In this episode, Kristina and Heather talk with award-winning science journalist, speaker, and author Catherine Price for a timely conversation about childhood, technology, and mental well-being. Drawing from her New York Times bestselling book The Amazing Generation (co-authored with Jonathan Haidt), Catherine explains how technology is intentionally designed to capture attention—and why developing brains are especially vulnerable.

Together, they explore why play equals learning, how nature and human connection regulate the nervous system, and how families can move from power struggles around screens to shared understanding and empowerment.

This hopeful, research-informed conversation invites parents, educators, and communities to reclaim joy, protect childhood, and take collective action toward healthier tech boundaries.

Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood is recorded and edited by Dave Purnell and produced by Jen Plante Johnson for the ODC Network in Holland, Michigan.

The ODC Network is a non-profit organization that strives to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan.

Since 2000, The ODC Network has served over a million people through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences and conserved thousands of acres of native habitat through restoration and preservation projects.

The ODC Network’s vision is building a better community by connecting people, land and nature. To learn more and get involved go to: www.odcnetwork.org.

In this uplifting episode, clinical social workers Heather and Kristina explore the transformative power of joy in parenting. They dive into how joy differs from happiness—while happiness can be fleeting, joy is an internal choice that nurtures fulfillment, contentment, and resilience. Heather and Kristina share how joy can be found in the small, everyday moments—like a child’s first steps or a shared moment of laughter—and how we can cultivate it through intentional presence and mindfulness. They also reveal the profound benefits of joy, from improved health to stronger relationships and greater emotional resilience. With practical tips on creating joy-filled spaces, engaging in meaningful family activities, and fostering a gratitude practice, this episode offers a warm and inspiring roadmap for parents looking to embrace joy in the midst of parenting challenges. This conversation is a heartfelt reminder that joy is not only possible—it’s essential. Tune in and discover how to infuse our parenting journeys with more joy, connection, and resilience.

Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood is recorded and edited by Dave Purnell and produced by Jen Plante Johnson for the ODC Network in Holland, Michigan.

The ODC Network is a non-profit organization that strives to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan.

Since 2000, The ODC Network has served over a million people through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences and conserved thousands of acres of native habitat through restoration and preservation projects.

The ODC Network’s vision is building a better community by connecting people, land and nature. To learn more and get involved go to: www.odcnetwork.org.

In this episode, clinical social workers Kristina and Heather dive deep into why self-care isn't a luxury for parents—it's a necessity for all parents to avoid burnout. With warmth and insight, they unpack the myths around parental selflessness and explain how prioritizing our well-being is essential to being the best parents we can be. From rediscovering hobbies and incorporating movement into our day, to setting healthy boundaries and leaning on community support, they share practical, relatable strategies that make a real difference. The conversation also explores how the pandemic has reshaped parenting stress, the value of adult connection, and when to seek professional help. Whether a new parent or deep in the trenches, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and tools to help us thrive—not just survive—in our parenting journey.

Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood is recorded and edited by Dave Purnell and produced by Jen Plante Johnson for the ODC Network in Holland, Michigan.

The ODC Network is a non-profit organization that strives to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan.

Since 2000, The ODC Network has served over a million people through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences and conserved thousands of acres of native habitat through restoration and preservation projects.

The ODC Network’s vision is building a better community by connecting people, land and nature. To learn more and get involved go to: www.odcnetwork.org.