In this episode of the Child Psych Podcast, Tammy Schamuhn interviews Sue McIntosh, a pioneer in equine-assisted therapy. They discuss the transformative power of horses in therapeutic settings, particularly for children facing trauma and emotional challenges. Sue shares her journey into this field, the importance of creating safety in therapy, and how horses can help regulate the nervous system. The conversation also delves into attachment theory and its relevance in equine therapy, highlighting the relational nature of both horses and humans.

Sue's website is full of free resources and is fantastic: https://healinghooves.ca/author/suemcintosh/

Come on over and join us on Patreon where we have bonus episodes, extra episode content , toolboxes , discounts for our courses, our ebook, a parent community and so much more - we would love to have you! Click here for more.        

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In this eye-opening episode, Tania sits down with Constable Stephanie Bosch and Constable Scott Sterling from the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit to talk about the realities of online harm to children. Together, they unpack the rise of sextortion, the growing trend of youth sharing explicit images, and the sophisticated tactics offenders use to target children online.

This is a must-listen for every parent, caregiver, and educator. Constbale Stephanie and Constable Scott offer practical, real-world advice for keeping kids safe in an increasingly digital world—what to watch for, how to start difficult conversations with your child, and the steps to take if something goes wrong.

This episode is not about fear: it’s about awareness, education, and empowering families with the tools to protect their children online.

To find out more about the incredible work of I.C.E., click here

Other important links:

Canadian Centre for Child Protection: https://protectchildren.ca/en/

Thorn: https://www.thorn.org/about/

Come on over and join us on Patreon where we have bonus episodes, extra episode content , toolboxes , discounts for our courses, our ebook, a parent community and so much more - we would love to have you! Click here for more.        

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In this powerful episode, we sit down with educator, author, and girl-advocate Lindsay Sealey to unpack the real-life impact of “Super Girl Syndrome” — the pressure many girls feel to be perfect, polished, and pleasing at all times. Drawing on her experience working with thousands of girls, Lindsay shares insights from her new book and offers practical strategies to support girls facing societal, academic, digital, and emotional pressures. From navigating the expectations to “do it all” to reclaiming confidence, self-worth, and authenticity, this episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone who wants to raise empowered, resilient girls.

Lindsay Sealey is an educator, academic strategist, and best-selling author dedicated to empowering girls through her work as the founder and CEO of Bold New Girls™, an organization that supports social-emotional learning and academic development. With a B.A. in English and Psychology from Simon Fraser University and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from San Diego State University, she brings over 15 years of experience in education, curriculum design, and youth coaching. Her books—including Growing Strong Girls, Rooted, Resilient and Ready, Made for More, and Super Girl Syndrome—have won numerous accolades such as the Eric Hoffer Montaigne Medal and Nautilus Book Award. Lindsay is a sought-after speaker and contributor to outlets like HuffPost and The Globe and Mail, known for addressing topics such as confidence, perfectionism, and mental health in girls.

You can purchase her books here

Come on over and join us on Patreon where we have bonus episodes, extra episode content , toolboxes , discounts for our courses, our ebook, a parent community and so much more - we would love to have you! Click here for more.        

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Join us for a transformative conversation with internationally acclaimed psychologist and bestselling author Steve Biddulph, as we explore the groundbreaking ideas in his latest book, Wild Creature Mind: The Neuroscience Breakthrough That Helps You Transform Anxiety and Live a Fiercely Loving Life. In this episode, we go far beyond the superficial to uncover how reconnecting with our body's innate wisdom, the “wild creature mind” residing in our right brain, can radically shift our experience of anxiety, trauma, and emotional life.

Steve takes us on a journey through the science of practical somatic exercises like focusing, tremoring, and attentive embodiment. We explore the synergy between body and mind, revealing how tuning into bodily sensations allows the reactivation of our primal intelligence: intuition, empathy, and calm strength, all too often suppressed by modern life.

You’ll hear real-world examples—from anxious teens to overwhelmed parents—who learned to pause, say hello to what’s in their body, and describe their felt sense, aligning their two minds for deeper insight and resilience.

Whether you're a seasoned fan of Steve's work or new to his ideas, this episode invites you to rediscover the silent half of your brain, awaken your wild creature mind, and live with more presence, connection, and fierce compassion. Don’t miss this deep dive into the embodied wisdom that can heal us from the inside out. Click here for more on Steve's incredible work: https://www.wildcreaturemind.com/

Come on over and join us on Patreon where we have bonus episodes, extra episode content , toolboxes , discounts for our courses, our ebook, a parent community and so much more - we would love to have you! Click here for more.        

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• Bi-Annual Parenting & Mental Health Conferences
• Downloadable Social Media Collection
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In this compelling episode of The Child Psych Podcast, hosts sit down with Emmy-winning filmmakers Matthew O’Neill and Perri Peltz, the producers of the groundbreaking documentary "Can’t Look Away: The Case Against Social Media." Together, they unpack the alarming truths uncovered in their investigation: how today’s most popular social media platforms are deliberately engineered to captivate—and often endanger—children and teens.

Through powerful real-life stories, insider testimonies, and whistleblower accounts, the documentary reveals how sophisticated algorithms exploit young minds, fueling addiction, mental health crises, and, in some tragic cases, irreversible harm. O’Neill and Peltz share behind-the-scenes insights into what they discovered about Big Tech’s hidden playbook, why these platforms resist regulation, and what parents, educators, and policymakers must know to protect kids online.

This eye-opening conversation is a must-listen for anyone concerned about the intersection of technology, youth mental health, and the urgent need for accountability in the digital age.

To watch this incredible documentary, please go to: https://www.jolt.film/watch/cantlookaway?

Come on over and join us on Patreon where we have bonus episodes, extra episode content , toolboxes , discounts for our courses, our ebook, a parent community and so much more - we would love to have you! Click here for more.        

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Is your child often called “shy”? In this episode, we explore why that label can be misleading—and even limiting. Instead, we’ll unpack the unique strengths of kids who are quiet, observant, and slow to warm. These children often take in the world with deep awareness, think before they speak, and form strong, meaningful connections in their own time. We'll talk about how to reframe the narrative around “shyness,” offer practical strategies to support these thoughtful children, and celebrate the quiet power they bring to our world.

Come on over and join us on Patreon where we have bonus episodes, extra episode content , toolboxes , discounts for our courses, our ebook, a parent community and so much more - we would love to have you! Click here for more.        

• 90+ courses on parenting and children's mental health
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• Bi-Annual Parenting & Mental Health Conferences
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In this episode, we welcome Jon Fogel—parenting educator, father of four, and author of Punishment-Free Parenting—to explore a transformative approach to raising children with empathy and connection. Jon shares his personal journey from frustration to understanding, revealing how traditional punishment-based methods can undermine trust and emotional growth.

Together, we delve into:

The distinction between punishment and natural consequences, and why this matters.

The power of curiosity over anger in responding to children's challenging behaviors.

Strategies for setting firm boundaries without resorting to threats or bribes.

The importance of modeling emotional regulation to foster resilience in children.

Jon's insights offer a compassionate roadmap for parents seeking to nurture emotionally healthy and confident kids. Whether you're navigating toddler tantrums or teenage turbulence, this conversation provides practical tools to build stronger, more respectful relationships within your family.    

Jon Fogel is a parenting educator and father of four, known for his practical, compassionate approach to raising kids without punishment. Through his platform, Whole Parent, and his book Punishment-Free Parenting, he helps caregivers build strong, respectful relationships rooted in connection and emotional safety

Come on over and join us on Patreon where we have bonus episodes, extra episode content , toolboxes , discounts for our courses, our ebook, a parent community and so much more - we would love to have you! Click here for more.        

• 90+ courses on parenting and children's mental health
• Private community where you can feel supported
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• Member-only Webinars 
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• Bi-Annual Parenting & Mental Health Conferences
• Downloadable Social Media Collection
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Click here for more

.

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In this inspiring episode of The Child Psych Podcast, we sit down with Josette Calleja, co-founder of Unplugged Canada, a grassroots, parent-led movement advocating for healthier childhoods in an overconnected world.

Josette shares the personal story that sparked this national initiative and dives into Unplugged Canada's mission: to delay smartphone access until at least age 14, encourage tech-free play and connection, and protect children's mental health and developmental wellbeing from the harms of early and excessive screen exposure.

Together, we explore:

Why so many parents are saying “not yet” to smartphones

The growing body of research behind digital overuse and youth mental health

The importance of the Unplugged Pledge and building community around shared values

What families and schools can do to support kids in thriving offline

This conversation is both eye-opening and empowering—a call to action for anyone concerned about the future of childhood in a screen-saturated society.

• 90+ courses on parenting and children's mental health
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Click here for more

To find out more about Unplugged Canada, click here: https://unpluggedcanada.com/ambassadors/

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In this enlightening episode of the Child Psych Podcast, co-host Tammy Schamuhn sits down with the pioneering voice in play science—Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play and author of the groundbreaking book Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul.

Together, they explore why play is not a luxury but a biological necessity for children and adults alike. Dr. Brown shares compelling research and surprising insights on how play is essential for healthy brain development, emotional regulation, creativity, empathy, and resilience. He also discusses the dangers of a play-deprived childhood and what parents, educators, and clinicians can do to foster playful experiences in a structured, screen-saturated world.

Whether you’re a parent, mental health professional, or educator, this episode will leave you rethinking the true value of play—and how we can reclaim it in our homes, schools, and communities.

To purchase Dr. Brown's book please visit https://a.co/d/dAI9xij

To learn more about his work go to:

Website: https://nifplay.org/

Instagram: @playinstitute

LinkedIn: @thenationalinstituteforplay

• 90+ courses on parenting and children's mental health
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When Brandon and Whitney Cawood discovered their child’s life-altering sensitivity to synthetic dyes, their world changed overnight. In this powerful episode, we follow the Cawoods—parents turned first-time filmmakers—as they dig deep into the science, health risks, and corporate practices surrounding synthetic food dyes. What began as a personal journey evolved into a nationwide investigation, exposing just how little we know about the additives in our everyday foods. Join us for a conversation that’s eye-opening, emotional, and a call to action for families everywhere

Their story is now a compelling documentary, To Dye For, which you can watch here: To Dye For Documentary.

• 90+ courses on parenting and children's mental health
• Private community where you can feel supported
• Workbooks, parenting scripts, and printables
• Member-only Webinars 
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• Live Q & A Sessions for Parents & Professsionals
• Bi-Annual Parenting & Mental Health Conferences
• Downloadable Social Media Collection
• Robust Resource Library

Click here for more

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