Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple

Why does back to school feel so different this year?

In this episode of Shrinking it Down: Mental Health Made Simple, Gene and Khadijah take on five worries shaping the 2026 school year: classmates missing amid immigration enforcement, the Meta–Instagram settlement and proposed limits on kids' social media use, economic stress and uncertainty about life after high school, measles outbreaks and vaccine misinformation, and climate anxiety. They share how parents can start honest, age-appropriate conversations — asking what kids are noticing, listening without judgment, and being genuine about what they can and can't promise — and why family stories can help build resilience.

Practical guidance for any parent, caregiver, or educator helping kids carry worries they can't always put into words.

Tune in now!

Media List

• How to Help Kids Cope With Situational Anxiety (MGH Clay Center)
• Common Sense Media
• Measles: Choosing Not to Vaccinate (MGH Clay Center)
• Measles Vaccination (CDC)
• Anxiety to Agency: Empowering Kids to Address Climate Change (MGH Clay Center)
• Storm Anxiety: 11 Tips to Help Your Child Cope (MGH Clay Center)
• Climate Anxiety and Kids, featuring Elizabeth Pinsky, MD (Shrinking It Down)
• What to Look for, When to Worry, What to Do (MGH Clay Center)

Episode music by Gene Beresin

Episode produced by Masha Mesyef

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Shrinking it Down: Mental Health Made Simple, Gene and Khadijah take a hard look at cyberbullying — how it differs from the schoolyard bullying of decades past, why it's harder to escape, and which kids face the highest risk. They walk through the Clay Center's three W's: what to look for, when to worry, and what to do, covering everything from documenting evidence the right way to rallying "upstanders" instead of bystanders. Practical, direct guidance for any parent, caregiver, or educator raising a kid in today's always-on digital world. Tune in now!

Media List

• Cyberbullying: A Serious, Often Dangerous Form of Harm and Ways to Support Your Teen (MGH Clay Center)
• Teens and Cyberbullying 2022 (Pew Research Center)
• StopBullying.gov
• Common Sense Media
• The Cyberbullying Research Center
• The Bullying Prevention Program (Mass.gov)
• Who Is at Risk for Bullying (StopBullying.gov)
• Cyberbullying: What to Know (MGH Clay Center PDF)
• Cyberbullying: What to Do (MGH Clay Center PDF)
• What to Look for, When to Worry, What to Do (MGH Clay Center)

Episode music by Gene Beresin

Episode produced by Masha Mesyef

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Pride Month episode of Shrinking it Down: Mental Health Made Simple, Gene and Khadijah are joined by Dr. Alex Keuroghlian for a wide-ranging, candid conversation about supporting LGBTQ+ youth. As Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at MaineHealth and former founding director of the MGH Psychiatry Gender Identity Program, Dr. Keuroghlian draws on nearly a decade leading the National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center and his own published research to discuss the environments and policy climate that put LGBTQ+ young people at risk, what it actually looks like when a child comes out, and how families can repair when a conversation doesn't go as hoped. Citing research showing that strong family support is the greatest predictor of good mental health, academic performance, and housing security for youth down the road, Dr. Keuroghlian makes a compelling case for the power of family acceptance. This episode explores that power, the value of parents sharing their own stories, and the warning signs caregivers should watch for — offering insight, hope, and practical guidance for anyone who wants the LGBTQ+ kids in their life to feel loved, supported, and free to be who they are. Tune in now!

Media List

• Dr. Alex Keuroghlian (MaineHealth)
• PFLAG (National advocacy group for friends and family of LGBTQIA+ people)
• The Trevor Project
• Human Rights Campaign
• What to Look for, When to Worry, What to Do (MGH Clay Center)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can parents, mentors, and communities help young Black men feel safe, seen, and supported in today’s world?

In this powerful episode of Shrinking it Down: Mental Health Made Simple, Gene and Khadijah are joined by Dr. Nadia Ward for an important conversation about the mental health and well-being of young Black men. Together, they discuss the impact of racial trauma, toxic stress, and racial profiling, while highlighting the importance of mentorship, identity, and community support. They offer insight, hope, and practical guidance for parents, mentors, educators, and anyone committed to creating safe spaces where young Black men can heal, grow, and thrive. Tune in now!

• Nadia Ward (Clark University)
• Mosakowski Institute (Clark University)
• What Is Resilience? (MGH Clay Center)
• What to Look for, When to Worry, What to Do (MGH Clay Center)

Episode music by Gene Beresin

Episode produced by Spenser Egnatz

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ADHD stimulant medication shortages are affecting more people than ever.

In this episode of, Shrinking it Down: Mental Health Made Simple, Gene and Khadijah take a closer look at the ongoing shortage of ADHD stimulant medications and the real impact it is having on children and adults. Joined by Dr. Tony Rostain, they explore the biopsychosocial approach to how ADHD is treated and why medications like Adderall and Ritalin remain so important. They explain what is driving the shortage, from supply chain issues to growing demand, and share practical ways for parents and caregivers to help their teens cope. Listen now to feel more informed, prepared, and supported.

