Book Featured: Raising Good Humans by Hunter Clarke-Fields, MSAE

Episode Focus: Part 1 of 4 (Chapters 1 & 2)

Release Date: July 13, 2024

Hosts: Megan Riesgo, LCPC, PMH-C & Joy Walsh, LCSW, PMH-C

In Episode 101, hosts Megan Riesgo and Joy Walsh kick off a 4-part series on Hunter Clarke-Fields’ Raising Good Humans. This episode explores the critical foundational steps of mindful parenting: learning how to keep your cool and disarm your emotional triggers. We discuss how mindfulness can break the cycle of reactive parenting, why our children have an uncanny ability to surface our own unresolved past experiences, and how anger physically impacts a child's brain.

Packed with practical exercises—from mindful eating to physical stress-release skills—this episode provides immediate, actionable tools to help you ground your nervous system and parent from a place of calm presence.

00:00 – Show introduction

06:30 – The daily check-in: How using a mood tracker provides a quick mindfulness reset

07:30 – Defining mindfulness with insights from scientist and author Jon Kabat-Zinn

08:40 – Introducing author Hunter Clarke-Fields, her Mindful Mama podcast, and companion resources (mindfulmamamentor.com)

09:30 – The Raisin Exercise: A practical, sensory tool for experiencing mindful eating

10:20 – Finding the humor: A fun parenting reference to the show Parks and Recreation

11:15 – Unpacking the book's core support framework for sitting mindfulness meditation

11:40 – Digital tools for stillness: Exploring the Insight Timer meditation app

16:10 – Ch. 2: Disarming Your Triggers (The deep value of bringing awareness to past wounds)

17:54 – Facing the mirror: "Children have an uncanny ability to reveal our unresolved issues"

18:30 – Breaking the cycle: Self-compassion exercises to unpack how your own upbringing shapes you

19:10 – Essential reading additions: Discussing Lindsay C. Gibson’s books on healing from emotionally immature parents

20:20 – The neurology of reactivity: How caregiver anger and yelling activate the fear center of a child's brain

22:56 – Proactive baseline care: Lowering overall stress through sleep, movement, and community connection

24:00 – Real-time regulation: The value of intentional parenting breaks, deep breathing, and "shaking out" physical emotional energy

24:50 – Grounding your inner dialogue: Mindful mantras, including "I am a Ninja Mom"

28:15 – A powerful reminder for consistency: "Remember, what you practice grows stronger"

30:10 – Children's Book Exploration: A review of emotional literacy and somatic awareness in My Body Is a Rainbow: The Color of My Feelings by Mallika Chopra

• Author's Companion Site: mindfulmamamentor.com
• Parenting Support: Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net
• www.overdueforparents.com

DISCLAIMER: This podcast does not substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace therapy.