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 final episode of the year, we slow down and reflect on what this year held—the meaningful moments, the hard ones, and the lessons we want to remember. I'm joined by my dear friend Kristy Lauricella as we answer reflective questions (available to download), share our unexpected words of the year, and talk about the books, podcasts, and shows that stayed with us. This conversation isn't about doing the year "right," but about noticing, closing the year with intention, and offering ourselves a little more self-compassion. Download this free PDF with pwoerful questions.  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  

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.     

Are you ready to start the new year with calmer, more connected parenting? In this episode, I share 7 practical ways to parent with intention in 2026 while avoiding common pitfalls that can derail your goals. We cover screen time, home environments, children's play, shared meals, technology, and the small but powerful shifts that can transform your family life. You'll also hear exercises and tips to check in with yourself, stay intentional, and create a year filled with connection and purpose. 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

An OG podcaster, the founder and CEO of the Women's Meditation Network Katie Krimitsos on listening to your inner knowing, trusting your intuition and taking action even if you don't know all the answers.  04:00 – How fear and tears marked her first podcast recording. 06:30 – Why starting with no plan led to building a six-figure business. 09:00 – The intuitive pull that sparked an entirely new meditation show. 11:00 – How to follow intuition even when fear shows up. 13:00 – Confronting impostor syndrome as a meditation guide. 15:00 – Why early download success confirmed she was on the right path. 17:00 – The difference between intuition's whisper and fear's noise. 19:00 – How meditation became her tool to hear inner guidance. 21:30 – A "whisper moment" that led to comforting a grieving friend. 24:30 – Teaching her daughter to trust her gut over peer pressure. 27:00 – How she recognized school struggles and ignored conventional advice. 29:30 – Why listening to intuition transformed her daughter's learning journey. 32:00 – How journaling, walks, and reflection guide big life pivots. 34:30 – Why failure is just a stepping stone in following your inner voice. 37:00 – How meditation can unlock your intuition and live an aligned life. 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

How to help a parent who feels their teen is "out of control" becomes a doorway into understanding what lies beneath aggression and lying, the difference between dysregulation and being out of control, why we often have parenting upside down by giving young kids too much autonomy and tightening control in the teen years, and how to hold authority with kind, firm limits while staying curious and non-punitive in the complex landscape of family life. 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

Have you ever stopped to wonder how the stories you grew up with—the ones you absorbed in childhood—still shape the way you parent today? Author and creative coach GG Renee Hill on uncovering, rewriting, and reclaiming the stories that define us.  Timestamps: 0:03 – How our childhood stories shape parenting 0:06 – Parenting from old patterns 0:09 – When others silence your intuition 0:12 – Finding yourself amid parenting chaos 0:15 – GG's inner child awakening 0:18 – Turning sensitivity into strength 0:21 – Growing up with a schizophrenic mother 0:25 – Redefining strength as a Black mom 0:29 – Coaching kids without tearing them down 0:33 – GG's breaking point and repair 0:38 – Anger is human, violence is not 0:43 – Hope for a more conscious generation 0:48 – Healing through storytelling and reflection 0:53 – The power of rewriting your narrative 0:58 – GG's message to parents and creators Her book: Story Work: Field Notes on Self-Discovery and Reclaiming Your Narrative  Her viral essay, "Choosing My Mental Health over My Mother" 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

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

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