Parenting, apparently – Details, episodes & analysis

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Parenting, apparently

Pok Pok

Kids & Family

Education

Kids & Family

Frequency: 1 episode/8d. Total Eps: 29

Parenthood doesn't come with instructions, and neither does building a company. Melissa and Esther are figuring out both on opposite sides of the world, as friends and founders of award-winning kids’ media brand Pok Pok.

Since 2021, running Pok Pok has been a front-row seat to the inner world of parents: the real wins that don’t make it to Instagram, as well as the unspoken fears and questions that everyone is waiting for someone else to say first.

Parenting, apparently, is a space to come together and take the pressure off parenthood by celebrating the fact that there is no “right” way of doing it. Each episode is a reminder that you’re not supposed to have all the answers, but that the way to get closer to them is by getting curious.

Whether Melissa and Esther are sharing their own “WTF” moments, reflecting in real time, or passing the mic to guests from the community, you’re invited to come get curious about your own parenting journey. We may not have a manual for this thing, but we do have the creative freedom to make our own along the way.

Watch us on Youtube!

And check out Pok Pok!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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https://playpokpok.com
29 shares
https://bethandcoop.com/
2 shares
https://www.transformingtoddlerhood.com/
2 shares

https://www.youtube.com/@ParentingApparently
30 shares
https://www.youtube.com/@studiopokpok?sub_confirmation=1
29 shares
https://www.youtube.com/@shawnathemom.
2 shares

https://www.instagram.com/curious_neuron
2 shares
https://www.instagram.com/thegamereducator
2 shares
https://www.instagram.com/michellekennedylon
2 shares

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RSS feed quality

Good

Score global : 89%

Publication history

Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.

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Lightening The Parental Weight of Wills, Work, and Future Worries with Erin Bury

Season 2 · Episode 2

Thursday, May 14, 2026 • Duration 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:

YouTube

Pok Pok YouTube

Instagram

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.

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Mother’s Day: Who Were You Before Parenthood?

Season 2 · Episode 1

Thursday, May 7, 2026 • Duration 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:

The Maternal Brain Project

Susana's writings

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:

YouTube

Pok Pok YouTube

Instagram

What "Good Sleep" Really Looks Like for Kids with Rachael Shepard-Ohta

Season 1 · Episode 10

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 • Duration 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:

YouTube

Pok Pok YouTube

Instagram

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

Season 1 · Episode 9

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 • Duration 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:

YouTube

Pok Pok YouTube

Instagram

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.

Raising Inclusive Kids Without Fear or Perfection with Beth Leipholtz

Season 1 · Episode 8

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 • Duration 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:

YouTube

Pok Pok YouTube

Instagram

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

Season 1 · Episode 7

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 • Duration 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:

YouTube

Pok Pok YouTube

Instagram

What Every Parent Needs to Know About Screens and Technology, With Ash Brandin

Season 1 · Episode 6

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 • Duration 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:

YouTube

Pok Pok YouTube

Instagram

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

Season 1 · Episode 5

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 • Duration 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:

YouTube

Pok Pok YouTube

Instagram

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

Season 1 · Episode 4

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 • Duration 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

Where Is The Instruction Manual For Being A Mother?! With Shawna Lander

Season 1 · Episode 3

Tuesday, December 2, 2025 • Duration 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:

YouTube

Pok Pok YouTube

Instagram

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 for more information.

Parenting, apparently – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

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Shared links between episodes and podcasts

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Parenting, apparently – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other37

Youtube4

Instagram14

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other37

Youtube4

Instagram14