10 Best Parenting Podcasts (From a Parent Coach & Child Therapist)

Key Takeaways:

• Why Parenting Podcasts Matter: Podcasts offer expert advice and relatable stories, making parenting support accessible anytime. They equip parents with practical tools to handle challenges and strengthen family bonds.

• How to Choose the Right Podcast: Look for credible hosts, relevant topics, and formats that fit your schedule. Choose podcasts that align with your parenting goals, whether for discipline tips, emotional support, or education.

• Beyond Podcasts: When podcasts don’t fully meet your needs, consider online parenting courses like the Tuned-In Parenting Program. For families facing deeper challenges, play therapy services at Rooted Rhythm provide personalized, hands-on support to help children and parents thrive together.

Parenting is a rewarding journey, but also one of life’s greatest challenges. There’s no perfect formula for success, and every day brings new questions and life-changing decisions. That’s why the willingness to learn and adapt is one of the most valuable traits a parent can have.

As a therapist who supports children, teens, and their families, I’ve witnessed the transformative impact of informed and engaged parenting. Whether you’re guiding a toddler through their early milestones or helping a teenager get into adulthood, seeking answers to the tough questions you face is essential for fostering your child’s growth and well-being.

Why are podcasts the best resource for parents?

Parenting comes with endless questions, challenges, and moments of self-doubt. Podcasts have quickly become a favorite tool for parents, offering solutions and support. Here’s why they stand out:

• Save Time: Listen anytime while commuting, cooking, or during late-night feeds.

• Expert Advice: Access advice from parenting coaches, psychologists, and educators.

• Real-Life Stories: Hear stories and tips from fellow parents navigating similar challenges.

• Wide Variety: Find episodes on everything from newborn care to teenage milestones.

• Cost-Effective: Most podcasts are free, offering high-quality information at no expense.

• Emotional Support: Feel connected to a community that understands your journey.

Podcasts make learning as a parent easier, inspiring confidence and growth one episode at a time.

What if podcasts aren't the right fit for you?

If podcasts don't seem to be the right fit for you, consider exploring a more tailored approach to your parenting journey through our Tuned-In Parenting Program. This online course offers a deep dive into building a more connected, peaceful, and intentional relationship with your children.

Unlike podcasts, which can sometimes feel impersonal, Tuned-In Parenting provides structured lessons, actionable strategies, and ongoing support designed to meet your unique needs as a parent. With techniques rooted in mindfulness, emotional regulation, and understanding your child’s needs, this program will help you create lasting change in your family dynamic.

Take a step towards a more connected and peaceful home with Tuned-In Parenting. You can get started today by signing up on our website at Rooted Rhythm.

How to choose good parenting podcasts

Choosing the right parenting podcast can be a game-changer in your journey as a parent. With so many options, it’s essential to find shows that align with your goals and fit your lifestyle. Here are some tips to help you select podcasts that provide valuable insights and support for your parenting needs.

• Define Your Goals: Identify what you want to achieve, whether it’s discipline tips, emotional support, or educational guidance.

• Look for Credible Hosts: Choose experts like child psychologists or experienced parents for reliable advice.

• Consider Length & Frequency: Pick podcasts that fit your schedule, short episodes for quick listens or longer ones for deeper insights.

• Choose Relatable Content: Ensure the topics match your parenting stage (toddlers, teens) and align with your parenting style.

• Check Reviews: Read listener reviews to gauge the podcast’s quality and effectiveness.

10 highly recommended parenting podcasts

1. Calm Parenting Podcast

Host: Kirk Martin
Chapter Duration: 20–30 minutes
Where to Find: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts
Rank: #1 in the Parenting category on Apple Podcasts
Hosted by Kirk Martin, the Calm Parenting Podcast provides practical advice to help parents build a calmer, more peaceful home. Kirk focuses on emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and reducing stress, offering actionable tools to improve communication with kids. The podcast is perfect for parents seeking to reduce frustration and create a nurturing, supportive family environment.

• This podcast is perfect for you if:

• You want to reduce stress and yelling in your home.

• You're looking for simple, effective ways to improve communication with your child.

• You need strategies to handle difficult parenting moments with patience.

2. Good Inside with Dr. Becky

Host: Dr. Becky Kennedy
Chapter Duration: 40–60 minutes
Where to Find: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
Rank: #2 in the Parenting category on Apple Podcasts
Clinical psychologist Dr. Becky Kennedy explores practical strategies to build strong, empathetic connections with your children. Dr. Becky offers expert insights on everything from emotional regulation to fostering secure attachment, guiding parents to raise emotionally intelligent children. The podcast focuses on understanding kids' behaviors while maintaining a compassionate and supportive approach to discipline.

• This podcast is perfect for you if:

• You want to deepen your connection with your child.

• You're seeking advice on managing challenging behaviors with empathy.

• You're interested in building emotional intelligence in your child.

3. The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast

Host: Ginny Yurich
Chapter Duration: 30–45 minutes
Where to Find: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
Rank: #3 in the Parenting category on Apple Podcasts
Hosted by Ginny Yurich, this weekly podcast encourages families to spend more time outdoors, aiming for the goal of 1,000 hours outside annually. Ginny discusses the importance of nature for children’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being, along with practical tips for integrating outdoor activities into daily life. This podcast is ideal for families looking to reconnect with nature and promote a healthier, more active lifestyle.

• This podcast is perfect for you if:

• You want to get your kids outside more often.

• You're looking for ways to make nature a bigger part of your family routine.

• You believe in the benefits of outdoor play for children’s development.

