The Harlan Cohen Podcast

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THE HARLAN COHEN PODCAST New York Times bestselling author Harlan Cohen has candid conversations with experts and influencers. Guests share their greatest victories, devastating setbacks, and most valuable advice to help listeners dream big and take action. Hosted by Harlan Cohen, New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and syndicated advice columnist. Harlan is the founder of Best First Year, and has over 1 million books in print. His live events, books, programs, and workshops have reached millions of people and changed countless lives. SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@HelpMeHarlan TEXT HARLAN: 321-345-9070 INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/HarlanCohen FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/HelpMeHarlan/ TWITTER: http://Twitter.com/HarlanCohen WEBSITE: https://www.HarlanCohen.com | https://www.BeforeCollegeTV.com

Episodes

Tuesday Dec 23, 2025

Is College Still Worth It? - with Michael Itzkowitz (former Director of The College Scorecard)

Tuesday Dec 23, 2025

I sat down with Michael Itzkowitz, director behind the College Scorecard. Michael shares his incredible journey from PhD student to working in the Obama administration, and now leading HEA where he's revolutionizing how we think about college value and ROI. We dive deep into the questions every family needs to ask: Is college still worth it? How do you evaluate schools beyond just "getting in"? And what happens when students graduate with $100,000+ in debt and a $50,000 starting salary? Michael breaks down how to actually use the College Scorecard, explains median earnings data, and helps us understand what graduation rates really mean.

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Are you a parent of current or soon-to-be college student? Are you a student?
Join BEST FIRST YEAR, Harlan's College Success Coaching Community for High School & College Parents (and students)

Use code Pod15 at checkout and get 15% off a 12 or 18 month membership.
Tap here: https://courses.bestfirstyear.com/courses/your-first-course

The Harlan Cohen Podcast is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Subscribe and listen to Harlan’s podcast here:
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-harlan-cohen-podcast/id1531004466
Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5f3901f-d7b6-4f73-b183-8a5e10c4423a/the-harlan-cohen-podcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28gSjxL3CmmL6U9lpDDlCA
Podbean: https://harlancohenpodcast.podbean.com/

SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/@HelpMeHarlan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harlancohen/
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@helpmeharlan?...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harlan.cohen/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harlancohen
Twitter: https://x.com/HarlanCohen
Website: https://www.HarlanCohen.com

About Michael:
Michael Itzkowitz currently serves as Founder and President of the HEA Group, a higher education research and policy organization that focuses on turning higher education opportunities into real value for students and taxpayers. He brings over 15 years of federal education policy expertise, with his work regularly cited by major outlets including the New York Times, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal. As a Presidential Appointee in the Obama Administration, he directed the College Scorecard—the largest federal higher education data release ever—and served as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of Postsecondary Education, helping oversee policy for $120 billion in annual federal student aid.

Links:
Follow Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-itzkowitz-84786019/
Instagram: @theheagroup https://www.instagram.com/theheagroup/
College Scorecard - https://www.collegescorecard.ed.gov
The HEA Group - https://www.theheagroup.com/
Which College Majors Are Worth It?: https://www.theheagroup.com/blog/college-majors-worth-it California College Programs That Pay: https://collegefutures.org/golden-opportunities-programs-that-pay/

Chapters:

00:00 - Intro
04:09 - Rejection and Risk-Taking
06:15 - Working with Obama Administration
09:09 - How He Got His Job
14:28 - Long Game ROI Thinking
18:43 - Conference Networking Strategy
24:23 - Aligning Passion with Mentors
29:50 - Data Objectivity Discussion
35:36 - Is College Worth $400K?
41:29 - How to Research Colleges
58:03 - Understanding Graduation Rates
1:08:10 - Median Earnings Explained
1:12:08 - The $100K Debt Problem
1:17:07 - Financial Fitness Calculator
1:24:17 - Starting Salary Impact
1:29:31 - AI in Data Work
1:38:30 - Final Advice for Students
1:41:36 - HCA Mission and Wrap-Up

THE HARLAN COHEN PODCAST New York Times bestselling author Harlan Cohen has candid conversations with top experts, and leading influencers. Guests share their greatest victories, devastating setbacks, and most valuable advice to help listeners dream big and take action. Hosted by Harlan Cohen, New York Times bestselling author, and speaker. Harlan is the founder of Best First Year, and has over 1 million books in print. His live events, books, programs, and workshops have reached millions of people and changed countless lives.

