Teen Talks Pod

Insightful banter between a recent teen and a mom of three, fostering understanding and connection between parents and their teens. Join Rehan (21) and Susan (a tad older) as they share perspectives on raising teens, teen life, and everything in between. Gain empathy, guidance, and understanding of each other's worlds during our candid and fun discussions with each other and our variety of monthly guests. Our goal is to strengthen your parent-teen relationship, foster a healthy home environment, and create supportive, encouraging, and empowering connection so that your teen will have every opportunity to thrive. Yes, it's a roller coaster. Yes, it takes an open mind and heart and requires patience to do it well. And yes, it's worth it! Parents and Teens... WE'VE GOT THIS! To watch on video go to YouTube@TeenTalksPod. More episodes there too!

[EP. 43 REPLAY] Navigating Teen Freedom with Responsibility | TEENTALKS EP 81 01/03/2025

Real, Raw, and Transformational Parenting with Harry Knight (Pt. 2) | TEENTALKS EP. 80 12/27/2024

Rebellion, Redemption & Raising Potential with Harry Knight | TEENTALKS EP. 79 12/20/2024

Teens, Social Media, and Taking Back Your Power With Rama (Pt. 2) | TEENTALKS EP. 78 12/13/2024

Teens, Social Media, and Taking Back Your Power With Rama (Pt. 2) | TEENTALKS EP. 78 In this impromptu follow-up conversation, 19-year-old Rama and Susan dive deep into one of the most pressing issues facing teens today: social media. This unscripted and heartfelt discussion offers raw insights and practical strategies from Rama’s personal experience that every teen—and parent—needs to hear. Rama opens up about her initial hesitation to even be on a podcast, doubting her worthiness, and shares a powerful truth: life is a journey, and no one has it all figured out. From that honest starting point, the conversation shifts to the enormous influence social media has on teenagers. Rama speaks candidly about how social media has held her back, impacted her mental health, and distracted her from her goals. In this episode, Rama breaks down: The true definition of social media, what it is, and how it works. The addictive nature of social media, why it’s so hard to break free, and actionable steps teens can take to reclaim their focus. How to shift your mindset to stop letting algorithms and dopamine hits control you and instead use social media in ways that serve your growth and happiness. Rama’s message to teens is empowering, relatable, and filled with empathy. She shares her journey of learning how to master productivity and stay focused on what matters most, all while navigating the challenges of the digital age. This episode is a must-listen for teens feeling the pull of social media and for parents who want to better understand and support their children through it. Tune in for a refreshing perspective and game-changing advice to take your power back. Feel free to comment, give us feedback and ask questions in the comment section! 🌟Susan's crafted a FREE cheat sheet – her Top 5 Tips to Nailing the Teenage Years – click to grab it! 👇 [Download Now] THRIVE 101 Blueprint Landing Page Questions: email ABC Downlod: NEW PODCAST EVERY FRIDAY. Reach Out To Us! Connect with Susan : [email protected] Connect with Rehan: More of TeenTalks: /episode/index/show/2f7a9fed-7473-4c53-8259-54a2acfd54d8/id/34306270

Friendship, Confidence, and Worth: A 19-Year-Old's Journey to Self-Discovery | TEENTALKS EP. 77 12/07/2024

Friendship, Confidence, and Worth: A 19-Year-Old's Journey to Self-Discovery | TEENTALKS EP. 77 In this candid and inspiring conversation filled with nuggets of wisdom for teens and parents alike, 19-year-old Rama shares her journey of self-discovery and growth during her gap year, her first year at university, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. Rama reflects on the mixed reactions from her parents to her decision to take a gap year and the positive impact it had on her path. She highlights the contrasting parenting styles of her mom and dad, how each shaped her in unique ways, and the lessons she’ll carry forward. Plus, she offers insights into the differences in how her much-younger sister is being raised. Growing up, Rama’s dad played a pivotal role in introducing her to personal development, planting the seeds for a growth mindset that blossomed during her gap year. Rama shares how she transitioned into university life, navigated the challenge of meeting new people, and—most importantly—found “her people.” In this episode, she spills relationship wisdom every teen (and parent) needs to hear: how to build authentic friendships and stop stressing about fitting in. Plus, Rama reveals a powerful strategy that skyrocketed her confidence and self-worth—a tool she wishes she’d started using in high school. For parents, Rama offers heartfelt advice, based on the impactful parenting she received, to help guide teens toward becoming their best selves. This episode is packed with practical strategies, honest reflections, and a 19-year-old’s perspective that will leave you inspired and hopeful. Share this episode with your teenager. Feel free to comment, give us feedback and ask questions in the comment section! 🌟Susan's crafted a FREE cheat sheet – her Top 5 Tips to Nailing the Teenage Years – click to grab it! 👇 [Download Now] THRIVE 101 Blueprint Landing Page Questions: email ABC Downlod: NEW PODCAST EVERY FRIDAY. Reach Out To Us! Connect with Susan : [email protected] Connect with Rehan: More of TeenTalks: /episode/index/show/2f7a9fed-7473-4c53-8259-54a2acfd54d8/id/34304330

