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PODCAST

Beautifully Complex

Join parenting coach and mom-in-the-trenches, Penny Williams, as she helps parents, caregivers, and educators harness the realization that we are all beautifully complex and marvelously imperfect. Each week she delivers insights and actionable strategies on parenting and educating neurodivergent kids — those with ADHD, autism, anxiety, learning disabilities... Her approach to decoding behavior while honoring neurodiversity, and parenting the individual child you have will provide you with the tools

kids & family parenting

All Episodes

41:03

317: Creating Neurodiverstiy-Affirming Schools, with...

Beautifully Complex ·

2025/06/19

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 a must-listen for any parent or educator who wants more for our kids than just surviving school.You’ll hear powerful personal stories, practical

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31:01

316: Finding Your Kid’s Just Right Balance, with...

Beautifully Complex ·

2025/06/12

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 growth — how to gently nudge our neurodivergent kids out of their comfort zones without creating shutdown or dysregulation.Chris and I talk about how to know

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25:38

315: Integrating Creativity and Play into Learning,...

Beautifully Complex ·

2025/06/05

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 vital tools for connection, emotional regulation, and skill development in neurodivergent kids.From sensory-friendly adaptations to parent-child rituals that

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40:08

314: Don’t Be “That Parent:” How to Advocate...

Beautifully Complex ·

2025/05/29

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 hard. We dig into the reality that most teachers aren’t trained in neurodivergence, and how parents can advocate without alienating and burning bridges. From

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39:06

313: Build Resilience and Joy with Awe and Wonder,...

Beautifully Complex ·

2025/05/22

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 nervous system, and foster belonging. You’ll hear real stories, science-backed insights, and simple ways to help your child (and yourself) become an awe-seeker

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33:58

312: Discovering the Right Career Path for...

Beautifully Complex ·

2025/05/15

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 real-world needs, and shifting the career conversation can change everything. Learn why starting with your child's unique lifestyle goals leads to a far

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34:01

311: Fostering Self-Discovery for Your Autistic Kid

Beautifully Complex ·

2025/05/08

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 friendships and finding identity through passion, Sol walks us through what self-discovery really looks like for autistic kids… and how we can better

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31:59

310: Connecting Through Conversation: Rethinking...

Beautifully Complex ·

2025/05/01

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 connection, they break down practical strategies that teachers and parents can use right now to shift from correction to connection.You’ll hear why

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35:56

309: Coping Skills for Kids, Teens, and Adults

Beautifully Complex ·

2025/04/24

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 the moment (spoiler: it starts with YOU), and how to teach your child the coping strategies that actually work for their unique brain and nervous system

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32:06

308: You Might Also Like Climbing the Walls from...

Beautifully Complex ·

2025/04/17

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, executive function, and misunderstood symptoms have kept countless women undiagnosed for decades.I reflect on the shock of hearing things I wish I’d known

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32:16

307: Valuing Personhood Over Productivity

Beautifully Complex ·

2025/04/10

✨ 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 often misses the mark — especially for neurodivergent kids. From challenging perfectionism to navigating sensory overwhelm and learning to follow our kids’

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20:19

306: What Do You Do With the Mad that You Feel?

Beautifully Complex ·

2025/04/03

Ever wish your kid would just stop yelling?This episode of Beautifully Complex will make you rethink that wish — in the best way. Inspired by the timeless wisdom of Mr. Rogers, I explore one deceptively simple question: “What do you do with the mad that you feel?”In this solo episode, you’ll discover how anger shows up in the nervous system, why our kids often can’t think their way through it, and how to help them feel safe in their emotions, instead of ashamed. From compassionate scripts to

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26:50

305: Building Parent Resilience

Beautifully Complex ·

2025/03/27

In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I am joined by resilience coach Barb Fletcher to explore empowering strategies for building parent resilience — an essential tool for those of us navigating the unique journey of raising neurodivergent kids.We discuss the balance of control over stress, the pivotal role of heart-focused breathing, and the impact of shared energy between parent and child. Listen in to learn about redefining stress management, adjusting our lens on resilience, and the actionable

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33:23

304: How to Support Regulation with Play, with Polina...

Beautifully Complex ·

2025/03/20

In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I sit down with expert Polina Shkadron to explore the incredible power of play in supporting emotional regulation. Discover how co-regulation — a crucial component of nurturing a healthy parent-child bond — can become a natural part of your routine. We dive into how letting go of control during playtime and embracing your child's creativity can lead to breakthroughs in self-regulation and problem-solving.You'll receive warm guidance on striking the right

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39:39

303: How to Prepare for a Successful School Meeting,...

Beautifully Complex ·

2025/03/13

School meetings can stir up a lot of emotions for parents — including overwhelm, confusion, anxiety, and uncertainty. You’re worried about your child's rights, accommodations, and educational success in an ever-changing landscape. In this episode of the Beautifully Complex podcast, I’m sharing some practical and hard-won wisdom on setting the foundation for successful school meetings.Join me as I share personal stories and insights, exploring the importance of submitting your parent input ahead of

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0:27

302: Break the Parenting Norms for Kids with ADHD,...

Beautifully Complex ·

2025/02/27

In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m sharing some of the powerful insights gathered from the Unlocking ADHD Summit. You’ll discover the importance of stepping outside the box to let your child's individual strengths shine, and learn how to lay the groundwork for a neuro-affirming, supportive environment and a strengths-based approach where your child can thrive.Join me as I share practical, step-by-step advice on harnessing your child's strengths to overcome challenges, creating a feeling of

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28:21

301: Helping Neurodivergent Kids Crack the Code of...

Beautifully Complex ·

2025/02/20

In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m joined by Dr. Matt Zakreski, who shares compelling strategies from his new book, "Neurodiversity Playbook." We discuss how important it is to create a neuro-affirming environment that celebrates authenticity while equipping our kids with the social skills to thrive in a neurotypical world. You’ll learn how to replace the worry of 'fitting in' with the confidence of 'standing out' in their own unique way.You'll gain step-by-step guidance on helping your

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23:25

300: 5 Myths That Hurt Neurodivergent Kids (And What...

Beautifully Complex ·

2025/02/13

In this milestone 300th episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m going deep into the misconceptions that many of us face raising neurodivergent kids and that unjustly limit our children’s potential.Join me as I bust the top 5 myths that hurt neurodivergent kids and then provide strategies to challenge outdated thinking and empower your journey as a parent. We’ll tackle the misconception that neurodivergent kids just need to try harder, reveal why success doesn’t hinge on fitting in, and highlight the

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28:45

299: How to Create a Strengths-Based Culture of...

Beautifully Complex ·

2025/02/06

What if you could ignite your child's inner spark and unlock their boundless potential? In this episode, Julia Black, founder of Lights on Learning, shares her groundbreaking approach to unleashing creativity and fostering a love of learning in neurodivergent kids. Discover how focusing on what lights your child up can lead to lifelong confidence and success.Key Topics:The transformative power of "heart set," "mindset," and "skill set" in learning.How to identify what switches your child’s “lights

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39:46

298: Stop Criminalizing ND Behavior or How to Coach...

Beautifully Complex ·

2025/01/30

In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I explore the critical issues surrounding neurodivergence and criminalization with ADHD author and activist Sarah Templeton. Sarah shares her powerful experience working with individuals in the prison system and the critical need for early ADHD screening.Key topics include:The alarming criminalization of neurodivergent behavior, particularly for individuals with ADHD.The urgent need for early ADHD screening to prevent misunderstandings and punitive

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339 results

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