The Whinypaluza Podcast

Dropping a child off at college is more than a logistical milestone—it’s an emotional transformation for the entire family. In this heartfelt episode, Rebecca Greene shares the raw, real experience of taking her son Max to Cornell and entering a brand-new chapter of parenting.

In this special Whinypaluza Wednesday episode, Rebecca is joined by her daughter, Ella, and husband, Seth, as they reflect on the recent drop-off of Max, their oldest child, at college. The family dives into everything from the packing chaos to the emotional rollercoaster that follows.

Ella shares her sibling perspective and what it felt like to become the oldest child at home. Seth adds humor and grounded insights, while Rebecca opens up about the practical details, the tears, the joy, and how she’s choosing to reframe the moment as a beginning — not an ending.

The episode offers reassurance, wisdom, and actionable ideas for parents navigating the bittersweet transition of letting go.
⭐️ 5 Key Takeaways:
→ Writing a letter can help parents communicate with heart — without overwhelming their child
→ College drop-off impacts the whole family, not just the student
→ Mindset matters — training your thoughts can ease the emotional weight
→ Honest conversations about safety, self-care, and boundaries are essential
→ Being flexible and open makes the transition smoother for everyone
💬 Notable Quotes:
→ “Train your brain to think about what you want to think about.”
→ “It’s not the end — it’s the beginning of something beautiful.”
→ “Don’t skip the sex talk. Do it anyway. Even if they roll their eyes.”
→ “Be flexible. Be honest. Be loving. That’s how we show up for our kids.”
🎧 Call to Action:
This episode is a must-listen for any parent facing the college drop-off season. Tune in for relatable stories, practical tips, and the emotional support every mom and dad needs right now.

Catch it on your favorite podcast platform or visit whinypaluza.com for the full college packing list and Ella’s reflection on this life-changing moment.

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What if the place that should be your sanctuary—your home—could be transformed from a place of fear into a space where respect isn’t just hoped for, but required by law?

Today on Whinypaluza, host Rebecca Greene sits down with Sabrina Osso, founder and CEO of Osso Safe, a revolutionary company transforming the way we approach safety in our homes, schools, and workplaces. As a TEDx speaker, published author, and passionate advocate, Sabrina is transforming her pain into a force for good, empowering families everywhere. A proud member of the National Association of Realtors and the Women’s Federation for World Peace, she was recently honored with the HerStory Award in March 2024. Through her innovative Osso Safe certification program, children’s book “Home Safe Home for You and Me,” and the Osso Safe Kids Video, Sabrina is reimagining what “home sweet home” can and should be—making respect a required standard in all residences.

Key Takeaways

➤ Respect as a Required Standard: Osso Safe is working to make respect a mandatory requirement in all residential properties through their certification program, which includes policies, seminars, apps, and assigned therapists.

➤ The Difference Between Abuse and Discipline: Abuse instills fear while discipline instills education—this crucial distinction helps parents understand how to guide children from a place of respect rather than control.

➤ Children Need Voice and Choice: Rather than waiting until age 18, children should be empowered to speak up about unsafe situations and know they have trusted adults who will listen and protect them.

➤ Documentation is Crucial: For anyone experiencing abuse, documenting incidents helps combat gaslighting and creates a clear pattern that can be used for protection and legal purposes.

➤ Healing Happens Both Ways: When you heal yourself and then help others heal, it creates a powerful two-way street of transformation and empowerment.

Powerful Quotes from Sabrina
“Abuse instills fear, and discipline instills education. When you discipline your kids, it should come from a place of education, not fear and manipulation and domination and control.”
“We trust our children at Osso Safe. We are giving them voice and choice… You kids know who makes you feel safe and free and respected and good, so we’re trusting them.”

How to Connect with Sabrina Osso
Website: OssoSafe.com
Social Media: Find Osso Safe on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok
Children’s Book: “Home Safe Home for You and Me” available on Amazon and other book-selling platforms
This episode of Whinypaluza reminds us that every child deserves to feel safe in their own home. If you or someone you know needs help, remember: it’s not your fault, you’re not alone, and there are people ready to help.

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Are you waking up anxious and don’t know why? What if anxiety isn’t your enemy but actually an old friend trying to protect you?

In this deeply personal episode, Rebecca and her daughter Ella share their individual yet connected experiences with anxiety, offering practical strategies for managing those overwhelming moments. The episode beautifully weaves together a mother-daughter perspective on anxiety management, featuring insights from Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s recovery strategies, the science behind morning cortisol levels, and the power of positive self-talk.

Rebecca opens up about preparing to drop her son, Max, off at college, while Ella shares wisdom from her “Teenage Tuesday” column about conquering anxiety through learning opportunities.

