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

Episode #4: After seven years trapped in a toxic relationship, Chantelle Lisette found herself sitting in a doctor's office, grappling with a life-threatening diagnosis. In that dire moment, a message of self-worth became her lifeline, sparking a transformation that would lead her to found 'She is Worthy,' a global community empowering women. This episode is a testament to Chantel's resilience and the power of believing in one's own worth, illustrating how faith and personal transformation can lead to a life brimming with purpose and positivity.

Join us as Chantelle opens up about the pivotal role of support systems in building self-worth, especially for women and mothers. Hear about the challenges of juggling identity and self-care in the midst of motherhood and toxic relationships. Chantelle shares actionable strategies that have helped her and others rebuild their self-esteem, from mentorship to brain-dump exercises and daily affirmations. These insights are not just stories of survival but blueprints for anyone seeking to overcome their own negative self-perceptions.

We also explore Chantelle's heartening journey towards self-love and healing, which ultimately led her to a supportive partner and a deeper appreciation for life's journey. The importance of being whole and complete before entering relationships is emphasized, alongside the reminder that success is not selfish. Chantelle's story is a beautiful illustration of the power of dreams and divine timing. As we wrap up, we encourage you to become a part of our community and share this empowering message with those you love. Your support helps us continue to bring stories like Chantelle's to light, offering hope and guidance to those in need.

Chapters:

(00:00) From Pain to Purpose
(07:48) Finding Self-Worth Through Support
(21:45) Discovering Self-Worth Through Adversity
(31:23) Self-Love Leads to Healthy Relationships
(39:42) Community Support for Parents

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

Follow Chantelle Lisette and join her community She is Worthy

Episode #3: When Chef Chris suddenly found myself stepping up as a caregiver at a young age, it was a journey he never anticipated. Chef Chris joins us to share his deeply personal story, reflecting on the unexpected loss of his mother to acute leukemia and how it shaped his life. As the eldest sibling, he took on the responsibility of supporting his family, all while navigating his own path through grief. Chris opens up about the resilience and love that helped him honor his mother's memory, offering insights into the strength required to support others amid personal loss.

Becoming a parent can be both beautiful and challenging, a sentiment Chris knows all too well. We explore his experiences in fatherhood, the importance of presence, and the valuable lessons drawn from his upbringing, particularly his relationship with his younger brother. Chris's candid reflections on growing up with an abusive parent and the internal struggles that ensued offer a raw and powerful perspective. His story is a testament to creating a nurturing home and the intentionality needed to break free from past patterns, emphasizing the significance of family, faith, and simple yet profound moments.

Chris's journey from poverty and homelessness to becoming a passionate chef is nothing short of inspiring. With a pivotal moment at an Irish pub where his culinary potential was recognized, he transitioned into entrepreneurship, working with high-profile clients and founding his own business. Chris's story underscores the power of dreaming big and the importance of self-confidence, especially when external validation is lacking. As he shares his dedication to supporting his community and his plans with Culinary 86, we celebrate his achievements, his loving family dynamic, and the legacy of his mother's unwavering influence.

Chapters:

(00:00) Parenting and Grief
(09:21) Navigating Fatherhood and Personal Struggles
(21:44) Navigating Personal Trauma and Family Responsibilities
(35:40) Finding Passion Through Struggle and Support
(47:09) Dreaming Big
(53:57) Culinary Entrepreneurship and Family Love
(01:04:20) Support and Inspiration in Parenting

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

Follow Chef Christ @f2f_pc and follow his company @culinary_86 for your private chef needs!

Episode #2: Join me, Tata, as I sit down with the inspiring Tami Burnett, the driving force behind Raising Hope, to unravel the transformative power of love, advocacy, and unwavering support in the lives of foster youth. Tammy's dedication to supporting foster children and victims of human trafficking brings a wealth of insight and compassion to our discussion, as we explore the emotional journey of fostering and the profound impact of creating stability and hope for vulnerable children. Our conversation navigates the challenges and triumphs of fostering, bringing to light the essential role that empathy and commitment play in transforming lives.

