Unravelling: The Adolescent Years

Why do teenagers struggle to get started with their revision, even when they know they need to do it?

In this episode, we’re joined by Laura Carey to explore study skills, motivation and procrastination during adolescence. Laura shares practical tips and tools to help young people understand how they learn, manage their time, get started when they’re feeling overwhelmed and develop more effective study habits.

We also explore why procrastination isn’t always about being lazy, how parents can support teenagers without creating additional pressure, and what young people can do when they’re struggling to find the motivation to study.

From tackling distractions and getting organised to building confidence and making studying feel more manageable, this episode is packed with practical ideas that parents and young people can take away and put into practice.

An honest, practical conversation about helping teenagers work out not just what to study, but how to study more effectively.

• Kassel, G. (2023, April 18). Teen Brain Development: Timeline, Effects, Factors. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/teen-brain-development
• Zhang, W., Wang, X., & Feng, T. (2016). Identifying the Neural Substrates of Procrastination: A Resting-State fMRI Study. Scientific Reports, 6(1), 33203. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep33203
• Sirois, F., & Pychyl, T. (2013). Procrastination and the Priority of Short‐Term Mood Regulation: Consequences for Future Self. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 7(2), 115–127. https://doi.org/10.1111/spc3.12011
• https://goblin.tools/
• Dunlosky, J., Rawson, K. A., Marsh, E. J., Nathan, M. J., & Willingham, D. T. (2013). Improving Students’ Learning With Effective Learning Techniques: Promising Directions From Cognitive and Educational Psychology. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 14(1), 4–58. https://doi.org/10.1177/1529100612453266
• Grassinger, R., & Dresel, M. (2017). Who learns from errors on a class test?Antecedents and profiles of adaptive reactions to errors in a failure situation. Learning and Individual Differences, 53, 61–68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2016.11.009
• Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78. (2000-13324-007). https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.68
• Çelik, O. (2024). Academic motivation in adolescents: The role of parental autonomy support, psychological needs satisfaction and self-control. Frontiers in Psychology, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1384695
• Bradshaw, E. L., Duineveld, J. J., Conigrave, J. H., Steward, B. A., Ferber, K. A., Joussemet, M., Parker, P. D., & Ryan, R. M. (2025). Disentangling autonomy-supportive and psychologically controlling parenting: A meta-analysis of self-determination theory’s dual process model across cultures. American Psychologist, 80(6), 879–895. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0001389
• Hazan, C., & Shaver, P. (1987). Romantic love conceptualized as an attachment process. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 52(3), 511–524. (1987-21950-001). https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.52.3.511
• Ward, A. F., Duke, K., Gneezy, A., & Bos, M. W. (2017). Brain Drain: The Mere Presence of One’s Own Smartphone Reduces Available Cognitive Capacity. Journal of the Association for Consumer Research, 2(2), 140–154. https://doi.org/10.1086/691462
• Zhao, X., Wang, H., Ma, Z., Zhang, L., & Chang, T. (2025). Smartphone addiction and academic procrastination among college students: A serial mediation model of self-control and academic self-efficacy. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 16. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1572963
• https://www.forestapp.cc/
• Mirian. (2026, April 23). Pomodoro Technique: The 25/5 Study Method Explained.Methodology Hub. https://methodologyhub.com/studying/pomodoro-technique/

What happens when our teenager’s behaviour brings up our own trauma?

In this episode, we’re joined by Inger Madsen, an energy practitioner, speaker and mum of three, to explore generational trauma and the ways our own experiences can shape how we respond to our children.

Inger shares how the challenges of parenting teenagers can sometimes bring old wounds, emotions and patterns to the surface, and why these moments can offer an opportunity to understand ourselves and break cycles that may have been passed from one generation to the next.

We explore how parents can recognise their triggers, respond rather than react, set healthy boundaries and create the safe, supportive environment teenagers need to thrive. Inger also shares practical insights from more than 20 years of working with families and supporting parents to create meaningful change.

