Awkward Conversations

About Awkward Conversations

The 20 episode, unscripted video podcast, Awkward Conversations, is hosted by Full House and Fuller House star, Jodie Sweetin, and joined by Amy McCarthy, a Senior Clinical Social Worker at Boston Children's Hospital.The two will be chatting with celebrity parents and guest experts on how to prepare for the awkward conversations with their kids and furthering the discussion on how to give parents the tools to empower their kids to stay safe, substance free and make smart decisions! Parenting comes with all sorts of trials and tribulations – particularly when your child reaches his or her teenage years. Join us each week as we cover a wide array of subjects that will help parents learn how to raise kids with the necessary tools they need to stay safe, substance free and make smart decisions. Each episode will feature expert guests who will help guide parents and answer those tough questions that may come up in the ever changing world of raising kids. DISCLAIMER: The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Awkward Conversation series are solely those of the individuals, speakers, commentators, experts and or hosts involved and do not necessarily reflect nor represent those of the production, associates or broadcaster or any of its employees. Production is not responsible and does not verify for accuracy any of the information contained in the series available for viewing. The primary purpose of this series is to educate and inform. This series does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services. This series is available for private, non-commercial use only. The production, broadcaster or its channel cannot be held accountable for all or any views expressed during this program. About Elks As a 150-year-old organization, they are 100% inclusive with a membership of close to 1 million diverse men and women in over 2,000 Lodges nationally, and while they consider themselves faith based, they are nondenominational and open to all creeds. The Elks have always prided themselves on civic duty, and the Elks DAP program is the nation's largest all volunteer Kids Drug & Alcohol Use Prevention program. The Elks are also strong supporters of our brave men and women in the military, having built and donated the nation's first VA Hospital to the U.S. government. The Elks have donated more than $3.6 billion in cash, goods, and services to enrich the lives of millions of people! About DEA The United States Drug Enforcement Administration was created in 1973 by President Nixon after the government noticed an alarming rise in recreational drug use and drug-related crime. A division of the Department of Justice, DEA is tasked with enforcing the controlled substances laws by apprehending offenders to be prosecuted for criminal and civil crimes. DEA is the largest and most effective anti drug organization in the world, with 239 domestic locations and 91 foreign offices in 68 countries.

Publisher

Jodie Sweetin

Category

kids & family · kids & family

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

10 Aug 2022

Latest episode

24 Oct 2025

Latest episodes

58 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   24 Oct 2025

   The Science of Addiction

   In this Best Of episode, hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy revisit a powerful conversation with Captain Christopher Jones, Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention at SAMHSA. Together, they break down the science of substance use disorders—explaining how addiction affects the brain, what puts kids at greater risk, and how parents can spot early warning signs before it's too late. This episode equips families with the knowledge and tools to reduce stigma, strengthen mental well-being, and support kids in making healthier choices. Guest Bio: Christopher M. Jones, Pharm.D., Dr.P.H., M.P.H. (CAPT, U.S. Public Health Service) serves as the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) at SAMHSA. With more than a decade of leadership in substance use, mental health, and injury prevention, CAPT Jones has also served as Director of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control at the CDC. His career has been dedicated to advancing public health and preventing issues like drug overdose, suicide, and adverse childhood experiences. Jodie Sweetin is an actress, author, and advocate best known for her roles on Full House and Fuller House. Her memoir, unSweetined, chronicles her journey through addiction and recovery, fueling her advocacy for substance use awareness. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodiesweetin/ Amy McCarthy, LICSW, is the Director of Clinical Social Work at Boston Children's Hospital's Division of Addiction Medicine, specializing in adolescent substance use. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymccarthylicsw/ Boston Children's Hospital Addiction Medicine: https://www.childrenshospital.org/departments/addiction-medicine The Elks: With nearly one million members across 2,000 lodges, the Elks are dedicated to youth drug prevention through their Drug and Alcohol Prevention (DAP) program. They have donated over $3.6 billion to various causes, including the creation of the first VA hospital for veterans. Elks Drug Awareness Program Website: https://bit.ly/44SunO6 (https://bit.ly/44SunO6) DEA: Established in 1973, DEA enforces U.S. controlled substance laws nationally and internationally, with offices around the globe. www.dea.gov (https://www.dea.gov)

2. 

