In this essential episode of The Livin'Sky Podcast, Lena is joined by Cory and Ashley Wenter — the powerhouse duo behind Pangea Consulting. With decades of combined experience in emergency preparedness, school safety, trauma response, and parenting, they break down exactly how families can take simple but powerful steps to become more prepared and protected — without fear or overwhelm.

Learn how to create a realistic emergency plan, teach your children body safety from toddlerhood, use trauma kits effectively, and make your home a haven — even in a crisis. Whether you're worried about natural disasters, home security, or simply want to feel more confident as a parent, this episode will leave you empowered and equipped.

Takeaways

• Families should prepare for common emergencies like fires and earthquakes.
• Having a fire extinguisher and knowing how to use it is crucial.
• Emergency planning can be simplified into three steps: get a kit, make a plan, and make it real.
• Teaching kids basic safety starts at a young age and should include body awareness.
• Home safety drills can help children understand emergency procedures without instilling fear.
• First aid training is essential for families to respond effectively in emergencies.
• Gun safety requires ongoing training and open conversations with family members.
• There are non-lethal alternatives to firearms for home defense.
• Home security systems can provide peace of mind and time to react in emergencies.
• Resilience in children can be built through exposure to challenges and understanding control versus influence.

Time Stamps

01:27 Common Emergency Scenarios for Families
04:24 Essential Tools for Fire Preparedness
05:21 Emergency Planning Steps for Families
07:16 Starting from Zero: Basic Preparedness
08:25 Teaching Kids Basic Safety Tips
10:53 Understanding Body Safety and Terminology
13:20 Navigating Conversations About Safety
15:21 Home Drills and Safety Awareness
18:36 Building Community Connections for Safety
19:23 The Importance of Ongoing Safety Conversations
21:12 Emergency Preparedness Kits: Essentials and Recommendations
23:17 The Role of First Responders and Self-Preparedness
24:51 Trauma Training: Essential Skills for Parents
28:08 Gun Safety and Responsible Ownership
31:56 Alternatives to Firearms for Home Safety
34:39 Home Security Systems: Enhancing Safety
37:20 Empowering Resilience in Children

Resources

• Pangaea Consulting website
• Pangaea Consulting Instagram
• Family Emergency Plan
• Emergency Supplies Checklist
• "The New Safety Playbook for Moms"
• Lena's Instagram
• Lena's website

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.

🎧 Episode Summary:

In this powerful episode, Lena Livinsky is joined by award-winning nutritionist, educator, and functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner Jess Sherman, creator of The Roadmap to Resilient Kids. Together, they explore the deep connection between nutrition, nervous system health, attachment, and child development.

Jess shares her transformative journey from high school teacher to holistic pediatric nutrition expert, and offers a refreshing perspective on how behavior is deeply rooted in biology—not just learned or behavioral. The conversation unpacks the myths around picky eating, the role of medication, the importance of sleep, poop, hydration, and how to support children with ADHD, anxiety, and learning differences with holistic strategies.

If you’re a parent feeling overwhelmed by your child’s eating habits or emotional health, this episode will leave you empowered, informed, and deeply validated.

✨ Topics Covered:

• Jess’s journey from education to functional pediatric nutrition
• Why behavior is often biology in disguise
• The “eating, sleeping, pooping” rule for identifying stress
• How medications impact learning and emotional regulation
• Addressing picky eating without pressure or trauma
• The 5 Nourishment Needs every child requires
• Why attachment is the foundation of nervous system health
• Creating a nourishing home culture for long-term resilience

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• There’s no single “root cause” of behavior—everything is interconnected.
• Parents have more influence than they think—starting with connection.
• Small shifts in food, sleep, and hydration can create big breakthroughs.
• Picky eating is often a signal, not a stubborn behavior.
• Attachment and emotional safety are essential “nutrients” for children.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to Holistic Health and Nutrition
04:32 The Role of Medication in Child Development
10:18 Transformative Changes Through Nutrition
15:42 Five Essential Needs for Children
22:57 The Importance of Secure Attachments
27:11 Identifying with Labels and Chronic Conditions
32:55 Building a Positive Relationship with Food
41:16 Listening and Observing for Better Parenting

📌 Resources Mentioned:

• Jess Sherman’s Website
• Jess on Instagram
• The Roadmap to Resilient Kids
• Lena’s Free Picky Eating Workshop

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.

In this workshop, Lena Livinsky addresses the challenges faced by parents of picky eaters, emphasizing that picky eating is often a symptom of deeper issues rather than a mere phase. She introduces her BLOOM framework, which identifies five root causes of picky eating: balanced health, learned oral skills, gut health, open exploration, and mealtime boundaries. Lena discusses the importance of understanding the science behind picky eating, including the role of nutrition and sensory sensitivities. The workshop concludes with actionable steps for parents to create a supportive environment for their children, fostering a positive relationship with food.

DOWNLOAD WORKSHEET HERE

Takeaways

• Picky eating is often a symptom of deeper issues.
• Balanced health is crucial for healthy eating habits.
• Learned oral skills can impact a child's ability to eat.
• Gut health plays a significant role in picky eating.
• Open exploration of food is essential for children.
• Setting mealtime boundaries helps establish healthy habits.
• Nutritional deficiencies can lead to picky eating.
• Consistent mealtime routines support feeding progress.
• Trust between parent and child is vital for overcoming picky eating.
• Every small win in a child's eating journey matters.

Time Stamps

00:00
Introduction to Thriving, Not Just Surviving

02:16
Understanding Picky Eating: Root Causes

07:38
The Science Behind Picky Eating

13:56
Creating an Action Plan for Change

16:13
Empowerment and Moving Forward

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Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.