S3/E20- Paula & John: Ask Us Anything 

This is always one of your favorite (and most popular!) episodes….when John and I give you a blank slate to ASK US ANYTHING!. 

Your questions ranged from relationships, menopause, and teen dating to media and a few questions that, frankly, made us blush. 

It’s our final episode of 2024 before coming back in 2025 with a bang! 

Listen with your partner and enjoy some laughs as we keep it real and honest this holiday season. 

Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It! 

PAULA’S PERSONAL NEWSLETTER

Paula’s Closet Sale, which benefits the BGCA–everything is 50% off! 

Listen in to learn more: 

(05:28) Parenting Boundaries and Media Diversity

(10:22) Navigating Relationship Challenges and Media Bias

(17:34) College Visits and Evolving Family Dynamics 

(22:58) Evolution of  Relationships Through Change and Healthy Conflict Resolution 

(34:56) Life, Love, and Parenting Chats

In this episode, John and I  are digging into our thoughts on mainstream media, life changes like aging parents and our kids growing up, conflict in our marriage and how we resolve it, our best tips for prioritizing your marriage and activities to do together, and the difference in raising boys and girls.

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I can’t believe we’re saying this, but we are looking at colleges with our daughter, Caroline. One day, you’re dropping your kid off at preschool, and the next, they’re getting ready to fly the coop. 

That’s literally how fast it’s gone. 

In this episode, John and I talk about taking those first college tours, what we’re learning along the way, and what shocked us most about the process. (Any guesses on who handled themselves best during the tours?) 

Plus, the one thing we’ve done which has focused the direction and strategy on which schools we should be looking at. 

We also get real about how much we should be involved as parents and whether we’re projecting our own desires a bit too much on our kids. 

Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It. 

Listen in to learn more :

(05:58) The value of College Tours and Getting LOST! .

(13:28) College Decision-Making and Financial Considerations

(21:41) Choosing the Right College Together With Your Child

 (26:42) Parenting, College Choices, and Reflection

In this episode, we are diving into changes in the college tour and application process over the years, the financial investment families and students make in college, being careful not to project our own dreams onto our kids’ college choices, weighing pros and cons of each school (and writing it down!), distance as a factor in choosing a college, and how fast time goes as we raise our kids.

LINKS 

PAULA’S PERSONAL NEWSLETTER

Paula’s Closet Sale, which benefits the BGCA–everything is 50% off!

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One of our challenges as a family is finding really good programming that’s not only compelling, but it’s safe for us to watch with our whole crew. This is something we hear from a LOT of families. 

So, John and I invited Dallas Jenkins (Director/Creator) to the show to discuss our favorite holiday movies and family shows and why he’s saying, “He’s never seen anything like it” when it comes to the future of family-friendly programming. 

Happy Holidays, family.

Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It. 

Listen in to learn more: 

(03:34) Family-Friendly Entertainment Struggles

(10:55) Quality Content in Today's Society

(17:37) Accountability App - Covenant Eyes

(20:35) Faith Media Industry Growth and Opportunity

(30:31) Adapting Book to Film Techniques

(33:16) Theater Experience for Everyone

(37:19) Inspiration Behind TV Series 'The Chosen

SUMMARY: 

In this episode, we are diving into teenage date conversations, why it’s so difficult to find quality content for the whole family, being vigilant about protecting our kids from content they aren’t ready for, suggestions of shows and movies to watch as a family, and the (encouraging!) direction of family friendly and faith based content. 

PAULA’S PERSONAL NEWSLETTER

Paula’s Closet Sale, which benefits the BGCA–everything is 50% off! 

Dallas Jenkins - Instagram 

Movies and Shows we discussed on the podcast: 

HOLIDAY MOVIES:

It’s a Wonderful Life, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Elf, A Christmas Story, Home Alone, George C Scott's Christmas Carol, The Muppet Christmas Carol, The Christmas Chronicles I and II, 

TEEN SHOWS:

Breaking Bad, Friday Night Lights (12+)

WHOLE FAMILY:

Paddington 1 & 2, Babe , Inside Out, Gravity Falls, The Chosen

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The reality is that 95% of us will be with our families over the holidays. So, how do you determine whose house you’re going to? And, how do you navigate the in-law relationships, particularly the one with your mother-in-law?

I’ll be honest… I overheard some women at my local gym talking about the stress of navigating holiday travel and their in-laws, and I thought to myself, “We HAVE to talk about this.” Plus, a lot of you have reached out asking to have this conversation.

So, about your mother-in-law…

I was shocked to learn that over half of women are either satisfied or HIGHLY satisfied with the relationship they have with their mothers-in-law!

Confusing, right? Because that’s not the narrative we hear…so, maybe the relationship gets a bad rap? 

To talk about it all, I’ve invited mom, podcaster and new friend Rachel Awtrey to the podcast for an honest conversation about the complexities of determining whose house we go to. Plus, we also dive into the deep end talking about mothers-in-law and our loving advice for any mothers-in-law out there. 

This is definitely a conversation that’s not happening enough. But life happens.

So, Let’s Talk About It!

Listen in to learn more: 

(06:19) Navigating Military Life Between States 

(08:53) Desire for Family Proximity 

(15:46) Family Representatives for Difficult Conversations 

(19:22) Creating Family Traditions Without Conflict 

(22:21) In-Law Relationships at the Holidays 

(35:35) Encouragement and Positive Feedback 

In this episode, we are diving into how to navigate holiday travel when you live away from family, practical tips for deciding where to spend the holidays, doing what’s right for your family in your season, the dynamics and tensions of in-law relationships, and modeling good in-law relationships for our children. 

LINKS : 

Meet Rachel Awtrey 

PAULA’S PERSONAL NEWSLETTER

Paula’s Closet Sale which benefits the BGCA–everything is 50% off! 

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Parents would make incredible hostage negotiators. After all, we’re negotiating all day, every day, with our kids, partners, and co-workers. 

Because we’re in countless negotiations (and maybe we don’t even know it), I’ve invited former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss to the show to help us effectively negotiate with our kids, partner, and co-workers. 

This guy is legit. He’s even done a masterclass on it.

Maybe you want your kids to go to bed on time or listen to better music. Or do you want your partner to step it up at home, or do you desire a better schedule at work?

Chris is here for all of it. Plus, he shares why he wants our kids to say NO.

Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It. 

Listen in to learn more: 

(03:54) Negotiating and Parenting With Chris Voss)

(08:39) Redefining Negotiation Through Tactical Empathy 

(13:50) Parenting and Autonomy 

(22:39) Effective Hostage Negotiation Techniques 

(25:38) Importance of Tactical Empathy in Negotiation 

(30:26) Perspective and Accountability in Communication 

(33:29) Parenting Strategies for Effective Communication 

(48:45) Tactical Empathy in Parenting and Leadership 

In this episode, we are diving into causes of friction in families and how minimizing friction helps move collaboration along, the power of saying no, practical strategies you can use to help the people in your life feel heard (and therefore more willing to come to the table!), and why empathy does not require agreement.

LINKS:

Chris’s website 

WATCH: “Tactical Empathy” on Amazon Prime Video

PAULA’S PERSONAL NEWSLETTER

Paula’s Closet Sale, which benefits the BGCA–everything is 50% off!

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The moms from the Birds & Bees are back to answer all your thought-provoking questions about how to talk about sex and our bodies with our children. 

When should they stop bathing together? How do you talk about sex when they’re older? Should your kids see you naked? How do you have these conversations with your special needs kids? We’re leaving no stone unturned. 

We’re even discussing when and if you should share your own personal experiences with them. 

And, don’t forget to sign up for their Birds & Bees course for 20% off with the code “PAULA”.

Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It. 

Listen in to learn more :

(01:28) Talking Tough Conversations With Kids 

(06:13) Effective Conversations With Adolescents

(09:25) Starting the Conversation About Reproduction 

(17:16) When to Stop Bathing Together? 

(20:10) Cultural Perceptions of Modesty 

(37:50) Embracing Shyness in Parenting

(43:37) Comfortable Conversations About Sex

In this episode, we are digging into why having uncomfortable conversations is best done shoulder to shoulder, meeting our kids with age-appropriate responses, how to know when your child is ready for more information, when siblings should stop bathing together when family members should stop changing in front of one another, the danger of oversexualizing our bodies, and approaching the sex talk with kids who have special needs. 

Birds & Bees Course:  USE CODE: PAULA for 20% off 

PAULA’S PERSONAL NEWSLETTER

Paula’s Closet Sale which benefits the BGCA–everything is 50% off! 

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I don’t know of any parent that says, “I can’t wait to have the sex talk with my kid!” So, I’m gonna have the moms from Birds & Bees on the podcast to help us navigate all that discomfort. 

They’re going to tell you this: you’re not alone in your dread. But they’ll also share why and how we need to take the pressure off of having ONE BIG TALK. 

This conversation is going to be so helpful for you and your crew. And, it’s just Part 1. They’ll be back next week to answer ALL YOUR QUESTIONS, ranging from when kids should stop bathing together, being naked around your children, and how to talk about sex when they’re a bit older. 

Finally, make sure you check out their BIRDS AND BEES course, which is now 20% off with the code “PAULA.” 

Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It. 

Listen in to learn more: 

(00:47) Navigating the Sex Talk With Kids (114 Seconds)

(06:46) Importance of Multiple Age-Appropriate Conversations (80 Seconds)

(11:33) Parenting and Sex Ed Timing (32 Seconds)

(15:30) Navigating Early Conversations With Children (100 Seconds)

(20:36) The Role of Parents in Conversations (76 Seconds)

(28:47) Parenting and Sex Education Conversations (89 Seconds)

SUMMARY: 

In this episode, we are delving into the pressure and dread parents feel around the sex talk, why parents need to initiate conversations about our bodies and sex, letting go of the pressure to be perfect parents so we can be purposeful parents instead, and how you can give your kids good information while giving yourself the grace to try again if a conversation doesn’t go the way you hoped it would. 

LINKS:

Birds & Bees Course:  USE CODE: PAULA for 20% off 

Get Paula’s Personal Newsletter

Paula’s Closet Sale which benefits the BGCA–everything is 50% off! 

THE CARRY ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms

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Do you think we need to agree with people in order to respect them or befriend them? Maybe you’ve been unfriended by someone who doesn’t see eye to eye with you politically, or your kid has come from school saying disparaging things about another kid’s family because of who they’re voting for. (That’s the worst…and I’ve been there.) 

And why can’t we have conversations about politics at the dinner table? 

I’ve found the perfect person to talk about this with–Sharon McMahon, aka America’s Government Teacher, who just wrote a #1 New York Times Bestselling book called “The Small and the Mighty.” 

Sharon is going to guide us in how to effectively talk about politics with our kids, family, and friends. And make sure you hear her phrase for those of us who only respect or befriend people with our viewpoints. 

We also discuss the lack of choice in terms of candidates and a possible solution to fix it. 

Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It. 

Listen in to learn more: 

(03:24) Navigating Political Conversations With Sharon 

(12:27) Teaching Kids About Politics 

(18:36) Modeling Healthy Conversation With Curiosity 

(22:08) Moral Narcissism in Society 

(27:08) Navigating Bias in News Sources 

(29:30) Evaluating Media Bias and Reliability 

(38:41) Inspiring Everyday American Unsung Heroes 

(49:16) National Primary Election Day Legislation 

(54:27) Journalistic Integrity and Backlash 

SUMMARY: 

In this episode, we discuss how to teach our kids to talk about politics in an appropriate and civil way, how to disagree without dehumanizing other people, how to give our children age-appropriate agency, practical ways to help our kids develop critical thinking skills, and how to distinguish between bias and lies in information.

LINKS:

Paula’s Closet Sale which benefits the BGCA–everything is 50% off! 

Connect with Sharon

Sharons’s new book

1440 News (Paula’s pick)

Paula's Personal Newsletter

THE CARRY ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms

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John and I have a wide-ranging conversation about Why Parenting in America is So Tough. 

We talk about our big struggles as parents, how parenting is “hazardous to your health” per the Surgeon General, plus we check in with our friend Stephanie May Wilson (Mom and Podcaster), who recently moved from Tennessee to SPAIN, mainly because parenting in America is such a struggle. 

You’ll love to hear her experience of what it’s like parenting in another country, how their cultures view and support family, plus our new favorite Spanish word and how it could be a game changer for your crew.

Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It. 

Listen in to learn more: 

Listen in to learn more: 

* Gratitude for Podcast Topics | 0:05:32 - 0:06:13 

* Parenting Struggles With Over-Structuring | 0:10:48 - 0:12:05 

* Teaching Responsibility Through Ownership | 0:13:43 - 0:14:53

* Parental Balancing Act of Providing Experiences | 0:17:04 - 0:18:31

* Parenting in America vs. Other Countries | 0:20:28 - 0:21:25 

* Parenting Challenges Prompt Move to Spain | 0:24:54 - 0:25:28 

* School Enrollment Stress in Spain | 0:30:00 - 0:31:53

* Parental Struggles and Community Investment | 0:40:48 - 0:41:49

In this episode, we discuss stressors in parenting and raising a family, the challenge of balancing protecting our kids with growing their resilience, cultural differences in raising families, and the freedom that comes with simplifying family life. 

LINKS:

HOW TO BUILD AUTONOMY IN OUR KIDS 

FAMILY CHARGING BOX TO REDUCE SCREEN TIME

THE CARRY ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms

https://carrymedia.com/the-carry-all/ 

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We’re having fewer and fewer kids in the U.S. In fact, we’ve reached record-low numbers. But here’s the question: should we care?

I am talking to sociologist Dr Jennifer Glass to explain the trend and reveal the most puzzling piece about it all. 

Dr Glass is a Sociology Professor at the, University of Texas and the Executive Director at the Council on Contemporary Families. This is her life work. She’s done the research, commissioned the studies, looked at the trends and will break it all down. 

As she tells me, we have a system where “mom just picks up the slack”. But, moms are fed up and starting to say NO. 

We can’t call ourselves a family-friendly country if our policies don’t support the family and if money and power continue to go to those who ignore their families. 

So, what’s our path forward? 

Let’s Talk About It. 

Listen in to learn more:

 * Low Birth Rates and Family Policy | 0:00:52 - 0:02:36 

* Global Concerns About Declining Birth Rates | 0:07:51 - 0:09:29

* Support for Families | 0:14:26 - 0:15:47

* Rethinking Office Metrics for Remote Work | 0:20:20 - 0:21:32 

* Tax Pinch vs Social Insurance | 0:23:12 - 0:23:47

* Shared Responsibility for Family Leave | 0:26:30 - 0:27:28 

* Lack of Family-Friendly Policies | 0:31:36 - 0:32:36 

* American Individualism Impact on Children | 0:35:57 - 0:37:21 

SUMMARY:

In this insightful episode, Paula and Dr. Stephanie Glass highlight the challenges families face due to inadequate family-friendly policies, comparing U.S. approaches to those in Europe. Dr. Glass emphasizes the need for systemic changes to bolster families and the economy, offering hope through collaborative efforts and community-driven solutions.  

LINKS: 

Learn more about Dr. Stephanie Glass 

Council on Contemporary Families 

https://sites.utexas.edu/contemporaryfamilies/

THE CARRY ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms

https://carrymedia.com/the-carry-all/ 

SIGNUP  FOR PAULA’S NEWSLETTER

https://www.paulafarisofficial.com/newsletter 

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