PediaCast: Pediatric Podcasts for Parents

Dr John Ackerman and Erica Mellinger join Dr Mike as we explore youth suicide prevention. We discuss warning signs in teens and preteens, how to ask about suicide, what to do when a child needs help, and how families, schools, and healthcare teams can work together. Join us for a practical conversation about safety, connection, treatment, and hope!

Angela Mingo, Alicia Smith, and Candace Buckley visit the studio as we consider lead exposure in children. This toxic metal often hides in homes, where it can leave a lasting impact on health and wellness. We explore strong community coalitions built to make a difference for kids. We hope you can join us!

Exercise is more than recreation. It can be powerful medicine for a child’s body, mind, confidence, and long-term health! Dr Amy Valasek, Jodi Kuri, Beth Gibson, and Will Gibson visit the studio as we explore exercise as medicine... and how families and communities can help every child move, belong, and thrive. We hope you can join us!

Social media challenges can inspire creativity and encourage generosity, but some of these challenges involve dangerous stunts, substance exposure, or self-harm. Dr Leah Middelberg, Dr Lara McKenzie, and Dr Anne Elizabeth Mason explain how these trends spread, why children and teens are vulnerable, what injuries we see, and how families can build safe online habits. We hope you can join us!

Handing a teenager the car keys brings pride, freedom, and plenty of worry. Dr Mike talks with injury-prevention researcher Dr Ginger Yang about why new drivers face elevated crash risk, how a traffic citation can become a teachable moment, and what ProjectDRIVE reveals about technology and parent coaching. Discover practical ways families can encourage safer choices... and keep the conversation going after teens earn their driver's license!

Dr Mikhaila Layshock and Dr Phyllis Agran visit the studio as we consider electric bike safety. E-bikes are becoming popular with kids and teens. But when is a young rider ready, which bike and helmet should you choose, and what ground rules are important before taking that first ride? Tune in for answers to these questions and more!

Dr Mykyta Artomov visits the studio as we consider DNA, genomic research, and privacy. Our genetic information helps researchers uncover diseases and develop new treatments. But DNA is also deeply personal. How can researchers learn from genetic data while respecting and protecting patient privacy? Tune in to find out!

Dr Brittany Willer visits the studio as we consider day-of-surgery cancellations. Preparing for surgery is an emotional journey. Parents arrange time off work, children fast overnight, and everyone braces for the day ahead. But what happens when surgery is canceled at the last minute? Why does this happen? How can families reduce the risk? And how can hospitals prepare and support families as surgery day approaches? Tune in for answers!

Dr Anuja Sriparameswaran visits the studio as we consider the science, safety, and support of infant feeding. From breasts and bottles to microplastics and guilt, we take a comprehensive look at the first feeding decisions moms and dads must make. We hope you can join us!

Dr Dane Snyder visits the studio as we consider Tylenol and autism. Parents may hear mixed messages… with the headlines saying one thing and medical providers saying something different. So, what are moms and dads to do? Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on this important topic!