Make It a Great One with Dr. Dan: #1 Podcast for Inspiring Conversations to Live and Lead On Purpose

Dr. Dan and award winning filmmaker Marc Smolowitz discuss Gifted/Talented/Neurodiverse Awareness Week (GTN Awareness Week 10/24/22 - 10/28/22) and the documentary The G Word, directed and produced by Marc. Their conversation reveals that bright, neurodiverse children are everywhere – Gifted/Talented/Neurodiverse learners exist in every zip code. Marc defies popular myths that assume most gifted people are wealthy, white, and will do fine on their own – and asks us to do the same.Dr. Dan and Marc talk about many issues on this revealing episode while raising GTN awareness to a wider audience to "better address the education needs of the gifted…and how our country supports the needs of all children; a rising tide that lifts all boats where we uncover and encourage excellence in places we don’t typically expect."The G Word is a deeply personal feature documentary that debunks the mythology around what it means to be gifted revealing the educational challenges, social isolation, emotional sensitivities and physical threats faced by many gifted individuals in our schools and society and the search for solutions while challenging the prejudice and trauma that comes with being labeled “smart” in the 21st century.Today’s episode about accepting, educating, and demystifying all neurodiverse children wherever they are in our country will open minds and ignite much needed change.Based in San Francisco, Marc Smolowitz is the Director/Producer The G Word Film, Founder/CEO of 13th Gen, a San Francisco-based film company; and a multi-award winning independent filmmaker. For more information visit www.13thgenfilm.com and www.thegwordfilm.com.Watch excerpts from the film here.Email your parenting questions to Dr. Dan podcast@drdanpeters.com (we might answer on a future episode).Follow us @parentfootprintpodcast (Instagram, Facebook) and @drdanpeters (Twitter).Listen, follow, and leave us a review on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Wondery, or wherever you like to listen!Don’t forget, you can hear every episode one week early and ad-free by subscribing to Wondery+ in the @WonderyMedia App.For more information:www.exactlyrightmedia.com www.drdanpeters.comFor podcast merch:www.exactlyrightmedia.com/parent-footprint-shop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Dan talks to Robin DeWeese, Ph.D. of Arizona State University about her recently released, timely, and important study about kids, fitness, health, and “active commuting."  The main finding:  Kids who walk, skateboard or ride their bikes to school when they are young are more likely to keep it up as they get older, reaping the health benefits. In the study, the researchers found that kids are much more likely to continue "active commuting" (traveling by foot, bike or even skateboard) if they are taught to do it when they are young. This episode gives parents a great plan to start “active commuting” with their children – and sets them on their way to long term health as adults.  A great discussion about healthy fitness habits that parents and families can easily embrace with young children.Robin DeWeese, Ph.D. is a Lecturer in the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University and a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.. She earned a PhD from Arizona State University. Her research focuses on the impact food and physical activity environments have on children’s health. She has been part of the research team for the New Jersey Child Health Study for the past ten years, studying changes to the built environment over timeFind more information about Robin’s work at Arizona State University’s website.   Read about the study on US NEWS & WORLD REPORT.Email your parenting questions to Dr. Dan podcast@drdanpeters.com (we might answer on a future episode).Follow us @parentfootprintpodcast (Instagram, Facebook) and @drdanpeters (Twitter).Listen, follow, and leave us a review on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Wondery, or wherever you like to listen!Don’t forget, you can hear every episode one week early and ad-free by subscribing to Wondery+ in the @WonderyMedia App.For more information:www.exactlyrightmedia.com www.drdanpeters.comFor podcast merch:www.exactlyrightmedia.com/parent-footprint-shop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Dan interviews Dr. Charles Sophy, psychiatrist and the former medical director for the County of Los Angeles Department of Children & Family Services. Dr. Sophy has been a regular  on Dr. Phil for the last twenty years and now he brings his experience and expertise to his new book, Family Values, continuing his work on repairing parent-child relationships.Dr. Sophy has helped many families break harmful patterns, heal from trauma, and move from crisis to thriving. Based on his experience as a psychiatrist (and as a father), Dr. Sophy assures every parent: “No matter how complicated life gets or how off course your family dynamics become, it’s never too late to hit the reset button and move forward with confidence, love, and authenticity, with your family values leading the way.”Dr. Dan and Dr. Sophy share the same powerful philosophy: Parenting begins with you, not your child. Putting yourself first in the parenting equation may seem strange, yet it is intuitive.  