Teen Junction Podcast

In this podcast series, your host Cindy Poluta (mother of two teenagers) will sit down with qualified experts to help parents unpack and discuss a wide variety of issues, teenagers navigate their way

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Recent Episodes

Episode 15: Smartphone free schools — a movement to reclaim childhood

15 October 2025 · 46m

How do we raise happy, healthy, well-rounded kids in a world where smartphones are everywhere? The average teen now spends close to nine hours a day on screens, more time than the
Episode 14: Breaking the silence on teen suicide

7 October 2025 · 51m

In this deeply moving episode, Cindy Poluta sits down with Ashleigh Ernstzen, mother of Matthew, a vibrant Grade 10 learner whose tragic passing in August 2024 left an indelible ma
Episode 13: Winning the homework battle without losing your cool

21 August 2025 · 33m

Is your home starting to feel more like a school than a sanctuary? In this episode, Cindy Poluta opens up about the daily struggle with homework with Kashiefa Chetty, chief learni
Episode 12: Empowering young people through menstruation education

1 August 2025 · 33m

Cindy Poluta is joined by the Minister of Menstruation, Candice Chirwa, who is working tirelessly to break the stigma about periods. Candice shares practical advice on how parents
Episode 11: The myth of perfect parenting

18 July 2025 · 34m

Is the pressure to be a “perfect parent” leaving you feeling guilty and overwhelmed? In this episode, Cindy Poluta has an insightful and honest conversation with Natalee Holmes, p
Episode 10: Vaping in adolescents

5 June 2025 · 32m

In this episode, Cindy Poluta speaks to psychiatrist Dr Wisani Makhomisane, who dives into the growing epidemic of adolescent vaping. Marketed as a safer alternate to smoking , Dr
Episode 9: Raising resilient teenagers

21 May 2025 · 28m

How do we prepare teenagers to thrive in a challenging, fast-changing world? This is the question Cindy Poluta asks Keshnie Mathi, the founder of The Wellness Specialist. This ep
Episode 8: Burnout in teenagers

21 May 2025 · 42m

In this episode, we explore the growing epidemic of burnout among teenagers and the pressures driving teens to the brink; from academic overload and social media anxiety to the sil
Episode 7: Concussions and other brain injuries in teens

12 May 2025 · 29m

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, and on this episode, we're tackling a crucial but often overlooked topic: teenagers and brain injuries. With the sports season in full swing
Episode 6: Substance abuse in teens

12 May 2025 · 58m

In this episode of Teen Junction, we dive deep into a conversation that many parents worry about: substance abuse. Cindy Poluta sits down with registered counsellor at Houghton Ho