This Family Tree Podcast
256 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago - ★★★★★ - 145 ratingsA couple discusses parenting, marriage, and everything that comes with it, in this unique call-in podcast.
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Episodes
Ep. 40: Valeria Lipovetsky & Ben Lee
June 01, 2020 01:46 - 1 hour - 95.6 MBAlex and Shane open the episode discussing the recent murder of George Floyd, and attempting to work through their own feelings of not doing enough in the fight for racial equality. They debate about the recent controversy surrounding blogger Myka Stauffer, who recently "rehomed" her adopted child. Social Media icon Valeria Lipovetsky joins to discuss how she manages her extreme workload, keeping her children involved in her business and setting parameters around screen time, and how workin...
Ep. 39: Erin Treloar of Raw Beauty Talks & Bachelor Nation's Taylor Nolan
May 25, 2020 03:00 - 1 hour - 97.9 MBAlex and Shane explain why they didn't buy Lucy any gifts for her birthday, screen-time rules in quarantine, and chat about the highs and lows experienced while passing time in isolation. Erin Treloar, the founder of Raw Beauty Talks, joins to discuss self-acceptance and "raw" beauty. The conversation goes beyond ourselves, and delves into how embracing the movement can positively impact our children, through a shift in our dialogue and how we celebrate them. Erin reinforces how, as parent...
Ep. 38: Brittany and Ryan Ostofe of The Laughing Couple Podcast
May 18, 2020 00:20 - 1 hour - 61.5 MBAlex and Shane reflect on a busy week, from Mother's Day, to a double Birthday, to controversial interviews and an epic fight. Alex talks about where she's at in pregnancy, and her fears that preterm labour is a possibility. Brittany and Ryan Ostofe join to help determine who is in the wrong in some of Shane and Alex's marital/parenting issues, like eating each other's food, following old Tinder dates, and how much warning to give your partner for a night out with friends. Brittany and Ryan...
Ep. 37: The Rebel Mamas & Bachelor Nation's Amanda Stanton
May 10, 2020 20:30 - 1 hour - 106 MBAlex and Shane talk about the merits of early gift giving, their scariest parenting moment so far, and losing connection with friends in the first couple years of having kids. The Rebel Mama’s Nikita Stanley and Aleks Jassem join to talk about their bestselling parenting book, The Handbook For (Cool) Moms, and how to not lose sight of your own needs, desires, and identity in motherhood. Bachelor Nation’s Amanda Stanton discusses her experience being one of the show’s few single mom...
Ep. 36: Body Acceptance w/ Sarah Nicole of The Bird's Papaya
April 30, 2020 19:04 - 1 hour - 74.3 MBAlex and Shane open up the episode chatting pre-podcast rituals, why drinking non-alcoholic beer is still fun, and review shows they've been binging. Sarah Nicole Landry (@thebirdspapaya) joins to discuss her perspective on body acceptance, and the importance of giving others - and yourself - grace. She shares her quarantine challenges, and advice for creating content in this environment. Podcast listener Alessia answers an onslaught of questions about her wedding, which will take place u...
Ep. 35: Prenatal Workouts w/ Expecting and Empowered & Support for Front-Line Families w/ Hayley Harlock
April 23, 2020 02:18 - 1 hour - 58.2 MBAlex shares non-alcoholic beer facts, as Shane details what happens to him during a panic attack. Krystle from Expecting and Empowered talks about her pregnancy and postpartum rehab guides, and what you can do to keep active and minimize the damage that pregnancy & childbirth can put you through. Hayley Harlock, founder of The Flipside Life, discusses her online support community for partners of physicians and their families during the pandemic. Alex and Shane get to a lot of listener of que...
Ep. 34: Fragola's COVID19 Initiative & Prenatal Chiropractic Care w/ Dr. Sarah
April 19, 2020 18:07 - 1 hour - 64.8 MBAlex and Shane talk about the evolution of This Family Tree Podcast, from embarrassing episodes to their new scheme. They chat about Zoom party calls, and debate about when it’s appropriate to tell your partner about an upcoming event. August, the founder of baby food company, Fragola (@shopfragola), joins from self-quarantine in NYC to talk about Fragola’s COVID-19 intiative to help families in need. Sarah Penkin, co-owner of Pinnacle Hill Chiropractic in Rochester, NY, joins to talk about ...
