Podcast
The Tech Translator with Parent ProTech
Hosted by Parent ProTech · EN
Tech moves fast. We decode the apps, trends, and digital chaos so parents don’t feel left behind and students don’t have to navigate it all alone.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
“School Phone Bans, Smartphones, and the Anxiety We Don’t Talk About”
Apr 2100:44:38Tap to summarizeThis podcast episode explores the rising trend of school smartphone bans and the phenomenon of "techxiety," focusing on how constant digital connectivity contributes to student stress, social friction, and diminished academic focus. The discussion highlights the psychological toll of being "always on" and considers the potential benefits of reclaiming distraction-free environments for more authentic face-to-face interaction. While also addressing the practical challenges and parental concerns involved in implementing such policies, the episode offers a nuanced look at the evolving relationship between technology, mental well-being, and engagement in educational settings.www.parentprotech.comFollows us:@parentprotech
Transcribe →The Ultimate Parent ProTech Holiday Gift Guide: Safe Tech (and Non-Tech) for Families
Nov 1100:40:41Tap to summarizeBefore you hit “Add to Cart” this holiday season, watch this first. 👀In this Parent ProTech Holiday Gift Guide, Joshua and Melvin break down the best safe tech (and non-tech!) gifts for families in 2025. They're covering kid-safe smartphones and smartwatches to tablets, gaming consoles, and creative offline ideas designed to bring families together.We’re not paid to say any of this. These are products we actually believe in.Check out our full downloadable gift guide here: https://ito-vault.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/ppt/The+ProTech+Holiday+Gift+Guide+2025.pdf🎄 We Cover:0:00 - Why We're Sharing This1:21 - Kid-Safe Smartphones: Bark Phone, Gabb Phone, Troomi Phone6:27 - Smartwatches for Kids: Bark Watch, Cosmo JrTrack 5, TickTalk 512:10 - Tablets: Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro, iPad, LeapFrog LeapPad Academy19:43 - Gaming Consoles: Nintendo Switch & Switch 2, Nex Playground24:20 - Nintendo Switch 1 Games: Gabby's Dollhouse, LEGO Party!, Pokémon Legends Z-A27:00 - Nintendo Switch 2 Games: Donkey Kong Bananza, Mario Kart World, Sonic X Shadow Generations29:33 - Cameras: Agoigo Kids, Sony ZV-1F, VTech KidiZoom Duo Camera FX34:02 - Non-Tech Family Games: Blank Slate, Gravitrax Starter Set, Happy Salmon36:45 - Non-Tech: Pickleball, PlasmaCar Lightning Glow Rider, SpikeballSubscribe to Parent ProTech for practical tools, conversations, and resources to help your family navigate the digital world with confidence.
Transcribe →Phone bans, Sora, & Snapchat Safety
Nov 1000:41:04Tap to summarizeWe’re breaking down what parents need to know about cell phone bans, Sora’s new social app, and Snapchat’s latest safety guide. Tune in for practical insights on raising kids in a digital world and creating a healthier tech balance at home.Learn more:www.parentprotech.comFollow us: @parentprotech
Transcribe →Raise Digital-Ready Kids | ex-TikTok • Netflix • Harvard Expert
Nov 300:54:09Tap to summarizeWhat if raising tech-savvy kids didn’t have to be scary?In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tracy Elizabeth, a developmental psychologist and former TikTok family safety leader, Netflix ratings director, and Harvard researcher to unpack what it really takes to raise digital-ready kids in today’s world.In this episode of The Tech Translator Podcast by Parent ProTech, you’ll hear:- Why fear-based parenting around tech doesn’t work- How platforms decide what’s “PG-13”- The difference between active and passive screen time (and why it matters)- How to train your child’s algorithm- Why your child isn’t ready for a smartphone until you’ve had a few essential conversations- How to use a “yes - and” approach to teach healthy digital habitsIf you’re a parent, educator, or leader navigating kids’ screen time or social media, this episode will show you how to replace fear with confidence and raise digital-ready kids.Raise Digital-Ready Kids | ex-TikTok • Netflix • Harvard Expert
Transcribe →"Make Our Schools Safe" | Activist Lori Alhadeff on School Safety + Cell Phone Ban
Oct 2000:41:38Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Lori Alhadeff joins us to discuss how technology is literally saving lives and the necessary policies that secure our children's future.We dive into:* Alyssa's Law: The story behind the critical law mandating silent panic alarms in schools, and how technology drastically reduces emergency response time, proving that seconds equal life.* The School Board Perspective: Lori offers her unique view, as both a grieving parent and a school board member, on the difficult compromises required to protect students.* The Cell Phone Dilemma: We tackle the issue of school cell phone bans. Lori explains why removing devices during the school day is a necessary step for reducing distraction, mitigating digital bullying, and improving student mental health.* Encouragement & Advice: Practical guidance for parents, educators, and students navigating the new digital and physical safety landscape.Lori Alhadeff's mission is to ensure no family endures the tragedy her own did. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of tech, policy, and the fight for safer schools.Learn more about Make our Schools Safe at: www.makeourschoolssafe.orgLearn more about Parent ProTech at: www.parentprotech.com
Transcribe →Speak Up, Stay Safe: Crime Stoppers of Houston CEO on Protecting Kids
Oct 600:58:13Tap to summarizeRania Mankarious, CEO of Crime Stoppers of Houston and author of "The Online World: What You Think You Know and What You Don’t," shares urgent lessons from decades of public safety work. Her message: kids today are growing up in a completely different world, and silence is not an option. From school threats to the dangers of AI chatbots posing as “friends,” Rania explains why students are the first line of defense and why parents can’t afford to play tech whack-a-mole. She offers a hopeful path forward: equip kids to speak up, set boundaries, and build trust that keeps them safe online and off. In this episode of The Tech Translator Podcast by Parent ProTech, you’ll hear: Why “Speak Up, Stay Safe” is more than a slogan How school threats (even as “jokes”) carry life-altering consequences The debate over phones in schools and what it means for safety and connection Why chasing every new app is a losing game, and what works instead If you’re a parent, educator, or leader worried about kids’ safety in today’s digital world, this conversation will give you clarity, courage, and next steps.
Transcribe →Kids, Screens + Mental Health: A Therapist’s Urgent Advice
Sep 2200:43:56Tap to summarizeTherapist, author, and mom of four Tessa Stuckey (@themomtherapist), known for her book "For the Sake of Our Youth," opens up about what she’s seeing in today’s families and why “all online access equals risk.”From dopamine dumps and device-driven tantrums to porn exposure on the school bus, Tessa shares what’s actually happening in kids’ brains and the simple boundaries that help restore connection and confidence at home.In this episode of The Tech Translator Podcast by Parent ProTech, you’ll hear:Why “all online access = risk” and how to set guardrails.The dopamine problem: drips vs. dumps.How to handle tantrums, self-regulation, and screen meltdowns.Practical tools like family code words, narration, and screen-free zones.If you’re a parent, educator, or counselor trying to raise balanced, tech-wise kids, this one’s for you.Kids, Screens + Mental Health: A Therapist’s Urgent Advice
Transcribe →“It Takes More Than It Gives” | Pro Athlete Gabe McGlothan on Tech + Boundaries
Sep 500:33:44Tap to summarize2024 College Slam Dunk Contest winner, former Grand Canyon University standout, and current Indiana Pacers G-League athlete Gabe McGlothan opens up about the real challenges of growing up in today’s digital world.From film study and recruiting to the distractions of social media, Gabe shares how technology shaped his journey and the boundaries he’s put in place to protect his focus, faith, and future.In this episode of The Tech Translator Podcast by Parent ProTech, you’ll hear:Why boredom may be the secret weapon for creativity and growth.How social media posts can affect scholarships, careers, and personal reputation.The power of building a strong foundation on and off the court.Practical advice for parents and athletes navigating recruiting, film, and digital distractions.Gabe also talks about his passion for giving back through youth clinics, foster care, and community projects.If you’re a parent, coach, or athlete trying to balance screens, sports, and life, you won’t want to miss this one.“It Takes More Than It Gives” | Pro Athlete Gabe McGlothan on Tech + Boundaries
Transcribe →92% of Students Use AI, But Only 35% of Parents Talk About It...
Aug 2501:00:12Tap to summarizeFrom homework help to deepfake scams, AI is everywhere. And students are diving in faster than parents and educators can keep up. In this episode of The Tech Translator from @parentprotech , Joshua sits down with Mark Henderson (dad of two teens and AI in Education Specialist at the Missouri School Boards' Association) to unpack:- Why banning AI in schools doesn’t work- The rise of AI cheating and how teachers are adapting- The dangers of deepfakes, sextortion, and AI “companions”- Practical tips for parents to start real conversations about AI at home- The AI tools Mark actually uses every day (and recommends)Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just trying to make sense of this new world, this conversation will give you the clarity and tools you need.92% of Students Use AI, But Only 35% of Parents Talk About It...
Transcribe →Why Your Kid Can’t Put the Screen Down (and What You Can Do About It)
Aug 1101:09:03Tap to summarizeIn this eye-opening episode, Dr. Crystal Collier breaks down how tech is rewiring kids’ brains and what parents can do to help.You’ll learn:Why task initiation is disappearingWhy screens are replacing real-life motivationHow “techno tantrums” are warning signsWhat brain-based parenting actually looks likeHow to build executive function through everyday routinesDr. Collier is a psychotherapist, researcher, author of "The NeuroWhereAbouts Guide," and a leading expert in prevention science. Whether you’re trying to set tech boundaries or just feel overwhelmed by the digital world, this conversation will give you practical tools and real hope.Connect with us: @parentprotechWhy Your Kid Can’t Put the Screen Down (and What You Can Do About It)
Transcribe →