Episodi

  • How Caregiving Moms Can Find Community, Build Resilience, and Rediscover Joy with Jessica Patay and Susanna Peace Lovell

    How Caregiving Moms Can Find Community, Build Resilience, and Rediscover Joy with Jessica Patay and Susanna Peace Lovell
    Oct 27 2026
    Episode Summary:Caring for a child with disabilities or complex medical needs can bring challenges that many parents never expected, including isolation, uncertainty, and emotional exhaustion. In this episode of Parent Confidence Lab, Hans and Cristina sit down with Jessica Patay, Founder and CEO of We Are Brave Together, and Susanna Peace Lovell, certified professional life coach and advocate for special needs families, to discuss how caregiving parents can find support, build meaningful connections, and care for their own well-being.Jessica shares how her experience raising a child with Prader-Willi syndrome inspired her to create We Are Brave Together, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting caregiving mothers. Susanna brings her experience as a mother of a daughter with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and food allergies, along with her work supporting families through coaching and advocacy. Together, they explore the importance of trusting your instincts as a parent, recognizing your child's unique strengths, and finding a community that understands your journey.The conversation also highlights why parents need to make space for their own needs, seek help when they feel overwhelmed, and rediscover joy even during difficult seasons. Their message is simple but powerful: caregivers deserve support, connection, and the reminder that they are not alone.What You'll Learn:Why caregiving parents can experience isolation and how to find a supportive communityHow connection with other parents can ease the emotional challenges of raising a child with unique needsWhy trusting your parental instincts matters when advocating for your childHow to recognize and nurture your child's individual strengths and interestsPractical ways to prioritize self-care, emotional well-being, and personal joyHow parents can build resilience while navigating uncertainty and challenging seasonsAbout Jessica Patay and Susanna Peace LovellJessica Patay is the Founder and CEO of We Are Brave Together, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the mental and social health of caregiving mothers. Inspired by her own experience raising a child with Prader-Willi syndrome, Jessica founded the organization in 2017 to help mothers connect, find support, and feel less alone. She is also a co-host of the Brave Together podcast.Connect with Jessica:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-patay-06094446/We Are Brave Together: https://www.wearebravetogether.org/Susanna Peace Lovell is a certified professional life coach and advocate dedicated to supporting the health and wellness of families raising children with disabilities and other unique needs. As a mother navigating her own daughter's complex needs, Susanna brings personal experience and professional insight to helping parents find greater joy, confidence, and fulfillment.Connect with Susanna:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susannapeace/Website: https://susannapeacelovell.com/Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicYouTubeiHeartRadioCaptivateParent Confidence Lab by Avocado Health, your parenting partner in your pocket.Enjoying the show? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly parenting insights, episode updates, and expert tips straight to your inbox.Sign up here: https://avo-little-more-confidence.beehiiv.com/
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    40 min
  • How to Raise Inclusive, Empathetic Children: Building Stronger Communities and Helping Every Child Thrive with Ashanti Bryant

    How to Raise Inclusive, Empathetic Children: Building Stronger Communities and Helping Every Child Thrive with Ashanti Bryant
    Oct 22 2026

    Episode Summary:

    Every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported, regardless of their background, abilities, or circumstances. In this episode of Parent Confidence Lab, Hans and Cristina Kullberg sit down with Ashanti Bryant, Senior Program Officer at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, to explore how parents and communities can create environments where children feel included, build meaningful relationships, and have the opportunity to thrive.

    Ashanti shares his perspective as an educator, former school principal, community leader, and father of three. Drawing from his experience working with children and families, he explains why every child has unique strengths and needs, how schools can foster belonging, and why children benefit when adults help them build friendships and understand differences with empathy and respect.

    The conversation also explores the importance of building a supportive village around families, modeling inclusion at home, and creating intentional opportunities for connection. Ashanti discusses the role of community organizations and social workers, the importance of racial healing, and why parents should encourage children to discover their own interests rather than expecting them to follow someone else's path.

