Thriving Kids

In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson is joined by Dr.  Alfiee Breland-Noble — better known as Dr. Alfiee — psychologist, founder of The AAKOMA Project, and author of Rise and Thrive: An intentional guide to caring for your mental health. Together, they discuss youth mental health, the importance of community-based care, and how parents, caregivers, and mental health professionals can better support young people as they navigate stress, stigma, social media, and the challenges of growing up today.
 
In this episode, they cover:
  • How political news, social media, and stigma affect young people’s emotional well-being  
  • Why social media can be both risky and meaningful for marginalized kids
  • How community-based organizations can help make mental health care more accessible  
  • Why representation, empathy, and cultural understanding matter in mental health support  

Key takeaways

· Young people are managing a wide range of stressors, including anxiety, depression, political unrest, and the lingering effects of the pandemic.
· Social media can pose real risks for kids and teens, but it can also provide connection, community, and support — especially for young people who may feel isolated offline.
· Stigma remains a major barrier to mental health care, even as conversations about mental health become more common in popular culture.
· Community-based organizations can play a powerful role in helping families access mental health support from people they already know and trust.
· Representation matters, but so does what Dr. Alfiee calls an “empathy match” — the feeling that someone understands your experience and can meet you with compassion.
 
Further reading
Does Social Media Use Cause Depression? – Child Mind Institute
Quick Guide to Anxiety in Children – Child Mind Institute
Dr. Alfiee – Dr. Alfiee’s website with research, 
interviews, and more
Rise and Thrive by Dr. Alfiee
Couched in Color – A podcast with Dr. Alfiee
The AAKOMA Project

Creators and Guests

Host
Dave Anderson
Dave Anderson, PhD, is the Vice-President of Public Engagement and Education and a senior psychologist in the ADHD and Behavior Disorders Center at the Child Mind Institute. Dr. Anderson focuses on the expansion of our awareness-building and prevention programs while also leading initiatives that build the Child Mind Institute brand, foster strategic partnerships, and forge new relationships with policy makers and youth mental health leaders.
AD
Producer
Andrew Dearling
Andrew Dearling is the Digital Director at the Child Mind Institute, where he leads strategy and execution across web, email, social media, and digital campaigns. He focuses on using digital tools to connect more families with mental health resources, expand the organization’s reach, and drive measurable impact. Andrew combines deep expertise in content, platforms, and performance marketing with a clear understanding of how to reach people where they are, and move them to take action.
Producer
Chad Garber
Chad Garber, a seasoned Creative Producer with over 15 years of experience, shapes branded video, digital, and experiential content for Fortune 100 companies, agencies, and in-house teams to Child Mind Institute. Known for building high-performing creative operations, he led pro-bono productions to multimillion-dollar campaigns for brands like Verizon, Microsoft, New Balance, Budweiser, and FedEx. His sharp storytelling, deep production expertise, and collaborative leadership move ideas from concept to screen with impact.

What is Thriving Kids?

Parenting can feel overwhelming when kids struggle with anxiety, behavior, school, or big emotions. Thriving Kids is a podcast for parents and caregivers who want clear, honest answers about child and adolescent mental health.

Hosted by Dr. Dave Anderson, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, each episode focuses on a common parenting challenge — from tantrums to school struggles — with practical strategies grounded in science.

You’ll hear direct, expert guidance from clinicians who work with kids and families every day.

New episodes every week, with companion newsletters for easy reference.