Pop Culture Parenting

This podcast is about finding the sweet spot between the textbooks and real life when it comes to parenting. Dr Billy (a developmental paediatrician) and Nick (a developing parent) are a couple of dads having honest discussions about parenting day to day.

@popcultureparenting

Listen or watch our episodes below, or visit our episode catalogue for a snapshot of each episode.

Episode Catalogue
  • The Hunger Games & understanding adolescence

    Ep. 115 (1 of 2)

    Adolescence is an important developmental window during which identity is explored and relationships are strengthened. It can also be a turbulent time during which mental illness spikes and the kids we care about become lost. Luckily there is so much we can do to prepare ourselves and our younger kids for this period. The evidence can also guide us if we are currently supporting a teen even if it all seems hopeless. We hope you like this latest episode and we can't wait for your reflections, questions and advice.

    Watch on YouTube

  • Survival reflection

    Ep. 114 (2 of 2)

    In this reflection episode we hear from PCP listeners who generously share their stories of survival with reflections, questions and advice. It's a vulnerable conversation with an emotional ending but we hope it helps people find the kindness and compassion for themselves that we work on for ourselves. Thank you to everyone who contributed, we feel so lucky to have you in the area with us!

    Watch on YouTube

  • Gladiator & survival

    Ep. 113 (1 of 2)

    This episode is a little different to our others. PCP aims to guide us all about how we can better support the kids in our lives. Sometimes though the weight of doing better can be too much. In this honest chat we talk about sometimes needing to just survive and how best to do that without feeling like a gladiator constantly fighting in the arena. We hope this helps lighten that burden and we can't wait to hear your reflections, questions and advice.

    Watch on YouTube

  • Nurturing neurodiversity reflection part 2

    Ep. 112 (3 of 3)

    In our second reflection episode about nurturing neurodiversity we dive into the science of neurodiversity and how it can be used in the real world to support the kids in our lives. We hear from exceptional educators about how to best support neurodivergent students, discuss research about pathological demand avoidance (PDA) and explore mental health and trauma relating to neurodiversity. We end on a message that can help all of us understand the power of inclusion. We hope you like it and thank you to everyone who sent in their stories. It's a privilege to read them and we wish we could share them all.

    Watch on YouTube

  • Nurturing neurodiversity reflection part 1

    Ep. 111 (2 of 3)

    In this part 1 reflection episode we discuss how the evidence can guide us regarding many of the challenges neurodivergent kids face. We cover questions about masking, rejection sensitive dysphoria, neurodiversity and emotional sensitivity, fitting in, medication and many more. Thank you for the wonderful questions, reflections and advice that the amazing PCP community sent in. We hope you like it and we can't wait to dive into this topic even further in the next reflection episode.

    Watch on YouTube

  • The Green Mile & nurturing neurodiversity

    Ep. 110 (1 of 3)

    After so many requests from the amazing PCP community we are diving back in to talk about neurodiversity and how we can better support these beautiful kids. We discuss how movies, beliefs and a deficit approach can cause harm and limit potential. We dive into how we can help neurodivergent children and teens feel safe and experience success using the science in the real world. We can not wait to hear your reflections, questions and advice on nurturing neurodiversity as it's our favourite part of the podcast.

    Watch on YouTube

  • Conflict resolution reflection

    Ep. 109 (2 of 2)

    In this reflection episode we go deeper into conflict resolution using reflections, questions and advice from the wonderful PCP community. We explore how we can support conflict resolution at different developmental stages from toddlers to teens, what schools can do and how we can work on this within ourselves. Thank you to everyone who sent in their messages and we hope you like the episode.

    Watch on YouTube

  • The Notebook & conflict resolution

    Ep. 108 (1 of 2)

    Dealing with conflict can be a big challenge of life and lead to damage within ourselves, our relationships and the broader community. We first learn how to deal with conflict during childhood and unfortunately often in unhealthy ways. Luckily there is so much we can do to guide kids though these tough times. In this episode Nick & Billy discuss why it's important and how we can better resolve conflicts in a healthy way. We hope you like it and can't wait to read your reflections, questions and advice.

