129: How to Embrace Softness in a Hard World with Dr. Akilah Cadet

In this episode I invited Erica Djossa, Canadian based psychotherapist, founder of Momwell, and author of the book Releasing the Motherload: How to Carry Less and Enjoy Motherhood More, back on to the podcast!Together we discuss:• An introduction to intensive mothering: unpacking societal expectations and the weight of invisible burdens in motherhood.• The role of comparison and social media in exacerbating feelings of inadequacy and overwhelm.• Strategies for releasing control and redistributing responsibilities to alleviate burnout and foster personal growth.• Embracing values over perfectionism: practical steps for identifying core values and aligning actions with your most aligned beliefs.• Recognizing the potential for growth and transformation when we embrace discomfort.• Creating space for self-care within motherhood: the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing mental well-being.Resources Mentioned:• Releasing the Motherload book: pre-order at www.ericadjossa.com• The Invisible Load of Postpartum episode 48• Find Erica on Instagram @momwellTo learn more about Dr. Cassidy's private practice visit https://www.drcassidymft.com/Enjoy this podcast? You'll also love Justine Carino's podcast "Thoughts from the Couch" learn more at www.carinocounseling.com/podcastOur Sponsors:* Check out Puori: Puori.com/DRCASSIDYAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

AI (Artificial Intelligence) isn't going anywhere, but that didn't stop me from (at first) putting my head in the sand about it. But the truth is, it's not going anywhere and our kids are going to grow up with AI being a part of their schooling, future careers, and their life...so it was time to take my head out of the sand and learn everything I can so that I can support them too.This episode with Audrey Wisch, founder and CEO of Curious Cardinals was not originally planned! Our original topic (episode 134) was all about supporting kids in discovering THEIR passions and connecting those passions to their relationship to school (if you haven't checked out that episode yet, you don't want to miss it!)What I noticed though in my interactions with Audrey was how she seamlessly incorporated AI into her business model. I got curious about her use of AI, and discovered she was giving AI workshops to parents around the country. I had SO many questions, and thought you might too...and thus this episode was born!I went into this conversation with A LOT of questions, concerns, and a general sense of overwhelm, and I left feeling empowered and even EXCITED to support my kids with ethically navigating a world in which AI exists.To learn more about Curious Cardinals visit https://www.curiouscardinals.com/To learn more about Dr. Cassidy's private practice visit https://www.drcassidymft.com/Our Sponsors:* Check out Puori: Puori.com/DRCASSIDYAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

"Mommmm why do I have to go to school?!" This is a question all parents will face at some point.In this episode I'm joined by Audrey Wisch, founder and CEO of Curious Cardinals. Curious Cardinals is a peer-mentorship/tutoring company rooted in passion based learning to support kids in nurturing their interests and ambitions...while also getting their homework done. Together we explore steps we can take to support our kids in discovering THEIR passions, and how to connect traditional school learning with real-world passions.This episode provides valuable perspectives for parents seeking to support their children in navigating the intersection of education and personal growth.Audrey has spoken on CNN, in Forbes, and on the Today Show to share her vision to create a community of lifelong learners and doers. She was recognized in the 2022 Forbes 30 Under 30 Education and Youngest category. To learn more about Curious Cardinals visit https://www.curiouscardinals.com.If you're a California parent and interested in learning more about working with Dr. Cassidy and her therapy services visit www.drcassidymft.comIf you're not a California resident and interested in starting therapy, you can learn how to find a therapist in your area by visiting https://www.drcassidymft.com/blog/how-to-find-a-therapist-like-meOur Sponsors:* Check out Puori: Puori.com/DRCASSIDYAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This one's for the cycle breakers, and in this episode we're unpacking intergenerational trauma.Dr. Mariel Buqué, trauma-informed Psychologist and author of the book BREAK THE CYCLCE: A Guide to Healing Intergenerational Trauma breaks it down for us.Together we explore how to recognize when generational trauma is impacting us today, identifying unhealthy patterns that get passed down in families, how trauma shows up in our bodies and our nervous systems, and steps we can take to break the cycles we're caught in that started before we were born.You deserved someone to protect you from generational pain and break the cycle, that always remains true. Now, let's take steps to get the support you need to be the cycle breaker for yourself, your family, and the next generation.You can learn more about Dr. Cassidy's private practice at https://www.drcassidymft.com/Our Sponsors:* Check out Puori: Puori.com/DRCASSIDYAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode you get to witness my conversation with Susie Allison, M.Ed., of @busytoddler, in which I share our 3 year olds current struggles with independent play, and the impact it's having on our whole family. Susie talks me through the proven strategies to support independent play and guess what...they worked! Susie shares the benefits of independent play for your child's development and for the whole family system...and how we can still feel present and connected even with more independent play happening in our homes. This is an episode you won't want to miss! Looking for more independent play support from Susie, including some of her favorite toys? Check out her independent play blog post here!  Susie Allison is a former teacher with a Master's in Early Childhood Education and a mom to 3 kids. Her mission is to bring hands-on play and learning back to childhood, support others in their parenting journey, and help everyone make it to nap time. Visit her at www.busytoddler.com or on Instagram @busytoddler. *Become a client of Dr. Cassidy's by visiting www.drcassidymft.com (CA residents only). *Not based in California but looking for more support? Click here for steps on how to find a therapist in your area! Join Dr. Cassidy and her cozy era by visiting www.cozyearth.com! Be sure to check out their pajamas made with viscose from bamboo. Use code DRCASSIDY35 for 35% off sitewide! Our Sponsors:* Check out Puori: Puori.com/DRCASSIDYAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode I invited fellow therapist Tessa Ritchie to join me in sharing the challenges of postpartum for BOTH parents, the impact these struggles can have on our relationship, and how to feel better together! Tessa shares her own personal story of experiencing postpartum anxiety and rage, her partner's struggles with depression postpartum, and the communication tools and strategies they used to heal and feel more present with each other and in parenthood. *Become a client of Dr. Cassidy's or Tessa by visiting www.drcassidymft.com (CA residents only). *Not based in California but looking for more support? Click here for steps on how to find a therapist in your area! Join Dr. Cassidy and her cozy era by visiting www.cozyearth.com! Be sure to check out their pajamas made with viscose from bamboo. Use code DRCASSIDY35 for 35% off sitewide! Our Sponsors:* Check out Puori: Puori.com/DRCASSIDYAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

