Parenting a teenager is the most uniquely challenging things you’ve ever done. The host of Speaking of Teens, Ann Coleman, understands all too well. After drowning in those challenges, herself, she spent several years transitioning from practicing attorney to expert in the science of adolescence and parenting. Every Tuesday she delivers the most up to date, science-based information, news and advice to help you better understand, relate to, and parent your teen…without the conflict. From navigating relationships and social media to academic pressures and mental health issues, she, along with an occasional expert guest, will help you peacefully parent your teenager with confidence.
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#249: Teenager Friendship Drama--Help Without Making It Worse
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 • Duration 21:38
In this episode, I'm breaking down one of the most emotionally charged challenges parents face...teen friendship drama...and sharing exactly what to do (and what not to do) when your teenager comes home in tears over a falling out with their friend group.
You'll also learn why social rejection genuinely feels life-threatening to the adolescent brain, how boys and girls navigate friend conflicts differently, the ins and outs of "popularity" and more.
"I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener
^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen.
Tap here, to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show.
If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star!
Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents!
3-Session Coaching Package - 3, hour-long one-to-one coaching sessions with me, Ann Coleman to help you through whatever issues you are currently expereincing with your teenager.
1-hour of One-to-One Coaching - If you just need a quick, 1-hour coaching session to figure out a specific issue with your teen, book a call with me.
Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.)
#248: How To Get Your Teenager To Actually Listen To You
Tuesday, April 7, 2026 • Duration 24:35
In this episode, I'll completely flip your understanding of teen discipline — because if grounding, taking the phone, punishing, and lecturing haven't worked, it's not because you haven't tried hard enough, it's because those approaches are working against your teen's developing brain.
Today I'm breaking down exactly why traditional punishment backfires every single time, what teen brain development actually means for your parenting approach, and what discipline is truly supposed to accomplish.
I'll walk you through why your teenager's impulsive, emotional, and sometimes baffling behavior isn't defiance — it's a skill deficit rooted in an underdeveloped prefrontal cortex — and I'll show you what actually works instead.
"I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener
^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen.
Tap here, to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show.
If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star!
Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents!
3-Session Coaching Package - 3, hour-long one-to-one coaching sessions with me, Ann Coleman to help you through whatever issues you are currently expereincing with your teenager.
#247: Getting Your Teen To Stop Or Decrease Their Substance Use
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 • Duration 24:06
In this episode, I'm sharing some of the most powerful, science-backed strategies you can use to help motivate your teen to change their relationship with substances — without the yelling, punishing, lecturing, or ultimatums that likely haven't been working.
Drawing from the highly regarded book Beyond Addiction, I walk you through two of the most effective tools available to parents of teens struggling with drug or alcohol use: motivational interviewing and the CRAFT method (Community Reinforcement and Family Training), which research has shown to be more effective than traditional intervention approaches and Al-Anon.
"I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener
^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen.
Tap here, to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show.
If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star!
Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents!
3-Session Coaching Package - 3, hour-long one-to-one coaching sessions with me, Ann Coleman to help you through whatever issues you are currently expereincing with your teenager.
#246 Discovered Your Teen Is Using Drugs Or Drinking? What Now?
Wednesday, March 11, 2026 • Duration 21:59
Today I’ll explain exactly what to do when you discover your teen is drinking, vaping, or using drugs. You’ll learn how to have a calm, connected conversation with your teen, how to understand why your teen is using substances, how to approach them with empathy instead of confrontation, and practical strategies to keep them safe while maintaining trust.
I also review the critical mistakes we parents make in this situation, and how to set boundaries without pushing them away. This step-by-step guide will help you navigate this scary situation with science-backed strategies that protect both your teen's wellbeing and your connection with them.
"I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener
^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen.
Tap here, to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show.
If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star!
Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents!
3-Session Coaching Package - 3, hour-long one-to-one coaching sessions with me, Ann Coleman to help you through whatever issues you are currently expereincing with your teenager.
#245 – Why Teens Use Substances And How To Help Prevent It
Thursday, January 22, 2026 • Duration 15:02
In today's episode I break down the neuroscience behind why teens are so vulnerable to substance use—and explain what you can actually do about it.
If you're worried about your teen using alcohol, vaping, or marijuana, this episode is for you.
I explain how the adolescent brain's reward system, weak prefrontal cortex, and neuroplasticity create the perfect storm for risky behavior.
But here's the good news: the majority of teens do NOT use substances, and I'm sharing 4 science-backed strategies to help your teen stay in that majority.
"I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener
^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen.
Tap here, to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show.
If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star!
Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents!
3-Session Coaching Package - 3, hour-long one-to-one coaching sessions with me, Ann Coleman to help you through whatever issues you are currently expereincing with your teenager.
What To Do About Your “Lazy And Unmotivated” Teenager (That Actually Works)
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 • Duration 15:02
Today I'm going to share why your teenager seems so lazy and unmotivated, and what you can actually do about it that won't backfire.
I'll explain what's happening in that unmotivated brain of theirs and why punishment, rewards, and nagging to get them to do their homework or study are only making things worse.
Plus, I'll walk you through Dr. Adam Price's (author of "He's Not Lazy") proven 8-step framework for helping unmotivated teens develop internal drive.
Listen to learn how to motivate your teenager without destroying your parent-teen relationship.
"I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener
^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen.
Tap here, to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show.
If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star!
Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents!
3-Session Coaching Package - 3, hour-long one-to-one coaching sessions with me, Ann Coleman to help you through whatever issues you are currently expereincing with your teenager.
#243: Stop Overparenting—You’re Sabotaging Your Teen’s Future
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 • Duration 27:42
In this episode, I explain how you may be unwittingly overparenting (aka, helicopter parenting) your teen—and why doing too much for or controlling your teenager actually sets them up for failure as a young adult.
I'll explain what helicopter parenting really looks like and the psychological damage it causes to our teens, young adults, or college-age kids. You'll also learn practical strategies to stop overparenting, reduce parent-teen conflict, and raise confident teenagers who can handle life's challenges.
"I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener
^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen.
Tap here, to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show.
If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star!
Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents!
3-Session Coaching Package - 3, hour-long one-to-one coaching sessions with me, Ann Coleman to help you through whatever issues you are currently expereincing with your teenager.
#242: Why Home Drug Testing Your Teen Is A Losing Proposition
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 • Duration 29:49
It seems reasonable and logical that drug testing your teenager at home could keep them safe or at least keep them accountable.
However, the opposite is actually true.
Today I discuss the damage we cause when we drug test our teens at home and why drug testing is simply not practical and isn't the solution you may think it is.
I'll also explain what you should do instead if you want to decrease the likelihood of your teen participating in risky behaviors.
This episode (here on YouTube) will be helpful for you whether substances are an issue with your teen or not. The general principals I talk about can be applied to any similar situation.
Listen to episode 178 (having a conversation with your teen about their substance use)
"I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener
^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen.
Tap here, to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show.
If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star!
Thank you in advance for helping help more parents!
#241: How To Connect To Your Teen To Improve Their Behavior
Tuesday, November 25, 2025 • Duration 26:12
Today is the eighth and final episode in my Fundamentals of Parenting Teens podcast series.
If your teen shuts down around you, keeps things from you, has big emotional reactions to everything you say, or is acting out in risky ways, you probably have a connection problem.
In today's episode, I explain exactly what connection means, why it's critical for parenting emotional teens, and how to build it (even when your teenager wants nothing to do with you).
Listen and learn science backed strategies to build your connection, strengthen your relationship and gain more influence in your teen's life.
"I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener
^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen.
Tap here, to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show.
If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star!
#240 Punishment Creates Teen Rebellion. Do This Instead.
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 • Duration 20:26
Today is the seventh episode in my Fundamentals of Parenting Teens podcast series.
If you're dealing with a teenager who seems to push back against everything you say, punishment or consequences aren’t the answer and will probably make things worse.
In this episode, I'll explain why traditional discipline backfires with teenagers and what actually works instead.
You'll learn why punishment creates rebellion in teens and what to do instead. You can end the constant power struggles by learning how to support your teen’s autonomy while staying connected and improving their behavior.
"I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener
^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen.
Tap here, to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show.
If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star!
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1-hour of One-to-One Coaching - If you just need a quick, 1-hour coaching session to figure out a specific issue with your teen, book a call with me.
Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.)
1-hour of One-to-One Coaching - If you just need a quick, 1-hour coaching session to figure out a specific issue with your teen, book a call with me.
Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.)
1-hour of One-to-One Coaching - If you just need a quick, 1-hour coaching session to figure out a specific issue with your teen, book a call with me.
Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.)
1-hour of One-to-One Coaching - If you just need a quick, 1-hour coaching session to figure out a specific issue with your teen, book a call with me.
Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.)
1-hour of One-to-One Coaching - If you just need a quick, 1-hour coaching session to figure out a specific issue with your teen, book a call with me.
Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.)
1-hour of One-to-One Coaching - If you just need a quick, 1-hour coaching session to figure out a specific issue with your teen, book a call with me.
Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.)
3-Session Coaching Package - 3, hour-long one-to-one coaching sessions with me, Ann Coleman to help you through whatever issues you are currently expereincing with your teenager.
1-hour of One-to-One Coaching - If you just need a quick, 1-hour coaching session to figure out a specific issue with your teen, book a call with me.
Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.)
Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents!
3-Session Coaching Package - 3, hour-long one-to-one coaching sessions with me, Ann Coleman to help you through whatever issues you are currently expereincing with your teenager.
1-hour of One-to-One Coaching - If you just need a quick, 1-hour coaching session to figure out a specific issue with your teen, book a call with me.
Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.)
Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents!
3-Session Coaching Package - 3, hour-long one-to-one coaching sessions with me, Ann Coleman to help you through whatever issues you are currently expereincing with your teenager.
1-hour of One-to-One Coaching - If you just need a quick, 1-hour coaching session to figure out a specific issue with your teen, book a call with me.
Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.)
