Be a Happier Parent

Afleveringen

1. Ep 38: Parents with ADHD with Erica Djossa

   13 oktober 2026 · 56 min

   Afspelen
   Check out Erica's work at https://www.ericadjossa.com/ Lees meer

   You can find my online coaching community at https://www.skool.com/be-a-happier-parent/about

   If you're interested in 1:1 couples coaching, email me at beahappierparent@gmail.com

   content type

   Interview

   primary goal

   Educational

   summary

   In this episode, we explore the impact of ADHD on parenting and relationships, focusing on how neurodivergence influences the mental load, responsibility, and communication between partners. Erica Josso shares insights from her work and books, offering practical advice for couples navigating these challenges.

   keywords

   ADHD, parenting, mental load, relationships, neurodivergence, gender roles, communication, mental health, family dynamics, ADHD in adults

   key topics

   ADHD as a brain function difference in dopamine regulation
   Gender differences in ADHD presentation and diagnosis
   The impact of ADHD on mental load and household management
   Communication strategies for couples dealing with ADHD
   Challenging societal expectations and gender norms in parenting
   The importance of defining shared standards and expectations
   The role of compassion versus enabling in ADHD relationships
   Strategies for managing capacity and avoiding burnout
   The social conditioning of priorities and responsibilities
   Tools and resources for supporting neurodivergent parents

2. Ep 37: Demand More with Laura Danger

   14 september 2026 · 1 uur 9 min

   Afspelen
   Laura Danger is @darnchat on social media. Lees meer

   Her book is No More Mediocre: A Call to Reimagine Our Relationships and Demand More.

   If you would like to find out more about one-to-one coaching, email me at beahappierparent@gmail.com.

   My Be a Happier Parent Skool community is currently available on a free seven-day trial. I distil my coaching down into easy-to-follow videos, and I’m on there every day chatting to people and answering questions.

   Come and check it out:

   https://www.skool.com/be-a-happier-parent/about

   You can also follow me on Instagram and TikTok @BeAHappyParent and on YouTube @alexindadland.

   content type

   Interview

   primary goal

   Educational

   summary

   In this episode, Alex Trippier talks with Laura Danger about the realities of relationships after having children, gender roles, emotional labor, and how societal systems influence family dynamics. They explore how anger, community, and systemic change can lead to healthier, more equitable relationships.

   keywords

   relationships, parenting, gender roles, emotional labor, systemic change, anger, community, family dynamics, gender equality, mental health

   key topics

   Impact of having children on relationship satisfaction
   Gender roles and societal expectations for moms and dads
   Emotional labor and mental load in households
   The role of anger in driving change
   Community and systemic change for better family life
   The influence of societal systems on family dynamics
   The concept of living in community and shared responsibility
   The importance of valuing care work and emotional labor
   The impact of societal hierarchy and capitalism on family roles
   Strategies for having difficult conversations about division of labor

   guest name

   Laura Danger

   sound bites

   "There's a lot of inequity and sacrifice in households."
   "It's okay to feel angry and face discomfort."
   "Sitting with discomfort is work every day."

   Chapters

   00:00 Introduction: Why relationships change after children
   02:00 The inequity of emotional labor in …

3. Ep 36: What are Human Fathers for? with Dr Anna Machin

   30 juli 2026 · 59 min

   Afspelen
   Check out my members community: https://www.skool.com/be-a-happier-parent/about Lees meer

   Anna's book is "The Life of Dad" and you can find more about her work here: https://annamachin.com/

   content type

   Interview

   primary goal

   Educational

   summary

   Anna Machin explores the evolution of fatherhood, its biological and social foundations, and how modern environments influence paternal roles. Discover how our ancestors' adaptations shape today's diverse fathering practices and the importance of nurturing, challenge, and co-parenting.

