Day One: A high schooler’s story of addiction and recovery

Less chaos, more connection: Simple Family Routines

Let us know how we're doing, or send us an idea! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2248585/open_sms] ACS PEP Talks returns for Season 3 with a fresh conversation about navigating the year with intention. This season, a new voice also joins the conversation, Arlington Community Schools Social and Transition Specialist Rae Ann Ballesteros.  In this episode, the team talks about practical ways families can stay connected and reduce stress at home. From creating a shared family calendar to holding short weekly family meetings, they explore simple habits that help families communicate better and stay organized. The conversation also dives into goal setting at home – how families can set realistic goals, track progress and learn to adjust when things don’t go as planned.  Along the way, the hosts share personal stories about parenting, listening to kids and creating space for honest conversations.

Day One: A high schooler’s story of addiction and recovery

Let us know how we're doing, or send us an idea! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2248585/open_sms] Caleb’s story isn’t polished, and that’s exactly why it matters. As a high school freshman, he started vaping to fit in. What began as a way to feel cool quickly spiraled into substance abuse he couldn’t control. But this episode isn’t about rock bottom - it’s about what happens when a student finds the courage to say, “I don’t want to do this anymore,” and someone is there to listen. Told through the voices of Caleb, his mother and his school social worker, this conversation explores addiction, recovery and what it really looks like when a teenager begins to heal...not because of a punishment, but because of patience, presence and unconditional love.  It’s raw, emotional and real. And it might just help someone else find their own "day one."

Gentle Parenting - Weak or Strategic?

Let us know how we're doing, or send us an idea! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2248585/open_sms] Gentle parenting has taken over social media — and the opinions are loud. Is it the downfall of discipline, or a modern, thoughtful way to raise emotionally healthy kids? In this episode, we unpack the real why behind the trend with licensed social worker Camielle Howard. From toddlers to teens, we explore the difference between boundaries and permissiveness, punishment and consequences, and how to raise confident, resilient kids who can still express themselves. Whether you're all-in on gentle parenting or raising an eyebrow, this convo might just reframe how you think about what it means to raise strong humans. 🛑 Quick disclaimer: We’re not here to debate, just to explore. We're breaking down the trend, not picking sides — so grab your headphones and get curious with us! 💭 About Camielle Howard: Camielle Howard is a licensed and certified social worker in both Ohio and Kentucky. Mindfulness has been a cornerstone of both her personal and professional life. She is dedicated to creating a safe space for my clients to slow down and be fully present, an essential part of our journey toward wellness. Camielle graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Cincinnati, followed by an MSW from the University of Denver and an MPH in Public Health from George Washington University. Her training includes Minority Maternal Mental Health and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. A key focus of hers is Perinatal mental health. She is deeply committed to supporting new mothers and parents in achieving optimal mental health. She understands the unique challenges and transitions that come with motherhood, and strives to empower Black mothers through compassionate, tailored support that respects their unique paths.

Go First: Grief, Loss & the Courage to Keep Going

Let us know how we're doing, or send us an idea! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2248585/open_sms] Grief is a journey no one wants to take, yet it’s one we will all face. In this Go First episode, middle school teacher and coach Jennifer Beasley shares her deeply personal story of loss, resilience and healing. From the sudden passing of a close friend to the heartbreaking loss of her twin sister, Jennifer opens up about how grief reshaped her perspective, the challenges of moving forward and the unexpected ways she found strength through faith, community and connection. She reflects on the importance of processing grief rather than avoiding it, the power of honoring loved ones and how vulnerability leads to deeper relationships. Whether you’ve faced loss yourself or want to support someone who has, this episode offers a raw and hopeful perspective on healing. Jennifer's Recommendations: Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations For Working Through Grief [https://www.amazon.com/Healing-After-Loss-Meditations-Working/dp/0380773384/ref=asc_df_0380773384?mcid=bca000f7a0883353afeaef2a10ca284a&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693550347081&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9592952431185844605&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9013469&hvtargid=pla-499614161917&psc=1] (Book) Huberman Lab [https://www.hubermanlab.com/podcast] (Health Podcast) Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey [https://www.audible.com/en_US/pd/Greenlights-Audiobook/0593294181?ipRedirectOverride=true&overrideBaseCountry=true&bp_o=true&language=en_US&source_code=GPAPP30DTRIAL5480813240005&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA5Ka9BhB5EiwA1ZVtvA5JfUJcmLDQv2PvEYJ-Pe9o22Gzqtw11omf_0HZsEo_fFtkYz1xCBoCIjMQAvD_BwE] (Audible Book)

Parenting Under Pressure: Finding Balance and Letting Go of Guilt

Let us know how we're doing, or send us an idea! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2248585/open_sms] Parenting is one of the most rewarding yet challenging roles we take on, sometimes leaving us overwhelmed and stressed. In this episode of Pep Talks, we dive into the reality of parenting stress, recently declared an urgent public health issue by the U.S. Surgeon General. Special guest De'Asia Thompson, founder and clinical director of Rise Counseling, shares practical strategies to combat stress, overcome the pervasive “parent guilt" and carve out time for self-care without neglecting your kids. From creating realistic schedules to learning how to prioritize "me time," this episode offers actionable insights for parents striving to find balance in their busy lives. Resources: U.S. Surgeon General Parenting Stress Advisory [https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/parents-under-pressure.pdf]