Struggle Care

This episode is the second part to my conversation with Dr. Karla Lester about food shaming, weight bias, metabolic diseases, “almond moms,” and more. Dr. Karla lends her professional expertise to the discussion of these important topics. Join us! Show Highlights: The effect of “almond mom” parenting on kids: food shaming, eating disorders, and more The start of binge eating disorder in very young kids Guarding against “opposite” mistakes with your kids in making good food choices From KC, a parent’s perspective on food choices and neurodivergent kids A switch from compliance to compassion The goal in feeding kids should start with a focus on intentional, daily protein intake (Start with protein at breakfast!) Aim for habit change in a positive direction. Understanding “food noise” and what it means to bust common food myths Dr. Karla’s advice to parents: “Get to neutral.” Red flags for parents to look for in their kids’ food behaviors Responding as a parent to your child’s weight gain/loss The truth about insulin resistance: “It is an epidemic that we cannot ignore!” Understanding the term healthism Resources and Links: Connect with Dr. Karla Lester: IME Community, Dr. Karla, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Dr. Karla's radio show Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s topic arouses a host of different feelings and reactions around the term “pediatric obesity.” Dr. Karla Lester joins us to share her expertise as a medical professional and her perspective as a concerned parent. Discussing food and eating habits for us and our kids can send us down a rabbit hole with many tangents. Let’s get some balance and clarity in today’s episode. Show Highlights: Parents are victims of diet myths and bad science—and it carries over to our kids. Having food rules doesn’t mean a commitment to restrictive eating. How Dr. Karla came to the work she does today “Almond moms” and “thin privilege” in our society Fact: It is more difficult to navigate the world in a larger body, and parents fear this for their kids. Health myths that “almond moms” believe and pass on to their kids Does thinner always mean healthy? “No, you can be metabolically healthy, or unhealthy, at any weight.” Comorbidities between addictions and eating disorders Myths about obesity causing many health issues Understanding insulin resistance and its causes A look at the COVID-19 epidemic in a different light Resources and Links: Connect with Dr. Karla Lester: IME Community, Dr. Karla, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Dr. Karla's radio show Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a lighthearted episode–because we all can use a break from all the heaviness around us. I’m welcoming Caroline, “The Niche Tea Lady,” to the show. Join us! Show Highlights: Understanding “niche tea” Caroline’s favorite story of niche tea: the amazing tale of two birders The biggest plot twist in a niche tea deep dive Memorable niche tea surprise endings Pyramids, video games, and the nuances of content creation Everyone loves an underdog story! “Discords” and weirdo behavior The funniest niche tea in Caroline’s experience: a published back-and-forth between two high-level academics The most viral niche tea stories in Caroline’s experience: birding and beekeeping Resources and Links: Connect with Caroline: TikTok, X, Instagram, and YouTube Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Social anxiety is an interesting topic. Natasha Daniels is a social anxiety therapist and mom who joined us recently to discuss OCD and kids; today, we are exploring another form of anxiety as Natasha helps us understand social anxiety. She wrote a memoir, Out of My Shell, detailing her personal experience.  Show Highlights: Natasha’s background, personal experience, and book about social anxiety The neuro-divergent affirming movement The difference between social anxiety and introversion Do we ALL have some degree of social anxiety? Thoughts on “bed rot,” social anxiety, and what’s “normal” Social anxiety as a defense mechanism The isolation that comes with social anxiety OCD, social anxiety, and autism—a common connection? “A paralyzing fear of others’ perceptions and a preoccupation with managing those perceptions” The difference between a defense mechanism and a personality trait An overview of Natasha’s experience with social anxiety and why she wrote her book Social anxiety is NOT a self-esteem issue. Outsmarting the negative critic in your head Dr. Kristin Neff’s concept of “fierce self-compassion,” which is “a feistiness of advocacy” Resources and Links: Future Fans:Helping little kids become BIG fans Connect with Natasha Daniels: Website (and book) and Instagram Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s topic carries a degree of sensitivity, so consider this a trigger warning if you are sensitive to discussions about sexual assault and sexual harassment. Our focus is on how universities and workplaces are dealing with these issues–and how they can do it better. My guest is Nicole Bedera, a sociologist and author with a Ph.D. Her upcoming debut book is On the Wrong Side: How Universities Protect Predators and Betray Survivors of Sexual Violence. Show Highlights: Nicole’s background as a victim advocate in the criminal justice system College as the entry point into an adulthood of privilege for perpetrators of violence The biggest challenges for universities regarding sexual violence Title IX: where it all began in 1980 Punishing perpetrators AND meeting the needs of survivors—can we do both? Power, punishment, and consequences Nicole’s surprise when she dug deeper into sexual