Thrive Like A Parent

EP:170 In this episode of Thrive Like a Parent, I sit down with my client and friend Dr. Michael Braunstein to pull back the curtain on what it really looks like for a high-achieving husband, dad, and provider to work on his emotional regulation, marriage, and parenting. Michael and I talk about the invisible pressure so many men carry—being the provider, holding it all together, never showing they’re at capacity—and how that almost broke him, his marriage to Lindsay, and their blended family. We walk through: How their relationship slipped into loving but exhausting codependency—both over-giving, both resentful, and neither getting their needs met. The “fire hose” fights that built up over weeks of unspoken frustration and ended in late-night blowups. The way real-time support and regulation tools (like voice messaging instead of waiting for once-a-week counseling) helped them calm their nervous systems in the moment, not weeks later. How shifting from “fixing” to supporting with phrases like “I hear you,” “Thank you for sharing,” and “What do you need?” completely changed their communication We also go deep into: Their different parenting styles: Michael as the more boundaried, stern parent and Lindsay as the more emotional, nurturing parent—and why both are essential for healthy kids. Allowing kids to struggle, fail, and problem-solve, instead of lawnmower parenting everything away Navigating Lindsay’s Graves’ disease diagnosis, her near-bedridden season, Michael’s knee surgery, and how their new tools held their family together through it One of my favorite parts of this conversation is hearing Michael describe, in his own words, how regulation has given him more enjoyment—not just “better performance”: more enjoyment in his marriage, more enjoyment with his kids, and more peace inside his own brain. If you’ve ever wished your partner “got it,” or you’re a dad who’s exhausted from holding it all together but doesn’t want “traditional therapy,” this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now and save this episode to come back to the tools Michael shares. 💌 Share this with a dad, partner, or husband who needs to hear another man talk honestly about mental health, marriage, and regulation. 🔁 Tag this episode in your stories and tell me your biggest takeaway—I do read them. ⬇️ Ready to work on your own regulation and family dynamic? Learn more about Thrive Like a Parent and my coaching offers in the show notes. #ThrivelikeaParent #EmotionalRegulation #MensMentalHealth #DadLife #MarriageSupport #ParentingTools #CodependencyRecovery #BlendedFamily #ADHDParenting #NeuroscienceBasedParenting #CalmNervousSystem #BurnoutRecovery #GentleParenting #ConsciousParenting #AnxietySupport #GravesDiseaseJourney #HighAchievingDads #RelationshipTools #BrookeWeinstein

EP:170 In this first part of my conversation on Thrive Like a Parent, I sit down with longtime client Michael Braunstein—a former collegiate athlete, business owner, and dad of four in a blended family. From the outside, everything looked “great,” but inside, Michael was completely maxed out. He found himself snapping at his kids, drowning in pressure, and even wondering how some dads reach the point of walking away. That breaking point ultimately led him to my work and the concept of regulation. In Part 1, we explore where Michael began: stuck in constant “fix it” mode, overwhelmed by life, and caught in a roller coaster inside his marriage. You’ll hear how understanding his gas-pedal brain, recognizing his own limits, and shifting from fixing to supporting opened a completely new path for him—one that changed the way he showed up for himself, his wife, and his kids. This episode sets the foundation for Michael’s transformation and gives a raw look into what happens before regulation tools begin to take hold. If you’ve ever felt like, “I love my family, but I can’t keep living like this,” Michael’s story will help you feel seen—and remind you that change starts with understanding your own brain. 👉 Ready to understand your brain, regulate your nervous system, and create a calmer home? Join Thrive or apply to work with me 1:1. #ThriveLikeAParent #DadMentalHealth #GasPedalBrain #ParentingTools #MarriageAfterKids #NervousSystemRegulation

