In this episode of the Dr Why Podcast, Dr Lauryn and Javonne are joined by close friend, Jahmiel, to explore what parenting and partnership look like across different cultures. Through honest storytelling and candid reflection, the conversation unpacks how upbringing, societal norms, and cultural expectations shape how we parent, love, and relate to one another.

The discussion moves between humor and vulnerability as the group reflect on Caribbean parenting styles, American cultural contrasts, and the challenges that arise when raising children within blended belief systems. From discipline and authority to emotional connection and communication, this episode highlights how love can look radically different while still sharing the same core intention.

00:00 – Episode begins

00:42 – Why parenting looks different across cultures

03:22 – Caribbean parenting vs Western norms

05:00 – Facing judgement and misunderstanding

06:04 – Parenting styles and partnership conflict

09:27 – Running a business together as parents

14:35 – Aromatherapy, psychology, and emotional regulation

16:03 – Smell, memory, and emotional healing

21:33 – Patience, self-reflection, and becoming a better parent

27:00 – Final reflections

What You’ll Learn

• How cultural upbringing shapes parenting styles and expectations
• Why partnership requires flexibility when values differ
• How emotional regulation impacts child development
• The role of self-awareness in becoming a better parent

Listen if you’ve ever wondered

• “How much of my parenting comes from culture rather than choice?”
• “Why does the way I was raised still show up in how I parent today?”
• “How do couples navigate parenting when their backgrounds are completely different?”
• “What happens when love is shared, but values clash?”
• “Can different parenting styles coexist without causing conflict?”

Resources

Website: youngmindspsych.com

Instagram: @youngmindspsych | @dr.why_podcast

Collaborator: Instagram @wicksbygrey

Podcast: Dr Why Podcast on all major platforms

YouTube: Dr Why Podcast

TikTok: @youngminds_psych | @dr.whypodcast

Join the Conversation

How did the culture you were raised in shape the way you parent today?

#DrWhyPodcast, #ParentingAcrossCultures, #CulturalParenting, #ModernParenthood, #CrossCulturalFamilies, #ParentingStyles, #PartnershipInParenting, #RaisingChildren, #FamilyDynamics, #InterculturalRelationships, #ConsciousParenting, #EmotionalIntelligence, #ParentingConversations, #MentalHealthInFamilies, #PsychologyOfParenting

Pivotal Moments That Shape Who We Become Ep 12

What happens when two best friends sit down and unpack the honest, raw, and defining moments that shaped their adult lives?

In this emotional and deeply revealing episode, Dr Lauryn and Javonne sit with a close friend to explore the pivotal decisions, life-changing hardships, and the unexpected turns that influence who we grow into. From navigating the trauma of losing a child, to becoming a single parent, to rebuilding after business collapse, this conversation pulls back the curtain on how resilience is formed and how friendship becomes the anchor through it all.

They also dive into nostalgic stories, vulnerable reflections, and the big “fork in the road” moments that force us to choose who we want to be.

A powerful, grounding, and intensely human episode about identity, adversity, healing, and the unspoken strength women carry.

00:00 – Episode begins

00:49 – Why are we here today?

00:59 – Childhood, identity & the first pivotal turning point

01:56 – Covid shuts everything down: fear, business & uncertainty

03:01 – Closing the business & entering survival mode

04:52 – Burnout, selling the business & knowing when it’s time to move on

09:12 – Choosing family over independence: the first major life shift

12:18 – Becoming a single mother & the weight of responsibility

13:38 – Losing a child & the pain that never fully heals

16:06 – Facing death & witnessing survival up close

23:13 – Miracles, resilience & the strength to pull through

27:27 – “Could you have imagined this future?” Reflecting on how far she’s come

What You’ll Learn

• Why pivotal childhood moments quietly shape adult identity
• How grief and unprocessed trauma carry into adulthood
• The emotional and practical realities of single parenthood
• What it means to rebuild when everything collapses
• The role of friendship in healing and self-understanding
• How resilience forms through adversity and choice

Listen If You’ve Ever Wondered

• “How do we make sense of the hardest moments of our lives?”
• “What does healing look like when you never got to process the loss?”
• “How do friendships carry us through life’s turning points?”
• “What shapes identity more the choices we make or the ones we don’t?”

