American Girl: The Smart Girl’s Podcast

In this episode, hosts Shay Rudolph and Jess Weiner talk ALL about mental health, self-care, and what to do if you are feeling especially stressed or anxious.  Where do these feelings come from, and what can we do about it in our everyday lives?

Shay and Jess are joined by Paulina Chávez, actress from Netflix’s “The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia” and the upcoming show “Fate: The Winx Saga”.  Paulina shares what she does to practice self-care and help herself through times of high stress and anxiety.

We are also joined by the Smart Girl’s Podcast’s expert, licensed social worker Katie Hurley, who answers your questions, and gives advice on what to do when it may be time to ask for help with your mental health.

You can also watch full episodes of the show on The American Girl Podcast Network channel on YouTube and YouTube kids.

Producers:

American Girl

Talk to Jess

Shay Rudolph

Cloud10

In this episode, hosts Shay Rudolph and Jess Weiner talk about one of the most memorable, impactful, and REAL books about puberty and growing up that has been read by girls and their parents from around the world: American Girl’s New York Times best-selling series the Care and Keeping of You!

Shay and Jess talk with the author of the Care & Keeping of You 2 and co-founder and CEO of OOMLA (a company designed to make puberty comfortable) Dr. Cara Natterson. They cover all of the must-ask questions about puberty, periods, hormones, boobs and more. Talking about our bodies does NOT have to be embarrassing, and guided by Shay, Jess, and Dr. Cara, we are tackling the tough issues about puberty through laughter, honesty, and care.  

You can also watch full episodes of the show on The American Girl Podcast Network channel on YouTube and YouTube kids.

Producers:

American Girl

Talk to Jess

Shay Rudolph

Cloud10

In this episode, hosts Shay Rudolph and Jess Weiner continue their conversation about Friendships and chat about what happens when a friendship isn’t healthy. Whether that’s unnecessary drama, mean behavior, or a lack of healthy support, most everyone experiences a time when they need to break up with a friend. So… what do you do when it’s time to let that friendship go?

Shay and Jess are joined by Mckenna Grace, actress from “Ghostbusters After-Life”, who shares a little bit about how she deals with toxic or negative friendships in her life, and her advice for listeners who may be having a tough time with a friend! 

We are also joined by the Smart Girl’s Podcast’s expert, licensed social worker Katie Hurley, who answers all of your questions about negative and toxic friendships - and what you can do if you discover you have an unhealthy friendship.

You can also watch full episodes of the show on The American Girl Podcast Network channel on YouTube and YouTube kids.

Producers:

American Girl

Talk to Jess

Shay Rudolph

Cloud10

In this episode, hosts Shay Rudolph and Jess Weiner talk about what being a GOOD friend really means. Do you know what a good friendship feels like? And how can you tell when your friendship has become one-sided? Most of all, what can you do to be a better friend to the people you care about.

Shay and Jess are joined by Malia Baker, one of Shay’s real-life close friends and actress from Netflix’s “The Baby-Sitters Club” as well as Nickelodeon’s “Are You Afraid of the Dark”. Malia shares what she thinks a good friendship looks and feels like (on the good days and on the not-so-good days) and what she does to prioritize good friendships in her life.

You can also watch full episodes of the show on The American Girl Podcast Network channel on YouTube and YouTube kids.

Producers:

American Girl

Talk to Jess

Shay Rudolph

Cloud10

In this episode, hosts Shay Rudolph and Jess Weiner talk all about the embarrassing moments in our life!! They happen to everyone -- but have you ever wondered what goes on inside your body when you feel embarrassment? And what can we do to recover from those moments?

Joining Shay and Jess on the show today is Brooklynn Prince, actress from the movie “The Florida Project” and AppleTV+’s “Home Before Dark.” Brooklynn joins the fun and shares some of her most embarrassing moments!

We are also joined by the Smart Girl’s Podcast’s expert, licensed social worker Katie Hurley, who answers your questions and gives advice on what we can do to bounce back from a moment we wish never happened!

You can also watch full episodes of the show on The American Girl Podcast Network channel on YouTube and YouTube kids.

Producers:

American Girl

Talk to Jess

Shay Rudolph

Cloud10

In this episode, hosts Shay Rudolph and Jess Weiner continue their conversation about learning how to REALLY like yourself. It’s not always easy -- so how do we overcome the tough days and bounce back from disappointment, broken hearts, or fights with the people we love?

Shay and Jess are joined by Navia Robinson, actress from Disney’s “Raven’s Home” and the upcoming CW DC Universe show “Gotham Knights”, who shares about the times she has struggled with liking herself… and what she did to get to the other side. Hear Navia’s biggest piece of advice for listeners who may be struggling with internal negative self-talk or self-doubt right now!

We are also joined by the Smart Girl’s Podcast’s expert, licensed social worker Katie Hurley, who answers your questions about what it takes to really speak more kindly to yourself.

You can also watch full episodes of the show on The American Girl Podcast Network channel on YouTube and YouTube kids.

Producers:

American Girl

Talk to Jess

Shay Rudolph

Cloud10

In this episode, hosts Shay Rudolph and Jess Weiner chat about how we can all learn to REALLY like ourselves. We always hear how important it is to be confident. But HOW do you actually get there?

Shay and Jess are joined by Nia Dennis, UCLA Gymnast and mental health advocate, who shares how she learned to build her confidence and challenge her own inner negative self-talk. She gives listeners great advice on how to avoid unhealthy comparisons in real life and online with social media!

We are also joined by the Smart Girl’s Podcast’s expert, licensed social worker Katie Hurley, who answers your questions about confidence and self-esteem and gives advice on what YOU can do to develop more self-confidence.  

You can also watch full episodes of the show on The American Girl Podcast Network channel on YouTube and YouTube kids.

 Producers:

American Girl

Talk to Jess

Shay Rudolph

Cloud10

In this episode, hosts Shay Rudolph and Jess Weiner dive into the world of DRAMA, rumors and secrets. Even though we know spreading gossip is bad, why do we LOVE hearing the latest tea?!  How can you avoid being sucked into a drama-filled friendship? And what do you do when someone you trust tells your secret!

While it sometimes feels like drama, rumors, and secrets are something everyone is used to, how can we actually interrupt these cycles and focus on building healthy relationships?

Shay and Jess are joined by Julia Lester, star of Disney+’s  High School Musical, The Musical, The Series and is currently starring as Little Red Riding Hood in the Broadway musical, Into the Woods. Julia shares how she navigates the drama in her friend groups and gives practical advice on how to confront a friend who has spilled your secret.

You can also watch full episodes of the show on The American Girl Podcast Network channel on YouTube and YouTube kids.

 Producers:

American Girl

Talk to Jess

Shay Rudolph

Cloud10

In this special bonus clip, get to know a little more about Shay and Jess!  Through laughter, tears, and robot dance moves, we learn a little more about the hearts and minds behind the Smart Girl’s Podcast.

You can also watch full episodes of the show on The American Girl Podcast Network channel on YouTube YouTube kids.

 Producers:

American Girl

Talk to Jess

Shay Rudolph

Cloud10

In this episode, hosts Shay Rudolph and Jess Weiner chat about the transition from elementary school to middle school, and all of the new, scary, and EXCITING things we face as we start a new school! From navigating new friendship groups, to staying on top of schoolwork and juggling all of the extracurriculars, to dealing with the anxiety of making new friends.

Shay and Jess are joined by Sway Bhatia, actress, singer, dancer, and comedian from Disney+’s The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers. Sway gives tips about how she navigated these changes in Middle School, leaves ALL listeners with some practical advice that they can apply to their own journey in starting a new school or a new grade!

You can watch full episodes of the show on The American Girl Podcast Network channel on YouTube and YouTube kids.

Producers:

American Girl

Talk to Jess

Shay Rudolph

Cloud10

In this episode, hosts Shay Rudolph and Jess Weiner talk about ALL the big feelings associated with flirting and having a crush for the first time, and what crushes actually teach you about yourself!

Jess and Shay are joined by the incredible Chandler Kinney, the actress most recently starring in HBO Max’s Pretty Little Liars, Original Sin, who shares her perspective on all things crushes, flirting, and what to do when you have BIG feelings for someone… but don’t know what to do with them!

You can also watch full episodes of the show on The American Girl Podcast Network channel on YouTube and YouTube kids.

Producers:

American Girl

Talk to Jess

Shay Rudolph

Cloud10

So… What IS this podcast all about?? Ahead of the premiere of the Smart Girl’s Podcast on 8/17, Jess and Shay take listeners through what to expect from the episodes and why they were so excited to co-host this show together!

You can also watch full episodes of the show on The American Girl Podcast Network channel on YouTube and YouTube kids.

We are so excited! Starting next week (8/17) The Smart Girl's Podcast, hosted by 16 year-old actress, Shay Rudolph and cultural expert, Jess Weiner will bring to life the legacy of the American Girl's Smart Girl's Guides covering tough growing up topics from mental health to body image, friendships, crushes and more!

You can also watch full episodes of the show on The American Girl Podcast Network channel on YouTube and YouTube kids.

See you soon!

Welcome to The Smart Girls Podcast. This show brings to life American Girl’s most popular advice series: A Smart Girl's Guide, helping tweens and teens navigate what's really happening with their emotions, mental health, friendships, and more!

Join our hosts: 16-year-old actress Shay Rudolph and cultural expert Jess Weiner as they interview celebrated guests and young changemakers and get answers to all of YOUR questions about growing up that you’ve been dying to ask.