THE PDA PARENT PODCAST

What if most of what we’ve been told about PDA actually keeps our kids stuck — and there’s a better way to help them thrive? Host Kirk Martin, a PDA dad with a PDA son, shares insights, strategies, and real-life experience to help your child with PDA grow confidence and capacity — without force, avoidance, or walking on eggshells. Visit https://CelebrateCalm.com/PDA to learn more.

Latest Episodes:

You Do Not Have to Active Or Accommodate Your PDA Child—There Is A Middle Ground #28 Oct 13, 2026

Show notes

Have you been told that your only two choices with a PDA child are to either "activate" their nervous system or "accommodate" them to keep the peace? This rigid framework leaves parents walking on eggshells and kids feeling helpless. Instead of oscillating between controlling your child and surrendering through endless accommodations, you can guide them through discomfort, normalize their anxiety, and collaboratively solve problems without triggering trauma. Let’s learn to do this!

P.S. Want personal mentoring with me and extra insights like this about your child? Go through the PDA Parent Program at https://celebratecalm.com/pda.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Worried About Your PDA Child & Social Skills? Hope & A Different Perspective. #27 Sep 29, 2026

Show notes

When our PDA kids opt out of group chats, sit alone at lunch, or skip school assemblies, our immediate parental reaction is to worry and try to "fix" their social skills. But what if we're measuring them against the wrong standard entirely? Instead of viewing social retreat purely as a deficit, we explore how PDA kids often possess incredible self-awareness, a low tolerance for superficial drama, and a unique ability to thrive in one-on-one, real-world adult environments rather than chaotic peer settings.

P.S. Want personal mentoring with me and extra insights like this about your child? Go through the PDA Parent Program at https://celebratecalm.com/pda.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What Your PDA Child Desperately Wants You to Know About Their Lives #26 Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

When I resist, it’s not because I need control—it’s because I’ve had none. I’m not trying to make your lives harder. I’m trying to protect something essential inside me." In this short, but powerful episode, you will gain deep insight into what your child with PDA is really thinking and feeling. Please share with others. Want personal mentoring with me and extra insights about your child? Go through the PDA Parent Program at https://celebratecalm.com/pda.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is PDA Really A Nervous System Disability? The Answer Has Profound Consequences. #25 Aug 25, 2026

Show notes

I completely understand why empathetic parents and experts would claim that PDA is a nervous system disability. But I think it can lead to kids feeling a loss of autonomy, parents feeling paralyzed with indecision, and endless accommodations that make kids feel helpless instead of competent and confident. If PDA is not a nervous system disability, that is GOOD NEWS because it means we have more ways to help the kids we love so much. Want personal mentoring with me and extra insights about your child? Go through the PDA Parent Program at https://celebratecalm.com/pda.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Secret to Motivate PDA Kids Internally When They Reject Every External Demand #24 Aug 11, 2026

Show notes

Constant demand avoidance can leave you feeling exhausted and stuck. But behind the refusal lies an utterly fascinating internal world where your kids are building, tinkering, creating, designing, and wrestling with big ideas. Many kids with PDA are secretly pushing and challenging themselves in ways no external reward or consequence could ever match. Discover how shifting your perspective from "external compliance" to "internal drive" helps tap into your child's natural, self-directed motivation. Want personal mentoring with me and extra insights about your child? Go through the PDA Parent Program at https://celebratecalm.com/pda.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dads: 8 Minutes To Become The Calm, Authoritative Leader Your Kids & Wife Respect #23 Jul 28, 2026

Show notes

When your child digs refuses to listen, your instinct as a Dad is just like mine was: “I can’t let this kid get away with this. How will this child ever succeed in life?” That standard playbook backfires with these kids. So like a good quarterback, we call an audible to a play that works better. I promise if you will take on this challenge to try a different approach, it will become the greatest and most satisfying adventure of your life. It will change you, your child, and your family. Get personal mentoring with me through the PDA Parent Program at https://celebratecalm.com/pda.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I Am Concerned Our PDA Kids Won’t Launch In the Real World. Alternatives to Screens & Burnout. #22 Jul 21, 2026

Show notes

I don’t do fear with parenting, but I am genuinely concerned about mainstream PDA advice that is handicapping many of our kids and robbing them of their childhood. Some recommend letting kids stay isolated in bedrooms and on screens for months. If this doesn’t sit right with you, then I want to provide some alternatives that I believe are actually more compassionate for our kids. I hope you will share this raw, unfiltered episode. Get personal mentoring with me through the PDA Parent Program at https://celebratecalm.com/pda.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Everything Can Be Challenging With A Child with PDA! #21 Jun 30, 2026

Show notes

What other parents take for granted can be a huge struggle for your child—and for you. Because you are likely that exhausted caregiver just trying to get through the day. I want to give you specific actions steps and the process we use to address tough issues like potty training, hygiene, eating, and more. I think you’ll find this case study practical and insightful. To get this kind of personal mentoring for your specific challenges, go through the PDA Parent Program at https://CelebrateCalm.com/PDA

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

4 Options for Handling Tough Situations With PDA Kids #20 Jun 23, 2026

Show notes

Your kids are going to resist, feel anxious about, want to quit, or refuse to try new experiences such as summer camp. There isn't just one way to handle this and it won't always work. And that's okay. I share four real life case studies to demonstrate how different parents and different kids responded to tough situations. I hope you find this insightful, practical, and encouraging. To get this kind of personal mentoring for your specific challenges, go through the PDA Parent Program at https://CelebrateCalm.com/PDA

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

PDA Kids Demanding & Saying Mean Things? 7 Minutes, 1 Big Idea. #19 Jun 16, 2026

Show notes

Your child yells and demands that you bring them food or do something for them, and when you do, they berate you for not doing it right. The conventional wisdom is that your only options are to accommodate your child or you’ll trigger their nervous system. Those are NOT the only options—those are the extremes! I want to give you a middle ground so that you are not left feeling like a punching bag, walking on eggshells around your own child. In this 7-minute episode, I give you scripts and action steps to handle these tough situations with respect and dignity. If you want personal mentoring with me, get the PDA Parent Program at https://CelebrateCalm.com/PDA.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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