Welcome to “Accidental Experts,” the podcast that empathizes with the chaos of everyday parenting and life. If you find yourself overwhelmed by car pools, friendship challenges, homework, childhood anxiety, neurodiversity, teen drivers and behavior challenges, you’re not alone. I’m your host, Bryce Hamilton, a seasoned licensed clinical social worker who has navigated the intricate challenges of family life firsthand. In each episode, we delve into the complexities of parenting alongside insightful guests, offering practical solutions and fresh perspectives on the daily struggles parents encounter. From the seemingly mundane to the intricately complex, “Accidental Experts” breaks down the challenges of parenting, equipping you with valuable tips and strategies to navigate the labyrinth of family dynamics. Join me as we take a moment to breathe and share stories, expertise, and humor, reassuring you that, indeed, it’s all going to work out. Parenting is an adventure, and “Accidental E
Suicide Prevention with Leslie Weirich
Dec 09, 2025
Show notes
After losing her son, Austin, to suicide in 2016, Leslie Weirich began to share her story to spread awareness and hope with others. In this episode, she joins Bryce Hamilton LSCSW to discuss how parents and loved ones can help prevent suicide, support themselves, and help others.
They share guidance for how caregivers can educate themselves to not just be aware of signs of suicide, but to be proactive and establish healthy relationships and safe guards to support ourselves and loved ones.
Leslie Weirich often says she didn’t choose this work, but it chose her. On September 10th, 2016, which happens to be World Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day, her doorbell rang at 2:30 in the morning and her life was forever changed.
Her 20-year-old son Austin was a Junior at Wabash College where he played football and loved life. Suddenly, with a policeman standing on her front porch she was told that he had taken his life.
Within 24 hours of his death, Leslie and her husband Keith decided they were going to use their story and their pain to help others. They just had absolutely no idea what that would look like.
Over the past eight years, Leslie has shared her heartache and her hope with thousands of people. In 2021, she began speaking on military bases and has never looked back.
Her work has taken her from Texas to New York to Alaska and as she says, “As long as there is breath in my lungs, I will continue to speak on suicide prevention.”
Her presentations have been given to thousands of soldiers over the past four years. She shares with them the details of the night her son died and then goes into why she believed it happened. She says that impulsivity along with unhealthy relationships is a huge catalyst for losing young lives. Her talk goes into a deep dive about the “Eight Warning Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship” and when it’s time to leave. She has been known to spend hours with young soldiers after her talks. Because she believes the power of her story allows them to tell her their own story. This is when she can identify who needs immediate help.
You can follow her work on LinkedIn and reach out to her at Leslie@LesliesHope.org to request her to speak.
ADHD in Marriage & Relationships with Eli Weinstein LCSW
Dec 02, 2025
Show notes
Therapist and host of “The Dude Therapist”, Eli Weinstein, LCSW, returns to the show with Bryce Hamilton LSCSW to talk about the reality of being in a relationship with someone with ADHD. They talk about ways to mitigate conflict, communicate and recognize when a partner is overstimulated, and how to recenter when you feel yourselves drifting apart emotionally.
Eli Weinstein, LCSW, is a therapist, international speaker, and host of the hit podcast The Dude Therapist. As a husband, dad, and soon-to-be author of From I Do to We Do: Navigating Marriage Through Parenting Years, Eli blends professional expertise with real-life storytelling to help couples and parents strengthen love and connection in the chaos of family life.
He’s interviewed world-renowned experts like Dr. Edith Eger, Dr. Nicole LePera, Mark Groves, Dr. Tina Bryson, and celebrities like Alyson Stoner and Mayim Bialik, and has even surprised audiences on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Known for his no-BS, humor-meets-heart style, Eli makes mental health approachable, relatable, and real—turning everyday struggles into strategies and stress into connection.
With his signature energy and wit, Eli brings the kind of insight that makes you laugh, nod, and rethink how you show up for the people you love. Whether he’s unpacking parenting meltdowns, relationship hurdles, or the invisible load of family life, Eli has a gift for turning the messiness of life into moments of growth, resilience, and lasting connection.
Healing Generational Trauma: Mother Daughter Relationships with Rosjke Hasseldine
Nov 25, 2025
Show notes
With more than 30 years of experience as a mother-daughter relationship therapist, Rosjke Hasseldine, sits with Bryce Hamilton, LSCSW, to share her insight and experience.
They talk about the “narcissistic mother”, the patterns and history that lead to difficult and toxic parental relationships, and give insight on how to approach the relationship with understanding and healing intent.
For anyone who feels emotionally distant from their mother figure, misunderstood by their daughter, or simply wants to identify ways to strengthen or heal a relationship, this episode shares encouragement, important insight and resources.
Rosjke Hasseldine is a New Zealander, who lives in America. She has worked as a mother-daughter therapist for 30 years, and is the author of “The Silent Female Scream” and “The Mother-Daughter Puzzle”, as well as numerous articles and Medium Blogs. Many of Rosjke’s articles and blogs can be read for free on www.motherdaughtercoach.com
Through this extensive clinical experience, Rosjke created the “Mother-Daughter Attachment® Model” (MDAM), which makes the underlying dynamics between mothers and daughters easier to understand. The MDAM explains what causes conflict, and how mothers and daughters can build a strong, emotionally connected relationship.
