The Parent Pod

Dr Justin Coulson is one of Australia’s most trusted parenting experts, an author, researcher and speaker, and the founder of Happy Families. He is the co-host and parenting expert on Channel 9’s Parental Guidance and has spent more than two decades helping families build stronger relationships and raise thriving children.
In this episode of The Parent Pod, Rachel sits down with Dr Justin Coulson to discuss his brand-new book, Boys: Building Strong Young Men From the Inside Out. Together, we explore what boys need to flourish in today’s world, the foundations of healthy masculinity, and practical ways parents can support boys to become confident, resilient and caring young men.

Danielle C. Baker is a Canadian parenting expert, author of Bringing Up the World, and host of the Talk to Danielle podcast. With over two decades of experience in early childhood education, parenting support, and child development, she helps families navigate behaviour, emotional regulation, and connection.
In this episode, we dive into micro wins in parenting and child development: small, intentional moments that build confidence, strengthen connection, and create lasting love and belonging within families.
To connect with Danielle:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-to-danielle/id1638222364
https://www.beingconnected.ca/podcast
https://www.beingconnected.ca
https://www.beingconnected.ca/bringing-up-the-world

In this deeply personal solo episode, Rachel shares what it has been like being the mum of a transgender child. With permission and honesty, she opens up about the grief, fear, love, learning, and growth that has shaped their family’s journey. This episode is for any parent trying to hold love and uncertainty at the same time.
In this episode, parents will hear about:
• How this journey first showed up in childhood
• The grief of letting go of a perceived future
• The fear and protectiveness that can come with parenting a trans child
• What it means to support your child while doing your own internal work
• Why love, safety, and trust matter most

Content Warning: This episode includes discussion around PTSD, mental health, trauma, and suicide.
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Kym for a really honest conversation about what it’s like to love, support, and parent alongside someone living with PTSD. We talk about how trauma can shape family life, relationships, emotional safety, and parenting, and what it means to hold your own wellbeing while supporting someone you care about.
If you are parenting in the middle of stress, trauma, or mental health challenges, this episode will help you feel less alone.
• What PTSD can look like in day-to-day family life
• How trauma can impact relationships, parenting, and emotional connection
• Ways to support children when PTSD is part of the family story
• Why partners and caregivers need support too
• What resilience, honesty, and connection can look like in hard seasons
For resources to help you:
https://www.code9ptsd.org.au/
https://www.code9ptsd.org.au/code-9-ptsd-kids-book-first-responders
mydadmyhero.com.au

** Content warning: This episode includes discussion of PTSD, mental health and suicide. Listener discretion is advised. **
In this episode of The Parent Pod, Rachel Russell speaks with Mark Thomas, Victoria Police officer, co-founder of The Code 9 Foundation, and father of two, about parenting while living with PTSD, anxiety and depression.
Mark shares his personal mental health journey, from psychological injury and diagnosis to recovery, and how trauma shaped his experience as a parent. Together, we explore how PTSD can impact relationships with children, the importance of connection, and what kids really need from parents navigating their own struggles.
This conversation offers insight, hope and practical reflection for parents living with trauma, reminding us that growth, healing and strong family relationships are possible.
To contact Mark:
facebook.com/sgtmarkthomas
Instagram.com/sgtmarkthomas
linkedin.com/in/sgtmarkthomas
https://www.code9ptsd.org.au