Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, we explore the science of sports injury, recovery, and brain health with Paige Roberts—sports psychology consultant, brain optimization expert, and founder of Performance Neuro Training.

Paige explains how both physical and emotional trauma—such as concussions, chronic stress, and performance pressure—impact the brain, and how specific therapies can help restore brain function to its pre-injury state. Drawing from traditional practices, cutting-edge neuroscience, and her own journey through injury and loss, Paige has developed a unique, holistic approach that is transforming the way athletes heal and perform.

A former...

In this episode of Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys, Kathy sits down with Samir Aweidah—a deeply thoughtful, nuanced thinker whose life journey spans cultures, questions, and real conversations about what it means to grow into manhood today.

From growing up with young parents in the Middle East to navigating identity, masculinity, and mental health in Canada, Samir shares insight into the emotional terrain boys and men walk—and how society often misses the full picture. Together, they explore the power of mentorship, the importance of vulnerability, and why healthy risk-taking is essential for development.

Many young men, like Jack, grow up carrying the weight of a challenging childhood, stepping into adulthood with a fragile or diminished sense of self. Jack’s voice gives shape to what has been called the Silent Crisis—a growing mental health concern among men—and offers a vivid, personal glimpse into what it means to be one of the many boys who feel lost. Listening to this conversation opens a door into the inner world of a young man who is trying to make sense of himself and the world around him. It’s a powerful invitation to understa...

This episode has the power to transform how we see neurodiversity. Nova’s passion mirrors my own: awareness, understanding, and perspective are the essential ingredients for creating a more compassionate world for anyone who doesn’t fit society’s mold. By viewing neurodiversity through a new lens, parents and children alike can recognize that there’s nothing “wrong” with them—they simply communicate differently. It’s our responsibility to learn that language and help bridge the gap. As a neurodivergent mother raising two neurodivergent children, Nova intimately knows what it’s like to feel boxed in, misunderstood, and judged—and then watch her o...

What I loved most about this conversation is the story of a young man whose foundation of life was impacted by an absent father—followed by several stepdads who caused more harm than healing. Brennan and his wife started out on a “minus scale,” and instead of repeating the patterns they inherited, they made a conscious choice to create a different life.

They are doing the inner work. They’re asking the hard questions. And they’re choosing to parent with intention—building a home grounded in faith, emotional honesty, and resilience. This episode is about masculinity, fatherhood...

If you're the parent of a boy heading into adolescence, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. When I first met Keoni, I was struck by how grounded and self-aware he was — clear in his values and intentional about the future he’s building. I was genuinely surprised to learn he's still in his teens and that he made a major life shift at just 16 years old. If I were raising a young boy today, hearing Keoni’s reflections on life as a Gen Z young man would give me hope and a deeper sense of what’s p...

Dr. Alifano radiates genuine warmth and compassion. He moves through life with a deep, unwavering desire to truly understand others—and he’s spent decades honing the art of listening to do just that. As someone who has spent much of my own life refining how I listen, I was surprised—and deeply moved—by the powerful insights he shared. There were key elements I had completely missed, yet they make all the difference when it comes to truly connecting with others.

This is a rich and meaningful episode for anyone who wants to strengthen their relationships, deepen t...

Our 1st DAD guest of Season 3 is a powerful conversation featuring Matthew Biswas, a father of three who found himself navigating solo parenthood after his wife left in 2015. With a 20-year-old daughter and two sons aged 15 and 9 at the time, Matthew chose to step fully into the role of the only parent—not just a single one.

He shares how he made the decision to move forward with as little disruption as possible, putting his children first in every way—from home-cooked meals to emotional modeling, from structured routines to deep personal growth. Along the way, he disc...

Season 3 kicks off with a high bar, and our very first episode dives deep into modern masculinity through the eyes of someone living it every day—my son, Toshi. Having him as our inaugural young man’s voice was uniquely special. Though we talk often, sharing these insights on a public platform opened the door to understanding boys even wider.