An honest and hopeful conversation about healing, parenting and what can happen when we choose to do things differently.

 https://ingermadsen.com/parenting-teen/

• Bach, D., Groesbeck, G., Stapleton, P., Sims, R., Blickheuser, K., & Church, D. (2019).
• Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Improves Multiple Physiological Markers of Health. Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, 24, 2515690X18823691. https://doi.org/10.1177/2515690X18823691
• Murphy, T. F. (2024, May 15). Unlocking Emotional Freedom: The Power of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). Psychology Fanatic. https://psychologyfanatic.com/emotional-freedom-techniques/
• Stapleton, P., & van elst, A. (2026). Clinical emotional freedom techniques for psychological and physiological stress reduction: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. EXPLORE, 22(5), 103474. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2026.103474
• Church, D., Stapleton, P., Yang, A., & Gallo, F. (2018). Is Tapping on Acupuncture Points an Active Ingredient in Emotional Freedom Techniques? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Comparative Studies. Journal of Nervous & Mental Disease, 206(10), 783– 793. https://doi.org/10.1097/NMD.0000000000000878
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2018). What is the clinical and cost effectiveness of emotional freedom techniques (EFT) for the treatment of PTSD in adults? NICE. https://www.nice.org.uk/researchrecommendation/what-is-the-clinical-and-cost-effectiveness-of-emotional-freedom-techniques-eft-for-the-treatment-of-ptsd-in-adults

• Madden, V., Domoney, J., Aumayer, K., Sethna, V., Iles, J., Hubbard, I., Giannakakis, A., Psychogiou, L., & Ramchandani, P. (2015). Intergenerational transmission of parenting: Findings from a UK longitudinal study. European Journal of Public Health, 25(6), 1030– 1035. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckv093

• Romeo, R. D. (2013). The Teenage Brain: The Stress Response and the Adolescent Brain. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 22(2), 140–145. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721413475445

• Clark, I. A., & Mackay, C. E. (2015). Mental Imagery and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Neuroimaging and Experimental Psychopathology Approach to Intrusive Memories of Trauma. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2015.00104

• Bein, O., & Niv, Y. (2025). Schemas, reinforcement learning and the medial prefrontal cortex. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 26(3), 141–157. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41583-024-00893-z

What does it really take to prepare for the world of work?

In this episode, we’re joined by Mikaela, also known as The Job Geek, to explore what young people need to know before entering the workplace. From building confidence and creating a CV to navigating interviews, finding work experience and understanding workplace expectations, Mikaela shares practical advice drawn from years of working with young people and navigating the world of work herself.

We also explore how parents can support young people without adding pressure, panic or comparison and why communication between generations can make all the difference.

No jargon, no judgement, just an honest conversation about how work really works.

Supporting Citations:

Fleuriot, M. de. (2026, September 3). The Death of Entry-Level Jobs? AI And The New Corporate Ladder. TechRound. https://techround.co.uk/artificial-intelligence/the-death-of-entry-level-jobs-ai-and-the-new-corporate-ladder/

UK Government’s Youth Jobs Grant scheme. - https://find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/grants/youth-jobs-grant-2#summary

Mental Health UK. (2026, May 20). New report: Young people want to work – but mental health and system gaps are holding them back. Mental Health UK. https://mentalhealth-uk.org/news-and-insights/new-report-young-people-want-to-work-but-mental-health-and-system-gaps-are-holding-them-back/

What does it really mean to enter adulthood today?

In this episode, we’re joined by Isla, an 18-year-old disabled young carer and passionate youth advocate, to explore the realities of transitioning from adolescence into adulthood.

Drawing on her own experiences as a young carer, neurodivergent and chronically ill teenager, Isla shares what she has learned about navigating adulthood while managing responsibilities, challenging systems and finding her own identity.

