In this heartfelt episode, I chat with Leila Kubesch, an award-winning educator, researcher, and founder of Parents 2 Partners, about what it truly takes to blend families with care, compassion, and connection.

Leila shares stories from her decades of experience supporting parents across cultures, and offers powerful insights into how we can raise emotionally secure kids—no matter what our family structure looks like.

We talk about:
💛 How to blend families while honoring each child’s emotional reality
🏡 Why a sense of belonging must come before behavior correction
🧠 Replacing shame-based habits with connection-based strategies
🛠️ Practical tools from classrooms and real homes that truly work

Whether you're navigating a new family dynamic or simply seeking to parent with more intention, this episode is filled with wisdom, warmth, and aha moments.

https://www.parents2partners.org/

In this inspiring episode of The Parent Pod, Rachel is joined by best-selling author, speaker, and content photographer Coral Emerson. Coral shares her journey of being diagnosed with ADHD later in life, living with a neurological condition, and rising above life’s challenges to create a life of purpose, creativity, and joy.

Drawing from her book Open the Door to a New You, Coral offers heartfelt insights into resilience, self-acceptance, and finding strength in adversity. Her story is a powerful reminder for parents—and anyone navigating hard times—that hope and transformation are always possible.

AmazonAUS: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0B4HTXP5D

Paperback

AmazonAUS: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0645504505

Facebook: Coral Emerson @coralemersonauthorhttps://www.facebook.com/coralemersonauthorInstagram: Coral Emerson @coral.emersonhttps://www.instagram.com/coral.emerson/
Website: https://www.coralemerson.com.au

In this episode of The Parent Pod, I’m joined by Leisa Robertson, whose journey is as honest as it is powerful. Together, we explore what it really means to let goof expectations—of ourselves, our children, and the parenting playbook we thought we were supposed to follow.

This conversation dives deep into the messy, meaningful moments that shape us—not just as parents, but as people. From questioning “the usual way” to navigatingneurodivergence and identity, this is a story about courage, connection, and rewriting the rules in a way that actually works.

Leisa speaks from the heart and her wisdom will not only inspire but help.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Kerry Morrison—an Aboriginal social worker, coach, parent, and founder of Empowerment2Be, based on Noongar Boodja in WA’s South West. With over 15 years’ experience across disability, education and trauma recovery, Kerry brings a deeply grounded, culturally safe, and strengths-based approach to her work with families of neurodivergent and disabled children.

Through NDIS-funded services, therapy-informed coaching, and practical, real-world strategies, Kerry helps families feel seen, supported, and equipped. She also hosts free Walk and Talk sessions in the community—because when parents and carers feel connected, kids are better able to thrive.

In this episode, we explore:

• Kerry’s story and what led her to create Empowerment2Be

• How to recognise and celebrate your child’s unique gifts—even if they don’t fit the mainstream mould

• What to hold onto when your child doesn’t fit into traditional systems

• The kinds of supports and alternative pathways that are available to families

• Practical strategies to build identity, confidence and emotional safety at home

• Why parents don’t need to have all the answers—and how to guide instead of “fix”

• Ways to explore future possibilities with your child without overwhelm

Whether your child is neurodivergent, disabled, or just forging their own path, this conversation is full of insight, honesty, and hope.

Empowerment2Be

Follow Kerry’s work and find out more about her Walk and Talk sessions at empowerment2be.com

Stay rad

In this episode of The Parent Pod, Rachel is joined by public speaker, educator, clinical hypnotherapist, and life coach Dani Hewton. With over 25 years of experience, Dani specialises in stress and pain reduction using a unique blend of science, psychology, energy healing, and holistic tools.

Dani shares her powerful personal journey of transformation—from chronic pain and financial hardship to a life of wellbeing and abundance—and how this inspired the creation of Next Gen Wellness. Together, they explore the rising rates of anxiety in tweens and teens, what it actually looks like, and how biological wiring during these years affects the way young people experience stress.

This conversation dives into what parents can do when nothing seems to help, why autonomy is such a powerful protective factor, and how to nurture it in ways that still feel safe and connected. Dani’s insights are grounded, practical, and full of hope for families navigating the complex emotional world of adolescence.

Parent Podders can download Dani’s Great Sleep Guide and access to sleep better hypnotherapy recording for free here https://forms.gle/nitHEV65Pxn9g8iDA
www.nextgen-wellness.com.au <http://www.nextgen-wellness.com.au>
https://www.facebook.com/nextgenwellnessau
https://www.instagram.com/danihewton/

In this episode of The Parent Pod, Rachel is joined by energy healer, coach, and Reiki Master Janene Shanahan for a powerful conversation about the unseen forces that shape our parenting and family life. With training in NLP, Timeline Techniques, and Hypnosis, Janene brings a deep, holistic perspective to the way we relate, regulate, and connect with our children.

Together, they explore Janene’s unique journey into energy work and what drew her to this healing path. For those unfamiliar with concepts like energy, frequency, and vibration in family life, Janene offers clear, grounded explanations that make these ideas both accessible and practical. She shares insights into how energy healing can support both parents and children—especially when they're feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or out of sync.

The conversation delves into the power of unconscious patterns, and how understanding and shifting our own internal responses can transform the way we show up as parents. Janene also offers practical ways to clear energy after challenging moments, and reframes self-regulation as an energetic act of love—something we gift our children every time we tend to our own wellbeing.

This episode is a beautiful blend of science, intuition, and deep care for the emotional world of families. Whether you're curious about energy work or simply seeking new ways to connect and regulate, you’ll find plenty of insight and inspiration here.

Contact for Janene:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064937445382

In this episode of The Parent Pod, we sit down with Reiki Master and NLP Master Practitioner Janene Shanahan, who shares her powerful journey into the world of energy work. We explore what “energy” means in the context of parenting, how it shapes family dynamics, and why understanding our unconscious patterns can help us show up with more awareness and love. Janene offers practical tools for clearing your energy, connecting with your child on a deeper level, and regulating yourself as an energetic act of love. If you’ve ever felt stuck, dysregulated, or just a little out of sync with your child, this episode is full of gentle insights and grounded strategies to help you reconnect—with yourself and with them.

https://www.facebook.com/people/Janene-Shanahan/100064937445382/

In this episode of The Parent Pod, Rachel chats with naturopath and nutritionist Jacqueline Stenhouse from The Healthy Alternative. With a calm, grounded approach and a passion for practical wellness, Jacqueline shares simple, doable ways families can support their health through food, daily habits, and a low-tox lifestyle.

We explore:

• What “clean eating” really means for busy parents

• Easy routines that bring calm and nourishment to your home

• Go-to meals and prep tips for healthy family eating

• Small but powerful changes beyond the kitchen—like sleep and screen-time habits

• Encouragement for parents feeling stuck or overwhelmed

Whether you're starting fresh or looking to fine-tune your family's wellbeing, this episode offers inspiration and doable steps for a healthier home.

In this powerful episode, Rachel sits down with Mitch Tambo – singer, songwriter, author, and one of Australia’s most distinctive First Nations entertainers – to explore fatherhood, culture, creativity, and healing.

Hailed as “the new voice of a generation,” Mitch has earned 14 consecutive Top 10 singles on the Australian iTunes Worldwide chart and performed at major national events including the Australian Open, T20, NRL Indigenous All Stars, and Fire Fight Australia. In 2024, he topped the charts with The Best and his album Tambo Jamz Vol. 1, and in 2025, he was celebrated for his stunning duet and solo versions of My Island Home.

Now a father in a blended family, Mitch brings everything he’s learned—and continues to learn—into his role as a parent, artist, and advocate. Together, we explore:

• How fatherhood has deepened Mitch’s sense of purpose and legacy

• The power of culture, language, and storytelling to shape identity

• Why intergenerational healing matters more than ever

• What drives Mitch forward in his creative and personal journey

• His message for parents raising children in today’s world

This episode is a heartfelt reminder of the strength in sharing stories, embracing identity, and leading with spirit.

In this episode of The Parent Pod, Rachel is joinedby Professor Narelle Lemon—internationally recognised researcher, educator, and coach—who invites us to rethink self-care as the foundation for wellbeing in all aspects of life.

As Lead of the Wellbeing and Education Research Community at Edith Cowan University and Director of Explore & Create Co, Narelle brings a rich blend of experience from education, the arts, leadership, and positive psychology. She shares how self-care can be a daily, intentional practice thatgrounds us—even amid parenting chaos.

With mountain biking, mindful rituals, and a green tea inhand, Narelle walks her talk—offering a grounded, inspiring look at how we can all flourish a little more, one moment at a time.

 Find Narelle:

 www.exploreandcreateco.com

www.shespeakswellbeing.com

www.wellbeingcitizenscientist.com

As @rellypops on Instagram