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November 17, 2025 69 mins

We’re joined by science journalist Melinda Wenner Moyer, author Hello, Cruel World! Science-Based Strategies for Raising Terrific Kids in Terrifying Times. Melinda’s work has long been a trusted source for parents, and here, we talk a little bit about a lot of things that are on our minds right now. Melinda shares thoughts everything from Botox and dying our hair to resilience & kids, to nervous-system regulation to whether divorced moms are quietly judging their married friends and so much more!

We end with an invigorating lightning round of a new game that Sarah Wheeler created called “Parent Advice Gut Check.” It’s complicated!

Links:

* How to Raise Kids Who Aren’t A******s (Melinda’s first book)

* Hello, Cruel World! Science-Based Strategies for Raising Terrific Kids in Terrifying Times (Melinda’s new book!)

* Now What? Melinda’s Substack

* The Facts of Lice in Slate

* What’s on Her Mind: The Mental Workload of Family Life by Allison Daminger

* The Emotional Lives of Teenagers by Lisa Damour

* Lily Allen’s West End Girl

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