5 Key Takeaways

➤ Morning anxiety is normal and biological – Your cortisol levels are naturally highest when you wake up, which explains why you might feel anxious first thing in the morning

➤ Welcome anxiety instead of resisting it – When you fight or resist feelings, they get bigger. Treat anxiety like an old friend and get curious about why it’s showing up rather than pushing it away

➤ Use proof from your past to reassure yourself – Look back at previous successes and challenges you’ve overcome to remind yourself that you’re capable of handling difficult situations

➤ Everything is a learning opportunity – No matter the outcome of anxiety-provoking situations, you always learn something valuable, making every experience a gift for growth

➤ Motion beats meditation for managing emotions – Physical movement, especially walking outside, can be more effective than sitting still when you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed

Notable Quotes from the Episode
“I didn’t fight it. I did not resist. I didn’t fight it. I just said, Oh, hello, you’re an old friend showing up. I know who you are. You’ve been coming around since I was tiny.” – Rebecca Greene
“Everything is a chance to learn no matter what the outcome is. You always learn something from it. So everything is a gift, even if it makes you anxious.” – Ella Greene

Connect with Rebecca via LinkTree:  https://linktr.ee/whinypaluzamom

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If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to get healthy, feel confident, and live with energy — this is your sign. Dr. Tanji Brewer is here to help you stop surviving and start thriving.

 In this inspiring episode of the Whinypaluza Podcast, Rebecca chats with Dr. Tanji Brewer, transformation coach, certified personal trainer, nutritionist, wardrobe stylist, and the dynamic founder of Stylish and Fit, LLC.

From mindset shifts to fashion tips, Dr. Tanji shares how she helps people around the world discover and embody their purpose with vitality. You’ll walk away motivated to make simple, intentional changes that improve your health, confidence, and overall joy.

5 Key Takeaways:
➡ Transformation starts with mindset — your time is now.
➡ Fitness is more than cardio; strength, stretching, and community matter.
➡ Small nutrition shifts can add life to every meal.
➡ Fashion is a confidence tool — know your power color.
➡ Celebrate small wins and make your health a non-negotiable.

Quotes from Dr. Tanji Brewer:
“The most important transaction is not in the boardroom — it’s on the fitness floor between you and yourself.”

 “Every time you lift your fork, ask yourself: What is this about to serve me?”

Connect with Dr. Tanji Brewer:
Dr. Tanjie Brewer | LinkedIn

Follow Rebecca & Whinypaluza:
📌 Rebecca’s LinkTree – find all the links to listen, follow, and connect.

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This Whinypaluza Wednesday, Rebecca sits down with her husband, Seth, and daughter, Ella, to reflect on Lillie’s Bat Mitzvah — the celebration, the stress, and the profound lessons that surfaced along the way.

→ Ella shares her thoughtful Teenage Tuesday reflections on staying grounded, even when you’re not in the spotlight.
→ Rebecca opens up about the behind-the-scenes chaos and the toll it took physically and emotionally — all in her loving pursuit to make Lillie’s vision come true.
→ Seth jumps in with humor, support, and helpful dad moments — including the now-famous QR code for free photo downloads!

Together, the Greene family gets real about perfectionism, appreciation, family expectations, and how to shift your mindset when you’re carrying too much on your plate.

💡 Key Takeaways:
 → You don’t need the spotlight to shine — your presence and joy matter.
 → Focus on what truly matters: family, tradition, and love.
 → It’s okay to ask for help. Hire support so you can enjoy the moment too.
 → Headaches and burnout are signs — it’s time to pivot and protect your peace.
 → The effort is what counts — not the flawless execution.
 → Your kids do appreciate you — even if they forget to say it in the moment.

🎉 Highlights:
 → Ella’s Teenage Tuesday wisdom → whinypaluza.com
 → DJ Jeremiah from Toy Brothers kept the dance floor rocking
 → Sarah from 42 Photo captured every special moment
 → Custom candy table by Claire
 → Hand-crafted flower art by Michelle for the Blossom Bash theme
 → August is National Romance Month — watch for upcoming tips!
 → Don’t miss the August Challenge — join the fun through August 5th for a chance at prizes

📣
→ Listen, rate, review, subscribe, and share this episode!
→ Need help reviewing or leaving a comment? Ask Rebecca or one of your kids — we’re happy to help!

 → Visit Rebecca’s LinkTree https://linktr.ee/whinypaluzamom for Rebecca’s blog, Ella’s column, podcast archives, and resources.

 → Follow us on social and join the free Whinypaluza Mom Group on Facebook for support, love, and lots of laughs.

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🎧 #28: Anger in Relationships – How to Stay Connected When You’re Upset
Aired July 3, 2025 on the Practicing Love Podcast with Shana James
I had the absolute pleasure of joining my dear friend Shana James on her powerful podcast, Practicing Love. We dive into something every couple faces: anger. Whether it’s yours or your partner’s, we talk about what happens when emotions run high — and how to stay connected instead of falling apart.

