Mindful Mama: Raising Kind, Confident Kids Without Losing Your Cool | Parenting Strategies For Big Emotions & More

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• Your Calm Is Your Child's Best Drug, with Hunter Clarke-Fields 30.06.2026 55мин

  This is from Hopestream: Parenting Kids Through Addiction & Mental Health with Brenda Zane. Hunter Clarke-Fields was a painter. She had a graduate degree in art education, a high school teaching job, and what looked from the outside like a creative life. What nobody could see was that she was white-knuckling her way through it, cycling between intense highs and pits of despair she could not explain, having panic attacks in the hallways before she had any tools to handle them. She reached for yoga, then for books on mindfulness, and read about it for years before she finally, at 27, sat down and actually tried. She set a timer for 10 minutes and sat there thinking the whole time. She was certain she was doing it wrong. But two months in, she looked back and realized she had not fallen into a single pit. Not one. For someone who had been cycling into darkness every couple of weeks for most of her adult life, that was not a small thing. It was everything. And it sent her down a path she never expected, one that eventually turned her into the Mindful Mama Mentor, a podcast host, a mindfulness teacher, and the bestselling author of Raising Good Humans. Hunter now teaches mindfulness to parents all over the world, with over 20 years of meditation practice behind her and two daughters who, she will freely admit, grew up slightly allergic to the whole thing.  I wanted to have this conversation because I think mindfulness gets written off as vague or soft, and Hunter makes it anything but. She explains what is actually happening in your brain when you blow up at your kid, why longer exhales are not just a cliche, and what she calls the Three R's, a framework so simple you will remember it in the worst moment. She also says something about feelings being like toddlers that I keep coming back to.  If you have ever thought that mindfulness is not for you, or that you are too far gone to start, this one is for you. You'll learn: Why Hunter spent two months certain she was meditating wrong. The part of mindfulness most people skip that changes everything. Her Three R's for the moments you most want to lose it. What she says feelings are like, and why it reframes everything. The one thing she would tell a struggling parent to try today. EPISODE RESOURCES: Hunter Clarke-Fields website Raising Good Humans Book Mindful Mama Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Creating Rules Kids Will Follow: A Guide for Parents - Wendy Snyder 23.06.2026 51мин

  Most parents underestimate the power of changing their approach—it's not about strict rules or punishments, but about reconnecting through compassionate discipline. Wendy Snyder and Hunter Clarke-Fields dive into how shifting from control to connection transforms your relationship with your children and creates a peaceful, respectful home. Discover the hidden influence of your nervous system patterns, and how unlearning them is the secret to lasting change. You'll hear real stories of mistakes turned lessons, like the police station scare that failed—and what worked instead. Wendy shares her groundbreaking framework: Rules plus relationship equals respect—an approach that empowers kids to learn, cooperate, and trust without force. We break down practical tools to set firm boundaries with love, manage parent's own emotional triggers, and foster resilience in strong-willed children.  If you've ever felt like you're failing or wonder if parental honesty can coexist with discipline, this episode offers hope—and a blueprint for a family legacy rooted in respect, peace, and joy. Perfect for parents ready to ditch shame and control, and those committed to raising confident, compassionate kids while honoring their own well-being. Whether you're just starting this journey or looking for fresh inspiration, these stories and strategies will empower you to create lasting change. Wendy Snyder is a certified parenting coach, known for her work on compassionate discipline and high-will kids. She's the author of Fresh Start Your Family, dedicated to transforming family life—one gentle boundary at a time.Transform your parenting. Reclaim your connection. And get ready for a family dynamic you’ll love into your elder years. Don’t just survive parenting—thrive with respect and resilience. ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• MPI: Summer, Separation & Growing Up: Helping Kids Thrive While Letting Go - Chris & Hunter 16.06.2026 45мин

  Summer brings more than sunshine and vacations—it brings change. Whether your child is heading to camp, navigating more freedom with friends, learning new responsibilities, or preparing for college, summer often reminds us of a truth that's easy to avoid during the busy school year: our children are growing up. In this special summer conversation, Hunter Clarke-Fields and Chris Willard explore how mindfulness can help parents navigate transitions with greater ease, courage, and trust. They discuss why letting go can feel so difficult, how overprotection can unintentionally undermine children's confidence, and what research says about raising capable, resilient kids. Together, they dive into the parenting paradox: our job is to build strong attachment, but our goal is eventual independence. In this episode you'll learn: Why transitions feel difficult for both children and parents How mindfulness helps us navigate uncertainty and change The surprising science behind autonomy, competence, and connection How to support independence without sacrificing safety Why boredom is often the gateway to creativity and resilience Practical ways kids can become contributors at home How to handle homesickness, separation, and mixed emotions Why summer is the perfect season to practice flexibility The difference between healthy guidance and controlling behavior How simple family rhythms can create calm during less structured months Plus, Hunter and Chris discuss summer routines, family vacations, camp jitters, teenage freedom, and the often-unspoken grief parents experience as children grow more independent. Because raising confident kids isn't about holding on tighter—it's about learning when and how to let go. Resources Mentioned Self-Determination Theory (Edward Deci & Richard Ryan) Maria Montessori's work on independence and competence Mindfulness practices for parenting through transitions Have you ever struggled with letting go as your child grows? Share this episode with a parent who could use a little support this summer. ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• When Teens Turn to Drugs: What Parents Need to Know - Brenda Zane 09.06.2026 51мин

  When a tween or teen experiments with drugs or alcohol, many parents spiral into fear, shame, and self-blame — wondering Where did we go wrong? and What do we do now? In this deeply honest episode of the Mindful Mama Podcast, Hunter Clarke-Fields speaks with Brenda Zane, TEDx speaker, podcast host, and co-founder of Hopestream Community, about parenting through teen substance use — without shame, disengagement, or outdated “rock bottom” thinking. After nearly losing her son to two fentanyl overdoses in three days, Brenda brings both lived experience and evidence-based insight to this conversation. She explains why substance use is often a response to emotional pain, nervous-system overload, or unmet needs — not bad parenting — and why parents remain one of the most powerful protective factors in a child’s recovery. Together, they explore how fear can push parents toward control or avoidance, what actually helps teens open up, and why mindfulness may be one of the most effective prevention tools we have. This episode offers clarity, compassion, and hope for parents who feel scared, exhausted, or alone — and a reminder that connection is never wasted. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why tweens and teens experiment with drugs or alcohol The emotional, social, and neurological risk factors parents should watch for Why you are not the cause of your child’s substance use — and why that matters Common (loving) parenting patterns that shut down communication Why shame and self-blame undermine a parent’s effectiveness Evidence-based approaches that work without “rock bottom” thinking How boundaries and natural consequences support growth Why science and kindness outperform disengagement How mindfulness helps parents stay regulated in terrifying moments What gives real hope — even after crisis or overdose ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Why Smart, Loving Parents Still Lose It (And What That Tells Us) - Cassidy Freitas 02.06.2026 50мин

  Mom Needs a Moment: Moving From Parenting Reactivity to Self-Trust with Dr. Cassidy Freitas Why do the parents who care the most often feel the most shame when they lose their temper? In this episode, Hunter talks with licensed marriage and family therapist and author Dr. Cassidy Freitas about the deeply human moments of parenting—when we react in ways we wish we hadn’t, and the shame that can follow. Dr. Cassidy explains what’s actually happening in the nervous system right before we snap, why knowing the “right” parenting tools doesn’t always mean we can access them in stressful moments, and how understanding reactivity as nervous system wisdom can help parents move from shame toward self-trust. You’ll also learn how slowing down and creating space—or “margins”—in your life can help regulate emotions, break reactive cycles, and strengthen connection with your kids. If you’ve ever thought, “I know better… so why did I react like that?” this conversation will help you understand yourself with more compassion. In This Episode You’ll Learn Why parents who care deeply often experience the most shame after losing it What’s happening in the nervous system just before parenting reactivity Why parenting tools can disappear under stress How triggers can be useful information rather than personal failures The role of “internal parts,” stress, and personal history in parenting moments How modern parenting advice can erode parents’ trust in their inner knowing What repair looks like—not just with your child, but within yourself A Few Powerful Takeaways Reactivity is nervous system wisdom—not personal failure. Parenting requires space to reflect, not just strategies to apply. Self-compassion is essential for breaking cycles of shame and reactivity. Resources Mentioned Mom Needs a Moment by Dr. Cassidy Freitas Visit Dr. Cassidy: https://www.drcassidymft.com Follow Dr. Cassidy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcassidy About the Guest Dr. Cassidy Freitas is a licensed marriage and family therapist, host of the Holding Space podcast, and author of Mom Needs a Moment. She helps parents move from reactivity and shame toward self-trust, compassion, and deeper connection with their children. ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Let Them Grow: Why Kids Need Independence - Lenore Skenazy 26.05.2026 45мин

  What happens when we stop hovering and start trusting our kids a little more? In this episode of the Mindful Mama Podcast, Hunter talks with Lenore Skenazy — president of Let Grow and author of Free-Range Kids — about why childhood independence is becoming one of the most important parenting conversations of our time. After a media firestorm erupted when she allowed her 9-year-old son to ride the subway alone, Lenore became a leading voice advocating for kids’ freedom, resilience, and confidence. Together, Hunter and Lenore unpack the cultural fear driving overprotective parenting, the rise in childhood anxiety, and the growing movement to normalize age-appropriate independence again. They explore how programs like The Let Grow Experience help families break the worry cycle, why “reasonable childhood independence” laws are spreading across the country, and how small acts of freedom can transform both kids and parents. This conversation is hopeful, practical, and deeply empowering for any parent wondering how to raise capable, confident kids in a fear-filled culture. In This Episode, You’ll Learn Why childhood independence is directly connected to confidence and mental health How overprotection can unintentionally increase anxiety in children What “reasonable childhood independence” laws actually protect Why today’s world is statistically safer than many parents think How the Let Grow movement helps families break the fear cycle Age-appropriate ways to start building independence Why small risks are essential for resilience and growth How parents themselves often change through the process of letting go About Lenore Skenazy Lenore Skenazy is the president of Let Grow, a nonprofit promoting childhood independence and resilience. After becoming known as “America’s Worst Mom” for letting her 9-year-old ride the NYC subway alone, she wrote Free-Range Kids and became a national voice for childhood freedom and reasonable risk-taking. Resources Mentioned Let Grow Website The Let Grow Experience (Schools Program) Four Weeks to a Let Grow Kid Lenore’s TED Talk (2025) Key Takeaways Independence is not neglect — it’s preparation for adulthood. Kids build confidence by doing hard things without constant intervention. Anxiety often shrinks when competence grows. Parents’ fears are understandable, but many are culturally amplified rather than statistically grounded. Children need chances to solve problems, make mistakes, and experience responsibility. Small moments of independence can transform family dynamics. ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Breaking the Dopamine Cycle - Michaeleen Doucleff 19.05.2026 54мин

  What’s really happening in your child’s brain when screens, sugar, or shows feel impossible to take away? In this powerful and grounding conversation, Hunter Clarke-Fields talks with Michaeleen Doucleff, PhD—author of Dopamine Kids and Hunt, Gather, Parent—about how modern parenting has become deeply entangled with dopamine, and what families can do to restore balance without shame, punishment, or power struggles. Drawing on neuroscience, anthropology, and real-life parenting experiments, Michaeleen explains why kids aren’t “addicted” or broken—and why parents aren’t failing. Instead, we’re all navigating a dopamine-saturated environment that no human brain evolved for. This episode offers compassionate insight and practical tools to help parents reduce overwhelm, create calmer homes, and support kids’ emotional regulation—starting with small, realistic changes. In this episode, we discuss: How Michaeleen first recognized her daughter’s intense attachment to a show—and what dopamine taught her about it Why kids melt down when screens or treats are removed (and what’s actually happening neurologically) The invisible ways modern life overstimulates kids’ brains—beyond just screen time What parents often notice first when dopamine levels normalize How our own phone habits shape our kids’ nervous systems The smallest, kindest first step families can take to reduce dopamine overload Why changing microenvironments (like cars, bedrooms, and dinner tables) can have outsized emotional payoffs The power of replacement over deprivation Why “Tech Sabbaths” work—and how to introduce them without turning them into battles One crucial mindset shift to approach kids’ screen or food obsessions with more compassion ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• The Ripple Effect of Teaching Mindful Parenting 14.05.2026 7мин

  What if the hardest parts of your parenting journey could become the very thing that helps other families heal? In this heartfelt mini-episode, Hunter Clarke-Fields shares the vision behind the Mindful Parenting Teacher Certification — a transformative training designed for parents, therapists, coaches, educators, and helpers who feel called to support families in a deeper way. Hunter explains why this program starts with your own inner work first: mindfulness, self-compassion, nervous system regulation, and breaking reactive patterns. From there, participants learn how to confidently lead mindful parenting groups, workshops, and courses using a complete ready-to-teach curriculum. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why mindful parenting must be embodied, not just taught How the certification supports both personal healing and professional growth What’s included in the training and curriculum The ripple effect of helping parents respond instead of react Why the world needs more grounded, compassionate parenting leaders right now Whether you dream of becoming a parenting coach, want meaningful work supporting families, or simply feel called to share what’s helped you most, this episode is an invitation to explore what’s possible. Learn more about the Mindful Parenting Teacher Certification at Mindful Parenting Teacher Certification Program If this episode resonates, follow the podcast and share it with someone who feels passionate about helping parents and children thrive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Navigate Tantrums, Meltdowns & Defiance - Alyssa Blask-Campbell 12.05.2026 58мин

  Small humans can have some BIG emotions! How do we navigate tantrums, meltdowns, and defiance and actually raise emotionally intelligent kids? Alyssa Blask Campbell returns to the Mindful Mama Podcast to discuss her new book, Tiny Humans, Big Emotions. If you enjoyed this episode, and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of you listening on your device, post it to your Instagram stories, and tag me @mindfulmamamentor. Have you left a review yet? All you have to do is go to ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ or ⁠ Stitcher⁠ (or wherever you listen), and thanks for your support of the show! Alyssa Blask Campbell is a thought-leader and expert in emotional development. She is deeply passionate about building emotional intelligence in children and co-created the Collaborative Emotion Processing (CEP) method. Her book, TINY HUMANS, BIG EMOTIONS, will be available Fall 2023 from HarperCollins. Follow @seed.and.sew. Get Hunter's best selling book, Raising Good Humans now! Over 200,000 copies sold! ⁠Click here to order and get book bonuses!⁠ And now Hunter's newly released book, Raising Good Humans Every Day, is available to order! ⁠Click here to get your copy!⁠ ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• You’re Probably Doing Better Than You Think: Parenting Through Uncertainty - Suzan Song 05.05.2026 45мин

