Exes and Babies

Exes and Babies

By Exes and BabiesParentingKids & Family
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Exes and Babies episodes

  • Dating Dads: Boundaries for Budding Stepmoms - Ep 31

    Get ready for some unfiltered truth on dating dads! Sydney and Qolett dive into the crucial role of boundaries when dating men with children. Qolett shares her personal experiences, strict rules for engaging with co-parents, and eye-opening advice for any "budding stepmom" looking to navigate these relationships with self-awareness and grace. From avoiding baby mama drama to prioritizing the kids, this episode is packed with essential wisdom.

    Key Moments:

    0:00 Welcome to Exes and Babies: The Co-Parent Whisperer & Qolett!

    4:15 Why Qolett prefers dating men with kids and what it tells her about their character.

    7:30 NON-NEGOTIABLE BOUNDARY: Why the "baby mama" needs to know you're around.

    10:10 Red flags: How a man talks about his ex and the importance of healthy communication.

    13:45 Qolett's age boundary for dating men with children – and why it matters.

    16:00 The power of leading with love and putting the child first as a stepparent.

    20:20 Analyzing the viral "toxic stepmom" video: When not to get involved.

    24:50 The biggest breakdown: Why ego ruins co-parenting and how to drop it.

    28:15 Qolett's self-love hacks: How to identify and break toxic cycles.

    34:00 What Qolett learned about dating from her own amazing stepdad.


    Like, subscribe, and share if you found these insights helpful! What strategies have worked for you in your co-parenting journey? Share in the comments below!

    Connect with us!

    Subscribe - www.youtube.com/@exesandbabies

    Learn more - www.exesandbabies.com

    Follow us - www.instagram.com/exesandbabies

    Follow Qolett the Coach - www.instagram.com/qolettthecoach

    #coparenting #datingdads #singledads #babymama #stepchild #boundaries #childhoodtrauma #nonnegotiables #singlemom #relationshipgoals #blendedfamily #fatherhood#Breakups #Divorce #Healthyparenting #ParentingTips #Podcast #SingleParenting #FamilySupport #exesandbabies


    32 min
  • Should Co-parents Get Back with Their Ex? - Ep 32

    Can you REALLY get your ex back? And what happens to co-parenting if you do? On "Exes and Babies," Sydney Swonigan, the "co-parent whisperer," gets the unfiltered truth from Benny Lichtenwalner, a "get your ex back" coach! Get ready for raw insights on relationship reconciliation, communication breakdowns, and the messy, beautiful reality of blended family dynamics.

    Benny spills on his wild journey to becoming a coach, how he helps people reunite, and the vital role of attachment styles and emotional regulation for any relationship to survive. Plus, hear surprising truths about step-parenting and Sydney's infamous "Disney drama" that every co-parent needs to hear!

    Don't miss this candid conversation on love, loss, and the ultimate second chance (or knowing when to walk away!).

    Key Moments:

    • 0:00 Welcome to Exes and Babies: The Co-Parent Whisperer & Benny Lichtenwalner!

    • 1:15 Meet Benny: What exactly is a "get your ex back" coach?

    • 3:40 Why Benny became a breakup coach: His personal journey and unexpected career path.

    • 8:20 The dangers of reconciliation: Why communication patterns and nervous system regulation are key.

    • 13:00 Beyond getting back together: The role of attachment styles in building lasting relationships.

    • 20:10 Benny's diverse co-parenting arrangements with his children.

    • 22:45 The emotional complexities of being a step-parent.

    • 30:15 What makes Benny a good co-parent?

    • 32:00 Managing different co-parenting relationships: Setting boundaries and minimizing conflict.

    • 36:20 When co-parenting and reconciliation collide: Sydney's story and the "Disney drama."

    • 40:00 The rollercoaster of growth in long-term relationships and its impact on reconciliation.

    Like, subscribe, and share if you found these insights helpful! What strategies have worked for you in your co-parenting journey? Share in the comments below!

    Connect with us! 