   keywords

   fatherhood, evolution, parenting, biology, social roles, attachment, hormones, brain plasticity, cultural differences, co-parenting

   key topics

   The biological origins of fatherhood and its evolution over 500,000 years
   The hormonal and neurological changes in new fathers
   The diversity of fathering roles across cultures and environments
   The importance of co-parenting and relationship quality
   The impact of environment and circumstances on paternal behavior
   The role of teaching and challenge in building resilience
   Attachment theory and the unique role of fathers in emotional development

   guest name

   Anna Machin

   Titles

   The Evolution of Fatherhood: From Survival to Nurturing
   How Biology and Culture Shape Modern Dads

   sound bites

   "We are the only ape with this peculiar thing in our line."
   "Fathers' primary role is to nurture."
   "The brain is very open to experience and plastic."

   Chapters

   00:00 Introduction to the Evolutionary Roots of Fatherhood
   02:40 Early Human Ancestors and the Need for Investing Fathers
   05:07 Brain and Hormonal Changes in New Fathers
   08:16 The Versatility and Cultural Diversity of Fathering
   13:10 Neural Plasticity and the Brain of the Father
   19:34 Different Cultural Models of Fatherhood
   26:40 Attachment, Challenge, and Resilience in Fathers
   31:00 Fathers as Social Scaffolders and Developmental Guides
   38:31 Relationship Dynamics and the Impact on Fathers
   44:37 Parenting Styles, Self-Regulation, and Breaking Cycles
   49…

4. Ep 35: Understanding Maternal Rage with Dr Caroline Boyd

   2 juli 2026 · 54 min

   Afspelen
   Check out my coaching community! I'm answering questions every day so come and say hi! Lees meer

   https://www.skool.com/be-a-happier-parent/about

   Here's Caroline's amazing course: The coupon for £100 discount is SUMMERSUPPORT

   https://dr-caroline-boyd.mykajabi.com/mr-signup-autumn-2025

   You can find more about Caroline at https://drcarolineboyd.com/

   content type

   Interview

   primary goal

   Educational

   summary

   In this episode, Caroline Boyd and Alex explore the complex emotions of maternal rage, societal expectations, and how understanding these can lead to healthier parenting and relationships. They discuss the cultural myths of the supermum, the impact of patriarchy, and practical ways to navigate anger and self-regulation.

   keywords

   maternal rage, motherhood, anger, patriarchy, self-regulation, parenting, emotional health, gender roles, mental load, compassion-focused therapy

   key topics

   The cultural myth of the supermum and its impact
   The specific context of maternal rage and societal expectations
   The three circles of emotion model from compassion-focused therapy
   The influence of patriarchy on motherhood and gender roles
   The importance of self-regulation and repair in parenting
   The impact of social media on maternal guilt and shame
   The connection between anger, grief, and anxiety
   Strategies for managing anger and setting boundaries in parenting

   guest name

   Caroline Boyd

   Titles

   Unmasking Maternal Rage: Breaking the Supermum Myth
   The Hidden Power of Anger in Motherhood

   sound bites

   "I'm only ever interested in making you look wonderful and clever."
   "Anger is often protesting something or protecting vulnerability."
   "Repair teaches children that it's okay to mess up and make amends."

   Chapters

   00:00 Introduction to Maternal Rage
   02:03 Understanding Maternal Rage
   05:54 The Myth of the Supermum
   10:05 The Impact of Patriarchy on Motherhood
   13:58 Sources of Maternal Anger
   22:07 The Three Circles of Emotion
   28:05 Navigating Parenting Dynamics
   33:24 Understanding Maternal …

5. Ep 34: Finding a Role for Fathers with Darby Saxbe

   29 mei 2026 · 47 min

   Afspelen
   Please follow me on Instagram and TikTok @beahappierparent Lees meer

   Full videos of episodes available on YouTube @alexindadland

   Couples coaching, contact me: beahappierparent@gmail.com

   Darby Saxbe is on Instagram @darbysaxbephd

   summary

   This conversation explores the evolving roles of fathers and mothers, the impact of societal and cultural shifts on parenting, and how to foster healthier family dynamics. It highlights the importance of communication, understanding gender roles, and supporting men in caregiving.

