There is one book that has totally changed my perspective - and I've read a lot of parenting books. Michaeleen Doucleff is the author of "Hunt, Gather, Parent: What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans." She joined me on the show to get real honest about the struggles of modern parenting and how it's making us and our kids miserable.

Michaeleen shares how the families she visited in other countries just seem so much happier - their kids are well-behaved and actually want to help out! We talk about letting kids sleep when they're tired instead of on our schedule, teaching them life skills instead of just shuttling them to activities, and building a community instead of being lonely and isolated.

It was so eye-opening to realize we don't have to parent the way people have always done it. Tune in to hear Michaeleen's inspiring stories from around the world and get some fresh ideas on raising kids the easier, natural way. 

- - - - - - - - - - -
Liz Durham Instagram | Website
Subscribe Apple Podcast | Spotify

Being Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

When every day feels like chaos, how are you supposed to make time time for your relationship? Ashley Willis co-hosts of the Naked Marriage podcast with her husband, Dave. I was so excited to sit down with her for a raw and real take on the joys and challenges of married life.

We talked about balancing marriage and parenting, especially with little ones running around screaming. Like, how can you not feeling resentful towards your partner while navigating the everyday rollercoaster of parenting?

Ashley shared some invaluable advice on communication, asking for help from your partner, and carving out time for each other amidst the craziness. Even down to the nitty-gritty of checking our calendars to see where our time really goes, because let's face it, parenting is tough, but our marriages don't have to suffer.

Check out Ashley's show wherever you get your podcasts, and find more on my website!

- - - - - - - - - - -
Liz Durham Instagram | Website
Subscribe Apple Podcast | Spotify

Being Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

At first I thought there was no way, but after talking to her I am seriously impressed.  Our husbands were friends in law school and now we both have kids - but let me tell you, her son has never seen a screen! At first I was like no way, but Lindsay filled me in on how they do it. 

Between juggling work and kid stuff, Lindsay Hall's dedication is next level. Her son is so well-spoken and curious about everything. He just plays with his toys for hours! Lindsey and I will be getting real about the challenges of maintaining a consistent screen-free parenting style, from balancing work and childcare responsibilities to preserving our own mental health.

After our chat, I've really been thinking about cutting Mac and Charlie's screen time back. It's been an eye-opener learning how screens really do affect their development and sleep. If any of y'all have questions for the only no-screen mom I know, hit Lindsay up on Instagram @lindsay.w.hall. 

- - - - - - - - - - -
Liz Durham Instagram | Website
Subscribe Apple Podcast | Spotify

Being Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

Y'all, I'm really struggling with all the changes I've seen in youth sports. It seems like leagues are starting earlier and earlier, and the pressure to participate becomes a handful to balance along with family life. Are we pushing too hard, too young?

I decided to talk with my old friend Mark Pancratz to get his opinion. Mark is not just your average sports enthusiast—he's been in the game his whole life, from playing sports himself to coaching at UT, and now, he's figuring it out with his two daughters. 

We talk about the value of travel sports, the financial burden, and finding the right approach: as in, let your kids do what they want. And let's not forget about the not-so-pretty side of parents' behavior at youth games—yep, we're going there.

Mark and I are all about finding that sweet spot of balance. Tune in to hear if we've figured it out...

- - - - - - - - - - -
Liz Durham Instagram | Website
Subscribe Apple Podcast | Spotify

Being Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

What would you grade yourself as a parent? In this solo episode, I'm gonna give you an honest update on what it's been like transitioning to being a full-time stay-at-home mom after working for so long.

I'll fill you in on all the things I'm still struggling with, like getting Mack to school on time and keeping a consistent bedtime routine. Cooking dinner, money management, and more. And how about all the extracurricular activities? Spoiler alert: I just don't see the point of it yet!

At the end of the day, I think being home has been better for my stress levels and relationships, even if it's still a work in progress. Tune in to hear all the real mom struggles - and a few successes.

- - - - - - - - - - -
Liz Durham Instagram | Website
Subscribe Apple Podcast | Spotify

Being Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

Alisha Owen is an advocate for justice. In this episode, we discuss the importance of parenting, drawing boundaries, and teaching children moral values and responsibility. Alisha opens up about her own upbringing and experiences with abuse.

We also talked about the goals of Alisha's organization Epstein Justice, which is calling for an independent Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate coverups of Epstein's crimes.

Have you listened to part 1? Hop back to my feed to hear more about her experiences and what we can do to prevent trafficking in our own communities. 

- - - - - - - - - - -
Liz Durham Instagram | Website
Subscribe Apple Podcast | Spotify

Being Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

After speaking with Nick Bryant about trafficking networks among high-profile people, I knew I needed to know more. In this first part of my conversation with Alisha Owen, it became clear that this really can happen to anyone.

Alisha began her journey as a whistleblower and advocate for victims of human trafficking and sexual abuse when she was 19 years old. Now, as the Associate Director of Epstein Justice, she continues to advocate for trafficking victims, and educate the public on the realities of human trafficking and sexual abuse.

Tune in to find out how this case relates to Epstein's little black book, and what we can do to prevent trafficking in our own communities. 

- - - - - - - - - - -
Liz Durham Instagram | Website
Subscribe Apple Podcast | Spotify

Being Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

Our pastor said we really do have more control over our kids than anyone else and that was something that really hit me. Today I want to talk about using my power as a parent for good, being consistent with discipline, and really listening to what each kid needs.

Being a mom is just the wildest ride, and every kid is so different that you're constantly having to adjust. I talk about why Mac's in trouble at school this time and how I'm still trying to find the right approach with my defiant little Charlie.

Overall, I'm still learning every day. For example, after doing more research, I've totally changed my views on letting babies cry it out.  I hope some of you parents out there can offer me advice, too! Find me on Instagram @lizdurham.

- - - - - - - - - - -
Liz Durham Instagram | Website
Subscribe Apple Podcast | Spotify

Being Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

Get ready for a reality check. Liz sits down with and Dr. Jason Hall to peel back the layers of the "mommy makeover" phenomenon. They talk about what it really entails, the sobering truth about recovery times, and the importance of aging gracefully in a world obsessed with youth.

Jason Hall, M.D., F.A.C.S., is the director of Trillium Plastic Surgery, and the host of The Trillium Show podcast. He is quick to share that it's not just about the physical—it's also about the mental headspace required for anyone considering cosmetic plastic surgery. 

Liz and Jason tackle the tough questions about the example we're setting for our kids and the frustration of cosmetic enhancements being passed off as "natural" or good skincare. And of course, what are the implications of social media and filters on our perception of beauty?

It's a refreshingly honest dialogue that'll challenge your preconceptions and leave you wondering what beauty means to you.

- - - - - - - - - - -
Liz Durham Instagram | Website
Subscribe Apple Podcast | Spotify

Being Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

Have you ever felt pressure to choose between pursuing your career ambitions or prioritizing your family responsibilities? Today, host Liz Durham is joined by successful Knoxville real estate agent Debaran Hughes to swap stories from their experiences and share how their perspectives have evolved over time.

From juggling work responsibilities to battling feelings of guilt over not spending enough time with their kids, Liz and Debaran lay it all on the line. They're not afraid to confront the harsh realities of societal expectations and the uphill battle women face in the workforce after becoming mothers.

Liz and Debaran offer up some hard-earned wisdom and advice for younger moms on how to navigate work-life balance without sacrificing their sanity. They're not here to sugarcoat things—they're here to tell it like it is and challenge the status quo.

- - - - - - - - - - -
Liz Durham Instagram | Website
Subscribe Apple Podcast | Spotify

Being Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production