Podcast Episodes

ENCORE: Walker's Story: Social Media and Teen Sextortion with Brian Montgomery (#166)

This episode deals with mature topics (suicide, cyberbullying, sextortion). Listener discretion is advised.

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Melanie is joined by Brian Montgomery—a devoted …

Published on 4 months ago

Why Your Child Can’t Put the Phone Down & the Power of Persuasive Design with Dr. Richard Freed (#234)

Why do smart, caring kids get stuck in harmful digital habits—and why do even the best parenting strategies sometimes fall flat? In this compelling conversation, Melanie Hempe sits down with psycholo…

Published on 4 months, 1 week ago

“He Was a Good Kid”: The Truth Behind the Netflix Show "Adolescence" (#233)

In this deeply personal and sobering episode, Melanie Hempe and Mandee Hamann unpack the haunting Netflix film Adolescence, a raw portrayal of the modern teenage experience and how easily even “good …

Published on 4 months, 2 weeks ago

Introducing the "Kids’ Brains & Screens Home Edition" (#232)

Big news! In this episode, Melanie Hempe and Mandee Hamann share an exciting announcement—Kids’ Brains & Screens now has a Home Edition! After the incredible success of the Student Edition in classro…

Published on 4 months, 3 weeks ago

From 16,000 Videos to Real Life: Colin’s Screen Detox Story (#231)

In this powerful episode, Mandee Hamann sits down with Andrea, ScreenStrong Ambassador, and her 8th-grade son, Colin, to share their eye-opening journey through screen addiction. Colin once watched o…

Published on 5 months ago

ENCORE: The Broader Effects of Tech and How to Reconnect Your Kids with Tom Kersting (#49)

In this episode, Melanie speaks with author and therapist Tom Kersting, diving into the profound impact of technology on children’s social and emotional development. Together, they explore the challe…

Published on 5 months, 1 week ago

Get There Before The Trafficker: A Wake-Up Call for Parents with Aleda Renter (#230)

In this eye-opening episode, host Mandee Hamann sits down with Aleda Renter from Protect Me Project to discuss the alarming connection between screen use and child exploitation. Aleda shares her expe…

Published on 5 months, 2 weeks ago

A Psychiatrist's Tips on How to Detox Your Child’s Brain from Screens (#229)

In this episode, Melanie welcomes back Dr. Victoria Dunckley, an integrative psychiatrist and author of Reset Your Child’s Brain: A Four-Week Plan to End Meltdowns, Raise Grades, and Boost Social Ski…

Published on 5 months, 3 weeks ago

How Screens Hurt Kids’ Brains: A Conversation with Dr. Victoria Dunckley, MD (#228)

In this episode, Melanie welcomes Dr. Victoria Dunckley, an integrative psychiatrist and author of Reset Your Child’s Brain: A Four-Week Plan to End Meltdowns, Raise Grades, and Boost Social Skills b…

Published on 6 months ago

A Psychiatrist's Perspective: Why Parents Are Right to Be Concerned About Social Media with Dr. Adriana Stacey (#227)

Melanie Hempe welcomes Dr. Stacey to discuss the recent pushback against phone-free school initiatives and social media regulations. A recent Wall Street Journal article claims parents are overreacti…

Published on 6 months, 1 week ago