Shifting from Fear to Love with Ellie Bassick-Trovato (Part 3) | TEENTALKS EP. 76 12/01/2024

Shifting from Fear to Love with Ellie Bassick-Trovato (Part 3) | TEENTALKS EP. 76 In this final segment with Ellie Bassick-Trovato, we explore the core of her powerful Joy Spiral Playbook and its eight spirals that can unlock a deeper, lasting sense of joy. Ellie believes we are meant to live with joy and love, yet so many of us default to fear-based thinking. She guides us on how to shift from “fear think” to “love think,” breaking inherited patterns and expanding our capacity for happiness and connection. Ellie introduces her House of Love Game, a strategy that empowers you to “bounce” fear from entering your mental space. By becoming aware of what we let into our environment, we protect our peace and strengthen our love-based mindset. She also shares three accessible practices to help us consciously choose joy over fear, drawing on insights from Conversations with God by Neale Donald Walsch, the book that inspired her journey from fear to love. In this episode, Ellie outlines two distinct types of joy: external and internal. She offers practical tools for grounding ourselves in both, showing us how to lead with love, live intentionally, and find joy in everyday moments. This heartfelt conversation is an invitation to embrace the joy within and radiate it outward as a blessing to those around us. To get the Mommology 3 part course for free or want to know more about Diamonds of Light: email [email protected] and tell her you heard about it on Teen Talks. Instagram @TheNewBraveCo Facebook @ebassicktrovato TheNewBrave.com The Joy Spiral Playbook by Ellie Bassick-Tovato: Conversations with God by Neale Donald Walsch: 🌟Susan's crafted a FREE cheat sheet – her Top 5 Tips to Nailing the Teenage Years – click to grab it! 👇 [Download Now] THRIVE 101 Blueprint Landing Page Questions: email ABC Downlod: NEW PODCAST EVERY FRIDAY. Reach Out To Us! Connect with Susan : Connect with Rehan: More of TeenTalks: /episode/index/show/2f7a9fed-7473-4c53-8259-54a2acfd54d8/id/34216525

Parenting with Peace :The FREEDOM Framework with Ellie Bassick-Trovato (Part 2) | TEENTALKS EP. 75 11/23/2024

Parenting with Peace :The FREEDOM Framework with Ellie Bassick-Trovato (Part 2) | TEENTALKS EP. 75 In this second installment with Ellie Bassick-Trovato, we delve into her transformative FREEDOM Framework for parenting with purpose and calm. Ellie guides us on how to exercise our “peace muscle” to stay calm with our kids, handling tough situations by responding rather than reacting. Built on brain science, the FREEDOM Framework helps parents identify the core issue instead of just addressing symptoms, creating a powerful shift in how we engage with our children. Ellie reminds us that self-compassion is key to effective parenting. By showing kids that it’s okay to make mistakes and reset, we model resilience and empathy. She encourages parents to consider the ultimate goal of parenting—clarifying intentions that shape our responses and foster stronger connections with our children. Through her personal stories, Ellie provides examples for navigating challenging moments, grounding her advice in real-life scenarios. Ellie also emphasizes the importance of guiding kids within flexible guardrails, trusting them to learn from their own experiences. With insights on how to reflect on our own upbringing and release any unhelpful patterns, Ellie’s approach encourages openness, curiosity, and a willingness to grow alongside our children. To get the Mommology 3 part course for free or want to know more about Diamonds of Light: email and tell her you heard about it on TeenTalks. Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thenewbraveco Facebook Feel free to comment, give us feedback and ask questions in the comment section! 🌟Susan's crafted a FREE cheat sheet – her Top 5 Tips to Nailing the Teenage Years – click to grab it! 👇 [Download Now] THRIVE 101 Blueprint Landing Page Questions: email ABC Downlod: NEW PODCAST EVERY FRIDAY. Reach Out To Us! Connect with Susan : Connect with Rehan: More of TeenTalks: /episode/index/show/2f7a9fed-7473-4c53-8259-54a2acfd54d8/id/34100236

From Darkness to Light With Ellie Bassick-Trovato (Pt. 1) | TEENTALKS EP. 74 11/15/2024