Mini Episode #16
April 18, 2020 01:37 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MBThe episode opens with reflections on some successes in the week, and the silver lining of quarantine. The letter board has shown some early success, and Alex and Shane discuss which direction they should take next. Shane is offended that Alex used the same bath time routine with Lucy as he does. Are you allowed to steal your partner’s baby comedy routine? Information on a new “Cry It Out” study is shared, and comments are made on Doctor Oz suggesting that schools reopen amidst the covid cri...
Mini Episode #15
April 17, 2020 00:00 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MBAlex and Shane almost slip up in their corona-consciousness, and research how long the virus lives on different surfaces. A little water bill from 2017 is turning out to be a big problem. A recent thread on a popular parenting account sparks a discussion whether boys should play with dolls or not. Alex’s cousin Julie phones in to discuss how she approached the subject of social distancing and COVID19 with her 6 year old daughter.
Mini Episode #14
April 15, 2020 23:29 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MBAlex and Shane discuss third trimester breathing problems, and the merits of co-creating a daily schedule with your partner. They rate the movies and shows that they’ve seen the past week: Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen, Greta Gerwig’s Little Women, and The Bachelor Presents: Listen to your heart.
Mini Episode #13
April 11, 2020 18:40 - 17 minutes - 16.2 MBAlex and Shane discuss who has better taste buds, and put it to the ultimate challenge in a blind taste test of non-alcoholic beer. Alex airs her grievances about the people she ran into at the hospital while going for an ultrasound. The episode closes with a discussion about the length of lockdown sanctions. Enjoy!
Mini Episode #12
April 09, 2020 22:02 - 22 minutes - 21 MBAlex and Shane discuss seeing the new baby’s ultrasound and air their grievances with their local health care. Shane wonders whether anti-vax advocates would take a COVID19 vaccine. Does the weather matter when you’re locked inside? Alex and Shane have a spirited debate on whether weather matters. Shane tried his hand at soothing ASMR. The episode closes with a big “thank you” to a special follower. Enjoy!
Mini Episode #11
April 08, 2020 23:56 - 23 minutes - 21.2 MBAlex discusses the difficulty in moving to a scheduled day, as a very disorganized person. Will it ever be fun to look back on this time in quarantine? If so, when will that finally be? Alex and Shane chat about when, or if, these days locked in together will ever be sentimental. Shane’s devious scheme is about to come to fruition, as they await the arrival of their letterboard.
Ep. 33: Giving Birth, Nutrition, and Coping in Quarantine
April 05, 2020 23:22 - 1 hour - 68.6 MBAlex and Shane reflect on Week 3 of quarantine, and how it was both the best and the worst. They address anti-teachers rants on social media, and explain the distinction between “working from home” and “working through a crisis.” Shane devises a scheme for Alex to get 10,000 followers, using “basic” pregnancy blog tactics. Psychotherapist Jessica Warnock joins to talk about coping with anxiety and stress during an international crisis; she gives advice on coping strategies, and the importanc...
Ep. 32: Montessori Learning at Home & Activity Ideas for Quarantine
April 04, 2020 22:41 - 1 hour - 63.7 MBAlex and Shane open the episode with their thoughts on your basic quarantine topics: Tiger King, and snacking. Alex shares her worries about giving birth in the time of COVID-19. Dylan Hudecki (@the_dill), a longtime Montessori educator, gives tips on how to bring Montessori-style learning to your own home and engage your kids in a hands-on, practical and creative way. Sam Kelly (@samkelly_world) joins to discuss her made-for-quarantine homeschooling resource, "Wonder School," and gives tips...
Mini Episode #10
April 02, 2020 23:19 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MBAlex and Shane talk about their worst day of quarantine so far, and air their grievances about the 2 B’s: The Bachelor and baked goods. Alex is upset about the difficulty of trying to balance everything at once, and the woes associated with an uncomfortable pregnancy.
Mini Episode #9
March 28, 2020 17:22 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MBAlex gets something off her chest, which leads to a relationship revelation about who the most annoying partner is. The merit of skunks as pets is debated. Shane has a series of questions for Alex, and they reflect on the best parts of their day in quarantine, and what to do when people don’t respect the 6ft social distancing boundary. The episode closes after Alex brings out international statistics showing where This Family Tree listeners come from, around the world. Did you hear your coun...
Mini Episode #8
March 27, 2020 16:36 - 20 minutes - 19.2 MBAlex and Shane talk about the “@InfluencersInTheWild” moment they experienced during a set-up photo shoot with Lucy. Shane likens COVID-19 quarantine to a family camping trip, and questions Alex’s sanity due to the amount of beans she’s purchased. Alex and Shane’s next door neighbour and local nurse, Monica, joins to describe what hospitals are like behind-the-scenes, as they prepare for coronavirus patients.
Mini Episode #7
March 26, 2020 16:17 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MBShane asks Alex about her hospital appointment for the new baby, and what it was like going into the public for the first time in two weeks. Alex describes her virtual pelvic floor physiotherapy appointment with Kristen from Blueberry Therapy, and how they can test the strength of your kegels virtually. Enjoy!
Mini Episode #6
March 25, 2020 15:12 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MBAlex and Shane chat about snacking on lockdown and getting more comfortable in their new routine. They grill each other about how honest they’ve both been in regards to white lies about cooking and car dents. They discuss the benefits of podcasting with your partner, and the rocky landscape that landlord and tenant relationships are facing during this time.
Mini Episode #5
March 24, 2020 15:47 - 22 minutes - 20.6 MBIn this unnecessarily emotional episode, Alex details the most frustrating parts about being pregnant, they discuss why it's important to rock the boat sometimes, what happens to your body after giving birth, and the benefits of scheduling. Alex and Shane addressing the temporary measures in NYC prohibiting any support people for labouring women.
Ep. 31: Relationship Therapist Dr. Fogel Mersy & AmandaMuse
March 22, 2020 23:53 - 1 hour - 67.6 MBAlex and Shane open with a conversation about people not following social distancing guidelines. Sex and Relationship Therapist Dr. Lauren Fogel Mersy (@drlaurenfogelmersy) discusses how to keep your housebound relationship thriving, and how to maintain sanity during quarantine. She answers listener questions about sex, marriage, and emotionally supporting your partner. AmandaMuse (@amandamuse) is a blogger, vlogger, and host of The Sandwich podcast. She chats about life in lockdown, how she...
Mini Episode #4
March 21, 2020 18:43 - 13 minutes - 12.3 MBAlex and Shane do a mini-Mini Episode, while celebrating Alex's birthday quarantine-style. Enjoy!
Mini Episode #3
March 20, 2020 16:04 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MBAlex and Shane chat about the benefits of daily schedules and physical activity when you’re quarantined. Shane fishes for what Alex expects from her birthday, with limited resources available. Shane introduces his “Positive Pessimism” segment, where they try to make the best, out of possible worst-case scenarios.
Mini Episode #2
March 19, 2020 15:37 - 23 minutes - 21.1 MBAlex and Shane chat about how to safely handle home delivery in COVID-19 times, trying to look on the bright side of things, and the upcoming season of the Bachelorette.
Mini Episode #1
March 19, 2020 00:13 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MBAlex and Shane discuss life in quarantine, and what their days look like as they work and parent solely from home. Listener questions are answered regarding how to keep toddlers busy, whether to start those time-consuming parenting tasks, and more! Enjoy!
Ep. 30: Quarantine Life in Rome w/ Alessandra Gage of the UN & COVID-19 and Pregnancy w/ Dr. Chelsea Elwood
March 15, 2020 19:07 - 56 minutes - 51.8 MBEpisode 30 focuses on the big, fat, contagious elephant in the room: the novel coronavirus sweeping the globe. Alex and Shane discuss social distancing, how they are managing during self-imposed isolation, and their thoughts on people continuing to go out and about in groups. Shane outlines his "4 Stages of Pandemic Acceptance." Alessandra Gage, a UN worker stationed in Rome, talks about daily life under government imposed quarantine, and how this is impacting Italians. She outlines the cha...
