StrollerCoaster: A Parenting Podcast
Munchkin Inc.
Does everyone you know give you different parenting advice? Are you overwhelmed trying to find the most credible sources for innovative parenting tips? Let us do that! StrollerCoaster is a podcast for parents that allows you to sit down with childhood development experts and parents from around the world who are answering your biggest parenting questions and providing solutions you can actually use. Created by Munchkin Inc. (The Most Loved Baby Lifestyle Brand in the World) and hosted by CNN and NBC news anchor Lynn Smith, we cover topics from social emotional learning, to feeding your kids, to understanding your own parenting experiences, and so much more. Plus, we even have a podcast for kids! StrollerCoaster StoryTime is a short-form podcast with a modern take on your favorite children's stories. It's full of surprises, cool sound effects and unexpected twists and turns, and you can find these episodes right here in the StrollerCoaster feed.So, whether you’re a parent to be, or a parent of three, hop on board the StrollerCoaster, because raising little humans can be quite a ride.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 24, 2023 • 25min
Let’s Make it Easier to Travel with Kids!
The Travel Episode! From going to the grocery store to flying with your toddler, we get into what it’s like to take your kids from point A to Point B. Traveling with your family can be a beautiful and enriching experience… or an absolute disaster. To help us make the best choices, we talk to Jessica Averett, a world traveler and creator of Bring the Kids, a website dedicated to family travel. Jessica has journeyed to over 40 countries with her family of 5 and has a ton of great tips and tricks for packing the family up and heading out on an adventure. Then we hear a feel-good story from Dustin Moore about how he and his wife got an unexpected surprise on their first flight with their newly adopted baby. This one is going to get you excited for new adventures with your kids!
Apr 10, 2023 • 20min
What to Say When Your Kid Says, “It’s not Fair!”
“It’s Not Fair!” If that’s a phrase that makes you cringe, you’ve got to hear today’s episode. It will change everything. First, Lynn talks with Dr. Jessica Sommerville - a developmental psychologist who has lots of experience with fairness. Then we’ll hear a story from Katie Cloyd - a mom of three whose take on fairness will really make you think! And finally, a relaxing time out to transport you to the Amazon Rainforest for a moment of calm. Enjoy!
Mar 27, 2023 • 22min
Chew With Your Mouth Closed! (Why Manners Matter)
Is it too early to teach manners when kids are just learning to ask for what they want? Is there a point where it’s too late to teach manners and the habits are already ingrained? And WHY do manners matter?Today Lynn talks with Zack Bush, best-selling children's book author, father of three, and co-writer of The Little Book of Good Manners. Then we’ll hear from writer, director, producer, and parent Laura Mullin, whose work on manners with her daughter resulted in triumph, relief, and a deep understanding as to why it counts.
Mar 13, 2023 • 29min
Let’s Talk About Parent Loneliness…Finally!
How can you feel lonely when you have your baby with you all the time? It’s not only possible, it’s common. People just don’t talk about it, but we will! And don’t worry, we’re not going to tell you to just go and find a playgroup. We go much deeper than that for an incredibly satisfying conversation with expert Dr. Juli Fraga, and then we laugh and nod in understanding as we hear brilliant storyteller and mom, Nell Frizzell, tell us about her loneliness journey. There may even be a Sylvester Stallone reference!
Feb 27, 2023 • 24min
How to Raise Confident Kids
If you ask any parent out there, raising confident kids is a number one priority, but when you think about it, it’s really hard to quantify how to give confidence to children. Is it about encouragement? Independence? Striking a balance between the two? It’s complicated but don’t worry, we have answers for you. Today we sit down with parent, TED speaker and Harvard Business Review contributor Suzanne Brown about the little things we can do to instill confidence in our kids. Then we hear an amazing story from Lori Crowley, the mother of Child-Entrepreneur and Shark Tank guest Cassie Crowley. Lori will tell the story of how Cassie got into designing her product, their journey to Shark Tank and how Cassie’s confidence and motivation brought them to where they are today.
Feb 13, 2023 • 21min
Help! I’m Not Bonding With My Child...Or am I?
What does it even mean to bond with your child? What do you do if you can tell it’s not happening? Lynn bonds (see what we did there?) with nationally recognized experts Dr. Gabrielle Mauren and Dr. Michelle Wiersgalla through their conversation on building relationships with our kids. Then we learn even more when we hear from mom Jen Malia who went from a strained relationship with her son to a meaningful connection. Lastly, we’ll whisk you away for a relaxing time out!
Feb 6, 2023 • 7min
BONUS For Kids! The Turtle and the Rabbit
The Rabbit is feeling pretty confident that he can beat the turtle in a race... UNLESS he were to get distracted by his phone right in the middle of the race! Our 9-year old director leads his cast of amazing improv actors as they perform a one-of-a-kind version of the classic children's story 'The Tortoise & The Hare'. It's full of musical surprises, cool sound effects and unexpected twists and turns! It's "story time" like you've never heard it before! Perfect for kids! And parents too!
Jan 30, 2023 • 23min
Yes, We Should Be Teaching Our Kids Kindness!
In our selfie culture, it’s crucial that we teach our kids to care about each other and to connect with other people. How do we do that, and how can kids become empowered with assertive kindness and not be pushovers? Are people just born kind, or do we learn it? Lynn explores all of this and more by speaking with Leon Logothetis - TV host, speaker and author, best known for his series “The Kindness Diaries” (now streaming on Discovery Plus.) Then, we hear a powerful story from Cassandra Ridder Cooper, about how she called on her community to better teach kindness to their kids. This one will leave you smiling, inspired, and hopeful about the future for our little ones!
Jan 16, 2023 • 23min
This One's For The Dads!
There’s tons of mom blogs and websites for moms, but what’s happening in Fatherhood? What have been the hardest changes (besides diapers)? What didn’t Dads expect? First, Lynn hears the latest from Brian Anderson, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Fathering Together, and his community of dads. Then, we hear a funny, real, and heartwarming story from Glen Henry, founder of Beleaf In Fatherhood, on how his world turned upside down when he became a stay-at-home Dad. Make sure to stay until the end when we wrap it all up with a relaxing moment of calm for you!
Jan 2, 2023 • 26min
Tantrums! Big Solutions for Big Emotions
There you are being your fabulous parenting self when your child suddenly gets furious. Or frustrated. Or surprisingly quiet. What are they feeling and why? Is there a way to quickly decode and translate so they feel understood and we feel sane? Turns out, there are several techniques you can try! First, Lynn talks with child development expert and education journalist, Deborah Farmer Kris to learn ways to better help you AND your child understand their emotions. Then we hear from psychologist and mom Rebecca Shrag Hershberg who got creative with her son’s tantrums and saw clear results.Deborah is the author of the “All The Time” picture book series. The books mentioned in this episode are “I Love You All The Time” and “You Have Feelings All the Time.” Learn more at www.parenthood365.orgRebecca’s book is called: “The Tantrum Survival Guide: Tune In to Your Toddler's Mind (and Your Own) to Calm the Craziness and Make Family Fun Again.”