Resources

Website: youngmindspsych.com

Instagram: @youngmindspsych | @dr.why_podcast

Podcast: Dr Why Podcast on all major platforms

YouTube: Dr Why Podcast

TikTok: @youngminds_psych | @dr.whypodcast

Join the Conversation

What is the moment that changed who you became and what did it teach you about resilience, identity, or healing?

#DrWhyPodcast #LifeLessons #Motherhood #Grief #Healing #Identity #Resilience #Parenthood #PivotalMoments #Friendship

Friendship, Parenthood & The Stories That Shape Us Ep 11

What happens when two lifelong best friends sit down to unpack childhood memories, motherhood, and the emotional realities of raising kids today?

In this heartfelt, funny, and deeply reflective episode, Dr Lauryn and Javonne welcome Lauren’s childhood best friend someone who has been there for every milestone, every family moment, and every chaotic chapter of growing up. Together, they explore what it means to parent with honesty, navigate co‑parenting challenges, and stay grounded through the messy, beautiful journey of motherhood.

They also dive into nostalgic stories from their school years, the wild phases kids go through, and the pivotal life moments that shaped who they each became.

A warm, raw, and genuinely entertaining conversation about friendship that lasts, parenting that stretches you, and the moments that define a life.

00:00 – Introduction

00:58 – “She knows my entire life”: the depth of lifelong friendship

02:47 – Motherhood as the most transformative journey

03:41 – Time moving fast & wanting to slow it down

03:51 – Being “in the thick of it” as a parent

04:18 – Kids’ verbal explosions: the “F‑you four”

09:47 – Naked phases, bathing suits & hilarious kid behaviour

10:01 – Co‑parenting realities & raising a child largely on your own

13:04 – Kids forming their own understanding of family

13:46 – How resilient kids really are

18:59 – Skipping school & the ‘penny under the tongue’ trick

19:49 – Jerry Springer mornings & nostalgic chaos

22:47 – Life lessons, pivotal moments & choosing your path

What You’ll Learn

• Why lifelong friendships create the deepest understanding
• How parenting evolves as kids get older (and more verbal)
• The emotional weight of co‑parenting and single‑parent responsibility
• Why kids make sense of family dynamics earlier than we think
• How childhood stories shape adult identity
• The resilience children naturally have
• The importance of pivotal life moments and the paths we choose

Listen If You’ve Ever Wondered

• “How do lifelong friendships survive adulthood and motherhood?”
• “What’s it like raising kids who are becoming more aware every day?”
• “How do you navigate co‑parenting when you’re carrying most of the weight?”
• “Why do kids go through such bizarre (and funny) phases?”
• “How do childhood experiences shape who we become?”

Resources

Website: youngmindspsych.com

Instagram: @youngmindspsych | @dr.why_podcast

Podcast: Dr Why Podcast on all major platforms

YouTube: Dr Why Podcast

TikTok: @youngminds_psych | @dr.whypodcast

Join the Conversation

What’s the biggest lesson your childhood friendships have taught you about parenting, identity, or navigating life?

#DrWhyPodcast #Friendship #Motherhood #Parenthood #CoParenting #ChildhoodStories #Resilience #GrowingUp #MomLife #BestFriends #FamilyDynamics #LifeLessons

Speech Therapy, Autism, Swallowing Disorders & The Realities of SLP Work, Dr Why Podcast Ep 10

What actually happens inside the career of a speech-language pathologist and what do SLPs wish more families understood?

In this episode of Dr Why, Dr Lauryn and Javonne sit down with Sam a medical SLP working across pediatrics, geriatrics, private practice, and hospital settings to explore the challenges, emotional realities, and misconceptions surrounding communication and swallowing disorders.

Together they unpack why some children don’t speak despite therapy, what “entering the client’s world” really means, the role denial plays in slowing progress, and how major neurological and medical conditions impact communication.

Sam also shares the behind-the-scenes pressures of hospital work, differences between treating kids and older adults, the cognitive impact of UTIs in geriatrics, and why burnout hits so quickly in clinical environments.

A candid, educational, and eye-opening conversation for anyone curious about speech therapy, autism support, family dynamics, or medical communication disorders.