assault cases The myth: Sexual violence only happens from evil men. White supremacy history and sexual assault Barriers to justice and societal norms The truth: Perpetrators rarely change their behavior. The research shows that a lot of men will stop perpetrating IF they know there will be negative consequences. There is little accountability on college campuses for perpetrators. The need to create safe spaces for survivors over perpetrators The Brett Kavanaugh scenario What we CAN fix to have huge ripple effects Resources and Links: Connect with Dr. Nicole Bedera: Website, Twitter, and On the Wrong Side book Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if our cities were designed with children participating in the process? What they would prioritize might surprise us all! My guest, Mara Mintzer, did a TEDx talk on the topic of including children in the city planning process, and she’s been involved in this kind of unique child-friendly endeavor in Boulder, Colorado, as the co-founder and Executive Director of Growing Up Boulder. Join us as we take a look at this topic! Show Highlights: Mara’s background and current role in Boulder, CO Public spaces aren’t often designed for children (and mothers). The United Nations guidelines for human rights for those under 18 years of age Wisdom from the tiniest voices about slowing down, enjoying the world around us, and noticing our experiences on life’s journey The Nature Everywhere Initiative in cities across the US Are we supporting kids’ development with our public spaces? The value in having culturally relevant third spaces for kids What would a teen-friendly park look like? Hearing the voices of many diverse groups that have been traditionally excluded Feedback from people about what they want in their communities Promoting involvement from kids to understand their issues and craft workable solutions A few unexpected things that kids want in their spaces The dilemma for parents in kid-friendly restaurants with “adult food” AND “kid food” More relaxed parenting in other countries and better work-life balance Resources and Links: Connect with Mara Mintzer: Growing Up Boulder Mentioned in this episode: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Returning to school as a neurodivergent adult brings unique challenges, and we are discussing all aspects of this topic in today’s episode. I’m joined by “The Neuro-Spicy Student,” Amber, to share her experience and perspective on this topic. Join us! Show Highlights: Amber’s “alphabet soup” of diagnoses, misdiagnoses, and disabilities Amber’s childhood experience in school Two sides of the coin for most neurodivergent students Amber’s story of multiple attempts at college and (finally) earning multiple degrees Internal barriers in returning to school as an adult A common experience for adults with ADHD: Learning and learning and learning—without formal degrees to show for it Differences in going to school as an older student with accommodations Finding empowerment in advocating for yourself–and healing your younger self Specific accommodations you can ask for in college Amber’s parting words for listeners considering a return to school Resources and Links: Connect with Amber: LinkedIn Explore more from The Neuro-Spicy Student: Linktree Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How are your fighting skills? Most couples could use a LOT of work in this area, and I have just the person to help us! I’m thrilled to be joined by a great friend, Lindley Gentile, for today’s episode. She’s a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who recently wrote an ebook titled, How to Have the Best Fight of Your Life. Listen to our conversation about this thought-provoking topic and learn why looking for right and wrong is the WORST way to handle conflict.  Show Highlights: Lindley’s motivation to write this book? Because many (most!) couples seek therapy around communication issues Fighting well leads to being seen well. The need to uplevel your fighting skill set beyond being “right or wrong” Ways in which we are fighting wrong Making the shift from arguing about who’s right to witnessing one another The fable of the elephant can teach us about being open to another’s experience. The value of “I” statements over “You” statements Withdrawing physically and emotionally during conflict vs. the skill of asking for a pause Fight, flight, or freeze The WWC framework: witness, witness, and collaborate Resources and Links: Connect with Lindley Gentile and Austin Couples Concierge: Website, Instagram, and book Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s episode will be helpful for all parents—and for anyone who has ever been a child. We are discussing OCD, specifically in children, with Natasha Daniels. She has been an anxiety and OCD child therapist for over two decades. As the mother of three kids with anxiety and OCD, her passion and perspective is both professional and personal. Join us to learn more! Show Highlights: OCD differs from general anxiety and requires very specific therapies. Signs of OCD, a diverse, idiosyncratic disorder that shows up differently for each person In children, a common sign of OCD is the tendency to ask theme-based, repetitive questions. Is it anxiety or OCD?  