ScreenStrong Families

In this special episode, originally aired on the Developing Minds podcast and shared with permission, host Mariana Carazo sits down with Mandee Hamann from ScreenStrong to explore how early tech exposure impacts brain development—and what parents can do about it.Mandee and Mariana discuss practical insights grounded in brain science, emphasizing the vital role of play in early childhood and the importance of delaying tech for as long as possible. Drawing from experience, they offer simple, effective strategies to reduce screens at home, encourage real-world engagement, and support kids in developing strong social, emotional, and cognitive foundations.Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or educator, this conversation is full of empowering information to help you make intentional choices that protect childhood and promote healthy brain development.Support the showDon't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong! Get your copy of the BRAND NEW KBS Home Edition! Start your ScreenStrong Journey today! Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more! Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador! ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount) Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount) Production Team: Host: Melanie Hempe Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Dr. Andrew Doan, a doctor, welcomes Melanie Hempe, a registered nurse and founder of ScreenStrong, to discuss the challenges of screen addiction in children. They share Melanie's personal journey, sparked by her son's video game struggles. The conversation dives into the neuroscience behind screen overuse and its dangers to developing brains. They offer practical strategies for families to unplug and reconnect, emphasize the importance of real-life interactions, and explore the positive impacts of reducing screen time on mental health and overall development.

In this encore episode of the ScreenStrong Families Podcast, Melanie Hempe revisits an important conversation with Dr. Douglas Gentile, award-winning research scientist, educator, author, and professor of developmental psychology at Iowa State University.Together, they dive into the scientific research behind the addictive nature of video games and explore why many parents struggle to accept the mounting evidence. Dr. Gentile explains how gaming impacts children's developing brains, why certain games are designed to keep kids playing, and how overuse can prevent them from building real-world skills.He also offers a preview of what’s ahead in the fields of diagnosis and screening tools for screen overuse, equipping parents with insight into how science is catching up with what many families are already experiencing.Dr. Gentile shares practical advice for parents: set limits, create balance, and stand firm even when children resist. As he wisely cautions: “Don’t feed the bears.” His message is clear—it’s worth the effort to protect your child’s development. “Trust that parenting matters.”If you missed this episode the first time, or need a fresh reminder of why boundaries around gaming are so critical, this is a must-listen encore.Support the showDon't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong! Get your copy of the BRAND NEW KBS Home Edition! Start your ScreenStrong Journey today! Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more! Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador! ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount) Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount) Production Team: Host: Melanie Hempe Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In today’s episode, Melanie Hempe sits down with Dan Rothert—a former college soccer coach, now consultant, and proud ScreenStrong dad—to share how he and his wife, Karen, a middle school teacher, successfully raised three thriving teens without personal smartphones. Yes, you read that right: no phones, no pushback—and no regrets.Dan’s story challenges the cultural script and shows that strong leadership and intentional parenting can lead to emotionally resilient, socially confident, and academically successful kids—all without the constant presence of a screen.You’ll hear:The “why” behind their no-phone decisionHow they built a family culture that made pushback almost nonexistentThe real-life benefits their teens have experiencedHow to respond to doubters and criticsAnd one powerful piece of advice Dan has for every parent on the fenceThis episode is a breath of fresh air and a beacon of hope for families feeling overwhelmed by digital pressure. You are not alone—and yes, this is possible for your family too.Support the showDon't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong! Get your copy of the BRAND NEW KBS Home Edition! Start your ScreenStrong Journey today! Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more! Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador! ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount) Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount) Production Team: Host: Melanie Hempe Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this urgent and eye-opening episode of the ScreenStrong Families Podcast, host Melanie Hempe is joined by child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Adriana Stacey to tackle one of the most difficult, but essential, topics facing parents today: early porn exposure.Drawing from real-world stories and powerful brain science, Melanie and Dr. Stacey explain why today’s digital landscape is especially dangerous for young, developing brains—and how porn exposure can become a deeply traumatic memory that sticks for life. But there’s good news: parents are not powerless.Together, they offer seven practical, research-backed strategies to protect your child from porn exposure and help them build a healthy, shame-free foundation for digital habits. From ditching personal devices and limiting sleepovers to starting age-appropriate conversations early, this episode provides the tools you need to defend your child's innocence and mental health.Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or educator, this episode will help you move from fear to action—and give you the confidence to say no to toxic tech and yes to ScreenStrong solutions.🔗 Resources Mentioned:Kids Brains & Screens CurriculumCanopy Filter (Recommended Parental Controls)ScreenStrong Ambassador ProgramPrevious episode with Smith Alley on talking to kids about pornSupport the showDon't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong! Get your copy of the BRAND NEW KBS Home Edition! Start your ScreenStrong Journey today! Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more! Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador! ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount) Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount) Production Team: Host: Melanie Hempe Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Join entrepreneur Chet Kittleson, founder of Tin Can, as he champions the power of offline connections. He shares insights on raising kids in a screen-saturated world and introduces an innovative communication device that boosts family ties, especially with grandparents. Chet emphasizes the importance of teaching children effective communication skills and discusses strategies for fostering healthy digital habits. Dive into his vision for an analog lifestyle that promotes well-being and authentic relationships, making family moments richer and more meaningful.

This episode deals with mature topics (suicide, cyberbullying, sextortion). Listener discretion is advised.In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Melanie is joined by Brian Montgomery—a devoted husband and father of four—who bravely shares the heartbreaking story of his son, Walker. Walker tragically lost his life to the devastating effects of sextortion on Instagram, and Brian’s raw transparency is a courageous gift that offers hope and awareness to families everywhere.Through this emotional conversation, Brian reflects on the painful lessons learned and offers critical insights every parent needs to hear. His mission is clear: to prevent other families from experiencing the same unimaginable loss. Join us as we honor Walker’s memory and uncover essential truths that can help protect our children in today’s digital world.Support the showDon't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong! Get your copy of the BRAND NEW KBS Home Edition! Start your ScreenStrong Journey today! Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more! Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador! ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount) Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount) Production Team: Host: Melanie Hempe Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Why do smart, caring kids get stuck in harmful digital habits—and why do even the best parenting strategies sometimes fall flat? In this compelling conversation, Melanie Hempe sits down with psychologist and author Dr. Richard Freed to discuss his groundbreaking new book and the manipulative force shaping youth culture today: Persuasive Design.Dr. Freed explains how powerful tech companies use behavioral science to keep kids scrolling, gaming, and glued to screens—often at the expense of their mental health, relationships, and futures. They dive into the research behind screen addiction, the myth of “safe” screen time, and the science that parents must understand to protect their kids.You’ll walk away from this episode informed, empowered, and equipped with practical steps to reclaim your child’s attention—and your family’s connection.In This Episode:What persuasive design is—and how it targets your childWhy traditional parenting advice often fails in the digital ageThe role of Silicon Valley psychologists in youth screen addictionReal-life solutions for pushing back against Big Tech’s influenceWhy family connection is the antidote to persuasive techThis is a conversation every parent needs to hear.Support the showDon't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong! Get your copy of the BRAND NEW KBS Home Edition! Start your ScreenStrong Journey today! Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more! Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador! ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount) Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount) Production Team: Host: Melanie Hempe Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Dive into the harsh realities of modern adolescence as the hosts explore a powerful Netflix film that reveals the dangerous disconnect between teens and their families. They tackle the alarming normalization of harmful online behavior and the hidden digital languages used by kids. Emphasizing the need for proactive parenting, they question how families can better connect in a digital age. With a call to action, the conversation stresses the importance of reclaiming influence and fostering meaningful communication to prevent tragedy.

Mandee Hamann, a leading speaker on the impact of screens on children, joins the conversation. They unveil the new Home Edition of Kids’ Brains & Screens, designed for family use. Key differences between this and the Student Edition are discussed, emphasizing the importance of education in managing screen time. Inspiring teacher testimonials highlight the curriculum's success in schools. Mandee and her co-host also share strategies for parents and community-building through book clubs, empowering families to discuss screen effects collaboratively.