Welcome to the Parenting Teens Today podcast, hosted by top youth motivational speaker and teen coach Jesse LeBeau and Adam Episcopo. In this insightful episode, Adam interviews Colleen Souza, a renowned educator, author, speaker, and mother of three, who has over 20 years of experience helping teenagers thrive. Together, they dive deep into practical advice and wisdom for raising confident, resilient, and happy teenagers in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world.

Parents will leave empowered with tools and actionable strategies to improve communication, build stronger connections, and guide their teens toward success. Colleen Souza shares stories from her book “Living by the Mantras” and reflects on her journey as a teacher, parenting expert, and peer counseling advocate.

Timestamps for Topics:

[00:00:10] Introduction to Colleen Souza: Educator, author, and parenting expert.

[00:03:58] Addressing technology’s impact on teens’ confidence and communication.

[00:05:38] The value of humor in parenting and teaching teenagers.

[00:07:20] Practical mantras for raising resilient and confident teens.

[00:14:09] Understanding teens through observation and connection.

[00:16:44] How parents and educators can show love, especially during tough moments.

[00:18:57] Letting teens fail: The value of learning through experience.

[00:27:54] Writing “Living by the Mantras”: Inspiration, values, and the parenting journey.

Colleen's memorable advice, such as “be about solutions, not problems” and “I can’t yet,” is designed to resonate with parents of all backgrounds. She also highlights the importance of self-confidence, authentic communication, and turning challenges into growth opportunities. If you’re looking for expert parenting tips, actionable insights, and even a touch of humor, this episode is packed full of golden nuggets from one of the parenting world’s most insightful voices, Colleen Souza.

Check out Colleen's book, “Living by the Mantras,” and learn more about her impactful work and upcoming podcast at https://www.livingbythemantras.com.

For a ton of free parenting resources, visit https://theattitudeadvantage.com/welcome/

To join our Facebook Community for more support and tools in your parenting journey, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingteens

To check out the powerful impact we are having on teens all over the world and to learn how you can help your teen, visit https://theattitudeadvantage.com

For more on top youth motivational speaker and teen coach Jesse LeBeau, visit https://www.jesselebeau.com

Welcome to the 'Parenting Teens Today' podcast, hosted by top youth motivational speaker and teen coach Jesse LeBeau and Adam Episcopo. Dive into insightful discussions aimed at equipping parents with the tools to raise confident, resilient, and happy teenagers in a modern world. Join Adam and special guest, Dr. Nick Carter, the 2025 Kentucky Superintendent of the Year, as they explore the nuances of parenting today.

[00:00:10] - Introduction to Dr. Nick Carter - Gain insights from Dr. Nick Carter, one of Kentucky's leading educational figures and parents' advocate.

[00:01:00] - Dr. Carter's Journey into Education - Discover Dr. Nick Carter's inspiring journey from teacher to superintendent and his passion for supporting teenagers' growth. [00:05:13] - Challenges Teens Face Today - Understand the biggest challenges teenagers encounter today, including the impact of social media and parenting's role.

[00:08:03] - Phones and Social Media Pressure - Explore Dr. Carter's perspective on social media's effect on teenagers' emotional health and strategies being implemented in schools.

[00:11:13] - Encouraging Independence in Adolescents - Learn effective methods for fostering self-reliance in teenagers, essential for navigating life post-high school.

[00:25:52] - Initiatives in Education - Uncover innovative educational programs led by Dr. Nick Carter in Kentucky, aimed at bolstering students' readiness for the future.

[00:33:37] - Wisdom for Teenagers - Hear Dr. Carter's advice to his teenage self, emphasizing involvement, confidence, and listening to parental guidance. Dr. Nick Carter brings a wealth of experience from his career in education, offering parents invaluable advice on nurturing and preparing their teens for adulthood.

For a ton of free parenting resources visit https://theattitudeadvantage.com/welcome/

To join our Facebook Community for more support and tools in your parenting journey visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingteens

To check out the powerful impact we are having on teens all over the world and to learn how you can help your teen visit https://theattitudeadvantage.com

For more on top youth motivational speaker and teen coach Jesse LeBeau visit https://www.jesselebeau.com

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the 'Parenting Teens Today' podcast hosted by top youth motivational speaker and teen coach Jesse LeBeau. In this engaging conversation, Jesse is joined by the inspiring guest, Anela Smith, to explore the art of parenting, focusing on raising confident, resilient, and happy teenagers in today's complex world.

Anela is a certified life, health, and nutrition coach who specializes in helping teens and young adults build confidence, shift their mindset, and create meaningful change in their lives. For the past 7 years, she has worked closely with teens in a variety of roles—including mentoring on humanitarian trips throughout Central and South America, tutoring students, and guiding teens at a private school. These hands-on experiences have shaped her ability to truly connect with teens, understand their challenges, and support their growth with empathy and clarity. [00:00] Introduction Join Jesse LeBeau as he kicks off the podcast with Anela Smith, discussing the excitement of finally collaborating on this much-requested episode.

[00:01:34] Anela's Journey to Coaching Teens Discover how Anela Smith transitioned from graphic design to becoming a life coach, focusing on empowering teenagers and supporting parents. Learn about her passion for teen development and the natural progression of her career into teen coaching.

[00:03:06] The Power of Role Models and Mentors Listen to Anela Smith delve into her experiences as a mentor and role model for teens, emphasizing the importance of relatable influences for young people to guide them through their formative years.

[00:06:08] Lessons from Humanitarian Trips Anela shares valuable insights from her humanitarian trips with teenagers, teaching them life skills beyond academic knowledge and how these experiences helped shape her approach to coaching.

[00:12:35] Success Stories and Transformations Anela recounts two powerful success stories where her coaching had a transformative impact on teenagers' lives, helping them navigate personal challenges and emerge stronger and more self-assured.

[00:21:27] Choosing the Right Support for Your Teen Gain practical advice from Anela and Jesse on what parents should look for in a coach or mentor for their teenager, ensuring they find someone who truly cares and can build a trusting relationship.

[00:27:16] Essential Parenting Tips Discover some great tips from Anela for parents grappling with modern parenting challenges, from setting clear expectations to fostering an environment of love and support.

Don't miss out on this incredible episode where Jesse LeBeau and Anela Smith tackle the nuances of parenting and share strategies for nurturing resilient teenagers in today's world.

For a ton of free parenting resources visit https://theattitudeadvantage.com/welcome/

To join our Facebook Community for more support and tools in your parenting journey visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingteens

To check out the powerful impact we are having on teens all over the world and to learn how you can help your teen visit https://theattitudeadvantage.com

For more on top youth motivational speaker and teen coach Jesse LeBeau visit https://www.jesselebeau.com