Rephonic
Artwork for This Is So Awkward
Puberty
Parenting
Mental Health
Social Media
Child Development
Sex Education
Education
Communication
Adolescence
Emotional Development
Body Image
Parenting Strategies
Teenagers
Family Dynamics
Consent
Substance Use
Nutrition
Eating Disorders
Emotional Health
Self-Esteem

Growing up is packed with awkward moments… not just for the kids going through it, but for their adults, too. Dr. Cara Natterson and Vanessa Kroll Bennett are here to help, with humor and zero judgment. They explain the science behind all of the physical, emotional, and social changes of the tween, teen, and even early 20-something years. From body changes and big feelings to every imaginable blu... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes402Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ParentingEducation for KidsKids & Family

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Artwork for This Is So Awkward

Latest Episodes

Senior year of high school looms large – not just in the minds of teens, but their parents, too – for all its stresses and tribulations. In this episode, we hear straight from Vanessa’s daughter about her experience navigating senior year of high sch... more

The term optimism doesn’t just refer to blind positivity. It’s also the acknowledgement of challenges that lay ahead, plus the belief we have the skills and tools to face them. Dr. Deepika Chopra is a psychologist and optimism expert. She joins us to... more

YouTube

Rereleasing this gem pushing back on the tired trope that middle school is a phase to endure not enjoy. But according to educator, principal, and author Chris Balme, these years may be some of the most fascinating and important in a child's life. We ... more

Rerelease of one of our all time most eye-opening episodes about the kids who act out, push boundaries, or seem impossible to reach. In this episode, Psychologist, educator, and author Doug Bolton helps us understand that these kids need more connect... more

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Recent Guests

Chris Balme
Educator, writer, school founder
Author of Finding the Magic in Middle School
Episode: Can Middle School Be Wonderful?
Dr. Kelly Bhatnagar
Clinical psychologist specializing in eating disorders and disordered eating; educator in schools and national organizations
Independent / Academy for Eating Disorders related roles
Episode: Disordered Eating and Eating Disorders, Explained
Noam Lax
Headache medicine specialist and neurologist
Einstein Montefiore Hospital
Episode: Migraines, Hormones, and Teens
Ari Tuckman
Psychologist focused on ADHD in kids and adults
Ari Tuckman & Associates
Episode: ADHD and the Social Scene: Friendships, Dating, and Growing Up
Donna Henderson
Neuropsychologist and autism expert
Episode: When Autism Meets Puberty
Mary Claire Haver
Author of The New Perimenopause, OB-GYN
Author, The New Perimenopause
Episode: Dr. Mary Claire Haver on The New Perimenopause
Angela Casey
Dermatologist and founder of Bright Girl Beauty
Bright Girl Beauty
Episode: The 5 ingredients to keep off kids’ skin
Kim Holderness
Kim Holderness, part of the Holderness family featured on the podcast
Holderness Family
Episode: The Holderness Family on Letting Go (Kind Of)
Penn Holderness
Penn Holderness, part of the Holderness family featured on the podcast
Holderness Family
Episode: The Holderness Family on Letting Go (Kind Of)

Hosts

Cara Natterson
Host of This Is So Awkward; pediatrician and author focused on puberty and adolescent health.
Vanessa Kroll Bennett
Co-host focusing on parenting, education, and public discussions about puberty.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 503 ratings
  • OMG OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I’ve herd of you on ‘the smart girl’s podcast with Shay & Jess’!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ‘The smart girl’s podcast…’ isn’t favorite!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    M.D🙂
    United States4 months ago
  • 🤩 🤩 🤩 🤩 🤩

    Okay y’all, I know this is like for parents and stuff.. but like Im fourteen and I LUV THIS!! I don’t know but like it’s just so helpful, but yeah

    TYSM! 💅 ĞURŁŁY 💅

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    💅 ĞURŁŁY 💅
    Canada7 months ago
  • Grateful to have this podcast!!!

    I know I’m about to be in the thick of it with my tween and learning from Vanessa & Cara’s wisdom is incredibly reassuring.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Sklarra
    United States8 months ago
  • 🤩 🤩 🤩 🤩 🤩

    Okay y’all, I know this is like for parents and stuff.. but like Im thirteen and I LUV THIS!! I don’t know but like it’s just so helpful, but yeah

    TYSM! 💅 ĞURŁŁY 💅

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    💅 ĞURŁŁY 💅
    Canada10 months ago
  • ♥️

    This is a great and informative show, Cara and Vanessa, don’t quit this show no matter what people think. You guys are awesome and funny

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Itsme dubs
    Canadaa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Families value inclusivity and empathy in discussions about puberty and teen health.
Listeners praise practical, evidence-based guidance for parenting teens.
Fans appreciate how experts translate complex topics into actionable conversations.
Therapists and educators highlight real-world applicability and relatable hosts.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Disordered Eating and Eating Disorders, Explained
Q: What are the most common diagnoses you see in kids and teens, and how do you differentiate between them clinically?
The most common are anorexia nervosa, ARFID, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, each defined by distinct patterns of restriction, fear, compensatory behaviors, and the presence or absence of weight concerns; a full medical and psychological evaluation helps distinguish among them.
Disordered Eating and Eating Disorders, Explained
Q: Can you help weigh in on the difference between disordered eating and an eating disorder, and when parents should be worried?
Disordered eating covers the same kinds of behaviors found in eating disorders but occurs with lower frequency or severity; nonetheless, it is still harmful and can be a precursor to a full eating disorder, so monitoring and early conversation are important.
When Autism Meets Puberty
Q: How can families foster empathy and open dialogue around puberty for autistic kids without making them feel on edge or walk on eggshells?
The hosts and Donna advocate for ongoing, curiosity-driven conversations, non-defensiveness, and validating rather than correcting; create safe spaces for questions; and emphasize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, encouraging families to meet difference with curiosity.
When Autism Meets Puberty
Q: Donna, can you walk us through the body changes during puberty in autistic kids and what might be different from non-autistic peers?
Donna outlines sensory and interoceptive differences, proprioceptive changes, vestibular functioning, and how these neurodivergent factors shape puberty experiences. She also emphasizes direct communication, validating feelings, and managing caregivers' own nervous systems to support children effectively.
The 5 ingredients to keep off kids’ skin
Q: And the questions that we're going to answer are like, does it matter if kids use them? Right? There's all this noise. Like, could they do harm?
The panel explains that tween skin has an immature barrier and hormonal shifts that can make some ingredients irritate or harm the skin, so it's about age-appropriate use and understanding long-term effects rather than a blanket rule.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Is So Awkward

What is This Is So Awkward about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A practical, science-backed exploration of puberty and adolescence aimed at parents, educators, and caregivers. Episodes blend expert insights with real-world parenting strategies, covering topics from puberty timing and brain development to healthy communication, mental health, and managing common teen challenges. Regular guests include psychologists, pediatricians, dermatologists, and researchers who translate complex science into actionable guidance for families, schools, and communities. A notable strength is translating research into accessible scripts, conversations, and routines, helping adults foster belonging, resilience, and healthier relationships during the tween-to-teen years.

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Which podcasts are similar to This Is So Awkward?

These podcasts share a similar audience with This Is So Awkward:

1. Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens
2. Flusterclux With Lynn Lyons: For Parents Who Worry
3. Raising Good Humans
4. The In-Between Years with Dr. Sheryl
5. Good Inside with Dr. Becky

How many episodes of This Is So Awkward are there?

This Is So Awkward launched 5 years ago and published 402 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on This Is So Awkward?

Recent guests on This Is So Awkward include:

1. Chris Balme
2. Dr. Kelly Bhatnagar
3. Noam Lax
4. Ari Tuckman
5. Donna Henderson
6. Mary Claire Haver
7. Angela Casey
8. Kim Holderness

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