Explore every episode of the podcast The Brainy Moms
Dive into the complete episode list for The Brainy Moms. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Student Support at Home | Erin Vanek
17 Feb 2026
00:48:20
Gifted doesn’t mean easy, and it certainly doesn’t mean perfect. With gifted educator and 2e advocate Erin Vanek, we dig into what giftedness actually looks like day to day: lightning-fast connections, rich vocabulary, and inventive solutions alongside emotional intensity, executive function gaps, and meltdowns over the smallest snag. We share the language that helps—neurodivergent, twice exceptional, asynchronous development—and the practical moves that turn tension into traction for bright kids who think differently.
We talk through why “definitions” of giftedness vary wildly across schools, and how that confusion leaves many families feeling isolated or dismissed. Erin explains how to spot authentic strengths—rapid learning with fewer repetitions, cross-domain links, divergent thinking—and how to honor them without feeding perfectionism. When a child refuses to show work or challenges a one-right-way method, we model how to teach the why, offer real choice, and compare solution paths for efficiency. If big feelings take over, you’ll hear a simple re-engagement technique that brings the prefrontal cortex back online so problem-solving can start again.
For homeschoolers and parents looking for ways to support their child after school, we map a path that values depth over speed. Instead of racing up grade levels, go lateral: invent operations, flip number orders, and use Bloom’s higher levels to analyze and create. Protect reading joy by pairing accessible texts with deep conversations about character, structure, and theme. And leverage games as a secret classroom for cognitive flexibility, planning, patience, and losing well—ending early when needed and debriefing with curiosity. The takeaway is freeing: gifted is not better or worse, just different. When we stop measuring worth by acceleration and start nurturing thinking, resilience, and engagement, our kids learn to thrive on their terms.
If this conversation helped, follow and share the show, leave a quick review, and subscribe to our newsletter at TheBrainyMoms.com for more smart, usable tools.
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
Alone in the Arctic: How it Reframed Fatherhood, Faith, & Fear for Timber Cleghorn
10 Feb 2026
01:16:55
Ever wonder how being alone in the wilderness impacts your faith, your views on fatherhood, and how you define fear? On this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy upack all of that with Timber Cleghorn--humanitarian aid worker, survivalist, and cast member on Season 9 of Alone. Timber shares lessons from a life that spans an off-grid childhood, years in conflict zones, and 83 days alone in the Arctic Circle on the show. The result is a disarmingly honest look at fear, faith, and the daily choices that turn hardship into wisdom.
Timber shares how producers of Alone protect the true experiment—extreme isolation—forcing contestants to face themselves without distraction. In that silence, he used scripture to speaking both fear and gratitude out loud to steady his spirit. From missing a moose with millions watching to withstanding online backlash for expressing his faith, he explains how to loosen your shoulders, learn what you can, and take the next right step. Success may be fleeting, but satisfaction can be solid when your identity isn’t riding on outcomes.
We also go deep on parenting. Timber and his wife are raising three kids while dialing back overseas work, breaking cycles of fear-based decisions, and centering kindness as the family’s North Star. He tells a revealing story about choosing connection over performance. We talk about giving children silence, autonomy, and wonder; modeling a beautiful life with God rather than forcing belief; and how conviction beats confidence when facing real-world challenges, including their toddler’s developmental needs.
If you’re curious about resilience, gratitude, and practical ways to bring wildness home—without making your kids replicas of you—this conversation delivers. Expect thoughtful insights on echo chambers, empathy, failure, and why choosing kindness at any scale matters.
This episode is different from any we've done in all six seasons so far. In a conversation among parents, we laugh, we cry, we share our faith, and we laugh some more. It's an hour and fifteen minutes of pure joy. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs courage today, and leave a review telling us where you’re practicing conviction over confidence right now.
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
What if helping your kid find “the right career” starts with removing the pressure to choose one? On this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy sit down with counselor and career coach Dr. Tega Edwin to rethink how families approach work, college, and the messy middle in between. From fifth-grade classrooms to college advising offices, she’s seen how early biases about gender and prestige quietly close doors—and how simple exposure to real people in diverse roles opens them again.
We unpack a practical roadmap: start with exploration in childhood, not decisions; move into skill-building and option-finding in the teen years; and treat careers as fluid expressions of who we are, not final destinations. Dr. Tega shares classroom-tested ideas that make pathways tangible. For parents guiding older teens, we dig into smarter college strategy—sampling classes, staying undeclared when helpful, using career services early, and avoiding the debt spiral of constant major changes. You’ll also hear how to translate any degree into marketable skills, and why “What Can I Do With This Major?” belongs in every family’s toolbox.
Money worries fuel career fear, so we go straight at financial literacy: budgeting, saving, and investing as the bedrock of freedom to explore. We talk about leveraging your network for shadowing, coaching social skills for the workplace, and turning part-time jobs into lessons in EQ, advocacy, and professionalism. And when a dream is blocked—by health, academics, or reality—we talk about redirecting it without crushing it, honoring the spirit behind the goal. Along the way, we challenge parents to audit their own beliefs about work, because kids learn from what we model, not just what we say.
If you’re ready to replace anxiety with clarity and give your kids tools to pivot with purpose, hit play. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend who’s stressing about career and majors, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway so more families can find it.
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
Peaceful Parenting Through Tough Moments at Any Age with guest Laura Reardon
11 Mar 2023
01:00:43
If you’ve struggled to control your own emotions during a toddler tantrum or tween storm, you’re not alone. Parenting is full of everyday challenges that often lead to big feelings, bad behavior, and reactionary responses—and we’re not just talking about the kids.
Parent coach Laura Reardon joined The Brainy Moms podcast to share her insights on effective strategies to get through the toughest, most emotionally charged moments of parenting. From homework meltdowns and how unmet needs can turn into a threat response, Laura walks us through some calming techniques and supportive wording to help diffuse charged moments and refocus on a peaceful path to parenting.
If you’re tired of feeling emotionally drained and want some guidance on how to create more peace in your family without constantly turning to punitive responses, tune in for this parent-focused podcast.
About Laura Reardon
Laura is a Certified Child Behavior Specialist and founder of Laura Reardon Coaching. She was trained as a Parent Coach by Happily Family, trained as an Emotion Coach by the Gottman Institute, and trained as a Childhood Anxiety Coach by the Institute of Childhood Psychology. She helps parent create their personalized parenting plan— a customized 3-step plan for how to respond to their biggest parenting challenge in a way that sets them up for success in managing their own emotions and behavior, sets their kids up for success in managing theirs, and shows them how to solve their problem effectively. Laura’s goal is to create more peace in our world, one family at a time.
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
Parenting a Differently Wired Kid on Your Own Terms with guest Debbie Reber, MA
23 Feb 2023
00:45:21
If you’re parenting a differently wired kid, you may have concerns that go beyond the already heavy stressors that can come with parenting. Am I parenting to bring out the best in my child or doing what’s comfortable, easy or socially expected? Is my child’s IEP just addressing the behavior rather than the stressors that are causing the behavior? Is my neurodivergent student going to be left behind because they don’t perform well on standardized tests despite being very smart? Am I stuck in a cycle of “compare and despair” rather than respecting my child’s unique timeline, interests and gifts?
