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With so many kids in competitive sports, we've spent A LOT of time watching practices, listening to coaches and navigating the world of tryouts, teams and hockey politics. But what happens when your child doesn't learn, listen or respond the same way as everyone else? This week, we're talking about neurodiversity in youth sports, and whether coaches are doing enough to understand the different ways kids learn. From ADHD and learning differences to kids who struggle to sit still, follow instructions or control their energy, we're getting into how easily talented kids can be misunderstood, labelled as difficult or overlooked. Should parents be having these conversations with coaches? Should coaches be expected to adapt? And how do we make sure sports remain a place where ALL kids can thrive, not just the ones who fit the traditional mould? It's a conversation every sports parent should be having. Let us know what you think, do you want your coach to have access to your kid's IEP? Keywords neurodivergence in youth sports, ADHD and hockey, coaching neurodivergent children, IEPs and sports, youth hockey parenting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're joined by Emese Gormley, a fashion and beauty creator, for a session that covers A LOT. From arriving in Canada from Hungary in a handwoven basket to building a business through Instagram, launching her own fragrance and collaborating with Jenny Bird on a new ring, Emese has been busy! We get into why content creation and linking products is very much a REAL business, dealing with people who think you shouldn't make money off social media, and the art of clapping back at people who have way too much time on their hands. Plus, we get a full tour of her makeup bag, the beauty products worth spending money on, Botox, red light therapy, neck cream, fall fashion trends and why shopping in Canada is basically a sport. And of course, we get the story behind her new fragrance, launching November 11th. We cover a lot of ground, have approximately 700 side conversations and are already planning a part two. Emese Gormley spent 20 years as a marketing executive in the fashion industry before turning that insider knowledge toward helping women 40+ figure out what’s actually worth buying (and what isn’t). Her 200K-strong Instagram community tunes in for her honest takes, including her series Expensive Sh*t That’s Worth It. She also cohosts the podcast Lipstick on the Rim and writes a Substack newsletter, Tell Me More with over 10k subscribers. Find Emese @emesegormley. Keywords Fragrance, Instagram business, social media creator, beauty products, makeup tips, skincare, Toronto fashion, Canadian entrepreneurs Key Topics - Emese describes building a livelihood through social-media curation, affiliate links, audience service and performance data. - She argues that creator businesses carry on the ad-supported role once played by magazines, while detailing the labor behind finding and sharing products. - Her upcoming fragrance is described as musky, woody, comforting and unisex. - Emese discusses responding to harsh comments, setting boundaries and blocking people who repeatedly send hostile messages. - Beauty talk ranges from red-light therapy and neck care to Botox, facial filler and under-eye surgery, with personal views distinguished from universal advice. - She shares practical makeup habits and products, including keeping duplicates in a travel bag, nightly face tanning and applying foundation with a setting-spray-dampened brush. - The hosts and guest trade fall-style opinions on coats, leopard print, stripes, scarves, barrel-leg jeans and finding fashion in Canada. - Emese and the hosts reflect on limited Canadian retail access, cross-border shopping memories and the price and shipping hurdles of shopping from abroad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the key to helping your teen figure out what they want to do with their life isn’t asking them what they want to be, but helping them understand who they are first? We sit down with Courtenay O’Hea and Cora Brady, founders of Be You Media, to talk about why knowing your values, natural aptitudes and interests can make such a difference in the decisions young people make. From choosing a university program and navigating pressure from parents and social media, to figuring out what actually makes them happy (instead of just following the path that looks good on paper), this conversation gets into what kids might be missing when everyone is focused on grades, résumés and getting into the right school. Plus, why understanding yourself can help you stand out in a job market shaped by AI, build better relationships, and have a little more confidence in who you are. We think adults could probably use this work just as much as the kids! Be You Media helps young people better understand themselves so they can intentionally build lives that reflect what matters most to them. Both Courtenay and Cora are Becoming You Certified Practitioners, trained directly by Professor Suzy Welch through the NYU Stern Initiative on Purpose and Flourishing. They combine scientifically validated assessments, research-backed frameworks and guided reflection to help young people gain clarity about who they are and make more informed decisions about their future. For more on Be You Media find info at https://beyoumedia.ca/ and @be.you_media. Keywords teen self-discovery, personal values, career choices, university decisions, natural aptitudes, parenting teens, youth career guidance, Be You Media Key Topics - Courtenay O’Hea and Cora Brady introduce Be You Media’s programs, which help young people explore their personal values, aptitudes and interests. - They distinguish values, which shape personal choices, from virtues such as honesty and courage and explain that Be You Media assesses 16 values, ranked uniquely for each person. - A student who left an engineering program realized that family mattered more than meeting perceived expectations or following a prestigious path. - They recommend asking curiosity-led questions, such as what excited a young person at school, rather than demanding a career plan too early. - The “Whose life do you want?” exercise uses admired people and “no thank you” observations to help uncover a young person’s values. - They explain that aptitudes are hardwired and generally set by about age 15, while values tend to settle around the early twenties. She stresses that having the language to understand yourself is valuable even as you continue to develop. - They discuss confidence, empathy, relationships, university choices, AI-driven job uncertainty and communicating strengths in interviews. - Be You Media runs monthly, in-person high school workshops lasting approximately three and a half hours, as well as monthly virtual young-adult cohorts held over four Tuesdays. - Participants can receive a certificate and LinkedIn course entry

What if the key to helping your teen figure out what they want to do with their life isn’t asking them what they want to be, but helping them understand who they are first? We sit down with Courtenay O’Hea and Cora Brady, founders of Be You Media, to talk about why knowing your values, natural aptitudes and interests can make such a difference in the decisions young people make. From choosing a university program and navigating pressure from parents and social media, to figuring out what actually makes them happy (instead of just following the path that looks good on paper), this conversation gets into what kids might be missing when everyone is focused on grades, résumés and getting into the right school. Plus, why understanding yourself can help you stand out in a job market shaped by AI, build better relationships, and have a little more confidence in who you are. We think adults could probably use this work just as much as the kids! Be You Media helps young people better understand themselves so they can intentionally build lives that reflect what matters most to them. Both Courtenay and Cora are Becoming You Certified Practitioners, trained directly by Professor Suzy Welch through the NYU Stern Initiative on Purpose and Flourishing. They combine scientifically validated assessments, research-backed frameworks and guided reflection to help young people gain clarity about who they are and make more informed decisions about their future. For more on Be You Media find info at https://beyoumedia.ca/ and @be.you_media. Keywords teen self-discovery, personal values, career choices, university decisions, natural aptitudes, parenting teens, youth career guidance, Be You Media Key Topics Courtenay O’Hea and Cora Brady introduce Be You Media’s programs, which help young people explore their personal values, aptitudes and interests.They distinguish values, which shape personal choices, from virtues such as honesty and courage and explain that Be You Media assesses 16 values, ranked uniquely for each person.A student who left an engineering program realized that family mattered more than meeting perceived expectations or following a prestigious path.They recommend asking curiosity-led questions, such as what excited a young person at school, rather than demanding a career plan too early.The “Whose life do you want?” exercise uses admired people and “no thank you” observations to help uncover a young person’s values.They explain that aptitudes are hardwired and generally set by about age 15, while values tend to settle around the early twenties. She stresses that having the language to understand yourself is valuable even as you continue to develop.They discuss confidence, empathy, relationships, university choices, AI-driven job uncertainty and communicating strengths in interviews.Be You Media runs monthly, in-person high school workshops lasting approximately three and a half hours, as well as monthly virtual young-adult cohorts held over four Tuesdays. • Participants can receive a certificate and LinkedIn course entry Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Youth sports: where getting your kid on a team can feel like negotiating a business deal, coaches have celebrity-level status, and somehow the parents are often more invested than the players. We get into the behind-the-scenes world of competitive sports, from parents negotiating ice time, positions, and even team fees, to recruiting, roster politics and the pressure to keep your kid one step ahead. Plus, why are coaches so intimidating, how do rumours get started, and what is it about a youth sports coach that apparently gives them so much “aura”? It's a whole world of deals, drama and sideline behaviour, and the kids might just be the least dramatic people involved. Keywords youth hockey, hockey parents, team recruitment, youth sports, hockey coaching, sports parenting, team selection Key