

The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician Mom
Dr. Mona Amin
The PedsDocTalk Podcast is your go-to parenting resource, hosted by Dr. Mona Amin, a trusted pediatrician, parenting expert, and mom of two. As a top 30 Parenting Podcast in the U.S., this show delivers expert-backed guidance on child development, health, illness, behavior, feeding, and sleep—giving parents the confidence to navigate every stage from baby to teen.
Each episode dives into real-life parenting challenges, featuring conversations with specialists in pediatrics, child psychology, nutrition, and parental well-being. From potty training and sleep training to tackling tantrums, picky eating, discipline, screen time, postpartum recovery, and developmental milestones, Dr. Mona provides practical, science-backed advice that actually works.
Tune in on Mondays and Wednesdays for actionable insights, mindset shifts, and expert interviews that empower you to raise healthy, resilient, and happy kids—while thriving as a parent yourself!
Each episode dives into real-life parenting challenges, featuring conversations with specialists in pediatrics, child psychology, nutrition, and parental well-being. From potty training and sleep training to tackling tantrums, picky eating, discipline, screen time, postpartum recovery, and developmental milestones, Dr. Mona provides practical, science-backed advice that actually works.
Tune in on Mondays and Wednesdays for actionable insights, mindset shifts, and expert interviews that empower you to raise healthy, resilient, and happy kids—while thriving as a parent yourself!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 18, 2024 • 36min
Encouraging positive behaviors in kids without enabling
As parents in the modern age; we want to undo a lot of the things that didn’t serve us as children and sometimes in our attempts to do better we can swing completely in the other direction and over-validate our children and enable undesired behaviors rather than encourage positive ones. I welcome Zack Kasabo who is a certified school counselor and parent coach.
We discuss:
What enabling of behaviors actually means
Why children are learning “learned helplessness”
What corrective validation is and how to use it
To connect with Zack Kasabo follow him on Instagram @mybehaviorguide and check out all his resources at https://coachkasabo.info/.
Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.
Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. Join the newsletter!
And don’t forget to follow @pedsdoctalkpodcast on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 11, 2024 • 44min
Sleep-training: What the evidence does or doesn't say
There is a lot of division and polarizing views when it comes to sleep and things like sleep-training. Sleep training is not a necessity; but many families want to approach it and want to know what the evidence does or doesn’t show. I welcome Sujay Kansagra who is a pediatric neurologist and sleep medicine physician at Duke who has dedicated his life to helping kids (and their parents) sleep better. He knows sleep and the importance of it. He joins me to discuss:
Terminology and what sleep-training is or isn’t
What data and resources we do have surrounding sleep-training and various methods
Misconceptions surrounding sleep-training
Resources:Review on Sleep Training DataControlled Cortisol and Sleep Training Research Study“Sleeping Through the Night” ArticleWide Range of Normal Sleep ArticlePedsDocTalk Podcast Cry Babies: Cortisol Research and Secure AttachmentTo connect with Dr. Sujay Kansagra follow him on Instagram @thatsleepdoc and check out all his resources at https://linktr.ee/thatsleepdoc.For more watch Dr. Mona's "Handling Infant and Toddler Sleep Regressions" on YouTube.Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 4, 2024 • 39min
Change doesn't have to be so hard: A Five Step Framework for Navigating Life Transitions
We are constantly going through life transitions and as a new parent it can feel like it’s a CONSTANT. As your child develops, you are constantly going through major transitions as well. Becoming a new mom (or caregiver), maybe going back to work, your child starting school, health issues, etc. Change is constant in our lives but it can sometimes FEEL so hard. I welcome Dr. Krista Klein who has a PhD in interdisciplinary education, scholar, and mother dedicated to supporting other women who are navigating major transitions in their personal and professional lives.
She joins me to discuss:
Why change is hard and how we can take control of change
The “SNAP to Impact” framework for change and why it’s helpful
Why processing stress, burnout, and trauma is important in managing major life transitions
To connect with Krista Klein follow her on Instagram @drkristaklein and head to https://www.drkristaklein.com/ for more resources.
Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.
Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. Join the newsletter!
And don’t forget to follow @pedsdoctalkpodcast on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 28, 2024 • 46min
How to start talking to your kids about SEX
Early and open conversations with children about sex are important and especially key to start from a young age. Using proper anatomical terms avoid shame and foster safety. I welcome moms Mary Flo Ridley and Megan Michelson from Birds & Bees, who are helping parents stop feeling nervous about these conversations and instead find empowerment through their guidance and practice.
We discuss:
That open and continuous dialogue about sex and bodily autonomy helps normalize these topics
How age-appropriate small discussions and explanations are better than having a single, potentially overwhelming conversation like “The Talk” later on.
The importance of teaching children boundaries like “no means no” in all contexts, including sexual situations
To connect with Megan and Mary Flo follow them on Instagram @birds_bees and purchase The Birds & Bees Online Course - use code PEDSDOCTALK20 to get 20% off.
Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.
Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. Join the newsletter!
