The Hamilton Review

This week on The Hamilton Review Podcast, we are pleased to welcome science journalist, Michaeleen Doucleff.

In this episode, Michaeleen discusses details from her Wall Street Journal article, My Family Went Off Ultra-Processed Foods for a Month. The Results Surprised Us.

Enjoy this raw, real and informative conversation.

Michaeleen is the author of the New York Times Bestseller, Hunt, Gather, Parent. Her second book, Dopamine Kids, comes out March 3, 2026. It explains how screens and ultraprocessed foods work inside our children's brains, and how parents can use this knowledge to raise confident, healthy kids.

As a science journalist for over a decade, Michaeleen studies and reports on cross-cultural parenting, psychology and neuroscience, primarily for NPR.

Michaeleen began her career as a research chemist, completing her postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institutes of Health.

How to contact Michaeleen Doucleff:

Michaeleen Doucleff website

How to contact Dr. Bob:

Dr. Bob on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChztMVtPCLJkiXvv7H5tpDQ

Dr. Bob on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drroberthamilton/

Dr. Bob on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bob.hamilton.1656

Dr. Bob's Seven Secrets Of The Newborn website: https://7secretsofthenewborn.com/

Dr. Bob's website: https://roberthamiltonmd.com/

Pacific Ocean Pediatrics: http://www.pacificoceanpediatrics.com/

This week on The Hamilton Review Podcast, we are pleased to welcome Patrick T. Brown.

In this episode, Patrick discusses his work at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, where he focuses on advancing a strong, pro-family economic agenda and supporting families as the foundation of a healthy, flourishing society.

He also shares insights from his Wall Street Journal article, "'The Success Sequence' Goes to School," which explores how family life classes in Tennessee are emphasizing the importance of work and marriage.

This is a thought-provoking and informative conversation you won't want to miss.

How to contact Patrick T. Brown:

Patrick T. Brown at the Ethics and Public Policy Center

Family Matters (on Substack) by Patrick T. Brown

How to contact Dr. Bob:

Dr. Bob on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChztMVtPCLJkiXvv7H5tpDQ

Dr. Bob on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drroberthamilton/

Dr. Bob on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bob.hamilton.1656

Dr. Bob's Seven Secrets Of The Newborn website: https://7secretsofthenewborn.com/

Dr. Bob's website: https://roberthamiltonmd.com/

Pacific Ocean Pediatrics: http://www.pacificoceanpediatrics.com/

This week on The Hamilton Review Podcast, it is our pleasure to welcome Ilana Kurshan to the show! In this conversation, Ilana discusses her book, "Children of the Book", which explores the closeness forged when family life unfolds against a backdrop of reading together.

Kurshan, a mother of five living in Jerusalem, at first struggles to balance her passion for literature with her responsibilities as a parent. Gradually she learns how to relate to reading not as a solitary pursuit and an escape from the messiness of life, but rather as a way of teaching independence and forging connection. Introducing her children to sacred and secular literature—including the beloved classics of her childhood—helps her become both a better mother and a better reader.

Enjoy this insightful conversation!

Ilana Kurshan is the author of If All the Seas Were Ink, winner of the Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish literature. She has worked in literary publishing both in New York and in Jerusalem as a translator and foreign rights agent, and as the books editor of Lilith Magazine. Kurshan is a graduate of Harvard University (BA, summa cum laude, History of Science) and Cambridge University (M.Phil, English literature). She teaches and studies Torah in Jerusalem, where she lives with her husband and five children.

How to contact Ilana Kurshan:

Ilana Kurshan website

Ilana Kurshan on Facebook

How to contact Dr. Bob:

Dr. Bob on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChztMVtPCLJkiXvv7H5tpDQ

Dr. Bob on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drroberthamilton/

Dr. Bob on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bob.hamilton.1656

Dr. Bob's Seven Secrets Of The Newborn website: https://7secretsofthenewborn.com/

Dr. Bob's website: https://roberthamiltonmd.com/

Pacific Ocean Pediatrics: http://www.pacificoceanpediatrics.com/

This week on The Hamilton Review Podcast, we are excited to have Peter and Clara Hamilton on the show!

In this episode, Peter and Clara are sharing all about the launch of their brand new company, Loam.

Loam is architecturally inspired heirloom wood toy blocks, all natural and sustainably sourced and fully made in the USA.

You will thoroughly enjoy Peter and Clara's personal story (from Peter's Architectural career, Clara's career in Educational Counseling and balancing their four children with very limited screen time) and how they created Loam.

Loam is designed to nurture creativity, imagination,and mindfulness through open-ended, screen-free play. Loam is inspired by the timeless elegance of beautiful materials and craftsmanship. It's a generous gift that connects generations through design, imagination, and tactile joy.

Enjoy this inspiring conversation and share it with your friends and family!

Peter Hamilton, founder of Loam, was born and raised in Santa Monica, California, studied Creative Writing and Art at Pepperdine University, and has a Master's Degree in Architecture from the University of Oregon. Peter is a licensed architect, and he has owned his own architecture office, Studio Peter Hamilton, for eight years. In his free time, Peter enjoys studying art books, planting trees, and coaching his kids' baseball teams.

Clara Hamilton, wife of Peter and mother of their four children, is a full-time mother and home educator. Clara was raised in Culver City, California, studied Sports Medicine at Pepperdine University and has a Master's Degree in Educational Counseling, and before staying home to care for their children, she served twelve years as a high school teacher, counselor, and administrator in both public and independent schools. In her free time, Clara enjoys reading with her kids, sewing, or spending time outside with her family.

How to contact Peter and Clara Hamilton:

Loam Blocks website

Loam Blocks on Instagram

Studio Peter Hamilton

How to contact Dr. Bob:

Dr. Bob on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChztMVtPCLJkiXvv7H5tpDQ

Dr. Bob on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drroberthamilton/

Dr. Bob on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bob.hamilton.1656

Dr. Bob's Seven Secrets Of The Newborn website: https://7secretsofthenewborn.com/

Dr. Bob's website: https://roberthamiltonmd.com/

Pacific Ocean Pediatrics: http://www.pacificoceanpediatrics.com/

This week on The Hamilton Review Podcast, it is our pleasure to welcome Clare Morell to show!

In this conversation, Clare discusses her book, "The Tech Exit" and guides us to discover a realistic path to tech freedom and how to unlock a happy, healthy and socially enriching life for our children.

A critically important episode for parents and caregivers.

Clare Morell is a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center in the Bioethics, Technology and Human Flourishing Program. She is also the author of The Tech Exit: A Practical Guide to Freeing Kids and Teens from Smartphones, published by Penguin Random House.

How to contact Clare Morell:

Clare on Substack

The Tech Exit - book website

How to contact Dr. Bob:

Dr. Bob on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChztMVtPCLJkiXvv7H5tpDQ

Dr. Bob on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drroberthamilton/

Dr. Bob on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bob.hamilton.1656

Dr. Bob's Seven Secrets Of The Newborn website: https://7secretsofthenewborn.com/

Dr. Bob's website: https://roberthamiltonmd.com/

Pacific Ocean Pediatrics: http://www.pacificoceanpediatrics.com/

"The answer to your parenting question is already within you."

- Heather Spadaccini

It is our pleasure to welcome Certified Parent Coach, Heather Spadaccini to The Hamilton Review Podcast!

From toddler tantrums to teenage angst, Heather helps parents navigate through the challenges that parenting brings. Heather's refreshing, practical approach guides parents towards uncovering the strengths, values and instincts that already live within them.

Parents! Don't miss this informative and critical discussion on The Hamilton Review.

Heather Spadaccini is a Certified Parent Coach through The Jai Institute for Parenting. She holds a Master's degree in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University and has years of experience teaching elementary school in New York City and Los Angeles. She is a mom of two children, ages 9 and 14. Her work is rooted in the belief that every parent has the capacity to navigate the challenges that parenting brings.

Coaching is not about prescribing rigid rules or quick fixes, it's about guiding parents towards uncovering the strengths, values, and instincts that already live within them.

She approaches her clients with compassion, curiosity, and respect, offering parents both practical tools and reflective space to explore what is working, where they feel stuck, and what they truly want for their family. Through this process, parents gain clarity, confidence, and new ways of responding that align with their values and foster stronger, more peaceful relationships at home.

How to contact Heather Spadaccini:

Intrinsic Parenting Website

Intrinsic Parenting on Instagram

How to contact Dr. Bob:

Dr. Bob on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChztMVtPCLJkiXvv7H5tpDQ

Dr. Bob on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drroberthamilton/

Dr. Bob on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bob.hamilton.1656

Dr. Bob's Seven Secrets Of The Newborn website: https://7secretsofthenewborn.com/

Dr. Bob's website: https://roberthamiltonmd.com/

Pacific Ocean Pediatrics: http://www.pacificoceanpediatrics.com/

It is our absolute pleasure to welcome distinguished conductor, Pola Benke to The Hamilton Review Podcast!

Pola was was recently appointed Music Director of the Santa Monica Symphony and Assistant Conductor of the Pacific Symphony, continuing to build a dynamic and impactful presence across Southern California.

In this conversation, Pola shares her story of discovering music as a young child growing up in Poland. She also talks about how she got into conducting, as well as the best ways to guide, nuture and support children in their musical journey. You'll also hear about what kinds of music that Pola listens to when she isn't working - her answers will surprise and delight you!

Don't miss this wonderful and informative discussion on The Hamilton Review.

Pola Benke is a distinguished conductor celebrated for her innovative approach to orchestral leadership and her commitment to standardizing diverse programming in the modern symphonic repertoire. She was recently appointed Music Director of the Santa Monica Symphony and Assistant Conductor of the Pacific Symphony, continuing to build a dynamic and impactful presence across Southern California.

Previously, she served as Assistant Conductor for both the Long Beach Symphony and the Riverside Philharmonic, where she earned a reputation for her clarity, musicality, and ability to foster meaningful connections with musicians and audiences alike.

Born in Poland, Pola's journey began with a strong foundation in performance, leading to Master's degrees in both cello performance and orchestral conducting. Her dual expertise equips her with a rare perspective—combining the analytical skills of a conductor with the empathetic understanding of a performer.

Pola believes that orchestras should serve as a reflection of the diverse world we live in. She is a committed advocate for thoughtful, inclusive programming that honors a wide spectrum of voices—seamlessly integrating cherished masterworks with compositions by historically underrepresented artists. With a deep sensitivity to narrative and context, she curates programs that invite personal connection and collective reflection. Whether through imaginative repertoire choices, compelling storytelling, or fresh interpretive insight, Pola aims to create concert experiences that are artistically vibrant, emotionally resonant, and genuinely welcoming to all.

Her professional path has been shaped by collaborations with leading conductors and ensembles, including Neeme Järvi, Sian Edwards, and Paavo Järvi. Her participation in prestigious programs such as the Järvi Academy in Estonia, the Dartington Music Festival in England, and the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music has further refined her craft, earning her recognition as a forward-thinking and impactful conductor.

Her leadership style is marked by kindness, collaboration, and the ability to inspire musicians of all generations to perform at their best. Whether leading a large-scale symphonic work or rehearsing an intimate chamber ensemble, Pola brings energy and precision that elevates every performance.

Influenced by composers like Joseph Haydn, Krzysztof Penderecki, Jennifer Higdon, and Igor Stravinsky, Pola blends a deep respect for tradition with a spirit of curiosity and openness to new ideas. At the heart of everything she does is a love for sharing music with others.

How to contact Pola Benke:

Pola Benke Official Website

Pola Benke on Instagram

Pola Benke's email address

How to contact Dr. Bob:

Dr. Bob on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChztMVtPCLJkiXvv7H5tpDQ

Dr. Bob on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drroberthamilton/

Dr. Bob on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bob.hamilton.1656

Dr. Bob's Seven Secrets Of The Newborn website: https://7secretsofthenewborn.com/

Dr. Bob's website: https://roberthamiltonmd.com/

Pacific Ocean Pediatrics: http://www.pacificoceanpediatrics.com/

It is our pleasure to welcome, author, marathoner and mom of five, Kate Santoro to The Hamilton Review Podcast!

Kate is the author of Truth on the Run, a memoir about chasing truth through heartbreak, house fires, motherhood, and marathoning. Dedicated to her late brother — a Boston College High School Hall of Famer and Boston Globe All-Scholastic athlete — the book explores what it takes to keep moving when the world falls apart.

Kate bares her soul, with true authenticity, sharing the passion for Boston's running history, vulnerability, truth-telling, humor and the love that sustains us when everything around us collapses.

Don't miss this moving, powerful and uplifting conversation.

Kate Santoro is a member of the BAA Woman's Masters Team, a 30x marathon racer, mother of five who originates from Boston, now rebuilding and thriving with her family in Pacific Palisades, CA.

How to contact Kate Santoro:

Kate Santoro - Official book website

Kate Santoro on Instagram

Kate Santoro on Facebook

Kate Santoro's email address

How to contact Dr. Bob:

Dr. Bob on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChztMVtPCLJkiXvv7H5tpDQ

Dr. Bob on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drroberthamilton/

Dr. Bob on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bob.hamilton.1656

Dr. Bob's Seven Secrets Of The Newborn website: https://7secretsofthenewborn.com/

Dr. Bob's website: https://roberthamiltonmd.com/

Pacific Ocean Pediatrics: http://www.pacificoceanpediatrics.com/

It is our pleasure to welcome, Dr. Laurie Santos to The Hamilton Review Podcast! Dr. Santos is an expert on human cognition and happiness, a renowned Yale Professor (Her Yale course "Psychology and the Good Life" became Yale's most popular course in over 300 years) and the host of The Happiness Lab Podcast.

We are very honored to have Dr. Santos on The Hamilton Review Podcast! Please enjoy this special conversation and share with your friends - everyone needs happiness in their lives!

Laurie is the Chandrika and Ranjan Tandon Professor of Psychology at Yale University. In addition to her work on the evolutionary origins of human cognition, Laurie is an expert on the science of happiness and the ways in which our minds lie to us about what makes us happy.

Her Yale course, "Psychology and the Good Life," teaches students how the science of psychology can provide important hints about how to make wiser choices and live a life that's happier and more fulfilling.

The class became Yale's most popular course in over 300 years, with almost one out of four students enrolled. Her course has been featured in the New York Times, NBC Nightly News, The Today Show, GQ Magazine, Slate and O! Magazine. The online version of the class—The Science of Well-Being on Coursera.org—has attracted more than 4 million learners from around the world.

A winner of numerous awards both for her science and teaching, she was recently voted as one of Popular Science Magazine's "Brilliant 10" young minds, and was named in Time Magazine as a "Leading Campus Celebrity."

Her podcast, The Happiness Lab, is a top-3 Apple podcast which has attracted 100+ million downloads since its launch.

How to contact Dr. Laurie Santos:

Dr. Laurie Santos Website

Dr. Laurie Santos on Instagram

Dr. Laurie Santos on YouTube

How to contact Dr. Bob:

Dr. Bob on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChztMVtPCLJkiXvv7H5tpDQ

Dr. Bob on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drroberthamilton/

Dr. Bob on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bob.hamilton.1656

Dr. Bob's Seven Secrets Of The Newborn website: https://7secretsofthenewborn.com/

Dr. Bob's website: https://roberthamiltonmd.com/

Pacific Ocean Pediatrics: http://www.pacificoceanpediatrics.com/

It is our pleasure to welcome, Dr. Beth Mosley to The Hamilton Review Podcast!

In this conversation, Dr. Mosley discusses her book, "Happy Families: How to Protect and Support Your Child's Mental Health." Happy Families takes an expert, honest and accessible approach to children's mental health – arming parents and caregivers with the tools they need to tackle anxiety, low mood and difficult behaviors, as well as the hope and reassurance to actively make a change, with children from ages 4 right up to 21.

Dr Beth Mosley is one of the UK's most experienced and respected consultant clinical psychologists, and she works with children, young people and their families every day.

We are honored to have Dr. Mosley on The Hamilton Review Podcast!

Please enjoy this important conversation that every parent needs to hear.

Dr. Beth Mosley's bio in her own words:

My passion for innovation and bringing mental health support closer to all parents enabled me to develop a parent workshop programme throughout the pandemic.

This series of regular free-for-all parent workshops on key topics like anxiety, low mood and self-harm, have and continue to be accessed by tens of thousands of parents from across the world www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/psychology-in-schools-team-nsft, www.nsft.nhs.uk/parent-workshops.

My contribution to children's mental health during the pandemic was recognised in the 2022 New Year's Honours List with an MBE, bestowed by the Queen, for exceptional contributions to my field. I was honoured to have Prince William present me with the medal, with my daughter who accompanied me to Buckingham Palace.

I regularly speak on BBC and ITV local news, as well as various radio stations about young people's mental health, I also write articles for the local papers. Often invited to be a key-note speaker at events, I was named as one of 2022's Suffolk 100 influential leaders.

Not only do I work on the ground every day, but I have also supported Westminster, informing UK policy on the changes needed in health and education to support children's mental health.

How to contact Dr. Beth Mosley:

Dr. Beth Mosley website

Dr. Beth Mosley on Instagram

Dr.Beth Mosley on TikTok

Dr. Beth Mosley on X

How to contact Dr. Bob:

Dr. Bob on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChztMVtPCLJkiXvv7H5tpDQ

Dr. Bob on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drroberthamilton/

Dr. Bob on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bob.hamilton.1656

Dr. Bob's Seven Secrets Of The Newborn website: https://7secretsofthenewborn.com/

Dr. Bob's website: https://roberthamiltonmd.com/

Pacific Ocean Pediatrics: http://www.pacificoceanpediatrics.com/