The conversations we have with ourselves shape far more than we realize. In this thought-provoking episode, we welcome back Dr. Paul Kesselman to explore the powerful role of self-talk, how our inner dialogue influences our emotions, parenting, relationships, confidence, and overall mental health. Together, we unpack why the stories we tell ourselves can either move us toward growth or keep us stuck in cycles of doubt and fear.

Dr. Kesselman explains the difference between an internal and external locus of control, helping parents understand why some children naturally take ownership of challenges while others feel controlled by the world around them. We also dive into the concepts of growth mindset versus fixed mindset and discuss how our everyday language—both with ourselves and our children—can either build resilience or reinforce limiting beliefs.

Throughout the conversation, Lori and Dorothy share vulnerable personal stories about parenting teenagers, navigating self-doubt, and recognizing their own triggers. Dr. Kesselman offers practical strategies for interrupting negative thought patterns, responding more intentionally instead of reacting emotionally, and creating safe spaces where children feel comfortable sharing their struggles without fear of judgment.

Whether you're raising children, working through your own inner critic, or simply looking to build a healthier mindset, this episode is filled with actionable tools you can begin using today. You'll walk away with simple techniques to strengthen positive self-talk, foster resilience in your family, and model the emotional habits that help both children and adults thrive.

SHOW NOTES:

The Grit Workbook for Kids: by Elisa Nebolsine

The Kesselman Clinical Associates: Dr. Paul's website

Please help us to continue to grow by giving us a review or a ⭐
⭐ Enjoying the podcast? We'd love your support!

Please click the link below, scroll down to Ratings & Reviews, and leave a quick review. Your feedback helps more people discover the show.

Give Us A Review

Disclaimer:
The information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and is based on the opinions and experience of Lori, Dorothy and their guests. The content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or a treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

What if everything you've been told about your pelvic floor isn't entirely true? In this eye-opening episode of Let's Get Curious, Lori and DeeDee tackle some of the most common myths surrounding pelvic floor health and explain why so many women continue to struggle with symptoms that are often dismissed as "normal."

From the belief that Kegels fix everything to the idea that leaking after childbirth or during menopause is simply something women must accept, this conversation uncovers the truth behind pelvic floor dysfunction. Lori explains how the pelvic floor is influenced by much more than just muscle strength, including posture, breathing patterns, stress, hormonal changes, exercise habits, and even jaw tension. Together, they discuss why symptoms such as leaking, pelvic pressure, pain with intimacy, recurring UTI-like symptoms, and core weakness deserve attention rather than acceptance.

Listeners will also learn why being fit and active does not guarantee a healthy pelvic floor, how chronic tension can be just as problematic as weakness, and why many women unknowingly hold tension in their pelvic floor throughout the day. DeeDee shares her own personal experiences with prolapse, pelvic floor therapy, and the surprising connections she discovered between exercise, posture, and pelvic health.

Whether you're postpartum, navigating perimenopause or menopause, experiencing pelvic floor symptoms, or simply want to better understand your body, this episode offers practical education, empowering insights, and hope. Most importantly, Lori and DeeDee remind listeners that pelvic floor dysfunction is common—but it is not something you have to live with. With the right evaluation, support, and treatment, improvement is possible at any age.

Tune in as they debunk 11 pelvic floor myths, challenge outdated advice, and help you become a more informed advocate for your own health.

SHOW NOTES:

PODCAST EPISODED ON PELVIC HEALTH:

Episode #5: Beyond Birth: Nurturing Pelvic Health Beyond Pregnancy

Episode #20: The Feet-Pelvic Floor Connection: Why It Matters More Than You Think

Episode #27: Raising the Standard in Pelvic Floor Training- How the Buff Muff Pro Trainer Course is Redefining Pelvic Health Care

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS (affiliate links):

Heal Pelvic Pain: The Proven Stretching, Strengthening, and Nutrition Program for Relieving Pain, Incontinence & IBS, and Other Symptoms Without Surgery

Estrogen Matters: Dr. Avrum Blumming

You Are Not Broken: Stop Should-ing All Over Your Sex Life: Dr. Kelly Casperson

WE'RE CELEBRATING - THIS WILL BE OUR 30TH PODCAST EPISODE
Please help us to continue to grow by giving us a review or a ⭐
⭐ Enjoying the podcast? We'd love your support!

Please click the link below, scroll down to Ratings & Reviews, and leave a quick review. Your feedback helps more people discover the show.

Give Us A Review

Disclaimer:
The information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and is based on the opinions and experience of Lori, Dorothy and their guests. The content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or a treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

In this episode, we welcome back pediatric occupational therapist Missy Broxton to explore one of the most foundational — and often overlooked — pieces of child development: primitive reflexes. With nearly three decades of experience and a deeply compassionate, whole-child approach, Missy helps us unpack the “Pyramid of Learning” and why so many learning, behavioral, sensory, and emotional challenges actually begin far below the surface. From attention and handwriting struggles to anxiety, coordination, and emotional regulation, this conversation shines a light on the critical building blocks children need in order to thrive.

Together, we dive into how primitive reflexes develop, why they’re essential in infancy, and what can happen when they don’t fully integrate. Missy explains the difference between voluntary and involuntary movement patterns, the importance of tummy time and crawling, and how early experiences — including pregnancy, delivery, trauma, stress, and even container baby culture — can impact neurological development. The discussion is both eye-opening and incredibly validating for parents who may have sensed something deeper was going on with their child’s struggles.

We also explore the powerful connection between reflex integration and everyday functioning. Missy shares how retained reflexes can affect everything from focus in the classroom and reading comprehension to social skills, confidence, and anxiety. One of the most fascinating parts of the conversation is hearing how her own journey learning about primitive reflexes completely changed the way she approached therapy — and why addressing the nervous system first can unlock progress where traditional approaches may hit a wall.

This episode is packed with practical insight, compassion, and hope for parents, caregivers, therapists, and educators alike. Whether you’re raising a neurodivergent child, navigating developmental concerns, or simply curious about how early movement patterns shape lifelong learning and regulation, this conversation will leave you seeing child development through an entirely new lens.

SHOW NOTES:

Online Primitive Reflex Course for parents and therapists: Harkla

Sonia Story- Online Resources & Website: Move, Play Thrive- Brain and Sensory Foundations

Missy Broxton's Website: Building Blocks Pediatric Therapies

BOOKS:

A Teacher's Window Into The Child's Mind- By Sally Goodard

Integrating Primitive Reflexes Through Play & Exercise:

Morro Reflex: Startle Reflex

ATNR: Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex - separate left side of body from right

Spinal Galant Reflex: for bedwetting

STNR: Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex - separated upper body from lower body

Palmar Grasp & Babinski Reflex

TLR: Tonic Labyrinth Reflex

VIDEOS:

Fear Paralysis Video - watch here