4. Raising Good Humans

Host: Dr. Aliza Pressman
Chapter Duration: 40–50 minutes
Where to Find: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
Rank: #4 in the Parenting category on Apple Podcasts
Dr. Aliza Pressman, a developmental psychologist, offers expert advice on raising compassionate, kind, and resilient children. In each episode, parenting expert Dr. Pressman tackles a range of topics from emotional regulation to navigating sibling relationships, providing practical strategies for parents to create positive and nurturing environments.

• This podcast is perfect for you if:

• You want to raise children who are kind, empathetic, and resilient.

• You need expert advice on handling common parenting kids' challenges.

• You're looking for a balance of psychology-backed strategies and real-life experiences.

5. Focus on the Family with Jim Daly

Host: Jim Daly
Chapter Duration: 30–40 minutes
Where to Find: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Focus on the Family website
Rank: #5 in the Parenting category on Apple Podcasts
Focus on the Family offers faith-based advice for navigating the complexities of family life. Hosted by Jim Daly, each episode features expert guests and addresses a wide range of parenting topics, from marriage to discipline, to mental health. This podcast helps parents balance faith with practical parenting strategies, promoting strong family bonds and healthy communication.

• This podcast is perfect for you if:

• You're looking for faith-based parenting advice.

• You want to strengthen your family dynamics through practical and spiritual guidance.

• You're interested in exploring topics like marriage, discipline, and mental health in a Christian context.

6. Raising Parents with Emily Oster

Host: Emily Oster
Chapter Duration: 30–40 minutes
Where to Find: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
Rank: #6 in the Parenting category on Apple Podcasts
Economist Emily Oster brings a data-driven approach to parenting in this podcast. Emily uses research to tackle a variety of parenting issues, helping parents make informed decisions based on evidence rather than trends. From sleep training to vaccination decisions, Emily offers insight and expert analysis to guide parents through the toughest decisions with confidence.

• This podcast is perfect for you if:

• You love data-driven insights and evidence-based parenting.

• You want to make informed decisions about parenting challenges.

• You're interested in exploring both sides of hot-button topics, such as sleep training or vaccinations.

7. Raising Boys & Girls

Host: Sissy Goff, David Thomas, Melissa Trevathan
Chapter Duration: 30–40 minutes
Where to Find: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
Rank: #7 in the Parenting category on Apple Podcasts
This weekly parenting podcast, hosted by Sissy Goff, David Thomas, and Melissa Trevathan, offers unique insights into child development, focusing on the different ways boys and girls process emotions and experiences. The hosts share expert advice on guiding children through their formative years, helping them grow into emotionally healthy individuals.

• This podcast is perfect for you if:

• You're raising both boys and girls and want insights tailored to each gender.

• You want expert advice on child development and emotional intelligence.

• You’re looking for strategies to navigate the different challenges of parenting boys and girls.

8. Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury Unruffled

Host: Janet Lansbury
Chapter Duration: 20–30 minutes
Where to Find: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
Rank: #8 in the Parenting category on Apple Podcasts
Janet Lansbury promotes respectful parenting through her parenting podcast, offering actionable strategies to handle everyday parenting issues with empathy and respect. Drawing on her background in child development, Janet emphasizes the importance of understanding and validating children’s emotions, fostering independence, and maintaining boundaries.

• This podcast is perfect for you if:

• You want to implement a respectful, gentle approach to discipline.

• You’re looking for strategies to handle common parenting challenges without punishment.

• You believe in building strong parent-child relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.

9. Dr. Laura Call of the Day

Host: Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Chapter Duration: 5–10 minutes
Where to Find: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
Rank: #10 in the Parenting category on Apple Podcasts
Dr. Laura Schlessinger’s parenting podcast offers short but impactful episodes where she answers real callers’ questions about their parenting dilemmas. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Laura gives direct and no-nonsense advice on topics like discipline, marriage, and personal boundaries.

• This podcast is perfect for you if:

• You prefer short, practical advice for parenting issues.

• You need straightforward solutions to parenting challenges.

• You value direct, experienced guidance on tough parenting dilemmas.

10. The Longest Shortest Time

• Host: Hillary Frank

• Chapter Duration: 30–60 minutes

• Where to Find: Apple Podcasts, Spotify

• Rank: #11 in the Parenting category on Apple Podcasts

• Hosted by Hillary Frank, this parenting podcast explores the challenges and joys of parenting with humor and honesty. It covers a wide range of topics, from sleep struggles to postpartum emotions, often featuring personal stories and expert advice. The Longest Shortest Time helps parents feel less alone, offering support through real-life experiences and expert insights.

This podcast is perfect for you if:

• You want to hear relatable stories about parenting.

• You're seeking support and practical advice on various parenting struggles.

• You enjoy a balance of humor and insight when dealing with parenthood.

When podcasts or online courses aren’t enough

Podcasts and online courses can provide valuable insights and strategies, but sometimes your family’s challenges require a more hands-on, tailored approach. At Rooted Rhythm, we understand that every child and family is unique, and we’re here to offer personalized support through our expert-led play therapy services.

With three locations across the U.S., our practices are designed to create safe, nurturing spaces where children can explore their emotions, build resilience, and thrive:

• Colorado Child Therapy: Our Colorado team provides compassionate care in a peaceful and engaging setting tailored to children’s needs.

• Dallas Child Therapy: In Dallas, we offer specialized support for children and families going through emotional or behavioral challenges.

• Atlanta Child Therapy: Our Atlanta therapists are dedicated to helping children heal, grow, and reconnect with their innate strengths.

When parenting podcasts and courses can only go so far, in-person therapy offers a deeper, more individualized path to healing and growth. Take the next step in empowering your child and strengthening your family.

Visit www.rootedrhythm.com/play-therapy to learn more and book a consultation today.