The Paula Faris Show

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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/ 

SIGNUP  FOR PAULA’S NEWSLETTER

https://www.paulafarisofficial.com/newsletter 

FOLLOW PAULA ON INSTAGRAM  

https://www.instagram.com/paulafaris/?hl=en

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 

FOLLOW PAULA ON INSTAGRAM  

https://www.instagram.com/paulafaris/?hl=en

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I get so fired up talking about this issue. We talk a lot about how we’re pro-family in this country. But, when it comes down to it, do America’s policies actually support families? 

We’ve made this political.. And that’s where we’ve gone wrong because this is an ECONOMIC issue. Yes, you heard me right, this is all about the economy.

As Australia’s former Prime Minister, Scott Morrison will tell us, when families are supported through family-friendly policies, the economy booms. Not only that, families are strengthened, and we close the gender equity gap. 

There is a lot of work to be done. But, let’s talk about where to start and why everyone wins when families are supported. 

Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It. 

Listen in to learn more:

* Evolving Australian Policies | 0:08:22 - 0:08:43 

* Economic Impact of Subsidized Childcare | 0:10:46 - 0:13:19 

* Strengthening Families Through Economic Support | 0:24:05 - 0:25:41

* Comparing Family Support Systems in Australia | 0:31:01 - 0:32:07 

* Enriching Childcare Through Education | 0:33:47 - 0:35:05

* Supporting Families Through Advocacy and Collaboration | 0:40:14 - 0:41:16

SUMMARY:

In this episode, we are digging into why childcare is an economic issue, the importance of supporting families at the policy level, the number one barrier for women in the workplace in the United States, and how it benefits employers to have family friendly policies. 

LINKS: 

Pick up a copy Scottt’s new book :

Plans For Your Good: A Prime Minister's Testimony of God's Faithfulness

https://amzn.to/3zOsIPn

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 

FOLLOW PAULA ON INSTAGRAM  

https://www.instagram.com/paulafaris/?hl=en

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re talking hot topics throughout Season Three of The Paula Faris Show and one of the hottest topics is this: Women are leaving the workplace because it simply doesn’t work for them. 1 in 3 women are planning on “pausing” and nearly half are considering downshifting, to lean into family life. 

What’s behind this trend? And, how can we support women throughout their entire journey of kids and career? 

I’ve invited Neha Ruch, founder of Mother Untitled, to the conversation to talk about why women are leaving the workforce, plus how we can reframe the way we think and talk about “at-home” parents. 

Motherhood Untitled is the leading platform for ambitious women who are leaning into family life. Neha and I have a very honest and spirited conversation about the pros and cons of leaving the workforce and how we can put an end to the #MommyWars. 

Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It. 

Listen in to learn more:

(0:00:00 - 0:03:00) Community Resilience and First Responders

(0:03:28 - 0:06:28) Challenges Faced by Working Mothers

(0:06:36 - 0:09:36) Reframing Stay-at-Home Motherhood

(0:20:11 - 0:23:11) Navigating Career Pivots After Motherhood 

(0:38:47 - 0:41:47) Ending the Divisiveness in Parenting Choices

SUMMARY:

In this episode, we are diving into reframing the role of a stay-at-home parent, the many multi-faceted reasons a parent may choose to pause or downshift their work outside the home, the crux of the mommy wars and how we can solve them, the power of choice and advocating for better support for every parent, and the motherhood penalty women face in the workforce.

LINKS: 

Connect with Neha 

https://www.instagram.com/motheruntitled/

Get Neha’s Book, ‘The Power Pause’

https://amzn.to/3zDUFsZ

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 

FOLLOW PAULA ON INSTAGRAM  

https://www.instagram.com/paulafaris/?hl=en

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I AM DONE COUNTING CALORIES. 

The majority of your questions throughout this series have been about nutrition and exercise, so, let’s talk about how we can best prepare our bodies for this time in our lives, beginning in our 30’s. The pursuit of skinny is killing us. We need to be STRONG. 

