Curious Neuron

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A parenting podcast that doesn't tell you HOW to parent your own child. We teach you how to think during parenting challenges and help you build emotional intelligence skills to lower your stress and help you cope with those challenging emotions that come with parenting.

Neuroscientist, Dr. Cindy Hovington can help you parent your child with confidence and feel competent by helping you understand your triggers, recognize and break your emotional patterns and teach you how to model healthy emotional coping skills for your child. 

Cindy is the founder and CEO of Curious Neuron, is an internationally recognized emotional well-being resource for parents with their evidence-based educational content being consumed in over 70 countries! She is a leading thought expert in emotion regulation and parental well-being as well as an international speaker on well-being and emotional development in children. 

The goal of this podcast is to help parents gain awareness of their emotional triggers, build your confidence as a parent, understand how their past influences behavioural patterns they can stuck in and help them learn how to model healthy emotional coping skills for their children. We do this by discussing the science of emotional intelligence and effective parenting practices. 

Join us every Monday for conversations with leading researchers and best selling authors in parental well-being, childhood adversity, attachment, emotional development, stress management and emotion regulation skills. Past guests include Dr. Bruce Perry, Dr. Marc Brackett and best-selling authors Dr. Ramani Durvasula and Stephanie Harrison.

Join me and become a Reflective Parent! Subscribe today not to miss next week's episode! 

To learn more from Curious Neuron or to join The Reflective Parent Club, visit www.curiousneuron.com.

Follow us on Instagram @curious_neuron. 

Recent Episodes

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Recent Reviews

daydreamer22315

Great for Parents and Teachers!

I love listening to this podcast. I learn so many useful things that I can use with my own children and with my students!
Clangclang

Great personal support!

The episodes have been consistently interesting, engaging and helpful! Keep it up!
EWBH22

Guide w/ thought provoking questions & goals for parenting intentionally!

I am constantly referring to Cindy’s work and the work of her guests on the podcast. The guides, references, and books are instrumental in how I have changed my views, my thoughts, and my OWN emotional regulations….in hopes of advancing my children’s abilities to cope and become competent & confident in their lives going forward. HIGHLY recommend giving this podcast a listen & allowing this to begin to resonate in your own life as a parent:)
Mama SC CA

Insightful

I first learned about Cindy Hovington and her work through my career as a speech language pathologist. And now I consistently turn to this podcast to better myself in my role as “mom”. Easy to listen to while driving, I gain insight, knowledge or perspective from each episode. I love that the information is researched based, and that is presents some struggles and difficulties in parenting from a different perspective- looking at yourself as a parent- and not just a list of what to do and not to do as one.
Angruver

Great Concept but needs some improvement

I don’t mean to be hurtful or critical with writing this review, but I do want to give my personal feedback in hopes that improvements can be made to make this podcast better for all listeners. I love the concept of the show and the topics discussed, and I was super excited when I found this podcast initially. I listened to maybe 3 to 5 episodes, from which I definitely gained some insightful info on brain health. After listening to the episode “What you should know about screen time in kids younger than 2”… I decided the podcast was not for me. This decision is not due a lack of quality content or topics, but solely on the delivery of the info. -The delivery is very distracting to me personally, with constantly hearing “umm” “uhh” , and “to to” after what feels like every other word throughout the show. -The hesitancy and uncertainty of many statements is confusing, and instills doubt, almost as if you were not rehearsed and prepared to discuss the topic chosen for the episode. -In the above episode listed, you stumbled repeatedly over giving study results to begin the episode. This is something that should have been edited out and redone if needed, to effectively get the message of the study across to listeners. This gave me a sense of poor professionalism, planning and preparation before even beginning the interview portion of the episode. -The lack of confident, direct speech delivery of factual info, paired with the constant repeating of words and phrases just makes for a poor listening experience, in my opinion. The episodes I listened to all came across as an amateur attempt to create a quality podcast. I wanted so badly to love this podcast, and maybe with speech and delivery improvements… I still could.
Living&learningmom

Helped me be a better parent!

I’ve been listening to this podcast for awhile now. I’ve always enjoyed her knowledge and her realistic perspective. I had/have a tough son and by listening to her podcast she’s helped me to be a better mom and learn more about my own struggles. Thank you!
galalalalalal

So helpful and insightful

Any parent trying to do their best will get a lot from this podcast. So many great tips and education on how to show up in parenthood.
Soul Shine

Learning so much!!

There’s no guidebook for parenting but this podcast is a wonderful resource grounded in compassion and research. So much wonderful experts sharing their knowledge to support not only parents but by default, our children as well.
Adari20

Real, authentic and scientific

Thank you for the hard work you and your team is putting in this show. I find it very supportive, educational and inspiring. Thank you:-)
BananaP1

Weekly staple

Curious Neuron is a weekly staple for me when I’m driving. I am not a parent yet, but I do work in pediatrics as an occupational therapy assistant. This podcast really helps me in my practice and I strongly believe it’s prepping me for parenthood as well. Thank you Cindy!
S. Willy

Grounded, shame-free parenting support

I wish I had found this with my first child! And, I’m grateful to have it now (mom of two young kids and a somatic psychotherapist by training). There is so much information out there that it can be hard to know where to look and who to trust. This podcast is not only compassionate and helpful but grounded in research. I’m so happy to find a resource that focuses on the parent side of the parent/child relationship. I use this for myself as well as for families I work with. Thanks Cindy!
dezi626\

Thank you!!

Such great information!!
C0nn3ct!

Fantastic!

My daughter sent me this podcast to better understand her struggles in parenthood in this day & age. Thank you for allowing me to see things from a new parent’s perspective.
Ajesshammer

Thanks!

This is a grounding resource and I find it incredibly helpful as a mother of three little kids. There’s so much to juggle—work, the home, all the stuff. It’s really hard and this helps. Thanks!
ILikeJars

Appreciation

I appreciate the level of research and preparation that goes into this podcast, as well making that data teachable and accessible for real life application.
AlwaysLearning AlwaysEvolving

Incredibly engaging content!

Every episode leaves me eagerly waiting for the next. The topics are always timely and thought-provoking. Definitely a must-listen!
cort473

Amazing and well researched info

After one episode I’m in love! So much incredibly helpful information backed by research… I found this podcast through their Instagram account. Well worth following both of their accounts! Especially when I’m going through issues with my kids, it gives me so much insight to address the issues I need help with. Thank you SO much for creating this safe space!
papaula90

Brilliant!

I’ve been listening to this podcast since my son was an infant, I live far away from family and listening to this podcast brought a scene of companionship through the first difficult months, then years of motherhood. My son is now 4 years old and has been recently diagnosed with autism, so much of what I’ve learned from this podcast has helped us on this very rocky journey. I come from a very traditional thinking country where problematic behavior is dealt with by using physical punishment and “discipline”. I’m forever thankful to Cindy and all she’s done for our little guy. His little world is safe and happy because of the skills I’ve learned on this podcast. I’m pregnant now with our second baby and I’ve started re-listening to old episodes. I’m so excited for this next journey and hope Curious Neuron can continue their amazing work.
punkbrister

Brilliant

Curious Neuron’s conversation is authentic and informed. These topics are needed and everyone willing to listen will leave with inspiration to keep on evolving as a healthy human.
charrleeene

Must-listen show for every parent

Curious neuron has been my breath of fresh air every week! I love how every episode addresses topics of parenting and empowers me and my husband to co-regulate with my children when they’re being difficult instead of blaming it on ourselves or them. It’s especially motivating when issues addressed and tips given are backed up by science. I look forward to listening in everytime and am slowly going through past episodes to learn more.
O_Fisher95

The mental health best friend

I’ve been following along with Curious Neuron on Instagram for a while, and I’m so glad I dived into the podcast. The deep dives into how our mental health works and how we can help ourselves as parents has been absolutely beautiful.
LisaKR 123

One of my favorite podcasts!

I absolutely love ‘Curious Neuron’- honestly, it feels like Cindy and I are just sitting down with coffee, that’s how she talks both professional, backed up with science and research, and personal and relatable (with examples from her experience as a mom). While I prefer the shorter episodes (I can listen to them on my way to drop off and work), I do enjoy her interviews with other professionals and experts. The only thing I wish is that there were more specific ‘what to do/how to in xyz situations’- but then again, each kid and situation is so different so that would be difficult! Anyways, highly recommend this podcast, I’ve learned so much already about my child’s emotionL development AND my own emotional state!
Ana160295

Love this podcast!

A must-listen podcast for parents of young kids to teens.
AmandaGotchaMama

Evidence based + Compassionate

Cindy and her guests always offer something new and valuable that I can apply in my daily life as a parent to two kids. She is warm and relatable and provides incredibly valuable science-backed insight and strategies that helps me become a better parent. This is the podcast you need if you want to learn healthy emotional coping skills (for you and your child)!
Emilygddthgddjb

Evidence Based and great values!

I love that there are always studies back up what this podcast says and that it aligns with my parenting values. I’ve been introduced to new experts that I now follow thanks to curious neuron. Love it! Keep it up!
ChristinaDW522

Phenomenal resource

This podcast is a lifesaver when it comes to parenting. Curious neuron does an incredible job synthesizing and communicating up-to-date research that helps me become a better parent. After every episode, I walk away feeling encouraged, informed and challenged (in a good way!). I never feel overwhelmed or shamed. As a mental health therapist and as a parent, I highly recommend this podcast.
rallytay

So so good

Just started listening to this podcast and I LOVE it. I follow Curious Neuron on Instagram and always loved her content with how relatable it is and said in terms easily understood by all. This podcast follows suit with great topics and great collaborations! Highly recommend!
Teacher Maria PSF

Relevant and helpful

Extremely relevant and helpful info on parenting with research based strategies. I keep finding myself turning to this resource and sharing it with others. Thank you Cindy!!
Juniperripley

Love it

Such a helpful show!
Jousting Kitty

Thank you Cindy!

I love how all the information Cindy presents is evidenced based, understandable, and applicable to my every day life with my kiddos. I truly appreciate her insight and how she offers realistic advice. Cindy, thank you for making me feel less alone in this journey of parenthood.
JGil03

So helpful

Curious Neuron has been so helpful in providing insight and tips on how to help my children and myself with emotional regulation.
April7001

Thoughtful and kind, worth a listen.

I love the non judgmental way Cindy and her guests teach about emotional health, relationships, mindfulness and raising kids. Finding science and evidenced base information is so valuable.
Cynth713*

Best resource

I learn something new every time about how to be a better mom. It’s the greatest gift! ❤️
Britney1717

Great Podcast

This podcast is great at sharing new perspectives and insights on so many topics in parenting and mental health. I learn something new every time
gammaraerae

Great Resource

This podcast has helped me formulate my parenting strategy, with compassion and science.
MacB14

Great podcast

Really great podcast for navigating parenting and the emotional ups and downs throughout the family. I love the episodes and learn something from every one!
Mary13.1

Great content for parents!

I really enjoy this podcast and learn a lot from the episodes. I’m excited for the direction the host is planning to take things in next season as my son grows into the toddler years and managing emotions and discipline become bigger topics for our family.
Bianca P.

The best podcast for parents

As a first mom and PhD student, I can say this podcast is a gem! I am so grateful for the program and all the evidence-based research Cindy clearly communicates to parents and caregivers. I’ve been listening for months, and I have improved my skills to become a better mom to my son, but also a better person too. I’m excited for this season 5. I just loved that she has decided to focus on emotional skills. If we want a better world, we need to raise our kids with love and respect, and being more prepared emotionally is the key to achieving that. Thank you so much, Cindy!
haleigh

Such important info broken down

Such important, scientific parenting information broken down for common people. I love Cindy as well the guests! Thank you for breaking down the research!
Lauren—A

My Favorite Parenting Resource

I just want to say that the Curious Neuron podcast, and Instagram page, have been some of my absolute favorite resources in my parenting journey. As a former workaholic turned stay-at-home mama, I’ve spent most of my free time over-indulging in all the parenting research, articles, books, etc. over the past couple of years. The Curious Neuron has truly been one of my most valued resources for parenting. The information shared is so helpful, relatable, and easy to apply to your daily life. Thank you Cindy and team for helping me to be a better parent/person daily!
Lex605

Eye opener

I love listening to this podcast to help me learn and gain skills for raising my daughter for when she is older. It’s refreshing to have science backed research, and also have it explained so clearly.
sgodding

Thoughtful Parenting

I really appreciate the pause and space given in this podcast for thoughtful parenting. This podcast is giving me tools that I can then give to my children so that they can be thoughtful individuals and not stuck in the same old learned behaviors.
KMARRS1

Lifesaver!

I can’t thank Cindy enough for this podcast! I have found it is so much easier to have patience with my toddlers when I understand what their brain and body are going through. Truly the best parenting podcast I have listened to! Thank you!
Criendeau

The best!

I have found so much comfort and better understanding of my children and myself through this podcast. These are the tools and the conversations we need to be having. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Momof2girlschi

Mind blown

Hugely helpful podcast series and highly recommend. So many of things were unpacked in understanding my kids in listening to the Curious Neuron podcast. It has helped me recognize my own moments of dysregulation to help with getting my kids through their own moments of dysregulation. Things I didn’t think about as I get in the single mom “parenting grind” but now have a better perspective and tools to help my kids and our relationship.
Mcshma

Great podcast for ALL parents!

I’m so glad I found this podcast. I have 2 kids with a full time job, but I love listening to this while I get housework done at night. They are very informative and interesting, while not being too difficult to listen while multitasking. Absolutely recommend it to everyone!
BabyBrainBuilding

Evidence-based, non-judgemental parenting advice

This podcast is great. It is amazing to have someone who is so well-informed, interviewing people who are in the thick of the latest parenting research and data. I have a small baby, and many of the podcasts are about older children, but the podcast is still so engaging and the interviews so well done that I can’t stop listening. Most podcasts have a couple good episodes. This is one of the few that I really try to catch every episode!
sjpsjp122

Helpful, practical and true-to-life

Absolutely love the helpful information Cindy shares on this podcast. Different from many other parenting resources/podcasts. I appreciate how the data and science are included and just genuinely love Cindy's down to earth and practical approach to helping parents.
Idowhatiwant.

Informative and so helpful!

I’m so grateful I found this podcast! I find it incredibly insightful and useful. This has quickly become my favorite parenting resource.
fghvkugfddrtfguu

Wonderful resource!!

Best parenting podcast I’ve come across! She’s humble and extremely informative. She’s easy tolike and relate to. I’m very appreciative of her!