From Darkness to Light With Ellie Bassick-Trovato (Pt. 1) | TEENTALKS EP. 74 In this deeply moving and powerful episode, Ellie Bassick-Trovato, author, empowerment coach and spiritual guide, shares her journey from heartbreak to healing which has inspired countless people. After the loss of her husband shortly after their son was born, Ellie began a journey that would change her life forever. Drawing from spirituality, she shares how she transformed grief into purpose, building a Wellness Center and coaching business that has helped others find the gifts in life’s greatest challenges. Ellie’s story unfolds as a testament to the power of intentional living. She shares how she tuned into guidance from beyond, including surprising connections with her late husband, and opens our minds to recognizing the signs and energy around us. With practical exercises, Ellie empowers parents to stay in the “bright sky” while guiding their children from “deep in the cave” where the focus is on love-based thinking to create joy and resilience in their lives. In an enlightening exchange with Rehan, who takes on the role of the skeptic, Ellie provides compelling stories and scientific insights that bridge spirituality, the science of well-being, and a new approach to parenting. This episode invites you to rethink what’s possible in times of hardship and how to use these principles to change your life and relationships. To get the Mommology 3 part course for free or want to know more about Diamonds of Light: email and tell her you heard about it on Teen Talks. Instagram @TheNewBraveCo Facebook @ebassicktrovato Feel free to comment, give us feedback and ask questions in the comment section! 🌟Susan's crafted a FREE cheat sheet – her Top 5 Tips to Nailing the Teenage Years – click to grab it! 👇 [Download Now] THRIVE 101 Blueprint Landing Page Questions: email ABC Downlod: NEW PODCAST EVERY FRIDAY. Reach Out To Us! Connect with Susan : [email protected] Connect with Rehan: More of TeenTalks: /episode/index/show/2f7a9fed-7473-4c53-8259-54a2acfd54d8/id/33916237

Rising Above – Chris & Nick’s Path to Authenticity and Mental Fortitude (Part 3) | TEENTALKS EP. 73 11/08/2024

Rising Above – Chris & Nick’s Path to Authenticity and Mental Fortitude (Part 3) | TEENTALKS EP. 73 In the final part of this powerful series, Chris Dabao and Nick Orchard break down the mental shifts that helped them reclaim their true identities and live authentically. They dive into the science behind our brains—how our environments and what we consume shape who we become and why understanding this can free us from limiting beliefs. For years, both tried desperately to fit in and meet others’ expectations, but the weight of living inauthentically brought intense pain, ultimately sparking their transformation. Chris reveals three life-changing practices he now teaches young people to embrace their true selves, from controlling environmental influences to building mental resilience. Nick shares his own journey, marked by feelings of isolation and pain, leading to his realization that even the best-intentioned role models sometimes model limiting beliefs. Through these insights, they found clarity on how to use emotions purposefully and create a positive relationship with the “prehistoric brain,” freeing themselves from fear’s grip. Tune in to discover the empowering tools they share for teens and parents alike to foster confidence, self-worth, and the resilience to thrive. This episode is packed with actionable insights that bring clarity to anyone ready to understand their true self and live fully empowered. Find Chris on Instagram: Find Nicholas on Instagram: Nick’s Coaching: Rise website: Dr. Alok Kanokia, MD MPH (known as Dr. K) How to Raise a Healthy Gamer The Kinsey Scale Feel free to comment, give us feedback and ask questions in the comment section! 🌟Susan's crafted a FREE cheat sheet – her Top 5 Tips to Nailing the Teenage Years – click to grab it! 👇 [Download Now] THRIVE 101 Blueprint Questions: email ABC Downlod: NEW PODCAST EVERY FRIDAY. Reach Out To Us! Connect with Susan : Connect with Rehan: More of TeenTalks: /episode/index/show/2f7a9fed-7473-4c53-8259-54a2acfd54d8/id/33734227

Embracing Authenticity – Chris & Nick’s Journey of Coming Out (Part 2) | TEENTALKS EP. 72 11/01/2024

Embracing Authenticity – Chris & Nick’s Journey of Coming Out (Part 2) | TEENTALKS EP. 72 In this vulnerable and enlightening part two of our three-part series, Chris Dabao and Nick Orchard bravely open up about their personal journeys to understanding their sexuality and ultimately coming out as gay. Each faced the immense pressure of societal and familial expectations, suppressing their true selves to fit the "supposed to be" image others held for them. This episode covers the relief and challenges they experienced as they embraced their identity, and how the decision to be open was not just a single moment but a gradual and ongoing process. Nick and Chris share insights on how parents can support their children who may be exploring their sexuality in ways that avoid triggering fear or a shutdown response. For parents, they emphasize the importance of understanding your own feelings and beliefs on this topic, so you can be a steady, safe zone for your child. Chris and Nick’s stories are raw, inspiring, and deeply educational, showing that acceptance is a journey for both parents and children. In addition to their experiences, Susan reflects on her own journey with her oldest son, who came out during college. Together, they share strategies for opening up conversations, using language that promotes safety and trust around sensitive topics, whether about gender, sexuality, or other tough discussions teens face today. Find Chris on Instagram FInd Nicholas on Instagram Nick’s Coaching: Rise website: Dr. Alok Kanokia, MD MPH (known as Dr. K) The Kinsey Scale Feel free to comment, give us feedback and ask questions in the comment section! 🌟Susan's crafted a FREE cheat sheet – her Top 5 Tips to Nailing the Teenage Years – click to grab it! 👇 [Download Now] THRIVE 101 Blueprint Landing Page Questions: email ABC Downlod: NEW PODCAST EVERY FRIDAY. Reach Out To Us! Connect with Susan : [email protected] Connect with Rehan: More of TeenTalks: /episode/index/show/2f7a9fed-7473-4c53-8259-54a2acfd54d8/id/33733862

