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Imperfect Heroes Podcast
Listeners in 70 Nations!

Imperfect Heroes Podcast

Welcome to Imperfect Heroes - Insights Into Parenting Podcast with DJ Stutz. The ultimate destination for imperfect parents seeking joy in the journey of raising children in a less-than-perfect world. Tune in for insightful conversations and guidance on navigating the challenges of parenthood with authenticity and resilience.

Recent Episodes

March 24, 2025

Parenting with the End in Mind: Raising Kids Who Think Ahead with Chaya Garcia

Send us a text Tune into this awesome podcast episode where DJ Stutz chats with relationship pro Chaya Garcia about boosting your kids’ executive functioning—aka their ability to plan ahead and make smart choices. They dish o...
March 17, 2025

Building Your Village: How Volunteers Transform Autism Parenting with Jennifer Celeste Briggs

In this must-hear podcast episode, DJ teams up with Jennifer Celeste Briggs to chat about raising a child with special needs—and why building a rock-solid support crew is everything. They’re spilling practical, proven tips to create your own village of cheerleaders, perfect for moms and dads naviga…
March 10, 2025

Tantrums to Toughness: Patience Tips for Little Ones with Lenora Edwards

Send us a text In this episode of Imperfect Heroes, DJ welcomes back speech-language pathologist, Lenora Edwards, for an engaging conversation about teaching kids persistence, resilience, and the joy of trying new things. DJ ...
Feb. 28, 2025

Untitled Episode

Send us a text Support the show Support the show. If you like what you hear, we would appreciate your support. Every little bit helps. https://www.buzzsprout.com/1779847/support
Feb. 24, 2025

🔒 Zombies, Bullies and Heroes Oh My! With Robert Wylie

Subscriber-only episode Send us a text Would your child know what to do in a dangerous situation? In this episode, DJ sits down with Robert Wiley from DPP Defense to explore how parents can teach kids practical self-defense, ...
Feb. 17, 2025

The 4 Emotional Needs Every Child Has (and How to Meet Them!) with Richard O’Keef

Send us a text Ever wonder what truly helps children thrive while keeping them from dangerous paths? In this powerful episode, DJ Stutz sits down with parenting expert and author Richard O’Keef to dive into the four emotional...

Recent Blog Posts

March 24, 2025

The Pros and Cons of Homework: How Much Is Too Much?

Hi parents! It’s DJ Stutz here, ready to tackle the age-old question: is homework helping or hurting your child? Homework can be a valuable tool for reinforcing learning, but too much can lead to stress and burnout. Let’s explore the pro…

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April 24, 2024

Navigating Parenthood: Embracing Change with Grace and Love

This month, we've been delving deep into managing changes, especially those that impact our little ones. But today, let's shift the focus to something equally important: managing the changes within ourselves as parents. Parenting is a journey of co…

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April 12, 2024

Navigating Change with Children: A Compassionate Guide

Today, we're diving into the choppy waters of change, an inevitable part of life that affects not just us adults but also our little ones. And who better to shed light on this than the wonderful Joris Gjataa from Newton, Massachusetts?  Wh…

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About the Host

DJ Stutz Profile Photo

DJ Stutz

Parenting Coach, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Early Childhood Specialist

DJ Stutz, an Early Childhood Specialist and devoted advocate for children's rights and education, brings over two decades of teaching experience, specializing in Special Education and Music. Her expertise extends beyond the classroom, with roles as a 911 dispatcher and a parenting facilitator for the Clark County Division of Family and Youth Services. A parent herself and actively engaged in PTA leadership, including the presidency of the Nevada State PTA, DJ is dedicated to enhancing parental involvement in education. Her advocacy includes organizing a Nevada commission to improve Latino fathers' participation in education. Recognized as "Citizen of The Month" in 2008, DJ has testified before commissions, collaborated with Senator Ted Kennedy, and led international support groups. Now, through workshops, classes, coaching sessions, and her podcast, "Imperfect Heroes – Insights Into Parenting," DJ empowers parents to navigate the joys and challenges, fostering independence, productivity, and happiness in their children.