On an airplane, in case of emergency, you must first secure the oxygen mask on yourself. Once you are able to breathe, you can then secure the mask on your child. So it is with parenting. Only after you are balanced and secure, can you then offer balance and security to your child. On today’s episode and in his new book, Dr. Sophy explains that a parent with a balanced life, both physically and mentally, is a better parent – a parent more equipped to be a loving and healthy role model for their child. Dr. Dan agrees that we owe it to our children to be the best possible version of ourselves every day.Dr. Charles Sophy has appeared on Today, Good Morning America, CNN’s Larry King Live, Anderson Cooper 360, and on the FOX News Channel.  For more about Dr. Sophy and his work, visit his website www.drsophy.com and follow him on Twitter @drsophy. Email your parenting questions to Dr. Dan podcast@drdanpeters.com (we might answer on a future episode).Follow us @parentfootprintpodcast (Instagram, Facebook) and @drdanpeters (Twitter).Listen, follow, and leave us a review on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Wondery, or wherever you like to listen!Don’t forget, you can hear every episode one week early and ad-free by subscribing to Wondery+ in the @WonderyMedia App.For more information:www.exactlyrightmedia.com www.drdanpeters.comFor podcast merch:www.exactlyrightmedia.com/parent-footprint-shop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Dan talks to the esteemed Geoffrey Cohen – expert, author, Stanford University Professor of Psychology – about disconnection, loneliness, belonging, community, happiness and his new book Belonging: The Science of Creating Connection and Bridging Divides. Dr. Dan and Geoff dive deep in order to focus on our deeply human need to belong. They offer hopeful solutions to our challenging times. Professor Cohen shares great advice about navigating modern life with greater empathy in work, school, politics, and everyday encounters. We live in enormously polarized times. From politics to race, religion, gender, and class, division runs rampant. Today’s interview will give listeners hope and will help everyone living in today’s disconnected world connect!Visit Geoffrey Cohen’s website www.geoffreylcohen.com for more information and follow him on Twitter @GeoffCohen.Email your parenting questions to Dr. Dan podcast@drdanpeters.com (we might answer on a future episode).Follow us @parentfootprintpodcast (Instagram, Facebook) and @drdanpeters (Twitter).Listen, follow, and leave us a review on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Wondery, or wherever you like to listen!Don’t forget, you can hear every episode one week early and ad-free by subscribing to Wondery+ in the @WonderyMedia App.For more information:www.exactlyrightmedia.com www.drdanpeters.comFor podcast merch:www.exactlyrightmedia.com/parent-footprint-sho Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BONUS EPISODE Originally aired Tuesday, September 27, 2022Welcome to another new “Sitting Down with Dr. Dan” episode exclusively for Wondery + subscribers. Dr. Dan and Parent Footprint producer and twin Mom Laura Rossi discuss family time, TikTok challenges, childless by choice, and more.Every month Dr. Dan answers your questions about parenting (and adulting, too!) on our “Sitting Down With Dr. Dan” bonus episodes. Email us at podcast@drdanpeters.com. DM us on social media. We will consider your question for a future episode.Listen, follow, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Wondery, Amazon Music, or wherever you like to listen. Remember you can hear every episode one week early and ad-free by subscribing to Wondery+ in the @WonderyMedia App.For more information:www.exactlyrightmedia.comwww.drdanpeters.comFor podcast merch:www.exactlyrightmedia.com/parent-footprint-shopDr. Dan’s expertise and wisdom is not a diagnosis or treatment. The information provided on the Parent Footprint podcast should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Anyone seeking medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Please reach out to your doctor for advice or a qualified health provider regarding medical conditions, questions, or situations. The information provided on Parent Footprint and by Dr. Dan is for entertainment purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Dr. Dan does not know your child, is not your child’s doctor, and has not treated your child. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Dan speaks to Mom, Special Needs Parent, Advocate, and Coach Rachel Pastiloff.  Rachel talks to Dr. Dan about parenting, family, and her road to becoming a Manifesting Mom. Rachel is  mom to two sons (one with special needs) and her conversation with Dr. Dan is filled with wisdom, strength, and grace.Listening to Rachel tell her story is riveting, enlightening, powerful, and, at times, painful – listeners will learn from this beautiful, courageous episode about life, love, challenges, grit, honesty, acceptance, grief, and so much more.Rachel Pastiloff tells Dr. Dan how she learned to embrace her parenting journey – specifically the experience of discussing (and admitting) that special needs parenting is hard. Rachel discusses her wonderful son (he has a dual diagnosis of Prader Willi Syndrome and autism), her special needs family/community, her typical son’s experience, and how so much pressure falls unfairly on women/moms. By speaking her truth out loud to her sister (yes, her sister is recent guest Jennifer Pastiloff!)Rachel made space for embracing, healing, and loving. Rachel passionately shares how self-care is essential to all parents, how families must support the siblings of special needs children (a topic that is rarely discussed), and the reality that not all families live perfect lives despite what we see online. Rachel Pastiloff is a native of Philadelphia/South Jersey. Rachel is a mother of two boys. In 2009 Rachel’s oldest was diagnosed with a rare incurable genetic disorder called Prader Willi Syndrome. The following year her son was diagnosed again with Autism. Both of these events would help shift the direction of Rachel’s life. She began her path with health and wellness to create a better life for her family. It then became her passion. Rachel became a certified yoga teacher in 2012 and is a graduate of The Institute for Integrative Nutrition as a Health and Wellness Coach. Rachel is also the founder of A Manifesting Mom. Follow Rachel on Instagram and on TikTok.Email your parenting questions to Dr. Dan podcast@drdanpeters.com (we might answer on a future episode).Follow us @parentfootprintpodcast (Instagram, Facebook) and @drdanpeters (Twitter).Listen, follow, and leave us a review on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Wondery, or wherever you like to listen!Don’t forget, you can hear every episode one week early and ad-free by subscribing to Wondery+ in the @WonderyMedia App.For more information:www.exactlyrightmedia.com www.drdanpeters.comFor podcast merch:www.exactlyrightmedia.com/parent-footprint-shop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this conversation with Sally Koslow, a former magazine editor and accomplished author, explore the intricate dance between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law. Sally shares insights from her latest book, touching on the complexities of family dynamics and societal expectations. She reflects on her journey from growing up in Fargo to thriving in New York City, revealing how cultural identity shapes relationships. Plus, get a glimpse of the joys and challenges of grandparenting. This engaging dialogue offers fresh perspectives on navigating familial bonds.

Dr. Dan interviews professional astrologer, mom, and author Catherine Urban on today’s episode about the ways astrology (and our cosmic blueprint) can help individuals and families including:*Gaining insight into patterns and how to rework them to better serve us*Having a clearer understanding of our purpose, strengths, challenges*Getting confirmation and clarity on important decisions or major themes in our life*Improving relationship dynamics*Forecasting for what the year ahead offers – and how to take advantage of the seasons and cycles unfolding in our life*Find answers to specific questions using horary (chart of the moment)*Learning the time to start big ventures in our life (businesses and marriages have birth charts too!) with forecasting or Electional AstrologyWith over 12 years of astrological immersion, Catherine Urban’s practice is steeped in classical and humanistic techniques. Specializing in forecasting, Catherine (who recently gave Dr. Dan a reading) empowers her clients to become alchemists of their own charts, while gaining confidence and clarity on their path. Additionally, she studies familial dynamics and how shared traits are reflected in the astrological charts of family members.  Catherine’s road to astrology started at a young age and today she has her own growing practice and is an astrology teacher. She continues to study with astrological mentors and colleagues who inspire her.  Catherine Urban explains to Dr. Dan that astrology is affirming – it is a non judgemental process and it can help us all live out the embodiment of our chart. Astrology can provide a framework for understanding why we are the way we are, how to have more compassion, and how to gain more clarity and confidence in ourselves and our path.  Dr. Dan and Catherine wrap up their conversation by reminding us all that the macrocosm of astrology offers us an invaluable tool to better understand ourselves, each other, and our place in the world.Catherine is the author of Your Astrological Cookbook: The Perfect Recipe for Every Sign. Read more about Catherine’s work, writing, and her book at her website www.CatherineUrban.com.Email your parenting questions to Dr. Dan podcast@drdanpeters.com (we might answer on a future episode).Follow us @parentfootprintpodcast (Instagram, Facebook) and @drdanpeters (Twitter).Listen, follow, and leave us a review on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Wondery, or wherever you like to listen!Don’t forget, you can hear every episode one week early and ad-free by subscribing to Wondery+ in the @WonderyMedia App.For more information:www.exactlyrightmedia.com www.drdanpeters.comFor podcast merch:www.exactlyrightmedia.com/parent-footprint-shop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Dan interviews journalist and recent National Public Radio education reporter Anya Kamenetz about how the pandemic decimated the public school system—and left lasting harm on our children. Dr. Dan and Anya discuss the collapse of the childcare system, mothers driven from the workforce, children going hungry in record numbers, and other pandemic effects. Anya’s just-released book THE STOLEN YEAR: HOW COVID CHANGED CHILDREN'S LIVES, AND WHERE WE GO NOW guides the interview with a harrowing account of the massive educational disruption caused by the pandemic. Finally, Dr. Dan and Anya touch on many topics including the consequences of a year without in-person schooling, special needs, low-income families, parent challenges, and more.  Ultimately, no one knows the long-term effects the pandemic will have on children, but Dr. Dan and Anya give listeners an actionable guide to areas to watch (and act on) as the pandemic waxes and wanes in the years to come.Anya Kamenetz is a journalist focused on generational justice. Her current projects include a kids’ climate podcast for Noggin (Nickelodeon's educational brand) and work with K12 Climate Action to include climate in children’s storytelling. Anya has previously worked as an education correspondent for NPR and a staff writer for Fast Company magazine. She's won multiple awards for her reporting on education, technology, and innovation. She is the author of four books and lives in Brooklyn with her family. Find more information on her website www.anyakamenetz.netEmail your parenting questions to Dr. Dan podcast@drdanpeters.com (we might answer on a future episode).Follow us @parentfootprintpodcast (Instagram, Facebook) and @drdanpeters (Twitter).Listen, follow, and leave us a review on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Wondery, or wherever you like to listen!Don’t forget, you can hear every episode one week early and ad-free by subscribing to Wondery+ in the @WonderyMedia App.For more information:www.exactlyrightmedia.com www.drdanpeters.comFor podcast merch:www.exactlyrightmedia.com/parent-footprint-shop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BONUS Episode original air date: August 30, 2022Welcome to the new “Sitting Down with Dr. Dan” episode exclusively for Wondery + subscribers. Dr. Dan and Parent Footprint audio engineer (and girl Dad) Phil discuss new topics this month including parents struggling with mental health challenges, discussing birth control with your tweens/teens, conversations about divorce, and in-laws & babysitting.Each month Dr. Dan answers your questions about parenting (and adulting, too!) on our exclusive “Sitting Down With Dr. Dan” bonus episodes. Please keep emailing your questions to podcast@drdanpeters.com or send them via a DM on social media. We want to hear from you – and we might feature your question on a future bonus episode. Follow us @parentfootprintpodcast (Instagram, Facebook) and @drdanpeters (Twitter).Listen to Special Episodes on Wondery Plus https://wondery.com/shows/parent-footprint-with-dr-dan/ Follow and leave us a review on Wondery, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more information www.exactlyrightmedia.com Dr. Dan’s expertise and wisdom is not a diagnosis or treatment. The information provided on the Parent Footprint podcast should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Anyone seeking medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Please reach out to your doctor for advice or a qualified health provider regarding medical conditions, questions, or situations. The information provided on Parent Footprint and by Dr. Dan is for entertainment purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Dr. Dan does not know your child, is not your child’s doctor, and has not treated your child. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices