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Join host Cynthia Coufal and expert Isla Reddin as they dive deep into the science of teen brain development and transform how parents understand and connect with their teenagers.
Key Insights:

Why teenage behavior isn't about rebellion
How brain development continues until age 25
Strategies for building stronger parent-teen relationships
Navigating social media and independence challenges

Isla Reddin, founder of Crack the Teen Code, shares her expertise from 18 years of working with young people and studying psychology, brain development, and communication theory.
🔑 Learn how to:

Communicate more effectively with your teen
Understand the biological drives behind teenage behavior
Shift from an authoritative to a collaborative parenting approach

Free Resource: Download Isla's 10 Reasons Worksheet

Connect with Isla:
Instagram
YouTube
Website

#TeenParenting #BrainDevelopment #ParentingTips

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🎓 From Anxiety to Ivy League: Empowering Teens for Success

In this episode, I team up with Shellee Howard from College Ready for a dynamic, double interview that blends the best of both our worlds! Whether you’re navigating the maze of college applications, dealing with test anxiety, or wondering how to support your teen’s mental health, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and encouragement.

What You’ll Learn:
🌟 How to help teens manage anxiety and thrive during transitions.
🌟 Shellee’s proven strategies for debt-free college planning.
🌟 The truth about test anxiety—and how to overcome it.
🌟 How technology impacts mental health and what parents can do.
🌟 Why starting early with college planning is critical for success.

Shellee shares her inspiring journey of helping her own son get into Harvard (debt-free!) and offers practical advice on balancing academics, extracurriculars, and life. I dive into my unique approach to managing anxiety and building resilience in teens and young adults. Together, we explore how to create a support system that sets teens up for success—both academically and emotionally.

📚 Grab Shellee’s book, College Admissions Simplified, for even more insights.

🔗 Explore free resources from College Ready:

College Ready Podcast:


If you’re a parent of a teen or young adult, this episode is a must-watch! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more valuable content.

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Text me: 785-380-2064
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🎄 Feeling the Holiday Pressure? Teen Mental Health Survival Guide 🌟

The holidays aren't always magical - especially for teens. In this episode, I'm breaking down the REAL sources of holiday stress that most people don't talk about. From academic pressure to family gatherings, social media, and emotional overwhelm, we're diving deep into what teens actually experience during this "most wonderful time of the year."

🔍 What You'll Learn:

Hidden sources of teen holiday anxiety
Red flags to watch for in your teen's mental health
Practical strategies to support your family
How to create healthy boundaries during the holiday season

💡 Key Topics Covered:

Disrupted routines and schedule stress
Academic pressure during breaks
Social and romantic relationship challenges
Financial and family expectations
Substance abuse and social gathering triggers
Post-holiday blues

👥 Perfect for:

Parents of teens
Educators
School counselors
Anyone supporting young people


#TeenMentalHealth #HolidayStress #ParentingTips #mentalhealthawareness

📆 Want more support? ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com

DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational purposes. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek professional mental health support.

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Text me: 785-380-2064
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I just had an eye-opening conversation with Elle Kristine, a 16-year-old TikTok influencer who's on a mission to help teens navigate the wildly complex world of dating in the social media era. And trust me, it's nothing like dating was when we were teenagers.

Here are the critical takeaways that every parent and teen should understand:

Dating Today is Completely Different

75% of teens text their romantic partner DAILYSocial media has transformed dating into a minefield of "talking stages" and "situationships"

Snapchat is now the primary dating platform (and it was literally designed for sexting)

The Biggest Red Flags:

Teens are experiencing unprecedented social isolation

Many young men are avoiding in-person dating entirely

Nude photo requests have become a disturbing "social status" issue

Most Shocking Statistic:
45% of men ages 18-25 have NEVER asked someone out in person, while 70% of women want to be asked out more.

The Good News: ​Elle has created an app called "Ask Elle​" specifically to help teens get safe, vetted dating advice. It's not just for teens - parents can use it to understand modern dating terminology and dynamics.
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/askelle-ai/id6471620444

Her #1 Recommendation for Parents: Don't completely ban social media. Instead, have open conversations and create a monitoring approach that helps teens develop their own moral compass.

P.S. ​Download the AskElle app​. It could be an essential tool for understanding teen dating in 2024.
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/askelle-ai/id6471620444

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Text me: 785-380-2064
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I just had an eye-opening conversation with OCD specialist Amanda Petrik-Gardner that I can't wait to share with you.
Most of us think we understand OCD – neat freaks who love cleaning, right? WRONG. Amanda completely shattered those myths and revealed how complex and misunderstood this disorder really is.
🔍 Key Insights About OCD:

It's NOT about loving organization or cleaning
OCD involves intrusive, persistent thoughts (obsessions) that trigger repetitive behaviors (compulsions)
These thoughts are often distressing and feel completely out of the person's control

Real OCD Examples:

Persistent thoughts like "What if my drink is contaminated?"
Excessive mental rituals like repeated silent prayers
Constant doubting, even when the person KNOWS the thought isn't logical

The Most Important Takeaway: OCD isn't a quirk or a personality trait. It's a serious condition that can significantly impair daily functioning.
Amanda's professional advice? Don't self-diagnose from TikTok. If these symptoms resonate, consult a trained professional who specializes in OCD treatment.
Want to learn more? Check out Amanda's work:

Website
Instagram
Workbook: Available on Amazon
Exposure Therapy Coloring Books (great for kids!)


Compassion starts with understanding. Let's break down these mental health myths together.

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Text me: 785-380-2064
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With finals approaching, I know many of you (or your teens) are feeling the weight of test anxiety. Whether it’s high school finals, AP exams, the ACT/SAT, or even career-defining certifications, the pressure is real. But here's the truth: it’s not the test itself that causes anxiety—it’s your thoughts about the test.

This week on The Teen Anxiety Maze, we’re tackling test anxiety head-on:
1️⃣ What is test anxiety?
2️⃣ Why do we experience it?
3️⃣ How can you break free from its grip?

You'll walk away with practical tips to prepare for exams, manage your thoughts, and keep your body calm and focused when it matters most. Plus, I’ve included a special free bonus:

🎧 ​Body Relaxation Audio​ – A guided relaxation exercise to calm your mind and body before exams.
Use it in the morning, before heading into your test, or even while winding down the night before. You’ll feel clear, calm, and ready to show what you know!


Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll learn:
Why studying in small, consistent chunks works better than cramming.
How deep breathing keeps your brain engaged and sharp.
Tips for organizing your test day so you feel confident and in control.
The power of positive self-talk to change the game.

I’ve also shared my go-to strategies for grounding yourself in the moment—because being present is the best way to silence anxiety.

💡 Don’t let test anxiety hold you back. These exams are just one step on your journey to becoming your best self. You’ve got this!
👉 ​W​atch the full episode and ​grab your free relaxation audio​.


Wishing you calm, focus, and success,
Cynthia


P.S. Share this episode with someone who could use some test-day confidence—they’ll thank you later! 🎉

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Text me: 785-380-2064
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Hey everyone,

Get ready for an inspiring episode of the podcast! I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with my good friend and former colleague, Damon Parker.

Damon and I worked together for years as educators, and I was so excited to reconnect with him and hear about his incredible journey since then.

Now, if you're thinking, "Another podcast episode about education?", think again! This conversation went far beyond the classroom. We talked about Damon's transition from teaching to becoming a mental health advocate, a sought-after speaker, and even a championship-winning wrestling coach! Talk about wearing many hats!

Damon's work with teens and mental health is particularly close to my heart. He shared some powerful insights on how he helps young people navigate the challenges they face today, including the importance of:

Shifting focus from outcomes to relationships and being present. This resonated so much with me, as it aligns with my own approach to counseling.

Investing in relationship building with people outside of their usual social circles. This is something I think we could all benefit from!

Learning conflict resolution skills and understanding that healthy coexistence doesn't require loving everyone. This is such a crucial skill for young people (and adults too!).

Damon also shared how he applies these principles to coaching, which has led to remarkable success for his wrestling team.

We also had a candid discussion about the pressures facing teens today, from the overwhelming demands of academics and extracurriculars to the constant presence of technology.

I know you'll find Damon's story and his practical advice as inspiring and thought-provoking as I did. I highly encourage you to listen to the full episode for all the gems he shared.

Don't forget to check below for more information about Damon's work, including his free mental health talks for schools in Kansas and surrounding states, as well as his professional speaking engagements for businesses and corporations across the US.

I can't wait to hear your thoughts on this powerful episode!

More about my guest, Damon Parker:
Damon Parker has forged a unique career path as a professional speaker, nonprofit leader, and championship coach. He delivers keynotes on mental health, high-performance leadership, and DEI, helping organizations and individuals thrive. As Executive Director of The Jones Project, Damon has reached over 60,000 students with messages of hope and resilience. Additionally, he leads the nation’s largest all-female wrestling team at Washburn Rural High School, guiding them to multiple state championships, including a historic double title win in 2021. Damon’s work inspires transformation across industries, communities, and sports.

Get in contact with Damon:
https://dot.cards/damonparker
https://www.damonparkerspeaks.com/
https://thejonesproject.org/
damon@thejonesproject.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejonesprojectks
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejonesproject2023/
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejonesprojectks

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Text me: 785-380-2064
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I just recorded a fascinating episode about anxiety that I had to share with you. I've been diving into this incredible book called "​Anxiety Rx" by Dr. Russell Kennedy​, and it's completely shifted how I think about anxiety management.

Here's what blew my mind: We've been approaching anxiety backward!

Instead of trying to think our way out of anxiety, we need to start with our bodies first. You see, when we experience trauma (and yes, that includes things like rejection or feeling shame – stuff we've all been through), those emotions get stored in our body as "alarms." Sometimes these alarms go off and we don't even know why.

What happens next? Our brain tries to "help" by creating what Dr. Kennedy hilariously calls "brain droppings" – all those worrying thoughts that are really just distractions from what we're feeling in our body.

The solution? Feel, don't think. I know, I know – easier said than done! But there's this beautiful practice Dr. Kennedy suggests:

• Place your hand on your heart (or wherever you feel the anxiety)
• Take slow, deep breaths
• Simply say to yourself: "I am safe in this moment"

It's about treating that anxious part of yourself like you would a scared child – with compassion and understanding, not judgment.

In this episode, I break down:

• The ALARMS system (what creates anxiety in the first place)
• Why worry is just a distraction
• Practical tools to work with your body instead of your mind
• The ABCDE method for anxiety management

Want to learn more? Listen to or Watch the full episode below. And if you're struggling with anxiety right now, remember – I offer ​free anxiety audits ​where we can talk about what's going on and create a plan just for you, even if we never work together formally.

Your anxiety doesn't have to be a life sentence. There are tools, there is hope, and there is a community here ready to support you.

P.S. If you found this helpful, please share it with someone who might need it. We're all in this together. 💜

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Text me: 785-380-2064
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