Authentic Parenting

Celebrate 10 years of the Authentic Parenting Podcast with this special re-release of episode 300. I reflect on the podcast's evolution, share listener voicemails that are honest and heartwarming, and give you a peek behind the scenes—how episodes come together, special moments from live events, and the stories that make the podcast what it is. Check out the earlier 10-year anniversary episodes: Ten Years, Many Lessons: A Personal Message to Begin 2026 10 Years of Podcasting: Revisiting Our 100th Milestone Episode 10-Year Celebration: Parenting, Podcasting & the Green Stroller Moment Ten Minutes, Ten Years Ago: A Conversation With My 10-Year-Old Traditions, Transitions, and Why 2017 Was an Important Year for the Authentic Parenting Podcast

Reflections, Top Episodes, and Behind-the-Scenes Growth As part of the January 10-year anniversary of the Authentic Parenting podcast, I'm revisiting meaningful milestone episodes from the archives. This throwback to my 2017 year-end reflection highlights key traditions and transitions, behind-the-scenes moments, and the top 10 most downloaded episodes of the year. Whether you're a longtime listener or new to the podcast, this episode invites you to pause, reflect on your own year, and notice how the podcast and parenting has evolved over time.

This episode is such a sweet throwback. We recorded this short, 10-minute conversation with my daughter seven years ago when she was turning 10—and honestly, I had completely forgotten about it. The title says "Two Productivity Secrets from a 10-Year-Old," but what surprised me most wasn't just her insights—it was hearing her sweet voice and noticing how I talked to her. The way I spoke to her then is the way I still speak to her now. Check out the earlier 10-year anniversary episodes: Ten Years, Many Lessons: A Personal Message to Begin 2026 10 Years of Podcasting: Revisiting Our 100th Milestone Episode 10-Year Celebration: Parenting, Podcasting & the Green Stroller Moment

Revisiting the 200th Episode of Authentic Parenting. Longtime listener Lauren Thomas interviews Anna about parenting, podcasting, and the unforgettable "green stroller" moment—an honest, behind-the-scenes look at the show. Lauren asks about some of my most favorite guests, the top three most impactful episodes, and the most authentic moment of the podcast. We talk about interviews that went off the rails, guests who caught me off guard, and moments that challenged me as a parent and host. You'll hear about the most difficult age with my kid, the ways I keep a "go-with-the-flow" approach, the little things that embarrass my tween but I keep doing, and even why a 3-star review made me cry for a week. Check out the earlier 10-year anniversary episodes: Ten Years, Many Lessons: A Personal Message to Begin 2026 10 Years of Podcasting: Revisiting Our 100th Milestone Episode 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

What did it really mean to reach 100 episodes in the early days of podcasting? As part of our 10-year podcast anniversary, we're revisiting the 100th episode—a major podcast milestone at a time when most shows didn't last beyond a few episodes. This special throwback episode includes listener participation, the original podcast intro, and early production from the show's beginnings. A meaningful look back at how this podcast started, what it was built on, and why honoring the past matters as we continue to grow. 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

As the podcast marks its 10-year anniversary, I'm sharing a personal message about the lessons, growth, and moments that shaped this journey. I'll also let you know what's coming up in January as we begin a new year together. 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

This is our final episode of the year, and today I'm doing something I always love—looking back and reflecting. I'll be revealing the Top 10 most downloaded episodes of 2025, sharing why these conversations resonated so deeply, and highlighting a couple of episodes and guests that were personal favorites for me. Top 10 Mastering the Art of Validation: How to Make People Feel Seen and Understood with Caroline Fleck, PhD How to Raise Capable and Resilient Children with Sheryl Ziegler Raising Emotionally Aware Boys Who Turn into Strong Men with Tosha Schore Reclaiming Your Inner Child: Heal the Past and Live Fully with Nina Mongendre The Family Dynamic: The Mystery of Sibling Success with Susan Dominus Why Kids Are Struggling—and How to Help Them Thrive with Ned Johnson Stop People Pleasing: How to Value Yourself and Your Needs with Amy Wilson How to Recover from Burnout by Regulating Your Emotions and Nervous System with Michelle Grosser How to Connect Deeply With Yourself and Others with Kristy Lauricella 7 Ways to Improve Well-Being, Reduce Stress, and Stay Grounded in Difficult Times with Anna Seewald and Laura Froyen 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

In this reflective conversation, Christy Lauricella, a licensed clinical social worker and parent, joins to discuss the past year's highs and lows. They explore themes of grief, sharing personal losses and the impact of mortality on their lives. Christy highlights her newfound school for her son and the restorative yoga retreat she attended. They ponder the importance of intentions, sharing words they've chosen for the upcoming year, and celebrate creative pursuits like yoga and learning. It's a heartfelt reminder to embrace self-compassion and connection.

Jeff Hittner on the invisible pressures dads carry every day—balancing ambition with presence, holding emotions they were never taught to express, feeling the weight of being a provider while wanting to be deeply connected, and silently wondering whether they're doing enough. 03:18 — Why dads default to fixing 06:10 — How conflict exposes emotional patterns you didn't realize you were repeating 09:27 — What happens inside your body in the first seconds of reactivity 12:55 — How shame hides in anger or withdrawal and shifts your parenting 16:40 — Why ambition and presence feel at odds—and how to hold both 19:12 — How the definition of "providing" can create hidden distance 22:03 — What kids actually need from you when they're dysregulated 26:44 — How small repairs rebuild connection after hard moments 29:58 — Why dads often hide their struggles and how vulnerability helps 33:21 — How real-time emotional attunement works—and what derails it 37:49 — What regulated fatherhood looks like in everyday interactions 41:30 — Why self-compassion matters more than perfect parenting 44:56 — How tiny daily habits build long-term emotional resilience 48:20 — What keeps parents stuck in reactive cycles and how to break them 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. Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services.

Dr. Laura Froian, a clinical professional renowned for her expertise in intentional parenting and trauma-informed approaches, joins the conversation on incorporating practical strategies for more connected family life. They explore the impact of screens on presence, the importance of decluttering both mentally and physically, and fostering community to alleviate parental overwhelm. Tips include prioritizing shared meals for connection and viewing technology use as a 'secondhand smoke.' Reflection exercises and adapting strategies as children grow are also highlighted for mindful parenting.