Explore every episode of the podcast Parenting, apparently
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lightening The Parental Weight of Wills, Work, and Future Worries with Erin Bury | 14 May 2026 | 00:47:20 | |
Melissa and Esther sit down with Willful co-founder Erin Bury for a conversation that softens the heaviness of parenting responsibilities nobody wants to think about, but eventually has to. What starts with wills, guardianship, and estate planning opens into a bigger discussion about responsibility, money, work, death, privilege, and how becoming a parent changes the way you plan for the future. The episode weaves practical advice in with honest founder-parent reflections, touching on what kids understand about work, how families talk about death, and how parents try to raise grounded children while still giving them the best life possible. For more about Erin and her company Willful; https://www.erinbury.com/ https://www.willful.co/ Write in to us at hello@parentingapparently.com Subscribe and follow Parenting, Apparently, a podcast by Melissa Cash, Esther Huybreghts, and the Pok Pok team: Pok Pok helps raise the next generation of creative thinkers through non-addictive digital tools that encourage kids to think outside the box and learn through play. Learn more: https://playpokpok.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Mother’s Day: Who Were You Before Parenthood? | 07 May 2026 | 00:39:17 | |
Have you ever felt like the thing you really want for Mother’s Day is not flowers or macaroni art but… a break from your parental duties? Melissa Cash and Esther Huybreghts are back for a new season of “Parenting, apparently” (FKA “We’re Doing Great). This new name embodies the kinds of honest conversations they feel we could all use more of—like acknowledging the complicated feelings around Mother’s Day. They explore what it means to be a mom while also trying to stay connected to the person underneath it all. Like how this experience is affected by everything from their respective countries, hormonal changes, and career ambitions, to more systemic factors like parental leave. In the spirit of this new season, you will not be sold solutions or spewed off advice, but rather given permission to accept that there is nothing to solve. The uncertainty and constant evolution is parenthood, and normalizing that is how we find more peace on the journey. If you’re interested in the research Melissa mentioned from the TED Talk with Susana Carmona, Michael Feigelson, and Lee Gettler, you can explore more here: Decreased Testosterone in Fathers Study Write in to us at hello@parentingapparently.com Subscribe and follow Parenting, Apparently, a podcast by Melissa Cash, Esther Huybreghts, and the Pok Pok team: Pok Pok helps raise the next generation of creative thinkers through non-addictive digital tools that encourage kids to think outside the box and learn through play. Learn more: https://playpokpok.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| What "Good Sleep" Really Looks Like for Kids with Rachael Shepard-Ohta | 03 Feb 2026 | 00:41:15 | |
Is the "barometer" you use to measure a successful night of sleep actually just a social construct that is making you more stressed? Sleep can feel overwhelming and deeply personal, especially when everyone seems to have an opinion about what you should be doing. In this episode, Melissa and Esther talk with Rachael Shepard-Ohta about why night wakings are normal, why crying isn’t automatically a problem to fix, how cultural expectations have shaped modern sleep pressure, and more. Rachael Shepard-Ohta is the founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, a certified sleep consultant, podcast host, and mom of three who helps families navigate sleep with compassion, evidence, and realism. Learn more about Rachael and Hey, Sleepy Baby: https://heysleepybaby.com/ Write in to us at hello@parentingapparently.com Subscribe and follow Parenting, Apparently, a podcast by Melissa Cash, Esther Huybreghts, and the Pok Pok team: Pok Pok helps raise the next generation of creative thinkers through non-addictive digital tools that encourage kids to think outside the box and learn through play. Learn more: https://playpokpok.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Navigating the Emotional Weight of Feeding Your Baby with Mallory, The Formula Mom | 27 Jan 2026 | 00:37:16 | |
When deciding upon how to feed your baby, how can you trust your instincts when advice feels overwhelming? Feeding a baby often becomes one of the most emotionally charged parts of early parenthood, especially when expectations collide with reality. In this episode with guest Mallory Whitmore, you’ll hear an honest, validating conversation about why formula feeding isn’t a failure, but one of many legitimate ways to nourish your child and yourself. As a parent, educator, and founder of The Formula Mom, Mallory Whitmore is helping redefine infant feeding conversations with compassion and evidence-based guidance. Her book, "Bottle Service: Education and Encouragement for Guilt-Free and Successful Formula Feeding," is out in February. Learn more about Mallory and The Formula Mom: https://www.instagram.com/theformulamom and https://www.tiktok.com/@theformulamom Want more formula education, tips, and support? Visit www.bottleservicebook.com to purchase Mallory's new guidebook, BOTTLE SERVICE: Education and Encouragement for Guilt Free and Successful Formula Feeding. Write in to us at hello@parentingapparently.com Subscribe and follow Parenting, Apparently, a podcast by Melissa Cash, Esther Huybreghts, and the Pok Pok team: Pok Pok helps raise the next generation of creative thinkers through non-addictive digital tools that encourage kids to think outside the box and learn through play. Learn more: https://playpokpok.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Raising Inclusive Kids Without Fear or Perfection with Beth Leipholtz | 20 Jan 2026 | 00:34:26 | |
When parenting doesn’t go as expected, how do you move forward? Parenting rarely goes according to plan, and this episode will remind you that unexpected turns don’t mean you’re doing it wrong. Beth Leipholtz shares how raising her son Coop reshaped her understanding of inclusion, communication, and letting go of control. You’ll walk away with reassurance, perspective, and practical insight for parenting with curiosity, compassion, and confidence. Beth Leipholtz is a mom and storyteller who shares honest, joyful reflections on parenting, disability, and inclusion through her platform Beth & Coop. A passionate advocate for raising curious, empathetic kids while navigating life with humor and heart, she is also the author of The ABCs of Inclusion: A Disability Inclusion Book For Kids. Thank you to Beth Leipholtz for being on our show! Learn more about Beth Leipholtz, her platform Beth & Coop, and her book, The ABCs of Inclusion: A Disability Inclusion Book For Kids: https://bethandcoop.com/ Write in to us at hello@parentingapparently.com Subscribe and follow Parenting, Apparently, a podcast by Melissa Cash, Esther Huybreghts, and the Pok Pok team: Pok Pok helps raise the next generation of creative thinkers through non-addictive digital tools that encourage kids to think outside the box and learn through play. Learn more: https://playpokpok.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Managing Meltdowns and Understanding Sensory Needs with Laura Petix | 13 Jan 2026 | 00:41:19 | |
What is actually happening in your child’s brain during a meltdown? And, what can you do during a meltdown when nothing seems to help? When your child is melting down, it can feel personal, urgent, and overwhelming. In this episode, Laura Petix helps you reframe behavior as a nervous system response and shows how sensory strategies can support emotional regulation. Laura Petix is a pediatric occupational therapist and neurodiversity expert. As the creator of The OT Butterfly, she helps parents decode behavior through a sensory lens. Thank you to Laura Petix for being on our show! Learn more about Laura and The OT Butterfly: https://theotbutterfly.com/ Follow Laura on Instagram: https://instagram.com/theotbutterfly Check out Laura’s podcast, Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Podcast for Parents: https://theotbutterfly.com/the-sensory-w-i-s-e-solutions-podcast-for-parents/ Get Laura’s book, A Kid’s Book About Neurodiversity: https://amzn.to/4qfE97g Write in to us at hello@parentingapparently.com Subscribe and follow Parenting, Apparently, a podcast by Melissa Cash, Esther Huybreghts, and the Pok Pok team: Pok Pok helps raise the next generation of creative thinkers through non-addictive digital tools that encourage kids to think outside the box and learn through play. Learn more: https://playpokpok.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| What Every Parent Needs to Know About Screens and Technology, With Ash Brandin | 06 Jan 2026 | 00:43:07 | |
You’re navigating parenting in a world where screens are unavoidable, and this episode will help you release the guilt that often comes with that reality. In this episode, Melissa, Esther, and their guest, Ash Brandin, explore why leisure and downtime are essential for both you and your children, and how to model a healthy relationship with technology. Today’s guest is Ash Brandin. They are an educator, author of Power On, and are known online as The Gamer Educator. They help families rethink screen time without fear or shame. Thank you to Ash Brandin for being on our show! Learn more about Ash, aka The Gamer Educator at https://www.instagram.com/thegamereducator/ Get Ash’s book, Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family: https://www.thegamereducator.com/book Write in to us at hello@parentingapparently.com Subscribe and follow Parenting, Apparently, a podcast by Melissa Cash, Esther Huybreghts, and the Pok Pok team: Pok Pok helps raise the next generation of creative thinkers through non-addictive digital tools that encourage kids to think outside the box and learn through play. Learn more: https://playpokpok.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Evidence-Based Ways to Keep Kids Healthy This Season with Dr. Mona | 16 Dec 2025 | 00:49:54 | |
