Hope & Humor Podcast

How we talk to our teens matters more than we realize.
In this episode, Kristina shares what teens say helps them open up to their parents. She discusses how to communicate with our teenagers in a way that actually reaches them: how to have difficult conversations without turning them into lectures, how to set boundaries without damaging connection, and how to help our kids develop confidence, resilience, and the ability to make good decisions for themselves.

Have a dream you want to pursue, a brand you want to build? Kristina shares the tips that helped her build something successful from nothing, and the principles she still relies on today to keep growing and thriving. Honest advice, hard-earned lessons, and a reminder that you don’t need to have it all figured out to get started.

In this raw, deeply moving conversation, Kristina sits down with Dr. Laura Berman to talk about Crying Out Loud, her book about the unimaginable loss of her teen son and the grief that followed. Laura opens up about the kind of heartbreak that changes you forever, and what it means to keep living when your world has been shattered. Whether you’ve experienced the loss of a loved one or are navigating any other type of grief, this episode is for you.
You can order Crying Out Loud here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/787584/crying-out-loud-by-laura-berman-phd/

Kristina asked her audience to share the most ridiculously, next-level unhinged lazy thing they’ve ever done, and the responses did not disappoint. From hilarious confessions that will make you feel a whole lot better about your own life choices to surprisingly brilliant shortcuts that prove laziness can actually be a superpower, this episode is packed with laughs, questionable decisions, and genius-level tips for working smarter, not harder.

In this episode, Kristina and her friend Carey Reilly read hilarious, honest, and sometimes painfully relatable confessions sent in by listeners about the parenting rules they once swore they’d never break. From things they said their kids would absolutely never be allowed to do, to parenting choices they once judged other parents for... only to find themselves doing the exact same thing.

Kristina’s friend Carey Reilly joins her for an honest, funny, and very real conversation about the pressure that comes with being a parent. The pressure we put on ourselves, pressure we feel from other parents and society, and the pressure we sometimes put on our kids without even realizing it.
A candid conversation about comparison, judgment, expectations, and giving ourselves, and each other, a little more grace.

Kristina explores the difference between healthy helping and anxiety-driven helping, the kind of over-involvement that soothes our worries but can accidentally rob our kids of opportunities to problem-solve, build confidence, and learn that they can handle hard things. How do we know when to step in and when to step back, when to resist the urge to rescue our kids from every disappointment, rejection, frustration, or sadness, and learn to tolerate our own anxiety long enough to let them experience discomfort and learn how to process their emotions?

Depression can be hard to explain to someone who’s never experienced it. In this episode, Kristina asked her audience to put depression into words, what it feels like and what they wish others understood. An honest conversation about breaking the stigma, knowing you’re not alone, and the importance of reaching out for help. This episode is for anyone struggling with depression, as well as anyone who loves and supports someone who is.

Part 2 with renowned sex and relationship therapist Dr. Laura Berman to answer questions listeners called in with. Kristina and Dr. Berman talk about worrying that your kids might walk in on you during sex, whether a marriage can survive (and even thrive) after infidelity, healing and reconnecting with your body after sexual trauma, and what happens when a miscarriage makes sex feel intertwined with grief. Dr. Berman also shares practical advice for couples who’ve been together for years and feel like their sex life has become dull and boring.

Check out Dr. Berman's website for more information: https://drlauraberman.com/ and follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlauraberman/

Kristina sits down with renowned sex and relationship therapist Dr. Laura Berman for an honest conversation about sex. They discuss why it’s so important to have open, age-appropriate conversations with our kids about sex, and Dr. Berman answers questions from listeners: Can sex still be fulfilling during menopause? What can cause sudden changes in erections and sexual function? And after experiencing sexual assault or trauma, is it possible to fully enjoy sex again?
Check out Dr. Berman's website for more information: https://drlauraberman.com/ and follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlauraberman/

If you're nervous about aging, this episode is for you. Kristina and her producer, Cat, have an honest, no-sugarcoating conversation about getting older, aging on our own terms, and share encouraging stories that prove we're never too old to pursue a new dream.