Ep. 29: Toddler Behaviour w/ @OurMamaVillage & HypnoBirthing
March 08, 2020 21:27 - 1 hour - 65.1 MBAlex and Shane discuss COVID-19 and how they would prep for an outbreak. Alex reads DMs from men on Instagram. Jess, a therapist from @OurMamaVillage, discusses toddler behaviour and dealing with tantrums. Alex’s close friend Samantha discusses how she naturally delivered her 3 babies using HypnoBirthing methods. To close, a gamut of listener questions are answered, and much more! Enjoy! Please don’t forget to rate our podcast and leave a comment :)
Ep. 28: Lauren Berlingeri (HigherDOSE) & JR Digs
March 02, 2020 01:35 - 1 hour - 95 MBAlex and Shane discuss the Laundry Problem, and Shane’s entry into Raptors’ coach Nick Nurse’s wider circle. CEO of HigherDose Spas in NYC, Lauren Berlingeri call in to discuss her experience as a new mother to twins, and how she balances that with being a successful business owner. Shane’s longtime friend, and TV personality, JR Digs, joins to discuss his experience as a single, middle-aged man with the desire to have children.
Ep. 27: Bluebirdkisses & Max Kerman
February 24, 2020 01:53 - 1 hour - 85.5 MBAlex and Shane reveal the gender of baby Cunningham, and talk about the abnormalities found on the anatomy scan. Ana of @Bluebirdkisses calls in to discuss her health journey, and prioritizing yourself and your needs when you’re a mom. Arkells frontman Max Kerman calls in to give listeners parenting advice - although he has no kids of his own. Summer and her husband Michael come on the line to discuss their experience with anatomy scan abnormalities, and their greatest blessing: the birth of...
Ep. 26: Surrogacy & Power Couple Parenting
February 23, 2020 15:51 - 1 hour - 75.5 MBAlex and Shane discuss the pros and cons of Valentine’s Day, and the best way to celebrate it. Alex talks about people’s unwillingness to clean up after their kids in public. Dr. Christine Herman joins the podcast to very candidly discuss her experience using a surrogate to have her baby. Shane’s boss calls in for “Guy’s Corner” to chat baby names, having two kids, and how equal parenting works when you’re a Power Couple.
Ep. 25: Prenatal Nutrition Expert & Relationship Compatibility
February 16, 2020 21:55 - 1 hour - 69.7 MBAlex and Shane test their compatibility through the Enneagram Test and the Five Love Languages. Have you tested yourself and your partner yet? The amazing @prenatalnutritionist Pregnancy Dietician Ryann joins in to share tips, tricks, and myths about prenatal health & nutrition. On “Dad’s Corner,” Shane grills his friend Derek on if it’s possible to have a favourite child. Alex and Shane answer listener questions on parenting and preparing for labour.
Ep 24: Being a Momboss & ASD
February 09, 2020 02:12 - 1 hour - 71.9 MBAlex and Shane start off by discussing which NBA player would make a good second husband. Shane goes into excruciating detail about his ASD self-diagnosis. Writer and artist @sketchylaura joins the pod to discuss what it takes to be a mom and entrepreneur, how to balance work life and family life, and how to find motivation within yourself. Shane and Alex call Chris and his partner Joanne. Chris was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome as an adult; he explains his diagnosis process, and how it...
Ep. 23: Gratitude & Pelvic Floor Therapists
January 27, 2020 01:41 - 1 hour - 78.8 MBAlex talks to Shane about the power of gratitude, and why you should spend a little bit of time every day meditating on what you’re grateful for. Two pelvic floor specialists, Kristen from @blueberrytherapypelvichealth, and Kim @thevaginacoach. The experts discuss what exactly your pelvic floor does, why it’s healthy function is important, and the ways in which it can impact your overall health. They answer listener questions related to common pelvic floor problems, like prolapse, incontine...
Ep 22: "Is My Kid a Prodigy?" & In-Vitro
January 25, 2020 23:16 - 1 hour - 69.3 MBAlex discusses why week 14 of pregnancy has been so difficult. Shane considers the fact that he may have an undiagnosed developmental disorder. The name options for Baby #2 are revealed, regardless of the judgement that comes with it. Call-in guest Heather explains the gruelling process of in-vitro fertilization. Listener questions cover opinions on raising kids with pets, keeping the “woo” alive after having kids, extended-family dynamics, saving money for kids, temper tantrums, and pater...
Ep 21: Fertility Testing
January 13, 2020 01:10 - 50 minutes - 46.2 MBAlex and Shane record a unique episode outside, in below-freezing temperatures, while on a winter vacation. Listeners ask what they fight about the most, their thoughts on household chores, raising bilingual kids, switching from breastmilk to cups, tips on nursery decor, and ideas for family friendly day trips. A new mom, Heather, calls in to describe the arduous process she went through to get her fertility tested, and the details involved. Enjoy!
Ep 20: Airplane Tantrums & How Babies Change Your Worldview
January 05, 2020 23:16 - 1 hour - 66.6 MBHappy New Year! Alex and Shane talk about their Christmas vacation in Florida, the pros and cons of travelling with family, and whether or not it’s worth taking young kids to Disney. They discuss Lucy’s in-air temper tantrum, and whether or not to be germaphobes at the airport. On “Dad’s Corner,” Shane calls a friend who is about to have his first child. They discuss biggest fears, the benefits of waiting to find out gender, and how babies can impact your worldview. Lastly, Alex and Shane ...
Ep 19: Toddler Nutrition w/Dr. Kyla & Stay-at-home Dads
December 21, 2019 05:06 - 1 hour - 65.3 MBShane reveals his sperm count after getting tested. Alex is done with getting pregnant. "Dad's Corner" features an interview with stay-at-home dad, Al. Dr. Kyla takes a call to teach Alex and Shane tips and tricks for feeding picky toddlers.
Ep 18: Speech Development & Calling a "Vulva," a "Vulva"
December 09, 2019 01:30 - 1 hour - 66.6 MBJoin Alex and Shane as they review Noah Baumbach's "Marriage Story", discuss why you need to call a "vulva" a "vulva", and much more! Callers include Speech and Language Pathologist Corina Murphy, and "Dad's Corner" guest Felix, about finding the balance between parenting and socializing.
Ep 17: "What's in it for Surrogate Mothers?" & Early Pregnancy
December 02, 2019 03:10 - 1 hour - 62 MBAlex discusses the difficulties of her first trimester of pregnancy. A surrogate calls in to talk about having a “belly buddy”. Other callers discuss experimental nausea treatments and dealing with people’s reactions to their parenting decisions. Alex and Shane close the episode by answering personal listener questions about their relationship. Enjoy, and don’t forget to subscribe!
Ep. 16: What Parenting Advice Would You Give Yourself?
November 24, 2019 22:24 - 56 minutes - 52.1 MBAlex and Shane discuss what parenting advice they would have given themselves before having kids. Shane introduces a new "Dad's Corner" segment. Enjoy!
Ep. 15: Potty Training & How to Keep Your Relationship Healthy After Kids
November 17, 2019 23:13 - 51 minutes - 47.5 MBRelationship satisfaction decreases after you have kids, which is an obvious fact that Alex was shocked by. Alex and Shane discuss the reasons this might happen, and take calls from couples who have gotten through struggles ("naked Scrabble", anyone?). Finally, they get an update on Lucy's potty training process with a consultant.
Ep. 14: Life After Miscarriage
November 10, 2019 23:13 - 58 minutes - 53.7 MB00:00 to 11:54 - Alex and Shane share an update on their life after miscarriage. 11:55 to 40:44 - Write-in questions address what the most enjoyable phases of parenting are, the impacts of miscarriage, self-care, whether having a second child will harm your career, and dealing with toxic people around your children. 40:45 to 55:08 - Potty training consultant Agata helps Alex and Shane get started on Lu's new journey. Enjoy the show, and don't forget to subscribe!
Ep. 13: "Is Alex Pregnant?"
November 09, 2019 00:04 - 1 hour - 73.8 MB00:00 to 13:49 - Alex and Shane make predictions on whether Alex is pregnant, and talk about their weekend routine. 13:50 to 1:20:39 - Alex and Shane respond to write-in questions: Marriage struggles as baby gets older Natural birth control & vasectomies Arguing in front of your kids How to be relaxed about naps Postpartum emotions Sleep training Supporting friends through miscarriage Arguing in front on your kids Are we destined to be mothers? Not posting photos of kids online Bringing yo...
Ep. 12: Mommy Drinking Culture & BLW
November 01, 2019 00:40 - 1 hour - 84.3 MB0:00 to 13:39 - Shane records this episode while recovering from the plague, and discusses getting healthy again. Alex and Shane debate who is the "dud" out of the siblings in their families, and whether meal delivery services are worth it or not. Alex admits that she likes it when Shane is feeling under the weather. 13:40 to 1:29:39 - Topics with callers and experts include: 1) BLW and choking. 2) "Mommy drinking culture" with Alana of Moms Toronto. 3) BLW with August of Fragola baby food...
Ep. 11: Miscarriage
October 17, 2019 00:46 - 1 hour - 68.7 MB0:00 to 16:07 - Alex and Shane candidly discuss their miscarriage experience. 16:08 to 1:05:22 - Callers share their stories about miscarriage and why it’s good to talk about early pregnancy. A period expert discusses the impact of miscarriage on your cycle. Other topics cover introducing cow’s milk to babies, how kids adjust to changes in routine, and conceiving while breastfeeding. 1:05:23 to 1:15:01 - Shane and Alex bicker about who makes what mess in the house, and how powerful Shane’s...
Ep. 10: The First Trimester & Toddler Discipline
October 06, 2019 22:25 - 1 hour - 62.5 MB0:00 to 16:28 - Open:Alex and Shane crack open a couple cool non-alcoholic beers, chat about Alex's pregnancy, and reveal some more exciting news. Shane questions Alex about her first trimester and debate over the number of pregnancy tests that should actually be taken. 16:30 to 53:54 - Callers - Baby milestones, and whether you can share your unconditional love with two children. Alex quells a caller's fears about returning to work after mat leave. A mother with two young children gives ca...
Ep. 9: Pregnancy Test Results & Developmental Leaps in Toddlers
September 29, 2019 22:14 - 1 hour - 66.4 MB00:00 to 30:10 - Alex and Shane reveal the results from their most recent pregnancy test. A Huffington Post article which suggests that having a second kid will wreak havoc on a marriage is discussed. 30:11 to 1:02:06 - A follow up with a previous caller who had attended an expensive, baby-free destination wedding. A caller warns Alex about the upcoming developmental Leap 10, and discusses how it has turned her life upside down. Alex and Shane surprise their parents to ask exactly how diffi...
Ep. 8: Period Guide/Prenatal Guru @ElephantInTheWomb
September 02, 2019 12:43 - 1 hour - 71.6 MB00:00 to 20:30 - While sipping on their favourite beer in the world, Alex and Shane recount how they were scammed into staying at Grand Bahia Principe Jamaica, and Alex's experience with sexual harassment by an employee during their stay. 20:31 to 1:00:40 - Phone-in questions and stories about infant separation anxiety, work/home life balance, toys for teething toddlers, and the challenge between wanting your body back but not wanting to give up breastfeeding. A "period guide and prenatal ...
Ep. 7: Toddler Sleep & How to be a Mom Blogger
August 25, 2019 17:28 - 1 hour - 100 MBWe come back from hiatus with our longest episode yet, discussing how to take your baby out socially, knowing when you're ready to have a child, and Lucy's birth complications. We connect with sleep expert Maggie Moore and renowned lifestyle blogger Joudel Janoska about balancing life and travels with 4 children. Lastly, Shane debates the burning question: when is your baby ready to go down a waterslide?