Healthy Teen Life

168: Safe vs. Unsafe Relationships: What Teens Should Know

What does a safe relationship really look like — at home, at school, or while dating? In this powerful episode, Leslie talks with Sabrina Osso, founder of Osso Safe and survivor-advocate, about why respect must be the foundation of every relationship and how teens can recognize warning signs before things escalate.
This conversation covers:
The difference between discipline vs. abuse
Why home safety impacts confidence, mental health, and future relationships
Early red flags in teen and college dating (control, isolation, humiliation, love-bombing)
How emotional abuse can hide behind “jokes,” jealousy, or pressure
Why teens deserve voice, choice, and safety — before things get out of hand
Practical ways teens can protect themselves and seek support
This episode empowers teens and young adults to trust their instincts, recognize unsafe dynamics early, and understand what real respect looks like.
Sabrina also shares the Osso Safe certification, how it's more effective in bringing peace to the home and practical, actionable steps for teens and parents on prevention, safety strategies, and breaking cycles of violence.
 
Sabrina and OssoSafe:
Website: https://www.ossosafe.com/
Home Safe Home, For You and Me Written by Sabrina Osso and Illustrated by Aiwaz Jilani
http://amazon.com/dp/B0BHLBWMXQ
 
TEDx Talk…https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyAhN_xwCxs&feature=youtu.be
 
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Parents:
For support with teen self-esteem and food+body issues, schedule a free Clarity Call with Leslie here.
 
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167: Loneliness - Why Teen Disconnection Happens & How to Break the Cycle

Loneliness is a big challenge teens face today — and it’s far more common (and more normal) than most teens recognize. In this episode, Leslie talks with licensed psychologist and author Dr. Kathy Wu about why so many teens feel disconnected, what loneliness does to the teen brain, and how it affects self-confidence, motivation, and mental health.
 
What you'll hear:
How the brain’s reward system and stress response make loneliness worse
The link between belonging, self-talk, self-compassion, and connection
What to do when you want to reach out… but fear rejection
How to make friendships in small, real-life steps
Why loneliness can show up even when you're surrounded by people
Practical ways to reconnect, build confidence, and reshape your social habits
This episode gives relatable insights + actionable steps teens can use today to break the loneliness cycle and feel more connected again.
Book: Self-Regulation Handbook for Teens and Young Adults by Dr. Kathy Wu
 
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Parents:
Schedule a free Clarity Call with Leslie here to help your teen/young adult build self-esteem while resolving body image, unhealthy eating and and weight concerns. 
Grab a copy of my FREE Parent Guide: 20 Ways to Help Increase Confidence in Your Teen
 

166: Perfectly Hidden Teen Depression - Why Looking Perfect Can Be a Sign of 'Not Enough'

On the outside, some teens can look like they “have it all together” but on the inside, they're carrying something much heavier behind the scenes: hidden depression. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Margaret Rutherford—clinical psychologist and author of Perfectly Hidden Depression—breaks down why some teens suppress emotions, strive to seem perfect, and quietly carry stress, pressure, or loneliness without telling anyone.
This is an important listen for any teen who feels overwhelmed by trying to “be perfect,” uphold family expectations, manage cultural  or social media pressures  -- and for any parent trying to understand what might be going on beneath the surface. 
You'll learn how hidden depression develops, why perfectionism fuels emotional numbness, and how teens can begin opening up even when it feels impossible or “too risky.” 
For more on Dr. Rutherford and her work: drmargaretrutherford.com
 
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Parents:
Schedule a free Clarity Call with me here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem.
 
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165: Mindful Eating for Teens - How to Feel In Charge of Eating & Trust Your Body

This episode breaks down mindful eating in a way teens and young adults can use in their everyday lives — and during the holidays when stress, emotions, and food are everywhere. Dr. Michelle May joins Leslie to explain why typical “outside-in” rules (counting, restricting, avoiding “bad” foods) actually fuel guilt, cravings, and feeling out of control, and what to do instead.
You’ll learn:• How to use the Mindful Eating Cycle (the six decisions behind every eating moment)• The difference between being in control vs. in charge• Why teens lose trust in their hunger cues — and how to rebuild it• How emotional triggers, boredom, stress, and scarcity sneak into our eating• What balanced eating really looks like during holidays, school, sports, and real life.
This conversation helps you ditch the guilt, tune into your body, and make eating decisions that actually feel good.
 
Get the first chapter of Dr. May's book here:
 https://amihungry.com/programs/mindful-eating-for-students/
Simply fill out the box on the right side of the webpage to download chapter 1.
 
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Parents:
If you'd like more help with mindful eating, food-body relationship support and how to help your teen -- Schedule a free Clarity Call with Leslie here.
 

164: Teen Skincare 101 - Clear Skin, Acne Triggers & Ingredients to Avoid

Dr. Angela Casey, double-boarded dermatologist and creator of Bright Girl, breaks down straightforward, science-backed skincare for tweens and teens.
Learn why a pH-balanced cleanser, good moisturizer, and mineral sunscreen are the foundation, which trendy ingredients to avoid, and how sleep, diet, and stress affect acne and skin health.
This episode includes easy morning/night routines, acne prevention tips, plus an exclusive Bright Girl listener offer (use code HTL15 at brightgirl.com for 15% off).
For more on Dr Angela Casey and Bright Girl skincare:
Website: www.brightgirl.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-casey-md/
Instagram: @brightgirlbeauty and @angelacaseymd
TikTok: @brightgirlbeauty
 
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163: You're Not Bad At Math - What's Holding You Back & How to Fix It

If you've ever struggled with math you've probably had thoughts that you're dumb, not good at it, or will never "get it". Too many students struggle and give up when they begin to fall behind or miss out on a section that leaves a gap in the building blocks of math. And sometimes parents believe their student isn't trying hard enough or isn't as smart as the other kids. In today's episode Beth Bowen joins Coach Leslie to bust those beliefs and talk about why math is often a mental block for students. Learn how to think in a fresh new way that opens the door to not only learning but becoming fully confident with math -- Going from "this sucks" to "I've got this!" in a short amount of time.
Beth has taught in public schools, homeschool co-ops, and one-on-one tutoring settings for over 20 years. Specializing in helping teens and young adults who believe they are "bad at math", she rebuilds their foundation and helps them overcome math anxiety to find real success in Middle School, High School and placement tests like the Accuplacer and ACT.  
Ekster discount code link: https://www.ekster.com/LESLIE01046
For more on Beth Bowen and her tutoring: https://www.mathmentortutoring.com
Facebook Group: Math Mentor Tutoring Community 
LinkedIn
 
Like this episode? Take a second to click follow and leave a review -- your support makes a big difference in reaching more listeners seeking support like you.
Parents:
Schedule a free Clarity Call with Leslie here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem.
 
Grab a copy of my FREE Parent Guide: 20 Ways to Help Increase Confidence in Your Teen

162: Vaping Explained: Why It Hooks You, It’s Effect on Your Brain, and How to Quit

Vaping is everywhere — and it can feel like it’s the cool thing to do. But what’s actually happening in your brain and body when you vape? In this episode, respiratory therapist and certified tobacco educator Jessica Stewart breaks down why vaping is so addictive, how it affects teen mood, focus, and stress, and what to do if you want to quit but don’t know where to start. No shame. No scare tactics. Just real talk about what’s going on and how to take back control.
The episode also covers practical quitting steps — counseling, nicotine replacement options, mindset work — plus how to talk about it, start conversations early, and support teens who want help.
Jessica, a respiratory therapist, certified tobacco educator, a certified life coach and host of a podcast: The Teen Years Toolkit For Moms
Connect with Jessica: @jessicastewartcoaching
www.coachwithjessica.ca
Like this episode? Take a second to click follow and leave a review -- your support makes a big difference in reaching more listeners seeking support like you.
 
Parents:
Schedule a free Clarity Call with me here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem.
 
Grab a copy of my FREE Parent Guide: 20 Ways to Help Increase Confidence in Your Teen
 
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161: Personal Branding for Teens - How to Build Inner Confidence, Clarity & Identity

Most people think of personal branding as an adult or career-focused exercise but the reality is that doing the work in your teens years is the most ideal time. In this episode Suzanne Tulien, a Brand Clarity Catalyst, joins Leslie to share what a personal brand is, how it's relevant for teens, and why teens need it more than ever. Find out how you as a teen or college student can tap into your personal values and attributes to develop your own authentic identity. The result builds confidence, clarity and sense of self that serves as a guiding light in your life -- above all the external noise from society that so often creates distraction and dissatisfaction.
For more on Suzanne and personal brand clarity coaching:  BrandAscension.com
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0Xr8GUiQsriW9BYIhQuQ0g/
 
Ekster discount code link: https://www.ekster.com/LESLIE01046
Like this episode? Take a second to click follow and leave a review -- your support makes a big difference in reaching more listeners seeking support like you.
 
Parents:
Schedule a free Clarity Call with me here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem.
Grab a copy of my FREE Parent Guide: 20 Ways to Help Increase Confidence in Your Teen

160: Level Up Your Life: Habits, Mindset, and Skills to Win Big

Leveraging proven key principles of achievement and paths to success Barry Garapedian expertly guides young people to meet their highest potentials in all aspects of life.
Listen in as Barry shares a practical playbook for high school and college students to build confidence, develop high-performance habits, and focus on high-leverage activities that move them toward their goals.
This episode covers achievable routines (win the morning), goal-setting with 90-day plans, habit formation strategies, networking techniques that are easy and fun, ‘lightning strikes,’ and ways parents can support growth without over-helping.
Get ready to learn small daily habits, time-audit tactics, and actionable mindset shifts—to create momentum, resilience, and measurable progress toward college and career dreams.
Like this episode? Take a second to click follow and leave a review -- your support makes a big difference in reaching more listeners seeking support like you.
Ekster discount code link: https://www.ekster.com/LESLIE01046
For more on Barry: https://www.mag7consultants.com/
To get your copy of Winning the Game of Life: on Audible or physical copy
 
Parents:
Schedule a free Clarity Call with me here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem.
 
Grab a copy of my FREE Parent Guide: 20 Ways to Help Increase Confidence in Your Teen

159: Train Your Brain for Success - The Power of Visualization

Feeling anxious, stuck, or overwhelmed by your goals? Wanting to improve on a skill or feel more confident in yourself? You’re not alone. In this episode, we dive into the power of visualization—a simple, proven way to train your brain for success. You’ll learn how imagining your goals (the right way) can help you feel more confident, motivated, and focused—whether you’re preparing for a big exam, a game, or just trying to believe in yourself a little more.
Coach Leslie shares why visualization works, how athletes and students use it to crush their goals, and simple steps to try it yourself—no fancy equipment or self-help jargon required.
Like this episode? Take a second to click follow and leave a review -- your support makes a big difference in reaching more listeners seeking support like you.
Parents:
Schedule a free Clarity Call with me here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem.
Grab a copy of my FREE Parent Guide: 20 Ways to Help Increase Confidence in Your Teen