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Be a Happier Parent

Be a Happier Parent

By: Alex Trippier
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Why is there such a huge gap between what we think parenting is going to be like and what it actually is? Why when we have children do we think it’s going to bring us closer together but often it really pushes us apart? What are the jobs of mums and dads now? What’s a dad when we’re no longer just providers? What’s a mum when they often are? What am I supposed to teach or model for my children when I’ve no idea what the world is going to look like in five years time? Why did my parents seem to have loads of conviction about these things and I have absolutely none? In this podcast I interview top authors, therapists, coaches and try and find out how the trials of parenting can help us become better humans.Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Parenting & Families Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Ep 34: Finding a Role for Fathers with Darby Saxbe
    May 29 2026

    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. It highlights the importance of communication, understanding gender roles, and supporting men in caregiving.

    keywords

    fatherhood, gender roles, parenting, mental load, maternal gatekeeping, relationship dynamics, cultural shifts, caregiving, masculinity, family health

    key topics

    Changing roles of fathers and mothers Impact of societal and cultural shifts on parenting Maternal gatekeeping and paternal involvement The emotional and physical transformation of new dads The importance of communication in parenting partnerships

    guest name

    Darby Saxbe

    Titles

    The Future of Fatherhood: Embracing Care and Connection How Cultural Shifts Are Redefining Parenting Roles

    sound bites

    "Men are left out of the conversation." "Fatherhood is transformative for men." "We need to value care as a society."

    Chapters

    00:00 The Importance of Dads in Parenting Dynamics 05:15 Transformative Experiences of Fatherhood 07:54 Understanding the Impact of Birth on Fathers 11:12 The Role of Meaning-Making in Parenting 11:41 The Crisis of Transitioning to Parenthood 13:59 Communication as a Key to Relationship Success 17:04 The Unique Role of Fathers in Child Development 19:50 The Evolution of Fatherhood Roles 22:45 The Future of Parenting Dynamics 26:58 The Role of Oxytocin in Parenting 27:52 Cultural Influences on Parenting Styles 30:30 Navigating Parental Expectations and Child Development 31:56 Changing Representations of Fathers in Media 35:52 Evolving Masculinity and Parenting Roles 40:04 The Importance of Male Role Models in Caregiving 43:31 Valuing Care in Society 46:45 Understanding Modern Parenting Challenges

    resources

    Darby Saxbe's Book on Parenthood and Gender Roles - https://www.amazon.com/Parenthood-Gender-Roles-Darby-Saxbe/dp/XXXXXX Richard Reeves' Work on Fatherhood and Masculinity - https://www.thelondonreview.com/richard-reeves-fatherhood Star Wars and Cultural Depictions of Fathers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXXXXX The Mandalorian Series - https://www.disneyplus.com/series/the-mandalorian/XXXXXX Studies on Oxytocin and Parenting - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/XXXXXX

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    47 mins
  • Ep 33: Do Less to Be More with Leah Ruppanner
    May 1 2026

    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 lives.

    keywords

    social norms, gender roles, mental load, household chores, parenting, work-life balance, social expectations, gender equality, emotional labor, societal change

    key topics

    Empirical evidence on gender differences in perceiving mess Social penalties for women based on household standards The role of social norms in shaping behavior and expectations Strategies for reducing mental load and re-aligning with personal values The impact of societal expectations on parenting and career choices

    guest name

    Leah

    Titles

    Revealing the Hidden Mental Load: How Norms Shape Our Lives The Messy Truth: Gender, Judgment, and Social Norms

    sound bites

    "You can't be everything to everyone." "Resting without guilt is critical for well-being." "A mother's love is not the only love that matters."

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to the Messy Room Study 04:49 Understanding Gender Norms and Housework 07:34 The Impact of Social Norms on Women 10:42 Challenging Traditional Expectations 13:36 The Burden of Mental Load 16:32 Finding Value Beyond Social Norms 19:27 The Role of Caregiving in Men's Lives 22:17 Redefining Success and Self-Worth 25:26 The Importance of Rest and Self-Care 28:24 Navigating Personal Expectations and Social Pressures 29:54 Understanding Magic Making and Mental Load 32:37 The Emotional Weight of Mental Load 34:15 Navigating Mental Load in Work and Family Life 35:48 The Impact of Gender Norms on Parenting 42:15 The Isolation of Motherhood and Societal Expectations 47:03 Redefining Success in Parenting 51:19 Understanding Mental Load and Its Impact 54:02 Conducting a Mental Load Audit 56:33 Aligning Mental Load with Personal Values 01:00:28 The Spillover Effect of Mental Load 01:05:20 Negotiating Mental Load in Relationships 01:08:28 Overcoming Barriers to Self-Care

    resources

    Leah's Book: Drained - Reduce Your Mental Load to Do Less and Be More - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGLV7X7V Better Life Lab - Articulating the Cost of Tasks - https://www.betterlifelab.org/ Louis Theroux's Manosphere - Netflix Documentary - https://www.netflix.com/title/81254224

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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Ep 32: Emotional Masculinity with Matt Salis
    Mar 27 2026

    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, vulnerability, and resilience in modern relationships and parenting. Discover practical strategies for men to lead with emotional intimacy, create safe environments, and foster stronger family bonds.

    keywords

    emotional masculinity, emotional safety, vulnerability, parenting, relationships, resilience, emotional intimacy, modern masculinity, family dynamics, mental health

    key topics

    Redefinition of masculinity in modern society The importance of emotional safety and vulnerability Strategies for men to lead with emotional intimacy Impact of social media and societal changes on family dynamics Practical steps for creating emotionally safe environments

    guest name

    Matt Salis

    Titles

    The New Face of Masculinity: Lead, Provide, Protect with Emotional Safety How Emotional Safety Transforms Modern Relationships

    sound bites

    "Lead with emotional intimacy." "We need good men to make the world safe." "Women don’t need us for money anymore."

    Chapters

    00:00 Exploring Emotional Masculinity 06:20 Creating Emotional Safety in Families 10:37 The Impact of Emotional Temperature 17:15 The Need for Emotional Connection 24:04 Research Insights on Emotional Safety 32:02 Evolution of Coaching and Parenting 37:07 Navigating Emotional Masculinity 42:19 The Importance of Vulnerability 48:16 Creating Safe Spaces for Conversations 54:41 Learning from Our Children

    resources

    Galloway's views on masculinity - https://example.com/galloway-masculinity Richard Reeves' work on masculinity and society - https://example.com/richard-reeves Laura McCown on addiction recovery - https://example.com/laura-mccown The Gottmans on relationship dynamics - https://example.com/gottmans Alan Sheldon and the Daddying Movement - https://example.com/daddying-movement

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    1 hr and 2 mins
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