Parenting Teens Today

Jesse LeBeau
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Oct 17, 2025 • 39min

Parenting Teens with Confidence: Insights on Humor, Mantras, and Building Resilience with Colleen Souza

Welcome to the Parenting Teens Today podcast, hosted by top youth motivational speaker and teen coach Jesse LeBeau and Adam Episcopo. In this insightful episode, Adam interviews Colleen Souza, a renowned educator, author, speaker, and mother of three, who has over 20 years of experience helping teenagers thrive. Together, they dive deep into practical advice and wisdom for raising confident, resilient, and happy teenagers in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world. Parents will leave empowered with tools and actionable strategies to improve communication, build stronger connections, and guide their teens toward success. Colleen Souza shares stories from her book “Living by the Mantras” and reflects on her journey as a teacher, parenting expert, and peer counseling advocate. Timestamps for Topics: [00:00:10] Introduction to Colleen Souza: Educator, author, and parenting expert. [00:03:58] Addressing technology’s impact on teens’ confidence and communication. [00:05:38] The value of humor in parenting and teaching teenagers. [00:07:20] Practical mantras for raising resilient and confident teens. [00:14:09] Understanding teens through observation and connection. [00:16:44] How parents and educators can show love, especially during tough moments. [00:18:57] Letting teens fail: The value of learning through experience. [00:27:54] Writing “Living by the Mantras”: Inspiration, values, and the parenting journey. Colleen's memorable advice, such as “be about solutions, not problems” and “I can’t yet,” is designed to resonate with parents of all backgrounds. She also highlights the importance of self-confidence, authentic communication, and turning challenges into growth opportunities. If you’re looking for expert parenting tips, actionable insights, and even a touch of humor, this episode is packed full of golden nuggets from one of the parenting world’s most insightful voices, Colleen Souza. Check out Colleen's book, “Living by the Mantras,” and learn more about her impactful work and upcoming podcast at https://www.livingbythemantras.com. For a ton of free parenting resources, visit https://theattitudeadvantage.com/welcome/ To join our Facebook Community for more support and tools in your parenting journey, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingteens To check out the powerful impact we are having on teens all over the world and to learn how you can help your teen, visit https://theattitudeadvantage.com For more on top youth motivational speaker and teen coach Jesse LeBeau, visit https://www.jesselebeau.com
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Oct 16, 2025 • 37min

Guiding Teens through Challenges: Insights from Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Nick Carter

Welcome to the 'Parenting Teens Today' podcast, hosted by top youth motivational speaker and teen coach Jesse LeBeau and Adam Episcopo. Dive into insightful discussions aimed at equipping parents with the tools to raise confident, resilient, and happy teenagers in a modern world. Join Adam and special guest, Dr. Nick Carter, the 2025 Kentucky Superintendent of the Year, as they explore the nuances of parenting today. [00:00:10] - Introduction to Dr. Nick Carter - Gain insights from Dr. Nick Carter, one of Kentucky's leading educational figures and parents' advocate. [00:01:00] - Dr. Carter's Journey into Education - Discover Dr. Nick Carter's inspiring journey from teacher to superintendent and his passion for supporting teenagers' growth. [00:05:13] - Challenges Teens Face Today - Understand the biggest challenges teenagers encounter today, including the impact of social media and parenting's role. [00:08:03] - Phones and Social Media Pressure - Explore Dr. Carter's perspective on social media's effect on teenagers' emotional health and strategies being implemented in schools. [00:11:13] - Encouraging Independence in Adolescents - Learn effective methods for fostering self-reliance in teenagers, essential for navigating life post-high school. [00:25:52] - Initiatives in Education - Uncover innovative educational programs led by Dr. Nick Carter in Kentucky, aimed at bolstering students' readiness for the future. [00:33:37] - Wisdom for Teenagers - Hear Dr. Carter's advice to his teenage self, emphasizing involvement, confidence, and listening to parental guidance. Dr. Nick Carter brings a wealth of experience from his career in education, offering parents invaluable advice on nurturing and preparing their teens for adulthood. For a ton of free parenting resources visit https://theattitudeadvantage.com/welcome/ To join our Facebook Community for more support and tools in your parenting journey visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingteens To check out the powerful impact we are having on teens all over the world and to learn how you can help your teen visit https://theattitudeadvantage.com For more on top youth motivational speaker and teen coach Jesse LeBeau visit https://www.jesselebeau.com
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Oct 9, 2025 • 39min