    Subscribe - www.youtube.com/@exesandbabies

    Learn more - www.exesandbabies.com 

    Follow us - www.instagram.com/exesandbabies

    Follow Benny Lichtenwalner - https://www.tiktok.com/@bennylichtenwalner

    #coparenting #breakups #remarrying #relationshipadvice #attachmentstyles #avoidant #singledads #stepdad #boundaries #childhoodtrauma #religiontrauma #singlemom #relationshipgoals #blendedfamily #fatherhood #Divorce #ParentingTips #Podcast #SingleParenting #exesandbabies


    44 min
  • How to NOT be a Toxic Baby Mama: Co-Parenting Dos & DON'TS

    Your host Sydney Swonigan, aka The Co-Parent Whisperer, dives deep into the often-tricky world of co-parenting from the "baby mama" perspective.

    As a baby mama herself, Sydney shares honest insights, hard-won wisdom, and crucial advice on the toxic behaviors to avoid for the sake of your child's well-being and your own peace of mind.

    This isn't about shaming, it's about empowerment and making better decisions for a healthier co-parenting journey.

    Get ready for real talk, tough love, and actionable strategies to transform your dynamic.TW: DVKey Moments:4:05 – Straight to the point: The crucial "Don'ts" of co-parenting.7:10 – Retaliation Trap: Understanding why using your child as a weapon backfires.9:45 – The Art of Compartmentalization: Separating personal hurt from parenting decisions.16:30 – Child Support vs. Visitation: Why these two should never be conflated.21:00 – Finding Your Healing: Prioritizing self-work for better co-parenting.26:50 – Communication Tools: How apps like Our Family Wizard can support healthy interaction.32:55 – Redefining Co-Parenting: It's about cordiality, not friendship.38:30 – The Gravity of False Allegations: Understanding the severe consequences.53:05 – Child's Perspective: Why badmouthing an ex truly hurts your child.59:00 – Managing Your Emotions: Strategies to process hurt outside the co-parenting dynamic.1:05:25 – The "Dos": Prioritizing self-care, boundaries, and asking for help.1:07:00 – Long-Term Impact: How your choices shape your child's future and your bond.Join the conversation! What are your biggest "dos" and "don'ts" for baby mamas? Share in the comments below.Like, subscribe, and share if you found these insights helpful! What strategies have worked for you in your co-parenting journey? Share in the comments below!Connect with us! Subscribe - www.youtube.com/@exesandbabiesLearn more - www.exesandbabies.com Follow us - www.instagram.com/exesandbabies#CoParenting #babymamadrama #singlemom #relationshipgoals #blendedfamily #fatherhood#Breakups #Divorce #Healthyparenting #ParentingTips #Podcast #SingleParenting #FamilySupport #exesandbabies

    29 min
  • The GOATs of Co-parenting: Blended Vacations and More - Ep 29

    Ever wonder what effective co-parenting truly looks like? This week, we're sitting down with Brit and Matt, two Seattle parents who have developed a remarkably harmonious co-parenting dynamic. They're not just managing schedules; they're taking "blended vacations" to Hawaii with their kids and their new partners, demonstrating a unique approach to modern family life.

    Watch now if you're seeking insights into navigating post-divorce dynamics. This episode offers a practical look at how they became "co-parenting goals" and the mindset it took. From their community-focused Halloween haunted house to their amicable approach to shared holidays, Brit and Matt's story can help redefine your perspective on co-parenting.

    Gain practical insights and understand the strategies behind their successful blended family.

    Key Moments:

    9:20 - Co-Parenting Travel: Their First Shared Vacation to Disneyland

    12:55 - The Million-Dollar Question: Separate Rooms or One Big Suite on Vacation?

    23:45 - The Burning Question: If They Get Along So Well, Why Aren't They Together?

    27:00 - Integrating New Partners into the Co-Parenting Space

    30:15 - Community & Collaboration: The Annual Haunted House Fundraiser

    38:00 - The Epic Hawaii "Blended Vacation" Experience!

    45:00 - Building Trust: Introducing New Partners to Kids

    Like, subscribe, and share if you found these insights helpful! What strategies have worked for you in your co-parenting journey? Share in the comments below!

    Connect with us!

    Subscribe - www.youtube.com/@exesandbabies

    Learn more - www.exesandbabies.com

    Follow us - www.instagram.com/exesandbabies

    #CoParenting #GOAT #relationshipgoals #blendedfamily #Stepdad #Stepmom #Stepkid #Breakups #Divorce #Healthyparenting #ParentingTips #FamilyDynamics #Podcast #CoParentingJourney #HealthyCoParenting #SingleParenting #FamilySupport #exesandbabies

    43 min
  • Raised By Stellar Co-parents — Only to Date a Not so Stellar One - Ep 28

    What happens when you're fortunate enough to be raised by co-parenting rockstars, only to find yourself navigating the complexities of a "not-so-stellar" co-parenting dynamic in your own adult relationship?

