Dive into the quirky world of niche tea and amusing birdwatching tales. Discover the hilarious drama surrounding birding communities and the competitive spirit that ensues. Explore unexpected content creation challenges, from pyramids to video games. Enjoy a side of academic gossip with comical rivalries and the funniest interactions among scholars. This lighthearted conversation reveals that even niche interests can foster joy and connection in our lives.

Natasha Daniels, a social anxiety therapist and author of the memoir *Out of My Shell*, shares her personal journey with social anxiety. She distinguishes between introversion and social anxiety, highlighting how everyone may experience social anxiety to some degree. Natasha discusses the effects of social media trends on children, and how social anxiety can serve as a defense mechanism. She also emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and offers insights into building resilience and navigating social challenges.

Nicole Bedera, a sociologist and author focused on sexual violence in educational settings, shares her insights on how universities can better address this pressing issue. She discusses the challenges faced by institutions when navigating sexual violence cases and the importance of prioritizing survivor safety. Bedera highlights the myths surrounding perpetrators and emphasizes the need for accountability and transformative change. Through her research, she reveals that many men could stop perpetrating if they faced real consequences, advocating for a cultural shift to prioritize healing and justice.

Mara Mintzer, Co-founder and Executive Director of Growing Up Boulder, champions the idea of including children in city planning. She discusses how involving kids can reshape urban spaces to be more engaging and safe for their needs. Listeners learn about the surprising requests from children for their public spaces and the importance of culturally relevant areas for play. Mintzer also highlights the significance of slowing down to appreciate our environments and the impact of more relaxed parenting styles found in other cultures.

Returning to school as an adult with ADHD comes with unique challenges and insights. The journey includes overcoming misdiagnoses and internal barriers while finding empowerment in self-advocacy. Personal stories reveal struggles with societal stigma and the importance of academic accommodations. The conversation shifts to the value of embracing education at any age and discovering personal growth through new experiences. Listeners are encouraged to pursue their educational paths with confidence, despite past setbacks.

Lindley Gentile is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and author of How to Have the Best Fight of Your Life. In this engaging conversation, she discusses why couples often struggle with conflict and how to improve their 'fighting skills.' Lindley emphasizes the dangers of seeking who's right or wrong and champions using 'I' statements over 'You' statements. She introduces the WWC framework—witness, witness, collaborate—as a pathway to better communication. The importance of empathy during disagreements and the need for a pause in conflicts are also highlighted, offering listeners valuable insights.

Natasha Daniels, an anxiety and OCD child therapist with over two decades of experience and a mother to three children facing similar challenges, shares invaluable insights on childhood OCD. She highlights the distinct differences between OCD and general anxiety, emphasizing the need for nuanced therapies. Discussing common OCD signs in kids, including repetitive questioning, she also addresses the complexities of identifying OCD versus autism. Natasha offers practical strategies for parents to support their children without amplifying their anxiety, blending professional wisdom with heartfelt anecdotes.

Today’s topic of adoption is a sensitive subject for many people. We are covering adoption from a different perspective as we talk to Stacy, an adult adoptee who belongs to a community of adult adoptees who are vehemently opposed to private infant adoption. Join us to learn more!Show Highlights: Meet Stacy and learn her story An overview of differing views of adoption through the years (Are new laws needed?) Examples of laws that are drawing negative feedback from adult adoptees The expense of private infant adoption and the ethical dilemma of a more systemic problem The ratio of parents looking to adopt and available infants A closer look at adoption theology and open adoption The US system that contributes to the number of desperate pregnant women and creates the perfect storm for exploitation, pressure, and propaganda What adopted kids need to know The adoption industry needs a different approach. The nuances of adoption out of foster care For many people, adoption into a “nice” family was/is a fantasy.  Stacy’s viewpoint on what to say–and what NOT to say–to adult adoptees Stacy’s message to adult adoptees Resources and Links:Connect with Stacy: TikTokConnect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and FacebookGet KC’s book, How to Keep House While DrowningWe love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s episode is a follow-up to Episode 65, The Dark Underside of Family Vlogging, Part 1, which aired almost a year ago. My guest from that episode, Cam, returns to discuss her reaction to a recent big development in the world of family vlogging. Cam grew up as the child of one of the first well-known “Mommy bloggers,” and is an international advocate for the children of influencers and family vloggers. She shares her perspective on the new California law. Join us!Show Highlights: Understanding the basics of the Child Content Creator Act in California to protect kids’ rights (similar laws are being passed in Illinois and Minnesota) Legal ramifications for parents who don’t follow “the 30% rule” Children on reality TV shows do NOT fall under the new law. Understanding the Coogan Law Cam’s perspective on the protections of the law for children—and what she wishes the law included “The right to forget”: what it means and why it’s not included in the law Cam’s thoughts about a recent scary cancer diagnosis in light of her past history with vulnerability at the hands of her mom’s vlog Growing up with NO boundaries or privacy Laws in CA, IL, and MN to protect kids from being exploited Resources and Links:Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and FacebookGet KC’s book, How to Keep House While DrowningWe love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore, a clinical psychologist and author specializing in children’s emotional health, discusses the critical distinctions between bullying and ordinary meanness. She emphasizes how mislabeling conflicts can affect resilience. The conversation explores parenting strategies for teaching self-compassion and the significance of understanding online negativity. Dr. Eileen shares techniques to help kids navigate feelings and establish connections, advocating for empathy and acknowledgment of emotions.