Beautifully Complex
Join parenting coach and mom-in-the-trenches, Penny Williams, as she helps parents, caregivers, and educators harness the realization that we are all beautifully complex and marvelously imperfect. Each week she delivers insights and actionable strategies on parenting and educating neurodivergent kids — those with ADHD, autism, anxiety, learning disabilities... Her approach to decoding behavior while honoring neurodiversity, and parenting the individual child you have will provide you with the tools to help you understand and transform behavior, reduce your own stress, increase parenting confidence, and create the joyful family life you crave. Penny has helped thousands of families worldwide to help their kids feel good so they can do good. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.
Episodes
June 4, 2025 • 25 mins
What if a pom pom, a paper tube, and ten minutes a day could transform your child’s learning?
In this joy-filled episode, I sit down with Kelsey Cook, mom of four, former teacher, and founder of Learning with Kelsey, to unpack the science and soul behind play-based learning. Together, we explore how creativity and play aren't just fun — they're vital tools for connection, emotional regulation, and skill development in neurodivergent...
In this joy-filled episode, I sit down with Kelsey Cook, mom of four, former teacher, and founder of Learning with Kelsey, to unpack the science and soul behind play-based learning. Together, we explore how creativity and play aren't just fun — they're vital tools for connection, emotional regulation, and skill development in neurodivergent...
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Walking into school meetings can feel like navigating a minefield while carrying the weight of your child’s future.
You're not alone — and in this episode, I sit down with education advocate and parent coach Scotti Weintraub to unpack how to have better, calmer, more productive conversations with your child’s teacher, especially when things are hard. We dig into the reality that most teachers aren’t trained in neurodivergence, and h...
You're not alone — and in this episode, I sit down with education advocate and parent coach Scotti Weintraub to unpack how to have better, calmer, more productive conversations with your child’s teacher, especially when things are hard. We dig into the reality that most teachers aren’t trained in neurodivergence, and h...
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May 21, 2025 • 39 mins
The antidote to stress and disconnection could be awe. In this heartwarming episode, I chat with child development expert Deborah Farmer Kris about the transformative power of awe and wonder for beautifully complex kids. From music and nature to kindness and curiosity, we explore how tapping into these moments can reduce stress, regulate the nervous system, and foster belonging. You’ll hear real stories, science-backed insights, an...
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May 14, 2025 • 33 mins
Is college really the only path to success? Not even close.
In this episode, I sit down with Hannah Maruyama, co-founder of Degree Free, to challenge the outdated idea that college is the ultimate goal for every kid — especially for neurodivergent kids who may thrive outside traditional systems. We get deep into how redefining success, focusing on real-world needs, and shifting the career conversation can change everything. Learn wh...
In this episode, I sit down with Hannah Maruyama, co-founder of Degree Free, to challenge the outdated idea that college is the ultimate goal for every kid — especially for neurodivergent kids who may thrive outside traditional systems. We get deep into how redefining success, focusing on real-world needs, and shifting the career conversation can change everything. Learn wh...
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May 7, 2025 • 34 mins
What if your child’s “overexplaining” isn’t defiance, but a deep need to be understood?
In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, I sit down with Sol Smith — autistic adult, author, life coach, educator, and dad of four neurodivergent kids — to talk about the inner world of autistic individuals. From masking and sensory differences to building friendships and finding identity through passion, Sol walks us through what self-disc...
In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, I sit down with Sol Smith — autistic adult, author, life coach, educator, and dad of four neurodivergent kids — to talk about the inner world of autistic individuals. From masking and sensory differences to building friendships and finding identity through passion, Sol walks us through what self-disc...
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What if we stopped calling kids “attention-seeking” and started calling them “connection-seeking?”
In this heart-opening episode, I sit down with veteran educators and authors Erika Bare and Tiffany Burns to rethink how we approach behavior in schools — especially for neurodivergent kids. From eliminating power struggles to building culture through connection, they break down practical strategies that teachers and parents can use ri...
In this heart-opening episode, I sit down with veteran educators and authors Erika Bare and Tiffany Burns to rethink how we approach behavior in schools — especially for neurodivergent kids. From eliminating power struggles to building culture through connection, they break down practical strategies that teachers and parents can use ri...
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April 23, 2025 • 35 mins
What if the big feelings your child has aren’t a problem — but a clue?
In this comforting conversation, I sit down with Janine Halloran, LMHC — therapist, mom, and author of Coping Skills for Kids — to talk all things anger, coping, and emotional regulation for neurodivergent kids and their families.
We dig into why some kids explode, what to do in the moment (spoiler: it starts with YOU), and how to teach your child the coping strat...
In this comforting conversation, I sit down with Janine Halloran, LMHC — therapist, mom, and author of Coping Skills for Kids — to talk all things anger, coping, and emotional regulation for neurodivergent kids and their families.
We dig into why some kids explode, what to do in the moment (spoiler: it starts with YOU), and how to teach your child the coping strat...
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April 16, 2025 • 32 mins
Wait, ADHD is more than attention issues? Yep — and this episode will blow your mind.
In this special episode, I’m sharing the first episode of the must-listen new series Climbing the Walls by Understood.org. This story-driven episode dives into the rise of ADHD diagnoses in women — especially during the pandemic — and how emotional regulation, executive function, and misunderstood symptoms have kept countless women undiagnosed for ...
In this special episode, I’m sharing the first episode of the must-listen new series Climbing the Walls by Understood.org. This story-driven episode dives into the rise of ADHD diagnoses in women — especially during the pandemic — and how emotional regulation, executive function, and misunderstood symptoms have kept countless women undiagnosed for ...
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April 9, 2025 • 32 mins
✨ What if your child’s “daydreaming” on the sidelines was actually self-regulation in action?
In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m joined by Shawna Rosenzweig, CEO of Campfire, for a real-talk conversation about rethinking success and valuing our kids for who they are, not what they do.
We unpack how our cultural obsession with productivity often misses the mark — especially for neurodivergent kids. From challenging perfection...
In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m joined by Shawna Rosenzweig, CEO of Campfire, for a real-talk conversation about rethinking success and valuing our kids for who they are, not what they do.
We unpack how our cultural obsession with productivity often misses the mark — especially for neurodivergent kids. From challenging perfection...
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April 2, 2025 • 20 mins
Ever wish your kid would just stop yelling?
This episode of Beautifully Complex will make you rethink that wish — in the best way. Inspired by the timeless wisdom of Mr. Rogers, I explore one deceptively simple question: “What do you do with the mad that you feel?”
In this solo episode, you’ll discover how anger shows up in the nervous system, why our kids often can’t think their way through it, and how to help them feel safe in thei...
This episode of Beautifully Complex will make you rethink that wish — in the best way. Inspired by the timeless wisdom of Mr. Rogers, I explore one deceptively simple question: “What do you do with the mad that you feel?”
In this solo episode, you’ll discover how anger shows up in the nervous system, why our kids often can’t think their way through it, and how to help them feel safe in thei...
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March 26, 2025 • 26 mins
In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I am joined by resilience coach Barb Fletcher to explore empowering strategies for building parent resilience — an essential tool for those of us navigating the unique journey of raising neurodivergent kids.
We discuss the balance of control over stress, the pivotal role of heart-focused breathing, and the impact of shared energy between parent and child. Listen in to learn about redefining st...
We discuss the balance of control over stress, the pivotal role of heart-focused breathing, and the impact of shared energy between parent and child. Listen in to learn about redefining st...
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March 19, 2025 • 33 mins
In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I sit down with expert Polina Shkadron to explore the incredible power of play in supporting emotional regulation. Discover how co-regulation — a crucial component of nurturing a healthy parent-child bond — can become a natural part of your routine. We dive into how letting go of control during playtime and embracing your child's creativity can lead to breakthroughs in self-regulation and pro...
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March 12, 2025 • 39 mins
School meetings can stir up a lot of emotions for parents — including overwhelm, confusion, anxiety, and uncertainty. You’re worried about your child's rights, accommodations, and educational success in an ever-changing landscape. In this episode of the Beautifully Complex podcast, I’m sharing some practical and hard-won wisdom on setting the foundation for successful school meetings.
Join me as I share personal stories and insights...
Join me as I share personal stories and insights...
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February 26, 2025 • 27 secs
In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m sharing some of the powerful insights gathered from the Unlocking ADHD Summit. You’ll discover the importance of stepping outside the box to let your child's individual strengths shine, and learn how to lay the groundwork for a neuro-affirming, supportive environment and a strengths-based approach where your child can thrive.
Join me as I share practical, step-by-step advice on harnessing ...
Join me as I share practical, step-by-step advice on harnessing ...
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In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m joined by Dr. Matt Zakreski, who shares compelling strategies from his new book, "Neurodiversity Playbook." We discuss how important it is to create a neuro-affirming environment that celebrates authenticity while equipping our kids with the social skills to thrive in a neurotypical world. You’ll learn how to replace the worry of 'fitting in' with the confidence of 'standing out' in their...
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February 12, 2025 • 23 mins
In this milestone 300th episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m going deep into the misconceptions that many of us face raising neurodivergent kids and that unjustly limit our children’s potential.
Join me as I bust the top 5 myths that hurt neurodivergent kids and then provide strategies to challenge outdated thinking and empower your journey as a parent. We’ll tackle the misconception that neurodivergent kids just need to try harder, ...
Join me as I bust the top 5 myths that hurt neurodivergent kids and then provide strategies to challenge outdated thinking and empower your journey as a parent. We’ll tackle the misconception that neurodivergent kids just need to try harder, ...
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February 5, 2025 • 28 mins
What if you could ignite your child's inner spark and unlock their boundless potential? In this episode, Julia Black, founder of Lights on Learning, shares her groundbreaking approach to unleashing creativity and fostering a love of learning in neurodivergent kids. Discover how focusing on what lights your child up can lead to lifelong confidence and success.
Key Topics:
Key Topics:
- The transformative power of "heart set," "mindset," and "sk...
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January 29, 2025 • 39 mins
In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I explore the critical issues surrounding neurodivergence and criminalization with ADHD author and activist Sarah Templeton. Sarah shares her powerful experience working with individuals in the prison system and the critical need for early ADHD screening.
Key topics include:
Key topics include:
- The alarming criminalization of neurodivergent behavior, particularly for individuals with ADHD.
- The urgent need for e...
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January 22, 2025 • 39 mins
LISTENER NOTE: We openly discuss body parts, sex, and sexuality in this episode. You likely want to listen where you child cannot hear it.Feel overwhelmed and uncertain about how to handle complex topics like sexuality and relationships with your neurodivergent kid? In this episode, I sit down with Amy Lang, MA, founder of Birds & Bees & Kids and a seasoned expert in sexual health education, specializing in neurodivergence.
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January 15, 2025 • 29 mins
Ever feel like you're fighting an uphill battle when it comes to helping your child manage everyday tasks? Do you worry that your neurodivergent child may not be able to navigate the complexities of life independently? There's hope! In this episode of Beautifully Complex, we're diving deep into practical strategies for supporting executive functioning in our unique kids, making daunting tasks more approachable and fostering resilie...
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