The Guilt of Motherhood

In this honest discussion with Dr. LaKesha Anderson of the National Communication Association about societal expectations of mothers, and self-imposed expectations about what mothers would like to be for their children, we talk about how it is very difficult to live up to either of these expectations. As a result, a nearly inevitable part of motherhood is taking on a certain amount of guilt about the difference between what is ideal in your mind versus what is possible in our busy lives. We discuss the importance of giving ourselves the permission to not be perfect. We need to all acknowledge that we are doing the best we can for the most part, and taking on and carrying the burden of guilt is not helpful in being an effective parent or mother.

Modern Trends in Childbirth

I have a fascinating conversation with Pat Keating, a registered nurse and childbirth educator, about the trends she has seen over the last 37 years around childbirth, breastfeeding, and preparing for a baby. We discuss how women and couples prepare for a baby, through childbirth education, birth planning, and internet resources. About half of pregnancies in the United States are not planned, and we discuss how the optimal situation would allow women to begin thinking about their reproductive health plan far in advance of a pregnancy to prepare physically, emotionally, and financially for a baby.

Fertility, Technology, & Acknowledging Grief Part 2

In the second part of this two part series, we continue our discussion with reproductive psychologist Dr. Julie Bindeman. We examine the issue of fertility and chasing parenthood. We review the current technology and options available to couples who desire to have a child, and very importantly, the psychological impact that is associated with difficulty in conceiving a child without intervention. We go in depth in our discussion of the role of technology and fertility, and the moral and ethical dilemmas that come with advanced reproductive technologies to assist couples. Often the inability to conceive is a grief that is not shared beyond the couple, sometimes because of a stigma associated with infertility, and a grief the depth of which is not fully appreciated.

Fertility, Technology, & Acknowledging Grief Part 1

In this important discussion with reproductive psychologist Dr. Julie Bindeman, we examine the issue of fertility and chasing parenthood. We review the current technology and options available to couples who desire to have a child, and very importantly, the psychological impact that is associated with difficulty in conceiving a child without intervention. Along with advanced reproductive technologies to assist couples come some very difficult choices, and the very real possibility that efforts may be unsuccessful. Often the inability to conceive is a grief that is not shared beyond the couple, sometimes because of a stigma associated with infertility, and a grief the depth of which is not fully appreciated.

Women in Comics: Is Wonder Woman Wonderful?

In our discussion of women characters and the portrayal of women in graphic novels, we go back and unpack the history of women in comics and early characters. We take a look at how the portrayal and story lines of women in comics have changed over time, and the contemporary women characters, as well as interest by girls and women in graphic novels. We uncover an unappreciated but potentially important aspect of graphic novels in getting young girls interested in reading. We discuss the recent Wonder Woman movie, and determine if the character is really wonderful, especially for women and girls.

Trusted Sources: Sexuality Education & Our Children

In this episode, we discuss sexuality and "the talk," that uncomfortable imparting of information about sexuality to our children. But parents need to be aware of all the sources that children are using to get their information about sexuality, and a number of other sensitive topics that they might not come to parents about. We shouldn't think our children find us to be the only source for information, because we aren't. They are bombarded with potential sources of varying qualities, most readily being their peers. Parents want information sources to be accurate, with good information and no agenda, either political or commercial. My guest, Dr. Stephanie Loomis Pappas discusses an article she posted on her blog SnackDinner in reaction to a provocative article in Teen Vogue about helping to teach children to be critical consumers of information, including information on topics like sexuality. She has some great thoughts on how to start teaching young children to know who it is they are reading so when they get old enough to Google search, they can discern information from junk.

Foster Care: Invisible Children

I have a powerful and raw discussion with Rob Scheer from the non-profit Comfort Cases about the foster care system. There are about 500,000 children in the foster care system at any given time in the United States. The average age of a child in the foster care system is nine years old. The majority of these children spend years in the system, not knowing from week to week, month to month, where they will end up. We discuss how the lack of stability and lack of support provided to these children gives them few options for their futures, and they move from the foster care system, to the criminal justice system in many cases.

For more information about the non-profit Comfort Cases visit: https://www.comfortcases.org/

Parenting Girls in a Patriarchy

In this episode, I have a fascinating discussion with psychologist Dr. Dahlia Topolosky about how to raise a healthy girl in a patriarchy. We discuss the influences of gender norms, stereotypes, and how to be an active and present parent. Dr. Topolosky talks about nature vs. nurture and what aspects of a healthy development parents can play a critical role in. Whether you have a daughter or a son, or no children at all, you will find this an enlightening listen.

RECUT: Are Little Girls Getting Too Sexy?

In this episode I have a conversation with Professor Sarah Murnen about the sexualization of young girls, and unpack the potential impact of this phenomenon on the individual girl, girls in general, and on society and how we view girls and women. We discuss the dangers of self-objectification, and fashion and beauty ideals.

RECUT: Patriarchy, Parenting, & Boys

This recut of one of our most popular episodes from Season 1 includes additional discussion about the issue of raising boys in a patriarchy. We discuss ways to help boy children understand structural preferences for boys and men, versus girls and women. Children have a natural tendency to identify what they perceive is "fair" and what is "unfair," and how this could be used as a way to start a discussion about gender stereotypes and equality.

Becoming a Lighthouse: Men & Domestic Violence Prevention

Men are the aggressors in 90% of intimate partner violence cases. Many cases go unreported, and many behaviors that are in fact abusive are not considered when we discuss domestic violence, like emotional abuse. Research tells us that abuse tends to run in families, or get passed down over generations. But we know it doesn't always, and it doesn't have to.

What can we do to prevent men from becoming perpetrators of domestic violence? And what, in particular, can men do? We knew there are certain people in the lives of men and boys, such as coaches, who can be positive influencers in helping them develop healthy and respectful relationships with women.

In my interview for this episode, I talk with one man about his unexpected journey into activism trying to involve men in the fight against intimate partner violence. We discuss the protective factors that can prevent a boy or man from becoming an abuser, as well as things that parents can do to help boys become young men who are able to engage in healthy and respectful relationships.

Not Just Baby Blues: Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a serious health consequence to being a new mother. It is actually a lot more common than you might think. You probably know someone who has suffered from it, most likely quietly. And why? Why did it happen, and why would you not have known about it?

So in this episode we discuss postpartum depression. It’s not baby blues. It’s not just a little bit of hormones and it will pass. It’s not – you’re just too tired and you need to take some “you” time. It’s depression. Serious depression. 

Patriarchy, Parenting and Boys

When the audiotape of Donald Trump on Access Hollywood leaked recording his discussion of his ability to grab women without permission, men from both parties expressed outrage. Some Republican lawmakers withdrew their support of Mr. Trump, including Paul Ryan, who said "I am sickened by what I heard today." Men of both parties said "As a father of daughters...."  But why must a man have a daughter to feel or express moral outrage over such behavior? What about our sons?

In my discussion with blogger Jacque Gorelick, whose blog www.writewhereiam.com discusses the importance and challenges of raising boys in a patriarchy, with an understanding of male privilege.