Global migration has steadily increased over past decades, and with that, brings the merger of family systems across various cultures. This week on All Together: The Family Science Insights Podcast, host Joahanna Wickramaratne is joined by sociology professor Deborah J. Cohan, Ph.D. to examine the shifts in family dynamics around the world, along with practical advice for approaching it.

An award-winning public sociologist, Deborah J. Cohan, Ph.D. serves as a sociology professor at the University of South Carolina Beaufort. Additionally, she is the author behind the critically acclaimed sociological memoir, ‘Welcome to Wherever We Are: A Memoir of Family, Caregiving, and Redemption’. Her work has graced the pages of various media outlets, from The New York Times to PsychologyToday, as well as Teen Vogue.

In this episode, Deborah J. Cohan, Ph.D. outlines conventional family dynamics and how they have shifted along with the steady rise of global migration. She sheds light on the common struggles families face in adapting to new cultures and dynamics.

Together, Joahanna and Deborah J. Cohan, Ph.D. explore the role of extended family and communities in a family’s adaptability. So, whether you’re curious about your own family’s evolution, or simply interested in understanding global perspectives, tune in this week for valuable insights and engaging discussions!

Follow Deborah J. Cohan’s work: www.deborahjcohan.com

Connect with Deborah J. Cohan via the following platforms: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DeborahCohanWriting/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/cohandebcohan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cohandeborah LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-j-cohan-270254b/

Produced by the Family Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://fa.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Family Science Labs.

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Planning for a family? Your lifestyle choices can significantly impact your fertility. This week on All Together: The Family Science Insights Podcast, host Joahanna Wickramaratne consults reproductive biologist Dr. Amy Winship, Ph.D. on why lifestyle choices may play a part in fertility, and what to do to set yourself up for fertility success.

With expertise in the science underlying the biology of infertility, Dr. Amy Winship, Ph.D. is a research fellow and group leader in reproductive biology at Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute. Having obtained her PhD in 2016 at the Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Dr. Amy Winship, Ph.D.’s current research aims to improve understanding of how various environmental and lifestyle factors impact upon the female germline and fertility.

In this episode, Dr. Amy Winship, Ph.D. sheds light on her definition of a healthy lifestyle, and what it means in the context of reproductive health. She elaborates on various lifestyle factors, from sleep and stress, to diet and nutrition, and the role each of them play in fertility.

Together, Joahanna and Dr. Amy Winship, Ph.D. weigh up some useful habits, activities, and exercises that may prove effective in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, for better reproductive results. So, tune in this week for evidence-based advice on optimizing your chances of conceiving!

Follow Dr. Amy Winship, Ph.D.’s work: https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/amy-winship

Connect with Dr. Amy Winship, Ph.D. via Twitter: https://x.com/amy_winship

Produced by the Family Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://fa.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Family Science Labs.

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Fostering is a noble act that offers children in need a loving and supportive home. This week on All Together: The Family Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella consults social work professor Julie Cederbaum, Ph.D., MSW, MPH on the multifaceted experience of fostering and what it entails.

An associate professor in the Dworak-Peck School of Social Work at the University of Southern California, Julie Cederbaum, Ph.D., MSW, MPH is dedicated to her research, which focuses on the impact of childhood adversity and family processes on the well-being of youth. Using a dyad and family systems lens, her research explores the strengths and challenges experienced by diverse families, and ways in which parenting processes and behaviors influence mental health, reproductive health, and substance use behaviors in children, adolescents and young adults.

In this episode, Julie Cederbaum, Ph.D., MSW, MPH reveals that, while there is no one-size-fits-all experience, fostering tends to be a struggle for biological families. That aside, the experience of a foster family typically entails a variety of challenges, be it a change in dynamics and roles, or connecting with peers with similar experiences.

Together, Marie and Julie Cederbaum, Ph.D., MSW, MPH discuss the ways in which foster parents can build strong connections with their foster children, from expressing empathy, to tapping into the child’s favorite activities. So, tune in this week for expert insights and advice on fostering!

Follow Julie Cederbaum, Ph.D., MSW, MPH’s work: https://dworakpeck.usc.edu/academics/faculty-directory/julie-cederbaum

Produced by the Family Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://fa.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Family Science Labs.

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You can also subscribe and listen to our podcasts on your preferred podcasting platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-together-the-family-science-insights-podcast/id1648226863 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2KsAHQ9cboyvEwXq2oNGXF Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/97921230-f6e8-4e0b-aaf6-57475fa796d7/all-together-the-family-science-insights-podcast iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/102676509 Podbean: https://familyscienceinsights.podbean.com/ PlayerFM: https://player.fm/series/3401811 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/all-together-the-family-scienc-4903181

The bittersweet departure of children marks a significant life transition for many parents. This week on All Together: The Family Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella interviews social worker Yarin Cohen, MSW on the emotional and practical aspects of navigating this transition.

Specializing in trauma and aging, Yarin Cohen, MSW’s professional experience includes work in mental health and several years with Holocaust survivors in Israel. During his master’s studies, Yarin Cohen, MSW researched the ‘second empty nest experience’ among grandmothers, examining the psychological impacts of ceasing to provide regular care to grandchildren. Drawing from this, he developed specialized workshops to support grandmothers through the transition, and is now pursuing his PhD at the University of South Carolina.

In this episode, Yarin Cohen, MSW reveals that the empty nest transition, at times, leads to identity confusion, especially for parents who have been particularly involved in their children’s lives. Additionally, he shares his best advice to parents for preparing emotionally and mentally for the transition.

Together, Marie Stella and Yarin Cohen, MSW canvass an array of habits that would help in supporting individuals or families through the empty nest phase. So, tune in this week for a heartfelt discussion on adapting to change, maintaining a sense of fulfillment, and embracing the joys of a quieter home.

Follow Yarin Cohen, MSW’s work: ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Yarin-Cohen-2 University of South Carolina: https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/socialwork/study/phd_in_social_work/meet_our_phd_students/index.php

Connect with Yarin Cohen, MSW via email: ycohen@email.sc.edu

Produced by the Family Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://fa.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Family Science Labs.

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You can also subscribe and listen to our podcasts on your preferred podcasting platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-together-the-family-science-insights-podcast/id1648226863 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2KsAHQ9cboyvEwXq2oNGXF Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/97921230-f6e8-4e0b-aaf6-57475fa796d7/all-together-the-family-science-insights-podcast iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/102676509 Podbean: https://familyscienceinsights.podbean.com/ PlayerFM: https://player.fm/series/3401811 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/all-together-the-family-scienc-4903181

Caring for a family member with a mental health condition can be a complex and demanding task. So, this week on All Together: The Family Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella consults therapist Jennifer Gerlach for guidance on what it takes to ride the waves.

Specializing at the crossroads of mental health and neurodiversity, Jennifer Gerlach is a therapist, speaker, and writer, from the St. Louis area. Proudly the author of ‘The Psychosis and Mental Health Recovery Workbook: Tools for Young Adults from ACT, DBT, and Recovery-Oriented CBT’, Jennifer Gerlach shares a hope-filled perspective for families on mental health.

In this episode, Jennifer Gerlach sheds light on the early signs of poor mental health in a family member, and offers advice on offering support to loved ones on such occasions. Additionally, she reveals that normalizing seeking help during tough times could be an immense benefit to the family.

Together, Jennifer Gerlach and Marie discuss the unique challenges of a caregiver and best practices for prioritizing their own well-being. So, whether you’re a caregiver, family member, or friend, tune in this week for invaluable advice and compassionate guidance.

Connect with Jennifer Gerlach via the following platforms: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-gerlach-0949b844/ Email: jennifergerlach@truestorycounseling.com

Produced by the Family Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://fa.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Family Science Labs.

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You can also subscribe and listen to our podcasts on your preferred podcasting platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-together-the-family-science-insights-podcast/id1648226863 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2KsAHQ9cboyvEwXq2oNGXF Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/97921230-f6e8-4e0b-aaf6-57475fa796d7/all-together-the-family-science-insights-podcast iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/102676509 Podbean: https://familyscienceinsights.podbean.com/ PlayerFM: https://player.fm/series/3401811 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/all-together-the-family-scienc-4903181

An alternate path to parenthood that has endowed families around the world, donor conception raises a multitude of questions about identity, genetics, and ethical considerations. This week on All Together: The Family Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella is joined by Wendy Karmer, the co-founder and director of the Donor Sibling Registry, to explore these questions and more.

Founded in 2000, Donor Sibling Registry was founded with Wendy Karmer’s donor-conceived son Ryan, to assist individuals conceived as a result of sperm, egg, or embryo donation, who are seeking to make mutually desired contact with others with whom they share genetic ties. With over 93,000 members in 105 countries, the DSR has helped connect more than 26,250 members with their half-siblings and/or biological parents. Wendy Karmer has listened to, advised, consulted, and researched thousands of these parents, donors, donor-conceived people, and other donor family members.

In this episode, Wendy Karmer asserts that the reproduction medicine industry is highly unregulated, with much information supplied by sperm banks or donor clinics being misinformation as part of marketing efforts to draw in more clients. She reveals that in the digital age, the ‘anonymity’ typically promised by such clinics is near-impossible to achieve, with social media platforms and DNA tests readily available for public consumption: Wendy Karmer cites her son Ryan as an example of a donor-conceived child being able to locate their biological parent all on their own.

Together, Wendy Karmer and Marie discuss the importance of open conversations in donor-conceived families, from when to disclose such information to a child, to various ways to normalize these conversations. So, whether or not you’re planning to embark on the route to donor conception, tune in for an incredibly eye-opening episode!

Follow Wendy Karmer’s work via the following websites: The Donor Sibling Registry: https://donorsiblingregistry.com PsychologyToday: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/contributors/wendy-kramer

Produced by the Family Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://fa.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Family Science Labs.

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You can also subscribe and listen to our podcasts on your preferred podcasting platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-together-the-family-science-insights-podcast/id1648226863 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2KsAHQ9cboyvEwXq2oNGXF Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/97921230-f6e8-4e0b-aaf6-57475fa796d7/all-together-the-family-science-insights-podcast iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/102676509 Podbean: https://familyscienceinsights.podbean.com/ PlayerFM: https://player.fm/series/3401811 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/all-together-the-family-scienc-4903181