Which hygiene routines actually matter for preventing illness in your home? In this episode, Melissa and Esther chat with beloved pediatrician Dr. Mona about what parents really need to know about kids getting sick. This conversation explores practical, pediatrician-approved strategies for hygiene, symptom monitoring, and knowing exactly when to seek extra help. Dr. Mona Amin is a board-certified pediatrician and the creator of PedsDocTalk, a global parenting education platform offering evidence-based guidance with zero guilt and tons of warmth. Thank you to Dr. Mona Amin for being on our show! Learn more about Dr. Mona and PedsDocTalk: https://pedsdoctalk.com and https://www.instagram.com/pedsdoctalk/ Write in to us at hello@parentingapparently.com Subscribe and follow Parenting, Apparently, a podcast by Melissa Cash, Esther Huybreghts, and the Pok Pok team: Pok Pok helps raise the next generation of creative thinkers through non-addictive digital tools that encourage kids to think outside the box and learn through play. Learn more: https://playpokpok.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Ultimate Guide to Parenting Kids with ADHD with Dr. Carrie Jackson | 09 Dec 2025 | 00:33:35 | |
How can you tell if your child’s struggles are normal or a sign of ADHD? And, how do you decide whether to pursue a formal ADHD diagnosis? In this episode, hosts Melissa Cash and Esther Huybreghts talk with psychologist Dr. Carrie Jackson to unpack the truth about ADHD in children. Together they explore early signs, gender differences, and how parents can support their kids without shame or stigma. Dr. Carrie Jackson is a licensed psychologist who specializes in ADHD in children—and she has ADHD herself, so she gets it. She’s on a mission to help parents understand their kids’ unique brains and build calmer, happier homes along the way. Visit https://www.drcarriejackson.com to learn more about Dr. Carrie Jackson’s ADHD resources, expert advice, and supportive parenting tools. Be sure to connect with Dr. Carrie on social media to ask questions and learn more about ADHD in kids: * Dr. Carrie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carriejackson/ * Dr. Carrie’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drcarriejackson * ADHD Parenting Course: https://www.drcarriejackson.com/connectedandpracticalparenting * Free ADHD Parenting Guide: https://www.drcarriejackson.com/free-parent-guide * Dr. Carrie’s Private Practice: https://www.socalchildpsych.com/ Here’s the timer clock discussed in this episode: Yunbaoit Visual Timer: https://amzn.to/4ipWzj9 Write in to us at hello@parentingapparently.com Subscribe and follow Parenting, Apparently, a podcast by Melissa Cash, Esther Huybreghts, and the Pok Pok team: Pok Pok helps raise the next generation of creative thinkers through non-addictive digital tools that encourage kids to think outside the box and learn through play. Learn more: https://playpokpok.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Where Is The Instruction Manual For Being A Mother?! With Shawna Lander | 02 Dec 2025 | 00:40:04 | |
What changes when you stop performing “good parenting” for others and focus on what works for your family? In this episode, Melissa and Esther talk with prolific content creator Shawna Lander about the messy, funny, and deeply human realities of becoming a mom. Get ready to unpack how becoming a mother transformed Shawna’s identity and career, leading her to write hilarious and honest skits about the real-life struggles no one prepares you for. Shawna Lander is the hilarious mind behind the “Shawnaverse,” where her sharp, heartfelt mom-skits help parents feel seen in all their messy glory. She’s an actor, writer, mom, and cancer survivor. Thank you to Shawna Lander for being on our show! Follow Shawna: https://www.instagram.com/shawnathemom and https://www.tiktok.com/@shawnathemom and https://www.youtube.com/@shawnathemom. Write in to us at hello@parentingapparently.com Subscribe and follow Parenting, Apparently, a podcast by Melissa Cash, Esther Huybreghts, and the Pok Pok team: Pok Pok helps raise the next generation of creative thinkers through non-addictive digital tools that encourage kids to think outside the box and learn through play. Learn more: https://playpokpok.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Loneliest Generation: Why Modern Parents Need a Village with Michelle Kennedy | 02 Dec 2025 | 00:36:08 | |