Together, we explore how to share anger without losing connection, how to pause and regulate in the heat of the moment, and what it looks like to offer grace and curiosity — even when it’s hard. I open up about my own marriage, what I’m still practicing (because we’re all still practicing), and how my self-talk and parenting journey have helped me become a more present partner.

💗 Topics we cover:

• How to avoid the blame spiral
• Why anger often masks deeper hurt
• My favorite ways to self-regulate (and what I teach my kids too!)
• Tools my husband and I use when things get heated
• The healing power of compassion and grace — for ourselves and our partners
• 
  This one’s real, raw, and full of hope.
  🎙️ Learn more at WhinyPaluza.com
• 
   🔍 Take Shana’s quiz: ShanaJamesCoaching.com/quiz
• Link to the original podcast episode 
  
  https://shanajamescoaching.com/tag/rebecca-greene/ 

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Welcome to another heartfelt and hilarious Whinypaluza Wednesday! 

In this episode, Rebecca gets real about the whirlwind of emotions surrounding her daughter Lillie’s upcoming Bat Mitzvah and her son Max’s departure for college. She opens up about the mental load, the emotional exhaustion, and why asking her “Are you okay?” might just be the wrong question.

Rebecca is joined by her husband, Seth, and they reflect on family dynamics, teenage emotions, event planning stress, and the deep value of support—from spouses, kids, friends, and especially moms! 

This is an episode packed with relatable parenting moments, marriage insights, and tender truths about navigating big family milestones.

📝 Key Topics Covered:

• Bat Mitzvah Overwhelm: Balloon arches, seating charts, photo albums, and emotional meltdowns—Rebecca shares the highs and lows of party planning.

• Teenage Tuesdays: Daughter Ella’s thoughtful blog post on hatred sparks a deep dive into self-reflection and emotional triggers.

• College Countdown: Rebecca opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of preparing to send Max off to college.

• Marriage Wisdom: The art of compromise and support in marriage—why Rebecca gave in on the Bat Mitzvah and how she and Seth assess who it matters more to.

• Delegating Is a Skill: Moms, you don’t have to do it all! Rebecca shares how asking for help saved her sanity.

• The Power of Presence: Learning to stay in the moment with our kids—even as we prepare to say goodbye.

• What Not  to Ask: Why “Are you okay?” might be the worst question and what to say instead.

 🛠 Rebecca’s Takeaway Tips:

1. Stay Present: When your child is still under your roof, soak it up.

2. Ask for Help: Delegation isn’t a weakness—it’s wisdom.

3. Don’t Internalize Everything Your Kids Say: They’re figuring things out. Don’t take it personally.

4. Cry When You Need To: Make an appointment with your feelings—just maybe not when you’re wearing mascara!

5. Focus on What Matters: It’s not about the perfect party—it’s about the people and the memories.

• Read Ella’s Teenage Tuesday Column & Rebecca’s Blog at /⁠https://www.whinypaluza.com/⁠

• Join the Whinypaluza Community for weekly support, laughs, and love. https://linktr.ee/whinypaluzamom💌 Subscribe to Rebecca’s email newsletter for inspiration, humor, and real talk multiple times a week.💬 Don’t forget to like, comment, share, and review—your support helps us reach more moms who need it!

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Even a tiny goldfish can help a mama’s heart cope with a big transition.
This week’s episode is all about Peter the fish — and the surprising emotional waves he created in the Greene household. As Max prepares to leave for college, this unexpected pet helps the family face change, build connection, and rediscover the power of responsibility and love (even if it swims in circles).

Rebecca, Seth, and Ella share a heartfelt, humorous, and insightful look into the latest family adventure — and it all starts with a carnival goldfish. From tank mishaps to parenting epiphanies, this episode is full of relatable moments that every parent navigating change will understand.

➡️ Peter the Fish became the newest member of the Greene household after Lily’s boyfriend won him at a carnival. What started as a simple bowl turned into a full-on aquatic setup, complete with lessons in goldfish care and responsibility.
➡️ Ella shares her poetic moment of sitting at Max’s desk, taking care of his cat and fish — calling it a “changing of the guard.” She reflects on what it feels like to step into her brother’s world as he begins a new chapter.
➡️ Rebecca opens up about how Peter helped her emotionally. Max’s room, once a sad place in his absence, now feels warm and comforting thanks to their new pet. Peter has become a small but meaningful way for Rebecca to cope with the transition of her son leaving for college.
➡️ The family talks candidly about the reality of pet ownership. Rebecca admits she had no idea how complicated fish care was — but Max took the reins, researched everything, and handled it like a pro.
➡️ Parenting reflection: Rebecca wishes she’d introduced pets earlier. Seeing Max take responsibility for Peter showed her how good it is for kids to have something to care for — something that isn’t just about themselves.
➡️ Life behind the scenes: Lily’s Bat Mitzvah planning is in full swing, and Rebecca is deep in it. From décor to logistics, it’s become a full-time job, and she shares what this journey has been like emotionally and mentally.
➡️ Rebecca and Seth also chat about planning their 20th wedding anniversary celebration — tossing around ideas from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Atlantis in the Bahamas, with lots of laughs along the way.
➡️ Don’t forget to visit whinypaluza.com and sign up for Rebecca’s free parenting resources and weekly emails full of love, tools, and support.
➡️ Help Rebecca reach more parents by subscribing, rating, and leaving a short review — it makes a big difference and helps spread Whinypaluza to more amazing families like yours.