I somehow convinced my husband John to be part of this conversation–I can’t wait for you to hear his take. It’s important that our partners know what we’re going through and how they can support us. 

John and I are joined by a dear friend from my past life in TV News, Dr. Jen Ashton, who recently left ABC News as their Chief Medical Correspondent and has since founded Ajenda, a women’s health company. 

She’ll give us tips on how we should move, what we should eat, plus the magic formula to getting our daily protein!

Life Happens. Let’s Talk About it. 

Listen in to learn more:

01:25 - 02:33 Navigating Menopause

12:30 - 13:20 The Impact of Hormones on Women

17:51 - 18:58 Nutrition Education Discrepancy in Medicine

25:01 - 27:25 Nutrition and Moderation in Eating

28:46 - 30:09 Role of FDA-approved Weight Loss Medications

33:44 - 34:37 Double Standard on Dad Bods

36:34 - 39:03Maximizing Fitness With Variety and Consistency

40:33 - 42:13  Free Fitness Tips and Tricks

43:25 - 46:21 Importance of Being Strong

SUMMARY: 

In this episode, we are delving into nutrition for perimenopausal and menopausal women, why protein is so important and how to maximize the nutritional benefits, exercise that supports the female body before, during, and after menopause, and the importance of partners understanding what is happening to a woman’s body during menopause. 

RESOURCES:

Paula’s Fave weighted vest

ARMRA for hair loss: Use code PAULAFARIS for 30% off your subscription!

ALLOY Menopause Telehealth (use my code: PAULA42103 for $25 off) 

Get Dr Jen’s Newsletter 

Shop Paula’s TV clothes on The Saved Collection

Win a copy of Dr Haver's book

THE CARRY ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’re going to want to take a lot of notes because Dr Mary Claire Haver is back and she’s answering all YOUR questions about perimenopause and menopause. 

She’ll tell you where you need to start, how to find the right doctor, and what tests to ask for so that you can be armed and ready to get the help you need. Plus, she shares the TWO questions you must ask your doctor. 

This is part of our month-long series on perimenopause and menopause. It’s time to feel like ourselves again! 

Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It. 

Listen in to learn more :

02:04 - 03:42 Navigating Perimenopause and Menopause FAQs

09:40 - 11:23 Understanding Menopausal Weight Gain

22:18 - 23:06 Vitamin Supplements for Menopause Symptom Relief

27:43 - 28:34 Genetics and Menopause Symptom Disparities

34:30 - 35:56 Navigating Menopause and Health Testing

SUMMARY

In this episode, we are digging into perimenopause and menopause symptoms, types of hormone replacement therapy and how to know if hormone replacement therapy is right for you, options if you cannot take (or don’t want to take) estrogen, making informed decisions about perimenopause and menopause care, the impact of nutrition as women go into menopause, and advice for younger women as they think ahead about perimenopause.

Find a menopause-trained doctor

The Pause Life-Dr Haver's website

Shop my TV clothes on The Saved Collection

Follow Dr Mary Claire Haver on Instagram

ALLOY Menopause Telehealth (use my code: PAULA42103 for $25 off) 

Win a copy of Dr Haver's book

PAULA ON INSTAGRAM

THE CARRY ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s a reason why your symptoms are getting dismissed, why you’re told: “Don’t blame it on your hormones.” Maybe you’ve been called “lazy” or been told that “it’s all in your head.” 

Today’s guest, Dr. Mary Claire Haver, is THE leading voice on menopause and wrote the #1 New York Times bestselling book, The New Menopause. 

Dr. Haver will join us for two episodes, including next week’s, in which she answers all the questions that you sent me. 

But, this week, she’s going to explain what’s happening in our bodies, the truth about that landmark study from 20 years ago that scared us away from estrogen therapy, and the shocking reasons why the medical community has long dismissed our symptoms. 

Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It. 

Listen in to learn more :

(03:51 - 04:39) Perimenopause Symptoms and Experiences

(13:00 - 13:48) Diagnosing Perimenopause Through Blood Work

(15:38 - 16:50) The Neglect of Menopause in Medicine

(19:12 - 20:18) Lack of Menopause Training in Healthcare

(26:47 - 28:04) Hormone Therapy for Perimenopausal Symptoms

(28:29 - 30:22) Rethinking Menopause and Women's Health

In this episode, we are diving into how menopause is defined medically, what the process of perimenopause looks like in our brains and bodies, when and how women experience perimenopause symptoms, the truth about hormone replacement therapy, and why so many physicians are dismissive of the concerns of women as we age.  

LINKS: 

Dr Mary Claire Haver’s Book

Dr Haver on Instagram

PAULA'S PERSONAL NEWSLETTER

PAULA ON INSTAGRAM

THE CARRY ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I haven’t felt like myself in almost 15 years. In my 30’s, I started noticing significant changes to and in my body, yet I’ve been told by just about every doctor that my blood work is normal and I’m “fine”. Here’s the thing: I don’t feel fine. 

And I bet you don’t, either. 

This is my most requested series to date: a conversation about menopause, perimenopause, and not feeling like ourselves anymore. 

I’ve invited experts, friends, and my husband to the conversation, and we’re answering all the questions you submitted, so that you can feel hopeful, maybe for the first time in a long time. 

In this episode, my friends Kim and Patrice share their real experiences about what’s been happening to their bodies, why they don’t feel like themselves, and how the medical community has dismissed them. 

If you’ve been dismissed or felt helpless, you’re not alone. But know this: help is on the way through this month-long series. 

Life Happens. Let’s Talk About it. 

SUMMARY: 

In this episode, we are digging into the crazy symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, our experiences of bringing our concerns to our doctors and being dismissed as “fine”, how we can advocate for ourselves as women, and why the menopause conversation is so important, not only for us but for our daughters. 

LINKS: 

PAULA'S PERSONAL NEWSLETTER

PAULA ON INSTAGRAM

THE CARRY ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I can’t think of a better way to close out our college series than with a conversation about WHO our kids want to be rather than WHAT they want to do. Our kids are more than their college degree if they even choose to go to college. 

Let’s face it: the conversation about college wasn’t even a thing until roughly 150 years ago.  You’ve probably heard me share through this series that my mom didn’t go, and her parents didn’t graduate from high school. My father was the first of his six siblings from a Lebanese immigrant family to graduate from college. 

These days, there’s so much pressure on our kids to figure it all out. We’re insinuating that what they do is more important than who they are. I’ve gotta ask: whatever happened to raising good humans? 

I’ve invited my friend, Carlos Whittaker, a popular podcaster and author, as well as a dad of two college grads to the conversation for an honest conversation about how we can take back the narrative of raising good humans, who understand that WHO they are is so much more important than WHAT they do. 

And, wait till you hear Carlos’ shocking admission about college–a twist I didn’t see coming! 

Life Happens. Let’s Talk About it. 

Listen in to learn more :

(00:00) Raising Good Humans Without College

(05:24) Navigating Choices in Higher Education

(13:01) Preparing Kids for Adulting

(16:24) Navigating College and Life Choices

(26:30) Reconnecting With Humanity

(36:19) Understanding Menopause Changes

In this episode, we are digging into the college experience and the transition to adulting, why high school performance doesn’t always indicate college success, how we can relieve some of the pressure our teenagers experience in figuring out what they want to do, helping our kids identify the gifts they have that will carry through different seasons of life, and how we can be an example for our kids when it comes to trying something new. 

LINKS

Carlos on Instagram

Carlos’s new book

PAULA'S PERSONAL NEWSLETTER

PAULA ON INSTAGRAM

THE CARRY ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices