Authentic Parenting

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. 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. 

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. 

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.   

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.   

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.   

Clinical psychologist and the author of the award-winning book, Sexism & Sensibility: Raising Empowered, Resilient Girls in the Modern World on healthy entitlement for girls, how to recognize and combat sexism in our own parenting, how to talk about misogyny, stereotyping, objectification, and consent with kids of all ages and much more.  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. 

The Authentic Parenting Podcast is turning 10 years old this August.  🎉 👉 Would you consider sending me a short voice note? Here are a few prompts to guide you: What do you love about the show? What are your favorite topics or episodes? What lessons or insights have stayed with you? (Be specific—I’d love examples!) What sayings or ideas do you come back to? (One of mine: “Trauma blocks love, love heals trauma.”) Why do you keep listening? What makes Authentic Parenting your favorite podcast? You can: Record a voice note on your phone and email it to me at info@authenticparenting.com Use the SpeakPipe tool to send it directly: authenticparenting.com/contact Or call 732-763-2576 and leave a voicemail 📅 Please submit your voice message by August 21. Your voice will be featured in our celebratory episode. Want to help us celebrate? 🙌 We don’t work with sponsors or advertisers; we rely on listener support. If this show has brought you insight, comfort, or inspiration, please consider supporting us: Make a donation in any amount at: authenticparenting.com/support Join us on Patreon: patreon.com/authenticparenting 💬 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite app—it helps others find the show. 📲 Share your favorite episode on social media and tag me using #authenticparenting  

Charles C. Daniels Jr., PhD, co-founder and CEO of Fathers’ UpLift, discusses the significance of inner child work in empowering fathers. He highlights how understanding one's emotional needs helps fathers reconnect with their children. The conversation highlights the emotional toll of father absence and its effects on mental health, especially in communities of color. Daniels encourages men to process trauma and embrace their vulnerabilities for healthier parenting. He also challenges stereotypes about absentee fathers, emphasizing their active roles despite societal barriers.

Susan Dominus, long-time staff writer for The New York Times Magazine on why individual parenting decisions may have less influence on our children’s achievements than we tend to think—and why we should have more appreciation for how siblings can impact each other’s lives. What's the secret behind high acheiving families? What do they do differently? Are their common factors? Some of the surprsing factors were parental expectations, family cutlure, values, how siblings inlfunce one another, and family mottos. Her book THE FAMILY DYNAMIC: A Journey into the Mystery of Sibling Success  New to the podcast? Not sure where to start? Download our free TRAUMA KIT — a curated guide with live links to 10 powerful, handpicked episodes to get you started. Explore how trauma shapes your body, brain, nervous system, and relationships — and discover pathways to healing and transformation. Featuring world-renowned experts like Gabor Maté, Deb Dana, Thema Bryant, Paul Conti, and more.  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.