Connecting with Dr. Kim Swales

In this episode Kim interviews Avigail Gimpel, M.S., author of HyperHealing: The Empowered Parent's Complete Guide to Raising a Healthy Child with ADHD Symptoms. As moms to kids with ADHD symptoms, they discuss the research, adapting to the expectations of their environment, school, accommodations, and emotional triggers.  They talk about how having a growth mindset is so helpful to parenting kids with ADHD, how to set up good habits, deal with social struggles and more. Avigail talks about how to build a hyper healing team to hep your child grow and succeed.  Avigail is so encouraging and offers incredible practical support and advice. Avigail's Book Website Instagram 

Kim talks to Brooks Palmer, author of Clutter Busting and Clutter Busting your Life: Clearing Physical and Emotional Clutter to Reconnect with Yourself and Others.  They talk about the role of stuff in our lives, how to examine if your stuff is serving you anymore.  Brooks has so much insight about the role of physical and emotional clutter in our lives. He talks about our inherent worth as human beings and how our stuff is not who we are. Brooks Palmer Website Clutter Busting Clutter Busting your Life: Clearing Physical and Emotional Reconnect with Yourself and Others

In this timely episode, Kim welcomes back Dr. Catherine Schmidt and Dr. Betsy Chung to talk about developing a healthy relationship with news, media and social media. They talk about ways to monitor your news intake to protect your mental health, how to navigate relationships on social media, comparison and how to consume wellness information online. This episode is relevant to everyone right now. Dr. Catherine Schmidt Website Dr. Catherine Schmidt IG Dr. Betsy Chung Website Dr. Betsy Chung IG

In this episode, Kim interviews mom or four, life and style blogger, Jennifer Reid about motherhood. They talk about adjusting emotionally as a mom and a family after kids leave for college. They talk about connecting individually with each child and what they looks like with boys and with girls. Kim and Jen discuss social media and comparison and how that impacts us as moms and as women. Jennifer is such a connected mom and wife and she really values family.  She shares lots of real life wisdom and insight into raising kids in the face of today's challenges in this heart warming episode. Jen's IG Jen's website: A Woman Like You

Kim interviews Shari Foos, a marriage and family therapist about The Narrative Method.  The Narrative Method is a way we connect with others through sharing our stories.  Kim and Shari talk about radical gratitude, relational mindfulness, forgiveness and understanding, apologies, and they even share some of their stories as they connect. You can join the 12 week narrative method program or free zoom ins by visiting the links below. The Narrative Method IG The Narrative Method Website The Narrative Method 12 weeks program (begins 2/26)

Kim interviews Kristin Buchel, the author of Noteworthy Parenting. They talk about how to develop your own personal parenting plan, parenting peer pressure, family bonding, how to build a parenting network, and working through your own emotions so that they don't negatively impact your parenting.   Noteworthy Parenting Noteworthy Parenting Roadmap: A companion journal Noteworthy Parenting Website Noteworthy Parenting IG

In this episode, Kim talks to relationship expert, Dr. Carol Bruess about six easy ways to strengthen your connections in relationships.  Carol offers simple tips and examples that you can start practicing right away.  Dr. Bruess Website TED Talk: Are all relationships messy? 6 Relationship Resolutions to make this year  Dr. Bruess latest journal publication on Wefulness

In this episode, Kim interviews former Navy Seal, leadership consultant, speaker and author, Rich Diviney about his new book, The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance.  They discuss grit, courage, perseverance, narcissism, and humility.  Rich explains the difference between task switching and multitasking and what the research really shows about "multitasking."  Rich describes the attributes and shares stories and suggestions for how to amplify them in ourselves and our children. The Attributes Website The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers to Optimal Performance Rich Diviney on IG

Kim interviews Dr. Jessica Higgins about criticism and defensiveness in relationships.  We know that criticism and defensiveness are extraordinarily damaging to relationships yet they are so common.  Dr. Higgins talks about why we are critical and defensive and how to try to improve our communication and to be more authentic and vulnerable in our relationships. Dr. Jessica Higgins Website Dr. Jessica Higgins IG Empowered Relationship Podcast

Kim has a conversation with procrastination research expert, author and professor, Dr. Tim Pychyl. They talk about the types of procrastination, why we do it and the emotions that contribute to it. They also talk about executive fuctnioning skills, ADHD, and how technology is impacting our tendency to procrastinate. Tim explains years of the best research on procrastination and he offers great insight and tips for overcoming it. This episode will be helpful to anyone who wants to improve their productivity, make better use of their time, or stop procrastinating. Tim Pychyl's resources: Solving the Procrastination Puzzle: A Concise Guide to Strategies for Change. Don't Delay Blog Articles~Psychology Today Procrastination Research Group Website Iprocrastinate Podcast or on Apple Podcasts Books and Sites Mentioned: The Distracted Mind: Ancient Brains in a Modern World The Courage to Teach Affect Regulation Training WOOP Website: WISH, OBSTACLE, OUTCOME, PLAN Atomic Habits Nudge: Improving Decisions about Health, Wealth and Happiness  Nudge: The Final Edition Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals 10% Happier Getting things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity Smart But Scattered Smart but Scattered Teens The Next Right Thing

Kim has a conversation about forgiveness with Ryan Haddon. They talk about how to release pain from past hurts and relationships, how to go about doing forgiveness work, and the benefits of forgiveness. Ryan Haddon's Website Ryan's IG