  So many parents feel like they’re failing — not because something is truly wrong, but because life feels messy, rushed, and uncertain. In this episode of the Mindful Mama Podcast, Hunter Clarke-Fields speaks with Suzan Song, psychiatrist, global mental health expert, and author of Why We Suffer and How We Heal, about what children actually need to feel safe, connected, and resilient — even when life is imperfect. Drawing from decades of work with forcibly displaced children and families in war zones and refugee camps, Suzan offers a powerful reframe for modern parenting. She explains why perfection isn’t just impossible — it’s unnecessary — and how children across cultures and crises consistently thrive through predictability, emotional regulation, dignity, and connection. This conversation gently dismantles parental guilt and unrealistic expectations, while offering reassurance grounded in both science and lived experience. Whether you’re navigating everyday stress or deeper uncertainty, this episode reminds you that steadiness matters more than perfection — and connection matters more than control. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why parents often feel like they’re failing even when nothing is “wrong" What children truly need to feel safe across cultures and crises How perfectionism disconnects parents from themselves and their kids Why emotional regulation in parents supports resilience in children Lessons from refugee families that apply to everyday parentin How meaning, ritual, and narrative help families navigate uncertainty Why community support is essential — and often missing — for parents What kids need to see when parents are stressed or struggling How to cultivate steadiness when life feels unpredictable A small shift parents can try this week to feel more grounded ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• How To Raise An Adult - Julie Lithcott-Haims 28.04.2026 58мин

  Hunter talks to Julie Lythcott-Haims about How To Raise An Adult. Are you undermining your child’s future by doing too much for them? Julie Lithcott-Haims shares with us the frightening consequences of over-parenting. She calls it the “checklisted childhood,” and it’s leaving a generation of kids who are anxious and overwhelmed by life. In this podcast we talk about how to avoid the overparenting trap. Some big takeaways from this episode include: 1. We’re overparenting from our love, our fear, and our ego. Our own sense of self is wrapped up in our kids’ accomplishments. 2. What matters most is that we love our children unconditionally and give them chores. 3. The importance of our own self-fulfillment - “Why are you on the sidelines of another person’s life?” Julie Lythcott-Haims believes in humans, and is interested in what prevents humans from thriving. Her writings and talks currently focus on overparenting, racism, and #adulting. ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• MPI: The Screentime Struggle (from live) 21.04.2026 59мин

  The Screen Time Struggle: When Screens Hijack Childhood with Christopher T. Willard & Hunter Clarke-Fields Screens are everywhere—and they’re changing childhood in ways we’re only beginning to understand. In this powerful live-recorded conversation, Hunter Clarke-Fields sits down with psychologist and mindfulness expert Christopher T. Willard to unpack the real impact of screen time on kids (and adults). From rising loneliness and declining social skills to dopamine-driven design and digital addiction, this episode explores how technology is reshaping development—and what we can do about it. You’ll hear practical, non-shaming strategies for creating healthier screen habits at home, along with a deeper look at why awareness—not perfection—is the key to change. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why today’s devices are intentionally designed to keep us hooked—and how that affects your brain The link between smartphones, loneliness, and declining social skills in kids What screens are replacing in childhood (and why it matters) How overprotecting kids in real life—and underprotecting them online—creates risk Why “no smartphones before high school” is gaining traction The most sensitive years for social development—and how screens interfere How to talk to kids about social media without shame or blame Simple, doable ways to reduce screen time as a family Why modeling your own screen habits matters more than you think The Bigger Picture Drawing on ideas from The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, this conversation explores the shift from a play-based childhood to a phone-based childhood—and the consequences for mental health, attention, and connection. Key insight: Kids don’t develop social and emotional skills through screens.They develop them through real life—through play, boredom, conflict, and connection. Screen Time Guidelines (and What to Consider) Current recommendations suggest: 0–18 months: Avoid screens (except video chatting) 18–24 months: Limited, high-quality content with a caregiver 2–5 years: ~1 hour/day (more flexibility on weekends) 6+ years: Consistent limits that don’t interfere with sleep, movement, or relationships But as discussed in this episode, guidelines alone aren’t enough.How screens are used—and what they replace—matters just as much as how much. Practical Strategies from This Episode Create device-free times (meals, car rides, certain days) Keep phones and devices out of bedrooms at night Try the “Nickel Jar” experiment to build awareness of unconscious phone use Watch documentaries together and teach kids how social media works Consider simpler phones (like flip phones) for younger kids Prioritize real-world play, independence, and face-to-face interaction About Our Guest Christopher T. Willard, PsyD Clinical psychologist, author of 20+ books, and faculty at Harvard Medical School, Chris is an international speaker who has taught mindfulness and resilience in over 40 countries. His work focuses on helping children and adults build emotional strength in an increasingly distracted world. About Your Host Hunter Clarke-Fields #1 bestselling author of Raising Good Humans, mindfulness teacher, and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course, Hunter has been helping parents raise kind, confident kids for over 20 years. Keywords mindful parenting, screen time, digital addiction, child development, parenting strategies, social media impact, emotional intelligence, parenting tips, digital wellbeing, kids and technology, smartphone guidelines, family habits, mindful technology use, parenting podcast ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• The Real Reason Siblings Fight (and How Parents Can Heal It) - Sarah Rosensweet 14.04.2026 50мин

  Sibling rivalry can feel exhausting, confusing, and never-ending — but what if the fighting isn’t really about toys, fairness, or who started it? In this episode of the Mindful Mama Podcast, Hunter Clarke-Fields talks with Sarah Rosensweet, certified peaceful parenting coach and host of the The Peaceful Parenting Podcast, about what sibling conflict is really about — and how parents can respond in ways that build security, connection, and long-term harmony. Sarah shares a powerful reframe: sibling rivalry is driven by fear, not bad behavior. Fear of losing love. Fear of being replaced. Fear of not mattering anymore. When parents address the fear underneath the fighting — instead of acting as judge and jury — everything begins to shift. You’ll learn why forced sharing backfires, how “special time” actually works (even when life is busy), and what neutral intervention looks like when emotions are running high. Most importantly, this conversation offers reassurance: it’s never too late to repair, reconnect, and reset sibling relationships. Whether your kids are toddlers or grown, this episode will help you stop managing conflict — and start building trust. ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• How to Raise Secure Kids (Even If You Didn’t Grow Up Secure) - Adam Lane Smith 07.04.2026 52мин

  Many parents want to raise securely attached children — but worry that one mistake, one meltdown, or one bad day could cause lasting harm. In this episode of the Mindful Mama Podcast, Hunter Clarke-Fields speaks with Adam Lane Smith, The Attachment Specialist, about what secure attachment actually looks like in real life — not theory, not perfection, but everyday moments of regulation, repair, and connection. Adam shares his personal journey into attachment work and explains why secure attachment isn’t built through getting it right all the time — but through being present, responsive, and willing to repair when things go wrong. He breaks down how a parent’s own attachment style tends to show up under stress, why boundaries don’t harm attachment (they actually support it), and how discipline can become a tool for teaching rather than punishment. This conversation offers deep reassurance for parents who didn’t experience secure attachment themselves: healing is possible at any age, and secure parenting begins with awareness, collaboration, and nervous-system regulation — not guilt. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re doing enough, this episode will help you focus on what truly matters most. ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Mindfulness Is the Secret Parental Superpower - Hunter Clarke-Fields 31.03.2026 22мин

  So many of us know how we want to parent…And yet, in the moments that matter most, we find ourselves reacting instead of responding. In this episode, Hunter Clarke-Fields explores why this happens—not as a personal failing, but as a biological stress response—and how mindfulness helps parents work with their nervous systems instead of against them. You’ll learn: Why parenting triggers are rooted in brain biology, not willpower What happens in the brain when we “lose it” (and why it’s not your fault) How mindfulness strengthens the pause between stimulus and response What neuroscience tells us about meditation, emotional regulation, and neuroplasticity Why presence—not perfection—is the foundation of mindful parenting How small, realistic practices can lead to less yelling, more connection, and greater ease Mindfulness isn’t about being calm all the time. It’s about creating just enough space to choose how you want to respond—even on the hard days. This episode is an invitation to come back to yourself… one breath, one pause, one moment at a time. ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• There Are No Bad Parts: A Kinder Way Through Motherhood - Dr. Angele Close 24.03.2026 46мин