Toshi offers a fresh perspective on nature versus nurture—and challenges the idea that genders are so different after all. He speaks candidly about how today’s education system can fuel men’s mental-health struggles, and he reflects o...

What I Learned from 35 Conversations

As I step into Season 3 of Unlocking The Parenting Code:All About Boys, I’ve been reflecting — really sitting with the journey this podcast has taken me on. Reflection gives us that rare birds-eye view of where we've been, and I’ve been in awe of the depth and breadth of what’s unfolded.

I’ve had the honour of hosting over 35 conversations with people who’ve shared their stories, their insights, their hearts. Some connections were fleeting but powerful. Others have become lasting relationships — part of my village now. What I didn’t...

In this episode of Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys, Kathy sits down with father, coach, and Navy veteran David Kiwimagi to explore what it really takes to raise boys (and girls!) with strong inner compasses in today’s world. David shares his journey—from church ministry in Japan, to Navy operations and cybersecurity leadership, to co-founding a coaching business with his wife.

He opens up about how a pivotal parenting course transformed his understanding of what it means to raise children with integrity and purpose, igniting his passion for helping them build their own “moral wareho...

In this episode of Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys, Kathy sits down with Laura Vosika—author, musician, publisher, and mother of nine (seven boys and two girls)—to explore what it’s really like to raise a large family and to reflect on the innate differences between boys and girls.

Laura shares vivid stories from her early parenting years: juggling music teaching, raising a full household, and keeping her creative spirit alive—all while intentionally creating a home that felt loving and accepting, a contrast to the more perfection-driven environment she grew up in.

From g...

In this episode of Unlocking the Parenting Code:ALL ABOUT BOYS, Kathy sits down with Charles Hall—a devoted father, podcast host, and founder of Crown & Compass—to talk about healing from childhood trauma, breaking generational cycles, and becoming a more emotionally present parent. Charles shares his powerful journey through early wounds, faith-based healing, and what it means to raise sons with emotional intelligence and spiritual guidance. Together, they explore attachment, identity, and the critical role of self-awareness in raising emotionally resilient boys.

Guest Bio

Charles Hall is the founder and host of Crown & Compass, a pl...

In this episode of Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys, Kathy sits down with Marie Carrillon, a podcast host, entrepreneur, and proud mom who brings her full honesty and heart to this candid conversation. Originally from France and now raising two young children in Sydney,Australia, Marie shares her journey through motherhood—including navigating postpartum depression, parenting in a new country, and the emotional highs and lows of raising a sensitive, spirited boy.

Together, Kathy and Marie explore what it means to nurture connection, hold space for emotional expression, and reject the unrealistic pressures modern mothers fa...

In this episode of Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys, Kathy sits down with Kristina and Herbert Heagh-Avritt — long-time partners in life and parenting — to explore what it really means to raise boys through love, trauma, distance, and healing. From navigating the challenges of raising a son on the autism spectrum to experiencing the heartbreak of estrangement from their other son, Kristina and Herb open up with honesty, wisdom, and vulnerability. Together, they share what they’ve learned about communication, parenting, healthy masculinity, and why it is so important to reflect on the past in order to move forwar...

In this episode of Unlocking the Parenting Code: ALL ABOUT BOYS! we welcome Myanah Simmons, a single mother of two boys, for a rich and real conversation about parenting boys across two very different life stages. Myanah shares her journey of raising an 18-year-old and a 10-year-old, discussing everything from emotional awareness and life skills to societal pressures and the challenges of raising boys in today’s world. She opens up about parenting through curiosity, building emotional resilience, and challenging outdated norms around masculinity—all while navigating single motherhood with strength and grace.

Guest Bio

Myan...

In this episode of Unlocking The Parenting Code: ALL ABOUT BOYS, we welcome Aliesha Embleton, stepmom, coach, author, and founder of Sapling Minds. Aliesha shares her journey and insights on parenting boys during middle childhood and beyond, including personal experiences and practical strategies for parents raising emotionally resilient and authentic children. With a focus on proactive parenting and emotional connection, Aliesha offers valuable advice for parents navigating the challenges of helping boys develop healthy masculinity.

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Welcome back to Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys! I’m your host, Kathy, and today we’re diving into the fascinating world of neuroscience, hypnotherapy, and parenting with Claire Noyelle.

Claire began her career as a pharmacist but transitioned into solution-focused hypnotherapy nearly a decade ago, blending science and brain-informed strategies to help young people—especially those with neurodivergent diagnoses—build confidence, resilience, and a future they’re excited about.

As a single mom of three, including a son with ADHD and autism, Claire brings both personal and professional expertise to understanding how our brains...

This week on Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys, host Kathy sits down with Jenna Michael. Jenna is a wife, mother of four (ages 3 to 8), author, and parenting coach. She helps parents identify their core values, eliminate excess clutter, and create a framework that prioritizes what truly matters. Jenna provides practical strategies for reducing chaos, making mindful choices, and turning valuable insights into meaningful action. She and her husband, Jonathan, live in North Carolina, where they homeschool their children and enjoy an active, adventure-filled lifestyle.

In this episode, we dive into Jenna’s personal journey of pa...

In this episode of Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys, Kathy sits down with Azja Pryor, a CBWS-trained babywearing educator with six years of experience. Azja shares her unique journey as a mother to two children born 18 years apart and how her parenting approach has evolved over time. With a diverse background that includes roles as a health and fitness coach and a casting director for music videos, Azja has successfully navigated multiple career paths. She opens up about discovering the transformative benefits of babywearing, the shifting expectations around raising boys, the impact of social media on parenting...

In this episode of Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys, host Kathy sits down with Genevieve Kyle-Lefebvre’, a mom of two energetic boys, the founder and main host of the Mom-Talk Podcast, & co curator of Faces of the Tri-Cities, a book celebrating women and community leaders making meaningful impact. 

Genevieve is a passionate mother of two young boys, a deep thinker, and a woman of action. She saw the need for a supportive space where mothers could share their experiences, overcome isolation, and build meaningful friendships. What started as a simple lunch gathering in her home has...

In this episode of Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys, Kathy sits down with Brittinie Tran, a mother of three, nonprofit leader, and podcast host. Brittinie shares her journey of adopting her three children in California, traveling the country in a renovated camper, and finally settling in North Carolina, all while prioritizing family bonds and community support.

She also talks about her nonprofit, Hot Mess Express, which helps overwhelmed moms by tackling household tasks, and the importance of normalizing asking for help—especially for boys. This conversation dives deep into the power of community, the role of...

In this episode of Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys, host Kathy sits down with Sabrina Trobak,  a registered clinical counsellor, former educator, and author of Not Good Enough: Understanding Your Core Belief and Anxiety. Sabrina shares her expertise on core beliefs, particularly the damaging notion of 'not good enough' that many individuals struggle with from childhood into adulthood. She explains how these beliefs develop, their impact on mental health—especially in men—and how parents can instill confidence and self-worth in their children.

Sabrina also discusses her personal parenting transformation when her sons were 9 and 10, socie...

What do Navy SEAL training, an arranged kidnapping, and children’s books about self-worth have in common? Today’s guest, Gina, has one of the most unexpected journeys into understanding resilience, teamwork, and the power of belonging. Growing up, she was constantly trying to “fit in with the boys,” but what she really needed was to belong. She trained with a Navy SEAL, learning firsthand how shifting your focus from yourself to others can transform your mindset. Now, she’s on a mission to help kids build confidence and emotional resilience through storytelling. If you’re raising a child—or just trying...

