Diet culture, weight stigma, and fat-phobia all contribute to our perceptions of ideal body image and promote endless comparisons. In this candid episode, Gabrielle Katz talks with me about the influence of societal ideals and media messages on shaping all our relationships with our bodies, and it’s inescapable pressure on teens. Plus, why chasing thinness isn’t the path to true health, and how it can harm teens emotionally, physically, and socially. Discover actionable steps for boosting body image, using clothing as self-expression, navigating social media, and fostering supportive family communication. This episode offers practical advice for both teens and parents, for building lasting self-esteem and confidence. Like this episode? Take a second to click follow and leave a review -- your support makes a big difference in reaching more listeners seeking support like you. For More on Gabrielle Katz and Coastal Collaborative Care: https://coastalcollaborativecare.com/ Parents: Grab a copy of my FREE Parent Guide: 20 Ways to Help Increase Confidence in Your Teen Schedule a free Clarity Call with me here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem. Disclaimer
Getting into the sync of school routines can be a challenge and have lingering effects throughout the day. Which is where six simple habits can help you feel more focused, energized, and calm for school...without a lot of effort. It starts with the basics—and builds sustainable routines that support brain function, focus, mood, and overall well-being. Listen in for how to build your own personal routine that leads to academic success and well-being -- throughout the day. Like this episode? Take a second to click follow so you don't miss an episode. Parents: schedule a free Clarity Call with me here to help your teen/young adult build greater self-esteem while building healthy habits and body image that lasts. FREEBIE: Grab a copy of my Parent Guide: 20 Ways to Help Increase Confidence in Your Teen
Growing up comes with new responsibilities, more stress and sometimes, a feeling of less happiness. Often because there's one important element that has declined or been lost completely -- play. In this episode, we explore the surprising benefits of play for teens and young adults, backed by research. From lowering stress and boosting serotonin to sparking creativity and connection, play is more than “just fun”—it’s essential. I’ll share simple, age-appropriate ways you can sneak play back into your day without feeling silly or childish -- while reaping significant benefits. Freshman Formula: for first year, college freshmen. Five essential life skills the most successful college student use to thrive at college -- learned in 5 quick, easy days. Parents: schedule a free Clarity Call with me here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem. Help us out: Take a second to click follow and leave a review -- your support makes a big difference in reaching more listeners seeking support like you.
Family meals aren’t just about eating together—they act as a powerful protective factor for your teen’s mental health, resilience, and overall well-being. In this episode, we explore why eating together is one of the most powerful tools for connection. You’ll learn the compelling science behind family meals, practical tips to fit them into busy schedules, and simple strategies to make conversations at the table more positive and meaningful. If you’ve ever struggled with silence, distractions, or mealtime stress, this episode will give you fresh ideas to turn dinner into a time your teen actually enjoys. Freshman Formula: for first year, college freshmen. Five essential life skills the most successful college student use to thrive at college -- learned in 5 quick, easy days. Help us out: Take a second to click follow and leave a review -- your support makes a big difference in reaching more listeners seeking support like you. Parents: schedule a free Clarity Call with me here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem.
Tired? Moody? Craving junk food? Teen sleep needs are different, and your habits might be sabotaging your moods, health and school mornings. Discover why teens naturally stay up later (it's biology, not rebellion!), what's sabotaging your sleep, and easy hacks you can start using tonight. Perfect for teens and college students (and their parents) looking for sleep tips and school success. Get the truth about weekend sleep-ins, blue light, teen circadian rhythm, and how to reset for better results. Freshman Formula: Learn the essential life skills the most successful college students use to not just survive but to thrive and live the college life of their dreams. Get the Freshman Formula -- a 5-day mini-course for high school college-bound students, 1st year college students, transfer students, or returning students looking to make more positive changes. 5 essential skills in 5 days for a better college life. Exclusive podcast coupon code in episode. Help us out: Take a second to follow and leave a review -- your support makes a big difference in reaching more listeners seeking support like you. Parents: schedule a free Clarity Call with me here to help your teen/YA resolve unhealthy eating and body image issues, while improving self-esteem.
For anyone headed to college this fall or in the future, this episode could change everything. Because the shocking truth is: many college dropouts aren't failing because they're not smart enough. They're struggling with life skills they're not prepared for. In this essential episode, discover the five critical areas every college freshman must master to succeed: building genuine friendships, establishing healthy sleep routines, avoiding the pitfalls of poor eating habits, managing stress and anxiety, and getting support before they need it. College is a transition that can be overwhelming for even the best of students because it involves so much more than academics. Many often aren't fully prepped or prepared to manage on their own. Perfect for: First-year college students, upperclassmen needing additional support, future college-bound teens, and worried parents who want their student to thrive (not just survive) their first year away from home. What you'll learn: Five essential strategies for college success, why the transition from high school is harder than expected, and how to access our free 5-day "Freshman Formula" mini-course (with a podcast exclusive discount!) Like this episode? Take a second to click follow and leave a review -- your support makes a big difference in reaching more listeners seeking support like you. Freshman Formula 5-Day Mini-Course details and register Parents: For additional support and guidance schedule a free Clarity Call with me here to help your teen, young adult or college student transition to a happier and healthier life.
Why teens need more protein than adults — and how it impacts mood, focus, energy, growth, and overall health. Protein is about more than just muscle strength. Learn what to eat, how much, and how to fuel your body without protein shakes or gym bro vibes. In this episode, we break down why teens actually need more protein than most adults, how much, and how it powers way more than just muscles — including your brain, mood, energy, and appearance. We’ll cover: How much protein your teen body really needs What happens when you don’t get enough The truth about plant vs animal protein Why most protein advice online doesn’t apply to teens Easy (and tasty) ways to get enough without without sacrificing taste or chugging protein shakes Whether you're active, plant-based, or just trying to feel and function better — 🎧 Tune in and get the real talk on protein, teen-style. College Health 5-Day Prep: get all the details and sign-up here Like this episode? Take a second to click follow and leave a review -- it helps this podcast reach more teens and young adults seeking health and wellness information. Parents: schedule a free Clarity Call with Leslie here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem.
Unhappy with your body weight, shape or size? Tired of comparing yourself to influencers or other people on social media or at school, and wondering why you don’t look like them? In this episode, we’re breaking down the truth behind body types, beauty standards, and why chasing the “perfect” look can leave you feeling worse. You’ll learn how to shift your mindset, choose better role models, and feel more confident—no filter needed. If your body image is messing with your mood, friendships, or confidence, this is for you. Like this episode? Take a second to click follow and leave a review -- it helps this podcast reach more teens and young adults seeking health and wellness information. Parents: For more information and to join the College-Bound 5-Day Health Prep go here. To schedule a free Clarity Call with me go here to help your teen/young adult resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem. Grab a copy of my FREE Parent Guide: 20 Ways to Help Increase Confidence in Your Teen
Everyone’s talking about the glow up—but what if the best one starts on the inside? In this special summer episode, we’re hitting pause on new content and shining light on the ultimate self-care move: working on your inner game. Whether you’re heading back to high school or off to college, this is the perfect time to build confidence, boost your self-worth, and elevate your mindset. Tune in for the best episodes to help you with personal growth, self-esteem, and real self-image—because your inner glow is the one that stands out most. Like this episode? Take a second to click follow and leave a review -- it helps this podcast reach more teens and young adults seeking health and wellness information. Parents: schedule a free Clarity Call with me here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem. Parents: Grab a copy of my FREE Parent Guide: 20 Ways to Help Increase Confidence in Your Teen
Ever find yourself mindlessly demolishing an entire bag of snacks and wondering "how did that even happen?" You're not alone - and you're definitely not broken. In this episode, we're diving into the 5 most common binge eating triggers that hit teens and young adults, and more importantly, the practical strategies that actually work to stop them. We'll unpack why your emotions might be driving you to food, how diet culture is secretly sabotaging you, and what to do when your brain is just seeking that quick dopamine hit. Plus, you'll get real, actionable tools you can use today - not just generic advice that doesn't actually help. If you've ever felt frustrated, guilty, or confused about your eating patterns, this episode will help you understand what's really going on and give you the power to change it. Because spoiler alert: you have way more control over this than you think. Ready to finally understand what's happening and take back control? Let's dive in. Like this episode? Take a second to click follow and leave a review -- it helps this podcast reach more teens and young adults seeking health and wellness information. Parents: schedule a free Clarity Call with me here to help your teen/YA resolve overeating, binging, unhealthy eating habits and weight concerns while improving body image and self-esteem. Parents: Grab a copy of my FREE Parent Guide: 20 Ways to Help Increase Confidence in Your Teen Disclaimer
This episode explores how mindset work and self-love can be leveraged to overcome life’s struggles and in the process, rewire the brain for the better. Teens, your brain is wired to grow—and yes, you can change how it works. In this episode, we break down how to build resilience, boost your mindset, and feel more confident, even when life gets messy. You’ll hear Lawrence C. Harris’, one teen’s inspirational story, and learn tools you can use every day to handle stress, comparison, and self-doubt. This isn’t about being the best or having the most—it’s about becoming mentally strong and emotionally steady -- so teens grow into stronger, more confident adults. Lawrence's Book: Power To The People: How to take back control of your life using the power of your mind, body and financial habits Instagram: lawrencec.empowers Tiktok: @lawrencecempowers Website:https://www.lawrencecharris.com Podcast or speaking event opportunities: Lawrence@lawrencecharris.com Like this episode? Take a second to click follow and leave a review -- it helps this podcast reach more teens and young adults seeking health and wellness information. Parents: schedule a free Clarity Call with me here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem. Parents: Grab a copy of my FREE Parent Guide: 20 Ways to Help Increase Confidence in Your Teen Disclaimer
Why is it so hard just to be yourself as a teen? If you’ve ever felt like you had to hide parts of who you are to fit in, this episode is for you. We’re talking about personal freedom and how honoring your true self yields better results than conforming to a "norm" that leaves you feeling empty and lost. You’ll get two simple yet highly effective tools to help you feel more secure in your individuality and show up as the real you. Parents: This is a message so many young people could use right now. Share it with your teen Like this episode? Take a second to click follow and leave a review -- it helps this podcast reach more teens and young adults seeking health and wellness information. Parents: schedule a free Clarity Call with me here to help your teen/YA resolve weight concerns and unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem. Plus: Grab a copy of my FREE Parent Guide: 20 Ways to Help Increase Confidence in Your Teen
In this episode, I'm joined by Monica Crnogorac a Certified Life & Wellness Coach who helps teens manage anxiety and overwhelm that interferes with their daily lives. We unpack what anxiety really looks like in teens—especially the kind that hides behind perfectionism, procrastination, or “I’m fine.” We talk through how to spot the signs (even the ones you can’t see), common myths parents believe, and what you can do to help your teen manage anxiety without turning into their full-time therapist. You’ll walk away with clear tools you can use today—from calming an anxious moment to helping your teen shift their inner critic into their inner coach. Plus, how to talk to your teen in a way that helps them open up—rather than shut down. Monica’s Website: www.consciouscoach.biz Her podcast: Parenting Anxious Teens Like this episode? Take a second to click follow and leave a review -- it helps this podcast reach more teens and young adults seeking health and wellness information. Parents: schedule a free Clarity Call with me here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem. Plus: Grab a copy of my FREE Parent Guide: 20 Ways to Help Increase Confidence in Your Teen Disclaimer
In this episode, I sit down with Ross Szabo—mental health advocate, author, and Wellness Director at Geffen Academy at UCLA—to explore how vital it is that we rethink our approach to mental health. We discuss the difference between emotions and mental health disorders, why using the right mental health vocabulary matters, and what families can do to normalize mental health the way we do physical health. If you've ever wondered whether your teen is struggling or just going through “a phase,” this episode offers a fresh, practical perspective—and some much-needed support. 🎙️ Topics include: What mental health really means (and why most of us define it wrong) Why Gen Z still struggles to ask for help The difference between healthy coping and harmful numbing How parents can model emotional regulation and build trust When to act, what to say, and how to know if it’s serious Whether you're a parent, a teen, or an educator, this episode offers practical advice on taking proactive steps to improve mental well-being and developing a framework for understanding mental health. 🔗 For more on the summer program for Educators: Geffen Academy Mental Health Education Institute Like this episode? Take a second to click follow and leave a review -- it helps this podcast reach more teens and young adults seeking health and wellness information. Parents: schedule a free Clarity Call with me here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem.
Teens often hear what to eat, but you rarely are taught the nuances of how to make your own smart choices. (at least not in a way that's healthy, realistic and reasonable). In this episode, we break down nutrition labels in a no-pressure, non-diety way—so you can stop guessing and start fueling yourself with confidence. You’ll learn: What food labels actually tell you (and what’s just marketing fluff) The 3 things to check before choosing a snack or meal What NOT to stress over (hint: calories aren’t the enemy) A simple mindset shift to stop the guilt and start feeling good about food Whether you're a confused teen or a supportive parent, this episode empowers you to read labels effectively, fostering a balanced relationship with food and boosting self-esteem and overall happiness. Tune in for truthful insights into food ingredients and nutrient values, ensuring you nourish your body with knowledge and confidence. 🎯 Action step included at the end to help you leverage label-reading right away (without getting obsessed). 🧠 Leave a comment and let us know what surprised you or was most helpful. Like this podcast? Take a second to click Follow or Subscribe. That's it, just one second and no more searching for the latest episode. Plus, it helps this podcast reach more teens, young adults and parents (just like you) seeking health and wellness information. We all thank you! Parents: Schedule a free Clarity Call with me here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem.
Most of us struggle with body image inside our head. As a teen or college student, most people probably aren't aware of how much thought and energy goes into body image because it's not something you want to share or admit -- until it starts to take over. If you're feeling like your body is a problem to be fixed, this episode cuts through the noise of toxic body culture and gives you practical tools to make peace with your physical self. You'll learn why you're NOT broken for struggling with body image (looking at you, billion-dollar industries profiting off our insecurities!), and discover actionable strategies to stop body anxiety from holding you back from the things you actually want to do in life. Whether you're avoiding dating, the beach with friends, or just looking in the mirror, this episode shows you how to build genuine body confidence that doesn't depend on changing how you look. Like this episode? Take a second to click follow, and leave a review -- it helps this podcast reach more teens and young adults (and parents, too) seeking relevant health and wellness information. Parents: Schedule a free Clarity Call with me here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem. Parents: Grab a copy of our FREE Parent Guide: 20 Ways to Help Increase Confidence in Your Teen. Disclaimer
This episode is for any teen or young adult who has the food police running loose in their head or find thoughts about food are occupying too much mind space. It's time to stop feeling guilty about every bite! In this episode, we break down why your relationship with food is so complicated (spoiler: it's not your fault) and give you practical ways to make peace with eating. You'll learn how to recognize harmful food rules, quiet that annoying inner critic, and actually enjoy meals again—without the side dish of anxiety, regret or shame. Whether you're tired of the restrict-binge cycle or just exhausted from overthinking everything you eat, this episode gives you the roadmap to food freedom that actually works in real life. Like this episode? Take a second to click follow and leave a review -- it helps this podcast reach more teens and young adults seeking health and wellness information. Parents: Schedule a free Clarity Call with me here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem. Parents: Grab a copy of my FREE Parent Guide: 6 Common Signs of Disordered Eating (and what to do next). Disclaimer
Feeling anxious, low-energy, or just not like yourself lately? It’s not all in your head—and it’s not something you have to just deal with. In this episode, we unpack what’s really going on in your body and how an unhealthy metabolism could be causing anxiety, depression, brain fog, low energy, or other physical and mental health struggles… and the one major solution to start fixing it, now. Discover how one major solution can transform your energy, focus and overall health in just six weeks —including clear, simple changes you can make right now to start feeling better. No dieting, no extremes—just the truth and tools for fueling your body and mind -- that actually work. Like this episode? Take a second to click follow and leave a review -- it helps this podcast reach more teens and young adults seeking health and wellness information. Parents: schedule a free Clarity Call with me here to help your teen/YA improve weight and nutrition, body image and self-esteem. Just browsing? Grab a copy of my FREE Parent Guide: 20 Ways to Help Increase Confidence in Your Teen here. Disclaimer
Ever wondered why traditional mental health treatments often fall short? Despite therapy sessions and prescriptions, are you or a loved one still struggling with anxiety or depression? Well, the answer might be on your plate, not just in your therapist's office. In this eye-opening episode, Leslie sits down with Dr. Matthew Bernstein, clinical psychiatrist for over 20-years, and a pioneer in metabolic psychiatry, to expose the powerful connection mainstream medicine has overlooked for years: how your metabolism directly impacts your mental health. Until now, we've been missing a fundamental truth—what you eat literally shapes how you think. Dr. Bernstein shares compelling research showing how optimizing your metabolic health through strategic dietary choices can transform anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, and other mental health challenges. Discover why the food-mood connection might be the game-changer you've been searching for, and learn actionable strategies to harness your metabolism for mental wellness—it's potentially the missing piece in your mental health puzzle. For more on Dr. Matthew Berstein visit: https://accordmh.com/ Linked In Like this episode? Tap the follow button to help this show grow and reach more listeners like you! Parents: schedule a free Clarity Call with me here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem. Disclaimer
Why do teens and college students stress eat during exam time; crave and binge on sweets after scrolling TikTok; or while feeling anxiety from social drama? This episode breaks down the science of how your nervous system contributes to emotional eating, explaining why willpower has nothing to do with stopping it. Discover practical "neurohacks" to recognize when anxiety is triggering your cravings and learn simple techniques to regulate your system before heading to the fridge. Perfect for teens struggling with stress eating, anxiety-induced munchies, or anyone looking to understand the real body-mind connection between emotions and food. If you want to stop stress and anxiety from hijacking your eating habits and pushing you towards unhealthy choices, listen to the end for simple action steps you can start using immediately. Like this episode? Please take one second to rate and review the show. It helps us reach more young people and their parents seeking youth health and wellness information for a happier, healthier life. Get Support: Schedule a free Clarity Call with Leslie here to help your teen/young adult overcome weight or unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem. Holistic coaching that results in deep and sustainable change. Parents: Grab a copy of my FREE Parent Guide: 6 Common Signs of Disordered Eating (and what to do next). Disclaimer