Topics • The hosts distinguish team offers and negotiations from parents demanding a guaranteed role, captaincy, jersey number, or special treatment. • They discuss how promises of position, power-play time, penalty-kill time, and other perks may influence a family’s team choice. • The hosts argue that deals made for adult status or preference can undermine a child’s development and standing with teammates. • They warn that kids overhear parents criticizing other players, and those comments can shape how children treat one another. • They explore why some parents see coaches as inaccessible or intimidating, and how limited contact can fuel rumors and an exaggerated sense of coach status. • The conversation covers the timing and uncertainty of roster decisions, including early recruiting, January feedback, and the frustration of late notice. • They discuss captain selection, favoring a team vote when possible to maintain players’ trust. • A listener’s account of feeling a coach dislikes their child prompts the hosts to suggest clear communication or finding a better fit. • They describe how former coaches may keep in touch with families as part of future recruiting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is ADHD suddenly everywhere, or are we just finally recognizing what’s been going on in our brains this whole time? We’re getting into ADHD, neurodivergence, brain fog, hormones and why so many women seem to be struggling as they get older. We talk about whether phones are creating ADHD-like behaviours, how masking and years of coping can eventually catch up with you, and why some kids can look like they’re listening when their brains are actually somewhere completely different. We also get into the different ways ADHD shows up, executive functioning, learning disabilities and why finding the right support can make such a difference. Plus, we discuss the very real gift of being able to move on quickly, not take everything personally, accept constructive criticism without spiralling, and why we might just be a little toxically positive. Keywords ADHD in women, neurodivergence, executive functioning, masking ADHD, learning differences, school support, working memory Key topics The co-hosts wonder whether changing hormones and life demands can make previously manageable ADHD traits feel more difficult, and distinguish their questions from medical advice.They discuss ADHD masking, anxiety, brain fog, and the importance of exploring what is causing a real-life difficulty rather than pursuing a label for its own sake.One host describes executive-function challenges in her child, including transitions, working memory, and the effort of appearing focused while mentally overwhelmed.They recall childhood struggles in school and ask whether earlier ADHD recognition and appropriate support might have helped, while acknowledging that outcomes vary.The hosts reframe traits like moving on quickly, accepting constructive feedback, and taking risks as possible strengths, while recognizing these are personal experiences rather than universal traits.They discuss gratitude and a naturally positive outlook, using Halloween candy and children's excitement as examples of finding happiness in small moments.They describe practical patterns they associate with ADHD, such as working better with someone nearby and relying on visible piles to organize belongings.The conversation questions whether learning assessments explain why a student struggles and imagines schools designed around different learning needs, including more outdoor learning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are we too hands-off as parents, or have we somehow stumbled onto a parenting strategy that actually works? We’re getting into the great parenting debate: how involved should we really be in our kids’ schoolwork, academics and future plans? We talk about raising seven kids who, somehow, have become pretty self-sufficient and intrinsically motivated when it comes to school, whether that was intentional or just sheer luck. We get into university pressure, when kids finally start caring about their grades, why fighting over homework might do more harm than good, and using AI to actually help with studying (not cheating). Plus, we question whether we've done a great job parenting or whether our kids have just figured out how to parent themselves. Honestly, we're still not sure. Keywords parenting, education, child development, independence, motivation, school, university, homework, parenting strategies Key Topics * Changing parenting philosophies over time * Balancing hands-on and hands-off parenting * The role of schools and teachers in child success * Encouraging intrinsic motivation and independence * The impact of technology and AI on learning * Pathways and career planning for teens * The importance of early habits and routines * Parenting challenges with homework and school involvement Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Free agency season is here, and the hockey parents are NOT okay. 