Episodes

  • Episode 449: Perseverance Under Pressure

    Episode 449: Perseverance Under Pressure
    May 30 2025
    What happens when you combine Navy SEAL training techniques, the experience of being kidnapped (on purpose), and overcoming hearing loss? You get the remarkable resilience story of Gina Cassaza! In this inspiring episode of Whinypaluza, host Rebecca Greene welcomes Gina Cassaza, a multifaceted individual whose life journey embodies extraordinary resilience and determination. Gina shares her transformative experiences training with a Navy SEAL and participating in a civilian SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) course where she was actually paid to be kidnapped! She opens up about her journey of suddenly going deaf in one ear at age 21 and the incredible story of regaining her hearing a decade later. As a children's author, Gina discusses her book "You Really Truly Do Belong" and her nonprofit Empower Lit, both aimed at fostering literacy and self-acceptance in children. Her background as a stand-up comic infuses the conversation with humor and relatability as she delivers powerful insights on mental toughness, self-acceptance, and the importance of perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. KEY TAKEAWAYS: ➤ Navy SEAL training taught Gina invaluable lessons about mental toughness that transcend physical capabilities, demonstrating how we can push beyond our perceived limitations in everyday life. ➤ Gina's experience with sudden hearing loss at age 21 and subsequent recovery a decade later illustrates the power of perseverance and the importance of questioning medical "certainties." ➤ Through her children's book "You Really Truly Do Belong," Gina addresses the universal human need for acceptance and belonging, particularly crucial for developing healthy self-esteem in children. ➤ The civilian SERE course (where Gina was "kidnapped") provided unique insights into human resilience and the capacity to remain composed under extreme stress—skills applicable to everyday challenges. ➤ Gina's nonprofit Empower Lit demonstrates how personal challenges can be transformed into meaningful initiatives that create positive change for others, particularly in underserved communities. QUOTES: "The most valuable lesson I learned from training with a Navy SEAL wasn't physical at all—it was discovering the boundless reserves of mental strength we all possess but rarely tap into." "When doctors told me I'd never hear from my left ear again, I accepted it as fact for years. My hearing recovery taught me that even medical certainties should sometimes be questioned, and that the body has remarkable healing capabilities when given the right support." CONNECT WITH GINA: Website: Empower Lit - Literacy & Beyond Instagram: @ginacassaza Book: "You Really Truly Do Belong" - Available at major book retailers WHINYPALUZA PODCAST: Host: Rebecca Greene Producer: Adrienne Barker, MAS Website: Whinypaluza Podcast Instagram: @whinypaluza Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    46 mins
  • Episode 448: Taming School Stress

    Episode 448: Taming School Stress
    May 28 2025
    Are your kids drowning in stress from AP classes, endless homework, and sky-high expectations - and is their anxiety actually a mirror of your own perfectionist tendencies? Rebecca and Seth tackle the mounting pressure kids face in school, sparked by their own children's experiences with multiple AP classes and unrealistic expectations. This episode offers practical strategies for parents to help their children manage academic stress while examining how our own behaviors model stress management. From breathing techniques and realistic scheduling to celebrating small wins, they provide a roadmap for creating healthier relationships with achievement and learning. The conversation reveals how school stress often reflects deeper family patterns around perfectionism and provides tools that work for both students and stressed-out adults. 5 Key Takeaways ➤ Transform Self-Talk: Replace "This sucks, I can't do this" with "I can do hard things, I'm resourceful, I can ask for help" - the internal dialogue shapes the entire experience ➤ Build in Breaks and Fun: Mandatory study breaks with a "de-stress toolbox" (bedazzling, Legos, exercise, music) actually improve study effectiveness and prevent burnout ➤ Set Realistic Expectations: Six hours of homework after a full school day isn't healthy - space out studying and focus on effort over perfect grades ➤ Examine Your Own Mirror: Kids watch more than they listen - if your children have unrealistic expectations, check what standards you're modeling for yourself ➤ Prioritize Sleep and Celebration: Early bedtimes cure stress and anxiety, while celebrating small wins (finishing homework, completing a test) creates positive associations with challenging tasks Quotes Rebecca Greene: "If you're having an issue with your child, go look in the mirror. How are you? I'm not blaming you, I'm just trying to help you. We can't control everything our children do. We can try. We can control everything that we do." Seth Greene: "I started to get overwhelmed, and I stopped myself and said, just do one at a time, just see how it goes and made it through... I didn't have to know the whole thing, I'm just gonna practice one song." Join the free, supportive Whinypaluza Mom Group on Facebook and visit https://whinypaluza.com/ for Rebecca's link tree with amazing free resources. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    34 mins
  • Episode 447: Raising an Entrepreneur

