Are you sitting at the kitchen table with your teen this week, staring at a course registration sheet and wondering, "Does this actually matter for college?" In Part 2 of our deep dive into the college admissions landscape, host Laura Ollinger continues her conversation with Jenna Schebell, founder of The College Navigators. While our last episode focused on the "limbo" of senior year, today we’re looking at the strategic foundation every student needs to build long before they hit "submit" on a college application.

Jenna breaks down the gold standard for high school course selection: The "Five-Four" Rule. We discuss why staying in the five core academic subjects—Math, Science, English, History, and World Language—for all four years is the secret to a competitive transcript. Plus, we tackle the big question for future STEM and Business majors: How do we get to Calculus?

The game is changing. As AI begins to influence (and read) college essays, universities are fighting back with high-tech "hoops." Jenna reveals a new trend: on-the-spot video prompts in student portals. We discuss how these interviews are becoming the new trend for admissions officers and how they mirror the modern corporate hiring process.

If your student is still in middle school or just starting high school, this episode is for you. Understanding the "math trajectory" and the business mindset of admissions early on allows you to help your child reach their goals without the last-minute panic of senior year. Whether you are signing up for courses this spring or just beginning to think about the future, Jenna’s insights will help you trade "application anxiety" for a clear, manageable plan.

• The Five-Four Rule: Why consistency in core classes beats "niche" electives every time.
• Calculus Readiness: How to map out a math path that keeps elite colleges interested.
• AI vs. The Human Factor: How video prompts are replacing (or supplementing) the traditional essay.
• The Business Puzzle: Why a 3.8 GPA looks different depending on your specific high school "profile."
• Comparison Trap: How to help your teen "stay in their lane" and focus on personal fit over prestige.

• Jenna Schebell: The College Navigators | Instagram: @‌thecollegenavigators
• The Navigator Network: Join Jenna’s month-to-month membership for virtual college counseling and expert webinars.

• Laura Ollinger: Positively Healthy Coaching | Instagram: @‌positivelyhealthymom

It’s February, and for many high school seniors and their parents, the "college limbo" has officially set in. Between waiting on regular decision letters and navigating unexpected deferrals, the stress at home can be at an all-time high. In Part 1 of this two-part series, Laura Ollinger sits down with Jenna Schebell, founder of The College Navigators, to pull back the curtain on the final stages of the college admissions process.

Jenna, an independent education consultant with over 20 years of experience, explains why the power dynamic is finally shifting. Now that the applications are in, it’s time for your teen to move from "applicant" to "decision-maker."

In this episode, we discuss:

• The "Decision Central" Mindset: How to handle the anxiety of not knowing where you’re going while peers are already posting their roommates.
• The Truth About Deferrals: What is "yield protection" and why do colleges keep students in limbo even when they are highly qualified?
• Choosing the Right Major: The strategic difference between direct-admit programs (like nursing and engineering) versus exploratory paths.
• Evaluating College Fit: Why attending an admitted students day is the best way to test the "vibe" and community values.
• The Summer Start Advantage: Why starting college in the summer might actually lead to a smoother social transition for your teen.

Whether you are navigating college application stress or trying to help your child choose between two different majors, Jenna provides the logical and emotional roadmap parents need right now.

Resources Mentioned:

• The College Navigators
• Follow Jenna Schebell on Instagram
• Positively Healthy Coaching: Connect with Laura Ollinger for parent and teen well-being support, including coaching around the college admissions time of life.

Next Steps: Stay tuned for Part 2 next week, where we dive deeper into this conversation with Jenna Schebell, founder of The College Navigators. If your teen is selecting high school courses and not quite in the college admissions phase, this one is for you!

Is your teenager choosing friends or dating partners who treat them poorly? It is one of the most painful experiences for a mother to witness, yet traditional parenting often leads to the one thing we fear most: our child pulling away.

In this episode of The Positively Healthy Mom, host Laura Ollinger sits down with pediatrician and parenting expert Kristen Cook, MD, to provide a roadmap for navigating toxic teen relationships. Whether you are dealing with a "mean girl" friendship dynamic or a red-flag romantic relationship, this conversation offers the neurological and tactical tools you need to maintain connection.

• The Neuroscience of Social Rewards: Understand why the teen brain is biologically wired to prioritize peer approval over parental logic. Dr. Cook explains the role of the nucleus accumbens (an area of the brain that is connected to motivation and action) and why "bad" relationships often feel rewarding to a developing brain.
• From Criticism to Curiosity: Learn the tactical "how-to" of intervening in unhealthy relationships. We discuss the power of the family meeting from a lens of prevention and how to ask open-ended questions that allow your teen to discover the truth for themselves without feeling controlled.
• The Mirror Effect & Parental Self-Worth: We explore the deep connection between a mother's self-confidence and her child’s relationship choices. Discover why working on your own inner self-worth is often the most effective way to help your teen build their own.
• Identifying Serious Red Flags: Dr. Cook outlines the physical and psychological signs of domestic abuse in teens and provides clear steps for when a parent needs to escalate the situation for safety.

