Watch: 'Awkward Conversations' Podcast, Season 4

The Drug Enforcement Administration is pleased to announce the next installment of its collaboration with the Elks Drug Awareness Program.

Welcome to Season 4 of "Awkward Conversations"! This season, Jodie Sweetin of "Full House" and "Fuller House" returns to guide parents through the challenges of raising substance-free kids in today’s complex world. We’re bringing together expert advice, powerful stories, and insights from celebrity parents and expert guests to offer you practical tips, heartfelt narratives, and clear strategies. Each episode is designed to equip you with the tools you need to navigate the highs and lows of parenting, helping you foster a safe and healthy environment for your children. Join us as we turn those awkward moments into powerful opportunities to connect, learn, and create a bright, drug-free future for your family.

Scroll down to check out the trailer and the full episodes when they drop each Wednesday! From the science of addiction to the impact of influencers, take a peek at the topics, as well as guests of upcoming episodes of "Awkward Conversations", Season 4 by accessing the DEA news release. And are you looking for more? Make sure to catch up on Season 1, Season 2, and Season 3.

Episode 20

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.

Episode 19

In this uplifting episode, hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy are joined by renowned positive psychologist and best-selling author Niyc Pidgeon to explore the transformative power of a positive mindset in building resilience. Through practical tips, evidence-based insights, and inspiring stories, Niyc shares how parents can foster resilience and mental well-being in their families while helping their children develop the tools to face life’s challenges without turning to substances. Together, they delve into the science of positive psychology, strategies for creating a supportive home environment, and the importance of modeling positivity as parents.

Episode 18

In this episode, hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy delve into the science of substance use disorders with Captain Christopher Jones, Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention at SAMHSA. CAPT Jones provides expert insights on how addiction affects the brain, uncovering key risk factors and preventive strategies that empower parents to help their children make healthier choices. By understanding the medical aspects of addiction, this episode equips parents with tools to recognize early warning signs, reduce stigma, and support their children’s mental and emotional well-being.

Episode 17

In this repurposed episode from Season 3 of "Awkward Conversations," hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy revisit a compelling conversation with Dr. Shefali, clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and advocate for conscious parenting. Dr. Shefali shares transformative insights into building strong parent-child relationships, offering practical strategies for fostering open communication, resilience, and trust. By creating a safe space for our children, parents can empower them to embrace their individuality and make healthy, substance-free choices.

Episode 16

In this episode, Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy are joined by Mayim Bialik, actress, neuroscientist, and mom, along with child psychologist Dr. Peter Gray, to explore how parents can help children build resilience and develop essential coping skills. Mayim offers her unique perspective as both a neuroscientist and mom, while Dr. Gray shares his expertise in child development and the power of play. Together, they provide practical strategies for fostering confidence, emotional well-being, and independence in kids.

Episode 15

In this important episode, timed before the holidays, a peak time for body image discussions, hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy tackle the complex intersection of body image issues and substance misuse in young people. Joined by pioneering activist and media literacy expert Dr. Jean Kilbourne, they explore how body image struggles can lead to substance use, particularly in today’s culture of idealized media and social pressure. With insights from Dr. Kilbourne’s extensive research and advocacy, this episode dives deep into practical strategies for parents to help their children develop a healthy self-image and resilience against harmful influences.

Episode 14

In this best-of episode from Season 3, hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy tackle one of the most challenging yet essential topics for parents: having “The Talk” about drugs with kids. Joined by pediatrician Dr. Gary Kirkilas, youth drug prevention expert Ray Lozano, musician and The Voice winner Alisan Porter, and actor Greg Grunberg, the episode emphasizes the importance of ongoing, open conversations rather than a single daunting talk. The hosts and guests address real-life issues, from the impact of legalization and desensitization to youth drug use statistics. Parents are equipped with practical tips, such as using mealtime for open discussions, avoiding accusatory questions, and accessing resources like Just Think Twice and Get Smart About Drugs.

Episode 13

In this best-of episode from Season 3, New Drivers, New Dangers: Navigating Substance Use with Teen Drivers, hosts Jodie and Amy, as well as Rick Birt of the Washington, D.C. Highway Safety Office share powerful strategies for guiding teens safely through the risks of driving, peer pressure, and substance use. As teens reach the milestone of driving, this episode equips parents with actionable tools to foster safe, responsible habits on the road and address the unique risks tied to adolescent brain development.

Episode 12

In this episode of Awkward Conversations, Jodie Sweetin is joined by Mel Brown, LMFT, and actor/advocate Alec Mapa to discuss the challenges LGBTQ+ youth face and how families and communities can provide better support. In celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month, they explore the importance of creating safe, inclusive spaces and the role of social media, while highlighting ways to promote mental health and acceptance.

Episode 11

In this episode, an encore from Season 3, Jodie Sweetin and clinical psychologist Dr. Krystal Lewis (NIMH) are joined by anti-bullying advocate and author Jodee Blanco. Together, they dive into the emotional toll of bullying and how it can lead to substance use, sharing insights for National Bullying Prevention Month.

Episode 10

 

Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy explore the power of youth activism in substance misuse prevention. Joined by experts and youth advocates, they discuss how young people can make a difference through community outreach, support programs, and peer involvement.

Episode 9

In this Season 3 encore episode, "Prescription Drugs: Safety at Home," hosted by Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy and featuring guests Luis Agostini, Public Affairs Specialist at the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and Dr. Heather DiBlasi, a distinguished author and revered addiction psychologist, listeners are taken on an eye-opening journey into the world of prescription drug safety.

Episode 8

In this special two-part episode, Jodie Sweetin and co-host Dr. Krystal Lewis revisit one of the most critical conversations from Awkward Conversations: the connection between mental health and drug use among young people. Joined by Amy Morin, a psychotherapist and expert on mental strength, they offer invaluable guidance on recognizing mental health challenges like stress and anxiety that can lead to substance misuse.

Episode 7

Jodie Sweetin explores the importance of cultural sensitivity in substance use prevention with DEA Senior Prevention Program Manager Catie Drew and TTJ Group Founder and CEO Tracy Johnson. Learn about innovative programs, community involvement, and strategies to protect kids with diverse backgrounds.

Episode 6

Delve into proactive strategies for preventing and addressing adolescent substance misuse, equipping parents with tools to foster a safe and healthy environment. Uncover essential insights to guide your child toward a drug-free future in this encore episode from Season 3.

Episode 5

Today’s awkward conversation is a revisit from last season: knowing the signs of possible drug use and what to do. Our host, Jodie Sweetin is joined by Timothy P. McMahon who has been employed by the DEA since 1998, and Amy McCarthy, a Clinical Social Worker at Boston Children's Hospital. Special Agent McMahon shares common ways that kids hide drugs in plain sight and what signs to look for with changes to personality, involvement, or money use. They also share tips on how to talk to your child about drugs and how to respond with love rather than anger if you discover your child is using drugs. This topic can be scary and overwhelming to parents but they need to remember the sooner you address it, the better.

Episode 4

Host Jodie Sweetin discusses the pervasive influence of social media stars on children, exploring both harmful and healthy impacts. Joined by Amy McCarthy, Senior Clinical Social Worker at Boston Children's Hospital, and Dr. Cooper Lawrence, a psychologist and author, this conversation offers practical advice to parents. Topics include the importance of fostering empathy, having open dialogues, and modeling positive behavior to help children navigate the digital landscape and resist negative influences. The episode also highlights the role of parents and communities in providing support and resources.

Episode 3

Join Jodie Sweetin and experts like DEA's Rich Lucey, Boston Children Hospital's Amy McCarthy, Dr. Sally Linowski of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and Seychelles Mizel ("Rosie" in Season 1) as they discuss drug use among college students. Originally a two-part special in Season 2, this replay provides advice on preventing substance abuse, choosing colleges with strong prevention programs, and staying connected with your kids during college.

Episode 2

Join hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy as they explore the human side of the fentanyl crisis. Hear from DEA Senior Prevention Program Manager Kevin Collins, Voices for Awareness Founder Andrea Thomas, and Dr. Gary Kirkilas of the American Academy of Pediatrics about the devastating impact of fentanyl and efforts to combat this epidemic. This episode highlights the importance of open conversations and offers hope for a brighter future. Educate yourself, support loved ones, and be part of the solution.

Episode 1

In our season opener, we take a deep dive into the current state of the fentanyl crisis, new forms of the drug, and updated prevention strategies. Jodie speaks with Rich Lucey, senior prevention program manager in DEA's Community Outreach & Prevention Support Section, Joe Bozenko, senior research chemist with the DEA’s Special Testing and Research Laboratory, and Amy McCarthy, LICSW, director of clinical social work at Boston Children's Hospital’s Division of Addiction Medicine.

Trailer

Season 4 of Awkward Conversations will give parents the tools they need to help their children lead drug-free lives. Jodie Sweetin and guest experts and celebrity parents will cover topics like building resilience, prevention through creative expression, and more.