00:00 – Introduction

00:38 – Why some children don’t speak: autism, motivation & communication differences 00:51 – Entering their world: functional communication explained

01:21 – When parents are in denial — and how it slows progress

03:27 – Hospital vs private practice: connection, pressure & burnout

04:32 – Strategies for families: safety, swallowing, and home carryover

05:29 – Adults & swallowing disorders: frustration, identity shifts & cognitive decline

07:52 – UTIs, delirium & the shocking cognitive spiral in geriatrics

09:52 – Burnout, patient pacing & the emotional load of SLP work

11:42 – Kids vs adults: which population does Sam actually enjoy more?

What You’ll Learn

• Why some children with autism don’t develop speech — even in therapy
• What functional communication means and how SLPs build it
• How parental denial affects progress and treatment outcomes
• Why speech therapy is not magic, and why speaking can take months or years
• The emotional and cognitive reality of adults with swallowing disorders
• How UTIs and medical decline drastically affect geriatric communication
• The systemic pressures inside hospital-based SLP work
• Why burnout happens — and how SLPs navigate it
• The difference between treating kids, adults, and elderly patients
• Why acceptance is the key predictor of growth for families

Listen If You’ve Ever Wondered

• “Why isn’t my child talking yet, even in therapy?”
• “What does an SLP really do in hospitals?”
• “What are the signs of autism from a communication standpoint?”
• “Why do older adults decline so quickly after medical events?”
• “How can families better support speech progress at home?”
• “Why is swallowing therapy so emotionally charged?”
• “Is burnout inevitable in clinical work?”
• “What’s the difference between private practice and hospital SLP work?”

Resources

Website: youngmindspsych.com

Instagram: @youngmindspsych | @dr.why_podcast Podcast: Dr Why Podcast on all major platforms YouTube: Dr Why Podcast

TikTok: @youngminds_psych | @dr.whypodcast

Join the Conversation

What do you think is the most misunderstood part of speech therapy — autism support, swallowing disorders, or working with families?

#DrWhyPodcast #SLPLife #SpeechTherapy #AutismSpectrumDisorder #SwallowingDisorders #PediatricSLP #GeriatricCare #MedicalSLP #CommunicationDisorders #FamilyDynamics #HospitalLife #TherapyTools #FunctionalCommunication #Neurodiversity #MentalHealth

What makes twins so psychologically fascinating, and how does being a twin shape identity, relationships, mental health, and adulthood?

In this episode of Dr Why, Dr Lauryn and Javonne sit down with Sam a medical SLP, South Florida native, and identical twin to unpack the science, psychology, and emotional reality of being a twin.

Together they explore how identical mannerisms develop, why twin bonds often run deeper than typical sibling relationships, what twin studies reveal about personality and genetics, and how over protectiveness, jealousy, and attachment play out as twins grow up.

Sam also opens up about major life transitions, mental health changes, moving out of her parents’ home, starting a full-time job, navigating anxiety, and how therapy reshaped communication in her relationship.

A warm, honest, funny, and deeply insightful conversation about twin hood, adulthood, identity, and connection.

00:24 – Introduction

00:38 – Meet Sam: medical SLP & twin

00:51 – Why twin studies matter in psychology

01:21 – Do they look alike? Appearance vs personality?

03:27 – The twin bond: “We talk 5–6 times a day”

04:32 – Over protectiveness, jealousy & boundaries

05:29 – A rare medical anomaly that shaped their connection

07:52 – Adulthood, moving out & mental health shifts

09:52 – How stress impacted her relationship

11:42 – Therapy breakthroughs & the “I’m flooded” strategy

What You’ll Learn

• What makes twin bonds psychologically unique
• Why twins share mannerisms — even when personality differs
• How over protectiveness and jealousy show up in twin relationships • The science behind twin development and identity
• How major life changes affect mental health
• Why anxiety can return — even on medication
• How therapy can transform communication patterns
• The “I’m flooded” technique and emotional boundaries
• How childhood bonds shape adult attachment styles
• Why transitioning into adulthood feels overwhelming for many

Listen If You’ve Ever Wondered

• “Do twins really have a stronger bond?”
• “Why do twins act so similar even when they look different?”
• “What happens when life transitions trigger anxiety again?”
• “How do couples communicate better under stress?”
• “Does therapy help even if nothing is ‘wrong’?”
• “Why do some siblings talk every day while others don’t?”

Resources

Website: youngmindspsych.com

Instagram: @youngmindspsych | @dr.why_podcast

Podcast: Dr Why Podcast on all major platforms

YouTube: Dr Why Podcast

TikTok: @youngminds_psych | @dr.whypodcast

Join the Conversation

Do you think twin bonds are naturally stronger or does the relationship depend on how twins grow up?

#DrWhyPodcast #TwinPsychology #SiblingBond #MentalHealth #SLPLife #TherapyTools #AdultingStruggles #FamilyDynamics #IdenticalTwins #PsychologyPodcast #AttachmentStyles #LifeTransitions #RelationshipCommunication

What actually is a sensory diet, and why does it matter?

In this episode of Dr Why, Dr Lauryn and Javonne sit down again with Occupational Therapy Assistant, Brianna, to break down one of the most misunderstood concepts in child development: the sensory diet.

They explore what a sensory diet really means (and why it has nothing to do with food), how sensory input shapes behavior and regulation, why kids seek or avoid certain textures, and how parents can easily support sensory needs at home.

With real examples, expert insight, and plenty of hilarious moments involving color-changing toys, this episode is your practical guide to understanding sensory regulation.

00:00 – Introduction

00:49 – What is a sensory diet?

02:21 – Heavy work, textures & tactile play explained

03:53 – Sticky textures, bathroom routines & desensitising

05:21 – Why every child’s sensory needs are different

07:06 – “It’s mindful… like washing my car”

12:05 – Color-changing toys & how they’re used in therapy

14:25 – Can parents use sensory tools at home?

21:29 – OT, speech & psychology working together

23:19 – Using games to build emotional regulation

24:03 – How sensory prep sets kids up for success

27:38 – Final tools, takeaways & wrap-up

What You’ll Learn

• What a sensory diet actually is (and isn’t)
• How sensory input affects behavior, emotions and learning
• Why heavy work and tactile play support regulation
• How to build sensory routines at home
• Why kids avoid or seek certain textures
• How OT, speech and psychology collaborate
• How sensory prep improves therapy and daily routines

Watch/Listen If You’ve Ever Wondered

• “How do I know if my child needs a sensory diet?”
• “Why does my child avoid textures like slime, soap or certain foods?”
• “What activities help my child calm down or focus?”
• “Is sensory-seeking behavior normal?”
• “How can I support my child’s sensory needs at home or at school?”

Resources

Website: youngmindspsych.com

Instagram: @youngmindspsych | @dr.why_podcast

Podcast: Dr Why Podcast on all major platforms

YouTube: Dr Why Podcast

TikTok: @youngminds_psych | @dr.whypodcast

Join the Conversation

What sensory activities have helped your child the most?

#DrWhyPodcast #SensoryDiet #SensoryNeeds #ChildDevelopment #ParentingPodcast #OTSupport #Neurodiversity #ParentingEducation #ChildBehavior #EmotionalRegulation

Should You Stop Stimming? Understanding Sensory Needs in Children, Dr Why Podcast Ep 7

What actually is stimming — and should parents try to stop it?

In this episode of Dr Why, Dr Lauryn and Javonne sit down with Occupational Therapy Assistant Brianna to unpack one of the most commonly misunderstood behaviors in child development: stimming.

They explore why children stim, how it helps with emotional and sensory regulation, what a “sensory diet” actually is, and why attempts to “cure” or eliminate stimming often make things harder — not easier.

With real examples, expert explanation, humor, and plenty of honest parenting moments, this episode is your crash course in understanding sensory needs.

00:00 – Introduction

00:37 – What is stimming?

01:12 – Why people stim: regulation & emotional expression

02:27 – “Stimming is not bad” — clearing up misconceptions

03:28 – Are some diagnoses more prone to stimming?

05:55 – Everyday sensory habits we ALL have

07:16 – Adults stim too — chewing, tapping, fidgeting

11:10 – Can you “cure” stimming? Why the answer is no

11:53 – Redirecting stims in helpful, non-disruptive ways

12:28 – The parenting struggle: knowing what to do vs doing it

16:24 – Personality, sensory needs & real-life parenting

19:05 – Stimming vs other behaviours: what’s the difference?