EP:168 Hey Thrive fam, it’s Brooke! In this episode, I invite my amazing friend Dr. Sahar Martinez to dive deep with me into what it truly means to “thrive like a parent.” We get real (and share a lot of laughs) as we open up about our friendship, why vulnerability matters so much in both parenting and marriage, and how being authentic—even when it’s messy—can change the way we connect with our loved ones. We talk about the ups and downs of long-term relationships, the honest (and sometimes hilarious) moments of parenting, and how embracing our true selves liberates us and our kids. From healthy communication and setting boundaries to giving yourself grace for imperfect moments, Sahar and I share the hard-earned lessons that fuel stronger families and deeper self-acceptance. If you’re ready for unfiltered conversations, heartfelt advice, and a reminder that you’re not alone on this journey, you won’t want to miss this episode. Let’s keep the conversation going—subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow parents and friends! #ThriveLikeAParent #ParentingPodcast #AuthenticParenting #Vulnerability #RealTalk #MentalHealthMatters #RelationshipGoals #ParentingJourney #MomLife #FamilyConversations #CandidParenting Tune in now for practical tips, a few laughs, and lots of heart. Together, we’re learning, growing, and thriving—one imperfect day at a time!   Links & Resources: 📘 Check out more episodes of Thrive Like a Parent - https://drbrookeweinstein.com/thrive-podcast/ 📸 Follow Dr. B on Instagram -   https://bit.ly/48VZI5e   🌐 Visit our website for more resources on self-care and well-being - https://drbrookeweinstein.com

EP:167 Ready to thrive through the holiday season? In this episode of Thrive Like a Parent, I sit down with my dear friend and colleague, Dr. Maria Gonzalez, to get real about what makes the holidays so stressful, and more importantly, how you can reclaim joy and peace with practical, actionable strategies. We dive into why holidays can trigger so much sensory overload, emotional dysregulation, and people-pleasing, sharing honest stories from our experiences and those of our clients. You’ll learn why predictability matters for your brain, how to spot your own patterns, and techniques for real-time regulation when family chaos hits. Maria and I both get personal, revealing the boundaries we’ve set (and struggled with!), lessons on gift-giving, and the self-care routines that keep us—and our families—centered and grounded. My biggest wish for you is that you give yourself permission to honor what feels good and real this holiday season. Like I always say, you can’t control every detail, but you can learn to regulate, model self-care for your family, and say “no” without guilt! Want personalized support on your journey to a calmer, more joyful holiday? Reach out for one-on-one coaching—we’re running a special offer right now! Whether this is your first year working on healthy boundaries or you’re ready for next-level holiday wellness, Maria and I are here for you. Links & Resources: 📘 Check out more episodes of Thrive Like a Parent - https://drbrookeweinstein.com/thrive-podcast/ 📸 Follow Dr. B on Instagram -   https://bit.ly/48VZI5e   🌐 Visit our website for more resources on self-care and well-being - https://drbrookeweinstein.com #HolidayStress #ThriveLikeAParent #ParentingDuringHolidays #HolidayBoundaries #SelfCareTips #SensoryOverload #EmotionalRegulation #HolidayWellness #FamilyLife #SayNoWithLove #PodcastSummary #WellnessCoaching

EP:166 In this deeply moving episode of Thrive Like a Parent, I sit down with the incredible Dr. Jessica Zucker, renowned psychologist and author, to break the silence surrounding women’s reproductive and maternal mental health. Together, we open up about the realities of pregnancy loss, grief, and the complexities of motherhood—topics that are so often left unspoken. As someone who has personally endured pregnancy complications and the heartbreak of loss, this conversation meant the world to me. Dr. Zucker honors us with her own powerful story, the inspiration behind her viral #IHadaMiscarriage campaign, and her mission to dismantle stigma through storytelling and advocacy. We talk about what true healing looks like, the pressure to “move on,” and why no experience of motherhood is ever the same. If you've ever struggled in silence or felt alone in your journey, this episode is for you. Together, let’s normalize these conversations, support one another, and create a more compassionate world. 👉 Tune in now, share your story in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for more real, honest conversations about motherhood, mental health, and healing. #ThriveLikeAParent #WomensHealth #PregnancyLoss #MentalHealthMatters #MotherhoodJourney #RealTalk #DrJessicaZucker #IHadaMiscarriage #HealingTogether #BreakTheStigma #MomLife #Podcast #SupportMoms

EP:164 In Part 2 of my conversation with my dear friend, yoga therapist, and fellow widow, Julia Warren, we continue to open up about the raw and real experience of navigating life after loss. We go deeper into what it means to rebuild your identity, find your footing as a solo parent, and make empowered choices that prioritize true healing—not just survival. Together, we explore the emotional layers of grieving while raising children, maintaining your sense of self, and protecting your peace amidst outside opinions, business pressures, and the well-meaning but often overwhelming support of others. This episode sheds light on why authentic community matters, how to recognize when something isn’t aligned for your mental health, and the courage it takes to walk your own path when the world expects you to “be okay” before you are. If you’ve been searching for reassurance, connection, or permission to take healing at your own pace—this conversation is for you. You are not alone in this. If today’s episode resonates, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may need encouragement. I’d love to hear your story—connect with me on Instagram @BrookeWeinst and let’s continue building a supportive space, together. #HealingAfterLoss #ThriveLikeAParent #GriefSupport #Widowhood #authentichealing  Links & Resources: 📘 Check out more episodes of Thrive Like a Parent - https://drbrookeweinstein.com/thrive-podcast/ 📸 Follow Dr. B on Instagram -   https://bit.ly/48VZI5e   🌐 Visit our website for more resources on self-care and well-being - https://drbrookeweinstein.com Listen in for real conversation, grounded guidance, and reminders that you are allowed to heal in your own time.

EP:163 In this episode of the Thrive Like a Parent podcast, I sit down with my dear friend Julia Warren, a yoga therapist and fellow widow, to share an honest, vulnerable conversation about navigating grief, solo parenting, and genuine healing after loss. We open up about what it really means to choose yourself during hard times, how to find strength through authenticity, and the importance of trusting your own journey—even when surrounded by judgment, business challenges, and well-intentioned but misguided support. Julia and I discuss our personal experiences with widowhood, the ups and downs of recovery, building stable homes for our children, and learning to set boundaries that protect our peace. Our talk gets real about the pitfalls of quick fixes, misleading promises in the wellness space, and why building an authentic, supportive community matters so much. If you’ve ever struggled with grief, wrestled with guilt, or doubted your own strength on the path to rebuilding your life, this episode is for you. Remember: you are not alone, and it’s okay to ask for help on the road to healing. If today’s conversation resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who may need support. I’d love to hear your story—connect with me on Instagram @BrookeWeinst and let’s keep this community growing. #HealingAfterLoss #ThriveLikeAParent #GriefSupport #Widowhood #AuthenticHealing Listen in for real stories, uplifting advice, and resources to help you thrive through any season of life.

EP:163 Hey friends, it’s Brooke! On this episode of the podcast, I was honored to sit down with the incredible Dr. Jody Carrington—clinical psychologist, speaker, and all-around powerhouse in the world of mental health. We dive deep into what it truly means to build connection in an increasingly disconnected world, and why asking “what happened here?” is more powerful than ever. Dr. Jody shares her journey from small-town Alberta to working with families and first responders, revealing hard truths about trauma, the challenges of modern parenting, and the epidemic of loneliness facing us today. We open up about the pressure to “get it right” as parents, the misconceptions of the DSM, and the importance of showing vulnerability—especially for men and fathers, who often aren’t given the emotional language tools they need. This episode is raw, honest, and packed with insights for parents, caregivers, and anyone seeking real conversations around mental health. Let’s keep the conversation going! Head over to DrJodyCarrington.com for more resources, follow her in IG @drjodycarrington or DM me with your thoughts—I LOVE hearing your stories. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and join our community for more honest looks behind the scenes of parenting and personal growth. #MentalHealthMatters #ParentingPodcast #AuthenticConnection #EmotionalWellness #BreakTheStigma #TraumaInformed #ParentingSupport #YouAreNotAlone #BrookeWeinstein #DrJodyCarrington Tune in, and let’s walk each other home!

