Growing up in rural Iceland, raising a daughter as a young, single mom brings unique challenges and rewards. In this episode, I sit down with Asa Porsteinsdottir to explore the balance between isolation and community, the impact of Iceland’s progressive maternity and paternity leave policies, and the benefits of fresh, albeit expensive, local foods. We also delve into the pros and cons of parenting in this stunning but cold part of the world, sharing insights on what makes Iceland an unforgettable place to raise a family. 

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In this enlightening episode, we sit down with New York-based, German publicist Nadja Atwal to discuss the challenges and triumphs of juggling motherhood and a thriving career. Nadja shares her unique insights on integrating children into daily work life, how the German parenting and disciplinary style compares to American approaches, and her personal experiences navigating the U.S. and German healthcare systems. She also opens up about the resilience required to mother through two cancer treatments and the realities of plane travel with toddlers. Nadja also offers her perspective on what the U.S. can do to become a more pro-family nation.  

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Join me in an illuminating conversation with Anna McMahon, an international educator, coaching psychologist, and founder of Enhanced Wellbeing. Anna shares her journey from growing up in Ireland to living in London, China, Sri Lanka, and now Vietnam, offering deep insights into international education, Asian family values, and the beauty of cross-cultural connection. In this episode, Anna takes us through her unique experiences of motherhood in Asia, from giving birth in Sri Lanka to her current pregnancy in Vietnam, and shares invaluable wisdom on pre- and postnatal care, healthcare systems, and balancing the demands of business and family. This is a must-listen for anyone navigating the intersection of career and parenthood on a global scale. Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/enhanced.wellbeing

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for more updates and subscribe to my new podcast DISPATCHES ON PARENTING ACROSS CULTURES

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In this eye-opening episode, I speak with Cameroonian father of four NCHE Sam Tako, a mental health advocate and founder of FOMCAM who sheds light on the harsh realities of raising a family in a country torn apart by violence over French and English language divisions. Sam opens up about the impact of postpartum depression and poverty on mental health, the tireless effort to reduce the stigma, and the immense challenges of giving birth and raising children in an active conflict zone. We also explore Sam's passion for entrepreneurship, the importance of starting work young, and his ongoing fight for accessible education for all. This is a candid look at resilience, hope, and the power of community amidst chaos.  

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Hollie McKay shares her firsthand experience from her recent trip to the Darfurian refugee camps on the Chad/Sudan border. She provides a heartbreaking and eye-opening account of the women enduring unimaginable hardship in the wake of wartime sexual violence, loss of loved ones, and the depletion of resources in the camps. Hollie delves into the devastating human toll of the ongoing conflict, offering insights into the real situation on the ground. From stories of resilience to the grim realities of survival in such extreme conditions, this conversation offers a rare and unfiltered perspective on one of the world’s most pressing humanitarian crises. 

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In this compelling episode, I sit down with a U.S. Army Ranger veteran and ER doctor Matt Tipton who shares his extraordinary journey from rural East Tennessee to the U.S Army and emergency medicine. Matt opens up about raising three children post-divorce, the complexities of male mental health, and navigating the realities of school shootings in today’s America. Our conversation delves into the pressing issues he encounters in the ER, including the leading causes for children’s visits, and his insights on the alarming rise in America’s maternal mortality rate. A thoughtful discussion on service, survival, and the health of a nation in crisis. 

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FOR EXCLUSIVE GLOBAL CONTENT AND DIRECT MESSAGING, PLEASE CONSIDER A PAID SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS SUBSTACK TO HELP KEEP INDEPENDENT, AGENDA-FREE WRITING AND JOURNALISM ALIVE. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

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In this powerful and heart-wrenching episode, I sit down with my dear friend and war reporting buddy, Steven Nabil, an Iraqi Christian father who shares his harrowing journey of surviving war as a child and years later enduring a terrorist attack by ISIS at Istanbul airport while returning from his honeymoon. Steven opens up about the lasting trauma of these experiences and how it has shaped his family’s life. With resilience, he discusses his passion to preserve the ancient language of Jesus, and what fatherhood means to him in the face of death threats.