25:23 – Listening vs hearing — understanding how kids communicate

What You’ll Learn

• Why stimming is a natural part of sensory and emotional regulation
• The real meaning behind vocal, physical, and auditory stims
• Why stopping stimming can harm rather than help
• When stimming becomes disruptive — and what to do instead
• What a “sensory diet” actually is (and isn’t)
• How to redirect sensory needs without shame or punishment
• Why adults stim just as much as children
• How to support your child’s sensory world with confidence

Listen If You’ve Ever Wondered

“Should I stop my child from stimming?”

“Is stimming normal — or a sign of something more?”

“How do I help my child regulate when things get overwhelming?”

“Why does my child chew, tap, flap, or fidget constantly?”

“How can I support sensory needs at home or in school?”

Resources

Website: youngmindspsych.com

Instagram: @youngmindspsych | @dr.why_podcast

Podcast: Dr Why Podcast on all major platforms

YouTube: Dr Why Podcast

TikTok: @youngminds_psych | @dr.whypodcast

Join the Conversation

Do you think parents should step in to stop stimming or help their child find a safer, more comfortable way to express it?

#DrWhyPodcast #Stimming #SensoryNeeds #ChildDevelopment #ParentingPodcast #SensoryDiet #OTSupport #Neurodiversity #ParentingEducation #ChildBehaviour #EmotionalRegulation

Who Decides What Makes a Good Mom? Redefining Modern Motherhood, Dr Why Podcast Ep 6

What actually makes a *good* mom — patience, presence, or perfection?

In this episode of Dr Why, Dr Lauryn and Javonne explore one of the most emotionally charged and misunderstood questions in parenting: what defines a “good mother”?

They unpack decades of research on motherhood norms, including the idea of the “present mother,” and question whether society expects women to sacrifice too much. Together with returning guest, Becca Salvin, they dive into cultural expectations, gender roles, working motherhood, and the guilt that comes with trying to do it all, with plenty of laughs and real talk along the way.

00:00 - Introduction

00:27 - Defining the “working mom” and what really makes a good mother

05:10 - What the research says about modern motherhood

06:33 - The “present mother” myth — always there, always perfect

07:41 - Do moms really have to do it all?

10:37 - Old-school gender roles vs modern partnerships

13:31 - Being “present and patient” — why that’s easier said than done

18:24 - How culture shapes our expectations of motherhood

19:25 - The guilt trap of working mothers

21:04 - Marriage, business and parenting — finding your balance

25:47 - Keeping the spark alive after kids

31:48 - No parent is perfect — and that’s okay

What You’ll Learn

• Why the “good mom” stereotype is outdated and unrealistic
• What research really says about working motherhood
• The truth about mom guilt — and how to let it go
• How couples navigate parenting, partnership, and business together
• Why patience and presence don’t always go hand-in-hand
• Listen If You’ve Ever Wondered
• What actually defines a “good mom” today
• How working moms can balance career and family without losing themselves
• Why guilt is such a universal part of motherhood
• How to build a partnership that works at home *and* in business

Connect with Becca

Instagram: @beccasalvin and @thedemoboyzz

Facebook: Rebecca Miller

And Demo Boyzz

YouTube: @theDemoBoyzz

TikTok: @thedemoboyzz

www.demoboyzz.com

Resources

Website: youngmindspsych.com

Instagram: @youngmindspsych | @dr.why_podcast

Podcast: Dr Why Podcast on all major platforms

YouTube: Dr Why Podcast

TikTok: @youngminds_psych | @dr.whypodcast

Join the Conversation

Do you think being a “good mom” means putting your kids first no matter what or taking care of yourself too?

#DrWhyPodcast, #DrLaurynYoung, #JavonneYoung, #BeccaSalvin #DemoBoyzz, #ModernMotherhood, #ParentingPodcast, #WorkingMom, #MomGuilt, #ParentingScience, #FamilyDynamics, #GenderRoles, #Partnership, #GoodMom, #ParentingEducation, #WorkLifeBalance, #Motherhood, #DrWhy, #Podcast, #ParentingSupport, #RealTalk, #ModernParenting, #Parenthood