Recent Blogs & Podcasts

 In this first episode of a three-part series on brain-based parenting, we are joined by Dr. Crystal Collier, psychotherapist and author of The NeuroWhereAbouts Guide. The idea of brain-based parenting is helping so many parents better understand several important roles they play in their kids’ lives. Understanding this concept can help reduce the risk of underage drinking and drug use and empower brain development as kids move towards becoming fully functioning adults. 

We are back for episode two of a three-part series on brain-based parenting with Dr. Crystal Collier, psychotherapist and author of The NeuroWhereAbouts Guide. In this second episode we cover how to protect that brain, the role of dopamine in human development, and something called the hedonic threshold. Don’t panic! Dr. Collier’s easy manner and clear ways of explaining these complex topics will help all parents understand the opportunities to support their kids.

Join us for the third and final episode of brain-based parenting with Dr. Crystal Collier, psychotherapist and author of The NeuroWhereAboutsGuide. In the first two episodes, we covered how a brain is formed and how to protect it. In episode three, we discuss many tips, tools, and techniques that can help parents in these efforts.

Brain-Based Parenting & What WOMEN Need to Know About Their Brains. In this podcast, Hannah and I discussed what women and parents need to know about their brain and their kid’s brain development. We discussing feelings and how to become emotionally literate. We talked about keeping yours and your child’s self-talk positive for prevention and mental health.

In this podcast, Brenda and I discussed how family-of-origin affects our thought, feeling, and behavioral patterns and thus, affects our parenting. We talk about the role of parents in their kid’s or their adult child’s recovery including the importance of working your own program. 

In this podcast, Jake and I discussed how youth today are turning towards healthier activities and moving away from engaging in substance use as their primary means of entertainment. Experience deficits, screen usage, and prosocial substance use norms increase high-risk behavior and arrest executive functioning skills. Youth and parents can use brain-based strategies to increase their skills.

Dr. Crystal Collier, a renowned expert in addiction and brain development, shares her inspiring journey and discusses her groundbreaking program, “Know Your Neuro.” She empowers parents, educators, and youth with the knowledge to protect and nurture their brain health, providing valuable insights and practical tips for improving well-being. The conversation explores the impact of risky behavior on the brain and highlights the importance of understanding and supporting neurodevelopment at every stage.

Dr. Crystal Collier and Clayton Cranford discuss eight neurodevelopmental effects of technology and what parents can do to balance screen and free-play time. Areas of focus include: physical wellbeing, attention memory, learning, attachment, connection, mood, self-perception, motivation, addiction and victimization. The role of dopamine in learning and hijacking the brain is of central focus.

Brain-Based Prevention: What Every Parent and Educator Needs to Know. When it comes to substance misuse prevention, we often focus on the “what”—the substances themselves. But as Dr. Crystal Collier explains in her conversation with Dave Closson on the Prevention Leaders Podcast, the real focus should be on the “how”—building the skills necessary to navigate challenges, make healthy choices, and develop resilience. In this episode, Dr. Collier shares her expertise in neuroscience, prevention research, and therapy to explore how prevention professionals, educators, and parents can help kids and young adults strengthen their executive functioning skills and avoid risky behaviors.

As parents, we are concerned that our kids and teens may engage in high risk behaviors as they grow up. How can we, as parents, encourage our children away from engaging in these high risk behaviors? Or, if they are already doing any of these behaviors, how can we encourage them to stop them?

In today’s episode, we discuss:

• Dr. Collier’s work in addiction and adolescence development
• How your brain can change and the affect you can have on your reactions
• How parents can reduce high risk behavior
• How to keep lines of communication open between parent and child
• Chatting with your child with framework, ‘We feel, we deal and we trust.’
• Finding coping skills and strategies
• How Dr Collier likes to rest and relax