The Healing Power of a Wish: Dr. Jen Pratt on Hope, Childhood Cancer, and the Make-A-Wish Impact
No sitting on the sideline dad
Release Date: 06/23/2025
Rewiring the Brain: Parenting, Tech, and the Fight for Focus
No sitting on the sideline dad
Rewiring the Brain: Parenting, Tech, and the Fight for Focus Guest: Dr. Carl Marci Are smartphones making it harder to be present with your family—or even with yourself? In this episode, I sit down with Harvard-trained psychiatrist and author Dr. Carl Marci to talk about how technology is reshaping our brains, our attention spans, and our relationships—especially when it comes to parenting in a digital world. We dig into: The impact of screens on kids' brain development Why multitasking is a myth (and what it’s really doing to your brain) The connection between screen time and...
info_outline
21 Ways to Weather the Loss of Your Pet with Jean Alfieri
No sitting on the sideline dad
Losing a beloved pet is one of the most emotional experiences a family can go through—especially when you’re trying to support your kids while grieving yourself. In this heartfelt episode, I’m joined by Jean Alfieri, certified grief coach for pet loss and author of 21 Ways to Weather the Loss of Your Pet. Jean shares practical ideas, tender stories, and thoughtful advice on how families can process grief and honor the pets that meant so much. We explore: The emotional weight of pet loss (and why it’s often underestimated) How to talk to kids about death in an age-appropriate,...
info_outline
The Healing Power of a Wish: Dr. Jen Pratt on Hope, Childhood Cancer, and the Make-A-Wish Impact
No sitting on the sideline dad
What if one wish could change the course of a child’s recovery? In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. Jen Pratt, a pediatrician, childhood cancer survivor, and Make-A-Wish recipient turned advocate. At just 11 years old, Jen was diagnosed with bone cancer—a life-changing moment that launched her into a world of hospitals, chemo, and uncertainty. But her journey also included something magical: a wish. Jen shares her deeply personal story of receiving a wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation and how that experience not only helped her cope during treatment but also inspired her path...
info_outline
Procrastination Isn’t Laziness: The Real Reason We Get Stuck!
No sitting on the sideline dad
Ever stare down a task you know you need to do… and still walk away from it? Yeah, me too. In this episode, I’m joined by psychotherapist Steven Melman to unpack what’s really going on when we procrastinate—and how we can start breaking the cycle. We talk about the emotional side of procrastination, including fear of failure, perfectionism, and even the stories we carry from childhood. Steven shares practical tools and honest insight to help you move from stuck to steady—whether you're trying to finish a project, show up better for your family, or just get out of your own head. If...
info_outline
Everyday Toxins: Small Changes That Make a Big Impact with Tanya Harris
No sitting on the sideline dad
What if the products you use every day—like your plastic containers, laundry detergent, or air fresheners—were quietly affecting your family’s health? In this episode, I sit down with Tanya Harris, childhood cancer survivor and environmental toxin expert, to explore how to reduce hidden toxins in your home without feeling overwhelmed. From the kitchen to the laundry room, Tanya shares practical tips that any busy parent can start using right away. You'll learn how simple swaps and small adjustments can help protect your family’s health—without needing to go completely toxin-free or...
info_outline
Death Can Wait: One Man’s Fight to Take Control of His Cancer Journey
No sitting on the sideline dad
What would you do if the doctors told you there’s nothing more they can do? Would you accept it, or would you start asking more questions? In this episode of the No Sitting on the Sideline Dad podcast, I sit down with William Hudson, cancer survivor and author of Death Can Wait. William shares his journey after being diagnosed with stage four cancer — and how choosing not to give up changed everything. We talk about: The emotional weight of hearing “stage four cancer” Why William refused to accept the ending he was handed The steps he took to support his healing The mindset...
info_outline
The Quarter That Ended the Bullying
No sitting on the sideline dad
Episode Summary: What if you could flip the script on bullying? In this episode, Joe sits down with longtime therapist and author Patricia Stahl, who’s helped thousands navigate the lasting effects of childhood bullying. They dig into one surprising strategy that stopped her son’s bully cold—spoiler: it involved a quarter. But this episode is so much more than a clever parenting hack. We’re talking about the real emotional scars bullying leaves behind—especially when they follow you into adulthood. Joe shares a raw, personal story from high school that’s equal parts intense and...
info_outline
Fewer Days That Suck: Real Talk About Stress, Mindset, and Getting Out of Your Own Way
No sitting on the sideline dad
In Episode 157 of the No Sitting on the Sideline Dad podcast, host Joe Foley sits down with author and mindset coach Deborah Mallow to talk about something we all face—but rarely slow down to deal with: burnout, negative thought patterns, and parenting under pressure. Deborah shares her journey from being a top sales rep on the edge of burnout to creating a simple, effective framework for living with more intention and less overwhelm. Her book, Six Steps to Fewer Days That Suck, isn’t your typical self-help read—it’s packed with short reflections, mantras, and actionable steps that...
info_outline
The Race Against Time: AI Takeover, Climate Crisis, and the Fight for Human Cooperation
No sitting on the sideline dad
In this powerful episode of No Sitting on the Sideline Dad, Joe sits down with David C., an engineer, author, and big-picture thinker who’s spent decades studying the trends that could shape (or endanger) our future. David doesn't just warn us about climate change — he connects the dots between three mega threats: climate crisis, unregulated AI, and our growing human division. Joe and David dive into real talk about: Are we sleepwalking into disaster while waiting for technology to save us? How microplastics are invading not just oceans, but our bodies. Can we trust AI in medicine,...
info_outline
The Power of Gratitude, Journaling, and Lessons from Rescue Pugs with Jean Alfieri
No sitting on the sideline dad
In this episode of the No Sitting on the Sideline Dad podcast,I sit down with the author, positivity coach, and dog lover Jean Alfieri to explore the simple yet powerful practice of gratitude. From daily journaling habits to dinnertime conversations with family, Jean shares her insights on how focusing on what you’re thankful for can transform your day — even during life’s toughest moments. They also dive into how small acts of appreciation can shift workplace culture, spark better communication at home, and help us all stay grounded in a fast-paced world. Plus, you’ll hear some...
info_outlineWhat if one wish could change the course of a child’s recovery?
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. Jen Pratt, a pediatrician, childhood cancer survivor, and Make-A-Wish recipient turned advocate. At just 11 years old, Jen was diagnosed with bone cancer—a life-changing moment that launched her into a world of hospitals, chemo, and uncertainty. But her journey also included something magical: a wish.
Jen shares her deeply personal story of receiving a wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation and how that experience not only helped her cope during treatment but also inspired her path into medicine. Now, working at the very hospital where she was once treated, Jen sees firsthand how a single wish can uplift not just a child, but an entire family.
We dive into:
-
Jen’s cancer diagnosis and the emotional toll it took on her and her family
-
Her unforgettable wish to meet Disney animators—and why it mattered so much
-
The Wish Impact Study and the real data showing how hope affects healing
-
The misconception that wishes are just for terminally ill kids (they're not!)
-
How Make-A-Wish brings light to dark moments—and why it’s more than just a “nice thing”
-
Heartwarming stories from the hospital frontlines
-
The powerful role of mental health in medical recovery
Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or simply someone who believes in the magic of kindness, this episode is a reminder that hope truly heals.
🔗 Resources & Links:
-
Learn more about the Make-A-Wish Foundation: https://wish.org
-
Discover the Wish Impact Study: https://wish.org/wishimpact
-
Interested in referring a child or volunteering? Visit https://wish.org/refer
👤 Guest Bio:
Dr. Jen Pratt is a pediatric hospitalist at Children’s Minnesota and a medical advisor for Make-A-Wish Minnesota. A former wish kid herself, Dr. Pratt brings a unique and heartfelt perspective to her work—bridging her personal experience with professional compassion.
🔊 Listen & Subscribe:
Don’t miss future conversations that explore parenting, personal growth, and how we show up for one another. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.