

Joyful Courage for Parenting Teens
Casey O'Roarty
Welcome to the Joyful Courage Podcast - a place where parents of tweens and teens come to find inspiration, information and encouragement in the messy terrain of adolescenceThis season of parenting is no joke - and while the details of what we are all moving through might be slightly different, we are having a collective experience.This is a space where we center building relationship, nurturing life skills, and leaning into our own personal growth.My name is Casey O’Roarty, I am a parent coach, Positive Discipline LEad Trainer, and captain of the adolescent ship over at Sproutable. I am also a speaker and published author. I have been working with parents and families for over 20 years and continue to navigate being a mom with my own two young adult kids.I am honored that you are here… Please give back to the pod by sharing it with friends, or on social media, and rate and review on Apple or Spotify - work of mouth is how we grow!Thanks - enjoy the show!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 10, 2025 • 40min
589: Revisiting thoughts on motivating teens
In this episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I revisit a timeless challenge: how to motivate teens to help out at home and follow through on commitments — without constant nagging or power struggles. I share mindset shifts and practical strategies for building cooperation, breaking through resistance, and nurturing real connection. You’ll hear why letting teens feel natural consequences matters and how to hold boundaries with love. Listen in for encouragement and tools to parent teens with respect and confidence!
For more show notes and info go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-297-solo-show-thoughts-on-motivating-adolescents/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 7, 2025 • 52min
Eps 588: Revisiting how we raise allies with Dr. Tracy Baxley
In this powerful conversation with Dr. Traci Baxley, author of Social Justice Parenting, we explore how to raise children who embrace equity, compassion, and activism. We unpack hard topics like the N-word, critical race theory (CRT), systemic racism, and the importance of taking action — even when it’s uncomfortable. Dr. Baxley offers practical tools for fostering inclusion at home and in our communities. Tune in to learn how parenting and social justice intersect to create meaningful change.
For more information and show notes, go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-331-raising-allies-with-traci-baxley/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 3, 2025 • 40min
Eps 587: Parenting Teens Without Losing Yourself
Feeling overwhelmed by parenting teens? This discussion focuses on finding your inner peace amid the chaos. Discover practical mindset shifts to maintain calm and set loving boundaries. Learn the importance of being present and how empathy can strengthen your relationship with your adolescent. The conversation also emphasizes kindness and firmness in parenting strategies. Plus, there's a powerful breathing technique to help you stay grounded during challenging moments. Reclaim your peace and enjoy the parenting journey!

Jun 30, 2025 • 49min
Eps 586: Revisiting college financial planning with Ann Garcia
Ann Garcia, a fee-only fiduciary advisor and author of 'How to Pay for College', shares her expertise in funding college education. She breaks down why college costs are soaring and offers alternative options. Listeners gain insights on budgeting, the importance of communication with teens about financial planning, and when it might be appropriate to consider student loans. Ann also discusses scholarship opportunities and navigating the FAFSA and CSS Profile to maximize financial aid, empowering families for a successful college journey.

Jun 26, 2025 • 28min
Eps 585: Revisiting the power of perception
In this solo episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I am revisiting the wisdom of episode 428, where I unpack the power of perception in parenting teens—taking a look at how our kids interpret our actions, form beliefs, and make decisions based on what they think we value. I reflect on my own parenting journey and offer insight into the connection between behavior, motivation, and belonging. If you’ve ever felt stuck around your teen’s performance or attitude, this episode is a must-listen for positive discipline tools, connection, and real talk. I know you'll love it - listen in!
Find more info and show notes at: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-428-considering-the-power-of-perception/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 23, 2025 • 55min
Eps 584: Post Traumatic Parenting with Dr. Robyn Koslowitz
In this powerful episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I talk with Dr. Robyn Koslowitz about post-traumatic parenting, emotional reactivity, entitlement, and how to raise resilient teens with compassion. We unpack how unresolved trauma can hijack our parenting and how to rewire our responses with awareness and grace. Dr. Robyn shares insights on teaching kids about needs vs. wants, building emotional regulation, and the importance of letting teens make mistakes. If you’re parenting teens and feel stuck in old patterns, this conversation offers tools, validation, and real hope. Tune in to feel seen, supported, and empowered.
More info and detailed show notes at: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-584-post-traumatic-parenting-with-dr-robyn-koslowitz/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 19, 2025 • 35min
Eps 583: Positive Discipline for Teens Part 7 - Are your issues getting in your way?
In this episode, I wrap up the Positive Discipline for Teenagers book series with a deep dive into our unresolved teen issues—and how they sneak into our parenting. I reflect on my own experiences and share powerful tools to support healing, self-awareness, and courageous parenting. If you’ve ever wondered why certain challenges with your teen hit so hard, this conversation will help. I’m inviting you to shift from reactive to reflective, from fearful to courageous. Tune in to gain clarity, connection, and practical steps forward in your parenting journey.
For more info and resources, go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-583-positive-discipline-for-teens-part-7-are-your-issues-getting-in-your-way/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 16, 2025 • 49min
Eps 582: Parenting highly dependent adult children with Natalia Aiza
In this episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I talk with psychologist and author Natalia Aiza about the emotional and practical challenges of parenting highly dependent young adults. We dive into the ways our own anxiety and desire to protect our kids can lead to unhelpful over-accommodation—and how to lovingly step back without stepping away. Natalia shares insights from her upcoming book and the SPACE model, reminding us that while we can’t force our kids into therapy or independence, we can shift the environment. We explore real-life examples, including turning off the phone at night, reducing codependence, and letting our kids experience natural consequences. If you’ve ever wondered how to support your struggling teen or young adult without enabling them, this episode is full of validation, practical tools, and compassion. Tune in to feel seen and empowered—you are not alone, and your efforts matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 12, 2025 • 42min
Eps 581: MAP - a tool to transform your parenting
In this episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I break down the MAP process—Mirror, Align, Practice—a powerful tool for creating lasting transformation in your parenting. I share real-life stories (including a messy family meeting!) and offer encouragement for showing up with intention, even when it’s hard. You’ll learn why self-reflection matters, how to align with your values, and what brave, everyday practice looks like. If you’re ready to shift the dynamic in your family and parent with more connection and purpose, this episode is for you. Tune in for practical parenting support rooted in personal growth and real-life experiences.
Find more information and show notes at: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/ eps-581-map-a-tool-to-transform-your-parenting/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 9, 2025 • 51min
Eps 580: Mom Has ADHD Too - Parenting and Self Compassion with Kate Moryoussef
In this episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I’m joined by the brilliant Kate Moryoussef, an ADHD women’s wellbeing coach, author, and mom. Kate shares her powerful story of being diagnosed with ADHD at 40 — along with one of her children — and we dig into what it really looks like to navigate family life when neurodiversity is part of the mix.
Whether or not you or your child have an ADHD diagnosis, this conversation is rich with insight around emotional regulation, self-compassion, parenting with presence, and taking care of your own mental wellbeing.
We talk about the unique challenges women face with ADHD, how emotional sensitivity shows up in everyday life, and why calm and self-awareness are essential for our relationships. Kate also introduces us to EFT (tapping) — a powerful tool for shifting energy and supporting self-regulation.
If you're raising kids (neurodiverse or not), and you're looking for real tools and support for your own emotional health, you’re going to get so much from this episode.
🎧 Tune in and take what you need — this one’s for you.
For more info and show notes: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-580-mom-has-adhd-too-parenting-and-self-compassion-with-kate-moryoussef/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


