In this Best Of episode of Awkward Conversations, host Jodie Sweetin and co-host Amy McCarthy revisit a timely conversation with Dr. Cooper Lawrence about the powerful influence of social-media stars on kids and teens. Together, they explore how celebrity culture shapes behavior and self-image—and what parents can do to guide their children toward empathy, resilience, and healthy online habits. This discussion offers practical advice for fostering open dialogue, modeling positive digital behavior, and helping young people recognize the difference between authentic connection and online comparison. Key Moments: 00:50 – Meet the Experts: Amy McCarthy and Dr. Cooper Lawrence 02:11 – Parental Influence vs. Social Media 04:20 – Empathy as a Protective Factor 06:38 – Navigating Celebrity Culture 26:58 – The Role of Vulnerability and Empathy 30:53 – Ethical Responsibilities of Social Media Platforms 33:47 – Final Thoughts and Advice Dr. Cooper Lawrence is a psychologist and a multiple Gracie Award-winning radio host. You've seen her on many TV shows like the Today Show, CNN, CBS, and E! Entertainment specials talking about celebrity culture and how it impacts our world. She is the author of 7 books including two best-sellers Been There Done That Kept The Jewelry and The Cult Of Celebrity. These days you can catch her on CBS News Radio where she is syndicated across the country. @thecooperlawrence Jodie Sweetin is an actress, author, and advocate best known for her roles on Full House and Fuller House. Her memoir, unSweetined, chronicles her journey through addiction and recovery, fueling her advocacy for substance use awareness. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodiesweetin/ Amy McCarthy, LICSW, is the Director of Clinical Social Work at Boston Children's Hospital’s Division of Addiction Medicine, specializing in adolescent substance use. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymccarthylicsw/ Boston Children’s Hospital Addiction Medicine: https://www.childrenshospital.org/departments/addiction-medicine Supporting Organizations: The Elks: With nearly one million members across 2,000 lodges, the Elks are dedicated to youth drug prevention through their Drug and Alcohol Prevention (DAP) program. They have donated over $3.6 billion to various causes, including the creation of the first VA hospital for veterans. Elks Drug Awareness Program Website: https://bit.ly/44SunO6 DEA: Established in 1973, DEA enforces U.S. controlled substance laws nationally and internationally, with offices around the globe. www.dea.gov Resources/Links: Resources and tip sheets with practical strategies for improving school nutrition environments. Website: cdc.gov/healthy-schools/parents/resources.html GetSmartAboutDrugs.com www.getsmartaboutdrugs.com Inspired Internet Pledge https://inspiredinternet.org/ DEA's Emoji Guide https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2021-12/Emoji%20Decoded.pdf Hidden in Plain Sight Program https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/Hidden%20in%20Plain%20Sight.pdf DEA on Instagram: www.instagram.com/deahq Elks Kid Zone Website: https://bit.ly/3s79Zdt
Free prevention education for communities nationwide