Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
Dr. Justin Coulson's Happy Families podcast offers practical parenting advice for busy parents. Hosted by Justin and his wife Kylie, the show provides common-sense tips and real-life experiences from raising their six daughters. Each episode aims to help families find more happiness and manage household challenges effectively.
Episodes
The Simple Secret to Feeling Included
Your child wants to join the game. You want to join the coffee group. Your teenager wants to be part of the weekend plans. So why does asking feel so impossible? New research reveals that most of us get one crucial social prediction completely wrong. We assume people don't want us there when the opposite is often true. In this episode, Dr Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack the surprising psychology b
The Screen Mistake Parents Don't See Until It's Too Late [with Madonna King]
You banned social media. You set the rules. You thought the biggest danger was over. It isn't. Award-winning journalist Madonna King has spent more than a year speaking with hundreds of children, parents, teachers, psychologists and researchers. What she uncovered will change the way you think about every screen in your home. This conversation goes far beyond social media. From AI doing our kids'
How to Stop Sibling Squabbles [a listener Q&A]
The constant bickering is exhausting. One child is breathing too loudly. Someone looked at someone the wrong way. Another toy has been touched. If you're breaking up the same tiny arguments every day, this episode will change the way you respond. Justin and Kylie explain why stepping in too quickly often makes sibling conflict worse, and share a simple strategy that helps children solve problems t
Help! My Child is Dating a Flirty AI Chatbot!
Your child could be having deeply personal, romantic conversations tonight and not with another teenager. A new wave of AI companion apps is attracting young people by offering constant attention, endless validation and conversations that never end. They remember everything, say exactly what users want to hear and create the illusion of a real relationship. In this episode, Justin and Kylie explai
What Are They Teaching Our Kids?
What if your child's sex education class wasn't teaching what you think it is? In this episode, Dr Justin Coulson sits down with teacher representative Ed Schuller to discuss claims about explicit sexual education materials being used in Australian schools. They unpack where the resources come from, why many parents never see them, and the questions every family should be asking. Whatever your vie
The Connection Every Child Needs [with Prof. Nicholas Epley]
A heartbreaking family loss changed the way Professor Nicholas Epley understood his own research. In this episode, he shares how grief, adoption and decades of social science reveal a simple truth that can help every parent raise more connected, confident children. You'll also discover why crowded rooms can still feel lonely, how to create more meaningful conversations, and the simple daily habit
The Missing Ingredient in Childhood Friendships [with Prof. Nicholas Epley]
Your child doesn't need better social skills. They need more chances to use them. University of Chicago behavioural scientist Professor Nicholas Epley explains why we're wired for connection but keep avoiding it. His research reveals one surprising mistake almost all of us make and how parents can help children build stronger friendships by changing one simple habit. This conversation will make yo
When Your Child is Left Out [a listener Q&A]
Watching your child be ignored hurts. You want to step in, fix it and make it stop. Before you do, listen to this conversation. Justin and Kylie answer a question from a mum whose young sons are being shut out by older neighbourhood kids. They share practical ways to help children handle rejection, build confidence and develop friendships that last. KEY POINTS Why children grow when they're part
7 Million School Days Lost in Victoria
Seven million school days were missed in Victoria last year. Is this a sign of a growing problem, or are parents finally putting their families first? A new report has sparked fierce debate about school attendance. Should children ever miss school for a holiday, a family celebration or a mental health break? Dr Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack what the numbers actually tell us, why so many families
The Parenting Time You Think You Don't Have
You finish the day exhausted. Work's done, dinner's over and the last thing you want is another thing to do. But the moments your kids remember rarely come from expensive holidays or perfectly planned activities. They happen on a walk around the block, over a board game or while you're side by side with no phones in sight. Justin and Kylie share how an after-dinner walk became the place where thei
Is The Social Media Ban Already Failing?
