Rolin Forward

Latest Episodes:

Raising Kind Kids: The Science of Teaching Kindness Jan 20, 2026

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In this episode, sisters and physicians Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin talk about kindness and service through a child-development lens. They walk through what kids at different ages actually understand about helping others. Practical, research-grounded, and designed for real families trying to do something thoughtful together.

This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The views expressed are those of the hosts and do not necessarily represent their institutions or funders.

Beyond Test Scores: How Diverse Schools Shape Kids’ Learning and Mental Health Jan 13, 2026

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It’s school choice season, and “diversity” is often treated as a buzzword. In this episode, Drs. Rolin break down what research from developmental psychology and education actually shows about how diverse schools shape kids’ learning, fairness, and mental health, and why inclusion and belonging matter more than optics.

Counting Presents & Big Feelings Dec 24, 2025

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The holidays have a way of putting fairness front and center. Gifts, cousins, friends, and comparisons - all at once. In this special holiday bonus episode, we unpack what kids really mean when they say, “That’s not fair,” and what helps regulate emotions instead of escalating them. Grounded in developmental science, with practical language you can actually use during a busy, emotionally loaded season.

This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The views expressed are those of the hosts and do not necessarily represent their institutions or funders.

Copying Denmark? What Parents Should Know About Vaccine Schedules Dec 22, 2025

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With new headlines suggesting the U.S. could model its vaccine schedule after Denmark’s, many parents are asking what that actually means. In this episode, we explain how vaccine schedules are built, how Denmark’s system really works, and why public health context matters as much as the number of vaccines on a list.

This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The views expressed are those of the hosts and do not necessarily represent their institutions or funders.

Measles, Revisited: What’s Changed and Why It Still Matters Dec 15, 2025

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Measles is back in the headlines - again... In this episode, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin review what’s new in measles activity and why public health officials are increasingly concerned. Tune in to learn what it means for families right now.

This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The views expressed are those of the hosts and do not necessarily represent their institutions or funders.

Winter is Here: Inside This Season’s Respiratory Viral Trends Dec 07, 2025

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Winter viruses are here, and families are feeling it. We unpack the latest on flu, including the fast-growing H3N2 subclade K, RSV patterns, COVID updates, and what this all means for kids. Pediatrician Dr. Alicia Rolin and psychiatrist Dr. Stephanie Rolin translate the science into simple takeaways and a realistic plan for the months ahead.

This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The views expressed are those of the hosts and do not necessarily represent their institutions or funders.

Why Gratitude Matters: The Brain Science of Saying Thank You Nov 28, 2025

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As the holiday season begins and gratitude fills the air, we take a moment to look deeper into your brain. This week on Rolin Forward, we explore how gratitude isn’t just a warm feeling but a real force in the brain: changing neural circuits, boosting resilience, and helping shape emotional health. Drs. Stephanie and Alicia Rolin break down the latest research on how thankfulness affects mood, stress, and relationships. Tune in to learn simple, science-backed ways to make “thanks” a habit for your whole family this Thanksgiving.

This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The views expressed are those of the hosts and do not necessarily represent their institutions or funders.

The Science of Play: What Sports Really Do for Kids Nov 21, 2025

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This week, we break down what youth sports actually do for kids’ brains, bodies, and mental health - beyond the trophies and team photos. We dig into the neuroscience of movement, the research on belonging and resilience, and what helps kids thrive without burning out.

This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The views expressed here are our own. If you have questions about how this applies to you or your family, please talk with your clinician.

At Birth: Why the Hepatitis B Shot Matters Nov 12, 2025

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The CDC’s vaccine advisory panel ACIP delayed a vote on changing when newborns get the hepatitis B shot, a move that could reshape how infants are protected from a virus once common in children. In this episode, Drs. Stephanie and Alicia Rolin explain what’s behind the proposal, why timing matters, and what parents need to know before leaving the hospital.

This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The views expressed are those of the hosts and do not necessarily represent their institutions or funders.

Mastering the Scare: What Halloween Teaches the Brain Oct 27, 2025

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Halloween is the perfect time to talk about fear & why kids need it. Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin unpack the neuroscience of fear and anxiety, how children learn to self-soothe, and what exposure, empathy, and candy can teach growing brains about courage.

This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The views expressed are those of the hosts and do not necessarily represent their institutions or funders.

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