Rephonic
Artwork for This Is So Awkward
Puberty
Parenting
Mental Health
Social Media
Child Development
Sex Education
Education
Communication
Adolescence
Emotional Development
Body Image
Family Dynamics
Parenting Strategies
Teenagers
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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes404Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ParentingEducation for KidsKids & Family

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for This Is So Awkward

Latest Episodes

Just like the kids going through it, puberty data is constantly growing and changing. In this episode, we update listeners with the latest research about puberty: when it begins, what influences its timing, and how long it actually lasts (feels like ... more

YouTube

AI impacts all of us at every age – down to the youngest kids. But how, exactly, does it change things like brain development, language acquisition, and interpersonal relationships? Pediatric surgeon and early childhood expert Dr. Dana Suskind explai... more

YouTube

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

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Similar Podcasts

People also subscribe to these shows.

Recent Guests

Dana Kugler
Founder/Director, Pediatric Cochlear Implant Program, University of Chicago
University of Chicago
Episode: Does AI Help Raise Kids?
Deepika Chopra
Author of The Power of Real Optimism; psychologist by training
Author, psychologist
Episode: The Science of Real Optimism
Chris Balme
Educator, writer, school founder
Author of Finding the Magic in Middle School
Episode: Can Middle School Be Wonderful?
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)

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 States5 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 💅
    Canada8 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 States9 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 💅
    Canadaa year 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.

Does AI Help Raise Kids?
Q: How does AI compare to human interaction in shaping a child's brain?
Human interaction provides friction, repair, and emotional engagement that AI cannot fully replicate, and this social dynamic is crucial for developing language, empathy, and critical thinking; AI should augment, not replace, this process.
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.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

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.

Where can I find podcast stats for This Is So Awkward?

Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for This Is So Awkward. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to This Is So Awkward and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.

How many listeners does This Is So Awkward get?

Rephonic provides a full set of podcast information for four million podcasts, including the number of listeners. View further listenership figures for This Is So Awkward, including podcast download numbers and subscriber numbers, so you can make better decisions about which podcasts to sponsor or be a guest on. You will need to upgrade your account to access this premium data.

What are the audience demographics for This Is So Awkward?

Rephonic provides comprehensive predictive audience data for This Is So Awkward, including gender skew, age, country, political leaning, income, professions, education level, and interests. You can access these listener demographics by upgrading your account.

How many subscribers and views does This Is So Awkward have?

To see how many followers or subscribers This Is So Awkward has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to This Is So Awkward?

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

1. Ask Lisa: Untangling Family Life
2. The In-Between Years with Dr. Sheryl
3. Flusterclux With Lynn Lyons: For Parents Who Worry
4. Raising Good Humans
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 404 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact This Is So Awkward?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for This Is So Awkward?

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for This Is So Awkward from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

View all the reviews in one place instead of visiting each platform individually and use this information to decide if a show is worth pitching or not.

How do I access podcast episode transcripts for This Is So Awkward?

Rephonic provides full transcripts for episodes of This Is So Awkward. Search within each transcript for your keywords, whether they be topics, brands or people, and figure out if it's worth pitching as a guest or sponsor. You can even set-up alerts to get notified when your keywords are mentioned.

What guests have appeared on This Is So Awkward?

Recent guests on This Is So Awkward include:

1. Dana Kugler
2. Deepika Chopra
3. Chris Balme
4. Noam Lax
5. Ari Tuckman
6. Donna Henderson
7. Mary Claire Haver
8. Angela Casey

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

Find and pitch the right podcasts

We help savvy brands, marketers and PR professionals to find the right podcasts for any topic or niche. Get the data and contacts you need to pitch podcasts at scale and turn listeners into customers.
Try it free for 7 days