Tag: open conversations

  • Odd Moms On Call Turns 10: Hot Takes, Glimmers, and Real Talk

    Odd Moms On Call Turns 10: Hot Takes, Glimmers, and Real Talk

    Hitting 10 episodes may not seem like a big deal in the podcasting world, but it is.

    As Chelsea shared at the beginning of this conversation, 90% of podcasts never make it past their tenth episode. For the Odd Moms, reaching this milestone felt like a collective exhale and a celebration of sticking with something that has become so much more than just a podcast.

    Photo by Ewel Z on Pexels.com

    Life Updates in a World on Fire

    The episode kicks off with each mom sharing what’s new in their lives. Britt opened up about the crushing realities of navigating healthcare while managing lupus, divorce, and single parenting. Their story highlights the absurd gaps in the U.S. system, where even healthcare workers struggle to access the care they provide to others.

    Lindsey shared her “glimmers”—from raising $20,000 for local food pantries to helping families impacted by addiction. Yet she also admitted to needing breaks from social media, especially in the wake of political polarization and religious extremism in her community.

    Jess described balancing heavy caseloads as a psychologist with the heartache of her daughter asking for more time together. Still, she found joy in celebrating family dreams fulfilled at her cousin’s new brewery.

    Chelsea reflected on the surreal experience of finding someone else with the same rare brain tumor and postpartum struggles, a connection they once thought impossible. It became a reminder of why story-sharing matters.

    Charlie Kirk, Vigils, and the Weight of Extremism

    Much of the conversation centered on the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination and the polarizing ripple effects across the country. From vigils and billboards to conspiracy theories and political manipulation, the moms wrestled with confusion, fear, and the need to speak carefully.

    As Britt put it, “People are losing their jobs, businesses, and safety over what they say online. It’s become so hard to find a cohesive understanding when someone’s opinion is that you shouldn’t exist.”

    The Odd Moms drew parallels between rising extremism in the U.S. and historical moments like the Holocaust, noting how marginalized groups—including immigrants, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ communities—are once again being targeted.

    The Power of Community and Mutual Aid

    Despite the heaviness, the Odd Moms kept returning to one central truth: connection is resistance.

    “Find your pockets of people,” Britt said. “Supporting our communities and not letting the bad win is the only way forward.”

    Mutual aid, small acts of kindness, and the Odd Moms’ own daily group chat have become lifelines. Each host reflected on how the podcast has empowered them to speak openly, feel less alone, and embrace community—even across distance.

    Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

    Hot Takes That Hit Hard

    The episode closed with a rapid-fire “hot take” round:

    • Chelsea: “The only thing more predictable than mass shootings in the U.S. is our government’s refusal to do anything about it.”
    • Britt: “Gender is a completely made up social construct meant to fuel suppression—and it harms everyone.”
    • Lindsey: “I don’t want religion anywhere near my child’s school. Period.”
    • Jess: “If you’re speaking on scientific research and claim correlation proves anything, you don’t understand research.”

    Each one served as both a mic-drop moment and a rallying cry.

    Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

    Why This Episode Matters

    Episode 10 of Odd Moms On Call is raw, emotional, and unapologetically human. It’s proof that even when the world feels like it’s burning, small communities of care can provide glimmers of hope, laughter, and strength.

    As Chelsea put it: “Speaking your truth should not put you in danger—for anyone.”

  • Raising Kids Beyond the Binary

    Raising Kids Beyond the Binary

    What Parents Really Think About the “Gender Wars”

    A Panel of Moms Talks Identity, Legislation, and Love

    In a climate where gender identity has become a cultural battleground, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed as a parent. But in Episode 5 of Odd Moms On Call, our diverse panel of moms brings nuance, honesty, and humanity back to the conversation.

    From Oklahoma to Vermont, our panelists share what it’s like to parent through a storm of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and rising political tension.

    An image of our Odd Moms Panel Members set against an orange background.
    Our Odd Moms Panel

    Britt, a non-binary mom raising a non-binary child, describes the healing of helping her kids find the words they never had.

