EP:170 In this episode of Thrive Like a Parent, I sit down with longtime client Michael Braunstein, a former collegiate athlete, business owner, and dad of four in a blended family. From the outside his life looked great, but internally he was maxed out—snapping at his kids, drowning in pressure, and wondering how some dads get to the point of walking away. That moment led him to my work and the idea of regulation.

We dive into where Michael started—stuck in “fix it” mode, overwhelmed, and on a roller coaster in his marriage—and how understanding his gas pedal brain, learning to support instead of fix, and recognizing his own needs and limits transformed not only his inner world but his entire family dynamic.

Michael shares the hardest seasons they’ve navigated: busy work cycles, blended family challenges, a celiac diagnosis, and his wife Lindsay’s battle with Graves’ disease—and how regulation tools helped them show up differently in real time. He’s still a driven, high-energy dad, but with the skills to be present, connected, and actually enjoy his marriage and kids again.

If you’ve ever thought, “I love my family, but I can’t keep living like this,” this episode will give you language, hope, and a real look at what change can actually look like for a dad.

👉 Ready to understand your brain, regulate your nervous system, and create a calmer home? Join Thrive or apply to work with me 1:1.

#ThrivelikeaParent #DadMentalHealth #GasPedalBrain #ParentingTools #MarriageAfterKids #NervousSystemRegulation

EP:168 Hey Thrive fam, it’s Brooke! In this episode, I invite my amazing friend Dr. Sahar Martinez to dive deep with me into what it truly means to “thrive like a parent.” We get real (and share a lot of laughs) as we open up about our friendship, why vulnerability matters so much in both parenting and marriage, and how being authentic—even when it’s messy—can change the way we connect with our loved ones.

We talk about the ups and downs of long-term relationships, the honest (and sometimes hilarious) moments of parenting, and how embracing our true selves liberates us and our kids. From healthy communication and setting boundaries to giving yourself grace for imperfect moments, Sahar and I share the hard-earned lessons that fuel stronger families and deeper self-acceptance.

If you’re ready for unfiltered conversations, heartfelt advice, and a reminder that you’re not alone on this journey, you won’t want to miss this episode. Let’s keep the conversation going—subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow parents and friends!

#ThriveLikeAParent #ParentingPodcast #AuthenticParenting #Vulnerability #RealTalk #MentalHealthMatters #RelationshipGoals #ParentingJourney #MomLife #FamilyConversations #CandidParenting

Tune in now for practical tips, a few laughs, and lots of heart. Together, we’re learning, growing, and thriving—one imperfect day at a time!

Links & Resources:

📘 Check out more episodes of Thrive Like a Parent - https://drbrookeweinstein.com/thrive-podcast/ 📸 Follow Dr. B on Instagram - https://bit.ly/48VZI5e 🌐 Visit our website for more resources on self-care and well-being - https://drbrookeweinstein.com

EP:167 Ready to thrive through the holiday season? In this episode of Thrive Like a Parent, I sit down with my dear friend and colleague, Dr. Maria Gonzalez, to get real about what makes the holidays so stressful, and more importantly, how you can reclaim joy and peace with practical, actionable strategies.

We dive into why holidays can trigger so much sensory overload, emotional dysregulation, and people-pleasing, sharing honest stories from our experiences and those of our clients. You’ll learn why predictability matters for your brain, how to spot your own patterns, and techniques for real-time regulation when family chaos hits. Maria and I both get personal, revealing the boundaries we’ve set (and struggled with!), lessons on gift-giving, and the self-care routines that keep us—and our families—centered and grounded.

My biggest wish for you is that you give yourself permission to honor what feels good and real this holiday season. Like I always say, you can’t control every detail, but you can learn to regulate, model self-care for your family, and say “no” without guilt!

Want personalized support on your journey to a calmer, more joyful holiday? Reach out for one-on-one coaching—we’re running a special offer right now! Whether this is your first year working on healthy boundaries or you’re ready for next-level holiday wellness, Maria and I are here for you.

Links & Resources:

📘 Check out more episodes of Thrive Like a Parent - https://drbrookeweinstein.com/thrive-podcast/ 📸 Follow Dr. B on Instagram - https://bit.ly/48VZI5e 🌐 Visit our website for more resources on self-care and well-being - https://drbrookeweinstein.com

#HolidayStress #ThriveLikeAParent #ParentingDuringHolidays #HolidayBoundaries #SelfCareTips #SensoryOverload #EmotionalRegulation #HolidayWellness #FamilyLife #SayNoWithLove #PodcastSummary #WellnessCoaching