What if you could navigate holiday stress with a little more ease? This episode of the Brainy Moms podcast promises to equip you with insightful strategies for beating those seasonal pressures. Holiday family dynamics can be a minefield, but Dr. Amy and Sandy have got you covered with thoughtful approaches to a little more harmony. As families expand and evolve, coordinating plans can become more challenging, especially when loved ones are absent. We talk about fostering meaningful conne...

On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and cognitive specialist Sandy Zamalis share how dietary choices can significantly impact brain development and cognitive performance in your children. From the powerhouse omega-3 fatty acids to essential proteins and carbohydrates, we break down the crucial nutrients your kids need for their growing brains. Learn practical ways to incorporate these brain-boosting elements into everyday meals and what to avoid fo...

Ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer range of sensory experiences your child navigates daily? On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy discuss the world of sensory processing with Dr. Eva Lassey, a doctor of physical therapy and the visionary behind Dr. Sensory. Through her personal and professional journey, Dr. Lassey breaks down the often-confusing landscape of sensory processing disorders, helping us discern between sensory seekers and avoiders. Her insights equip parent...

On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, discover the transformative power of conscious parenting as Dr. Amy and Sandy talk with Holly Swenson, an award-winning author, nurse, and mother of four. Holly shares her groundbreaking approach to parenting, inspired by principles from her latest book, "Stop, Drop, Grow, and Glow." Learn how the "five rights of parenting," derived from nursing practices, can foster deeper connections and holistic wellness for both parents and children. Holly's ins...

On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore chats with Sandy Zamalis about inattentive ADHD in children, teens, and adults. This subtype of ADHD is often overlooked and underdiagnosed because it manifests in behaviors that are less disruptive to a learning environment than the hyperactive subtype of ADHD. They share the criteria used to diagnose the inattentive type of ADHD inattentive, along with some strategies and techniques for supporting and communica...

On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, therapist Katie May joins Dr. Amy and Sandy to discuss concepts from her book, “You’re On Fire, It’s Fine: Effective Strategies for Parenting Teens with Self-Destructive Behaviors.” They talk about how to have conversations with your “fire feeler” in a way that doesn’t come across as judgmental or cause them to lose trust in your relationship. You’ll hear advice on what and when it might be appropriate to share your own experiences from young adulth...

On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy welcome Dr. Amber Thornton, a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in parent mental health and well-being. She shares tips from her new book, “A Parent’s Guide to Self-Regulation: A Practical Framework for Breaking the Cycle of Dysregulation and Mastering Emotions for Parents and Children” including how parents can help themselves and also co-regulate their children’s emotions. Tune in to learn more about common “hot spot...

On this episode of The Brainy Moms podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy welcome TWO experts to discuss the benefits of getting your kids outside into nature. Researcher and pediatrician, Dr. Pooja Tandon, and pediatrician and leader of Project Nature, Dr. Danette Glassy, join us to talk about ideas from their new book, “Digging Into Nature: Outdoor Adventures for Happier and Healthier Kids.” You’ll learn about the benefits to mental, emotional, and physical health including concepts like forest bathing...

Do you struggle to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up feeling rested? If so, then you won’t want to miss this information-packed episode of the Brainy Moms podcast with health psychologist Dr. Daniella Marchetti who specializes in behavioral sleep medicine. In this conversation with Dr. Amy and Sandy, Dr. Marchetti shares the truth about melatonin, nightmares, room temperature, white noise machines, sleep trackers, and even mattresses! Learn how to improve your sleep without getting a sleep...

On this episode, David Steinman, author of the book “Raising Healthy Kids: Protecting Your Children from Hidden Chemical Toxins,” talks to Dr. Amy and Sandy about his extensive knowledge from decades as an environmental journalist and activist. You’ll learn which foods are particularly toxic, what to avoid in skincare products, shampoos, and detergents, and how these chemicals are harming our kids. From their impact on everything from IQ and sex hormones to the liver and the environment, thes...

On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy talk about back-to-school anxiety at different ages and stages. You’ll learn how some of the most common fears typically manifest in elementary, middle, and high school and how you can help support your child or teen. You’ll also hear tips on framing discussions about school and which behaviors may indicate more than “typical” anxiety, perhaps requiring an intervention such as therapy, medication, or an intervention for learning st...

On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy are joined by Erica Djossa, a psychotherapist and the CEO and founder of MomWell to discuss the “mother load”—the mental load of care, responsibility, planning, organizing, managing, scheduling, and more that women carry at any given time. Whether you’re a new mom dealing with postpartum depression and anxiety or a working mom with school-aged teens who is struggling to fight overwhelm, frustration, resentment, and anger about all ...

