The Problem Isn’t Just BMI: How Weight Bias Is Harming Kids in the Exam Room
If you’ve ever felt confused, judged, or overwhelmed by how weight is discussed at your child’s doctor’s visits? Whether your child is in a larger body, a smaller body, or somewhere in between this episode is for anyone who wants to raise healthy kids without harmful messaging.
I’m joined by Dr. Tommy Martin, a physician, educator, and passionate advocate for reframing weight and health conversations with compassion and clarity. Together, we explore why BMI was never meant to guide pediatric care, how weight bias shows up in medical settings, and what parents can do to protect their child’s body confidence without ignoring health.
We dive into:
Why BMI was never meant for individual kids and how outdated growth charts still shape care today
The lasting harm of weight bias in healthcare, from missed diagnoses to internalized shame as early as age 3
How to reframe conversations around health without numbers or labels and practical ways to advocate for your child
To connect with Dr. Tommy Martin follow him on Instagram @dr.tommymartin, check out all his resources at https://link.me/dr.tommymartin
We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you!
00:00 – Intro: Why weight conversations in pediatrics matter
02:10 – Meet Dr. Tommy Martin and his backstory
04:50 – Growing up in a larger body and the roots of weight stigma
06:45 – Subtle messages kids absorb at the doctor’s office
09:00 – Hurtful comments from family, peers, and culture
13:45 – Dr. Mona’s story: Smaller body, different pressure
15:30 – The impossible standards of body image
17:00 – Why pediatricians weigh kids and how Dr. Mona reframes it
18:30 – Dr. Tommy’s patient-first approach to weight discussions
21:45 – What BMI gets wrong (and how it still shows up)
25:20 – The harm of casual body comments
27:00 – Genetics, hormones, and the science of food noise
30:00 – The stigma and science behind GLP-1 medications
33:00 – How Dr. Mona talks to families about elevated labs without shame
40:00 – Why she never sets weight goals for kids
43:00 – Helping kids fuel for function, not aesthetics
46:00 – Modeling healthy habits in everyday life
48:00 – Weight bias in healthcare and missed diagnoses
50:00 – Long-term harm of labels like “obese” or “underweight”
Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.
Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. Join the newsletter!
And don’t forget to follow @pedsdoctalkpodcast on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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The Follow-Up: My Birth Story Changed Everything
Five and a half years ago, I became a mother.
But the day my son was born wasn’t the best day of my life... it was the worst.
In this deeply personal Follow-Up episode, I revisit the story that changed everything for me: my traumatic birth experience with my son Ryaan, the complications that followed, and how it impacted me as a mother, a pediatrician, and a human.
Whether your birth went sideways slowly or spiraled in an instant—this episode is for you.
I share:
The moment I knew something was wrong
What I experienced during 13 painful days in the hospital
How trauma shaped my identity, my anxiety, and my approach to parenting
The invisible grief many parents carry
Why birth trauma deserves to be seen, supported, and spoken about
If you’ve ever felt like your story didn’t “count” because you survived… this one is for you.
💛 You are not alone. Your story matters. And healing is possible.
Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.
Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. Join the newsletter!
And don’t forget to follow @pedsdoctalkpodcast on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Don’t Scroll, Stay Safe: Summer Water Safety Tips Every Parent Needs
If you’ve ever assumed that being near your child at the pool meant they were safe, this episode might just change the way you see water forever.
I’m joined by Lindsay Mondick, Director of Aquatic Safety for the YMCA of the USA and a lifelong advocate for drowning prevention. We talk about what drowning really looks like (spoiler: it’s not like the movies), why so many tragic incidents happen with adults present, and how something as simple as putting your phone down can be the difference between life and death.
She joins me to discuss: • Why drowning is quick, silent, and often missed even with supervision nearby • The “Phones Down, Eyes Up” campaign and what every caregiver needs to know • How to build layers of water safety from swim lessons to life jackets to water watchers
Whether you’re a pool regular, weekend beachgoer, or backyard splash pad fan—this conversation is a must-listen for every parent this summer.
To connect with the YMCA follow them on Instagram @ymca; TikTok @ymcaofficiall; Facebook @TheY and YouTube @ymca. Learn more at Phonesdowneyesup.org
We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you!
00:00 – 01:18 Why This Conversation Matters
01:19 – 02:37 Meet Lindsay: A Lifelong Water Safety Advocate
02:38 – 04:35 The Pandemic’s Impact on Drowning Risk
04:36 – 06:14 Why Proximity Isn’t Enough
06:15 – 08:32 Active Supervision: What It Looks Like
08:33 – 10:16 Are Lifeguards Enough?