Discover insights, guidance, and practical tips on the following diverse parenting topics through DJ's one-on-one coaching, her speaking engagements, her courses offered at https://www.littleheartsacademyusa.com/ and her informative podcast, Imperfect Heroes offered at https://www.imperfectheroespodcast.com/

Effective Communication:
Improving parent-child communication
Dealing with miscommunication and misunderstandings
Communication with your spouse and building a parenting team

Behavior Management:
Addressing challenging behavior in children
Implementing positive discipline techniques
Setting and enforcing boundaries
Peeling back the reasons behind the behavior
Setting your children up to succeed

Parenting Styles:
Understanding different parenting styles
Identifying your own triggers and why they work for you
Finding a balance between being authoritative and nurturing

Sibling Rivalry:
Managing conflicts between siblings
Promoting healthy sibling relationships
Introducing a baby to siblings
Making a strategic game plan

Emotional Regulation:
Teaching children to identify and name emotions
Helping children express and manage emotions
Teaching coping strategies for emotional challenges

Routine and Structure:
Establishing effective daily routines
Balancing structure with flexibility
Understanding age-appropriate routines and managing multiple routines within the family

School-related Issues:
Preparing your child for school
Being a part of the education team
Exploring homeschooling as an option
Supporting academic success
Dealing with homework struggles

Technology and Screen Time:
Setting limits on screen time
Providing appealing alternatives
Navigating technology use for different age groups

Sleep Challenges:
Addressing sleep issues in children
Establishing healthy sleep habits
Acknowledging the importance of sleep for parents

Parental Self-Care:
Balancing parenting responsibilities with self-care
Avoiding burnout and stress management for parents

Transitioning Life Stages:
Adjusting to major life changes (new siblings, relocation, etc.)
Navigating different developmental stages

Coping with Special Needs:
Providing support for parents of children with special needs
Advocacy and accessing resources
Understanding Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans

Building Resilience:
Fostering resilience in children
Helping parents navigate challenging situations
Preparing children to overcome challenging situations

Effective Co-Parenting:
Strategies for successful co-parenting within and outside of marriage
Resolving conflicts between co-parents
Development and implementation of a parenting plan

Reviews

Protecting Your Children When You Are Not There

"I thoroughly enjoyed this episode. Chuck shared some excellent and important information. DJ and Chuck made it easy to listen to this difficult subject by interjecting stories that helped the liste…"

PJD in CO | Aug. 5, 2021

What EVERY parent needs!

"If you’re a parent, grandparent, godparent, teacher or caregiver for children of any kind, you know how easy it is to doubt yourself and your abilities when it comes to parenting. Imperfect Heroes is…"

The EffortLESS Life® | July 26, 2021

Great advice

"New ways of looking at the everyday struggles of parenthood along with simple solutions to make life happier."

sunny ellsworth | July 23, 2021

Very Insightful

"So much to learn! Easy to listen to!"

tysffgr | July 19, 2021

Great advice and for parents

"This show is a great place for parents to get shame-free advice for raising healthy, happy kids. Highly recommend!"

Karen-DB | July 19, 2021

Awesome podcast

"This is a wonderful podcast! I thoroughly enjoyed hearing all about the things I didn’t know about my kids teeth! I’m a pretty hands on parent but there was great new information in this. Very nice"

BaileyOlsen | July 19, 2021

Great advice for all parents!

"Great advice for parents! Good to know for all ages! Thank you!"

Tayttertot | July 19, 2021

Great parenting (and life) advice!

"DJ is a natural at seeing the easier way to parent. She advocates treating our children as we should ourselves — as in need of understanding, gentle guidance, and an anxiety-free space to develop ful…"

Dipfong | Dec. 13, 2021

Awesome content!

"There is so much great information for new parents."

Ted Bennion | Dec. 30, 2021

Fantastic!

"DJ does a great job at bringing great guests on her podcast and tackling a broad spectrum of topics!"

Kristina Bennion | Dec. 30, 2021

Review from an interviewee

"DJ interviewed me for the episode regarding international adoption and attachment! We had a genuine, heartfelt, enjoyable, natural conversation and I felt like the time flew by! She related to me on …"

Hilary Ableser | Jan. 15, 2022

Loved the adoption story!

"I loved listening to Hilary’s experience of adopting her daughter from China! I hope we get a part 2, I want to hear more."

Rachelpatsmith | Jan. 18, 2022

Enjoyed it

"I had the pleasure of being the guest on this podcast! Loved chatting and connecting with DJ"

NaeJean | Jan. 21, 2022

Adoption

"I loved the info. My daughter adopted two children and they are both so different. It’s was nice to hear that there are differences and how to deal with different issues. I’m anxious to read more abo…"

Laurel Clark | Jan. 30, 2022

Fabulous!

"DJ is so authentic and real."

JS | Feb. 20, 2022

Heart of Gold

"DJ is an amazing podcast host with a heart of gold! Her love for children and seeing parents be the best version of themselves pours through every word spoken. She is an uplifter, and I absolutely lo…"

Paul A. Henderson | March 24, 2022

When it comes to parenting, DJ Stutz knows her stuff!

