webe Pärents

Matt Lederman & Alona Pulde

Welcome to "webe Parents" with Dr. Alona Pulde and Dr. Matthew Lederman! We're parents first, doctors second, and life coaches third, blending nutrition, lifestyle, and connection medicine with nonviolent communication to help families thrive. In each episode, we'll share our "Cheers & Tears," dive into our "Topic & Tool," go from "No Skills to Pro Skills," "Bring It Home," and wrap up with "One Last Thing." Join us as we share stories, skills, and tips to help bring your family closer together using our professional expertise.


Thanks for listening!

Dr. Matthew Lederman & Dr. Alona Pulde

read less
Kids & FamilyKids & Family

Episodes

Ep. 13 - Trust: Can you build Bonds without being permissive?
Dec 31 2024
Ep. 13 - Trust: Can you build Bonds without being permissive?
On this week's webe Pärents, Drs. Matthew Lederman & Alona Pulde dive deep into the topic of trust in parenting. 💬🤝From power struggles with teenagers to balancing discipline and approachability with younger kids, we’re answering listener questions and sharing personal stories. Discover how to foster trust and connection in parenting without relying on force or control. Matt and Alona share transformative strategies to help children connect with their needs and values, empowering them to make thoughtful decisions. Learn how to replace demands with collaboration, use protective force sparingly, and build a relationship based on mutual care and trust. This approach not only strengthens your bond with your kids but also sets the foundation for their long-term success and emotional well-being.Key highlights:👉 Why trust is essential in parent-child relationships.👉 How to respond to mistakes with warmth & compassion.👉 The powerful message behind why kids lie—and how to build a safe, open space.👉 Practical tips for creating a collaborative family culture based on connection, not control.✨ “Trust isn’t about permissiveness—it’s about creating a bond where both parent and child feel seen, heard, and valued.”Tag a parent who needs this!  Listen now 🎙️To learn more about what Alona & Matt are up to check us out at webeparents.com, or follow us on our socials at Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or YouTube. Be sure to subscribe to webe Pärents wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
Ep. 10 - Polarization: How a divided nation starts in our home
Nov 19 2024
Ep. 10 - Polarization: How a divided nation starts in our home
In this episode of webe Pärents, Drs. Matthew Lederman and Alona Pulde tackle the deeply polarizing effects of current events and explore how these dynamics show up in our homes. Recorded in the wake of a heated election, they reflect on personal stories of their children's surprising reactions and offer practical steps to foster connection rather than division.Through honest dialogue, Matt and Alona delve into how groupthink and "group hate" fuel the polarization tearing at the fabric of our society. They discuss how enemy images, judgment, and unchecked narratives perpetuate disconnection—and how to counteract them by leading with empathy, values, and open-hearted conversations.Polarization often stems from an unmet need for empathy. When groups come together around shared hatred or opposition to someone, there's a tragic sense of connection—a shared outlet for expressing frustration or anger. While this might provide temporary relief, it deepens divisions and keeps us stuck in cycles of blame and toxicity.Anger can also serve as a mask, protecting us from feeling deeper emotions like fear, pain, or worry. Yet, staying in anger doesn’t address the underlying needs or lead to solutions. A more constructive approach involves pausing, reflecting, and connecting with those deeper emotions, both within ourselves and with others.For instance, with children, rather than labeling their anger or actions as “bad,” we can help them explore what unmet needs their feelings stem from. Encouraging them to identify and express these needs fosters understanding and avoids moralistic judgments of others. This same principle applies to adult conflicts. Whether it’s a disagreement between siblings or a national political divide, staying at the level of “who’s right” or “who started it” keeps us disconnected.By shifting the focus from strategies—what someone did—to the underlying needs and feelings, we can open a path to connection. In moments of conflict, we can ask: What are my feelings trying to tell me? What unmet needs are behind them? Then, we extend the same curiosity toward the other person: What are they feeling and needing? When we listen to each other’s needs without judgment, we create the space for strategies that work for everyone involved.This approach is especially challenging in situations where we lack direct influence over outcomes, like political decisions. But here, too, we can practice staying connected to needs—our own and those of others—even when strategies don’t align. Mourning unmet needs and grieving without creating an "enemy image" of others helps to heal rather than further divide.Polarization feeds on extreme perspectives and the dehumanization of opposing views. To counter this, we can model compassion, curiosity, and care in our daily lives. The more people join this “radical middle,” rejecting polarization in favor of nuanced understanding, the stronger and more united our communities become. As individuals, we may not change governments overnight, but we can shift the cultural tide. Governments ultimately reflect the collective voice of the people—if that voice is united rather than polarized, it can lead to systemic change.The key tools in this journey are pausing to reflect, staying curious, avoiding judgment, and changing the narrative. When we stop labeling others as “bad” or “wrong” and focus instead on their actions andTo learn more about what Alona & Matt are up to check us out at webeparents.com, or follow us on our socials at Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or YouTube. Be sure to subscribe to webe Pärents wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
Ep. 9 - Mediation: Why fixing fights often fails
Nov 5 2024
Ep. 9 - Mediation: Why fixing fights often fails
In this episode of webe Pärents, Dr. Alona Pulde and Dr. Matthew Lederman explore the complex yet crucial skill of mediating conflicts in a way that fosters connection rather than division. Through relatable stories, they illustrate how well-meaning attempts at peacemaking among children can sometimes escalate disputes, highlighting that quick fixes often overlook the underlying needs and emotions that fuel conflict.The doctors share stories about children trying to mediate disagreements among friends and family, like a young girl caught between cousins in a board game argument or a boy attempting to settle a soccer field dispute. These examples reveal that rushing to solutions can backfire when emotional needs aren’t addressed first.Emphasizing empathy, Dr. Lederman and Dr. Pulde discuss how parents can shift from aiming to “solve” conflicts to supporting understanding and connection. They stress the importance of recognizing our own biases as parents—like seeking immediate peace for our own sense of calm—which can cloud our ability to mediate effectively. Instead, they recommend “heart hugs” or empathetic listening as tools to help children feel heard and understood.This episode empowers parents with practical insights and tools to approach conflict from a space of empathy, supporting connection rather than simply imposing resolutions. With strategies like empathy over judgment, parents can better navigate family dynamics and cultivate lasting harmony in their homes.Ever feel like kids' arguments are endless? Try shifting the focus from ‘who's right’ to understanding why they want what they want. It could be about feeling valued, secure, or heard. In those tense moments, acknowledge their feelings and encourage empathy—like helping them understand each other’s needs. We even ask, ‘Is your heart feeling soft or tight?’ to check if they’re ready to connect. Once they understand each other, kids often come up with solutions themselves! The trick? Focus on connection, not control, and watch the magic happen. 💫To learn more about what Alona & Matt are up to check us out at webeparents.com, or follow us on our socials at Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or YouTube. Be sure to subscribe to webe Pärents wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
Ep. 6 - From Meds to Mindfulness: Empowering Kids Through Natural Solutions
Sep 17 2024
Ep. 6 - From Meds to Mindfulness: Empowering Kids Through Natural Solutions
In this episode of webe Pärents, Dr. Matthew Lederman and Dr. Alona Pulde explore the theme of dependence versus independence in parenting. They discuss real-life examples of parents addressing common issues like insomnia, constipation, and lactose intolerance in children. Through humor and relatable stories, the hosts debate the use of medications like melatonin, Miralax, and Lactaid as short-term solutions versus seeking root causes and longer-term behavioral changes. They emphasize balancing immediate relief with sustainable habits to promote independence, encouraging parents to explore natural coping methods while addressing underlying health issues.The hosts discuss the importance of developing practical skills for calming the body, emphasizing that simply telling someone to "calm down" is ineffective. Instead, they promote creating a "felt experience" that communicates safety to the nervous system, allowing the body to truly relax.The webe kälm device uses gamification to teach slow, controlled exhalation, helping users connect with their breath and regulate their emotions. By holding up a ball for a set duration, children learn how their breath impacts their body's relaxation response. Over time, they internalize this skill, becoming able to calm themselves without the device.The episode also highlights the importance of positive, supportive communication over shaming when children are upset. The hosts encourage modeling calm behavior and incorporating the WeBe Calm into family routines, like bedtime or stressful situations. They emphasize the value of long-term well-being over quick fixes, promoting the device as a tool for both immediate calm and lasting emotional regulation.To learn more about what Alona & Matt are up to check us out at webeparents.com, or follow us on our socials at Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or YouTube. Be sure to subscribe to webe Pärents wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
Ep. 5 - Wallet Saviors Save the Day & "The Gift"
Sep 3 2024
Ep. 5 - Wallet Saviors Save the Day & "The Gift"
In this episode of webe Pärents, Dr. Alona Pulde and Dr. Matthew Letterman dive into the chaos of everyday parenting, sharing a personal story about the challenges of juggling life's demands. From the stress of misplaced wallets to the realization that we can't control everything, they explore the importance of letting go and finding support in unexpected places. They discuss how open communication about emotions can transform relationships, reduce tension, and build deeper connections with our children.Next, they delve into the concept of "The Gift," inspired by Marshall Rosenberg's Nonviolent Communication (NVC) principles. The idea is that expressing unmet needs to someone—like a desire for more consideration, care, or warmth—is a true gift that can enhance relationships. We discuss how to communicate these needs with a positive and inviting energy, likened to "Santa Claus energy," to encourage openness and trust.Through real-life examples, we explore why sharing unmet needs is so powerful: it shows care for the relationship, prevents resentment, and builds genuine connection. We also outline practical steps for implementing this approach within families, emphasizing how even children can learn to view and communicate their needs as gifts.Join us as we unpack the transformative power of "The Gift" in creating deeper, more meaningful connections with those we care about.To learn more about what Alona & Matt are up to check us out at webeparents.com, or follow us on our socials at Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or YouTube. Be sure to subscribe to webe Pärents wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
Ep. 4 - Catfood kid lunches and "Hearing Bossy"
Aug 20 2024
Ep. 4 - Catfood kid lunches and "Hearing Bossy"
In this episode of "webe Parents," Dr. Alona Pulde and Dr. Matthew Lederman delve into the realities of parental burnout, sharing personal anecdotes that resonate with the challenges many parents face. From the exhaustion that leads to mix-ups like packing cat food for a toddler's lunch to the overwhelming pressure of trying to "do it all," the hosts explore the emotional toll of parenting. They discuss how both mothers and fathers experience and express burnout differently, whether through tears, irritability, or feelings of inadequacy. The episode highlights the importance of connection and collaboration, not just with partners but also with children, to alleviate the sense of loneliness and stress that can accompany the demands of parenthood.In "Cheers and Tears," we dive into the powerful lesson of how the stories we tell ourselves shape our experiences. The discussion centers around a moment when Kylie, the host's 12-year-old daughter, felt anxious about a field trip, assuming she'd be left out. Through thoughtful conversations, Kylie learns to challenge her negative assumptions, leading to a more positive outcome. The episode also introduces the tool "Hearing Bossy," designed to help parents and children recognize and address moments when communication becomes demanding rather than collaborative. By fostering connection and understanding, this approach aims to create healthier, more effective family dynamics.To learn more about what Alona & Matt are up to check us out at webeparents.com, or follow us on our socials at Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or YouTube. Be sure to subscribe to webe Pärents wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
Ep. 3 - Pool time drama mamma and exploring "The Repair"
Aug 6 2024
Ep. 3 - Pool time drama mamma and exploring "The Repair"
In this episode of “webe Parents," Dr. Alona Polde and Dr. Matthew Lederman explore parenting dynamics through real-life scenarios, focusing on a poolside confrontation between a mother and her daughter. They discuss the impact of authoritarian parenting and the importance of balanced discipline, sharing personal anecdotes to highlight the significance of connection, empathy, and effective communication.Dr. Alona recounts an incident with her daughter, Jordan, where frustration led to raised voices and subsequent regret. This serves as a catalyst to introduce the "repair" and "redo" tools—methods to mend and strengthen parent-child relationships after conflicts. They emphasize that parenting isn't about perfection but about striving for connection and understanding, even after mistakes.Doctors Alona and Matt outline three critical steps for effective communication: empathizing with your child's pain, sharing your regret or remorse, and explaining the needs behind your actions. They stress the importance of practicing these skills and introduce "fire drills"—playful scenarios to practice repair techniques.The episode underscores the challenges of initiating repair and the importance of maintaining the intention of connection. Building trust in this process is crucial for creating a safe space for open expression of feelings and needs. Imperfection is part of the journey, and embracing and repairing messes can strengthen relationships and provide growth opportunities. The hosts encourage practicing these techniques and sharing experiences with them.To learn more about what Alona & Matt are up to check us out at webeparents.com, or follow us on our socials at Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or YouTube. Be sure to subscribe to webe Pärents wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
Ep. 2- "Clean your ROOM!," Sibling envy, and how to understand feeling torn
Jul 23 2024
Ep. 2- "Clean your ROOM!," Sibling envy, and how to understand feeling torn
In this insightful episode of webe Pärents, Dr. Alona Pulde and Dr. Matthew Lederman explore the art of effective parenting communication. Through a humorous and relatable story about a mother who asked her teenager to clean their room, only to find the clutter moved into the hallway, they delve into the importance of making clear requests and the principles of nonviolent communication.Matt & Alona discuss how to connect with children's needs and values, fostering a collaborative and respectful relationship. Tune in for practical advice, shared experiences, and a deeper understanding of how to improve parent-child communication.Additionally, we introduce our "Cheers and Tears" segment, celebrating successes and acknowledging struggles. This week, we share a heartwarming family scenario involving Jordan, our 10-year-old daughter, and her older sister, Kylie, who just landed a lead role in a play. The joy of Kylie's achievement is met with Jordan's jealousy, providing the perfect backdrop to discuss the concept of feeling "torn."Join us as we uncover the importance of recognizing and expressing multiple emotions simultaneously. Discover how acknowledging torn feelings can foster authenticity and deeper connections within the family. Whether dealing with sibling rivalry or daily transitions, this episode is packed with valuable lessons for parents and children alike. Embrace the chaos of being torn and learn how it can lead to profound personal growth and stronger family bonds.To learn more about what Alona & Matt are up to check us out at webeparents.com, or follow us on our socials at Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or YouTube. Be sure to subscribe to webe Pärents wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
Ep. 1 - "The Heart Hug" and what to do with "Helicopter Parenting"
Jul 10 2024
Ep. 1 - "The Heart Hug" and what to do with "Helicopter Parenting"
In this episode of webe Pärents, Dr. Alona Pulde and Dr. Matthew Letterman dive into the often humorous yet challenging world of helicopter parenting. They start with a light-hearted story about an overprotective mom who took her college-aged son’s move-in day to new heights, sparking a creative prank among his friends. The discussion then evolves into a deeper exploration of the motivations behind helicopter parenting, emphasizing the balance between protecting children and allowing them to develop autonomy.Dr. Letterman shares personal anecdotes about the struggles of letting children face natural consequences, such as the "jacket wars" and "sunblock battles," and highlights how these experiences can foster independence. They also introduce the concept of the "heart hug," a powerful tool for creating a safe and empathetic space for children to share their feelings without fear of judgment or advice.The episode wraps up with the "Cheers and Tears" segment, where Dr. Pulde shares a touching story about her daughter Kylie's friendship challenges and how applying the heart hug technique turned a moment of disconnect into one of profound connection and learning.Join us for an insightful and heartwarming discussion on fostering healthier parent-child relationships by balancing care with respect for children's growing independence.To learn more about what Alona & Matt are up to check us out at webeparents.com, or follow us on our socials at Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or YouTube. Be sure to subscribe to webe Pärents wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
Episode 0.0 - Meet the parent doctors
Jul 10 2024
Episode 0.0 - Meet the parent doctors
Welcome to the first episode of webe Parents, where Dr. Alona Polde and Dr. Matthew Lederman, both experienced medical professionals and parents, explore current parenting topics, share personal stories, and offer insights to help families connect and thrive.In this introductory episode, Alona and Matthew introduce each other, highlighting their unique backgrounds and the journey that led them to create this podcast. Alona praises Matthew's unwavering commitment to personal growth, his transition from disillusioned internal medicine doctor to a champion of nutrition and lifestyle, and his dedication to nonviolent communication, which has profoundly impacted their family dynamics.Matthew reciprocates by celebrating Alona's warmth, intelligence, and dual expertise in Chinese and Western medicine. He shares how her passion for personal growth and diverse knowledge base makes her a powerful force for healing and connection.Together, they discuss their intentions for the podcast: to help families build deeper connections through nutrition, lifestyle, and nonviolent communication. They share the transformative impact these practices have had on their own family and clients, emphasizing collaboration over authoritarianism in parenting.Join them as they dive into real-life stories, successes, and challenges, offering practical tips and heartfelt advice. Whether you’re looking to enhance your family’s connection or find new ways to navigate parenting challenges, webe Parents is here to support you.Tune in to discover:The power of nonviolent communication in parentingHow to maintain boundaries with empathy and carePersonal stories of growth and connectionPractical tools to improve family dynamicsStay Connected: Email your questions and topics you'd like covered to parents@webetogether.com.Upcoming Episode Teaser: Don't miss our next episode, where we introduce the transformative power of the Heart Hug. Learn how this simple tool can deepen connections with your kids, turn conflicts into opportunities for empathy, and build trust in your family.Subscribe now and join us on this journey of exploration and growth!To learn more about what Alona & Matt are up to check us out at webeparents.com, or follow us on our socials at Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or YouTube. Be sure to subscribe to webe Pärents wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.