That’s Totally Normal! * Frank Discussions About Puberty And All That Comes With It
Yes, this is the podcast about the science of puberty. As soon as we’re born our bodies are constantly growing, changing, breaking and at times, confusing us. And the biggest changes, growths and confusions seem to come when we’re young, vulnerable and easily embarrassed. Yes, we’re talking about puberty. And yes, it sometimes can be hard to talk about. But, it doesn’t need to be. Put on some headphones and lean in as we break down the biology, chemistry and health topics of growing, changing and going up. The host is Dr. Tessa Commers a board-certified pediatrician (MD, FAAP) based in Seattle, WA.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ashleigh C. comments, “Puberty, sex and ejaculation? These words used to make me cringe, but that is because I didn’t know what they actually meant. Now I know That’s Totally Normal!” Makena P. adds, “I learned things that I didn’t know but, I thought I knew. The film talks about a variety of topics and it’s nice to choose what you want to listen to hear other people’s point of view. I could relate to the things that these women are talking about.” Mikella G. wraps it up with, “This podcast helps inform kids about puberty and the changes that their bodies are going through. Lastly, it does not contain inappropriate content, but does discuss topics that some viewers may be uncomfortable with.” See their full reviews and interview with the host, Tessa Commers, below.
That’s Totally Normal!
By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, 17
Puberty, sex and ejaculation? These words used to make me cringe, but that is because I didn’t know what they actually meant. Now I know That’s Totally Normal!
The podcast That’s Totally Normal! explores all of those uncomfortable and embarrassing topics we would rather not talk about or educate ourselves about. However, it is done in such a way where, not only is the audience comfortable, but more informed. On average, each episode is eleven minutes in length or substantially less.
Host and writer Dr. Tessa Commers, known to us as Dr. T, has a youthful and reassuring voice. As a board-certified pediatrician and the writer of this podcast, the information she provides can be trusted and taken to heart. Editor and Sound Designer John Ross make the entire podcast come together by adding whimsical and funny sound effects that make the information easier to take. My favorite episode is “Acne,” where Dr. T discusses the world of zits, pimples and even bacne.
The positive and uplifting message of the podcast That’s Totally Normal! suggests that “we are all in this together.” While our bodies may be different, together we experience many of the same things.
That’s Totally Normal! gets 5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 10 to 18, as well as adults. You can find the podcast That’s Totally Normal! on TRAX at https://www.trax.fm/thats-totally-normal
That’s Totally Normal
By Makena P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12
I like the podcast That’s Totally Normal. It is informational and enjoyable. I learned things that I didn’t know but, I thought I knew. The film talks about a variety of topics and it’s nice to choose what you want to listen to hear other people’s point of view. I could relate to the things that these women are talking about.
Hosted by a female doctor, each episode in this podcast addresses different topics. I listened to “Where’s My Period, And When Will It Be Regular,” “The Erection Episodes” and “Hair Down Where?” They discuss different things like odor, acne, periods, body image and etc. We learn what causes these things, how normal they are and how they happen to everyone. Also, there are youth guests on the show so you can listen to a kids’ point of view.
I learned more about guys’ and girls’ bodies how they work. There are many cool facts on this podcast that interest me and make me want to learn much more about my own body. My favorite episode is “The Erection Episode.” It made me feel like I wasn’t alone in my curiosity about boys. I’m sure other girls my age have questions about these same things. It helped learning more about boys’ bodies and how they deal with them.
The message of this podcast is that our bodies are normal and, in my case, every girl is going to experience what I am – periods, body image, boys, drama and more. In the case of boys, every guy is going through the same sorts of things – enlargement, insecurities, odor and such. Everything going on in your body is normal and you don’t need to be ashamed because the person standing next to you or your friend is going through the exact same things that you are. Our bodies are normal. This podcast talks about things that people might be uncomfortable talking about and that some kids might not be ready for but are curious about. It is very informational and could help lots of people that are thinking about their bodies constantly, wondering what is going on.
I give That’s Totally Normal 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18. You can find this podcast online at TRAX at https://www.trax.fm/thats-totally-normal
That’s Totally Normal!
By Mikella G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14
The podcast That’s Totally Normal is interesting. I liked it because it has many elements to it, and discusses multiple things that kids have questions about. It’s especially important for those who don’t have anyone to ask them too. Furthermore, it is extremely well organized and thought-out.
This podcast is hosted by a doctor, Dr. Tessa Commers, known on the show as Dr. T. She talks about Puberty and various aspects of it. Each episode features a different topic and she answers questions from young people. Everyone is anonymous, which is important for those that are uncomfortable with the concept. The host goes into debt with each answer and explains each thing to the best she can.
Something that I enjoyed from this podcast is its organization. Each episode talks about different things and is no more than 20 minutes long. This is important because many people have short attention spans. If the host takes forever to get to the point, they may lose their audience. However, this was definitely not the case in this show. Something else that I enjoyed about the podcast is the Q and A format. In each episode the host talks about the topic by answering questions that kids have send to her. This is a smart way to connect with the audience, and adds to its success. Lastly, the audio clarity is great.
This podcast helps inform kids about puberty and the changes that their bodies are going through. Lastly, it does not contain inappropriate content, but does discuss topics that some viewers may be uncomfortable with.
I give That’s Totally Normal! 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 11 to 14. You can listen to That’s Totally Normal! on TRAX at https://www.trax.fm/thats-totally-normal.