In this episode of Unlocking the Parenting Code: ALL ABOUT BOYS, I’m sharing a recorded webinar I presented to a men’s group this past summer. This session, Fathers & Sons, dives into the unique relationship between fathers and their sons, exploring the emotional world of boys, the evolving definition of masculinity, and the role fathers play in shaping their sons' lives.

For nearly 30 years, I’ve studied and worked with boys to understand their inner world, the pressures they face, and the impact of society’s expectations. In this episode, I discuss the crisis many men and boys...

What’s the one thing that could have the biggest impact on your parenting? What’s the secret to understanding your son’s behavior—especially when he misbehaves? And what’s the one shift that could change everything?

In this solo episode, Kathy unlocks the parenting code by exploring how unconscious biases shape the way we see and support boys. If you've ever struggled to connect emotionally with your son or wondered if you're doing enough to guide him, this episode is for you.

KEY TOPICS

✔ How unconscious biases influence our expectations of boys

✔...

In this episode of Unlocking the Parenting Code:ALL ABOUT BOYS!, we’re joined by Stacey Wallenstein, also known as The Mint Chip Mama. A well-known blogger and parenting advocate, Stacey has been sharing her journey of motherhood for over a decade. From navigating the early days as a first-time mom to raising three kids (15, 11, and 8), she opens up about parenting struggles, wins, and lessons learned along the way.

We dive into the power of mom communities, fostering strong sibling relationships, encouraging independence, and the ever-evolving challenge of screen time. Plus, Stacey shares her family’s favorite trad...

Welcome back to Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys! Today, we have a deeply insightful and personal conversation with Liz Garcia, a devoted wife and mother of four, including adopted twins and two biological children. Liz’s parenting journey has been anything but ordinary—filled with unexpected challenges, cultural differences, and the complexities of raising both biological and adopted children. Through resilience and determination, she has turned her experiences into wisdom that she now shares to support other parents on similar paths.

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In this initial solo episode, Kathy dives into the hidden rules of the "Boy Code" and its impact on boys' emotional well-being. Why are boys struggling in school, mental health, and relationships? How do societal norms discourage boys from expressing their emotions, leading to long-term harm?

Kathy uncovers the roots of these issues and shares practical strategies to help parents and caregivers support boys in navigating their emotional world. From understanding the "Man Box" to breaking free of harmful stereotypes, this episode equips you with some tools to help your boys thrive.

What You’ll Le...

In this open and inspiring episode of Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys, host Kathy welcomes Michelle Oucharek-Deo, a Time Strategist, Author, Speaker, and Counselling Art Therapist from British Columbia, Canada. With three decades of experience supporting families and raising her now 21-year-old son, Michelle shares powerful insights about the joys and challenges of parenting Owen. Through touching stories, practical advice, and lessons learned, Michelle inspires parents to nurture strong connections with their children and foster independence, resilience, and respect.

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In this episode of Unlocking the Parenting Code: ALL ABOUT BOYS, Kathy is joined by Lainie Liberti, a trailblazer in alternative education and teen mentorship. Lainie shares her wealth of experience as a single mom to her son, Miro, whom she raised while traveling the world for over 15 years. Through this unconventional journey, she created a thriving movement that blends world education, conscious parenting with partnering and mental health tools and strategies to empower teens.

Key Topics

In this episode of Unlocking The Parenting Code: All About Boys, we speak with Nazia Savrimootoo. Nazia’s parenting journey spans multiple cultures as her family moved from Mauritius to Zambia, Jordan, and Japan. Raising her son in these diverse environments brought challenges, especially with transitions disrupting routines like sleep and potty training. Parenting guilt often surfaced, but she prioritized consistency, maintaining stable routines and communication to navigate these shifts.

Determined to parent differently from her own authoritarian upbringing, Nazia fosters autonomy and values her son’s voice. She emphasizes kindness, collaboration, and open dialogue, while balancing care...

In this episode of Unlocking The Parenting Code, we chat with Murun Enkhmurun, a mother of two balancing life as a full-time PhD student and part-time lecturer in Psychiatry. Murun shares her incredible journey from Mongolia to Japan, raising her 11-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son while pursuing a passion for mental wellness and neuroscience.

With a parenting philosophy rooted in resilience, independence, and emotional intelligence, Murun opens up about how cultural traditions, societal expectations, and personal experiences shape her approach to motherhood.

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In this episode of Unlocking The Parenting Code, we sit down with Angie Brandt, a mother whose journey spans biological, adoptive, and foster parenting. Angie shares insights from her diverse parenting roles, including her experiences raising children with exceptional needs and her journey from traditional parenting methods to using Human Design as a powerful tool to foster connection. Angie opens up about the realities of fostering, adoption challenges, and her mission to create peace and fun in the home, even amidst difficult behaviors.

Angie’s commitment to her family was challenged when traditional parenting strategies didn’t work...

In this episode of Unlocking The Parenting Code, we sit down with Dr. Saloni Surah, a mother of two and a former HIV & sexual health physician. With a background in working with marginalized populations and a deep understanding of trauma, Dr. Surah brings a unique perspective to parenting. She’s passionate about raising emotionally intelligent children who stay true to themselves and aren’t afraid to embrace their worth.

In this conversation, Saloni opens up about her parenting journey, the challenges of raising intuitive, “high-vibe” kids, and how she’s helping her children navigate their emotions in a world fu...

In this insightful episode of Unlocking The Parenting Code, we are joined by Kim Nave, a homeschooling mother of eight, licensed therapist, certified life coach, and in-the-process  doctorate holder. With over 33 years of parenting experience, Kim shares her remarkable journey of raising children, two of whom are still at home in the mountains of Tennessee, including a daughter facing mental health challenges and behavioral concerns. Kim's path to becoming a therapist began when her eldest daughter experienced severe mental health issues, and traditional avenues of support failed them. This personal crisis led Kim to return to school at age 43 t...

In this episode of Unlocking The Parenting Code, we chat with Vrushali, a passionate entrepreneur and engaged mother with over 15 years of corporate experience, spanning industries such as education, the UK public sector, and veterinary practice management. After a decade of marriage, Vrushali embraced motherhood with a mindful, observant approach, blending her business acumen with her parenting journey. Today, she juggles running her business while actively raising her son and focusing on personal growth. Tune in as Vrushali reflects on her transition into motherhood, the insights she’s gained through keen observation, and how she incorporates the principles of Ka...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Mark Papadas, father of three grown children (two daughters and one son) and proud grandfather of three boys under the age of three. Mark shares his insights on how parenting has evolved over the years, drawing from his experiences raising his own children and now supporting his adult kids as they parent the next generation.

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Guest Bio:

Mark Papadas is a seasoned speaker, author, and coach with over 22 years of experience in...

In this episode of Unlocking the Parenting Code, we sit down with Alyssa Wolff, a homeschooling mom of five with almost 16 years of hands-on experience. Alyssa and her husband, both homeschooled themselves, always envisioned a nurturing environment for their children. Join us as she shares her insights on the joys and challenges of homeschooling, and her approach to fostering independence while managing family routines. Alyssa’s story is filled with practical tips and reflections on how she cultivates each child's unique strengths in a busy, joyful household.

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Episode Title: Parenting with Purpose: Balancing Cultures, Self-Trust, and Connection

Episode Overview:

In this episode of Unlocking The Parenting Code, we welcome Aga Akrout, a transformational coach, yoga teacher, and mindfulness practitioner. Aga shares her journey of parenting in a multicultural family, reflecting on the growth and challenges of raising children with her husband in France. Aga emphasizes the importance of self-trust, emotional intelligence, and creating open, honest communication within the family. She discusses breaking generational patterns, navigating cultural differences, and raising children who feel loved, confident, and connected.

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