  Motherhood is a profound transformation — yet many moms feel overwhelmed by guilt, anxiety, and an unforgiving inner critic. In this episode of the Mindful Mama Podcast, Hunter Clarke-Fields talks with Dr. Angele Close, clinical psychologist and author of Unburdening Motherhood, about how the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model helps mothers understand their inner world, release “good mom” myths, and reconnect with calm, confidence, and self-compassion. Together, they explore matrescence, the role of the inner critic, and simple ways moms can access their steady, compassionate center — even in the middle of parenting chaos. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why motherhood is a major identity shift (matrescence) How IFS helps us understand our inner “parts” Why the inner critic isn’t the enemy What to do when worry and anxiety take over How IFS builds on mindfulness for deeper healing One simple IFS practice for tough parenting moments ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• [Parenting Challenging Kids Series] Stop Behavior That Makes You Crazy - Bethany Bilodeau 17.03.2026 49мин

  Do your child’s meltdowns or aggressive outbursts leave you feeling frustrated, anxious, or unsure how to respond? On this episode of the Mindful Mama Podcast, I talk with Dr. Bethany Bilodeau, behavioral expert and founder of The Behavior Bootcamp, about practical strategies to manage challenging behavior with humor, compassion, and science-backed techniques. Dr. B explains why behavior escalates, how to spot early warning signs, and what parents and teachers can do to keep kids safe, calm, and regulated — without losing their own patience. She also shares a light-hearted story about her own son’s burping habits and how a playful approach can actually foster self-control while strengthening connection. Connection over correction, and humor as a parenting superpower. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Common misperceptions about meltdowns and aggressive behavior How to spot early warning signs before situations escalate Strategies to de-escalate in the moment and keep everyone safe What emotional and behavioral “safety” really means for children Sensory-based strategies and body awareness tools for self-regulation Why humor and positive reinforcement work better than punishment Lessons from classrooms that parents can apply at home ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• [Parenting Challenging Kids Series] How To Solve Behavior Problems - Dr. Ross Greene 10.03.2026 47мин

  Why do kids show challenging behavior—and what actually helps? In this episode, Dr. Ross Greene shares a powerful mindset shift: behavior isn’t about motivation, it’s about skills and unmet expectations. When we view behavior as communication, we can move from reacting to problems to proactively solving them with our kids. This conversation will help you bring more calm, connection, and collaboration into your parenting. ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• [Parenting Challenging Kids Series] Parenting Your "Spicy" Kid - Mary Van Geffen 03.03.2026 49мин

  In this episode of the Mindful Mama Podcast, I talk with Mary Van Geffen, parenting coach and mom, about what it means to parent a “Spicy One” — children who are strong-willed, deeply feeling, and emotionally intense. Mary shares practical strategies for staying calm, kind, and firm, setting limits without breaking a child’s spirit, and protecting parents and siblings from burnout. She also explores how parenting a Spicy One transforms the parent, why traditional approaches often backfire, and ways to focus on delighting in your child while cultivating connection and self-regulation. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to recognize if your child is a Spicy One Why traditional parenting techniques often backfire Practical tools for managing meltdowns and aggression How to discipline without turning into the “mean mom” Ways to protect siblings and prevent parental burnout The importance of self-regulation and delighting in your child ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Understanding Burnout and Human Giver Syndrome - Amelia Nagoski 24.02.2026 48мин

  Many parents carry the weight of giving too much—often without realizing it. In this episode, Amelia Nagoski dives into Human Giver Syndrome and its impact on mental health, stress, and burnout. We talk about the importance of sleep, connection, and joy in completing the stress response cycle, as well as practical strategies for managing stress and caring for yourself in the midst of parenting and life’s demands. In this episode, we explore: What Human Giver Syndrome is and how it drives burnout How chronic stress affects mental and physical health The crucial role of sleep and active rest in recovery Using connection and affection to complete the stress response cycle Practical strategies for self-care and community support ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices