Conceptualizing the Effects of Motivation with Dr. Kaplan

Authenticity vs. Social Expectations with Dr. Rebecca Shiner

When do you feel most like yourself? For a lot of us, the answer isn’t always clear. You might feel one way around friends, another in school, and a completely different version of yourself online. That means, over time, it can get harder to tell which parts of you feel real and which parts are shaped by expectations. That is why, for this episode, I wanted to explore: How do teenagers balance being authentic with the pressure to fit in, socially, academically, and even digitally? To help us explore these questions, I’m honored to welcome Dr. Rebecca Shiner. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2543991/support]

Harmony with Nature: Something Everyone Should Prioritize with Dr. Terry Hartig

In this episode, we are talking about something that touches all of us, whether we notice it or not: our harmony and connection to nature. Currently, we hear a lot about mental health resources, coping strategies, and support networks, and while all of those matter, something as ordinary as the environment we live in can play a huge role in how we think, feel, and connect. Some teens feel calmer after a walk in the park. Others feel more grounded near trees or water. But the big question is why? Is it just imagination, or is there truly science behind it? For this episode, we’re going to explore that question through research and real insight by welcoming Dr. Terry Hartig. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2543991/support]

Activist - Benton Schroeder

In this series, we highlight activists, innovators, and leaders who used their voices and actions to create real change, reminding us that you are never too young to make a difference. At its core, this series is about showing that change doesn’t have to start big. Sometimes, it starts with one idea, one passion, and the courage to act on it. Today’s guest is someone who truly embodies what it means to turn passion into action. That is why I’m so excited to welcome Benton Schroeder. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2543991/support]

How External Factors and Identity Shape Teen Motivation with Dr. Chris Hulleman

The teenage years are full of change. We’re asked to think more seriously about our futures, take on more responsibility, and define who we want to become. But somewhere in the middle of all that, motivation can start to feel unpredictable. You might feel incredibly driven toward one goal, and completely stuck in another area. Instead of assuming that inconsistency means something is wrong, I started wondering: Is fluctuating motivation actually a normal part of adolescent development? What’s happening beneath the surface when our drive shifts? To help us unpack these questions, I’m honored to welcome Dr. Chris Hulleman. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2543991/support]

Revealing the Origin of Adolescent Depression with Dr. Michael Scheeringa

As we move through our teenage years, emotions can feel heavier, more complex, and sometimes harder to understand. For some teens, those feelings go beyond stress and become something deeper: something harder to explain, like a lingering sadness or a sense of disconnection. These concepts made me start to wonder: Why do depressive symptoms often increase during adolescence? How do stress and identity development shape the way teens experience depression? To help us explore these questions, I’m honored to welcome Dr. Michael Scheeringa. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2543991/support]