Best Child Behavior Neuroscience Podcasts (2025)

1
What Temperament Really Is—and Why It Matters for Parenting w/ Dr. Koraly Pérez-Edgar 1:24:10

5d ago1:24:10

1:24:10

In today’s episode developmental psychologist and temperament expert Dr. Corley Perez-Edgar joins us to talk all about temperament. We dive into the science of temperament—how it develops in early childhood, how it shapes the way kids experience the world, and what it means for parenting. We cover the biological basis of temperament, the difference…

1
326: Hidden in Plain Sight: Misdiagnosis & Missed Diagnosis with Monica Garty Juice, PNP, PMHS 37:19

6d ago37:19

37:19

Your child’s biggest struggles might be the very things no one else sees. In this powerful conversation with pediatric nurse practitioner and mental health specialist Monica Garty Juice, we explore how subtle signs of neurodivergence often get dismissed, misdiagnosed, or go completely unnoticed — and what that means for our kids. Monica shares why …

1
Navigating Tantrums: Concrete Tools For Parents w/ Alyssa Campbell 38:16

12d ago38:16

38:16

In today's episode I'm joined by Alyssa Campbell, co-author of 'Tiny Humans, Big Emotions' and author of the upcoming book 'Big Kids, Bigger Feelings to dive into practical strategies for responding to tantrums across various child age groups, from 18 months to school age. We explore how to handle tantrums based on different temperaments and provid…

1
Early Childhood Mental Health and Screen Use with Joan Luby, MD 40:52

13d ago40:52

40:52

Many people think of mental health disorders as arising later in childhood or adolescence. However, there is increasing evidence that even young children can experience mental health problems like anxiety and depression. On this episode of Screen Deep, host Kris Perry is joined by Joan Luby, a Professor of Child Psychiatry at Washington University …

1
What I Wish I’d Known About Aging Stronger and Better w/ Dr. Vonda Wright 1:09:14

19d ago1:09:14

1:09:14

In today’s episode I sit down with Dr. Vonda Wright, author of 'Unbreakable: A Woman’s Guide to Aging with Power.' We discuss the importance of bone health, muscle building, and lifelong mobility, particularly for women in their thirties and forties. Dr. Wright emphasizes the need to start addressing bone density and strength early in life to preve…

1
325: Unlocking the Best Possible Outcomes in Special Education, with Michelle Pianim 32:16

20d ago32:16

32:16

Ever walk into a school meeting and feel like you're already behind before you even sit down? In this episode, I’m talking with special education consultant Michelle Pianim about how we shift from feeling powerless in IEP meetings to taking proactive, confident steps for our neurodivergent kids. We unpack the culture of inclusion (or the lack there…

1
College Mental Health 101 w/ Dr. Christopher Willard 1:02:49

26d ago1:02:49

1:02:49

In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Christopher Willard, a clinical psychologist at Harvard Medical School and co-author of College Mental Health 101, to explore how parents can support college-bound teens through the transition to campus life. We get practical with research-backed basics like sleep, movement, medication management, and executi…

1
324: How to Step Back Without Letting Go, with Kristin Lombardi, MA & Christine Drew, Ph.D. 34:09

27d ago34:09

34:09

What if the way you help your child is actually holding them back? In this powerful conversation with Kristin Lombardi and Christine Drew, co-authors of Spectrum of Independence, we unpack the hard-to-navigate space between support and overdoing. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Am I empowering or enabling?” — this episode is a must-listen…

1
The Huge Impact of Environmental Neuroscience: Effective Ways to Grow Attention and Cognition with Dr. Marc Berman 49:39

1M ago49:39

49:39

In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Marc Berman, the pioneer of environmental neuroscience, to explore the surprising science behind how nature enhances cognitive, physical, and social wellbeing. We dive into how spending time in nature—whether it’s a walk in the park or simply looking at nature photos—can boost attention, memory, and mood. Dr.…

1
323: Using Breathwork to Facilitate Regulation, with Kurtis Lee Thomas 30:13

1M ago30:13

30:13

What if the most powerful regulation tool for your child has been sitting right under their nose all along?In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m joined by breathwork facilitator and trainer Kurtis Lee Thomas to talk about the overlooked power of the breath — not just for calming down in the moment, but for deep emotional healing and nervous s…

