What The Parent?

How to Support our LGBTQ+ Kids: A Conversation with Youth Outlook's Carolyn Wahlskog

We celebrate pride month with a conversation with Carolyn Wahlskog, LCSW (she/her), the Director of Operations and Programming at Youth Outlook, a nonprofit working to meet the ever-evolving needs of LGBTQ+ youth, families and communities.  We ask her how to support our LGBTQ+ kids, how we, as parents, can best handle conversations around LGBTQ+ issues, and how best to address the delicate moment when a teen or tween decides to come out. Find out more about Youth Outlook and Carolyn Wahlsk...

How to Improve Collaboration at Home with Deb Mashek, author of Collabor(h)ate

Dr. Deb Mashek, PhD is an experienced business advisor, professor, higher education administrator, and national nonprofit executive. Her new book, Collabor(h)ate*: Everything you need to know to build healthy and productive collaborative relationships at work *(even if you'd rather work alone), is out now.  Mashek  was named one of the Top 35 Women in Higher Education by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, and has been featured in media outlets including MIT Sloan Management Review, The Ne...

Viorica Marian Talks About Her Book, The Power of Language, and Why We (and our Kids) Should Learn Another Language

On the premiere episode of Season 3, we talk to Viorica Marian, a Psycholinguist, Cognitive Scientist, Psychologist, and author of the new book (out this week): The Power of Language: How the Codes We Use to Think, Speak, and Live Transform Our Minds. Marian, who's known for her research on language, bilingualism, and multilingualism, tells us how being multi-lingual might just be our super power and why it's never too late to learn another language. Marian is the Ralph and Jean Sundin E...

Reviving Rock and Roll and Creem Magazine with JJ Kramer

JJ Kramer, the only child of CREEM Magazine's late founder, Barry Kramer, inherited CREEM at age four when his father died.  CREEM, published from 1969 through 1989  in Detroit, was an early champion of various heavy metal, punk rock, new wave, and alternative bands, and left an indelible mark on the music industry. JJ has made it his life's mission to revive CREEM and successfully did so in 2022. We talk to him about legacy, and what he's teaching his own kids about rock and roll! The w...

Acting, producing, modeling, writing, directing, and running her own health supplement and skin care line: Lisa Varga does it all!

Lisa Varga is an award-winning actress, host, producer, and writer. She has over thirty years of experience in the entertainment industry, and has created a trusted brand name for herself in film and television, as well as in the health, beauty, and sports world. Ms. Varga has been successful in front of, and behind the camera, and is the CEO and owner of her own production company, Lisa Varga Entertainment. Her most notable acting roles in film and television include: “Homeland” (Showtime)...

What's a mom of 4 to do? Oh, who knows...Maybe change drinking habits forever for the world?! Come check out our interview with Kara Goldin, Founder of Hint Water - Share and enjoy!

Kara Goldin is the Founder and CEO of Hint, Inc., best known for its award-winning Hint® water, the leading unsweetened flavored water. She has been named one of InStyle’s Badass 50, Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business, Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs and EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year 2017 Northern California. She is an active speaker & writer and hosts the podcast The Kara Goldin Show where she interviews founders, entrepreneurs and other disruptors across various i...

Want to be an entrepreneur? Check. Want to start a business later in life? Sure. Want to create the fastest-growing company in Canada? Hell yes! Check out our conversation with inspirational business magnate Suzie Yorke Now!

Board Member and Founder of Love Good Fats Suzie Yorke is on a mission to bring healthy fats back. A mom of 4 kids, eleven-time Ironman competitor and yoga enthusiast, Suzie spent years adhering to a low-fat diet only for her health to hit a wall in her mid-40s. After reading Nina Teicholz’s best seller, Big Fat Surprise, she immediately shifted to a high-fat, low-carb diet, and started to feel better within a few weeks. While she loved the benefits of her new lifestyle, Suzie found it cha...

Catching up with Ayeshah Abuelhiga/CEO of Mason Dixie Foods! Talking about PRIDE, DEI, and serving 12 million sandwiches per year...Amazing Ayeshah is the real deal! Enjoy!

You hungry? In need of inspiration? Want to know why Pride matters and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) is important? Well, look no further because Ayeshah's got you covered! Going from a dream on paper to serving over 1 million meals per month (and growing), Ayeshah's refreshing, clear-eyed view on how to get things done is steeped in good ol' common sense...She talks the talk, and most definitely walks the walk. Strap in, have a listen, and enjoy! (And please spread the word while yo...

Jerry Won: One of the most prominent and important voices of the Asian-American community shares on how to flip the script on racism, how to get the next generation to be more inclusive, and what it's like to be invited to the White House. Enjoy!

Jerry Won is a keynote speaker, workshop facilitator and host who has worked with some of the world's most recognized brands in corporate and higher education. He speaks on a variety of topics including authentic storytelling, personal branding, creator economy, and the Asian American experience in the workplace. He is the Founder & CEO of Just Like Media, an Asian American storytelling company whose award-winning podcast brands Dear Asian Americans, MBAsians, The Janchi Show and Asian Podc...

Bill Harper - Marketing Soothsayer/Advertising Savant, spends time with us to give very grounded, sturdy, and extremely well-thought-out viewpoints on parenting, understanding your passions, and using a perfect 80's trope to make any confrontation better!

Bill Harper is the Cofounder, CCO and CEO of wmHarper a full-service creative agency dedicated to helping companies dominate their categories by helping them outthink, not outspend their competitors. He is an expert at launching, developing and revitalizing brands and has created integrated campaigns for a wide range of clients in both B2C and B2B categories. The tagline of his company is, "We Raise Brands Right". Bill shares with us his unique approaches to raising his children the same w...

BrandMaster, Tech-whisperer Hillel Fuld joins us to to share just a small bit of his passion about Tech, paying it forward (or backward), and TikTok. Far-ranging, timely, and real, Hillel opens his heart and mind to us all. Enjoy!

Hillel Fuld, named Israel’s top marketer and “The man transforming Startup Nation to Scale up Nation” by Forbes, is a tech journalist, startup marketer, and technology expert. Hillel works with technology companies and accompanies them from idea to revenue. He also works with many leading tech brands as an influencer. These include Google, Oracle, Huawei, and many more. Hillel’s work has been featured in CNBC, Inc Magazine, Fast Company, Entrepreneur Magazine, TechCrunch, The Next Web, and...

Ever wanted to climb a mountain? How about all 7 of the tallest peaks on Earth? Lei Wang from www.journeywithlei.com did! Come listen how she changed her life to follow her passions, and how to climb your own inner Everest!

Lei Wang - Inspirational isn't strong enough of a word to describe her! In 2004, Lei, who grew up as a Beijing city girl who had no athletic training, set out to climb Mount Everest. She was on a promising career track in finance with an MBA from Wharton. But she was excited about proving that an ordinary person could climb Everest. That excitement empowered her to not only climb Everest but to become the first Asian woman to complete a journey to the summits of the highest mountains on eac...

Ever wanted to climb a mountain? How about all 7 of the tallest peaks on Earth? Lei Wang wanted to - And that's just what she did! Come listen how she changed her life to follow her passions, and how to climb your own inner Everest!

Support the show

Tim Dooner, Icon of all things in the Transportation industry, shares his backstory with us - His road to sobriety, his TedTalk, following his dreams, and pouring gasoline on the passions of our children...A Must Listen!

Tim Dooner is a man with an incredible story, an outsized personality, and a very grounded and honest way of looking at life. Transparent, thoughtful, empathetic and REAL, Tim digs into all things inspirational and has an incredible, wide-ranging conversation with us. We are delighted to share it, so pass it on! Tim's Bio: Dooner is an award-winning content producer and host who is currently creating new podcasts, TV shows, newsletters and multimedia for FreightWaves. In under a year he hel...

Tim Dooner, Icon of all things in the Transportation industry, shares his backstory with us - His road to sobriety, his TedTalk, following his dreams, and pouring gasoline on the passions of our children...A Must Listen!

Tim Dooner is a man with an incredible story, an outsized personality, and a very grounded and honest way of looking at life. Transparent, thoughtful, empathetic and REAL, Tim digs into all things inspirational and has an incredible, wide-ranging conversation with us. We are delighted to share it, so pass it on! Tim's Bio: Dooner is an award-winning content producer and host who is currently creating new podcasts, TV shows, newsletters and multimedia for FreightWaves. In under a year he hel...

TikTok Sensation Cathy Pedrayes shares about her brand-new (And VITAL) book, what her Mom thinks of her 2.3M+ followers, and why Cyber is the biggest threat these days to our kids...Listen now!

So what keeps TikToker Cathy Pedrayes up at night (other than her brand new baby)? How to put out the most meaningful, important, and relevant safety tips out there for people of all types and ages! Super-aware, whip-smart, and downright engaging, Cathy shares the story of her iconic look of wearing a blue dress and pearls, how she became THE "Mom Friend" to not only her friends but to the over 2.3 Million followers she has on TikTok, and how she is dropping her brand-new and awesome book ...

Jennifer Kolari of Connected Parenting tells us Why Gladiator kids may drive you crazy but will end up saving the world!

Jennifer Kolari is back and we couldn't be more pleased...With her thoughtful, excellent advice and insight, she shows us that having a gladiator child in your house doesn't have to mean every day is a fight to the death. Funny, engaging, and vulnerable, Jennifer shows us how to approach prickly teens with Love, Intention, and most of all, Ruthless Compassion. Have a listen and Enjoy! Website: Connected Parenting Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=49791112) Support the show

Respected business magnate, nationwide singing sensation...Tal Zlotnitsky has done it all. And now he's helping the world by helping us all intentionally work at the most human of emotions through his vital new app, Our.Love - Listen in!

Tal is a repeated success story in the world of Entrepreneurialism. However, his seeing how the whole world is at odds with each other over the past couple of years was his last straw. How could he help? By leaving the corporate life he created and delving into helping others grow and support the most common, yet greatest force in the universe, Love. Hear how he created this fantastic app to not only help people communicate better and be more real with their own feelings and needs, but how h...

Bonnie Schneider: Uber-Respected National/International Meteorologist and Author of brand new book "Taking The Heat" shares how to deal with EcoAnxiety, how we all need a Plan for any event, and how she became who she is today!

Bonnie Schneider has done it all and seen it all...And she's been in the game long enough to know that things are changing, and from a meteorological perspective, changing for the worse. In her excellent new book, Taking The Heat, she delves into how Climate Change is having an effect on everyone's lives, how to see it for what it is, how we can best cope with it, and hopefully how we can learn to adapt and thrive. Funny, down to Earth, and just Real, Bonnie shares her insight and learning w...

Anne Crossman - Homeschooling Expert schooling us on how we can all be the best possible teachers at home, without all of the angst! (Disclaimer - Life Lessons inside)

Anne Crossman, THE Expert on Homeschooling, gives us delightful tips and insight into what Homeschooling is, can be, and what it's all about. Super bright, resource-full, and driven to help all children, listen in on her fascinating story and life lessons! Follow her at: Instagram @HomeschoolExpert Facebook @TheHomeschoolExpert Twitter @HomeschoolExpert https://homeschoolexpert.com AND of course, take a listen to our other episodes at What The Parent? Support the show (https://www.patr...

Pandemic Parenting (Never Ends) - Our discussion with the fabulous Drs. Zelechoski and Malloy on keeping our sanity during a pandemic, giving kindness to everyone (including yourself), and conquering fears of needles (looking at You, sleeve-tattoo-guy)!

Dr. Amanda Zelechoski and Dr. Lindsay Malloy - Just your above average peeps who dedicate time and resources to help others just when we all need it. Back for another round to help us kick off Season 2, the uber-smart and always engaging doctors share their insight into the psyches of our kids during these trying times and give us the tools to help them. Their work is never done, and we are all so thankful that they are doing that work for the betterment of all! Check out their excellent, ...

Season 2 Trailer

Season 2 trailer (kinda)Support the show

Hollywood Producer/Legend Cindy Cowan shares her history, her mindset on being Fearless, and what the heck a Key Grip is on our final episode of Season 1!

Cindy Cowan has done it all...Literally. Tulane grad, Harvard Master's in Psychology, TV Reporter, World-Champion Equestrian, Hollywood Producer, Emmy winner, Oscar-nominations, and a relentless philanthropist, Cindy shares her story with us on our final episode of Season 1. What better way to say, "That's a wrap" than with a true Hollywood Legend? Approachable, kind, and extremely thoughtful, Cindy reveals to us the real work behind the scenes...Spoiler alert - Hollywood is not all glitz,...

Tristian Williams - Corporate Leadership Strategist teaches our children how to change the world!

Leadership Strategist, Culture Changer, Utopian Visionary - Tristian has seen it all. Learn how he eschews the expected norm  in order to create his own destiny. Funny, grounded, and aspirational as well as inspirational, Tristian shares his story of growing up on the crazy streets of Chicago and making it to the top through intentional reinvention. Check out his book, Fruition Power, available now on Amazon - Links to the book and his social media presence below! Fruition Power LinkedIn In...

Today Show parenting expert Jordana Horn talks about feral kids & the return to "normal"

Today Show Parenting Expert Jordana Horn (and mother of six!) talks about a return to normal post-pandemic and how we can get our now-feral kids back out into the world. Jordana wrote a fantastic article about kids going feral during the pandemic in  The Washington Post. Her work has also been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Kveller. She's also the co-host of Call Your Mother podcast.   Support the show

Everybody stay CALM...With Amazing Family Therapist Jennifer Kolari of Connected Parenting

Join us for an immersive, captivating, and ultimately inspirational chat with Jennifer Kolari of Connected Parenting. Down to earth, hilarious, delightful (and incredibly insightful), listen to how parents can use the relatively straightforward yet extremely effective CALM method to connect and work with kids! DEFINITELY visit www.connectedparenting.com! Support the show

Biscuits and BadAsses - Hanging with the Biscuit Queen herself, Ayeshah Abuelhiga of Mason Dixie Foods!

Want to know how entrepreneurs get things started and why? Listen in to a fun, hilarious, and revealing conversation with Ayeshah Abuelhiga, CEO and Founder of Mason Dixie Foods! She talks about her beginnings, what it's like to jump out of the corporate boardroom and into the entrepreneurial trenches, and how kids (especially young ladies) can be trailblazers in their own right. Wicked Funny, Whip-Smart, and Real, Ayeshah breaks it all down for us to show how great biscuits and giving back ...

End a Standoff: Tips on brokering peace with your kids from a former top FBI Negotiator

A great and thoughtful discussion with Gary Noesner, former Chief Hostage Negotiator for the FBI. Yes, That FBI. He breaks down how he got involved in a career in the FBI, and how tricks of his trade can be used in your very own home to keep the peace. Funny, warm, and SUPER down to earth (for someone who's saved literally dozens and dozens of lives), Gary shares his viewpoints, teachings, and details on some of his more famous negotiations (ever head of Waco???) and how they work in everyda...

End a Standoff: Tips on broking peace with your kids from a former top FBI Negotiator

A great and thoughtful discussion with Gary Noesner, former Chief Hostage Negotiator for the FBI. Yes, That FBI. He breaks down how he got involved in a career in the FBI, and how tricks of his trade can be used in your very own home to keep the peace. Funny, warm, and SUPER down to earth (for someone who's saved literally dozens and dozens of lives), Gary shares his viewpoints, teachings, and details on some of his more famous negotiations (ever head of Waco???) and how they work in everyda...

Pandemic Parenting

Living in a Zoo

An insightful and delightful chat with Dave Bernier, General Curator of Chicago's own Lincoln Park Zoo, a family favorite destination! Check out how animals parent much in the same way we do, and how much we love the zoo (mostly because we live in one ourselves).   Whenever in Chicago, please check out Lincoln Park Zoo! www.lpzoo.org Support the show

Ray Flores, Ring Announcer Extraordinaire

A fascinating conversation with Ring Announcer Extraordinaire Ray Flores, who simply calls life as he sees it. Warm, thoughtful, and heartfelt, Ray brings his incredible work ethic and professional fighting insight into every day mantras that he follows and shares. Follow him @SBRFlores on both Instagram and Twitter, and please check out his upcoming PPV shows on TMZ's Triller Fight Club! Buy your PPV now for the upcoming fights on 4/17/2021!!! https://www.instagram.com/sbrflores/?hl=en htt...

Sleep...Who needs it? (HINT: We All Do) An Excellent chat with Justin of JustOwnIt.co!

A fascinating deep dive into sleep, why it's important, and how we can try and get kids to, you know, go to sleep and give Mom and Dad a little alone time to slam that bottle of wine.  The Founder and Owner of JustOwnIt.co, Justin Roethlingshoefer, uses his decades of being a Strength Trainer in the NHL, a Sleep-Study enthusiast, and a mentor and coach to high-powered athletes as well as CEOs to break it all down for us in a very uplifting and interesting chat. To learn more about Justin a...

D.E.I. in our Schools with Anjali Bharadwa

Support the show

Covid comes home

Support the show

The Big D

Divorce is tough for everyone, and especially for kids. Tune in as we get to share thoughts, ideas, perspectives and tips with the wonderful Tiffany Ann Beverlin - Life Coach, divorce expert, and owner of Dreams Recycled. Enjoy! Support the show

Parent Coaching w/ Cara Pollard

It's not every day that you meet a Parenting Coach - Thank Goodness our first exposure to Parent Coaching was with the incomparable Cara Pollard, who drops gobs of knowledge and insight to us. Enjoy! Support the show

Book Review - New Teenager by Friday

Here's how we do book reviews at What The Parent?  -  An admittedly shallow (but thoughtful) dive into the main points of the book Have A New Teenager By Friday by Dr. Kevin Leman. Enjoy! Support us at Patreon Show us some serious like and get extra content, swag, and much more! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show

WTF is What The Parent?

An introduction into What The Parent? podcast, who we are, and what it's all about. Come join us! Support the show

What The Parent S1:Trailer

Support the show