🏒😂 It's November 1st, four games into the season, and everybody's suddenly shopping for a new team. This week Cat & Nat cover: Free agency chaos:the secret chats, the rumors, and the time a whole team watched one mom talk to two men in suits. Ice time panic:the power play at the end of a game, when parents stop watching the game and start watching who's on the ice. The case for a losing team:why the worst team might be the best place for a goalie, and why losing means learning. The coach who said it out loud:"In 20 months, some of you will be playing against men." Also, a 15-year-old with a grown man's body doesn't have a grown man's brain. Connor McDavid:the best player in the world, and he is no fun when he loses. Life as a hockey parent: a questionable rink angle, a speed trap near the rink, a McDonald's that's the only saving grace, and a family-sized logistics operation just to get to a 4:15 practice. Come for the hockey, stay for the potato-on-ice test. 🥔 Keywords youth sports, hockey, free agency, team dynamics, sports parenting, hockey training, athlete development, sports culture, hockey season, youth hockey Key topics Youth hockey free agency and team changesParenting and coaching in youth sportsThe mental and physical development of young athletesTeam strategies and player positioning in hockeyLife lessons learned through sports and competition Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why does nobody prepare us for perimenopause and menopause? One minute we’re managing our lives just fine, and the next we can’t sleep, can’t remember a word, feel irritated by literally everyone, and wonder what is happening to our bodies. We were so excited to talk to board-certified OB-GYN and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner Dr. Mary Claire Haver to talk about what’s actually happening during the menopause transition, from brain fog, mood changes and weight gain to hormone therapy, sleep and long-term health. We get into the confusion around HRT, why hormone blood tests aren’t the answer everyone thinks they are, and how to know when it’s time to ask for help. Plus, Dr. Haver shares why strength training and protein matter, and what we can do now to feel stronger and healthier as we age. Because we’re not just trying to survive our 40s and 50s. We want to feel good at 60, 70 and beyond. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s you, your hormones, or everyone around you suddenly becoming unbearable, this episode is for you. You’re not crazy, you’re not alone, and you do not have to suffer through it. Dr. Mary Claire Haver is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of The New Menopause and The New Perimenopause and founder of The ‘Pause Wellness, a clinic dedicated to comprehensive menopause care. She also hosts unPAUSED with Dr. Mary Claire Haver and is a leading voice in menopause education, translating complex science into accessible, evidence-based information for women. For more on Dr. Mary Claire Haver follow her @drmaryclaire. You can find her books and so much more at https://thepauselife.com/. Keywords perimenopause, menopause, Dr. Mary Claire Haver, hormone therapy, HRT, brain fog, bone health, osteoporosis, vaginal estrogen, menopause symptoms menopause, perimenopause, hormone replacement therapy, HRT, GLP-1, bone density, muscle, visceral fat, women's health, strength training Key topics Dr. Haver explains why perimenopause’s effects on sleep, mood, cognition, and the whole body were historically under recognized in medical training.The conversation distinguishes common brain fog, such as losing words or keys, from dementia-related loss of understanding; Haver notes that brain fog is not itself a formal diagnosis.Dr. Haver describes steadier moods, stronger boundaries, and positive changes in her own post-menopause life.Dr. Haver says hormone levels fluctuate too much for a simple perimenopause blood-test baseline; diagnosis relies on symptoms, clinical assessment, and tests to check for other causes.Dr. Haver says every woman deserves an individualized conversation, not a default prescription.Dr. Haver emphasizes that hormone therapy is not a weight-loss drug and that body composition, including muscle and bone, matters beyond the scale. Weight alone can be misleading; maintaining bone and muscle matters, with strength training and adequate nutrition as important supports.She describes increased visceral fat accumulation during the menopause transition and explains why waist measurements and body-composition tracking can reveal more than appearance or scale weight.Dr. Haver says hormone therapy may slow visceral fat accumulation but does not melt fat; she discusses GLP-1 medications as another clinical tool, alongside attention to muscle and bone.She outlines a clinic approach she calls “GPS”: GLP-1 medication, protein tailored to body composition, and strength training.Dr. Haver explains that people with a uterus need endometrial protection when using systemic estrogen, such as with a progestogen or, in some cases, an IUD; she also notes progesterone may be calming and support sleep.The conversation highlights gaps in clinician menopause training, ways to seek informed care, and Haver’s advocacy for better education, care, and insurance coverage.Dr. Haver frames long-term health around strength, quality nutrition, sleep, community, boundaries, and putting health ahead of thinness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How much money are we actually supposed to give our kids when they go off to university? We’re paying for tuition, residence and meal plans, and somehow they still need money for Uber Eats, clothes, nails, groceries and pretty much everything else. How much allowance is reasonable? Should we be giving them a set amount or letting them figure it out themselves? We also get into