Get on Their Turf with Dr. Suzanne Simpson
Are you worried about your teen’s anxiety, screen time, or emotional distance? You’re not alone. Get on Their Turf is the parenting podcast that helps you support your child’s mental health and build lasting connection. I’m Dr. Suzanne Simpson, teacher and researcher with 3 decades of experience, and biweekly I share expert interviews, parenting strategies, and real stories from my work in classrooms and a youth psychiatric unit. Episodes explore teen anxiety, depression, screen time struggles, listening without fixing, and spotting early warning signs of stress or crisis. Let’s raise kids who feel safe, seen, and heard—because connection changes everything.
Get on Their Turf with Dr. Suzanne Simpson
Parenting When You’re Not OK How to Be Honest and Build Connection with Steven Phillip
When you’re not OK, your kids don’t need perfection – they need your presence. In this conversation with Steve Phillip of The Jordan Legacy, we talk about how to be honest with your kids on hard days, how to listen first, and how vulnerability at home strengthens attachment, safety, and trust.
Steve shares Jordan’s story, the warning signs he wishes he had recognized sooner, and practical ways families can talk about mental health; including how to name suicide responsibly and age-appropriately. If you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator, this episode will help you lead with presence, not performance.
Timestamps
00:00 Intro – why authenticity matters for parents
01:15 Steve’s story – the day everything changed
05:30 Two choices after loss – purpose vs. paralysis
08:10 Three things parents must know about youth mental health
13:05 The signs we missed – sleep, “feeling trapped”, masked distress
17:42 How to get educated as a parent – beyond the broken system
22:18 Talking about suicide safely – language, age awareness, intent
28:40 Getting into your child’s world – listen before you lead
33:55 Modelling “I’m not OK today” without oversharing
39:20 Building secure attachment through everyday honesty
45:02 Family habits that increase connection at home
51:10 Workplaces, wellbeing, and present-eeism
55:28 Final takeaways – make time, drop the ego, stay close
What you’ll learn
Simple language to say “I’m not OK” while staying the steady adult
Early signs parents often miss – and how to respond
How to talk about suicide with care and clarity
Why entering your child’s world first changes the conversation
Daily family habits that build safety, trust, and connection
Watch next
“You Don’t Need Perfect Words – You Need to Show Up”
“How to Listen So Your Teen Feels Safe”
“Connection over Control: Getting on Their Turf”
👉 If this helped, subscribe for more parent education, youth mental health, and family connection conversations. Comment with one way you’ll model healthy vulnerability this week.
Guest
Steve Phillip – Founder, The Jordan Legacy. Speaker and advisor on workplace wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention.
https://www.stevephilliptalks.com/
👉SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@UC5ApS
Find my interview playlist on YouTube Dr Suzanne Simpson, at Get On Their Turf:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC8JprFdrPA&list=PLi7xFsX7h7tdxBsVx38UIRVrvnCc_9IBW
New releases every second Monday 8:00 am PST.
👉 Connect with me for more parenting insights and support:
Instagram: / drsuzannesimpson
LinkedIn: / dr-suzanne-simpson ...