Welcome to another episode of Parenting Untapped!

In this honest and eye-opening conversation, Aly and Tony dive into one of the biggest challenges modern parents face — connecting with teens in a world dominated by social media. From Snapchat streaks and TikTok algorithms to screen-time battles and generational disconnects, this episode pulls back the curtain on how social platforms shape teen identity, relationships, and daily life.

Through candid back-and-forth between a teen and her parent, this episode explores why social media feels essential to teens, why it frustrates parents, and how both sides often feel misunderstood. With humor, vulnerability, and real-life examples, Aly explains the pressure, habits, and emotional pull of apps like Snapchat and TikTok, while Tony shares the parental instinct to protect, guide, and sometimes control.

Together, they unpack how algorithms influence behavior, how “streaks” create invisible pressure, and why social media is more than just entertainment — it’s a space where teens escape, learn, connect, and form identity.

In this episode:

• How Snapchat streaks work — and why teens feel pressured to keep them
• Why parents struggle to understand teen social media habits
• TikTok’s algorithm and how it shapes emotions, identity, and behavior
• The fine line between protecting teens and controlling them
• How screen-time limits impact trust and communication
• Why teens use social media to escape stress and emotions
• How parents can connect without judgment or dismissal
• Turning social media from a battleground into a bridge

Whether you’re a parent trying to understand your teen’s digital world, a teen who feels unheard, or someone navigating family dynamics in the social media era, this episode offers clarity, empathy, and practical insight.

🎧 Tune in to Parenting Untapped — where real conversations help parents and teens connect in a digital world.

Welcome to a new episode of Parenting Untapped!

In this eye-opening episode of Parenting & Tops, AlY and Tony dive deep into the rising influence of AI on teens, parenting, school life, and everyday decision-making. From funny stories about over-relying on ChatGPT to serious concerns about mental health, they explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way teens learn, communicate, and solve problems.

Aly shares real high-school experiences—like classmates getting caught using AI, the contracts students now sign, and how tools like ChatGPT can either support learning or make students overly dependent. Tony brings the parent and entrepreneur perspective, highlighting how AI can improve productivity, fix emotional messages, and replace expensive consultants.

Together, they break down:

• ✔️ Is AI a helpful tool or a risky shortcut?
• ✔️ How teens REALLY use AI in school
• ✔️ Why some students avoid it completely
• ✔️ How AI affects creativity, problem-solving, and mental health
• ✔️ The dangers of misuse—and the importance of parental involvement
• ✔️ When AI makes sense and when it crosses the line

This episode blends humor, real stories, and honest conversations that every modern parent needs to hear.

Tune in to understand the new rules of raising teens in the age of AI—and why learning to use it right matters more than ever. 🎧

Welcome to a new episode of Parenting Untapped!

This insightful and eye-opening conversation dives deep into one of the biggest mysteries of raising teens — why they listen to their friends more than their parents. Through honest dialogue, real emotions, and even a few laughs, Aly and Tony unpack the communication gap that often leaves parents frustrated and teens misunderstood.

Together, they explore how tone, timing, and approach can completely change whether a teen hears advice as support… or as a demand. This episode shines a light on what teens really think, why parental guidance sometimes gets ignored, and how to rebuild a connection that feels like teamwork instead of tension.

In this episode:

• Why teens turn to friends before parents
• How “advice” can accidentally sound like pressure
• What teens wish parents understood about communication
• How timing and tone affect whether advice lands
• Why preparation and guidance matter — but so does approach
• Real examples from Aly and Tony’s daily life
• Practical insights to strengthen the parent–teen relationship

Whether you’re a parent trying to understand your teen, a teen wanting your voice heard, or someone curious about family dynamics, this episode will give you clarity, perspective, and tools to communicate better at home.

🎧 Tune in, reflect, and join the conversation on Parenting Untapped — where every voice matters.

Welcome back to another episode of Parenting Untapped! In this heartfelt and candid conversation, we dive deep into one of the most challenging aspects of growing up: teen insecurities. From worries about looks, academics, and social comparisons to the subtle pressures of social media, we explore what it truly feels like to navigate these challenges as a teenager.

Together, we uncover the delicate role parents play—how to support, listen, and comfort without brushing off their feelings, and why building self-confidence early is crucial. Expect honest reflections, practical insights, and real stories from a parent-teen perspective, with moments of humor and warmth that make this conversation relatable for everyone.

In this episode:

• How teens experience insecurities and self-doubt
• The impact of social media and peer comparisons
• Why parental support and active listening matter
• Real strategies for fostering confidence and self-love
• How to navigate the “tough talks” that shape resilience

Whether you’re a parent trying to understand your teen, a teenager navigating your own insecurities, or simply curious about the emotional landscape of adolescence, this episode is a reminder that every feeling matters and every teen deserves support.

🎧 Tune in, reflect, and join the conversation on Parenting Untapped — where understanding and connection come first.

In this episode of Parenting Untapped, we dive deep into the mind of a teenager to explore what parents perceive as attitude and how it impacts relationships at home. Join Aly and her father Tony as they candidly discuss real-life scenarios, communication challenges, and strategies for handling teen behavior with empathy and understanding.

🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How teen attitudes manifest at home versus with friends
• The role of tone, timing, and miscommunication in parent-teen conflicts
• Strategies to de-escalate disagreements without escalating stress
• Understanding subconscious behaviors and patterns in family dynamics
• Practical solutions like reflective letters and calm conversations

🎧 Tune in, laugh a little, and join the conversation on Parenting Untapped — where every story matters.

In this heartfelt and often funny conversation, Aly and her dad, Tony, unpack one of the most common parenting challenges: should parents act like parents or like best friends?

Aly shares her perspective as a teenager who finds comfort and openness with her mom, while Tony reflects on being the “strict” parent focused on discipline, accountability, and growth. Together, they explore the pros and cons of both approaches — how friendship builds emotional trust, but structure builds resilience.

They close the episode realizing that a mix of both — emotional connection and strong guidance — creates the healthiest dynamic.

• Teens need both comfort (soul) and structure (future) from their parents.
• Being a best-friend parent can sometimes blur authority.
• Strict parenting often leads to better accountability, but less emotional openness.
• Every family plays its own version of “good cop, bad cop” — and balance is key.
• Communication doesn’t have to be constant; even 15 focused minutes can strengthen connection.

Warm, relatable, and unscripted — the chemistry between Aly and Tony makes this episode authentic and engaging. It mixes humor with emotional honesty, ideal for family-focused audiences.

Welcome to another episode of Parenting Untapped! In this candid conversation, Aly and her father, Tony, dive into the complexities of teenage social life and dating, unpacking the role of family values, parental rules, and the challenges that come with growing up. With Aly's strict upbringing and Tony's protective nature, they explore how their approach to relationships has shaped Aly’s experiences and perspective.

In this episode:

• The balance between protecting your teen and giving them space to grow
• How family rules and expectations around dating influence a teen’s social life
• The impact of parental involvement and "helicopter parenting" on a teenager’s autonomy
• The pressure of dating in high school and the idea of long-distance relationships
• Aly’s perspective on not having a boyfriend yet and the influence of her parents’ advice
• Real-life anecdotes from Aly and Tony about navigating relationships and boundaries

Through an open dialogue, Aly and Tony reflect on the way their family dynamic has shaped Aly’s social interactions and dating choices. This episode offers valuable insights for both parents and teens, providing a deeper understanding of the balance between protection, freedom, and the inevitable growing pains that come with the teenage years.

🎧 Tune in to Parenting Untapped and join us for a relatable and honest conversation about the realities of teenage dating and how parents can support their children while fostering independence.

Welcome to another episode of Parenting Untapped! In this insightful conversation, we explore the complexities of academic pressure from the perspective of both parents and teens. Join Aly and her father, Tony, as they share their personal experiences and dive into how academic expectations, family values, and peer influence shape a teenager’s approach to success.

In this episode:

• The fine line between healthy motivation and toxic pressure
• How family dynamics and expectations impact a teen’s mindset
• The journey from STEM to business — finding your own path
• Navigating the pressures of AP classes, extracurriculars, and personal goals
• The role of peers and the importance of balancing academic and personal life

Through open dialogue, Aly and Tony reflect on how they balance pushing for success while fostering independence and self-discovery. Whether you’re a parent trying to navigate the fine line between motivation and pressure, or a teen facing the weight of academic expectations, this episode offers valuable insights into understanding and supporting each other through these formative years.

🎧 Tune in to Parenting Untapped and join us for an honest and heartfelt conversation that resonates with both parents and teens alike.