• Anthony L. Rostain, MD, MA (Cooper University)
• Manufacturing Supply Chains and Imports in the ADHD Drug Shortage (JAMA Network)
• ADHD Medication Shortage Continues as the School Year Begins (The New York Times)
• The Rolling Stones - You Can’t Always Get What You Want (YouTube)

Episode music by Gene Beresin

Episode produced by Spenser Egnatz

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When the world feels uncertain and headlines hit close to home, how can parents help their children feel safe?

In this episode, of Shrinking it Down: Mental Health Made Simple, Gene and Khadijah explore how families can support children during times of political conflict, such as the current War in Iran. They break down how children and teens at different developmental stages process stress, from preschoolers who may regress to teens grappling with more complex emotions and questions. Tune in for advice and real-life strategies for supporting kids through uncertainty.  

• Helping Kids of All Ages in the Face of Terrorism or War (MGH Clay Center)
• Expert tips on how to talk to teens about war in Iran (WCVB)
• Breaking News and Kids (MGH Clay Center)
• Self-Care Resources - Videos, Toolkit, More (MGH Clay Center)

Episode music by Gene Beresin

Episode produced by Spenser Egnatz

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Valetine's Day special of Shrinking it Down, Gene and Khadijah explore how teen romance is being reshaped in the digital age. From texting and social media to AI chatbots, they unpack the ways technology is transforming how teens connect, communicate, and even break up. While some online spaces can create a sense of closeness and constant connection, they also bring new challenges such as comparison culture, ghosting, and difficulty navigating face-to-face relationships. 

Tune in for practical guidance on the importance of modeling healthy relationships, staying informed about their children's digital worlds, and when to worry about a breakup. 

• Exploring the World of AI Therapy (MGH Clay Center)
• How Teens Incorporate Online Platforms and Digital Devices Into Their Romantic Relationships (Pew Research Center)
• Hit Send, No Wait: The Dangers Of A Hyper-Personal Online Life (MGH Clay Center)
• Social Media & Body Image (Shrinking it Down)
• Teens, Technology and Romantic Relationship (Pew Research Center)
• The Power of Peer Support (Shrinking it Down)
• Conflict Resolution Course (MGH Clay Center)
• Ways to Help Your Lonely Teenager (MGH Clay Center)

Episode music by Gene Beresin

Episode produced by Spenser Egnatz

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of Shrinking it Down: Mental Health Made Simple, Gene and Khadijah explore how parents can talk openly with children about a sibling’s anxiety. Joined by co-founder of InStride Health, Dr. Kat Boger, they discuss age-appropriate explanations, reducing stigma, supporting siblings’ emotional needs, and avoiding unhelpful family accommodations. They offer practical, compassionate guidance for helping the whole family build resilience together. Tune in for important and practical advice on supporting your child with anxiety!

• About (InStride Health)
• Anxiety Disorders (MGH Clay Center)
• Talking to Kids About a Sibling's Mental Illness (MGH Clay Center)
• Growing Up With a Sibling With a Disability (MGH Clay Center)
• No Kings

Episode music by Gene Beresin

Episode produced by Spenser Egnatz

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thanksgiving is approaching fast; a time of gratitude, reflection, and gathering. But this year feels different. With fear, anger, and uncertainty dominating our world, it’s hard to ask: How are we supposed to give thanks right now?

In this holiday episode of Shrinking it Down: Mental Health Made Simple, Gene and Khadijah discuss the importance of staying grateful when the world feels chaotic. They talk about the benefits of gratitude on well-being and resilience and the importance of community, learning from the past, and respecting different viewpoints. Tune in for strategies to help your family build gratitude this holiday season through open conversations, stories, and creative expression! 

• Illuminated Collage (MGH Clay Center)
• Conflict Resolution Course (MGH Clay Center) 
• The Art of Civil Conversations: 9 Parent Strategies (MGH Clay Center)
• Five Parenting Tips for Civility and Coping With the Political Climate (MGH Clay Center)

Episode music by Gene Beresin

Episode produced by Spenser Egnatz

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is slowly becoming a major part of our society. Everday more and more people begin to rely on AI for a variety of tasks in their daily routines. While most people use AI for innocuous reasons such as answering basic questions like a search engine would, today we’re here to discuss one of the more harmful uses of AI: AI therapy chatbots aimed at our youths. In this episode of Shrinking it Down: Mental Health Made Simple, Gene and Khadijah are joined by forensic psychiatrist Dr. Andy Clark to discuss the growing role of AI chatbots in mental health support. From lacking empathy and clinical judgement to dangerously endorsing harmful behaviors, we explore the promises and pitfalls of AI Therapy for our young people. Tune in to learn more!

• Andrew Clark, M.D.
• The Risks of Kids Getting AI Therapy from a Chatbot (TIME)
• Adventures in AI Therapy: A Child Psychiatrist Goes Undercover (MGH Clay Center)
• The Ability of AI Therapy Bots to Set Limits With Distressed Adolescents: Simulation-Based Comparison Study (PubMed)
• Harry Harlow Monkey Experiments (Simply Psychology)
• Illinois Bans AI Therapy (National Law Review)
• The Rithm Project

Episode music by Gene Beresin

Episode produced by Spenser Egnatz

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.