Thinking about adoption but not sure where to start? Suzy Shaw and co-host Cheryl Bohn sit down with Ryan Hanlon, PhD—President & CEO of the National Council for Adoption (NCFA)—to cover what every mom should ask before adopting. We get real about eligibility, timelines, costs, open vs. closed adoption, medical info, choosing an agency, and how to know if your family is truly ready. Clear, practical, zero fluff.

Guest: Ryan Hanlon, PhD (NCFA) — adoptioncouncil.org

In this episode you’ll learn:

If this helped, share it with a mom who’s considering adoption—and follow the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide for next week’s part two on life after the adoption.

From high school practices to college recruiting, the demands on our boys (and us moms!) ramp up fast.  In our latest episode of the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide, Coach Matt Hogan shares what every parent needs to know about:

Matt’s a former college and high school coach, sports dad of two, and the leader of the Annapolis Hawks Club Lacrosse Program.

 💬 Drop a comment if your son is navigating high school sports—we’d love to hear your experience!

Beyond Chicken Nuggets

If you’ve ever bribed your kid with dessert, begged them to “just take one bite,” or watched them live exclusively on goldfish crackers… this one’s for you. 🙋‍♀️

In this week’s Mothers of Boys Survival Guide podcast, we’re joined by Jacqueline Stern, registered dietitian and founder of Annapolis Nutrition, who helps parents take the stress out of mealtimes.

We talk about:

Mealtime doesn’t have to be a battlefield. Tune in and discover how to raise confident, healthy eaters without losing your sanity. 

🎧 Listen Now

Do you have a son who avoids reading like it’s a chore? You’re not alone—and this episode is packed with support and solutions.

We’re joined by literacy expert and fellow boy mom Dr. Jessica Hovland, who shares real talk and practical tips for helping boys become more confident readers. From bedtime routines and graphic novels to Minecraft books and reading to the dog 🐶—you’ll walk away with strategies you can use today.

Whether your son is just starting to read or facing challenges in middle or high school, this episode is for you. 💙

🎙 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform

Bracing for Takeoff: When Your Son Leaves the Nest

Is your son gearing up to leave for college—or already out the door with a box of ramen and a half-packed first aid kit? 

In this episode of the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide, we talk with mom Rebecca Vandall about the emotional ups, downs, and unexpected wins of launching a son into adulthood. 

We cover:

Whether your son is weeks from move-in day or you're just beginning to imagine it, this conversation is full of relatable stories, expert insights, and laugh-out-loud moments.

🎙 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform

Battle-Tested: 10 Parenting Tips Every Boy Mom Wants to Know

What do you get when you raise 7 kids (4 boys) and survive to tell the tale? A whole lot of wisdom — and even more heart. 💙

This week on the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide, Suzy and Cheryl sit down with Mary Pat Gaeng, a mom of 7 and grandmother of 6, to share the 10 boy mom truths she’s learned the hard way.

Whether you're in the toddler trenches or navigating teen years, this episode is packed with relatable stories, practical tips, and encouragement that will meet you right where you are.

🎙 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform

Purposeful Play: Raising Boys Who Learn by Doing

Is your son always on the move, building, pretending, or turning life into a game? You’re not alone—and it’s not just play, it’s purposeful learning!

In this inspiring episode of the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide, veteran kindergarten teacher and boy mom Kathy Baer joins Suzy Shaw and Cheryl Bohn to break down how purposeful play builds brain development, supports emotional growth, and teaches vital life skills like communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.

💡 Discover how simple activities—like playing with a cardboard box—can spark imagination, boost confidence, and even improve learning outcomes.

🎙 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform

Raising Boys with Brains in Mind: A Guide to Their Development

What’s really going on inside your son’s head? In this episode, international speaker and bestselling author Mike Kuczala joins Suzy Shaw and Cheryl Bohn to explore how boys’ brains develop—from birth through adolescence—and why movement is essential to their growth and learning.

From kinesthetic learning to puberty and screen time, Mike explains how physical activity, emotional support, and environment shape boys’ ability to focus, thrive, and mature. Whether you're raising a toddler or navigating the teenage “man cub” years, this conversation will help you better understand, support, and connect with your son at every stage.

🎧 Listen for expert insights, practical parenting tips, and science-backed strategies you can use at home.

🎙 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform

🎙️ Postpartum Depression: What New Moms Really Go Through

In this eye-opening episode of the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide podcast, psychologist and mom of five Dr. Kimberly Scipione joins us to break the silence around postpartum depression.

We talk about:

Whether you're a new mom, a partner, or someone who cares about maternal mental health, this episode is for you.

🔔 Subscribe and listen now to support honest, empowering conversations for mothers everywhere.

🎙 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform

New baby in the house? Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone.

Whether you’re in the thick of it or supporting someone who is, this episode is full of comfort, clarity, and expert advice. 💙👶

🎙 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform