Show Notes
Ultra-processed food isn't just junk. It's engineered to hijack kids' brains, emotions, and habits. But what happens when kids themselves decide to fight back? In this powerful episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, host Dana Kay sits down with four inspiring brothers, Abdullah, Zain, Emaad, and Qasim Ansari, known as The Holistic Kids. They are leading a wellness revolution for their generation. These young changemakers, ages 10 to 17, have ditched junk food, launched their own health podcast, and co-authored The Teen Health Revolution, a guidebook helping kids reclaim their health, energy, and focus naturally. From gut health and brain function to emotional balance and community leadership, this conversation reveals how small changes in food and mindset can spark massive transformation. Whether you're a parent looking for hope or a teen ready to make a difference, this episode will remind you that true change starts young and it's absolutely possible. LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW ▶ The Holistic Kids Show Podcast ▶The Teen Health Revolution Book ▶The Holistic Kids Show Website ▶ADHD Thrive Institute Connect with The Holistic Kids: ▶ Website: theholistickidsshow.com ▶ Instagram: @holistickidsshow ▶ Facebook: facebook.com/theholistickidsshow ▶ Book: theteenhealthrevolution.com ▶ Apple Podcasts: The Holistic Kids Show ▶ Spotify: The Holistic Kids Show Key Takeaways: [00:00] Ultra-processed food and how it hijacks children's brains [02:11] Meet The Holistic Kids — the brothers leading a food revolution [04:18] The science behind junk food addiction and marketing to kids [06:27] Navigating peer pressure and eating healthy at school [09:17] Why eating color and real food matters for brain and body [12:18] "You are what you eat" — microbiome explained in simple terms [14:13] The gut-brain connection and ADHD [17:16] The smoothie trick: how their mom made healthy food fun [19:54] Inside The Teen Health Revolution book [22:25] Inspiring kids everywhere to take charge of their health Memorable Moments: "Ultra-processed food is like a science experiment — not real food." "Eating real food is weird now, and that's sad." "Food is medicine, food is power." "If you eat junk, you're going to turn out as junk." "What you put in your gut affects your brain — even ADHD." "It starts with breakfast — that's where change begins." "We just want teens to take back control of their bodies and lives." Dana Kay Resources: 🔗WEBSITES: ▶ https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/ ▶ https://dana-kay.com/ 👋SOCIALS: ▶ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/ ▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute ▶ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-thrive-institute/mycompany/ ▶ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute 📕INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING BOOK: ▶ Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/ 💻FREE MASTERCLASS ▶ Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl ⭐COURSES & PROGRAMS ▶ ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd ▶ ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/
More from Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD
After more than four years and more than 225 episodes, Dana Kay is pressing pause on The Soaring Child Podcast - but she is clear that this is not goodbye forever. In this heartfelt solo episode, Dana reflects on why the show began, what the community has built together, and why stepping back now will allow her to give more of her energy to the families supported inside ADHD Thrive Institute.
Your child doesn't need a perfectly regulated parent. They need a parent who knows how to reconnect after things go wrong. For parents who begin recognizing their own ADHD while trying to support a child with ADHD, that shift can take a tremendous amount of pressure off parenting.
When a child repeatedly fails to follow instructions, gives one-word answers, or has an intense reaction to a small request, it may look like defiance. But the real challenge may be how their brain is processing, organizing, and communicating information after they hear it. In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, Dana Kay speaks with speech-language pathologist and myofunctional therapist Luba Patlakh about one of the most overlooked areas of ADHD: communication. They explore how executive functioning, hearing, language processing, sensory needs, airway health, sleep, and emotional regulation can all influence a child's ability to listen and respond. Luba also explains why parents should be cautious about being told to simply "wait and see" when they notice developmental or communication concerns. She shares the signs that may warrant a professional evaluation, how speech therapy differs from occupational and physical therapy, and why a multidisciplinary approach can help families better understand what is happening beneath a child's behavior. Parents will also learn practical strategies they can begin using immediately, including how to pause before reacting, gather meaningful observations, model language, and use Luba's "field of two" technique to encourage children to communicate their needs more clearly. This conversation is a supportive reminder that behavior is often communication, and that understanding the reason behind a child's struggle can lead to more compassionate and effective support.
Tune in as we continue our Summer Series with another fan favorite episode!
Have you ever wondered why your child struggles with meltdowns, impulsivity, anxiety, or digestion issues? The answer might not be behavioral—but neurological. In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, we continue our summer series of Fan Favorite Episodes with host Dana Kay and Dr. Tony Ebel, a pediatric wellness chiropractor.