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When we hear the word radicalization, we often think, "That could never happen to my family." But what if radicalization begins with something much more human—a need to belong, to feel understood, or to make sense of emotional pain?

In this episode, I sit down with men's coach and former counterterrorism professional James Stamatelos to explore why some young people become vulnerable to extremist ideas, how social media can amplify that vulnerability, and what parents can do to build stronger protective relationships with their children.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What radicalization really is.
• Why belonging and emotional pain matter.
• How social media can influence young people.
• Why curiosity is often more powerful than confrontation.
• How connection can help protect our children.

Reflection Question:
If my child encountered harmful ideas online, would they feel safe enough to talk to me about them?

Book James mentioned: How Minds Change: The Surprising Science of Belief, Opinion, and Persuasion (Amazon Canada)

Resources:

Violence Prevention Network

Diverting Hate

Life After Hate

Connect with James or learn more from him:

James J. Stamatelos is a professional coach and Certified Level 3 Internal Family Systems (IFS) practitioner who specializes in helping men overcome what he calls “anxious insecurity”—the persistent feeling of being chronically “not enough” despite external success.

Before transitioning into coaching, James worked in high-pressure environments as an intelligence analyst for the Region 13 Counter-Terrorism Task Force Fusion Center and as a specialist for the City of Pittsburgh Office of Emergency Management & Homeland Security. His background gives him a unique perspective on stress, identity, and psychological resilience.

Book a coaching with James

Support the show

Start your journey to becoming emotionally aware:

Step 1: Join our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/reflectiveparentingpodcast

or visit our website to know which books I will be covering during the next months:

https://curiousneuron.com/podcast/

Step 2: Get your FREE emotional awareness training for parents and kids below (comes with a poster, workbook and video):

https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/84371dc0b2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4iEbFRZ5QQ&t=12s

Step 3: Join our course for $99, The Emotionally Aware Parent or join the next 8 week group cohort (starting in September 2026)

https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/

Or email me info@curiousneuron.com to book emotional training sessions for your organization.

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How do you allow yourself to feel, experience and move past unpleasant emotions?

In this episode, I share how unpleasant emotions like worry, sadness, or even boredom can lead to some behaviours we might want to be more aware of.

If you notice that you often get stuck in unpleasant emotions or that your anger or frustration leads to harder moments with loved ones, then this episode is for you.

Here are today's 3 reflections:

1. Can I let myself feel an uncomfortable emotion without trying to fix it right away?
2. What happens in my thoughts, feelings, and behavior when I’m feeling something unpleasant?
3. Can I notice the good moments that may be happening alongside difficult emotions?

Hope you are liking this new version of the podcast! You can email me info@curiousneuron.com to let me know.

In August, I will start focusing on a book of the month. Follow along on our private Facebook page or visit our website below!

Support the show

Start your journey to becoming emotionally aware:

Step 1: Join our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/reflectiveparentingpodcast

or visit our website to know which books I will be covering during the next months:

https://curiousneuron.com/podcast/

Step 2: Get your FREE emotional awareness training for parents and kids below (comes with a poster, workbook and video):

https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/84371dc0b2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4iEbFRZ5QQ&t=12s

Step 3: Join our course for $99, The Emotionally Aware Parent or join the next 8 week group cohort (starting in September 2026)

https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/

Or email me info@curiousneuron.com to book emotional training sessions for your organization.

Send us Fan Mail

This was a hard episode for me to record but I needed to honour my grandmother who passed away yesterday.

Today's reflections are:

1. Does my child feel loved and respected by me?
2. Does my child feel like they belong?
3. Do I help my child build their confidence by letting them fail or giving them opportunities to prove to themselves that they can do it

I hope you enjoy this episode and that it helps you reflect on how you are showing up for your child in every day actions. This was a reminder for me as well! (no one is perfect!)

Support the show

Start your journey to becoming emotionally aware:

Step 1: Join our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/reflectiveparentingpodcast

or visit our website to know which books I will be covering during the next months:

https://curiousneuron.com/podcast/

Step 2: Get your FREE emotional awareness training for parents and kids below (comes with a poster, workbook and video):

https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/84371dc0b2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4iEbFRZ5QQ&t=12s

Step 3: Join our course for $99, The Emotionally Aware Parent or join the next 8 week group cohort (starting in September 2026)

https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/

Or email me info@curiousneuron.com to book emotional training sessions for your organization.