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PODCAST

This Is So Awkward

Peoples Media, This Is So Awkward

Growing up is packed with awkward moments… not just for the kids going through it, but for their adults, too. Dr. Cara Natterson and Vanessa Kroll Bennett are here to help, with humor and zero judgment. They explain the science behind all of the physical, emotional, and social changes of the tween, teen, and even early 20-something years. From body changes and big feelings to every imaginable blush-worthy question about friendships, sex, and social media, we cover it all. Trade in your cringe for

kids & family parenting

All Episodes

80:24

Sexual Assault and Consent

This Is So Awkward ·

2026/10/03

The story of the “Cornell 7” gang rape has sent shockwaves across the country. As details emerge, a parade of issues have follow, from disturbing legal loopholes to the impact of media on young people’s behavior to the responsibilities of bystanders. We are joined by Dr. Debby Herbenick, professor and researcher on young people’s sexual behavior, to discuss a way forward. The Cornell case is not singular –– how do we guide young people to ultimately prevent assaults from happening in the first

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51:55

The Childhood Wounds We Bring to Parenting

This Is So Awkward ·

2026/09/29

Our childhoods may be long ago, but they don’t always stay in the past. The hurts and patterns we experienced can shape relationships with adults and our kids, especially during the complicated adolescent years. In this episode, psychoanalyst and author Dr. Galit Atlas explores the conscious and unconscious ways childhood wounds can influence our parenting and pathways for understanding our past without letting it dictate our future.Show Notes: Come Closer by Dr. Galit Atlas Watch the

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44:43

Growing Up in the Age of Deepfake Nudes

This Is So Awkward ·

2026/09/22

AI makes it easy to create fake sexual content — changing what a person is wearing, the pose they are striking, or generating a video of them engaging in sexual acts. Teens regularly encounter these images on social media and in their group chats. The result: complex social, emotional, and legal ramifications. We’re joined by Dr. Supreet Mann, author of a new report about AI and deepfake nudes from Common Sense Media. She explains how AI-generated sexual content is affecting young people; the role

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54:44

The Puberty Update: Timing, Trends, and What We Still...

This Is So Awkward ·

2026/09/15

Just like the kids going through it, puberty data is constantly growing and changing. In this episode, we update listeners with the latest research about puberty: when it begins, what influences its timing, and how long it actually lasts (feels like forever sometimes!). ICYMI we fill you in on new findings about first periods and environmental impacts on hormone shifts, too. And we share at least one thing we’ve gotten wrong about puberty, even though we’re deep in the data every day! For anyone

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49:49

Does AI Help Raise Kids?

This Is So Awkward ·

2026/09/08

AI impacts all of us at every age – down to the youngest kids. But how, exactly, does it change things like brain development, language acquisition, and interpersonal relationships? Pediatric surgeon and early childhood expert Dr. Dana Suskind explains. This episode is a must listen for anyone who wants to understand how to balance AI’s utility with the essential messiness of human interaction. Kids need some friction in order to learn, connect, and thrive.Show Notes: Human

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61:33

Senior Year of High School, Unfiltered

This Is So Awkward ·

2026/09/01

Senior year of high school looms large – not just in the minds of teens, but their parents, too – for all its stresses and tribulations. In this episode, we hear straight from Vanessa’s daughter about her experience navigating senior year of high school: what she did to prepare the summer leading up to it, her approach to the college application process, how she attempted to find balance during such an intense time, and the role her parents played. Remaining sane during the college process is an

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48:52

The Science of Real Optimism

This Is So Awkward ·

2026/08/25

The term optimism doesn’t just refer to blind positivity. It’s also the acknowledgement of challenges that lay ahead, plus the belief we have the skills and tools to face them. Dr. Deepika Chopra is a psychologist and optimism expert. She joins us to explain optimism, sharing science-based strategies that really work to cultivate resilience and hope, even in the darkest moments.Show Notes: Watch the full episode on Youtube! Join the LESS AWKWARD MEMBERSHIP HUB Rula patients

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54:40

Can Middle School Be Wonderful?

This Is So Awkward ·

2026/08/18

Rereleasing this gem pushing back on the tired trope that middle school is a phase to endure not enjoy. But according to educator, principal, and author Chris Balme, these years may be some of the most fascinating and important in a child's life. We talk about identity, belonging, growth, and the incredible transformation happening beneath the surface during these often-misunderstood years.Show Notes: Watch the full episode on Youtube! Join the LESS AWKWARD MEMBERSHIP HUB Rula

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65:38

Understanding the Kids Who Challenge Us Most

This Is So Awkward ·

2026/08/11

Rerelease of one of our all time most eye-opening episodes about the kids who act out, push boundaries, or seem impossible to reach. In this episode, Psychologist, educator, and author Doug Bolton helps us understand that these kids need more connection not more punishment. He shares a compassionate new framework for understanding struggling kids. Drawing on decades of experience and insights from his book Untethered, he explores how belonging, community, and relationships can help children move

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58:07

Disordered Eating and Eating Disorders, Explained

This Is So Awkward ·

2026/08/04

Rerelease of an important episode on eating disorders. Eating disorders and disordered eating can show up in many different ways—and often aren't easy to recognize. In this episode, clinical psychologist and eating disorder specialist, Dr. Kelly Bhatnagar helps us break down the language, the warning signs, and the realities behind these increasingly common struggles. We explore everything from binge eating, purging, orthorexia, and bigorexia to the social, emotional, and biological factors that can

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53:29

Migraines, Hormones, and Teens

This Is So Awkward ·

2026/07/28

Rerelease! When kids struggle with frequent headaches, are they stress-related? Hormonal? Something more serious? In this episode, pediatric neurologist and headache medicine specialist Daniel Noam Lax helps us make sense of one of the most common—and often misunderstood—health challenges. We explore what causes headaches and migraines, why adolescent girls are especially susceptible, and what families can do to support kids living with them.Show Notes: American Headache Society American

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53:41

Can Resilience Be Taught?

