Podcast
ScreenStrong Families
Hosted by Melanie Hempe, BSN · EN
After her oldest son, Adam, dropped out of college due to his video game addiction, Melanie Hempe, BSN, put her nursing degree and training from Emory University to good use and founded ScreenStrong. It’s her mission to create educational programs for kids and parents so no one will experience the pain of screen addiction. Her ability to simplify medical science and provide practical solutions for families has allowed her to share her passion and bold screen solutions nationally. ScreenStrong has won the hearts of many families who are preventing and reversing childhood screen conflicts and addiction.
Host of the popular weekly ScreenStrong Families Podcast, Melanie has been featured in Psychology Today, Thrive-Global, The Wall Street Journal, A&E Network, CBS, CNN, NPR, the documentary Screened Out, and various news and television outlets. Her ScreenStrong Kids’ Brains and Screens Courses are available for parents and students. Her four books include, “Kids’ Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course,” “Will Your Gamer Survive College?” “Can Your Teen Survive—and Thrive—Without a Smartphone?” and “The ScreenStrong Solution: How to Free Your Child from Addictive Screen Habits.”
43episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
What Happens When You Take Your Teen’s Phone Away: Understanding Screen Addiction & Withdrawal (#262)
3w ago00:47:14Summary readyIn today’s episode, Mandee sits down with Kellyn Smythe from Pacific Quest to unpack a topic many families are quietly struggling with: screen addiction—and why it’s far more serious than we often assume.Drawing from his experience working in residential treatment with teens, Kellyn explains how screen use isn’t just a habit—it can become a powerful “process addiction” that impacts the brain in ways similar to substance dependency. Together, they explore how technology is reshaping childhood, replacing real-world connection, and making it harder for kids to develop resilience, identity, and meaningful relationships.From understanding the difference between normal screen use and true addiction, to what actually happens when you take devices away, this conversation gives parents both clarity and hope. You’ll also hear what withdrawal really looks like, how long it takes for kids to reset, and why boredom might be one of the best things for your child.You’ll learn:What “process addiction” is—and how screens affect the brain like substancesKey warning signs your child’s screen use may be a deeper issueWhy video games and social media create a false sense of connectionWhat to expect when you take screens away (including withdrawal symptoms)How long it takes for kids to begin resetting emotionally and mentallyThe different levels of support available if your child is strugglingWhy boredom, discomfort, and challenge are essential for developing joyPractical ways to replace screen time with meaningful connectionIf you’ve ever wondered whether your child’s screen use is becoming a problem—or how to actually help them break free—this episode will equip you with both insight and practical next steps.Support the showDon'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 Adventures of Super Brain book!Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!ScreenStrong Tech RecommendationsCanopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)Production Team:Host: Melanie HempeProducer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin
Summary
Why Kids Are Craving Disconnection: Helping Families Thrive Offline in a Screen-Filled World (#261)
Apr 1600:32:12Summary readyIn today’s episode, Mandee sits down with Gayle Cheatham, founder of Thrive Offline, to explore a growing reality many families are feeling—but don’t always know how to address: our kids are more connected than ever, yet feeling increasingly disconnected.Gayle shares her personal journey from the corporate world to leading a movement focused on helping families rediscover real-life connection. Together, they unpack how screens are quietly reshaping relationships in the home, crowding out critical life skills like resilience, creativity, and communication.From the powerful moment her child asked her to “get off your phone,” to eye-opening stories of teens willingly giving up their devices, this conversation will challenge the way you think about screen time—and what your kids actually need most.You’ll learn:Why presence—not just restrictions—is the real solutionHow screens are crowding out creativity, boredom, and growthWhy kids are often relieved to unplug (even if they won’t say it)Practical ways to build stronger family connection and digital habitsHow to shift your mindset if you feel late or overwhelmed as a parentIf you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to make a change—or how to raise kids who thrive in a digital world—this episode will leave you encouraged and equipped.Support the showDon'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 Adventures of Super Brain book!Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!ScreenStrong Tech RecommendationsCanopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)Production Team:Host: Melanie HempeProducer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin
Summary
The Courts Are Catching Up: What the Google & YouTube Verdicts Mean for Your Kids (#260)
Apr 700:27:10Summary readyWhat if your child’s struggle with screens isn’t a lack of discipline—but the result of how these platforms are built?In this episode, we unpack two major jury verdicts against Google, including YouTube, and what they reveal about the addictive design of digital platforms.You’ll learn why kids can’t “just use it in moderation,” what’s happening in the developing brain, and how you can step in with the guardrails your child needs to thrive.Support the showDon'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 Adventures of Super Brain book!Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!ScreenStrong Tech RecommendationsCanopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)Production Team:Host: Melanie HempeProducer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin
Summary
