As families head into a busy season of gatherings, late nights, and less structure, many parents quietly wonder how to protect their kids from early substance use.

In this episode, Sam Shapiro talks with Jessica Lahey, educator and author, most recently of The Addiction Inoculation, about what really keeps kids safer, why early use is so detrimental, and how parents can stay connected and influential in the years that count most.

We think this is an important episode that's best listened to (for the first time at least!) without kids around.

Key takeaways:

• Why delaying first use is one of the most powerful protective factors for kids and teens.

• How strong family connection and clear expectations reduce risk more than lectures or scare tactics.

• Practical scripts for starting honest, age-appropriate conversations about alcohol and other drugs.

• What the research shows about anxiety, perfectionism, and self-medication in high-achieving communities.