Eleanor McAuliffe is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Eating Disorders Specialist-Consultant based in New Orleans, and she joins us to break down what eating disorders actually are and what most people misunderstand about them. We talk through the full spectrum of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and ARFID, and why focusing on symptoms and lived experience matters more than labels. Eleanor explains how eating disorders function as serious, life-threatening, bio-psycho-social illnesses rooted in genetics, brain changes, environment, and coping, not choice or willpower.
We also dig into why eating disorders often begin in adolescence but frequently persist into adulthood, how they can coexist with high achievement and “doing well” on the surface, and what effective treatment really looks like. Eleanor shares why recovery requires a team-based approach, how family support plays a role at every age, and how compassionate intervention can help people access care when the illness makes treatment feel impossible. This conversation is essential listening for parents, caregivers, and anyone trying to better understand eating disorders beyond stereotypes.
Join Dr. Lauren LaRose, psychiatrist and mom of three, as she brings on experts in mental health, physical health and education and explores ideas outside the traditional medical model. The Little Brain Campaign aims to make issues kids and caregivers face easier to understand, while always keeping in mind that we need to look beyond the usual answers to find what really works.
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Eileen Devine is a clinical social worker, parent coach, consultant, trainer, and mom to a teenager with neurobehavioral differences. We sit down with Eileen to talk honestly about what parenting neurodivergent kids really looks like, especially when behaviors are misunderstood as “won’t” instead of “can’t.” We unpack the shift from blame to skill-building, why compassion matters so much for parents, and how lived experience changes the way we support families navigating complex neurobehavioral challenges.
We also dive into the parent experience itself, including disenfranchised grief, trauma, resilience versus grit, and the concept of windows of tolerance for both kids and caregivers. This conversation validates how hard this work can be and offers a grounded, human framework for understanding behavior through a brain-first lens.
Be sure to check out Eileen’s website, https://www.eileendevine.com/, and her podcast, Brain First Parenting with Eileen Devine, to learn more about her approach and continue the conversation.
Join Dr. Lauren LaRose, psychiatrist and mom of three, as she brings on experts in mental health, physical health and education and explores ideas outside the traditional medical model. The Little Brain Campaign aims to make issues kids and caregivers face easier to understand, while always keeping in mind that we need to look beyond the usual answers to find what really works.
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This week, Lauren is breaking down one of the most pressing issues we see in our community: the impact of smartphones, social media, and screen time on kids and teens. We are covering how social media companies actually make money, why these platforms are designed to be addictive, and how technology has far outpaced research and public policy. We also dig into the major studies shaping what we know—ABCD, Pew Research Center, Common Sense Media—and what they reveal about mental health risks, sleep disruption, developmental delays, the “sick role” online, and the rise in depression, anxiety, and loneliness among young people.
We also take a close look at cyberbullying: how often it happens, who’s most at risk, the psychological consequences, and why teens almost never report it. Finally, we share clear, realistic steps parents can take—from tech contracts and device-free zones to removing phones from bedrooms and modeling healthy habits—to reduce harm and support their kids’ wellbeing.
Join Dr. Lauren LaRose, psychiatrist and mom of three, as she brings on experts in mental health, physical health and education and explores ideas outside the traditional medical model. The Little Brain Campaign aims to make issues kids and caregivers face easier to understand, while always keeping in mind that we need to look beyond the usual answers to find what really works.
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Emily Levy is a dentist at Billings Family Dentistry, and she’s back with us for a follow-up conversation diving even deeper into the world of TMD, jaw pain, and how breathing dysfunction shows up as headaches, neck pain, posture issues, and chronic inflammation. We get right into how forward head posture, micro-traumas from daily jaw function, and sleep-related clenching create a cycle of pain that often gets misdiagnosed or temporarily managed with band-aid treatments like night guards, Botox, PT, or orthodontics. Emily breaks down why so many patients—children and adults—struggle with symptoms like ear ringing, migraines, facial pain, jaw popping, numbness in the hands, and even behavioral issues, all of which often trace back to airway and jaw instability.
We also walk through the advanced diagnostics her TMJ Therapy Center team uses—including CT imaging, joint vibration analysis, autonomic motor nerve reflex testing, and muscle palpation—to identify the true source of dysfunction rather than chasing symptoms. Emily explains how chronic pain keeps the nervous system stuck in fight-or-flight, why kids rarely report their discomfort, and how addressing airway and jaw mechanics can completely change outcomes. This conversation is packed with clarity, practical insight, and a better understanding of the root causes so many families miss.
