Kids Matter!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Dr Kristin Struble and I talk about some common gut issues seen in babies, the gut brain connection and more.Dr. Kristin Struble, a Tucson native and the youngest of six, achieved academic excellence at the University of Arizona. Graduating magna cum laude in nutrition and biochemistry, she earned top honors and two student awards for excellence in pediatrics. Dr. Struble's passion for nutrition didn't stop with her education; she authored a humorous children's book titled "How to Be a Poop Detective," focusing on diet and nutrition.Completing her pediatric residency at Phoenix Children’s Hospital in 2001, Dr. Struble has consistently been recognized as a "Top Doc" by Phoenix Magazine and received multiple awards, including three from Arizona Foothills Magazine, "Best of the Valley" Pediatricians and one for Arizona Republic's "Best of the Desert". She also received a noteworthy nomination from Phoenix Business Journal's healthcare award.Dr. Struble has had the honor of being a regular guest and author for local news stations, podcasts, and  publications like Forbes Magazine and the Washington Post, discussing her children's book and other medically relevant topics. She currently pursues certification in functional integrative medicine. Happily married to Stephen Chakmakian, DO, and a proud mother, Dr. Struble finds joy in family, friends, hiking, running, Peloton, and exploring new cuisines.https://www.camelbackpediatrics.com/About-Us/Meet-the-Providers/Kristin-Struble,-M-D-,-F-A-A-PCover art by Charlotte FeldmanPlease note that while I am a pediatrician, I am not your child's pediatrician. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For any medical concerns or decisions, please reach out to your child’s health care professional.

Send us Fan MailThis is a follow up episode on perinatal mental health with perinatal mental health therapist Danielle Mizrahi. In this episode, we discuss the huge life change becoming a mother is, called matrescence. We also talk about the fourth trimester, the first three months after a baby is born, from the perspective of mom's mental health.A third episode from the perspective of a reproductive psychiatrist is coming soon!As a dedicated therapist specializing in maternal mental health, I am passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based care to help individuals navigate the complex emotional challenges that can arise during fertility treatments, pregnancy, and the postpartum period. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can explore your feelings, build resilience, and find the strength to thrive during these significant life transitions. Together, we can work towards your mental well-being and overall quality of life. As a dedicated therapist specializing in maternal mental health, I am passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based care to help individuals navigate the complex emotional challenges that can arise during fertility treatments, pregnancy, and the postpartum period. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can explore your feelings, build resilience, and find the strength to thrive during these significant life transitions. Together, we can work towards your mental well-being and overall quality of life.I specialize in providing support to women throughout all stages of their reproductive lifespan.Take the first step to help. Call or Email Danielle Mizrahi now - (516) 259-6964https://www.amazon.com/Matrescence-Childbirth-Motherhood-Lucy-Jones/dp/0593317319Cover art by Charlotte FeldmanPlease note that while I am a pediatrician, I am not your child's pediatrician. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For any medical concerns or decisions, please reach out to your child’s health care professional.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Screentime Consultant Emily Cherkin discusses the screentime challenges parents face today, including the issue of screens in SCHOOLS ( Ed Tech). We discuss tips from her amazing book, The Screentime Solution and what it means to be "the first fish".Consultant Emily Cherkin, MEdAuthor, Speaker, Tech-IntentionalTM ExpertAs The Screentime Consultant, Emily is at the vanguard of thefight for our children against digitization, commodification,and gamification of childhood and education.Emily is an author, speaker, consultant, and associate professorof public policy at the University of Washington. Emily’s work hasbeen featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, TheEconomist, NPR, The Today Show, the BBC, Good Morning, America,and more.A former middle school teacher with over a decade of experience,Emily is on faculty at the University of Washington’s Evans Schoolof Public Policy. Whether testifying before the U.S. Senate,U.K. Parliament, or as the lead plaintiff in her lawsuit againstEdTech’s exploitation of children’s privacy, Emily is internationallyrecognized as a courageous expert, ready to speak out and holdcompanies accountable.Emily serves as co-chair to Fairplay’s Screens in Schoolsgroup, belongs to the the Advisory Board for Smartphone-FreeChildhood U.S, and is the creator of the UnPlug EdTech Toolkit,which thousands of parents use as a guide to rethink technologyuse in schools.As a public speaker, she inspires audiences to think criticallyabout technology and invites audiences to become tech-intentional.As a leading expert on EdTech, she is at the front of a legal fightagainst data collection and privacy violations of schoolchildren