    Watch on YouTube

  • The future reflection

    Ep. 107 (2 of 2)

    In this episode we blast off into the future fuelled by wonderful reflections, questions and guidance from the beautiful PCP community. We discuss ways to move from anxiety to action, frustration tolerance, worries and neurodiversity, potential pitfalls (good old resilience) and our own fear about the future regarding the kids we care about. Thank you to everyone who sent in messages and questions. You give us so much hope!

    Watch on YouTube

  • The Fifth Element & the future

    Ep. 106 (1 of 2)

    Worries about the future are a common source of stress for kids and a tricky topic for those supporting them to navigate. From typical concerns to clinical anxiety it is important that we have tools we can use to help children when these challenges arise. In this episode we discuss how important our beliefs and behaviours about the future are, including in the media, in regards to how worried or hopeful we might be. We also discuss common concerns and one therapeutic approach that can help guide kids when these difficulties emerge. We can't wait to read your questions, reflections and tips. Thank you for making our future brighter too!

    Watch on YouTube

  • Beautiful boys reflection part 2

    Ep. 105 (3 of 3)

    In part 3 of our Beautiful Boys topic we honour some of the powerful stories and insights from the amazing PCP community who continue to guide and inspire us. We also cover some important questions, hear about practical advice and end on a the story of beautiful man who provides a north star for those of us trying to find our way.

    Watch on YouTube

  • Beautiful boys reflection part 1

    Ep. 104 (2 of 3)

    In the first of two reflections about how we can raise beautiful boys Nick and Billy explore some of the amazing reflections, questions and tips from the PCP community. We cover how we can push back against some of the damage patriarchy inflicts on us, how to guide growing minds towards healthier versions of masculinity and the importance of emotional understanding and expression in young boys. We hope you find this helpful and we look forward to diving even deeper in second reflection episode next week.

    Watch on YouTube

  • Fight Club & beautiful boys

    Ep. 103 (1 of 3)

    Boys and girls learn from a young age that they are different because of how caregivers and our broader society treats them. This inequity is destructive to all of us, especially in regards to mental illness, developmental trauma and intimate partner violence. As heartbreaking as the stories and statistics are there is so much we can do to better guide our growing boys that supports them and all their future relationships. We are really excited to read your reflections, questions and advice to guide a deeper discussion next episode into how we can all do this better.

    Watch on YouTube

  • Connection Reflection

    Ep. 102 (2 of 2)

    In this reflection episode we answer questions about connection from how we do it with ourselves, our partners, newborn babies, dysregulated children and reluctant teens. As always we are humbled by the beautiful reflections, inspired by powerful stories and guided by amazing advice. Thank you PCP and we hope you connect with this latest episode.

    Watch on YouTube

  • Edward Scissorhands & Connection

    Ep. 101 (1 of 2)

    Connection is an important first step in guiding our kids but one that is often misunderstood or missed entirely. In this episode we discuss why it matters and how we can give ourselves the best chance to connect with the kids we care about to guide them through the tough times. We hope you like it and can't wait to hear your reflections, questions and advice.

    Watch on YouTube

  • Episode 100 - Live Show

    Ep. 100 (1 of 1)

    We had an amazing evening celebrating our 100th episode and we hope you enjoy it as an episode. You can also watch the entire event on our youtube channel too! We forgot to read out the poll questions so we've included them below with answers. Thank you all for an amazing 100 episodes and episode 101 will be out in early Feb 2025. Check out our Patreon in the mean time as we grow our community there too ❤️

    Watch on YouTube

  • Love reflection

    Ep. 99 (2 of 2)

    Love is in the air in this episode with beautiful reflections, honest questions and overwhelming feedback about love. Please have tissues ready as we both needed them multiple times in this heartfelt journey through a small fraction of the amazing emails and messages that were sent to us on this important topic. Thank you to everyone who has shared this journey with us over the last 3 years. We hope you like this episode and we love being a part of the PCP community.

    Watch on YouTube

  • Interstellar & love

    Ep. 98 (1 of 2)

    For the final topic of the year Nick & Billy discuss a subject close to their hearts. Interstellar & love is an adventurous exploration of the science of love and how it can guide us in supporting the children in our lives. Please send in your questions about love, reflections on your own experience and tips to help all of us navigating this space. It's been a wild spaceship ride and we love all of you for sharing it with us.

    Watch on YouTube

  • Resilience reflection

    Ep. 97 (2 of 2)

    Well it's a big episode this week full of laughs and tears. So many inspiring stories of hope, honesty about the challenges of resilience and hopefully some helpful discussion about how we can all support the kids in our community. Thank you to everyone who sent in questions. We feel so privileged to be a part of the PCP community.

    Watch on YouTube

  • The Shawshank Redemption & resilience

    Ep. 96 (1 of 2)

    One of the best movies paired with one of the most important topics. In this episode we discuss the evidence regarding resilience, how is can be developed in real life (and in Shawshank State Penitentiary) without leading to failure and further harm. We hope you enjoy this chat and we can't wait to hear your reflections, questions and tips!

    Watch on YouTube

  • Parenting style reflection

    Ep. 95 (2 of 2)

    In this reflection episode we dive into the application of parenting style research through the life course from babies to teens and of course all of us as adults just trying to get a little better at this each day. It's no surprise that the reflections, questions and advice sent in by the gorgeous PCP community once again is the podcasts greatest asset. Thank you to everyone who sent in messages, this one was a rollercoaster emotionally but hopefully it helps you too.

    Watch on YouTube

  • Mean Girls & parenting styles

    Ep. 94 (1 of 2)

    This week's episode is so fetch. Nick and Billy discuss the amazing movie Mean Girls and the research around parenting style that led to Regina George. We reflect on our own style and role play different approaches to see the research in action. We hope you enjoy our chat and we can't wait to read your reflections, questions and tips!

    Watch on YouTube

  • Big feelings reflection (part 2)

    Ep. 93 (3 of 3)

    Big feelings reflection part 2 is filled with heartfelt questions, reflections and tips from the amazing PCP community. We discuss tough behaviours and hurtful words, what we can say and strategies we can use to allow our kids (and us) to have big feelings without suffering from their impact on us and those around us. We hope you enjoy & thank you to everyone who contributed!

    Watch on YouTube

  • Big feelings reflection (part 1)

    Ep. 92 (2 of 3)

    Huge reflection episode with vulnerable questions, heartfelt feedback and practical tips from listeners. We also celebrate a big milestone so thanks to the amazing PCP community for all of your support. Too many great questions to cover in one reflection so we will dive deep into big feelings again next episode!

    Watch on YouTube

  • The Matrix & big feelings

    Ep. 91 (1 of 3)

    This episode Nick and Billy chose the red pill and dive into big feelings in ourselves and our kids. We discuss whats happening with big feelings (such as anger, fear and guilt), the impact they can have on our lives and the steps of emotional self-regulation. This one felt personal for both of us but we hope it helps you too. We can't wait to read your reflections, questions and words of advice!

    Watch on YouTube

  • Moral development reflection

    Ep 90 (2 of 2)

    Once again the PCP community delivers amazing reflections, questions and advice. We talk practically about moral development, empathy and theory of mind through early childhood to late teens. There is lots of laughter, tears and hopefully some helpful guidance in how to support this important aspect of child development. Thank you to all the wonderful people who contributed!

