Listening to Kids with Intention with Dr. Zee

The Hanley Effect - A Podcast About Addiction and Mental Health

What if the key to improving youth mental health, strengthening family connections, and even shaping the future of our communities was as simple as listening?

In this episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. Rachel Docekal and Dr. John Dyben sit down with Dr. Zabina Bhasin, M.D., better known as Dr. Zee, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, global mental health advocate, and founder of Listen to the KidZ (LTTK).

Dr. Zee joins Dr. Rachel Docekal and John Dyben for a heartfelt and insightful conversation about:

• Her powerful personal story of growing up as the only girl in a South Asian immigrant family
• The early experiences with dyslexia, academic struggle, and lack of voice that shaped her path
• How cultural expectations shaped her journey into medicine and youth advocacy
• The founding of Listen to the KidZ and why listening, genuinely listening, is the foundation of all support
• Why adults need to be the ones to set boundaries and listen with intent
• How social media is not the villain, but how we use it matters
• Creating guidelines, structure, and mentorship that empower, not stifle, our youth

Key Takeaways

• Listening with intention signals interest, and interest builds connection.
• Kids don’t need to be coddled; they need to be heard and guided.
• All adults, not just parents, have a role in shaping the mental health and self-worth of young people.
• Social media is a tool; it’s up to adults to model responsible use and create boundaries.
• Empowerment begins with respect, and that starts by validating the voices of youth.

Learn more about Dr. Zee’s work at www.dr-zee.com

Visit hanleyfoundation.org to learn more about our programs.