The Whinypaluza Podcast

What’s it like turning 16 and navigating the challenges of high school, driving fears, and ambitious goals?

In this heartwarming family episode of Whinypaluza, host Rebecca Greene sits down with her daughter Ella as she approaches her 16th birthday. Joined by husband Seth, this candid parent-daughter conversation offers listeners a rare glimpse into a remarkable teenager’s thoughts, dreams, and wisdom on the cusp of this milestone birthday.

From her surprising candor about driving anxiety to her impressive academic achievements and ambitious goals for the future, Ella opens up about what matters most to her. Between thoughtful reflections on self-confidence, education, and career aspirations, Ella shares insights that reveal wisdom beyond her years while still capturing the authentic challenges of teenage life.

Key Takeaways:

1️⃣ Turning 16 brings mixed emotions – while Ella admits being “scared to drive,” her parents provide perspective and encouragement that it’s a natural step toward greater independence and freedom.

2️⃣ Ella maintains a remarkable 99.6 average in school through disciplined prioritization, explaining that “the only thing that can’t be taken from you is education” – a philosophy that has shaped her approach to academics.

3️⃣ Self-confidence has been a journey for Ella since age 11, but the past year has brought significant growth as she’s “proven herself to herself” through accomplishments and challenging experiences.

4️⃣ The Greene family values open communication, with Ella appreciating that her parents “allow us to have hard conversations” while also modeling a strong work ethic and intellectual curiosity.

5️⃣ Ella’s ambitious plans include starting a school newspaper/podcast, launching a nonprofit called “Clear Media Project” focused on media literacy, and aiming for leadership positions in drama club and student government.

6️⃣ Her career aspirations include becoming an international correspondent for major news organizations like The New York Times or BBC, combining her passion for communication, writing, and addressing media bias.

Memorable Quotes:

“Trust yourself. You know what you need. You know what’s best for you. You know what you are capable of more than anyone else. So the person who it is most important for you to trust in this life is yourself.” – Ella Greene

“I think we could all afford to read more so that we could expand our collective knowledge and ability to critically think. That is a change I would make. I would make more people read.” – Ella Greene

About the Guest:

Ella Greene is the daughter of podcast host Rebecca Greene and her husband Seth. A high-achieving student with a 99.6 grade average, Ella is passionate about media literacy, journalism, and making positive change. She’s an active participant in drama productions, writes poetry, and is developing plans for both a school media platform and a nonprofit organization focused on reducing bias in news media.

Connect with Whinypaluza:

• Website: whinypaluza.com
• Watch video episodes on YouTube
• Follow on Facebook

About the Host:

Rebecca Greene is the creator and host of Whinypaluza, a podcast that embraces life’s challenges with humor, authenticity, and a healthy dose of whining. Through conversations with guests and personal stories, Rebecca explores the ups and downs of everyday life, parenting, relationships, and finding joy in the journey.

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Are you tired of the constant power struggles with your kids? Do you feel like you’re losing your mind trying to control their every move?

In this episode of Whinypaluza, host Rebecca Greene talks with Diane Sorensen, a certified Transformational Life Coach specializing in parenting and relationships. Diane shares her incredible journey from traditional parenting to a more connected and empowered approach.

After her own daughter’s mental health crisis, Diane discovered the power of relationship-based practices and emotional intelligence in creating a more peaceful and fulfilling family life. She discusses the importance of self-management, setting healthy boundaries, and understanding our emotional triggers. This episode offers a refreshing perspective on parenting and provides practical tools for creating a more compassionate and joyful family environment.

Key Takeaways:

1. Shift from Control to Self-Management: Traditional parenting often focuses on controlling children’s behavior. Diane encourages parents to shift their focus to managing their emotions and reactions, fostering emotional intelligence and healthy boundaries.   
2. Embrace Emotional Intelligence: Emotional intelligence is key to creating safety and trust within family relationships. It involves understanding and working with our emotions and helping our children do the same.   
3. Redefine Your Role as a Parent: Instead of controlling your children’s behavior, focus on providing safety, support, and empowerment. Become the change you want to see in your family.   
4. Set Healthy Boundaries: Permit yourself to prioritize your well-being. Setting boundaries is not selfish; it’s essential for showing up as your best self for your children.   
5. Embrace the Messy, Beautiful Life: Let go of the pressure to be perfect and embrace the imperfections of family life.   

