Good Kids: How Not to Raise an Asshole

Tabitha St. Bernard-Jacobs, activist, organizer, and artist, talks about how to raise anti-racist children, both in the wake of George Floyd’s murder and long-term, when police brutality and racial injustice have left the news cycle. She provides actionable steps for parents who don’t know where to start, including educating yourself, asking critical questions, and showing up for other communities. Plus, why Tabitha believes there’s no right or wrong time to talk with kids about racism. “If you’re wondering when is the right time to talk to your kids about race, I think the first step is to unpack the white privilege that exists in your home and in your family.”

Jessica Lahey, writer, teacher, and public speaker, opens up about her lifelong relationship with alcohol: growing up with an alcoholic parent, becoming an alcohol peer counselor in college, and realizing that she, too, had become an alcoholic in her 40s. “It’s really hard to admit that something you tried to stay away from your whole entire life has snuck up on you through some deep, dark back door that you didn’t even know was there.” Jessica gives practical advice for parents and teachers talking to kids about substance abuse, and reveals why she’s decided to change her messaging around alcohol with her second child.

Nicole J Georges always felt like an outsider in her family. She didn’t look like anyone else. Everyone was taller than her. But at 23 years old, a chance encounter with a palm reader changed her life in an instant. “I had grandparents that were looking for me. I had brothers and sisters I never knew about.” Plus, Nicole’s advice for teens who feel like the black sheep of their own family. “You’re going to find your people and your place and it is going to make you even stronger and much cooler.”

Craig Spencer, ER doctor and Ebola survivor, knew COVID was going to be a big deal before most people did. While this gave him and his family plenty of time to stock up on food and supplies, it also meant having to ask tough questions early on about how he’d keep his family safe while battling the virus on the frontline in New York City: “What happens if you get sick, Craig? What do we do? How do we isolate you? What happens if you bring this home?” Hear about Craig’s grueling 12-hour shifts in the emergency room, and his silver lining of the past year.

Growing up, the conversation around mental health in Anastasia Vlasova’s home was simple: “Get over it. It’s all in your head. Relax.” But in 7th grade, family financial hardships, social isolation, and a newfound self-consciousness about her body lead Anastasia down a dark spiral of anxiety, depression, and eventually an eating disorder. Hear how she built up the courage to ask for help, how she’s doing now, and how she’s using her story to speak out against mental health stigma. “If there’s one thing you take away from this episode, it’s definitely to reach out for help.”

When Tyler Greene first met his husband, one thing was clear: his husband wanted kids, and Tyler didn’t. But after going to a Men Having Babies conference, and seeing other, happy gay couples with genetically-linked children, Tyler did a 180: “If we’re able to do that, I would have a hard time not trying.” Listen as Tyler takes us through his family’s journey with surrogacy: finding their son’s surrogate, being there for his birth, and gearing up to embark on the journey a second time.