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Cat & Nat Unfiltered
Parenting Teens Unfiltered: Navigating a Digital World with Dr. Devorah Heitner
Welcome to the NEW podcast all about parenting teens with Cat & Nat. Each week we are going to go over topics that you need to know and bring an expert to break down an important topic. New episodes every Monday, go subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Our kids are growing up in a digital world whether we like it or not. They're trying to figure out who they are in a hyper-connected environment where everyone is watching. It's more important than ever for parents to understand the technology their kids are using, the content they could potentially be exposed to, and how to guide them to become responsible digital citizens. Dr. Devorah Heitner is the author of Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World and Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and The Atlantic. She has a Ph.D. in Media/Technology & Society from Northwestern University and has taught at DePaul and Northwestern. For more resources and helpful information visit https://devorahheitner.com/and @devorahheitnerphd.
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54. It's Prom + Draft Season
29:18||Season 15, Ep. 54May parenting is absolute chaos: graduations, dance competitions, prom pressure, and the realization that summer is somehow six minutes away and we have zero plans for our children. Should they all have jobs? Should they be at camp? Should they just roam free? What are teenagers even supposed to do all summer anymore?We also debate whether promposals have officially gone too far and revisit Nat’s very complicated Grade 13 prom situation — because apparently teenage drama never really ends.Key topicsEnd of school season chaosSocial media trends among youthParenting stories about prom and hockey53. Nat Got Her Eyelids Done: Story Time!
34:30||Season 15, Ep. 53Story time! Nat got her eyelids done and we are here to talk all about it! Somehow it turned into a full-blown conversation about aging, confidence, Botox, body image, moms who never judge us, husbands who don’t ask questions, and whether cosmetic procedures are self-care, boredom, or just something fun to do. From “your eyelids are the texture of a testicle” to scheduling surgery during the busiest mom hour possible, this is a must listen!We talk:- upper blephs and what actually happens- why women feel weird admitting they want to change something- confidence vs. self-acceptance- the pressure of aging naturally- wanting to feel good in your own skin- why some people get highlights and some get surgeryAlso: Mark’s reaction, Grandma driving post-surgery, TJ wanting to watch the stitches come out, and why Cat thinks Nat just needed a hobby.52. What’s Wrong With Being Average?
35:02||Season 15, Ep. 52Whatever happened to being average? From dance competitions and puberty to inflated grades, elite sports, university pressure, and kids growing into 6’4” strangers overnight — this episode is all over the place in the best way possible. We dive into the exhausting culture of overachievement and why it feels like every kid is suddenly expected to be exceptional at everything. The pressure kids feel around sports, academics, and getting into university, why “average” has somehow become a dirty word, and why more kids (and parents) might actually be happier just playing for fun. Plus: boys are basically mystery bags during puberty, why everyone suddenly seems giant, and the reality of raising kids who simply want balance instead of burnout.51. The Challenges of Empty Nesting
35:03||Season 15, Ep. 51Ever feel like your identity disappears when the kids leave? As a mom, it’s easy to get lost in the roles we play. If you’ve poured everything into being a mom, what happens when the kids are gone? Many women find themselves feeling empty, as they realize they’ve outsourced their identity to motherhood. You’re not just losing kids; you’re losing a part of yourself. Let us know where you are in this phase of life!50. Are You Born Lucky?
31:40||Season 15, Ep. 50We are talking about the nature versus nurture debate on optimism. Are we predisposed to see the glass half full, or can we train ourselves to embrace a more positive outlook? Research shows that optimism isn’t just a personality trait; it’s influenced by our upbringing and experiences. Kids absorb how parents interpret setbacks, shaping their worldview. If you grow up with a lens of pessimism, it can feel like a heavy weight to break free from. But it’s never too late to shift your mindset!49. Reimagining Education for the Digital Age
29:03||Season 15, Ep. 49In this episode, we’re talking about authenticity vs perfectionism and why so many of us feel like we need to have everything figured out before we make a move. We also get into what’s happening in education right now—especially with AI changing how kids learn—plus parenting teens and whether school systems are actually keeping up with the real world. We share stories from a recent women’s conference where the big takeaway was simple: most of us are waiting to feel “ready,” but the truth is, we never really do. We just have to start. Nothing is perfect—and growth usually begins the moment you stop waiting for it to be.48. What Will Life Look Like When the Kids Start to Leave?
34:18||Season 15, Ep. 48This episode is all about that weird, emotional, slightly chaotic stage of life when your kids start growing up, pulling away, and suddenly you realize… wait, who am I without all of this? We’re talking about the shift in family dynamics, relationships, marriage, identity, and what life actually looks like when the kids start leaving home. How do you stay connected, rediscover yourself, and figure out what this next chapter is supposed to be?Raising kids is one thing… figuring out who you are after they leave is a whole other story.47. How to Trust Your Gut: The Power of Intuitive Psychology Part 2
27:20||Season 15, Ep. 47A contiuation on to the most insightful conversation, leading us to chat about how to actually unlock the inner whispers and turn them into a reality.46. How to Trust Your Gut: The Power of Intuitive Psychology Part 1
30:47||Season 15, Ep. 46In a world dominated by logic and structure, many of us find ourselves disconnected from our intuition. Sarah Gregg and Jill Ritchie are the innovative minds behind the Intuitive Psychology Association. They emphasize the importance of intuition in realizing one’s full potential. Their unique approach blends modern psychology with intuitive intelligence, aiming to create a better world through better individuals. We loved this conversation so much we had to make it two parts! For more on The Intuitive Psychology Association check out https://www.instagram.com/we.are.ipa and https://www.intuitive-psychology.com/.