PediaCast: Pediatric Podcasts for Parents

Dr John Ackerman and Erica Mellinger join Dr Mike as we explore youth suicide prevention. We discuss warning signs in teens and preteens, how to ask about suicide, what to do when a child needs help, and how families, schools, and healthcare teams can work together. Join us for a practical conversation about safety, connection, treatment, and hope!

Angela Mingo, Alicia Smith, and Candace Buckley visit the studio as we consider lead exposure in children. This toxic metal often hides in homes, where it can leave a lasting impact on health and wellness. We explore strong community coalitions built to make a difference for kids. We hope you can join us!

Exercise is more than recreation. It can be powerful medicine for a child’s body, mind, confidence, and long-term health! Dr Amy Valasek, Jodi Kuri, Beth Gibson, and Will Gibson visit the studio as we explore exercise as medicine... and how families and communities can help every child move, belong, and thrive. We hope you can join us!

Social media challenges can inspire creativity and encourage generosity, but some of these challenges involve dangerous stunts, substance exposure, or self-harm. Dr Leah Middelberg, Dr Lara McKenzie, and Dr Anne Elizabeth Mason explain how these trends spread, why children and teens are vulnerable, what injuries we see, and how families can build safe online habits. We hope you can join us!

Handing a teenager the car keys brings pride, freedom, and plenty of worry. Dr Mike talks with injury-prevention researcher Dr Ginger Yang about why new drivers face elevated crash risk, how a traffic citation can become a teachable moment, and what ProjectDRIVE reveals about technology and parent coaching. Discover practical ways families can encourage safer choices... and keep the conversation going after teens earn their driver’s license!

Dr Mikhaila Layshock and Dr Phyllis Agran visit the studio as we consider electric bike safety. E-bikes are becoming popular with kids and teens. But when is a young rider ready, which bike and helmet should you choose, and what ground rules are important before taking that first ride? Tune in for answers to these questions and more!

Dr Mykyta Artomov visits the studio as we consider DNA, genomic research, and privacy. Our genetic information helps researchers uncover diseases and develop new treatments. But DNA is also deeply personal. How can researchers learn from genetic data while respecting and protecting patient privacy? Tune in to find out!

Dr Brittany Willer visits the studio as we consider day-of-surgery cancellations. Preparing for surgery is an emotional journey. Parents arrange time off work, children fast overnight, and everyone braces for the day ahead. But what happens when surgery is canceled at the last minute? Why does this happen? How can families reduce the risk? And how can hospitals prepare and support families as surgery day approaches? Tune in for answers!

Dr Anuja Sriparameswaran visits the studio as we consider the science, safety, and support of infant feeding. From breasts and bottles to microplastics and guilt, we take a comprehensive look at the first feeding decisions moms and dads must make. We hope you can join us!

Dr Dane Snyder visits the studio as we consider Tylenol and autism. Parents may hear mixed messages… with the headlines saying one thing and medical providers saying something different. So, what are moms and dads to do? Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on this important topic!

Dr Sean Rose and Miriam Beauchamp visit the studio as we consider concussions in young children. We explore the challenges of making this diagnosis in babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. What do symptoms look like? And how can families play a key role in recovery? Tune in for answers to these questions and more!

Dr Sarah Adams visits the studio as we consider screen time, bedtime, and picky eaters. These are frequent challenges for moms and dads. We share strategies for building healthy routines that lower the stress. We hope you can join us!

Dr Bruce Meyer and Dr Roger Friedman visit the studio as we celebrate 50 years of caring for kids at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. These seasoned physicians have witnessed the transformation of our institution from a small community hospital into a nationally recognized leader in pediatric care, research, and education. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at how Nationwide Children’s became what it is today!

Dr. Megan Waldrop visits the studio as we consider Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. This genetic condition remains a serious diagnosis, but there is also real progress happening in how we diagnose, treat, and support those living with this condition. Tune in for details!

Clinical pharmacists, Addie Brown and Emily Stephan, visit the studio as we chat about helping kids take their medicine. From bad-tasting liquids and tricky pills to busy schedules and worried parents, there are plenty of barriers that keep kids from taking their medicine as prescribed. We provide tips and tricks for parents… and we hope you can join us!