Join Dr. Lauren LaRose, psychiatrist and mom of three, as she brings on experts in mental health, physical health and education and explores ideas outside the traditional medical model. The Little Brain Campaign aims to make issues kids and caregivers face easier to understand, while always keeping in mind that we need to look beyond the usual answers to find what really works.
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Kristin Wolfe is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Orleans who specializes in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). We sit down with her to unpack what DBT actually is, how it differs from traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and why it’s so effective for issues involving emotional dysregulation, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts—especially among teens. Kristin explains how DBT combines validation and accountability to help clients find balance between emotional and logical thinking, introducing tools like mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness to create real, lasting change.
We also explore how DBT supports clients with trauma, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and autism, as well as the importance of parent involvement in teen DBT programs. Kristin shares her journey to becoming intensively trained in DBT after Hurricane Katrina and why she’s passionate about helping families “rewire” their emotional responses together. For parents, caregivers, and clinicians seeking an evidence-based approach that goes beyond symptom management, this conversation offers clear insight into how DBT transforms lives.
Join Dr. Lauren LaRose, psychiatrist and mom of three, as she brings on experts in mental health, physical health and education and explores ideas outside the traditional medical model. The Little Brain Campaign aims to make issues kids and caregivers face easier to understand, while always keeping in mind that we need to look beyond the usual answers to find what really works.
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Sarah Litt is the co-founder of Livi Beauty, and today we sit down with her to talk honestly about raising strong-willed kids—the kind who challenge every boundary, test every limit, and keep us laughing even in the chaos. We unpack what it’s really like to parent children wired this way, why trendy parenting approaches often go up in flames, and how discovering parenting expert Kirk Martin completely shifted Sarah’s perspective. We also dive into real-life stories involving bedtime battles, impulsive moments, morning meltdowns, biting, anxiety, and how to set boundaries with as little emotion as possible.
We share practical strategies for navigating impulsivity, understanding temperament, knowing when behaviors are hard-wired versus intentional, and reducing accommodations that make anxiety worse. This conversation is equal parts validating and hilarious—and a reminder that raising these kids isn’t about “bad parenting,” but about understanding how their brains work. Sarah also shares her work at Livi Beauty and offers a special discount for our listeners.
Treat yourself to a Livi Beauty manicure at https://www.livibeauty.com—use code BRAIN for 20% off.
Join Dr. Lauren LaRose, psychiatrist and mom of three, as she brings on experts in mental health, physical health and education and explores ideas outside the traditional medical model. The Little Brain Campaign aims to make issues kids and caregivers face easier to understand, while always keeping in mind that we need to look beyond the usual answers to find what really works.
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Dr. James Moises is a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician and the owner of Dr. Moises Medical & Marijuana Center. We sit down with him again to talk openly about why so many doctors are stepping away from the conventional medical system. Dr. Moises shares what he witnessed over his 30-year career—from the corporate takeover of hospitals to unethical billing practices, dangerous Covid-era policies, and the rise of EMRs and patient portals that fuel burnout while doing little to improve real patient care. Together, we break down how profit-driven systems undermine good medicine, harm outcomes, and push clinicians into impossible working conditions.
We also discuss Louisiana’s broken malpractice structure, hospital monopolies, and how tying physician pay to patient satisfaction distorts care. As two providers now practicing outside of large corporate systems, we talk about the impact on patients, the reality most families never see, and what meaningful change would require. If you’ve ever wondered why healthcare feels so broken—or why your doctor seems burned out—this conversation offers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the structural forces shaping modern medicine.
Join Dr. Lauren LaRose, psychiatrist and mom of three, as she brings on experts in mental health, physical health and education and explores ideas outside the traditional medical model. The Little Brain Campaign aims to make issues kids and caregivers face easier to understand, while always keeping in mind that we need to look beyond the usual answers to find what really works.
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Dr. Emily Levy is a dentist at Billings Family Dentistry who specializes in TMJ disorders, craniofacial pain, and pediatric and adult sleep-breathing issues. We sit down with her to break down how airway problems, jaw development, tongue ties, and sleep quality impact kids and adults in ways most families never realize. Dr. Levy explains how she uses detailed diagnostics, functional therapy, and orthopedic growth strategies to address issues often misdiagnosed as ADHD, anxiety, headaches, or behavioral challenges—and why catching these problems early can completely change a child’s trajectory.
We also explore her work with the international TMJ & Sleep Therapy Center network, how her own kids led her into pediatric airway medicine, and why intervention has to go beyond cosmetic orthodontics to focus on true function, breathing, and long-term stability. If you’re a parent, caregiver, or clinician trying to understand the root cause of sleep struggles, behavior changes, chronic pain, or tongue tie questions, this conversation offers a clear and practical framework for what to look for and how to get help.
Join Dr. Lauren LaRose, psychiatrist and mom of three, as she brings on experts in mental health, physical health and education and explores ideas outside the traditional medical model. The Little Brain Campaign aims to make issues kids and caregivers face easier to understand, while always keeping in mind that we need to look beyond the usual answers to find what really works.
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Jourdan Generes is the CEO of NeuroJust, an interventional mental health clinic offering transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy. We talk about what TMS actually is, how it targets the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex to calm an overactive fight-or-flight system, and why NeuroJust focuses solely on this noninvasive therapy. Jourdan breaks down who benefits most (depression and anxiety, with adjunct use for OCD and smoking cessation), typical outcomes (remission rates and significant improvement), safety and contraindications, and practicals like insurance coverage, including Medicaid, and the standard 36-session, 10–20 minute treatment schedule at their Metairie and Baton Rouge clinics.
We also cover why NeuroJust partners with outside psychiatrists and therapists rather than doing med management or talk therapy in-house, new access for adolescents 15+, and what patients can expect during and after a full course of TMS. If you’re a parent, caregiver, or clinician exploring effective, evidence-based options beyond medication alone, this conversation offers a clear, jargon-free overview of TMS and how to get started.
Join Dr. Lauren LaRose, psychiatrist and mom of three, as she brings on experts in mental health, physical health and education and explores ideas outside the traditional medical model. The Little Brain Campaign aims to make issues kids and caregivers face easier to understand, while always keeping in mind that we need to look beyond the usual answers to find what really works.
Follow The Little Brain Campaign
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelittlebraincampaign/
Dr. James Moises is a board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician and the owner of Dr. Moises Medical & Marijuana Center in New Orleans. We sit down with him to talk about how medical marijuana works in the brain, which conditions it can help treat, and when it might not be the right fit. Dr. Moises breaks down the science behind cannabis, the process of obtaining it legally in Louisiana, and why personalized care is essential when it comes to medical marijuana treatment.
We also explore how cannabis has shown promise for patients who haven’t responded to traditional medications, especially children with autism, and how this alternative treatment can offer relief to families facing limited options. Together, we discuss the evolving role of medical marijuana in modern medicine and what the future of cannabis research could mean for patient care.
Join Dr. Lauren LaRose, psychiatrist and mom of three, as she brings on experts in mental health, physical health and education and explores ideas outside the traditional medical model. The Little Brain Campaign aims to make issues kids and caregivers face easier to understand, while always keeping in mind that we need to look beyond the usual answers to find what really works.
Follow The Little Brain Campaign
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelittlebraincampaign/
Gillian Goddard is a physician at Park Avenue Endocrinology and Nutrition, author of Hot Flash from ParentData, and writer of the forthcoming book The Hormone Loop. She joins Lauren to unpack the often-misunderstood stages of perimenopause, from the late reproductive years through menopause. We dive into how hormonal shifts impact mood, fertility, and overall health, and why understanding these stages can change the conversation between women and their doctors.
We also explore treatment options ranging from birth control and hormone therapy to the evolving role of testosterone, plus the myths and realities around long-term health outcomes. Dr. Goddard shares practical advice on preparing for medical appointments, navigating symptoms, and finding the right kind of care. Listen now as we shed light on the science of hormones and provide tools to help women feel informed and empowered.
Join Dr. Lauren LaRose, psychiatrist and mom of three, as she brings on experts in mental health, physical health and education and explores ideas outside the traditional medical model. The Little Brain Campaign aims to make issues kids and caregivers face easier to understand, while always keeping in mind that we need to look beyond the usual answers to find what really works.
