PODCAST · kids
The Nourished Child
by Jill Castle, MS, RDN — Pediatric Dietitian & Childhood Nutrition Expert
Raising a healthy eater shouldn't feel confusing or overwhelming. The Nourished Child is your trusted guide for child nutrition, feeding kids with confidence, and navigating real-life parenting challenges — from picky eating and food-focused kids to teen appetites, nutrient needs, young athletes, and raising children in all body sizes.Hosted by Jill Castle — pediatric dietitian, author, and mom of four — this podcast blends practical feeding strategies with body-positive parenting, holistic child wellness, and the latest research on children's physical health and emotional wellbeing. Each episode helps you build healthy habits, support your child's relationship with food, protect their self-esteem, and create a family culture where children thrive at every size.Whether you're dealing with an overweight child, a selective eater, a child who's always hungry, or you simply want to nurture healthy habits and positive body image, The Nourished Child offers the compassionate, evidence-info
Episodes
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Is "Better" Candy Better for Kids? A Halloween Candy Plan for Parents
Halloween candy looks different this year. Dye-free M&M's, Skittles, and Starburst have arrived, low sugar and protein candy are cropping up everywhere, and parents are asking a new question: which candy is okay for my child? In this episode, pediatric dietitian Jill Castle explains what has...
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Are Seed Oils in Baby Formula Safe? A Researcher Explains
If you've scrolled social media lately, chances are you've seen someone call seed oils toxic, and that has a lot of parents second guessing the infant formula sitting in their pantry. In this episode, pediatric dietitian Jill Castle sits down with Dr. Corrie Whisner, an infant nutrition…
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Oreogate: What a Viral Lunchbox Feud Teaches Us About Food Restriction
A cookie ban in one family's lunchbox turned into a school-wide group chat feud, complete with trading, secret stashes, and a full-on parent showdown. It's a funny story, but it's also a near-perfect real-world example of what happens when a food gets fully restricted. In this episode, pediatric...
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Fresh Food Isn't Always More Nutritious (with Jennie Norka)
Frozen food gets a bad reputation it hasn't earned. If you've ever felt a flicker of guilt tossing a bag of frozen peas into dinner, or wondered whether a frozen entree is really as nutritious as something made from scratch, this episode is for you. I'm joined by Jennie Norka, MPH, Senior…
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The Back to School Eating Reset: Lunches, Schedules, and Sanity
The first week of school, the lunchbox is packed the night before and everything feels manageable. By week two, most of us are scrambling at seven in the morning wondering how we lost the thread so fast. In this episode, pediatric dietitian Jill Castle shares the simple lunch framework she used...
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The Truth About Omega-6 Fats and Kids, with Researcher Dr. Martha Belury
You have probably seen it in your feed: "Seed oils are toxic." "Omega-6 fats cause inflammation." "Never cook with vegetable oil." But is any of that actually true? And more importantly, what does it mean for what you are feeding your children? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Martha Belury…
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Does Your Child Need More Protein? What the Research Actually Says
Protein bars in the lunchbox. Protein powder in the smoothie. Protein added to everything from waffles to mac and cheese. If it feels like protein is suddenly everywhere! You're not imagining it. In this episode, I'm pushing back on the idea that more protein is automatically better for kids,...
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Puberty, Periods, and Your Daughter's Health: A Conversation with OB-GYN Dr. Melisa Holmes
If you have a daughter who is heading into puberty or is already in the middle of it, this episode is one you will want to save. Jill Castle sits down with Dr. Melisa Holmes, board-certified OB-GYN, co-founder of Girlology, and co-author of Youology: A Puberty Guide for Everybody. With more than…
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Why Summer is the Season Your Child's Health Quietly Slides
Summer should feel like a break. But for parents of kids between nine and fourteen, it often quietly unravels everything that kept their child healthy during the school year. Sleep shifts later. Breakfast gets skipped. Screens fill the hours. Movement drops off. And by August, you're wondering…
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The Future of Food Allergy Treatment for Kids Is Here
Food allergies in children are on the rise, but so are treatment options. In this episode, I interview Christopher Parrish, a leading food allergy expert and researcher, about the latest treatments for kids with food allergies, including oral immunotherapy, biologic medications, and emerging...
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Raising Healthy Eaters Without Food Fear or Food Rules
Nutrition advice for kids can feel overwhelming right now. In this episode, pediatric dietitian Jill Castle breaks down popular nutrition trends like seed oils, sugar, protein obsession, clean eating, and the Dirty Dozen list. She explains what parents actually need to know, what's worth paying...
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Raising Kids with a Healthy Body Image (Without Pressure or Shame)
What if the way we feel about our child's body matters more than anything we say? In this powerful conversation, I'm joined by body image psychotherapist Zoë Bisbing to unpack what body image really is—and how it quietly develops in childhood. We talk about the subtle, often unintentional ways...
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Why Your Teen Won't Come to Dinner
Family dinners can get complicated during the teen years. In this episode, pediatric dietitian Jill Castle explains why teens' appetite rhythms change, why they may resist family meals, and how parents can maintain healthy habits and strong connection without pressure or conflict.
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Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs): What Parents Need to Know About Under - Fueling in Teen Athletes
What is REDs, and why are more teen athletes at risk? Jill Castle interviews sports dietitian Rebecca McConville about the warning signs and prevention of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport.
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Low Appetite in Kids and Teens: What's Normal, What's Not, and When to Worry
Low appetite in kids and teens can be completely normal, or a signal that something deeper is going on. In this episode, Jill Castle explains how to tell the difference and when under-fueling becomes a concern.
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Creating Safety at the Table: Why It Matters More Than Getting Kids to Eat "Well"
In this episode, I'm joined by Dani Lebovitz, co-author of Food Positivity, to explore why emotional safety at the table matters more than food rules—and what actually helps kids build trust with eating.
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The Hidden Ways Parents Shame Kids About Food (And How to Stop)
Most parents don't mean to shame their kids about food — but it happens more often than we realize. In this episode, Jill Castle breaks down the subtle ways food shame shows up at home, why it backfires, and how parents can shift toward supportive, emotionally safe feeding practices that help…
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ARFID vs Picky Eating: Red Flags, Anxiety Signs, and What Helps
When picky eating is extreme, it's rarely just about the food. Pediatric dietitian Katharine Jeffcoat explains how anxiety and sensory challenges impact eating, what helps beyond nutrition, and how to reduce pressure at the table—plus a simple "food science" approach to support progress.
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The Nutrition Shift That Changes Everything in 2026
A powerful reframe on child nutrition for 2026—why food alone isn't enough and how a whole-child approach supports lifelong health and well-being.
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Fiber for Kids Made Simple: How to Boost Gut Health and Regularity
Fiber researcher, Joanne Slavin, discusses fiber for kids and why it's so important to their health.
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A Conversation about Obesity Meds for Kids
Pediatrician and mom, Dr. Chrissie Ott, chats about the use of GLP-1 meds in kids and teens.
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Navigate Thanksgiving Food Dynamics like a Pro
Let's talk turkey! Learn how to make Thanksgiving a positive experience to remember, especially if you have a picky eater or a child with high weight.
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New Treatments for ARFID in Children
Feeding therapist, Kelly Komisaruk, chats about ARFID in kids and teens and the new treatment she's using to help them overcome anxiety about food.
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Beyond Salt and Water: Practical Nutrition Strategies for Families Navigating POTS in Children
Registered dietitian Cheryl Harris teaches us about Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, or POTS, in children, including how to manage symptoms with nutrition.
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Understanding PANS/PANDAS: How Diet Can Make a Difference
Registered dietitian, Shannon Leatherman discusses PANS/PANDAS illness and how nutrition can help reduce inflammation and help your child heal.
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Win the Veggie War with Real Life Strategies that Work with Sarah Schlichter
Registered dietitian, Sarah Schlichter shares actionable, real-world strategies that help parents increase their child's intake of fruits and vegetables without turning mealtime into a battle.
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Heal Your Relationship with Food and Raise Competent Eaters with Jessica Setnick
Jessica Setnick helps parents heal their relationship with food, what she calls the "inner eater," so you can raise a competent eater.
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Raising an Intuitive Eater When Diet Culture is Everywhere
Dietitian and Eating Disorder specialist, Sumner Brooks, shares insights about raising an intuitive eater in a diet- and body-focused culture.
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Kids' Food Preferences: The Role of Nature vs. Nurture
Food scientist, John Hayes, discusses the research behind food preferences. Learn about our complicated food world and what you can (and cannot do) to influence your child's food preferences.
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The Case for Goat Milk-Based Infant Formula
Pediatric Dietitian, Malina Malkani, discusses the research behind, and benefits of, goat milk-based infant formula.
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Baby Led Feeding: The New Way to Start Solids with Babies
Dr. Krupa Playforth and Cinthia Scott, RD discuss their new book, Baby Leads the Way. https://thenourishedchild.com/category/podcast/
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The Self-Feeding Journey: Expert Tips from Barbara Coven-Ellis
From the very first bites to mastering the self-feeding journey, feeding expert Barbara Coven-Ellis gives us tips for helping children develop skills with eating. https://thenourishedchild.com/category/podcast/
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"Just Regular:" How the Culture of Fitness Influences Women and Children
Sara Dean, a former fitness professional and gym owner, shares her reasons for leaving the fitness world. https://thenourishedchild.com/category/podcast/
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Raising a Child with Celiac Disease
Learn about celiac disease in kids from a pediatric dietitian and a mom living with it. We'll cover key symptoms, diagnosis, and how to successfully manage the gluten-free diet for your child's health. https://thenourishedchild.com/category/podcast/
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Do your Kids Need Omega-3 Fish Oil?
Do your kids need Omega-3 fish oil? https://thenourishedchild.com/category/podcast/
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5 Reasons Parents Struggle with Feeding Kids
Want to be more confident with feeding your kids? Understand the common reasons parents struggle with confident parenting and food. https://thenourishedchild.com/category/podcast/
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Empowering Families and Healthier Communities through Food with Lynn Fredericks
Lynn Fredericks, founder of FamilyCook Productions, shares her innovative work in nutrition education in the community and its impact on well-being. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog
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Navigating the Truth about Food Online: Who Can You Trust?
Food and agriculture thought leader, Charlie Arnot, explores the conflicting and confusing information about food and nutrition online and helps us find the truth. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog
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How Too Much Body Fat May Affect Health
Body composition expert and obesity specialist, Dr. Robert Dubin, explains body composition and how too much body fat may affect health. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog
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A Little Sweetness Goes a Long Way (Reducing Sugar)
Sweetness researcher Adams Berzins explains artificial and natural sweeteners and their role in reducing sugar intake. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog
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Make America Healthy for All Kids
A pediatric dietitian's wish list for how to make America healthy for all kids. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog
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How Cooking Can Improve Your Child's Mental Health
Dr. Debbie Kennedy, a chef and PhD nutritionist, discusses the psychological benefits of cooking for children. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog
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Easy Ways to Shape Your Child's Health and Habits
Researcher Dr. Stephanie Anzman-Frasca shares easy parenting strategies for shaping good habits for kids. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog
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6 Lessons We Learned from Feeding a Family
Jill's husband, Jon Castle, joins the show to talk about feeding a family and the lessons they learned along the way. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog
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How to Prevent Food Allergies with Malina Malkani
Registered dietitian and author, Malina Malkani, shares the latest on food allergy prevention in childhood. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog
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The Future of Infant Formula and Parent Empowerment with Dr. Devon Kuehn
Dr. Devon Kuehn, neonatologist and Chief Medical Officer at ByHeart, chats about the future of infant formula, advancements in formula nutrition, and how to navigate the baby formula market. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog
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Trying New Foods with Children's Book Author, David Grotto
Registered dietitian and children's book author, Dave Grotto, discusses trying new foods and building healthy eating habits in children. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog
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Soy Foods: Navigating 4 Major Myths Using Research with Karen Collins and Melissa Joy Dobbins
In this special episode, we shine a light on soy foods and the myths surrounding them. Three registered dietitian nutritionists, including myself, team up for an insightful podcast collaboration to discuss four common misconceptions about soy using the latest evidence-based research. Joining me…
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How to Support Vegetarian Teens with Dr. Reshma Shah
Dr. Reshma Shah, a plant-based pediatrician, helps us navigate and support our vegetarian teens. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog
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Medical & Lifestyle Support for Kids with Larger Bodies with Dr. Zeena Al-Rufaie
Dr. Zeena, a pediatrician and obesity medicine specialist, chats about how she supports children with larger bodies. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Raising a healthy eater shouldn't feel confusing or overwhelming. The Nourished Child is your trusted guide for child nutrition, feeding kids with confidence, and navigating real-life parenting challenges — from picky eating and food-focused kids to teen appetites, nutrient needs, young athletes, and raising children in all body sizes.Hosted by Jill Castle — pediatric dietitian, author, and mom of four — this podcast blends practical feeding strategies with body-positive parenting, holistic child wellness, and the latest research on children's physical health and emotional wellbeing. Each episode helps you build healthy habits, support your child's relationship with food, protect their self-esteem, and create a family culture where children thrive at every size.Whether you're dealing with an overweight child, a selective eater, a child who's always hungry, or you simply want to nurture healthy habits and positive body image, The Nourished Child offers the compassionate, evidence-info
HOSTED BY
Jill Castle, MS, RDN — Pediatric Dietitian & Childhood Nutrition Expert
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Nourished Child have?
The Nourished Child currently has 275 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Nourished Child about?
Raising a healthy eater shouldn't feel confusing or overwhelming. The Nourished Child is your trusted guide for child nutrition, feeding kids with confidence, and navigating real-life parenting challenges — from picky eating and food-focused kids to teen appetites, nutrient needs, young athletes,...
How often does The Nourished Child release new episodes?
The Nourished Child publishes regularly with 275 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Nourished Child?
You can listen to The Nourished Child 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 The Nourished Child?
The Nourished Child is created and hosted by Jill Castle, MS, RDN — Pediatric Dietitian & Childhood Nutrition Expert.
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