I am so excited to introduce you to Casey Mouton, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and mom. Casey was the first therapist I hired to join my group practice, and today you get to hear her story. Casey is a survivor of postpartum depression and anxiety, and in today's episode she shares how that experience showed her the kind of support she truly needs. Learning about the type of support SHE needs became protective later on when her son unexpectedly had a stroke and she found herself navigating parenting a child with a disability. She shares how her partner had different needs in terms of support, the mental load of parenting a child with a disability, and steps you can take to feel less alone in your own parenting journey. TW: this story includes a medical emergency associated with Covid and discussions of postpartum depression and anxiety. Sometimes listening to someone else's story is exactly what we need, and sometimes we're not in a space yet to witness someone else's experience, and that's ok.  Resources mentioned in the episode: Napa Center Disability Resource Guide   PSI Support Groups *Become a client of Dr. Cassidy's  or Casey by visiting www.drcassidymft.com (CA residents only). *Not based in California but looking for more support? Click here for steps on how to find a therapist in your area! Join Dr. Cassidy and her cozy era by visiting www.cozyearth.com! Be sure to check out their pajamas made with viscose from bamboo. Use code DRCASSIDY35 for 35% off sitewide! Our Sponsors:* Check out Puori: Puori.com/DRCASSIDYAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Let's talk about softness, and being soft in a world that can be so hard. What does it mean to be soft? I invited Dr. Akilah Cadet to share in this conversation about softness as a human. Together we explore the beauty of connecting with softness, within ourselves and in our relationships. We identify how softness can get squashed and the benefits of connecting with the parts of us that are soft. We unpack the complexity of being a human in a hard world, the dance between anger and softness, harmony over balance, and Dr. Cadet offers a bridge into accessing our agency and power when faced with hardship within ourselves and the oppressive systems around us. Dr. Cadet is the Founder and CEO of Change Cadet. As a Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur her work is behind some of the biggest brands you use everyday. Dismantling white supremacy through storytelling is at the core of her work as a leader, speaker, creative director, producer, writer, editor and author of forthcoming book White Supremacy is All Around: Notes From a Black Disabled Woman in a White World. You can also learn from her through her podcast Soft Black Women. Links to connect with Dr. Cadet's work: Website: https://www.changecadet.com/ Book: https://www.changecadet.com/book Instagram @changecadet Our Sponsors:* Check out Puori: Puori.com/DRCASSIDYAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This is a Holding Space first! In today's special episode with speech therapists Carly and Katie of Wee Talkers, we are inviting your little one to tune in too! In the first half of the episode Carly and Katie offer supportive (and simple) ways you can support speech everyday with your children. Ever find yourself more stressed from all the information about child development out there? This conversation will leave you feel informed and empowered, without the pressure. You don't need to be a speech therapist to support your child's speech while having fun! Towards the end of the episode we invite your little one to join in with some fun song time! Consider this a connection opportunity, with some hidden speech support thrown in. I also share a connection ritual song that I sing every night with our kids that has proven to help us accept the hard feelings from the day too. Wee Talkers teaches parents of babies and toddlers how to support their child’s language and communication development. They offer connection-driven language resources via online education, courses and memberships.  You can learn more from Wee Talkers at https://www.weetalkers.com or on Instagram @weetalkers. *Become a client of Dr. Cassidy's private practice by visiting www.drcassidymft.com (CA residents only). *Not based in California but looking for more support? Click here for steps on how to find a therapist in your area! Join Dr. Cassidy and her cozy era by visiting www.cozyearth.com! Be sure to check out their pajamas made with viscose from bamboo. Use code DRCASSIDY35 for 35% off sitewide! Our Sponsors:* Check out Puori: Puori.com/DRCASSIDYAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

How do we actually experience restorative rest as busy parents? What are the layers that can get in the way when it comes to resting? Why is rest so important? We are diving in for some rest talk in today's episode with Ashley Neese, author of the book Permission to Rest. Ashley was previously on the podcast, episode 38: How to Breathe, following the release of her first book all about the power of breath. She is a breathwork teacher who has spent over a decade working at the intersections of embodiment, transformation, and renewal. I can't wait to share more of her work with you through this conversation, and hope this episode and her book support you in reclaiming rest because you are so worthy of it, just as you are. Get her book Permission to Rest here! *Become a client of Dr. Cassidy's private practice by visiting www.drcassidymft.com (CA residents only). *Not based in California but looking for more support? Click here for steps on how to find a therapist in your area! Join Dr. Cassidy and her cozy era by visiting www.cozyearth.com! Be sure to check out their pajamas made with viscose from bamboo. Use code DRCASSIDY35 for 35% off sitewide! Our Sponsors:* Check out Puori: Puori.com/DRCASSIDYAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy