Hope & Humor Podcast

How we talk to our teens matters more than we realize.
In this episode, Kristina shares what teens say helps them open up to their parents. She discusses how to communicate with our teenagers in a way that actually reaches them: how to have difficult conversations without turning them into lectures, how to set boundaries without damaging connection, and how to help our kids develop confidence, resilience, and the ability to make good decisions for themselves.

Have a dream you want to pursue, a brand you want to build? Kristina shares the tips that helped her build something successful from nothing, and the principles she still relies on today to keep growing and thriving. Honest advice, hard-earned lessons, and a reminder that you don’t need to have it all figured out to get started.

In this raw, deeply moving conversation, Kristina sits down with Dr. Laura Berman to talk about Crying Out Loud, her book about the unimaginable loss of her teen son and the grief that followed. Laura opens up about the kind of heartbreak that changes you forever, and what it means to keep living when your world has been shattered. Whether you’ve experienced the loss of a loved one or are navigating any other type of grief, this episode is for you.
You can order Crying Out Loud here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/787584/crying-out-loud-by-laura-berman-phd/

Kristina asked her audience to share the most ridiculously, next-level unhinged lazy thing they’ve ever done, and the responses did not disappoint. From hilarious confessions that will make you feel a whole lot better about your own life choices to surprisingly brilliant shortcuts that prove laziness can actually be a superpower, this episode is packed with laughs, questionable decisions, and genius-level tips for working smarter, not harder.

In this episode, Kristina and her friend Carey Reilly read hilarious, honest, and sometimes painfully relatable confessions sent in by listeners about the parenting rules they once swore they’d never break. From things they said their kids would absolutely never be allowed to do, to parenting choices they once judged other parents for... only to find themselves doing the exact same thing.

Kristina’s friend Carey Reilly joins her for an honest, funny, and very real conversation about the pressure that comes with being a parent. The pressure we put on ourselves, pressure we feel from other parents and society, and the pressure we sometimes put on our kids without even realizing it.
A candid conversation about comparison, judgment, expectations, and giving ourselves, and each other, a little more grace.

Kristina explores the difference between healthy helping and anxiety-driven helping, the kind of over-involvement that soothes our worries but can accidentally rob our kids of opportunities to problem-solve, build confidence, and learn that they can handle hard things. How do we know when to step in and when to step back, when to resist the urge to rescue our kids from every disappointment, rejection, frustration, or sadness, and learn to tolerate our own anxiety long enough to let them experience discomfort and learn how to process their emotions?

Part 2 with renowned sex and relationship therapist Dr. Laura Berman to answer questions listeners called in with. Kristina and Dr. Berman talk about worrying that your kids might walk in on you during sex, whether a marriage can survive (and even thrive) after infidelity, healing and reconnecting with your body after sexual trauma, and what happens when a miscarriage makes sex feel intertwined with grief. Dr. Berman also shares practical advice for couples who’ve been together for years and feel like their sex life has become dull and boring.

Kristina sits down with renowned sex and relationship therapist Dr. Laura Berman for an honest conversation about sex. They discuss why it’s so important to have open, age-appropriate conversations with our kids about sex, and Dr. Berman answers questions from listeners: Can sex still be fulfilling during menopause? What can cause sudden changes in erections and sexual function? And after experiencing sexual assault or trauma, is it possible to fully enjoy sex again?
Check out Dr. Berman's website for more information: https://drlauraberman.com/ and follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlauraberman/

If you're nervous about aging, this episode is for you. Kristina and her producer, Cat, have an honest, no-sugarcoating conversation about getting older, aging on our own terms, and share encouraging stories that prove we're never too old to pursue a new dream.

Kristina sits down with teen coach Carey Reilly to discuss how parents can help their kids discover their passions, find purpose, and use their unique gifts to make a positive impact in their community. Carey shares practical advice for encouraging confidence, curiosity, and meaningful growth in teens. She also offers valuable tips for students who are considering college, including ways to strengthen their applications and stand out in the admissions process.
Carey is also the founder of badgermethod.com, which helps students build impact, leadership and a personal brand that opens doors.

Death is one of the few experiences every family will face, yet it's often one of the hardest subjects to talk about. In this episode, Kristina welcomes Amy Pickard, founder of Good To Go, for an honest conversation about end-of-life planning, talking to children about death, family communication, and why avoiding these discussions often creates more pain than having them.
At the heart of Amy's work is The Departure File, a practical and compassionate resource designed to eliminate stress, guilt, and uncertainty for those left behind. As Amy says, the goal is to leave behind love instead of logistics.Learn more about Good To Go, order The Departure File, or find information about Good To Go Parties at https://goodtogopeace.org/.

Do you ever feel like you're expected to do it all, be it all, and somehow make it look effortless? In this episode, Kristina and her producer dive into the reality of Superwoman Syndrome. They explore the pressures and societal expectations that women face, how these messages often teach us to put our own needs last, and what it takes to break free from the cycle of self-neglect and create a life that feels more fulfilling and sustainable.

Kristina is joined once again by Jacy Patt, founder of Mentionable Means Manageable Youth Advocacy and a dedicated advocate with more than 15 years of experience working with at-risk youth and their families. Through years of building trust with young people, Jacy has heard firsthand from kids who are struggling but don't feel comfortable opening up to their parents. She shares powerful insights and practical guidance for parents who want to strengthen their connection with their children.
Learn more about Jacy's non-profit organization and its work supporting adolescents and families: mmmya.org

Kristina gets real about something she’s been working on for most of her life: overcoming chronic negativity. Calling herself a “recovering pessimist,” Kristina shares practical strategies that have helped her shift her mindset, and answers listener questions about dealing with negativity.
Whether you’re a lifelong pessimist, an occasional overthinker, or simply someone trying to see the glass as half full more often, this episode offers encouragement and practical tools to help you along the way.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and child sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised.

In this deeply personal and important episode, Kristina tackles the ongoing issue of sexual harassment and sexual assault, with a particular focus on the rise of online sexual harassment and the troubling ways it continues to be excused, normalized, and dismissed (even by some women).
Kristina also shares her own experiences of being sexually assaulted, both as a child and as an adult, and encourages those who have gone through similar experiences to speak up. Your voice matters. Your story matters. Your dignity matters.

Family vacations can create lasting memories, but they can also come with a hefty price tag. Kristina sits down with Carey Reilly, a lifestyle TV contributor and writer, to share practical money-saving tips that can make family travel more affordable and less stressful.

In this powerful episode, Kristina sits down with Jacy, the remarkable woman she credits with helping save her son's life during one of the darkest periods of his mental health struggles. Through a raw and inspiring conversation, she shares her own journey from a childhood marked by severe trauma and abuse to dedicating her life to helping young people find hope and a path forward. Her story is a moving reminder that no matter how difficult your past, healing, hope, and transformation are possible.
(Jacy now runs a non-profit organization that helps adolescents who are struggling: https://mmmya.org/

Kristina talks about navigating co-parenting after divorce and what helped her create the healthiest possible environment for her kids. She shares the “formula” she came up with to keep herself accountable and not allow her ego to take over, lessons she learned about dating after divorce, and what it was like getting remarried as a single mom. Most importantly, she reminds single parents that loneliness is never a good reason to settle.

Kristina opens up about one of the hardest and most life-changing experiences of her life: divorce. She shares what helped her heal, rebuild herself, and slowly find peace and joy again. Kristina also answers two voicemails from listeners currently struggling through divorce, offering encouragement, insight, and hope for the road ahead.

Kristina shares some of the parenting tips, mindset shifts, creative tricks, and practical habits she’s learned over more than 20 years of raising kids, the kinds of tips that helped keep her (somewhat) sane and made parenting feel a little easier at times. From sibling rivalry to empowering kids to navigating various challenges, this episode is filled with ways to help reduce stress and strengthen connection with your children.

Let’s talk parenting fails. The ones you replay in your head and wish you could redo. Kristina and her producer share their own personal stories of moments they consider parenting fails, read listener submissions, and remind us all that messing up doesn’t make you a bad parent. It makes you human. With Mother’s Day approaching, this is your reminder that your child doesn’t need perfection. They just need you.

Life can surprise us in the worst ways: health scares, financial stress, grief and loss, relationship struggles, parenting challenges, mental health dips, and those seasons where everything feels uncertain all at once. How do we keep it from taking over everything?
In this episode, Kristina shares what has helped her navigate unexpected chaos and hardships and reminds us not to allow the few things that are completely out of our control to control us completely.

Life can be hard, which is why the little things matter. In this episode, Kristina and her producer share fun family traditions that help create connection, bring laughter, and give the family something to look forward to. Kristina also shares creative traditions sent in by listeners, reminding us that joy can be found right in the middle of ordinary life.

In this episode, Kristina talks about one of the heaviest things so many parents, especially moms, carry: guilt. The constant feeling that you’re not doing enough, not being enough, or completely screwing up. She unpacks how to tell the difference between guilt that can guide us and guilt that just drains us, why prioritizing ourselves is actually healthy for our kids, and how to start letting go of that suffocating guilt feeling. This is the conversation every "guilty" parent needs.

Supporting a child who is struggling with mental health can feel overwhelming, confusing, and at times, heartbreaking. In this episode, Kristina shares simple, everyday actions that helped her support her own son through depression, anxiety, and ADHD. From building trust to communicating in ways that help a child open up, this conversation offers practical, usable guidance.

She also explores how to navigate high-stress moments without escalating, communicate in ways that empower your child, and what it truly means to be a steady, safe presence when they need it most. If you’ve ever felt unsure what to say or do, this episode will help you feel more grounded, confident, and less alone.

Kristina sits down with her friend Amy for an honest, unfiltered conversation about the things no one warns women about when it comes to perimenopause and menopause. From lesser-known (and rarely discussed) symptoms to the emotional and mental shifts that can feel confusing or isolating, they shine a light on what so many women experience but few openly talk about. With humor, candor, and compassion, they explore the importance of advocating for yourself, nand finding the right kind of support. This episode is about feeling seen, less alone, and more empowered to navigate this stage of life on your own terms.