viaEdTech products and she invites school leaders around the world torethink school-based technology.As a consultant, she guides parents, advocacy groups, schools, andpolicymakers to transform their communities.As a policy expert, she channels her expertise, wisdom, andexperience to develop tech-intentional policies around school-based technology.As a parent, she knows firsthand the challenge of raising childrenin the digital age.No matter her audience, Emily brings people together with humorand compassion. She is a mediator, a persuader, and a listener,bringing bespoke services to a wide range of constituents.Emily’s charisma and professionalism translate to any setting, fromclassrooms to courtrooms.Emily’s BookEmily is the author of The Screentime Solution: A Judgment-Free Guideto Becoming a Tech-IntentionalTM Family (released January 2024)• 2,500+ copies sold and in second printing• Over fifty 4.9-star ratings on Amazon — ranked#6 in Parenting Teenagers and #3 in Family Health• Available everywhere books are soldOrder at link below:https://www.amazon.com/Screentime-Solution-Judgment-Free-Becoming-Tech-Intentional/dp/B0CB9JS5KBhttps://thescreentimeconsultant.com/https://substack.com/@emilycherkinhttps://thescreentimeconsultant.com/resources/unplug-edtech-toolkithttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMRrHR3Pd_kCover art by Charlotte FeldmanPlease note that while I am a pediatrician, I am not your child's pediatrician. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For any medical concerns or decisions, please reach out to your child’s health care professional.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Rivka Fishman, a master teacher, author and expert in fighting bullying, discusses dealing with bullying from the trenches, as a teacher and mother. We refer to an earlier episode with Izzy Kalman, her teacher. That episode is linked below.Rivka  Fishman grew up in Pittsburgh and graduated from Touro College with an undergraduate degree in Psychology. She has taught students of all ages, from elementary school children to adults, for over 25 years. She currently teaches middle school and serves as the Special Programming Coordinator at Torah Day School of Houston. Rivka is a recipient of the Irving L. Samuels Outstanding Teacher Award for Judaic Studies and the Grinspoon–Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Education.She has spent many years researching and implementing effective ways to minimize conflict between children and now coaches parents and leads workshops on how to “bullyproof” their children. To reach even the youngest learners, she authored “Sara the Bucket Filler,” which teaches children—and the adults who read with them—how to be kind and stay happy even when someone says mean things to them; “Benny the Bucket Filler,” which helps children stay resilient even when excluded; and “My Bucket Filling Journal,” which guides children in building empathy and resilience.Email: [email protected]: https://thebucketfillers.comInstagram: @the_bucketfillersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarathebucketfiller/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PromEPyN7QUOther: Podcasts, articles and more: https://thebucketfillers.com/blogPreview YouTube video Sara the Bucket Filler meets the Izzy Kalman GamePreview YouTube video Sara the Bucket Filler meets the Izzy Kalman Gamehttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2570205/episodes/1869901

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Dr. Rachel Fryman talks about the challenges neurodivergent people face, and how neurodivergent affirming therapy can be helpful. We discuss the delicate balance of helping but not enabling, using scaffolding, and other tips.Dr. Rachel Fryman, PhD, LCSW,  specializes in supporting adults navigating daily life and transitions with a trauma-informed and neurodivergence-affirming approach. Together with clients, she explores the impact of the past and distracted living on relationships, academic achievement, job performance, and overall well-being. Rachel works collaboratively in sessions to identify and incorporate strategies to manage challenges, so that every day is less stressful and more meaningful. She is an assistant professor at Yeshiva University Wurzweiler School of Social Work. She consults, lectures and researches on the intersection of  Judaism and mental health.https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/rachel-fryman-west-hempstead-ny/403857https://www.attentiontherapyny.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/preparing-your-child-with-adhd-ld-for-college-and-for/id1500215343?i=1000566616338Cover art by Charlotte FeldmanPlease note that while I am a pediatrician, I am not your child's pediatrician. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For any medical concerns or decisions, please reach out to your child’s health care professional.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Dr. Marcy Forta discusses body image, social media influences, how we talk to our kids about food and our bodies, and so much more.Dr. Marcy Forta is the Founder and Director of Atzmi, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening self-worth, self-compassion, emotional wellbeing, and healthy body image in Jewish orthodox adolescent girls, with the goal of preventing eating disorders before they begin. She is the creator of the My Best Self Project, a school-based prevention curriculum implemented in schools across the United States and internationally and supported by ongoing research evaluating its effectiveness.Through student programming, parent education, and educator training, Dr. Forta helps communities better understand the cultural pressures girls face and equips them with practical, evidence-based tools to foster resilience, emotional regulation, and a healthier relationship with the body. She is a sought-after speaker who presents to schools, communities, and professional audiences on adolescent mental health, eating disorder prevention, parenting, and self-compassion.Dr. Forta is the author of How Can I Help My Daughter? A Mother’s Guide to Nurturing Her Daughter’s Best Self and remains deeply committed to helping the next generation of girls grow into confident, emotionally healthy young women.https://marcyforta.com/https://atzmi.org/https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/the-body-project/https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/about-us/https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/atzmi-my-body-is-not-my-self/id1500215343?i=1000567473562Cover art by Charlotte Feldman Please note that while I am a pediatrician, I am not your child's pediatrician. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For any medical concerns or decisions, please reach out to your child’s health care professional.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Dr. Bruce Lanphear discusses what we all CAN do about environmental toxins, which is a WE problem, not just a ME problem- we need to band together to solve this ! He also discusses what you CAN do as an individual, as well. A REALLY important topic!Bruce Lanphear, MD, MPH, is a preventive medicine physician and professor at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver—and one of the world’s leading voices on how toxic chemicals shape children’s health. For more than 30 years, he’s studied everyday exposures like lead, fluoride, and pesticides, helping drive the landmark conclusion that there is no safe level of lead and informing federal health standards along the way. What sets Bruce apart is his focus upstream: not just treating disease butpreventing it. Through his project Little Things Matter, he creates clear, engaging videos that reveal how invisible chemical exposures affect our kids—and what we can do to stop harm before it starts. He also writes on Substack about the hidden burden of toxic chemicals and why protecting our health begins long before the doctor’s office.https://littlethingsmatter.ca/https://blanphear.substack.com/Oulthote Phthalates SRS EHP 2020 (1).pdfAlampi Chemical Mixtures Folate ASD Env Epi 2025 (1).pdfhttps://nontoxicneighborhoods.org/https://www.sfu.ca/fhs/about/people/profiles/bruce-lanphear.htmlCover art by Charlotte FeldmanPlease note that while I am a pediatrician, I am not your child's pediatrician. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For any medical concerns or decisions, please reach out to your child’s health care professional.

Send us Fan MailThis is an overview of normal mood changes after birth and  perinatal mood disorders with perinatal mental health therapist Danielle Mizrahi, LCSW, PMH-CDanielle Mizrahi, LCSW, is a certified perinatal mental health professional.https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/danielle-mizrahi-west-hempstead-ny/228219https://okclarity.com/directory/danielle-mizrahi/https://postpartum.net/Get HelpCall the PSI HelpLine:1-800-944-4773#1 En Español or #2 EnglishText “Help” to 800-944-4773 (EN)Text en Español: 971-203-7773 The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides free, confidential 24/7 support for pregnant and postpartum individuals facing mental health challenges (PMADs). Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) to connect with counselors, available in over 60 languages. It is not a crisis line, but offers support for depression and anxietyhttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=good+moms+have+scary+thoughts&adgrpid=187088767355&hvadid=792718917249&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9004447&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=8784437303127279620--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=8784437303127279620&hvtargid=kwd-563735239642&hydadcr=13689_13765081_2455692&mcid=d3b922baf6993953b6413b15eb155ab6&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_9sjnr8xrmd_eBioAs a dedicated therapist specializing in maternal mental health, I am passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based care to help individuals navigate the complex emotional challenges that can arise during fertility treatments, pregnancy, and the postpartum period. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can explore your feelings, build resilience, and find the strength to thrive during these significant life transitions. Together, we can work towards your mental well-being and overall quality of life. As a dedicated therapist specializing in maternal mental health, I am passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based care to help individuals navigate the complex emotional challenges that can arise during fertility treatments, pregnancy, and the postpartum period. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can explore your feelings, build resilience, and find the strength to thrive during these significant life transitions. Together, we can work towards your mental well-being and overall quality of life.I specialize in providing support to women throughout all stages of their reproductive lifespan.Take the first step to help. Call or Email Danielle Mizrahi now - (516) 259-6964Cover art by Charlotte Feldman________________________________________Please note that while I am a pediatrician, I am not your child's pediatrician. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For any medical concerns or decisions, please reach out to your child’s health care professional.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Dr. Staci Weiner, a child psychologist who is also a forensic psychologist, discusses helping children deal with family stressors, with a focus on divorce. Staci Weiner, Psy.D. is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist expert with over 20 years of experience. Dr. Weiner has experience in private practice, day treatment, university, as well as school settings in clinical, supervisory, and teaching roles. Her experience involves working with children, adolescents, adults and families with various levels of mental health concerns. Dr. Weiner also works for Robson Forensic, Inc for the past 6 years as an expert psychologist and applies her extensive experience to forensic investigations related to the mental health status and supervision of children and adolescents as well as their diagnosis and emotional stability. While working as a psychologist, Dr. Weiner has experience conducting psychological evaluations in an effort to understand diagnosis, best treatment strategies, as well as the needs of children and adolescents to assist them with optimal learning.  She has worked collaboratively with schools, physicians, as well as attorneys to ensure a holistic view to each situation. Dr. Weiner has conducted multiple presentations in both school and clinical settings addressing a variety of topics such as Test Anxiety, Social Skills Training, Psychological Evaluations and the Special Education System, amongst others. Her specialty areas include ADHD, the assessment and treatment of Post Traumatic Stress-Disorder, particularly with survivors of sexual abuse, Depression, and Anxiety.Dr. Weiner was an Adjunct Professor at Pace University, as she taught Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to graduate students in the Psy.D. School/Clinical Child Psychology program. She holds a Masters degree in School Psychology as well as a Doctoral degree in School/Clinical Psychology from Pace University. https://applepsychological.com/team/ Dr. Weiner is Licensed in New York and Florida. She is also a member of PSYPACT allowing her to practice Telepsychology in in PSYPACT participating states. For a list of PSYPACT participating states, Click HERE  Recently honored for her dedication to the field, she’s here to share practical advice on keeping families stable during difficult transitions. Dr. Weiner, welcome to the show. Cover art by Charlotte FeldmanPlease note that while I am a pediatrician, I am not your child's pediatrician. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For any medical concerns or decisions, please reach out to your child’s health care professional.

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Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Izzy Kalman discussed bullying, what does not work to stop bullying, and how to help your child respond to bullying more effectively.Israel “Izzy” Kalman, MS, has been a school psychologist and psychotherapist since 1978. He has developed a quick, fun and powerful system for teaching people how to solve interpersonal problems, including bullying, without anyone’s help and without getting anyone in trouble. He is director of Bullies to Buddies, Inc., creator of the Bullies to Buddies Golden Rule System, and author of a book for youth called Bullies to Buddies: How to Turn Your Enemies into Friends, as well as a number of other publications and video programs for kids and adults. He is the lead author of the Be Strong Resilience Program. Izzy writes a Psychology Today blog called Resilience to Bullying, and has been the world’s foremost critic of the anti-bullying movement, warning since the Columbine massacre that the “war against bullying” will backfire. History has been confirming his predictions. More than 50,000 mental health professionals and educators have attended Izzy’s full day seminars on bullying and anger control. His articles have appeared in newspapers, magazines and journals, and he has presented at many professional conferences. Izzy is a sought-after expert on bullying for radio and TV shows. His work has been featured in The New York Times, Good Morning America and TEDx https://www.izzykalman.com/My store page:https://www.izzykalman.com/shopMy Psychology Today blog, Resilience to Bullying:https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/resilience-bullyinghttps://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/15/magazine/bullying-teenagers-gilbert-goons-gang.htmlCover art by Charlotte FeldmanPlease note that while I am a pediatrician, I am not your child's pediatrician. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For any medical concerns or decisions, please reach out to your child’s health care professional.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Dr. Ali Navidi of GI Psychology discusses the brain gut connection and ways to help children with disorders of brain gut interaction with specific therapies.Dr. Navidi is a licensed clinical psychologist and one of the founders of GI Psychology, a national telehealth practice specializing in helping patients with GI disorders and chronic pain. Dr. Navidi oversees training and outreach at the practice.  Dr. Navidi has given talks about GI disorders and chronic pain to organizations around the country such as American College of Gastroenterology, UNC School of Medicine, George Mason University, Georgetown University Grand Rounds, INOVA, various podcasts, television and various State Academies of Nutrition and Dietetics.https://www.gipsychology.com/our-clinicians/alinavidipsyd/https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/jowma/episodes/Gut-Feelings-Disorders-of-Gut-Brain-Interactions-with-Dr--Beate-Beinvogl-e1gjku6Cover art by Charlotte FeldmanPlease note that while I am a pediatrician, I am not your child's pediatrician. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For any medical concerns or decisions, please reach out to your child’s health care professional.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Jill Escher, mother to two profoundly autistic young adults and autism advocate, talks about the TRUE rise in autism, including profound(severe) autism, and possible causes for this rise. Jill Escher, JD, MA, is president of the National Council on Severe Autism, founder of Escher Fund for Autism (a fund that supports autism programs and research), secretary and past president of Autism Society San Francisco Bay Area, and a housing provider for adults with autism and intellectual disabilities. Her work has been published in The Free Press, Environmental Epigenetics, Biology of Reproduction, Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis, and the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. She is a former lawyer and is the mother of two children with nonverbal profound autism, Jonathan, 26, and Sophie, 18. More info: jillescher.com.Contact: [email protected] art by Charlotte FeldmanPlease note that while I am a pediatrician, I am not your child's pediatrician. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For any medical concerns or decisions, please reach out to your child’s health care professional.

Send us Fan MailCORRECTION: Dr. Bryna Siegel led one of several field sites involved in validating the DSM-III-R  and DSM IV diagnostic criteria for Autism while professor of psychiatry at University of California, San Francisco. She was NOT the lead of the DSM Autism field trials, a position held by Fred Volkmar, MD (Yale University) Dr. Bryna Siegel is a Developmental Psychologist (PhD Stanford, 1980) who has co-founded one of the earliest US Autism Clinics (Stanford,1983), then founded and led the Autism Clinic at University of California, San Francisco from the late 1980s to early 2010s, serving as Professor of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry there.  She has authored five books on autism by peer-reviewed publishers, written several chapters and research articles, and over 100 research abstracts on autism, and headed two DSM field-trial sites for the validation of diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorders.  Over the past ten years, she founded and has served as Executive Director of the Autism Center of Northern California which provides training to clinical psychology graduate students considering a career in autism, focusing on refining a public health model for affordable, university-quality autism diagnostics and patient training to low income families living with autism.  In the last 40 years, Dr. Siegel has lectured and trained teachers, therapists, parents and fellow academics across the US, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.  Her most recent book is The Politics of Autism (Oxford University Press, 2018).   [email protected] Director, Autism Center of Northern California Professor, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, UCSF (Ret.) 870 Market Street, Suite 401, San Francisco, CA 94102 T: 415-391-3417 / www.ACNC.org/ www.BrynaSiegel.com https://brynasiegel.com/about.php    

Send us Fan MailMichael McLeod, M.A.In this episode, Mike Mcleod and I talk about ADHD, parenting styles, and the role of  ADHD coaching. In 2016, Michael created the Internal Skills Executive Function Strengthening Model, and GrowNOW ADHD was born. His mission: improve quality of life for youth and families facing ADHD and executive function challenges. Mike has presented this model to audiences nationwide and internationally, providing specialized support in ADHD, Executive Functioning, Social Executive Functioning, and Parent Coaching.With more than 20 years of experience, a Master’s degree from Lehman College, and collaborations with leading doctors, neuropsychologists, and nonprofits, Mike blends deep expertise with a practical, strength-based model that gets results. Co-Host of the ADHD Parenting PodcastWinnerBest Executive Function Coaching Service AwardWinnerDevelopmental Service Hero Award – Main Line ParentAwardWinning Keynote Speaker and School TrainerI am here today with  Michael McLeod, M.A., co-host of the ADHD Parenting Podcast, one of my new favorite parenting podcasts.With over 20 years of experience, Michael is the creator of the innovative Internal Skills Executive Function Strengthening Model and the founder of GrowNOW ADHD.His mission is to improve the quality of life for youth and families navigating ADHD and executive function challenges.An award-winning keynote speaker and trainer, Mike blends deep expertise—backed by a Master's degree and collaborations with leading doctors and neuropsychologists—with a practical, strength-based approach that truly delivers results. https://www.grownowadhd.com/

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