117: Dr. Cam Caswell | Why Control Fails and Connection Works with Teens

04/23/25 • 49 min

Dr. Cam joins us to discuss parenting teenagers and why efforts to control them often create more distance. She explains how control can undermine trust and why focusing on connection leads to better results.

We discuss the difference between respect and obedience, and how letting teens say “no” builds confidence and self-trust. Jesper shares his shift from being a “parenting by volume” dad to being more present and connected, and how time made the biggest difference.

Dr. Cam describes how many dads step back from parenting teens because they feel disconnected or uncertain about how to relate. She talks about why focusing on influence, not authority, helps parents stay close to their teens even in moments of conflict.

We also talk about how small moments—like asking about your teen’s interests instead of their grades—can rebuild connection when time is limited.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Cam
Website: https://www.askdrcam.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcamcaswell/
Dr. Cams podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parenting-teens-with-dr-cam/id1524209790

🗓️ Recorded April 23th, 2025. 📍 Budapest, Hungary

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We also talk about how small moments—like asking about your teen’s interests instead of their grades—can rebuild connection when time is limited.

🗓️ Recorded April 23th, 2025. 📍 Budapest, Hungary

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116: Jacob Nordby | Rethinking Freedom: Purpose, Ritual, and the Value of Being

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In this conversation with author and speaker Jacob Nordby, we explore the paradox of freedom in modern life. Is it simply doing whatever we want—or does real freedom require something deeper?

While many consider freedom to be about doing whatever they want without constraints, Jacob challenges this perception. "A lot of people assume that freedom means the ability to do whatever they want," he reflects, "but we're learning that most of what we think and believe happens pretty unconsciously." True freedom, it seems, requires the difficult work of self-awareness and introspection.

Jacob challenges common ideas about success, self-determination, and meaning. Together, we dive into how societal norms shape our values, why unpaid or “unproductive” work (like parenting or crafting) is deeply meaningful, and how rituals in everyday life can reconnect us to purpose. Jacob shares tools for navigating difficult times and reclaiming inner freedom.

“The great victory isn’t avoiding difficulty—it’s knowing we can respond with resilience.”

🎁 Get Jacob’s free journaling tools at https://instituteforcreativeliving.org/creative-self-journal-program

🔗 Connect with Jacob Nordby
Website: https://www.jacobnordby.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacobnordby
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.jacobnordby
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacobnordby/

📚 Books mentioned:
Man's Search for Meaning – Viktor Frankl
Braiding Sweetgrass – Robin Wall Kimmerer
Modern Man in Search of a Soul – Carl Jung
Prometheus Rising – Robert Anton Wilson
🗓️ Recorded April 16th, 2025. 📍Vienna, Austria

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118: David Cole | Questioning Normal – Our Offbeat Life as a Full-Time Traveling Family

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Ever wondered what life could look like if you broke free from the conventional 9-5?

David Cole and his family sold their home in Chicago in 2019 and haven’t stopped moving since. Cecilie and Jesper talk with him about how they made the shift from occasional travellers to full-time nomads.

"I think what stopped us the most was mindset," David reveals, reflecting on their journey from dreaming to doing. After years of passionate but occasional travel, they finally made the leap—starting with house-sitting across the US before boarding a 22-day cruise to Singapore and continuing through Southeast Asia. What began as a shared love for exploration evolved into a complete lifestyle redesign that prioritizes presence, connection, and curiosity. This isn’t about escaping; it’s about deciding how to live and taking the next step—even if it’s not perfect.

🔗 Connect with David Cole

🗓️ Recorded April 29th, 2025. 📍 Budapest, Hungary

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Self Directed - 117: Dr. Cam Caswell | Why Control Fails and Connection Works with Teens

Transcript

Jesper Conrad00:00:14.245

so today we're together with Cameron Caswell , who most people know as Dr Cam . First of all , welcome to the podcast . It will be a pleasure already is a pleasure . We chatted a little before , but welcome .

Dr. Cameron Caswell00:00:28.223

I really appreciate you guys having me . Thank you so much for inviting me on yeah it's very nice to meet you . <