credit cards, debt, and the things we wish we’d known at their age. Because at some point, we have to stop managing every dollar for them and teach them how to manage it themselves. But how much is too much, and when do you cut them off? We want to hear what you’re budgeting for your kids each month and how they’re making it all work! Keywords university expenses, student budgeting, financial independence, parental guidance, student life, money management, university costs, financial literacy, student habits, budgeting tips Key topics University expenses and costsStudent budgeting habits and habitsParental guidance on financial independenceRealistic spending for students living away from homeLessons in financial literacy for young adults Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hockey parents know that the game is about so much more than what happens on the ice. We’ve encountered so many different types of hockey coaches over the years, from the young, energetic coaches full of promise to the cranky, win-at-all-costs coaches. And then there are the ones who seem to have a little anger management issue. We’re talking screaming coaches, kids getting benched for things that are completely out of their control, brutal mid-season cuts and the parents who are somehow still paying thousands of dollars for the privilege. Because youth sports can bring out the best and the absolute worst in grown-ups. And somewhere in the middle of all the yelling, pressure and team drama, someone needs to remember that these are literally just kids playing a game. Keywords youth hockey, coaching styles, parental involvement, youth sports chaos, hockey coaching humor Key topics Different coaching styles and their impactThe role of yelling and discipline in coachingParent and coach dynamics in youth sportsChallenges of team selection and coaching qualityHumorous and chaotic moments in youth hockey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From struggling to figure out tampons as a teenager to unexpectedly bleeding through your jeans onto a stranger’s brand-new white chair, no period story is off limits. Nat is sharing her very real, very mortifying experience with the heavy bleeding she’s been dealing with and the frustrating journey of trying to get answers and treatment. Plus, we get into the conversations women need to be having about periods, birth control, HRT, and making decisions about your own body. Add in restless legs, 3 a.m. thought spirals, and a whole lot of questionable opinions about foot size! Keywords women's health, menopause, menstrual management, HRT, hormone therapy, personal stories, medical advice, women's wellness Key topics Menopause and peri-menopause experiences Tips for managing menstrual health and accidents Insights into hormone replacement therapy and its controversies The importance of trusting and advocating for your doctor Understanding the impact of health decisions on daily life Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Life is kind of life-ing over here so we are bringing you a repeat episode today of one of your faves! We are talking about screens, kids, and the chaos that comes with both. Remember when we thought parenthood would be easy? Between SnapMaps showing everyone's location, and the cesspool that is Snapchat, it’s enough to fry your brain. We’re talking about how to protect your kids from themselves, why monitoring their digital world is a full-time job, and how even with our ScreenSense guide (that breaks it ALL down for you in a super easy and digestible way) our own kids still managed to get around screen time. Because of course they did. Parenting is a full-time job—you put in all this effort, and now the extra work isn’t carpools or lunches, it’s keeping up with what they’re doing online. That's exactly why we created https://www.thecommonparent.com/screen-sense-ebook. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve ever watched parents lose their minds over a kids’ sports game, this episode is for you. In this repeat episode, we reveal the secret to spotting the most attractive parents and the truth about how the crazy loud ones often have the least self-awareness, and also get into the obsession with pickleball outfits and visors, and whether you really need to tell everyone your kid is “the smartest in the class.” Because apparently, kids’ sports come with their own set of rules, rivalries and completely unhinged adults. It’s funny, it’s ridiculous, and if you’ve ever questioned your sanity sitting on the sidelines, you’ll feel right at home. Kids’ sports: where the kids are playing the game, but the parents are having a full-blown competition. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve ever watched parents lose their minds over a kids’ sports game, this episode is for you. We reveal the secret to spotting the most attractive parents and the truth about how the crazy loud ones often have the least self-awareness, and also get into the obsession with pickleball outfits and visors, and whether you really need to tell everyone your kid is “the smartest in the class.” Because apparently, kids’ sports come with their own set of rules, rivalries and completely unhinged adults. It’s funny, it’s ridiculous, and if you’ve ever questioned your sanity sitting on the sidelines, you’ll feel right at home. Kids’ sports: where the kids are playing the game, but the parents are having a full-blown competition.