    Watch on YouTube

    Download clinical notes

  • Jerry Maguire & moral development

    Ep. 89 (1 0f 2)

    Jerry Maguire & moral development! We aim high this week with a discussion about how kids develop morals, why it matter and how we can guide them through each phase. Just like Jerry Maguire it's aspirational & emotional but we're not sure if we nailed any catchphrases. There is always the follow up episode I guess. Please send in your reflections, questions and personal tips in how we guide the kids we care about in this important part of who they become.

    Watch on YouTube

  • Attachment reflection (part 2)

    Ep. 88 (3 of 3)

    We couldn't do justice to all the amazing questions, feedback and reflections but we gave it our best shot. In this episode we discuss navigating challenges to attachment in early life, difficulties in older kids and teens as well as what we can do when things get too much. Thank you to every single person who sent in questions, reflections and feedback. You are the best part of PCP.

    Watch on YouTube

    Download Clinic Notes

  • Attachment reflection (part 1)

    Ep. 87 (2 of 3)

    Just when we thought the PCP community couldn't get any better they go and send in some of the best questions and reflections about attachment that we could have imagined. So many in fact that we're doing a multipart reflection! In this episode we touch on sleep & attachment, at risk teens, clingy babies, breaking insecure patterns, temperament vs attachment, self-care and so much more! At the end Billy chokes through a beautiful reflection from an amazing clinician. Thank you everyone!

    Watch on YouTube

    Download Clinic Notes

  • Heat & attachment

    Ep. 86 (1 of 3)
    One of the greatest movies and one of the most important topics pair perfectly for this episode. We discuss the science of attachment, it's influence on development and mental health through childhood and adult life and how we can improve it for our kids and ourselves. We can't wait to hear your feedback, stories, questions and advice!

    Watch on YouTube

    Download Clinic Notes

  • Cultivating courage reflection

    Ep. 85 (2 of 2)

    For this reflection episode we share stories, questions and advice from the amazing PCP community about cultivating courage in our kids. Nick and Billy discuss how the textbook theory can be applied to real life situations and end on a beautiful insight into how one therapist guides a child through these challenges in their clinic. Our longest episode yet but we hope you still enjoy it!

    Watch on YouTube

    Download Clinic Notes

  • Jumanji & cultivating courage

    Ep. 84 (1 of 2)

    The real world can be a pretty scary place and we all want our kids to learn how to face these fears. In this episode Nick and Billy talk about how we can help kids develop true courage for whatever comes. Spoiler alert, the answer isn't send them out into the jungle alone! We hope you enjoy and please send in you questions, experiences growing up regarding courage and any tips you've learnt to share with the PCP community.

    Watch on YouTube

    Download Clinic Notes

  • Changing behaviour reflection (part 2)

    Ep. 83 (3 of 3)

    There were so many amazing questions following our changing behaviour episode that we recorded a second reflection episode! This time we dive into scenarios of play fighting, real fighting, perspective taking, motivation, negotiations and biting! We also share some lovely feedback and advice from our greatest asset, the PCP community. Thank you everyone and we hope you enjoy it.

    Watch on YouTube

    Download Clinic Notes

  • Changing behaviour reflection (part 1)

    Ep. 82 (2 of 3)

    We had so many phenomenal questions, feedback and advice following the latest episode that we've decided to break up the reflection into two parts. We hope you enjoy this chat about how we can use the science of how kids learn to guide them through behavioural challenges.

    Watch on YouTube

    Download Clinic Notes

  • White Men Can't Jump & changing behaviour

    Ep. 81 (1 of 3)

    Behavioural difficulties are one of the most challenges aspects of supporting kids of all ages. Understanding what influences behaviour gives us insight into how we can best guide our kids when they are struggling. Just like Sidney does for Billy in White Men Can't Jump, the trick is setting them up to learn whatever skill they are struggling with, from the dribble to the dunk.

    Watch on YouTube

    Download Clinic Notes

Guiding Growing Minds is all about harnessing the potential of our community to build a better world. We are very fortunate that the following organisations share their expertise and energy to ensure that our work is of the highest quality and always growing.

Enquire about partnering