Modern Mom Probs

In this hilarious episode, Tara sits down with Stephanie Drake and Arthur Meyer, the creative minds and co-hosts behind the hit satire series ABC Parenting. The trio dives deep into how the show brilliantly parodies the overwhelming, contradictory flood of online parenting advice that leaves so many parents feeling like they are failing. Stephanie (an actress and writer, known for her role as Meredith in Mad Men) and Arthur (a veteran comedy writer whose credits include The Tonight Show) share how their own real-life anxieties shape their sharpest sketches. The conversation highlights how ABC Parenting turns the fear-based messaging of modern parenting into comedy gold.

Beyond the laughs, the conversation unpacks the very real pressures driving the satire, touching on everything from the intense stress of kindergarten "redshirting" to navigating comment sections when audiences mistake parody for actual advice, a struggle Tara knows all too well. The group also reflects on broader cultural shifts, contrasting the hands-off independence of 1980s childhoods with today's hyper-monitored, information-overloaded landscape.

Be sure to hit subscribe, share this episode with a mom friend who needs a laugh today, and come join the conversation over in the Modern Mom Probs Patreon community for even more unfiltered (dare we say, unhinged) fun.

Links:

https://www.instagram.com/abcparentingadvice/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7JqpCGJj1LuVu_DkODF6LA

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/abcs-of-parenting-adult-children/id1693026736

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In this episode, Tara sits down with author, artist, and Emmy-winning animator Loryn Brantz for an honest conversation on creativity, modern parenting, and what’s really going on behind the scenes in children’s media.

Loryn opens up about shifting from traditional animation on classic shows like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Sesame Street to writing children’s books, sharing how a very relatable toddler meltdown inspired her new book, I Am a Spicy Nugget. She and Tara unpack practical strategies for co-regulation and handling big emotions, explaining why doing the inner self-work and reparenting ourselves beats relying on cookie-cutter parenting scripts every time.

They also tackle the changing landscape of creative content, diving into Loryn’s advocacy for artist protection against AI after her public battle over The Good Advice Cupcake. From the rise of AI-generated slop in children’s shows to her behind-the-scenes work, Loryn reminds us that human connection is at the heart of storytelling. This conversation is a candid look at the emotional work of raising good humans while fighting to protect genuine creative integrity for the next generation.

Links:

https://lorynbrantz.com/

https://www.instagram.com/lorynbrantz/

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In this enlightening episode, Tara sits down with Dr. Shefali to dive into her two new books, Raising Conscious Sons and Raising Conscious Daughters. Dr. Shefali shares what called her to shift her focus toward adolescence and address the intense, unique pressures reshaping modern childhood. Together, they explore the profound differences in what kids are up against today, from rescuing boys from the isolation and dopamine fixation of the digital age to helping girls break free from the anxiety-inducing "perception prison" of social media. Dr. Shefali explains how the "algorithmic abduction of childhood" is feeding children vastly different, yet equally damaging, narratives, and why honoring their natural biological wiring while fostering real-life connection is more critical than ever.

Beyond just sounding the alarm, Dr. Shefali provides a practical blueprint for parents at every developmental stage. The conversation highlights how conscious parenting must adapt as children grow, why parents need to stop over-comforting them, and how "engineering healthy friction" actually builds resilience and self-reliance. By learning to loosen the reins, embrace the messiness, and allow kids to solve their own small problems, parents can step out of their own anxiety and raise grounded, capable adults.

Tune in to the full episode for a grounding conversation on letting go of parenting perfectionism, and discover how a little healthy friction can help both you and your children thrive.

Links:

https://www.drshefali.com/

https://www.drshefali.com/raisingconscious-daughters-sons/

https://www.instagram.com/doctorshefali

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In this episode, Tara sits down with child development specialist Dr. Siggie Cohen to unpack why today’s overwhelming landscape of parenting advice so often leaves families feeling burnt out, inconsistent, and stuck in extreme reactions. They explore the delicate balance between connection and leadership, tackling why modern parents frequently zigzag between permissive strategies and rigid control rather than holding a steady, moderate course. Dr. Siggie breaks down her core message: children need a calm, confident leader unafraid to step into authority. Together, they dive into common pitfalls like overparenting, the hidden trap of asking rhetorical questions, and why stepping back to allow kids to experience age-appropriate friction and disappointment is actually the key to building lifelong resilience and mental strength.

Dr. Siggie also shares how decades of professional practice and parenting her children shaped her grounded philosophy and inspired her new book, You Are the Parent. The conversation offers real-world guidance on establishing firm, loving boundaries without resorting to power struggles, showing up as a steady presence when kids use parents as emotional “punching bags,” and shifting away from guilt-driven choices. Whether you are struggling to cut through the noise of conflicting parenting advice or looking for practical ways to simplify your daily communication, this episode serves as an empowering reminder that families are complex systems that thrive best when parents trust themselves to lead with clarity, directness, and empathy.

Links:

https://drsiggie.com/

https://drsiggie.com/you-are-the-parent/

https://www.instagram.com/dr.siggie

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In this heart-warming episode, Tara sits down with Simon Pryce and Lachy Gillespie of the legendary children’s group The Wiggles to dive into life behind the iconic skivvies, balancing life as beloved performers with the realities of being dads. The pair reflect on how fatherhood completely transformed their approach to music, making their songwriting and performances even more child-centered and playful. They also share the story behind their podcast, Wiggle Talk, which was born out of their own late-night parenting questions and a desire to learn alongside expert guests. From the multi-generational nostalgia bringing original Wiggles fans back with their own kids to the high energy of their current North American tour, Simon and Lachy offer a candid, behind-the-scenes look at performing for families worldwide.

Beyond the stage lights, the conversation gets real about the everyday struggles of modern parenting. Simon and Lachy open up about navigating dad guilt, managing long-distance family logistics, and finding small ways to stay connected through early-morning wakeups and hotel video calls. Whether you're a lifelong Wiggles fan or just looking for a relatable perspective on raising children, grab your favorite hot potato, hit that subscribe button, and join them for an episode that proves parenting is a whole lot easier when you learn to go with the flow.

Links:
https://thewiggles.com/

https://thewiggles.com/pages/live

https://thewiggles.com/pages/podcast

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