Rosjke passes on what she has learnt through her online course for mothers and daughters – “Healing the Mother-Daughter Connection”, and professional training course for mental health professionals and coaches – “Certified Mother-Daughter Coach Training”, and her “Women’s and Girls’ Group Facilitation Training” course. Visit www.motherdaughtercoach.com
Parental Anxiety with Dr. Ashley
Nov 18, 2025
Show notes
Licensed psychologist, author and TedX speaker, Dr. Ashley meets with Bryce Hamilton LSCSW to discuss parental anxiety and how it affects children. They talk about how to be mindful of your anxiety, tell the difference between productive and unproductive worry, and how anxiety as parents may impact or be projected onto our children.
They discuss telling the difference between anxiety and intuition, the significance of anxiety as a hereditary trait, and how to help manage situations that may cause anxiety for parent and/or child. They also talk about OCD and share tips and resources for helping manage anxiety and OCD for children.
Dr. Ashley Smith is a licensed psychologist, speaker, author, and co-founder of Peak Mind: The Center for Psychological Strength. She challenges audiences to master their minds and live boldly.
Born with a rare visual impairment that makes her legally blind, Dr. Ashley knows firsthand what it takes to overcome both real and perceived limits—and now teaches others how to do the same. By blending science with powerful storytelling and practical strategies, she shifts the way audiences see the world and themselves. Her message is simple: Your mind will hold you back… if you let it.
Teaching Children “Grit” with Beth Canalichio
Nov 11, 2025
Show notes
Author of “RAISING GRIT: Face Your Unconscious Deal with Your Issues Become a Great Parent”, Beth Canalichio meets with Bryce Hamilton LSCSW to discuss her new book and share her insight on how to raise children with grit, resilience, and emotional balance.
They talk about the importance of addressing parental generational trauma, how it impacts you as a parent, and share tips for helping children handle difficulties in life. In addition, she shares tips for how to recover as a parent if you have noticed inconsistency and want to better implement new tools for your family.
With over twenty seven years experience in the field of mental health Beth has worked in various settings throughout her career including inpatient behavioral health hospitals, family crisis intervention, intensive outpatient, family support programs, and as a counselor in a Charter School grades seven to twelve. Beth worked in private practice from 1998-2021 specializing in adjustment disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief and loss, with individuals ages ten and up, families, and couples. Beth earned a Masters degree in Social Work in 1995 and achieved her dream of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 1997. She received a certification in hypnotherapy from the American Hypnosis Training Academy in 1996 and applied many of the underlying principles in mental health practice.
Beth has been married for thirty years and has one young adult son. She lives on a farmette with her husband, two barn cats, and a dog. She enjoys golf, pickle ball, sewing, organic gardening, and all things health and well-being.
Recognizing Trauma Bonds with Dr. Nadine, PhD
Nov 04, 2025
Show notes
Author of “Run Like Hell: A Therapist’s Guide to Recognizing, Escaping, and Healing from Trauma Bonds”, Dr. Nadine Macaluso, PhD, aka Dr. Nae, discusses trauma bonds and toxic/unhealthy relationships. She addresses how to recognize this in your own relationships, as well as how to see it and help your children recognize it in their relationships. They also discuss how toxic relationships impact the dynamics within the home and for siblings and children.
Dr. Nadine Macaluso, PhD known to her patients as Dr. Nae, is the real-life inspiration behind Naomi Belfort’s character in “The Wolf of Wall Street.” She survived a turbulent eight-year marriage to Jordan Belfort, marked by abuse, greed, and trauma.
Following her experiences, Dr. Macaluso relocated to California. Her journey of trauma and healing inspired her to return to school at age 39, where she earned her Master’s in counseling and a Ph.D. in somatic psychotherapy. She further specialized with a two-year postdoctoral training in the Neuro-affective Relational Model (NARM).
As a therapist, Dr. Macaluso combines her education and personal experiences to help others heal from trauma. Her practice focuses on assisting patients in connecting with their authentic selves, fostering confidence, resilience, and agency. Dr. Macaluso firmly believes in the potential for post-traumatic growth, instilling hope in her patients and guiding them to reach their potential in life and love.
Building Community with Annah Elizabeth
Oct 28, 2025
Show notes
Tedx keynote and community speaker, author, and life coach, Annah Elizabeth, joins Bryce Hamilton, LSCSW to discuss how to build community as a parent. They talk about the barriers to building community, ways to overcome them, how to find your people, and also ask for help.
They also discuss and share tips for strengthening your community within your home with tips for helping getting children involved in housework, and asking for support among the family.
Annah is The Five Facets® of Healing founder and creator of The Five Facets Philosophy on Healing, a revolutionary and groundbreaking guide that helps you live your best personal, professional, and philanthropic life, even in the face of adversity.
