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Teen stress, emotional regulation, and mental health are deeply connected to how the brain works. When teens and college students are under pressure, the emotional brain can override logic, leading to overwhelm, impulsive reactions, and feeling out of control. This isn’t a willpower problem — it’s a stress response in the brain. In this episode, Leslie talks with psychologist Dr. Laurel Mellin, founder of Emotional Brain Training (EBT), about how stress affects the teen brain and why common advice like “try harder” or “just calm down” doesn’t help. We discuss: The emotional brain vs. thinking brain How stress impacts teen behavior, mood, and decision-making Why shame and self-criticism worsen stress and anxiety What emotional self-regulation really means Brain-based stress management tools teens and college students can use to calm the nervous system This episode offers a science-backed approach to teen mental health, helping teens and parents better understand stress, build emotional regulation skills, and respond with compassion instead of blame. For more on EBT: https://www.ebt.org/   Groups are available for teens upon request.  Get 30% off the Community Membership (includes app) - Use promotion code: JOY For Professionals - EBT Certification: https://www.ebtcertification.com/ Dr Mellin's book available at Amazon, starting February 15th, 2026:  The 5-Minute Solution: Self-therapy Anytime Anywhere. Like this episode? Hit follow and then leave a review or comment — we’d love to hear what you think.   Parents: Schedule a free Clarity Call with Leslie here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem.   5 Ways to Help Your Teen Eat Better  - Without Making Things Worse Https://cc.leslierosecoaching.com/eat-healthier-5-steps   Disclaimer  

Stop waiting to “feel motivated.” Learn how to actually build motivation to eat healthy, move your body, and stick with it — even on low-energy days. We often think we just need to “get motivated” to eat better, work out, or finally stick to healthy habits. Think again. In this episode, we break down why motivation isn’t what you think it is — and why waiting to feel motivated keeps you stuck. You’ll learn how motivation actually works in your brain, why it fades so fast, and the simple steps to build it through action — even when you feel unmotivated, tired, or intimidated by exercise. This episode is for any teen or college student who wants to feel stronger, eat better, and actually follow through — without guilt, pressure, or unrealistic goals.   Like this episode? Hit follow and then leave a review or comment — we’d love to hear what you think.   Parents: Schedule a free Clarity Call with Leslie here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem.   5 Ways to Help Your Teen Eat Better  - Without Making Things Worse Https://cc.leslierosecoaching.com/eat-healthier-5-steps   Disclaimer

Feeling exhausted, anxious, bloated, foggy, or just not yourself—even though doctor visits end in more questions than answers, and your labs come back “normal”? Having health concerns as a teen or college student can be concerning when you're not sure what's going on. But not getting clear answers can be even more stressful, frustrating and sometimes, feel hopeless. In this chat with functional medicine practitioner Hali Laricey we break down 5 key blood markers often missing from common blood work that most patients don't know about -- and how having them can be the key to revealing what’s really going on in your body. You’ll learn: Why “normal” lab ranges can still miss root causes The 5 blood markers that point to bacterial, viral, or inflammatory stress and why this matters   How gut health, food quality, and chronic stress affect mood, energy, and focus Why anxiety and fatigue are often symptoms, not the real problem How teens and college students can advocate for themselves at the doctor This episode helps teens and college students feel informed and empowered —not overwhelmed—about their health. Website: https://halilaricey.com/resources Facebook: facebook.com/functionalwellnesswithhali Instagram: instagram.com/functionalwellnesswithhali/ Like this episode? Hit follow and then leave a review or comment — we’d love to hear how this episode helped you.   Parents: Schedule a free Clarity Call with Leslie here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem. Freebie: 5 Ways to Help Your Teen Eat Better  - Without Making Things Worse   Disclaimer

