Ask Lisa: Untangling Family Life

Latest Episodes:

232: Encore: Getting into College with Special Guest Rick Clark Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

College admissions can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to. Rick Clark, the author of “The Truth About College Admission,” joins Lisa and Reena to break down what matters most in the admissions process and how families can approach it with sanity and strategy.

“The Truth About College Admission” Book & Workbook: https://www.truthaboutcollegeadmission.com/books

“The Truth About College Admission” Podcast: https://www.truthaboutcollegeadmission.com/podcast

Rick’s Blog: https://sites.gatech.edu/admission-blog/author/rc218/

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Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical advice and science-backed solutions to help parents raise resilient, confident, and emotionally healthy kids. Tune in every week for the latest topics in parenting, child psychology, and family wellness. Get answers to your most pressing parenting questions. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

Check out our Ask Lisa Podcast Playlists. Binge specific topics like Raising Sons, Staying Connected to Your Teen: https://www.youtube.com/@asklisapodcast/playlists

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Episode Keywords: college prep, college admissions, parenting high school juniors, college essays, SAT prep, ACT prep, financial aid, scholarships, choosing a college

Show Keywords: ask lisa podcast, dr lisa damour, reena ninan, psychology, parenting, podcast, teens, tweens, parenting teens, parenting tweens, teen parenting, tween parenting, parenting tips, parenting advice, positive parenting, parenting podcast, teen behavior, tween challenges, raising tweens, raising teens, parenting hacks, parenting help, family dynamics, kids podcast, mental health, teen mental health, attachment styles, emotional intelligence

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231: Encore: How Do I Parent with an Ex Who Doesn’t Share My Values? Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

If you're raising kids with an ex who doesn’t see eye to eye with you, Dr. Lisa & Reena offer strategies for reducing conflict, protecting your child, and staying grounded in your own values. Tune in for realistic and practical advice for co-parents navigating different parenting styles.

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Check out our Ask Lisa Podcast Playlists. Binge specific topics like Raising Sons, Staying Connected to Your Teen: https://www.youtube.com/@asklisapodcast/playlists

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Episode Keywords: co-parenting, parenting with an ex, family conflict, parenting differences, divorced parenting, blended families, healthy boundaries, parenting values

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230: Encore: Teens & Sleep with Journalist & Author Lisa L. Lewis Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

Sleep is the secret weapon every teen needs—but few get enough of it. Lisa L. Lewis, journalist and author of “The Sleep-Deprived Teen: Why Our Teenagers Are So Tired, and How Parents and Schools Can Help Them Thrive,” joins Dr. Lisa & Reena to explain why sleep is critical to teen development and how parents can improve their child’s sleep habits, even during the summer.

Find “The Sleep-Deprived Teen” book here: https://www.lisallewis.com/book

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Check out our Ask Lisa Podcast Playlists. Binge specific topics like Raising Sons, Staying Connected to Your Teen: https://www.youtube.com/@asklisapodcast/playlists

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Episode Keywords: teen sleep, sleep deprivation, summer bedtime battles, school start times, adolescent brain, parenting tired teens, tech and sleep, sleep hygiene

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229: Encore: The Science of Managing Emotions with Author Ethan Kross Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

If you’ve ever wished for a toolkit to manage big teen emotions—or your own—this is the episode for you. Psychologist Dr. Ethan Kross, author of the book “Shift: Managing Your Emotions – So They Don’t Manage You,” shares cutting-edge science on how to “shift” emotional states and regain calm and control, even in stressful moments.

Find Dr. Ethan’s book here: https://www.ethankross.com/books/shift

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Check out our Ask Lisa Podcast Playlists. Binge specific topics like Raising Sons, Staying Connected to Your Teen: https://www.youtube.com/@asklisapodcast/playlists

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Episode Keywords: emotional regulation, parenting emotional teens, anger management, teen meltdowns, family stress, neuroscience of emotions, emotion coaching, mental health strategies

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228: Encore: What Should I Do When Other Parents Host Wild Parties? Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

Your teen wants to go to a party—but you’re worried about underage drinking, peer pressure, and safety. In this can’t-miss encore, Dr. Lisa & Reena outline how to talk with your teen about parties, risks, and consequences—without shutting down the conversation.

