Be a Happier Parent

Be a Happier Parent
Podcast Description
Why is there such a huge gap between what we think parenting is going to be like and what it actually is? Why when we have children do we think it’s going to bring us closer together but often it really pushes us apart? What are the jobs of mums and dads now? What’s a dad when we’re no longer just providers? What’s a mum when they often are? What am I supposed to teach or model for my children when I’ve no idea what the world is going to look like in five years time?
Why did my parents seem to have loads of conviction about these things and I have absolutely none? In this podcast I interview top authors, therapists, coaches and try and find out how the trials of parenting can help us become better humans.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast examines a variety of themes including gender division of household labor, the emotional challenges of parenting, and the impact of societal expectations on family dynamics. For example, episodes discuss the 'Fair Play' movement led by Eve Rodsky, highlighting the inequities in domestic tasks and how they affect relationships, while also addressing the importance of personal fulfillment through 'unicorn space'.

Why is there such a huge gap between what we think parenting is going to be like and what it actually is? Why when we have children do we think it’s going to bring us closer together but often it really pushes us apart? What are the jobs of mums and dads now? What’s a dad when we’re no longer just providers? What’s a mum when they often are? What am I supposed to teach or model for my children when I’ve no idea what the world is going to look like in five years time?
Why did my parents seem to have loads of conviction about these things and I have absolutely none? In this podcast I interview top authors, therapists, coaches and try and find out how the trials of parenting can help us become better humans.
We were discussing Anna’s most recent book: “Soft Tissue Damage”
Also check out her novel: “Boxer Handsome”
Follow me on TikTok and Instagram @beahappierparent and find videos of these episodes on YouTube @alexindadland
Keywords
masculinity, identity, vulnerability, shame, literature, parenting, relationships, emotional health, gender roles, self-discovery
Summary
In this conversation, Anna and Alex delve into the complexities of masculinity, exploring its constructs and representations in literature, the evolution of male identity, and the role of vulnerability and shame. They discuss the importance of female perspectives in understanding masculinity and the significance of building supportive networks for future generations. The dialogue emphasizes the need for emotional health and the impact of relationships on personal growth.
Takeaways
Identity is a construct, and masculinity can take many forms.
Literature reflects the evolution of male identity over time.
Vulnerability is a crucial aspect of masculinity.
Shame can lead to destructive patterns of behavior.
Care and support are essential in male friendships.
Finding strength in vulnerability can lead to personal growth.
Female perspectives are vital in understanding masculinity.
Witnessing experiences is crucial for emotional health.
Building a supportive network is important for children.
The dynamics of female friendships differ from male friendships.
Titles
The Many Faces of Masculinity
Literary Reflections on Male Identity
Sound bites
“Identity is construct, right?”
“You have to learn not to fight.”
“This is a book about healing.”
Chapters
00:00 Exploring Masculinity in Literature
04:31 The Evolution of Male Protagonists
07:20 The Impact of War on Masculinity
10:10 Shame and Vulnerability in Men
13:00 The Role of Alcohol in Masculine Identity
15:54 Understanding Shame and Forgiveness
18:02 The Gendered Experience of Shame
21:04 Parenting and Masculinity
23:33 The Intersection of Boxing and Identity
26:24 Navigating Relationships and Violence
28:08 The Journey of Self-Discovery through Sport
35:28 The Comfort of Kebab and Vulnerability
36:10 The Female Perspective on Masculinity
38:35 Conversations on Care and Masculinity
40:53 Healing Through Boxing and Loss
43:19 Understanding Aging and Care
46:41 The Role of Witnessing in Relationships
49:26 Navigating Mortality and Parenthood
52:42 The Dynamics of Female Friendships
54:55 Blending Families and Modern Relationships
54:55 Introduction to Soft Tissue Damage
54:55 Exploring Anna Witwam’s Works

Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.