    What You'll Learn
    • Why every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported
    • How parents can help children understand and respect differences
    • Why inclusion and belonging matter at school and in the community
    • How schools can create opportunities for children to build meaningful friendships
    • Why parents need a supportive village and how to start building one
    • How everyday conversations and family routines can teach empathy
    • Why children learn from watching how adults treat others
    • How the W.K. Kellogg Foundation supports children, working families, and equitable communities
    • Why social workers play an important role in connecting families with resources
    • How to encourage children to explore their own interests, strengths, and dreams

    About Ashanti Bryant

    Ashanti Bryant is a Senior Program Officer on the Michigan team at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. An educator and former school principal, he brings experience working with children across different age groups and supporting inclusive learning environments where children with diverse abilities and needs can connect and thrive.

    As a father of three, Ashanti also brings a personal perspective to conversations about parenting, belonging, and children's individual development. His work and approach center on creating communities where families have access to support and every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and reach their potential.

    Connect with Ashanti Bryant
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashanti-bryant-340a195/
    • W.K. Kellogg Foundation: https://www.wkkf.org/

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    50 min
  • How to Foster Curiosity, Emotional Regulation & a Love of Learning in Young Children with Leslie Holt

    How to Foster Curiosity, Emotional Regulation & a Love of Learning in Young Children with Leslie Holt
    Oct 21 2026
    Episode Summary:Early childhood is a critical time for building curiosity, confidence, and the skills children need to navigate the world. In this episode of Parent Confidence Lab, Hans and Cristina Kullberg sit down with Leslie Holt, an early childhood education leader and Preschool Director at Bright Horizons, to discuss how parents and educators can support children's development while creating environments where every child feels understood and encouraged to be themselves.Leslie shares how his passion for early childhood education began in high school through a child development program and grew into a career focused on helping children learn through exploration, play, and meaningful relationships. He explains why everyday routines, from preparing dinner to brushing teeth, can become valuable learning opportunities, and how parents can encourage curiosity at home without adding more pressure to their already busy lives.The conversation also explores developmental milestones, managing tantrums, building emotional regulation, reducing screen distractions, and the benefits of spending time outdoors. Leslie emphasizes the importance of patience, individualized support, and strong partnerships between families and educators. His message is simple: children thrive when adults take the time to understand their interests, respect their individual needs, and help them discover the joy of learning.What You'll LearnWhy early childhood plays such an important role in lifelong learning and developmentHow play, exploration, and curiosity help children build confidenceWays to turn everyday family routines into learning opportunitiesHow parents can connect with their children through intentional communicationWhy children develop at different rates and how to approach milestones with patienceHow teachers and parents can work together to support children's individual needsPractical strategies for helping children identify and regulate their emotionsHow to encourage empathy, sharing, and healthy friendshipsWhy outdoor play and nature can support children's creativity and social developmentHow to create a supportive environment where children feel comfortable being themselvesAbout Leslie HoltLeslie Holt is an early childhood education leader and Preschool Director at Bright Horizons. His career in early childhood education began in high school through a child development program, where he discovered his passion for working with young children. He later continued developing his experience through college internships, classroom teaching, and leadership roles.Leslie is dedicated to creating supportive learning environments where children can explore their interests, develop essential life skills, and build a lasting love of learning. He also values strong family partnerships, helping parents navigate developmental milestones, emotional regulation, and the everyday challenges of raising young children.His approach centers on understanding each child as an individual, encouraging curiosity, and giving children the freedom to discover their strengths and passions.Connect with Leslie HoltLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-holt-8b17b691/Bright Horizons: https://www.brighthorizons.com/Listen & SubscribeEnjoyed this episode? Follow Parent Confidence Lab for more practical conversations with experts who help parents navigate the challenges and joys of raising children.Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicYouTubeiHeartRadioCaptivate: https://parent-confidence-lab.captivate.fm/Parent Confidence Lab by Avocado Health, your parenting partner in your pocket.Want more practical parenting insights, expert advice, and encouragement for your parenting journey? Subscribe to our newsletter for a little more confidence in your everyday parenting.Sign up here: https://avo-little-more-confidence.beehiiv.com/
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    33 min
  • How to Understand Your Hormones: Fertility, Progesterone & Women’s Health with Amy Beckley

    How to Understand Your Hormones: Fertility, Progesterone & Women’s Health with Amy Beckley
    Oct 20 2026

    Episode Summary:

    Women navigating fertility challenges, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and perimenopause often have questions about their hormones but struggle to find clear answers. In this episode of Parent Confidence Lab, Hans and Cristina Kullberg sit down with Amy Beckley, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of Prove, to discuss how hormone tracking can help women better understand their menstrual cycles, reproductive health, and changing hormone patterns.

