Relational Savoring: The Neuroscience of Calm and Connection

Relational Savoring: The Neuroscience of Calm and Connection

Author: Cindy Hovington, Ph.D. October 27, 2025 Duration: 28:37
Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder why some moments with your child feel effortless and deeply connected — while others leave you drained, reactive, or misunderstood? In this episode, we break down the science behind why. Dr. Jessie Stern and psychologist Rachel Samson join Cindy to explore relational savoring — a simple yet powerful way to strengthen your bond by intentionally remembering moments of warmth, safety, and love. You’ll learn how this practice calms your nervous system, reduces stress,...

Parenting is often described as a series of reactions, but what if the real work happens in the quiet moments before the reaction? Reflective Parenting by Curious Neuron moves beyond simple tips to examine the internal landscape of a parent's mind. Hosted by Dr. Cindy Hovington, a neuroscientist and mother of three, this podcast digs into the core idea that overwhelm isn't about one bad moment, but the gradual accumulation of unchecked stress. Each episode is a journey into understanding the 'why' behind our feelings-why a child's behavior can trigger such intensity, and why that flash of insight often comes too late. Dr. Hovington uses her scientific background not to offer rigid prescriptions, but to provide a framework for self-awareness. You'll hear her personal reflections alongside conversations with clinicians and other experts, making complex neuroscience accessible and immediately relevant to daily family life. The goal is to build a space for curiosity about your own triggers and patterns. This isn't about achieving perfect calm, but about recognizing your own emotional signals sooner, creating a buffer between feeling stressed and reacting from that place. Tune into this podcast for a thoughtful, evidence-informed companion on the path to becoming a more present and regulated parent, one reflective moment at a time. It’s a resource for anyone who wants to parent from a place of understanding, rather than from sheer exhaustion.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Reflective Parenting by Curious Neuron
Podcast Episodes
How would you score on a well-being test? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:41
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Cindy discusses the topic of psychological well-being and the importance of nurturing different domains of well-being. She introduces the six domains of psychological well-being accordin…
Building Confidence as a Parent [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:45
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Cindy reflects on her conversations with parents and the importance of feeling connected and supported. She introduces the concept of parental self-efficacy and encourages listeners to r…
Understanding and Addressing Child Deception with Dr. Victoria Talwar [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:59
Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Cindy Hovington interviews Victoria Talwar about the topic of lying in children. They discuss the development of lying in children, the different types of lies, and the role of pare…
The Power of Connection and Community for Dads with Chris Rodack [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:15
Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Chris discusses his personal journey of transformation and how he helps dads improve their lives. He shares his experience of going through phases of discipline and inconsistency, a…
Generational Adversity and its Effects on the Gut Microbiome [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:07
Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Bridget Callaghan PhD, discusses her research on the gut-brain-microbiome connection and the impact of generational adversity. The study they conducted found that different forms of…