Episode #7: In this episode, Tatiana and Elissa discuss the challenges and triumphs of parenting while navigating a cancer diagnosis. Elissa shares her personal journey with metastatic breast cancer, the impact on her motherhood, and the importance of community support. They explore the balance between self-care and parenting, the significance of open communication with children, and how to find joy in everyday moments. Elisa also introduces her nonprofit initiative, which provides a unique gift registry for cancer patients, emphasizing the need for connection and support during difficult times. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the multifaceted experience of navigating cancer treatment, focusing on the importance of support systems, the often-overlooked role of caregivers, and the emotional complexities of maintaining intimacy and connection during challenging times. They also explore the impact of grief on family dynamics, the significance of living with purpose, and the importance of open communication in parenting through cancer. The discussion emphasizes the need for community support and the value of sharing personal experiences to foster connection and understanding.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Parenting Insights
01:06 Elissa's Journey with Cancer and Motherhood
05:48 Navigating Parenting Challenges During Illness
11:58 Finding Balance in Parenting and Self-Care
17:50 The Importance of Community and Support
23:47 Understanding Cancer and Its Impact on Family
30:13 Living Life with Purpose and Perspective
35:47 The Gift Registry for Cancer Patients
42:24 Navigating Support During Cancer Treatment
45:50 The Caregiver's Journey
49:07 Intimacy and Connection in Tough Times
53:05 Grief and Family Dynamics
57:42 Living with Purpose and Facing Mortality
01:01:51 Parenting Through Cancer
01:07:44 Closing Thoughts and Resources

Follow Elissa @elissakalver and @wegotthisorg

You can also find us on Instagram, TikTok & YouTube @theparentingexperience

Episode #6: Join us for an insightful and heartwarming journey as we explore the dynamics of relationships, marriage, and parenthood with my special guest, my husband, Mark. We kick off the episode with lighthearted tales of our contrasting holiday spirits, where Mark embraces his playful role as the Grinch to my enthusiastic Christmas celebrations. Our conversation meanders through our unique love story, beginning with our blind date where Mark humorously recalls his initial nervousness. We reflect on the inspiration drawn from Mark's parents' 65-year marriage, offering insights into love, commitment, and the humorous side of navigating life together.

Listen in as we share the challenges and triumphs of our family journey, from dealing with miscarriages and infertility to our rewarding path toward adoption and foster parenting. Through personal anecdotes, we discuss the emotional healing and courage required to explore alternative paths to parenthood. The episode also highlights the cultural blend of our backgrounds, from Mark's only-child upbringing to my large Colombian family, revealing humorous moments and heartfelt stories of blending two worlds into one loving family.

Our discussion doesn't shy away from the trials we've faced, such as our son's health challenges and the strain it placed on our marriage. Through candid storytelling, we talk about the importance of seeking support and the transformative power of counseling, particularly with guidance from Pastor Mac. We also share our passion for community giving, touching on the joy of spreading holiday cheer and the profound belief that giving is better than receiving. As we wrap up, you'll hear delightful moments with our child, Asher, as he shares his love for Christmas and the spirit of giving, rounding off a conversation that underscores the power of love, resilience, and community.

Chapters:

(00:00) Parenting Experience Podcast Interview
(10:02) Family, Marriage, and Motherhood Journey
(17:55) Journey to Adoption and Parenthood
(30:12) Marriage and Parenthood Commitment
(33:43) Navigating Challenges in Marriage and Parenthood
(43:24) Navigating Marriage Challenges With Pastor's Guidance
(57:45) Navigating Life's Demands and Giving Spirit
(01:01:24) Community Giving and Holiday Spirit
(01:14:38) Spreading Holiday Cheer With Kindness

You can also find us on Instagram, TikTok & YouTube @theparentingexperience

Episode #5: Cuban-born actress Ilza Ponko joins us as she takes us through her thrilling journey from her multicultural roots in Cuba and Moscow to the Hollywood spotlight. Ilsa opens up about how her early love for music and acting became an emotional sanctuary during her formative years filled with challenges. From her acting breakthrough in Colombia with "Burn Notice" to sharing the silver screen with Kevin Bacon in "The Darkness," Ilsa's story is a testament to resilience and passion. She reflects on her favorite role as Irina Kilichenko in "La Piloto 2," offering insights into how her diverse experiences have shaped her as a woman and mother.

Motherhood is a journey filled with highs and lows, and this episode doesn't shy away from the raw reality of it. We share an honest account from a mother who faced the relentless exhaustion of sleep deprivation as she navigated caring for her restless 11-month-old daughter, Emma. The turning point came with the help of a sleep consultant, Tatiana, who provided the guidance needed to restore balance. Through tears and resilience, the importance of self-care practices like yoga and meditation is underscored, highlighting the emotional liberation they provide. The story is one of hope, showing that seeking support can vastly improve both a mother's and child's well-being.

As we navigate the world of sleep routines, discover the practical steps for improving infant sleep habits. We discuss the significance of recognizing wake windows and sleep signals to help little ones like Emma self-soothe and sleep independently. Our conversation shines a light on the personal choices involved in parenting, from pacifier use to implementing consistent bedtime routines. The episode celebrates the challenges and triumphs of motherhood, emphasizing the value of intuition and community support. As milestones are reached, we revel in the shared journey of parenting, highlighting the beauty and complexity of raising a child.

Chapters:

(00:00) Parenting Experience With Ilza Ponko
(09:24) Overcoming Motherhood Desperation and Exhaustion
(18:56) Transitioning to Better Sleep Habits
(29:15) Teaching Babies Self-Soothing Techniques
(35:33) Soothing Mechanisms and Pacifier Use
(43:31) Navigating the Challenges of Motherhood

You can also find us on Instagram, TikTok & YouTube @theparentingexperience