Authentic Parenting

00:00 – Introduction to Andrea Leigh Rogers 02:15 – From dancer to wellness entrepreneur 04:40 – Creating Xtend: blending Pilates and dance 06:55 – The birth of Small Moves, Big Life 09:10 – Why small moves matter 11:25 – Escaping the cycle of overwhelm 13:45 – Motivation follows action 16:05 – Redefining success for modern women 18:30 – The FEEL framework explained 21:10 – Letting go of mom guilt 23:25 – Doing less, living more 25:50 – Finding joy in movement 28:15 – Simplifying routines and priorities 31:00 – Self-compassion in daily life 33:20 – Raising confident, balanced kids 36:10 – Andrea's final message of encouragement LINKS AND RESOURCES Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail.  info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services.  Podcast Production by Aminur: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~019855d91718719d11

Seth Gillihan, PhD says the path to peace isn't fixing yourself — it's expanding yourself. We explore how to stop chasing "better" and start living fully, now. We'll explore mindfulness practices, stoic wisdom, and practical tools for quieting anxiety, facing fear, and reclaiming presence in a culture that conditions us to believe we are broken.  00:00 — Why we're wrong about self-improvement 02:45 — The hidden cost of chasing perfection 07:30 — The real location of happiness A surprising shift in perspective that could change your life. 12:15 — Self-worth sabotage How society quietly convinces us we're not enough — and what to do about it. 17:40 — Self-expansion vs. self-improvement A game-changing distinction most people miss entirely. 22:10 — The overlooked truth about worry and how to break free from it. 28:55 — Doing it scared 34:20 — Stoic practices that actually work Simple, practical tools that could transform your daily life. 40:10 — Secrets to avoiding burnout A mindset shift and daily ritual that keeps energy high. 45:00 — The closing truth OTHER EPSIODES YOU MAY LIKE The Power of Acceptance with Seth Gillihan, PhD (LIVE PODCAST) Finding Healing, Peace and Joy with Seth Gillihan, PhD-Part 1 LINKS AND RESOURCES Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail.  info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services.  Podcast Production by Aminur: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~019855d91718719d11

Hey dear listener, this is Anna Seewald. I have a quick favor to ask! I'm working on a creative project and I'd love your participation. It won't take long. Here's what I'd like you to do: fill in the blank in this sentence — "Authentic Parenting is a podcast about…" — in your own words, based on your own understanding. Then record it — yes, I need your voice! — and send it to me. You can record on your phone using the Voice Memo app and email it to info@authenticparenting.com. Or, you can call 732-763-2576 and leave a voicemail. If you use WhatsApp, you can send a voice note directly to that same number. Some listeners have also used Facebook Messenger to send a voice note — that works too! And finally, you can use the SpeakPipe tool on the contact page of my website. Just one important thing — it has to be a voice message. If you send it in writing, I won't be able to use it. Please do it as soon as you can — I truly can't wait to hear your voice. Thank you for being part of the Authentic Parenting community!

Dr. Levin on the often misunderstood topic of traumatic grief — how it differs from ordinary grief, why it can feel so overwhelming, and what truly helps in the healing process. 00:00 – Introduction to thanatology and grief work 02:15 – What makes grief traumatic 05:20 – Traumatic vs. non-traumatic loss 07:45 – Common reactions after sudden loss 10:05 – When grief becomes stuck 12:30 – Stabilizing the nervous system 15:10 – How trauma impacts meaning-making 17:40 – The theory of shattered assumptions 20:25 – Post-traumatic growth and hope 23:00 – Continuing bonds with the deceased 25:35 – Integrating loss and healing 28:10 – Supporting others through grief LINKS AND RESOURCES Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail.  info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services.  Podcast Production by Aminur: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~019855d91718719d11

Licensed Clinical Social Worker and trauma therapist Estefana Johnson shares what makes CMI unique, how it differs from other trauma modalities like EMDR, why our nervous system often overrides logic, and how tuning into 'signals' — rather than symptoms — can transform healing. (00:00) Introduction to CMI — what Critical Memory Integration is and how it reframes "symptoms" as "signals." (03:45) Difference Between CMI and EMDR — how CMI diverges from EMDR in theory, process, and focus on organic experience processing. (08:20) The Roots and Creation of CMI — how the model emerged from integrating multiple trauma modalities into one cohesive approach. (11:10) Present-Day Focus — why CMI starts with current discomfort rather than diving directly into past memories. (14:25) The Mind vs. the Nervous System — why mindset alone isn't enough and how the nervous system shapes perception and healing. (18:40) Understanding "Critical Memories" — what makes some memories so influential and how they form lifelong behavioral patterns. (22:15) Beyond "Big T" and "Small T" Trauma — why trauma categories are subjective and how CMI honors each person's lived experience. (26:00) The CMI Process — how clinicians assess tolerance for discomfort and guide clients through following body-based signals. (33:10) A Self-Guided CMI Practice — a simple exercise for tuning into sensations and emotions with curiosity and compassion. (40:00) Integration, Compassion, and Regulation — the role of self-compassion, co-regulation, and practical tools like breathwork in healing. (45:30) Closing Reflections — trusting your body's wisdom and learning more about CMI training through Arise Alliance. Podcast Production by Aminur: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~019855d91718719d11

Dr. Amy Apigian on the fascinating and often overlooked—biology of trauma.  [00:00] Introduction and shared connection around trauma, resilience, and Armenian heritage. [05:00] Story of becoming a foster parent during medical training and first encounter with childhood trauma. [15:00] Struggles of supporting traumatized children without adequate tools or professional guidance. [25:00] Personal health breakdown leading to chronic fatigue, autoimmunity, and a deeper look into trauma biology. [35:00] Discovery that therapy alone wasn't enough — biology and physiology also play key roles in trauma. [45:00] Explanation of stress at the cellular level, mitochondria changes, and the "cell danger response." [55:00] Distinction between stress, overwhelm, trauma, and how burnout develops. [01:05:00] How trauma is stored in memory and physiology, with a personal story illustrating hidden trauma. [01:20:00] Exploration of chronic pain, sleep issues, IBS, and how they relate to a dysregulated nervous system. [01:35:00] Survival mode shuts down detoxification and accumulates toxins over years, leading to illness. [01:45:00] Why nervous system regulation is the essential first step in healing — but not the full solution. [01:55:00] Introduction of cellular repair to address oxidative stress, DNA damage, and generational trauma. [02:10:00] A holistic framework for healing: mind, body, and biology working together ("small hinges move big doors"). [02:25:00] Guidance on where to start: choosing manageable steps that build momentum and confidence. [02:35:00] Closing reflections on living more fully alive, plus resources, book, and social links. LINKS AND RESOURCES Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail.  info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services.  Podcast Production by Aminur: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~019855d91718719d11

Todd Sarner is a parenting coach and psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience helping families turn daily power struggles and emotional chaos into connection, calm, and cooperation at home. [00:00] Introduction — why quick fixes on social media backfire [02:35] What parents really need instead [05:10] The foundational role of attachment [08:25] "Collect before you direct" explained [12:00] Walking the middle path between chaos and rigidity [16:40] Parenting as our kids (and we) grow and evolve [20:15] What children need most from us today [24:50] How Todd's philosophy has shifted over time [29:30] Practical tools: bridging and matchmaking [34:15] The Disney Hug Rule for connection [38:20] The magic of satiation hugs [42:00] Closing reflections and takeaways   LINKS AND RESOURCES Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail.  info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services.  *This episode was edited and produced by Aminur. If you need expert support to bring your dream podcast to life — from editing to full production — Aminur can help make it happen. You'll find his link in the show notes. Podcast Production by Aminur: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~019855d91718719d11

What if the biggest thing standing in the way of the parent you want to isn't your lack of patience, or the right parenting strategy—but your own unresolved trauma? My guest today, Dr. Robyn Koslowitz, is a clinical child psychologist, trauma expert, and author of Post-Traumatic Parenting. She explains how the "trauma app" we download in childhood keeps running in the background of our parenting—and how to finally rewrite it. LINKS AND RESOURCES Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail.  info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services.  *This episode was edited and produced by Aminur. If you need expert support to bring your dream podcast to life — from editing to full production — Aminur can help make it happen. You'll find his link in the show notes. Podcast Production by Aminur: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~019855d91718719d11

Anna Seewald, a psychologist, educator, and parent coach, shares empowering insights from her keynote talk aimed at teens. She discusses how to embrace fear and take action to cultivate motivation and confidence. Anna emphasizes that doing hard things leads to personal growth, backed by brain science and personal stories. She also touches on the importance of self-compassion, resilience, and connecting with our loved ones. The talk concludes with a heartfelt letter of gratitude from her daughter, underlining the power of support in facing life's challenges.

Leora Tanenbaum, author of Sexy Selfie Nation, on how slut-shaming has evolved—and worsened—in the digital age. She unpacks how what was once a whispered insult has become a widespread, inescapable form of abuse—amplified by smartphones, social media, and AI-powered deepfakes. She talks about how "self-sexualizing" can feel like control—but isn't, the three systemic forces fueling non-consensual sexualization, and how parents can approach these tough conversations with empathy—not shame.  LINKS AND RESOURCES Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15) 732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail.  info@authenticparenting.com Send audio messages using Speakpipe. Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services.  *This episode was edited and produced by Aminur. If you need expert support to bring your dream podcast to life — from editing to full production — Aminur can help make it happen. You'll find his link in the show notes. Podcast Production by Aminur: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~019855d91718719d11