Parenting Shrink Wrapped
Parenting Shrink Wrapped is your all-access pass to the wild and wonderful journey of raising kids! Hosted by Dr. Melissa Wellner, a double board-certified psychiatrist and child and adolescent psychiatrist, and Samantha Straub, a licensed therapist, educator, and parenting coach, this dynamic duo brings a perfect mix of professional expertise and mom humor. With five kids between them—and thousands more they’ve supported in their professional roles—they’re here to share practical strategies and real-life stories that will help you navigate everything from tantrums to teen drama. Whether you're handling sleepless nights or the chaos of carpool, you'll find relatable advice and a good laugh along the way. Strap in, because parenting is a ride, and we're here to make it a little smoother!
Parenting Shrink Wrapped
#28 Winging it Like a Pro: Real Talk with Dad's Dr. Charles Parmele and Bryan Levy
In this heart-opening episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Dr. Melissa Wellner and Sam Straub sit down with two thoughtful dads, Charles Parmele and Bryan Levy, for a conversation that’s equal parts real talk and reflection. Together, they dig into what it means to be a father in today’s world—from the pressure to “have it all together” to the power of being vulnerable.
The discussion goes deep into topics like equitable parenting, emotional health, and the need for strong dad-to-dad support systems. You'll hear about the importance of open communication, navigating grief as a parent, and how redefining masculinity can lead to more meaningful relationships and healthier families.
Whether you're a dad, parenting alongside one, or just curious about the changing landscape of modern fatherhood, this episode offers rich insight and a reminder that connection and authenticity are key.
About Chip and Bryan
Chip heads up a blended family, raising 4 children in total. As a pediatrician he's also had the privilege of caring for thousands of families, in the process seeing what tends to work. Bryan has 3 children, one of whom was a special-needs child, one of whom was adopted. Together we have navigated many of family life’s biggest adventures: birth, death, marriage, divorce, special needs children, tornadoes, and boating in hurricanes to name a few. We've learned a thing or two along the way, and later this year we'll roll out our new podcast, GOOD HOOLIGANS, to help real parents with our insights and humor.
Get expert support, fresh strategies, and a judgment-free parent community—so you can stop feeling stuck and start parenting your teen with more clarity, confidence, and connection.
You know when your kid screws up in some way, and you're sure of the lesson you want them to learn from it....but you’re not sure how to say it in a way they’ll actually hear?
Download Sam's free video guide that walks you through a simple, step-by-step process for handling these tough conversations called the L.O.V.E.D. framework.
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Sam: Teen Savvy Coaching
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Dr. Melissa: Annapolis Psychiatry
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