Episode 39: All About Puberty with Vanessa Kroll Bennett and Cara Natterson, MD

In this episode of The Gynarchy Podcast, we talk with puberty educator Vanessa Kroll-Bennett and pediatrician and bestselling author Cara Natterson a, co-founders of Less Awkward, about the complex, evolving experience of puberty. We cover what puberty really is, why it’s starting earlier and lasting longer, and how parents can better support their kids through the physical, emotional, and social changes of these years.

Vanessa and Cara share their journey into puberty education and explain why open, ongoing conversations—no matter how awkward—are essential. We discuss the science behind puberty, including hormonal changes, brain development, and the wide range of what is considered “typical.” They also break down common misconceptions, highlight differences in how boys and girls experience puberty, and offer practical, realistic guidance for parents navigating this stage alongside their children.

Topics we cover in this episode:

• What puberty is and how it extends beyond physical changes
• Why puberty is starting earlier and lasting longer than in previous generations
• Key contributors to earlier puberty, including environmental factors, body composition, and stress
• How chronic stress impacts kids’ development and hormone regulation
• What parents can realistically control—and why guilt isn’t helpful
• Practical tips for supporting healthy habits: nutrition, movement, sleep, and balance
• Why failure and setbacks are essential for growth and resilience
• Early signs of puberty in girls and boys
• Emotional changes, including mood swings and shifting behavior
• The difference between puberty and adrenarche (body odor, acne, hair growth)
• Common but confusing changes like asymmetrical breast development and spontaneous erections
• Typical timelines for puberty and why variation is normal
• Signs that a first period may be approaching
• Normal vaginal discharge and why it’s important to talk about openly
• When to seek medical care for delayed or irregular periods
• The impact of intense athletics and the female athlete triad
• Why conversations about bodies and health need to be ongoing
• Common myths about puberty—including the idea that it’s only about girls
• Supporting boys through emotional development and challenging cultural norms
• Reframing puberty as a meaningful, not just difficult, life stage

Tune in on Monday, May 18th, and subscribe to The Gynarchy Podcast to stay updated on future episodes.

Connect with Cara Natterson & Vanessa Kroll-Bennett:
Website: www.LessAwkward.com
Podcast: This Is So Awkward
Instagram: @less.awkward