Autism and OCD: Comfort/coping skills or compulsion? When does my child need professional help? How do I know? OCD or nervous tics? A discussion of mental health issues in families, social anxiety, neuroplasticity, and addiction Finding “the sweet spot” as a parent (so as not to coddle but not fuel anxiety) The best approach: parents can refuse to participate in the “overblownness” and drama while not being dismissive The wisdom in coaching our kids Resources and Links: Connect with Natasha Daniels: Website (find resources, courses, podcast episodes, and more) OCD Resources: International OCD Foundation and Treat My OCD Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s topic of adoption is a sensitive subject for many people. We are covering adoption from a different perspective as we talk to Stacy, an adult adoptee who belongs to a community of adult adoptees who are vehemently opposed to private infant adoption. Join us to learn more! Show Highlights: Meet Stacy and learn her story An overview of differing views of adoption through the years (Are new laws needed?) Examples of laws that are drawing negative feedback from adult adoptees The expense of private infant adoption and the ethical dilemma of a more systemic problem The ratio of parents looking to adopt and available infants A closer look at adoption theology and open adoption The US system that contributes to the number of desperate pregnant women and creates the perfect storm for exploitation, pressure, and propaganda What adopted kids need to know The adoption industry needs a different approach. The nuances of adoption out of foster care For many people, adoption into a “nice” family was/is a fantasy.  Stacy’s viewpoint on what to say–and what NOT to say–to adult adoptees Stacy’s message to adult adoptees Resources and Links: Connect with Stacy: TikTok Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s episode is a follow-up to Episode 65, The Dark Underside of Family Vlogging, Part 1, which aired almost a year ago. My guest from that episode, Cam, returns to discuss her reaction to a recent big development in the world of family vlogging. Cam grew up as the child of one of the first well-known “Mommy bloggers,” and is an international advocate for the children of influencers and family vloggers. She shares her perspective on the new California law. Join us! Show Highlights: Understanding the basics of the Child Content Creator Act in California to protect kids’ rights (similar laws are being passed in Illinois and Minnesota) Legal ramifications for parents who don’t follow “the 30% rule” Children on reality TV shows do NOT fall under the new law. Understanding the Coogan Law Cam’s perspective on the protections of the law for children—and what she wishes the law included “The right to forget”: what it means and why it’s not included in the law Cam’s thoughts about a recent scary cancer diagnosis in light of her past history with vulnerability at the hands of her mom’s vlog Growing up with NO boundaries or privacy Laws in CA, IL, and MN to protect kids from being exploited Resources and Links: Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s episode covers the topics of bullying, meanness, and conflict. My guest is uniquely qualified to share her wisdom and expertise, which she did in a TEDx talk. Bullying or meanness: what’s the difference, and how do we recognize the two? Join us to learn more! Show Highlights: ● Dr. Eileen’s background as a clinical psychologist and author ● The specific criteria in the definition of bullying ● Empowering our kids to withstand meanness without taking a victim stance: “Conflict is inevitable.” ● Bullying has become “a thought-stopping cliche.” ● Meanness and bullying in the online world ● Vulnerability in being a content creator and dealing with feedback ● A better approach with kids: “Whose opinion matters to you?” ● The truth about self-esteem and a “quiet ego” ● Connecting with something greater than ourselves ● Helping kids learn self-compassion rather than self-esteem (Dr. Eileen teaches a “reflect, but downshift” technique in her book, Kid Confidence.) ● Dr. Eileen’s formula for teaching reflection to kids ● “Whose feelings are most important?” ● Validating and normalizing kids’ feelings (by following their lead) by offering empathy and confidence ● Being your kids “biased biographer” ● Learning to “stay in the water” instead of standing on the edge of the pool ● “Testing the water” to pull back on accommodations Resources and Links: Connect with Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore: Website (Find books for parents and kids!) and Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic podcast, Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I have an honest confession to make. I am a terrible budgeter, but I’m a world-class financial goldfish. In this episode, I’ll explain my “financial goldfish” status and budgeting for our neurodiverse brains. I’m joined by Jill Sirianni, host of the Frugal Friends Podcast. If you’re like me, and budgeting just doesn’t work for you, you’ll learn a lot from our conversation. Join us! Show Highlights: Characteristics of a financial goldfish Budgets–the diet of the financial landscape (and they don’t work any more than diets do for most people) Top reasons we fall victim to impulse buying The myth of “Wants vs. Needs” The downfalls of typical antiquated budgeting Creativity in meeting needs without spending Jill’s 90-day transaction inventory Helpful online tools A moral problem vs. a systemic problem KC’s helpful hack to be more thoughtful before spending impulsively (like late-night DoorDash) Jill’s tips for creating a pause before spending: keep a list and buy second-hand Understanding the marketing behind sales Making choices about your behavior today that may not align with spending habits held up as the “standard” Understanding values-based spending In finances, one size does NOT fit all.  Resources and Links: Connect with Jill Sirianni and Frugal Friends: Frugal Friends Podcast and Buy What You Love Without Going Broke book by Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni (pre-order now!) Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is about liberation, revolution, and social justice. We are tackling these topics from a practical perspective with my guest, Nat. Join us! Nat Vikitsreth is a licensed clinical social worker who works with families who want to practice social justice in their daily lives but are torn between acting in their communities and at home. She helps them bridge the gap despite being tired, overwhelmed, and stretched too thin. Holding space for their beautiful intentions and walking with them on this journey are Nat’s passions.   Show Highlights: Nat’s background as a transgender woman from Thailand who has become a clinician and a social justice organizer Trying to honor our values about liberation at home and in the community Being your own ally first with agility and awareness of your available bandwidth Learning to hold space for accountability The root causes of our suffering: white supremacy, colonialism, capitalism, and patriarchy Leading with compassion in action instead of punishment What it means to be truly humble Nat’s advice for parents Finding the sweet spot between discomfort and boundaries Being realistic in your family about what causes you can support and take action on with your limited capacity Nat’s words of advice about actions beyond the “sexy actions” to take Resources and Links: Connect with Nat Vikitsreth: Website and Come Back to Care Podcast Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do you do when a loved one won’t seek the mental health treatment that they obviously need? We are looking at the very important topic of mental health from the perspective of your concern for a loved one who might be resistant to asking for help, and what you can do about it. I’m joined by Dr. Alec Pollard, a co-author of When A Loved One Won't Seek Mental Health Treatment: How to Promote Recovery and Reclaim Your Family’s Well-Being. With a long career as a clinical psychologist, he is the founding director of the St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute. Join us to learn more! Show Highlights: Dr. Pollard’s background and four decades of experience as a psychologist  Turning his focus to help those who are concerned about their loved one’s mental health Dr. Pollard explains The Family Well-Being Approach/Consultation Two types of accommodations that loved ones make: commission and omission Differentiation between appropriate and inappropriate accommodations for a loved one Recovery avoidance: a pattern of behavior that is inconsistent with the process of recovery Creating opportunities for a loved one to get better through support, incentives, and positive rewards Dr. Pollard’s book and its approach of finding a balance between long-term planning and crisis management Dr. Pollard’s takeaway about his book as his proudest achievement in his career Resources and Links: Connect with Dr. Alec Pollard: St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute and When A Loved One Won't Seek Mental Health Treatment Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you joined us for last week’s episode, you know that we promised Part 2 of my conversation with Franchesca Ramsey. She brings an expert perspective on the various aspects of content creation, like authenticity, compassion, handling negative comments, the value of listening, and more. Franchesca Ramsey is an actor, writer, public speaker, and longtime content creator. She wrote and performed in the web series MTV Decoded, where she tackled race, pop culture, and other uncomfortable topics. Other notable accomplishments include writing for The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore and a nomination for an NAACP award for one of the best books of 2018: Well, That Escalated Quickly: Memoirs and Mistakes of an Accidental Activist. Franchesca shares her expertise and insights about guarding your mental health as a content creator. Join us to learn more! Show Highlights: The skills we lack in being human, trusting each other, and genuinely calling someone IN The public vs. private sphere of an online presence Listening, forgiving, and doing the right thing Hard-earned perspectives on hot takes and being silent What’s your WHY for content creation? Handling critical and negative comments on social media Being authentic in content creation means sometimes logging off. KC’s thoughts on her WHY as a content creator Resources and Links: Connect with Franchesca Ramsey: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and book Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s episode is a conversation I’ve been wanting to have for awhile, and I’ve found the perfect person for this topic. Franchesca Ramsey is an actor, writer, public speaker, and longtime content creator. She wrote and performed in the web series MTV Decoded, where she tackled race, pop culture, and other uncomfortable topics. Other notable accomplishments include writing for The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore and a nomination for an NAACP award for one of the best books of 2018: Well, That Escalated Quickly: Memoirs and Mistakes of an Accidental Activist. Franchesca shares her expertise and insights on longevity and mental health as a content creator. Join us to learn more! Show Highlights: Burnout is real in the content creation world. Lessons learned about life and authenticity as a content creator, influencer, and vlogger Are you putting your time and energy in the wrong place? You have to censor yourself EVERY day! Impulsive reactions on