1
Children's Rights in Digital Safety and Design with Sonia Livingstone 49:52

1M ago49:52

49:52

From parent and school restrictions on smartphone use to the design of the latest AI tools, what does it mean to center children’s own perspectives and rights in ensuring safety in their online worlds? On this episode of Screen Deep, host Kris Perry sits down with Sonia Livingstone, Professor at the London School of Economics and leader of the Digi…

1
Is 'Gentle Parenting' Actually Good? Here's the Truth 1:07:17

1M ago1:07:17

1:07:17

What is gentle parenting, really? And why is it annoying so many parents? I’m joined by Dr. Tina Payne Bryson to unpack the truth behind the trend, clear up major misconceptions, and explain why the real gold standard—authoritative parenting—still matters most. I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Order your copy of The Five Principles of Parenting: Your Essenti…

1
322: Your Child’s Big Emotions Are the Way Through, Not the Problem, with Tosha Schore 31:39

1M ago31:39

31:39

In this powerful episode, I sit down with parenting coach and boys' emotional ally, Tosha Schore, to unpack something most of us were never taught: our emotions — especially the messy, loud, uncomfortable ones — hold the key to healing. We talk about what it really looks like to bear witness to our child’s (and our own) pain, why your “just calm do…

1
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy At Home get home (CBT): Practical Tools for Families with Dr. David Anderson 1:00:33

2M ago1:00:33

1:00:33

In today's episode I sit down with Dr. Dave Anderson from the Child Mind Institute to discuss cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). We delve into the misconceptions, tools, and techniques of CBT, and how parents and children can benefit from these strategies. Dr. Anderson explains the importance of understanding emotions, practicing mindfulness, and …

1
321: Your Kid’s Quality of Life Starts with You, with Nancy Gilette 33:51

2M ago33:51

33:51

Your child’s behavior isn’t the problem — it’s the clue. So often we’re handed behavior plans, sticker charts, and systems that totally ignore what our neurodivergent kids are trying to tell us. In this powerful conversation with RDI Consultant Nancy Gilette, we dig into what really shapes your child’s quality of life — and spoiler alert: it starts…

1
The Neurobiology of the Parent-Child Relationship — and What It Teaches Us with Yale Professor Dr. Dylan Gee 45:05

2M ago45:05

45:05

In today’s episode I am joined by Yale neuroscientist Dr. Dylan Gee for a fascinating look at what’s actually happening in our children’s brains when we offer support, warmth, and connection. We delve into the neurobiology and neurobiological mechanisms that underpin parent-child interactions, particularly focusing on emotional development. We also…

1
320 Less Stress, More Success for Back-to-School 34:38

2M ago34:38

34:38

Is your back-to-school plan just a fresh stack of notebooks and high hopes? Let’s talk about what really makes or breaks a smooth transition for your neurodivergent child. In this episode, I’m sharing the top three things I wish I had known when my son was in school — the things that could’ve saved us from years of chaos, meltdowns, and overwhelm. …

1
Reading and Writing Skills in the Age of AI with Naomi Baron, PhD 55:22

2M ago55:22

55:22

How are screen-based reading and writing, along with the growing use of generative AI by youth, shaping children’s development of foundational literacy skills? On this episode of Screen Deep, host Kris Perry explores these nuanced questions with Dr. Naomi Baron, Professor Emerita of Linguistics at American University and a leading expert on reading…

1
Igniting Your Inner Spark: Finding Purpose and Community with Activist Shannon Watts 49:00

2M ago49:00

49:00

In today's episode I speak with activist Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, about her new book 'Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age'. Shannon shares her journey from corporate PR to leading a grassroots movement against gun violence and discusses how women can discover their core values, ignite persona…

1
319: Using Music for Emotional Regulation, with Samantha Foote 29:38

2M ago29:38

29:38

What if the secret to helping your child regulate their emotions… is already playing on your speakers?In this episode, I’m joined by board-certified music therapist and fellow neurodivergent mom, Samantha Foote, to explore how music can be a powerful (and joyful!) regulation tool for kids with ADHD, autism, and other complex needs. We chat about ev…

1
Parenting Experts In The Wild: Our Mistakes And What We’d Do Differently w/ Dr. Tina Payne Bryson 59:54

2M ago59:54

59:54

In this episode, Tina and I discuss personal moments of our parenting missteps, explore instances where our reactions didn't align with my expertise and what we might have done differently. We discuss the benefits of imperfections, the power of repair, and the importance of modeling self-compassion for our children. Through our real-life anecdotes,…

1
The Science of Revenge: Understanding and Overcoming Grievances to Raise More Forgiving Kids 52:47

2M ago52:47

52:47

In this episode, I’m joined by James Kimmel Jr. JD, a lecturer in psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine and author of The Science of Revenge, to explore what the latest neuroscience tells us about revenge, grievance, and retaliation. We discuss how the brain’s reward system becomes activated in response to perceived harm—often fueling cycles of…

1
318: Neuroscience, Mental Health & Sleep Optimization, with Ariel Garten 27:14

3M ago27:14

27:14

What if just five minutes a day could lower your stress, help your child regulate, and even improve sleep? Sounds too good to be true, right? In this episode, I’m joined by Ariel Garten, neuroscientist, psychotherapist, and co-founder of Muse — and trust me, this conversation is both science-packed and deeply personal. We talk about the real brain …

1
Social Media, Anxiety, and Emotion Regulation in Teens with Sarah Myruski, PhD 50:29

3M ago50:29

50:29

The relationship between social media use and adolescent mental health issues like anxiety is complex, and researchers continue to probe the mechanisms and causalities that may be involved in this relationship. In this episode of Screen Deep, host Kris Perry talks with Dr. Sarah Myruski, Assistant Research Professor of Psychology at Pennsylvania St…

1
10 Ways to Respond to Backtalk Without Damaging Your Relationship 36:37

3M ago36:37

36:37

In today's episode I dive into one of the most triggering parenting challenges: backtalk. From eye rolls to attitude, I’m sharing 10 practical, research-backed ways to respond to backtalk without damaging your connection with your child. From toddlers asserting independence to teens testing boundaries, I’ll share developmentally informed approaches…

1
317: Creating Neurodiverstiy-Affirming Schools, with Amanda Morin and Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC 41:03

3M ago41:03

41:03

What if schools didn’t just accommodate neurodivergent kids, but celebrated them? In this heartfelt and eye-opening conversation with Amanda Morin and Emily Kircher-Morris, we dig into what it really means to create neurodiversity-affirming schools. From ditching moral judgments on behavior to prioritizing belonging over compliance, this episode is…

1
The Practical Strategies for Parenting Highly Sensitive Children 1:06:39

3M ago1:06:39

1:06:39

Today I sit down with Claire Lerner to discuss practical approaches for parents managing highly sensitive, highly reactive, or 'orchid' children. We address common struggles parents face, such as interpreting sensitive caregiving, setting boundaries, and dealing with tantrums. Using real-life case studies, the importance of creating 'positive disco…

1
316: Finding Your Kid’s Just Right Balance, with Chris Taylor, LCSW-C 31:01

3M ago31:01

31:01

Ever wonder how to push your child just enough without pushing them over the edge? In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I sit down with therapist Chris Taylor, LCSW-C, to unpack what it really means to find your child’s “Just Right Balance.” Unlike the more familiar “just right challenge,” this concept is about balancing emotional safety with gr…

1
Choosing The Best Baby Wipe and The Chemistry Behind Sensitive Skin Solutions w/ Chemist Confessions 42:09

3M ago42:09

42:09

In today’s episode, brought to you by WaterWipes, co-founders, authors and chemists, Gloria Lu and Victoria Fu of Chemist Confessions crack the case on hidden ingredients that may be found in a parent’s most used product, Baby Wipes. Victoria and Gloria share their expertise from nearly 20 years in the skin care industry and discuss the benefits of…

1
Understanding Orchids and Dandelions: A Deeper Dive into Human Temperament with Dr. Thomas Boyce 1:06:12

3M ago1:06:12

1:06:12

In today’s episode I sit down with Dr. Thomas Boyce, professor of pediatrics and psychiatry at UCSF, about his 40 years of research on temperamental differences in children, specifically focusing on his concept of 'orchid' and 'dandelion' children. Dr. Boyce explains how while most children are resilient like dandelions, a significant minority are …

1
315: Integrating Creativity and Play into Learning, with Kelsey Cook 25:38

3M ago25:38

25:38

What if a pom pom, a paper tube, and ten minutes a day could transform your child’s learning? In this joy-filled episode, I sit down with Kelsey Cook, mom of four, former teacher, and founder of Learning with Kelsey, to unpack the science and soul behind play-based learning. Together, we explore how creativity and play aren't just fun — they're vit…

1
The Science of Boredom with James Danckert, PhD 45:51

3M ago45:51

45:51

Boredom is a common and frequently misunderstood psychological state for adults and children alike. On this episode, host Kris Perry goes deep with leading boredom researcher James Danckert, PhD, a Professor of Neuroscience at University of Waterloo. Dr. Danckert explains the unique neural state of boredom, dispels both positive and negative myths …

1
Teen Drinking: What You Need to Know with Professor Rob Turrisi 54:47

3M ago54:47

54:47

In today’s episode, we sit down with Professor Rob Turrisi, a leading expert in behavioral decision-making and substance misuse prevention, to discuss teen drinking. With decades of research, Turrisi shares insights on the developmental factors influencing alcohol use among adolescents and emerging adults, exploring the transition from high school …

1
314: Don’t Be “That Parent:” How to Advocate Effectively & Compassionately, with Scotti Weintraub 40:08

3M ago40:08

40:08

Walking into school meetings can feel like navigating a minefield while carrying the weight of your child’s future. You're not alone — and in this episode, I sit down with education advocate and parent coach Scotti Weintraub to unpack how to have better, calmer, more productive conversations with your child’s teacher, especially when things are har…

1
Terrifying Times, Terrific Kids: What Actually Helps with New York Times Bestselling Author Melinda Wenner Moyer 44:19

4M ago44:19

44:19

This week I sat down with New York Times bestselling author Melinda Wenner Moyer about her new book Hello, Cruel World. We explore the fear that drives so much of modern parenting, how to help kids build self-compassion, what the research really says about tech and substance use, and why a little discomfort might be exactly what our kids need to gr…

1
313: Build Resilience and Joy with Awe and Wonder, with Deborah Farmer Kris 39:06

4M ago39:06

39:06

The antidote to stress and disconnection could be awe. In this heartwarming episode, I chat with child development expert Deborah Farmer Kris about the transformative power of awe and wonder for beautifully complex kids. From music and nature to kindness and curiosity, we explore how tapping into these moments can reduce stress, regulate the nervou…

1
The Science of Happiness with Professor Laurie Santos 54:59

4M ago54:59

54:59

In today’s episode Yale professor and The Happiness Lab host Dr. Laurie Santos breaks down the science of happiness, sharing what research actually shows boosts our wellbeing—and what doesn’t. We explore the difference between feeling good in your life and feeling good about your life, and how strategies like social connection, movement, sleep, tim…

1
312: Discovering the Right Career Path for Neurodivergent Kids, with Hannah Maruyama 33:58

4M ago33:58

33:58

Is college really the only path to success? Not even close. In this episode, I sit down with Hannah Maruyama, co-founder of Degree Free, to challenge the outdated idea that college is the ultimate goal for every kid — especially for neurodivergent kids who may thrive outside traditional systems. We get deep into how redefining success, focusing on …

1
Assessing Child Readiness for Tech with Jenny Radesky, MD 1:01:37

4M ago1:01:37

1:01:37

Parents and caregivers today face what can feel like momentous and fraught decisions about how and when to introduce new technology to children — whether that be an iPad for a toddler or a smartphone for a tween. In this special episode of Screen Deep, host Kris Perry talks with a leading voice on digital parenting and youth development, Dr. Jenny …

1
Leakage, Painful Sex, Pelvic Floor Health and How to teach your Daughter to Insert her First Tampon with Dr. Sara Reardon aka The Vagina Whisperer 50:20

4M ago50:20

50:20

Pelvic health is often ignored until something goes wrong—but it’s essential at every stage of a woman’s life. In this episode, Dr. Sara Reardon, also known as the Vagina Whisperer, breaks down what every woman needs to know about her pelvic floor. From painful sex and postpartum recovery to perimenopause, proper toilet habits, and how we talk to o…

1
311: Fostering Self-Discovery for Your Autistic Kid, with Sol Smith, MS, MFA, EDS 34:01

4M ago34:01

34:01

What if your child’s “overexplaining” isn’t defiance, but a deep need to be understood? In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, I sit down with Sol Smith — autistic adult, author, life coach, educator, and dad of four neurodivergent kids — to talk about the inner world of autistic individuals. From masking and sensory differences to building…

1
Why Play is so Crucial for Development & The Science Behind it with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson 1:02:09

4M ago1:02:09

1:02:09

In this powerful and refreshingly playful conversation, Dr. Tina Payne Bryson returns to talk about The Way of Play—her newest book and a much-needed reminder that play isn't just fun, it's foundational. We dive into the science and soul of play—from its impact on brain development and emotional intelligence to how it builds lifelong connection and…

1
310: Connecting Through Conversation: Rethinking Behavior Strategies for Schools, with Erika Bare & Tiffany Burns 31:59

4M ago31:59

31:59

What if we stopped calling kids “attention-seeking” and started calling them “connection-seeking?” In this heart-opening episode, I sit down with veteran educators and authors Erika Bare and Tiffany Burns to rethink how we approach behavior in schools — especially for neurodivergent kids. From eliminating power struggles to building culture through…

1
What to Do When Your Kid Says “I Hate Myself” and How to Build Self-Compassion With Renowned Harvard Psychiatrist Dr. Blaise Aguirre 1:00:46

5M ago1:00:46

1:00:46

In today’s episode I sit down with Dr. Blaise Aguirre, renowned Harvard psychiatrist to explore the roots of self-hatred and how it differs from everyday self-criticism. We unpack how early experiences—often subtle and unintentional—can shape a child’s sense of worth, and what it takes to unlearn those damaging lessons. We talk about how to respond…

1
309: Coping Skills for Kids, Teens, and Adults, with Janine Halloran, MA, LMHC 35:56

5M ago35:56

35:56

What if the big feelings your child has aren’t a problem — but a clue? In this comforting conversation, I sit down with Janine Halloran, LMHC — therapist, mom, and author of Coping Skills for Kids — to talk all things anger, coping, and emotional regulation for neurodivergent kids and their families. We dig into why some kids explode, what to do in…

1
AI's Impact on Children's Social and Cognitive Development with Ying Xu, PhD 49:50

5M ago49:50

49:50

Rapid advances in artificial intelligence systems continue to be deployed rapidly for use in commonly available tools online. How do today’s AI technologies affect children’s development? Will accessible AI tools erode children’s critical thinking skills? Will chatbots disrupt children’s ability to socialize properly? On this episode of Screen Deep…

1
How to Prevent Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating w/ Dr. Tom Hildebrandt 1:03:09

5M ago1:03:09

1:03:09

In today’s episode I sit down with with Dr. Tom Hildebrandt, clinical psychologist and director at Mount Sinai’s Center for Excellence in Eating and Weight Disorders, to unpack the difference between disordered eating and eating disorders—and why that distinction matters. We dive into how to foster healthy food environments at home, when (and how) …

1
308: You Might Also Like Climbing the Walls from Understood.org 32:06

5M ago32:06

32:06

Wait, ADHD is more than attention issues? Yep — and this episode will blow your mind. In this special episode, I’m sharing the first episode of the must-listen new series Climbing the Walls by Understood.org. This story-driven episode dives into the rise of ADHD diagnoses in women — especially during the pandemic — and how emotional regulation, exe…

1
How to Help Kids (And Ourselves) Tame the Inner Voice and Clear the Chatter w/ Dr. Ethan Kross 45:57

5M ago45:57

45:57

I’m so excited to welcome back Dr. Ethan Kross, psychologist, neuroscientist, and author of Chatter, for a fascinating conversation about the inner voice we all live with—and how it can help or hurt us. We talk about how to support our kids (and ourselves) when that voice gets loud, critical, or overwhelming. Ethan shares incredibly helpful, scienc…

1
307: Valuing Personhood Over Productivity, with Shawna Rosenzweig 32:16

5M ago32:16

32:16

✨ What if your child’s “daydreaming” on the sidelines was actually self-regulation in action? In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m joined by Shawna Rosenzweig, CEO of Campfire, for a real-talk conversation about rethinking success and valuing our kids for who they are, not what they do. We unpack how our cultural obsession with productivity …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Child Behavior Neuroscience Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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