We explore the pressures young people face as they enter adulthood, from expectations around education, independence and the future to the importance of having the right support around you. Isla also reflects on her journey as a youth advocate and why she believes systemic change is needed to ensure all young people have the opportunity to thrive.

An honest conversation about growing up, finding your voice and navigating the journey into adulthood in today’s society.

Chavda, H. (2025, October 29). Growing up with AI as a Teenager. Medium. https://medium.com/@chavdaharsh/growing-up-with-ai-as-a-teenager-9a4aa184a083

Maheux, A. J., & Maes, C. (2026). Coming of Age With Generative Artificial Intelligence: The High Stakes of Automating Adolescent Development. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/17456916261460771

Modhvadia, R. (2025, October 21). Growing up online. Nuffield Foundation. https://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/DC3-Digital-lives_7.10.pdf

This episode features a conversation with Helen Haraldsen, a children's author and former school librarian, about literacy in adolescence.

We discuss how young people's reading and writing habits have changed over time, with a decline in both print and digital reading, and a shift towards visual content. Helen emphasises the importance of creativity in writing and the value of physical, audiobooks and graphic novels. She explores the roles of schools and families in fostering literacy, with strategies like creating device-free reading times and respecting teenagers' privacy in their writing. This conversation also covers digital literacy, highlighting the need for critical thinking online, and the concerns and opportunities presented by AI in reading and writing. Helen share practical tips for parents to encourage reading and writing in teens, such as allowing free choice and engaging in conversations about books.

Each episode concludes with a quickfire round of questions with guests.

References:

National Literacy Trust. (2026, March 27). Trends in children and young people's reading in print and digital formats. https://literacytrust.org.uk/research-services/research-reports/trends-in-children-and-young-peoples-reading-in-print-and-digital-formats/

National Literacy Trust. (2026, March 26). What children and young people’s reading habits tell us about print and digital reading. https://literacytrust.org.uk/blog/what-children-and-young-peoples-reading-habits-tell-us-about-print-and-digital-reading/

Bal, P. M., & Veltkamp, M. (2013). How Does Fiction Reading Influence Empathy? An Experimental Investigation on the Role of Emotional Transportation. PLOS ONE, 8(1), e55341. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0055341 NeuroLaunch Editorial Team. (2026, July 3).

Reading’s impact on the brain: Cognitive benefits and neurological changes. NeuroLaunch. https://neurolaunch.com/how-reading-affects-the-brain/

Wasik, B. A., Hindman, A. H., & Snell, E. K. (2016). Book reading and vocabulary development: A systematic review. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 37, 39–57.

Van der Maren, S., Moderie, C., Duclos, C., Paquet, J., Daneault, V., & Dumont, M. (2018). Daily Profiles of Light Exposure and Evening Use of Light-emitting Devices in Young Adults Complaining of a Delayed Sleep Schedule. Journal of Biological Rhythms, 33(2), 192–202. https://doi.org/10.1177/0748730418757007

Bryan, L. (2026, September 3). Reading and sleep: Does reading before bed help you sleep? Sleep Foundation. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/reading-before-bed

National Literacy Trust. (2025, July 22). Insights into young people’s literacy, critical digital literacy, online communication and wellbeing. https://literacytrust.org.uk/research-services/research-reports/young-peoples-literacy-critical-digital-literacy-online-communication-and-wellbeing/

Listen to Dr Natalie A. Russells short introduction to Nu Know's podcast, Unravelling: The Adolescent Years. Here's what to expect, why we created this podcast and what we aim to achieve.

Thank you for listening!

Welcome to the podcast!

Before we dive into conversations with specialists, we wanted to start by hearing from the people at the heart of it all - young people themselves.

In this opening reflection, students from Ravensbourne University share their thoughts on what it feels like to navigate adolescence, what they wish the adults around them had understood, and the advice they would give to parents, carers, and professionals today.

Their voices remind us why these conversations matter and set the scene for the episodes to come. We hope their reflections inspire curiosity, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the teenage years.