As a parent, how can you build real in-person connections when you feel overwhelmed or isolated? In this episode, you’ll dive into why raising kids today often feels so lonely—and what you as a parent can actually do to change that. Peanut CEO Michelle Kennedy joins Melissa and Esther to open up about the realities of modern parenthood and gives practical, compassionate steps for finding real connection again. Michelle is also the author of It Takes a Village, a book filled with real stories of modern motherhood. Peanut is kind of like Bumble for moms—a wildly popular social networking app helping millions of women navigating fertility, pregnancy, motherhood or menopause find connection and support. Thank you to Michelle Kennedy for being on our show! Learn more about Michelle: https://michellekennedy.co Follow Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellekennedylon/ Follow Peanut to get connected with other mothers and find your village: https://www.instagram.com/peanut Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellekennedy2/ Get Michelle’s new book, It Takes A Village, from Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0241709989 Or from Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0241709989 Write in to us at hello@parentingapparently.com Subscribe and follow Parenting, Apparently, a podcast by Melissa Cash, Esther Huybreghts, and the Pok Pok team: Pok Pok helps raise the next generation of creative thinkers through non-addictive digital tools that encourage kids to think outside the box and learn through play. Learn more: https://playpokpok.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Imperfect Parenting, Real Talk, and Why We Started This Podcast | 02 Dec 2025 | 00:10:01 | |
What is Melissa and Esther’s mission behind creating a podcast that focuses on imperfect parenting? In this first episode, you’ll meet Melissa and Esther as they share why they created a parenting podcast that lifts you up instead of overwhelming you. You’ll hear candid stories, real-life chaos, and a lot of laughter as they set the tone for honest, judgment-free parenting conversations. Write in to us at hello@parentingapparently.com Subscribe and follow Parenting, Apparently, a podcast by Melissa Cash, Esther Huybreghts, and the Pok Pok team: Pok Pok helps raise the next generation of creative thinkers through non-addictive digital tools that encourage kids to think outside the box and learn through play. Learn more: https://playpokpok.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Raising Creative Kids through Play | 31 Mar 2026 | 00:23:35 | |
What happens when you stop directing your child's play and simply let them lead? In this episode, Esther sits down solo with multidisciplinary artist and mom Mills Brown to explore the deep, sometimes surprising, places where play, creativity, and parenthood overlap. You'll hear about Mills's sensory play sessions for children as young as six months at Modern Art Oxford, her upcoming solo exhibition, and the Montessori philosophy that shapes everything she does, including why the most powerful thing you can do in a play environment is step back and say nothing at all. Whether you've been wondering how to nurture your own creativity or simply how to make more space for truly free, open-ended play at home, this conversation is warm, curious, and full of gentle reminders that you're doing better than you think. Mills Brown is a multidisciplinary artist whose work lives at the intersection of painting, illustration, animation, and sculpture, with play as the thread that ties it all together. She's the Producer of Early Years and Young People at Modern Art Oxford, where she creates sensory play experiences for children as young as six months old, and is the creator of the upcoming immersive solo exhibition Where We Overlap. She's also a mom to an 18-month-old, which means her studio, her gallery, and her living room all tend to blur into one big creative experiment. Thank you to Mills Brown for being on our show! Learn more about Mills at https://www.millsbrownart.com/ or by following her Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mills_brown_ Write in to us at hello@parentingapparently.com Subscribe and follow Parenting, Apparently, a podcast by Melissa Cash, Esther Huybreghts, and the Pok Pok team: Pok Pok helps raise the next generation of creative thinkers through non-addictive digital tools that encourage kids to think outside the box and learn through play. Learn more: https://playpokpok.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Welcome to We're Doing Great! A Podcast for Imperfect Parents. | 25 Nov 2025 | 00:01:06 | |
