4.4: Toxic Masculinity

This episode is with the amazing Parul Singh, founder of Parallel Minds, and we talk everything ADHD; a really personal one for me, given my own recent ADHD diagnosis. We talk about own own experiences with ADHD and how parents can look out for the signs of ADHD either in themselves or in their children. We also discuss why it's so important to get a diagnosis so appropriate help and support can be put into place and the right labels can be attached to our children. 

Join me as I talk to Jess Lovibond about how complex generational relationships can have a huge impact on children. We talk about how the way you were parented can impact how you parent and what parents can do to work through trauma to be more present for their own children. Jess offers advice and guidance of building positive relationships with children based on her own experience and practice. 

I'm in conversation with Tommy Hatto, actor, speaker and body image expert about why so many young people have issues with their bodies. We talk about how social media has negatively impacted young people because of who and what they see. We also discuss what parents can do to support their children and to encourage their children to be happy and proud of the body they're in. 

I'm joined by Mike Nicholson, founder of Progressive Masculinity to talk about the impact that social media influencers are having on young boys. A former teacher, we talk about Mike's work with schools to demonstrate how modern masculinity doesn't have to be what a number of influencers say it should be and that being a man does not equate to being dominant and assertive, especially in relationships. 

This week, I'm joined by Natalie Costa, parent coach and founder of Power Thoughts, as we discuss guilt and shame in parenting. We talk about why so many parents struggle to be present for themselves because they fear being judged and labelled. We talk about the impact this has on 21st century parents and 21st century children and how parents can find a better balance between their children and themselves without guilt and shame. 

In this episode, I'm joined by teacher, author and renowned speaker, Matt Pinkett, as we discuss toxic masculinity and the impact it is having on the next generation. We talk about influencers, including Andrew Tate, and how children are being taught toxic masculinity behaviours and how to treat each other and women. Matt talks with honesty about his own past behaviours and why he talks to parents and children across the country about the dangers of toxic influencers. 

Aruna Bansal, founder of Asian Single Parents Network, and Sukhbinder Vagree join me for this episode as we talk about single parenting. Aruna and Sukhbinder both share their own stories that led to them being single parents and they offer a female and male take on the issues they have experienced since their respective separations. We also talk about the impact separation and single parenting has on children and what can be done to support them. 

RRT Practitioner, Jas Bhamra, shares her story of loss and grief and how this can impact parents. Jas and I discuss what it's like to lose a parent and the impact this has on our own ability to parent, with Jas having lost her father to alcohol abuse and then going through a divorce. We also talk about Jas' work as an Rapid Transformation Therapist and how her work helps parents overcome challenges they might be facing. 

A brand new season and I'm starting by having a conversation with Cat Wildman, founder of Powered By Diversity, about inclusive workplaces. We talk about Cat's own lived experience as a new mother struggling to balance her parenting duties with her high profile job and how this led her to quit and set up her own business. Powered By Diversity uses data to ensure workplaces are more inclusive for all and in this episode, we talk more about parental inclusion, parental leave and how to speak to management about flexibility. 

Heidi Mavir is a best-selling author and neurodivergent adult. She also has a son that is transgender. In this episode, Heidi and I discuss how she handled her son coming out to her and how she has been in his corner ever since finding out. We talk about the media frenzy that surrounds the trans debate and why the debate has been so polarised in recent years. Heidi also offers her views on JK Rowling, gender, what it means to be a woman and how parents can support their trans children through the journey.