Caring Well with Dr. Michael Middleton

Latest Episodes:

Building a Medical Home for the Uninsured - Dr. Marvin Hardy & Stephanie Garris - Grace Medical Home Jun 23, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Caring Well, Dr. Michael Middleton sits down with Dr. Marvin Hardy, founder of Grace Medical Home, and CEO Stephanie Garris to explore how a faith-based medical home is transforming healthcare for uninsured families in Central Florida. Together they discuss continuity of care, the social factors that shape health, the role of volunteers and community partnerships, and what it means to care for the whole person - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The conversation also examines challenges within the healthcare system, the importance of primary care, and how Grace Medical Home has grown into a model of compassionate, integrated care for those who might otherwise fall through the cracks.

WATCH EPISODE: https://youtu.be/D3QP3dkwKUo

Learn More: https://www.gracemedicalhome.org

Key Takeaways: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1McpciDdPUt6-eNVTrVNqC36q4wumpP5k/view?usp=sharing

Send us a Question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1W39w6aJj5Y4C_RDzzRsnmt7JGs1ZHI3FzBikkobPkjs

TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction & Episode Overview 03:00 Grace Medical Home Explained 06:00 What is a 'Medical Home'? 09:00 Metrics & Impact of Grace Medical 13:00 Who Grace Serves & Eligibility 16:00 The Story Behind Grace Medical 21:00 Stephanie's Journey to Grace 26:00 Continuity of Care & Integrated Services 31:00 How Grace is Funded and Operates 35:00 Addressing Broader Health & Social Needs 40:00 Reflecting Christ in Healthcare Culture 46:00 Hope, Community, and Getting Involved

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#nonprofit #communityhealth #healthcareaccess #uninsured #gracemedicalhome #faithbasedhealthcare #primarycare #publichealth #centralflorida #orlando #caringwellpodcast #middletonpediatrics

Kids, Phones & Mental Health: Parenting in the Smartphone Era - Dr. Scott St. Clair Jun 03, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Caring Well, Dr. Michael Middleton sits down with longtime friend and pediatrician Dr. Scott St. Clair to unpack The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt and what it means for today's parents. Together, they explore the rise in anxiety and depression among kids and teens, how smartphones and social media reshaped childhood, and why real-world play, boredom, sleep, and face-to-face relationships matter now more than ever. They also discuss practical, hopeful steps families can take to navigate technology wisely and help kids build resilience in an increasingly digital world.

WATCH EPISODE: https://youtu.be/j1U1EhzY6fw

Learn More: https://www.anxiousgeneration.com

Key Takeaways: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18zM_UQJNwYUJiM1jA_d0lstYf_euCt5q/view?usp=sharing

Send us a Question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1W39w6aJj5Y4C_RDzzRsnmt7JGs1ZHI3FzBikkobPkjs

TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome & Introduction 00:42 Meet Dr. Scott St. Clair 04:51 The Core Idea Behind The Anxious Generation 09:13 Why Kids Need Challenge & Resilience 11:25 The Smartphone Shift & "The Great Rewiring" 15:19 Is the Mental Health Crisis Real? 22:21 Boys, Girls & Digital Life 27:39 Parenting as a Collective Action Problem 32:33 Four Practical Changes for Families 42:04 Play-Based Childhood & Healthy Friction 48:17 Simple Family Rules That Help 53:03 Sleep, Attention & Addiction 55:17 Following Jonathan Haidt's Work 56:38 NBA Lightning Round 🏀

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#Parenting #ScreenTime #KidsMentalHealth #TeenMentalHealth #Smartphones #SocialMedia #AnxiousGeneration #DigitalWellness #Pediatrics #ParentingTips #MentalHealthAwareness #CaringWell

Infant Swim Lessons, Water Safety & ISR Explained - Dr. Harvey Barnett May 20, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Caring Well, Dr. Michael Middleton sits down with Dr. Harvey Barnett, founder of ISR (Infant Swimming Resource), to discuss his decades-long mission to prevent childhood drowning. Dr. Barnett shares the tragic event that inspired his work, how ISR survival swim lessons were developed, common misconceptions around water safety and flotation devices, and why he believes every child can learn critical self-rescue skills. The conversation also explores the science behind infant learning, public health approaches to drowning prevention, and practical guidance for parents as summer approaches.

