Raising Resilient Teens: Mental Health, Parenting & Small Changes That Matter with Dara Erck

In this insightful episode of the JDS Podcast, host Joshua Agbontaen sits down with Dara Erck, founder of SAM+LEO, global health strategist, and passionate advocate for teen mental health.Drawing from over two decades of experience in global health and her personal journey as a single mother raising two teenage boys, Dara shares practical insights into the challenges today’s teens face—from anxiety and screen fatigue to energy drink culture and post-pandemic mental health struggles.This conversation explores parenting, adolescent wellness, mental health awareness, community support, and how small intentional changes can create healthier outcomes for teens and families alike.In this episode, we discuss:• Teen mental health in the post-COVID world• Parenting through anxiety and emotional challenges• Screen fatigue and digital wellness• Energy drinks and teen health concerns• Building supportive communities for parents• Global health lessons that apply at home• Raising resilient teenagers• Prevention versus intervention• Small habits that create lasting change• Supporting teens without overwhelming themThis is a practical and hopeful conversation for parents, educators, caregivers, and anyone invested in helping the next generation thrive.