Fostering Family Connection w/ Dr. Matt Larsen | Ep 18

Dr. Matt Larsen (Ascend Mental Health, Idaho Falls) unpacks practical mental-health wisdom for families: the difference between normal anxiety and disorders, why boredom is a feature not a bug, the “let them” parenting mindset, and a simple 90-second rule that transforms evenings at home. We also trace his path from theater kid to psychiatrist, why he founded Ascend, and how to design routines that protect your willpower—and your relationships. If you’re raising teens (or leading teams), this one’s gold.Meet Dr. LarsenFounder & Psychiatrist, Ascend Mental Health (Idaho Falls): outpatient care for children, adolescents, and adults.Connect with MattAscend Mental Health: https://ascendmhc.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascendmhc/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascend-mental-health-centerChapters00:00 — Welcome & why Matt02:05 — Idaho roots, Skyline HS, meeting Joanie, 5 teens07:40 — From theater to medicine → choosing psychiatry12:55 — Teens today: phones, attention, and social skills18:30 — Boredom builds brains: play, exploration, resilience24:20 — Labels & nuance: liking the “whole” person29:35 — Anxiety vs. anxiety disorders (what parents should watch)34:28 — Parenting mindset: “Let them” struggle, learn, fail41:10 — The 90-second door rule for family connection45:02 — Willpower is limited: build routines, not heroics50:44 — Happiness now vs. goals later (“gap vs. gain”)57:05 — Launching Ascend Mental Health during COVID1:02:40 — Teaching, residency, and giving back locally1:08:30 — Quick takeaways + how to help your teen todayFollow Us: Instagram: https://instagram.com/griderpetersonrealestateFacebook: https://facebook.com/GriderPetersonYoutube: https://youtube.com/@GriderandPetersonRealEstateTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@griderpetersonrealestateX: https://x.com/GriderPetersonListen to The Success Blueprint: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-success-blueprint-with-the-grider-and-peterson-team/id1831318703Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GriderandPetersonRealEstateAmazon: https://music.amazon.com.mx/podcasts/911c1355-b2c4-4289-b739-15c8e0cac3d8/the-success-blueprint-with-the-grider-and-peterson-teamSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TMqrct5zfUm2AOluyfjPa?si=416134195c944700