Parenthood
Kids & Family
About
Our lives change when we become parents. Of course, we experience the joys and challenges of parenting, but we go through profound changes on a personal level too.Parenthood is all about exploring these personal challenges we feel as adults. Hosted by relationship coach, businesswoman and mother of two, Leonie Akhidenor, Parenthood focuses on the heart-warming, exhausting, frustrating and exhilarating lives of parents.You'll hear from a wide range of people as we explore parenting ups and downs. We have episodes with familiar voices you might know, parenting professionals, our 'Real Talk' weekly chats with Leonie's bestie Liv and even solo...
Episodes
- Solo ep - How I survived engorged breasts
This episode recounts a mother's personal breastfeeding journey, detailing her experience with engorged breasts, struggles with her baby not latching, and the eventual relief found through using a manual pump.
- Krystal Giardina on separation, re-partnering with a female, living authentically - extended special
Krystal Giardina shares her personal story of separation, re-partnering with a female, and living authentically on the Parenthood podcast. She discusses her life transformations, challenges, lessons, and triumphs.
- Olivia Molly Rogers on pregnancy, infertility, egg freezing, divorce, love and trusting the process
On the Parenthood podcast, Olivia Molly Rogers shares her journey through infertility, IVF, contemplating solo parenthood, pregnancy, and her hopes for the future. The episode also covers her experiences with being single in her 30s and di…
- 👄 REAL TALK - So do you feel safe? Talking crime in Melbourne.
This episode of Parenthood discusses crime in Melbourne and personal safety. The hosts share their experiences and audience perspectives on feeling safe, and discuss communicating safety with children. The episode is sponsored by iL Tutto.
- Solo ep - Are we doing to many extra-curricular activities?
This Parenthood episode explores the challenges of managing extra-curricular activities for children. The host discusses how to assess if activities benefit the child and offers advice for parents feeling overwhelmed.
- Steph & Gian Ottavio on life after The Block, birth trauma, IVF & finding purpose
Steph & Gian Ottavio, winners of The Block, discuss their experiences with parenthood, including IVF, birth trauma, and finding purpose. They share their journey to becoming parents and the challenges they faced.
- 👄 REAL TALK - Why date night doesn’t fix everything
This episode of Parenthood discusses the concept of date nights, exploring common pressures and expectations. The hosts share insights from a listener poll on how others approach date nights and reflect on whether they truly solve relation…
- Solo ep - Anxiety, rising petrol prices, flights cancelled, school holidays and a full moon
In this solo episode of Parenthood, the host discusses managing personal anxiety while navigating current global and local issues, including rising costs, travel disruptions, and the demands of school holidays.
- Tully Smyth on pregnant at 38, 10 years single, egg freezing, love & loss
Tully Smyth joins the Parenthood podcast to discuss her experience being pregnant at 38. The conversation covers the challenges of being single in your 30s, pregnancy announcements, navigating grief after the loss of a parent, and parentin…
- Solo ep - How we manage work travel & resentment
This solo episode of the Parenthood podcast explores managing resentment in relationships when one partner returns from work travel while the other has been managing childcare and household responsibilities alone.
- 👄 REAL TALK - The social media ban; protection or control?
In this episode of Parenthood, the hosts discuss the impact of the social media ban, sharing stories from tweens and reflecting on their own experiences managing technology and screen time boundaries for their children.
- Solo ep - Ambitious mum guilt and why 70% is enough
In this solo episode of Parenthood, the host discusses the challenges of balancing parenthood and work. The episode explores the myth of achieving 100% in all areas and why giving 70% can be a more intentional approach to managing guilt.
- Dr Nicole Highet on mental health challenges after birth – Part 2
Dr. Nicole Highet joins the Parenthood podcast to discuss mental health challenges after birth, including postnatal depression, anxiety, rage, and intrusive thoughts. The episode covers identifying symptoms and where to find professional s…
- Tayla Broad on life after motherhood; valuing our bodies, privacy and village
In this episode of Parenthood, Tayla Broad discusses life after motherhood, including body image, teaching children to value their bodies, and the importance of privacy for her children online. The conversation also explores building a new…
- Solo ep - The fight about the container
In this solo episode of Parenthood, the host shares a personal story about a disagreement with her husband over a container during dinner time. The episode aims to help listeners feel less alone in the chaos of raising children.
