Why are toddlers afraid of the dark? Why do they think there are monsters under the bed? In this episode, I break down the brain science behind toddler fear, including how the amygdala “coming online” triggers imagination, anxiety, and nighttime panic.

I also explore the surprising connection between toddler tantrums and adult emotional meltdowns, and why both come back to the same neurological systems.

Then we dive into what Inside Out 2 teaches us about emotional regulation, identity, and the idea that we are not our emotions—a concept that matters for kids and adults.

Finally, I ask a question so many people avoid: Are “thoughts and prayers” actually meaningless, or is there real psychological impact behind offering support?

Perfect for listeners interested in parenting, psychology, childhood development, emotional intelligence, and how the brain shapes behavior at every age.

In this episode, I dive into the messy, beautiful question of how we decide what’s right and wrong—and why sometimes the hero is the villain of their own story. I talk about my love-hate relationship with Christmas—how obligation can drain the magic out of it, but somehow Christmas movies, my kids, and love always bring it back. It’s a conversation about morality, meaning, and finding light in the tension between what we should do and what we feel.

In this episode, I explore the question, “What day would I want to relive forever?” — inspired by Groundhog Day. While on a 5-day trip with one of my best friends, we talked about the meaning of moments that matter most. I share what it was like coming home to two sick kids and a sick wife, navigating that chaos as a parent for the first time, and the heartbreak of hearing my 2-year-old say, “No want Daddy.” I also dive into a deeper question: If a witch could show you how you die, would you look? A mix of reflection, humor, and vulnerability about parenthood, meaning, and being present.