    Amy shares her personal journey through infertility and multiple pregnancy losses, explaining how discovering a progesterone deficiency changed her path to motherhood and inspired her to create Prove. She discusses the roles estrogen and progesterone play in the menstrual cycle, why understanding hormone patterns matters, and how her company developed at-home testing to help women gather more information about their hormonal health.

    The conversation also explores secondary infertility, stress and menstrual health, postpartum hormonal changes, perimenopause, and hormone replacement therapy. Amy also shares why women should feel empowered to ask questions and advocate for their health, along with practical advice for supporting friends and family experiencing fertility challenges. Her message is that women deserve information, compassionate support, and the opportunity to make informed decisions about their health.

    What You'll Learn
    • How estrogen and progesterone influence the menstrual cycle and reproductive health
    • How Amy's personal experience with infertility inspired her to create Prove
    • How at-home hormone testing can help women track hormone patterns
    • What secondary infertility is and why it can happen after a previous pregnancy
    • How stress and other factors may affect menstrual health and fertility
    • What women may experience during postpartum recovery and perimenopause
    • Why recognizing changes in your body can help you start important conversations with healthcare providers
    • What to know about birth control and hormone replacement therapy
    • Why fertility care can be expensive and why understanding available options matters
    • How partners, friends, and family can support someone experiencing fertility challenges
    • Why listening with empathy is often more helpful than offering unsolicited advice

    About Amy Beckley

    Amy Beckley, Ph.D., is the Founder and CEO of Prove, a women's health company focused on helping women better understand their hormonal patterns through at-home testing. With a background in scientific research and a personal history of infertility and pregnancy loss, Amy combined her scientific knowledge and lived experience to develop tools designed to give women more insight into their reproductive health.

    Through Prove, Amy works to improve access to hormone information and education, helping women better understand their cycles and have more informed conversations about their health. She is passionate about reducing the stigma surrounding fertility challenges and empowering women to seek answers and support throughout different stages of life.

    Connect with Amy Beckley
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amybeckley/
    • Prove Website: https://proovtest.com/

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    50 min
  • How to Support Children on the Autism Spectrum: ABA, Parent Advocacy & Autism Acceptance with Emaley McCulloch

    How to Support Children on the Autism Spectrum: ABA, Parent Advocacy & Autism Acceptance with Emaley McCulloch
    Oct 20 2026
    Episode Summary:Parents of children on the autism spectrum often face questions about evaluations, therapy options, developmental milestones, and how to best support their child's unique needs. In this episode of Parent Confidence Lab, Hans and Cristina Kullberg sit down with Emaley McCulloch, M.Ed., Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), to discuss how parents can navigate their child's journey while building confidence, advocating for their needs, and embracing who their children are.Emaley shares her journey from volunteering with families of autistic children as a teenager to becoming a behavior analyst, business owner, and parent of a son on the autism spectrum. She explains how applied behavior analysis (ABA) can help children develop communication skills, learn coping strategies, and navigate everyday transitions. She also discusses how becoming a parent changed her professional perspective, teaching her the importance of listening to parents, collaborating with other specialists, and considering the well-being of the entire family.The conversation also covers the evolution of ABA, the importance of choosing appropriate and individualized interventions, and how parents can recognize questionable treatment claims. Emaley shares practical advice for families seeking evaluations or navigating a new diagnosis, including finding supportive communities and trusting their instincts. She also explains why moving beyond autism awareness toward autism acceptance can help families and communities recognize the strengths, interests, and individuality of autistic people.What You'll LearnWhat applied behavior analysis is and how ABA can support children's developmentHow positive reinforcement can encourage communication and help children learn new skillsPractical strategies for preparing children for transitions and changes in routineWhy parents' intuition and firsthand knowledge are essential to their child's care teamHow becoming a parent changed Emaley's approach to ABA and family supportWhy ABA experiences can vary and what parents should consider when choosing providersHow to recognize questionable treatment claims and approach new interventions carefullyWhat parents can do when they suspect their child may be on the autism spectrumWhy early evaluations and supportive communities can help families navigate a diagnosisHow to move beyond autism awareness toward genuine acceptance and inclusionHow relatives and friends can connect with autistic children through their interests and passionsWhy making time for family connection, fun, and everyday experiences matters beyond a diagnosisAbout Emaley McCullochEmaley McCulloch, M.Ed., BCBA, is a behavior analysis professional with decades of experience in applied behavior analysis, autism services, and professional training. She began working with autistic children and their families as a teenager in the 1990s, developing a passion for helping children build communication skills, independence, and meaningful connections.Emaley founded Autism Training Solutions (ATS), an ABA training company that developed educational resources for clinicians and other professionals working with autistic children. The company was acquired by Relias in 2014, helping expand access to ABA training and education. Her professional background also includes leadership, training, and collaboration with professionals and families across the United States, Hawaii, and Japan.As a parent of a son on the autism spectrum, Emaley brings both professional expertise and personal experience to her work. Her approach emphasizes listening to parents, collaborating across disciplines, and choosing individualized support that prioritizes each child's needs and quality of life. She advocates for greater autism acceptance and encourages families to recognize their children's unique strengths, interests, and potential.Connect with Emaley McCullochLinkedIn: Emaley McCullochRelias: https://www.relias.com/Relias Institute: https://www.reliasinstitute.com/Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicYouTubeiHeart RadioCaptivateParent Confidence Lab by Avocado Health, your parenting partner in your pocket.Enjoying the show? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly parenting insights, episode updates, and expert parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox.Sign up here: https://avo-little-more-confidence.beehiiv.com/
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    40 min
  • How Parents Can Advocate for Children with Special Needs: Building Better Partnerships with Schools with Cambria Russell