EP:162 Hey there, it’s Brooke! In this episode of the Thrive Like a Parent Podcast, I sit down with the incredible Caitlin Murray from Big Time Adulting for a raw, honest, and hilarious deep-dive into the real life of modern parenting. We jump right in—talking about what it means to be an authentic parent, letting go of perfection, and why sometimes, it’s OK to just laugh at the chaos. Caitlin opens up about her journey as a mom to a childhood cancer survivor, how those challenging years taught her to trust her instincts, and navigating the world of gentle parenting without losing her sense of self (or humor). We also discuss the realities of parenting through a pandemic and how motherhood changes as we move through our 30s and 40s—including hormonal shifts and the importance of self-care. We get into why social media can be both a lifeline and a landmine for moms, and how the pressure to always get it “right” can actually hold us back. If you’re ever doubting yourself as a parent or feeling overwhelmed by parenting advice, this episode is here to remind you: YOU are enough. Trust your gut, embrace the messy moments, and don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way. Ready for more real talk about parenting, self-acceptance, and thriving as the perfectly imperfect mom you are? Hit subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and let us know your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram! #Parenting #Motherhood #GentleParenting #AuthenticParenting #ThriveLikeAParent #ModernMotherhood #MomLife #SelfCareForMoms #Perimenopause #BigTimeAdulting #Podcast #BrookeWeinstein #CaitlinMurray #RealTalk #MentalHealth #WomenEmpowerment Want more? Follow me @ThriveLikeAParent and Caitlin @BigTimeAdulting on Instagram for daily inspiration, honest stories, and a whole lot of laughs!

EP:161 In this episode of Thrive Like a Parent, I sit down with pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Courtney from 360 Wellness for an in-depth conversation about pelvic floor health, women's wellness, and holistic healthcare. We debunk common myths about pelvic floor exercises (including why Kegels might not be the solution you've been told they are) and discuss evidence-based approaches to help women feel strong, confident, and pain-free. What You'll Learn About Pelvic Floor Health: Dr. Courtney shares her journey from CrossFit athlete experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction to becoming a women's health physical therapist revolutionizing patient care. She explains why traditional medical approaches often fail women and how her integrative, whole-body treatment method addresses physical, mental, and emotional health. Topics Covered in This Women's Health Podcast: Pelvic floor dysfunction: symptoms, causes, and treatment options Why Kegels aren't always the answer for pelvic floor strength The benefits of progressive strength training for women's health How to advocate for yourself in healthcare settings Common mistakes that worsen pelvic floor issues (like chronic glute and core gripping) Managing burnout and perfectionism while prioritizing wellness Holistic approaches to postpartum recovery and women's fitness Whether you're dealing with pelvic floor issues, seeking postpartum wellness guidance, or simply want to optimize your women's health routine, this episode provides practical, science-backed strategies for lasting results. Ready to transform your approach to women's wellness? Subscribe to Thrive Like a Parent, leave a review, and share this episode with women who need expert pelvic floor health information. Connect with us: Follow host Brooke Weinstein: @brookeweinst Follow Dr. Courtney: @thefemaleathlete.doc #PelvicFloorHealth #WomensHealthPodcast #PelvicFloorPhysicalTherapy #HolisticWellness #StrengthTrainingForWomen #PostpartumRecovery #WomensWellness #PelvicFloorDysfunction #WomensFitness #ThriveLikeAParent #HealthPodcast #WomensHealthcare #CoreStrength #FunctionalFitness