Prevention Through Creative Expression
Awkward Conversations
In this season finale, hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy explore how creative expression—through art, music, dance, and storytelling—builds resilience and prevents substance misuse in kids. Joined by special guests John Lawler, award-winning director and arts education leader, and Dr. Steve Schlozman, Chief of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Vermont Medical Center, this episode highlights the transformative power of creativity in fostering mental well-being, empathy, and connection. The conversation dives into the critical role arts education plays in schools and...
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Building Resilience Through a Positive Mindset
Awkward Conversations
In this uplifting episode, hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy are joined by renowned positive psychologist and best-selling author Niyc Pidgeon to explore the transformative power of a positive mindset in building resilience. Through practical tips, evidence-based insights, and inspiring stories, Niyc shares how parents can foster resilience and mental well-being in their families while helping their children develop the tools to face life’s challenges without turning to substances. Together, they delve into the science of positive psychology, strategies for creating a supportive home...
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The Science of Addiction and How to Use It for Prevention
Awkward Conversations
In this episode, hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy delve into the science of substance use disorders with Captain Christopher Jones, Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention at SAMHSA. CAPT Jones provides expert insights on how addiction impacts the brain, uncovering key risk factors and preventive strategies that empower parents to help their children make healthier choices. By understanding the medical aspects of addiction, this episode equips parents with tools to recognize early warning signs, reduce stigma, and support their children’s mental and emotional well-being....
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Power of Relationships
Awkward Conversations
In this repurposed episode of Awkward Conversations, hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy revisit a compelling conversation with Dr. Shefali, clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and advocate for conscious parenting. Dr. Shefali shares transformative insights into building strong parent-child relationships, offering practical strategies for fostering open communication, resilience, and trust. By creating a safe space for our children, parents can empower them to embrace their individuality and make healthy, substance-free choices. Guest Bio: Dr. Shefali is a clinical psychologist...
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Building Resilience & Coping Skills in Kids
Awkward Conversations
In this episode, Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy are joined by Mayim Bialik, actress, neuroscientist, and mom, along with child psychologist Dr. Peter Gray, to explore how parents can help children build resilience and develop essential coping skills. Mayim offers her unique perspective as both a neuroscientist and mom, while Dr. Gray shares his expertise in child development and the power of play. Together, they provide practical strategies for fostering confidence, emotional well-being, and independence in kids. Topics Covered: Practical tips for fostering resilience and coping skills in...
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Body Image Issues & Substance Misuse
Awkward Conversations
In this important episode, hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy tackle the complex intersection of body image issues and substance misuse in teens. Joined by pioneering activist and media literacy expert Dr. Jean Kilbourne, they explore how body image struggles can lead to substance use, particularly in today’s culture of idealized media and social pressure. With insights from Dr. Kilbourne’s extensive research and advocacy, this episode dives deep into practical strategies for parents to help their children develop a healthy self-image and resilience against harmful influences. Topics...
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Awkward but Essential – Having 'The Talk' About Substances
Awkward Conversations
In this best-of episode, hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy tackle one of the most challenging yet essential topics for parents: having “The Talk” about drugs with kids. Joined by pediatrician Dr. Gary Kirkilas, youth drug prevention expert Ray Lozano, musician and The Voice winner Alisan Porter, and actor Greg Grunberg, the episode emphasizes the importance of ongoing, open conversations rather than a single daunting talk. The hosts and guests address real-life issues, from the impact of legalization and desensitization to youth drug use statistics. Parents are equipped with...
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New Drivers, New Dangers
Awkward Conversations
In this best-of episode, New Drivers, New Dangers: Navigating Substance Use with Teen Drivers, hosts Jodie, Amy, and Rick share powerful strategies for guiding teens safely through the risks of driving, peer pressure, and substance use. As teens reach the milestone of driving, this episode equips parents with actionable tools to foster safe, responsible habits on the road and address the unique risks tied to adolescent brain development. From proactive preparation to fostering open discussions about substance use and impaired driving, our experts cover essential topics for supporting...
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Use in LGBTQ+ Youth Communities
Awkward Conversations
In this episode of Awkward Conversations, Jodie Sweetin is joined by Mel Brown, LMFT, and actor/advocate Alec Mapa to discuss the challenges LGBTQ+ youth face and how families and communities can provide better support. In celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month, they explore the importance of creating safe, inclusive spaces and the role of social media, while highlighting ways to promote mental health and acceptance. Key Takeaways: Mental health struggles faced by LGBTQ+ youth Increased risk of substance use and prevention strategies The importance of safe, inclusive environments The...
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Bullying and Pressure: The Hidden Triggers
Awkward Conversations
In this episode, Jodie Sweetin and clinical psychologist Dr. Krystal Lewis (NIMH) are joined by anti-bullying advocate and author Jodee Blanco. Together, they dive into the emotional toll of bullying and how it can lead to substance use, sharing insights during Anti-Bullying Week. Key Takeaways: Bullying can trigger drug use, isolation, and self-doubt. There are various types of bullying: physical, verbal, and social. Parents should document incidents, promote empathy, and encourage kindness. Open communication and listening are crucial in supporting kids. Tune in for actionable advice on...
info_outlineIn this episode, Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy are joined by Mayim Bialik, actress, neuroscientist, and mom, along with child psychologist Dr. Peter Gray, to explore how parents can help children build resilience and develop essential coping skills. Mayim offers her unique perspective as both a neuroscientist and mom, while Dr. Gray shares his expertise in child development and the power of play. Together, they provide practical strategies for fostering confidence, emotional well-being, and independence in kids.
Topics Covered:
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Practical tips for fostering resilience and coping skills in children
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The importance of play in cognitive and emotional development
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How unstructured play helps prevent substance misuse
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Strategies for parents to encourage independent play
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Insights on creating supportive, play-friendly environments
Guest Bios:
Peter Gray is a research professor of psychology and neuroscience at Boston College, known for his work on the role of play in child development and human evolution. He is the author of the widely acclaimed textbook Psychology and the influential book Free to Learn, which explores how play fosters self-reliance and lifelong learning in children. Peter regularly writes for Psychology Today and authors the Play Makes Us Human series on Substack. He is also a co-founder of Let Grow, a nonprofit dedicated to renewing children’s freedom to play and explore independently.
https://www.petergray.org/
Mayim Bialik is an acclaimed actress, neuroscientist, and advocate best known for her roles as Blossom on Blossom and Amy Farrah Fowler on The Big Bang Theory, where she earned two Critics’ Choice Awards, four Emmy nominations, and a SAG nomination. She also hosted Jeopardy! for two seasons, receiving a fifth Emmy nomination during her tenure. Mayim holds a PhD in Neuroscience from UCLA and is the host of Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown, a popular mental health podcast with over 26 million downloads. She is the author of four books, including the best-sellers Girling Up and Boying Up.
https://www.instagram.com/missmayim/
Jodie Sweetin is an actress, author, and advocate, widely recognized for her role as Stephanie Tanner on Full House and Fuller House. Her memoir, unSweetined, shares her journey through addiction and into recovery, and she now uses her platform to reduce the stigma around addiction.
Supporting Organizations:
The Elks: With nearly one million members across 2,000 lodges, the Elks have a long-standing commitment to youth drug prevention through their Drug and Alcohol Prevention (DAP) program. They have donated over $3.6 billion to causes, including building the first VA hospital for veterans.
https://bit.ly/44SunO6
The DEA: Founded in 1973, the DEA enforces U.S. controlled substance laws nationally and globally, with offices in 241 locations domestically and 93 international divisions in 69 countries.
https://bit.ly/44ed9K9
Resources/Links
SAMHSA Help and Treatment: https://bit.ly/3DJcvJC
Get Smart About Drugs: https://bit.ly/45dm8vY
Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent’s Guide to Substance Use Prevention: https://bit.ly/48nxwYw
One Pill Could Kill: https://bit.ly/3ELxfBa
Elks Kid Zone Website: https://bit.ly/3s79Zdt
Elks Drug Awareness Program Website: https://bit.ly/44SunO6
Elks DAP on Twitter: https://bit.ly/45CfpvR
Elks DAP on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Qw8RKL
Elks DAP on YouTube: https://bit.ly/444vMQq
Peter Gray's Links
Website: https://www.petergray.org/
Substack: https://petergray.substack.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peter.gray.3572
Mayim Bialik's Links
Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTOocPnDh2YQZZwh86K2OxA/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6TgOe2poCdpZtQwKetmU1
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mayim-bialiks-breakdown/id1546456269
Website: https://www.bialikbreakdown.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayimbialik?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missmayim/?hl=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTOocPnDh2YQZZwh86K2OxA
Jodie Sweetin’s Links
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodiesweetin/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jodiesweetin?lang=en
Amy McCarthy’s Links
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymccarthylicsw/
Boston Children’s Hospital Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bostonchildrens/?hl=en
Boston Children’s Hospital Addiction Medicine: https://www.childrenshospital.org/departments/addiction-medicine
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