Conversations with Cam

In this episode (originally aired on 7/12/23), I sit down with Dr. Aliza Pressman, developmental psychologist, co-founder of the Mount Sinai Parenting Center and the Seedlings Group, professor, and host of the Raising Good Humans podcast. We discuss how Dr. Aliza came to developmental psychology, how her work influences her parenting and vice versa, and her thoughts on parenting “best practices” versus what is actually realistic. She shares the “orchid and dandelion” theory about children, her top four pieces of advice for first-time parents, and the value of process over outcome. Finally, we discuss growth mindsets versus fixed mindsets in children, how to start potty training with your child, and what she finds both difficult and great about parenting teenagers right now.Key Takeaway / Points:What drew Dr. Aliza to developmental psychologyOn how her work shifted after becoming a parentOn “best practices” for parenting vs. what is actually realisticHow children can be “dandelions” or ”orchids” Dr. Aliza’s top four pieces of advice for first-time parentsOn pivoting away from achievement-oriented praise and perfectionismThe value of process over outcomeOn growth mindsets vs. fixed mindsetsOn not projecting your interests as a parent onto your childDr. Aliza’s advice for starting potty trainingWhat Dr. Aliza finds difficult and great about parenting teenagersFollow Dr. Aliza Pressman:Podcast: Raising Good HumansNewsletter: dralizapressman.substack.comInstagram: @raisinggoodhumanspodcastFollow me:Instagram: @cameronoaksrogers and @conversations_with_camSubstack: Fill Your CupWebsite: cameronoaksrogers.comTikTok: @cameronoaksrogers and @conversations_with_camYoutube: Cameron Rogers

Trigger Warning: discussion of mass shootings. In this powerful episode (originally aired on 3/19/25), I sit down with Sandy Hook survivor, Ella Seaver, to discuss the lasting impact of gun violence on mental health, the importance of activism, and the need for change in gun laws. We explore her journey of healing, the challenges of leaving her supportive community for college, and how she's found purpose in pain through advocacy. This conversation sheds light on the often-overlooked mental health consequences of mass shootings and offers a unique perspective on gun violence from someone who experienced it firsthand. For a special intro to this episode, we are joined by CBS News correspondent and journalist, Steve Hartman, to talk about Netflix’s new documentary, All The Empty Rooms, a seven-year-long project that documents the empty bedrooms of children killed in school shootings. This episode is a reminder to us all that we can no longer become numb to this issue.Key Takeaway / Points:What led Steve Hartman to embark on the project, All The Empty RoomsSteve’s emotional experience documenting the empty bedrooms left behind of children killed in school shootingsSteve’s hope to bring awareness and open minds through watching this documentaryElla shares the lasting mental health impact of surviving a mass shootingChallenges of leaving a supportive community after experiencing traumaThe importance of therapy and mental health resources for survivorsHow activism can provide purpose in pain and healing for survivorsThe need for an assault weapon bansThe "spiderweb effect" of gun violence on families and communitiesElla’s journey towards healing and finding her voiceThe role of therapy and grounding techniques in managing PTSD symptomsThe impact of "thoughts and prayers" versus actionable changeSign the March Fourth petition HEREDonate to March Fourth HEREWatch All The Empty Rooms HERELearn more about All The Empty Rooms HEREWatch this episode on YouTube HEREFollow me:Instagram: @cameronoaksrogers and @conversations_with_camSubstack: Fill Your CupWebsite: cameronoaksrogers.comTikTok: @cameronoaksrogers and @conversations_with_camYoutube: Cameron Rogers

Trigger Warning: Discussion of Infertility and Pregnancy Loss. In this episode (originally aired on 3/5/25), I sit down with Dr. Molly Burrets, a clinical psychologist and fertility expert, to discuss reproductive grief and the emotional challenges of infertility. We explore the concept of reproductive grief, its impact on individuals and relationships, and strategies for coping with fertility struggles. Dr. Burrets shares her personal journey with secondary infertility, IVF, and the complexities of navigating pregnancy after loss. We discuss the importance of setting boundaries, finding joy amidst grief, and how to support loved ones experiencing fertility challenges. This conversation offers insights for anyone touched by infertility or reproductive loss, and provides a compassionate perspective on an often misunderstood and deeply personal journey.Key Takeaway / Points:A few timely updates on lifeDefining reproductive grief and its impactDr. Burrets’ personal journey with secondary infertility and IVFThe emotional toll of canceled IVF cycles and pregnancy lossStrategies for coping with fertility struggles and finding joyHow to support friends experiencing infertility or lossThe importance of setting boundaries during fertility treatmentsNavigating pregnancy after loss and managing anxietyThe complexities of grief even after successful pregnancyFinding ways to fill your cup and prioritize self-care during fertility strugglesWatch this episode on YouTube HEREFollow Dr. Molly Burrets: Instagram: @drmollyburretsWebsite: https://www.drmollyburrets.com/Follow me:Instagram: @cameronoaksrogers and @conversations_with_camSubstack: Fill Your CupWebsite: cameronoaksrogers.comTikTok: @cameronoaksrogers and @conversations_with_camYoutube: Cameron Rogers

In this episode (originally aired on 6/5/24), I sit down with Eve Rodsky, creator, founder, and author of Fair Play: a life-management and household organization system. Eve and I discuss her feminist upbringing and how her experiences in the corporate world were inhospitable to motherhood, how she created the Fair Play system and why a “blueberry text” from her husband was the catalyst, and why it’s essential to change from the reactive to the systematic when implementing change. Eve talks about the burden of invisible work that women so often take upon themselves in the home, she explains how the Fair Play cards work, and we discuss listener feedback on the most difficult parts of the mental load. Finally, we talk about why it’s so hard to have these conversations with our partners, what defines a “unicorn space” versus other types of fun, and why it is essential for our happiness and longevity to create “I can’t fucking believe I just did that” moments in our lives.Key Takeaway / Points:Why I recommend Eve’s method to anyone who will listenOn “Fair Play,” Eve’s life-management and household organization methodEve’s upbringing in a post-70s feminist waveEve’s experience as a young mother in the corporate worldWhy America isn’t designed to support mothersOn the goal of being consistently interested in your own lifeWhy “hobbies” are not serving usThe “blueberry text” that led to Eve creating the Fair Play systemOn changing from the reactive to the systematicOn invisible work and “The Shit I Do” spreadsheetA deep dive into how the Fair Play cards workListener feedback on the most difficult parts of the mental loadWhy it’s so difficult to have these conversationsWhy society views women’s time as infiniteOn the sanctity of “unicorn space”On creating “I can’t fucking believe I just did that” moments for yourselfStream the Fair Play documentary on Hulu HERERead Fair Play HEREBuy the Fair Play card deck HEREWatch this episode on YouTube HEREFollow Eve:Instagram: @fairplaylifeWebsite: www.fairplaylife.comFollow me:Instagram: @cameronoaksrogers and @conversations_with_camSubstack: Fill Your CupWebsite: cameronoaksrogers.comTikTok: @cameronoaksrogers and @conversations_with_camYoutube: Cameron Rogers

In this solo episode (originally aired on 8/30/23), I share the top things I learned and wish I knew in my twenties, from letting go of comparison and instead celebrating that we all are on different timelines; to learning how to be kinder to yourself in every way; to putting the energy out into the world that you’d like to receive. Finally, I share some lessons that FF Fam Members have submitted, like following your intuition and investing in your relationship with yourself.Key Takeaway / Points:Top lessons learned in my twenties, including:Cultivating purpose and perspectiveEverything is temporaryComparison is uselessTrying things is invaluableNo one else knows what they’re doing eitherAdmit it when you don’t know somethingLearn how to be kinder to yourselfPut the energy out into the world that you’d like to receiveLessons shared from FF Fam MembersBuy Quiet Your Mind Kids HEREFollow me:Instagram: @cameronoaksrogers and @conversations_with_camSubstack: Fill Your CupWebsite: cameronoaksrogers.comTikTok: @cameronoaksrogers and @conversations_with_camYoutube: Cameron Rogers