Dr. Amy and Dr. Jody host this conversation with Debbie Reber, M.A., author of the book, “Differently Wired: A Parent’s Guide to Raising an Atypical Child with Confidence and Hope” and founder of Tilt Parenting. It felt like a lifeline for many of us raising neurodivergent children and teens. Offering insights, personal stories, and guidance for listeners who may be grappling with insecurities around parenting a differently wired child, Debbie provided comfort—and useful tips—to help us all gain perspective.
ABOUT DEBBIE REBER
Debbie Reber, MA, is a parenting activist, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and the founder of Tilt Parenting, a website, podcast, and resource for parents who are raising differently wired children. A regular contributor to Psychology Today and ADDitude Magazine, Debbie’s newest book is “Differently Wired: A Parent’s Guide to Raising an Atypical Child with Confidence and Hope.” In 2018 she spoke at TEDxAmsterdam, delivering a talk entitled, “Why the Future Will Be Differently Wired.” After living abroad in the Netherlands for five years, Debbie, her husband, and differently wired teen moved to Brooklyn, NY in 2019.
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
Shame, Taboos, and Trauma: Talking to your Kids about their Bodies, Intimacy, and Porn with guest Clint Davis, MS, LPC
09 Feb 2023
00:57:28
On this episode of the Brainy Moms parenting podcast, Dr. Amy and Teri welcome the return of trauma therapist Clint Davis to the show to share his insights about an uncomfortable topic: protecting your kids from sexual abuse and trauma. Beyond just recommending parental-control apps, Clint delves into the psychology behind age-appropriate curiosity, the impact of pornography on both children and adults, and the importance of creating a safe space for communication without shame. This is an episode that every parent needs to hear.
About Clint Davis:
Clint Davis, MS, LPC is an Army Veteran with a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Louisiana Tech University and a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary. He is an ordained minister and Licensed Professional Counselor trained in EMDR for trauma, Restoration Therapy for couples and families, a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), and is a certified sex addiction therapist (CSAT). He’s married to his wife Jacie and they have two sons, Grady and Jude. He’s also a TEDx speaker and the host of his own podcast, Asking Why with Clint Davis.
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
Conscious Parenting: Finding Balance Between Permissive and Punitive Approaches with guest Dr. Elham Raker
26 Jan 2023
00:53:52
Has someone ever told you to “enjoy every minute of parenting because it goes by so fast”? Or that “you only have 18 summers”? For some of us, the extra pressure to feel like we have to relish every touch point with our kids only adds to the stress we feel as busy parents just trying to do our best to juggle it all. On this episode, Dr. Amy and Sandy interview Dr. Elham Raker, pediatrician and certified parent coach who has worked with parents through telemedicine and her virtual coaching program, Ask Dr. Mom. Dr. El says the pressures and expectations for parents can lead to unnecessary feelings of guilt. We bet you can relate.
In her coaching, Dr. El provides support and guidance to parents looking to strike a balance between punitive and permission parenting. Through Conscious Parenting, she helps parents grow deeper connections with their children in ways that are calmer, more respectful, and enriching for both parent and child. She also shares her knowledge and experience as a pediatrician to clarify which unnecessary “shoulds” we can let go of as parents.
Parents, if you’re constantly worried that you’re not doing enough as a parent or you’re just looking for ways to develop a deeper relationship with your child or teen, this conversation with Dr. El may feel like a breath of fresh air. She’s the trifecta of experts—mom, pediatrician and certified parenting coach—and we hope her expertise will help you enrich your relationship not only with your child, but also yourself.
About Dr. Elham Raker: Dr. Elham Raker is a board-certified pediatrician, a parent coach, and the brains behind Ask Dr. Mom, a telemedicine and virtual coaching site for parents. She started the virtual platform after recognizing that the typical 10- to 15-minute office visit with doctors was just not enough. Now parents can get their medical and parenting questions answered in the comfort of their own home without time constraints.
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
Juggling Work and Parenthood without the Guilt with guest Dr. Yael Schonbrun
12 Jan 2023
00:47:43
Are you a working parent who constantly feels overwhelmed, frustrated and/or riddled with guilt? Welcome to the club! For most of us, it’s hard to feel like we’ve got the time, energy, or temperament to balance our lives in a way that feels connected, creative, and inspired. On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy talked to clinical psychologist Dr. Yael Schonbrun who shared her insights and tips to help us get perspective, apply strategies, and find camaraderie in this modern challenge of juggling it all.
About Dr. Yael Schonbrun:
Dr. Yael Schonbrun is licensed clinical psychologist, assistant professor at Brown University, and co-host of the podcast, “Psychologists Off the Clock.” Yael wears many professional hats. In all areas of her work, she draws on scientific research, her clinical experience, ancient wisdom (with an emphasis on Taoism), and real-life experiences with her three boys. She’s the author of the book, Work, Parent, Thrive: 12 Science-backed Strategies to Ditch Guilt, Manage Overwhelm and Grow Connection (When Everything Feels Like Too Much).
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
Hey Mom, Who’s Taking Care of You? (Let’s Talk About Emotional Exhaustion) with guest Nancy Colier, LCSW
15 Dec 2022
00:57:28
If we asked you, “who’s taking care of you?” what would your response be? We bet the responses would range from a spit-take to a chuckle, from a frown to actual tears. Nancy Colier, author of The Emotionally Exhausted Woman, Why You're Feeling Depleted, and How to Get What you Needhas asked a number of women this question as she worked on her book and, almost without fail, the women cried—they were desperate for her book and desperate for someone to care for them. We’re sure you can relate—do you have someone who takes care of you?
In her book, Nancy investigates why women have such a hard time with this concept, and how our friends, our partners, and we ourselves have conspired to create a culture in which women are expected to make themselves small, put others first, and ignore our own needs in favor of being easygoing and likeable.
Listen, ladies: if you’ve ever been told you’re hysterical, too much, angry, unlikeable, difficult, or overreacting, this one’s for you. (Isn’t that all of us?) Nancy’s approach to emotional exhaustion was truly revolutionary for us—and we hope it will help you approach your feelings of emotional exhaustion and overwhelm from a new perspective.
About Nancy
A longtime student of Eastern spirituality, Nancy Colier is a psychotherapist, interfaith minister, and the author The Emotionally Exhausted Woman: Why You’re Feeling Depleted and How to Get What You Need (New Harbinger, 2022), as well as numerous other books. She is a thought leader and national speaker on women’s empowerment, wellbeing, and mindful technology, and has been featured on Good Morning America, The New York Times, and countless other media. She is also a regular blogger for Psychology Today. In addition, Nancy spent 25 years as a nationally top-ranked equestrian and serves as a performance consultant to professional athletes and artists.
CONNECT WITH OUR SPONSOR Website: www.LearningRx.com Facebook: @LearningRxBrainTraining Instagram: @learningrx_brain_training
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
How to Connect with your Kids (Before they Stop Listening!) with guest Dr. Amanda Craig
01 Dec 2022
00:45:14
If you want to set yourself (and your kids!) up for a successful relationship as they enter their teen years, it starts with deep connection with tweens! Research shows that kids between the ages of 9 and 12 are starting to think for themselves, but they still listen to what mom and dad have to say. That makes tweens the perfect age for building deep connections that will last them into and beyond their teenage years! This conversation with Dr. Amanda Craig, author of the book, Who Are You and What Have You Done with My Kid? Connect with your Tween While They're Still Listening was a fascinating look at the four pillars of connection.