And don’t forget to follow @pedsdoctalkpodcast on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 21, 2024 • 51min
Why we hate triple-feeding and what to do instead
If you have ever had to triple feed OR if someone ever recommends 'triple feeding,' you need to listen to this episode. Triple feeding is when a mom nurses, pumps, and supplements breast milk or formula, and IT IS EXHAUSTING and not sustainable. I welcome Victoria Facelli, a fellow IBCLC-lactation consultant and author of Feed the Baby, who is changing how we talk about feeding babies.
We discuss:
What triple feeding is and why it’s not sustainable
The problem with lactation education and how we got to triple feeding as an option in the first place
How someone can balance milk production, feeding the baby, and sleep
To connect with Victoria Facelli follow her on Instagram @victoria.facelli.ibclc and purchase her book “Feed the Baby”.
Follow me @pedsdoctalk on Instagram for entry information to this week's giveaway.
Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.
Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. Join the newsletter!
And don’t forget to follow @pedsdoctalkpodcast on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 14, 2024 • 48min
"They Called us Exceptional:" The downfall of the model-minority narrative
The model-minority myth is harmful to our mental health, particularly within immigrant communities. The myth promotes an idealized image of Asian Americans as universally successful, hardworking, and problem-free, which sets unrealistic standards and pressures individuals to conform to a narrow definition of success. I welcome Prachi Gupta to talk about the model-minority narrative and the impact it has on all of us and on the changes needed for future generations.
We discuss:
How her personal family dynamics led her to investigate the impact of the model-minority myth
The mental health struggles that come with pressure from parents
Why we need to provide acceptance and love rather than pressure and perfectionism
To connect with Prachi Gupta follow her on Instagram @prachigu. For more resources visit the Prachi.co or purchase her debut memoir “They Called Us Exceptional” on Bookshop.org. Hardcover copies are available now or paperback is available for pre-order and out in stores Aug 20.
Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.
Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. Join the newsletter!
And don’t forget to follow @pedsdoctalkpodcast on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 7, 2024 • 20min
Robin Arzón on Finding Joy as a Mom by Sharing the Care with Her Village
#PhilipsPartner Sharing the responsibilities during the fourth trimester is crucial, especially when balancing motherhood and a career. Prioritizing self-care while leaning on baby’s care team helps you find joy in everyday moments. In this episode, I chat with Robin Arzón, a Peloton instructor and mother of two, to discuss:
The importance of maintaining physical and emotional well-being through movement, breath work, and self-care practices
The critical role of a support network in balancing the demands of motherhood with her career
How using Philips Avent bottles allowed Robin the flexibility to switch between breastfeeding and bottle feeding
And so much more!
Connect with Robin on Instagram @robinnyc. To learn more about Philips Avent and their suite of baby products that allow you to share the care, visit avent.com #ShareTheCareCheck out my weekly videos on child health & development by subscribing to PedsDocTalk on YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 31, 2024 • 33min
Red Light, Green Light foods: Why labeling foods as “good” or “bad” can do more harm than good
The Red Light, Green Light food labeling system has been around to categorize foods as good and bad and was initially created to support weight loss in children with obesity. However, there are many flaws to this system that can backfire when it comes to child health. I welcome Dr. Taylor Arnold, a PhD, registered dietician, and founder of Growing Intuitive Eaters. She is on a mission to foster a healthy relationship with food and teach adults how to talk to kids about food in a positive way.
She joins me to discuss:
Why labeling systems for food is not conducive to creating a healthy relationship with food
Why “talking less and showing more” can be a helpful strategy to encourage balanced eating
Phrases to avoid when talking about foods with kids
Connect with Dr. Taylor Arnold on Instagram @growing.intuitive.eaters and visit growingintuitiveeaters.com for more resources.
Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.
Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. Join the newsletter!
And don’t forget to follow @pedsdoctalkpodcast on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 24, 2024 • 21min
Is my child shy or is it anxiety?
Dr. Melissa Giglio, a child clinical psychologist and author based in Hong Kong, unpacks the often-misunderstood world of childhood shyness and anxiety. She clarifies the differences between the two, stressing that not all shy children have anxiety disorders. Dr. Giglio shares effective strategies to support anxious kids in new situations, emphasizing patience and encouragement. She also discusses the potential harm of labeling children as 'shy' and the importance of fostering a nurturing environment to promote their emotional growth.

Jul 17, 2024 • 37min
Why Strength Training is Important in Pregnancy and Beyond
On this show, I welcome guests to chat about parenting and parental health, especially maternal physical and mental health. Taking care of ourselves is just as important as caring for our children. On this episode, I welcome sisters Amy Kiefer and Krystle Howald, founders and creators of Expecting and Empowered. They join me to discuss:
Why strength training is important in various stages of our life
Mindset shifts and reframing to approaching strength training and working out during pregnancy and postpartum
How to build strength training into our busy lives
Connect with Amy and Krystle on Instagram @expectingandempowered. For more resources, visit expectingandempowered.com.
Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.
Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. Join the newsletter!
And don’t forget to follow @pedsdoctalkpodcast on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


