#11 Holiday Stories

Episode 14 – Boundaries, Not Threats Elena and János start with a life update: a new career step for Elena, a growing and increasingly independent toddler, early wake-ups, stimulation, and the full experience of a toddler birthday party. They also share what has helped them manage early mornings. The main topic is one many parents struggle with: when does a consequence become punishment? They talk about the moment when choices stop working, and what happens when patience runs out. They also reflect on the power imbalance between parent and child—being older, more experienced, bigger and stronger—and how easily guidance can turn into intimidation. Enjoy listening to the new episode, feel free to send us your messages, references, and topic requests on Instagram @all.lights.on.podcast or email us at [email protected].

Episode 13 – Back to business? In this episode, Elena and János find themselves entering a new phase of everyday life. With demanding work, tighter schedules, and what feels like everything happening at once, life is starting to resemble the busy days they knew before everything changed. Somehow, they are finding their way back to the very topics that inspired them to start this podcast in the first place: balancing work, family, personal ambitions, and all the things that make everyday life feel a little overwhelming. Because sometimes, life doesn’t slow down. It just picks up where it left off only with a few more things on the calendar. Enjoy listening to the new episode, feel free to send us your messages, references, and topic requests on Instagram @all.lights.on.podcast or email us at [email protected]

Episode 12 – Am I a Bad Mother? In this episode, Elena and János take a closer look at a question that is difficult to say out loud: Is Elena a bad mother? They talk about the moments when Elena questions her decision to have a family, and how confronting herself through parenthood can sometimes hurt more than she ever expected. They explore the pressure, doubts, and emotions that come with motherhood — and what it means when the thought of doing this for another 15 years suddenly feels overwhelming. Enjoy listening to the new episode, feel free to send us your messages, references, and topic requests on Instagram @all.lights.on.podcast or email us at [email protected] References: https://www.stefaniestahl.de/buecher/sonnenkind-und-schattenkind/

Episode 11 – Holiday Stories In this episode, Elena and János share stories from their holiday in Hungary, the families they met, and the different family models they encountered. Their conversations lead to more personal topics, from Elena’s health and her struggle to see herself as a real athlete to the question of whether equal parenting is currently possible in Hungary, at least from their perspective. Enjoy listening to the new episode, feel free to send us your messages, references, and topic requests on Instagram @all.lights.on.podcast or email us at [email protected]   References: https://www.ravensburger.de/de-AT/entdecken/tiptoi https://amzn.eu/d/0iPh7V1O

Episode 10 – What We Sacrificed In this episode, Elena and János reflect on the things they gave up when they decided to start a family. They talk about partying, travelling, couple time and finances — and how these things have changed since becoming parents. But the conversation goes deeper than the obvious sacrifices. They explore how parenthood has changed the way they manage their energy and why dreams sometimes need to be redefined rather than abandoned. Because having a family doesn’t mean giving up on your dreams — it might just mean finding a new way to make them happen. Enjoy listening to the new episode, feel free to send us your messages, references, and topic requests on Instagram @all.lights.on.podcast or email us at [email protected]

Episode 9 - Truth or Myth In this episode, Elena and János talk about the many expectations, assumptions, and prejudices surrounding parenting, motherhood, and how children are “supposed” to behave. They reflect on the ideas and opinions they have encountered themselves, how these shaped their experiences, and how they learned to deal with them. Enjoy listening to the new episode, feel free to send us your messages, references, and topic requests to [email protected] Very useful tool to get into baby sleep topic: Napper https://apps.apple.com/de/app/napper-schlafplan-ger%C3%A4usche/id1491340863

Episode 8 – Janos' journey In this episode, Elena and János turn the tables as the focus shifts to János. Together, they explore why disappointment has become such a familiar feeling in his life and how his experiences have shaped the person he is today. Through an honest conversation about expectations, identity, and personal growth, they reflect on the moments that continue to influence him both as a partner and as a father. Enjoy listening to the new episode, feel free to send us your messages, references, and topic requests to [email protected] References: 1st band - DEATH WARRANT https://deathwarrant.bandcamp.com/album/split 2nd band - EZ https://ezmusic5.bandcamp.com/album/szitak-t 3rd band - MONKEY CAVE https://monkeycave.bandcamp.com/album/man-on-the-pluto 4th band - ASTRAL DOG https://astraldog.bandcamp.com/album/astral-dog-ep Current band - DURCEL HAZE https://www.durcelhaze.com/

Episode 7 – Elena’s Journey In this episode, the focus is entirely on Elena’s journey. János interviews her about the path that shaped her: her drive, motivation, and ambitions, as well as the experiences that influenced her view of family and motherhood. Together, they reflect on the obstacles she faced along the way and the choices that made it possible for her to build the life she had always envisioned. Enjoy listening to the new episode, feel free to send us your messages, references, and topic requests on Instagram @all.lights.on.podcast

Episode 6 – Equal Parenting In this episode, Elena and János finally dive into the topic at the heart of this podcast: equal parenting. They talk about how they share the responsibilities and joys of raising a family, what this looks like in their everyday life, and the values that guide their decisions. Rather than offering a blueprint, they simply share their experience with one important message: you do you. Enjoy listening to the new episode, feel free to send us your messages, references, and topic requests on Instagram @all.lights.on.podcast

Episode 5 – May In this episode, Elena and János catch up on the events of the past few weeks and reflect on two important milestones for Elena: her first podium finish and her 40th birthday. They also talk about different perspectives on sports, as János continues to search for what makes competition meaningful, and share their thoughts on the tendency of parents to idealize certain stages of child development, such as potty training. Enjoy listening to the new episode, feel free to send us your messages, references, and topic requests on Instagram @all.lights.on.podcast