- Dr Nicole Highet on mental health challenges from conception to pregnancy – Part 1
In this episode, Dr. Nicole Highet discusses the mental health challenges that can occur from conception through pregnancy. The conversation covers the emotional impact of trying to conceive, prenatal anxiety, and depression during pregnan…
- 👄 REAL TALK - How often parents are having sex
This episode of the Parenthood podcast explores intimacy and sex in parenthood, discussing listener feedback on frequency and timing. The hosts cover topics such as bedtime routine challenges, intimacy blockers, and managing feelings of gu…
- Solo ep - School mums and my insecurities
In this solo episode of Parenthood, Leonie reflects on her social insecurities after a school event, discussing concerns about her personality and whether the opinions of others should matter.
- Morgan Mitchell on parenting twins while chasing the Olympics
Olympic sprinter Morgan Mitchell discusses balancing elite athletic training with raising twins. The conversation covers teaching resilience to children, managing personal goals alongside parenting commitments, and the realities of motherh…
- Solo ep - Finding time for homework
This episode explores the challenges parents face when managing children's homework. It discusses why homework can be difficult, the importance of breaks, and when it may be appropriate to skip assignments to focus on emotional regulation.
- 👄 REAL TALK - When both parents work full time; what really gives
This episode of Parenthood discusses the challenges of balancing full-time work and parenting. It provides practical tips such as using shared calendars, establishing routines, and sharing domestic responsibilities.
- Solo ep - Discipline without losing your mind, how are we doing it?
In this solo episode of Parenthood, the host shares personal reflections and strategies on disciplining children. Topics include the effectiveness of yelling, reward systems, daily planning, and managing bribery and threats.
- Tiff Hall & Ed Kavalee on career ambition vs reality as parents and bouncing forward
Tiff Hall and Ed Kavalee discuss the challenges of balancing career ambition and parenthood, including the concept of "bouncing forward" instead of "bouncing back." The episode also covers their experiences on The Amazing Race and parentin…
- Solo ep - When one child eats everything, the other eats nothing
In this solo episode of Parenthood, the host discusses the challenges of managing different eating habits between two children. The conversation covers strategies for encouraging balanced eating while navigating parental anxiety around mea…
- 👄 REAL TALK - Starting prep, separation anxiety, school parent judgment, schedules and more
This episode of Parenthood covers the challenges of starting school, including separation anxiety, managing schedules, and navigating judgment from other parents. Liv shares her personal experience regarding her child's first day of school.
- Solo ep - 2 schools and the mental load overload
In this solo episode of Parenthood, the host discusses the challenges of managing two schools, two jobs, and personal mental load. The episode explores strategies for surviving and organizing a chaotic lifestyle.
- Rhi Disljenkovic on healthy habits, fertility prep, self-confidence (part 2)
In this second part of the conversation, Rhi Disljenkovic joins the Parenthood podcast to discuss her fertility journey, strategies for building daily self-confidence, and managing lifestyle differences with a partner. They also touch on t…
- Solo ep - The quiet relief no one talks about after age 5
In this solo episode of Parenthood, the host discusses summer holidays, sleep-ins, the demands of parenting children, and plans for the year ahead.
- Rhi Disljenkovic on what I refuse to apologise for in 2026. Channeling sexy, confidence, self-care, healthy lifestyle (part 1 of 2)
In this episode, Rhi Disljenkovic joins the Parenthood podcast to discuss personal growth goals for 2026, focusing on setting boundaries, mindfulness, and healthy exercise habits. The conversation covers moving away from people-pleasing an…
- Jacquie Ward (psychologist) answering your back to school questions (Envisage Families part 2 of 2 mini-series)
Psychologist Jacquie Ward answers listener questions about back-to-school transitions on the Parenthood podcast. She discusses school refusal, discerning anxiety from nerves, managing technology, and building resilience in children.
- Anika Parr on back to school transitions & parenting in a neurodiverse family (Envisage Families part 1 of 2 mini-series)
Anika Parr joins the Parenthood podcast to discuss navigating back-to-school transitions, managing overstimulated children, and parenting within a neurodiverse family. Part one of the Envisage Families mini-series, this episode addresses s…
- 👄 REAL TALK - Christmas & those who judge
This episode of Parenthood offers advice on how to navigate unsolicited parenting advice and potential conflict during the Christmas season. The hosts discuss managing difficult gift-givers, social pressures, and setting boundaries to main…
- Solo ep - Life behind Parenthood - big goals, big anxiety, bigger lessons
In this solo episode of Parenthood, the host reflects on a year of overcommitting and managing anxiety. The discussion focuses on lessons learned from setting ambitious goals and a commitment to seeking more balance and calm in the coming…
- Lisa De Sanctis on navigating miscarriage with two children
Lisa De Sanctis joins the Parenthood podcast to discuss her personal experience with pregnancy loss while raising two children. The conversation covers her emotional grief, the decision to share her story publicly, and navigating the proce…
- Solo ep - Another school event? When the juggle & parent guilt hits before 9am.
This episode of Parenthood discusses the challenges of chaotic mornings, missing school activities, and managing parent guilt. It aims to support parents who have faced similar experiences with balancing school responsibilities and daily l…
- 👄 REAL TALK - Stress and the impact on our relationship
In this episode of Parenthood, the hosts discuss how stress impacts romantic relationships. They examine common behaviors like snapping at a partner and becoming passive-aggressive, while offering advice on how to reconnect as a team.
- Solo ep - Stress eating & my body falling apart... a love story
In this solo episode of Parenthood, the host discusses the physical and dietary impacts of prolonged stress, including stress eating and unexpected physical fatigue. The episode explores the connection between hectic life seasons and bodil…
- Bonnie Anderson & Sam on juggling 2, parenting styles, choosing a daycare centre & more
Bonnie Anderson and Sam join Parenthood to discuss life with two children, covering topics including parenting styles, choosing a daycare, and managing the demands of raising kids in the social media era.
- Solo ep - We’re budgeting for a holiday, baby
In this solo episode of Parenthood, the host shares practical tips on saving money for a holiday while managing family grocery expenses. The discussion covers various budget-friendly strategies, including bulk buying and money-saving hacks.
- 👄 Real Talk – Career/ Parent guilt & can we have it all?
Liv joins the hosts to discuss the balance between career and parenting, including the pressure of societal expectations and setting boundaries at work and home. They also explore organizational flexibility and the pressures faced by worki…
- Solo Ep – Halloween hooligan; the crash & high speed chase
In this solo episode of Parenthood, the host shares their experience of witnessing a hit-and-run accident on Halloween while trick-or-treating. They describe the encounter with the driver and the subsequent pursuit.
- Tarrah Jordan & Alexander – 10 IVF rounds but we never gave up
Tarrah Jordan and Alexander discuss their three-year fertility journey and the experience of undergoing 10 rounds of IVF to conceive their son. They reflect on the emotional, physical, and financial impacts of the process and offer support…
- Solo Ep – Feeling like a hot mess; the ridiculous happenings of my week
In this solo episode of Parenthood, the host shares various chaotic experiences from their week, including car trouble, household mishaps, and feelings of being overwhelmed. Topics include dinner time challenges and a recent scare regardin…
- Real Talk – 👄 Our latest arguments with our partners
Liv and the host discuss recent arguments in their relationships, covering topics such as work travel, conflict management, and daily frustrations like household errands. This episode also features a discount from sponsor iL Tutto.
- Solo ep - What keeps me sane during chaotic periods; Askle, anxiety prevention & more
In this solo episode of Parenthood, the host shares her personal strategies for maintaining mental and physical well-being during chaotic and busy periods. Topics include the importance of sleep, dietary changes, stress management, and the…
- Lorinska & Andrew Merrington on relationship dynamics, work hustle, life after 3 children & BTS on Yummy Mummies
Lorinska and Andrew Merrington join the Parenthood podcast to discuss relationship dynamics, balancing work with raising three children, and their experiences on Yummy Mummies. They also share details on how they met and their perspectives…
- Solo ep - 250 episodes & comparison is the thief of joy
In this 250th episode of Parenthood, the host discusses lessons learned throughout the podcast's journey, including the impact of comparison, the importance of kindness, maintaining a positive reputation, and viewing business as a long-ter…
- Real Talk – 👄 Hot tips on starting prep or a new school
In this episode of Parenthood, Liv and her co-host discuss preparing for a new school year. Topics include school entrance interviews, morning routines, and navigating relationships with other school parents.
- Solo Ep – The tea on our school holiday tiff
In this solo episode of Parenthood, the host discusses the challenges of staying organized during school holidays. Topics include managing family tensions, the desire for validation during disagreements, and strategies for maintaining calm.
- Kyla Kirkpatrick on Real Housewives of Melbourne, co-parenting, relationship counselling and building an empire
Kyla Kirkpatrick, founder of Emperor Champagne, discusses her experience on The Real Housewives of Melbourne, navigating relationship challenges, co-parenting, and business ownership as a single mother.