Even as they parent older kids, Dr. Amy and Teri were able to glean some great ideas for deepening connection, from creating daily and nightly rituals, to owning our mistakes and being vulnerable in our relationships with our kids. Dr. Craig’s four pillars are instinctual, but so incredibly helpful in framing our approach to parenting.
ABOUT DR. AMANDA CRAIG
Amanda Craig, PhD is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Lower Fairfield County Connecticut and New York City. A native of Richfield, Minnesota, Dr. Craig has been practicing for more than 20 years. She has worked with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in a variety of settings including research departments, juvenile correction facilities, high schools, Fortune 500 companies, substance abuse programs, university/college classrooms and private practice.
Dr. Craig specializes in treatment of relationship issues such as communication, conflict resolution and infidelity, as well as individual challenges like depression, anxiety, addiction and life-work harmony. There are three things she knows for sure: 1) We are not defined by adversities, but rather how we handle them. 2) Taking healthy risks, setting boundaries, and stepping outside our comfort zone will bring fulfillment in both life and relationships. 3) Make the most of today. Whatever that means to you, no matter how small it seems.
Dr. Craig lives in Darien, CT with her husband, six-year-old daughter, 13-year-old son, 10 chickens, one dog, two cats and two fish.
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
Tired of Yo-yo dieting? Losing weight isn’t just about what you eat (or when you eat it) with guest Matty Lansdown
17 Nov 2022
00:50:15
Have you ever tried a diet and lost weight, only to put the weight back on a few months or a year later? Research shows that as many as 80% of overweight people who manage to slim down noticeably after a diet gain some or all of the weight back within one year. That staggering figure can be overwhelming and discouraging when we’re trying to lose weight.
Dr. Amy sat down with Matty Lansdown, founder of the Healthy Mums Collective, to discuss why so many diets leave us feeling frustrated and why the weight often comes back on, even with careful changes and restrictions. It was a fascinating conversation about our relationship with food and our inner child-inner parent relationship!
If you are looking for a gentle approach to healthy living—regardless of your current size—Matty takes an innovative approach to food, nutrition, and lifestyle that might get you started on a journey to self-love and caring for your body. These are tough topics, especially if you struggle with an eating disorder or body issues. But this is a no-shame conversation. Matty is an encourager and educates us on some different ways to think about and understand our ongoing relationship with food. As a yo-yo dieter, Dr. Amy appreciated Matty’s tip to just make “one tweak a week” to our eating habits. That seemed manageable to her. Our hope is that you’ll hear a tip that resonates with you as well. It’s a food-for-thought episode without judgement for anyone who wants to dig in a little to the topic of eating for better health.
A quick note: Here at the Brainy Moms, we are covering many of the hardest and most important topics related to motherhood, mental health, and the human experience, and today’s episode may be a complicated one for some of our listeners. We know that this topic can be difficult, but we urge our listeners to press in with openness whenever possible. Because that’s how we grow—it’s why we created this podcast in the first place! However, if you find that any of our episodes are more than you are comfortable with, we understand. You need to take care of your heart, mind, and body in the best way you can—and we are supporting you from afar.
About Matty
Matty Lansdown is a scientist, nutritionist and health coach that specializes in weight loss and self-confidence for women and busy mothers. Starting out in the field of nutritional epigenetics and spending several years working in hospitals as part of a disease research team, Matty believes that most disease and illness is not due to bad luck but as a result of poor nutrition and lifestyle choices. Matty’s extensive experience allowed him to uncover the deeper challenge people have with health which isn’t about calories or kale, but in fact mindset and behavior change. Having been on his own personal development journey, Matty is now super-passionate about showing people how to level up their health so that healthy habits and the best food choices are easy and natural. Likewise, Matty’s weekly podcast How to NOT Get Sick and Die provides his followers and clients with a deep dive into nutrition and how to develop healthy habits that last.
CONNECT WITH OUR SPONSOR Website: www.LearningRx.com Facebook: @LearningRxBrainTraining Instagram: @learningrx_brain_training
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
Caring for your newborn: How to feel confident as a new mom (and when to worry) with guest Dr. Emeka Obidi
03 Nov 2022
00:50:29
Are you a new mom? Do you love a new or soon-to-be mom? If you do, then this podcast episode is for you! It’s been a while since Dr. Amy and Dr. Jody were mothers of newborns, but the story hasn’t changed much: we are all just wondering if our babies are okay! Becoming a first-time mother may seem like an instinctual rite of passage for many women, but once baby is born, many of us find that we have more questions than answers. And it can be hard to know where to turn in the middle of the night when baby is crying!
Dr. Amy and Dr. Jody sat down with Dr. Emeka Obidi, board-certified pediatrician and CEO of the Newborn Prep Academy, to talk about parenting a newborn. We asked some doozies: should baby boys be circumcised? When should we worry about a fever? What about vaccinations? Breastfeeding or formula feeding? Dr. Obidi shared his wisdom after more than 17 years as a practicing pediatrician, and we found his answers incredibly helpful—and graciously gentle. Join Dr. Obidi as he provides new moms with a Confident Mom Mindset!
About Dr. Obidi: Dr. Obidi is a board-certified pediatrician practicing in Maryland, where he owns a multi-provider family practice. He is also CEO of Newborn Prep Academy where he runs an online newborn preparation course that helps new, expectant, and recently delivered moms understand how to care for their newborn baby and what to expect so they can feel confident, empowered and ultimately enjoy their babies. Dr. Obidi has cared for over 1000 newborns and their moms over the course of his career. After seeing the same questions and concerns over and over again, he has a great understanding of what every new mom needs. His Confident Mom Mindset Course is designed to show moms of newborns how very capable and condiment they can be.
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
Self-care: It’s not selfish, and it’s probably not what you think! with guest Dr. Tamara Beckford
20 Oct 2022
00:39:25
If you’ve ever felt stressed (like, you know, every other mom who’s lived through the past two years), and if you’ve ever tried to do something about it, it’s likely that someone, somewhere along the way, has asked you this question: “What do you do for self-care?” We know, we know, that can cause quite a visceral reaction! In fact, it does just that for our very own Dr. Amy. But—here’s the good news! According to our guest on this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Tamara Beckford, self-care is probably not what you think!
Join Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis as they chat with Dr. Beckford about her own self-care journey, where to start if you’re ready to embark on your own journey, and how very important our own self-care is to our children’s understanding of what it means to be a parent. Because, statistically speaking, many of them will eventually parent their own kids! We really enjoyed this conversation, and left with some personal, real-world ideas for how to reframe self-care as a reasonable practice—that may or may not involve journaling OR the nail salon.