Follow The Little Brain Campaign
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelittlebraincampaign/
Welcome to The Little Brain Campaign! Join Dr. Lauren LaRose, psychiatrist and mom of three, as she brings on experts in mental health, physical health and education and explores ideas outside the traditional medical model. The Little Brain Campaign aims to make issues kids and caregivers face easier to understand, while always keeping in mind that we need to look beyond the usual answers to find what really works.Follow The Little Brain CampaignInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelittlebraincampaign/
Hey Little Brain Campaign listeners! We are excited to share some exciting news about what's next for the podcast. Each week our host, Dr. Lauren LaRose, will be talking with experts to explore ideas outside the traditional medical model and make physical and mental health more accessible, especially for parents and caregivers today.
Whether you've been with us since the beginning, or just tuning in now, we hope you enjoy the new conversations we'll be having on the Little Brain Campaign. Enjoy this week's episode!
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Dave Hagedorn is the CEO of Evoke Neuroscience. He joins us to break down how EEG and evoked potentials give us a real-time window into brain function, helping us understand conditions like MS, dementia, and traumatic brain injury. We explore how these tools provide objective, functional data that traditional imaging often misses, and why combining EEG with heart rate variability offers a fuller picture of brain-body health
We also talk about how Evoke’s technology grew out of military medicine, making advanced neuroscience tools easy to use in primary care, neurology, and beyond. From neurofeedback training that rewires brain patterns to case studies showing real-world impact, Dave shares how this science is reshaping diagnosis, treatment, and hope for patients.
Join hosts Jessica Eisenstat, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and Dr. Lauren LaRose, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, as they dive into raw and real conversations about all things kids. These two moms, who also happen to be mental health professionals, bring humor, debate, and a hefty dose of mom realness to every episode. From tackling children’s mental health to the daily chaos of parenting, nothing is off-limits.
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Website: https://www.littlebraincampaign.com/
Marianna Boyd is the Director of Internal Communications at Ochsner Health. She joins Lauren to share her journey from years in social media and higher education to her current role in healthcare communications. We talk about the shift away from social media, ethical concerns with digital platforms, and how her work now focuses on communication that supports and informs people more directly.
Together, we dive into the rise of AI, what large language models like ChatGPT actually are, and how they’re shaping classrooms, students, and even healthcare. From shrinking attention spans and overreliance on technology to the risks around privacy, safety, and human connection, we explore both the potential and the pitfalls. This conversation looks at where AI is taking us, including what it means for our kids, our schools, and the future of learning.
Join hosts Jessica Eisenstat, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and Dr. Lauren LaRose, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, as they dive into raw and real conversations about all things kids. These two moms, who also happen to be mental health professionals, bring humor, debate, and a hefty dose of mom realness to every episode. From tackling children’s mental health to the daily chaos of parenting, nothing is off-limits.
Follow The Little Brain Campaign
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelittlebraincampaign/
Website: https://www.littlebraincampaign.com/
Caroline Robichaux is an SLP, Board Certified Cognitive Specialist, and Owner of Basics Plus: Communication and Learning. She joins us to break down the current understanding of learning disabilities, including how they’re categorized, what they look like in everyday life, and why early, thorough evaluations matter. We dive into reading, math, and written expression challenges, including dyslexia and dyscalculia, and explore why labels don’t always tell the full story.
We talk about the science behind decoding and comprehension, the overlap between reading struggles and math fact fluency, and the importance of structured, multisensory interventions. Caroline also shares practical advice for parents on fostering a love of reading at home, building confidence through scaffolding, and using strategies like echo reading and high-exposure word games. If you’ve ever wondered how to better understand or support a child who learns differently, this conversation is packed with insights.
Join hosts Jessica Eisenstat, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and Dr. Lauren LaRose, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, as they dive into raw and real conversations about all things kids. These two moms, who also happen to be mental health professionals, bring humor, debate, and a hefty dose of mom realness to every episode. From tackling children’s mental health to the daily chaos of parenting, nothing is off-limits.
Follow The Little Brain Campaign
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelittlebraincampaign/
Website: https://www.littlebraincampaign.com/
With the MAHA Movement growing in popularity, it's important to open conversations and share different perspectives around it. Erin Romney is the founder and owner of Romney Studios and a former Division I swimmer with a background in biology. We sat down with Erin to unpack the movement to Make America Healthy Again—why she cares so deeply about it, and what she thinks it gets right and overlooks. From BPA-free baby bottles to microplastics, chronic disease, and food deserts, we dig into how privilege, parenting, and personal health journeys intersect in today’s wellness landscape.
We also get real about big food and pharma, access to mental health care, and the oversimplification of complex issues like ADHD, obesity, and anxiety. Erin shares her concerns about GLP-1 medications, her skepticism around the COVID-19 vaccine, and why she believes gut health and clean water are the foundations of everything. This one’s messy, nuanced, and full of questions—and that’s exactly how we like it.
Join hosts Jessica Eisenstat, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and Dr. Lauren LaRose, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, as they dive into raw and real conversations about all things kids. These two moms, who also happen to be mental health professionals, bring humor, debate, and a hefty dose of mom realness to every episode. From tackling children’s mental health to the daily chaos of parenting, nothing is off-limits.
Follow The Little Brain Campaign
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelittlebraincampaign/
Website: https://www.littlebraincampaign.com/
Shelby Latino is a meteorologist and TV host at FOX 8—and a mom of five girls, including a set of triplets. We sat down with Shelby to talk about the chaos, comedy, and complexity of modern motherhood. From screen time guilt and parenting advice overload to generational clashes and the pressure of curated social media, Shelby shares what it’s like to raise five very different kids while navigating public life and private expectations.
We also unpack the “trad wife” trend, the anxiety of being perceived as the “perfect mom,” and how different parenting styles can unintentionally trigger defensiveness or judgment. Shelby opens up about her approach to discipline, creativity, neurodiversity, and why it’s okay to embrace imperfection. This episode is full of honesty, laughs, and the kind of real talk every parent needs to hear.
Join hosts Jessica Eisenstat, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and Dr. Lauren LaRose, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, as they dive into raw and real conversations about all things kids. These two moms, who also happen to be mental health professionals, bring humor, debate, and a hefty dose of mom realness to every episode. From tackling children’s mental health to the daily chaos of parenting, nothing is off-limits.
Follow The Little Brain Campaign
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelittlebraincampaign/
Website: https://www.littlebraincampaign.com/
Insufficient sleep is more than just a tired kid—it’s a public health issue. We dig into why so many children and teens aren’t getting enough sleep, how it affects their mental and physical health, and what we as parents and providers can do about it. From bedtime battles to blue light overload, we break down the science behind sleep stages, melatonin, REM cycles, and what’s really going on in those growing brains overnight.
We also talk about how anxiety, depression, ADHD, and autism play a role in sleep struggles—and why Louisiana ranks as one of the worst states for childhood sleep. Whether you’re a parent navigating screen time or a teen staying up past midnight to study, this conversation offers practical advice and real talk on how to create better sleep habits at any age.
Join hosts Jessica Eisenstat, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and Dr. Lauren LaRose, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, as they dive into raw and real conversations about all things kids. These two moms, who also happen to be mental health professionals, bring humor, debate, and a hefty dose of mom realness to every episode. From tackling children’s mental health to the daily chaos of parenting, nothing is off-limits.
Follow The Little Brain Campaign
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelittlebraincampaign/
Website: https://www.littlebraincampaign.com/
Tara Clark is the founder of Modern Mom Probs and the host of the Modern Mom Probs podcast. We sat down with Tara to talk about how she turned a funny Instagram account into a powerful platform for modern motherhood, mental health advocacy, and honest storytelling. She shares how writing her book during the pandemic shaped her perspective on parenting, how her content evolved with her life, and why mental health is the foundation for everything else in motherhood.
We also dive into the emotional complexities of parenting older children, the surprising loneliness of the middle school years, and how social media both helps and hurts our mental health. Tara opens up about her intentional phone habits, her son’s relationship with tech, and the pressures of being a content creator in a fast-moving digital world. This one’s packed with laughs, truths, and hard-earned wisdom for anyone trying to do their best as a parent today.
Join hosts Jessica Eisenstat, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and Dr. Lauren LaRose, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, as they dive into raw and real conversations about all things kids. These two moms, who also happen to be mental health professionals, bring humor, debate, and a hefty dose of mom realness to every episode. From tackling children’s mental health to the daily chaos of parenting, nothing is off-limits.
Follow The Little Brain Campaign
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelittlebraincampaign/
Website: https://www.littlebraincampaign.com/