10:17 – 12:14 Strong Swimmers Still Need Supervision
12:15 – 13:41 The Hidden Dangers of Lakes and Open Water
13:42 – 15:53 What Drowning Really Looks Like
15:54 – 19:55 The Power of Prevention and Real-Life Stories
19:56 – 22:31 Swim Lessons: How Early Is Too Early?
22:32 – 27:14 Teaching Adults to Swim (And Why It Matters)
27:15 – 30:07 Bridging the Gap in Underserved Communities
30:08 – 32:04 One Simple Habit That Can Save a Life
32:05 – 36:15 Minimizing Distraction Without Guilt
36:16 – 39:10 Final Thoughts + Taking Action
Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.
Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. Join the newsletter!
And don’t forget to follow @pedsdoctalkpodcast on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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The Follow-Up: The Science Behind Why Your Child Copies You
You’ve probably seen it—your toddler pretending to cook after watching you in the kitchen, or mimicking your sighs after a long day. It’s not just cute—it’s neuroscience. In this powerful follow-up episode, Dr. Mona sits down with educator Chris Lake to unpack mirror neurons, the brain’s fascinating mechanism for learning through observation.
Together, they explore how these neurons shape everything from crawling and speech to empathy and emotional regulation—and how everyday moments of modeling can support your child’s development more than any app ever could.
Whether you’re wondering how screen time affects speech, why your toddler copies your every move, or how to introduce new toys and skills more effectively, this conversation offers both science and simple strategies for parents to put into practice.
What You’ll Learn:
The surprising research behind mirror neurons and observational learning
Why our kids learn best through watching (not just being told)
How mouth-gazing helps with speech development—and why screens fall short
Why modeling behaviors like sharing and play matters more than we think
The link between demonstration, confidence, and child mastery
The truth about screen time’s impact on social and language skills
Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.
Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. Join the newsletter!
And don’t forget to follow @pedsdoctalkpodcast on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
If you’ve ever felt dismissed, overwhelmed, or unsure about your baby’s feeding challenges, this conversation is a validating, eye-opening listen.
I’m joined by Mallory Roberts, a licensed speech-language pathologist, infant feeding specialist, and craniosacral therapist. We dive into the misunderstood world of infant reflux including what’s really going on beneath the surface, why “they’ll outgrow it” isn’t always the full story, and how a holistic, body-based approach can change everything about how a baby feeds, feels, and thrives.
She joins me to discuss:
Why reflux is often misunderstood and why medication shouldn’t always be the first step
How feeding position, parental stress, and early body tension play a major role in symptoms
What craniosacral therapy is, and how gentle, connection-based care can transform feeding struggles
To connect with Mallory Roberts follow her on Instagram @thefeedingmom.method, check out all her resources at https://www.thefeedingmom.com/
00:00 – Intro
02:06 – What Is Craniosacral Therapy?
03:01 – Meet Mallory Roberts
07:45 – What’s Missing in Traditional Reflux Care
10:08 – Feeding Position Matters
12:14 – A Holistic Reflux Plan
17:47 – Red Flags for Reflux
23:10 – What Happens in a Craniosacral Session
28:00 – The Parent’s Energy Matters
33:13 – Where She Places Her Hands (and Why)
37:11 – How to Find a Therapist (or Learn Yourself)
41:23 – Final Encouragement for Parents
We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you!
Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.
Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. Join the newsletter!
And don’t forget to follow @pedsdoctalkpodcast on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
About The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician Mom
The PedsDocTalk Podcast is your go-to parenting resource, hosted by Dr. Mona Amin, a trusted pediatrician, parenting expert, and mom of two. As a top 50 Parenting Podcast in the U.S., this show delivers expert-backed guidance on child development, health, illness, behavior, feeding, and sleep—giving parents the confidence to navigate every stage from baby to teen.
Each episode dives into real-life parenting challenges, featuring conversations with specialists in pediatrics, child psychology, nutrition, and parental well-being. From potty training and sleep training to tackling tantrums, picky eating, discipline, screen time, postpartum recovery, and developmental milestones, Dr. Mona provides practical, science-backed advice that actually works.
Tune in on Mondays and Wednesdays for actionable insights, mindset shifts, and expert interviews that empower you to raise healthy, resilient, and happy kids—while thriving as a parent yourself!
Listen to The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician Mom, The High Performance Podcast and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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