Episode #8: In this episode, Tata and Summer Loria, licensed marriage and family therapist, discuss the complexities of motherhood, focusing on the emotional challenges that many mothers face, including postpartum depression and the loss of identity. They emphasize the importance of seeking help, breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, and the necessity of community support. The conversation highlights the journey of finding oneself amidst the chaos of parenting and the significance of accepting help from others. They also touch on the importance of raising emotionally healthy children while navigating personal healing.

Chapters:

00:00 The Journey of Motherhood and Healing
02:00 Identifying Struggles in Motherhood
10:54 Breaking the Stigma of Postpartum Challenges
17:58 Finding Yourself in the Chaos of Parenting
27:11 The Importance of Accepting Help
39:41 Raising Emotionally Healthy Children
48:07 The Surprising Aspects of Motherhood

You can also find us on Instagram, TikTok & YouTube @theparentingexperience

You can find Summer at summertimetherapy.com

Episode #7: In this episode, Tatiana and Elissa discuss the challenges and triumphs of parenting while navigating a cancer diagnosis. Elissa shares her personal journey with metastatic breast cancer, the impact on her motherhood, and the importance of community support. They explore the balance between self-care and parenting, the significance of open communication with children, and how to find joy in everyday moments. Elisa also introduces her nonprofit initiative, which provides a unique gift registry for cancer patients, emphasizing the need for connection and support during difficult times. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the multifaceted experience of navigating cancer treatment, focusing on the importance of support systems, the often-overlooked role of caregivers, and the emotional complexities of maintaining intimacy and connection during challenging times. They also explore the impact of grief on family dynamics, the significance of living with purpose, and the importance of open communication in parenting through cancer. The discussion emphasizes the need for community support and the value of sharing personal experiences to foster connection and understanding.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Parenting Insights
01:06 Elissa's Journey with Cancer and Motherhood
05:48 Navigating Parenting Challenges During Illness
11:58 Finding Balance in Parenting and Self-Care
17:50 The Importance of Community and Support
23:47 Understanding Cancer and Its Impact on Family
30:13 Living Life with Purpose and Perspective
35:47 The Gift Registry for Cancer Patients
42:24 Navigating Support During Cancer Treatment
45:50 The Caregiver's Journey
49:07 Intimacy and Connection in Tough Times
53:05 Grief and Family Dynamics
57:42 Living with Purpose and Facing Mortality
01:01:51 Parenting Through Cancer
01:07:44 Closing Thoughts and Resources

Follow Elissa @elissakalver and @wegotthisorg

You can also find us on Instagram, TikTok & YouTube @theparentingexperience

Episode #6: Join us for an insightful and heartwarming journey as we explore the dynamics of relationships, marriage, and parenthood with my special guest, my husband, Mark. We kick off the episode with lighthearted tales of our contrasting holiday spirits, where Mark embraces his playful role as the Grinch to my enthusiastic Christmas celebrations. Our conversation meanders through our unique love story, beginning with our blind date where Mark humorously recalls his initial nervousness. We reflect on the inspiration drawn from Mark's parents' 65-year marriage, offering insights into love, commitment, and the humorous side of navigating life together.

Listen in as we share the challenges and triumphs of our family journey, from dealing with miscarriages and infertility to our rewarding path toward adoption and foster parenting. Through personal anecdotes, we discuss the emotional healing and courage required to explore alternative paths to parenthood. The episode also highlights the cultural blend of our backgrounds, from Mark's only-child upbringing to my large Colombian family, revealing humorous moments and heartfelt stories of blending two worlds into one loving family.

Our discussion doesn't shy away from the trials we've faced, such as our son's health challenges and the strain it placed on our marriage. Through candid storytelling, we talk about the importance of seeking support and the transformative power of counseling, particularly with guidance from Pastor Mac. We also share our passion for community giving, touching on the joy of spreading holiday cheer and the profound belief that giving is better than receiving. As we wrap up, you'll hear delightful moments with our child, Asher, as he shares his love for Christmas and the spirit of giving, rounding off a conversation that underscores the power of love, resilience, and community.

Chapters:

(00:00) Parenting Experience Podcast Interview
(10:02) Family, Marriage, and Motherhood Journey
(17:55) Journey to Adoption and Parenthood
(30:12) Marriage and Parenthood Commitment
(33:43) Navigating Challenges in Marriage and Parenthood
(43:24) Navigating Marriage Challenges With Pastor's Guidance
(57:45) Navigating Life's Demands and Giving Spirit
(01:01:24) Community Giving and Holiday Spirit
(01:14:38) Spreading Holiday Cheer With Kindness

You can also find us on Instagram, TikTok & YouTube @theparentingexperience