Welcome to We’re Doing Great, a podcast for imperfect parents. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube to make sure you never miss an episode. Write in to us at hello@parentingapparently.com Subscribe and follow Parenting, Apparently, a podcast by Melissa Cash, Esther Huybreghts, and the Pok Pok team: Pok Pok helps raise the next generation of creative thinkers through non-addictive digital tools that encourage kids to think outside the box and learn through play. Learn more: https://playpokpok.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| BTS: The Truth Behind Parent Media | 24 Mar 2026 | 00:26:40 | |
How much of your parenting anxiety is influenced by what you read and see online? Melissa Cash and Esther Huybreghts sit down with Vanessa Grant to explore how parenting has become something you do in public. They unpack the pressure created by media, social platforms, and endless advice, and how it affects the way you show up for your child. You will walk away with permission to tune out the noise and trust your instincts more. Vanessa Grant is the editor in chief of Today’s Parent, where she blends journalism, data, and real parent needs to shape modern parenting conversations. Thank you to Vanessa Grant for being on our show! Learn more about Vanessa and Today's Parent: https://www.todaysparent.com/ Write in to us at hello@parentingapparently.com Subscribe and follow Parenting, Apparently, a podcast by Melissa Cash, Esther Huybreghts, and the Pok Pok team: Pok Pok helps raise the next generation of creative thinkers through non-addictive digital tools that encourage kids to think outside the box and learn through play. Learn more: https://playpokpok.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Is the Mental Load a Badge of Honor? | 17 Mar 2026 | 00:33:02 | |
Are you carrying invisible responsibilities that no one else even realizes exist? If your brain feels like it has forty tabs open at once, this episode will feel painfully familiar in the best possible way. Melissa and Esther have an honest, funny, and thoughtful conversation about the invisible labor of parenting, the resentment that can build around it, and the ways parents sometimes add pressure to their own plates. You will walk away with a sharper way to think about mental load, more compassion for yourself, and a few simple ideas for talking about it at home. Write in to us at hello@parentingapparently.com Subscribe and follow Parenting, Apparently, a podcast by Melissa Cash, Esther Huybreghts, and the Pok Pok team: Pok Pok helps raise the next generation of creative thinkers through non-addictive digital tools that encourage kids to think outside the box and learn through play. Learn more: https://playpokpok.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Question Parents Are Afraid To Ask | 10 Mar 2026 | 00:32:12 | |
Can you love your kids deeply and still wonder what life without them would have looked like? This episode is an honest, funny, and unexpectedly deep conversation about what motherhood asks of you and what it gives back. You will hear Melissa and Esther talk through the daily chaos of raising young kids, the tension between work and family, and the quiet questions many parents carry but rarely say out loud. If you have ever wondered whether you are handling the mess, the guilt, and the love of parenting “right,” this conversation will feel both comforting and refreshingly real. Write in to us at hello@parentingapparently.com Subscribe and follow Parenting, Apparently, a podcast by Melissa Cash, Esther Huybreghts, and the Pok Pok team: Pok Pok helps raise the next generation of creative thinkers through non-addictive digital tools that encourage kids to think outside the box and learn through play. Learn more: https://playpokpok.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Evolution of Parenting With Three Generations of Mothers - From 1958-2026 | 03 Mar 2026 | 00:34:00 | |
Are you parenting with confidence, or parenting with commentary from the entire internet in your head? What happens when you put a 90-year-old great-grandmother, a 60-something mom, and a toddler-raising millennial at the same table and ask them what “being a good parent” actually means? You will hear what motherhood felt like between the 1950s and the 1990s, before Google, before gentle parenting scripts, and before everyone was performing family life online—and you just might walk away feeling lighter about your own. Melissa’s Bubbie, Falia Marcus, and mom, Debbie Cash, join for a three-generation conversation about motherhood, boundaries, and what has changed over time. With decades of lived parenting experience, Debbie and Faila offer perspective on confidence, common sense, and raising kids without constant outside input. Find the Gentle Parenting video mentioned in this episode here: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSmHBmqgC/ Write in to us at hello@parentingapparently.com Subscribe and follow Parenting, Apparently, a podcast by Melissa Cash, Esther Huybreghts, and the Pok Pok team: Pok Pok helps raise the next generation of creative thinkers through non-addictive digital tools that encourage kids to think outside the box and learn through play. Learn more: https://playpokpok.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| How to Be A Stronger Ally in Autism Awareness with Sara Southard | 24 Feb 2026 | 00:19:47 | |
Could the limits we place on neurodiverse kids, like screen time or alternative learning, actually be the very tools helping neurodiverse children thrive? When it comes to autism awareness advocacy, there is a growing need for understanding, support, and inclusive practices in our society. As more individuals are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it is crucial that we take the necessary steps to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for neurodiverse individuals. In this episode, you’ll learn how to better support neurodiverse kids, use tools that help them grow and communicate, and create environments where they feel understood and able to thrive. Sara Southard joins Melissa and Esther to share her experience raising an autistic daughter, using technology to support language and regulation, and teaching families and kids to be more inclusive and supportive of neurodiverse children. Sara Southard is a devoted advocate for autism awareness, drawing on her experience as both an elementary educator and a mother to foster understanding and acceptance. Thank you to Sara Southard for being on our show! Learn more about Sara and Amazing Autistic Abby: https://www.amazingautisticabby.com/ Follow Sara on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amazing.autistic.abby/ Shop Amazing Autistic Abby: https://www.amazingautisticabby.com/shop Write in to us at hello@parentingapparently.com Subscribe and follow Parenting, Apparently, a podcast by Melissa Cash, Esther Huybreghts, and the Pok Pok team: Pok Pok helps raise the next generation of creative thinkers through non-addictive digital tools that encourage kids to think outside the box and learn through play. Learn more: https://playpokpok.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Power of Playful Parenting with Devon Kuntzman | 17 Feb 2026 | 00:37:14 | |
How can connection lead to more cooperation from your toddlers? Toddlerhood can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be a constant battle. In this episode, you’ll learn how play, connection, and mindset shifts can transform everyday challenges into opportunities for growth. Devon Kuntzman joins Melissa and Esther and shares practical tools to help you navigate tantrums, transitions, and big emotions while building trust and resilience with your child. Devon Kuntzman is the creator of Transforming Toddlerhood, an author, and a trusted guide for parents navigating the toddler years with more connection and confidence. Thank you to Devon Kuntzman for being on our show! Learn more about Devon and Transforming Toddlerhood: https://www.transformingtoddlerhood.com/ Follow Devon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingtoddlerhood/ Get Devon’s book, Transforming Toddlerhood: How to Handle Tantrums, End Power Struggles, and Raise Resilient Kids, Without Losing Your Mind: https://www.transformingtoddlerhood.com/book/ Write in to us at hello@parentingapparently.com Subscribe and follow Parenting, Apparently, a podcast by Melissa Cash, Esther Huybreghts, and the Pok Pok team: Pok Pok helps raise the next generation of creative thinkers through non-addictive digital tools that encourage kids to think outside the box and learn through play. Learn more: https://playpokpok.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Neuroscience Behind Kids, Screens, and Real Connection with Dr. Cindy Hovington | 10 Feb 2026 | 00:41:10 | |
As parents, how can you tell if screen time is *actually* harmful for your child’s brain? And how can you even parent properly without a neuroscience degree?! Some days it feels impossible. You’re not the only one wondering how much screen time is too much for your kids, or feeling shame for handing them a tablet while you make dinner—it’s something we’re all thinking about. In this episode, neuroscientist and mom Dr. Cindy Hovington joins Melissa and Esther to unpack what science actually says about screens and young brains. Part brain scientist, part mom-in-the-trenches, Dr. Cindy Hovington translates neuroscience into everyday parenting wins. Through her science-based parenting platform, Curious Neuron, she gives families practical, evidence-based ways to nurture calm, confident kids. Thank you to Dr. Cindy Hovington for being on our show! Learn more about Dr. Hovington on her Curious Neuron website: https://curiousneuron.com/ Follow Dr. Hovington on Instagram to learn about parenting through the lens of neuroscience: https://www.instagram.com/curious_neuron/ Connect with Dr. Hovington on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindyhovington/ Write in to us at hello@parentingapparently.com Subscribe and follow Parenting, Apparently, a podcast by Melissa Cash, Esther Huybreghts, and the Pok Pok team: Pok Pok helps raise the next generation of creative thinkers through non-addictive digital tools that encourage kids to think outside the box and learn through play. Learn more: https://playpokpok.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Building More Intentional Kids’ Tech with Ben Drury of Yoto | 04 Jun 2026 | 00:43:29 | |
This week on Parenting, Apparently, Esther and Melissa speak with Ben Drury, co-founder and CEO of Yoto, the screen-free audio platform for kids designed to support independence, imagination, and choice in what children listen to. Together, they explore what it means to design intentional media for kids, how their own parenting experiences shape their views on children’s technology, and reflecting on growing up with different forms of media. The conversation moves beyond business into the real parenting questions behind products like Yoto and Pok Pok: how kids develop taste, why audio can support autonomy, and how families navigate screen time in a world of AI-generated content and addictive algorithms. Ben also shares how Montessori thinking and his experience as a parent shaped his approach to building for children. For parents thinking about balancing calm screen time for kids, screen-free activities, and more thoughtful children’s media, this episode explores how different types of technology can support a healthier relationship with tech as kids grow. To learn more about Yoto; https://www.yotoplay.com Write in to us at hello@parentingapparently.com Subscribe and follow Parenting, Apparently, a podcast by Melissa Cash, Esther Huybreghts, and the Pok Pok team: Pok Pok helps raise the next generation of creative thinkers through non-addictive digital tools that encourage kids to think outside the box and learn through play. Learn more: https://playpokpok.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Kids Are Weird: Why That's a Good Thing and the Unlock to Curiosity | 28 May 2026 | 00:30:55 | |
This week on Parenting, apparently, Esther and Melissa explore how parenting can make the world feel big again. From dinosaurs, outer space, and gemstones, to basketball, poisonous plants, and library deep dives, they talk about the strange and joyful ways kids’ niche interests reignite curiosity in adults, too. The conversation unpacks learning alongside our children, supporting open-ended play, respecting kids’ obsessions as meaningful, and finding ways to nurture curiosity without turning every moment into a lesson. It is a warm, funny episode about parenting, child development, fostering creativity, and the lifelong value of asking “why?”. Write in to us at hello@parentingapparently.com Subscribe and follow Parenting, Apparently, a podcast by Melissa Cash, Esther Huybreghts, and the Pok Pok team: Pok Pok helps raise the next generation of creative thinkers through non-addictive digital tools that encourage kids to think outside the box and learn through play. Learn more: https://playpokpok.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Trading “Bounce-Back” Culture for Maternal Well-being with Marlie Cohen | 21 May 2026 | 00:50:30 | |
What happens when we reject “bounce-back” culture and bounce forward into who we’re actually becoming? Marlie Cohen, founder of Bounce Forward, has joined Esther and Melissa for a chat that celebrates the postpartum transformation and eases the pressure of getting back to our former selves. Marlie shares how postpartum anxiety, physical injury, COVID, and two young children pushed her to reject the “bounce back” narrative and create a more realistic fitness platform for moms. This isn’t just about exercise—It’s about designing supportive habits that respect the actual conditions of motherhood. For more about Marlie and her company Bounce Forward Co; https://www.instagram.com/kale_and_krunches/ https://www.bounceforwardco.com/ Write in to us at hello@parentingapparently.com Subscribe and follow Parenting, Apparently, a podcast by Melissa Cash, Esther Huybreghts, and the Pok Pok team: Pok Pok helps raise the next generation of creative thinkers through non-addictive digital tools that encourage kids to think outside the box and learn through play. Learn more: https://playpokpok.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||