Lady Party

Think video games are melting your kid’s brain? Think again. This week on Lady Party, we sit down with Dr. Rachel Kowert — internationally recognized expert on gaming, mental health, and digital safety — to get real about what’s actually happening when our kids (and, let’s be honest, we) pick up a controller.

Rachel has advised the United Nations, the U.S. State Department, and Congress on the psychology of gaming and has published over 100 papers on the subject. She’s also the author of Gaming and Extremism and The Video Game Debate and the founder of Psychgeist, a multimedia studio creating accessible, science-backed content about gaming, psychology, and culture.

In this episode, we talk about:
🎮 The truth about gaming and mental health (spoiler: shooter games does not a violent child make.)
🧠 What parents get wrong about “video game addiction.”
💬 How to talk to your kids about online safety and healthy gaming habits.
👾 Why games can actually boost creativity, empathy, and problem-solving.
💸 The billion-dollar world of e-sports and how scholarships are changing the game.
👑 And yes, which games Rachel actually recommends (Mario Kart FTW!)

We even get into the fun stuff — like why Grand Theft Auto can be totally fine (for grownups), why Nintendo is the most family-friendly system, and which gaming character Rachel would have dinner with (Princess Zelda, of course).

And when she’s not slaying myths about gaming, Rachel’s hydrating with @Tatcha Mineral Water (“the fountain of youth”), reading Alchemized, and insisting The Iliad is the best book ever written.

Whether you’re raising a Roblox junkie, a future Twitch streamer, or you’re just trying to understand what the heck a “server” is — this conversation will leave you feeling informed, calmer, and maybe even a little inspired to pick up a controller yourself.

• Knowledge can be scary, but fear of the unknown is scarier.

• There’s no scientific link between violent games and violent behavior.

• Games can teach creativity, strategy, empathy, and resilience.

• Video game “addiction” isn’t one-size-fits-all — context matters.

• Parents who play and talk about games with their kids have stronger connections.

• Nintendo offers the best family-friendly options for beginners.

• E-sports is a legit career path — with real college scholarships.

• Mario Kart is a perfect family starter game.

• Adults? Go ahead, enjoy Grand Theft Auto guilt-free.

• Not all screen time is created equal — connection beats consumption.

• Want trustworthy game reviews? Check out Common Sense Media.

• Psychgeist offers free, science-based videos, newsletters, and even a deep dive on Taylor Swift Easter eggs.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.
Follow Rachel on Instagram: @drrachelkowert
Explore more at psychgeist.com.

🔑 Key Takeaways

If you allow your children to use on social media and/or play games like Roblox or Minecraft, you gotta hear this one.

This week on Lady Party, we’re tackling one of the hardest—but most important—conversations every parent and caregiver needs to hear: the rise of sextortion and online child exploitation.

Our guest, Katie Connell, brings nearly 30 years of experience protecting children from predators. She spent 24 years with the FBI, retiring as Unit Chief of the Child Victim Services Unit, where she oversaw the Bureau’s child interviewing program and trained agents and prosecutors across the world. A licensed clinical social worker and child and adolescent forensic interviewer, Katie has testified as an expert witness in both federal and local courts and has published groundbreaking work on how predators exploit images online—and how law enforcement can respond more effectively.

In this episode, Katie helps us understand:

• What “sextortion” really means—and how it happens

• Where predators are finding kids today (hint: gaming platforms are a big one)

• The subtle ways they build trust and access—often invisible to parents

• Why this threat crosses every age, gender, and level of supervision

• What parents can actually do to protect their kids—and how to respond if it happens

This is a heavy topic, but Katie’s compassion and clarity make it approachable, actionable, and deeply necessary. You’ll come away with practical tools, critical insights, and—most importantly—the confidence to have these conversations at home.

Because protecting our kids starts with having the courage to talk about the hard stuff. 💛

Resources Mentioned:

• FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)

• Thorn

• FBI Victim Services Division

This week on Lady Party, we’re getting into the not-so-sexy (but super important) world of tariffs, taxes, and economic policy with Professor Kimberly Clausing. She’s the Chair of UCLA’s Tax Policy program at the School of Law, and she also spent time in the Biden administration.

Translation: she knows her stuff.

Now, before you roll your eyes and think “ugh, econ talk,” stay with us. Because what Kimberly breaks down is exactly why your Starbucks is pricier, why your Amazon cart costs more than you thought, and why small businesses in your neighborhood are feeling the squeeze.

We cover:

• What tariffs really are (spoiler: they’re just taxes on imports).

• Why politicians love them, even though moms hate them.

• How tariffs hit everyday families harder than corporations.

• Why innovation and immigration are actually the keys to long-term growth.

• What the Fed’s role is in inflation (aka why eggs cost $7 for a minute there).

• Why “trickle-down” economics is more myth than math.

• And how fixing the tax system could actually help fight climate change.

This isn’t about numbers on a spreadsheet—it’s about what’s happening to your wallet every time you shop, save, or plan for your family’s future. Kimberly makes it not only understandable but actually kind of fun. (Comparing inflation to a boozy punch bowl!)

So grab that overpriced latte, settle in, and let’s talk about the forces shaping the economy we’re raising our kids in.

It's gonna get worse before it gets better, so you should know what you're in for.

About Kimberly:

Kimberly Clausing holds the Eric M. Zolt Chair in Tax Law and Policy at the UCLA School of Law. Professor Clausing received her B.A. from Carleton College, and her Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1996, both in economics

During the first part of the Biden Administration, Clausing was the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Tax Analysis in the US Department of the Treasury, serving as the lead economist in the Office of Tax Policy.

Clausing has worked on economic policy research with the International Monetary Fund, the Hamilton Project, the Brookings Institution, the Tax Policy Center, and the Center for American Progress. She has testified before the House Ways and Means Committee, the Senate Committee on Finance, the Senate Committee on the Budget, and the Joint Economic Committee.

Professor Clausing’s research examines how government decisions and corporate behavior interplay in the global economy. She has published numerous articles on taxation, climate policy, and international trade, and she is the author of Open: The Progressive Case for Free Trade, Immigration, and Global Capital (Harvard University Press, 2019).

And, she's a Mom of two!

This is Part 2 to conversation. Be sure to listen to Part 1 first!)

Amy Lang M.A. of Birds, Bees + Kids is back to talk to us about how do you prepare your kids for the moment they inevitably come across porn? In this episode, the hosts tackle one of the toughest parenting challenges of the digital age: how to talk to children and teens about pornography before the internet does it for you.

The conversation covers when and how to start these talks, what language to use, and how to set up your home and devices so kids are both protected and prepared. Parents will learn about the best tools for monitoring and filtering, scripts they can use to navigate age-appropriate conversations without shame or fear, and the importance of introducing healthy alternatives and resources that frame sexuality in a positive, safe way.

This is not a one-time “talk,” but an ongoing dialogue—one that builds trust, reduces secrecy, and helps kids grow into adults who can understand and contextualize what they see online.

✨ Key Takeaways

• Learn the exact scripts to start conversations about porn with kids of different ages.

• Discover the best monitoring & filtering tools (like Bark and Custodio) to protect children online.

• Get guidance on when to introduce the topic—and why waiting too long is risky.

• Understand alternatives to mainstream porn (like ethical and feminist porn) that can provide healthier models for older teens.

• Find out how to create a safe space for ongoing conversations that reduce shame and encourage openness.

• Practical device management tips: how to set boundaries, monitor use, and adapt as your child grows.

🎧 Timestamps & Chapters:
00:00 Why Parents Must Prepare Kids for Porn
03:11 The Right Age to Start Talking
06:46 What the Data Says About Early Exposure
10:57 Scripts for Navigating Curiosity
14:32 Talking to Preschoolers vs. Older Kids
17:13 Calm, Direct, and Shame-Free Communication
25:20 Monitoring & Filtering Tools Parents Should Use
33:25 Device Management and Boundaries That Work
36:01 Parenting in the Digital Age: New Realities
44:31 Introducing Alternatives to Porn for Older Teens
49:31 Why Ongoing Conversations Matter

Talking to kids about sex, consent, and relationships isn’t easy. Many parents feel unprepared, embarrassed, or afraid of saying the wrong thing.

In this episode, longtime sex educator Amy Lang, M.A. (founder of Birds & Bees & Kids) helps parents move past shame and silence into open, confident conversations.

We cover:

• Why kids need accurate language for their bodies

• How to prepare children for puberty and relationships (without the awkwardness)

• Teaching consent and body boundaries early—and modeling them at home

• The role of comprehensive sex education in keeping kids safe

• How to navigate the reality of pornography and online access

• Why talking openly beats letting peers (or the internet) fill in the gaps

• The importance of looping in the extended family around these values

Amy’s practical advice and calm approach will leave you feeling more equipped to handle “the talk”—not as a one-time event, but as an ongoing connection that protects and empowers your kids.

Because when it comes to our kids, avoidance isn’t protection—connection is.

👉 Learn more and access tons of free resources at BirdsandBeesandKids.com and BBKPros.com.

Feeding kids isn’t just about what’s on the plate—it’s about emotions, environment, and the long game of helping them build a healthy relationship with food.

In this episode, we sit down with Danielle Zold, Pediatric Registered Dietitian and founder of Nourished Pediatrics in Denver, to unpack the challenges of feeding children (especially picky eaters). Danielle shares why guilt and pressure often backfire, how to make mealtimes more fun, and why exposure—not force—is the key to new foods. We dig into the difference between normal picky eating and feeding disorders, creative ways to get kids involved in the kitchen, and how to balance nutrient-dense meals with the occasional fun treat.

Whether you’re battling nightly dinner stand-offs or just want to feel more confident about your child’s nutrition, this conversation will leave you informed, reassured, and ready to shift the vibe at the table.

Key Takeaways:

• Feeding kids is emotional, not just nutritional.

• Every child’s preferences and needs are unique.

• Positive mealtime environments lead to better eating habits.

• It can take multiple exposures before a child accepts a new food.

• Involving kids in meal prep increases interest in trying foods.

• Balance nutrient-rich foods with fun foods for a healthy relationship with eating.

• Snacks are fine—as long as they don’t ruin meal appetites.

• Learn to spot the difference between picky eating and feeding disorders.

• Focus on the overall eating pattern, not one “perfect” meal.

Episode links:
French Kids Eat Everything
Renzo’s Picky Eater Multivitamin

🎧 Listen now on Lady Party.

It’s the conversation we all know we need to have—but most of us avoid until we’re already in crisis: caring for our aging parents. Whether you're knee-deep in caregiving or just starting to notice little changes in your mom or dad, this episode is your guide to getting ahead of the chaos.

Erin and Megan sit down with aging and care expert Kathleen Korpela to talk about how to support our parents before things unravel. From early conversations (that don’t feel awful) to understanding senior care options, Medicaid, and the emotional toll caregiving takes—especially on women—this is the roadmap we wish we had years ago.

💡 Biggest takeaway? Caregiving isn’t a someday thing. It’s a right-now conversation.

Key Takeaways:

• These plans can take 5+ YEARS to come together, so you need to start NOW!

• Caregiving responsibilities often fall on daughters—and it’s a lot.

• Planning ahead prevents emergencies (and can save hundreds of thousands of dollars).

• Aging in place is common—but is often only a temporary solution.

• Senior care costs are steep—Medicaid can help, but it's complex. Kathleen gives great tips to navigate Medicaid!

• Watch for small signs of decline and act early.

• Emotional burnout is real—build your support network now.

👵❤️ Whether your parents are 55 or 85, this is your cue to pause, plan, and protect your peace.

Connect with Kathleen Korpela:

✨ Learn more: www.livinggoldenwell.com/program
✨ Download your free guide: www.livinggoldenwell.com
✨ Free Masterclass: www.livinggoldenwell.com/masterclass

✨ Schedule time with Kathleen: https://livinggoldenwell.com/contact
✨ Follow her on IG: @kkorpela

🎧 Listen now on Lady Party. Because growing up means caring for the ones who raised us.

We're Bringing Vitality Back! Yeah!

In this episode of Lady Party, we’re diving into a deeply resonant topic for many women: how to reconnect with pleasure, presence, and intimacy—especially as life gets louder and our bodies evolve.

We’re joined by the incredible Michaela Boehm (@micboehm77) —a globally renowned intimacy coach, speaker, and author who has spent over two decades guiding women (and couples) toward deeper embodiment, authentic connection, and true sensual fulfillment. Her client list includes everyone from Hollywood A-listers to business leaders, and she brings a unique blend of practical wisdom and ancient tradition to her teachings.

Michaela helps us explore what happens when we lose our connection to our sensual selves, how stress and structure can dull desire, and the simple, everyday practices we can use to bring vitality, pleasure, and play back into our lives. We also talk about aging, body image, and how to stay curious with your partner—even after many years together.

Whether you're single, partnered, or somewhere in between, this conversation will leave you feeling grounded, inspired, and empowered to put yourself back in the center of your own story.

Key Takeaways:
✨ Stress is one of the biggest barriers to desire—and women carry a lot of it.
✨ Embodiment means tuning into your senses and reconnecting with your body.
✨ Pleasure isn’t a luxury—it’s a practice.
✨ Intimacy starts long before the bedroom.
✨ Reclaiming sensuality is possible at any stage of life.
✨ Creating separation between “daily life” and romance helps keep intimacy alive.
✨ Curiosity, communication, and novelty are key ingredients in long-term connection.
✨ Women are allowed—and encouraged—to prioritize their own pleasure.

🔗 Learn more about Michaela’s work and upcoming workshops at www.michaelaboehm.com

Let’s be honest: most of us grew up learning how to have sex, not how to enjoy sex. In fact, many of us didn’t even learn about our own anatomy, let alone what real intimacy and pleasure could look like. In this juicy (and very necessary) episode, we’re talking all things female pleasure with the one and only Gigi Engle—sex therapist, author, educator, and truth-teller.

Gigi is the award winning author of “All the F*cking Mistakes’ A Guide to Sex, Love and Life and a new book coming out soon!

Gigi’s work regularly appears in many publications, including Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Elle Magazine, Teen Vogue, Glamour, and Women's Health. Her articles have been shared over 150 million times.
We dive into everything we wish someone had told us sooner—from why so many women feel disconnected from desire, to how masturbation is normal (and important), and what role communication, sex toys, and even BDSM can play in building stronger, more empowered relationships. We also talk about how to find a good sex therapist, why open relationships aren’t one-size-fits-all, and how prioritizing your pleasure is not only healthy—it’s essential.

Whether you’re navigating a dry spell, redefining intimacy in a long-term relationship, or just trying to unlearn the shame you picked up in middle school sex ed—this episode is your permission slip to ask for (and enjoy) what you want.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• So many women grow up with shame or misinformation around their bodies and pleasure.

• Our sex ed system often skips the female anatomy—and leaves out pleasure entirely.

• Desire can be impacted by everything from societal messaging to relationship dynamics.

• Communication is the most powerful (and underused) sex tool.

• Masturbation is healthy and normal—no shame, just self-knowledge.

• Intimacy can be expressed in many ways beyond just penetrative sex.

• Sex toys and BDSM aren’t taboo—they’re tools for connection and exploration.

• Pleasure is not a luxury. It’s a human right.

• A qualified sex therapist can help you navigate desire, communication, and more.

• This conversation might feel vulnerable—but it’s so, so worth it.

Do you have the right estate documents in place—and are they actually done right? Online legal documents can be risky if not executed correctly.

In this empowering, workshop-style episode, we’re joined by attorney Kjersti Stroup of Stroup Law to break down the must-have legal docs for anyone adulting in their 40s (and beyond):

• Your Will (vs a Trust)

• A Financial Power of Attorney

• A Healthcare Power of Attorney (plus directives)

We walk through exactly what each one does, why you need it before you think you do, and what can happen if you don’t have them in place. If the words “estate planning” make your brain fog over—this conversation is your no-BS, clear-headed, totally doable roadmap.

Because this isn’t just about protecting assets—it’s about protecting your people and your wishes.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• It’s crucial to have a will and other legal documents in place—no matter your net worth.

• Many people delay estate planning because it feels emotional or overwhelming.

• A living trust can help your family avoid the time-consuming, expensive probate process.

• Choosing guardians for your children is one of the most important (and personal) decisions you’ll ever make.