Two Paths, Same Struggle – Journeys to Authenticity (Part 1) | TEENTALKS EP. 71 10/25/2024

Two Paths, Same Struggle – Journeys to Authenticity (Part 1) | TEENTALKS EP. 71 In this compelling first part of a two, we sit down with Chris Dabao and Nick Orchard, two partners who, despite coming from vastly different backgrounds, share eerily similar patterns of coping that shaped their lives. We met Chris and Nick at the Global Youth Leadership Summit, where we mentored teens alongside them. Today, both are coaches helping others break free from the limitations they once faced. Chris, from Chicago, grew up with immigrant parents who were very absent and often stressed due to demanding jobs in nursing. He learned to fend for himself early on building skills of independence. Nick, from Texas, grew up in a large, loving family with parents who were deeply involved in his day-to-day life, providing lots of direction and positive reinforcement. Despite their different upbringings, both Nick and Chris felt like outsiders—often picked on and labeled by others, leading them to adopt "identities" that weren’t their own. Through their journey, they discovered that the labels, fears, and beliefs imposed on them by others pushed them to live inauthentically, developing destructive patterns to cope. Join us as Chris and Nick share how their vastly different paths led them to the same destination: a journey of personal growth, authentic living, and now, empowering others to do the same. Stay tuned for part two, where we dive deeper into how they broke free from these limiting identities and turned their struggles into strengths. Feel free to comment, give us feedback and ask questions in the comment section! 🌟Susan's crafted a FREE cheat sheet – her Top 5 Tips to Nailing the Teenage Years – click to grab it! 👇 [Download Now] THRIVE 101 Blueprint Landing Page Questions: email ABC Downlod: Subscribe to the channel NEW PODCAST EVERY FRIDAY. Reach Out To Us! Connect with Susan : [email protected] Connect with Rehan: More of TeenTalks: /episode/index/show/2f7a9fed-7473-4c53-8259-54a2acfd54d8/id/33598842

Breaking Unconscious Generational Trauma with Christian Lolies | TEENTALKS EP. 70 10/18/2024

Breaking Unconscious Generational Trauma with Christian Lolies | TEENTALKS EP. 70 In this eye-opening episode, we welcome Christian Lolies, Certified Family Systemic and Constellation Facilitator, and CEO of Systemic Lens. Christian is a Global Youth Leadership Summit mentor and a leading voice in a fast-growing healing modality featured on Oprah’s book list, It Didn’t Start With You by Mark Wolynn. Christian dives into how families can break free from intergenerational trauma, patterns, and emotional baggage—stopping the cycle from continuing to the next generation. Christian shares powerful insights on Family Constellations, a therapeutic approach designed to heal reoccurring emotional challenges passed down over generations. He reveals how uncovering family secrets and restoring relationships—even when all parties aren't present—can bring incredible harmony and change. Parents have a unique opportunity to be the "keepers of the gate," preventing old wounds from shaping their children’s future. Through his work, Christian has observed that children are mirrors of the adults around them, often reflecting unresolved emotional baggage. He introduces the four fascinating principles of family constellations, key to unlocking unity, empowerment, and love in family dynamics. Christian also shares his personal journey—growing up surrounded by tension and tough environments, then spiraling in his teens to a life of drugs and destruction until he chose to make a powerful change with his environment including a high-level corporate career which then led to finding his true calling. Now, his work transforms families and gives kids the chance to thrive. This episode is a must-listen for any parent wanting to stop the cycle of trauma and create a healthy, loving environment for their teens. It Didn’t Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle by Mark Wolynn Feel free to comment, give us feedback and ask questions in the comment section! 🌟Susan's crafted a FREE cheat sheet – her Top 5 Tips to Nailing the Teenage Years – click to grab it! 👇 [Download Now] THRIVE 101 Blueprint Landing Page Questions: email ABC Downlod: Subscribe to the channel NEW PODCAST EVERY FRIDAY. Reach Out To Us! Connect with Susan : [email protected] Connect with Rehan: More of TeenTalks: /episode/index/show/2f7a9fed-7473-4c53-8259-54a2acfd54d8/id/33484902