Real conversations about parenting, adolescence, and mental health — grounded in clinical experience and built for families navigating today’s world.
Beyond the Noise
Raising Families is a podcast hosted by Dr. Jerry Weichman, clinical psychologist and adolescent specialist.
Each episode explores the real challenges facing parents and teens — anxiety, motivation, conflict, resilience, independence — and offers practical, grounded insights rooted in decades of clinical experience.
No trends. No performative parenting. Just clear, thoughtful conversations about what actually works.
Content
Season 1
Ep 0 | 3.16.26
Introducing Raising Families
In the inaugural episode of Raising Families, Dr. Jerry Weichman, Ph.D. discusses his background, his credentials, and why this podcast will be perfect for proactive parents on the go. With Raising Families, Dr. Weichman aims to give parents tools and systems they can actually use, delivered in a clear and easily digestible audio format. Make sure to follow Raising Families for more!
Ep .5 | 3.18.26
Dr. Jerry & Christina on Today’s Challenges in Parenting
Dr. Jerry introduces his co-host Christina, a mom of a middle schooler and a high schooler. Christina details some of her personal history and shares why she felt motivated to join the Raising Families project. Together, Christina and Dr. Jerry discuss some of the current day challenges facing parents and their families, as well as their future plans for the show.
Ep 1 | 3.23.26
Built to Bounce Back: Resilience Is the Foundation of Mental Health
CONTENT WARNING: Please be aware that today’s episode of Raising Families contains discussion of suicide and suicidal ideation.
In the first episode of Raising Families, Dr. Jerry Weichman explains why the concept of resilience is so foundational to a child’s mental health, and shares his strategies for instilling a fighter’s mentality in your kid. A lack of mental resilience can lead to suicidal ideation and poor mental health outcomes for kids and teens, so fostering a sense of toughness and emotional durability is an important tool in any parent’s kit.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the show as our discussion on the subject has only just begun. Later this week we will be joined by Kate Casey and of course our wonderful co-host Christina to continue the discussion.
Ep 2 | 3.25.26
Bent, Never Broken: Kate Casey of Reality Life Talks Resilience
Today, Kate Casey of Reality Life with Kate Casey joins Dr. Jerry and Christina to talk about resilience, and how parents can instill it in their children. Casey shares some details of her upbringing, on being an old soul even as a child, and "being bigger than the circumstances in which [you] live."
Together, the three discuss how to strike that perfect balance between protecting your kids and setting them up to navigate a challenging world, and how much of your own struggles you should share with your children. Finally, Dr. Jerry closes out with some actionable advice for parents.
Be sure to check out Kate Casey’s award winning, chart topping podcast Reality Life with Kate Casey and follow her for more!
Ep 3 | 3.30.26
Only Control What You Can: Tools for Parents and Kids
In this week's subject of Raising Families, Dr. Jerry tackles one of the biggest mental health challenges for parents and kids: control and adaptation. Life can feel chaotic, with endless tasks, unpredictable schedules, and frustrations we can’t control. Dr. Jerry shares practical strategies to focus on what you can control—your reactions and efforts—while teaching your kids to do the same. Learn how to ask, “What can I control?” to reduce stress, embrace life’s curveballs, and find peace within the storm. Using vivid analogies like the eye of the hurricane, Dr. Jerry offers tools to help you and your family stay calm and balanced, no matter what life throws your way. Plus, get actionable tips to implement these concepts at home and start building a stronger, healthier family dynamic today.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the show as our discussion on the subject has only just begun. Later this week we will be joined by Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and educator Jessica Conquest and of course our wonderful co-host Christina to continue the discussion.
Ep 4 | 4.1.26
Control: Teach Your Human How to Human with Jessica Conquest
In this powerful and eye opening episode of Raising Families, we dive into one of the most misunderstood and deeply felt issues in parenting today: control. Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and educator Jessica Conquest joins us to explore how our desire for control over our kids, their behavior, and even ourselves often leads to disconnection, feeling overwhelmed, and emotional burnout.
Together, we unpack how screen time, shifting family dynamics, and increased societal pressure are affecting both kids and parents. Jessica offers real tools for navigating those tough parenting moments when you feel completely out of control, and explains why giving kids space to fail may be the most loving thing you can do.
From teaching emotional awareness to modeling vulnerability, this conversation is packed with insights that will help you strengthen your relationship with your kids while giving yourself a little more grace along the way.
For more from our wonderful guest Jessica Conquest you can find her on Instagram: @conquestleadjourney
Ep 5 | 4.6.26
Navigating the Overthinking Epidemic
This week we’re diving into overthinking. Everyone has struggled with overthinking at some point, and our kids and teens are especially vulnerable. In this episode, we break down how to shift from negative thoughts to positive actions. Positive thinking and shifting focus is a skill that we can teach our kids that they will take with them into their adult lives. As parents, it’s our job to learn these skills ourselves, and then teach them to our kids.Don’t forget to subscribe to the show as our discussion on the subject has only just begun. Later this week we will be joined by Dr. Julie Orris and of course our wonderful co-host Christina to continue the discussion.
Ep 6 | 4.8.26
Helping Our Kids Overcome Overthinking with Dr. Julie Orris
Dr. Julie Orris joins us this week to tackle the issue of overthinking. Especially after COVID, so many kids and teens are struggling with overthinking. Anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues are all issues that many kids face, and we as parents want to help them through. Dr. Orris delves into the differences in how boys and girls process thoughts and feelings and the importance of effective communication with our kids. As always, we share practical tools parents can use to help their kids navigate these periods of overthinking while validating their emotions.
For more information and to stay up to date with Dr. Orris please visit her website at www.julieorris.com.
Ep 7 | 4.13.26
The Present Is the Gift You Give Yourself
Does anyone in the family struggle with anxiety, holding grudges or depression? Join Dr. Weichman today as we share a powerful mental health strategy that helps both parents and kids get relief from any mental health issue.
In this episode, we explore the connection between where our mind is in time and the profound impact it has on both depression and anxiety. Dr. Jerry offers practical tools, real life examples, and a simple grounding exercise anyone can use to calm their nervous system and reset.
Whether you are a parent navigating big emotions with your kids or simply trying to stay grounded yourself, this episode offers tools to create more peace and connection at home.
Ep 8 | 4.15.26
The Present Effect: Tackling Anxiety, Depression, and Resentment
In today's one-on-one discussion, Dr. Jerry Weichman and Christina explore the powerful concept of where your mind is in time and its impact on mental health. They break down how dwelling on the past fuels depression and grudges, while fixating on the future sparks anxiety and stress, sharing practical tools to stay present for peace and balance. Drawing from their parenting experiences, they discuss teaching kids mindfulness early, avoiding quick fixes like screens or medication, and embracing proactive strategies for family stability. For deeper insights, check out The Power of Now. Perfect for parents seeking tools to navigate chaos and boost emotional wellbeing.
Ep 9 | 4.20.26
Mind filters: How Our Outlook Shapes Our Mental Health
Perspective is so important to both our own and our kids’ mental health. The lenses through which we view the world can shape our thoughts, feelings, and overall wellbeing. Today, we get into how to teach our kids to shift their perspective and foster better mental health in perpetuity.When we teach our kids how to look at life in a different light, we help foster positive thinking and set them up for a better future.
Ep 10 | 4.22.26
The Power of Perspective with Neha Saluja
Perspective shapes everything, our thoughts, our feelings, and the way we show up for our families. In today’s episode, Dr. Jerry Weichman goes solo without Christina to conduct this interview and is joined by licensed marriage and family therapist Neha Saluja to unpack how negative thinking takes root in kids, why it impacts resilience and mental health, and what parents can do to shift the lens at home.
Together they explore the traps of black and white thinking, the ripple effects of pessimism, and practical ways parents can model flexibility and optimism without dismissing their kids’ real emotions. Neha’s candid insights, combined with Dr. Weichman’s perspective as both a clinician and a parent, provide a roadmap for helping families break free from negativity and build healthier, more hopeful outlooks.
If you’d like to keep up with Neha and learn more about the services she offers, be sure to check out her website at nehasalujalmft.com.
Ep 11 | 4.27.26
The Workout Cure: Why Exercise is Mental Health’s Best Medicine
Exercise is possibly one of the most important ways to take care of our mental health. Not only does exercise help maintain our physical health, but it has so many benefits to our mental health as well. Today, we go over the benefits of exercise and why we need to make sure that we prioritize physical activity for ourselves and our kids. Anything from taking a walk to having a family dance party each day can have a big impact. Teaching our kids to take care of themselves through exercise will set them up to thrive into adulthood.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the show as our discussion on the subject has only just begun. Later this week we will be joined by Dr. Wendy Hunter and of course our wonderful co-host Christina to continue the discussion.
Ep 12 | 4.29.26
The Workout Cure: Why Exercise is Mental Health’s Best Medicine with Dr. Wendy Hunter
Dr. Wendy Hunter joins us this week to cover all the benefits of exercise for our physical and mental health. Dr. Hunter is a board-certified pediatrician and the host of the podcast The Pediatrician Next door. Today, she shares how physical activity naturally boosts serotonin and works as a natural treatment for mental health challenges. We cover how daily exercise is especially helpful in treating anxiety and depression, and why it’s important that we start incorporating daily activity into our family routine.
Thank you again to Dr. Wendy Hunter! Be sure to subscribe to her incredible podcast The Pediatrician Next Door and follow her on Instagram @the_pediatrician_next_door. Don't forget to check out her podcast website for more information on the show including companion blogs for all of the episodes: pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com
Ep 13 | 5.4.26
Parenting in Pixels: Strategies for Parenting in the Age of Devices
In today’s world, kids are growing up surrounded by screens, apps, and endless notifications—and parents are left wondering how much is too much. In today's episode, we dig into device addiction, the hidden pitfalls of popular apps, and the impact technology is having on kids’ mental health, focus, and relationships. More importantly, we share practical strategies parents can use to set healthy boundaries, reduce screen battles, and guide their kids toward a more balanced relationship with technology.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the show as our discussion on the subject has only just begun. Later this week we will be joined by Clayton Cranford and of course our wonderful co-host Christina to continue the discussion.
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