social media can have severe consequences. Give yourself space to step back. Prioritizing joy in your content and not reacting with anger The nature of social media Strengthening internal boundaries by getting comfortable with being misunderstood Thoughts on cancel culture and negative backlash Our conversation is so good that we don’t want it to end. We will continue with Part 2 with Franchesca in next week’s episode! Resources and Links: Connect with Franchesca Ramsey: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and book Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us for today’s interesting conversation about ethics, boundaries, suffering, bullying, and being online/offline. There are many facets to these topics as they intertwine with morality, and we are diving into a discussion with Ellie Rushton,  Show Highlights: Ellie’s background, work, and TikTok content about “cultivating bold spaces” Ellie’s definition of bullying: “doing something harmful several times on purpose for the sake of someone’s suffering” Thoughts on bullying and why people do it Holding someone accountable vs. bullying—what’s the difference? Ellie’s perspective on online comments to others’ content Thoughts on the roots of inequality, oppression, and suffering—and the problem with categorizing “good” and “bad” people People are afraid of embodying compassion. What is effective in online spaces Thoughts about boundaries, revenge, and retribution Standing up for what you believe while holding yourself accountable Resources and Links: Connect with Ellie: TikTok Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🌟 Taking a Break! 🌟 Hey everyone! I am taking a short break for August to recharge and prepare exciting new content for you. I’ll be back in September with fresh episodes and engaging conversations. Thanks for your support and patience. Stay tuned for what’s coming next! Today, we are covering an important topic today, but maybe not in the way you expect. I’m joined by Rachel Mulholland (aka Shug CM), a therapist whom I met on TikTok because of her incredible content around sex education for children. Today’s focus is on how our lives as adults are impacted if we don’t get comprehensive sex education as children. Join us for the conversation! Show Highlights: How KC’s story from her teenage years illustrates the gaps that most people have in their education about sex and the fact that sex ed is NOT a one-time conversation How “purity culture” is impacting teenagers in certain places in the US in damaging ways How even most comprehensive sex ed doesn’t address the pleasurable side of sex–and (for females) that the pleasure doesn’t have to come from another person How sexual predators take advantage of the lack of information in sex ed from SAFE places Why parents have real fear about talking to their kids about sex ed The effects of NOT educating kids that sex and pleasure don’t always go together Rachel’s Four Pillars of Safe Sex: confirmation, communication, lubrication, and enthusiastic participation Why parents should be aware when their kids are ready to hear and learn–and begin at the most basic level appropriate for their age How to answer those first little-kid questions around, “Where do babies come from?” Why curiosity is a foundational part of body talk for kids–not just around sexuality How parents can work through their own feelings around sex ed with their children Why Rachel’s next project is a book about body talk Resources: Connect with Rachel: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Website (coming soon!) Recommended by Rachel: How Do You Make A Baby by Anna Fiske Connect with KC: TikTok, Instagram, and Website  Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🌟 Taking a Break! 🌟 Hey everyone! I am taking a short break for August to recharge and prepare exciting new content for you. I’ll be back in September with fresh episodes and engaging conversations. Thanks for your support and patience. Stay tuned for what’s coming next! I’m excited to have Danita Platt on the show today. I didn’t know anyone of color in the field of care tasks until I met her. Her content resonates with me and my views around care tasks, so I hope you’ll enjoy hearing more from Danita! Show Highlights: Who Danita is and how she became an expert on gentle care tasks How our society over the last two generations has moralized care tasks and tied them to the worth of a woman Why we need to rethink our views about care tasks and “being a good woman” that go back to the founding of the US, historically speaking How the concept of “invisible labor” has carried over from colonial days even to today How many white people were able to live the lives they did because of the cheap, exploitable labor of Black women How the Great Migration happened to move many Black families to northern cities from the South How the shift happened to push Black (and white) women to work industrial jobs while men were away during the war How the push is recurring for 1950s homemaking to be viewed as the superior role for women What we DON’T talk about in the fulfilling life of a homemaker How Danita chooses to honor the Black women who had to wash clothes, clean house, and cook meals under duress–with no freedom or choice of their own What Danita would say to women who want to live more joyfully in their homes and experience more freedom and quality of life Resources: Connect with Danita: TikTok and Instagram Mentioned in this episode: Sisters in Hate: American Women on the Front Lines of White Nationalism Connect with KC: TikTok, Instagram, and Website  Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices