The Talk

In this episode we explore the ways that our culture has created a view of death that is often confusing, shrouded in secrecy, and downright dishonest, and the reasons it's important to talk with our kids about death from a young age.
I chat with Christian Shaefer, a funeral director, EMT, and Forensic Investigator about the reasons for including children in the conversation about death and the importance of acknowledging their need for a  proper grief process.
I also speak with Samuel Issah about Ghanian cultural norms surrounding death and funerals, and about his involvement in the rites and burial process of his father, a Dagomba chief.
And finally, I have a conversation with Liz & Allison, sisters who lost their mother when they were very young. The talk about the emotional and psychological support they did and didn't receive as children, and about how losing their mother has influenced the way they talk with their own children about death and mortality.
You can find "The Talk" on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and If you'd like to contribute to the conversation by sharing your story about one of our episode topics, you can do so by sending a voice memo or an email to [email protected]. 

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This bonus episode is an extended conversation with Atlanta-based playwright, screenwriter, actor, director, and educator Topher Payne. We talk about his childhood in suburban-rural Mississippi, putting down roots and becoming a full-time writer in Atlanta, his series of children's book parodies "Topher Fixed It", all the things his parents got right (and what they didn't prepare for), and finding mentors and strength in a community of choice. A portion of this interview appears in our episode entitled "BODIES (Part 2)".
You can find "The Talk" on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and If you'd like to contribute to the conversation by sharing your story about one of our episode topics, you can do so by sending a voice memo or an email to [email protected]. 

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In part two of this episode, sex educator Julia Feldman joins me for a round of rapid-fire questions about bodily autonomy, exploration, boundaries, language, and about pushing back against cultural expectations.
I also talk with Lori Mannette about her adopted child Charlie, and how she encourages him (and everyone) to critically investigate their own beliefs and opinions.
Then I’m joined by Ellen & Tom Macy, about the things they bring to their parenting from their own upbringings, and about Ellen’s relationship with her body through a cancer diagnosis at age 24.
And to round out the episode, I chat with playwright, screenwriter, and educator Topher Payne, about how he learned the importance of personal boundaries, and about how he uses his writing to show children the value of creating boundaries in their own lives.
You can find "The Talk" on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and If you'd like to contribute to the conversation by sharing your story about one of our episode topics, you can do so by sending a voice memo or an email to [email protected]. 

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In the first of a two-part episode, I have a conversation with actress, dancer, and social activist Dr. Shakina Nayfack about understanding, loving, and advocating for our bodies. And about giving children freedom and language at early ages to feel safe expressing themselves without shame.
You can find "The Talk" on Instagram and Facebook at @thetalkthepodcast, and on Twitter at @thetalkthepod. If you'd like to contribute to the conversation by sharing your story about one of our episode topics, you can do so by sending a voice memo or an email to [email protected]. And if you'd like to support us, you can do so by visiting thetalkthepodcast.com/donate.

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School is a place where we don’t all fit in. On this episode I speak with alternative-education administrator Pam Hogan-Charron, parents of 5 kids Darcy & Kyle Morehouse, and public school social worker and mental health provider Poonam Dharni, about how we can shift our focus to make school a place that works for all students, and an experience that recognizes curiosity, diversity, and individualism.

You can find "The Talk" on Instagram and Facebook at @thetalkthepodcast, and on Twitter at @thetalkthepod. If you'd like to contribute to the conversation by sharing your story about one of our episode topics, you can do so by sending a voice memo or an email to [email protected]. And if you'd like to support us, you can do so by visiting thetalkthepodcast.com/donate.

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Our culture often equates leadership with power, strength, and infallibility. On this episode we discuss talking to our kids about leading with kindness, compassion, and about ways of looking for leadership in unexpected places.

This episode's guests are Matt Hinkley, Fred Salomon, and Jane Burgess.

You can find "The Talk" on Instagram and Facebook at @thetalkthepodcast, and on Twitter at @thetalkthepod. If you'd like to contribute to the conversation by sharing your story about one of our episode topics, you can do so by sending a voice memo or an email to [email protected]. And if you'd like to support us, you can do so by visiting thetalkthepodcast.com/donate.

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On this episode I talk with Dr. Sara Heron about attachment, non-verbal communication, and representation within the mental health community. I also talk with my parents about their own parents and the decisions they made raising my sisters and me.

You can find "The Talk" on Instagram and Facebook at @thetalkthepodcast, and on Twitter at @thetalkthepod. If you'd like to contribute to the conversation by sharing your story about one of our episode topics, you can do so by sending a voice memo or an email to [email protected]. And if you'd like to support us, you can do so by visiting thetalkthepodcast.com/donate.

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Whatever the context, "The Talk" is awkward, painful, too serious, and usually botched. And I don’t want to have it any more. On this podcast I talk to parents and experts about flipping the very idea of “The Talk” on its head by starting early to nurture a communicative environment with our children that is natural, candid, and honest...and where nothing is off limits. 

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