Australia banned social media for under-16s. It hasn't stopped kids from using it. New research shows most young people are still logging on, creating fake accounts and finding easy ways around age checks. Dr Justin Coulson explains why the law isn't delivering what parents hoped for and why families still have the biggest influence on their children's online lives. Then the conversation turns to
The Energy Game: Stop Running on Empty! [with Amantha Imber]
You're not imagining it. Parenting really does feel harder when you're running on empty. If you've caught yourself wishing for just one day where nobody needs you, this episode will feel uncomfortably familiar. Organisational psychologist and bestselling author Dr Amantha Imber joins Dr Justin Coulson to explain why so many parents feel exhausted and what actually helps. No impossible morning rout
The Content That's Stealing Kids' Empathy [A Listener Q&A ]
A fight video lands on your child's phone. They laugh. They watch it again. They send it to a friend. What do you do next? This week, Justin and Kylie answer a question from a mum whose 12-year-old daughter received violent footage that was spreading through local schools. They explain what repeated exposure to this content does to kids, why sharing a video makes them part of the harm, and how one
How to Stop Wishing Parenting Away
What if the moment you're desperate to get through today becomes the one you'd give anything to have back? Brushing tangled hair. Carrying a sleeping child inside. Sitting through one more song. These moments can feel frustrating when you're tired and running late. Then one day they stop happening, and you never realise the last time has already passed. In this episode, Dr Justin Coulson shares a
The Secret to Getting Kids Off Screens
A Disney movie about toys ended with a conversation about screens, sewing and what childhood is starting to lose. After watching Toy Story 5, Justin and Kylie found themselves talking less about the movie and more about what happens when tablets replace cubby houses, craft tables and backyard adventures. Kylie shares how teaching their 12-year-old daughter to sew sparked confidence, patience and a
AI Chatbots & Social Isolation
AI is becoming the friend people never argue with, never disappoint, and never switch off. New research suggests that's exactly the problem. A 12-month study of more than 2,000 adults found people who turned to AI chatbots for emotional support became more emotionally isolated over time. With more teens now sharing serious problems with AI instead of trusted adults, what does this mean for parents
Stop Performing and Start Parenting [with Christian O'Connell]
What if being a better parent had nothing to do with having the right answers? Beloved radio host and bestselling author Christian O'Connell joins Dr Justin Coulson for an honest conversation about anxiety, authenticity, and what it feels like when your children leave home. A forgotten ice-block wrapper tucked into the couch becomes a lesson in letting go. Christian also shares the simple approach
Listener Q&A — Suicide at Child's High School
A student dies by suicide. Suddenly every parent is asking the same question: What do I say to my child? Justin and Kylie tackle one of the toughest conversations a parent can face. They unpack the latest research, explain why children can be deeply affected even if they didn't know the student, and share practical ways to start the conversation without making things worse. You'll hear what to say
What It's Really Like to Have a Big Family
Six kids. One house. Endless noise, constant mess, and a level of logistics that would test anyone. With Australia's birth rate at a record low, Justin and Kylie share the reality of raising a large family in 2026. They unpack the costs, the exhaustion, and the emotional load that rarely gets talked about. They also reveal why, despite every challenge, they wouldn't change a thing. If you've ever
Why Most Families Feel Stuck and How to Fix It
What if the thing your family needs most… isn’t more time - but better conversations? In this episode, we reveal the one habit that keeps us aligned, connected, and actually moving forward - despite the chaos of raising six kids. It’s simple. It’s structured. And almost no one does it. If your family feels reactive, disconnected, or stuck in survival mode… this migh
Growth Mindsets & Academic Improvement
We’ve told kids for years that effort changes everything. But the biggest review of growth mindset research in decades just found the results are tiny… sometimes nothing at all. So should parents and teachers stop talking about “not yet”? In this Doctor’s Desk episode, Justin and Kylie unpack what the science really says, why the data might be missing the magic, and
The Parenting Paradox, with Dr Jenny Brown
The harder we try to be the "perfect" parent, the more we can unintentionally hold our children back. Family therapist Dr Jenny Brown explains why modern parenting has become so intense, how worry fuels conflict, and why the best thing you can do for your child is often to work on yourself instead. This practical conversation will help you step out of exhausting worry cycles, respond more calmly,
When All Their Friends Have Phones and You’re Standing Firm
Everyone else has a phone. Your child feels left out. And you’re the “mean parent” holding the line. So what now? In this solo Q&A episode of the Happy Families Podcast, I unpack one of the most common parenting dilemmas today: peer pressure, smartphones, and the fear that saying no will push your child away. If your 10–12 year old is desperate to “follow the crow
Whose Cup Are You Filling?
You are pouring yourself out every single day. But into whose cup? In this powerful conversation inspired by Derek Thompson, Justin and Kylie explore a simple metaphor that will stop you mid-scroll: every morning you wake with a full jug of water. By night, it’s empty. The only question that matters is where it went. Work. News. Regret. Netflix. Anxiety. Group chats. Your kids. Your marriage
Does Your Child Mirror Your Worst Habits?
The hardest part of parenting isn’t managing our kids. It’s facing ourselves. This week, a heated family moment revealed something uncomfortable — our children often mirror the very behaviours we struggle with. Defensiveness. Blame. Excuses. Denial. And when we see it in them… it’s confronting. In this honest Friday “I’ll Do Better Tomorrow” episode
The Kindness Paradox That Changes Your Child’s Mental Health
When your child is anxious, lonely or flat… your instinct is to comfort them. But what if the fastest way to help them feel better isn’t self-care — it’s helping someone else? New research reveals a powerful mental health shift that happens when kids practise kindness outward instead of inward. The results are surprising — and incredibly practical for everyday family
Teaching Kids About Periods [with Kate Andrews from Wild Creative Australia]
What if the way we talk about periods shapes how our daughters feel about themselves for the rest of their lives? For generations, menstruation was treated as awkward, embarrassing, or simply ignored. In this conversation, Kylie sits down with holistic educator and author Kate Andrews to explore how honest conversations about puberty, periods and changing bodies can help girls grow up feeling info
Raising Girls Who Like Themselves & Feel Good in Their Own Skin
It’s happening younger than ever. Girls as young as five are worrying about their weight, and by age nine the insecurities can hit hard. In this episode we unpack a listener’s heartbreaking question: “Is my daughter pretty enough?” - and share the practical steps that protect kids from body image pain without making it worse. KEY POINTS Body image worries now start between
The Secret to Raising Emotionally Strong Children
What if the very thing we’re trying to protect our kids from… is the thing they actually need most? Many parents want their children to feel confident, resilient, and worthy. But in our effort to make life easier for them, we might be accidentally stealing the struggles that build those very traits. In this powerful conversation, Justin and Kylie explore why doing hard things—no
I Forgot to Walk Our Daughter Down the Aisle and It Changed Everything
Four days before his daughter's wedding, Justin crashed his bike, suffered a severe concussion, and arrived at the big day bruised, stitched up, and barely functioning. Then he forgot the one thing every father of the bride is supposed to remember. What followed was a beautiful reminder that the moments we treasure most are rarely the perfect ones. In this heartfelt episode, Justin and Kylie refle
Are Attention Spans Really Shrinking?
For years we've been told that screens, social media and short-form videos are destroying our ability to focus. But the latest research tells a very different story. In this Doctor's Desk episode, Justin and Kylie unpack a major new study published in Nature that challenges one of the biggest myths in parenting. Discover why attention spans may not be shrinking after all, what's really stealing ou
A New Model of Schooling
What if the problem isn't your child... but the way school is designed? For many families, traditional schooling simply doesn't fit. Whether it's school refusal, elite sport, performing arts, health challenges, travel, or a child who just learns differently, parents are searching for better options. In this episode, Justin speaks with Joanna Baker, Head of Campus at Haileybury Pangea, Australia's
Help! I Called My Daughter the B Word! (A Listener Q&A)
One rushed morning. One moment of frustration. One word you wish you could take back. If you've ever lost your temper with your teenager and spent the rest of the day drowning in guilt, this episode is for you. When one mum admits she called her 15-year-old daughter "the B word" during a stressful race to catch the school bus, Justin and Kylie unpack what was really happening beneath the conflict
You Don't Have to Attend Every Argument
What if the fastest way to end an argument with your child is to refuse to join it? When emotions are running high, most parents instinctively step into the conflict, hoping to teach a lesson, fix the behaviour, or set things straight. But what if that's exactly the wrong move? In this episode, Justin and Kylie explore why children often invite us into arguments, why it's so tempting to accept, an
A Concussion, A Wedding and What Matters Most
One moment he was riding his bike. The next, he was unconscious on the side of the road with no memory of what had happened. This week on I'll Do Better Tomorrow, Justin shares the terrifying cycling accident that left him with a severe concussion, stitches, black eyes, and a completely missing memory of the crash itself. As the family prepares for their daughter's wedding day, the experience beco
Removing Screens From Childcare [with Anna Russell]
A group of Victorian childcare centres recently conducted a "digital detox", removing screens, cameras, Spotify, YouTube, and other technology from classrooms. What happened next surprised even the educators involved. In this episode, Justin talks with early childhood expert Anna Russell about the remarkable changes they observed: calmer classrooms, more engaged children, increased language develo
Inside the App Helping Millions of Families Flourish [with Smiling Mind CEO Sarah La Roche]
What if just a few minutes a day could help your child build resilience, confidence, emotional awareness, and stronger relationships? With children's mental health challenges rising earlier than ever, many parents feel unsure where to start. In this episode, Justin talks with Smiling Mind CEO Sarah La Roche about the simple, evidence-based habits that help children thrive—and the free app th
When Grandparents Don't Get It [a listener Q&A]
What happens when someone your child should be able to trust leaves them feeling judged, misunderstood, and unloved? In this heartfelt Q&A, we respond to a mother whose autistic and ADHD daughter was deeply hurt by a visit from her grandmother. Despite years of progress, one family visit triggered emotional setbacks, self-doubt, and the painful belief that "Nan doesn't love me because of who I
Babysitting Costs Blowout
How much is a night out really costing parents in 2026? For many families, the answer is: far more than they can afford. With babysitting costs soaring and the cost of living biting hard, more parents are finding themselves trapped at home, missing out on the relationship time they desperately need. In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the surprising reality of modern babysitting costs, explor
The Message Our Boys Desperately Need Right Now
It's another Friday, where Justin and Kylie look back at the week that was with another 'I'll Do Better Tomorrow' episode. This week, as Justin's new book Boys hit bestseller lists, a parent shared a confronting account of what they're seeing in schools: disrespect, entitlement, harmful behaviour, and a growing concern about the messages many boys are absorbing. In this powerful episode, Justin an
Raising Boys Who Do the Right Thing [an excerpt from 'Boys']
What helps a boy do the right thing when everyone else is doing the wrong thing? In this episode, Justin shares one of the most important lessons from his new book, Boys: Building Strong Young Men from the Inside Out. He explores why character matters more than achievement, how resilience is built through challenge, and why choosing the hard path is often what shapes boys into trustworthy, courage
The Hidden Pressure Shaping Our Boys [an excerpt from 'Boys']
What if one of the biggest challenges facing boys today is something most parents never see? In this fascinating conversation, Dr Justin Coulson explores the concept of "precarious masculinity"—the idea that boys often feel they must continually prove they are "man enough". Drawing on research, real-life stories, and insights from his new book Boys: Building Strong Young Men from the Inside
"Boys" Book Release - Kylie Interviews Justin
Boys are struggling—and many parents can feel it. In this special episode, Kylie Coulson turns the tables and interviews Dr Justin Coulson about his brand-new book, Boys: Building Strong Young Men From the Inside Out. From alarming statistics about boys' education and wellbeing to the growing influence of the manosphere, Justin shares what he discovered after years of research, countless con
Boys: An Introduction
After more than four years of research, writing, and reflection, Justin's new book, Boys: Building Strong Young Men from the Inside Out, is finally here. In this special launch-week episode, Justin reads from the opening pages of the book and shares the deeply personal experiences that shaped it. From the loss of a beloved nephew to the growing concerns parents have about raising boys today, this
What Our Kids Watch - and Why Women Need Each Other
What happens when your child loves something you deeply dislike? In this honest Friday episode, Justin shares what happened when he finally sat down to watch The Amazing Digital Circus with their 12-year-old daughter after months of resistance. The result wasn’t a parenting victory or a dramatic ban…it was something far more powerful. Justin and Kylie unpack why staying curious instea
Does Parenting Age You?
