Beyond the Screen: The Family Connection Podcast

My Top 12 Ways to Create a Memorable Summer Without Being a Cruise Director (Or Going Broke)

Do you ever feel like summer comes with an impossible job description?   Keep the kids off screens. Make memories. Stay within budget. Prevent boredom. Don't lose your mind.   In this episode, Dr. Samantha Hayes shares her top 12 simple, affordable ways to create a memorable summer without constantly entertaining your kids or spending a fortune.   If you're looking for a summer that's filled with connection, curiosity, and fun—not exhaustion—this episode is for you.   If you'd like to see the Wonder Box, check it out here: https://www.beyondthescreenfamilies.com/products-boxes

Raising Curious Kids Through Cooking, Stories & Hands-On Learning

In this episode, Jen, founder of⁠ Tasty Tales Cooking⁠ [https://www.tastytalescooking.com] https://www.tastytalescooking.com— a unique subscription experience that combines children’s books, cooking, and hands-on learning to help families connect beyond the screen— joins us to talk about the power of connection and learning over cooking.   With a background in education and years of experience running cooking enrichments for kids, Jen shares how Tasty Tales grew from a classroom and test kitchen idea into a screen-free family experience centered around stories, creativity, and real-life learning.   Jen also shares the philosophy behind Tasty Tales and why she believes some of the best learning happens when kids are reading stories, trying new foods, making messes, and creating memories together.   If you’re looking for practical ways to create more connection, curiosity, and screen-free experiences at home, this episode is full of inspiration and actionable ideas for families.   To learn more about Tasty Tales Cooking, visit them: Website: https://www.tastytalescooking.com [https://www.tastytalescooking.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastytalescooking [https://www.instagram.com/tastytalescooking]

How to Host an Epic Family Adventure Day with a $0 Budget

You do not need an expensive vacation, theme park tickets, or a packed itinerary to create meaningful family memories.   In this episode, Dr. Samantha Hayes shares how to create an unforgettable Family Adventure Day using what you already have... your neighborhood, your imagination, and intentional connection.   You’ll learn how to structure a low-pressure adventure day that feels exciting for kids, builds curiosity and connection, and doesn’t leave parents exhausted or overspending.   Because the best family memories often come from the simplest moments.   Want screen-free fun on the go? Check out our Wonder Pack--built for those on the go moments: https://www.beyondthescreenfamilies.com/products-wonderpack [https://www.beyondthescreenfamilies.com/products-wonderpack]

How to Normalize Therapy & Emotional Health for Kids and Families

In this episode, Dr. Samantha Hayes is joined by Allyssa VanHooser, licensed marriage and family therapist and author of Even Animals Go to Therapy, for a meaningful conversation about helping children understand emotions, normalize therapy, and build emotional resilience in a screen-heavy world.   Together, we explore how families can create emotionally healthy environments where children feel safe expressing feelings, asking for help, and developing self-awareness. Allyssa shares insights from her clinical work supporting children, teens, and families through anxiety, life transitions, emotional challenges, and mental health struggles.   If you want to raise emotionally aware, resilient kids who feel confident talking about feelings and mental health, this episode is full of encouragement, practical insight, and hope.    You can get Allyssa’s book, Even Animals Go to Therapy on Amazon: ⁠https://a.co/d/0ePVY9cO⁠ [https://a.co/d/0ePVY9cO]   You can also find and connect with Allyssa on the following platforms: Instagram: ⁠@allyssavanhooserlmft⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/allyssavanhooserlmft/] LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/allyssa-vanhooser-74806b3/⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/allyssa-vanhooser-74806b3/] Website: ⁠https://www.insightfulmatters.com/⁠ [https://www.insightfulmatters.com/]

Recognizing Connection Burnout (And How to Reset)

Sometimes it’s not screen burnout.   It’s connection burnout.   In this episode, Dr. Samantha Hayes talks honestly about what happens when parents feel emotionally exhausted trying to stay connected, engaged, present, and intentional all the time... especially in today’s digital world.   You’ll learn how to recognize the signs of connection burnout, why it happens, and practical ways to reset without guilt, perfection, or adding more pressure to your plate. Because connection shouldn’t feel like another thing to fail at.   And if you'd like more information on our "on-the-go" Wonder Pack, you can check it out here: https://www.beyondthescreenfamilies.com/products-wonderpack [https://www.beyondthescreenfamilies.com/products-wonderpack]