Parents Who Think

We're told to be selfless. To give everything for our children. To die to ourselves for the sake of being a "good" mother and parent. But what if that's not the answer at all?

In this fierce, funny, and deeply real conversation, Danusia is joined by Meredith Masony —a woman who came back from a health crisis with one loud, clear truth: she was done putting herself last. They talk about the myth of the perfect mum, what happens when you carry the entire domestic load for a decade, and why sometimes the most radical thing a mother can do is say, "It's my turn."

This episode is a battle cry for any woman who's been told she's selfish for wanting more. If that's you? Tune in. We saved you a seat.

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• Join the the Parents Who Think community on Substack

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Credits:

• Hosted by Danusia Malina-Derben

• Edited, Mixed + Mastered by Marie Cruz

• Cover art by Anthony Oram

This episode, I speak with Simon Squibb, founder of HelpBnk and author of What's Your Dream? We dive into cultivating luck (hint: it's not random), why desperation can be a creative superpower, and how his mother kicking him out of the house became the very thing that made him.

Simon shares his raw take on privilege, failure, and the myth of the A-grade life. We talk resilience, drive, and what it means to burn the boats and go all in—even if you don't know how to hold a garden spade.

You'll leave this one fired up. Maybe even rethinking your whole idea of risk.

Discover more from us:

• Join the Parents Who Think community on Substack

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• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts

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Credits:

• Hosted by Danusia Malina-Derben

• Edited, Mixed + Mastered by Marie Cruz

• Cover art by Anthony Oram

In this episode I sit down with Eve Rodsky, author of the groundbreaking book Fair Play, to discuss the often invisible and unequal labour dynamics that play out in our homes. We get into why women frequently become the "she-fault" parent, shouldering the brunt of domestic responsibilities and emotional labour, often at the expense of their own well-being and careers.

Eve doesn't just identify the problem; she offers solutions. Drawing on her own experiences and extensive research, she introduces us to the Fair Play system, a practical and insightful approach to rebalancing domestic labour and creating a more harmonious partnership. We explore how this system helped Eve and her husband transform their own relationship and learn how it can work for others.

We also discuss the crucial role of communication and boundary setting in achieving a truly equitable partnership. Eve shares invaluable insights on how to have those difficult conversations, break free from societal conditioning, and reclaim our time.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who feels overwhelmed by the demands of modern life and wants to create a more balanced and fulfilling relationship.

Discover more from us:

• Join the Parents Who Think community on Substack

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• Connect with Danusia

• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts

• Advertising Inquiries here

Credits:

• Hosted by Danusia Malina-Derben

• Edited, Mixed + Mastered by Marie Cruz

• Cover art by Anthony Oram

In this episode of Parents Who Think, Danusia gets into into a juicy conversation with Hollie McNish—award-winning poet, author, and performer. The focus? Female masturbation, sexuality, and shedding the centuries of shame surrounding women's pleasure. One of Hollie's books, Slug and Other Things I've Been Told to Hate, serves as the jumping-off point for this honest chat.

Danusia and Hollie cover it all, from why society can't handle women who prioritise their own pleasure, to surprising moments of erotic awakenings (hairdressers and dentists, anyone?). Hollie shares deeply personal reflections, like conversations with her late grandmother who thought orgasms were mythical creatures. They also explore why certain words—like "moist" and "vulva"—trigger deep discomfort rooted in societal shame.

You won't want to miss this one—it's time to dismantle taboos, one orgasm at a time!

Discover more from us:

• Join the Parents Who Think community on Substack

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• Connect with Danusia

• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts

• Advertising Inquiries here

Credits:

• Hosted by Danusia Malina-Derben

• Edited, Mixed + Mastered by Marie Cruz

• Cover art by Anthony Oram

What happens when a woman is the breadwinner and her husband takes the lead at home? Apparently, a lot of raised eyebrows, unsolicited opinions, and a bizarre mix of pity and praise. Entrepreneur and mother Priscilla McKinney joins me to talk about flipping the script on traditional gender roles, how she and her husband Steve made the switch, and what it really means to thrive in a setup that works for them—not society's outdated rulebook.

We get into the hilarity of watching people fumble over the idea of a stay-at-home dad (spoiler: they either worship him or assume he's unemployed), the brutal weight of being the sole financial provider, and the power of letting go—of guilt, control, and the need to know everything about your child's life.

This one is for anyone who's ever questioned the status quo, felt the pressure to do it all, or needed a reminder that you get to decide what your family dynamic looks like. Listen in and prepare to unlearn a few things.

Discover more from us:

• Join the Parents Who Think community on Substack

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• Connect with Danusia

• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts

• Advertising Inquiries here

Credits:

• Hosted by Danusia Malina-Derben

• Edited, Mixed + Mastered by Marie Cruz

• Cover art by Anthony Oram

Sex toys: ancient history, cultural icon, and—if Sarah Forbes has anything to say about it—essential to our understanding of sexuality. This week, Danusia sits down with the anthropologist and former curator of the Museum of Sex in New York to talk about the rise (and rise) of sex toys, the deep-rooted taboos around pleasure, and why we need to stop acting like vibrators were invented last week.

We get into it all: the women who curate collections of sex toys like others collect fine wine, the psychology of private vs. shame, and why investing in high-end pleasure tech might just be self-care at its finest. Oh, and then we take a detour into the world of sex dolls—because, of course.

Expect frank talk, fascinating insights, and a solid reminder that knowing your body is power. Let's put the stigma to bed, shall we?

Discover more from us:

• Join the Parents Who Think community on Substack

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• Connect with Danusia

• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts

• Advertising Inquiries here

Credits:

• Hosted by Danusia Malina-Derben

• Edited, Mixed + Mastered by Marie Cruz

• Cover art by Anthony Oram

We've been sold a lie: that working parents can "have it all" if they just work hard enough. Today, we're tearing that fantasy to shreds. Danusia Malina-Derben PWT host is in conversation with journalist and author Christine Armstrong. They get brutally honest about the impossible expectations of juggling kids, careers, and sanity. Burnout isn't a personal failure—it's a rigged system that needs changing. They talk about the silent struggles, the real costs of trying to "do it all," and why it's not you failing, it's the structure. Tune in to blow up the myth and start demanding better.

Discover more from us:

• Join the Parents Who Think community on Substack

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• Connect with Danusia

• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts

• Advertising Inquiries here

Credits:

• Hosted by Danusia Malina-Derben

• Edited, Mixed + Mastered by Marie Cruz

• Cover art by Anthony Oram

From Self-Doubt to Self-Love with Jeanette Leblanc

Ah, the old "you're too much" conundrum. Too loud, too opinionated, too ambitious, too everything—and somehow, simultaneously, not enough. If you've ever felt stuck in this impossible tug-of-war, you are not alone.

Joining Danusia today is Jeanette Leblanc, writer, coach, and self-proclaimed champion of "too muchness." They get into what it means to reclaim our full, unapologetic selves—without waiting for permission. Jeanette shares her own path from self-doubt to radical self-love, including the messy, gut-wrenching, but ultimately liberating process of breaking free from the boxes we're shoved into.

They cover it all—motherhood, desire, monogamy (or the lack thereof), self-forgiveness, and that unshakable need to live on our own damn terms. Plus, Jeanette's got a Jung quote tattooed on her ribs, so you know this conversation is good.

Feeling the pull to unleash your own "too muchness?" Press play. The world needs all of you.

Discover more from us:

• Join the Parents Who Think community on Substack

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• Connect with Danusia

• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts

• Advertising Inquiries here

Credits:

• Hosted by Danusia Malina-Derben

• Edited, Mixed + Mastered by Marie Cruz

• Cover art by Anthony Oram

Motherhood and sexuality—two things we're told don't belong in the same sentence. But who made that rule? And why are we still following it?

Steph wasn't about to.

After decades of marriage, she found herself single, re-entering the dating world with a libido very much intact. But society had a different script for her: midlife divorce means fading into the background. Sex? Desire? Not for women past a certain age.

Well. About that.

In this episode, Steph shares what really happens when you stop putting yourself last—how desire resurfaces, how dating multiple people changes the game, and why owning your sexuality is about so much more than sex.

If you've ever wondered whether life gets smaller after divorce, press play. The answer is a resounding no.

Discover more from us:

• Join the Parents Who Think community on Substack

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Credits:

• Hosted by Danusia Malina-Derben

• Edited, Mixed + Mastered by Marie Kruz

• Cover art by Anthony Oram

Danusia Parents Who Think host, gets real with Dr. Shahzadi Harper about hormones, libido and why women's sex lives shouldn't have an expiration date. Shahzadi, a badass in women's health, spills the tea on how hormonal changes—hello, perimenopause—mess with your libido, energy, and self-confidence. But it's not all doom and gloom.

They unpack how testosterone (yep, women have it too), oestrogen, and orgasms—partnered or solo—can reignite that inner fire. Dr. Shahzadi talks about beating libido crashes with lifestyle tweaks, hormone therapy, and simply learning to put yourself first. Think of libido as your life force, not just a sex drive—it's the secret sauce to strutting through life with joy and confidence.

Ready to ditch outdated ideas about "sexual shelf life"? Hit play and feel empowered to reclaim your pleasure and power—at any age.

Discover more from us:

• Join the Parents Who Think community on Substack

• Follow us on Instagram

• Connect with Danusia

• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts

• Advertising Inquiries here

Credits:

• Hosted by Danusia Malina-Derben

• Edited, Mixed + Mastered by Marie Kruz

• Cover art by Anthony Oram