Annah is a transformational Life and Spiritual coach, an international medium and an energy medicine practitioner and teacher. She is a published author; a TEDx, keynote and community speaker; a workshop facilitator; a continuing education trainer and a guest lecturer. Annah’s coaching, services, and training programs include academic and alternative modalities, all designed to meet your unique and preferred needs. Her writings and work have been featured in numerous online magazines, radio and TV programs, and national live events such as NC-NASW, Open to Hope, The Compassionate Friends conferences, and more.
Moms Hierarchy of Needs with Leslie Forde
Oct 21, 2025
Show notes
Author of “Repair with Self-Care: Your Guide to the Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs”, Leslie Forde, meets with Bryce Hamilton LSCSW to share what she has learned through her research and experience as a parent. Together they discuss freeing yourself from burnout and mom guilt, overcoming some of the biggest barriers that keep parents stuck at the bottom of the hierarchy of needs, realistic ways to put yourself first every day, and how to help support each other in our families, friendships and communities.
For anyone who feels like it’s impossible to care for themselves while keeping up with everything else, Leslie helps breakdown tips to make self care feel manageable instead of overwhelming.
Leslie is the CEO and Founder of Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs® and Author of newly released Repair with Self-Care: Your Guide to the Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs (Jossey Bass, September 3 2025.)
Her business provides evidence-based tools to help moms reclaim their time and well-being from the never-done-list while also helping employers retain working parents and caregivers.
Since March 2020, over 3,700 parents have participated in her research study—the longest-running of its kind—on the pandemic’s ongoing impact on work, care, and wellness.
With over 20 years in senior leadership and a decade focused on media and technology in childcare, eldercare, mental health, and education, Leslie is a sought-after speaker and consultant. She advises organizations like HubSpot, Merck, Scholastic, and the Barr Foundation on how to retain and support parents, caregivers, and people of color.
Her insights about wellbeing, equity and the future of work have appeared in Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, CNN, National Geographic, Fast Company, US News & World Report, SHRM, and more.
Defining Domestic Violence with Kathy “Justice” Jones
Oct 14, 2025
Show notes
In this episode, justice advocate, consultant and trainer Kathy “Justice” Jones, joins Bryce Hamilton, LSCSW to discuss domestic violence. They talk about what defines domestic violence, what defines an abuser, what defines a victim or target of domestic violence, and how it affects a family dynamic. They talk about dealing with child protective services, the community, and the court system when trying to leave an abusive relationship.
Kathy shares her seasoned insight and experience with over 25 years working with domestic violence advocacy and support on how to recognize domestic violence as an observer as well as define and observe traits of an abusive person.
They discuss how to support a person in an abusive situation, safety planning, the age old “Why doesn’t she just leave?” question, “Can he change?” and highlight differences between narcissism and abuse. They share resources for anyone wanting to learn more or find help for themselves or a loved one.
As a Survivor/Justice Advocate, Kathy has dedicated more than 25 years to promoting the safety and well-being of women and children targeted by domestic abusers. She founded Mother Justice Network to equip the community for effective response to families impacted by family violence predators, but was quickly confronted by the overwhelming need for Protective Mothers seeking support, and shifted gears to provide them with consultation and legal advocacy. She is best known for her Maze of Coercive Control, a training tool that demonstrates the complexity of living domestic violence, and for facilitating her “Finding Your Best Self” retreats for women who are seeking to rebuild their purpose after breaking free of their abuser. When not on the front lines pursuing justice for women and children, she is wife, mother, daughter and caregiver, as well as a passionate National Parks explorer and roadtripper, family history researcher, crafter, and worship team musician. Her unrealized dream is to play Maria in The Sound of Music.
The Breast Cancer Club with Julie Rudman
Oct 07, 2025
Show notes
Founder and Executive Director of The Breast Cancer Club, Julie Rudman, joins Bryce Hamilton LSCW to kick off October with an important episode about breast cancer. Truly an “Accidental Expert” Julie shares the knowledge and information she has learned since receiving a breast cancer diagnosis in 2023 and starting her organization.
They talk about information on what you need to know to help prevent breast cancer, catch it early, what to expect when receiving a diagnosis, how to tell your family, advice on options for telling others in your circle and receiving community support, as well as treatment expectations and positivity.
This episode also includes great information for how to support someone else who has breast cancer, has just received a diagnosis, or is going through treatment. As well as common myths, new information and promising research. Anyone can get breast cancer, which is why this episode is for everyone.
In the late summer of 2023, just days before Julie and her husband David were to send their youngest child off to college and begin a new phase of life, Julie was diagnosed with breast cancer at a routine mammogram. She was fortunate to receive her treatment at the hospital where David, a doctor, practices medicine and to be cheered on by her sweet, knowledgeable husband and loving family and friends. But even with the best-case scenario, cancer was difficult, and all the while she kept thinking, “How is everyone else doing this?!!” After learning that most of the local breast cancer support groups were gone, she decided to form one.
A native Kansas Citian, Julie founded The Breast Cancer Club to offer free, anonymous, multilingual, inclusive online breast cancer support for the Greater Kansas City area. The website launched in June 2024 and is available in over 100 languages.
Julie is the proud mother of three kind and talented grown children. She enjoys reading, baking, practicing yoga, watching football and walking in her neighborhood. She also loves modern design, houseplants, and all the dogs and all the babies.
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