Power Your Parenting: Moms With Teens

Latest Episodes:

# 356 What I Won't Tolerate in 2026 Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

What are things you tolerated in 2025 that you don't want to tolerate in 2026?

Today we are going to explore tolerations, messes, and irritations. You know the things that annoy you on a daily basis and steal your I feel good energy.

If I ask you the question what are you tolerating? What’s the first thing that comes to mind?

Maybe the first thing that comes to your mind is something about your teen, your boss, or your partner. In other words you are tolerating your relationships.

Or, maybe the first thing that you thought of is the color of your kitchen wall, all those piles of papers on the table, or the kitchen disposal that hasn’t worked in a year. You are tolerating things in your physical space.

Heres the thing. All of us tolerate things we shouldn't, instead of handling them. Every time we tolerate things instead of managing them they drain our energy. It steals our attention away from what we really want to do and what we want to achieve. And if we don’t handle these little things in life we can go into resignation. Like if I can’t handle these little irritations then I can’t have what I want and we feel this at a deep unconscious level.

This episode helps you become aware of what you're tolerating and gives you a plan to clean up your irritations and messes in your physical space and your relationships.

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#355 Navigating Grief in Your Family and Life Jan 12, 2026

Show notes

What if grief isn’t something you “get over,” but something you learn to carry—without losing yourself in the process?

In this powerful conversation, Colleen O’Grady talks with grief expert and widowed mom Krista St. Germain about what grief really looks like—beyond the outdated “five stages” idea. Krista shares her personal story of losing her husband suddenly and what she learned the hard way: grief doesn’t end, it changes—and healing comes from integrating loss into your life with compassion, emotional safety, and realistic expectations. Together, they explore how grief shows up differently in families (including anger, shutdown, clinginess, and conflict), why time doesn’t “heal” on its own, and how parents can support grieving teens without forcing conversations or pressuring anyone to “be okay.”

Krista St. Germain is a Master Certified Life Coach, post-traumatic growth and grief expert, widow, mom, and host of the Widowed Mom Podcast. After her husband was killed in a crash caused by an impaired driver, Krista rebuilt her life using tools from life coaching, nervous system regulation, and modern grief science. She now coaches and teaches widows—and educates the broader public—so people can move forward without being harmed by outdated, isolating grief myths.

Grief isn’t a problem to solve—it’s an experience to understand.
When a teen becomes clingy, angry, or shuts down, start with: “How does this make sense?” Instead of pushing for words, offer steady presence, reassurance in the present, and emotional permission.
Healthy grieving includes both sorrow and restoration.
The Dual Process Model helps families stop judging themselves: you’ll naturally move between “loss-oriented” moments (crying, remembering, handling logistics) and “restoration” moments (laughing, hobbies, friends). Healing lives in the back-and-forth.
Watch for secondary losses—and name them.
Grief isn’t only the big loss. It’s also the “paper cuts” that keep coming: milestones, holidays, weddings, traditions, even taking something down in the house. Naming a moment as a secondary loss reduces shame and helps you respond with compassion instead of “What’s wrong with me?”

When your teen won’t talk but is acting different:
“I notice you’ve been wanting to stay close lately. That makes a lot of sense after what happened. You don’t have to talk about it, but I’m here—and we’ll get through this together.”
When anger shows up (yours or theirs):
“Something big is underneath this. We can take a pause. I’m not here to fight you—I’m here to understand what’s going on.”
When you feel guilty for laughing or having a good moment:
“This is the restorative bucket. I’m allowed to breathe. Grief and joy can exist in the same life.”

Learn More at: https://www.coachingwithkrista.com/

Follow at: https://www.instagram.com/lifecoachkrista/

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#354 Time to Reset: Boundaries, Trust, and Connection Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

In this episode I interview Dr. Charles Sophy, author of FAMILY VALUES: Reset Trust, Boundaries, and Connection with Your Child . He is the medical director of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services and a regular contributor on the Dr. Phil show. Dr. Sophy has helped all kinds of families break harmful patterns. Based on his wealth of experience as a psychiatrist and as a father, Dr. Sophy assures every parent: “No matter how complicated life gets or how off course your family dynamics become, it’s never too late to hit the reset button and move forward with confidence, love, and authenticity, with your family values leading the way.”

For more information on Dr. Charles Sophy: ⁠https://drsophy.com/⁠.

Follow on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/sophyonthestreet/

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#353 Teens and the 2 AM Spiral: Interview with Kevin Logie Dec 29, 2025

Show notes

Does your teen wake up in the middle of the night overwhelmed with worries they can’t shut off? Have you noticed that everything feels so much bigger for teens at 2:00 AM than it does in the light of day?

There’s been a surge in what experts are calling the “2 AM Spiral”—a late-night loop of overthinking fueled by screen time, academic pressure, social stress, and the natural sleep-cycle shift that happens during adolescence. In this episode, Colleen talks with therapist Kevin Logie about what’s really happening in teens’ brains during these late-night spirals, why sleep deprivation intensifies anxiety, depression, and irritability, and how parents can respond with more curiosity and less control. You’ll learn why this isn’t “teen drama,” how phones and lack of downtime play a major role, and practical, compassionate strategies to help teens regulate, reset, and sleep better—without turning bedtime into a nightly battle.

Kevin Logie is an associate therapist who brings creativity, warmth, and flexibility to his work with children, tweens, teens, and families. With a background in the arts and improv, Kevin blends narrative and person-centered therapy with evidence-based tools such as CBT, EMDR, ABA, and mindfulness practices. He specializes in helping clients rewrite unhealthy narratives, build emotional awareness, and develop resilience. Kevin is also a dad to a 12-year-old son, bringing both professional insight and lived experience into his work.

🌱 Three Key Takeaways for Moms

1. The 2 AM Spiral is biological, not behavioral.
Teens’ brains are still under construction, and late-night exhaustion weakens emotional regulation—making worries feel catastrophic at night.

2. Phones intensify spirals, but connection matters.
Instead of harsh phone rules, collaborative wind-down routines and advance warnings help teens disengage without feeling controlled.

3. Regulation beats resolution at 2 AM.
Late night isn’t the time to solve problems. Gentle tools like breathing exercises, body scans, calming sounds, and mindfulness help teens settle their nervous systems and return to sleep.

Follow The Mood Tools https://www.instagram.com/themoodtools/

Learn more at: https://moodtools.org/

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#352 Mom, You Are Enough! Dec 22, 2025

Show notes

Our guest today is a wonderful human being and has so much well-earned wisdom to share with us in this episode and she is also a relatable and engaging writer. Which you can find in her recently published book, Mom Enough: Inspiring Letters for the Wonderfully Exhausting but Totally Normal Days of Motherhood. I love her viral quote: “Sometimes you have to let go of the picture of what you thought life would be like and learn to find joy in the story you are living."

Our guest today Rachel Marie Martin is the founder of the social media community Finding Joy™, author of both Mom Enough and The Brave Art of Motherhood, and a founding partner in Audience Industries – a company designed to train and equip entrepreneurs in their ventures. Her articles have been translated into over 25 languages, her site reaches millions of visitors per month and she has a robust, engaged Facebook community. Her content has been featured in The Huffington Post, The Today Show, PopSugar, Motherly, and many more. She speaks worldwide encouraging moms and entrepreneurs to live each day with purpose and drive. Beyond that, she’s a mom to seven and calls Nashville, Tennessee, her home.

Follow Rachel Marie on Facebook at ⁠https://www.facebook.com/findingjoyblog⁠

Find out more at: ⁠https://findingjoy.net/author/rachel-marie-martin/

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# 351 What Modern Teens Need to Thrive Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

Are you parenting a teen in a world that feels far more complex than the one you grew up in? What if understanding the adolescent brain could actually help your teen not just survive—but truly thrive?

Today’s teens and young adults are growing up on a very different bridge to adulthood than previous generations. In this powerful and hopeful conversation, Colleen O’Grady sits down with Lisa M. Lawson, President and CEO of the Annie E. Casey Foundation and author of Thrive: How the Science of the Adolescent Brain Helps Us Imagine a Better Future for All Children. Together, they explore how adolescent brain science—now understood to extend into the mid-20s—can transform the way parents guide, support, and relate to their teens. Lisa invites us to see teens through a lens of possibility rather than problems and introduces five essential “cables” that hold up the bridge of adolescence, from connection and education to financial stability and youth leadership. This episode is both deeply reassuring and incredibly practical for moms who want to widen the bridge for their teens and help them grow into resilient, confident adults.

Lisa M. Lawson is the President and CEO of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, where she leads national efforts to improve outcomes for children, youth, and families. Since stepping into the role in 2019, she has championed bold initiatives such as Thrive by 25, focusing on the wellbeing of Generation Z ages 14–24. Prior to becoming CEO, Lisa served as Executive Vice President and Chief Program Officer overseeing all grantmaking strategies, and as Vice President of External Affairs, where she led development of the KIDS COUNT Data Book. Before joining the foundation, she spent 14 years at UPS in senior leadership roles, including President of the UPS Foundation. She is also the author of Thrive, a hopeful and science-based guide to understanding adolescence.

⭐ Three Takeaways for Moms

Teen behavior isn’t defiance—it’s development.
Impulsivity, emotional intensity, and peer influence are signs of a brain under construction, not bad character. Parents often serve as their teen’s “borrowed prefrontal cortex”—and explaining why decisions matter helps teens learn how to think, not just what to do.
Widen the bridge instead of turning it into a tightrope.
College, careers, sports, and interests don’t have to be high-stakes, one-shot decisions. Teens thrive when they’re allowed to explore, pivot, and learn by doing—building confidence and resilience along the way.
Connection is the strongest protective factor.
Teens don’t need perfect parents—they need consistent, caring adults. One solid relationship can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. Parenting was never meant to be done alone; it truly takes a village.

Learn more at: https://www.aecf.org/people/lisa-lawson

Follow at: https://www.instagram.com/annieecaseyfdn

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# 350 Five Habits That Cultivate Hope Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

• Do you ever feel so burdened, overwhelmed, or stressed that hope feels out of reach? And do you wonder how to help your teens hold onto hope when life feels heavy—for them and for you?

In this inspiring conversation, psychologist, author, and speaker Dr. Julia Garcia shares why hope isn’t something you passively wait for—it’s something you practice, one emotional habit at a time. Drawing from behavioral science, storytelling, and her own lived experience, Dr. Garcia reveals the five habits that help us navigate difficult emotions, interrupt cycles of overwhelm, and reconnect with a grounded sense of worth and possibility. She speaks directly to the silent struggles so many moms carry—the shame, pressure, worry, and emotional load that can eclipse hope—and offers a compassionate, practical roadmap for finding your way back to yourself. This episode will help you cultivate hope in your own life and model it for your teens, young adults, and entire family.

Dr. Julia Garcia is a psychologist, author, and internationally recognized speaker dedicated to empowering people through the science of mental health and emotional wellbeing. For nearly twenty years, she has helped educators, students, business leaders, families, and individuals navigate fear, doubt, burnout, and hopelessness by building sustainable habits of healing. Her book, The Five Habits of Hope, blends neuroscience, emotional practice, and real-life stories from people around the world to show that hope is not merely a feeling—it’s a daily discipline. Whether through her TEDx talks, interactive workshops, or national presentations, Dr. Garcia’s mission is to make the tools of hope accessible for everyone.

Three Takeaways for Moms of Teens and Young Adults

1. Hope is a Practice, Not a Personality Trait

You don’t have to feel hopeful to begin cultivating hope. Each of the five habits—reflection, risk-taking, release, receiving, and repurposing—creates a pathway back to emotional regulation, self-worth, and grounded optimism.

2. Your Feelings Don’t Make You Weak—They Make You Real

Emotions leads to overwhelm, burnout, and disconnection. Naming what you’re struggling with, taking emotional risks, and receiving support strengthens your resilience and helps your teen see that emotional honesty is part of wellbeing.

3. Your Kids Need to See Who You Are, Not Just What You Do

When your teens witness you engaging in passion, joy, creativity, rest, advocacy, and purpose—not just managing logistics and meeting expectations. Repurposing your emotions into something meaningful teaches them that hard things can lead to beautiful outcomes.

Learn More at: https://www.drjuliagarcia.com/habitsofhope/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjuliagarcia/

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# 349 Transform Conflict into Connection Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

Have you ever wondered why some conflicts deepen relationships while others tear them apart? What if the very moments that feel the most uncomfortable with your teen—or your partner—could become the doorway to more intimacy and trust?

In this rich and eye-opening conversation, Colleen talks with Anna Lecat—researcher, author of Loving Conflict, intimacy consultant, and global speaker—about how conflict can be a bridge rather than a barrier. Anna shares her powerful framework for “fighting kindly,” transforming hard conversations into moments of connection, courage, and clarity. With stories from her own family, her multicultural life, and her work with couples and executive teams, Anna reveals how naming fears, listening deeply, and expressing humanity can turn everyday tensions into opportunities for deeper love and understanding.

Anna Lecat is the researcher and author of Loving Conflict, an intimacy and conflict consultant, and a global speaker on connection, trust, and collaboration. A proud EO member and triple immigrant, she has built companies and communities across Ukraine, China, the U.S., and now France. With over 25 years of experience supporting couples, executive teams, family businesses, and high-stakes relationships, Anna blends practical tools, embodied practices, and the relational language of dance and play to help people move through conflict, build trust, and create authentic connection—in love, leadership, and life. She believes the quality of our lives is determined by the quality of our relationships, and that intimacy is the key.

✨ Three Takeaways for Moms

1. Conflict is an opportunity—not a danger.
When handled with presence and curiosity, conflict becomes a doorway to deeper connection with your teen, not a threat to your relationship.

2. Name the fear beneath the fight.
Behind every tense moment is a fear—of being dismissed, misunderstood, or not enough. When moms and teens identify the fear, defenses soften and true dialogue begins.

3. Model the skills you want your teen to learn.
You teach conflict-resolution not by lecturing, but by showing vulnerability, taking responsibility for your part, apologizing when needed, and demonstrating how adults repair relationships.

Follow Anna at: https://www.instagram.com/anyalecat/

Learn More at: https://annalecat.com/

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# 348 Instilling Awe and Wonder in Your Teens Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

In todays show we talk about the importance of awe and wonder. Research reveals that the benefits of being awe-seekers is that you are more generous, curious, and more humble. Is the feeling of awe within our control or does it just happen unexpectedly? How do moms help their teenagers experience more awe? Listen as we discuss.

Today’s guest is Deborah Farmer Kris. Deborah is an education journalist, parent educator Her bylines include PBS KIDS, NPR’s Mindshift, The Washington Post, the Boston Globe Magazine, and Oprah Daily. Deborah’s work is grounded in the two decades she spent as a K-12 teacher and administrator. She has a B.A. from Boston University in English, a B.S. from Boston University in Elementary Education and a Masters of Education from Rutgers University, 2009 for Counseling Psychology. . Her writing has been featured several times in The Washington Post; she is the co-author of the book Building Character in Schools: A Resource Guide; and she is the author of the picture book series All the Time, which has been featured on Oprah Daily, Slate's Mom and Dad are Fighting and more.

Learn more about Deborah at ⁠https://www.parenthood365.com/⁠

Follow on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/parenthood365/

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# 367 Vaping, Delta-8, and Teens: What Moms Need to Know Nov 17, 2025

Show notes

Are you worried about how easy it is for your tween, teen, or college-age child to get alcohol, weed, vapes, or “wellness” gummies—and not sure where to even start the conversation?

In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms of Teens, Colleen talks with Pam Jenkins, Chief Executive Officer of Shatterproof, a national nonprofit dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the United States. Pam explains how today’s substances (like Delta-8, synthetic THC products, and vaping) are more accessible and more potent, why mental health and substance use are so tightly linked, and why clear parental expectations are one of the strongest protective factors. You’ll hear practical, hopeful ways to start ongoing conversations, monitor wisely (without turning into the “drug police”), and support your child’s mental health so they’re less vulnerable to addiction.

About Pam Jenkins
Pam Jenkins is the Chief Executive Officer of Shatterproof, the leading national nonprofit focused on preventing and treating addiction and supporting long-term recovery. With a lifelong career in public health and health communication, Pam has led large-scale initiatives in areas such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and substance use. She has worked on government campaigns about marijuana, youth alcohol use, and created widely recognized public-health symbols like the red dress for women’s heart disease. Today, Pam leads Shatterproof’s policy advocacy, prevention programs, and family resources, all aimed at transforming how America understands and addresses addiction.

3 Key Takeaways for Moms

Access and potency have changed—your expectations still matter.
Teens can easily access highly potent substances (like Delta-8 and other synthetic THC products, vapes, and stronger marijuana) in gas stations, convenience stores, and online. Even so, clear parental disapproval is one of the strongest protections against teen use. Don’t assume your kids “just know” how you feel—say it plainly and repeat it often.
Mental health and substance use are inseparable.
Anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and social isolation all increase a teen’s vulnerability to drugs and alcohol—and drug use can, in turn, worsen or even trigger serious mental health issues like crippling anxiety, depression, and psychosis. Monitoring your child’s mood, behavior, friendships, grades, and social connectedness is as important as watching for the substances themselves.
Monitor early, talk often, and stay curious—not panicked.
Effective prevention starts young: secure medications at home, know your child’s friends, stay engaged with school, and watch for changes in behavior or peer groups. Have many short, specific conversations—especially before parties or transitions—using curiosity (“What usually happens at those parties?”) rather than accusations. You don’t have to be an expert; you just need to be present, clear about your values, and willing to keep the dialogue going well into their college years.

Find out more at: https://shatterproof.org/

Follow at: https://www.instagram.com/weareshatterproof/

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