Microdose: Protecting Slow Learning with Dr. Jennifer Steele

The holidays bring bigger portions, more sweets, and disrupted routines. How can parents help kids maintain healthy habits while still enjoying their favorite holiday foods? Dr. Terry Nguyen shares practical tips for maintaining sleep and movement routines, navigating holiday parties, and helping children make food choices without shame or scarcity.

GLP-1 medications like Wegovy are approved for pediatric weight management, but are they the right choice for your child? Pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Joseph Heinemann joins us to consider this question, talk about practical lifestyle changes families can make together, and explore how to talk about weight and health without putting all the pressure on kids.

AI can give kids answers faster, but Dr. Jennifer Steele says "doing it fast is not the point." In part two of our conversation about AI, we discuss why kids still need foundational knowledge and the experience of working through hard things, and how to use AI as a tool. 

AI has already become a part of our children’s education, so the question is: how do we make sure we’re raising thinkers, not just users? Dr. Jennifer Steele joins us to discuss why emotional intelligence, self-regulation, curiosity, and persistence matter in an AI world, what classrooms should protect as technology evolves, and how parents can help kids become resilient problem solvers.

Melatonin may help some children fall asleep, but Dr. Terry Nguyen says it shouldn't be the first solution for sleep struggles. In this episode, she explains when melatonin may have a role, why sleep routines should come first, and what parents should know before giving their child an over-the-counter supplement.

Parents everywhere embraced the idea of a 90s summer this year, harkening back to the days of more boredom, more outdoor play, and fewer screens. Journalist and The Art of Screen Time author Anya Kamenetz joined us to discuss why this trend resonated, how to find balance with technology, and practical ways to create more connection at home.

With fruit-flavored vapes becoming more accessible, what should parents know about the risks for kids and teens? We break down the immediate and potential long-term effects of vaping and share how parents can talk to their kids about making informed choices without simply telling them what not to do.

Pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant? In this practical guide built for the moms of 2026, we walk through the art of choosing a pediatrician, what to expect during your hospital stay, common NICU experiences, and how to prepare yourself and your support system for life with a newborn.

One in two families with young children experiences diaper insecurity, and many working parents struggle to afford essential items that aren't covered by SNAP or WIC. In this episode, ShareBaby Executive Director Nadia Dein joins us to discuss how communities can support families, reduce barriers to childcare, and help ensure every baby has a healthy start.

Motherhood, entrepreneurship, weight loss surgery, postpartum recovery, and building a village—Zuryna Livermore has navigated it all. In this candid conversation, she shares what she's learned about resilience, self-compassion, asking for help, and balancing ambition with motherhood.