Kristina shares a hard-earned lesson from parenting her son through a difficult time: the more she tried to control the situation, the worse things became, not just for him, but for her and their relationship. In this episode, she talks honestly about the difference between helping and controlling, why our attempts to “fix” things can sometimes create more harm, and what she’s learned about letting go of control without letting go of our kids. If you’re a parent who struggles with control, this episode offers practical encouragement.

Kristina sits down with teen coach Carey Reilly to discuss how parents can help their kids discover their passions, find purpose, and use their unique gifts to make a positive impact in their community. Carey shares practical advice for encouraging confidence, curiosity, and meaningful growth in teens. She also offers valuable tips for students who are considering college, including ways to strengthen their applications and stand out in the admissions process.
Carey is also the founder of http://badgermethod.com/, which helps students build impact, leadership and a personal brand that opens doors.

Death is one of the few experiences every family will face, yet it's often one of the hardest subjects to talk about. In this episode, Kristina welcomes Amy Pickard, founder of Good To Go, for an honest conversation about end-of-life planning, talking to children about death, family communication, and why avoiding these discussions often creates more pain than having them.
At the heart of Amy's work is The Departure File, a practical and compassionate resource designed to eliminate stress, guilt, and uncertainty for those left behind. As Amy says, the goal is to leave behind love instead of logistics.Learn more about Good To Go, order The Departure File, or find information about Good To Go Parties at https://goodtogopeace.org/.

Do you ever feel like you're expected to do it all, be it all, and somehow make it look effortless? In this episode, Kristina and her producer dive into the reality of Superwoman Syndrome. They explore the pressures and societal expectations that women face, how these messages often teach us to put our own needs last, and what it takes to break free from the cycle of self-neglect and create a life that feels more fulfilling and sustainable.

Kristina is joined once again by Jacy Patt, founder of Mentionable Means Manageable Youth Advocacy and a dedicated advocate with more than 15 years of experience working with at-risk youth and their families. Through years of building trust with young people, Jacy has heard firsthand from kids who are struggling but don't feel comfortable opening up to their parents. She shares powerful insights and practical guidance for parents who want to strengthen their connection with their children.
Learn more about Jacy's non-profit organization and its work supporting adolescents and families: http://mmmya.org/

Kristina gets real about something she’s been working on for most of her life: overcoming chronic negativity. Calling herself a “recovering pessimist,” Kristina shares practical strategies that have helped her shift her mindset, and answers listener questions about dealing with negativity.
Whether you’re a lifelong pessimist, an occasional overthinker, or simply someone trying to see the glass as half full more often, this episode offers encouragement and practical tools to help you along the way.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and child sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised.

In this deeply personal and important episode, Kristina tackles the ongoing issue of sexual harassment and sexual assault, with a particular focus on the rise of online sexual harassment and the troubling ways it continues to be excused, normalized, and dismissed (even by some women).
Kristina also shares her own experiences of being sexually assaulted, both as a child and as an adult, and encourages those who have gone through similar experiences to speak up. Your voice matters. Your story matters. Your dignity matters.

Family vacations can create lasting memories, but they can also come with a hefty price tag. Kristina sits down with Carey Reilly, a lifestyle TV contributor and writer, to share practical money-saving tips that can make family travel more affordable and less stressful.

In this powerful episode, Kristina sits down with Jacy, the remarkable woman she credits with helping save her son's life during one of the darkest periods of his mental health struggles. Through a raw and inspiring conversation, she shares her own journey from a childhood marked by severe trauma and abuse to dedicating her life to helping young people find hope and a path forward. Her story is a moving reminder that no matter how difficult your past, healing, hope, and transformation are possible.
(Jacy now runs a non-profit organization that helps adolescents who are struggling: https://mmmya.org/