Wednesday Nov 26, 2025

Jeff Selingo - What the Data Really Says About Dream Schools (Walk & Talk with Harlan)

Wednesday Nov 26, 2025

In this episode, I had a great walk around Evanston, Illinois, with New York Times bestselling author Jeff Selingo to discuss his latest book, Dream School. We talked about why getting into a highly selective college isn't necessarily the key to long-term success and what the data actually shows about how students from less selective, smaller schools go on to build equally fulfilling careers. Jeff and I explored how students can define success on their own terms and why focusing on fit and experience often leads to better outcomes than chasing prestige. Whether you're a student figuring out your next step or a parent trying to support your child through the college search process, this conversation offers practical advice and a much-needed perspective shift.

* * * * * * * * * *

Are you a parent of current or soon-to-be college student? Are you a student?
Join BEST FIRST YEAR, Harlan's College Success Coaching Community for Parents & Students
Use code Pod25 at checkout and get $25 off your membership
Tap here: https://courses.bestfirstyear.com/courses/your-first-course

The Harlan Cohen Podcast is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

ABOUT JEFF:
Jeff Selingo is a New York Times bestselling author, special advisor and professor of practice to the president at Arizona State University, and co-host of the Future U. podcast. For more than 25 years, he's been at the forefront of higher education journalism and analysis, having served as the top editor of The Chronicle of Higher Education for 18 years.

Jeff is the author of four books, including several New York Times bestsellers. His most recent book, Dream School: Finding the College That's Right for You, was published in September 2025. The Chronicle of Higher Education His previous book, Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions, was named one of the Most Notable Books of 2020 by The New York Times.

Website: https://jeffselingo.com
Latest Book (Dream School): https://amzn.to/4p19N8h
Newsletter (Next): https://jeffselingo.com (sign up link)
Future U. Podcast: https://www.futureupodcast.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffselingo
X/Twitter: @jselingo

OTHER INTERVIEWS & MEDIA:
Smerconish Interview (CNN): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtI82sfwqtU
Dream School Reference in The New Yorker: https://www.newyorker.com/news/the-lede/the-great-student-swap
NPR Story: https://www.npr.org/2025/10/09/nx-s1-5567124/nprs-book-of-the-day-jeff-selingo-dream-school

THE HARLAN COHEN PODCAST New York Times bestselling author Harlan Cohen has candid conversations with top experts, and leading influencers. Guests share their greatest victories, devastating setbacks, and most valuable advice to help listeners dream big and take action. Hosted by Harlan Cohen, New York Times bestselling author, and speaker. Harlan is the founder of Best First Year, and has over 1 million books in print. His live events, books, programs, and workshops have reached millions of people and changed countless lives.

Thursday Nov 13, 2025

How to Build a Standout Nursing Career - Dr. Patrick Hickey

Thursday Nov 13, 2025

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Patrick Hickey about his deep devotion to the nursing profession. From climbing the highest peak on every continent to earning an impressive list of credentials (RN, BSN, MS, MSN, DrPH, CNOR(E)), he shares experiences that have given him valuable insight and wisdom. As both an educator and philanthropist, he continues to serve as a light for others. We also discuss the differences between two-year and four-year nursing programs and what recruiters are really looking for on your resume.

* * * * * * * * * *

Are you a parent of current or soon-to-be college student? Are you a student? Join BEST FIRST YEAR, Harlan's College Success Coaching Community for Parents & Students
Use code Pod15 at checkout and get 15% off a 12 or 18 month membership (or join monthly and get 15% off your first month)

Tap here: https://courses.bestfirstyear.com/courses/your-first-course

The Harlan Cohen Podcast is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

About Patrick

Dr. Patrick Hickey, originally from rural Ontario, began his career after a high school counselor encouraged him to pursue nursing. He earned his Nursing Diploma in Canada, then moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, where he worked in a Level 1 trauma center and earned his BSN. Later, in Columbia, SC, he worked in the Operating Room as a clinician, manager, and educator, while serving on the national board of AORN—helping develop the “Time-Out” safety protocol used in surgeries worldwide.

He went on to earn an MS, MSN, and Doctorate in Public Health, researching healthcare barriers for Hispanic populations with limited English proficiency. At the University of South Carolina, he taught for 15 years, leading international healthcare trips for students across medical disciplines. Now retired, he mentors students weekly and serves as USA Medical Director for International Service Learning (ISL).

A passionate traveler, Dr. Hickey and his wife have backpacked through 88 countries and he became the first nurse to climb the Seven Summits—reaching the highest peak on each continent. His book 7 Summits: A Nurse’s Quest to Conquer Mountaineering and Life chronicles his path in life, with all proceeds of book sales going to his scholarships.

As a philanthropist and Angel Pilot, he provides free flights for patients needing medical transport. In November 2025, he will launch his podcast, International Service Learning (ISL): Experiential Medical Education, featuring stories from students, faculty, and global healthcare leaders.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-hickey-ab69a94

Email: drh@islonline.org

International Service Learning Program: https://islonline.org/

Chapters
0:00 Introduction
01:18 Patrick's Path to Nursing
7:28 Finding Your Motivation
12:32 Essential Skills for Nurses
17:45 Nursing Specialties Explained
27:55 Hospital Dynamics & Teamwork
36:25 Choosing a Program and Finding a Job
56:27 Finding Mentors
1:03:19 International Service Learning
1:06:45 Mentorship & Spirituality

Thursday Aug 21, 2025

Hacking College with Ned Laff and Scott Carlson

Thursday Aug 21, 2025

In this episode of The Harlan Cohen podcast, authors Ned Laff and Scott Carlson share a fresh approach to navigating college that helps students learn life skills that will help them graduate, build a network of mentors, get a job, and succeed at life.

During my conversation with Ned and Scott, we talk about how college isn't a linear path to a career—it's an opportunity to figure out who you are, how you want to live, and what kind of life actually feels good to you. We explore how to "hack" the college experience and reframe it as a creative, human, and sometimes messy journey. The goal? Less stress, more meaning. And hopefully, a little clarity along the way. Be sure to get a copy of Hacking College (the audiobook is fantastic too).

_________________________

About Scott:
Scott Carlson is a senior writer at The Chronicle of Higher Education who explores where higher education is headed. Since 1999, he has covered a range of issues for the publication: college management and finance, facilities, campus planning, energy, sustainability, libraries, work-force development, the value of a college degree, and other subjects. He writes the twice-monthly column The Edge, and he is the author of Hacking College: Why the Major Doesn’t Matter — and What Really Does. Carlson has won awards from the Education Writers Association and is a frequent speaker at colleges and conferences around the country. His work has also appeared in The Baltimore Sun and Dwell, among other publications. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

Homepage on The Chronicle: https://www.chronicle.com/author/scott-carlson
Scott’s column, The Edge: https://www.chronicle.com/newsletter/the-edge
Scott’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-carlson-4a235a5/
Email: scott.carlson@chronicle.com

About Ned:
Dr. Ned Scott Laff has over 35 years of experience in college and university settings in administrative and faculty roles. He has worked in curriculum development, program assessment, general education review and revision, self-designed majors, and developing centers that integrate advising, mentoring, and career development. He was awarded the Civic Engagement Award from The Washington Center for his work in service- and community-based learning. He has broad interests in improving the quality of undergraduate education and revitalizing the liberal arts. He has a special interest in the role mentoring plays in helping students design and integrate their educational, professional, and personal goals into a successful undergraduate education.

Ned’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ned-laff-ph-d-59ab8722/
Ned’s email: ned.laff@gmail.com

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Get the legal forms you need to project your 18-year-old student. Download Mama Bear legal forms (use Code Harlan20 and get 20% off). Here's the link: https://www.mamabearlegalforms.com/youngadult?oid=1&affid=175&source_id=yapoa&sub1=harlan20

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The Harlan Cohen Podcast is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

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Thursday Jul 17, 2025

Student Legal Survival Guide: HIPAA, Hazing, FERPA and Fake IDs with CL Lindsay - Higher Ed Law Expert

Thursday Jul 17, 2025

The Harlan Cohen Podcast is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

About CL Lindsay:
CL Lindsay is an expert in student discipline and higher education law. He's spent the last 25 years working with students and consulting with colleges about their legal rights and responsibilities. He has given more than 1500 invited lectures at colleges, universities, high schools, and military bases across the country. He graduated from Denison University in 1993 and received a law degree from the University of Michigan in 1996. He's currently serving as the Title IX Coordinator and the Deputy Office of Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator at DeSales University in Center Valley, Pennsylvania.

CL Lindsay’s book: Sex, Speech, Selfies, and Getting Smashed: Critical Legal Issues for College Students is designed to help readers navigate their higher education experience with safety and the law in mind. The book introduces foundational legal concepts, uncovers the legal basis for many college campus policies, and reviews critical rules and regulations related to speech, sex, technology, drugs, alcohol, and parties. Check it out here:

Pre-college legal checklist: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iD6k2i6b5K23JRDGvrNZMAwh7yJTPMp1/view?usp=sharing

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
11:13 Being Accused of Using AI
41:31 FERPA and HIPAA waivers
49:12 Hazing
1:05:11 When should you talk to a lawyer?
1:18:52 Cyberbullying
1:21:05 Fake IDs
1:24:59 Victim of Hate Speech
1:27:42 Public vs. Private College
1:33:47 Outro

Thursday Jul 03, 2025

College Health Handbook: Sleep, Stress, Substances & Self-Care with Dr. Jill Grimes

Thursday Jul 03, 2025

The Harlan Cohen Podcast is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

About Dr. Jill Grimes:

Jill Grimes, MD, FAAFP, is a nationally recognized family physician and award-winning author of The ULTIMATE College Student Health Handbook. Known as The College Doc, she’s a go-to health expert for students and parents navigating real-world medical issues—from hangovers, illnesses, and injuries, to sex, substances, and stress. With 20+ years in private practice, university health, and academic medicine, Dr. Grimes delivers practical, judgment-free advice that pairs perfectly with The Naked Roommate to help students thrive.

Jill's Instagram: JillGrimesMD https://www.instagram.com/jillgrimesmd/
TikTok: @tiktok.collegedoc

3rd edition of Dr. Jill's book: https://shorturl.at/Ufdrw

Chapters:

00:00 Intro
10:20 Self care
14:40 Importance of sleep
35:50 Breathing exercises for anxiety
44:21 Organization that works for you
49:46 Don’t wait to get help
57:21 Fentanyl
1:08:00 Peer pressure, drugs, anxiety
1:11:20 Social media censorship
1:13:02 Narcan
1:18:27 Alcohol safety
1:29:59 Hangovers
1:33:27 What to do after SA
1:43:32 Sexual health
1:59:18 Outro

Thursday Jun 19, 2025

Unpaid Internships Are Wrong - Jeffrey Moss Founder & CEO of Parker Dewey

Thursday Jun 19, 2025

The Harlan Cohen Podcast is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

ABOUT JEFFREY:
Jeffrey Moss is the Founder and CEO of Parker Dewey LLC, a company focused on addressing the challenges associated with college-to-career transitions through Micro-Internships. Prior to founding Parker Dewey, Jeffrey spent most of his career as a venture capital investor focusing on the education and technology sectors. In addition, Jeffrey was Chief of Enterprise Growth at Educational Testing Service (ETS) where his efforts focused on the use of assessment to drive equity in education and employment. Jeffrey currently serves on the Indiana University Kelley School of Business Alumni Board, the Purdue University College of Liberal Arts Dean's Advisory Council, and the President’s Advisory Council of Governors State University. Jeffrey's other relevant Board responsibilities have included: Chairman of the Board of Workstream (Nasdaq: WSTM), a software provider for human resources departments; OneGoal, a non-profit focused on college accessibility and persistence; the Chicago American Marketing Association; and the Illinois Venture Capital Association.

Links:
https://www.parkerdewey.com/
https://www.parkerdewey.com/career-launchers
https://www.parkerdewey.com/about

Read more about the news and talk about unpaid internships:
https://www.naceweb.org/unpaid
https://www.naceweb.org/public-policy-and-legal/legal-issues/legal-issues-internships/

Chapters:

00:00 Intro
02:14 Micro internships solve a problem
08:05 Unpaid Internships are wrong
15:19 Hacking College
21:15 Setting yourself up for success
29:03 Expand your search
35:15 Harlan’s Instagram comments on unpaid internships
48:47 Outro

Thursday Jun 05, 2025

Is Your Kid Actually College Ready? - with Kelley Challen

Thursday Jun 05, 2025

The Harlan Cohen Podcast is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

About Kelley Challen:
Kelley Challen, Ed.M., CAS, is an expert transition specialist and national speaker who has supported teens and young adults with a wide array of developmental and learning needs since 2004. Since 2013, Kelley has served as Director of Transition Services at NESCA, where she provides individualized transition assessment, planning, consultation, and coaching. She is passionate about helping students build the skills and self-determination needed to navigate postsecondary education, employment, independent living, and community life, and she regularly contributes to public conversations about best practices in transition planning and disability services.

Read Kelley’s 31 Must-Have College Readiness Skills here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/31-must-have-college-readiness-skills-kelley-challen-c5h4e/

A Guide to College Readiness by Landmark College: https://nextsteps-nh.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/college-readiness_assessment-Landmark-Guide.pdf

The College Readiness Checklist by Southern Utah University : https://www.suu.edu/trioets/documents/1617collegereadinessassessment.pdf

Learn more about Kelley’s work and NESCA’s services:

Instagram - @KelleyChallenTransitions
Facebook - Kelley Challen, Transition Specialist ( /KelleyChallenTransitions )
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/kelleychallentransitions/
Substack - substack.com/@kelleychallentransitions
YouTube - youtube.com/@KelleyChallenTransitions
Website - www.nesca-newton.com/challen
NESCA Blog - https://nesca-newton.com/nesca-notes/

Chapters

00:00 Intro
03:52 Kelley’s specialty
08:42 What is college readiness?
17:20 Setting limits
21:37 Imposter syndrome and learning differences
29:33 How many students with needs are missed?
36:58 The importance of using the right language
42:08 Understanding the college ready checklist
49:23 Being proactive
58:39 Taking small steps
1:01:21 Preparing for college
1:07:22 The reality of how many students struggle
1:10:02 What drives success in college?
1:19:17 Executive functioning checklist
1:26:04 Self awareness and self advocacy
1:33:00 Do you want to go?
1:35:11 Social readiness
1:41:19 Essential life skills
1:47:41 Outro

Thursday May 08, 2025

Walk & Talk with Harlan - Maema Njongmeta (Cincinnati Bengals Linebacker)

Thursday May 08, 2025

The Harlan Cohen Podcast is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

About Maema:

Maema Njongmeta is a professional NFL linebacker known not only for his athletic talent but also for his academic drive and resilience. A standout student and athlete from his high school days, Maema earned top ACT scores and was recruited to play football at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he balanced the demands of Division I athletics with a deep commitment to his education. His college career was marked by both impressive on-field performances and challenging injuries, which only strengthened his resolve. Now in the NFL, Maema brings the same intensity, discipline, and thoughtfulness to his professional journey. He’s a powerful example of what it means to stay focused, overcome setbacks, and chase excellence both on and off the field.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
06:20 How we met
10:20 Maema’s friendship with Jordan
15:40 From high school to college football
32:43 Grit and resilience
39:35 Overcoming injuries and hard times
59:08 Going to the combine
1:04:57 Visualizing your goals
1:11:07 Getting to the NFL
1:16:40 Being benched in college
1:21:30 Maema’s pre-game ritual
1:27:09 Maema’s future
1:31:20 The mentor that was in Maema’s corner
1:35:00 Money
1:38:00 Being curious and taking risks
1:50:50 Maema's intense study regimen
2:01:57 Draft day headspace

Follow Maema:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.maema/?hl=en

Follow Jordan: https://www.instagram.com/jvincent.1k/?hl=en

Thursday Apr 17, 2025

Dr. Lisa Damour: Steady Parenting, College Anxiety, and Encouraging Independence

Thursday Apr 17, 2025

The Harlan Cohen Podcast is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

About Lisa:

Dr. Lisa Damour is the author of three New York Times best sellers: Untangled, Under Pressure, and The Emotional Lives of Teenagers. She co-hosts the Ask Lisa podcast, works in collaboration with UNICEF, and is recognized as a thought leader by the American Psychological Association. Dr. Damour is also a regular contributor to The New York Times and CBS News.

Dr. Damour serves as a Senior Advisor to the Schubert Center for Child Studies at Case Western Reserve University and has written numerous academic papers, chapters, and books related to education and child development. She maintains a clinical practice and also speaks to schools, professional organizations, and corporate groups around the world on the topics of child and adolescent development, family mental health, and adult well-being.

Dr. Damour graduated with honors from Yale University and worked for the Yale Child Study Center before earning her doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Michigan. She has been a fellow at Yale’s Edward Zigler Center in Child Development and Social Policy and the University of Michigan’s Power Foundation. She and her husband are the proud parents of two daughters.

Lisa's Website: drlisadamour.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisa.damour/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LDamour

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisadamourphd

Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting Podcast
Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan offer practical, seasoned guidance on raising tweens and teens. Each episode answers a question from a listener about common parenting challenges—from managing school stress to navigating tough conversations—providing expert advice in a warm, relatable style.

Available on YouTube, Apple, and everywhere podcasts are found.
And check out our topic-specific playlists on YouTube and Spotify!
https://www.youtube.com/@asklisapodcast

Untangling Family Life Newsletter
Dr. Damour’s weekly newsletter brings research-based insights and practical strategies for raising tweens and teens directly to your inbox. Read past issues here: https://us7.campaign-archive.com/home/?u=62f7533dea3fce862bfee91cc&id=a4852c3333
and subscribe here: https://drlisadamour.com/sign-up-for-my-newsletter/

Rosalie: Dr. Damour's AI-powered Librarian
Rosalie, an AI-powered chatbot, searches Dr. Damour’s work to provide answers to your questions about raising tweens and teens. Ask her your questions here: https://drlisadamour.com/ask-rosalie/