Dr. Sarah, talks with founder of First Gen Living and author of the upcoming book "Always Have Enough: How to Build Wealth When You Don't Come From Money," Maria Melchor, to tackle real listener questions about money across every generation. From a 27 year old in West Virginia wondering whether to pay off debt or start investing, to a 58 year old asking when to take Social Security, Maria breaks down practical, judgment-free strategies for building financial confidence at any income level or life stage. The conversation covers starting small with as little as 1% of your income, navigating unpredictable gig economy earnings, choosing between a 401k and a Roth IRA, and refinancing high interest student loans.

The episode also dives into the financial pressures unique to midlife and the so-called sandwich generation, including listeners juggling aging parents, growing families, and their own long-term goals. Maria shares her framework for preparing financially for kids, explains the difference between a financial educator and a financial advisor, and offers reassurance to anyone who feels behind. Throughout, she emphasizes that time, not a high income, is the biggest asset anyone has when it comes to building wealth, and that financial health is just one tool among many for living a fuller life.

Episode sponsor: Certified financial & wealth advisors

Adams, Gut & Associates was recognized by Forbes as a 2026 Best-in-State Wealth Management Team, an accolade that highlights advisory teams nationally for their disciplined approach, strong best practices, client retention, industry experience, and ability to navigate increasingly complex wealth-management needs.

https://www.adams-gut.com/

How to learn more about Maria Melchor, Financial Coach, First Gen Living:

https://www.firstgenliving.com/

More resources:

FirstGenLiving, LLC

https://www.instagram.com/firstgenliving/

https://www.tiktok.com/@firstgenliving

Have questions about today’s episode, or anything else related to the health and wellness of your family? Write us an email or upload a voice memo, to growingupwithdr.sarah@gmail.com and we’ll try and address your questions or play your questions on an episode.

Leave a voice message: To record and email a voice memo, use your phone's built-in recorder (like Voice Memos on iPhone or a similar app on Android), tap the record button, speak your message (holding the phone like a call), stop recording, then use the share icon to select your email app, fill in details, and send the attached audio file. Alternatively, draft a new email in Gmail/Outlook and use the attachment icon to add the saved audio file directly.

Email to: Dr.Sarah@gmail.com

ABOUT Dr. Sarah:

Looking for a place to educate yourself and your family on how to live your best lives? Welcome to Growing Up with Dr. Sarah, where we discuss general health and wellness, parenting, family matters, and real-life challenges that affect every single one of us. As both a pediatrician and a mom, I have unique insight on how to grow healthier, happier, and stronger as individuals, and as families.

The success of the family starts from the top, by helping parents and caregivers address tough questions and everyday concerns. So join me and some of my special guests: physicians, nutritionists, fitness experts, community members, coaches, teachers, and more –and let’s grow up together!

Check out previous episodes of “Growing Up with Dr. Sarah” at www.growingupwithdrsarah.com

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IG details: @growingupwithdrsarah

========================================================

TikTok details: @growingupwithdrsarah

This podcast is produced by:

GTS Media, LLC

Audivita Studios

Dr. Sarah Adams welcomes back Dr. Ravi Jhaveri, Head of Pediatric Infectious Disease at Lurie Children's Hospital, for a timely conversation about the viruses making headlines and what families need to know before summer travel. They cover the current state of vaccine recommendations, the measles resurgence, and why diseases that have largely disappeared from public view are still very real threats. Dr. Ravi addresses the hantavirus outbreak that put cruise ships in the news, explains how norovirus spreads and why hand sanitizer alone won't protect you, and breaks down the early symptoms of Ebola for families traveling internationally. The conversation also touches on the hepatitis A vaccine, practical packing tips for healthy travel, and why immunocompromised children, older family members, and everyone in between should consult their doctor well before a big trip.

Have questions about today’s episode, or anything else related to the health and wellness of your family? Write us an email or upload a voice memo, to growingupwithdr.sarah@gmail.com and we’ll try and address your questions or play your questions on an episode.