About Dr. Tamara Beckford: Dr. Tamara Beckford is a board-certified emergency physician, wife, and mom. She is the CEO of UR Caring Docs, where she helps help companies create amazing cultures and boost employee retention through self-care workshops. She also hosts the Dr. Tamara Beckford Show, where she has interviewed over 150 physicians about self-care, wellness, and the fantastic things they are doing inside and outside clinical medicine. Dr. Beckford has been a guest on dozens of podcasts and has discussed the importance of selfcare on many platforms, including Power to Fly, Scale Your Business Summit, and Blaze Virtual Summit. She is also a Success Mentor at the EntreMD Business School (EBS), the largest school for physician entrepreneurs in the United States.
CONNECT WITH OUR SPONSOR Website: www.LearningRx.com Facebook: @LearningRxBrainTraining Instagram: @learningrx_brain_training
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
From Cancel Culture to Kitchen Tables: A Parenting, Family Values, and Weight Loss Discussion with Matty Lansdown
20 Oct 2025
01:08:31
The temperature of public disagreement feels scorching—and that heat is seeping into our homes. We dig into what it means to hold strong convictions while still honoring people, then connect that idea to everyday parenting: how we talk with our kids, how we set boundaries without shaming, and how we handle it when we don't agree. From there, we pull back the curtain on the forces shaping our families—peer culture, dopamine-driven feeds, and convenience foods designed to hijack attention and appetite—and lay out a calmer path forward.
Joined by our favorite nutrition scientist (and new dad) Matty Lansdown, now rebranded as The Real Weight Loss Coach, we walk through why root-cause health beats quick fixes. Matty talks GLP-1 medications with clear eyes—acknowledging potential benefits while naming real side effects and the risk of unresolved binge cycles—and then outlines an alternative: nervous system safety first, sleep and stress dialed in, ingredients-first meals, strength training for muscle and metabolism, and low-risk natural experiments that respect bioindividuality. Matty’s core message is simple and radical: the body keeps the score, and lasting change begins when we feel safe enough to choose differently.
We also take on the tricky question of teens and weight. Instead of aesthetic pressure, we focus on health markers, modeling, and the quiet power of the “ingredients household.” Device-free dinners, predictable rituals, and parent-led example set the tone even when teens detour. And throughout, we return to one big takeaway: honor family values, do less, do it better. Presence lowers cortisol, steadies cravings, and makes healthy choices feel possible in real life.
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
How to help your kids successfully navigate the school system (Hint: it starts with a strong parent-teacher relationship) with guest Punam Saxena
06 Oct 2022
00:47:32
Every family has their own set of goals for their children after they graduate high school and fly the nest. No matter whether your family’s goals are secondary education at an Ivy League institution, learning a trade at a vocational school, or heading straight into the workforce, parents can play an active role in their child’s education and help them safely experience both successes and failures as part of their journey.
Join Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis for a chat with Punam Saxena, author of Parent Power: Navigate School and Beyond. Punam shares her tips and tricks for navigating the school system and creating positive relationships between parents and teachers so that they can work together to help their children safely experience both the highs of great success, and the lows of difficult, sometimes unexpected, failures. Punam explains why it’s important to provide a safe place for children to fail while they are still living at home, so that they can independently navigate the world of secondary education, the workforce, and beyond.
About Punam Saxena: Punam is a Parent Impact Coach, TEDx speaker, author of Parent Power: Navigate School and Beyond, and podcaster. Her work focuses on bridging the gap and fostering a stronger relationship between parents and schools by empowering parents to become partners in their child’s education. After children, Punam became a perennial volunteer in her four children’s schools. From volunteering for special activities in the classroom, to leading the parent organizations at two of their schools, she was entrenched in their activities and their education. It was most fulfilling when the outcome of our decisions directly impacted the students and their classroom teachers. Punam’s background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Emory University, a Master’s Degree from the University of South Florida, and 20+ years of professional and advocacy experience.
CONNECT WITH OUR SPONSOR Website: www.LearningRx.com Facebook: @LearningRxBrainTraining Instagram: @learningrx_brain_training
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
Want to Heal Your Trauma? Don't Start with Therapy, Start with the Body! with guest Dr. Aimie Apigian
22 Sep 2022
01:02:40
Whether we know it or not, each of us is carrying trauma inside of our bodies. Even with a charmed childhood, there are moments in your life when you experienced a feeling of overwhelm. Each time we don’t work through those feelings, they add to our unresolved trauma. We carry all of that trauma into our adulthood—and into motherhood.
Dr. Amy Moore and Teri Miller sat down with Dr. Aimie Apigian, who is the creator of the Biology of Trauma Methodology. Dr. Aimie explains to Dr. Amy and Teri how therapy is actually not the first step in healing our trauma, despite what we have been taught—and what many of us have tried. In fact, the first step is to understand our body’s response to trauma, and then to learn how to regulate our body’s response to trauma. Dr. Aimie even shares some helpful first steps we can take to get started on this process of healing.
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CONNECT WITH OUR SPONSOR Website: www.LearningRx.com Facebook: @LearningRxBrainTraining Instagram: @learningrx_brain_training
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
Is Not Getting Enough Sleep Really That Bad For Us? with guest Dr. Jennifer Reid
13 Sep 2022
00:56:53
What’s the big deal if we don’t get enough sleep? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Sandy asked psychiatrist and insomnia expert, Dr. Jennifer Reid that question and she shared several ways that sleep deprivation impacts both our physical and mental health. We talk about the basics of sleep, the difference between sleep deprivation and insomnia, and the impact of sleep on weight, metabolism, immune system function, focus and attention, and overall health. It’s kind of a big deal that we get enough sleep! Join us to learn some serious sleep science from a serious sleep doctor.
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CONNECT WITH OUR SPONSOR Website: www.LearningRx.com Facebook: @LearningRxBrainTraining Instagram: @learningrx_brain_training
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
What Parents Need to Know about Speech and Language Development with guest Sarah Billingham
30 Aug 2022
00:55:43
Did you know that as parents, we are the best partner to support early language skills in our children? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interview speech and language specialist teacher, Sarah Billingham of Confident Kids. Sarah shares how parents are the most “tuned in” to the speech and language skills of young children and how we are uniquely suited to help them develop those skills. She shares specific tips for communicating in ways that optimize their speech and language development, which milestones to be aware of, what red flags to look for, and some fantastic resources to help.
Connect with Us Website: www.BrainyMoms.co Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
Help Your Child Survive the Stressors of Middle School with guest Jessica Speer
16 Aug 2022
00:51:58
Middle School is a time filled with big changes and big stressors for many adolescents. On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interview Jessica Speer, social scientist and author of the new book, Middle School: Safety Goggles Advised. Jessica shares what she discovered from interviewing middle schoolers about what they defined as their top stressors. The big ones? Social media, judgement by peers, friendships, crushes, gossips, and popularity. Jessica talks about many of the struggles identified by kids in middle school and gives parents some tips and advice on how to help our kids navigate these challenges.
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
Communication and language in early childhood is intricately connected to behavior and social-emotional development. Every temper tantrum is an attempt to communicate an unmet need. How do we help young children develop effective communication skills? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Sandy interview the Mentor Mom, Jill Urbane.
