Struggle Care

Heidi Voet, a seasoned mental health professional and owner of Chapter House Counseling, dives deep into the murky waters of the addiction treatment industry. She reveals the troubling practices in treatment centers, like exploiting insurance loopholes and the commercialization of recovery. Families often face tough dilemmas as they navigate a flawed system. Heidi offers crucial advice: ask probing questions, understand the types of care available, and consider gender-specific treatment options to ensure the best for loved ones.

Virginia Spielmann, an occupational therapist and TEDx speaker, dives deep into the world of sensory health. She emphasizes how sensory experiences influence everything from mental health to daily routines. Virginia discusses the importance of tailoring physical activity to individual needs and highlights the often overlooked role of play in adult wellbeing. She also sheds light on how caregiver responses can shape children's sensory experiences, advocating for understanding and support to nurture autonomy while addressing sensory sensitivities.

Dr. Karla Lester, an expert in metabolic diseases and pediatric obesity, dives into the impact of 'almond mom' parenting on children's mental health and eating behaviors. She highlights the early signs of binge eating disorders and stresses the importance of compassion over compliance when guiding kids' food choices. The conversation tackles the epidemic of insulin resistance, debunking myths around diet culture, and emphasizes the need for parents to aim for positive habit changes and recognize red flags in their children's eating habits.

Dr. Karla Lester, a pediatrician and concerned parent, tackles the weighty issue of pediatric obesity with a compassionate lens. She exposes the damaging diet myths that shape parental beliefs about food. The discussion unpacks the concept of 'almond moms' and their impact on children's body image. Dr. Karla emphasizes the importance of understanding metabolic health beyond mere weight, debunking common health misconceptions. The conversation also highlights the stigma faced by those in larger bodies, especially within healthcare settings.

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.