Steven reflects on raising his son in a world shaped by Assyrian, Iraqi, and American values, all while striving to be the most present, loving, and selfless father he can be in the face of continued death threats as he exposes critical issues within the fabric of Iraqi society. This is a story of survival, faith, and the unbreakable bond of family with lots of wisdom along the way!

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FOR EXCLUSIVE GLOBAL CONTENT AND DIRECT MESSAGING, PLEASE CONSIDER A PAID SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS SUBSTACK TO HELP KEEP INDEPENDENT, AGENDA-FREE WRITING AND JOURNALISM ALIVE. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

For speaking queries please contact [email protected]

For ghostwriting, personalized mentoring or other writing/work-related queries please contact [email protected]

Order The Dictator’s Wife and Other Books! Click to Purchase Here

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit holliesmckay.substack.com/subscribe

In this powerful episode, Kris "Tanto" Paronto, former Army Ranger and Benghazi survivor, opens up about the challenges and triumphs of fatherhood. From juggling overseas deployments to learning how to be a present father later in life and endeavoring to make up for lost time, Kris shares his journey of shunning ego, stepping back from the spotlight, divorcing and re-marrying his wife, and simplifying his once chaotic world to focus on his family. Hear his emotional account of coming back from the brink of suicide and the life-changing lessons he's learned along the way. This candid conversation offers deep insights into fatherhood, resilience, and the advice Kris would give his younger self.

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Join me for a powerful conversation with Rebecca Deng, a remarkable woman and mother who has defied all odds. Growing up in the midst of war in Sudan, Rebecca lost her father in the war and her mother and baby sibling died during childbirth. After evading a pending child marriage, at just 15, she gave birth to her first daughter, a heartbreaking consequence of wartime rape in a Kenyan refugee camp. Despite these trials, Rebecca's spirit remained unbroken. She immigrated to the United States, has had two more children, and is an incredible beacon of hope for survivors of trauma.

In this episode, Rebecca shares her extraordinary story, offering a glimpse into the Dinka tribe's birthing and child-rearing practices and the cultural differences she encountered in the United States. Discover the resilience and strength that have shaped her life, and learn how her journey can inspire others to overcome adversity.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation with Rebecca Deng, author of "What They Meant for Evil." Learn More about Rebecca: www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccadeng1

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for more updates and subscribe to my new podcast DISPATCHES ON PARENTING ACROSS CULTURES

FOR EXCLUSIVE GLOBAL CONTENT AND DIRECT MESSAGING, PLEASE CONSIDER A PAID SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS SUBSTACK TO HELP KEEP INDEPENDENT, AGENDA-FREE WRITING AND JOURNALISM ALIVE. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

For speaking queries please contact [email protected]

For ghostwriting, personalized mentoring or other writing/work-related queries please contact [email protected]

Order The Dictator’s Wife and Other Books! Click to Purchase Here

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit holliesmckay.substack.com/subscribe

In this powerful episode, I sit down with my dear friend Naweed, a father of two young girls in Afghanistan to hear his extraordinary story, from being born and raised in a refugee camp in Pakistan to becoming the provider for his family in Kabul. We explore the unique responsibilities placed on sons to care for their extended families in Afghan culture, the strength found in large families despite widespread poverty, and how communities persevere. He shares eye-opening insights into how the Taliban is funded and paints a vivid picture of life in the streets of Kabul—details that go far beyond what the mainstream media reports. 

Support the show

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Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for more updates and subscribe to my new podcast DISPATCHES ON PARENTING ACROSS CULTURES

FOR EXCLUSIVE GLOBAL CONTENT AND DIRECT MESSAGING, PLEASE CONSIDER A PAID SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS SUBSTACK TO HELP KEEP INDEPENDENT, AGENDA-FREE WRITING AND JOURNALISM ALIVE. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

For speaking queries please contact [email protected]

For ghostwriting, personalized mentoring or other writing/work-related queries please contact [email protected]

Order The Dictator’s Wife and Other Books! Click to Purchase Here

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit holliesmckay.substack.com/subscribe