Healthy Screen Habits Podcast

Online gambling is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. From sports betting apps to online casino games and the rapidly growing world of predictive markets, gambling is showing up in our phones, our sports coverage, our entertainment, and even the conversations happening around the family dinner table. But what exactly are predictive markets, and are they really investing—or simply gambling under a different name? Amy Adams, LCSW, breaks down the different forms of online gambling, explains how predictive markets work, and explores why these platforms can be especially appealing to young people. She takes a closer look at the adolescent brain, the influence of sports and video games, and how features like loot boxes and variable rewards can introduce kids to gambling-like experiences at an early age. This isn't a conversation about fear or blame. It's about awareness, connection, and giving families the tools to navigate a changing digital world. Listen now!  

Meet Cody and Malia Westheimer, the father-daughter duo behind SuperPod Kids!  Looking for a fun way to dial down screen time and spark your child's imagination? SuperPod Kids is a delightful storytelling podcast for little listeners that blends exciting ocean adventures, fascinating orca facts, and gentle social-emotional lessons.  We talk all about these things and more in this episode Listen now!  

You may recognize her voice from the Healthy Screen Habits Handbook and website ads, but today, she's stepping out from behind the scenes and into the guest seat!  Jeannie Ondelacy Sprague is a digital wellness educator, writer, advocate, mom of four, COO of Healthy Screen Habits, and one of our founding members. She's passionate about how technology shapes the way our kids learn, grow, and connect with one another. In this episode, we dive into a BIG topic on every parent's mind: Artificial Intelligence and our kids. Jeannie shares thoughtful insights to help parents navigate AI with curiosity, confidence, and a healthy dose of caution. Listen now!

As the newly released documentary Your Attention Please shines a spotlight on the impact of social media and online harm, we're revisiting a powerful conversation on the Healthy Screen Habits Podcast with Kristin Bride, mom to Carson Bride, and a tireless advocate for online safety. Listen now!  

Dr. John S. Hutton  is a pioneer in the realm of brain development. His research showed the results of screen overuse in the brains of young children: disorganized white matter. This is concerning for a variety of reasons. Today we discuss the best ways to start healthy brain growth and development with babies and toddlers….hint….it's easier than you think ..and it doesn't involve screens.  Listen Now!

Chloe Parsons Cohn is the 13-year-old host of Digital Childhood. She created this podcast to explore how technology affects the way we grow, learn, connect, and how to become the best versions of ourselves—with technology and without it. This week, Healthy Screen Habits joins Digital Childhood for a special co-release that brings BOTH sides of the screen-time conversation to the table. 🙌 Listen now!  

Screen time strategist, mom of three, former math teacher, and author Ruby Ryba shares a refreshingly guilt-free approach to healthier screen habits in her book: How to Stop Scrolling.  Ruby understands the importance of being kind to yourself while realizing that every day looks different. Sometimes the goal isn't to use your phone perfectly… it's to have more choice about where your attention goes.  Listen now!  

Scammers are getting smarter—and unfortunately, our older loved ones are increasingly being targeted online. Chad Rychlewski and Kae David, the duo behind Cybersecurity Parents LLC, wrote the new book Cyber-Smart Caregiving: Protecting Your Parents in the Digital Age—a practical guide to helping older generations stay safer from online scams and digital threats. Learn which scams to watch for, how to help parents and grandparents protect their devices and personal information, and—perhaps most importantly—how to have these conversations without making anyone feel embarrassed, overwhelmed, or afraid of technology.Staying safe online isn't just about passwords and security settings.  It's about looking out for the people we love. Protect the people who protected you.  Listen now!  

In this episode, we're talking about digital wellness and Sociallite, an app designed by 2 Gen Zers, to help families take back control of their digital lives. Sociallite can help you set healthy boundaries around social media, reduce distractions, create screen-free time, and make technology habits more intentional—without relying on nagging or willpower. We have a thoughtful conversation about teens, technology, algorithms, and practical ways to build a healthier relationship with screens. Our kids shouldn't have to fight a billion-dollar algorithm alone.  Listen now!  

Summer and technology are 2 things that typically create a perfect quagmire for a digital slippery slope. Not this year!! Listen to one of our favorite moms on this episode to get tips for summer music and healthy screen habit success.  Listen wherever you get your podcasts and visit the show notes on our website to gain access to this valuable resource!