PODCAST · health
It’s Not Your Fault
by Sheletta Makes Me Laugh
It’s Not Your Fault Podcast is for parents, caregivers, and youth all navigating the world and its challenges.
Episodes
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Your Teen Says “I'm Fine.” What Do You Say Next?
“I’m fine.” “Nothing.” “It’s all good.” If those are the only answers you’re getting from your teen, this episode is for you. Brandon Jones draws on his own parenting journey with a 13-year-old and an 11-year-old to talk about why teens shut down and why their silence doesn’t mean they have…
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Build the Village: Turning Data Into Everyday Protection - Episode 4
The latest CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey shows youth mental health has improved, but only slightly. Brandon Jones closes out his four-part series by digging into why: more resources, less stigma, and young people openly talking about depression and anxiety like never before. He also looks at how...
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Ask, Listen, Stay: Responding to Teen Distress - Episode 3
The headlines say teen mental health is improving, but is it? In part three of his four part series, Brandon Jones digs into the CDC's latest Youth Risk Behavior Survey findings. The data shows real progress, but persistent sadness among teens hasn't moved, and ninth graders are struggling most....
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The Basics Aren’t Basic: Food, Movement, and the Teen Brain - Episode 1
Brandon breaks down a new national survey showing teen mental health is actually improving, and it starts with the basics. In this episode he covers what the data says about food, sleep, and movement, why the "boring stuff" matters more than we think, and practical numbers on how much sleep your...
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Rest, Screens, and Safety: Building a Digital Life That Works
Only 24% of high school students get at least 8 hours of sleep on a school night. That's less than a quarter of our kids getting the rest they need. In part two of his four-part series on the CDC's latest Youth Risk Behavior Survey, Brandon Jones digs into rest, screens and safety. He breaks down...
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Boys Falling Behind in Education: What about Mental Health?
Boys are falling behind in school, and Brandon Jones says the mental health piece of that story isn't getting enough attention. In this episode, Brandon breaks down the widening education gap between boys and girls, from elementary school through college graduation rates, and explores how...
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School-Based vs. School-Linked: What's the Difference (And Why It Matters)
Does your kid's school have a therapist, or just access to one? Brandon Jones breaks down the difference, and why it matters. In this episode, Brandon explains school-based mental health services (a therapist embedded in the school building) versus school-linked services (a provider who comes in...
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The Whole Teen: Why Mental Health Isn't Just About Symptoms
s your teen's mental health only about therapy and medication? Brandon Jones says it's time to widen the lens. In this episode of It's Not Your Fault, Brandon breaks down why mental health experts are moving toward a more holistic view of teens, one that looks at sleep, relationships, identity,...
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When Teen’s Brains Work Differently:Supporting Neurodivergent Youth Through Mental Health Challenges
Neurodivergence in teens does not look the same from one kid to the next, and that is exactly the problem when schools, parents, and even therapists expect it to. In this episode of It's Not Your Fault, host Brandon Jones sits down to unpack what it really means to support a neurodivergent teen...
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When Your Child’s Brain Won’t Slow Down: Understanding “Popcorn Brain” and Protecting Youth Wellbeing
In this episode of It's Not Your Fault Podcast, Brandon Jones dives into "popcorn brain": the constant pinging, scrolling, and switching that's rewiring how kids' minds work, making it harder for them to focus, sit still, or even feel bored without reaching for a screen. What does this constant...
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When “Whatever” Means More: Understanding the Teen Who Seems Not to Care
In this episode of It's Not Your Fault Podcast, Brandon Jones unpacks what's really behind a teen's "whatever": the eye rolls, the shrugs, the walls that go up the moment you ask what's wrong. For parents, it can feel like indifference, but it's often something much deeper. What does "whatever"...
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Helping Young People Navigate Gambling Culture & Mental Health | It's Not Your Fault Podcast
On this episode of It's Not Your Fault Podcast, host Brandon Jones explores the connection between gambling culture and teen mental health. Learn how this growing trend is influencing young people, the warning signs families should recognize, and how parents and caregivers can have supportive...
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Don't Just Wait: How Meaningful Activities Support Teen Mental Health | It's Not Your Fault Podcast
In this episode of It's Not Your Fault Podcast, Brandon Jones explores social prescribing, an innovative approach used in the UK that connects families, counselors, and local communities to meaningful activities that help teens build confidence, relationships, and a sense of belonging. Could this...
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Your Teen Is Gambling...Now What?
What happens when you discover your teen is gambling online? On this episode of It's Not Your Fault Podcast, Brandon Jones discusses how digital gambling culture, influencers, and online platforms are influencing teens today. Learn the warning signs, how to start the conversation, and what…
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When Tragedy Hits Close to Home
Brandon Jones, tackles the tough conversation how to talk to your child when tragedy hits close to home.
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Coded Predator Language, Online Grooming, and How Parents Can Protect Kids
In this episode of Its Not Your Fault Podcast, host Brandon Jones talks about Coded Predator Language, Online Grooming, and How Parents Can Protect Kids. #mentalhealth #parenting #Protectkids #itsnotyourfaultpodcast
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Talking to your Teen About Trauma
Host Brandon Jones provides strategies and tips to guide you on how to talk to your teen about trauma.
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Breaking Myths About Teen Mental Health
In this episode of It's Not Your Fault, host Brandon Jones tackles the myths about teen mental health.
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Sienna Lee on Poetry
Brandon Jones sits down with Sienna Lee, Minnesota’s first Youth Poet Laureate, to talk about poetry, healing through art, identity, and using your voice to inspire change.
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Helping Your Teen Manage Anger 😤
In this episode of It’s Not Your Fault Podcast, host Brandon Jones talks about how parents and caregivers can help teens manage anger in healthy ways. Learn how to recognize emotional triggers, improve communication, and support teens through frustration, stress, and overwhelming emotions.
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Teens and the Fear of Being Broke: Navigating Financial Anxiety
In this episode of It’s Not Your Fault Podcast, host Brandon Jones unpacks why so many teens feel anxious about money and the fear of being broke.
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Helping Teens Stay Mentally Healthy While Dating
In this episode of It’s Not Your Fault Podcast, host Brandon Jones explores how teens can maintain strong mental health while navigating dating.
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When Your Teen Is in an Active Mental Health Crisis
In this episode of It’s Not Your Fault Podcast, host Brandon Jones addresses what to do when your teen is in an active mental health crisis.
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What Helping Your Teen Doesn’t Look Like
In this episode of It’s Not Your Fault Podcast, host Brandon Jones breaks down common mistakes people make when trying to support teens—and what not to do when it comes to mental health. Learn how to better show up, avoid harmful patterns, and create safe, supportive spaces for teens to be heard...
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How Pets Can Help Teens with Mental Health
In this episode of It’s Not Your Fault Podcast, host Brandon Jones explores how pets can support teen mental health.
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When Teen Boys Start to talk about Mental Health
In this episode of It’s Not Your Fault Podcast, host Brandon Jones dives into an important conversation—what happens when teen boys start opening up about mental health.
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School Support, Mental Health, and Why You’re Not Alone
In this episode of It’s Not Your Fault Podcast, host Brandon Jones sits down with Kristin Lofgren, a School-Based Behavioral Health Consultant with the Minnesota Department of Human Services, to discuss the importance of mental health support and accessible resources. They dive into the MN...
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Instagram Teen Safety Alerts
Instagram has introduced new Teen Safety Alerts designed to help protect young users online. In this episode of It’s Not Your Fault Podcast, host Brandon Jones breaks down what these alerts mean, how they work, and what parents and teens should know to stay safe on social media.
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Text Therapy in Schools: What Parents NEED to Know
In this episode of It’s Not Your Fault with Brandon Jones, we break down the growing trend of text therapy in schools. What is it really? What isn’t it?
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Sleep Matters: Teen Rest & Mental Health
On this episode of It’s Not Your Fault: A Teen Mental Health Podcast, host Brandon Jones dives into the powerful connection between sleep and teen mental health.
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Meta, TikTok & Snap Agree to Teen Safety Grades
In this episode of It’s Not Your Fault Podcast, host Brandon Jones breaks down the recent move by Meta, TikTok, and Snap Inc. to be evaluated and graded on how well they protect teens online. What does this actually mean? #TeenSafety #SocialMediaNews #ItsNotYourFaultPodcast
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Support Animals and Teen Mental Health
In this episode of It’s Not Your Fault Podcast, host Brandon Jones explores the role of support animals in supporting teen mental health. From emotional comfort to building routine and connection, Brandon talks about why animals can be powerful companions during tough seasons.
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AI and Teen Mental Health: Tool, Not Therapist
Host Brandon Jones discusses how AI can support teens’ mental health—without replacing human connection, care, or professional help.
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Kids Need “Swim Lessons” for the Digital Ocean
On It’s Not Your Fault, host Brandon Jones explores why kids need “swim lessons” for the digital ocean.
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MLK’s Dream & Today’s Parenting
On It’s Not Your Fault, host Brandon Jones reflects on MLK’s dream and what it means for parenting today.
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How ICE activity affects families and children’s mental health
On this episode of It’s Not Your Fault, Brandon Jones discusses how ICE activity affects families and the mental health of children, highlighting fear, trauma, and the need for emotional support.
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Achievement Culture Is Hurting Teens
On this episode of It’s Not Your Fault, Brandon Jones explores how achievement culture is putting unhealthy pressure on teens—and the impact it has on their mental health.
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Bigorexia and Teens: What Parents and Caregivers Can Do
Host Brandon Jones explores Bigorexia—the hidden body image struggle affecting many teens. Learn how parents and caregivers can spot the signs, offer support, and promote healthy confidence. #Bigorexia #TeenHealth #ParentingTips #MentalHealth #ItsNotYourFaultPodcast
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Chill Rooms in Schools: What Parents and Caregivers Need to Know
On this episode of It’s Not Your Fault, host Brandon Jones explains what chill rooms in schools are, why they’re being used, and what parents and caregivers should know. Brandon shares practical insight to help families understand how these spaces can support student regulation, behavior, and...
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How Parents and Caregivers Can Support Teens in a World of Early Smartphone Use
On this episode of the It’s Not Your Fault Podcast, host Brandon Jones breaks down how parents and caregivers can better support teens growing up in a world of early smartphone use. He shares simple ways to guide healthy habits, build trust, and stay connected while helping teens navigate the...
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Raising Socially Strong Teens: Why Structure and Engagement Still Matter
On this episode of the It’s Not Your Fault Podcast, host Brandon Jones breaks down why structure, guidance, and real engagement are still essential for raising socially strong and emotionally grounded teens.
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How Parents Need to Pay Close Attention to the Habits of Their Children
On this episode of the It’s Not Your Fault Podcast, host Brandon Jones breaks down why parents must pay close attention to the everyday habits and behaviors of their children.
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When Holiday Cheer Becomes Too Much
Brandon Jones talks about why the holidays can feel overwhelming for kids and shares simple solutions that help them feel heard, supported, and grounded during the season.
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Apprenticeship Over Mentorship
Brandon Jones breaks down why real growth comes from apprenticeship, not just advice. In this episode of It’s Not Your Fault Podcast, discover how hands-on experience builds mastery and confidence.
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Raising Black Boys in a Time of Crisis.
On this episode of the Its Not Your Fault Podcast, Host Brandon Jones talks about Raising Black Boys in a Time of Crisis — the real challenges, the emotional weight, and the tools families need to protect, support, and empower Black boys to thrive in today’s world.
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Supporting the Mental and Emotional Health of LGBTQ+ Youth
On this episode of Its Not Your Fault Podcast, host Brandon Jones discusses how to support the mental and emotional health of LGBTQ+ youth. Learn practical ways to create safe spaces, build understanding, and promote healing.
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Why It’s Hard for Boys to Talk About Their Mental Health
On this episode of the It’s Not Your Fault Podcast, host Brandon Jones explores why it’s hard for boys to open up about their mental health. #ItsNotYourFaultPodcast #BrandonJones #MentalHealthMatters #EmotionalHealth #MentalHealth
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When Anxiety Becomes the Air They Breathe: How Parents and Caregivers Can Support Gen Z
On this episode of the It’s Not Your Fault Podcast, host Brandon Jones dives into the rising anxiety among Gen Z and how it’s shaping their daily lives. He shares practical ways parents, caregivers, and mentors can offer support, build trust, and help young people navigate a world that often…
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Understanding FASD
On this episode of It’s Not Your Fault Podcast, host Brandon Jones sits down with a Proof Alliance volunteer to shed light on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). #ItsNotYourFaultPodcast #BrandonJones #FASD #ProofAlliance #MentalHealthAwareness
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Screen Time and Teens: What Caregivers, Parents, and Youth Workers Need to Know
On this episode of It’s Not Your Fault Podcast, host Brandon Jones breaks down the impact of screen time on today’s teens. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or youth worker, this conversation offers practical insights and tools to help guide teens toward healthier screen use....
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does It’s Not Your Fault have?
It’s Not Your Fault currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is It’s Not Your Fault about?
It’s Not Your Fault Podcast is for parents, caregivers, and youth all navigating the world and its challenges.
How often does It’s Not Your Fault release new episodes?
It’s Not Your Fault has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to It’s Not Your Fault?
You can listen to It’s Not Your Fault on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts It’s Not Your Fault?
It’s Not Your Fault is created and hosted by Sheletta Makes Me Laugh.
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