanting to better understand its impact. 

Links: 

Instagram: @openadoptionproject 

Instagram: @first_families_project