Adaptivity: The Science of Adolescence Podcast

Adaptivity: The Science of Adolescence

Taking risks. Falling in love. Figuring out who we are. Adolescents are constantly learning, and adapting—in ways that are often misunderstood. Join developmental scientist and pediatrician Dr. Ron Dahl explore the science of adolescence on Adaptivity, a new podcast by the Center for the Developing Adolescent.
YSCA Podcast Cover: The Real Benefits and Challenges of Social Media

Our Youth’s Perspective 2026: The Real Benefits and Challenges of Social Media

Youth Scientific Council on Adolescence members Jeevana Doddi, Kevin Ramirez, and Yonathan Kiflezghie talk with University of Washington professor Lucia Magis-Weinberg about what research says are the real benefits and challenges of social media, and how young people can manage that balance. This is the last of our three-episode 2026 youth-led miniseries of the Adaptivity podcast, hosted by Ron Dahl.

YSCA Podcast Cover: The Importance of Friendships & Romantic Relationships

Our Youth’s Perspective 2026: The Importance of Friendships & Romantic Relationships

Youth Scientific Council on Adolescence members Brooke Smith, Danari Golden, Layah Belay Simmons, and Ananshaa Singh talk with professor Hannah Schacter from Wayne State University in Detroit about how friendships and romantic relationships in adolescence can impact connections throughout our lives. This is the second of our three-episode 2026 youth-led miniseries of the Adaptivity podcast, hosted by Ron Dahl.

Adaptivity Podcast Cover Supporting Mental Health During Transitions

Our Youth’s Perspective 2026: Supporting Mental Health During Transitions

Youth Scientific Council on Adolescence members Alex Binaford, Maya Bachi, and Odalis Hernandez talk with University of Oregon professor Jennifer Pfeifer about supporting mental health in the midst of the many transitions during adolescence, to new schools, new experiences, and new friend groups. This is the first of our three-episode 2026 youth-led miniseries of the Adaptivity podcast, hosted by Ron Dahl.

Thumbnail SXSW Session Image Adolescence, AI, and Authentic Human Connection (3)

Adolescence, AI, and the Future of Authentic Human Connection

In this panel discussion, recorded live at SXSW EDU 2026, Ron talks with researchers Nick Allen, Thao Ha, and Alison Lee, and with app creator and student Elle Liemandt, about the social and emotional experiences young people need—in real life and digital spaces—to become contributing, collaborative, and connected humans in a rapidly changing world.

Sparking Engagement

Ron talks with Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop, authors of The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better, about how we can harness adolescents’ natural motivations for agency and connection to spark authentic engagement in education. And how we can ensure that new technologies support healthy engagement, learning, and social development instead of hijacking youth engagement for profit.