Parenthood changes everything - including your body, brain, stress levels, and even how long you might live. In this fascinating episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the surprising science behind parenting and aging. From sleep deprivation and stress hormones to shrinking brains, telomeres, and longevity research, they explore what raising children is really doing to us behind the scenes. But it&rsquo
The Secret to Raising Kids Who Love Reading [with author Samantha Summers]
Finding genuinely good books for tweens can feel impossible. Too young feels childish. Too old feels uncomfortable. So when one book keeps kids reading under the blankets long after bedtime… parents notice. In this episode, Justin chats with author and coach Sam Summers about her new middle-grade fantasy novel The Lost Defenders — the fast-paced monster adventure kids are devouring in
Why Restricting Sugar Can Backfire (a Q&A About Sugar & ADHD)
Cutting back sugar can help some ADHD kids feel calmer, happier, and more regulated… but how do you do it without accidentally creating food anxiety or body image struggles? In this episode, Justin and Kylie respond to a parent navigating the difficult balance between supporting an ADHD child’s wellbeing while protecting her relationship with food and her body. They unpack why the con
"That's Going to End Up On Your Hips"
A stranger in a bakery made one comment about a young girl’s body — and it sparked a conversation every parent needs to hear. When should we speak up? When should we walk away? And how do we help our kids build confidence in a world where careless comments about appearance are still far too common? In this powerful episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the viral bakery confrontation that di
Date Night and the Power of Showing Up
One unexpected date night changed everything. What started with reluctance, exhaustion, and a pottery wheel in the middle of an industrial estate turned into one of the most immersive and connecting experiences we’ve had in years. In this heartfelt episode of I’ll Do Better Tomorrow, Justin and Kylie share why ordinary date nights often fall flat, how novelty can reignite connection, a
Teaching Kids About Friendship
Friendship drama is one of the biggest sources of stress for kids — and heartbreak for parents. In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the six powerful habits that create strong, lasting friendships and explain how parents can help children build healthier relationships from the very beginning. From loyalty and inclusion to emotional support and trust, these simple but profound friendship
Protective Pathways with Dr Julia Rudolph
Most parents teach their children “stranger danger” and protective behaviours believing it will keep them safe. But what if the way we’ve approached child safety for decades isn’t actually the most effective strategy? In this confronting but deeply important conversation, Dr Justin Coulson speaks with child sexual abuse prevention specialist Dr Julia Rudolph about how abuse
The Real Impact of Taking Kids Out of School to Travel [Q&A]
Would taking your child out of school for a year ruin their education — or completely transform their life for the better? A mum asks whether travelling overseas with her children during the notoriously difficult middle-school years could help them avoid unnecessary social stress… or rob them of the chance to build resilience. In this heartfelt conversation, Justin and Kylie unpack th
Why Your Kids Only Listen When There’s a Reward
Your child can spend hours on screens without being asked… but getting them to empty the dishwasher feels impossible. So what’s really going on with motivation? In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the psychology of motivation and reveal why rewards, punishments, nagging, and bribery often backfire. You’ll learn the “motivation continuum” — the simple frame
The Parenting Moments You Don’t Realise You’ll Miss Most
One day, it’s endless dishwashing games, kids fighting over who presses the crossing button, and carrying sleeping children from the car to bed. Then suddenly… it’s the last time. In this heartfelt Do Better Tomorrow episode, Justin and Kylie reflect on the “Last Time Meditation” — a powerful mindset shift that changes how we experience ordinary family moments
Just Do Something - The Ultimate Wellness Hack
What if improving your wellbeing was far simpler than you thought? In this Doctor’s Desk episode, Justin and Kylie unpack a huge new scientific review published in Nature that analysed 183 wellbeing studies involving nearly 23,000 people worldwide. The conclusion? You don’t need the perfect routine, expensive programs, or hours of free time to feel better. You just need to do something
Raising Kids Who Can Handle Hard Things [with Ant Williams]
What if protecting our kids too much is actually holding them back? In this powerful conversation, Dr Justin Coulson sits down with extreme athlete, sports psychologist, and author Ant Williams to unpack why so many kids struggle with pressure, discomfort, and resilience — and what parents can do differently. From diving beneath Arctic ice to coaching elite athletes under extreme stress, Ant
Cheap Holidays That Kids Actually Love (Listener Q&A)
Family holidays are supposed to create magical memories… so why do they often leave parents exhausted, stressed, and financially stretched? In this episode, Justin and Kylie respond to a mum asking how families can still enjoy meaningful holidays during a cost-of-living crisis — especially when accommodation, food, and travel prices keep climbing. They share the surprising truth about
The Era of the Tiger Mum Is Over - Enter the Beta Mum
Parenting styles are having another viral moment — tiger mums are out, “beta mums” are in, and social media has plenty to say about how parents should raise their kids. But what if we’ve made parenting far more complicated than it needs to be? In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the latest parenting trend making headlines and explore why so many parents feel overwhelme
When Family Chaos Turns Into Connection
One hilarious family dinner story turned into a powerful reminder of what really matters most. In this Friday edition of I'll Do Better Tomorrow, Justin and Kylie share the chaos, laughter, and connection that unfolds around their Sunday night family dinners — including the unbelievable lengths one of their daughters went to in order to save money on petrol. But the episode takes a deeply em
Sticks & Stones
What if the way we talk about “harmful words” is actually making kids more fragile? In this thought-provoking Doctor’s Desk episode, Justin Coulson and Kylie Coulson unpack brand-new research exploring whether believing words are harmful changes our resilience, mental health, and parenting. From social media comments to playground insults, this conversation dives into the uncomfo
Roblox Exclusive with Matt Kaufman
After years of criticism around child safety, Roblox is rolling out major changes designed to better protect kids online — and this podcast has the exclusive Australian interview. Justin talks directly with Roblox Chief Safety Officer Matt Kaufman about the platform’s new age-based accounts, facial age checks, tighter content moderation, chat restrictions, and updated parental controls
BYO Device to School (a Q&A)
Your child starts school… and suddenly a screen becomes non-negotiable. What happens when a school’s BYOD policy clashes with your family values? In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the growing pressure on parents to hand over devices earlier than ever - sometimes from kindergarten - and the hidden tension BYOD policies can create at home. What does the research reall
Would You Pass a Parenting Performance Review?
What if your child reviewed your parenting performance today? Would you want to hear the results? In this deeply personal episode, Justin and Kylie share the parenting exercise that completely changed the way they connect with their children. From painful truths to unexpected reassurance, they reveal how asking a few simple questions uncovered what their kids truly needed most. This conversation i
Watching the Footy
A quiet car ride. A game of footy. A conversation no one planned to have. This week, Justin and Kylie reflect on a Mother’s Day that unexpectedly became one of their most meaningful yet — not because of gifts or grand gestures, but because of honest conversations with their adult daughters about motherhood, family, and the impact mums really have. Plus, Justin shares how a surprising n
AI Reduces Memory
Your child finishes assignments faster than ever… but are they actually learning anything? In this Doctor’s Desk episode, Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack two alarming new studies on how AI is changing the way kids think, learn, remember, and make decisions. From “cognitive offloading” to “cognitive surrender,” they explore why students using AI remembered less,
The Tech-Ready Family (with Chris McKenna)
AI isn’t just helping your kids with homework - it’s shaping who they trust, how they think, and what they feel. In this eye-opening conversation, Dr Justin Coulson sits down with Chris McKenna from Protect Young Eyes to unpack what most parents are missing about screens, social media, and the explosive rise of AI. This isn’t about screen time. It’s about attachment, influe
The Hidden Cost of Fighting the Wrong Battles (a Q&A)
You’re worried. They don’t care. And somehow, headphones have become the hill your relationship might die on. When one mum fears Bluetooth is harming her teen’s brain—and he flatly refuses to listen—this episode unpacks what’s really going on beneath the conflict. Because this isn’t just about radiation. It’s about teenage psychology, risk, independe
Our Mind Tells Us Stories
You felt confident. Radiant. Unstoppable. Then nothing changed… except your thoughts - and suddenly, everything looked wrong. In this powerful episode, a simple set of family photos reveals a confronting truth: your mind is constantly telling stories - and many of them aren’t real. What if the way you see your child, your partner… even yourself… isn’t truth, but a
We're In Our Handstand Era
A school assembly Justin never wanted to attend turned into one of the proudest parenting moments of his life. In this heartfelt Friday “I’ll Do Better Tomorrow” episode, Justin and Kylie share the emotional moment their daughter Lilli received a standing ovation after overcoming bullying, rediscovering her confidence, and landing a school-based apprenticeship doing what she love
Hard Fun is More Fun
What if the very thing we use to motivate kids is actually making them less motivated? New research from Harvard University reveals something surprising: when children play just for fun, they naturally seek challenge, take risks, and stretch themselves further. But the moment rewards, prizes, or competition enter the picture, kids start choosing the easiest possible path. In this fascinating Docto
Parenting Through Grief & Tragedy [with Robin Bailey]
What do you say to your children when their father dies by suicide? In this deeply emotional conversation, radio personality and author Robin Bailey shares the heartbreaking reality of losing her husband, raising three boys through grief, and learning how love and hope can still exist after unimaginable loss. Robin opens up about the conversations parents never feel prepared for, the questions gri
What Defiant & Non-Compliant Teens Actually Need (a Q&A)
You’ve set the routines. Had the conversations. Tried the calm approach. But your child still ignores expectations, pushes back, and explodes when you call it out. What do you do when parenting feels like an endless cycle of nagging, conflict, and resentment? In this deeply honest episode, Justin and Kylie respond to a single mum struggling with her 13-year-old son’s non-compliance, sc
Nobody Likes You When You're Like This
When life gets overwhelming, even good people become hard to live with. In this deeply honest episode, Justin and Kylie open up about the pressure, stress, snapping, guilt, and emotional overload that can quietly take over family life — especially when the mental load becomes too heavy to carry well. From impossible deadlines and overflowing to-do lists to the simple reset strategies that ac
I'll Do Better Tomorrow - Coulson's Retreat
What happens when you finally slow down long enough to notice what’s not working? After an unexpected week away at a health retreat, Justin and Kylie came home with two surprisingly simple insights that completely shifted the way they parent, connect, and live. From the tension between personal growth and relationships… to the life-changing impact of putting phones away and sitting qu
Toys, Now With Added AI
A teddy bear that talks. Comforts your child. Learns their secrets. Sounds harmless… until you hear what it’s actually teaching them. In this eye-opening Doctor’s Desk episode, Justin Coulson unpacks the terrifying rise of AI-powered toys for toddlers and preschoolers — including new research showing these “smart” toys may be emotionally dismissive, development
The Screen Habits Rewiring Our Kids’ Brains [with Dr Mark Williams]
Your child’s brain is being shaped right now — and screens may be changing it faster than most parents realise. In this confronting but deeply practical conversation, neuroscientist Professor Mark Williams joins Dr Justin Coulson to unpack what excessive screen use is actually doing to developing brains. From dopamine loops and gaming addiction to social disconnection, emotional health
Raising Responsible Readers [a Q&A About Inappropriate Books]
)Your child loves reading… but now the books feel too mature. Do you step in, or risk shutting it down altogether? This episode tackles the tricky middle ground between protecting your child and preserving their love of reading. Discover how to set boundaries without constant battles, why pushing back can backfire, and how to guide your child toward better choices—without losing conne
Oh No, It's a Boy!
Some parents are devastated to hear, “It’s a boy.”Not disappointed - devastated. In this confronting episode, we unpack the rising fear around raising boys, where it’s coming from, and the dangerous story we’re starting to believe. Are boys really the problem… or are we shaping them that way? This conversation will challenge everything you think you know about
Raising Capable Kids Without Constant Control
You’re doing everything “right”… so why is it making things worse? In this honest and vulnerable episode, Justin shares a parenting tension many of us feel but rarely admit: knowing what matters for our kids - like time, productivity, and healthy habits - but completely missing the mark in how we teach it. Because when good intentions turn into constant correction, somethi
