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The Brainy Moms

Dr. Amy Moore

The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. The weekly show features conversations about parenting, psychology, child development, education, homeschooling, neuroscience, and faith with practical tips to help parents navigate the ups and downs of parenthood. We're helping moms (and dads) get smarter...one episode at a time! Find us at www.TheBrainyMoms.com and on social media @TheBrainyMoms

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  • 26 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 59 min
  • English

Episodes 26

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  • S6 · E620
    Tuesday · 1 hr

    Made to Create: A Biblical Perspective on Homeschool Art & Artistry | Ryan Lauterio

    Most families think of “art” as an elective, but our kids are being shaped by aesthetics all day long. Clothing, movies, book covers, music, room design, even the way a table is set can train what we value without us noticing. That’s why this conversation with Christian artist and educator Ryan Lauterio lands like a wake-up call: creativity is not reserved for a small group of gifted kids. It’s part of what it means to be human and part of what it means to disciple our children with intention. As the founder of Made Makers Christian Art and Design Education, Ryan connects art education with theology and a Christian worldview, showing how images and stories can bypass mere logic and go straight to the heart. During this episode, Dr. Amy and Sandy talk with Ryan about how culture is formed upstream by makers, why the church often treats artists as fringe, and how that leaves families unprepared for what media normalizes over time. Along the way, we explore gratitude for the “made-ness” of life and why treating creativity as a shared human calling changes the tone of homeschool, parenting, and learning. Then we get very practical. Ryan gives a simple set of questions you can use with any object, image, or piece of media: What is it? What is it for? What does it do? We also dig into perfectionism, learning through practice, and why making things with our hands builds the kind of embodied problem-solving our kids will need in an AI-heavy future. If you want your children to become wise, thoughtful makers who can discern what they’re consuming and contribute beauty and truth back into the world, this theology-heavy conversation is a place to start. Subscribe, share this with a homeschool friend, and leave a review so more families can find the show. What’s one creative habit you want to build into your home this week? ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com

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  • S6 · E619
    September 22 · 1 hr 7 min

    How College Shapes (or Misshapes) Teen Faith | Dr. Renton Rathbun

    Ever wonder how the college your teen is considering will continue to shape their faith? Or if questioning their faith is a natural part of going to college? Deconstruction is not just “asking questions.” Sometimes it's what happens when we judge biblical faith with a measuring stick that never came from the Bible in the first place. That single shift can quietly move a teen from honest curiosity to a full-blown crisis of confidence, especially once they hit the college years and are surrounded by new definitions of truth, love, identity, and belonging. On this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy talk and laugh with returning guest Dr. Renton Rathbun, pastor, longtime college professor, and host of The Renton Rathbun Show, to break down the difference between examining your faith and deconstruction through the lens of logic, worldview, and critical thinking. He explains how the campus challenge usually is not open hostility, but a calmer strategy: build trust, introduce a “neutral” standard, then use that standard to imply the Bible cannot be taken seriously. We talk about why that lands so effectively, why kids often cannot explain the doubt to parents, and how cultural incentives reward outrage over clarity. Then we get practical for Christian parenting. We discuss teaching teens to analyze ideas (Bloom’s taxonomy), ask “who says?” when claims feel self-evident, and defend Christianity without becoming harsh or performative. We also share concrete college guidance: do not assume a Christian college equals Christian formation, assess maturity honestly, and help your teen treat the local church as home while college is a tool. Production note: We had to edit this episode down because we spent so much time chatting and laughing in between serious topics. If the transitions are a little abrupt at times, that's why...it happens when friends try to catch up AND record a show at the same time. We appreciate the grace! Subscribe for more conversations on raising thoughtful kids, share this with a parent of a high schooler, and leave a review so more families can find the show. ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com

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  • S6 · E618
    September 15 · 48 min

    Go Play! Part 2: Playful Homeschooling, Sensory Play, and Screens | Kate Allen Fox

