What happens when the coping mechanism that got you through high-pressure executive life becomes the very thing that costs you your family? In this candid episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino sits down with Nick Jonsson — executive coach, psychotherapist, keynote speaker, best-selling author, and Ironman triathlete — who spent years using alcohol to manage the stress of a demanding corporate career before hitting a breaking point that changed everything.

Now in his ninth year of sobriety, Nick shares the unfiltered story of how hustle culture and an unspoken family expectation to "always work harder" masked years of unhealthy coping, and how he rebuilt a broken relationship with his teenage son — one Minecraft session at a time.

Parents will learn Nick's five-step resilience framework (Surrender, Purpose, Connection, Goals, Discipline), practical strategies for having honest conversations with teens about stress, substance use, and mental health, and why modelling vulnerability — not perfection — is what actually builds resilient kids.

Whether you're navigating your own stress, worried about a teen's coping habits, or simply want a more connected family life, this conversation offers real, actionable insight grounded in lived experience.

Topics covered:

addiction recovery, executive burnout, hustle culture, parenting teenagers, father-son relationships, resilience coaching, healthy coping mechanisms, family communication, teen mental health.

Takeaways:

• Surrender—admitting blind spots and vulnerability—is the essential first step toward resilient mental health.
• Replacing numbing behaviours like late-night social media and excessive device usage with meaningful purpose and discipline.
• Making amends and restoring connection with family rebuilds trust after addiction and improves emotional and physical health.
• Introducing a five-step resilience framework—surrender, purpose, connection, goals and discipline—that gives practical structure to recovery and everyday life.
• Modelling coaching-style conversations with my teen, acknowledging hormonal changes while promoting independence, communication and consent & relationships.
• Caution against over-shielding kids from stress because age-appropriate honesty reduces secrecy, bullying risk and supports emotional health.
• Recommending a simple life audit, asking for help early, and using coaches or voluntary groups to protect mental health and family resilience — because recovery becomes service, not a party trick.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Where Parents Talk
• whereparentstalk.com
• ChatGPT
• Netflix
• Minecraft

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparentstalk.com

How can parents build stronger relationships with their children’s schools—and feel genuinely heard in the process?

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Shani Dowell, former educator, entrepreneur, mother of two and founder of Possip, a parent engagement platform designed to help schools close the communication gap between home and school.

Dowell shares her perspective as both a former teacher and parent on why effective parent-school communication can be so challenging, particularly in a post-pandemic education landscape where parents want greater involvement while teachers and school administrators are facing unprecedented demands.

The conversation explores the important difference between parent engagement and truly listening to parents, why parents may hesitate to speak up for fear of being labelled “difficult,” and how schools can create more meaningful two-way communication with families.

Dowell also offers practical advice for parents who feel unheard by their child’s teacher or school, including how to start a productive conversation, when to put concerns in writing, how to establish expectations with a teacher at the beginning of the school year, and how parents can advocate effectively without escalating conflict.

The episode also examines common misconceptions between parents and educators, the value of positive feedback for teachers and school staff, and why parents and schools are ultimately working toward the same goal: helping children thrive.

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparentstalk.com

Are today's children missing the life skills they need to succeed—not just in school, but in life?

In this episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino speaks with educator, former classroom teacher, and Anywhere Learning founder Amélie Drouet about why traditional education often falls short when it comes to teaching resilience, independence, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

After spending 15 years in the classroom, Drouet noticed that more students were struggling with foundational life skills that directly affected their ability to learn. Her experience homeschooling her own children while travelling inspired a new approach: combining academics with meaningful, real-world experiences that spark curiosity and confidence.

In this conversation, you'll learn:

• Why life skills and academic learning should go hand in hand
• Simple everyday activities that teach math, literacy, science, and responsibility
• How cooking, chores, travel, and family routines become powerful learning opportunities
• Why boredom may actually be essential for creativity and child development
• How parents can use technology as a learning tool instead of a distraction
• Practical ways to raise capable, independent, and motivated children—without adding more to your busy schedule

Whether your child attends public school, private school, or is homeschooled, this episode offers practical parenting strategies to help children thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparentstalk.com

Are today's parents protecting their children—or unintentionally holding them back?

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk Podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Lenore Skenazy, founder of the Free-Range Kids movement, co-founder of Let Grow, journalist and author, about why childhood independence has become one of the most important parenting conversations of our time.

Nearly two decades after being labeled "America's Worst Mom" for allowing her nine-year-old son to ride the New York City subway alone, Skenazy explains how parenting culture has shifted—and why fear, anxiety and overprotection continue to prevent many children from developing confidence, resilience and real-world life skills.

