Joyful Courage for Parenting Teens

In this episode, I sit down with Marielle Melling to explore the invisible forces driving our least favorite parenting moments and how to interrupt them. We dive deep into the gap between knowing better and actually doing better, discussing what Marielle calls our "bottom underlying truth" (BUT)—what we're really making important in heated moments with our teens. Marielle shares practical, actionable tools for pausing before reacting and aligning our actions with our deepest values. If you want to move from reactive to intentional parenting and create the connection you truly desire with your teen, this conversation offers real clarity and transformative steps you can start using today.

Marielle Melling is a parent educator, author, and founder of Extraordinary Family Relationships who helps parents move from conflict to connection with their teens. With a degree in health education and as a mom of five (ages 7-17), she brings both professional expertise and real-life experience to her work. Marielle is the author of Peace Amidst the Mayhem and The BUT Book, which explores the gap between what parents know and what they actually do in challenging moments. Through her relatable teaching style and genuine care, she guides parents to discover their "bottom underlying truth"—what truly matters most—so they can respond intentionally rather than reactively. Marielle also hosts an annual parenting summit and runs The Mom Spot membership, where she supports parents in transforming ordinary family relationships into extraordinary ones through deep connection and radical self-acceptance.

For more info and show notes, go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-628-interrupting-parenting-patterns-with-marielle-melling/

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I'm sharing some things that are deeply personal today about navigating life's hardest moments—from my daughter's mental health struggles to my husband's cancer diagnosis. This episode isn't about parenting strategies; it's about the inner work of choosing how we meet each moment. I'll walk you through my five-step process for staying present and intentional when everything feels overwhelming: self-awareness, willingness, breath, embodiment, and repeat. Whether you're facing challenges with your teen, relationship struggles, or health crises, this conversation explores how to create connection, ease, and trust in your present moment. Because that's all we really have—right here, right now.

For more show notes, go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-627-the-inner-work-of-intentional-parenting/

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In this eye-opening episode, I explore functional mushrooms and adaptogens with my friend Nicole Erdrich from Four Peaks Medicinals. We demystify how these powerful organisms support parents through stress, brain fog, and the unique challenges of midlife. Nicole shares practical insights on lion's mane for cognitive function, turkey tail for immune support, and adaptogens that naturally balance your stress response. We also discuss microdosing protocols and how mushroom wellness can enhance your parenting journey. If you're a parent of teens navigating perimenopause, anxiety, or simply seeking natural wellness alternatives, this conversation offers research-backed strategies and actionable steps for reclaiming your vitality.

Nicole is a mushroom wellness advocate and owner of Four Peaks Medicinals, a women-owned functional mushroom company based in Northern California. She specializes in educating people about functional mushrooms, adaptogens, and microdosing protocols, working alongside her team to provide personalized wellness consultations. Nicole's mission extends beyond selling products—she's committed to spreading joy through mushroom medicine while supporting local growers and maintaining the highest quality standards. She travels to music festivals, yoga studios, and community spaces teaching people how to integrate mushroom wellness into their daily lives, believing that mushrooms offer humanity a path toward better mental health and deeper connection.

Find more show notes and info at: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-626-functional-mushrooms-demystified-with-nicole-erdrich/

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Building a strong parenting foundation with teens isn't about quick fixes—it's about creating a supportive container for their growth. In this replay episode, I break down my "House of Positive Discipline" framework, starting with the most critical piece: your own personal development. From there, we layer in relationship-building, systems and routines, and finally those in-the-moment tools you need. This isn't about having all the answers; it's about understanding how these pieces work together to support your teen's journey while strengthening your connection. If you're navigating the messy terrain of adolescence, this episode offers a practical roadmap.

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Feeling overwhelmed by college admissions? I sat down with David Blobaum, a national test prep expert, to demystify the entire process. We discuss how test-optional policies really work, what admissions officers actually look for, and why prestigious schools aren't always the best choice. David shares insider secrets like using the Common Data Set to decode admissions criteria and understanding when to submit (or skip) test scores. Most importantly, we shift the focus from just getting in to ensuring your teen graduates and thrives. If you're navigating college applications with your teenager, this conversation will ground you in what truly matters.

Find more show notes at https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-624-college-admission-truths-with-david-blobaum/

Learn more about 2025 Living Joyful Courage Coaching Week at www.besproutable.com/ljccoachweek

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I'm sharing something crucial about setting boundaries with teens that most parents miss. When our teenagers push back against our "no," our nervous systems can get completely hijacked by their anger and disappointment. In this episode, I break down the neuroscience of what happens in these heated moments and offer practical tools using curiosity and validation to stay grounded. I'll show you how to hold firm boundaries while maintaining connection, even when your teen is furious. If saying "no, not yet" feels impossible without losing your cool or caving completely, this episode will transform how you navigate these tough conversations with confidence.

Find more show notes and info at: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-623-saying-no-to-our-teens/

Sign up for Living Joyful Courage Coaching Week at: https://www.besproutable.com/ljccoachweek/

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In this episode, I sit down with my son Ian, a college sophomore, for an honest conversation about navigating college life in 2025. We discuss communication strategies between parents and college students, balancing academics and social life, managing finances and groceries, maintaining health and wellness, and building independence. Ian shares what goes through his mind when I reach out, how he stays organized, and his advice for parents wondering what their college kids are really up to. This candid mother-son conversation offers valuable insights for parents of teens preparing for or already in college, revealing what works and what doesn't in staying connected.

For more show notes go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-622-college-reality-check-from-my-son/

For more information and to enroll in the Living Joyful Courage Coaching Week, go to: https://www.besproutable.com/ljccoachweek/

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I'm diving deep into the messy, beautiful work of parenting teens with intention and compassion. In this episode, I explore why changing our parenting patterns feels so hard (hint: it's like forging a new path through the forest), how to practice non-attachment while staying fiercely committed, and the power of pausing to check in with ourselves throughout the day. I share real talk about trusting your gut, honoring your family's unique journey, and remembering that whatever challenge you're facing right now is just one snapshot in the bigger picture. Perfect for parents seeking connection over control.

For more show notes and info go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-466-consciously-practicing-connection-curiosity-and-presence-with-ourselves-and-others/

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As a parent coach working with families for over 20 years, I've learned that raising teenagers requires us to pause before reacting. In this episode, I sit down with meditation expert Katie Krimitsos to discuss how mindfulness helps parents navigate adolescent chaos without making things worse. Katie shares practical ways to go within, manage parental anxiety, and stay grounded when your teen's choices trigger you. If you're struggling with teen defiance, school issues, or feeling overwhelmed, this conversation offers accessible tools for staying present during your teen's most challenging moments.

For show notes and more info, go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-620-meditation-as-a-parenting-tool-with-katie-krimitsos/

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I'm diving deep into teaching life skills to teens—from driving and money management to cooking and getting their first job. If you're stressed about whether your teen is "ready" to launch, this episode is for you. I share how I navigated the messy middle of raising two very different kids, why mistakes are actually gifts, and how to stop micromanaging and start believing in your teen's ability to figure things out. Learn when to step in, when to let go, and how shifting from "this is who my kid is" to "this is where they are" changes everything. Perfect for parents of teens aged 13-18.

For full transcript and show notes: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-619-life-skills-for-launching-teens/

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