   keywords

   fatherhood, gender roles, parenting, mental load, maternal gatekeeping, relationship dynamics, cultural shifts, caregiving, masculinity, family health

   key topics

   Changing roles of fathers and mothers
   Impact of societal and cultural shifts on parenting
   Maternal gatekeeping and paternal involvement
   The emotional and physical transformation of new dads
   The importance of communication in parenting partnerships

   guest name

   Darby Saxbe

   Titles

   The Future of Fatherhood: Embracing Care and Connection
   How Cultural Shifts Are Redefining Parenting Roles

   sound bites

   "Men are left out of the conversation."
   "Fatherhood is transformative for men."
   "We need to value care as a society."

   Chapters

   00:00 The Importance of Dads in Parenting Dynamics
   05:15 Transformative Experiences of Fatherhood
   07:54 Understanding the Impact of Birth on Fathers
   11:12 The Role of Meaning-Making in Parenting
   11:41 The Crisis of Transitioning to Parenthood
   13:59 Communication as a Key to Relationship Success
   17:04 The Unique Role of Fathers in Child Development
   19:50 The Evolution of Fatherhood Roles
   22:45 The Future of Parenting Dynamics
   26:58 The Role of Oxytocin in Parenting
   27:52 Cultural Influences on Parenting Styles
   30:30 Navigating Parental Expectations and Child Development
   31:56 Changing Representations of Fathers in Media
   35:52 Evolving Masculinity and Parenting Roles
   40:04 The Importance of Male Role Models in Caregiving
   43:31 Valuing Care in Society
   46:45 Understanding …

6. Ep 33: Do Less to Be More with Leah Ruppanner

   1 mei 2026 · 1 uur 11 min

   Afspelen
   Follow me on Instagram @beahappierparent Lees meer

   Full videos of Eps on YouTube @alexindadland

   content type

   Interview

   primary goal

   Educational

   summary

   This conversation explores social norms, gender roles, mental load, and how they impact women and men in modern life. Leah and Alex discuss empirical research, societal expectations, and practical strategies for creating more balanced and fulfilling lives.

   keywords

   social norms, gender roles, mental load, household chores, parenting, work-life balance, social expectations, gender equality, emotional labor, societal change

   key topics

   Empirical evidence on gender differences in perceiving mess
   Social penalties for women based on household standards
   The role of social norms in shaping behavior and expectations
   Strategies for reducing mental load and re-aligning with personal values
   The impact of societal expectations on parenting and career choices

   guest name

   Leah

   Titles

   Revealing the Hidden Mental Load: How Norms Shape Our Lives
   The Messy Truth: Gender, Judgment, and Social Norms

   sound bites

   "You can't be everything to everyone."
   "Resting without guilt is critical for well-being."
   "A mother's love is not the only love that matters."

   Chapters

   00:00 Introduction to the Messy Room Study
   04:49 Understanding Gender Norms and Housework
   07:34 The Impact of Social Norms on Women
   10:42 Challenging Traditional Expectations
   13:36 The Burden of Mental Load
   16:32 Finding Value Beyond Social Norms
   19:27 The Role of Caregiving in Men's Lives
   22:17 Redefining Success and Self-Worth
   25:26 The Importance of Rest and Self-Care
   28:24 Navigating Personal Expectations and Social Pressures
   29:54 Understanding Magic Making and Mental Load
   32:37 The Emotional Weight of Mental Load
   34:15 Navigating Mental Load in Work and Family Life
   35:48 The Impact of Gender Norms on Parenting
   42:15 The Isolation of Motherhood and Societal Expectations
   47:03 Redefining Success in Parenting
   51:19 Understanding Mental Load and Its Impact
   54:02 Conduct…

