This week, we break down what youth sports actually do for kids’ brains, bodies, and mental health - beyond the trophies and team photos. We dig into the neuroscience of movement, the research on belonging and resilience, and what helps kids thrive without burning out.

This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The views expressed here are our own. If you have questions about how this applies to you or your family, please talk with your clinician.

The CDC’s vaccine advisory panel ACIP delayed a vote on changing when newborns get the hepatitis B shot, a move that could reshape how infants are protected from a virus once common in children. In this episode, Drs. Stephanie and Alicia Rolin explain what’s behind the proposal, why timing matters, and what parents need to know before leaving the hospital.

This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The views expressed are those of the hosts and do not necessarily represent their institutions or funders.

Halloween is the perfect time to talk about fear & why kids need it. Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin unpack the neuroscience of fear and anxiety, how children learn to self-soothe, and what exposure, empathy, and candy can teach growing brains about courage.

This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The views expressed are those of the hosts and do not necessarily represent their institutions or funders.

.California will ban ultra-processed foods from school meals by 2035, while the USDA’s new national standards cut added sugar and sodium starting 2025. Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin explain what’s changing on the lunch tray and why it matters for kids’ health.

Note: This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders.

When the government shuts down, parenting doesn’t. Stephanie and Alicia walk through how the federal shutdown touches kids’ care — vaccines, prescriptions, WIC, Head Start, even research. The systems that keep families healthy are still standing, but stretched thin. What to expect this week, and how to prepare.

This episode is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or legal advice. The views expressed are those of the hosts and do not necessarily represent the official positions of their employers, funders, or affiliated institutions.

.This fall, families are running into a vaccine patchwork: the FDA pulled key COVID authorizations in August, the American Academy of Pediatrics is still recommending shots for little ones, and states are making their own rules. Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin untangle the mess including why pharmacies are turning some kids away, how state alliances are filling the gaps, and what parents can do right now to keep their families protected.

Note: This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders

.Phones are everywhere in kids’ lives: classrooms, bedrooms, buses. This week on Rolin Forward, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin unpack the evidence on phones, social media, and teen health. Because in 2025, the debate isn’t just about distraction, it’s about mental health, community, and safety in a world where every crisis goes viral.

Note: This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders.

Scary headlines claim Tylenol in pregnancy may be linked to autism - but what does the science actually say? In this episode, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin cut through the noise. We explain the anticipated report from HHS, what the strongest studies show, and why professional groups like ACOG still recommend acetaminophen as the safest option for pain and fever in pregnancy.

Note: This is general information, not medical advice. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders

Backpacks packed, alarms set, and … chaos everywhere? It’s back to school season, and with it come the challenges of shifting sleep schedules, first-day jitters, parent stress, and the pressure to do it all.

In this episode, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin break down what this transition means. From sleep deprivation to forgotten pajama days, we share strategies (and some laughter) to make the return to routine a little smoother, and a lot more human.

Note: This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders.

Oklahoma tried to launch the nation’s first publicly funded religious charter school. And the Supreme Court jumped into action and delivered ... a split decision!?

How? This episode is the latest in our SCOTUS Summer series, where we tackle Supreme Court cases, and deliver a song that explains it all.

NOTE:

This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders.

ABOUT US:

I'm Dr. Alicia Rolin; I work in emergency pediatrics and do research.

I'm Dr. Stephanie Rolin, an emergency psychiatrist and grant-funded researcher.

And yes, we're sisters. We break down the biggest stories affecting your health, so you can keep moving forward. #RolinForward.