DEEP DIVE: Peer Pressure episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 2, 2026 · 40 MIN

DEEP DIVE: Peer Pressure

from What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood | Parenting Tips From Funny Moms · host Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson

When we imagine peer pressure, we imagine coming to the rescue by slapping drugs and alcohol out of our kids' hands after their friends undoubtedly tell them they should definitely try some. But peer pressure--who feels it, why, and exactly WHAT kids are being pressured to do--is a complex issue. In this episode, Amy and Margaret discuss: The biological imperative adolescents have to take risks in front of their peers What kids report actually feeling peer pressured to do- the answers aren't what expected How to actually prepare our kids to counter the peer pressure they face This episode was originally released on April 13, 2022. Here are links to past episodes with similar topics: ⁠"When Other Kids Are Bad Influences"⁠ ⁠"What Is Up With Teenagers?"⁠ Here are links to resources mentioned in this episode: Juliana Menasce Horowitz and Nikki Graf for the Pew Research Center: ⁠"Most U.S. Teens See Anxiety and Depression as a Major Problem Among Their Peers"⁠ Centerstone.org: "⁠What is Peer Pressure and Who is at Risk?⁠" Science Daily: ⁠"Peer pressure? It's hardwired into our brains, study finds"⁠ ⁠Laurence Steinberg⁠ and ⁠Kathryn C. Monahan⁠: ⁠Age Differences in Resistance to Peer Influence⁠ Jess Shatkin, ⁠Born to Be Wild: Why Teens Take Risks, and How We Can Help Keep Them Safe⁠ Jessica Lahey, ⁠The Addiction Inoculation: Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence⁠ Sign up for What Fresh Hell Plus on Supporting Cast to get all episodes ad-free, plus monthly bonus episodes. Supporting Cast works right where you already listen! Go to whatfreshhell.supportingcast.fm to subscribe in two taps for just $4.99 a month, or $39.99 a year. What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ What Fresh Hell podcast, mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid’s behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, peer pressure Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When we imagine peer pressure, we imagine coming to the rescue by slapping drugs and alcohol out of our kids' hands after their friends undoubtedly tell them they should definitely try some. But peer pressure--who feels it, why, and exactly WHAT kids are being pressured to do--is a complex issue. In this episode, Amy and Margaret discuss: The biological imperative adolescents have to take risks in front of their peers What kids report actually feeling peer pressured to do- the answers aren't what expected How to actually prepare our kids to counter the peer pressure they face This episode was originally released on April 13, 2022. Here are links to past episodes with similar topics: ⁠"When Other Kids Are Bad Influences"⁠ ⁠"What Is Up With Teenagers?"⁠ Here are links to resources mentioned in this episode: Juliana Menasce Horowitz and Nikki Graf for the Pew Research Center: ⁠"Most U.S. Teens See Anxiety and Depression as a Major Problem Among Their Peers"⁠ Centerstone.org: "⁠What is Peer Pressure and Who is at Risk?⁠" Science Daily: ⁠"Peer pressure? It's hardwired into our brains, study finds"⁠ ⁠Laurence Steinberg⁠ and ⁠Kathryn C. Monahan⁠: ⁠Age Differences in Resistance to Peer Influence⁠ Jess Shatkin, ⁠Born to Be Wild: Why Teens Take Risks, and How We Can Help Keep Them Safe⁠ Jessica Lahey, ⁠The Addiction Inoculation: Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence⁠ Sign up for What Fresh Hell Plus on Supporting Cast to get all episodes ad-free, plus monthly bonus episodes. Supporting Cast works right where you already listen! Go to whatfreshhell.supportingcast.fm to subscribe in two taps for just $4.99 a month, or $39.99 a year. What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ What Fresh Hell podcast, mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid’s behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, peer pressure Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NOW PLAYING

DEEP DIVE: Peer Pressure

0:00 40:08

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood | Parenting Tips From Funny Moms?

This episode is 40 minutes long.

When was this What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood | Parenting Tips From Funny Moms episode published?

This episode was published on February 2, 2026.

What is this episode about?

When we imagine peer pressure, we imagine coming to the rescue by slapping drugs and alcohol out of our kids' hands after their friends undoubtedly tell them they should definitely try some. But peer pressure--who feels it, why, and exactly WHAT...

Can I download this What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood | Parenting Tips From Funny Moms episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!