Shows / ScreenStrong Families
ScreenStrong Families
After her oldest son, Adam, dropped out of college due to his video game addiction, Melanie Hempe, BSN, put her nursing degree and training from Emory University to good use and founded ScreenStrong. It’s her mission to create educational programs for kids and parents so no one will experience the pain of screen addiction. Her ability to simplify medical science and provide practical solutions for families has allowed her to share her passion and bold screen solutions nationally. ScreenStrong…
Episodes
ScreenStrong FamiliesSave Your Child from Screen Addiction with Dr. Johann D'Souza (#222)
This episode is shared with permission from Dr. Johann D'Souza and the Virtuous Leaders Podcast. In this episode, Dr. Johann D’Souza talks with Melanie Hempe…
ScreenStrong FamiliesYearly Wrap-Up: 2024 Highlights (#221)
Thank you all for listening and engaging with the podcast this year. Here are just a few highlights from our 2024 episodes, and we look forward to continuing…
ScreenStrong FamiliesENCORE: Busting Screen Myths in the New Year with Dr. Adriana Stacey (#133)
Happy New Year! In this special encore episode, Melanie and Dr. Stacey help you start the year off right by debunking common screen myths and offering…
ScreenStrong FamiliesENCORE: Screen Use During the Holidays—ScreenStrong Families Q&A (#13)
Got questions? We've got answers! In this episode, Melanie and Mandee tackle some of the most pressing holiday concerns from our ScreenStrong Families Facebook…
ScreenStrong FamiliesWhy Your Middle Schooler Doesn’t Need a Smartphone for Christmas (#220)
The holidays are here, and many parents are contemplating whether to gift their middle schoolers a smartphone. In this episode, Melanie and Amy, who together…
ScreenStrong FamiliesAustralia Raises Social Media Age to 16: A Conversation with Dany Elachi (#219)
In this episode, co-host Mandee Hamann is joined by Dany Elachi, co-founder of the Heads Up Alliance, to discuss Australia’s historic move to raise the minimum…
ScreenStrong FamiliesDad of 6 Shares Advice for Removing Screens with Michael Rainer (#218)
In this powerful episode, Melanie Hempe sits down with Michael Rainer, a father of six, to discuss his inspiring journey of transforming his family's screen…
ScreenStrong FamiliesEncore: The Endless Non-Tech Gift Ideas with Evan Hempe (#130)
For this special holiday ENCORE episode, Melanie is joined by her son Evan to discuss practical holiday gift ideas—and encourage people to skip smartphones and…
ScreenStrong FamiliesWhy Give Real Toys During the Holiday Season with Liz Breen (#217)
Every year, we talk about Christmas gifts, but this year we're getting ahead of the game with a plan for a Screen-Free Christmas. In this episode, Melanie…
ScreenStrong FamiliesThe Gift of Community: A Great New Book for Young Kids with Beth Wilson (#216)
In this heartwarming episode, host Melanie Hempe sits down with children’s book author Beth Wilson to discuss her beautifully crafted book, Togetherness Town…
ScreenStrong FamiliesFrom World Records to Screen Limits: Thriving Beyond Tech with Rob McLeod (#215)
Join Mandee Hamann and special guest Rob McLeod—known as Frisbee Rob—for an inspiring episode of the ScreenStrong Families Podcast, one you can listen to with…
ScreenStrong FamiliesHow Teachers and Parents Can Support Phone-Free Schools with Dr. Adriana Stacey (#214)
In this episode, Melanie and Dr. Stacey explore how teachers and parents can collaborate to create a phone-free school environment. Teachers can support the…
ScreenStrong FamiliesScreenStrong Teens: 10 Reasons Why Your Teen Doesn’t Need a Smartphone—Part 2 (#213)
Are you considering a smartphone-free childhood for your teens? In a world where teens seem inseparable from their phones, it's refreshing to hear from those…
ScreenStrong FamiliesBreaking Screen Addiction: A Teen’s Perspective on Setting Boundaries (#212)