   24 Sept 2025

   Parenting in the Digital Age: Spotting Online Red Flags

   In this episode of Awkward Conversations, hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy team up with Dr. Michael Rich, “the Mediatrician,” and Kevin Collins from the Drug Enforcement Administration to unpack the realities of raising kids in today’s digital world. From the hidden risks of online drug sales to the secret language of emojis, they reveal what parents need to know—and how to turn fear into curiosity, monitoring into mentorship, and tough topics into open conversations. Packed with practical tools and resources, this episode gives parents the confidence to guide their children safely and thoughtfully through a screen-saturated world. Key Moments & Takeaways: - How technology influences adolescent substance use (10:15). - Embracing curiosity over fear when approaching technology with your kids (12:00). - Tips for starting conversations about tech safety with kids (15:00). - Using engagement tools to mentor rather than monitor (25:00). - Modeling the digital behavior you want your children to follow (35:00). - Hidden dangers of online drug sales and why communication matters (35:00). - Resources that empower parents to guide their children with confidence (45:00). Dr. Michael Rich, MD, MPH, is a pediatrician, media researcher, and the founder of the Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital. Known as “the Mediatrician,” he is the first pediatrician in the U.S. to focus his career on the intersection of media and child health. Dr. Rich is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. His work helps families, educators, and clinicians navigate the digital landscape by providing research-driven guidance on media use, mental health, and child development. With a mission to help kids thrive in a connected world, Dr. Rich empowers parents to move beyond fear and embrace curiosity, turning digital challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. https://www.childrenshospital.org/directory/michael-rich Kevin Collins serves as Senior Prevention Program Manager for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Community Outreach and Prevention Support Section. In this capacity, he leads efforts to collaborate with national organizations and support families affected by substance use. Prior to joining DEA Kevin worked for the Partnership to End Addiction for two decades with a focus on family services. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves, including a deployment to Bosnia, and worked for the New York State Legislature. Jodie Sweetin is an actress, author, and advocate best known for her roles on Full House and Fuller House. Her memoir, unSweetined, chronicles her journey through addiction and recovery, fueling her advocacy for substance use awareness. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodiesweetin/ Amy McCarthy, LICSW, is the Director of Clinical Social Work at Boston Children's Hospital’s Division of Addiction Medicine, specializing in adolescent substance use. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymccarthylicsw/ Boston Children’s Hospital Addiction Medicine: https://www.childrenshospital.org/departments/addiction-medicine Supporting Organizations: The Elks: With nearly one million members across 2,000 lodges, the Elks are dedicated to youth drug prevention through their Drug and Alcohol Prevention (DAP) program. They have donated over $3.6 billion to various causes, including the creation of the first VA hospital for veterans. Elks Drug Awareness Program Website: https://bit.ly/44SunO6 (https://bit.ly/44SunO6) DEA: Established in 1973, DEA enforces U.S. controlled substance laws nationally and internationally, with offices around the globe. www.dea.gov (https://www.dea.gov) Resources/Links: Digital Wellness Lab https://bit.ly/digitalwellnesslabboston Mediatrician's Guide https://amzn.to/3JKGC9J GetSmartAboutDrugs.com www.getsmartaboutdrugs.com Inspired Internet Pledge https://inspiredinternet.org/ DEA's Emoji Guide https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2021-12/Emoji%20Decoded.pdf Hidden in Plain Sight Program https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/Hidden%20in%20Plain%20Sight.pdf DEA on Instagram: www.instagram.com/deahq Elks Kid Zone Website: https://bit.ly/3s79Zdt

3. 

   24 Dec 2024

   Prevention Through Creative Expression

   In this season finale, hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy explore how creative expression—through art, music, dance, and storytelling—builds resilience and prevents substance misuse in kids. Joined by special guests John Lawler, award-winning director and arts education leader, and Dr. Steve Schlozman, Chief of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Vermont Medical Center, this episode highlights the transformative power of creativity in fostering mental well-being, empathy, and connection. The conversation dives into the critical role arts education plays in schools and families, offering parents and caregivers practical ways to encourage creative outlets at home while building strong, resilient kids. Topics Covered: The role of creative expression in developing resilience and preventing substance misuse How arts education fosters emotional well-being and academic success Practical tips for parents to incorporate creativity into daily life Using pop culture, music, and storytelling to teach life lessons and build connections The importance of community-based arts programs and equitable access to creative opportunities Guest Bios: John Lawler is an award-winning director, writer, and arts educator. He has served as principal of two nationally recognized arts high schools, including the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA), and co-founded multiple nonprofit organizations. With a celebrated career in theater and film, John is a leader in ensuring students have equitable access to high-quality arts education. https://www.psarts.org Dr. Steve Schlozman is the Chief of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Medical Director at the Vermont Center for Children, Youth, and Families at the University of Vermont Medical Center. A renowned child psychiatrist and professor, Dr. Schlozman integrates popular culture into his work, combining his passion for storytelling with his expertise in mental health. Host Bios: Jodie Sweetin is an actress, author, and advocate best known for her roles on Full House and Fuller House. Her memoir, unSweetined, chronicles her journey through addiction and recovery, fueling her advocacy for substance use awareness. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodiesweetin/ Amy McCarthy, LICSW, is the Director of Clinical Social Work at Boston Children's Hospital’s Division of Addiction Medicine, specializing in adolescent substance use. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymccarthylicsw/ Supporting Organizations: The Elks: With nearly one million members across 2,000 lodges, the Elks are dedicated to youth drug prevention through their Drug and Alcohol Prevention (DAP) program. They have donated over $3.6 billion to various causes, including the creation of the first VA hospital for veterans. Elks Drug Awareness Program Website: https://bit.ly/44SunO6 The DEA: Established in 1973, the DEA enforces U.S. controlled substance laws nationally and internationally, with offices around the globe. DEA Website: https://bit.ly/44ed9K9 Resources/Links: SAMHSA Help and Treatment: https://bit.ly/3DJcvJC Get Smart About Drugs: https://bit.ly/45dm8vY DEA on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3KqL7Uj Elks Kid Zone Website: https://bit.ly/3s79Zdt SAMHSA’s “Talk. They Hear You.” Campaign: https://www.samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you DSM-5 Substance Use Disorder Definition: https://www.psychiatry.org/file%20library/psychiatrists/practice/dsm/apa_dsm-5-substance-use-disorder.pdf Jodie Sweetin’s Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodiesweetin/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jodiesweetin?lang=en Amy McCarthy’s Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymccarthylicsw/ Boston Children’s Hospital Addiction Medicine: https://www.childrenshospital.org/departments/addiction-medicine John Lawler PS Arts Website: https://www.psarts.org Dr. Steve Schlozman University of Vermont Medical Center: https://www.uvmhealth.org/medcenter #AwkwardConversations #SubstanceUseDisorder #SAMHSA #Prevention #MentalHealth #DrugMisuseAwareness #EmpathyInParenting #YouthWellBeing

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

7 ratings

Spotify

4.8 / 5

8 ratings

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Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.