Recently, my daughter Estella and I had the surreal honor of being interviewed by Oprah Winfrey for her podcast. We spoke about something that hits close to home for so many families: raising kids in the social media and smartphone era. It was raw, emotional, and deeply vulnerable. And it reminded me of five powerful lessons I’ll carry with me forever.
1. Vulnerability is contagious.
Estella has watched me share my story of sobriety with courage and honesty on stages around the country, in virtual rooms, and in the pages of my book, A Star for Stella. She’s seen what it looks like to own your story, even the messy parts. She’s heard me say out loud, “It’s OK to make mistakes. It’s OK to ask for help. It’s OK to start over.”
And now, she’s starting to live that truth for herself.
In the interview, Estella opened up about creating fake social media accounts when she wasn’t allowed and how that secrecy impacted her mental health. She didn’t have to share that, but she did—with honesty, bravery, and grace. While I’m still learning (and probably always will be) how to live as my most authentic self, I’m grateful that my journey has already helped guide hers. Vulnerability is powerful. When it’s modeled with love, it becomes contagious.
2. Our kids need a social media detox, too.
Since the first week of January, Estella has been off social media and has been on her phone far less. In that time, I’ve watched her come back to life. She’s doing more activities, moving her body, exercising, and filling her time with things that actually bring her joy. The change in her has been undeniable. She feels lighter. She seems more at peace.
We talk a lot about adults needing a break from social media, and we absolutely do. But our kids need it just as much, maybe even more. If you haven’t considered it, start small. Try limiting screen time a few days a week. The benefits to their mental health and overall well-being might just surprise you.
3. Learning from the experts carries weight.
This experience gave us a front-row seat to hear from not just Oprah, but also renowned social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. Estella listened closely. And what happened next surprised me—she promised Oprah she’d stay off social media until she turns 16. That moment had impact.
She didn’t just hear me talk about the mental health risks. She heard it straight from the experts. And she hasn’t asked for TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, or any other apps since that interview. That lesson was more than a warning—it was a gift. Sometimes, the message lands more deeply when it comes from someone outside of mom.
4. My daughter is stepping into her voice.
Estella was recently selected and asked to speak at her 8th grade graduation. And she agreed to it! That confidence? I truly believe this experience helped unlock it.
I was really mindful about making sure she felt comfortable doing the Oprah interview. I didn’t want to pressure her into anything that felt too heavy. But she leaned in. And now, I see her using her voice more often, in more spaces, and with more intention. Watching her step into her own power is one of the most fulfilling things I’ve witnessed as a mom.
5. What’s meant for you will never miss you.
Oprah has been on my vision board for more than 10 years. I always dreamed of being in her audience—the one where she gives away all the free stuff. “You get a car! You get a trip!”
But I never imagined she would know my name and ask me questions about something so deeply personal. Something that affects so many families. Something that matters.
That moment reminded me of something I truly believe. When we use our voices and speak up about the hard things, we create freedom—not just for ourselves, but for others. Our stories matter. They can become lifelines for people we may never even meet.
So if you’re holding something inside and wondering whether your story matters, let me be the one to tell you: it does.
Speak it. Share it. There is power in your voice. And you never know where it might take you.
Listen to the Oprah Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0tEVrfNp92a7lbjDe6GMLI
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-oprah-podcast/id1782960381
WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUC4iqxE8QA&t=1s
Note: This YouTube video starts at the beginning of the full Oprah Podcast. Estella and I are interviewed about 28 minutes into the episode. ENJOY!