Breaking Formation
By: Merryl TENGESDAL
Language: en
Categories: Society, Culture, Education, Kids, Family
The world is changing fast. How do you navigate the constant pressure of social media, AI, and an uncertain future? Welcome to Breaking Formation, the podcast that gives you a strategic flight plan for modern life.Hosted by retired Air Force Colonel Merryl Tengesdal and youth psychology expert Shea Phinney, each 15-25 minute episode is a mission debrief. We tackle the toughest topics facing young people today—from managing online pressure and "sharenting" to building resilience, navigating career anxiety, and handling unfair criticism.Our mission is to give you the strategic tools of a pilot and the psychological insights of a...
Episodes
Topic 3: My Life as A Hashtag
Jan 09, 2026From the moment a child is born, their life is often documented and shared online. But what happens when that digital footprint starts to shape their reality? In this eye-opening episode of Breaking Formation, hosts Merryl Tengesdal, Col, USAF (ret.), and Shea Phinney, MFT, dive deep into the phenomenon of "sharenting"—parents sharing their children's lives on social media.
This conversation goes beyond just embarrassing baby photos. Shea breaks down the psychological impact of growing up online, explaining how a parent's relationship with their phone can affect a child's brain development and attachment style. From the "se...
Duration: 00:25:48Topic 2: Shatter the Sky
Jan 02, 2026Ever wondered what it takes to bring a 30-year-old dream to life? In this special episode of Breaking Formation, the tables are turned as co-host Shea Phinney, MFT, interviews Merryl Tengesdal, Col, USAF (ret.), about her incredible journey creating the graphic novella, "Shatter the Sky."
Join them for an inspiring conversation that peels back the curtain on the creative process. Merryl shares the story behind the story—from a long-held idea to finding the right collaborators and navigating the challenges of independent publishing. This episode is a masterclass in persistence, the power of community, and trusting yo...
Duration: 00:23:20Topic 1: The Profile and The Person
Dec 26, 2025In a world of filters and carefully crafted captions, who are you really? Welcome to "The Profile and The Person," an episode that dives deep into the growing divide between our digital selves and our authentic selves.
Join co-hosts Merryl Tengesdal, Col, USAF (ret.), and Shea Phinney MFT, a child development and psychology expert, as they explore the pressures of maintaining a perfect online image. They discuss the psychological strain this creates, especially for teenagers navigating identity formation in the age of social media.
This episode unpacks the importance of understanding your personal value...
Duration: 00:20:49