Laura Beth Kalvas, Samantha Boch, and Kylie Dougherty visit the studio as we consider the important role of nurse scientists. These researchers often start with questions at the bedside… questions that lead to improved experiences and elevated outcomes for kids and families. We hope you can join us!

Dr Wisler Saint-Vil visits the studio as we consider platelet-rich plasma for injured student athletes. What is this treatment? How does it work? Is it safe? And what types of injuries are candidates for the procedure? Tune in to find out!

Dr. Jonathan Napolitano and Timothy McCullough visit the studio to explore adaptive sports medicine. The Winter Olympics are winding down, which means the Paralympic Games will be starting soon. These games feature athletes who rely on adaptive sports medicine to keep their bodies moving. We also have a student athlete and her track coach (and grandfather) joining us to share the impact of adaptive sports medicine from the family’s perspective. We hope you can tune in!

Drs Karla Vaz and Traci Bouchard visit the studio as we consider one of the most common conditions seen in kids and teens: constipation. We explore causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. We hope you can join us!

Drs David Kling, Vanessa Ng, and Nichole Michaels visit the studio as we consider the prevention of firearm-related injuries in children and teenagers. Guns kill more kids in America than any other cause, including car crashes, poisoning, and cancer. Most of these deaths are preventable… tune in to learn how!

Jessica Waller and Dana Shoff visit the studio as we consider massage therapy for children and teenagers. Massage therapy is not just for grown-ups… and it helps with more than relaxation. It can play an important role in helping kids manage pain, stress, and complex medical conditions. Tune in to learn more!

Dr Allen Kadado and Crystal Seilhamer visit the studio as we consider scoliosis. This common condition sounds scary, but those affected are not alone. We break down scoliosis and provide straight facts for families. We hope you can join us!

School counselor and children’s author, Jennifer Licate, visits the studio as we consider anxiety in children and pre-teens. It is a common experience, but sharing is not always easy. We explore how to navigate difficult conversations with struggling kids!

Dr Henry Xiang visits the studio as we consider infobugs. These small, shareable bits of information spread quickly and shape thoughts, emotions, and behavior. They can be a driving force for violence and bullying… or instruments of kindness and support. Tune in to learn more!

Dr Jason Newland visits the studio as we consider antimicrobial medications and the stewardship programs aimed at saving them. Antibiotics emerged as miracle drugs in the early 20th Century. However, these life-saving treatments can lose their effectiveness if not used correctly. Tune in to learn more, including the role each of us can play in keeping them working!

Dr Bill Long and Dr Pablo Sanchez visit the studio as we consider RSV infections in babies and young children. We explore the seasonality of these infections, along with their symptoms, treatment, and prevention. We hope you can join us!

Dr Natalie Rine, director of the Central Ohio Poison Center, and two members of Trainees for Child Injury Prevention (T4CIP), Dr Nicole Clayton and Dr Anne Elizabeth Mason, visit the studio as we explore safe medicine storage. Learn how to protect your children from accidental drug ingestions at home… and away. We hope you can join us!

Kalin Moran, Lelia Emery, and Chloe Heintz visit the studio as we explore the role of music therapy in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Discover how music is making a big difference for little patients. We hope you can join us!

Dr Jennifer Taylor-Cousar visits the studio as we explore why health equity matters for kids and families. We discuss health disparities, medical mistrust, and barriers that impact health outcomes. We hope you can join us!

Dr Shoghik Akoghlanian visits the studio as we consider recurrent fever syndromes in children. Tune in as we explore typical fevers… and more concerning ones. Learn about PFAPA and Familial Mediterranean Fever. We hope you can join us!

April McComb visits the studio as we explore the world of student-parents—those juggling kids, coursework, and careers. How do they do it? Join us for insight, encouragement, and actionable tips!

Diane Lampkins visits the studio as we consider strategies for talking to children about body safety and autonomy. When and how should we begin these difficult conversations? And what language do we use so that kids can understand? Tune in to find out!

Cinthia Scott and Dr. Krupa Playforth visit the studio as we consider introducing solid foods to young infants. Scientific evidence has led to a more straightforward approach, but essential strategies and safety concerns remain. We hope you can join us!

Dr Kris Jatana and Dr Hunter Holsinger visit the studio as we consider the dangers of button batteries. They are small, shiny, and powerful—and hiding inside lots of everyday items. But did you know button batteries can also cause life-threatening injuries? Tune in for details!

Cari Stork and Callie Query visit the studio as we explore Lawyers for Kids. Discover how this program connects families with free legal support to address issues directly impacting health and wellness. We hope you can join us!

Caitlin Tully visits the studio as we consider teenage relationships. We explore how to open up lines of communication, signs of healthy—and unhealthy—relationships, and best practices for supporting teens as they develop important life skills. We hope you can join us!

Drs Megan Liberty and Aimee Heslop visit the studio as we explore Dance Medicine. From injury prevention to proper footwear and pointe readiness, discover how to keep young dancers safe, strong, and thriving. We hope you can join us!

We explore the Honda Center for Gait Analysis and Mobility Enhancement. Walking, running, and other forms of movement are essential for childhood development and wellness. Discover how the Honda Center is helping kids with complex conditions improve their movement… and quality of life!

Dr Joanna Parga-Belinkie visits the studio as we consider the important task of connecting with your newborn. There is so much advice, so many products, and an endless stream of opinions. But what matters most? Tune in to find out!

Drs Pooja Tandon and Danette Glassy visit the studio as we explore the importance of digging into nature. Spending time in the great outdoors boosts physical health and emotional well-being, but there are many challenges to overcome before kids can get out there and have some fun. Tune in to learn more!

Dr Leena Mamilly visits the studio as we consider safe Ramadan fasting for kids and teens with diabetes. Ramadan is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community… but the fasting part can bring challenges for families impacted by diabetes. Tune in as we explore safe ways for kids to fast. We hope you can join us!

Judy Midkiff visits the studio as we consider firearm safety for parents. Gun-related injuries are the leading cause of death for children and teenagers in the United States… and they are almost always preventable! We explore tips for keeping kids safe at home and with friends. Tune in to learn more!

Dr Jim MacDonald, Dr Eileen Africa, and Travis Gallagher visit the studio as we consider the epidemic of inactivity in children and teenagers everywhere. Tune in as we explore causes, impacts, and solutions that can bring lasting change. We hope you can join us!

Dr Sudarshan Jadcherla visits the studio as we consider gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in babies. When is spitting up normal… and when might it be a sign of something serious? Where should parents turn for advice? And what can be done (if anything) to stop the vomiting? Tune in to find out!

Drs Beth Kozel and Vidya Sivaraman visit the studio as we consider rare diseases and the 300 million people they impact (as a group, they aren’t so rare!). February 28 is Rare Disease Day, which seeks to raise awareness, improve understanding, and provide support. We hope you can join us!

Dr Arash Salavitabar visits the studio as we consider extended reality in pediatric cardiology. This involves creating a 3D model of a baby’s unique heart defect, wearing virtual-reality goggles, and then stepping inside to plan the procedure to fix it. We hope you can join us!

Scott McKenzie visits the studio as we consider holiday gift-giving at Nationwide Children’s. We have depended on the generosity of donors since 1892, when a bake sale supported a new hospital for kids in Columbus. We explore our history of philanthropy, current needs, and practical ways YOU can help our mission of supporting every child, for every reason. We hope you can join us!

Dr Scott Hadland visits the studio as we consider substance use disorder and fentanyl overdose in teenagers. Fentanyl deaths in teens are on the rise, with about 22 high school students dying each week in the United States. We provide tips for pediatricians, parents, schools, and communities aimed at preventing these tragedies. We hope you can join us!

Dr Holden Elkhammas and Dr Leah Middelberg visit the studio as we consider teen driving safety. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States, but most of these deaths are preventable. We explore strategies for keeping young drivers safe on the road. We hope you can join us!

Dr Richard Kirschner, Dr Adriane Baylis, and Chaitali Amin visit the studio as we explore the 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome. We discuss this genetic condition’s cause, features, diagnosis, management, and long-term outlook. We hope you can join us!