As we weave through the narratives, we uncover the unique methodologies employed by Raising Hope in empowering foster youth transitioning out of the system. Tami and I examine how teaching essential life skills, financial literacy, and fostering a sense of responsibility can instill pride and ownership in these young individuals. Tami shares her personal motivation and the effect of her advocacy work on her family, illustrating how Raising Hope gives foster youth not just the tools to survive but the confidence to thrive. We discuss the incredible impact of involving youth with lived experiences in advisory roles, ensuring that the programs truly meet their needs.

With the holidays fast approaching, Tami shines a spotlight on the magical Holidays of Hope initiative, which turns personalized Christmas wishes into reality for foster youth. We explore the significance of personalized gifts, not just in terms of material value but as a way to show these children that they are seen, known, and valued. The episode captures the heartwarming stories of community members coming together to fulfill wishes, creating lasting memories for foster youth. By the end, listeners are left with a deeper understanding of the vital importance of empathy, compassion, and community in transforming the lives of those who need it most.

Chapters:

(00:00) Parenting Through Love and Advocacy
(14:04) Empowering Youth Transitioning From Foster Care
(25:12) Fostering Hope and Faith
(34:34) Engaging Youth in Organizational Change
(38:09) Building Empathy in Traumatized Youth
(53:14) Building Trust and Mentor Relationships
(58:41) Supporting Foster Youth During the Holidays
(01:06:24) Holiday Wishes for Foster Youth
(01:13:02) Holiday Gifts for Foster Youth"

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

Episode #1: Raised amidst the vibrant culture of Barranquilla, Colombia, I, Tatiana, or Tata as my friends call me, faced a life marked by both love and challenge. My journey to the United States, sparked by a devastating heartbreak, unfolded into a path of unexpected trials and profound self-discovery. In our inaugural podcast episode, I share the complexities of growing up with an abusive, alcoholic father and the pivotal support of my two brothers. Through this narrative, I unveil how therapy and setting boundaries have helped me nurture a respectful relationship with my father, fueling my passion for supporting others in creating loving family environments.

A significant turning point in my life came with a thyroid cancer diagnosis, just 18 months after moving to the U.S., as I juggled health battles and my mother's painful divorce. With the unwavering support of my endocrinologist, Carlos Coelho, I embarked on a path of self-love and recovery, learning to embrace my voice both literally and metaphorically. This transformative period in my life became a catalyst for my mission to inspire others, proving that strength can be found in the face of adversity, and that sharing our stories can illuminate the path for others.

Embracing motherhood through fostering and adoption has been another incredible facet of my journey. Together with my husband, Mark, and united by our shared love for basketball, we faced the heartache of infertility before discovering the joy of building a family through adoption. Our family's story, including welcoming Nikki, a courageous young woman with pancreatic cancer, underlines the resilience and unconditional love that define family beyond biological ties. As you listen to our experiences, we hope to foster a community of hope and encouragement, showing that no matter the path, there is always light and purpose in the journey of parenthood.

Chapters:

(00:00) The Parenting Experience Podcast Launch
(11:55) Overcoming Thyroid Cancer and Self-Love
(22:03) Healing Past Trauma and Finding Purpose
(31:56) The Path to Motherhood Journey
(39:42) Journey to Motherhood and Adoption
(49:32) The Power of Adoption and Resilience

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

Trailer: Welcome to The Parenting Experience, a cozy space where we're growing together. A place where family, stories, advice, laughter, some tears and a lot of love come together. I'm Tata- a behavioral therapist and mom, and I'm here to help you through the joys and challenges of parenthood. Whether you're sleepless from the newborn phase, navigating the toddler years, or dealing with picky eaters and tantrums, this podcast is your safe space.

We'll cover everything from sleep training and potty training to infertility, adoption, and beyond. Every week, we'll tackle your biggest parenting questions with expert insights, practical advice, and a few special guests who have been there.

So if you're looking for guidance, support, and real-talk about raising kids, join me every Wednesday. Let's figure this parenting thing out together! Find The Parenting Experience available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. You can also find us on social media @theparentingexperience