    Jess, a psychologist in South Carolina, shares what it means to support trans youth when medical care is being banned.

    Tianna opens up about raising neurodivergent children with love, fluidity, and fierce compassion.

    Lindsey, a mom, artist, advocate, and creator of safe spaces, shares how she probes deeper when people point out gender norms.

    And Chelsea—non-binary parent, writer, chronic illness warrior —reminds us that kids often grasp what adults complicate.

    “Children aren’t too young to learn about gender,” Jess says. “They’re too young to be targeted.”

    an image of a child with a brightly colored hat, jumper, and sandals, jumping with their arms spread wide.
    Photo by Germu00e1n TR on Pexels.com

    Why This Episode Matters

    The conversation spans legislation, schools, identity exploration, and how parents are creating safe, affirming homes. There’s also humor (Skibidi toilet, anyone?), grace for those still learning, and unflinching honesty.

    Importantly, our panelists highlight resources for parents:

    Our Takeaway

    Parenting in 2025 means making space for your child to explore who they are—even if it scares you. Especially then. As Britt says, “You can’t indoctrinate a kid into loving themselves too much.”

    If you’re navigating gender identity parenting, know this: you’re not alone. And the kids? They’re alright.

    Listen to the full episode here, and let us know your thoughts on the state of The Gender Wars.

  • Odd Moms On Call: Episode One – Parenting in Political Chaos

    Odd Moms On Call Logo with Microphone

    Strap In

    Welcome to the Odd Moms On Call Podcast! We’re a panel of moms from diverse backgrounds coming together to have real, unfiltered conversations about parenting in today’s challenging political climate. This podcast is all about creating a space for open discussion—without judgment—on the issues that shape our families, our communities, and our world.

    Why These Conversations Matter

    Parenting has never been easy, but today’s world presents unique challenges. The political landscape influences everything from education to mental health, and families—especially immigrant families—often find themselves at the center of national debates. In this episode, we discuss why it’s so important to have tough conversations and how community support can make a difference.

    mom having a serious conversation with her kids over dinner.

    The Impact of the Political Climate on Families

    Politics isn’t just about policies; it’s about people. Families today are navigating laws and rhetoric that affect their everyday lives, from school policies to healthcare access. Immigrant families, in particular, face systemic barriers that make raising children even more challenging. We explore how these issues shape the way we parent and why advocacy is essential for creating a more just society.

    Mental Health and Motherhood

    Parenting is an emotional rollercoaster, and mental health is often overlooked in discussions about raising kids. We share our own struggles and triumphs in maintaining mental well-being while juggling responsibilities. How do we protect our children’s mental health while also caring for our own? And how do we break generational cycles to raise emotionally intelligent, empathetic kids?

    Education and the Power of Knowledge

    Education plays a critical role in shaping our children’s futures and the values of society. From book bans to curriculum debates, we discuss how the current political climate is influencing what kids learn in schools. How can parents ensure that their children receive an inclusive and accurate education? And what role does activism play in safeguarding educational equity?

    Dehumanization and Its Consequences

    One of the most alarming trends in today’s political landscape is the dehumanization of marginalized groups. When political rhetoric reduces people to stereotypes or threats, it has real-world consequences. We examine how this impacts families, particularly immigrant communities, and discuss what we can do as parents to counteract harmful narratives.

    Raising Empathetic Children

    Empathy is the antidote to division. Teaching kids to see and respect the humanity in others is more important than ever. We share our personal approaches to raising compassionate, socially conscious children in a world that often encourages detachment and indifference.

    The Importance of Community Support

    No parent should have to navigate these challenges alone. Community support is vital, whether it’s through local networks, online groups, or activism. We talk about the power of collective action and how moms can lead the charge in advocating for change.

    Listen to the Full Episode

    Join us for this powerful conversation by listening to Episode One of Odd Moms On Call. Let’s start these discussions, support each other, and raise the next generation to be kinder, wiser, and more aware.

    Stay tuned for more episodes where we continue to explore the intersection of parenting, politics, and social justice.