AI filters, photo editing, and social media beauty standards are changing the way teens and college-age young adults see themselves — often without them even realizing it. In this episode, Leslie talks with artist and researcher Gretchen Andrew about how AI-driven images are shaping self-perception, setting unrealistic expectations, fueling comparison, and quietly impact mental health. Discover: How AI filters distort reality (even when they seem subtle or “harmless”) Why teens and college students are especially vulnerable during body and brain development The connection between filtered images, anxiety, body dysmorphia, and self-worth Why even filtering your own photos can disrupt self-perception How beauty standards are becoming increasingly narrow, unrealistic, and homogenized Simple ways to engage with social media more consciously How awareness can act as a protective buffer against harmful comparison This episode helps teens question what they’re seeing — and reconnect with who they actually are. Follow Gretchen: Instagram  LinkedIn https://www.gretchenandrew.com/   Tell us what you thought of this episode - leave a comment or DM Leslie on Instagram @Leslierosecoaching.   Parents: Schedule a free Clarity Call with me here to help your teen/YA build greater self-esteem while resolving food and body image issues.   Grab a copy of my FREE Parent Guide: 5 Ways to Help Your Teen Eat Better  - Without Making Things Worse   Disclaimer

Tired of obsessing over calories or feeling confused about what you're actually eating? You're not alone. Most of us have been taught to judge food by numbers on a label or trendy health claims — and honestly, it just makes eating more stressful. In this episode, nutrition expert Julia Putzeys breaks down why what's actually IN your food matters way more than calories — and how understanding ingredients can help you feel more energized, less anxious around food, and actually enjoy what you eat. You'll discover: Why calorie counting can make you think about food MORE (not less) How ultra-processed foods mess with your energy, mood, and those constant cravings The real difference between packaged foods and ultra-processed foods (spoiler: they're not the same) How to decode ingredient labels without your brain melting Why knowing what you're eating gives you actual control over your food choices Easy food swaps that don't require giving up your favorites A game-changing app that cuts through confusing labels and makes smart choices simple Perfect for teens who want to: Stop stressing about every meal Understand food without a nutrition degree Feel better without restrictive diets Make informed choices that actually work for their life Learn how to eat in a way that feels good, sustainable, and drama-free — because understanding your food shouldn't be complicated. Use this link to download the free version of the Trash Panda app on iOS or Android.   Teens & parents - don't be shy, leave us a comment on what you liked about the episode, we love to hear from you.   Parents: Get my free parent guide here: 5 Ways to Help Your Teen Eat Better   For more in-depth support and coaching on unhealthy eating and body image issues, schedule a free Clarity Call with Leslie here.   Disclaimer  

What does a safe relationship really look like — at home, at school, or while dating? In this powerful episode, Leslie talks with Sabrina Osso, founder of Osso Safe and survivor-advocate, about why respect must be the foundation of every relationship and how teens can recognize warning signs before things escalate. This conversation covers: The difference between discipline vs. abuse Why home safety impacts confidence, mental health, and future relationships Early red flags in teen and college dating (control, isolation, humiliation, love-bombing) How emotional abuse can hide behind “jokes,” jealousy, or pressure Why teens deserve voice, choice, and safety — before things get out of hand Practical ways teens can protect themselves and seek support This episode empowers teens and young adults to trust their instincts, recognize unsafe dynamics early, and understand what real respect looks like. Sabrina also shares the Osso Safe certification, how it's more effective in bringing peace to the home and practical, actionable steps for teens and parents on prevention, safety strategies, and breaking cycles of violence.   Sabrina and OssoSafe: Website: https://www.ossosafe.com/ Home Safe Home, For You and Me Written by Sabrina Osso and Illustrated by Aiwaz Jilani http://amazon.com/dp/B0BHLBWMXQ   TEDx Talk… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyAhN_xwCxs&feature=youtu.be   Follow the show: Hit follow, leave a comment or a review -- your voice matters. Parents: For support with teen self-esteem and food+body issues, schedule a free Clarity Call with Leslie here.   Disclaimer  

Loneliness is a big challenge teens face today — and it’s far more common (and more normal) than most teens recognize. In this episode, Leslie talks with licensed psychologist and author Dr. Kathy Wu about why so many teens feel disconnected, what loneliness does to the teen brain, and how it affects self-confidence, motivation, and mental health.   What you'll hear: How the brain’s reward system and stress response make loneliness worse The link between belonging, self-talk, self-compassion, and connection What to do when you want to reach out… but fear rejection How to make friendships in small, real-life steps Why loneliness can show up even when you're surrounded by people Practical ways to reconnect, build confidence, and reshape your social habits This episode gives relatable insights + actionable steps teens can use today to break the loneliness cycle and feel more connected again. Book: Self-Regulation Handbook for Teens and Young Adults by Dr. Kathy Wu   Like this episode? Hit follow and leave a review -- your voice matters!   Parents: Schedule a free Clarity Call with Leslie here to help your teen/young adult build self-esteem while resolving body image, unhealthy eating and and weight concerns.  Grab a copy of my FREE Parent Guide: 20 Ways to Help Increase Confidence in Your Teen  

On the outside, some teens can look like they “have it all together” but on the inside, they're carrying something much heavier behind the scenes: hidden depression. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Margaret Rutherford—clinical psychologist and author of Perfectly Hidden Depression—breaks down why some teens suppress emotions, strive to seem perfect, and quietly carry stress, pressure, or loneliness without telling anyone. This is an important listen for any teen who feels overwhelmed by trying to “be perfect,” uphold family expectations, manage cultural  or social media pressures  -- and for any parent trying to understand what might be going on beneath the surface.  You'll learn how hidden depression develops, why perfectionism fuels emotional numbness, and how teens can begin opening up even when it feels impossible or “too risky.”  For more on Dr. Rutherford and her work: drmargaretrutherford.com   Like this episode? Leave us a comment or review -- your feedback is important to us.   Parents: Schedule a free Clarity Call with me here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem.   Disclaimer

This episode breaks down mindful eating in a way teens and young adults can use in their everyday lives — and during the holidays when stress, emotions, and food are everywhere. Dr. Michelle May joins Leslie to explain why typical “outside-in” rules (counting, restricting, avoiding “bad” foods) actually fuel guilt, cravings, and feeling out of control, and what to do instead. You’ll learn: • How to use the Mindful Eating Cycle (the six decisions behind every eating moment) • The difference between being in control vs. in charge • Why teens lose trust in their hunger cues — and how to rebuild it • How emotional triggers, boredom, stress, and scarcity sneak into our eating • What balanced eating really looks like during holidays, school, sports, and real life. This conversation helps you ditch the guilt, tune into your body, and make eating decisions that actually feel good.   Get the first chapter of Dr. May's book here:  https://amihungry.com/programs/mindful-eating-for-students/ Simply fill out the box on the right side of the webpage to download chapter 1.   Like this episode? Take a second to click 'Follow' so you're updated on each new episode. If you have a question, compliment or topic request for a future episode, let us know! Drop us a note in the comments.   Parents: If you'd like more help with mindful eating, food-body relationship support and how to help your teen -- Schedule a free Clarity Call with Leslie here.  

Dr. Angela Casey, double-boarded dermatologist and creator of Bright Girl, breaks down straightforward, science-backed skincare for tweens and teens. Learn why a pH-balanced cleanser, good moisturizer, and mineral sunscreen are the foundation, which trendy ingredients to avoid, and how sleep, diet, and stress affect acne and skin health. This episode includes easy morning/night routines, acne prevention tips, plus an exclusive Bright Girl listener offer (use code HTL15 at brightgirl.com for 15% off). For more on Dr Angela Casey and Bright Girl skincare: Website: www.brightgirl.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-casey-md/ Instagram: @brightgirlbeauty and @angelacaseymd TikTok: @brightgirlbeauty   Like this episode? Take a second to click follow and leave a review -- your support makes a big difference in reaching more listeners seeking support like you. Disclaimer      

If you've ever struggled with math you've probably had thoughts that you're dumb, not good at it, or will never "get it". Too many students struggle and give up when they begin to fall behind or miss out on a section that leaves a gap in the building blocks of math. And sometimes parents believe their student isn't trying hard enough or isn't as smart as the other kids. In today's episode Beth Bowen joins Coach Leslie to bust those beliefs and talk about why math is often a mental block for students. Learn how to think in a fresh new way that opens the door to not only learning but becoming fully confident with math -- Going from "this sucks" to "I've got this!" in a short amount of time. Beth has taught in public schools, homeschool co-ops, and one-on-one tutoring settings for over 20 years. Specializing in helping teens and young adults who believe they are "bad at math", she rebuilds their foundation and helps them overcome math anxiety to find real success in Middle School, High School and placement tests like the Accuplacer and ACT.   Ekster discount code link: https://www.ekster.com/LESLIE01046 For more on Beth Bowen and her tutoring: https://www.mathmentortutoring.com Facebook Group: Math Mentor Tutoring Community  LinkedIn   Like this episode? Take a second to click follow and leave a review -- your support makes a big difference in reaching more listeners seeking support like you. Parents: Schedule a free Clarity Call with Leslie here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem.   Grab a copy of my FREE Parent Guide: 20 Ways to Help Increase Confidence in Your Teen

Vaping is everywhere — and it can feel like it’s the cool thing to do. But what’s actually happening in your brain and body when you vape? In this episode, respiratory therapist and certified tobacco educator Jessica Stewart breaks down why vaping is so addictive, how it affects teen mood, focus, and stress, and what to do if you want to quit but don’t know where to start. No shame. No scare tactics. Just real talk about what’s going on and how to take back control. The episode also covers practical quitting steps — counseling, nicotine replacement options, mindset work — plus how to talk about it, start conversations early, and support teens who want help. Jessica, a respiratory therapist, certified tobacco educator, a certified life coach and host of a podcast: The Teen Years Toolkit For Moms Connect with Jessica: @jessicastewartcoaching www.coachwithjessica.ca Like this episode? Take a second to click follow and leave a review -- your support makes a big difference in reaching more listeners seeking support like you.   Parents: Schedule a free Clarity Call with me here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem.   Grab a copy of my FREE Parent Guide: 20 Ways to Help Increase Confidence in Your Teen   Disclaimer

Most people think of personal branding as an adult or career-focused exercise but the reality is that doing the work in your teens years is the most ideal time. In this episode Suzanne Tulien, a Brand Clarity Catalyst, joins Leslie to share what a personal brand is, how it's relevant for teens, and why teens need it more than ever. Find out how you as a teen or college student can tap into your personal values and attributes to develop your own authentic identity. The result builds confidence, clarity and sense of self that serves as a guiding light in your life -- above all the external noise from society that so often creates distraction and dissatisfaction. For more on Suzanne and personal brand clarity coaching:  BrandAscension.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0Xr8GUiQsriW9BYIhQuQ0g/   Ekster discount code link: https://www.ekster.com/LESLIE01046 Like this episode? Take a second to click follow and leave a review -- your support makes a big difference in reaching more listeners seeking support like you.   Parents: Schedule a free Clarity Call with me here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem. Grab a copy of my FREE Parent Guide: 20 Ways to Help Increase Confidence in Your Teen

Leveraging proven key principles of achievement and paths to success Barry Garapedian expertly guides young people to meet their highest potentials in all aspects of life. Listen in as Barry shares a practical playbook for high school and college students to build confidence, develop high-performance habits, and focus on high-leverage activities that move them toward their goals. This episode covers achievable routines (win the morning), goal-setting with 90-day plans, habit formation strategies, networking techniques that are easy and fun, ‘lightning strikes,’ and ways parents can support growth without over-helping. Get ready to learn small daily habits, time-audit tactics, and actionable mindset shifts—to create momentum, resilience, and measurable progress toward college and career dreams. Like this episode? Take a second to click follow and leave a review -- your support makes a big difference in reaching more listeners seeking support like you. Ekster discount code link: https://www.ekster.com/LESLIE01046 For more on Barry: https://www.mag7consultants.com/ To get your copy of Winning the Game of Life: on Audible or physical copy   Parents: Schedule a free Clarity Call with me here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem.   Grab a copy of my FREE Parent Guide: 20 Ways to Help Increase Confidence in Your Teen

Feeling anxious, stuck, or overwhelmed by your goals? Wanting to improve on a skill or feel more confident in yourself? You’re not alone. In this episode, we dive into the power of visualization—a simple, proven way to train your brain for success. You’ll learn how imagining your goals (the right way) can help you feel more confident, motivated, and focused—whether you’re preparing for a big exam, a game, or just trying to believe in yourself a little more. Coach Leslie shares why visualization works, how athletes and students use it to crush their goals, and simple steps to try it yourself—no fancy equipment or self-help jargon required. Like this episode? Take a second to click follow and leave a review -- your support makes a big difference in reaching more listeners seeking support like you. Parents: Schedule a free Clarity Call with me here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem. Grab a copy of my FREE Parent Guide: 20 Ways to Help Increase Confidence in Your Teen