Building Bridges: Teens, Trust, and Transformation Through Coaching - With Teen Coach Anela Smith

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the 'Parenting Teens Today' podcast hosted by top youth motivational speaker and teen coach Jesse LeBeau. In this engaging conversation, Jesse is joined by the inspiring guest, Anela Smith, to explore the art of parenting, focusing on raising confident, resilient, and happy teenagers in today's complex world. Anela is a certified life, health, and nutrition coach who specializes in helping teens and young adults build confidence, shift their mindset, and create meaningful change in their lives. For the past 7 years, she has worked closely with teens in a variety of roles—including mentoring on humanitarian trips throughout Central and South America, tutoring students, and guiding teens at a private school. These hands-on experiences have shaped her ability to truly connect with teens, understand their challenges, and support their growth with empathy and clarity. [00:00] Introduction Join Jesse LeBeau as he kicks off the podcast with Anela Smith, discussing the excitement of finally collaborating on this much-requested episode. [00:01:34] Anela's Journey to Coaching Teens Discover how Anela Smith transitioned from graphic design to becoming a life coach, focusing on empowering teenagers and supporting parents. Learn about her passion for teen development and the natural progression of her career into teen coaching. [00:03:06] The Power of Role Models and Mentors Listen to Anela Smith delve into her experiences as a mentor and role model for teens, emphasizing the importance of relatable influences for young people to guide them through their formative years. [00:06:08] Lessons from Humanitarian Trips Anela shares valuable insights from her humanitarian trips with teenagers, teaching them life skills beyond academic knowledge and how these experiences helped shape her approach to coaching. [00:12:35] Success Stories and Transformations Anela recounts two powerful success stories where her coaching had a transformative impact on teenagers' lives, helping them navigate personal challenges and emerge stronger and more self-assured. [00:21:27] Choosing the Right Support for Your Teen Gain practical advice from Anela and Jesse on what parents should look for in a coach or mentor for their teenager, ensuring they find someone who truly cares and can build a trusting relationship. [00:27:16] Essential Parenting Tips Discover some great tips from Anela for parents grappling with modern parenting challenges, from setting clear expectations to fostering an environment of love and support. Don't miss out on this incredible episode where Jesse LeBeau and Anela Smith tackle the nuances of parenting and share strategies for nurturing resilient teenagers in today's world. For a ton of free parenting resources visit https://theattitudeadvantage.com/welcome/ To join our Facebook Community for more support and tools in your parenting journey visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingteens To check out the powerful impact we are having on teens all over the world and to learn how you can help your teen visit https://theattitudeadvantage.com For more on top youth motivational speaker and teen coach Jesse LeBeau visit https://www.jesselebeau.com
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Aug 14, 2025 • 35min

From Burnout To Breakthrough: Jennie Phillips on Transforming Stress Into Strength

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the 'Parenting Teens Today' podcast with your host, top youth motivational speaker and teen coach Jesse LeBeau. In this episode, Jesse sits down with Jennie Phillips, a seasoned parent, business owner, and author who shares her personal journey of overcoming suburban burnout while balancing life as a mother and entrepreneur. Jennie dives deep into her experiences of finding stillness during a beach moment that spurred her to write a book helping parents and teenagers manage stress, anxiety, and burnout. Tune in to hear about Jennie's insights into the four key areas of life: nutrition, movement, self-care, and sleep. Jesse and Jennie discuss practical strategies for parents, offering valuable advice on nurturing confident, resilient, and happy teenagers in today's fast-paced world. Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:11 - Jennie Phillips on the inspiration behind her book 00:01:17 - Balancing family, work, and self-care post-COVID 00:04:11 - Embracing downtime and self-discovery 00:07:12 - Rating yourself in key areas of life 00:10:29 - Personal challenges and health implications 00:12:55 - Overcoming suburban burnout 00:18:26 - The concept of Yellow Light Moments 00:22:39 - Common mistakes parents and teens make 00:27:40 - Collaborating with your teens for better results 00:29:10 - Jennie's YLM framework 00:32:44 - How to connect with Jennie Phillips and her resources 00:34:09 - Jennie’s advice to her 14-year-old self 00:35:10 - Closing thoughts Don't miss Jennie Phillips' invaluable advice on 'Parenting Teens Today.' Discover how her Yellow Light Moments framework can transform your parenting approach to raise more self-aware and balanced teenagers. To learn even more, check out Jennie's book 'Yellow Light Moments' available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and more. For a ton of free parenting resources visit https://theattitudeadvantage.com/welcome/ To join our Facebook Community for more support and tools in your parenting journey visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingteens To check out the powerful impact we are having on teens all over the world and to learn how you can help your teen visit https://theattitudeadvantage.com For more on top youth motivational speaker and teen coach Jesse LeBeau visit https://www.jesselebeau.com
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May 15, 2025 • 47min

Navigating Life's Challenges: Shemane Nugent on Health, Happiness, and Hope

Join top youth motivational speaker and teen coach, Jesse LeBeau, on the 'Parenting Teens Today' podcast as he sits down with guest Shemane Nugent to explore the journey of parenting teenagers in a modern world. In this insightful episode, Shemane Nugent shares her unique experience and advice for parents looking to raise confident, resilient, and happy kids.00:00:12 - Introduction with Jesse LeBeau discussing his history and connection with Shemane's son, Rocco.00:01:02 - Shemane Nugent shares her childhood experiences, growing up in Michigan, and how her journey began.00:02:20 - Diving into Shemane's adventurous past as a tomboy, state champion swimmer, and motocross racer.00:03:13 - Shemane and Jesse chat about the impacts of the pandemic on relationships and the importance of living off the land.00:03:57 - The rapid development of Shemane's relationship with her husband, Ted Nugent, and how their adventurous life unfolded.00:05:03 - The role of social media in teenagers’ lives today and how it relates to self-esteem, identity, and the influences on kids.00:09:29 - Shemane discusses finding one's voice and dealing with external pressures, crucial concepts for parents and teenagers.00:20:13 - The personal challenges Shemane faced with mold in her home, sharing life-changing experiences that shaped her philosophy on health and living authentically.00:33:18 - Empowering parents and teenagers to develop tools to handle life's challenges and the importance of finding joy in daily life.Throughout the episode, both Shemane and Jesse highlight the importance of sticking up for one's voice and being brave in the face of adversity, offering invaluable insights for parents navigating the complexities of raising teenagers today. For more inspiring and practical advice from top youth motivational speaker and teen coach Jesse LeBeau, as well as to learn more about Shemane Nugent's personal journey, tune in to this episode of the 'Parenting Teens Today' podcast.*For a ton of free parenting resources visit https://theattitudeadvantage.com/welcome/*To join our Facebook Community for more support and tools in your parenting journey visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingteens*To check out the powerful impact we are having on teens all over the world and to learn how you can help your teen visit https://theattitudeadvantage.com*For more on top youth motivational speaker and teen coach Jesse LeBeau visit https://www.jesselebeau.com
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Apr 10, 2025 • 48min

Helping Teens Find Their Path: The Role of the KOLBE Index Explained with Veronica Slater

Join us in this enlightening episode of the 'Parenting Teens Today' podcast with your host, top youth motivational speaker and teen coach Jesse LeBeau. In today's episode, Jesse sits down with Veronica Slater to explore unique strategies for raising confident, resilient, and happy teenagers. Veronica Slater, an expert in education and the KOLBE Index, shares valuable insights that every parent should know.Timestamped Topics:00:00 - Introduction: Meet Veronica Slater and Understand the KOLBE Index01:35 - Veronica’s Journey into Education and Her Career Teaching French Immersion03:34 - Veronica’s Teaching Experience and Favorite Classroom Moments05:18 - The Community Aspect of Teaching and Lifelong Learning06:11 - The Importance of Motivation and The Role of KOLBE Index06:58 - Deep Dive into Colby Index: Understanding Natural Strengths09:17 - The Three Parts of the Mind: Affective, Cognitive, and Conative14:34 - How Colby Index Measures Stress and Productivity18:58 - Youth Motivation and Helping Teens Own Their Strengths21:24 - How Parents and Teens Can Benefit from KOLBE Index27:54 - Applying KOLBE Index in Families and Schools for Better Communication36:42 - UP Gig: A Tool to Help Teens Find the Right Career Path42:47 - Veronica’s Favorite Success Stories Using the KOLBE Index45:46 - Where to Find More Resources and Connect with Veronica SlaterLearn actionable advice on improving your parenting skills and helping your teenagers thrive. Veronica Slater’s expertise is sure to offer new perspectives to parents seeking effective parenting strategies in today's modern world. Whether you're a parent or someone working closely with teens, the insights shared by top youth motivational speaker and teen coach Jesse LeBeau and his guest, Veronica Slater, will empower you with the knowledge to nurture and guide confident, resilient, and happy teenagers.*Connect with Veronica Slater and explore more about the KOLBE Index at https://slaterconsulting.ca.*For a ton of free parenting resources visit https://theattitudeadvantage.com/welcome/*To join our Facebook Community for more support and tools in your parenting journey visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingteens*To check out the powerful impact we are having on teens all over the world and to learn how you can help your teen visit https://theattitudeadvantage.com*For more on top youth motivational speaker and teen coach Jesse LeBeau visit https://www.jesselebeau.com
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Mar 27, 2025 • 54min