Raising Creators, Not Consumers: A Philosophy for Life & Parenting with Bradley Morris (#259)
Mar 2700:46:34Summary readyWe’re either creating or consuming—and that choice shapes who our kids become.In this powerful episode of The ScreenStrong Families Podcast, host Mandee Hamann sits down with Bradley T. Morris—father, storyteller, and Founder & CEO of Majik Kids—to explore what’s quietly being lost in today’s screen-saturated childhood… and how we can take it back.In a world designed to keep kids scrolling, watching, and comparing, many children are spending more time consuming than creating. But what does that mean for their brains, their confidence, and their future?Together, Mandee and Bradley unpack the hidden cost of passive screen use and make the case for something better: raising creators.You’ll hear: Why today’s tech environment naturally pulls kids into consumption What happens to the brain when imagination is replaced with constant input How creativity builds confidence, curiosity, and emotional resilience Why “movies for the ears” and audio storytelling can reignite imagination Simple, practical ways to shift your home from entertainment-first to creation-first This conversation is both eye-opening and deeply hopeful. Because this isn’t about perfection, it’s about intention. And small shifts can make a lasting difference.ScreenStrong isn’t about taking something away from your kids. It’s about giving them their childhood back.As you listen, consider this simple question: Where is your child mostly creating—and where are they mostly consuming?Support the showDon'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 Adventures of Super Brain book!Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!ScreenStrong Tech RecommendationsCanopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)Production Team:Host: Melanie HempeProducer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin
Summary
It’s Not Strict, It’s Protective: The Truth About Phone-Free Schools with Kathleen Barlow (#258)
Mar 1100:48:47Summary readyHost Mandee Hamann welcomes ScreenStrong Ambassador Kathleen Barlow for a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation about preserving childhood in today’s hyper-digital culture.Kathleen is a mother of six, grandmother of three, former French teacher, and a passionate advocate for phone-free schools. After leaving full-time education in 2024, she committed herself to raising awareness about the impact of digital overuse, especially inside our schools. She now serves on the leadership team of Smartphone Free Childhood US, is a member of the Screen Time Action Network and the Tech-Safe Learning Coalition, and is part of ScreenStrong’s Speaking Ambassador team.In this candid conversation, Kathleen shares what she’s witnessing firsthand while substitute teaching in the largest school district in Utah, including why “phone policies” that still allow access during the day simply don’t work. She explains why bell-to-bell phone-free policies are essential, how constant access undermines learning, and what happens when devices remain just tempting enough to derail focus.This episode is both a wake-up call and a call to action. If you care about protecting childhood, restoring attention in classrooms, and changing the cultural norm around smartphones, this conversation will equip and inspire you. Because preserving childhood isn’t old-fashioned. It’s courageous.Kathleen's Resources:Swimming UpScreen BlogGenFree: Unplugging 2 Connect PodcastSmartphone Free Childhood USG-Rated School Instagram Account: Allie Terry and Liz JenkinsSupport the showDon'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 Adventures of Super Brain book!Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!ScreenStrong Tech RecommendationsCanopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)Production Team:Host: Melanie HempeProducer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin
Summary
Are Classroom Screens Helping Kids Learn, or Quietly Working Against Their Brains? with Neuroscientist Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath (#257)
Mar 500:50:20Summary readyAre classroom screens really helping children learn—or quietly working against how their brains develop?In this episode, neuroscientist Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath joins us to discuss his new book The Digital Delusion and what the science actually says about technology in the classroom.For years, schools have been told that more technology means better learning. But many of the ideas that built the EdTech movement—like “multimedia enhances learning,” “kids learn best on their own,” and “AI tutors can replace teachers”—were never strongly supported by evidence.Dr. Horvath explains what the data actually shows about classroom technology, including the surprising cognitive tradeoffs of 1:1 devices, why handwriting and reading on paper still outperform screens for deep learning, and why the brain struggles with multitasking and constant digital interruptions.We also explore the three biological drivers of learning—attention, empathy, and transfer—and why screens often disrupt all three.Perhaps most importantly, we discuss developmental timing. Children’s brains are highly sensitive to environmental input, and heavy exposure to screen-based stimulation can shape reward pathways, condition dopamine systems, and increase vulnerability to compulsive screen use later in life.Is it really possible to “moderate” highly stimulating screen activities? And what should parents do in a world where technology seems unavoidable?If you’ve ever wondered whether all this classroom technology is truly helping your child—or quietly making learning harder—this conversation will give you the science, the context, and the reassurance parents need.Because the goal of education isn’t just to use technology. It’s to help children learn deeply and prepare for life beyond the screen.Support the showDon'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 Adventures of Super Brain book!Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!ScreenStrong Tech RecommendationsCanopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)Production Team:Host: Melanie HempeProducer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin
Summary
The Case for Screen-Free Schools: Protecting Kids’ Minds & Character with Dr. Kathleen O'Toole (#256)
Feb 1800:37:53Summary readyWhat happens when schools trade screens for books, discussion, and teacher-led classrooms?In this powerful episode of The ScreenStrong Families Podcast, host Mandee Hamann welcomes Dr. Kathleen O’Toole, Associate Vice President for K–12 Education at Hillsdale College, to explore why screen-free learning is essential for children’s mental health, intellectual growth, and civic formation.Dr. O’Toole leads Hillsdale’s nationwide K–12 Education Office, supporting a growing network of classical schools committed to teacher-led classrooms, rich curriculum, and the cultivation of moral character and civic virtue. In a culture increasingly driven by devices, personalized learning algorithms, and now AI in the classroom, Hillsdale’s approach offers a strikingly different model—one rooted in wonder, truth, beauty, and human connection.Together, Mandee and Dr. O’Toole discuss:Why teacher-led classrooms can never be replaced by “student-centered” digital learningHow screen-free education strengthens focus, retention, and deep thinkingCommon misconceptions about technology in schoolsReal examples of students engaging in thoughtful disagreement and civil discourseInsights from Dr. O’Toole’s article Citizenship Starts in the ClassroomIf you’ve ever wondered whether all that classroom technology is truly helping children—or quietly harming their ability to think, reason, and flourish—this conversation will challenge and encourage you.You’ll walk away with clarity, practical next steps, and renewed confidence that a better path forward is possible.Support the showDon'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 Adventures of Super Brain book!Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!ScreenStrong Tech RecommendationsCanopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)Production Team:Host: Melanie HempeProducer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin
Summary
ENCORE: What Parents Need to Know About Roblox, Sleepovers, and Snapchat with Officer Gomez (#168)
Feb 1101:10:45Summary readyJoin us in this episode as we dive into the world of Roblox, sleepovers, and Snapchat with invaluable insights from our friend Officer Gomez, a School Resource Officer (SRO) and sworn Deputy of the Boise County Sheriff’s Department. Discover what parents need to know to keep their children safe and informed in today's digital age. From the challenges of online gaming to the issues of sleepovers and the nuances of Snapchat, Officer Gomez shares expert advice to help you navigate these crucial aspects of your child's life. Support the showDon'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 Adventures of Super Brain book!Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!ScreenStrong Tech RecommendationsCanopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)Production Team:Host: Melanie HempeProducer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin
Summary
Is Your Child’s Brain Overstimulated? What Addiction Medicine Tells Us with Dr. Steven Klein (#255)
Jan 2200:37:05Summary readyIn today’s episode, host Mandee Hamann sits down with Dr. Steven Klein (Caron Treatment Center), a physician-scientist specializing in addiction medicine and brain health, for a vital conversation every parent needs to hear.In a world of constant digital stimulation, many kids’ brains are under relentless pressure—often without parents realizing what’s really happening beneath the surface. Dr. Klein explains how chronic overstimulation affects the developing brain, why behavioral addictions like screens and gaming mirror substance addiction neurologically, and why “moderation” is often far more difficult than it sounds.Together, Mandee and Dr. Klein explore:What true brain health looks like from a medical perspectiveHow dopamine and reward pathways are impacted by constant stimulationWhy children and teens are especially vulnerable to addictionThe warning signs families shouldn’t ignore—sleep disruption, emotional dysregulation, rising anxiety, and loss of interest in real lifeWhy this is not a failure of willpower or parenting—but a brain-based issueMost importantly, this episode offers hope. Dr. Klein shares how the brain can heal, what actually restores healthy regulation, and simple, practical steps families can take right now to reduce stimulation and support resilience, connection, and emotional well-being.If you’re concerned about your child’s screen use—or simply want to protect their brain in a hyper-stimulating culture—this conversation will equip you with clarity, confidence, and encouragement. Protecting the brain may be one of the greatest gifts a parent can give.Support the showDon'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 Adventures of Super Brain book!Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!ScreenStrong Tech RecommendationsCanopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)Production Team:Host: Melanie HempeProducer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin
Summary
Yearly Wrap-Up: 2025 Highlights (#254)
Jan 1400:30:15Summary readyThank you all for listening and engaging with the podcast this past year. Here are just a few highlights from our 2025 episodes. Happy New Year!Episodes Featured (in order of appearance):Building Executive Function: Why Play Matters More Than Tech with Mariana Carazo (#239)Protecting Kids in the Digital Classroom: An Honest Look Into "Ed-Tech" with Andrew Liddell (#225)From 16,000 Videos to Real Life: Colin’s Screen Detox Story (#231)Get There Before The Trafficker: A Wake-Up Call for Parents with Aleda Renter (#230)The Opt-Out Movement: Simplifying Family Life in the Digital Age with Erin Loechner (#226)Offline and Intentional: A Conversation with Tin Can Founder Chet Kittleson (#235)Support the showDon'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 Adventures of Super Brain book!Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!ScreenStrong Tech RecommendationsCanopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)Production Team:Host: Melanie HempeProducer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin
Summary