This Is So Awkward ·

2026/07/21

A rerelease on the eternal question: Is resilience a skill kids can develop over time? Psychologist and child development expert Tovah Klein unpacks what resilience really means and how trusted adults help kids build it. From managing frustration and failure to building confidence and coping skills, we explore how to support tweens + teens without overprotecting them.Show Notes: Raising Resilience Watch the full episode on Youtube! Join the LESS AWKWARD MEMBERSHIP HUB Rula

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57:00

ADHD and the Social Scene: Friendships, Dating, and...

This Is So Awkward ·

2026/07/14

We’re rereleasing our incredibly popular episode that tackles how ADHD can shape tweens' and teens' friendships, romantic relationships, and sexual decision-making. In this candid conversation, psychologist and ADHD expert Ari Tuckman draws on 25 years of experience working with young people with ADHD to explain how attention, impulsivity, emotional intensity, and social dynamics can influence relationships. Show Notes: Watch the full episode on Youtube! Join the LESS AWKWARD MEMBERSHIP

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53:56

When Autism Meets Puberty

This Is So Awkward ·

2026/07/07

Rerelease! What happens when puberty’s changes intersect with autism? Neuropsychologist Donna Henderson shares expert insights on helping autistic youth navigate this unpredictable life stage with knowledge and dignity. The conversation focuses on how families can support autistic youth through this transition using clear communication, individualized strategies, and an understanding of neurodiversity. Show Notes: Is This Autism? A guide for clinicians and everyone else Is This Autism? A

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55:03

Before You Email the Principal: Let's Talk Health Class

This Is So Awkward ·

2026/06/30

Parents have a lot to say about health and sex education in schools, which is fair. In fact, it’s the reason we named our own health + sex ed curriculum That Health Class (insert wink, wink) because of the baggage those words carry. If adults received this education at all, their memories of health + sex ed induce giggles, queasiness, a cold sweat or all three! So why is health + sex ed so important? What should it cover? What are the biggest objections parents have and do they actually hold up? The

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57:05

Dr. Mary Claire Haver on The New Perimenopause

This Is So Awkward ·

2026/06/23

Menopause is a moment in time. But perimenopause can last a decade or more – just like puberty! Dr. Mary Claire Haver returns to the podcast to talk about what’s happening inside the body and brain during perimenopause, why it’s so important to identify the start of the stage of life, and preventive steps you can take to optimize your bones, your muscles, your sex drive, and your sanity. Show Notes: The New Perimenopause Watch the full episode on Youtube! Join the LESS AWKWARD

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58:10

Empty Nesting

This Is So Awkward ·

2026/06/16

When kids leave home it’s one of the biggest transitional moments of parenting. Feelings range from grief to excitement to loneliness to adventure, for many a mashup of all of these, and that’s just in the first week! This episode covers how we can prepare ourselves (and our kids) for this new era, by setting boundaries, expressing expectations, finding our people, and tons of communication with everyone involved. Sprinkled throughout are some major lessons learned by Cara and Vanessa–oof!–and

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58:23

The 5 ingredients to keep off kids’ skin

This Is So Awkward ·

2026/06/09

As the obsession with expensive, make-me-look-younger skin care products rages on, the public deserves to know why some of these products are concerning. There are real medical reasons for young people to avoid these products. We explain which ingredients should be avoided in the tween and teen years, and which ingredients actually help (yep, there are some good ones out there!). This episode isn’t about the bananas nature of already young people seeking younger-looking skin, but rather the

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52:12

The Holderness Family on Letting Go (Kind Of)

This Is So Awkward ·

2026/06/02

In this hilarious and heartfelt episode, we’re joined by the dynamic duo Kim and Penn Holderness who share how they handled their daughter's college departure. We cover it all: from overpacking to the medical preparation needed before sending a kid off to the chaos on move-in day, and ultimately, to the pride of watching a kid grow into their own person. Show Notes: Talk to your teen’s doctor about meningitis risk and vaccination. Learn more at www.Ask2BSure.com Watch the full episode on

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64:03

Understanding GLP 1’s

This Is So Awkward ·

2026/05/26

Seemingly everywhere we turn we encounter the class of drugs known as GLP 1’s and the debate over their impact on health and weight. It’s so difficult to separate fact from fiction on this clickbaity topic. So we turned to one of our trusted endocrinologists, Gillian Goddard, author of The Hormone Loop to: provide the history of these medications, untangle the relationship between weight, diabetes, and genetics, and explain the metabolic changes during midlife. The conversation also explores GLP-1

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226 results

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