Dr. John Duffy on Helping Our Struggling Teen Boys

Dr. John Duffy on Helping Our Struggling Teen Boys

Author: Debbie Reber February 18, 2026 Duration: 31:23
A few months ago, I had my friend and colleague Cathy Adams on the show to talk about her book Restoring Our Girls and raising daughters to be emotionally healthy in a complicated world. I knew then that I wanted to have a similar conversation for a future episode, but this time, focusing on boys, specifically about why many teen boys are struggling right now and what we, as parents, can do to support them. I also knew exactly who I wanted to bring on the show to talk about this — Dr. John Du...

Debbie Reber hosts TILT Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children, a space that moves beyond simple advice to explore the real, layered experience of this journey. As a parenting activist and author, Debbie guides conversations that are both deeply informative and genuinely connecting. The discussions in this podcast focus on a range of neurodivergent experiences, including ADHD, autism, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), giftedness, and twice-exceptionality. You’ll hear from specialists, educators, and other parents, but the tone remains grounded and candid, focusing on applicable strategies over theory. Episodes often tackle specific, daily hurdles like school refusal, communication breakdowns, or managing overwhelm, translating insights into actionable steps. More than just a resource, the podcast fosters a sense of community, reminding listeners they are not navigating this path alone. It’s about finding clarity within the complexity, shifting perspectives, and building a toolkit that honors both your child’s unique brain and your own well-being. Tune in for a blend of solidarity and practical takeaways that can make a tangible difference in your family’s life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

TILT Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children
Podcast Episodes
A Conversation with Naomi Fisher About EMDR [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:04
Today we’re exploring EMDR—Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing—a therapeutic approach that’s been shown to be highly effective in treating trauma, including for neurodivergent individuals. My guest is Dr. Naomi…
Dr. Stephen Porges & Karen Onderko on the Safe & Sound Protocol [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:58
I’m thrilled to share this conversation with Dr. Stephen Porges and Karen Onderko about the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), a therapeutic approach grounded in Stephen’s groundbreaking polyvagal theory. Stephen, a Distingu…
Therapist Jude Carn on Internal Family Systems & Neurodivergence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:57
IFS, or Internal Family Systems, is a powerful and compassionate therapeutic framework for understanding the different “parts” within ourselves—like the inner critic, the protector, the people-pleaser. Through IFS, we ca…
Dr. Emily Kline Explains Motivational Interviewing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:14
This is a fascinating conversation about a straightforward and powerful tool for communication with our kids, especially if we’re stuck in conflict cycles over differing needs. Clinical psychologist Dr. Emily Kline join…
Dr. Laura Markham on Parenting Neurodivergent Siblings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:30
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Laura Markham to unpack the often messy world of sibling dynamics—especially when one or more kids are neurodivergent. We talk about why peaceful parenting starts with connection, how…
Tosha Schore on Addressing Aggression in Boys [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:42
Today, we’re talking about aggression, specifically in boys, and how we as parents can respond with understanding, connection, and compassion instead of fear or shaming. Joining me is Tosha Schore, a powerful voice in pe…
Rebecca Duffus & Lyric Rivera on Autistic Identity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:24
Today’s conversation is all about understanding and supporting autistic identity—how it develops, why it matters, and the ways parents and educators can help nurture it. I’m joined by Rebecca Duffus and Lyric Rivera, two…
Julie Green on Generational Autism and Radical Acceptance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:09
In this episode I’m talking with Julie Green, author of the memoir Motherness, a powerful exploration of generational autism, parenthood, and radical acceptance. Julie, who was late-diagnosed herself and is raising an au…
A Conversation with Dr. Megan Anna Neff About Autistic Burnout [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:42
Today I’m talking with Dr. Megan Anna Neff, a clinical psychologist, the host of the Divergent Conversations podcast, and the creator of Neurodivergent Insights, where she creates and shares fantastic, well-researched, a…
Kathryn Hamlin-Pacheco on Tactile Defensiveness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:27
Today’s episode is a deep dive into tactile defensiveness and sensory distress, especially around clothing. My guest is Kathryn Hamlin-Pacheco, an occupational therapist who helps kids and families understand their brain…