Empowering Teens and Strengthening Family Bonds: Ben Pugh's Methods for Handling Teen Struggles

For a ton of free parenting resources visit https://theattitudeadvantage.com/welcome/Welcome to the 'Parenting Teens Today' podcast, hosted by top youth motivational speaker and teen coach, Jesse LeBeau! In this insightful episode, we dive deep into the world of teens, parents, and modern parenting tips with our special guest, Ben Pugh. Ben Pugh shares his expertise on raising confident, resilient, and happy teenagers in today's fast-paced world.Timestamps: [00:00:00] Introduction to Ben Pugh – Meet our special guest [00:03:21] The Importance of Integrity in Resolutions [00:05:08] Community and Connection in 2024 [00:09:26] Loneliness Epidemic and Teenagers [00:11:08] Changing Social Media Habits for Better Parent-Teen Relationships [00:13:15] Ben's Journey from High School Principal to Teen Coach [00:24:14] Addressing Bullying: Empowering Your Teen [00:29:34] Common Struggles in Parent-Teen Relationships [00:39:39] Embracing Your Teen's UniquenessEpisode Highlights:Ben Pugh's Coaching Philosophy: Ben Pugh discusses his three core principles and highlights the importance of connection and community. As a former high school principal, Ben has a wealth of experience in turning struggling students into successful adults through positive peer connections and integrity-driven actions.The Loneliness Epidemic Amongst Teens: Learn about the loneliness epidemic affecting teenagers today and how parents can combat this by fostering strong connections and putting away their phones to genuinely connect with their teens.Empowering Teens Against Bullying: Discover Ben's approach to handling bullying by empowering both the victims and the bullies, ensuring they understand their own power and boundaries.Letting Teens Drive Their Own Lives: Ben Pugh emphasizes the need for parents to release control and trust their teens, allowing them to navigate their own paths and learn from their experiences. This promotes a stronger parent-teen relationship built on trust and respect.Embracing Your Teen’s Unique Path: Ben shares valuable insights on identifying whether a teen is genuinely struggling or simply not fitting the traditional mold, urging parents to embrace their child's unique journey and provide support accordingly.For more information and resources from Ben Pugh, visit his official website at https://benpughcoaching.com. Be sure to take his free Parent Trap Quiz to understand where you might need to focus your parenting efforts.To join our Facebook Community for more support and tools in your parenting journey visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingteensTo check out the powerful impact we are having on teens all over the world and to learn how you can help your teen visit https://theattitudeadvantage.comFor more on top youth motivational speaker and teen coach Jesse LeBeau, visit https://www.jesselebeau.com
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Mar 13, 2025 • 38min

