Be a Happier Parent
What does parenting do to us? Why do we do it? Why is there such a huge gap between what we think parenting will be and what it is? What are the jobs of Mums and Dads now: What’s a dad when he’s no longer just a provider, what’s a mum when she quite often is? Why, when we think having children will bring us together, does it so often push us apart? How do I know what to teach and model for my children when I don’t know what the world is going to look like in five years time? Why did my parents seem to have so much conviction about these things and I have absolutely none? Well, I don’t know but luckily there are some really clever people all over the world who are thinking about these things and they’ve agreed to talk to me. So maybe we won’t be able to answer all these questions every week but maybe if we listen to their ideas we can gain some insight and some wisdom and maybe most importantly some perspective and find out what it takes to be a happier parent.
Episodes
Ep 38: Parents with ADHD with Erica Djossa
Check out Erica's work at https://www.ericadjossa.com/
You can find my online coaching community at https://www.skool.com/be-a-happier-parent/about
If you're interested in 1:1 couples coaching, email me at beahappierparent@gmail.com
content type
Interview
primary goal
Educational
summary
In this episode, we explore the impact of ADHD on parenting and relationships, focusing on how neurodive
Ep 37: Demand More with Laura Danger
Laura Danger is @darnchat on social media.
Her book is No More Mediocre: A Call to Reimagine Our Relationships and Demand More.
If you would like to find out more about one-to-one coaching, email me at beahappierparent@gmail.com.
My Be a Happier Parent Skool community is currently available on a free seven-day trial. I distil my coaching down into easy-to-follow videos, and I’m on there every day
Ep 36: What are Human Fathers for? with Dr Anna Machin
Check out my members community: https://www.skool.com/be-a-happier-parent/about
Anna's book is "The Life of Dad" and you can find more about her work here: https://annamachin.com/
content type
Interview
primary goal
Educational
summary
Anna Machin explores the evolution of fatherhood, its biological and social foundations, and how modern environments influence paternal roles. Discover how
Ep 35: Understanding Maternal Rage with Dr Caroline Boyd
Check out my coaching community! I'm answering questions every day so come and say hi!
https://www.skool.com/be-a-happier-parent/about
Here's Caroline's amazing course: The coupon for £100 discount is SUMMERSUPPORT
https://dr-caroline-boyd.mykajabi.com/mr-signup-autumn-2025
You can find more about Caroline at https://drcarolineboyd.com/
content type
Interview
primary goal
Educational
summ
Ep 34: Finding a Role for Fathers with Darby Saxbe
Please follow me on Instagram and TikTok @beahappierparent
Full videos of episodes available on YouTube @alexindadland
Couples coaching, contact me: beahappierparent@gmail.com
Darby Saxbe is on Instagram @darbysaxbephd
summary
This conversation explores the evolving roles of fathers and mothers, the impact of societal and cultural shifts on parenting, and how to foster healthier family dynamics.
Ep 33: Do Less to Be More with Leah Ruppanner
Follow me on Instagram @beahappierparent
Full videos of Eps on YouTube @alexindadland
content type
Interview
primary goal
Educational
summary
This conversation explores social norms, gender roles, mental load, and how they impact women and men in modern life. Leah and Alex discuss empirical research, societal expectations, and practical strategies for creating more balanced and fulfilling
Ep 32: Emotional Masculinity with Matt Salis
Find out more about Matt's work at https://un-toxicated.com/
Please follow me on Instagram and TikTok @beahappierparent
Full videos of the show available on YouTube @alexindadland
content type
Interview
primary goal
Educational
summary
In this insightful interview, Matt Salis explores the evolving concept of emotional masculinity, emphasizing the importance of emotional safety, vulnerabili
Ep 31: Hidden Forces Behind Mothers' Choices with Corinne Low
Check out https://www.corinnelow.com/
Please find me on Instagram and TikTok @beahappierparent
