Flusterclux With Lynn Lyons: For Parents Who Worry

Podcast Episodes

45
June 2, 2026

Flusterclux Quarterlife: Robot Therapists: AI and Mental Health

Each Tuesday, Lynn Lyons talks with her son, Brackett, about all the new challenges in life facing twenty-somethings. Today, we discuss how Artificial Intelligence is everywhere - including the mental health field. Lynn gives her thoughts on the increasing role AI is playing in therapy, treatment, and diagnosis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
44
May 29, 2026

How To Create Accommodation Plans That Don’t Support Avoidance

A listener is looking for help creating accommodations for a first grader. How can the adults help without reinforcing the fear through avoidance? The key is to focus on supporting with skills…and it requires a paradigm shift and collaboration. WE'VE MADE PLAYLISTS OF OUR EPISODES TO HELP YOU FIND RESOURCES ON SPECIFIC TOPICS. Here is our first: For those brand new to the podcast, we suggest starting with this playlist featuring Lynn Lyons and the 7-part anxiety disruptor series as well as a ...
43
May 26, 2026

Flusterclux Quarterlife: Am I Falling Behind? The Comparison Trap and How to Avoid It.

Have you ever looked around and seen people you went to school with earning a graduate degree? Climbing the career ladder at break-neck speed? On an incredible vacation around the globe? We all fall into the comparison trap. In this episode, Lynn walks us through why we compare so much, why it's especially unhelpful to do so in your twenties, and how to manage your brain when the comparisons become obsessions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
42
May 22, 2026

Best of: Depression's Treatment And Prevention: A Conversation with Dr. Michael Yapko

In this re-cast of a not-to-be missed episode, Lynn and Robin talk to the expert Lynn values most, Dr. Michael Yapko. Dr. Yapko is one of the world’s foremost experts on depression, how it moves through families, and what parents need to do about prevention. He knows the research and shares it, busting myths and offering advice we guarantee you haven’t heard before. Dr. Yapko mentions Dr. Jean Twenge, check out our episode with her from earlier this year : Sounding the Alarm On Smartphones and ...
May 19, 2026

Flusterclux Quarterlife: Too Old for the Pediatrician, What's Next?

Because your 20s are a mother. Welcome to the debut of Flusterclux Quarterlife! Each Tuesday, Lynn Lyons talks with her son, Brackett, about all the new challenges in life facing twenty-somethings. Today, we discuss how navigating the ins and outs of the medical world can be confusing, stressful, & overwhelming... and Lynn shares how to tackle the doctor's office without the guiding hand of a parent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
40
May 15, 2026

How Music Boosts Mood & Connection

Humans have experienced the power of music throughout all of history. And research shows that its impact on our psychological state, memory and anxiety is real. Ed is a musician and he joins Lynn to talk about the impact of music and how to embrace it in your family. WE'VE MADE PLAYLISTS OF OUR EPISODES TO HELP YOU FIND RESOURCES ON SPECIFIC TOPICS. Here is our first: For those brand new to the podcast, we suggest starting with this playlist featuring Lynn Lyons and the 7-part anxiety disrupt...
39
May 8, 2026

Anxiety Can Be Exhausting, So Do We Give Our Kids A Break From Exposure?

Following some love for Love on the Spectrum, we discuss a listener question from the mom of a 13 year-old who is worn out from her child's OCD and panic. Is it time to let the nervous system “cool off” and give her daughter a break from a challenging upcoming event? Here is the past episode discussed in today's show: Why Kids Should Not Be In Therapy Without Their Parents ... and check out Love on the Spectrum WE'VE MADE PLAYLISTS OF OUR EPISODES TO HELP YOU FIND RESOURCES ON SPECIFIC TOPICS....
38
May 1, 2026

Best of: Managing the Big Feelings Around Graduations

Today we re-cast an important episode about end-of-school-year emotions and all the big feelings. It’s graduation time. Robin is smack in the middle of this emotional time and Lynn has navigated it twice. So they’re both crying. ...and here's the Katrina Kenison piece that Lynn mentions: https://www.katrinakenison.com/2020/03/16/the-gift-of-an-ordinary-day/ WE'VE MADE PLAYLISTS OF OUR EPISODES TO HELP YOU FIND RESOURCES ON SPECIFIC TOPICS. Here is our first: For those brand new to the podc...
37
April 24, 2026

When My Kids Are Afraid To Try Something, How Hard Do I Push Them?

A listener wants her son to learn to swim after a previous bad experience at swimming lessons. Should she push him to go? How can she convince him to try again when he won’t even address the topic? While some activities are optional, knowing how to swim isn’t, so we dive into solutions. Past episodes discussed in today's Flusterclux episode: ARFID Is More Than Picky Eating: Lynn & Mindy Szelap Offer Help WE'VE MADE PLAYLISTS OF OUR EPISODES TO HELP YOU FIND RESOURCES ON SPECIFIC TOPICS. Here...
36
April 17, 2026

How Denying A Problem Keeps Families Stuck & Disconnected

Lynn often talks about the sizable “sweet spot of normal.” Our children will be sad, angry, confused and rejected and we can guide them through the ups and downs. Denial, however, prevents kids from learning how to get to the other side Denial shows them how to ignore rather than problem solve and engage in productive struggle. Past episodes discussed in today's Flusterclux episode: ARFID Is More Than Picky Eating: Lynn & Mindy Szelap Offer Help Raising Kids Who Are Really Ready For College Is...
35
April 10, 2026

Why Kids Should Not Be In Therapy Without Their Parents

A listener asks a question about being left out of her children’s therapy following the death of their father. The listener is baffled and so is Lynn, so she’s climbing back on her soap box to explain the benefits of working with parents and children together and how parents can seek out therapists that focus on building family/parenting skills. WE'VE MADE PLAYLISTS OF OUR EPISODES TO HELP YOU FIND RESOURCES ON SPECIFIC TOPICS. Here is our first: For those brand new to the podcast, we suggest...
34
April 3, 2026

The Power of “Coregulation” and How Your Family Can Have More

Being together and “hanging out” as a family does more than you might think. Doing it regularly, while reading or cooking or playing music and games, powerfully models connection and communication. Coregulation is how kids learn to manage their emotions and reactions from adults. Positive togetherness without devices matters. WE'VE MADE PLAYLISTS OF OUR EPISODES TO HELP YOU FIND RESOURCES ON SPECIFIC TOPICS. Here is our first: For those brand new to the podcast, we suggest starting with this ...
March 27, 2026

Best of: High Anxiety & Good Grades: Our Toxic Achievement Culture

In this recast of an important episode from Seasons 2, we tackle the toxicity of our current achievement culture. It’s so normalized, it’s now invisible to us. Lynn has a must hear answer for kids of any age. WE'VE MADE PLAYLISTS OF OUR EPISODES TO HELP YOU FIND RESOURCES ON SPECIFIC TOPICS. Here is our first: For those brand new to the podcast, we suggest starting with this playlist featuring Lynn Lyons and the 7-part anxiety disruptor series as well as a 3-part series on the skills most hel...
32
March 20, 2026

How To Handle Panic Attacks

A listener asked a common question: how do I help someone who’s having a “real” panic attack? In this episode, we talk about the different terms people use to describe anxiety symptoms (including panic) and the wonderfully consistent way to deal with them. Spoiler alert: we’re stepping in on purpose to retrain the brain. Here are the past Flusterclux episodes discussed by Lynn & Robin: Passing Out From Anxiety: Funny Tales From Our Family of Fainters WE'VE MADE PLAYLISTS OF OUR EPISODES TO HE...
31
March 13, 2026

Why the ODD Diagnosis Doesn't Help Parents Help Children

A listener has a question about the diagnosis of ODD, oppositional defiant disorder. What does this diagnosis mean, what does this label offer families, and why (in Lynn’s and others' opinion) is it inadequate and even harmful in understanding children who are struggling? The bigger question to ask: how do we help kids and parents when behavior is unmanageable? Here are the past Flusterclux episodes discussed by Lynn & Robin: Real Talk with ADHD Expert Ryan Wexelblatt: Anxiety, ADHD and the Me...
30
March 6, 2026

Health Anxiety and Catastrophizing Every Symptom: How To Stop!

Anxiety causes or amplifies physical symptoms. Headaches, stomachaches, dizziness, and even muscle pain are common. But what happens when your anxiety causes your physical symptoms AND such symptoms are the source of your anxiety? It can be a tricky loop to untangle. Discussed in today's episode: The Mindbody Prescription: Healing the Body, Healing the Pain by John E. Sarno, M.D. WE'VE MADE PLAYLISTS OF OUR EPISODES TO HELP YOU FIND RESOURCES ON SPECIFIC TOPICS. Here is our first: For those ...
29
Feb. 27, 2026

How To Not Pass On Your Social Anxiety To Your Kids

Remember the outdated parenting adage: “do as I say, not as I do”? Well, when it comes to passing on anxiety, both what you say really does make a difference. Research shows that how parents talk about new experiences and social encounters matters. In this episode, we break down the very doable verbal ways to up your child’s social confidence and minimize the impact of your social anxiety. WE'VE MADE PLAYLISTS OF OUR EPISODES TO HELP YOU FIND RESOURCES ON SPECIFIC TOPICS. Here is our first: F...
28
Feb. 20, 2026

When One Child’s Needs Dictate A Family’s Routines, How Can We Support the Siblings?

In this episode, Robin and Lynn tackle the topic of siblings. How can parents best balance the significant needs of one child with the needs of other siblings? Be it anxiety, OCD, or medical issues, how are siblings impacted? And how can families interrupt patterns, have direct conversations and, as always, stay out of the powerful cult of anxiety? WE'VE MADE PLAYLISTS OF OUR EPISODES TO HELP YOU FIND RESOURCES ON SPECIFIC TOPICS. Here is our first: For those brand new to the podcast, we sugg...
27
Feb. 13, 2026

ARFID Is More Than Picky Eating: Lynn & Mindy Szelap Offer Help

Have you heard of ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)? It describes extreme “picky eating” and can hijack families. But as with most disorders that seem to move quickly into parenting awareness, information, treatment, and internet discussions are all over the place. In this episode, Lynn brings back her colleague Mindy Szelap for a dose of solid information, myth-busting, and practical steps to take. What’s normal developmentally? What are the do’s and don’ts of mealtime? And does...
26
Feb. 6, 2026

Highschoolers, Homework, and Meltdowns: Guiding Our Kids Through Junior & Senior Year

A listener asks a very relatable question: how do I help my perfectionist daughter manage the overwhelming demands of junior year without being stressed, tired and miserable? What’s the skill we need to teach our high schoolers…and what do messages do we parents need to stop sending? Here's the Season 2 episode referenced in today' s podacst: High Anxiety & Good Grades: Our Toxic Achievement Culture WE'VE MADE PLAYLISTS OF OUR EPISODES TO HELP YOU FIND RESOURCES ON SPECIFIC TOPICS. Here is o...
25
Jan. 30, 2026

The Importance of “Quality Control” When Selecting Coaches & Advocates

Parents are eager if not desperate to find help for their families, and the explosion of coaching options might be appealing. But parent beware: while coaching as a model to support has great legitimacy in some areas (health coaching, for example) many programs that claim to address trauma, OCD, anxiety or parenting struggles offer “certificates” and a business model that are superficial at best. How do parents sort through the options for coaches, advocates, and even therapists to make sure the...
24
Jan. 23, 2026

Giving Yourself Permission To Let Your Kids Feel Uncomfortable

Can you tolerate your children being frustrated, disappointed, angry or bored? Do you know how to help your child get through big emotions, or do you work hard to make sure they’re NOT distressed? Parenting to keep your kids “happy” has consequences, so in this episode you’ll get the words and the permission to let your kids feel uncomfortable. WE'VE MADE PLAYLISTS OF OUR EPISODES TO HELP YOU FIND RESOURCES ON SPECIFIC TOPICS. Here is our first: For those brand new to the podcast, we suggest ...
23
Jan. 16, 2026

6 Ways to Level Up in 2026 When Managing Your Kid’s Anxiety

Hurray for January as we reset and move forward! In this episode, Lynn and Robin double down on six key anxiety-busting (and preventing) practices that can guide your parenting. If you want smoother days and better moods, listen up! WE'VE MADE PLAYLISTS OF OUR EPISODES TO HELP YOU FIND RESOURCES ON SPECIFIC TOPICS. Here is our first: For those brand new to the podcast, we suggest starting with this playlist featuring Lynn Lyons and the 7-part anxiety disruptor series as well as a 3-part serie...
22
Jan. 9, 2026

The 3 Types of Bullies In Your Kid's Class and What To Do About Them

Several listeners have asked that we address the tough topic of bullying. We hope this episode will help parents recognize that not all bullies are the same, not all difficult interactions between kids are bullying, and direct conversations about how to step in are critical. WE'VE MADE PLAYLISTS OF OUR EPISODES TO HELP YOU FIND RESOURCES ON SPECIFIC TOPICS. Here is our first: For those brand new to the podcast, we suggest starting with this playlist featuring Lynn Lyons and the 7-part anxiety...