➡️ Join the Whinypaluza Moms Facebook Group — it’s free, fun, and full of supportive moms who get it.

Dont forget to subscribe to this podcast and consider leaving a review!

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In this heartfelt and incredibly helpful episode, Rebecca welcomes her dear friend Laura Brann to tackle one of the most emotional and logistical challenges for parents—sending your child off to college. Laura, a seasoned mom of three and an expert event organizer, shares her wisdom on everything from packing the right dorm supplies to navigating the emotional rollercoaster of drop-off day.

With warmth, humor, and hard-earned insight, Laura opens up about what she learned from sending two of her children off to school—and what she’ll do differently with her third.

🧠 What You’ll Learn:

• How to build a college packing list (and how to actually get it done).

• Tips to organize the move-in process efficiently.

• How to emotionally prepare yourself (and your child) for college drop-off.

• What happens after drop-off: first-month transitions and staying connected.

• The surprising ways your marriage and family dynamic can shift.

• Mistakes Laura made that she wants YOU to avoid (hello, three fans in one room!).

• How to support your college kid without solving their problems for them.

💬 Top Quotes from Laura:

• “You don’t realize how hot those dorm rooms are. Bring a fan. Bring THREE fans!”

• “I realized I can’t check their location 24/7—it only made me more anxious.”“Trust that they’re going to be okay, even if they don’t call you every day.”

• “We’ve actually grown closer as a family because we’ve learned to make the most of our time together.”

🛠 Key Topics:

• College preparation & packing lists

• Roommate dynamics

• Emotional support for parents

• Staying connected without smothering

• The evolving parent-child relationship

• Marriage and empty nesting

• Navigating homesickness and student independence

• Transitioning into new routines and finding “you time” again

👩‍👧‍👦 About the Guest:

Laura Brann is the Assistant Director of Development at the Summit Center, and a mom of three amazing kids ages 22, 19, and 16. She’s a powerhouse event organizer with 25+ years of experience and a go-to mom when it comes to college prep advice. Her wisdom, warmth, and experience shine through in every moment of this conversation.

🛎 Don’t Forget:

🎁 Grab Laura’s college packing list—it’s a game-changer!

🎙 Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more amazing parents like you!

💌 Share this episode with a friend who’s about to send their baby to college. You’re not alone.

Connect with Rebecca: https://linktr.ee/whinypaluzamom

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🌀 Are you constantly questioning if you’re doing this parenting or marriage thing right?

Do you ever feel overwhelmed, over-scheduled, or unsure about how to truly connect with your kids and partner?

You are not alone—and this episode is packed with insight, support, and a few laughs to get you through.

In this Q&A-style episode of Whinypaluza Wednesday, Rebecca is joined by her daughter Ella and husband Seth to answer real-life questions from parents and teens. Ella shares honest thoughts on school, friendships, and what teens really want from their parents. Rebecca brings decades of therapy and parenting wisdom to address common challenges, including emotional regulation, burnout, marriage struggles, and the pressure to do it all. Seth adds his usual humor and grounding perspective, reminding us to take a breath—and maybe give the goldfish a chance.

⭐ 5 Key Takeaways:
Parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. Whether it’s five minutes in the car or a quick lunch date, connection moments count more than we realize.
Regulation starts with you. Before you respond to your child (or your spouse), hit the pause button and focus on your own emotions.
Fighting doesn’t mean you’re failing. Couples who care about each other do fight—learning how to fight fair is the key.
You are not defined by your child’s struggles. Kids will struggle. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It means you keep showing up.
Let go in inches, not miles. Independence is a slow, flexible process. Test it, observe, and adjust with intention.

🗣️ Best Quotes:👧 

Ella: “Treat yourself the way you would treat your best friend.”💬 

Rebecca: “Good parents have kids who struggle. What matters is that you keep showing up.”😂 

Seth: “Calm is contagious—there’s a book title in there somewhere.”

🙌 Keep the Questions Coming
Have a parenting or marriage question you want answered on the podcast?

Rebecca LOVES hearing from you.

📬 Submit questions at Whinypaluza.com or DM her on Instagram @whinypaluzamom.

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