In this powerful episode of the ScreenStrong Families Podcast, Melanie Hempe sits down with digital addiction pioneer Dr. Hilarie Cash, one of the earliest voices to sound the alarm on the dangers of screen overuse and gaming addiction in kids and teens.

As the co-founder of reSTART Life, the nation’s first residential treatment program for internet and video game addiction, Dr. Cash shares what she saw—years before most of us were paying attention—and what every parent needs to know now. From her clinical experience working with young people consumed by screens to her insights on what really happens behind the scenes in their emotional and social development, this conversation offers a candid and compassionate look into the world of screen addiction.

🎮 What are the red flags that signal a deeper problem?
📱 Why don’t we have treatment centers for kids addicted to Legos—but we do for gaming?
🧠 What happens to the developing brain when screens take over?
🛑 And most importantly, what can parents do to prevent ever needing a clinic like hers?

Dr. Cash and Melanie dive deep into what today’s families are really facing, and why the answer isn’t just tighter filters—but smarter parenting, early prevention, and informed choices.

Whether your child is a toddler or a teen, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand the real cost of screen overuse—and how to protect their family from it.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

• Get your copy of the BRAND NEW KBS Home Edition!
• Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
• Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
• Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

• Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
• Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

• Host: Melanie Hempe
• Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this special episode, originally aired on the Developing Minds podcast and shared with permission, host Mariana Carazo sits down with Mandee Hamann from ScreenStrong to explore how early tech exposure impacts brain development—and what parents can do about it.

Mandee and Mariana discuss practical insights grounded in brain science, emphasizing the vital role of play in early childhood and the importance of delaying tech for as long as possible. Drawing from experience, they offer simple, effective strategies to reduce screens at home, encourage real-world engagement, and support kids in developing strong social, emotional, and cognitive foundations.

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or educator, this conversation is full of empowering information to help you make intentional choices that protect childhood and promote healthy brain development.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

• Get your copy of the BRAND NEW KBS Home Edition!
• Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
• Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
• Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

• Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
• Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

• Host: Melanie Hempe
• Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this powerful crossover episode, Dr. Andrew Doan welcomes Melanie Hempe—registered nurse, author, and founder of ScreenStrong—to share her deeply personal and eye-opening journey from screen struggles to screen solutions. Originally featured on Dr. Doan’s Podcast, this conversation dives into the real impact of screens on families and how one mom’s wake-up call became a national movement.

Melanie recounts how her oldest son’s battle with video game overuse led her to uncover the science behind screen addiction—and how it’s particularly dangerous for developing brains. Together, she and Dr. Doan explore:

• The neuroscience of screen overuse in kids and teens
• Why smartphones and gaming aren't essential for healthy development
• What makes parents hesitate—and what helps them finally take action
• Practical tools and inspiring stories from families who’ve successfully unplugged and reconnected

Whether you’re just beginning to question screen norms or ready to make a change in your home, this episode offers both the science and encouragement to help you move forward with confidence.

Check out Dr. Andrew Doan's YouTube channel and website.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

• Get your copy of the BRAND NEW KBS Home Edition!
• Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
• Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
• Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

• Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
• Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

• Host: Melanie Hempe
• Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin