Eps 610: Lisa Katona Smith Talks Teen Substance Use

Eps 610: Lisa Katona Smith Talks Teen Substance Use

Author: Casey O'Roarty September 22, 2025 Duration: 52:27
In this powerful episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I sit down with certified peer recovery specialist, family consultant, TEDx, speaker and author Lisa Katona Smith to talk about how parents can stay calm, connected, and effective when teens experiment with substances, in active addiction, recovery or face big struggles. We explore Lisa’s Parallel Recovery approach — staying regulated, setting clear limits, and leading with curiosity instead of panic. You’ll learn why “detaching with love” isn’t enough, how to avoid piling your emotional “coat” onto your kids, and practical scripts for hard conversations. If you’re parenting tweens or teens through stress, substance use, or mental health challenges, this episode is a must-listen. For more show notes and info, go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-610-lisa-katona-smith-talks-teen-substance-use/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Parenting adolescents often feels like navigating a landscape without a reliable map, where the old rules no longer apply and connection can feel just out of reach. Joyful Courage for Parenting Teens, hosted by Casey O'Roarty, meets you right in that uncertainty. This podcast operates from a simple, powerful belief: the challenges of raising tweens and teens, while deeply personal, are also a shared human experience. Instead of offering quick fixes, conversations here focus on the foundational work of building and repairing relationships, fostering essential life skills in our kids, and perhaps most importantly, doing the internal work required of us as parents. You’ll hear honest discussions that blend practical strategies with compassionate insight, all aimed at transforming this demanding season from a battle of wills into an opportunity for mutual growth. Tuning into this podcast feels like gaining a thoughtful, experienced friend who reminds you that courage isn't about being fearless, but about finding joy and resilience within the beautiful mess of family life. It’s a resource for anyone who wants to move beyond reaction and toward a more intentional, connected approach with the young adults in their home.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Joyful Courage for Parenting Teens
Podcast Episodes
Eps 599: How to Talk to Your Teen About the New School Year [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:47
Back-to-school season with tweens and teens can stir up anxiety, avoidance, and tricky conversations. In this episode, I share Positive Discipline tools and mindset shifts to help you move from “manager” to “mentor” so y…
Eps 596: Being an "otrovert" with Dr. Rami Kaminski [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:05
Ever feel like your teen doesn’t quite fit into the “introvert” or “extrovert” box? In this week’s episode, I talk with psychiatrist and author Dr. Rami Kaminski, who introduces the idea of the “otrovert”—someone who thr…
Eps 595: Revisiting Meeting and creating life as it unfolds [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:07
This solo episode comes straight from my heart. Inspired by my morning routine, I pulled cards and reflected deeply on what it means to take full responsibility for generating the love, connection, and joy I want in my l…
Eps 593: Parenting, Growth and the Power to Choose [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:51
In this episode, I’m inviting you to pull up a chair and exhale with me. We’re talking about the messy beauty of midlife, the realities of parenting teens, and what it means to trade the illusion of control for the groun…
Eps 592: Daily Habits That Build Connection with Tammy J. Cohen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:21
In this episode, I sit down with Tammy J. Cohen — author of A Text Message Away — to talk about the power of connection through simple, consistent gestures. Tammy shares her personal journey of learning to lead with hear…
Eps 591: Dismantle Walls and Deepen Your Bond with your Teen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:39
In this episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I dive deep into how parents of teens can let go of control, validate their kids’ experiences, and rebuild trust—even when walls have gone up. You’ll hear tools and mindset…