In this episode, host Melanie Hempe is joined by her son, Andrew, who shares his personal insights on screen habits and addiction. Together, they dispel the…
ScreenStrong FamiliesUnderstanding Dopamine in Developing Brains with Dr. Anna Lembke (#211)
In this episode, host Melanie Hempe sits down with psychiatrist and author, Dr. Anna Lembke, to dive deep into the science behind screen addiction and its…
ScreenStrong FamiliesYour Teen WILL Have Friends Without A Smartphone. Just Ask My Homecoming Queen. (#210)
In this episode of the ScreenStrong Families podcast, host Melanie Hempe sits down with Jennifer, a mother who chose a unique approach to parenting in the…
ScreenStrong FamiliesENCORE: The Hero’s Journey and Immersive Gaming with Dr. Huu Kim Le (#75)
In this episode, Melanie speaks with Dr. Kim Le, a child and adolescent psychiatrist based in Adelaide, Australia. He completed his psychiatry training in New…
ScreenStrong FamiliesHow to Protect Your Kids from the Pull of Addictive Screens (#209)
In today's episode, Melanie tackles common misconceptions about screen use for children and teens. She emphasizes the importance of setting healthy boundaries…
ScreenStrong FamiliesPsychiatrist Shares 6 Mental Health Reasons to Have a Phone Free School with Dr. Adriana Stacey (#208)
In today’s episode, we dive into a hot topic on the minds of many parents: “Why have a phone-free school?” We’re joined by the brilliant Dr. Adriana Stacey to…
ScreenStrong FamiliesA Kids’ Brains and Screens LIVE Presentation with Melanie and Andrew Hempe (#207)
Tune in for a powerful live presentation with Melanie and her son Andrew, as they delve into the science of screen overuse and offer actionable solutions for…
ScreenStrong FamiliesA Learning Specialist’s Tips to Teach Executive Function Skills with Jamie Seibert (#206)
In this enlightening episode, host Mandee Hamann sits down with learning specialist Jamie Seibert (Enrichment Therapy and Learning Center) to explore the…
ScreenStrong FamiliesENCORE: Top 10 School Tips from a Teacher's Perspective with Teralea Moore (#117)
In this episode, Melanie sits down with Teralea Moore—a seasoned college math professor with over 20 years of teaching experience across high school, community…
ScreenStrong FamiliesScreens & Teens: A Warning to Parents with Dave Anderson (#205)
This interview is shared with permission from Dave Anderson and the Tech Seeking Human Podcast. In this compelling interview from the Tech Seeking Human…
ScreenStrong FamiliesBreaking Free: High Schooler Trades His Smartphone for a Flip Phone (#204)
Join us as host Andrew Hempe sits down with Uly Junker, a fellow ScreenStrong Teen who made the bold decision to ditch his smartphone. In this compelling…
ScreenStrong Families"Good Pictures Bad Pictures"—A Conversation with the Author, Kristen A. Jenson (#203)
CONTENT WARNING: Discussions around pornography and sexual material. Not suitable for anyone under 18 without parental approval. One of the hardest challenges…
ScreenStrong FamiliesUnplugged Adventures: 30 Screen-Free Activities for Road Trips with Heather Franklin (#202)
In this episode, we’re diving into the world of ScreenStrong travel! Join Mandee Hamann as she interviews ScreenStrong Ambassador, Heather Franklin, about her…
ScreenStrong FamiliesScreenStrong Teens: 10 Reasons Why Your Teen Doesn’t Need a Smartphone — Part 1 (#201)
Are you considering a smartphone-free childhood for your teens? In a world where teens seem inseparable from their phones, it's refreshing to hear from those…
ScreenStrong FamiliesWhen Dads Play: The Influence of Parental Gaming on Kids with Lt. Col. Dave Grossman (#200)
In this episode, Melanie is joined by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, public speaker and author of "Assassination Generation," to tackle one of the biggest challenges…
ScreenStrong FamiliesENCORE: Go Game Free and Never Have Bored Kids Again! (#7)
Don’t let boredom rule this summer, and instead, have summer fun without the screens! Join this enlightening conversation with Mary Thorne and Melanie as they…
ScreenStrong Families"Surgeon General Calls for Health Warnings on Social Media for Younger Users" with Dr. Adriana Stacey (#199)
In this episode, Melanie and Dr. Stacey dive into the recent article in the New York Times, "Surgeon General Calls for Health Warnings on Social Media for…
ScreenStrong FamiliesScreenStrong Teens: Smartphone-Free Childhoods (#198)
Join us for an insightful discussion led by teens who have experienced the benefits of a smartphone-free upbringing. In this episode, these inspiring young…
ScreenStrong FamiliesListener Q&A: Answering Your Burning Questions (#197)
Today, we're diving into some of the most frequently asked questions from our amazing listeners. Our very own Amie Robillard, who manages all your emails and…
ScreenStrong Families5 Screen Mistakes That Are Easy to Miss with Anneka Daniell (#196)
As summer approaches and routines shift, it's a perfect time to revisit some common screen time mistakes that parents might overlook, especially for…
ScreenStrong FamiliesPeer Influence or Peer Pressure? Exploring the Contagion of Mental Disorders Among Adolescent Peer Networks with Dr. Adriana Stacey (#195)
Join Dr. Stacey and Melanie as they discuss a new study that suggests mental disorders could potentially spread within adolescent peer groups. In this episode…
ScreenStrong FamiliesDear Teacher, My Child Will No Longer Bring a Smartphone to School with Becky Grant (#194)
In today’s show, Melanie is speaking with Becky Grant, a ScreenStrong parent and teacher, about the topic of smartphones in the classroom. They discuss getting…
ScreenStrong FamiliesENCORE: How Screens Are Changing the Social & Academic Culture for Students with Joe Clement (#64)
Today, Melanie is joined by Joe Clement, a teacher, parent of three, and co-author of Screen Schooled with Matt Miles. Joe is in his 28th year of teaching and…
- ScreenStrong Families
What Are the Benefits to a Screen Detox? with Dr. Victoria Dunckley (#193)
Join Melanie Hempe and Dr. Victoria Dunckley, author of Reset Your Child's Brain, as they delve into the pervasive issue of Electronic Screen Syndrome (ESS)…
ScreenStrong FamiliesHow to Choose a Basic Phone for My Teen with Dr. Adriana Stacey (#192)
Welcome back, ScreenStrong family! Today, we're diving into a crucial topic with the incredible Dr. Adriana Stacey: how to choose the perfect phone for your…
ScreenStrong FamiliesTips on How to Create a ScreenStrong Classroom with Dory Suttmiller (#191)
Join Mandee Hamann as she chats with Dory Suttmiller, an experienced educator and ScreenStrong Ambassador, about the changing role of technology in classrooms…
ScreenStrong FamiliesSummer Strategies: Keeping Middle Schoolers ScreenStrong This Summer (#190)
Do you want to prevent your middle Schooler from becoming dependent on screen time this summer? Join Melanie as she offers practical strategies to Emily, a…
ScreenStrong FamiliesENCORE: TikTok: It’s All In The Algorithm with Dr. Leonard Sax (#102)
Melanie is joined once again by Dr. Leonard Sax, an American psychologist and a practicing family physician. Dr. Sax has spoken on child and adolescent…
ScreenStrong FamiliesWhy Your Teen Is Anxious: Understanding Anxiety in the Smartphone Era with Dr. Adriana Stacey (#189)
In this eye-opening episode, Melanie and Dr. Stacey delve deep into the pervasive issue of teenage anxiety, particularly in the context of the…
ScreenStrong FamiliesUnplugged Upbringing: Pornography Exposure Without Screens with Isaac Carroll (#188)
Join host Mandee Hamann in an intimate conversation with Isaac Carroll as they delve into the complexities of growing up without screens yet still facing the…
ScreenStrong FamiliesNavigating Kids’ Resistance to Screen Education with Becky Grant (#187)
Join Melanie Hempe and guest Becky Grant as they tackle the challenge of introducing the Kids' Brains & Screens curriculum to resistant or sensitive kids. They…
ScreenStrong FamiliesIs Big Tech Responsible for Our Kids' Mental Health? (#186)
In today's episode, we delve into a critical discussion sparked by the recent Senate hearings on Big Tech. Join us as we share an enlightening segment from a…
ScreenStrong FamiliesKids’ Brains and Screens: Revolutionizing Screen Education (#185)
Get ready because it's almost here! In this exciting episode, Melanie and Mandee unveil the highly anticipated print curriculum "Kids’ Brains and Screens"…
ScreenStrong FamiliesTips for Detoxing Your Older Teen (#184)
Join hosts Melanie Hempe and Mandee Hamann in an enlightening discussion as they share invaluable insights and practical tips for guiding older teens through a…
ScreenStrong FamiliesBuilding Blocks: Setting Kids Up for Early Social Success with Marianne Carpenter (#183)
Join Melanie and Marianne Carpenter, mom of four and ScreenStrong Ambassador, as they explore how screens affect children's social development and offer tips…
ScreenStrong FamiliesThe Relationship Between ADHD & Addictive Screen Time with Dr. Victoria Dunckley (#182)
In this episode, host Melanie teams up with Dr. Victoria Dunckley, MD, to tackle the pressing questions parents have about ADHD and its relationship with…
ScreenStrong FamiliesPsychiatrist’s Screen Tips to Start Fresh for the New Year with Dr. Adriana Stacey (#181)
Yes, January is almost over, but it's never too late to reset your screen rules at home and with friends! Melanie and Dr. Stacey dive into some practical tips…
ScreenStrong FamiliesFrom Chaos to Strength: Navigating ScreenStrong Parenting with Christina Rahm (#180)
Screen confidence becomes even more enriching when we take the time to listen to the experiences of parents who have successfully navigated the challenges…
ScreenStrong FamiliesLIVE Teen Q&A on Growing Up Without Addictive Screens (#179)
This Q&A session comes from ScreenStrong's full-day Kids' Brains & Screens workshop in October, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. During this session, parents…
ScreenStrong FamiliesA Psychologist’s Perspective on Screen Addiction with Tom Heidrich (#178)
Today, Mandee interviews Tom Heidrich, a ScreenStrong Ambassador from Brisbane, Australia. Tom recently completed a Master of Educational and Developmental…
ScreenStrong FamiliesYearly Wrap-Up: 2023 Highlights (#177)
Thank you all for listening and engaging with the podcast this year. Here are just a few highlights from our 2023 episodes, and we look forward to continuing…
ScreenStrong FamiliesTwisted Truth: When Innocent Holiday Screen Time Becomes a Trap with Dr. Adriana Stacey (#176)
"Isn’t it okay to let our guard down during the holidays? After all, everyone needs a little break—we don’t need to be so strict." Join Melanie and Dr. Stacey…
ScreenStrong FamiliesTwisted Truth: Are Your Son’s Social Needs Fulfilled in the Gaming World? with Dr. Adriana Stacey (#175)
Is your son really being social on his game? Yes, according to most people. Kids believe they are getting their social needs met through their video games, and…
ScreenStrong FamiliesENCORE: Non-Tech Screen Activities with Sue DeCaro (#10)
In this ENCORE episode, Melanie Hempe and worldwide Coach and Educator, Sue DeCaro, discuss a variety of non-tech activities for all ages to implement both…
ScreenStrong FamiliesENCORE: The Endless Non-Tech Gift Ideas with Evan Hempe (#130)
For this special holiday ENCORE episode, Melanie is joined by her son Evan to discuss practical holiday gift ideas—and encourage people to skip smartphones and…
ScreenStrong FamiliesSpecial Episode: Gratitude (#174)
Happy Thanksgiving from ScreenStrong! We are thrilled to share a special episode with you this week, centered around the theme of gratitude. Tune in to hear…
ScreenStrong Families20+ Ways Kids Get Around Parental Controls with Doug Smith (#173)
Today's show will take us behind the curtain of the teen brain who is searching for a way to get around parental controls! You will learn that the idea of…