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On today’s episode, Jesse and Jill Stockburger dive into a big question: What do we do when we’re living in chronic stress? They talk about how stress, adversity, and trauma impact us on a deeper level, and what it actually feels like to carry these experiences in our bodies. If you’re feeling tired in your body, you are not alone.

In today’s episode, Jesse and Tona take a deep dive into the tension between connection and compliance in everyday parenting moments. Through real-life stories (yes, even dishes), we explore how prioritizing relationship doesn’t mean abandoning expectations and structure. Instead, it creates the foundation for lasting responsibility and trust. Join us for a thoughtful conversation about playing the long game, responding instead of reacting, and why connection is often the fastest path to meaningful compliance.

New semester! Same kids, different needs. As the second half of the school year begins, routines may get messy, expectations may shift, and those old pain points may resurface. In this episode Jesse, Becca, and Dr. Rachel talk about pausing, noticing what’s not working, and making small, doable adjustments (at home and at school). From the kiddos to adults, we can all find ways to revamp our expectations by staying curious and starting small. Here’s to a second semester filled with grace, flexibility, and hope!

A quote that we posted, “Your willingness to come back and repair matters more than getting it right the first time” went viral. On this week’s episode of the Empowered to Connect Podcast, we dig into why rupture shows up so often in our families and why it’s completely normal. Rupture happens because we get tired, distracted, overwhelmed, or just out of sync. In our homes, we’re our most unfiltered, exhausted, and real selves, and that means disconnection is bound to happen. But repair is where trust grows, safety forms, and connection deepens. Our kids don’t need perfect parents; they need repairing parents. And honestly? We’re all learning how to come back together, one moment at a time.

It's that time of year again - time to take a deep breath and spend hours and hours with family members you may or may not want to see, eat foods that may or may not be easy for your kids to eat and spend the next month or so with the dull hum of presents and high expectations accompanying your every move. Happy Holidays everyone! In all seriousness, whether you live for this season or loathe this season, it can be a bear to navigate with all of the out of the ordinary that it brings. Have no fear! On this replay episode, Jesse Faris, Becca McKay, and JD talk through all of these things and more with some practical tips and reminders to help get you through what can be a really tricky season to navigate with your family!

In this episode, Becca, Jesse, and Tona dive into a timely topic: gratitude. With the holiday season in full swing, we can’t help but ask, should children be grateful? If not, how do we scaffold gratitude for our kiddos? Tune in for an honest conversation about expectations, empathy, and what gratitude really means. We share personal stories, a few laughs, and some surprising insights about how gratitude shows up in everyday life. It’s a heartfelt reminder that gratitude isn’t something we demand. It’s something we model and grow in together.

Enjoy this replay of From Trauma and Loss to Healing and Empowerment with Cam Lee Small. One of our favorite Therapists/Adoptee Voices joins us on the pod to talk about lots of things including his book The Adoptees Journey: From Trauma and Loss to Healing and Empowerment. We talk with Cam about everything from how identities are formed in adoptees to things he wishes adoptive parents knew to his own experiences filled with pain and beauty. This is an episode every adoptee and adoptive parent NEEDS to hear. Find Cam’s work at therapyredeemed.wordpress.com and follow him @‌therapyredeemed on Instagram and YouTube.

Ever wonder why certain behaviors leave us scratching our heads? On today’s Empowered to Connect Podcast, we’re diving into sensory processing. What it is, why it matters, and how it impacts our ability (and our kids’ ability) to regulate and move through the day. We all know the basic 5 senses, right? But did you know there are actually EIGHT sensory systems your brain is managing? We're breaking it all down: ✅ What is sensory processing? ✅ What happens when our systems get overwhelmed? ✅ How can we support ourselves and our kids when things feel "off"? We're not Occupational Therapists. Just parents sharing what we've learned. This is a conversation you don’t want to miss!

Parenting takes heart and strategy—and finding the right balance can be tough! In this episode, Becca, Jesse, and Tona dive into how Cultivate Connection, ETC’s peer-to-peer parenting course, helps caregivers strengthen both. You’ll hear insights on parenting styles, nurture, and structure—and how to bring it all together at home. Interested in taking the course? Find a Cultivate Connection Facilitator near you or hop on the waitlist for Cultivate Connection Online, coming early 2026 on the Empowered to Connect Institute.

In this episode of the Empowered to Connect Podcast, Jesse, Tona and Becca unpack a powerful analogy from Dr. Becky (@drbeckyatgoodinside), the idea that parenting differently than how we were parented isn’t instinctual, it’s intentional.⁣ We explore what it means to rewire our responses, embrace connection when it feels unnatural, and do the deep, courageous work of parenting with awareness and healing.⁣ If it’s ever felt like you’re “doing it wrong” because it doesn’t come naturally, take a listen. Learn more about Dr. Becky here.

Welcoming a child through adoption, foster care, or kinship is beautiful AND complex. Tona, Jesse, and Becca share candid stories from NICU stays to international travel, name the emotional “roller coaster” of early days, unpack “cocooning,” and offer concrete ways families and their people can prepare, communicate, and support attachment. If you’re a waiting family, a new parent, a grandparent, or a friend who wants to help, this one’s for you.

In today's episode, we are joined by school psychologists Rachel Peterman, PhD and Teressa Davis, PhD with special guest host (and former Dean of Students and School Social Worker) Becca McKay who unveil insights for parents, especially as it pertains to getting to know the special education system. Hear these experts as they share what they wish every parent knew about supporting their child's emotional and academic growth. From nurturing mental well-being to navigating learning challenges, IEP's and 504 plans, this conversation is a valuable starting point for parents seeking to empower their children's success! To learn more about Empowered to Connect, check out our website, follow us on social media and YouTube!

It's August, so kids are going back to school all over the place! Join us today as we throw it back to one of our favorite conversations! We delve into a crucial Back to School conversation with author of Beyond Behaviors, Brain Body Parenting and acclaimed pediatric psychologist, Mona Delahooke! The ETC Team join Mona as this episode delves into effective strategies grounded in neuroscience to navigate the upcoming school year, focusing on emotional well-being, academic success, and social adjustment. Tune in for a concise yet impactful dialogue that empowers parents and caregivers with actionable insights for fostering resilience, positive connections, and overall growth as children transition back to school. To learn more about Empowered to Connect, check out our website, follow us on social media and YouTube!

The Fawn Response! The least known of all the stress responses! We relied on the work of Pete Walker from his incredible book: PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving as we crafted this episode. Stela Sinanaj, Clinical Therapist, and Becca McKay, Program Manager of the ETC Institute join us to explain the ins and outs of the fawn response as well as how to better support the loved ones in your life who identify with this stress response!

The Stress Responses - you know - Fight, Flight and Freeze...well, you may be surprised to learn that there are actually 4 stress responses ("Fawn" is the fourth - don't worry, we'll cover it in great detail in a few weeks). We'll look at how you can support both yourself and those you love IN those responses! Today, we dive into the "Freeze" Response. I'm OUT and you can't thaw me - the Freeze Response is one of the toughest to handle as a parent, friend or caregiver. It can disguise itself in lots of ways, but don't worry, we're here to help! Expressive Arts Therapist Jill Stockberger and ETC Staffer Becca McKay join us to discuss how we can support ourselves and those we love when they freeze.