From emotional dysregulation and digital dependency to AI companions, deepfake porn, permissive parenting and the collapse of critical thinking, this episode gets to the heart of why so many children and teens are struggling to develop resilience, independence and real human connection.

Nicole shares why the issue is not just technology itself, but the way modern parenting, overstimulation and comfort culture are colliding with it. Together, she and Lena unpack what parents can do to create stronger boundaries, build emotional strength at home and help children thrive in the age of AI.

This is an honest, urgent and deeply practical conversation for any parent, teacher or educator trying to raise grounded, emotionally healthy children in a digital world.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Hardwired: The Human Algorithm, Lena sits down with Lucy Howard, former Detective Chief Inspector with the Metropolitan Police and founder of Lucy Howard Online Wellbeing.

With decades of experience investigating online harm and protecting vulnerable people, Lucy explains what parents often miss when it comes to AI companions, deepfakes, and the psychology behind digital engagement.

We discuss:

• AI chatbots marketed to children as young as 8 and 9
• Apps that simulate empathy and never reject
• Snapchat My AI and hidden features parents may overlook
• Character.AI and how it draws children back into conversations
• Deepfake risks and emerging exploitation concerns
• Privacy and wearable tech issues
• Why AI literacy is essential
• How to build digital resilience at home

This is not about fear. It's about awareness, emotional resilience, and informed parenting in the age of AI.

Because while technology accelerates, human connection is still what protects our children.

If you're a parent, educator, or leader trying to understand AI and online safety — this conversation is essential.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Through his media company and work with men, he helps fathers reconnect with purpose, responsibility, and presence — not just for themselves, but for the families and children they’re raising.

In this deeply human conversation, LENA speaks with Naroop about modern fatherhood, masculinity, and what it really takes to raise independent children in an age shaped by algorithms, AI, and constant optimisation.

Drawing from his experience as a single father, Naroop reflects on raising his daughter Lara in a world where technology increasingly decides what children see, how they see themselves, and which version of them is reflected back.

Together, they explore:

• What masculinity looks like today — beyond stereotypes

• Why men need purpose, discipline, and role models

• How storytelling helps men see what’s possible for themselves

• The emotional resistance men have to change — and how they overcome it

• Parenting in an AI-driven world without fear or denial

• Why real connection matters more than optimisation

• How parents must advocate for their children’s education

This is a conversation for parents, leaders, and especially fathers, about courage, responsibility, and raising humans who can step outside the algorithmic frame.  @thedadprojecthq 

🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

📌 Subscribe for more conversations on parenting, ethics, and being human in an AI-shaped world

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

She is the founder of Data Girl and Friends, an initiative empowering children with confidence, awareness and practical tools to navigate the digital world. She also leads SHIELD, a non-profit turning big ideas into action through shared leadership and grassroots innovation to reduce online harms.

More recently, Angeline and host Lena co-founded GEN:R World (Generation Responsible) — a movement committed to raising a generation defined not by age, but by shared values. Through ethical guidance, CPD programs and accessible tools, GEN:R helps people of all ages use technology with awareness, agency and responsibility.

In this episode, we explore how technology is rewiring our children — from identity and attention, to emotional regulation, behaviour and learning. Angeline shares practical insights for parents and educators on building resilience, digital confidence and a healthier relationship with tech.

Dive into this conversation to understand what our children are really facing in a digital world — and how we can empower them to thrive within it.

In this episode you will hear:

• How AI absorbs human bias which is why critical thinking matters more than ever.
• How children build their beliefs from a mix of online influences that are not always accurate.
• How algorithms shape the digital worlds our children live in often without us realising it.
• How schools are bringing AI into classrooms without the preparation needed to keep young people safe.
• How one size fits all technology fails to reflect the cultural and social reality of different communities.
• How AI is increasingly being used for emotional support and why this comes with real risks for young people.
• How teachers continue to play a vital role in helping students question and understand AI.
• How genuine human connection remains the most important part of a child’s wellbeing.
• How meaningful change happens when young people parents and teachers become champions for responsible technology use.

🎧 Follow for more honest conversations on raising digital natives with awareness and confidence.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this eye-opening episode, host Lena sits down with Sarah Gallagher Trombley, a digital expert, mom, and former Snapchat executive, to unpack the realities of raising kids in a world dominated by screens, social media, and hidden apps.

Sarah, founder of Digital Mom Media, brings both professional insight and personal experience as a parent. Together, they dive into one of the most misunderstood platforms for parents, Snapchat, revealing the secret camera roll feature “My Eyes Only,” why it’s so difficult for parents to monitor, and how to approach conversations about online privacy and trust.

This candid, relatable conversation explores:

• The truth behind Snapchat’s hidden features and what parents should know

• How to set realistic digital house rules without damaging trust

• Why kids’ need for privacy is part of growing up, even in a tech driven world

• Balancing parenting, work, and digital overwhelm

01:06 — Parenting Overwhelm

02:05 — Sarah, Former Snapchat Executive Shares Snapchat Insider Guidance

04:10 — Why Snapchat Is Harder Than TikTok or Instagram

06:35 — The Secret Every Parent Must Know: “My Eyes Only”

09:15 — Don’t Demand, Discuss: How to Handle “My Eyes Only”

12:20 — Risk Realities: Sextortion, Bullying, and Saved Nudes

15:40 — Age Matters: 11 vs 16 Oversight

19:00 — The Hard Truth: Saying Yes Is More Work Than Saying No

23:30 — Inside Snap: Culture, COVID Growth, and Parental Controls

28:10 — The Wider Net: App Store Ratings, Roblox, Discord

32:00 — Where to Find Sarah + Final Takeaways

52:02 — The Trifecta: Snapchat, Roblox, and Discord

56:33 — Social Media Effects on a Child’s Brain

60:23 — Australia’s Ban on Social Media for Under 16s

64:03 — Where to Find Sarah’s Work and Useful Tools

Whether you’re a parent trying to keep up, a teacher, or simply curious about how tech shapes the next generation, this conversation offers practical advice, empathy, and a dose of real talk from two moms who get it.

🎧 Follow for more honest conversations on raising digital natives with awareness and confidence.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From using AI as a “co-parent” in moments of overwhelm to confronting the darker realities of tech’s impact on children’s mental health, Lena and Angelee explore both the promise and the perils of our digital world.

This conversation goes deep into:

How AI can empower entrepreneurs and creators

Parenting in a digital age of smartphones, VR, and social apps

The mental health impact on children and teens

What is conscious parenting

Building a “digital village” to support families and communities

Honest. Emotional. Urgent. This is the conversation we need to have.

Timestamps:

10:05 – Parenting in the Age of AI - Using ChatGPT as a “co-parent” and collaborator in moments of overwhelm.

15:20 – When AI Calms the Parent - How AI provides perspective during stressful parenting situations.

20:45 – Conscious Parenting & Emotional Triggers - The duality of tech: helpful guide or emotional crutch.

27:30 – Risks & Regulation - Concerns about online safety, scams, and weak regulation.

33:00 – Smartphones, Social Media & Mental Health - The reality of anxiety, self-harm, and peer pressure among children.

41:15 – Dark Side of the Metaverse - Personal account of harassment and assault in VR.

49:00 – Building the Digital Village - The importance of community, collective responsibility, and conscious parenting.

56:30 – Quickfire Round - Rapid-fire scenarios: screen time, digital friends, and AI companions.

59:45 – Closing Reflections - Duality, conscious use of tech, and gratitude for open conversations.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.