"I had such a blast chatting with DJ Stutz on her Imperfect Heroes Podcast because it was like spending an hour talking parenting with an old friend who just gets it. DJ brings a wealth of hands-on ex…"

Lisa Sugarman | March 23, 2022

Like taking with a friend

"I LOVE the podcast! Listening in is like listening to two friends chat. Thanks DJ for such a thoughtful podcast."

Rose Griffin | April 13, 2022

The Power Of Fairy Tales

"What an inspiringly delightful conversation I enjoyed with DJ! Her wisdom and love from a lifetime devoted to teaching and enriching the lives of children and families is a treasure chest to immerse…"

Ganeshananda | June 27, 2022

Wonderful podcast

"DJ is well connected with her life’s purpose and it shows. Great interviews and a great personality."

Jay Aedo | Sept. 7, 2022

Excellent resource for parents

"DJ covers a lot of very relevant topics and her experience and style help parents learn and build confidence."

Sherrie | Oct. 1, 2022

You need to listen to this podcast...

"Why? Chatting with DJ is like sitting in your living room with an old friend. She provides parents and teachers with a wealth of experience sprinkled with compassion and an abundance of valuable reso…"

Barbara Ann Mojica | Oct. 4, 2022

Fantastic podcast

"I really enjoyed connecting with the host. She does a fantastic job and supports many people with her work."

Angela Myer | Jan. 31, 2023

Parenting Leadership

"DJ has such a compassionate heart for parents. Being a guest on her podcast showed me once again how she is all about helping parents be their best. In turn, those children grow up learning how to lo…"

Susan Husa | March 29, 2023

Excellent, informative host

"I was a guest on DJ's podcast episode 94, and it was a wonderful experience. She is a great interviewer, and it is obvious that she cares about helping parents and has quite a bit of knowledge to sha…"

Debra Essling | April 14, 2023

Early Childhood Specialist Supporting Parents

"DJ Stutz is an early childhood specialist who loves children yet really understands the challenges faced by parents. She is extremely knowledgeable and generous with sharing her expertise with h…"

Catherine Lamb | June 6, 2023

Remembering the joy

"I love the joy and optimism you can hear in DJ Stutz as she shares things from her own life and in the questions she asks her guests."

Jenny Briggs | March 18, 2025

Where were you when I was raising my kids??

"So much good info, DJ, in a friendly, digestible, form. Your listeners are lucky to have you! Your dedication is inspiring, and bound to help lots of us with the challenges of family."

Lynne Bowman | July 25, 2023

Awesome Podcast

"I love DJ & her podcasts. She really has some awesome topics, guests, and God has certainly given her the gift to communicate well. They are educational & super fun to listen to. Highly recommend the…"

Kaley Metler | Feb. 6, 2024

Making simple concepts richer

"I enjoyed the opportunity with DJ to expand on the theme of patience. Her openness and capacity to explore with me helped sharpen this simple concept and make it into a much richer definition and ex…"

Stephen Rowley | March 11, 2024

Big Heart

"She has the biggest heart and really cares about helping parents with their kids to create a wonderful family environment"

Adele Bernard | March 13, 2024

Lovely person

"lovely person....head on straight"

Dan Varvos - Calgary | March 13, 2024

Knowledgeable and cares

"DJ is clearly very knowledgeable and cares deeply about what she's doing, not to mention the fact that she's quite pleasant to speak to. Anyone looking to learn more about conscious parenting would d…"

Nicholas MacKinnon | March 13, 2024

She understands

"DJ's expertise, background, and understanding provide those adults; parents, grandparents, teachers, and more; the necessary tools when dealing with young children."

Roberta Morris | March 13, 2024

Must listen for all parents!!

"Despite my unfortunate area of expertise being in narcissistic abuse, DJ was gracious to invite me to be a guest on her show to discuss bravery and resilience in parenting within difficult circumstan…"

Dana S. Diaz | March 20, 2024

Informative and relatable

"DJ is an amazing host. She does a great job of integrating her professional and personal experience. Her insights are very relatable and applicable. And she does it all with kindness! No parenting sh…"

Emily | June 14, 2024

Beautiful Heart

"DJ has a beautiful heart for parents and kids, wanting all to do well and be well. DJ knows her stuff as a former teachers. This is a must listen podcast!"

Dinalynn Rosenbush | The Language Of Play podcast | Aug. 2, 2024

Fantastic Podcast!

"DJ is a wonderful podcast host. She is funny, personable, passionate, and really guides the conversation to ensure it flows naturally and smoothly. I truly enjoyed chatting with her and I know that s…"

Courtney Hartt | Sept. 3, 2024

Great Heart for helping Parents!

"Parenting is a tough job! Between those beautiful moments lies tough situations that parents are navigating as they figure out what’s going on. This podcast give ideas to apply on your journey of ups…"

Play_DR22 | Nov. 2, 2024