Quotes:

• “Triggers are showing up for us, not something that is being done to us.” – Diane Sorensen   
• “It’s not about letting them off the hook. It’s about creating more freedom for ourselves.” – Diane Sorensen   

Connect with Diane Sorensen:

• Podcast: Beautiful Behavior
• Website: https://www.dianesorensen.net/
• Instagram: @DianeSorensen.bb
• Transform conflict into connection! Diane Sorensen is offering her Drama to Empowerment guide for free, equipping you with tools to navigate power struggles with confidence and clarity—download it today at dianesorensen.net/drama-to-empowerment.

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Are you feeling overwhelmed?

This Whinypaluza Wednesday episode with Rebecca and Seth Greene talks about how to feel less overwhelmed. Rebecca and Seth discuss the importance of setting boundaries, prioritizing tasks, and taking time for self-care. They also talk about the benefits of limiting screen time, practicing gratitude, and embracing imperfection.

Key Takeaways:

1. Setting boundaries is essential for managing overwhelm. This means learning to say no to things you don’t want to do and prioritizing your needs.    
2. Prioritizing tasks can help you to feel more in control and less overwhelmed. Break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks.    
3. Taking time for self-care is essential for managing stress and overwhelm. This could involve exercise, relaxation techniques, or spending time doing activities you enjoy.    
4. Limiting screen time can help to reduce feelings of overwhelm, especially for women who may be more prone to social media comparisons.    
5. Practicing gratitude can shift your focus from what is overwhelming you to what you are thankful for.    

Quotes:

• “Life is messy. Life is not perfect.” – Rebecca Greene    

Feeling overwhelmed is a common experience, but there are things you can do to manage it. By setting boundaries, prioritizing tasks, taking time for self-care, limiting screen time, practicing gratitude, and embracing imperfection, you can reduce feelings of overwhelm and create a more peaceful and fulfilling life.

✅Follow Rebecca Greene

💻Blog  https://www.whinypaluza.com/

🎧Podcast https://www.whinypaluza.com/podcast

📙Book 1  https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook

📘Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2

👤Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparenting

📸Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5

📱TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en @whinypaluzamom

📺YouTube https://www.youtube.com/WhinyPaluza

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How can busy parents help their children develop healthy eating habits without turning mealtime into a battleground?

In this enlightening episode, certified integrative health and nutrition coach Jamie Grupp shares her journey and expertise in helping families nurture their children’s well-being through thoughtful nutrition. Jamie provides realistic strategies that align with each family’s unique lifestyle, from creative ways to incorporate vegetables into meals to practical tips for school lunches. She emphasizes the importance of balance, education, and sustainable changes that help children develop healthy relationships with food.

Key Takeaways: 

➞ Meeting kids where they are is crucial – start with small changes like adding one extra vegetable per day or finding creative ways to incorporate nutrients into their favorite foods

➞ Planning and preparation are essential for success, especially for busy families managing sports schedules and after-school activities

➞ Reading food labels doesn’t have to be overwhelming – focus on ingredients you can understand and recognize while being mindful of hidden sugars and processed additives

➞ School lunches should include a balance of protein, healthy fats, complex carbs, fruits, and vegetables – make it a learning opportunity for kids to understand what fuels their bodies

➞ Creating a healthy relationship with food means allowing balance and not completely restricting certain foods – this prevents children from sneaking foods or developing negative associations

Notable Quotes: “I’m not necessarily one to say ‘here’s what your kids should be eating.’ It’s more about here are some ideas on how you can take these concepts and make them work for your family.”

“The minerals and vitamins that you get from produce do wonders. They help with everything that your body does – they help boost your immune system, help repair muscles and tissues, and support growth and development.”

How to Reach Jamie:

• Website: fuelinghealthykids.com
• Instagram: @fuelinghealthykids
• Email: fueling.healthykids@gmail.com
• Services: One-on-one coaching, team nutrition training, self-paced courses including sports nutrition and upcoming sleep nutrition program

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How can couples maintain a strong marriage through both simple daily interactions and handling bigger challenges?