On this fascinating episode of the Brainy Moms podcast with Dr. Amy and Sandy, psychotherapist Mindy Haukedahl shares details about assessing and treating anxiety and sleep problems in kids, teens, and adults using qEEG and Neurotherapy. From depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and misophonia, her work with non-invasive in-person and remote qEEG and neurotherapy has significantly improved her clients’ lives by using real-time brainwave activity to help diagnose and treat a variety of conditi...

On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, Tal Eyre joins Dr. Amy and Sandy to talk about how dads can better connect with their kids. Tal is an expert in positive psychology and is the author of the book, “Dad Mode: 25 Ways to Connect With Your Children" and he talks about the difference between “dealing with” and “feeling with” when it comes to parenting, as well as how to address your own childhood baggage through “shadow work” to be a better parent. Hear about the different types of pare...

On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and board-certified cognitive specialist Sandy Zamalis break down a vital learning skill called processing speed. Tune in to find out what this cognitive skill is all about, how processing speed can impact everything from academics and sports to driving and following instructions. You’ll hear examples of how slow processing speed might manifest in your child or teen, potential causes for low processing speed, and...

Why are there so many skincare products marketed to tween and teen girls but so few for boys? What should teens look for on a label—and what should they avoid? How much do hormones, diet, stress, and age play a role in acne? What are the latest treatments for acne, eczema, and psoriasis? If you’re curious to learn how to help your tween or teen prevent or treat acne, or whether things like Accutane, toners, retinols, or sunscreens are recommended by skincare experts, tune in and take notes! O...

On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy get real about raising a child with ADHD when you have it yourself. See, Dr. Amy is not only a cognitive psychologist and brain training researcher, but also an ADHD mom and a mom with ADHD. Touching on subjects like self-regulation, nutrition, the effects of ADHD on relationships, and the cognitive skills that often tend to underperform (beyond just attention!), you’ll learn about some of the strategies Dr. Amy has implemented in ...

On this episode of The Brainy Moms podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy are joined by Kelley Coleman, a feature film development executive turned author and advocate for parents and caregivers of individuals with disabilities. Kelley is here to talk about the concepts and information in her book, “Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child: Your Guide to the Essential Systems, Services, and Supports.” Kelley is the mother of two boys, one of whom has multiple disabilities and a servic...

Continuing our series on cognitive skills, Dr. Amy and Sandy welcomed LearningRx CEO Kim Hanson to the Brainy Moms podcast. Kim explains for our listeners what visual processing is (hint: it’s more about the brain than the eyes), why we need it to be strong learners and readers, and how parents can help boost the skill at home. Kim shares examples of ways that weak processing skills can impact everything from driving and reading comprehension to using maps and doing math problems. Tune in to ...

In one of our most fascinating episodes of the Brainy Moms podcast to date, dentist and author Dr. Blaine Leeds joins Dr. Amy and Teri to talk about a novel way to significantly improve the quality and quantity of sleep for children, teens, and adults. To our surprise, oral sleep apnea impedes restorative sleep, which experts are now determining to be the root cause of so many mental, emotional, cognitive, and physical issues. Learn how a simple DIY device is revolutionizing not only how we t...

On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, Dr. DR. AMY is joined by Sandy and Teri—who have both been homeschool moms—to talk with Christy Faith about homeschooling. Christy shares topics from her new book, “Homeschool Rising: Shattering Myths, Finding Courage, and Opting Out of the School System,” and her flourishing online community of homeschooling families. You’ll hear how homeschooling has changed significantly over the years to evolve into a truly diverse and sustainable undertaking fo...

Forget everything you think you know about bedwetting, poop accidents, and potty training. Dr. Steve Hodges, a professor of Pediatric Urology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine joined Dr. Amy and Sandy on this episode of Brainy Moms to drop some serious truth bombs about what’s really going on with most kids and teens who have accidents. (HINT: It’s not about bad behavior, deep sleep, or an underdeveloped bladder…and it’s never the kid’s fault.) You’ll hear what he stumbled upon dur...

On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, Sandy speaks with co-host Dr. Jody Jedlicka, an audiologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of auditory processing disorders. Dr. Jody explains for listeners the difference between hear loss and an auditory processing disorder, as well as some of the other skill deficits that can be present with auditory processing challenges, such as memory issues, processing speed, and attention. She touches on ADHD, autism, and behavioral issues, a...

On this fascinating episode with Dr. Amy and Sandy, psychotherapist and certified brain professional Mindy Haukedahl shares details from her successes using neurofeedback to improve brain functionality in kids, teens, and adults. From depression, anxiety, and ADHD to creativity, sleep, and misophonia, her work with non-invasive in-person and remote neurotherapy has significantly improved her clients’ lives by using real-time brainwave activity to help diagnose and treat a variety of condition...