Jill is an early childhood interventionist and social worker who specializes in the connection between speech development, emotions, social skills, and behavior. She shares the importance of recognizing our own temperament and communication style and its impact on our child’s behavior. She talks about big emotions in little children and how emotions impact communication. Jill walks us through the development of foundational language skills, what to look for, and what to do if we see red flags. We even spend time talking about the benefits of infant/toddler sign language in the development of language skills. Tune in for some fantastic facts and tips in helping your toddler communicate effectively.
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CONNECT WITH OUR SPONSOR Website: www.LearningRx.com Facebook: @LearningRxBrainTraining Instagram: @learningrx_brain_training
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
How to Quiet Your Inner Mean Girl with guest Onnie Michalsky, M.A.
26 Jul 2022
00:57:23
Hey Moms! Are you ready to silence that inner “mean girl” who says you’re not enough? Are you exhausted from doing all the things and ready to shed your Supermom cape? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Sandy interview licensed therapist and host of Moms without Capes, Onnie Michalsky, about how to quiet our inner mean girls and take off our supermom capes. Onnie shares tips on identifying our own needs and emotions, setting boundaries, banishing guilt over self-care, and more.
CONNECT WITH US Website: www.BrainyMoms.co Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
CONNECT WITH OUR SPONSOR Website: www.LearningRx.com Facebook: @LearningRxBrainTraining Instagram: @learningrx_brain_training
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
Managing Anxiety about School Shootings & Other Traumatic Experiences with guest Stacie Boyar, LMHC, MS Ed
19 Jul 2022
00:44:35
With so many scary things happening in the world today, it’s easy to understand why kids are struggling with anxiety. On this episode, Dr. Amy and Teri interview licensed mental health counselor, Stacie Boyar, LMHC, MS Ed, who shares tips and specific strategies for managing anxiety. She’s uniquely qualified to give advice on this topic as a therapist in Parkland, FL who worked with teens from the Stoneman Douglas high school shooting. We talk about effective therapies for anxiety like CBT and EMDR and also learn at-home breathing and grounding techniques that we AND our kids can use whenever we’re feeling stressed or anxious about anything at all. Join us for this fantastic conversation with the author of You’re Not the Boss of Me, a book for teens on conquering anxiety.
Find us at BrainyMoms.co and on social media @TheBrainyMoms Learn more from our guest, Stacie Boyar, at Namastacie.net Download Stacie’s guided grounding and breathing exercises at https://anchor.fm/stacie34
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
A Radical Parenting Partnership with Your Teen - with author Lainie Liberti
12 Jul 2022
00:52:26
On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interview Lainie Liberti, teen mentor and author of the book, Seen, Heard, and Understood: Parenting and Partnering with Teens for Greater Mental Health. Lainie shares a radical approach to relating to teens through a partnership parenting paradigm. Although unconventional, it's an approach that promotes connection and cooperation with your teen. Based on ideas from her book, Lainie explains the benefits of knowing your teen's love language, creating shared family values, and partnering in problem solving as a family. Join us for this conversation about a truly unique approach to raising teens.
CONNECT WITH OUR SPONSOR Website: www.LearningRx.com Facebook: @LearningRxBrainTraining Instagram: @learningrx_brain_training
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
Creating & Modeling Healthy Habits & Mindset with guest Dr. Orlena Kerek
05 Jul 2022
00:52:22
Are you running out of ways to get your kids to eat better? Do you struggle with yo-yo dieting or emotional eating? Want some tips for adopting a healthier lifestyle for your whole family? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interview Dr. Orlena Kerek – a pediatrician, health coach, and author of the book, Building Simple Habits to a Healthy Me. Dr. Orlena talks about the four pillars of health we’re all familiar with: diet, exercise, sleep, and emotional wellness. But her perspective on these pillars of health is different. Health habits begin with our mindset. We have to adopt not just healthy beliefs but healthy identities if we want to create lasting healthy habits for ourselves and for our children. Join us for this fresh look at becoming a healthy family.
CONNECT WITH OUR SPONSOR Website: www.LearningRx.com Facebook: @LearningRxBrainTraining Instagram: @learningrx_brain_training
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
Your Child Deserves a Learning Path as Unique as They Are | Matt Bowman
06 Oct 2025
00:52:51
Homeschooling or thinking about it? Wondering if 'open education' is right for your homeschooled child? What if everything we thought we knew about education was designed for a world that no longer exists? Matt Bowman, founder of OpenEd and international bestselling author, joins Dr. Amy and Sandy on this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast to challenge the foundations of traditional education and offer a refreshingly practical alternative for today's families who are homeschooling or even considering it.
After watching all five of his children develop in completely different ways despite growing up in the same household, Matt realized that education shouldn't be one-size-fits-all—it should be as unique as each child.
The conversation dives deep into why standard education often fails to meet individual needs. Matt explains how our current system was originally modeled after military training methods imported from Europe over 200 years ago—designed to produce obedient soldiers rather than creative, independent thinkers. This standardization approach stands in stark contrast to how children actually learn and develop.
"The real tragedy," Matt shares, "is that this system not only fails to measure what matters in education—creativity, continuous progress, critical thinking, skill development—it actively works against it." For parents whose children are struggling, unhappy, or just not thriving, Matt offers a revolutionary yet simple starting point: take two weeks to try something different. Give your child space to explore their interests without pressure, and watch what naturally emerges.
One of the most powerful insights Matt shares is reframing our understanding of failure. While traditional education treats failure as something to avoid at all costs, successful athletes, musicians, and entrepreneurs embrace it as essential to growth. Teaching children to see challenges as "not yet" rather than failure fundamentally transforms their relationship with learning.
With AI rapidly changing our economic landscape, the skills that matter most aren't standardized test scores but creativity, adaptability, and entrepreneurial thinking. Matt encourages parents to tap into community resources—museums, local businesses, nature, arts programs—and integrate them into core education rather than treating them as mere enrichment.
For families ready to explore alternatives, Matt reminds us that small changes can make an enormous difference. Whether it's adjusting schedules, exploring interests, or incorporating entrepreneurship, the goal isn't to replicate school at home but to create learning experiences that honor each child's unique path.
Join us to get inspired about personalizing an education that works for your unique child.
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
Bedtime Tips from a Heart-Centered Sleep Coach with guest Maisie Ruttan
28 Jun 2022
00:42:58
Are you tired of the bedtime battles with your kids? Are you at your wits end most nights when your child gets out of bed again and again? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interview sleep coach Maisie Ruttan. Maisie shares powerful insights about why bedtime is so hard. She reveals that maybe our timing is wrong, that we are rushing through our routines, and that we aren’t turning screens off earlier enough. She also says we have to stop relying on the evenings for our own self-care time because that makes us resent our kids when they don’t go to bed quickly enough. It’s an episode that makes you re-think what a bedtime routine should really be about.
About Maisie
Maisie is a heart-centered and holistic sleep coach who runs an international practice supporting families to gently and responsively parent, their kids to sleep. She specializes in working with toddlers, preschoolers, and school age kids from a developmental attachment based positive parenting framework.
She's also a twin mom, so she truly gets how hard it can be. She has a degree in psychology and is a former psychiatric nurse with additional certifications in both sleep and parenting.