Learn why manageable risk is essential for healthy child development, how parents can distinguish between genuine danger and exaggerated fear, and why giving children more age-appropriate freedom may actually reduce anxiety for both kids and parents.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why childhood independence is critical for building resilience and confidence
• How over-parenting and constant supervision can limit healthy development
• The surprising research on children's safety and parents' perceptions of risk
• Why free play and unstructured time matter more than ever
• How the Let Grow movement is helping families raise capable, confident children
• The connection between independence, anxiety and emotional well-being
• Practical ways parents can gradually give children more age-appropriate freedom
• Why kids often want real-world independence more than additional screen time

Whether you're raising elementary-aged children, tweens or teens, this conversation offers evidence-based insights that challenge conventional parenting wisdom while helping families prepare children for adulthood with confidence.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Let Grow
• Free Range Kids
• New York Daily News
• University of Michigan
• Daniel Schuchman
• Peter Gray
• Jonathan Haidt

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparentstalk.com

Is your child's gaming really about the game — or something deeper? On this episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino talks with Nathan Graham, AI strategist, entrepreneur, and author of Why Won't He Just Log Off? A Parent's Guide to Video Game Addiction and the Needs Behind the Screen.

Nathan spent nearly seven years as a self-described gaming addict, losing a job and nearly losing his relationship to marathon sessions of World of Warcraft, before a single conversation with a mentor changed the course of his life. Today he helps parents understand what's really driving compulsive gaming in kids and teens.

In this conversation, Nathan unpacks the four core human needs — certainty, adventure, significance, and connection — that video games so effectively fulfill, and why understanding them is the key to helping a child who games too much. He explains how parents can tell the difference between a kid who simply loves gaming and one who's using it to cope, why timers, confiscated consoles, and lectures so often backfire, and how to set screen time boundaries that actually hold — without alienating your teen.

Parents will walk away with practical, compassionate strategies for connecting with a gaming-obsessed child: how to build trust, ask the right questions, and help kids meet those same needs for belonging and significance in healthier ways.

Takeaways:

• Navigating the complex world of gaming addiction requires understanding the emotional needs of our children.
• Parents should engage in open communication, entering their child's gaming world without judgment to truly understand their perspective.
• Setting boundaries collaboratively with teens fosters a sense of independence and responsibility, making rule-breaking less likely.
• Recognizing the signs of gaming as a coping mechanism can help parents address underlying emotional health issues effectively.
• Gaming can provide valuable life skills like teamwork and resilience, highlighting the importance of a balanced approach in parenting.
• Ultimately, parenting is about progress, not perfection; small changes can lead to significant improvements over time.

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparentstalk.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• World of Warcraft
• Todd Skinner

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

Links referenced in this episode:

whereparentstalk.com

How do sports shape the values our children carry into adulthood?

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to award-winning sports journalists Donovan Bennett (CBC Sports) and Kate McKenna (TSN, CTV's The Social). The couple share how working in sports has impacted the way they are raising their two young sons.

From navigating healthy competition and emotional resilience to balancing screen time, encouraging teamwork, and redefining modern masculinity, Donovan and Kate offer thoughtful, real-world parenting insights rooted in both their professional and personal lives. They discuss the lasting life lessons sports can teach, the importance of positive role models, why youth sports should prioritize participation over performance, and how parents can foster confidence, empathy and inclusion in today's rapidly changing world.

Takeaways:

• Navigating the complexities of parenting amidst hormonal changes in children requires effective communication and discipline.
• The impact of device usage and social media on children's emotional health is a pressing concern for today's parents.
• Promoting independence in children involves teaching them about consent and healthy relationships from an early age.
• Bullying remains a significant issue in sports culture, and parents must address it proactively with their children.
• Physical health and emotional well-being are intertwined, especially during the formative years of adolescence.
• Encouraging participation in sports can foster resilience and teamwork, countering the pressure of a win-at-all-costs mentality.

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparentstalk.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• CBC
• TSN
• CTV
• Raptors
• Tempo
• PWHL
• NWSL
• Ottawa Rapid
• Lewis Hamilton
• Serena Williams
• Shae Gilgeous Alexander
• Jared McCain
• Natalie Achonwa

Why do so many parents feel exhausted, moody, or stuck in survival mode — and what is that stress actually doing to their bodies?

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Dr. Alicia Newsome, a functional medicine practitioner, entrepreneur and mother of three, about the root causes of parental burnout, hormone imbalance and chronic stress.

Dr. Newsome explains how functional medicine identifies "check engine light" symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, decision fatigue and stubborn weight gain, and why treating symptoms without addressing root causes leaves parents running on empty.

The conversation covers the difference between acute and chronic stress, how a parent's nervous system affects their children's sense of safety, why energy — not time — is the real currency of parenting, and practical daily transition routines that build stress resilience.

Dr. Newsome also discusses the generational impact of ignoring self-care, the lingering effects of pandemic-era isolation on parent mental health, and simple, science-backed steps parents can take today to protect their energy, mood and long-term health.

Takeaways:

• Understanding hormonal changes is crucial for managing stress and emotional health as parents.
• Effective communication with partners is essential for maintaining a healthy family dynamic amidst stress.
• Discipline in technology use can significantly impact the mental health of tweens and teens.
• Recognizing the signs of bullying and social media pressure can empower parents to support their children better.
• Prioritizing consent and healthy relationships is foundational to building independence in young adults.
• Physical health and emotional well-being are interconnected, influencing how we parent and engage with our children.

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparentstalk.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Tylenol
• Advil
• Facebook
• Arizona

What happens when a parent faces the unimaginable loss of a child to suicide?

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with pediatric nurse practitioner and author Jackie Baker about her personal journey through grief after losing her son, Sebastian.

Drawing from her book Messy Mourning, Baker shares raw insights into maternal grief, the stigma surrounding suicide, and the long road toward healing.

This conversation explores mental health challenges in teens, the emotional toll on families, and the importance of compassion, support systems, and open dialogue. Baker also offers practical advice for parents navigating anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation in their children—while reminding listeners that hope can coexist with sorrow.

An important listen for parents seeking understanding, support, and guidance through one of life’s most difficult experiences.

Takeaways:

• Navigating the emotional landscape of grief requires open communication and support from others.
• Understanding the unique layers of guilt and shame surrounding suicide helps in the healing process.
• Mothers often experience grief differently, influenced by their deep bond with their children.
• Acceptance of one's emotional health is crucial in developing resilience after a loss, especially in dealing with mental health challenges.

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparentstalk.com

Are we raising resilient kids, or just protecting them from the very challenges that build resilience?

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to developmental psychologist Dr. Isabel Granic — McMaster University professor, CEO of Liminal Learning and mom. She unpacks what tweens, teens, and young adults actually need to thrive in 2026.

Drawing on more than 25 years of research and her own experience raising 20-year-old twin sons, Dr. Granic challenges common assumptions about anxiety, depression, and motivation in Gen Z. She explains why rising mental health struggles are often a rational response to a genuinely precarious world — climate anxiety, job market disruption, AI, and political instability — rather than a personal weakness or a parenting failure. She also shares why "small p" purpose matters more than a single dream career, how belonging and social connection are among the strongest predictors of a healthy, long life, and practical ways parents can talk to their kids about big global issues without fueling fear or helplessness.

Whether your child seems anxious, unmotivated, or simply uncertain about the future, this conversation offers evidence-based, compassionate strategies for raising purpose-driven, resilient young adults — without the guilt or the guesswork.

In this episode:

• The biggest myth parents believe about resilience
• Why Gen Z's mental health struggles reflect their world, not a weakness in them
• How to talk about climate change, AI, and global uncertainty without increasing kids' fear
• What "purpose" really looks like for young adults today
• How belonging and friendship protect long-term mental and physical health
• Inside Liminal Learning, Dr. Granic's world-readiness program for 18-24 year olds

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparentstalk.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• McMaster University
• Liminal Learning
• Scientific American
• Time
• Wall Street Journal

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparentstalk.com

What is food insecurity—and how does it impact children and families in Canada today?

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Lori Nikkel, CEO of Second Harvest, Canada’s largest food rescue organization. Drawing from her lived experience as a single mother raising three children while facing poverty and food insecurity, Lori offers rare insight into what struggling families truly go through.

Parents will learn:

• What food insecurity looks like inside a household
• How financial stress affects parenting and child development
• Why 1 in 4 Canadians struggle to afford food
• The hidden emotional toll on both parents and children
• Where families can find support beyond food banks

Nikkel explains why food insecurity is not about food shortages—but about income, affordability, and systemic challenges. She also shares practical advice and a hopeful message for parents navigating difficult times.

Takeaways:

• Understanding the impacts of food insecurity on mental and emotional health is crucial for parents.
• Effective communication and community support can help families navigate through challenges of food insecurity.
• Food insecurity is not just about lack of food; it's deeply tied to income and economic stability.
• Children need proper nutrition for their education and health, highlighting the importance of child nutrition programs.
• The stigma surrounding food insecurity can prevent families from seeking help; connection is key.
• It's important for parents to recognize that their struggles do not define their worth or their children's future.

This episode is essential listening for parents concerned about rising food costs, child well-being, and financial resilience in Canada.

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparents talk.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Second Harvest

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparentstalk.com