    How Parents Can Advocate for Children with Special Needs: Building Better Partnerships with Schools with Cambria Russell
    Oct 6 2026

    Episode Summary:

    Parents of children with special needs often find themselves navigating complicated school systems, medical providers, evaluations, IEPs, and unfamiliar terminology. In this episode of Parent Confidence Lab, Hans and Cristina Kullberg sit down with Cambria Russell, Ph.D., Chief of Programs at the Federation for Children with Special Needs, to talk about how parents can become confident advocates for their children while building stronger partnerships with schools and professionals.

    Cambria shares her unique perspective as a former special educator, education leader, advocate, and parent of two children with disabilities. She explains why parents should recognize themselves as experts on their own children and how families can move from feeling like they are fighting against the school system to working together toward better outcomes.

    The conversation also covers practical resources for families, including Parent Training and Information Centers, Parent to Parent programs, school-based parent groups, and ways to navigate a new diagnosis or suspected disability. Cambria also discusses inclusion, ableism, supporting families in everyday life, and why asking questions and listening to people with disabilities can help create more welcoming communities.

    What You'll Learn
    • Why parents are experts on their own children
    • How to become a stronger advocate within the school system
    • Ways to build a partnership with teachers, schools, and professionals
    • What to do when you feel your child's needs aren't being met
    • How Parent Training and Information Centers can support families
    • How Parent to Parent programs connect families with lived experience
    • What to do when your child is newly diagnosed or waiting for an evaluation
    • How friends and family can better support parents of children with disabilities
    • Why inclusion starts with asking questions and understanding individual needs
    • How listening to people with disabilities can help challenge assumptions and reduce ableism

    About Cambria Russell

    Cambria Russell, Ph.D. is the Chief of Programs at the Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN). She began her career as a special educator and has worked in school leadership, teacher education, and advocacy. She is also a parent of two school-aged children.

    Cambria brings together her professional experience in education and advocacy with her lived experience as a parent. Through her work at FCSN, she helps empower families, strengthen partnerships between families and professionals, and break down barriers so children and youth with disabilities can have better outcomes.

    Connect with Cambria Russell
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cambria-russell-320a464/
    • Federation for Children with Special Needs: https://fcsn.org/

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    36 min
  • How to Raise Money-Smart Kids: Financial Literacy, Confidence & a Growth Mindset with Dr. Michele Cho Dorado

    How to Raise Money-Smart Kids: Financial Literacy, Confidence & a Growth Mindset with Dr. Michele Cho Dorado
    Oct 1 2026

    Episode Summary:

    Raising confident kids is about more than helping them succeed in school. In this episode of Parent Confidence Lab, Hans and Cristina Kullberg sit down with Dr. Michele Cho Dorado, a pediatric gastroenterologist, author, mother, and founder passionate about helping children become confident and money-smart from an early age.

    Michele shares why she believes financial literacy should start when kids are young, and how parents can teach money through everyday conversations, play, hands-on experiences, and modeling. From saving and investing to starting pretend businesses and learning from failure, she explains how simple activities can help children develop curiosity, confidence, decision-making skills, and a growth mindset.

    The conversation also explores the connection between money beliefs, family values, confidence, and the messages children absorb at home. Michele shares lessons from her own journey as a physician, investor, author, and entrepreneur, along with practical ways parents can encourage lifelong learning and help their children become thoughtful, independent decision-makers.

    What You'll Learn
    • Why financial literacy should start early in childhood
    • How parents can teach money through everyday activities and play
    • The importance of modeling healthy money habits at home
    • How curiosity and asking questions build confidence
    • Why failure can be one of the best learning tools for kids
    • How money beliefs and family experiences can shape children
    • Ways to encourage a growth mindset and independent decision-making
    • How financial confidence connects to broader life skills and self-confidence

    About Dr. Michele Cho Dorado

    Dr. Michele Cho Dorado is a pediatric gastroenterologist, author, mother, investor, and entrepreneur passionate about raising confident, curious, and money-smart kids. Inspired by her own children, she created Reach for the Stars, a collection of children's books and educational resources designed to introduce young learners to financial concepts through engaging stories and real-life experiences.

    Michele believes financial education is about much more than teaching children what money means. It is about helping them develop the confidence to ask questions, make decisions, take thoughtful risks, learn from failure, and build a healthy relationship with money.

    Connect with Dr. Michele Cho Dorado

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michelecd

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    46 min
  • How to Help Kids Build Confidence: Medical Visits, Screen Time & Independence with Jessica Hardy

    How to Help Kids Build Confidence: Medical Visits, Screen Time & Independence with Jessica Hardy
    Sep 29 2026
    Episode Summary:

    How can parents help children feel more confident, capable, and empowered as they grow? In this episode of Parent Confidence Lab, Hans and Cristina sit down with Jessica Hardy, a child life specialist with more than 20 years of experience working with children and families in pediatric hospital settings, to explore how parents can support children through medical experiences, everyday decisions, screen time, and the journey toward independence.

    Jessica shares what inspired her to work with children and families and explains how child life specialists help children understand and cope with medical experiences. She discusses the importance of giving children developmentally appropriate information, offering choices, using coping tools, and advocating for pain management during procedures such as vaccinations and medical visits.

    The conversation also explores screen time, setting healthy boundaries around technology, and why giving children age-appropriate choices and responsibilities can help build confidence. Jessica shares practical parenting insights from her professional experience and her own journey raising two children, including the importance of staying connected while giving kids the space they need to become independent.

    What You'll Learn
    • How child life specialists help children cope with medical experiences and new diagnoses
    • Ways parents can prepare children for doctor visits, vaccinations, and procedures
    • Why pain management and giving children choices can make medical experiences easier
    • How parents can build confidence by giving children age-appropriate responsibilities
    • The connection between independence, decision-making, and self-confidence
    • How to set healthy boundaries around screen time and technology
    • Why staying connected and available helps children develop independence
    • How to support children through the natural push and pull of growing up

    About Jessica Hardy

    Jessica Hardy is a child life specialist with more than 20 years of experience working with children and families in pediatric hospital settings. She holds a bachelor's degree in child development and family and consumer studies and has built her career around helping families navigate new diagnoses, medical procedures, hospitalization, and emotional challenges.

    As a child life specialist, Jessica helps children understand what is happening to them, prepares them for medical experiences using age-appropriate information, and provides coping tools, distraction, play, and opportunities for children to make choices. Her approach focuses on helping children feel supported, informed, and empowered during experiences that can otherwise feel overwhelming.

    Jessica also brings a deep understanding of family dynamics and parenting challenges to her work. In this conversation, she shares practical wisdom on helping children develop confidence, responsibility, independence, and the ability to make decisions while maintaining a strong connection with their parents.

    Connect with Jessica Hardy

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessica-hardy-boise

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    33 min