Kim’s guest this week is Dr. Ilyse DiMarco, author of the new book, Mom Brain. Kim and Dr. DiMarco have a candid conversation about the chaos of the “mom brain” and how to cope with all of the emotional and cognitive demands of motherhood. They talk about comparison, social media and “mom-shaming.” They discuss the expectations of motherhood versus the reality, how to craft your new mom identity and dealing with perfectionism. They give suggestions for finding mom friends, sharing responsibilities with your partner, asking for what you want and dealing with boundaries and in-laws. This is a great listen for new moms and veteran moms alike. Dr. DiMarco offers really great advice and a down-to-earth perspective. Mom Brain: Proven Strategies to Fight the Anxiety, Guilt, and Overwhelming Emotions of Motherhood~and Relax into your New Self  Dr. DiMarco's Instagram Dr. DiMarco's Twitter  Washington Post Article 

Kim interviews Rhiannon Menn, founder of Lasagna Love about this incredible organization.  Lasagna Love started last year as a way for people to cook for someone in their community that may need a "culinary hug."  This is a heartwarming episode about connecting with others through food and kindness. Lasagna Love Website: You can sign up tp be a lasagna recipient or donor. Lasagna Love IG: @wearelasagnalove Kindness Pledge

Have a listen as Kim interviews renowned author and sleep doctor, Dr. Michael Breus.  They talk about the various chronotypes, sleep patterns and habits, insomnia, sleep and eating, exercise, weight and intermittent fasting. They also discuss watching TV or looking at screens before bed and you might be surprised at what you learn. Dr. Breus Website Dr. Breus IG: @thesleepdoctor Dr. Brues Book: Energize: Go from Dragging Ass to Kicking it in 30 Days. The Power of When: Discover your Chronotype and the Best Time to Eat Lunch, Ask for a Raise, Have Sex, Write a Novel, Take your Meds and more...

In this episode, Kim talks to best selling author, psychologist and educational consultant Dr. Madeline Levine. Dr. Levine's new book, Ready or Not: Preparing Our Kids to Thrive in an Uncertain and Rapidly Changing World helps parents with practical advice on how to raise kids who are prepared to become independent and thriving adults. They talk about the importance of play, fear and control, parenting mistakes and regret, learned helplessness and accumulated disability. Dr. Levine reassures parents that success does not look like a straight line for most people. We take detours along the way. Dr. Levine is one of the world's most respected parenting experts and she shares so much wisdom and encouragement in this episode. Dr. Madeline Levine's Website https://madelinelevine.com Ready or Not: Preparing our Kids to Thrive in an Uncertain and Rapidly Changing World  The Price of Privilege: How Parental Pressure and Material Advantage are Creating a Generation of Disconnected and Unhappy Kids Dr. Levine's FB :https://www.facebook.com/DrMadelineLevine

Kim interviews two innovative teens who are trying to shine a spotlight on tough issues facing teenagers today.  Hannah Whiteman, 16, is the founder of Ur missing out (@urmissingout), a page to remind people to take a break from mindless scrolling on social media and engage more in life.  Zach Gottlieb, 15, has started a Instagram page, Talk with Zach (@talkwithzach) and a movement to get teens (and especially boys) to talk more about mental health. You will be amazed at the amazing things these teens are doing. They both offer great advice and insight for parents if teens and preteens. Urmissingout Website Urmissingout IG Talk with Zach IG

Are family dinners a source of joy or chaos for you?  Do you have picky eaters or kids who won't sit still?  Kim interviews Bri De Rosa from the Family Dinner Project to talk about all the things surrounding family meals. They talk about the importance of family meals and how they don't have to be perfect to have a huge impact.  Family dinners are associated with so many positive outcomes for both kids and adults but they can be tricky sometimes.  Kim and Bri offer lots of suggestions, conversation starters and tips to make family meals a lot more enjoyable and meaningful for your family just in time for the holidays. The Family Dinner Project Eat, Laugh, Talk: The Family Dinner Playbook Instagram

In this episode, Kim talks to psychotherapist, Dr. Avigail Lev about toxic positivity and acceptance and commitment therapy for couples.  First, they discuss what toxic positivity is, how it impacts us and our anxiety and ways to deal with it.  Then, Dr. Lev offers her incredible insight into couples therapy.  She goes in depth about our schemas or perspectives that we all bring to relationships.   Links: Dr. Avigail Lev Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Couples CBT Online Bay Area CBT Center

Kim has a deep conversation about conditional versus unconditional parenting with esteemed author, Alfie Kohn.  They discuss praise, rewards and punishments, controlling children, time-outs, and pushing children to succeed. Mr. Kohn offers suggestions for moving from rewards and punishments to love and reason.  He also talks about teaching kids to make decisions and how to get parents on the same page about unconditional parenting.  Alfie Kohn's Website Books: Unconditional Parenting Beyond Discipline The Homework Myth Punished by Rewards

In this episode, Kim interviews popular blogger, influencer and author, Carly Riordan about her new book called Business Minded: A Guide to Setting up Your Mind, Body and Business for Success. They catch up on life in the last year including Carly's transition to motherhood.  Carly talks about perfectionism, failure, authenticity online, and mental health.  They discuss many of the chapters in the book including legal issues, writing a business plan, taking time out to rest and build creativity, and burnout.  They also talk about turning a hobby into a business and how that isn't always the best idea.  Business Minded: A Guide to Setting up your Mind, Body and Business for Success Carly's Blog Carly's IG