Leave a voice message: To record and email a voice memo, use your phone's built-in recorder (like Voice Memos on iPhone or a similar app on Android), tap the record button, speak your message (holding the phone like a call), stop recording, then use the share icon to select your email app, fill in details, and send the attached audio file. Alternatively, draft a new email in Gmail/Outlook and use the attachment icon to add the saved audio file directly.

Email to: Dr.Sarah@gmail.com

ABOUT Dr. Sarah:

Looking for a place to educate yourself and your family on how to live your best lives? Welcome to Growing Up with Dr. Sarah, where we discuss general health and wellness, parenting, family matters, and real-life challenges that affect every single one of us. As both a pediatrician and a mom, I have unique insight on how to grow healthier, happier, and stronger as individuals, and as families.

The success of the family starts from the top, by helping parents and caregivers address tough questions and everyday concerns. So join me and some of my special guests: physicians, nutritionists, fitness experts, community members, coaches, teachers, and more –and let’s grow up together!

Check out previous episodes of “Growing Up with Dr. Sarah” at www.growingupwithdrsarah.com

=======================================================

IG details: @growingupwithdrsarah

========================================================

TikTok details: @growingupwithdrsarah

This podcast is produced by:

GTS Media, LLC

Audivita Studios

In this episode, Dr. Sarah talks with Dr. Lisa Rappaport, licensed neuropsychologist, clinical professor of pediatrics, and author of Parenting Dyslexia, about one of the most common and most misunderstood neurocognitive conditions affecting children today. Dr. Rappaport brings a uniquely personal perspective, having been diagnosed with dyslexia herself at an early age and having nearly quit high school before going on to earn her PhD. Together, they break down what dyslexia actually is, and take on the myths that too often follow kids through their school years, from being called "lazy" to being told they'll simply outgrow it.

Dr. Rappaport shares early warning signs parents and pediatricians can watch for, practical guidance on advocating for evaluations through the school system, and a candid look at the disparities in diagnosis by gender and socioeconomic background. They also speak openly about the shame that follows so many dyslexic individuals well into adulthood, and offers a compassionate roadmap for how families can build resilience, foster their child's strengths, and help them understand that a different way of learning is never a limitation on who they can become.

How to learn more about Dr. Lisa Rappaport:

https://drlisarappaport.com/

“Parenting Dyslexia: A Comprehensive Guide to Helping Kids Develop Confidence, Combat Shame, and Achieve Their True Potential”

About Parenting Dyslexia: Licensed psychologist and authority on dyslexia (who is also dyslexic herself) Lisa Rappaport offers a practical guide to help parents and others support dyslexic learners throughout their school years and beyond.

More resources:

International Dyslexia Association: https://dyslexiaida.org/

Have questions about today’s episode, or anything else related to the health and wellness of your family? Write us an email or upload a voice memo, to growingupwithdr.sarah@gmail.com and we’ll try and address your questions or play your questions on an episode.

Leave a voice message: To record and email a voice memo, use your phone's built-in recorder (like Voice Memos on iPhone or a similar app on Android), tap the record button, speak your message (holding the phone like a call), stop recording, then use the share icon to select your email app, fill in details, and send the attached audio file. Alternatively, draft a new email in Gmail/Outlook and use the attachment icon to add the saved audio file directly.

Email to: Dr.Sarah@gmail.com

ABOUT Dr. Sarah:

Looking for a place to educate yourself and your family on how to live your best lives? Welcome to Growing Up with Dr. Sarah, where we discuss general health and wellness, parenting, family matters, and real-life challenges that affect every single one of us. As both a pediatrician and a mom, I have unique insight on how to grow healthier, happier, and stronger as individuals, and as families.

The success of the family starts from the top, by helping parents and caregivers address tough questions and everyday concerns. So join me and some of my special guests: physicians, nutritionists, fitness experts, community members, coaches, teachers, and more –and let’s grow up together!

Check out previous episodes of “Growing Up with Dr. Sarah” at www.growingupwithdrsarah.com

=======================================================

IG details: @growingupwithdrsarah

========================================================

TikTok details: @growingupwithdrsarah

This podcast is produced by:

GTS Media, LLC

Audivita Studios

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this episode couldn't come at a more meaningful time. In Part Two of this important conversation on suicide prevention, Dr. Sarah is joined by youth mental health experts Sherry Blair, Youth Suicide Prevention Supervisor at Akron Children's Hospital, and Dr. Georgette Constantinou, Pediatric Psychologist, to explore the practical side of keeping kids safe. Together, they walk parents through how to recognize warning signs of depression and emotional distress in children and teens — from changes in sleep, appetite, and hygiene to social withdrawal, declining grades, and concerning social media activity. In this conversation we learn that asking direct questions about a child's mental health is an act of love, and that building a network of trusted adults in a young person's life is one of the most powerful protective tools a family can have.

In this episode we cover how to partner effectively with pediatricians, school counselors, and therapists, and why advocating for your child (and yourself) in the treatment process matters. For families in need of immediate support, the guests highlight several key resources: the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7 by call or text), PIRC (Psychiatric Intake Response Center) at Akron Children's Hospital (330-543-7472), Project ChildSafe for free gun cable locks, and local police departments that offer no-cost firearm locking devices.

Have questions about today’s episode, or anything else related to the health and wellness of your family? Write us an email or upload a voice memo, to growingupwithdr.sarah@gmail.com and we’ll try and address your questions or play your questions on an episode.

Leave a voice message: To record and email a voice memo, use your phone's built-in recorder (like Voice Memos on iPhone or a similar app on Android), tap the record button, speak your message (holding the phone like a call), stop recording, then use the share icon to select your email app, fill in details, and send the attached audio file. Alternatively, draft a new email in Gmail/Outlook and use the attachment icon to add the saved audio file directly.

Email to: Dr.Sarah@gmail.com

ABOUT Dr. Sarah:

Looking for a place to educate yourself and your family on how to live your best lives? Welcome to Growing Up with Dr. Sarah, where we discuss general health and wellness, parenting, family matters, and real-life challenges that affect every single one of us. As both a pediatrician and a mom, I have unique insight on how to grow healthier, happier, and stronger as individuals, and as families.

The success of the family starts from the top, by helping parents and caregivers address tough questions and everyday concerns. So join me and some of my special guests: physicians, nutritionists, fitness experts, community members, coaches, teachers, and more –and let’s grow up together!

Check out previous episodes of “Growing Up with Dr. Sarah” at www.growingupwithdrsarah.com

=======================================================

IG details: @growingupwithdrsarah

TikTok details: @growingupwithdrsarah

This podcast is produced by:

GTS Media, LLC

Audivita Studios

This week on Growing Up with Dr. Sarah, your host Dr. Sarah Adams has a fascinating conversation with fellow pediatrician and podcaster, Dr. Mike Patrick. They cover all of the questions parents find themselves asking, like: “Why is it so hard to know who to trust with our kid’s health these days?” or “How do you know when to call 911, versus calling your pediatrician?” and many, many more. Dr. Mike has been promoting health literacy his entire career in pediatric emergency medicine, hosting the podcast Pediacast for twenty years.

Resources:

Nationwide Children's Hospital

Pediacast Podcast

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Check out previous episodes of Growing Up with Dr. Sarah wherever you get podcasts.

We want to hear from our listeners! Email us: growingupwithdr.sarah@gmail.com

Have questions about today’s episode, or anything else related to the health and wellness of your family? Write us an email or upload a voice memo, to growingupwithdr.sarah@gmail.com and we’ll try and address your questions or play your questions on an episode.

To record and email a voice memo, use your phone's built-in recorder (like Voice Memos on iPhone or a similar app on Android), tap the record button, speak your message (holding the phone like a call), stop recording, then use the “share” icon to select your email app, fill in details, and send the attached audio file. Alternatively, draft a new email and use the attachment icon to add the saved audio file directly.

About Our Podcast:

Looking for a place to educate yourself and your family on how to live your best lives? Welcome to Growing Up with Dr. Sarah, where we discuss general health and wellness, parenting, family matters, and real-life challenges that affect every single one of us. As both a pediatrician and a mom, I have unique insight on how to grow healthier, happier, and stronger as individuals, and as families.

The success of the family starts from the top, by helping parents and caregivers address tough questions and everyday concerns. So join me and some of my special guests: physicians, nutritionists, fitness experts, community members, coaches, teachers, and more –and let’s grow up together!

=======================================================

IG: @growingupwithdrsarah

========================================================

TikTok: @growingupwithdrsarah

This podcast is produced by GTS Media, LLC & Audivita Studios

In this episode of Growing Up with Dr. Sarah, pediatrician Dr. Sarah Adams chats with her very own son, athletic trainer at Marshall University, Ben Adams. The mother & son duo discuss everything from staying safe when playing high-impact sports and how to best recover after an injury, to avoiding burnout when young athletes are under more pressure than ever before. Dr. Sarah asks when parents should worry about their kids or teens, and when they can take a breather, or a back seat, trusting they’re in good hands with their kid’s athletic trainer. Ben’s advice goes beyond tips and tricks for physical health, equally considering how emotional wellbeing is necessary for your child, teen, or young adult’s happiness and success.

Resources:

Athletic Training at Marshall University:

https://www.marshall.edu/athletic-training/

Reduce Youth Concussion Risk:

https://news.uoregon.edu/reducing-youth-concussion-risk

Parental Concern About Concussion:

https://www.medstarhealth.org/news-and-publications/news/parents-showing-major-concerns-about-concussions-in-youth-sports-according-to-new-survey#:~:text=More%20than%2090%25%20say%20youth,sports%20without%20written%20medical%20clearance.%22

Youth Sports Specialization:

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6616450/2025/09/11/youth-sports-specialization-parents-young-athletes/

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Check out previous episodes of Growing Up with Dr. Sarah wherever you get podcasts.

We want to hear from our listeners! Email us: growingupwithdr.sarah@gmail.com

Have questions about today’s episode, or anything else related to the health and wellness of your family? Write us an email or upload a voice memo, to growingupwithdr.sarah@gmail.com and we’ll try and address your questions or play your questions on an episode.

To record and email a voice memo, use your phone's built-in recorder (like Voice Memos on iPhone or a similar app on Android), tap the record button, speak your message (holding the phone like a call), stop recording, then use the “share” icon to select your email app, fill in details, and send the attached audio file. Alternatively, draft a new email and use the attachment icon to add the saved audio file directly.

About Our Podcast:

Looking for a place to educate yourself and your family on how to live your best lives? Welcome to Growing Up with Dr. Sarah, where we discuss general health and wellness, parenting, family matters, and real-life challenges that affect every single one of us. As both a pediatrician and a mom, I have unique insight on how to grow healthier, happier, and stronger as individuals, and as families.

The success of the family starts from the top, by helping parents and caregivers address tough questions and everyday concerns. So join me and some of my special guests: physicians, nutritionists, fitness experts, community members, coaches, teachers, and more –and let’s grow up together!

=======================================================

IG: @growingupwithdrsarah

========================================================

TikTok: @growingupwithdrsarah

This podcast is produced by GTS Media, LLC & Audivita Studios

Rob Scheer grew up in the foster care system and, like so many youth aging out of care, was handed a black trash bag at eighteen to carry everything he owned. That moment became the foundation for a national movement. Rob is the founder of Comfort Cases, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring dignity to children in any phase of foster care.

On Growing Up with Dr. Sarah, we often talk about how the environments children grow up in shapes their sense of safety, belonging, and self-worth. Today’s guest embodies that conversation in one of the most powerful ways I’ve ever encountered. Thank you to CNN Hero Rob Scheer for joining us. Listen to the full episode to learn about his work, and what you can do to help kids in foster care right now.

#fostercare #mentalhealth #childhood #selfworth #belonging #family #familysupport #support #raisingkids #raisingteens #helpingothers #charity #heroes #cnnheroes #growingupwithdrsarah #parenting #parentingsupport #nonprofit #inspiring #inspiration #ellenguest #tedtalk #tedx #newsworthy

……………………………………………………………..

Relevant Links:

Comfort Cases: https://comfortcases.org/

Rob Scheer on Ellen: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=4139078343083210

Rob Scheer on CBS News: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILmwmeNHj-o

Rob Scheer’s TEDx Talk: https://comfortcases.org/press/rob-scheers-tedx-talk-life-in-a-trash-bag/

Check out previous episodes of Growing Up with Dr. Sarah wherever you get podcasts.

We want to hear from our listeners! Email us: growingupwithdr.sarah@gmail.com

Have questions about today’s episode, or anything else related to the health and wellness of your family? Write us an email or upload a voice memo, to growingupwithdr.sarah@gmail.com and we’ll try and address your questions or play your questions on an episode.

To record and email a voice memo, use your phone's built-in recorder (like Voice Memos on iPhone or a similar app on Android), tap the record button, speak your message (holding the phone like a call), stop recording, then use the “share” icon to select your email app, fill in details, and send the attached audio file. Alternatively, draft a new email and use the attachment icon to add the saved audio file directly.

About Our Podcast:

Looking for a place to educate yourself and your family on how to live your best lives? Welcome to Growing Up with Dr. Sarah, where we discuss general health and wellness, parenting, family matters, and real-life challenges that affect every single one of us. As both a pediatrician and a mom, I have unique insight on how to grow healthier, happier, and stronger as individuals, and as families.

The success of the family starts from the top, by helping parents and caregivers address tough questions and everyday concerns. So join me and some of my special guests: physicians, nutritionists, fitness experts, community members, coaches, teachers, and more –and let’s grow up together!

=======================================================

IG: @growingupwithdrsarah

========================================================

TikTok: @growingupwithdrsarah

This podcast is produced by GTS Media, LLC & Audivita Studios

In this episode of Growing Up with Dr. Sarah, Dr. Sarah Adams sits down with therapist and divorce coach Karen McNenny to talk about something many families experience but rarely discuss openly: how to have a “good divorce.” Together they explore how parents can move through separation with intention, compassion, and a focus on protecting their children from unnecessary conflict. Karen shares practical insights on shifting the language we use around divorce, avoiding the common trap of putting kids in the middle, and creating thoughtful co-parenting plans that support stability across two homes. They also discuss options like mediation, creative living arrangements during the transition, and why it is never too late to improve a co-parenting relationship. Drawing from her own story and years of coaching families, Karen offers hope that while divorce is painful, it can also become a healthier new chapter for parents and children alike.

How to learn more about Karen McNenny:

https://www.karenmcnenny.com/

- The Good Divorce Show podcast with Karen McNenny

More resources:

- Conscious Uncoupling: 5 Steps to Living Happily Even After by Katherine Woodward Thomas

- Kids in the Middle Kids In The Middle is a non-profit agency that helps families transition to a new way of life before, during, and after separation and divorce for the sake of creating healthier futures for all involved.

Have questions about today’s episode, or anything else related to the health and wellness of your family? Write us an email or upload a voice memo, to growingupwithdr.sarah@gmail.com and we’ll try and address your questions or play your questions on an episode.

Leave a voice message: To record and email a voice memo, use your phone's built-in recorder (like Voice Memos on iPhone or a similar app on Android), tap the record button, speak your message (holding the phone like a call), stop recording, then use the share icon to select your email app, fill in details, and send the attached audio file. Alternatively, draft a new email in Gmail/Outlook and use the attachment icon to add the saved audio file directly.

Email to: Dr.Sarah@gmail.com

ABOUT Dr. Sarah:

Looking for a place to educate yourself and your family on how to live your best lives? Welcome to Growing Up with Dr. Sarah, where we discuss general health and wellness, parenting, family matters, and real-life challenges that affect every single one of us. As both a pediatrician and a mom, I have unique insight on how to grow healthier, happier, and stronger as individuals, and as families.

The success of the family starts from the top, by helping parents and caregivers address tough questions and everyday concerns. So join me and some of my special guests: physicians, nutritionists, fitness experts, community members, coaches, teachers, and more –and let’s grow up together!

Check out previous episodes of “Growing Up with Dr. Sarah” at www.growingupwithdrsarah.com

=======================================================

IG details: @growingupwithdrsarah

========================================================

TikTok details: @growingupwithdrsarah

This podcast is produced by:

GTS Media, LLC

Audivita Studios