Parenting

From Adolescence to Adulthood: Helping Young People Thrive with Thomas J. LaGrave, Jr.

 
Thomas J. LaGrave, Jr., a bestselling author, former Navy SEAL, and licensed clinical social worker dedicated to mentoring and transforming the lives of adolescent men through education, healing, and advocacy joins eHealth Radio and the Health News and Mental Health Channels.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Thomas J. LaGrave, Jr. discuss the following:
What issues are most destructive to our young people in today's world?
What is it that our youth need most to thrive in the modern era?
What can parents do to help support the mental health of their children?
Why did you write the book: "Special Welfare . Social Warfare - Adolescence to Adulthood, a Guidebook?
What can the older generations (The Greatest, The Silent, and Boomer's) do to help their grandchildren to thrive in our modern society?
Summary: The best approach for raising teens is authoritative parenting—balancing warmth with clear expectations. Unlike authoritarian control or permissive leniency, this style helps teens develop independence while staying grounded. Teens are highly influenced by social media and peer pressure, making parental guidance crucial. Studies show that youth with personal aspirations for adulthood—like career or family goals—are far less likely to engage in risky behaviors. Encourage open conversations, set clear expectations, and support their dreams. It’s the best way to guide them toward a successful, responsible adulthood.
Thomas J. LaGrave Jr. is a bestselling author, licensed clinical social worker, and the founder of HonorBound Academy, a year-long immersive program based in Sonoma, California, dedicated to the education, healing, and mentorship of adolescent men.
A former medical corpsman with the U.S. Navy SEALs, LaGrave has spent over 35 years working with more than 3,000 young men, specializing in the psychological and developmental challenges of adolescence and the transition to adulthood.
A recovering addict and alcoholic for more than three decades, LaGrave draws from his personal journey and extensive professional background to offer deep insight into the complex struggles facing today’s youth.
His latest book, Special Welfare, Social Warfare, launched in November and follows his earlier work, The Bell Tolls For Thee: A Soliloquy. LaGrave’s career spans hospital work, adolescent mental health, addiction recovery, and youth incarceration programs. He also served as a Military Family & Life Consultant for U.S. Armed Forces Special Operations Command.
His commitment to shaping the future of at-risk youth through innovative programs and personal mentorship has positioned him as a leading voice in adolescent mental health and social development.
Website: https://thehonorboundacademy.org 
Social Media Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thomasjlagravejr  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thomasjlagravejr  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjlagravejr  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thomasjlagravejr 
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Bonus Families are the New Traditional Family: Here's How to Make Them Work

 
Dr. Jann Blackstone that specializes in child custody, co-parenting, divorce, and step family mediation joins eHealth Radio and the Family Health & Health News Channels. She is the author of multiple books on divorce, remarriage, and co-parenting.  Her newest book is The Bonus Family Handbook: The Definitive Guide to Co-Parenting and Creating Stronger Families. 
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Dr. Jann Blackstone discuss the following:
What can co-parents do when they just can't get along, and every discussion or decision is fraught with tension and resentment?

How can you get exes to stop badmouthing each other? Do most people even know what badmouthing is?

Why is badmouthing so harmful for the children — what message does it send that co-parents miss?

When a child confides in one of their parents and asks them not to tell the other one, should that request be honored? What's more important — gaining the child's trust by keeping the secret, or keeping communication open between co-parents?
What happens when a judge issues a decision in a divorce or a separation — for instance about keeping to a rigid schedule — but it just doesn't always work for the co-parents?
What does "put your children first" really mean?
What if one co-parent starts dating again — should they tell the other parent?
If a co-parent wants to share that they've met someone important, who should they tell first — their children, or the other parent, and why?
Is there a single factor that can make blending the family more successful?
You coined the term "bonus family" — what does that mean, and why do you want people to use that instead of "step family"?
Many co-parents need some help with communication. What are some words to watch out for — that may seem they should promote positive communication, but in fact, they don't help?
What's a good strategy for co-parents who feel like they should be done trying to problem-solve together, but really still have challenges to face when it comes to the children? How do you convince them to work together?
Dr. Jann Blackstone specializes in child custody, co-parenting, divorce, and step family mediation. She is the author of multiple books on divorce, remarriage, and co-parenting, including Ex-Etiquette for Parents: Good Behavior After Divorce and Separation, Ex-Etiquette for Weddings, Ex-Etiquette for Holidays, and My Parents are Divorced, Too. Dr. Blackstone is also the founder of Bonus Families, a 501 c3 non-profit organization dedicated to peaceful coexistence between divorced or separated parents and their combined families. Her new book is The Bonus Family Handbook: The Definitive Guide to Co-Parenting and Creating Stronger Families. 
Website: https://www.bonusfamilies.com
Social Media Links: Facebook (Bonus Families): https://www.facebook.com/bonusfamilies Facebook (Jann Blackstone): https://www.facebook.com/jann.blackstone 
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Everyday Wild Mothering: Accessing the Energy Medicine in Your Feminine Center