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Check out our Ask Lisa Podcast Playlists. Binge specific topics like Raising Sons, Staying Connected to Your Teen: https://www.youtube.com/@asklisapodcast/playlists

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Episode Keywords: teen parties, underage drinking, teen safety, parenting teens, peer pressure, house parties, high school social life, risky behavior prevention

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227: Encore: The Power of Belonging with Special Guest Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

Social isolation, loneliness, and friendship struggles are all too common in middle and high school. Celebrated psychologist & author Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble joins Dr. Lisa and Reena to talk about how to help kids feel connected and valued—at home, at school, and in their communities.

Learn more about Dr. Alfiee here: https://dralfiee.com/

To learn more about the AAKOMA Project, visit: https://aakomaproject.org/

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Check out our Ask Lisa Podcast Playlists. Binge specific topics like Raising Sons, Staying Connected to Your Teen: https://www.youtube.com/@asklisapodcast/playlists

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Episode Keywords: teen loneliness, social anxiety, middle school friendships, teen mental health, inclusivity, parenting diverse kids, sense of belonging, emotional support for teens

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226: Encore: What Should I Do With Dicey Information About Other People’s Kids? Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

Your teen just shared something concerning about a friend. Now what? Dr. Lisa & Reena offer a thoughtful roadmap for what to do when your teen is a “safe person” for their peers—but you’re left holding information about risky behavior. Learn how to protect trust while also protecting teens’ safety.

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Check out our Ask Lisa Podcast Playlists. Binge specific topics like Raising Sons, Staying Connected to Your Teen: https://www.youtube.com/@asklisapodcast/playlists

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Episode Keywords: teen safety, parenting dilemmas, teen secrets, risky behavior in teens, peer pressure, parenting teens ethically, teen substance use, confidentiality vs. safety

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225: Encore: Should I Let My Son Spend All His Free Time Playing Video Games? Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

Your teen's gaming habit might not be all bad. Video games can feel like a battleground for parents—but are they always a negative? In this episode, Dr. Lisa & Reena explore how gaming can help teens connect, learn, and unwind. Learn how to set boundaries without igniting power struggles and how to spot when gaming is helping (or hurting) your child’s development.

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Check out our Ask Lisa Podcast Playlists. Binge specific topics like Raising Sons, Staying Connected to Your Teen: https://www.youtube.com/@asklisapodcast/playlists

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Episode Keywords: screen time, video games and teens, tech parenting, parenting a gamer, gaming addiction, screen time rules, social skills and gaming, teen boys and video games

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224: Encore: Lessons from Netflix's "Adolescence" Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

Raising a teen boy? Dr. Lisa & Reena use the Netflix series Adolescence as a springboard to explore masculinity, emotional vulnerability, and how boys handle pressure in today’s world. Together they explore how adults can support boys as they navigate social media, anger, sadness, and identity.

The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents: https://drlisadamour.com/books/the-emotional-lives-of-teenagers/

Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys: https://www.michaelthompson-phd.com/books/raising-cain/

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Check out our Ask Lisa Podcast Playlists. Binge specific topics like Raising Sons, Staying Connected to Your Teen: https://www.youtube.com/@asklisapodcast/playlists

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Episode Keywords: parenting teen boys, masculinity, emotional development, Netflix Adolescence, teenage anger, boys and mental health, father-son relationships, emotional intelligence for teens

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223: Practical Optimism with Dr. Sue Varma Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

How do we help our tweens and teens thrive—even in tough times? Dr. Sue Varma joins Dr. Lisa & Reena to break down the science of optimism and the four key pillars of mental well-being. You’ll learn how to model emotional strength for your child, build resilience in the face of anxiety and setbacks, and adopt daily habits that boost happiness. The perfect episode for parents looking to reset and reenergize during summer!

Find “Practical Optimism” here: https://www.doctorsuevarma.com/book/

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Check out our Ask Lisa Podcast Playlists. Binge specific topics like Raising Sons, Staying Connected to Your Teen: https://www.youtube.com/@asklisapodcast/playlists

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Episode Keywords: parenting teens, mental health tools, positive psychology, resilience in teens, emotional well-being, coping skills for teens, optimism, family mental health

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