    Episode 447: Raising an Entrepreneur
    May 23 2025
    How Can We Help Our Children Achieve Their Dreams? In this insightful episode of Whinypaluza, Rebecca speaks with Margot Machol Bisnow, author of "Raising an Entrepreneur: How to Help Your Children Achieve Their Dreams" and former FTC Commissioner with 20 years in government. After her son started an organization that connected young entrepreneurs, Margot became fascinated with what makes entrepreneurs tick—and discovered that the way they were raised had striking similarities. What if the key to your child's success isn't pushing them toward straight A's, but instead supporting their passions—even when those passions take time away from homework? After years in government service, Margot Machol Bisnow pivoted to researching what makes entrepreneurs successful, inspired by her son's journey from college dropout to founder of Summit. Interviewing 70 entrepreneurs and their parents, she discovered that despite diverse backgrounds, successful entrepreneurs shared key experiences: they had someone who believed in them, pursued passions outside school with parental support, and were encouraged to learn from failures rather than being punished. Margot advocates "leading by following"—supporting children's natural interests even when unconventional, while maintaining clear household expectations. This approach helps children develop grit, resilience, and confidence needed in today's rapidly changing world. Key Takeaways → Successful entrepreneurs had someone who believed in them unconditionally, typically a parent. → All had passions outside of school that their parents supported, teaching them grit, resilience, and adaptability. → Parents should notice what brings their children joy and encourage these interests, even if unconventional. → Instead of punishment for failure, parents asked "What did you learn?" and "What would you do differently?" → The traditional path to success has changed—parents need to be open to alternative routes for their children. Quotes from Margot"Everyone needs someone to believe in them, and sometimes that's even your kids." "If you're afraid to fail, you're afraid to take risks, and if you're afraid to take risks, you're never going to be an entrepreneur, and probably at almost anything you do, you're not going to be successful." How to Reach Margot Book: "Raising an Entrepreneur: How to Help Your Children Achieve Their Dreams" (available on Amazon) Website: raisinganentrepreneur.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    45 mins
  • Episode 446: Being a Good Mom Friend

    Episode 446: Being a Good Mom Friend
    May 21 2025
    How can we nurture our friendships while juggling the demands of motherhood? In this heartfelt episode of Whinypaluza Wednesday, Rebecca discusses the importance of friendships in a mom's life and provides practical advice on being a good friend while balancing the many demands of parenthood. Rebecca shares personal experiences about the challenge of making time for friendships amid her busy schedule of "kid stuff, work stuff, house stuff, husband stuff, errand stuff, taxi stuff" and how she discovered that stopping to connect with friends makes her feel "like 100 bucks" and recharged. She discusses her recent Mother's Day weekend experiences where she enjoyed both morning and evening outings with different friend groups, highlighting the importance of self-care and social connection. Key Takeaways: → Show grace, not guilt. Understand that everyone has busy seasons, and don't make friends feel bad when they can't always connect immediately. → Make connecting easy - Get creative about friendship time; it doesn't have to be a formal dinner. Coffee dates, car rides, or walks can be just as meaningful. → Be honest and genuine - You don't need to pretend your life is perfect. True friendship allows for vulnerability and authenticity. → Celebrate each other—There's room for all of us to win and succeed. Lift each other up and be genuinely happy for others' successes. → Don't compete, connect - Friendship isn't a competition about whose kids are doing better or who has the better house. Focus on connection instead. Quotes from Rebecca: "When I stop my wheel and I have friend time, I feel like 100 bucks, you get recharged." "This is not a competition. Friendship is not a competition. It's not whose kids are doing better. It's not whose house is better, whose car is better, whose job is better. Just connect. Just be happy for each other." Visit https://www.whinypaluza.com/, where you can find links to all of Rebecca's content, including her two-to-three-times-a-week email newsletter. Don't miss Rebecca's special Mother's Day episode with her daughter Lillie this Friday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    35 mins
  • Episode 445: Mother's Day Special with my Mini Me

    Episode 445: Mother's Day Special with my Mini Me
    May 16 2025
    What makes a good mom? Discovering that you can handle more than you think. In this special Mother's Day episode of Whinypaluza, host Rebecca Greene is interviewed by her 12-year-old daughter Lillie for a heartwarming and insightful conversation about motherhood, self-compassion, and family dynamics. Rebecca shares her journey as a mother of three and offers powerful advice for parents struggling with perfectionism and burnout. Through candid questions from Lillie, Rebecca reveals what she's learned over 18 years of parenting and what she wishes she'd known from the start. Key Takeaways: → Self-care isn't selfish: Rebecca explains how she initially thought being a good mom meant it had to be "all about the kids," but learned that taking time for herself actually makes her a better mother. → Compassion and grace are essential: Rebecca advises mothers to give themselves more compassion and stop expecting perfection from themselves, their homes, or their children. → Children's behavior is rarely personal: When kids act out, it's usually because they're having a hard time, not giving their parents a hard time. Rebecca emphasizes the importance of staying regulated to help children through difficult moments. → Focus on effort, not outcome: Rebecca discusses how she encourages her children to put in their best effort rather than focusing solely on grades or results. → Showing up consistently matters most: A good mom isn't perfect but shows up for herself and her kids, even when it's difficult, and keeps trying her best each day. Memorable Quotes: "I learned how strong I am. I learned how much I can handle." - Rebecca Greene on what motherhood taught her. "A good mom shows up for herself and her kids. You don't have to do a good job, you don't have to be perfect, you just have to keep going and give it your best." - Rebecca Greene Connect with Rebecca: https://linktr.ee/whinypaluzamom Tune in to Whinypaluza with Rebecca Greene to spend every day "laughing, learning, and loving" while gaining honest insights about parenting and life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    31 mins
  • Episode 444: My Mother’s Day Prescriptions for Moms

    Episode 444: My Mother’s Day Prescriptions for Moms
    May 14 2025
    👉 Are you ready to finally get what you want this Mother’s Day—without guilt, stress, or disappointment? This week on Whinypaluza Wednesday, host Rebecca Greene and her husband, Seth Greene, share hard-earned wisdom from her years of parenting and speaking with countless moms. Whether you’re a planner mom, a go-with-the-flow mom, or just a mom hoping for hot coffee for once—Rebecca has crafted “Mother’s Day prescriptions” to help you make this year’s celebration truly meaningful. ✅ Lower your expectations and avoid the common Mother’s Day pitfalls. ✅ Tell your family what you really want—no more mind-reading required! ✅ Choose just one thing to plan so you don’t set yourself up for disappointment. ✅ Release the guilt and “shoulds” that weigh moms down. ✅ Find ways to honor your journey, no matter what season of motherhood you’re in. Rebecca and Seth also discuss honoring moms who are no longer here, navigating Mother’s Day as a single mom or a mom who has experienced loss, and how families can truly support the mom in their life. ✨ Rebecca’s Quote: "Your child’s behavior does not define you as a mother. Who you show up as every day—that’s what counts." ✨ Seth’s Quote: "If you tell me what you want, I’ll do it. That’s how we make Mother’s Day—and every day—a win." 🎧 Don’t forget: Your worth as a mom isn’t measured by perfect days or perfect kids. It’s about showing up, loving fiercely, and taking care of yourself too. 👉 Listen now, share this episode with a mom who needs a little extra support this Mother’s Day, and remember—you deserve to be celebrated not just today, but every day. Happy Mother’s Day from Rebecca, Seth, and the Whinypaluza family! 💐 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    31 mins
  • Episode 443: The Gift of a Punishment Free Childhood

    Episode 443: The Gift of a Punishment Free Childhood
    May 9 2025
    What if punishment isn't the answer? Revolutionizing parenting with a punishment-free approach In this transformative episode of Whinypaluza, host Rebecca Greene speaks with parenting expert Rebecca Woulfe, author of "The Gift of a Punishment-Free Childhood: A New Way to Parent for a New World." With over 30 years of experience raising four daughters without using punishment as discipline, Rebecca shares how the Columbine school shooting near her home became a pivotal moment in her parenting philosophy. She explains that punishment teaches children that punishment is an acceptable way to control behavior—a lesson she wanted to prevent her children from learning. Throughout the conversation, Rebecca offers practical alternatives to traditional disciplinary methods, emphasizing a teaching approach rather than a controlling one, and shares compelling examples from her "grand experiment" of raising children without punishment. Key Takeaways → Children learn what they live—when we punish them, we teach them that punishment is justified and an acceptable way to control others' behavior. → Punishment-free parenting isn't a free-for-all but requires more energy, creativity, and engagement, focusing on discipline as a teaching process rather than a control mechanism. → Problem-solving versus blaming is essential—staying calm, asking questions, and understanding the underlying issues helps children develop better emotional regulation. → Giving children appropriate choices, a voice in decisions, and helping them feel capable builds their confidence and creates more cooperative relationships. → Research shows punishment creates more misbehavior, not less, while eroding the parent-child relationship and teaching children to use punitive approaches with others. Memorable Quotes from Rebecca Woulfe "What would happen if we didn't punish our children, if that wasn't something that they lived as children?" "When they're not punished, there's no adversarial relationship with the parent. We're in this together. When your child feels like you have their back, they are more likely to want to support your requests." How to Reach Rebecca Woulfe Website: RebeccaWoulfe.com Book: "The Gift of a Punishment-Free Childhood: A New Way to Parent for a New World" - Available on Amazon as print, e-book, and audiobook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    44 mins
  • Episode 442: Finding your Calm through the Chaos

    Episode 442: Finding your Calm through the Chaos
    May 7 2025
    Is your relationship with your spouse evolving as you both grow and change? In this engaging Whinypaluza Wednesday episode, Rebecca Greene and her husband Seth take listeners on a heartfelt journey through the realities of maintaining a strong marriage while navigating the challenges of parenting. Drawing on their 21+ years together, Rebecca and Seth share candid insights about how their relationship has evolved, particularly as they navigate parenting their three children through different developmental stages. Their conversation explores practical applications of relationship wisdom, combining research-based principles with real-life examples from their marriage. Key Takeaways: → Communication requires continuous updating as partners grow and change. Couples need to stay curious about each other's evolving interests, preferences, and dreams. → Small, everyday moments are the big things - simple activities like running errands or spending quality time together create precious memories that strengthen your relationship. → Personal growth within a marriage happens through embracing mistakes as valuable learning experiences rather than sources of shame. →Taking brief "adult timeouts" when emotionally overwhelmed helps partners regulate and return to discussions more productively. → Building a foundation of friendship and genuine affection for your partner fosters resilience in life's inevitable challenges. Featured Quotes: "I think I have a secret decoder ring for marriage...and I think that the code is to really like your partner. We love them, we fell in love with them, we need to stay in love with them. But I like who Seth is." - Rebecca Greene "Change happens in a moment of decision. You made a decision to prioritize your health, and it's inspiring." - Seth Greene Connect with Whinypaluza: Website: https://www.whinypaluza.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparenting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ Podcast: https://www.whinypaluza.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    29 mins