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This week, we chat with Jon Fogel—known to many as @wholeparent on social media—to challenge everything we think we know about parenting, discipline, and the role of punishment. Jon brings a unique blend of lived experience as a pastor, foster parent, and neuroscience-informed educator. Together, we dive into how authoritarian parenting patterns mirror broader societal dynamics and why shifting from punishment to connection could be the most transformative change we make as parents.

We also get deeply personal—sharing stories of tantrums, triggers, and those hard moments that test every parent's resolve. If you've ever wondered whether there's a more effective, more human way to raise your kids—especially when they're screaming "F-you" at you—you’re going to want to hear this. Jon’s insights on brain-based, compassionate parenting are nothing short of game-changing.

⭐️ If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to rate, review, and follow the show. And don’t forget to share it with a fellow parent who might need a reminder that punishment isn’t the only path. Let’s raise kids who feel safe, seen, and supported.

Links & Resources:

Jon Fogel’s Book: Punishment-Free Parenting: The Brain-Based Way to Raise Kids Without Raising Your Voice

Follow Jon on Instagram and TikTok: @wholeparent

Jon’s Substack (with bonus parenting resources): wholeparent.substack.com

Book Mentioned: The Whole-Brain Child by Dr. Tina Payne Bryson and Dr. Dan Siegel

Children’s Book Mentioned: The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld

Book Mentioned: Punished by Rewards by Alfie Kohn

Emotional Regulation Guide from Jon (included in Substack subscription)

Support the show

Website: https://www.doyouwantthetruthpod.com

Connect with Sam:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/samanthastrom

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samanthastorms

Connect with Zara:

Zara Hanawalt https://www.linkedin.com/in/zara-hanawalt/

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@zarahanawalt

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/zarahanawalt/

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In honor of Pride month, this is an encore release of Bret Shuford (of @Broadway Hubands fame) episiode. Bret Shuford, renowned for his performances in Broadway hits such as Wicked, The Little Mermaid, and The Lion King. Bret shares his personal journey to parenthood through surrogacy thanks to one of his friends, offering a heartfelt glimpse into the challenges and triumphs they've encountered. We learn some of the most interesting things about insurance, gestational carriers and the overall surrogacy process.

Delving into his illustrious career, Bret discusses the delicate balance between the demanding schedule of a Broadway performer and the joys of family life.

Bret Shuford, Broadway, Wicked, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, surrogacy, theater career, inclusivity, representation, performing arts, family life, authentic storytelling, LGBTQ parenting, gay dads, surrogacy journey, Pride Month podcast, Broadway dads, queer fatherhood, gay family, surrogacy costs, intentional parenting, LGBTQ family building

Long-tail keywords:
how gay couples have kids through surrogacy, Broadway actor talks LGBTQ fatherhood, real stories of gay dads and surrogacy, LGBTQ+ parenting podcast episodes 2025, what surrogacy really costs for same-sex couples, raising kids as a gay couple, Pride Month parenting stories, surrogacy advice from gay dads, how to start a family as an LGBTQ couple, Bret Shuford fatherhood interview

Support the show

Website: https://www.doyouwantthetruthpod.com

Connect with Sam:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/samanthastrom

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samanthastorms

Connect with Zara:

Zara Hanawalt https://www.linkedin.com/in/zara-hanawalt/

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@zarahanawalt

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/zarahanawalt/

Send us a text

Ever wondered what really goes on behind the Instagram-perfect scenes of modern motherhood? In this episode, we’re joined by Ellie Rineck—mom of two, host of A Day in Her Life podcast who is unapologetically real about the highs and lows of parenting.
When she’s not recording conversations with women across all walks of life, Ellie works as a project manager and implementation lead in AI healthcare tech.

She joins us to talk about high-risk pregnancies and hormone chaos to postpartum recovery and the pressures of breastfeeding.

Plus, we dig into the mental load, unexpected waves of partner guilt, and why outsourcing might just be your secret to survival. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by motherhood or questioned if you're doing enough, this episode is the supportive, unfiltered talk you didn’t know you needed. Ellie also shares her insights from 100+ interviews with women on how they actually manage their chaotic, beautiful lives.

🔗 Links & Resources:

Ellie's Podcast: A Day in Her Life

Pepper Books (Spicy Romance Subscription): shoppepperbooks.com

Follow Ellie on Instagram: @adayinherlifepod

Ready to outsource? Remember to use Peacock Parents code

💬 Closing Thought
If this episode resonated with you, take a moment to rate and review the podcast, follow for more real talk, and share it with a fellow mom who needs to hear she’s not alone. Your support helps more women find this space for unfiltered, honest parenting convos. 💛

Support the show

Website: https://www.doyouwantthetruthpod.com

Connect with Sam:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/samanthastrom

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samanthastorms

Connect with Zara:

Zara Hanawalt https://www.linkedin.com/in/zara-hanawalt/

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@zarahanawalt

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/zarahanawalt/