Rawesome Parenting

Parenting can demand a softer side of our human instincts.  Unfortunately, society conditions many of our men to act hard and tough.  So when delicate moments arise, such as one that a writer shares about his newborn, it can leave father's feeling inadequate.  Luckily, we have the male perspective of Jeff Perera of Higher Unlearning.  Hear what he has to say about why so many men struggle with harmful dialogues and how to turn it around.

"Jeff is a speaker, writer and facilitator, who since 2008 has delivered keynotes, talks and workshops for tens of thousands of people across North America and beyond about healthy vs harmful ideas of manhood, race and gender, masculinity, empathy-building, and men helping end gender-based violence... Jeff discusses how society’s unattainable and harmful ideas of masculinity impact people of all genders, as well as ways forward and positive maps to manhood."

Between 10-15% of women will experience a miscarriage as they endeavour to get pregnant.  While most people know or have known someone who’s lost a baby, many are ill-equipped with the right words or resources to support a mother/family through this type of grieving.  Why are we all so bad at this?  Listen in as expert death doula, Leigh Naturkach, sheds some light on this heavy topic.

About Leigh: Leigh is the Senior Director, Philanthropy and Legacy Giving for Women’s College Hospital Foundation. Leigh has over two decades of experience in media, the women’s sector, philanthropy and social justice.

As a death doula focused on equity and grief literacy, Leigh is a volunteer at Hospice Toronto and member of the National End of Life Doula Alliance. Leigh has held a number of Board and volunteer roles – including at Dying with Dignity Canada, Canadians for Choice, and Arrabon House. Currently, Leigh has chosen a community of practice approach to her work, working with organizations as well as individuals in the death and dying space.

She loves dogs, laughing, and chicken fingers.

Having a conversation about postpartum depression is one thing, feeling pressure to take medication is another.  Join us as guest speaker, Joanne Ma of Modern Fort, shares her thoughts on PPD and medication.

About Joanne: Joanne is an entrepreneur, Reproductive Mental Health Advocate for Women, and a mother of 3.  Not too long ago, Joanne shared her struggles with PPD publicly.  The video went viral and served as a catalyst for countless conversations about the overwhelming challenges underlying pregnancy and motherhood.

Having a child can bring about plenty of feelings of inadequacy and resentment for mother AND fathers.  One writer opens up about how his newborn seems to have hijacked his relationship with his wife.  Guest speaker, Cory Breland of Against All Odds, gives insight on how to get through the newborn phase for dads and spouses.

About Cory:  As a Performance & Skills Trainer, Cory has made it his life’s mission to impact change for impoverished Indigenous communities through basketball.  A life of trauma and abuse taught Cory that the power is within him to break toxic family cycles.  His passion for being a catalyst for change enables him to reach children and youth on a mental, physical, and emotional level.  Cory is also a father and aims to share his story of struggle and triumph as a parent whenever the opportunity arises.

Over a quarter of new moms experience Postpartum Depression (PPD), yet it’s still a mystery to so many expecting parents.  Cathy shares her personal journey through PPD and what she wished every family knew when it came to supporting a loved through it.

We’ve wrapped up Season 1 with a little recap on common remedies for any family issue that you and your loved ones may be experiencing.  It’s been our honour to share so many stories and unpack all the different possible perspectives on our podcast.  Have a listen to hear what’s in store for Season 2 - Coming January 2021!

Co-parenting All of us have had our emotions get the best of us at one point or another.   The guilt and shame that follows can sometimes be unbearable.  How does one resolve these feelings and improve the relationships with our loved ones after the rage?  Listen to what we offer this one writer in terms of strategies.

Co-parenting is a difficult endeavor.  How does one deal with an ex who feels the need to paint you as the bad guy with your kids?  One writer shares their experience that we couldn't wait to dive into.  Learn how to resolve differences with your ex on this episode.

What an exciting opportunity we’ve received on this episode, as a child has decided to share their perspective on what it's like to grow up with too much responsibility.  If you’re a parent who wants the inside scoop on what your child may be enduring, you won’t want to miss this one.  We talk about how to approach the difficult talk while becoming more connected with your loved ones.

The woes of parenting continue on when a writer and her spouse are caught in the naked tango by their two children.  Learn how to manage a conversation about "adult stuff" with kids in this episode.