7. Ep 32: Emotional Masculinity with Matt Salis

   27 maart 2026 · 1 uur 2 min

   Afspelen
   Find out more about Matt's work at https://un-toxicated.com/ Lees meer

   Please follow me on Instagram and TikTok @beahappierparent

   Full videos of the show available on YouTube @alexindadland

   content type

   Interview

   primary goal

   Educational

   summary

   In this insightful interview, Matt Salis explores the evolving concept of emotional masculinity, emphasizing the importance of emotional safety, vulnerability, and resilience in modern relationships and parenting. Discover practical strategies for men to lead with emotional intimacy, create safe environments, and foster stronger family bonds.

   keywords

   emotional masculinity, emotional safety, vulnerability, parenting, relationships, resilience, emotional intimacy, modern masculinity, family dynamics, mental health

   key topics

   Redefinition of masculinity in modern society
   The importance of emotional safety and vulnerability
   Strategies for men to lead with emotional intimacy
   Impact of social media and societal changes on family dynamics
   Practical steps for creating emotionally safe environments

   guest name

   Matt Salis

   Titles

   The New Face of Masculinity: Lead, Provide, Protect with Emotional Safety
   How Emotional Safety Transforms Modern Relationships

   sound bites

   "Lead with emotional intimacy."
   "We need good men to make the world safe."
   "Women don’t need us for money anymore."

   Chapters

   00:00 Exploring Emotional Masculinity
   06:20 Creating Emotional Safety in Families
   10:37 The Impact of Emotional Temperature
   17:15 The Need for Emotional Connection
   24:04 Research Insights on Emotional Safety
   32:02 Evolution of Coaching and Parenting
   37:07 Navigating Emotional Masculinity
   42:19 The Importance of Vulnerability
   48:16 Creating Safe Spaces for Conversations
   54:41 Learning from Our Children

   resources

   Galloway's views on masculinity - https://example.com/galloway-masculinity
   Richard Reeves' work on masculinity and society - https://example.com/richard-reeves
   Laura McCown on addiction recovery - https://example.com/laura-mccown
   T…

8. Ep 31: Hidden Forces Behind Mothers' Choices with Corinne Low

   27 februari 2026 · 1 uur 5 min

   Afspelen
   Check out https://www.corinnelow.com/ Lees meer

   Please find me on Instagram and TikTok @beahappierparent

   Redefining Gender Roles, Parenthood, and Work-Life Balance: Insights from Corinne Low and Alex Trippier

   In this episode, we explore the evolving roles of men and women in relationships, workplaces, and parenting. Corinne Low shares her research and perspectives on how societal norms, biological factors, and economic forces shape our expectations and realities, offering actionable ideas for creating more equitable and fulfilling lives.

   Key Topics:

   How biological and societal pressures influence women's career choices and perceived fairness

   The impact of structural barriers on women's earnings and career progression, even when individual effort is high

   The changing landscape of fatherhood and how increased involvement is transforming family dynamics

   The importance of early conversations and proactive planning to prevent resentment and strengthen relationships

   Rethinking success, gender norms, and the language around provider and protector roles

   The role of policy, workplace culture, and social norms in supporting gender equality

   Evidence from research on negotiation, gender traits, and workplace diversity

   How to foster environments where vulnerability, conversation, and shared responsibilities flourish

   Timestamps:

   00:00 - Introduction: Breaking down societal and biological influences on gender roles
   02:15 - The gender wage gap: structural barriers beyond individual choices
   04:50 - Evolutionary biology and short-term decision-making in motherhood
   07:20 - Impact of corporate policies and cultural norms on women's careers
   09:40 - The structural constraints faced by top earners and working mothers
   12:00 - The emotional labor and societal expectations placed on women at home
   13:30 - The persistence of gender defaults and the importance of shared responsibilities
   16:00 - How divorce laws and social reforms have shifted gender roles and labor distribution
   18:10 - Ret…

