Season 2: Ep 12 - Blending Parenting and Education - With Leila Kubesch
In this heartfelt episode, I chat with Leila Kubesch, an award-winning educator, researcher, and founder of Parents 2 Partners, about what it truly takes to blend families with care, compassion, and connection.Leila shares stories from her decades of experience supporting parents across cultures, and offers powerful insights into how we can raise emotionally secure kids—no matter what our family structure looks like.We talk about:💛 How to blend families while honoring each child’s emotional reality🏡 Why a sense of belonging must come before behavior correction🧠 Replacing shame-based habits with connection-based strategies🛠️ Practical tools from classrooms and real homes that truly workWhether you're navigating a new family dynamic or simply seeking to parent with more intention, this episode is filled with wisdom, warmth, and aha moments.https://www.parents2partners.org/
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Season 2: Ep 11 - Open The Door To A New You - With Coral Emerson
In this inspiring episode of The Parent Pod, Rachel is joined by best-selling author, speaker, and content photographer Coral Emerson. Coral shares her journey of being diagnosed with ADHD later in life, living with a neurological condition, and rising above life’s challenges to create a life of purpose, creativity, and joy.Drawing from her book Open the Door to a New You, Coral offers heartfelt insights into resilience, self-acceptance, and finding strength in adversity. Her story is a powerful reminder for parents—and anyone navigating hard times—that hope and transformation are always possible.AmazonAUS: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0B4HTXP5DPaperbackAmazonAUS: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0645504505Facebook: Coral Emerson @coralemersonauthorhttps://www.facebook.com/coralemersonauthorInstagram: Coral Emerson @coral.emersonhttps://www.instagram.com/coral.emerson/Website: https://www.coralemerson.com.au
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Season 2: Ep 10 - Parenting Your Own Way, With Leisa Robertson
In this episode of The Parent Pod, I’m joined by Leisa Robertson, whose journey is as honest as it is powerful. Together, we explore what it really means to let goof expectations—of ourselves, our children, and the parenting playbook we thought we were supposed to follow.This conversation dives deep into the messy, meaningful moments that shape us—not just as parents, but as people. From questioning “the usual way” to navigatingneurodivergence and identity, this is a story about courage, connection, and rewriting the rules in a way that actually works.Leisa speaks from the heart and her wisdom will not only inspire but help.
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Season 2: Ep 9 - Parenting Neurodivergent Kids with Confidence and Connection — with Kerry Morrison
In today’s episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Kerry Morrison—an Aboriginal social worker, coach, parent, and founder of Empowerment2Be, based on Noongar Boodja in WA’s South West. With over 15 years’ experience across disability, education and trauma recovery, Kerry brings a deeply grounded, culturally safe, and strengths-based approach to her work with families of neurodivergent and disabled children.Through NDIS-funded services, therapy-informed coaching, and practical, real-world strategies, Kerry helps families feel seen, supported, and equipped. She also hosts free Walk and Talk sessions in the community—because when parents and carers feel connected, kids are better able to thrive.In this episode, we explore:Kerry’s story and what led her to create Empowerment2BeHow to recognise and celebrate your child’s unique gifts—even if they don’t fit the mainstream mouldWhat to hold onto when your child doesn’t fit into traditional systemsThe kinds of supports and alternative pathways that are available to familiesPractical strategies to build identity, confidence and emotional safety at homeWhy parents don’t need to have all the answers—and how to guide instead of “fix”Ways to explore future possibilities with your child without overwhelmWhether your child is neurodivergent, disabled, or just forging their own path, this conversation is full of insight, honesty, and hope. Empowerment2BeFollow Kerry’s work and find out more about her Walk and Talk sessions at empowerment2be.comStay rad
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Season 2 Ep: 8 - Parenting with less stress and more strength - with Dani Hewton
In this episode of The Parent Pod, Rachel is joined by public speaker, educator, clinical hypnotherapist, and life coach Dani Hewton. With over 25 years of experience, Dani specialises in stress and pain reduction using a unique blend of science, psychology, energy healing, and holistic tools.Dani shares her powerful personal journey of transformation—from chronic pain and financial hardship to a life of wellbeing and abundance—and how this inspired the creation of Next Gen Wellness. Together, they explore the rising rates of anxiety in tweens and teens, what it actually looks like, and how biological wiring during these years affects the way young people experience stress.This conversation dives into what parents can do when nothing seems to help, why autonomy is such a powerful protective factor, and how to nurture it in ways that still feel safe and connected. Dani’s insights are grounded, practical, and full of hope for families navigating the complex emotional world of adolescence.Parent Podders can download Dani’s Great Sleep Guide and access to sleep better hypnotherapy recording for free here https://forms.gle/nitHEV65Pxn9g8iDAwww.nextgen-wellness.com.au <http://www.nextgen-wellness.com.au>https://www.facebook.com/nextgenwellnessauhttps://www.instagram.com/danihewton/
Welcome to The Parent Pod - a safe haven for parents seeking to raise strong, happy kids and build thriving families. Each week, we dive into the heart of parenting with insights from experts in neuroscience, psychology, and education.
Our goal is to empower you with practical tools, compassionate understanding, and evidence-based strategies to nurture connection, foster belonging, and create a loving environment where your family can flourish.
From tackling challenges to celebrating milestones, we’re here with expert insights and support to help your family thrive.
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