Maisie's freebie for listeners: Peaceful Bedtime Mini-Series. A 6-part email series, full of bite-sized, videos, and practical tips that help make bedtime easier https://www.maisieruttan.com/bedtime-routines/
Our sponsor: LearningRx is a worldwide network of brain training centers offering cognitive, reading, and math remediation and enhancement for all ages. LearningRx has worked with more than 100,000 clients who have learning struggles and disabilities, ADHD, traumatic brain injury, autism, and age-related cognitive decline. Visit www.LearningRx.com or call 1-866-BRAIN-01 to learn more.
Find us at BrainyMoms.co, on social media @TheBrainyMoms, and everywhere podcasts play!
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
How to Get Your Kids to Listen More and Argue Less with guest Cynthia Klein
21 Jun 2022
01:11:39
Are you tired of arguing with your kids? Do you feel like every other conversation with your child ends in a conflict? Are there days when your kids just won’t listen? Imagine a relationship with your child that was full of cooperation rather than conflict. On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interviewed Cynthia Klein, parenting coach and author of the book, Ally Parenting: A Non-Adversarial Approach to Transform Conflict into Cooperation—a book that I believe should be on every parent’s bookshelf. Cynthia teaches us specific tips for changing how we communicate with our kids to encourage them to listen more and argue less.
CONNECT WITH US Website: www.BrainyMoms.co Instagram: @TheBrainyMoms, @Dr_AmyMoore, @TerissaMiller Facebook: @TheBrainyMoms, @AmyLawsonMoore, @TerissaMiller Twitter: @TheBrainyMoms, @Dr_AmyMoore, @TerissaMiller YouTube: Brainy Moms TikTok: TheBrainyMoms Dr. Amy's website: www.AmyMoorePhD.com
CONNECT WITH OUR SPONSOR Website: www.LearningRx.com Facebook: @LearningRxBrainTraining Instagram: @learningrx_brain_training
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
Pastor Wayne's 10 Tips for Dads: A Father's Day Show with guest Dr. Wayne Hanson
19 Jun 2022
00:39:04
On this Brainy Moms bonus episode for Father’s Day, Dr. Amy and Teri interview Dr. Wayne Hanson, pastor and host of The Jesus Taxi show. Pastor Wayne shares 10 parenting tips just for dads based on his Christian faith and lessons he learned from his own father. It’s a candid conversation with an all around great guy. As always, this episode is brought to you by LearningRx brain training centers. Pastor Wayne is married to Kim Hanson, the CEO of LearningRx. Join us!
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
Why Every Family Needs a Parenting Plan (& How to Make One) with guest Kristin Buchtel
07 Jun 2022
00:57:00
As a parent, do you fly by the seat of your pants, or do you have a plan in place for setting curfews, teaching your kids how to manage their money, who’s going to talk to them about the birds and the bees, who’s in charge of potty training, and all 1001 decisions we have to make about raising our kids? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interviewed Kristin Buchtel, author of the book Noteworthy Parenting: How to Use Your Own Ideas to Create Your Parenting Roadmap.
Kristin tells us the benefits of creating a parenting plan and some suggestions for what should be on it. She doesn’t teach readers HOW to parent but, instead, shows them how to get on the same page, empower your parenting, and gain the confidence to be the best parent you can be.
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
Still Beautiful: A Burn Survivor's Advice on Defining Self-Worth with guest Kelly Falardeau
31 May 2022
00:59:05
As moms, we second guess ourselves all the time. We question our worth as women, we experience mom guilt for a million reasons, and we fail to appreciate what’s beautiful about ourselves. On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interviewed Kelly Falardeau, best-selling author of the book, Still Beautiful. When Kelly was a child, she suffered burns over 75% of her body and grew up feeling ugly. But she has turned tragedy into triumph. A four-time best-selling author, TEDx speaker, coach, and Mom of 3, Kelly teaches women how to find their self-worth and talk back to the mirror. This is such an inspirational episode with an inspirational and beautiful brainy mom.
Show notes and links to everything mentioned in this episode at BrainyMoms.co Find us on social media @TheBrainyMoms. Watch this episode on YouTube!
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
The Psychology of Fun (& What It's Got to Do with Being Happy) with guest Dr. Mike Rucker
24 May 2022
00:53:48
Are you chasing happiness but feel like you keep coming up short? Wishing you could experience more joy in your life? Want to have more fun with your kids? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interview Dr. Mike Rucker, an organizational psychologist who specializes in the research of fun. Dr. Rucker tells us that pursuing happiness might not be the right goal. He shares so much from research on happiness, joy, and fun…it’s a mindset changer. Join us! Don't miss his Fender guitar made out of LEGOs at the end!
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
The Psychology of Creativity (And Why it Matters for Your Child) with guest Dr. Michael Alcee
17 May 2022
01:03:05
Want to help cultivate your child’s creativity? Wondering how to help your child integrate the creative and logical parts of their mind? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interview clinical psychologist, Dr. Michael Alcee who specializes in the psychology of creativity. He shares how we as parents can help nurture creativity in our children while also supporting the development of linear thinking. Michael tells us that encouraging our kids to explore the many sides of themselves is a key aspect of mental health. From creativity to emotions to interests to introversion, we cover a lot about integrating creativity, passions, and skillsets in this hour. Join us for a journey into the psychology of creativity.
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
Expert Advice on Dyslexia & Reading Struggles with guest Donesa Walker, MS Ed
10 May 2022
00:51:47
Does your child struggle with reading or spelling? Wondering what to do for a child with dyslexia? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interview Reading and Dyslexia Specialist, Donesa Walker, M Ed, BCCS. Donesa tells us what’s happening in the brain of struggling readers, how there are different types of dyslexia that show up in a variety of ways, what some warning signs are that parents should look out for, and what the most effective interventions should include.
Donesa shares her journey from classroom teacher to board certified cognitive specialist and how brain training has changed so many lives of both kids and adults who struggle with reading. This episode is educational, inspirational, and carries a message of hope from a delightful and charming reading expert.
Find us at BrainyMoms.co, on YouTube, and everywhere podcasts play. Show notes available on the website.
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
On this special Mother’s Day episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interview Kim Hanson, the CEO of LearningRx. Kim shares 10 ways to be a cool and caring mom. Some are cute and fun –like making sure you’ve got a great pair of sunglasses. But most parenting tips she shares are pearls of wisdom on connecting well with your kids. Our favorite? Always say yes to lunch or coffee. Join us to pick up a tip or two that might help you rock this journey of motherhood! And maybe pick up a t-shirt of your favorite band to wear while you listen.
Find us at BrainyMoms.co, on YouTube, and on social media @TheBrainyMoms
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
How to Experience Joy in Parenting Toddlers with guest Sara Rose Whaley
26 Apr 2022
00:49:27
Do you have a toddler who won’t listen? Are you frustrated and burning out with the terrible twos and other challenges of parenting littles? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interview Sara Rose Whaley, a board-certified behavior analyst and parent coach specializing in working with parents of toddlers.
Sara shares lots of tips on how to find joy in parenting toddlers, including how to set boundaries and limits, strategies for getting your toddler to listen, and how to take care of yourself so that your behavior can positively impact your child’s behavior. If you’re a toddler parent, this episode is for you!
Visit us at BrainyMoms.co for episode show notes and follow us on social media @TheBrainyMoms
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
Present, Not Perfect: How to Support Your Teen's Mental Health Journey | Jenn Robb
22 Sep 2025
00:48:53
When your child is drowning in mental health struggles, the weight of helplessness can feel crushing. Where do you turn? How do you fight a battle you can't even see? Nurse practitioner and author Jen Robb knows this battlefield intimately. On this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast, she tells Dr. Amy all about it.
"We were the white picket fence, typical all-American kind of family," Jenn shares, describing how her daughter Chloe's mental health crisis blindsided their family. Like many parents, Jen initially retreated into silence, carrying the burden alone rather than risking judgment from others. That isolation nearly broke her.
Through raw vulnerability and faith-filled wisdom, Jenn guides listeners through the transformative journey from silent suffering to empowered advocacy. She challenges the notion that doctors always know best, encouraging parents to respectfully question treatment plans and seek providers who address root causes rather than simply medicating symptoms. "Your child doesn't have a voice in that circumstance," she reminds us. "No one is going to fight as hard for your child as you will."
The path forward isn't about perfection but presence. Jenn's powerful reminder that "your child doesn't need a perfect mom; they need a present mom" liberates parents from impossible standards while focusing on what truly matters – showing up emotionally and physically while allowing children space to feel their feelings. This delicate balance requires setting healthy boundaries not just for our children, but for ourselves as parents.
Perhaps most profound is Jenn's perspective on surrender. After a terrifying incident where Chloe was hospitalized with alcohol poisoning, Jenn describes hearing God whisper, "As much as you love her, I love her more." This spiritual surrender didn't mean abandoning responsibility, but rather acknowledging her limitations and finding strength beyond herself.
Whether you're currently navigating teen mental health challenges or simply want to be prepared, Jenn's practical wisdom on supporting brain health through technology boundaries, sleep hygiene, and proper nutrition offers valuable tools for every family. Connect with Jenn's supportive community at warriormomcoach.net and discover how to become the warrior your child needs during their darkest battles.
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
Hybrid Schools: The Future of Learning? with guest Dr. Brent Goldman
19 Apr 2022
00:50:08
Interested in learning what some educators think is the best school model? Heard about hybrid schooling but aren’t sure what it’s all about? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interview Dr. Brent Goldman from XCEED Preparatory Academy, a network of private college-prep schools providing a personalized curriculum with flexible schedules along with hybrid and online learning options. Dr. Goldman shares the benefits of the hybrid learning approach and tells us why he believes it’s the future of education. If you’ve got kids in grades 6-12, tune in to hear about the hybrid learning model.
Find this and every episode along with show notes and resources at BrainyMoms.co and follow us on social media @TheBrainyMoms
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
Autism Awareness & Intervention Begins with Parent Mindset with guest Andrea Pollack, MS Ed
12 Apr 2022
00:45:19
Wondering what to do first when your child is diagnosed with autism? Overwhelmed or feeling like a failure as a parent of a child with autism? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interview the founder of Autism Parent Solutions, Andrea Pollack, MS Ed. Andrea shares that parents of children on the autism spectrum need help with their own mindset and perspective before they can confidently judge intervention options.
Andrea shares some tips and tools from her parenting program that give listeners a start on creating a mindset that will help them be less overwhelmed and frustrated as they navigate parenting a child on the autism spectrum. If you are an autism parent, this episode is for you!
CONNECT WITH US Website: www.BrainyMoms.co Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Dr. Amy's website: www.AmyMoorePhD.com
CONNECT WITH OUR SPONSOR Website: www.LearningRx.com Facebook: @LearningRxBrainTraining Instagram: @learningrx_brain_training
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
Relationship Advice for Couples after Having a Baby with guest Catherine O'Brien, LMFT
05 Apr 2022
00:45:16
Relationships change when you add a baby to your family, but you can still be happy amidst the sleepless nights, demanding feeding schedule, and bottomless diaper pail. On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interview Catherine O’Brien, marriage and family therapist and author of the book Happy with Baby: Essential Relationship Advice When Partners Become Parents.
Catherine talks about the relationship challenges of being a new parent…for the first time or even the fifth time. She offers advice to our listeners for connecting with your partner, your new baby, and yourself to strengthen relationships and increase happiness in the middle of your chaotic life.
CONNECT WITH US Website: www.BrainyMoms.co Email: Info@BrainyMoms.co Instagram: @TheBrainyMoms, @Dr_AmyMoore, @TerissaMiller Facebook: @TheBrainyMoms, @AmyLawsonMoore, @TerissaMiller Twitter: @TheBrainyMoms, @Dr_AmyMoore, @TerissaMiller YouTube: Brainy Moms TikTok: TheBrainyMoms Pinterest: @TheBrainyMoms Dr. Amy's website: www.AmyMoorePhD.com
CONNECT WITH OUR SPONSOR Website: www.LearningRx.com Facebook: @LearningRxBrainTraining Instagram: @learningrx_brain_training
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
5 Things Parents of Teens Need to Know with guest Kim Duckworth
29 Mar 2022
00:54:38
Wondering what you need to know to be a successful parent of a teenager? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interview Kim Duckworth, author of the bestselling book, Parents, Are You Ready? The Practical Guide to Launching a Successful High School Student.
Kim shares 5 things that successful parents of teens should know including how to help your teen find their superpower---or their uniqueness. Kim’s an expert in college readiness and admissions and her tips are just what parents of teens—like we are—need to hear!
CONNECT WITH US Website: www.BrainyMoms.co Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
CONNECT WITH OUR SPONSOR Website: www.LearningRx.com Facebook: @LearningRxBrainTraining Instagram: @learningrx_brain_training
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
Busy Mom? How to Run Your Home on Autopilot with guest Carrie Olsen, LCSW
22 Mar 2022
00:50:29
Are you a busy mom feeling guilty that you can’t seem to juggle everything? Do you feel like you SHOULD be able to manage kids, your home life, your social life, your kid’s schedule, and your job or volunteer work? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri discuss all of this with licensed therapist and clini-coach, Carrie Olsen.
Carrie talks to us about taking the word “should” out of our vocabulary so we can enjoy being a mom! We discuss the phenomenon of decision fatigue, how it creates stress for moms, and how to minimize it. She gives us practical tips to help us run our home on autopilot, freeing us up to focus on what’s most important.
Find us at BrainyMoms.co, on social media @TheBrainyMoms, and everywhere podcasts play!
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
Parenting Style Impacts Your Child's Mental Health with guest Hansa Bhargava, MD
15 Mar 2022
00:44:32
Ever wondered if your parenting style has impact on your child’s mental health? Did you know that your own stress could be stressing out your kids? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Teri and I interview Dr. Hansa Bhargava, pediatrician, renowned parenting expert, Chief Medical Officer at Medscape Education, and author of the book, Building Happier Kids: Stress-Busting Tools for Parents published by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Dr. Bhargava talks to us about the importance of shifting our parenting style to be more connected and compassionate in order to help our children be resilient in the current youth mental health crisis that was exacerbated by the pandemic. She talks about screens, scheduling, sleep, self-care, and stress and their impact on the mental health of our kids…and on ourselves. New flash? It’s all related. Join us for tips on managing it all a little better and reducing the risk to our children.
Find us at BrainyMoms.co, on social media @TheBrainyMoms, and anywhere you get your podcasts.
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
From Doctor to Homeschooling Mom: Balancing Career and Your Child's Education Needs with guest Carline Crevecoeur, MD
08 Mar 2022
00:49:11
Are you concerned that your child’s current school environment might not be the right choice? Are you considering homeschooling but worried about making it work with your career? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interview Dr. Carline Crevecoeur, a physician and author of the book, Pressure Makes Diamonds: From Homeschooling to the Ivy League- A Parenting Story.
Dr. Carline gave up her medical practice to homeschool her 5 children and then won a seat on her local school board. Dr. Carline shares her story of sacrifice, perseverance, and advocacy for her children’s education while battling a life-threatening illness. Tune in to be inspired!
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
Save Money Paying for College with guest Brad Baldridge
01 Mar 2022
01:00:17
Are you worried about the high cost of college? Thinking about how you or your kids are going to afford to pay for college? Wondering if student loans are the right way to go? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interview college funding consultant Brad Baldridge. Brad is a financial planning expert and the host of Taming the High Cost of College podcast.
He shares how complex the college financial planning process can be. From finding scholarships to deciding about loans to deciphering the true cost of college (it’s not always what the school website says), Brad says busy parents can use help with the heavy lifting. And the cost of hiring a college funding consultant is often recovered by the money you can save on tuition! Tune in to learn about working with a college funding consultant and get access to Brad’s free videos about college scholarships.
Find us at BrainyMoms.co, on YouTube, and on social media @TheBrainyMoms
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
The "Why" Behind Tantrums and Meltdowns with guest Dr. Ashley Taylor
22 Feb 2022
00:51:12
Are your child’s temper tantrums and meltdowns stressing you out? Then this episode of Brainy Moms is for you. Dr. Amy and Teri interviewed Dr. Ashley Taylor, a child psychologist and author of two books that explain the why behind a child’s tantrums. Dr. Taylor tells listeners how to look for the meaning behind these behaviors, what’s happening in the brain that helps explain tantrums, and the importance of regulating our own emotions when our kids are upset---a process called co-regulation. She talks about praise, sleep, screen time, and even diet in relation to your child’s ability to regulate their emotions. Want to understand your child’s behavior better? Listen in!
Find us at BrainyMoms.co, on YouTube, and on social media @TheBrainyMoms
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
Smart but Falling Apart? What’s Happening to Your Child and How You Can Help with guest Dr. Jeannine Jannot
15 Feb 2022
00:50:49
Do you have a smart kid who has always done well and now suddenly seems to be falling apart? Are you having a hard time understanding how a child who rarely struggled in school before is now at risk of failing?
On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interview developmental and child psychologist, Dr. Jeannine Jannot. Dr. Jannot is the author of the book, The Disintegrating Student: Struggling but Smart, Falling Apart, and How to Turn It Around. She explains to us what’s happening to these smart kids, why it happens, and how we can help.
This episode gets personal. Dr. Amy and Teri have both experienced this with their own children and needed to hear that they aren’t alone. And neither are you. Catch this episode for some expert advice.
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
Balancing Busy: Time Management Secrets for Working Moms
08 Sep 2025
01:01:39
Ever feel like you're failing at work if you don't give 110%, and failing at home if you try? You're not alone in this impossible balancing act.
In this conversation between Dr. Amy and returning guest Leah Remillet, balance strategist and host of the Balancing Busy podcast, they tackle the myth of perfect balance head-on. Leah redefines balance not as equal attention to everything, but as "being true to what actually matters to us—not what we're being told matters." This perspective shift alone can liberate working moms from unnecessary guilt and perfectionism.
What makes this episode particularly powerful are the personal stories Leah and Dr. Amy share about their perceived "failures" that unexpectedly became their children's greatest lessons. Leah worried about delegating household tasks to her kids, only to discover years later that her daughter was grateful for the confidence these responsibilities built. Similarly, Dr. Amy's health limitations meant her husband handled most household duties—inadvertently teaching their sons that household work isn't gender-based, but determined by capacity.
We dive deep into Leah's practical "10 Simple Tweaks" for busy moms, exploring everything from limiting screen time and batching similar tasks to outsourcing what drains you and scheduling actual "recess" time for yourself. The science is clear: those intentional breaks make you more productive, not less, by reducing cortisol and preventing mental fatigue.
Whether you're drowning in to-dos or simply tired of feeling pulled in too many directions, this conversation offers both permission to simplify and practical strategies to reclaim your time and energy. Your worth isn't measured by how busy you are—and this might be the most important lesson you model for your children.
Ready to do less but better? Listen now and discover how true balance starts with being unapologetic about what matters most to you.
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
Problems with Friends? Help Your Daughter Navigate Difficult Friendships with guest Jessica Speer
08 Feb 2022
00:59:16
Do you have school-age daughter? Then you know all too well the perils of friendships, cliques, and girl drama. Are you frustrated with the tears and the fights and the complaints of feeling left out? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy Moore and Teri Miller, MS Psy interview Jessica Speer, author of the book, BFF or NRF: A Girls Guide to Happy Friendships. We explore topics of gossip and drama, and hear from Jessica about some ways to help girls navigate difficult friendships and nurture the important ones. Join us for some great tips from an expert in social science and school-age relationships.
About Jessica
In addition to being an award-winning author, Jessica has a master's degree in social sciences and explores social-emotional topics in a way that connects with preteens and teens. Her first book grew out of her elementary school friendship program that strengthens social awareness and helps kids learn to navigate common struggles. Jessica is regularly featured in and contributes to media outlets on topics related to kids, parenting, and friendship. She loves hiking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She lives in Steamboat Springs, Colorado with her husband and two daughters.
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
From Broken Bird to Falcon: The Benefits of Self-Affirming Beliefs with guest Dr. Janeeka Benoit
01 Feb 2022
00:43:11
What is the mission statement for your life? What beliefs about yourself are holding you back? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy Moore and Teri Miller, MS Psy interview Dr. Janeeka Benoit, physician and CEO of MEDFit DO.
Dr. J shares the importance of recognizing and turning our self-limiting beliefs into self-affirming beliefs, and adopting a wellness mindset that can change the life course of our mental and physical health and that of our children. This is such an inspiring episode where we really dig in to the difference between seeing ourselves as broken birds or falcons.
Find us at BrainyMoms.co, watch us on YouTube, and follow us on social media @TheBrainyMoms
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms
The "Unschooling" Homeschooling Movement with guest Ashley Logsdon
25 Jan 2022
01:04:59
Are you thinking about homeschooling for your children? Are you already homeschooling but still wondering if it’s the best fit for your family? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy Moore and Teri Miller, MS Psy interview Ashley Logsdon, host of the Mama Says Namaste podcast and an expert in the unschooling movement. Ashley breaks it all down for us and even answers some tough questions about unschooling as an alternative to homeschooling as we know it. Tune in to this eye-opening episode on educational choice.
Find us at BrainyMoms.co and Follow us @TheBrainyMoms
ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media!
CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms