In this episode, I’m diving into the all-too-familiar chaos of family gatherings—specifically, how to prepare yourself and your teenager for navigating tricky relatives at the summer barbecue. Whether you’re hosting or traveling, you’ll walk away with three powerful tools to help set boundaries, avoid drama, and model healthy responses to uncomfortable situations. These are tools I share often in my office, because they work—and summer is too short to spend feeling anxious or reactive. Let’s fill your parenting tool belt and keep your vacation from turning into a battlefield.

In this solo episode, I dive into a message I believe every parent needs to hear: you deserve to prioritize yourself — and it's actually good for your kids when you do. I’ve been noticing a pattern in my work with parents who are running themselves ragged trying to meet every single need and whim of their children, while completely sidelining their own. I walk through why this is not only unhealthy for you, but also a disservice to your kids. Tune in to find out why I’m inviting you to consider that investing in your physical and mental health, your marriage, your friendships, and your time alone isn’t selfish — it’s essential.

In this heartfelt and deeply personal episode, I sit down with my daughter Riley Young—back for her second appearance on the podcast—just days after she graduated from USC with a degree in Business Administration. We dive into what it really feels like to stand at the edge of one of life’s biggest transitions: college to adulthood. Riley reflects on the communities that shaped her, how her identity has evolved, and what she’s learned about balance, motivation, and self-care. For any parent witnessing their child take this leap, or for anyone navigating change themselves, I hope this conversation offers both insight and inspiration.