In this Valentine’s month, host Rebecca Greene and her husband Seth discuss Dr. John Gottman’s seven principles for making marriage work, sharing their experiences and insights from their 21-year relationship and a recent marriage workshop they attended. They explore how these principles play out in real-life situations, from handling communication challenges to building shared meaning as a couple.

Key Takeaways: 

➞ Love maps are dynamic and require continuous updating as partners grow and change – couples need to stay curious about their partner’s evolving interests, preferences, and dreams

➞ “Turning towards” your partner in daily moments of attempted connection is crucial – even small acknowledgments of your partner’s comments or concerns build emotional bank accounts

➞ Taking a 20-minute “adult timeout” when emotionally flooded helps partners regulate and return to discussions more productively

➞ Having a 5:1 ratio of positive to negative interactions helps maintain relationship health and emotional connection

➞ Creating shared meaning through rituals, goals, and activities (like reading the same books) strengthens the relationship’s foundation

Memorable Quotes:

Rebecca Greene: “I think I have a secret decoder ring for marriage…and I think that the code is to really like your partner. We love them, we fell in love with them, we need to stay in love with them. But I like who Seth is.”

Seth Greene: “I learned that all those times of us mentioning stuff during the day is us attempting to connect with each other, and if we respond, then we’re putting deposits into our emotions.”

How to Connect:

• Website: https://www.whinypaluza.com/
• Facebook Group: Whinypaluza Mom
• Newsletter: https://whinypaluza.beehiiv.com/
• Follow https://linktr.ee/whinypaluzamom

The episode provides practical relationship wisdom by combining research-based principles with real-life examples from Rebecca and Seth’s marriage, giving listeners actionable insights for strengthening their own relationships.

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 Are you tired of hearing negative self-talk about bodies?

In this episode of Whinypaluza Wednesday, Rebecca Greene and her husband, Seth Greene, discuss the importance of body positivity for both children and adults. Rebecca shares her journey towards a healthier relationship with her body and offers practical tips for parents to promote body positivity in their homes. The couple also discusses the impact of media on body image and how to create a supportive environment for children to develop a positive sense of self.

Key Takeaways:

➡️ Lead by Example: Children learn by watching their parents, so modeling body positivity through actions and words is crucial.   

➡️ Mindful Language Matters: Avoid using negative language about bodies, both your own and others’. Choose words that promote appreciation and gratitude.   

➡️ Media Literacy: Teach children to be critical of media portrayals of bodies and recognize that these images are often unrealistic.   

➡️ Focus on Internal Qualities: Compliment children on their character, kindness, and accomplishments rather than appearance.   

➡️Mindful Eating: Encourage a healthy relationship with food by fueling the body and avoiding restrictive diets or negative self-talk about food choices.    

Quotes:

• Rebecca: “I can’t tell my daughters to do something that I’m not doing. They’re not going to own it. They’re going to see right through me, and I have to do it first.”    
• Seth: “I definitely think your self-image is improved. You definitely criticize yourself less.”    
• Rebecca: “I think that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and I think that there isn’t one form of beauty, and I think that your beauty is so much more than what you look like.”    

Call to Action:

• Share your thoughts on body positivity in the comments below.
• Join the Whinypaluza Mom Facebook group for support and community.
• Check out the February Valentine challenge on the Whinypaluza website.

Conclusion:

Body positivity is an ongoing journey that requires conscious effort and self-reflection. By practicing self-love, mindful language, and creating a supportive environment, parents can help their children develop a positive body image and a strong sense of self-worth.

✅Follow Rebecca Greene

💻Blog  https://www.whinypaluza.com/

🎧Podcast https://www.whinypaluza.com/podcast

📙Book 1  https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook

📘Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2

👤Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparenting

📸Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5

📱TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en  @whinypaluzamom

📺YouTube https://www.youtube.com/WhinyPaluza

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Are you and your partner feeling more like roommates than soulmates? Do you struggle to balance communication, intimacy, and life’s daily demands? If so, this episode is a must-listen!

This week, Rebecca welcomes Tony and Alisa DiLorenzo, bestselling authors and hosts of the top-rated One Extraordinary Marriage Show. They share their personal journey from nearly divorcing to creating a thriving marriage and introduce their powerful framework: The Six Pillars of Intimacy.

Tony and Alisa have been married for 28 years, but their journey hasn’t always been smooth. Facing a breaking point, they took a radical step—committing to a 60-Day Sex Challenge. This challenge transformed their relationship and sparked a movement, leading them to write their bestselling book, The Six Pillars of Intimacy, and build a global community of couples striving for deeper connections.

In this conversation, Tony and Alisa reveal how couples can strengthen all aspects of intimacy—not just in the bedroom but emotionally, physically, financially, spiritually, recreationally, and beyond. They offer practical tips, real-life stories, and actionable advice to help any couple reconnect, communicate better, and build a thriving relationship.

✨ 5 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Marriage is more than just romance—intimacy has six pillars.

Emotional, physical, financial, spiritual, recreational, and sexual intimacy all play a role in a thriving marriage. If one pillar is weak, it affects the others.

2️⃣ Small actions lead to significant results.

A thriving marriage isn’t built on grand gestures—it’s the daily check-ins, small touches, and moments of connection that make the difference. Even just 15 minutes of undistracted time together can transform a relationship.

3️⃣ Communication is key—but it looks different for men and women.

Women often crave deep conversations, while men may prefer action-oriented discussions. Tony and Alisa suggest “Walk & Talk” sessions where couples discuss issues side-by-side instead of face-to-face, making communication feel more natural and less confrontational.

4️⃣ Rebuilding trust takes consistency.

If trust has been broken, both partners have a role in healing. The one who broke trust must show reliability over time, while the other must work toward forgiveness to move forward.

5️⃣ Prioritize your marriage—like you do everything else on your calendar.

Couples often schedule work meetings, kids’ activities, and social plans but forget to schedule time for each other. Blocking out dedicated time for connection—even if it’s just for coffee or a short walk—can strengthen intimacy.

🗣 Memorable Quotes

💬 “We realized that if we didn’t prioritize our marriage, it would fall apart. The 60-Day Challenge was the start, but understanding all aspects of intimacy is what truly saved us.” – Alisa DiLorenzo

💬 “Ladies, if you initiate intimacy—even in small ways—it can be a game changer. And men, pay attention to those signals because we don’t always make it obvious!” – Tony DiLorenzo

💬 “If you’re struggling in your marriage, start small. Baby steps lead to big transformations.” – Alisa DiLorenzo

📲 How to Connect with Tony & Alisa

📍 Website: OneExtraordinaryMarriage.com

🎧 Podcast: One Extraordinary Marriage Show

📖 Book: The Six Pillars of Intimacy

📺 Instagram: @OneExtraordinaryMarriage

Marriage isn’t about perfection—it’s about intentionality. Whether you’re in a tough season or want to take your relationship to the next level, Tony and Alisa provide the roadmap to deeper intimacy. If you enjoyed this episode, check out their book and podcast for even more actionable marriage wisdom.

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What’s the secret to taking control of your health and building a stronger immune system without relying on prescriptions?

In this episode of the Whinypaluza Podcast, host Rebecca Greene sits down with Kate Maguire, a health and wellness advocate, entrepreneur, and founder of Benecin, a natural immune-support supplement. Kate shares her powerful journey of discovering alternative health solutions after struggling with conventional medicine in her 20s. She opens up about the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare, simple daily habits that can improve well-being, and how small, consistent changes can lead to lasting health transformations.

From understanding the role of nutrition and movement to breaking free from prescription dependence, Kate empowers listeners with practical tips to take charge of their health.

Key Takeaways:

✔ Listen to your body – You know yourself best, so trust your instincts regarding your health.

✔ Small changes make a big impact – Prioritizing rest, movement, and whole foods can transform your well-being.

✔ Advocate for yourself – Don’t settle for the first medical opinion. Research, ask questions, and explore all options.

✔ The power of nutrition – What you eat directly affects your feelings. Avoid processed foods and focus on whole, nutrient-dense meals.

✔ Natural solutions work – Many natural remedies, like garlic and herbal supplements, have been used for centuries to boost health.

✔ Accountability is key – Surround yourself with people who support your wellness journey and have open conversations about health.

Quotes from the Episode:

🗣️ “Your health is your wealth. If you don’t have a healthy body and mind, everything else starts to fall apart.”

🗣️ “Don’t wait for motivation—just take action. Motivation comes from doing, not waiting.”

🗣️ “We’ve been taking care of ourselves with nature for centuries. It’s time to reclaim that wisdom.”

More About Our Guest:

Kate Maguire is an entrepreneur, wellness advocate, and founder of Benecin, a natural immune-support supplement. After struggling with conventional medicine’s limitations, she embraced holistic health and has spent over 20 years empowering others to do the same. Kate believes in self-advocacy, honest conversations, and simple steps toward lasting health.

A Gift from Kate for our listeners:

Use the code whiny20 at  https://bit.ly/40TRsjX for 20% off of Benecin! 

📲 Follow Kate: Instagram

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 How can couples improve their financial communication and decision-making?

In this episode of the Whinypaluza Podcast, Rebecca and Seth Greene explore Ramit Sethi’s book, “Money for Couples.” They delve into the importance of financial literacy and open communication in a relationship, emphasizing the need for couples to work together as an economic team. They discuss the four money types Sethi identified: the avoider, the optimizer, the worrier, and the dreamer, and provide insights into how couples can navigate their financial journeys based on their individual money types.

Key Takeaways:

→ Financial Literacy is Essential: Couples need to be financially literate and have open conversations about money to make informed decisions together.

→ Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: One person should not handle all the finances; couples should work together as a team to achieve their financial goals.

→ Identify Your Money Type: Understanding your and your partner’s money type can help you navigate financial discussions and decisions more effectively.

→ Start with Positive Conversations: Initiate discussions about money in a pleasant and enjoyable way, focusing on dreams and future plans.

→ Regular Money Dates: Schedule regular “money dates” to discuss finances and keep the momentum going.

Quotes:

• Rebecca: “If I can get better with money, you can get better with money.”
• Seth: “Just because you could do something doesn’t mean you should do something.”

This episode provides valuable insights for couples looking to improve their financial communication and decision-making. By understanding their money types, having open and positive conversations, and working together as a team, couples can create a more secure and fulfilling financial future.

Go to the blog at whinypaluza.com for more information and resources on this topic.

✅Follow Rebecca Greene

💻Blog  https://www.whinypaluza.com/

🎧Podcast https://www.whinypaluza.com/podcast

📙Book 1  https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook

📘Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2

👤Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparenting

📸Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5

📱TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en @whinypaluzamom

📺YouTube https://www.youtube.com/WhinyPaluza

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What are the lessons Max has taught his parents?    

Rebecca and Seth Greene, hosts of Whinypaluza Wednesday, dedicate this episode to their son Max, who is about to turn 18. They reflect on the lessons they’ve learned from him.  The episode emphasizes the importance of letting go as parents, allowing children to make decisions and learn from their experiences.  They also discuss the value of setting clear boundaries and expectations, being flexible and adaptable to change, and offering support without constantly trying to solve their children’s problems.  The hosts highlight the significance of being present and supportive as parents while encouraging their children’s independence.    

Key Takeaways:

• Let Go and Believe in Your Children: Allow them to make their own decisions and learn from their experiences.    
• Set Clear Boundaries and Expectations: Establish a few important rules and enforce them consistently.    
• Be Flexible and Adaptable to Change: Embrace change and support your children’s evolving aspirations.    

Share your thoughts on the challenges and rewards of parenting teenagers.   

Do any of the lessons Max has taught his parents resonate with your experiences?

✅Follow Rebecca Greene

💻Blog  https://www.whinypaluza.com/

🎧Podcast https://www.whinypaluza.com/podcast

📙Book 1  https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook

📘Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2

👤Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparenting

📸Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5

📱TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en  @whinypaluzamom

📺YouTube https://www.youtube.com/WhinyPaluza

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