Childhood vaccines raise some of the biggest questions parents face. In this episode of the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide, host Suzy Shaw welcomes back retired pediatrician Dr. Barnaby Starr, who spent decades guiding families with trusted, practical advice. Together, they cover everything from newborn vaccines like Hepatitis B to school and teen immunizations including MMR, HPV, meningococcal, flu, and COVID-19.

Dr. Starr explains how vaccines work, what side effects parents should expect, and why herd immunity is so critical. Packed with clarity and compassion, this conversation helps parents feel more confident navigating vaccine decisions for their children.

Adoption isn’t the finish line—it’s the beginning of a lifelong journey. In this episode of the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide, Suzy Shaw and Cheryl Bohn sit down with Ryan Hanlon, PhD, President & CEO of the National Council for Adoption, to talk about what happens after a child comes home. From building attachment and supporting siblings to navigating schools, subsidies, and long-term resources, this conversation unpacks both the challenges and the joys of life after adoption. Whether you’re preparing to adopt or already parenting, you’ll find practical strategies, encouragement, and expert insight to help guide your family.

Thinking about adoption but not sure where to start? Suzy Shaw and co-host Cheryl Bohn sit down with Ryan Hanlon, PhD—President & CEO of the National Council for Adoption (NCFA)—to cover what every mom should ask before adopting. We get real about eligibility, timelines, costs, open vs. closed adoption, medical info, choosing an agency, and how to know if your family is truly ready. Clear, practical, zero fluff.

Guest: Ryan Hanlon, PhD (NCFA) — adoptioncouncil.org

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Eligibility criteria by adoption type and state
• Foster care vs. private domestic vs. international: timelines & costs
• What “open” adoption actually looks like today
• Medical/background info you can expect—and how to evaluate it
• Questions to decide if you’re ready (as a couple and as a family)
• How to find an ethical, well-matched agency

If this helped, share it with a mom who’s considering adoption—and follow the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide for next week’s part two on life after the adoption.

From high school practices to college recruiting, the demands on our boys (and us moms!) ramp up fast. In our latest episode of the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide, Coach Matt Hogan shares what every parent needs to know about: ✔️ The real time commitment in high school sports ✔️ When recruiting actually starts (hint: later than you think) ✔️ Highlight reels, prospect camps & how not to waste money ✔️ Balancing academics and athletics for the long game

Matt’s a former college and high school coach, sports dad of two, and the leader of the Annapolis Hawks Club Lacrosse Program.

💬 Drop a comment if your son is navigating high school sports—we’d love to hear your experience!

Beyond Chicken Nuggets

If you’ve ever bribed your kid with dessert, begged them to “just take one bite,” or watched them live exclusively on goldfish crackers… this one’s for you. 🙋‍♀️

In this week’s Mothers of Boys Survival Guide podcast, we’re joined by Jacqueline Stern, registered dietitian and founder of Annapolis Nutrition, who helps parents take the stress out of mealtimes.

We talk about: 👉 Why picky eating happens (and when it’s more than just a phase) 👉 How to stop food battles before they start 👉 Packing stress-free snacks for school, camp, and playdates 👉 The simple mantra every parent needs: one bite at a time

Mealtime doesn’t have to be a battlefield. Tune in and discover how to raise confident, healthy eaters without losing your sanity.

🎧 Listen Now

Do you have a son who avoids reading like it’s a chore? You’re not alone—and this episode is packed with support and solutions.

We’re joined by literacy expert and fellow boy mom Dr. Jessica Hovland, who shares real talk and practical tips for helping boys become more confident readers. From bedtime routines and graphic novels to Minecraft books and reading to the dog 🐶—you’ll walk away with strategies you can use today.

Whether your son is just starting to read or facing challenges in middle or high school, this episode is for you. 💙

🎙 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform 📘 Grab the book: Mothers of Boys Survival Guide 🌐 Join the community: MothersOfBoys.life

Bracing for Takeoff: When Your Son Leaves the Nest

Is your son gearing up to leave for college—or already out the door with a box of ramen and a half-packed first aid kit?

In this episode of the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide, we talk with mom Rebecca Vandall about the emotional ups, downs, and unexpected wins of launching a son into adulthood.

We cover: ✅ How to stay connected without hovering ✅ What to pack (and what sparks dorm friendships!) ✅ Navigating homesickness, independence, and sibling shifts ✅ Real-life strategies like “Proof of Life Money” and care package parties ✅ Reclaiming time for yourself and rediscovering your identity post-launch

Whether your son is weeks from move-in day or you're just beginning to imagine it, this conversation is full of relatable stories, expert insights, and laugh-out-loud moments.

🎙 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform 📘 Grab the book: Mothers of Boys Survival Guide 🌐 Join the community: MothersOfBoys.life

Battle-Tested: 10 Parenting Tips Every Boy Mom Wants to Know

What do you get when you raise 7 kids (4 boys) and survive to tell the tale? A whole lot of wisdom — and even more heart. 💙

This week on the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide, Suzy and Cheryl sit down with Mary Pat Gaeng, a mom of 7 and grandmother of 6, to share the 10 boy mom truths she’s learned the hard way.

• Learn why physical affection matters more than you think
• Find out how to stop power struggles in their tracks
• Discover the power of simple meals and shared responsibility
• Hear why raising a good human matters more than raising a “typical boy”

Whether you're in the toddler trenches or navigating teen years, this episode is packed with relatable stories, practical tips, and encouragement that will meet you right where you are.

🎙 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform 📘 Grab the book: Mothers of Boys Survival Guide 🌐 Join the community: MothersOfBoys.life