    In this incredibly candid episode, Kassie Hollman shares her unique journey. She grew up with divorced parents who mastered the art of harmonious co-parenting, prioritizing their children's well-being above all else. But when Kassie later became a stepmom to a child in a high-conflict co-parenting situation, she faced a starkly different reality.

    Tune in to discover Kassie's powerful insights on healthy family dynamics, personal growth, and setting crucial boundaries.

    Episode Timestamps:

    0:00 - Welcome Kassie! From Atlanta to Seattle & a Doctorate in Organizational Change

    3:15 - The "Lucky" Divorce: How Kassie's Parents Prioritized Their Kids

    7:40 - Christmas Traditions & Seamless Transitions Between Homes

    11:20 - "Catfish Wins Every Time": How Kassie Chose Which Parent to Stay with

    13:25 - Meeting Her Stepmom & Setting the "Not Your Mother" Boundary

    17:00 - The Secret Texts: Her Parents Still Communicated About Their Kids

    20:15 - Stepmom Insights: Kassie's Experience Dating a Co-Parent

    23:45 - The Court-Ordered Pickups & Unhealthy Dynamics

    26:00 - Why Kassie Stayed Out of the Drama (and You Should Too!)

    28:30 - The Impact on Her Relationship & The Hard Decision to Leave

    32:10 - Finding Happiness & The Role of a Good Therapist

    34:05 - Advice for Co-Parents & Being Shielded from Conflict


    Don't forget to like this video, subscribe to Exes & Babies for more insights, and hit the notification bell so you don't miss our next episode!


    Connect with us! 

    Subscribe - www.youtube.com/@exesandbabies

    Learn more - www.exesandbabies.com 

    Follow us - www.instagram.com/exesandbabies

    #CoParenting #Stepmom #Stepkid #Breakups #Divorce #Healthyparenting #BlendedFamily #ParentingTips #FamilyDynamics #Podcast #CoParentingJourney #HealthyCoParenting #SingleParenting #FamilySupport #exesandbabies


    31 min
  • From Co-Parented Kid to Conscious Co-Parent: Breaking Generational Chains - Ep 27

    In this incredibly candid and insightful episode, we sit down with Dr. Chin, a remarkable speech-language pathologist, Instagram influencer, certified life coach, and dedicated mom. Dr. Chin shares how her own experiences as a co-parented child shaped her approach to raising her own children in a healthy co-parenting dynamic today.

    This episode is packed with invaluable wisdom for anyone navigating the complexities of divorce, blended families, and raising children collaboratively. Dr. Chin doesn't shy away from the raw truths, discussing everything from protecting your kids' emotional well-being to setting boundaries with ex-partners and even the surprising benefits of homeschooling within a co-parenting setup.

    In this episode, you'll discover:

    • 0:00 - Introduction to Dr. Chin and The Co-Parenting Compass

    • 2:15 - Dr. Chin's personal journey: Co-parented as a child (and the surprising twists!)

    • 7:40 - The crucial conversation that transformed her co-parenting relationship

    • 11:05 - Why protecting kids from parental drama is paramount

    • 15:30 - Navigating new partners and setting boundaries

    • 18:50 - The ins and outs of homeschooling and co-parenting schedules

    • 24:00 - Overcoming challenges: Child support, consistency, and extracurriculars

    • 29:10 - The power of a harmonious co-parenting dynamic for your children

    • 33:00 - Celebrating cultural differences in a blended family

    • 36:45 - Proudest moments and key takeaways from her co-parenting journey

    Whether you're actively co-parenting, considering it, or simply interested in building stronger family foundations, Dr. Chin's story offers powerful lessons and a refreshing perspective.

    Don't forget to like this video, subscribe to Exes & Babies for more insights, and hit the notification bell so you don't miss our next episode!


    Connect with us:

    Subscribe - www.youtube.com/@exesandbabies

    Learn more - www.exesandbabies.com 

    Follow us - www.instagram.com/exesandbabies

    Dr. Chin - www.instagram.com/dr.cherellechin


    #CoParenting #Divorce #SingleMoms #generationaltrauma #BlendedFamily #ParentingTips #DrChin #FamilyDynamics #Podcast #CoParentingJourney #HealthyCoParenting #SingleParenting #FamilySupport #exesandbabies


    39 min
  • Fatherhood Under Attack? Former NBA Player Falsely Accused of DV and Finding Peace - Ep 26

    After a decade of staying silent, former NBA player Bobby Ray Jones Jr., aka Yoga Bob, vulnerably shares his traumatic story of being falsely accused of domestic violence by his co-parent and how fathers can de-escalate these type of situations.

    Yoga Bob also discusses:

    • The personal toll of being arrested under false allegations and his journey to healing.
    • Managing conflict with a co-parent that has narcissistic tendencies.
    • How his NBA career prepared him for co-parenting conflict.
    • His mission to bring yoga to Compton, the importance of his morning routine, and his yoga business.
    • His excitement for the next phase of his relationship with his daughter as they live together for the first time while she enters college.

    ________________________________________

    🔗 CONNECT WITH US & BOBBY RAY JONES JR.:

    • Subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@exesandbabies
    • Follow Exes & Babies: www.exesandbabies.com
    • Follow Yoga Bob: https://www.instagram.com/basketballjones84/

    #ExesAndBabies #Podcast #Coparenting #BobbyRayJonesJr #YogaBob #FalseAccusation #narcissism #DomesticViolence #DV #FamilyCourt #BlackFathers #FatherhoodBias #Discrimination #NBA #Yoga #Compton #Resilience #interracialrelationships


    1 hr 9 min
  • Co-parenting Hack: Lower Your Expectations and Find Peace - Ep 25

    Lindsy shares how her co-parenting evolved over time with her adjusting her expectations of her co-parent. Also, her blended family has grown to include her current partner, second son, and stepson, and she shares what she had to learn and unlearn to make everything work.

    Lastly, she describes the mutual respect the fathers of each of her children have for each other and why.


    #coparenting #stepmom #stepdad #personalgrowth #podcast #positivevibes #relationshipgoals #divorce

    35 min
  • Centering Yourself Post-Divorce: Redefining Motherhood and Situationships - Ep 24

    In this juicy, enlightening episode, Sydney sits down with her friend Javonne — a resilient mom, co-parent, and woman committed to ongoing healing after divorce.

    Javonne shares how she's reclaiming her peace by prioritizing rest, setting boundaries, and exploring healthier dynamics in her relationships — including what it means to be in a situationship that actually serves her.

    We talk about:

    • How she re-centered herself after emotional burnout
    • What "rest" really means when you're a mom (e.g. ignoring dirty laundry)
    • Why her current situationship feels like a step forward, not back

    This conversation is raw, reflective, and deeply relatable for any parent trying to heal while still showing up for their kids.💬 Drop a comment and let us know how you're choosing yourself this season.📌 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with a fellow co-parent who needs this.#coparenting #healingjourney #momlife #situationships #exesandbabies #restisradical #divorce

    35 min
  • An Unfiltered Truth: Why This Veteran Father Wants Every Man to Try Therapy - Ep 23

    What if the key to understanding your past relationships and building a truly thriving future lies in a place many men hesitate to go?

    On this powerful episode of Exes & Babies, we sit down with an extraordinary veteran Haitian-American father, Jeffrey Hysons, who is a passionate advocate for men embracing therapy. 

    He shares his deeply personal journey, revealing how dedicated self-work provided him with the crucial insights to understand the breakdown of his previous relationship and prepared him for fathering a son with special needs.

    Additional topics covered:

    • Raising a son who has autism and is deaf

    • Unlearning unproductive gender roles in a marriage

    • Acclimating to civilian life after military

    • Co-parenting internationally and across different US states

    • Taking accountability

    Learn more:

    • Watch the video on YouTube⁠

    • ⁠Co-parent coaching⁠

    • ⁠Our TikTok⁠

    • ⁠Our Instagram ⁠

    • ⁠Newsletter with tips and co-parent events⁠


    31 min

About Exes and Babies

From the publisher's feed

Ready to tackle the real side of co-parenting? Join Sydney Swonigan, The Co-parent Whisperer—a certified coach and co-parent herself—as she dives into the good, bad, and the ugly of co-parenting.