Redefining Gender Roles, Parenthood, and Work-Life Balance: Insights from Corinne Low and Alex Trippier
In this episode, we explore the evolving roles of men and women in relationships, workplaces, and parenting. Corinne Low shares her research and perspectives on how societal norms, biological factors,
Ep 30: The Stories We Tell Our Children with Francesca Cavallo
You can find Francesca on Instagram @francescatherebel
Find me on Instagram and TikTok @beahappier parent
Full episodes available with video on YouTube @alexindadland
Keywords
masculinity, gender equality, emotional intelligence, storytelling, consent, inner exploration, male solidarity, emotional isolation, redefining heroism, children's literature
Summary
In this conversation, Francesca Cava
Ep 29: Why is she the only one thinking about it? with Allison Daminger
Check out Allison's website https://www.allisondaminger.com/
follow me on Instagram and TikTok @beahappierparent
Full videos of episodes available on YouTube @alexindadland
Keywords
parenting, cognitive labor, mental load, gender roles, household dynamics, essentialism, couples, equity, caregiving, family responsibilities
Summary
In this conversation, Allison Daminger discusses the complexities o
Ep 28: The History of Marriage with Stephanie Coontz
You can pre order Stephanie's forthcoming book here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/673497/for-better-and-worse-by-stephanie-coontz/
Check out her website: https://www.stephaniecoontz.com/
Find me on Instagram and TikTok @beahappierparent
YouTube @alexindadland
Keywords
marriage, gender roles, parenting, emotional labor, societal changes, breadwinner ideal, relationships, community, hist
Ep 27: The Arguments Every Couple Should Have with Divorce Lawyer turned Couples Therapist Joanna Harrison
Check out Joanna's Website: www.joannaharrison.co.uk
Find me on Instagram @beahappierparent
Keywords
couples therapy, divorce lawyer, communication, relationship advice, arguments, parenting, emotional connection, intimacy, relationship dynamics, conflict resolution
Summary
In this conversation, Joanna Harrison, a former divorce lawyer turned couples therapist, discusses her journey and the insig
Ep 26: The Philosophy of Care with Elissa Strauss
Elissa's Substack: https://elissa.substack.com/
Follow me on Instagram @beahappierparent
Keywords
care ethics, dependency, self-actualization, relationships, parenting, gender perspectives, philosophy, ethics, spirituality, marriage
Summary
In this conversation, Elissa Strauss discusses the philosophy of care, emphasizing the importance of dependency in relationships and parenting. She critiques
Ep 25: The Joy of the Juggle with Dolly Jones
You can find Dolly on Instagram @dolly_jones
Please follow me on Instagram @beahappierparent
Keywords
parenting, motherhood, working parents, guilt, empathy, relationships, self-validation, motherhood ideals, joy in parenting, communication
The joy of being a working parent is often overshadowed by guilt and societal expectations.
Successful working mothers often feel a sense of pride and accomp
Ep 24: The Damaging Myth of the "Natural Mother" with Rose Stokes
You can find more about Rose at rosestokes.co.uk
Follow her on Instagram@rosestokes
Find me on Instagram and TikTok @beahappierparent and YouTube @alexindadland
Keywords
parenthood, parenting, expectations, relationships, motherhood, fatherhood, identity, support, communication, growth
Summary
In this conversation, Alex and Rose explore the multifaceted journey of parenthood, discussing the chall
Ep 23: Can We Parent Without Shame? With Elisabeth Harrod
Check out Elisabeth's website: https://www.purposeparenting.net/
Follow me on Instagram and TikTok @beahappier parent
Full videos of Episodes available on YouTube @alexindadland
Keywords
parenting, emotional regulation, shame, child development, dads, moms, self-worth, mistakes, gender dynamics, coaching
Summary
In this conversation, Elisabeth and Alex explore the dynamics of parenting, particula
Ep 22: What we ALL want for Christmas with Rachel Childs and Kate Mangino
Don't worry it's not all about Christmas! Christmas is a great framework to discuss some really important issues.
If you want to help with the amazing "Equalish" podcast, check out their crowd funding campaign, here: https://www.ifundwomen.com/projects/equal-ish-podcast
Please follow me on Instagram and TikTok @beahappierparent
Full vidoes of episodes available on YouTube @alexindadland
Keywords
g
Ep 21: Strength, Grief and Trust with Dr Anna Whitwham
We were discussing Anna's most recent book: "Soft Tissue Damage"
Also check out her novel: "Boxer Handsome"
Follow me on TikTok and Instagram @beahappierparent and find videos of these episodes on YouTube @alexindadland
Keywords
masculinity, identity, vulnerability, shame, literature, parenting, relationships, emotional health, gender roles, self-discovery
Summary
In this conversation, Anna and
Ep 20: How to be a Great Husband with Brian Page
Check out Modern Husbands https://www.modernhusbands.com/
Follow me on Instagram and TikTok and check out videos of these eps on Youtube @alexindadland
Keywords
household roles, domestic labor, marital satisfaction, Fair Play system, emotional labor, financial conversations, parenting, money values, relationship dynamics, pandemic impact
Summary
In this conversation, Brian Page discusses the evol
Ep 19: Can We Build Resilience? With Tim Curtis
You can find additional resources from Tim here: https://resilienceshield.com/
Please follow me on Instagram and TikTok @beahappierparent
Full videos of the episodes available on YouTube @alexindadland
Keywords
resilience, parenting, adversity, children, self-leadership, technology, community, struggle, mental health, emotional intelligence
Summary
In this conversation, Tim Curtis shares his insi
Ep 18: Trauma, Healing and Change with Ben May
You can find the New Normal Charity @tnncharity on Instagram. Website: https://www.thenewnormalcharity.org/
Ben also coaches men on developing empathy and changing the way they think, behave and react both in work and life. You can find him on Instagram @ldn_brbr or email ben@thenewnormalcharity.org
Please follow me on Instagram or TikTok @beahappierparent. Full videos of the episodes are availabl
Ep 17: What Happens When Dads are Put in Charge? With Dr Marte Bergan
Check out Marte’s full thesis here:
https://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:800e3289-08ad-449f-a00d-f5da87f1100d
You help make some similar changes to our parental leave system by getting involved with The Dad Shift www.dadshift.org.uk
Please follow me on Instagram and TikTok @beahappierparent
Keywords
gender equality, Norway, parental leave, daddy quota, family dynamics, cultural values, work-life ba
Ep 16: How Not to Hate Your Partner with Jancee Dunn
Find me on Instagram and TikTok @beahappierparent
Summary
In this conversation, Jancee Dunn shares her experiences navigating the complexities of marriage and parenthood, highlighting the unexpected challenges that arise when transitioning into parenthood. She discusses the importance of communication, the impact of societal expectations on relationships, and the necessity of seeking help through
Ep 15: Teenagers and the Wonder and Delight of Uncertainty with Rachel Kelly
You can find Rachel on https://rachel-kelly.net/
Follow me on Instagram @beahappierparent
Summary
In this conversation, Rachel Kelly discusses the complexities of parenting teenagers, emphasizing the importance of self-relationship, connection, and understanding. She explores how parents can navigate their own needs while fostering autonomy in their children, the illusion of control, and the impac
Ep 14: Get Better at Being Angry with Sam Parker
You can find Sam on Substack @goodanger and Instagram @samparkeruk
You can find me on Instagram and TikTok @beahappierparent and full videos of these episodes are available on Youtube @alexindadland
Summary
This conversation delves into the complexities of anger, exploring its multifaceted nature, gender dynamics, and its role in relationships and parenting. The speakers discuss how societal n
Ep 13: Navigating Postnatal Depression with Sally Bunkham
You can find all the support PANDAS offer here: https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/
Please follow me on Instagram and TikTok @beahappierparent
In this conversation, Alex Trippier speaks with Sally from the Pandas Foundation about the complexities of parenting, mental health, and the challenges faced by parents, particularly those dealing with autism. They explore the emotional struggles of new parent
Ep 12: Breadwinners and Caregivers with Melissa Hogenboom
You can find Melissa on Instagram @melissa_hogenboom
Full episodes available with video on Youtube @alexindadland
Please follow me on Instagram or TikTok @beahappierparent
Join Melissa Hogenboom and Alex Trippier as they delve into the intricate dynamics of power, status, and gender roles in modern society. This episode explores how these elements influence our personal and professional lives, wit
Ep 11: The Big Gender Gap with Rowan Whitehead
Find me on Instagram and TikTok @beahappierparent and Youtube @alexindadland
Summary
This conversation delves into the complexities of parenting, particularly focusing on the gender dynamics that contribute to burnout among mothers. It highlights the need for shared responsibilities in domestic work, the impact of societal expectations, and the importance of emotional labor. The discussion also ad
Ep 10: Let Go of Great Parenting with Amiee Carlton
You can find all Amiee's work here: amieecarltoncoaching.com
Her instagram is: amieecarlton_coaching
You can find full videos of all these episodes on my youtube channel @alexindadland. Please follow me on instagram and TikTok @beahappierparent
Summary
In this conversation, Alex Trippier and Amiee Carlton delve into the complexities of parenting, exploring themes such as the culture of blame, emo
Ep 9: What Do Dads Do? with Steve Biddulph
Check out Be a Happier Parent on Instagram
Summary
In this conversation, Steve Biddulph discusses the evolving role of fathers in modern society, the developmental needs of boys, and the importance of emotional expression. He highlights the impact of industrialization on father-son relationships and the necessity of mentorship during adolescence. Biddulph emphasizes the significance of vulnerabili
Ep 8: The Magic of Caregiving with Elissa Strauss
Be a Happier Parent is on instagram, tiktok and substack. Full videos are available on my Youtube channel: @alexindadland
Summary
In this conversation, Alex Trippier and Elissa Strauss delve into the complexities of motherhood, feminism, and caregiving. They explore the emotional challenges of motherhood, the evolving roles of men in parenting, and the societal structures that impact caregivers. T
Ep 7: Psychological Growth in Parenthood with Lisa Marchiano
"Be a Happier Parent" is now on Substack! alextrippier.substack.com
In this conversation, Alexindadland and Lisa Marchiano explore the intricate relationship between Jungian psychology and motherhood. They discuss the importance of meaning in life, the process of individuation, and the psychological development that occurs throughout one's life. The conversation delves into the challenges of paren
Ep 6: The Impossible Age of Masculinity with Ruth Whippman
Summary
In this conversation, Ruth and Alexindadland explore the complexities of parenting boys in a modern context, discussing the language used around gender, the emotional development of boys, and the societal pressures that shape parenting decisions. They delve into the challenges of raising boys amidst discussions of toxic masculinity, the impact of screen time, and the ethical dilemmas paren
Ep 5: Redefining Fatherhood with Alex Lloyd Hunter
Full video of this episode is available on Youtube @Alexindadland
You can follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok @beahappierparent
Join The Dad Shift Campaign: dadshift.org.uk
Summary
In this conversation, Alex Lloyd Hunter discusses the evolving role of fathers in modern society, emphasizing the need for better paternity leave policies in the UK. He highlights the challenges faced by new fath
Ep 4: The Metamorphosis of Parenthood with Lucy Jones
Follow @beahappierparent on instagram and tiktok. @alexindadland on youtube.
summary
In this conversation, Lucy and Alex explore the multifaceted experience of motherhood, touching on emotional transitions, societal expectations, and the challenges of parenting. They discuss maternal ambivalence, the realities of childbirth, and the often unspoken struggles surrounding breastfeeding and mental hea
Ep 3: Understanding our Partners with Dr Emma Svanberg
I'm joined by Clinical Psychologist Dr Emma Svanberg dremmasvanberg.com and Parent Infant Psychotherapist Benedicta Bywater benedictabywater.com
Summary
This conversation delves into the complexities of parenting, emphasizing the importance of shared values between partners, the navigation of differing parenting styles, and the emotional dynamics that arise in family life. The speakers discuss th
Ep 2: The Myths of Motherhood with Nancy Reddy
Summary
In this conversation, Alex Trippier and Nancy Reddy explore the evolving ideals of parenting, particularly focusing on attachment theory and its critiques. Reddy discusses the dubious science behind attachment theory, the historical context of motherhood, and the pressures placed on mothers today. They delve into the roles of fathers, the economic implications of motherhood, and the import
Ep 1: Finding Fairness with Eve Rodsky
Summary
In this conversation, Eve Rodsky discusses her book 'Fair Play' and the movement it has sparked, focusing on the division of labor in households and the impact on relationships and parenting. She shares personal anecdotes and insights on the challenges women face in balancing career and family, the importance of accountability in relationships, and the need for men to engage in household m
Recommended
Yours Truly Johnny Dollar Collection
Take Back Your Health®
CBS Radio Mystery Theater | Old Time Radio
Solved Murders - True Crime Stories
紐約鳥｜New York Aperture
The Swerve Podcast: Obscure Topics | Conspiracy Theories
The Bread and Banter Podcast
The Church of What's Happening Now: The New Testament
Busted Open
Deadline: White House
Crickets Corner
History of the Earthquake and Fire in San Francisco