9. Ep 30: The Stories We Tell Our Children with Francesca Cavallo

   29 januari 2026 · 1 uur 12 min

   Afspelen
   You can find Francesca on Instagram @francescatherebel Lees meer

   Find me on Instagram and TikTok @beahappier parent

   Full episodes available with video on YouTube @alexindadland

   Keywords

   masculinity, gender equality, emotional intelligence, storytelling, consent, inner exploration, male solidarity, emotional isolation, redefining heroism, children's literature

   Summary

   In this conversation, Francesca Cavallo discusses the need for new narratives around masculinity, emphasizing the importance of exploring inner worlds and emotional intelligence. She critiques traditional masculinity and the isolation it creates, advocating for a redefinition that includes kindness, consent, and emotional connection. Through storytelling, she aims to inspire boys to embrace vulnerability and build healthy relationships, while also addressing the societal pressures that lead to emotional detachment. The discussion highlights the role of literature in shaping perceptions of masculinity and the necessity of male solidarity in fostering a compassionate society.

   Takeaways

   Francesca Cavallo emphasizes the need for new narratives in masculinity.
   Boys should be encouraged to explore their inner worlds through fiction.
   Consent should be taught as a skill, not a suspicion.
   Emotional isolation is a significant issue for men today.
   Redefining heroism involves kindness and vulnerability, not dominance.
   Stories shape our understanding of gender roles and expectations.
   Male solidarity can prevent violence and promote emotional health.
   Boys need to learn that rejection is a part of life and can be survived.
   Looking back at one's past is crucial for personal growth.
   The future of masculinity should focus on mutual liberation rather than competition.

   Titles

   Redefining Masculinity: A New Narrative
   Exploring Inner Worlds: The Future of Boys

   Sound bites

   "We must make the patriarchy obsolete."
   "Consent is a skill we need to teach."
   "We are our brother's keepers."

   Chapters

   00:00 Empowering Narratives: Re…

10. Ep 29: Why is she the only one thinking about it? with Allison Daminger

    19 december 2025 · 59 min

    Afspelen
    Check out Allison's website https://www.allisondaminger.com/ Lees meer

    follow me on Instagram and TikTok @beahappierparent

    Full videos of episodes available on YouTube @alexindadland

    Keywords

    parenting, cognitive labor, mental load, gender roles, household dynamics, essentialism, couples, equity, caregiving, family responsibilities

    Summary

    In this conversation, Allison Daminger discusses the complexities of parenting, cognitive labor, and the persistent gender roles that influence household dynamics. She explores the concept of cognitive labor as the mental work involved in managing household responsibilities, highlighting the emotional burdens that often accompany these tasks. The discussion delves into personal essentialism, the impact of societal expectations on gender roles, and the challenges couples face in achieving equitable divisions of labor. Daminger emphasizes the importance of intentionality and communication in navigating these dynamics, offering insights into how couples can work towards a more balanced partnership.

    Takeaways

    Allison Daminger's research stems from her curiosity about parenting.
    Cognitive labor involves anticipating needs and managing household tasks.
    The brain's tendency to ping with unresolved tasks adds to mental load.
    Gender roles still heavily influence household responsibilities.
    Personal essentialism complicates the understanding of gendered labor.
    Couples often fall into patterns that reflect societal expectations.
    Skill-building in household tasks can shift gendered expectations.
    Emotional burdens like guilt affect how parents manage responsibilities.
    Couples can achieve equity by adjusting on the margins of their roles.
    Understanding the historical context of gender roles is crucial for change.

    Titles

    The Hidden Work of Parenting
    Cognitive Labor: The Mental Load of Parenthood

    Sound bites

    "The brain hates unclosed loops."
    "We expect women to care the most."
    "We can adjust on the margins."

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Co…

Alle 38 afleveringen →