WATCH EPISODE: https://youtu.be/_r_Yqxf5CyU

Learn More: https://www.isrfloridaaquatics.com

Key Takeaways: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TxX72thb95JEXwgcnPSuhcLNkucMIZs1/view?usp=sharing

Send us a Question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1W39w6aJj5Y4C_RDzzRsnmt7JGs1ZHI3FzBikkobPkjs

TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome & Introduction 00:42 Meet Dr. Harvey Barnett & The Origin of ISR 03:38 How ISR Lessons Work 07:07 The Danger of Flotation Devices 10:20 Choosing a Swim Instructor 11:29 Why Drowning Is Preventable 12:39 ISR vs Traditional Swim Lessons 24:35 Discovering the Float Technique 30:00 How ISR Has Evolved Over Time 43:56 The Mission: Not One More Child Drowns 55:45 Final Thoughts on Supervision & Safety

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#CaringWell #MiddletonPediatrics #DrHarveyBarnett #ISR #InfantSwimmingResource #DrowningPrevention #WaterSafety #SwimLessons #InfantSwim #ChildSafety #ParentingPodcast #Pediatrics #SummerSafety #SurvivalSwim #Parenting

Pediatric Infectious Disease Expert Breaks Down 2026's Illnesses - Feat. Dr. Alejandro Jordan Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Caring Well, Dr. Middleton sits down with pediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. Alejandro Jordan to break down what parents need to know after this year's tough sick season. From flu vaccine mismatches to the growing concern around measles outbreaks, they explain what's really happening - and what actually matters for your child's health. They also tackle common misconceptions about immunity, frequent illness in kids, whether supplements really work, and much more.

Topics include:

• Flu season recap and vaccine effectiveness • Measles outbreaks and herd immunity • COVID-19 today and hybrid immunity • When to worry about your child being sick • Immune system myths vs. reality

WATCH EPISODE: https://youtu.be/D3WK949JY1c

Learn More: https://www.arnoldpalmerhospital.com/physician-finder/alejandro-jordan-villegas-md

Key Takeaways: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19ad-tf_j_1GfnuQa35XyC7L5LPwwpBLu/view?usp=drive_link

Send us a Question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1W39w6aJj5Y4C_RDzzRsnmt7JGs1ZHI3FzBikkobPkjs

TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome & Introduction 01:12 Recapping This Year's Sick Season 02:32 Understanding Flu Variants 05:07 Why Flu Vaccines Aren't Always Perfect 08:08 Flu Vaccination: Is It Worth It? 11:04 Recognizing Severe Flu in Kids 13:29 Preventive Strategies & Common Myths 15:15 Public Health Messaging and Vaccines 16:56 The Measles Comeback & Vaccine Rates 21:46 COVID-19: Six Years In 26:26 Other Hot Topics: TB, Lyme, & Carriers 43:43 Lessons, Communication, and Final Tips

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Caring Well - What 15 Years in Pediatrics Has Taught Us - With Christine May, APRN Mar 20, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Caring Well, Dr. Middleton sits down with Christine May, longtime nurse practitioner and original team member at Middleton Pediatrics, to reflect on 15 years of practice growth and personal change. Together, they discuss how pediatrics has evolved - from food allergy guidelines and telehealth to navigating COVID, mental health challenges, and the explosion of online medical information. Christine also shares how her own parenting journey has mirrored the life of the practice and what it means to stay committed to relational, evidence-based care in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.

WATCH EPISODE: https://youtu.be/U7T2sK6Ayog

Learn More: http://middletonpediatrics.com

Key takeaways from this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S6m1PRoCSEnfNjnWtfwMyRIZk--1T6Pt/view?usp=sharing

Send us a Question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1W39w6aJj5Y4C_RDzzRsnmt7JGs1ZHI3FzBikkobPkjs

TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introductions & 15 Years of Caring Well 05:54 Christine's Journey & Practice History 09:20 Reflecting on 15 Years: Practice & Personal Growth 14:00 Adapting and Growing: Practice Changes 18:00 Medicine's Changing Landscape & Community Commitment 23:00 The Information Age & Parenting Challenges 27:00 COVID's Impact on Pediatrics & Practice 33:00 Navigating Change: Mental Health & Communication 39:00 Consistency, Core Values, and Relationships 45:00 Looking Ahead: The Future & Joys of Pediatrics

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Fathering With the End In Mind - Dr. David Goodman from Base Camp 322 Mar 03, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Caring Well, Dr. Michael Middleton talks with Dr. David Goodman about intentional fatherhood and raising boys with purpose during the critical early years. Dr. Goodman shares how his personal journey and work in medicine, global health, and coaching shaped his Base Camp 322 framework, which helps fathers address their own inner growth, build healthy family rhythms, and foster secure attachment with their children. The conversation offers practical, approachable insights to help parents care well for their kids - starting with themselves.

WATCH EPISODE: https://youtu.be/UNzuzixVrlQ

Learn More: https://www.basecamp322.com

Key takeaways from this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HdyGfgxUJlsiDLv3ncX1BI0wV-lbOBYz/view?usp=drive_link

Send us a Question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1W39w6aJj5Y4C_RDzzRsnmt7JGs1ZHI3FzBikkobPkjs

TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome & Introduction to the Podcast 00:17 Meet Dr. David Goodman: Background & Family 01:46 Professional and Global Health Journey 04:31 From Africa to Orlando: Shifting Focus 09:01 Unique Perspectives on Healthcare and Early Development 11:41 Passion for Fathers & Sons: The Boyhood Crisis 15:37 Introducing Base Camp 322 for Fathers 18:20 How Base Camp 322 Works: Practical Overview 20:44 Course Principles: Stalk the Beast, Set Up Camp, Stoke the Fire 22:42 Building Family Rhythms & Mission 24:44 Securing Attachment and Showing Love 26:31 Intentional Time: Power Hour and Everyday Opportunities 28:08 Healthy Competition and Building Confidence 30:32 Getting Started: Taking Small Steps as a Parent 32:44 The Importance of Slow, Intentional Parenting 34:47 Encouragement for Moms & Single Parents 36:53 Lessons Learned: Advice for Younger Fathers 37:59 One Small, Game-Changing Parenting Step 38:52 Qualities of Great Dads & Program Resources 39:27 It's Never Too Late: Power of Repair & Final Words

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Supporting a Child's Emotional World With Creativity - Theresa Smith-Levin of Central FL Vocal Arts Dec 19, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Caring Well, Dr. Middleton chats with Theresa Smith-Levin, founder of Central Florida Vocal Arts, about how music and the arts can play a powerful role in children's health and development. Theresa shares her "overnight nonprofit founder" story, explains how CFVA expands access to arts education for students who might not otherwise have the opportunity, and discusses how creative expression builds confidence, resilience, empathy, and emotional well-being. The conversation also offers practical insight into how families and schools can normalize creativity and help children find and use their voice.

WATCH EPISODE: https://youtu.be/SIf9gR1Hy0s

Learn More: https://centralfloridavocalarts.org

Key takeaways from this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nvmozFJQ-r1T_fbiZbhIzJx5uG64Ms2M/view?usp=drive_link

Send us a Question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1W39w6aJj5Y4C_RDzzRsnmt7JGs1ZHI3FzBikkobPkjs

TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:16 Meet Teresa: Her Background and Journey 01:53 Founding a Nonprofit Overnight 03:31 Identifying Needs in the Arts Community 05:41 Central Florida Vocal Arts Today 07:01 Breakdown of Programs and Accessibility 10:24 Impact and Expansion 12:12 Barriers to Access in the Arts 14:22 Societal Undervaluing of the Arts 16:18 The Role of Arts in Mental Health 18:56 Fostering Creativity at Home and School 21:40 Avoiding Inhibition and Criticism in Artistic Expression 23:19 Arts, Free Play, and Education Policy 27:00 Celebrating Diversity in Talent and Education 30:05 Arts Access in Different Communities 33:14 Challenges in Implementing Arts in Schools 36:38 Changing Narratives: Making Arts Cool 39:41 Arts as Antidote to Loneliness and Disconnection 42:01 Performing Arts, Vulnerability, and Connection 44:28 Building Resilience Through Stage Experience 48:07 Handling Anxiety and Performance Nerves 51:01 Prescribing Arts to Foster Growth in Kids 53:52 The Arts Against Conformity 55:08 Reasons for Hope and the Power of Arts 56:02 Supporting Central Florida Vocal Arts 57:04 Rapid Fire – Teresa's Favorites & Opinions 59:30 Closing Thoughts and Thanks

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From Suppression to Expression: Supporting Boys' Emotional Health – Featuring David Thomas, LMSW Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Caring Well, Dr. Middleton chats with David Thomas, LMSW - author, counselor, and co-host of the Raising Boys and Girls podcast - about the emotional lives of boys, exploring why anxiety and risk-avoidance are on the rise, how parents can move kids from emotional suppression to healthy expression using his "three Rs" framework (recognize, regulate, repair), the importance of free play and age-appropriate discomfort for growth, and practical tools families can use to help boys build emotional vocabulary, self-regulation skills, and true resilience.

