Keep’em Healthy with Jami Podcast

LAST EPISODE OF SEASON 4

In this episode, I’m sitting down with my friend Kim Porter, a Certified Family Recovery Specialist and a mom who has navigated the long, vulnerable road of her own child's recovery. Kim flips the script on how we talk to our kids about drugs, alcohol, and lifestyle choices. Instead of coming in as a "vigilante" in your own home, Kim teaches us the power of curiosity over judgment.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The "Why" Behind the High: Why kids are often "using the external to deal with the internal" and how to ask the powerful question: "What is it that you like about [substance]?"
• The Power of Body Language: How open hands and uncrossed arms can change the entire energy of a difficult conversation.
• Protecting the Child vs. Protecting the Addiction: Why making the "bad things go away" for our kids can actually keep them stuck in the cycle.
• The Divided Front: How a disagreement between parents on how to handle substance use can inadvertently create space for the addiction to thrive.
• Connection as Prevention: Understanding that at the core of most substance use is a deep desire for connection and a way to cope with internal pain.
• The Long Game: Accepting that addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease that requires a journey of vulnerability and learning, not a quick fix.

Kim reminds us that while addiction doesn’t happen overnight, neither does recovery. This conversation is an invitation to put down the armor, lead with love, and start truly listening to what our kids are reaching for.

Connect with Kim & Her Work:

• Organization: Be a Part of the Conversation
• Resources: Discover community programs, support groups, and educational tools for families in Pennsylvania and beyond.

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Why we need to let our kids (and ourselves) fail more often.

Okay, grab your coffee (or your emotional support water bottle) and sit down for this one, because we are diving deep today. I’m sitting down with the incredible Christina Collins—she’s a firefighter wife, boy mom x 2, ultra-endurance athlete, and passionate about the psychology of behavior change.

We’re talking about something that hits so close to home: the fear of embarrassment. Have you noticed how many kids sit on the sidelines because they’re terrified of looking "bad" in front of their peers? Christina is on a mission to change that through her company, Never Stop Moving 365.

In this episode, we’re chatting about:

• The "Joy Movement" Revolution: Why fitness should feel like a party, not a punishment, and how to build confidence in kids who aren't "sporty."
• The Power of the Great Outdoors: Why taking the movement outside is a total game-changer for the soul.
• Regulating the Nervous System: The science behind why a wiggle break is actually the best tool for a dysregulated child (and mom!).
• Classroom Mandates: Why Christina is fighting for movement to be a requirement in schools, not just a "bonus" if there's time.
• Celebrating the Face-Plant: How to create a "safety to fail" zone where kids can mess up without the peer pressure.

Christina reminds us that movement isn’t about the scoreboard; it’s about the mindset. If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing at the juggle, or you’re worried your kid is retreating into their shell, this episode is the giant hug and the kick in the pants you’ve been waiting for.

Connect with Christina and Never Stop Moving 365: Website  Instagram 

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"Winning isn't everything; it’s the byproduct of everything."

Have you ever wondered why some teams just click while others—even with all the talent in the world—seem to fall apart when the pressure is on? Today, I’m sitting down with my friend Russ Romano, and he is about to change the way you think about leadership.

Russ is a former D1 pitcher and the founder of D1 Mindset Coach. He spends his days in the trenches with elite athletes and high-level organizations, teaching them the 10 Pillars of Mental Peak Performance. But here’s the thing: Russ believes that if you’re only focused on the trophy, you’ve already lost the game.

In this episode, we’re stripping back the jersey and talking about:

• The "North Star" Philosophy: How to define your core principles so you never lose your way.
• Process over Outcome: Why the "Well, Better, How" practice is the ultimate game-changer for growth.
• We Over Me: The secret to building a culture that values the person over the stats.
• Positive Communication: Shifting from “what not to do” to “this is what to do” 
• Emotional Safety: Why accountability doesn't have to mean fear, and how to protect your team’s mental health.

Whether you are a coach, a parent of a young athlete, or just someone trying to lead your own "team" at home or work, Russ’s insights on gratitude and character-driven leadership are exactly what we need more of right now.

Grab your coffee, lean in, and let’s find out what the "Secret Sauce" is really all about.

Check out D1 Mindset Coach, Russ Romano:

 Facebook 

 Instagram

We mention student athletes and mental health. Here are Crisis and Support Resources 

• Lenape Valley Mobile Crisis: 1-877-435-7709 
• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 
• Safe2Say Something (anonymous): 1-844-723-2729 or safe2saypa.org 
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 
• Teen Central: www.teencentral.com  
• In an emergency, call 911 

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I sat down with the incredible Kirstin McGowan—you know, the co-lead of PA Unplugged and basically the woman leading the charge for our kids' sanity in Pennsylvania—to talk all things Senate Bill 1014.

If you’ve been following the news (or just dealing with the daily "put the phone away" battle at home), you know this "bell-to-bell" policy is a huge deal. Kirstin is breaking down why this isn't just about taking away a toy; it’s about giving our kids their brains back! We dive into how removing the constant "ping" of notifications actually clears the way for academic success and gives them a much-needed mental health break from the social media pressure cooker.

But I know what you’re thinking—because I was thinking it too! What about safety? What about local control? Kirstin totally went there with me. We debunk the big myths, like why phones can actually be dangerous in a real emergency (spoiler: first responders need the kids listening to teachers, not livestreaming!), and how the bill still lets our local school boards decide how to handle the logistics.

It’s such a "real talk" episode about balancing consequences with education and making sure our schools are actually safe spaces for our kids to grow up. 📱🚫

Pa Unplugged Instagram

In this episode, we discuss:

The Big "Pros" for Our Kids:

• Academic Comeback: How "bell-to-bell" (no phones from first bell to last!) helps teachers actually teach and boosts those test scores we’ve all been worried about.
• Social & Mental Health: Why "away for the day" is the secret sauce for reducing cyberbullying and helping kids actually look each other in the eye at lunch.
• Removing the "Brain Drain": The science behind why just having a phone in their pocket—even if it's off—is a massive distraction.

Debunking the "Cons":

• The Safety Myth: Kirstin explains why school safety experts actually prefer phones to be put away during a crisis so communication lines stay clear.
• Local Control: How the bill sets a statewide standard but lets our districts choose the enforcement (pouches vs. lockers vs. backpacks).
• Punishment vs. Education: How to handle "the slip-ups" without making school feel like a prison, and why clear consequences actually help kids feel more secure.
• Medical & Learning Exceptions: A reminder that this isn't a "one-size-fits-all" robots-only rule—kids with medical needs (like glucose monitoring) and IEPs are totally covered!

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Hey Listeners, I’m tackling the awkward one today. I recorded an episode for my son about... wait for it... the female hormone cycle. I know, I’ve never been a teenage boy and I’ve never raised one until now, so I definitely acknowledged the major awkwardness factor right at the start! But honestly, this knowledge is too important for him to ignore if I want to raise an empathetic, compassionate man. 

I’m explaining the "hidden phenomenon" of what’s happening with the mothers, sisters, and teachers in his life. We’re talking about why he should never say “Are you acting crazy because you’re on your period?” and how to actually support the women he cares about when they’re in that "high-alert" Luteal phase. I want him to understand that women aren't "weakened" by their hormones—it’s actually an inherited wisdom that helps our whole community thrive. It’s a bit of a "how-to" on not being that guy. Wish me luck! 

In this episode:

• The Awkward Truth: Acknowledging that while this is an uncomfortable topic, understanding the "hidden phenomenon" of the women in his life is essential for his growth.
• Compassion and Empathy: Why learning about the 28-day cycle helps him build better relationships with his mother, sisters, teachers, and future partners.
• The Luteal Phase From the Outside: What it looks like when a woman’s body enters "protection mode" and why she might need more space or grace.
• What NOT to Say: Why phrases like "Are you on your period?" are hurtful and how they dismiss a woman's biological reality.
• The Support Playbook: Specific scripts he can use to offer help or give space without making things awkward.
• Celebrating Inherited Wisdom: Reiterating that a woman is not "weakened" by her hormones, but is operating with a biological power that serves the whole community

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I wish I knew this when I was 12! 🤯 My daughter literally bolted from our last "talk," so I’m changing the narrative. It’s not about "the talk"—it’s about teaching her the inherited wisdom of her 28-day cycle. 

From the "Go Mode" of the Follicular phase to the "Protection Mode" of the Luteal phase, her moods and energy have a biological purpose. Let’s start flowing with with our bodies. 

✨ Know your cycle. ✨ Speak your truth. ✨ Support your cycle. 

In this Episode:

• The Hormonal "Main Characters": Definitions of Estrogen (the "outward," high-energy hormone) and Progesterone (the "inward," protective hormone).

The Follicular Phase (Days 1-14):

• The Vibe: Increased energy, confidence, and social desire.
• Physical Changes: A shift in discharge to a clear, stretchy "egg-white" texture and a preference for wearing bright colors.
• Exercise & Nutrition: High-energy movement (like sports or running) fueled by light, fresh proteins.

The Luteal Phase (Days 15-28):

• The Vibe: Lower energy and a natural urge for social withdrawal to conserve strength and protect the body.
• Physical Changes: A rise in body temperature, achy or "loose" joints, and a slightly suppressed immune system.
• Emotional Sensitivity: Heightened responses to "threats" (like a slow text reply) and a tendency to feel weepy or irritable due to peaking progesterone.
• Exercise & Nutrition: Gentle movement (like walking or stretching) and an increased need for complex carbohydrates and healthy fats.
• Communication "Truth Scripts": Practical ways to tell friends, family, or boyfriends when she is feeling sensitive and needs extra grace or space.

The Period Brain by Dr. Sarah E. Hill 

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Are you tired of being a broken record? 

Whether you homeschool, private school, or public school—we all want the same thing: to raise good humans. Humans who can think for themselves, solve problems, and actually care about the world around them.

 I just sat down with two of the most inspiring women, Danika Dunn and Kelly Clearkin, and they blew my mind with Project-Based Learning (PBL).

Forget the dry textbooks and the "stay in your seat" mentality. Danika (who is literally UPenn certified in this!) and Kelly are showing us how to turn our homes into launchpads for real-world humans. 🌍❤️

Why I’m obsessed:

• It’s not just a "craft"—it’s how kids learn to solve actual problems.
• The "Secret" Sauce: It prepares them to be thinkers, collaborators, and just... good people.
• The Support: They’ve got all the resources at Bramblewood Mamas to help you actually do this without losing your sanity.

If you want your kids to love learning again (and if you want to stop being a "lecturer"), you HAVE to listen to this episode.

Podcast: Bramblewood Mamas: the project-based homeschool

Course: Project-based Homeschooling Basics

Socials: @bramblewood_mamas, @projectbasedhomeschoolmom

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 If you’ve ever sat on the playroom floor, staring at your toddler and practically willing them to say a word—only to be met with a frustrated grunt or silence—this episode is for you. I’m sitting down with my go-to expert, Speech-Language Pathologist Jennifer Gordon, to talk about a method that totally flipped my perspective on how kids learn to talk: PROMPT.

We’re getting into the "meat" of the biology today. Turns out, speech isn't just a mental milestone; it’s a high-level physical coordination. Jen explains how neuroplasticity works in those tiny brains and why tactile prompting (actually touching the jaw and lips) acts like a GPS for their mouth muscles.

To connect with Jennifer Gordon: Website Instagram Facebook

In this Episode, we’re covering:

• The "Eye-to-Eye" Magic: Why getting on their physical level isn't just "cute"—it’s essential for their brain to map your movements.
• The Power of the Pause: Why we need to give our kids a "waiting prompt" (think: a solid 10 seconds!) to let those signals travel from brain to tongue.
• Ditching the Flashcards: Why we need to stop obsessing over "Yellow" and "Circle" and start focusing on functional words that actually give our kids power in their world (like "Help," "More," or "Stop").
• Building the Foundation: How to stop seeing speech as a "test" and start seeing it as a physical skill we can support with our own two hands.

Whether you’re worried about a delay or just want to understand the wild science of toddlerhood,  join us. This one is a total lightbulb moment.

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Does it feel like your kid catches every single thing going around the classroom? Between the "beige diet" of chicken nuggets and the overwhelming wall of vitamins at the grocery store, it’s hard to know if we’re actually helping our kids’ health or just buying really expensive gummies.

In this episode, we’re having a "pre-coffee" huddle with Dr. Alison Finger, ND, founder of the Doylestown Natural Medicine Center. We’re stripping away the medical jargon and getting into the "mom-to-mom" truth about what our kids actually need to stay balanced and resilient.

We’re breaking down:

• The "Beige Diet" Reality Check: Can a kid survive (and thrive) on nuggets and pasta?
• Label Literacy: What are the "red flags" on the back of the bottle?
• The Unsung Heroes: How Magnesium and Omega-3s can help tame the nervous system.
• The Vocabulary Guide: What the heck is "Methylated B12" or "Liposomal Vitamin C," and why should you care?
• The School Crud Shield: The difference between a daily "safety net" and the "emergency protocol" when the first sniffle hits.

Whether you’re dealing with a classroom petri dish or just want to make sure your "safety net" vitamin is actually working, this episode is your survival guide for the school year.

Connect with Dr. Alison Finger:

 Website or email: [email protected]

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Lately, it feels like we’re totally drowning in digital noise and AI-generated everything. Between the kids using chatbots for homework and us constantly fighting the "screen time battle," it’s easy to feel like that special "human spark" is just... dimming.

Today, I’m chatting with my friend Kate Brenton, a holistic educator who has spent twenty years igniting creativity from Hawaii to the boardroom. We’re diving into how we can help our kids (and ourselves!) stay grounded when the world feels so disconnected from reality.

Connect with Kate here and on her website.

We’re getting into the good stuff, like:

• The Efficiency Paradox: Is AI actually helping us, or is there a hidden cost to our creativity? 
• Process over Results: How to teach our kids to love the process of thinking when they can get an answer in three seconds.
• Healthy Skeptics: Teaching our kids to question what they see online without becoming totally cynical.
• Data vs. Wisdom: Why "soft skills" like empathy, intuition, and tactile learning are actually the ultimate "hard" skills for the future.

It’s time to stop worrying if we've lost the battle to the screen and start building some boundaries that actually work. We need to trust our kids and give them the space to find their own flame. You don’t want to miss this one!

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