Effective Communication and Parenting Teens: Insights from Brett Gilliland

Welcome to another insightful episode of the 'Parenting Teens Today' podcast, hosted by top youth motivational speaker and teen coach Jesse LeBeau. In this episode, Jesse sits down with Brett Gilliland, an accomplished entrepreneur, father of four, and creator of the Six Power framework. Brett Gilliland shares his unique insights on how to raise confident, resilient, and happy teenagers in today's modern world. Get ready to dive into a conversation filled with practical tips on work-life integration, strong family communication, and the importance of gratitude and intentionality in parenting.Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Meet Brett Gilliland, husband, father, entrepreneur, and creator of the Six Power framework 02:06 - Transitioning into College: Brett sends his first child to college 03:47 - Brett's Background: Growing up, education, and early career 06:27 - Career Journey: From college to the finance industry 09:18 - Work-Life Integration: Brett's philosophy on balancing family and work 14:56 - The Six Power Framework: Faith, Family, Fun, Firm, Fitness, and Finances 19:00 - The Importance of Gratitude: Brett's journaling and gratitude practices 23:33 - Becoming a Husband and Father: Preparedness and lessons learned 25:46 - Challenges of Modern Parenting: Raising four boys in a fast-changing world 30:52 - Financial Wisdom: Common mistakes and smart financial decisions 33:33 - Joys of Fatherhood: Seeing kids thrive and grow 37:29 - Final Thoughts: Relieving stress and enjoying the parenting journeyIn this engaging episode, Brett Gilliland discusses how he manages the demands of running a successful business while being an involved father and husband. Brett emphasizes the need for clear communication, diligent scheduling, and the power of gratitude in making family life work. He also explains his Six Power framework, a holistic approach to balancing faith, family, fun, firm, fitness, and finances—keys to a fulfilling and productive life.Tune in to hear valuable advice on parenting teenagers, maintaining a strong family bond, and setting a positive example for your kids. Brett’s experiences and philosophies provide a practical roadmap for parents navigating the complexities of modern parenting.Learn more about Brett Gilliland's work by visiting his website: www.brettgilliland.com*To join our Facebook Community for more support and tools in your parenting journey visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingteens*To check out the powerful impact we are having on teens all over the world and to learn how you can help your teen visit www.TheAttitudeAdvantage.com*For more on top youth motivational speaker and teen coach Jesse LeBeau visit www.JesseLeBeau.com
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Feb 28, 2025 • 58min

Empowering Parents of Teens with ADHD: Insights from Elaine Taylor-Klaus and Diane Dempster

Join us this week on "Parenting Teens Today" with host Jesse LeBeau, top youth motivational speaker and teen coach, as he sits down with Elaine Taylor-Klaus and Diane Dempster. Elaine Taylor-Klaus, a renowned parent coach and co-founder of ImpactADHD, shares her profound insights into the world of parenting complex kids. Diane Dempster joins the conversation, bringing her expertise as a parent coach and co-founder of ImpactADHD as well.Elaine Taylor-Klaus and Diane Dempster discuss their unique journey into becoming key figures in providing support and resources for parents of teenagers dealing with ADHD and other complex issues. Learn how their innovative program and global website have impacted families from over 100 countries!As a parent or guardian, understanding the struggles of teenagers can be challenging. Elaine Taylor-Klaus emphasizes the importance of neurodiversity-informed coaching skills for parents, highlighting how this approach can empower teens to take ownership of their lives. Meanwhile, Diane Dempster shares practical advice on how to build a collaborative relationship with your teen, focusing on fostering independence and resilience.Elaine Taylor-Klaus and Diane Dempster also delve into the impact of technology on today's teens, offering valuable perspectives on fostering healthy relationships with digital devices. With their expert advice, parents can learn how to navigate the complexities of modern parenting, set realistic expectations, and support their teenagers through their developmental stages.Discover actionable tips and insights from Elaine Taylor-Klaus and Diane Dempster to enhance your parenting journey. Whether you are dealing with ADHD, anxiety, or other challenges, this episode offers a wealth of information for parents striving to raise capable and confident teenagers.For more resources from Elaine Taylor-Klaus and Diane Dempster, be sure to explore ImpactADHD for a plethora of guides and free tools designed to support your family's journey.Don't miss this empowering episode featuring Elaine Taylor-Klaus and Diane Dempster. Tune in now to learn from the best in the field of parenting complex kids!*To check out the powerful impact we are having on teens all over the world and to learn how you can help your teen visit www.TheAttitudeAdvantage.com*For more on top youth motivational speaker and teen coach Jesse LeBeau visit www.JesseLeBeau.com
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Feb 21, 2025 • 54min

Overcoming Childhood Perceptions: Darren Kavinoky's True Story of Resilience and Transformation

Welcome back to the "Parenting Teens Today" podcast, hosted by Jesse LeBeau, a top youth motivational speaker and teen coach. This episode is all about helping parents raise confident, resilient, and happy teenagers in our modern world. Join us as we dive into an extraordinary conversation with Darren Kavinoky. Known for his multiple appearances on the Discovery ID Channel and for founding a successful law firm, Darren shares his incredible journey and insights on building self-esteem and overcoming personal challenges.To join our Facebook Community for more support and tools in your parenting journey visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingteensTo check out the powerful impact we are having on teens all over the world and to learn how you can help your teen visit http://www.TheAttitudeAdvantage.comFor more on top youth motivational speaker and teen coach Jesse LeBeau visit http://www.JesseLeBeau.com

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