Connect with our guest: Visit Kristen Cook, MD, at kristencookmd.com to find her book, Parenting Redefined, and listen to her podcast, Mom Doc Talk. Or follow her on Instagram at @‌momdoctalk_kcmd

Welcome back to Part 2 of our conversation with Coach Jace Riley, founder of @6AMPractice and dad of three athlete sons.

In this episode of The Positively Healthy Mom Podcast, host Laura Ollinger dives deeper with Coach Riley on the emotional realities of parenting student athletes — from jealousy between siblings, to frustration with coaches, to what to say when your kid is just done.

💬 This episode is about more than sports. It’s about team culture at home, how to handle tough seasons as a family, and why memories matter more than medals.

• Why your kid talks more to teammates than to you — and how to change that
• The emotional toll of raising athletes (and what moms can do to refuel)
• How to support siblings without creating competition
• What to say when your teen feels overlooked or "glazed" by coaches
• The key difference between support and over-involvement
• Creating a family experience around sports, no matter the win/loss
• How to reframe game-day frustrations into long-term resilience
• Coach Riley’s tools: Game Day Kit, Parent Playbook, and Reset Systems

• Founder of @6AMPractice on Instagram (82k+ followers)
• Former soccer and basketball coach
• Dad of 3 athlete sons
• Known for bridging the gap between “the parent’s heart and the athlete’s brain”

📩 Contact: coach@6ampractice.com

🌐 positivelyhealthycoaching.com/podcast
📘 Facebook: Positively Healthy Coaching
📸 Instagram: @positivelyhealthycoaching

🎧 If this episode helps you feel more confident as a sports parent, please like, comment, and share — it means the world to us!

Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Positively Healthy Mom Podcast with your host, Laura Ollinger. This week, we’re joined by Coach Jace Riley—founder of @6amPractice and father of three athlete sons—for a high-impact conversation about what really goes on in the minds and homes of young athletes.

Jace shares how 6AM Practice was born, why hustle culture isn’t enough, and what parents actually need to say to their kids before and after the game. Whether your child is the star player, benchwarmer, or just trying to find their place, this episode is packed with perspective-shifting strategies that build connection, confidence, and communication.

💡 Highlights include:

• The “Parent’s Heart, Athlete’s Brain” bridge
• What to say (and not say) before a game
• Nutrition, sleep, and screen time tips that actually stick
• Turning game-day failures into powerful teaching moments

📲 Follow Coach Riley: https://www.instagram.com/6ampractice
🌐 More episodes: positivelyhealthycoaching.com/podcast
📸 Instagram: @positivelyhealthycoaching

🎧 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with a fellow sports parent who needs to hear it.

What if one mindset shift could change how teens handle pressure, comparison, and setbacks for the rest of their lives?

In this episode of The Positively Healthy Mom Podcast, host Laura Olander, teen and parent wellbeing coach and founder of Positively Healthy Coaching, sits down with Chip Baker, a fourth-generation educator, bestselling author, and transformational speaker, to talk about growth, self-awareness, and building resilience in today’s teens.

Chip shares how his life experiences, systems-driven approach, and deep commitment to service shaped his journey as an educator and author of over 30 books. Together, Laura and Chip explore:

• Why a growth mindset matters more now than ever for teens
• How self-awareness and “noise cancellation” help teens block out comparison and outside pressure
• The role gratitude plays in mental and emotional wellbeing
• How parents can support confidence without feeding perfectionism
• Why real growth comes from challenges, not comfort

This conversation is full of real-life wisdom, encouragement, and practical perspective for moms who want to help their teens grow into confident, grounded adults.

Chip Baker is a fourth-generation educator with over 26 years of experience as a teacher and coach. He is a multiple-time bestselling author (30+ books), podcaster, YouTuber, and transformational speaker. Chip is the creator and host of “Chip Baker – The Success Chronicles,” where he shares stories of inspiration, leadership, and service. His mission is simple: Live. Learn. Serve. Inspire.

🌐 Website: https://www.wroteby.me/chipbaker
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chipbakertsc/
📘 Facebook: http://facebook.com/chipbakertsc
▶️ YouTube: http://youtube.com/c/ChipBakerTheSuccessChronicles
🔗 LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/chipbakerthesuccesschronicles

👍 Like, 💬 comment, 🔔 subscribe, and share this episode with a mom or teen who could use encouragement today.

#PositivelyHealthyMom #ChipBaker #GrowthMindset #TeenWellbeing #PositiveParenting #SelfAwareness #TeenConfidence

When we see our kids struggling, our instinct is to step in and help. But what if confidence is built not through fixing, but through patience, practice, and trust?

In this episode of The Positively Healthy Mom Podcast, host Laura Ollinger, teen and parent well-being coach and founder of Positively Healthy Coaching, sits down with Elizabeth Green, Founder of My Speech and Debate Coach, to talk about how kids and teens build real confidence through communication.

Elizabeth shares her personal journey from being an extremely shy child to becoming a broadcast news anchor, and how one teacher changed the trajectory of her life. Today, she leads a global team helping kids and teens build confidence, connection, and communication skills through public speaking and debate.

Together, Laura and Elizabeth explore:
• Why confidence grows through practice, not perfection
• How parents can support communication without rescuing
• The power of patience and the pause
• How to prompt meaningful conversations with kids and teens
• When to push kids outside their comfort zone
• Why praise matters more than critique
• The “4 P’s” of building confidence: Prompts, Patience, Push Them, Praise

This conversation is full of practical, real-life tools parents can use at home to help kids find and trust their voice.

✨ About Elizabeth Green
Elizabeth Green is the Founder of My Speech and Debate Coach. After overcoming extreme shyness and building a career in broadcast journalism, she now helps kids and teens around the world develop confidence and communication skills through public speaking and debate education.

🌐 Website: https://www.myspeechanddebatecoach.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myspeechanddebatecoach/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myspeechanddebatecoach
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@myspeechanddebatecoach

👩‍💻 About the Host
Laura Ollinger is a teen and parent well-being coach and the founder of Positively Healthy Coaching. Through coaching, education, and her podcast, Laura supports families in building emotional resilience, nervous system awareness, and healthy communication.

🌐 Podcast & Resources: https://positivelyhealthycoaching.com/podcast
📸 Instagram: @positivelyhealthycoaching
📘 Facebook: Positively Healthy Coaching

If this episode resonates, please like, subscribe, and share it with a parent who wants to raise confident, capable communicators.

Welcome to The Positively Healthy Mom Podcast! I’m your host, Laura Ollinger, teen and parent well-being coach—and today I’m joined by Laurie James, certified somatic practitioner, coach, author of Sandwiched, and host of Confessions of a Freebird podcast.

In this powerful episode, Laurie shares her deeply personal journey through caregiving, divorce, burnout, and healing—and how somatic experiencing helped her reconnect with her body, her emotions, and her true self. We dive into nervous system regulation, stress recovery, and practical somatic tools you can use today to calm your body and shift out of survival mode.

If you’ve ever felt like your body is holding onto more than your mind can process, this conversation is your invitation to slow down and finally listen.

• What is somatic healing—and how does it work?
• Signs your body may be dysregulated
• Laurie's journey through caregiving, motherhood, and divorce
• How to complete the fight-flight-freeze stress cycle
• Simple nervous system regulation tools you can use anytime
• Why burnout often shows up after everything “seems fine”
• The importance of rest, body awareness, and micro-moments of calm
• Grounding, orienting, and vagus nerve support techniques
• How moms can stop overriding their own needs
• How to teach teens self-regulation without pushing them into shutdown

Laurie James is a certified somatic practitioner and coach who helps women navigate midlife transitions with more calm, clarity, and connection. After raising four daughters while caregiving for her aging parents and experiencing the unraveling of her marriage, Laurie turned her healing journey into the memoir Sandwiched and now supports others through somatic coaching, nervous system education, and her podcast Confessions of a Freebird.

🌐 Website: laurieejames.com
📸 Instagram: @laurie.james
📘 Facebook: Laurie James

🎧 Podcast: Confessions of a Freebird

📥 Free Guide: Beginner’s Guide to Somatic Healing (link in show notes)

👩‍💻 Learn more about the podcast:
🌐 positivelyhealthycoaching.com/podcast

📲 Follow us for more:
📘 Facebook: Positively Healthy Coaching
📸 Instagram: @positivelyhealthycoaching

✨ If this episode spoke to you, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with a fellow mom who could use more peace, body awareness, and breath today.

#somatichealing #nervoussystemregulation #mindbodyconnection #burnoutrecoveryjourney #momwellbeing #traumainformedparenting #midlifemomsupport #bodyawarenesstools #positivelyhealthymom #positivelyhealthycoaching