 
Tami Lynn Kent the Founder of Holistic Pelvic Care™ & author of her latest book, Wild Mothering: Finding Power, Spirit, and Joy in Birth and a Creative Motherhood, a newly updated edition of her classic, Mothering from Your Center joins eHealth Radio and the Health News and the Female Health Channels.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels and guest Tami Lynn Kent discuss the following:
What inspired this book?
What does Wild Mothering mean to you?
What is your perspective on women’s health care & are there gaps in this care?
What is women’s health physical therapy and what does it offer for women?
In this book you share information about the energetics of birth—what is this & how can mothers access it?
You reference the “joy in a creative motherhood”—what does this mean especially given the pressures on parents today? 
Tami Lynn Kent is a women’s health physical therapist and the founder of Holistic Pelvic Care™ where she utilizes her ability to read energetic patterns of the body. Kent maintains a private practice and an international training program in Portland, Oregon. She has authored three previous books. Her latest, Wild Mothering: Finding Power, Spirit, and Joy in Birth and a Creative Motherhood (Atria Books, May 7, 2024), is a newly updated edition of her classic, Mothering from Your Center.
Website: https://www.wildfeminine.com
Social Media Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildFeminineLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tami-lynn-kentInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamilynnkent
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A Family Trip Around the Sun: 29 Countries in 366 Days

 
Margaret Bensfield Sullivan an author, illustrator, and family photo curator, whose work combines personal passion for archiving with visual storytelling skills she honed over nearly two decades in brand marketing joins eHealth Radio and the Family & Parenting Channels.
She left corporate life to spend a year with her husband and two young children crisscrossing the globe, visiting 29 countries and six continents. She wrote about their adventures in Following the Sun: Tales (and Fails) From a Year Around the World With Our Kids.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels and guest Margaret Bensfield Sullivan discuss the following:
What exactly is a family gap year?
What inspired you to do this?
Where did you go? What lessons about parenting, travel and the world did you learn?
Do you have any advice for families considering doing something similar?
Margaret Bensfield Sullivan is author, illustrator, and family photo curator whose work combines personal passion for archiving with visual storytelling skills she honed over nearly two decades in brand marketing.
Margaret was a partner at WPP's marketing and branded content agency Group SJR, where she designed storytelling campaigns on behalf of clients like TED, Target, Disney, and USAID. She left corporate life to spend a year with her husband and two young children crisscrossing the globe, visiting 29 countries and six continents.
She wrote about their adventures in Following the Sun: Tales (and Fails) From a Year Around the World With Our Kids (December 5, 2023).
Website: https://www.margaretbensfieldsullivan.com 
Social Media Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/margaretbensfield Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretbsullivan  Instagram: @SullivanFamilyAdventure
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How Grief and Trauma Can be a Catalyst for a Renewed Life

 
 
Dr. Cara Lee Barker, a popular public speaker, who has a private international practice that helps individuals transform their secret suffering into greater strength joins eHealth Radio and Emotional Health Channel. Dr. Barker is the author of three books including her latest release Nightlight: My Soul Calling, Body Listening, Heart Speaking.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels and guest Dr. Cara Lee Barker discuss the following:
How are loss, grief, and trauma seedbeds for renewed life?
What are the four major conflicts people face in their lives?
What is the relationship between children’s distress and their parents?
How do you convert self-doubt to self-compassion?
Dr. Cara Lee Barker is an international keynote speaker, Analytical Psychologist, Nurse Practitioner, and still practicing Zurich-trained Jungian Analyst. Dr. Barker has helped thousands of individuals transform their suffering into greater strength through the process of Post Traumatic Growth. Dr. Barker is the author of three books including her latest release Nightlight: My Soul Calling, Body Listening, Heart Speaking.
Website: https://www.carabarker.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cara-barker

Undoing the Damage from Adverse Childhood Experiences

 
 
Ronni Tichenor who has a PhD in sociology, specializing in family studies, from the University of Michigan, and Jennie Weaver, who received her degree from the Vanderbilt School of Nursing and is a board-certified family nurse practitioner with over 25 years of experience in family practice and mental health joins eHealth Radio and the Mental Health & Health News Channels. Their new book, Healing Begins with Us: Breaking the Cycle of Trauma and Abuse and Rebuilding the Sibling Bond.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels and guests Ronni Tichenor & Jennie Weaver discuss the following:
Why did you feel called to write this book?
What do you mean when you use the term "childhood trauma?"
How can siblings help each other heal from childhood trauma?
What advice do you have for people trying to support someone who is healing from childhood trauma?
What do you want people to take away from your story? 
Ronni Tichenor has a PhD in sociology, specializing in family studies, from the University of Michigan. Jennie Weaver received her degree from the Vanderbilt School of Nursing and is a board-certified family nurse practitioner with over 25 years of experience in family practice and mental health. Their new book, Healing Begins with Us: Breaking the Cycle of Trauma and Abuse and Rebuilding the Sibling Bond (HeartWisdom LLC, April 5, 2022), shares their inspiring and hopeful story of healing from their painful upbringing.
Website: ronniandjennie.com
Social Media Links: Facebook: https://facebook.com/theheartandsoulsistersInstagram: https://instagram.com/ronni_and_jennie

How New Parents and Babies Can Get a Good Night’s Sleep

 
 
Dr. William Sears, who has been advising busy parents on how to raise healthier families for over 50 years joins eHealth Radio and the Sleep Health and Parenting Channels. The author of dozens of books to help parents including the popular The Baby Book, Dr. Sears helped develop the Arm’s Reach® Co-Sleeper® Bassinet, a crib-like bed that fits safely and snuggly adjacent to the parent’s bed.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels and guest Dr. William Sears discuss the following:
You use the term “nighttime parenting,” and I like that term.  You have nighttime-parented eight children and been advising parents in your pediatric practice for over fifty years.  Tell us about your experience with nighttime parenting.
So, is sleeping through the night a myth?
Tell us more about the sleep-brain connection.
So, good infant sleep is a good long-term investment?
Tell us about this research about where babies should sleep.
Is this how the term “co-sleeping” got so popular?
I like the term you mention a lot – “safe infant sleep.”  Are there any bedding products that help support safe sleep for baby and provides a nighttime parenting environment that promotes good sleep for mother and development for baby?
 
 
Dr. Sears, or Dr. Bill as his “little patients” call him, has been advising busy parents on how to raise healthier families for over 50 years. He received his medical training at Harvard Medical School’s Children’s Hospital in Boston and The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, the world’s largest children’s hospital, where he was associate ward chief of the newborn intensive care unit before serving as the chief of pediatrics at Toronto Western Hospital, a teaching hospital of the University of Toronto. He has served as a professor of pediatrics at the University of Toronto, University of South Carolina, University of Southern California School of Medicine, and University of California: Irvine.
As a father of 8 children, he coached Little League sports for 20 years, and together with his wife Martha has written more than 40 best-selling books and countless articles on nutrition, parenting, and healthy aging. He serves as a health consultant for magazines, TV, radio and other media, and his AskDrSears website (www.askdrsears.com) is one of the most popular health and parenting sites. Dr. Sears has appeared on over 100 television programs, including 20/20, Good Morning America, Oprah, Today, The View, and Dr. Phil, and was featured on the cover of TIME Magazine in May 2012. He is noted for his science-made-simple-and-fun approach to family health.
Websites: https://armsreach.com  | https://askdrsears.com 
Social Media Links:Facebook: https://facebook.com/CoSleeper  Instagram: https://instagram.com/armsreachconcepts 

DHD, Autism and the Neurodiverse learner

 
 
Sasha Shtern, the CEO of Goally, a company dedicated to making software for special needs kids joins eHealth Radio and the Autism Information Channel. Sasha Shtern of breaks down the challenges faced by these children and adult learners – and the parents, teachers and clinicians working tirelessly to help them.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels and guests Sasha Shtern discuss the following:
Why does it appear that there is such a spike in cases of ADHD, autism and other challenges?
What has been traditional treatment methods and why do you feel they fall short?
What does Goally offer the neurodiverse learning community?
Treatment for these children and adult learners appear to be fairly expensive. Does Goally address this?
Has the pandemic helped or hindered the effort to reach and teach these students?
Sasha Shtern is CEO of Goally, a company dedicated to making software for special needs kids. Goally’s tools help parents implement at home the strategies professionals use in clinics and schools.
A successful serial entrepreneur, angel investor, co-organizer of Ethereum Denver, and co-founder of Rocky Mountain Blockchain, Shtern advocates for other serial entrepreneurs to move into social enterprises. In 2015 he co-founded Impact Makers Table, a nonprofit dedicated to channeling data-driven philanthropy. He is passionate about education policy and healthy eating for kids.
 
Website: https://getgoally.com

Bully Proofing You: Improving Confidence and Personal Value from the Inside Out

 
 
Jeanie Cisco-Meth, a two-time best-selling author, professional speaker, educator, and parent, shares her scientifically proven system for improving communication and decreasing conflict as she joins eHealth Radio and the Bullying Information and Health News Channels.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels and guest Jeanie Cisco-Meth discuss the following:
What makes you an expert on this topic?
Why did you write Bully Proofing You?
Who benefits from it?
How does it work?
What is the first step our listeners need to take?
 
 
Two-time best-selling author, professional speaker, educator, and parent, Jeanie Cisco-Meth shares her scientifically proven system for improving communication and decreasing conflict. She has written many magazine articles, been quoted in Forbes, and was a contributor for TheBlaze. She has been a guest on radio stations across the country. She has appeared on television for ABC4, Free Speech TV, and others.
As a former member of the military, Jeanie had the honor of being sent to OCS. This leadership training helped her in many ways; from starting three very successful businesses, to training staff, and mentoring others with their startups and staffing issues.
Jeanie was told in elementary school she would never make because she was too stupid. Thank goodness she didn't believe them because she never would have done the things she has.
 
Website: bullyproofingyoubook.com
Social Media Links: Facebook: facebook.com/officialjeanieciscometh  Twitter: twitter.com/jeaniemeth

How to live an empowered life with Michaela Renee Johnson

 
 
Michaela Renee Johnson, a licensed psychotherapist who encourages people to speak their truth with grace and live a courageous life of authenticity joins eHealth Radio and the Relationship and Psychotherapy Channels.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels and guest Michaela Renee Johnson discuss the following:
How does one find happiness in relationships?
How do you raise happy kids when both parents work?
How can you find happiness in spite of fear?
How can one be happy when feeling a lack of confidence?
Any tips for teenagers who have big goals and limited resources?
 
 
Michaela Renee Johnson is an award-winning author, licensed psychotherapist and host of the top iTunes podcast, Be You Find Happy which encourages people to speak their truth with grace and live a courageous life of authenticity. Her initiative, Be You Find Happy, holds workshops and conversations on finding happiness in spite of life's setbacks and has landed her speaking opportunities across the nation.
She is an avid adventurer, having traveled to over 20 countries, and self-proclaimed "Boho Mom" who loves all things metaphysical as well poetic quotes.
She is a Sagittarius and an ocean-lover who lives in Northern California with her husband and young son, and a homestead full of animals. In her spare time she's often hiking, doing yoga, gardening, golfing or reading.
Michaela has a Bachelor's of Arts in Journalism Communications, Master's of Arts in Psychology. California State Licensed Psychotherapist #90280.
Website: BeYouFindHappy.com
Social Media Links: Instagram: instagram.com/michaelareneej  Facebook: facebook.com/michaelareneej  Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/michaelarenee