Nurturing a Love for Reading in the Digital Age with Ms. Monica

In this heartwarming and insightful episode, Tara sits down with Ms. Monica, beloved educator and YouTube sensation, to talk about the power of early childhood education and the importance of literacy. Known for her joyful “Circle Time with Ms. Monica,” she shares how her passion for teaching and connecting with children inspired her to bring learning into homes during the pandemic, helping parents everywhere create meaningful learning moments right from their living rooms. The conversation dives into the state of literacy today, exploring how less than half of U.S. children are read to daily and why consistency and intentionality are key to fostering a lifelong love of reading. Ms. Monica offers practical tips for parents, like building a print-rich environment, modeling reading behavior, and even turning everyday activities like neighborhood walks into learning opportunities. Together, Tara and Ms. Monica explore the balance between technology and real-world experiences, discussing how screens can complement, not replace, human connection and curiosity. Links: https://www.youtube.com/monicajsutton https://circletimewithmsmonica.com/ https://www.instagram.com/monicajsutton Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Tara sits down with Juliette Blake, founder of Moxies, a groundbreaking social platform created specifically for tween girls. Juliette shares her two-decade entrepreneurial journey and the inspiration behind building a safe, creative digital community for the next generation of girls. Together, they unpack how technology can be both a tool for creativity and a challenge for wellbeing. Juliette discusses the negative effects of traditional social media on young girls and how Moxies is redefining what it means to be “social” online, encouraging imagination, connection, and digital literacy in a space built for positivity. The conversation also explores what it means to parent in today’s digital age, how to balance safety and independence, and how we can equip our daughters with the skills and confidence to navigate the online world with purpose and joy. Links: https://moxies.xyz/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, Tara sits down with psychologist and author Jessica Zucker, founder of the viral #IHadAMiscarriage movement, to discuss the profound impact of sharing personal stories about miscarriage and women’s health. Together, they unpack how storytelling can be both a form of healing and a catalyst for cultural change. Tara shares how Jessica's work personally impacted her and gave her the confidence to share with her own story of loss. From breaking the silence around pregnancy loss to challenging long-held stigmas, Tara and Jessica explore how vulnerability can create connection and why open, honest conversations are essential for women everywhere. Their discussion explores the modern realities of motherhood, including the pressures shaped by social media, the influence of cultural expectations, and the importance of raising daughters who feel empowered to speak openly about their bodies and emotions. Ultimately, this episode is a call to normalize women’s health conversations, celebrate the strength in shared experience, and remind listeners that no one has to navigate these challenges alone. If you've ever felt like no one would understand your story, listen to this episode. Links: https://www.drjessicazucker.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ihadamiscarriage https://amzn.to/3IZpk8O Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Tara sits down with licensed therapist, author, and YouTube trailblazer Kati Morton for a candid conversation about mental health, boundaries, and resilience. Kati opens up about her journey from reluctant creator to leading voice in online mental health education, sharing both the challenges and rewards along the way. Together, they unpack the pressures of people-pleasing, the evolving role of social media, and the necessity of setting healthy limits. Kati also dives into her new book, Why Do I Keep Doing This?, revealing her own struggles with control and the valuable lessons she’s learned. This episode is a thoughtful reminder of the importance of self-care, emotional resilience, and compassionate parenting. If you've ever fallen into the trap of people-pleasing and can't figure out why, then you need to listen to this episode! Links: https://katimorton.com/ https://www.youtube.com/user/katimorton Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Tara sits down with Dayna Geldwert, a public policy leader at Meta, to tackle one of the biggest challenges parents face today: keeping kids safe online. Dayna shares her journey at Meta and how she’s helping to put youth safety at the forefront. Together, they dive into the realities of parenting in the digital age and explore tools like Teen Accounts and the Family Center, resources designed to help parents set boundaries and create a safer space for teens on social media. If you’ve ever worried about what your kids are seeing, doing, or sharing online (and what parent hasn’t?), this episode is a must-listen. Links: https://familycenter.meta.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Tara is joined by Alyssa Blask Campbell, emotional development expert and founder of Seed and Sew, for a deep dive into the big feelings of middle childhood. Together, they explore what’s really happening with kids ages 5–12, why emotional regulation is so critical, and how parents can best support their children through these years. Alyssa shares insights from her new book, Big Kids, Bigger Feelings, which fills an important gap for families navigating this stage. The conversation covers how peer relationships shape kids’ identities, the importance of teaching conflict resolution skills early, and the role parents’ own nervous systems play in guiding children effectively. They also address the overwhelm so many parents feel from the endless stream of parenting advice, emphasizing the need to cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters. At its core, this episode highlights the power of understanding children’s emotions, modeling regulation, and supporting growth during these formative years. Links: https://www.seedandsew.org/ https://amzn.to/42h4Df1 https://www.instagram.com/seed.and.sew Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Tara sits down with behavioral scientist Dr. Zelana Montminy to unpack the challenge of finding focus in a world where everything seems to demand our attention. Together, they explore the distractions technology and multitasking create, especially for parents, and how we can begin to reclaim our attention in meaningful ways. Dr. Zelana shares insights from her new book, Finding Focus: Own Your Attention in an Age of Distraction, highlighting the importance of deep connections and mindfulness as antidotes to our collective distraction. She explains that while technology often worsens our focus struggles, it also shines a light on deeper issues in our lives that need attention. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Zelana introduces practical strategies like the Four F’s framework to help with task prioritization and “life editing.” She emphasizes the power of presence in parenting, reminding us that even small moments of undivided attention can transform relationships. The discussion also touches on the brain’s ability to rewire at any age, underscoring how focus impacts both our emotional well-being and productivity. At its core, this episode is about reclaiming time, energy, and attention through self-care, mindfulness, and intentional choices. Links: https://drzelana.com/ https://amzn.to/4nmUhSZ https://www.instagram.com/dr.zelana Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Board-certified pediatrician, author and founder of Modern Mommy Doc Whitney Casares, MD joins Tara for a heartfelt conversation about body image and self-acceptance in children. Drawing from Whitney’s new book, My One-Of-A-Kind Body: The Ultimate Guide for Caring For Me, they explore how parents can help kids embrace their uniqueness despite societal pressures and diet culture. From modeling healthy behaviors to using everyday moments as teaching opportunities, this episode offers practical tools and compassionate insights for raising body-confident children. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on nurturing a positive body image in the next generation. Links: https://www.instagram.com/modernmommydoc https://amzn.to/4n5Dy6I Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tara sits down with hosts of the Little Brain Campaign podcast Jessica Eisenstat, LPC and Dr. Lauren LaRose, MD, a board-certified Psychiatrist, for an eye-opening (and heart-opening) chat about the Gen Z mental health crisis. They share personal stories and professional insights, diving into how social media, parenting styles, and today’s fast-paced world are all shaping the well-being of our kids. From Lauren’s journey navigating her son’s PANS diagnosis to unpacking the rise of “main character energy,” it’s a real, honest conversation that so many parents will relate to. You’ll walk away with a fresh perspective, practical tips on setting healthy boundaries, and a better understanding of the unique challenges kids and teens are facing today. Links: https://www.littlebraincampaign.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-little-brain-campaign/id1762045622 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Tara chats with Jordan Arogeti, podcast host of "Moms Like Me" and CEO and Co-Founder of Support Now, a powerful new platform that’s changing the way families get help when they need it most. From organizing meal trains and coordinating volunteers to offering emotional and financial support, Support Now makes it easier for people to show up for each other in meaningful ways. Tara and Jordan also dive into the topic of Jordan's recent TEDx talk, the idea of “support languages” (think love languages, but for help!) and how understanding them can strengthen your support system. Whether you’re going through a tough time or want to better support someone who is, this episode is full of insight, heart, and practical tools. Link: www.SupportNow.org Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.