WATCH EPISODE: https://youtu.be/bfx9P05oSUQ

Learn More: https://www.raisingboysandgirls.com

Key takeaways from this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17-_Asem4uBwXBYqrebhko2kO1_0h2kic/view?usp=sharing

Send us a Question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1W39w6aJj5Y4C_RDzzRsnmt7JGs1ZHI3FzBikkobPkjs

TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome & Introduction 01:17 Meet David Thomas 03:07 Common Issues Boys Face 04:22 Trends in Boys' Mental Health 06:09 Rising Anxiety & Avoidance of Risk 10:46 Parenting Shifts & Overcorrection 13:12 Free Play and Child Independence 15:04 Why Write Raising Emotionally Strong Boys? 19:17 The 3 Rs: Recognize, Regulate, Repair 24:49 Practical Strategies for Teaching Emotional Skills 28:20 Healthy Masculinity Redefined 33:30 Co-Regulation to Self-Regulation 38:34 Parental Challenges & The Role of Control 41:41 Understanding the Rise in Anxiety 44:01 Overmedicalization & Cultural Trends 46:01 Practical Parenting Tips by Age 49:40 Breathing, Breaks, and Healthy Coping 52:44 Hopeful Trends in Schools & Pediatric Care 55:45 Building Optimism for Boys' Emotional Growth 57:34 Lightning Round: Advice for Parents 59:02 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts

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ADHD, Attachment & Attention: Cultivating Healthy Parent-Teen Relationship - Matt Casada - Counselor Nov 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Caring Well, Dr. Middleton chats with adolescent care counselor Matt Casada about how parents can better understand and support adolescents - especially those dealing with ADHD and executive function challenges. Matt explains why emotional regulation and a sense of safety are essential for attention, breaks down attachment styles and "zones of regulation," and offers practical strategies like sensory resets, visual checklists, and structured homework rhythms. He also highlights common but often missed teen struggles and shares simple daily habits that help kids feel seen, supported, and valued. WATCH EPISODE: https://youtu.be/5_AtqCaFTN4 Learn More: https://www.lumencounselingorlando.com Key takeaways from this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J5lH_I4MglmFFb4evVDVG66jYgvsj4Dw/view?usp=sharing

Send us a Question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1W39w6aJj5Y4C_RDzzRsnmt7JGs1ZHI3FzBikkobPkjs

TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction 01:10 Matt's Journey into Counseling 05:41 Daily Life as a Counselor and Educator 09:03 Working with Teens & Neurodiversity 13:13 Understanding ADHD & Regulatory Relationships 18:55 Assessing Regulation & Zones of Regulation 24:06 Parenting Approaches & Modeling Regulation 29:35 Attachment Theory Simplified 33:54 Attunement vs. Accommodating in Parenting 36:14 Executive Function Explained 44:17 Developing Executive Function Skills 53:30 Challenges Teens Face & Subtle Issues 56:00 Mental Health Conversations for Parents 57:44 Parenting Worries & Focusing on What Matters 01:00:03 Starting Counseling & Setting Expectations 01:01:48 Trends in Adolescent Mental Health 01:08:05 Final Thoughts & Finding Help

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The Vaccine Schedule: Why Timing Matters (Part 3) - Dr. Michael Middleton Sep 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Caring Well, Dr. Michael Middleton and Sara Pate, APRN explain why vaccine timing is especially important for children. They outline how the CDC and AAP develop the schedule to protect infants at their most vulnerable ages, supported by decades of safety and effectiveness research. The discussion highlights that babies naturally encounter far more antigens in daily life than through vaccines, and delaying shots leaves them unprotected against serious diseases. The episode also clarifies the difference between approved, recommended, and required vaccines, emphasizing that following the standard schedule helps protect both individual children and the wider community.

WATCH EPISODE: https://youtu.be/nhuns8K_97E

Key takeaways from this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AwrD37S670D4Hdk9a9nvV9VIhi2l2S4y/view?usp=sharing

🔗 Vaccine Episode Part 1: https://youtu.be/qjbkvEcW1_M 🔗 Vaccine Episode Part 2: https://youtu.be/NbpqaFdF_1Y 🔗 Vaccine Episode Part 3: https://youtu.be/nhuns8K_97E

Send us a Question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1W39w6aJj5Y4C_RDzzRsnmt7JGs1ZHI3FzBikkobPkjs

TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome and Series Overview 00:36 Vaccine Series Recap & Today's Topic 01:14 History Behind the Vaccine Schedule 02:47 Why the Vaccine Schedule Matters 03:35 Factors That Determine Timing 05:51 Parents' Concerns: Too Much, Too Soon? 08:06 Understanding Antigens and Immune Load 13:32 Debunking Overwhelm: What Science Shows 18:51 Alternative Schedules and Trust in Evidence 22:55 Vaccine Mandates: Approval, Recommendation, Requirement 26:12 Exemptions and State Differences 29:19 The Impact of Eliminating Mandates 32:59 Community Responsibility vs Individualism 36:26 Parenting Culture and Vaccine Hesitancy 38:25 Adolescent Vaccines: Tdap & Meningococcal 44:47 HPV Vaccine: Timing and Cancer Prevention 47:59 Wrapping Up: Sources, Trust, and Final Thoughts

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