    Enjoying our conversations about play? Let's talk about playful homeschooling, sensory play, and screens. Last week, early childhood educator Gennie Gorback helped us understand why child-led, open-ended play is so important for children’s learning, development, and joy. Today, we’re continuing that conversation with her co-author, Kate Allen Fox, who brings a homeschooling-family perspective and plenty of practical ideas for putting those principles into action at home. In Part 2 of our conversation about their book Go Play: How Parents Can Empower Kids to Build Their Own Worlds, co-author and homeschooling parent Kate Allen Fox explores what it can look like to prioritize play in real family life. For homeschooling parents especially, the pressure to choose the “right” curriculum, cover every subject, and make every moment educational can be overwhelming. Kate offers a refreshing reminder: play is not separate from learning—it is often the foundation for it. Kate shares her own journey from feeling unsure how to engage and regulate her high-energy children to discovering the power of simple, open-ended play experiences. We discuss sensory play, nature play, messy creativity, big multi-day building projects, and practical strategies for making room for children’s interests without needing expensive toys or Pinterest-perfect setups. You’ll hear why a bin-within-a-bin, a cafeteria tray, cardboard boxes, sticks, water, and pantry basics may be all you need to get started. We also have an honest, judgment-free conversation about screens. Kate encourages parents to consider the role screen time plays in their particular family, distinguish between active and passive use, and make intentional choices that support both children’s needs and parents’ well-being. Whether you homeschool, use another educational model, or simply want more joy and connection at home, this episode will help you notice what your child’s play may be telling you. If you want practical homeschool support, playful learning ideas, and a calmer home rhythm, press play. Subscribe, share this with a homeschool friend, and leave a review so more parents can find the show. ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com

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  • S6 · E617
    September 8 · 1 hr 1 min

    Go Play! Part 1: Making Space for the Wonder of Childhood | Gennie Gorback, MS Ed

    What if “play” is actually some of your child’s most important experiences? In Part 1 of our two-part conversation with the co-authors of Go Play: How Parents Can Empower Kids to Build Their Own Worlds, educator Gennie Gorback helps parents see play through a new lens: not as wasted time or something adults need to direct, but as a powerful, child-led path to learning, connection, confidence, and discovery. Gennie explains what makes play truly play, why children benefit from time with peers of different ages, and how parents can support development without feeling pressured to entertain their kids all day. We talk about the difference between joining a child’s play and making space for it, the value of boredom and open-ended materials, how to honor a child’s individual interests, and why a child deeply absorbed in Legos, water play, drawing, building, or movement may be developing far more than we realize. You’ll also hear practical ideas for building a more playful home culture—from “invitations to play” to protecting unstructured time—and compassionate guidance for navigating after-school activities, sibling play, organized sports, and the many parenting “shoulds” that can make play feel like one more thing to manage If you want some fresh parenting tips grounded in play-based learning and real-world routines, press play. And listen to Part 2 next week with Gennie's co-author Kate Allen Fox! Subscribe, share this with a parent who needs less guilt and more clarity, and leave a review so more families can find the show. ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com

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  • S6 · E616
    September 1 · 49 min

    Calm and Confident Mindset for Homeschool Moms | Lori Beth Auldridge

    What if all your homeschooling chaos needs is a new calm and confident mindset? Being a homeschooling mom can feel like a daily referendum on your parenting, especially when you are teaching multiple kids, supporting neurodivergent needs, and trying to keep the family from melting down at the dining room table. We wanted to offer something more useful than a new planner or a better curriculum: a way to lead your home with calm and confidence that is real, practiced, and available even on messy days. On this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast, Dr. Amy talks with the amazing Lori Beth Auldridge, longtime homeschooler and host of Elevating Motherhood. They talk about the small choices that change the emotional climate of a home. Lori Beth shares how experiential learning and a slower, interest-led approach can take pressure off academics, but then they get very practical about regulation: meeting basic needs, building routines, and using Lori's “after-lunch coffee no matter what” ritual as a boundary that supports the whole family. They also connect this to interoception, helping kids learn what hunger, thirst, and fatigue feel like by hearing us name it and watching us respond calmly. Dr. Amy and Lori go deeper into mindset and the repeated “soundtracks” running in your head, why victim thinking and vent loops keep families stuck, and how replacing those scripts with truth can change your next action. The throughline is legacy: the kind of table you want your kids to remember, the kind of parent you are becoming, and the hard-earned wisdom you build one imperfect day at a time. This Holy Spirit-led conversation is one that all Christian moms need to hear! If this conversation helps you, subscribe, share it with a homeschool friend, and leave a review so more parents can find it. ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com

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  • S6 · E615
    August 25 · 55 min

    Homeschool Freedom, Flexibility, and Fit | Cheryl Daley

    Wondering about homeschool freedom and flexibility? And how homeschooling might be a fit for your family? On this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy talk with Cheryl Daley, author, speaker, and host of the popular Homeschool How To podcast, to trace the exact chain of events that took her from a six-figure New York State government career to building a homeschool life rooted in freedom, relationships, and real-world learning. Cheryl shares why she treated homeschooling like a research project, interviewing more than 120 families to test assumptions about socialization, academics, and what kids “miss” when they don’t follow a standard school track. We talk about deschooling, child-led learning, and the mindset shift from checking boxes to teaching kids how to learn. If you’ve ever worried about prom, sports, or whether you’re doing “enough,” you’ll hear practical ways families create options without copying school at home. We also dig into reading and literacy through the lens of the science of reading: why phonics fell out of favor, how balanced literacy failed too many kids, and what structured literacy gets right. Plus, we explore the trade-offs of digital textbooks, handwriting, and online learning tools, including how “smart” programs can still be gamed when a child is focused on time instead of mastery. If you’re curious about homeschooling, curriculum overwhelm, or how to start simply with read-alouds, nature walks, and meaningful projects, this conversation will steady your next step. Even if you're a seasoned homeschooler, the conversation should resonate with you in validating ways. Subscribe, share this with a parent who’s on the fence, and leave a review so more families can find it. ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com

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  • S6 · E614
    August 18 · 1 hr 16 min

    Preparing Kids to Thrive in an AI World | Wylde Scott

    In an AI world, a robot can anticipate your needs, clean your house, and do your job. It sounds like science fiction until you realize how fast AI is already reshaping the world as we know it. That speed of change forces a tough question for parents and educators: are we preparing kids to think, create, and lead when the world as we know it no longer exists? On this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy have a brave conversation with author and Imagination Project founder Wylde Scott to make the case that imagination is not fluff. Instead, it is a critical and trainable skill that powers creativity, problem solving, resilience, and agency. We unpack why the industrial education model gravitates toward rote learning, standardization, and test prep, and why scaffolding can collapse when college is no longer a guaranteed bridge to stability. We also wrestle with the double edge of AI tools: they can unlock incredible creative work, but they also replace tasks that used to be someone’s job. And who is in control? You will hear practical ideas for building “creator” habits early, especially in the five to ten window when mental frameworks stick: project based learning, safe spaces to try and fail repeatedly, and daily experiences that strengthen independence without losing human connection. We also discuss technology in classrooms, engagement problems teachers face, and why apprenticeships and mentorship may become a more direct path than the default college pipeline. If this conversation challenges your assumptions about how fast AI is changing our world, share it with a parent or teacher, then subscribe, leave a review, and tell us what you are changing first at home or in your classroom. ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com

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  • S6 · E613
    August 11 · 48 min

    There Are Moms Worse Than You | Glenn Boozan

    The truth is, there are moms way worse than you! And the fastest way to feel like a better parent might be a laugh you did not expect. On this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast. Dr. Amy and Sandy talk with Glenn Boozan, an Emmy-nominated, WGA award-winning comedy writer and the author of the New York Times bestselling gift book There Are Moms Way Worse Than You, to talk about why modern parenting can feel like a constant test you can never pass, even when you are pouring your whole heart into your kids. Glenn explains how a simple joke for her sister during the pandemic turned into a wildly popular, science fact-checked, rhyming reminder that perfection is not the goal. We dig into the mom guilt spiral, why shame keeps parents stuck in their heads, and how humor can loosen that grip long enough for you to breathe and reconnect. Glenn shares some of the most unbelievable animal parenting facts in the book, the kind that instantly reset your perspective and make your own messy day feel a lot more survivable. We go behind the scenes on comedy writing: what joke punch-up really is, how writers learn to capture someone else’s “voice,” and why a well-timed laugh can feel like a turning point after a hard moment. If you are tired of chasing perfect parenting standards, overwhelmed by nonstop advice, or just craving a kind, funny reality check, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a lift, and leave a review so more parents can find the exhale. ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com

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  • S6 · E612
    August 4 · 48 min

    Personalized Learning for Your Homeschooled Child | Jessica Parnell

    Your child isn’t a “grade level” they’re a whole person, and the fastest way to lose motivation is to teach them like they’re interchangeable. On this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy sit down with Jessica Parnell, CEO of Edovate Learning Corp, to get practical about personalized learning for homeschooling, online school, and hybrid models that actually respect how kids’ brains develop. If you’ve ever felt pressure to recreate a traditional classroom at home, this conversation gives you a cleaner, calmer path forward. Jessica breaks down a key distinction: individualized learning starts with where a student is academically, while personalized education also accounts for personality, interests, and future goals. We talk through the planning process, including assessments that uncover an ideal learning environment and the “point of first failure” that often explains why a subject suddenly falls apart. We also connect the dots to neuroscience, including how repeated struggle can become a self-fulfilling identity and how small, targeted wins can rebuild confidence. We go beyond theory with real examples, including a student who went from spiraling in ninth grade to being celebrated for his art in Florence, Italy. We also dig into common parent concerns: meeting homeschool graduation requirements, avoiding over-scheduling, building independent learners through inquiry, and using “responsible online” learning that keeps younger kids moving and engaged. Finally, we look ahead at the homeschool landscape, micro-schools, and how AI can support personalization without replacing essential skills like writing in a child’s own voice. If this helped you rethink what school can look like, subscribe, share this with a friend who’s on the fence, and leave a quick review so more families can find the support they need. ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com

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  • S6 · E611
    July 28 · 56 min

    Homeschooling Teens: Why “Do Nothing” Deschooling Backfires and How Eclectic Unschoolers Use Guardrails Instead | Janae Daniels

    Many parents are told to “just deschool and do nothing” after pulling their kids out of traditional school—but with middle school and high schoolers, that advice often backfires. In this conversation with former middle school teacher turned homeschooling mom Janae Daniels, host of the School to Homeschool podcast, we talk about why older kids struggle most with doing “nothing” and why their brains crave structure after years in the system. Janae shares how her family—and the families she coaches—use simple academic guardrails in reading, writing, and math as a bridge into homeschooling. You’ll hear why teens often say “I don’t want to do anything… but I need to do something,” and how moving toward an eclectic unschooler approach can honor both their need for routine and their growing independence. We explore what eclectic unschooling looks like in real life: mixing a few structured subjects with child-led learning, embracing boredom as a spark for curiosity, and using tools like strewing and a rich home environment as “teachers.” If you’re pulling an older child out of school—or considering it—this episode will help you decide which subjects need guardrails, what can truly wait, and how to transition toward a more eclectic, interest-driven homeschool without losing your teen in the process. If this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast with Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis helps, subscribe, share it with a friend who’s considering homeschooling a teen, and leave a quick review so more parents can find us. What’s the biggest fear or hope you have about homeschooling a teen? ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com

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  • July 21 · 41 min

    Nurturing Leadership & Grit Through Hard Things | Dr. Josh McConkey

    If you’ve ever stepped in to “help” your child and realized you might be making things worse, this conversation will hit home. On this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast, Dr. Amy sits down with Dr. Josh McConkey, an emergency physician, former U.S. Air Force commander, and author of Be the Weight Behind the Spear, to talk about a problem many families feel but can’t always name: kids can’t build confidence and grit if adults remove every hard moment. We dig into the shift from helicopter parenting to “lawn mower parenting,” why it fuels fear of failure, and how resilience grows when kids are allowed to fail safely. Dr. Amy brings in self-efficacy and the power of the feedback loop after a setback, while Dr. Josh shares how leadership starts at home with small habits like a dinner table family debrief: what went well, what didn’t, and what we learned. We also talk about co-regulation, emotional honesty, and how to decide when to step in versus letting natural consequences do their work. You’ll hear real-world stories about integrity, accountability, and what it means to take responsibility without slipping into victim mentality. We also explore why face-to-face mentoring through coaches, teachers, volunteering, youth sports, and community service matters more than ever in a screen-heavy world, especially as anxiety and depression rise among kids and teens. If you want practical parenting strategies for raising leaders, teaching accountability, and building resilient kids who can handle real life, press play. Subscribe, share with another parent, and leave a review so more families can find the show. ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com

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  • S6 · E611
    July 14 · 54 min

    Avoid Homeschool Mom Burnout (and Find Joy Again) | Jenna Lynn Myers

    Homeschool mom burnout is real—and it doesn’t mean you’re failing or that God is calling you to quit. In this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy talk with former classroom teacher, veteran homeschool mom, and educational consultant Jenna Lynn Myers, author of Homeschooling with Purpose: Candid Encouragement for Homeschool Parents. Jenna has supported thousands of homeschool families and is passionate about helping worn-out moms avoid burnout by recognizing early warning signs and building life-giving rhythms at home. You’ll hear how to spot homeschool burnout before you throw in the towel: loss of joy in your day, constant frustration, procrastinating with your phone instead of starting lessons, snapping at your kids, and feeling like everything is falling apart. Jenna shares practical ways to revisit your “why,” create white space on your calendar, and set stronger boundaries around your time so you can protect your nervous system and your children’s. We talk about: · Early signs of homeschool mom burnout and what to do when you wake up three days in a row dreading school. · How to revisit and rewrite your homeschool “why” so it actually motivates you in this season. · Slow-rolling your year, setting realistic expectations, and choosing progress over perfection in your planning. · Creating consistent home rhythms and boundaries that support your mental health and your kids’ regulation. · Homeschooling kids with ADHD, special needs, or mental health challenges without sacrificing academics or your own well-being. If you’re an overwhelmed homeschool mom—exhausted, snappy, ready to quit—this conversation will give you hope and simple, actionable tools to avoid burnout and find joy again in your calling. Did this conversation resonate with you? Subscribe for more conversations on homeschooling, child development, and family mental health, then share this with a friend who needs encouragement and leave a review so more parents can find us. ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com

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  • S6 · E611
    July 7 · 59 min

    Dopamine Magnets: How to Replace Screens, Social Media, and Junk Food with High Value Habits | Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff

    Dopamine gets blamed for everything from doomscrolling to snack attacks, but the real problem is that most of us were taught the wrong story. On this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy chat with biochemist and best-selling author of Dopamine Kids, Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff to unpack what dopamine actually does in the brain: it drives wanting, motivation, and the powerful “do it again” loop, even when the thing we’re chasing doesn’t deliver real joy. That single shift explains why kids can feel pulled toward screens, social media, and ultra-processed foods and still end up more dysregulated and less satisfied. From there, we get practical. We talk about “dopamine magnets” in a child’s environment and why the best parenting strategy is not just taking something away, but replacing it with high-value activities that build competence and connection. You’ll hear concrete ideas for swapping screen habits with hobbies, how to “ride the wave” of your child’s motivation, and why tiny, permanent changes beat big resets every time. We also dig into the importance of context like car rides, mornings, and bedtime and how to hype offline activities so your kids actually want to do them. We don’t stop at screens. We connect the same brain circuitry to ultra-processed foods, why snack products are engineered to increase wanting without providing satisfaction, and how changing what’s stocked at home can change cravings and behavior fast. If you’re trying to reduce screen time, improve sleep, support emotional regulation, and build healthier food habits without living in constant conflict, this conversation gives you a clear, science-based path forward. Subscribe, share this with a parent friend, and leave a review with the habit swap you’re trying next. ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com

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  • S6 · E611
    June 30 · 1 hr 16 min

    Sensory Smart Homeschooling: Encore Conversations with the Homeschool OT Sarah Collins

    Your child can be bright, curious, and capable and still melt down over an itchy tag, loud kitchen noise, or a schedule that won’t budge. That’s not “bad behavior.” It’s often sensory processing colliding with executive functioning, and once you see it, you can finally respond with the right supports instead of more pressure. On this collection of encore conversations with Sarah Collins, an occupational therapist and the creator of Homeschool OT, she helps parents figure out the real “why” behind learning struggles by looking at the whole occupation: the task itself, the skills it requires, and the environment surrounding it. Dr. Amy and Sandy ask Sarah to dig into the sensory systems beyond the basic five, including vestibular, proprioception, and interoception, and explain how sensory overload can derail attention, working memory, task initiation, persistence, and emotion regulation. We also talk about what “calm” can actually mean for different kids, and why movement might be a focus tool for one child while it overwhelms another. Then we get practical about handwriting. Sarah breaks “messy writing” into the pieces parents can actually observe and support: core strength and shoulder stability, fine motor endurance, motor planning, visual processing, and even whether your child believes their thoughts are worth putting on paper. We explore why cursive can help some learners find writing flow, share curriculum ideas like Size Matters and Learning Without Tears, and offer simple homeschool setup tweaks like vertical writing on a mirror. If you want a clearer map for supporting neurodivergent learners at home, hit play, then subscribe, share with a friend, and leave us a review so more families can find these tools. ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com

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  • S6 · E610
    June 9 · 49 min

    Best of Christy Faith Homeschool Conversations

    Educator and homeschool mentor Christy Faith is brutally clear on what’s driving so many families to rethink education. On this mash-up of the best moments from previous conversations with Christy Faith on The Brainy Moms Podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy talk with her about the gap between what modern kids need and what mass schooling often rewards, and why more parents are choosing homeschooling for school environment, mental health, and real learning instead of constant performance. Christy walks through why the structure of compulsory schooling can stay archaic even as we learn more about the brain, motivation, and child development. We dig into teen stress and anxiety, how letter grades can turn learning into identity, and why bullying can become normalized trauma. Then we take on the socialization debate head-on by defining what healthy socialization actually looks like, why age mixing matters, and how peer orientation and attachment theory help explain what kids are really hungry for. You’ll also get practical next steps: why “just tell me what curriculum to buy” is the wrong starting point, how deschooling creates breathing room, what to watch for with reading and math foundations, and how homeschool transcripts and college admissions work in real life. If you know parents on the fence about homeschooling, share this conversation with them. Then subscribe and leave a review so more families can find it. What’s the biggest pressure point in your child’s schooling right now? ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com

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  • S6 · E610
    June 2 · 54 min

    Tidy Dad Tips on Flexibility, Time, and Scruffy Hospitality | Tyler Moore

    Do you love the tips from Tidy Dad on Instagram? Then you'll love this hour with us! On this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy sit down with Tyler Moore, better known as Tidy Dad, to talk about small space living, decluttering, and the kind of simple home organization that actually holds up in real family life. Tyler shares what it’s like parenting three daughters in a NYC triple bunk setup in 750 square feet, why an early bedtime boundary can be a sanity saver, and how “just enough” square footage can protect what matters more: time, flexibility, and the ability to say yes to the life you want. We also unpack the deeper idea behind “tidy” as more than clean counters. For Tyler, tidying is about clearing visual clutter and decision fatigue, building systems where everything has a home, and aiming for “easily tidied” instead of “always tidy.” Because many of you are homeschooling or supporting learning at home, we dig into how his teacher brain shapes his approach: kid independence, supply stations that make sense, and routines that serve you rather than control you. You’ll also hear practical strategies like starting small when decluttering, toy rotation and “yes spaces” for younger kids, and his favorite concept of all, scruffy hospitality: invite people in, stop apologizing, and just make sure the bathroom is clean. If this conversation helps you rethink your space, your stuff, or your routines, subscribe, share it with a friend who feels buried by clutter, and leave a review so more parents can find us. ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com

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  • S6 · E610
    May 26 · 1 hr

    Your Child’s Health Starts in the Gut | Dr. Elisa Song

    Your child’s health starts in the gut. The immune system and brain are taking cues from the same place every day. On this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy sit down with integrative pediatrician Dr. Elisa Song, a leading voice in pediatric functional medicine, to map out what the gut microbiome actually is and why it matters even when your kid’s poop looks “normal.” If your family is dealing with eczema, allergies, frequent illness, anxiety, sleep issues, attention struggles, or big mood swings, this conversation connects the dots with clear science and practical next steps. We dig into the research linking early microbiome disruption especially from antibiotics and antacid medications to higher risks of allergic disease and later mental health concerns. Dr. Song explains how microbes help train immune tolerance, support the gut-brain axis, and even produce key compounds like short-chain fatty acids and neurotransmitters tied to calm, sleep, motivation, and focus. We also name the common disruptors parents run into: ultra-processed food additives like emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, certain medications, environmental chemicals, and chronic stress. Then we get real about what to do. Dr. Song shares a framework for rebuilding: start with foundational nutrients, feed beneficial bacteria with fiber and plant diversity, use fermented foods, and consider probiotics strategically after antibiotics. We also talk about how to help teens change without power struggles by teaching label reading, explaining the “why,” and tying food choices to goals they care about like skin, sports, sleep, and stress. If this helped you, subscribe to Brainy Moms Podcast, share the episode with a parent friend, and leave a review so more families can find it. What’s one food swap your family could try this week? ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com

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  • S6 · E610
    May 19 · 58 min

    Firm Parenting Re-Imagined | Nicholeen Peck

    Firm parenting isn't the same as 'mean' parenting. And your child isn’t “pushing your buttons” because they’re broken. Sometimes the real problem is that we’ve never been taught a clear, repeatable way to stay calm, set firm boundaries, and teach kids how to regulate themselves. Parenting behaviorist and family advocate Nicholeen Peck joins Dr. Amy and Sandy to redefine strict parenting as self-government: living by principles, staying emotionally steady, and using skills that make conflict predictable instead of explosive. On this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast. we dig into how Nicholeen’s years of working with traumatized and neurodiverse teens shaped a home culture that felt safe enough for even the most reactive kids to calm down. She explains why firmness does not require meanness, how scripts reduce power struggles, and what it looks like to teach children to follow instructions or disagree appropriately without manipulation. We also talk about brain-based parenting, getting everyone back to the “front brain” before solving problems, and why this approach is not about stuffing emotions but about timing and clarity. Then we move into the practical foundations: building a family vision, defining family roles, and rebuilding belonging and bonding when outside influences pull kids away from home. If you’re homeschooling, parenting a strong-willed child, or navigating teen resistance, you’ll hear concrete ways to shift your mindset, hold boundaries with love, and invite responsibility without constant lectures. Subscribe for more smart, compassionate parenting conversations, share this with a friend who needs calmer days, and leave a review so more families can find us. What’s the one moment at home where you want more self-control and less conflict? ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com

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  • S6 · E612
    May 12 · 1 hr

    Stop Teaching Zen to 5 Year Olds (& Other Parenting Advice) | Dr. Will Dobud

    A lot of parenting advice sounds like a to-do list. Dr. Will Dobud joins us to make the case for something both simpler and harder: stop chasing the perfect technique and start rebuilding the conditions where kids can actually thrive. We talk about youth mental health trends, why anxiety can rise even when “support” increases, and how easily adults can confuse more intervention with better outcomes. We dig into research on school-based social emotional learning and universal stress management programs, including why broad rollouts can sometimes make students more anxious. The thread running through it all is co-regulation: kids learn emotional regulation through safe, trusting relationships with adults, not by being pushed into independent coping skills before they are developmentally ready. We also connect the dots to psychotherapy research and why the relationship matters more than the modality, whether you’re a therapist, teacher, counselor, or parent. Then we go practical. We explore risky play, challenge, and why “be careful” can transfer adult anxiety onto kids at the exact moment they need focus and confidence. We also question perfection-driven schooling, the pressure to be exceptional, and the importance of community and a real village of adults. If you’ve felt overwhelmed by parenting tips, school pressure, screen time debates, or youth anxiety headlines, this conversation offers a calmer, more evidence-informed way forward. Subscribe for more Brainy Moms conversations, share this with a parent or educator who needs it, and leave a review. What’s one change you’d make to give kids more connection and real-world practice? ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com

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  • S6 · E612
    May 5 · 58 min

    Parenting Through Playfulness | Dr. Kim Van Dusen

    Have you tried parenting through playfulness? "Play" isn't usually what we think of as our kid melts down when it’s time to leave the park, ignores us at clean-up time, or suddenly “can’t remember” the three things we just asked them to do. But maybe we should try it! On this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy talk with Dr. Kim Van Dusen, a licensed marriage and family therapist and registered play therapist known as The Parentologist. We talk about a calmer path that actually works in real homes with real schedules. We dig into what “parenting through play” really means and why it’s less about long pretend-play sessions and more about tiny, strategic moments of playfulness that change the whole emotional tone. Dr. Kim explains how she blends play therapy, solution-focused therapy, and positive behavior interventions and supports to help families build better behavior, deeper connection, and clearer communication. You’ll hear practical ideas you can use today, including micro “play pockets” that reduce power struggles without adding more work. We also unpack what’s underneath misbehavior with her ABC framework: avoidance, boredom, connection, and the need for power. From tantrums and transitions to lying and screen time limits, we focus on lowering the temperature, validating big feelings, and setting firm boundaries without getting stuck in tug-of-war. Dr. Kim shares simple tools like playful prompts, storytelling strategies that uncover the “why,” and parent self-regulation techniques that help you stay steady when your child can’t. If you want more cooperation with less conflict, press play, then subscribe, share this with a parent friend, and leave a review so more families can find these playful parenting tools. What’s the hardest moment in your day right now: transitions, mealtime, homework, or screens? ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter Visit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com Get Dr. Amy's book, Hearts on ADHD Parenting: Brain-based, Grace-filled Strategies for Raising Kids with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors, at all major booksellers or here: https://a.co/d/01IkKZEN and find her at www.AmyMoorePhD.com

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Showing 1–20 of 26 episodes