The REC Parenting Podcast

In this podcast episode, Ana chats with Nicki Shields, TV presenter. Nicki shares her passion for both motor racing and science, as well as her experiences in parenthood. They discuss the joys and challenges of being a parent, the importance of not being judgmental, and the need for consistency in raising children. Nicki reflects on her upbringing and the warm and caring nature of her parents. She also talks about her own family, including her husband and two young boys. Nicki reveals her thoughts on being a strict parent and how she tries to model her parenting on her own upbringing. She discusses the guilt and overwhelm that come with being a working mom, as well as the pressure to be the perfect parent in the age of social media. Nicki offers advice on enjoying the moment, not stressing, and finding a balance between work and family. Enjoy!

Yaser Martini, father of five children, shares the heartbreaking story of his daughter, Margot, who passed away from a rare form of leukemia. In the midst of their grief, Yaser and his wife, Vicki, founded Team Margot, a charity dedicated to promoting blood, organ, stem cell, and bone marrow donation. Through their advocacy work, the couple raises awareness and encourages others to register as donors. Yaser's dedication to helping others stems from his personal experience and the challenges his family faced in finding a bone marrow match for Margot. Despite the tragedy, Yaser remains committed to supporting families caring for child cancer patients through grants provided by the charity. His efforts have recently been recognized with a British Empire Medal, although Yaser humbly acknowledges the award while emphasizing that his true reward is making a difference in the lives of others.

Tamara Beckwith, a multi-talented individual with a diverse career, shares her journey from loss to advocacy in this inspiring episode. After losing her mother to gynecological cancer, Tamara co-founded the Lady Garden Foundation to raise awareness about these cancers. Through her work with the foundation, Tamara finds purpose, satisfaction, and a way to keep her mother's memory alive. In addition to her advocacy work, Tamara discusses her parenting experience, highlighting the importance of putting in time and being present for her children and grandchild. She also embraces her mixed cultural background, navigating the occasional clashes that arise. Tamara believes in choosing kindness and teaching her children to be inclusive and empathetic. This episode explores the power of emotional support, the role of grandparents in a child's life, and the delicate balance of love and limits in parenting.

In this episode of the Rec Parenting podcast, Ana speaks with Lucas Di Grassi, a renowned race car driver and dedicated father. Lucas shares his journey in the world of motorsport, from starting at a young age to achieving success in Formula Three and the FIA Formula E Championship. Beyond racing, Lucas is passionate about technology and sustainability, which led him to create the organization Smart Driving and become the UN Clean Air Ambassador. He approaches parenting with the same level of dedication, always striving to be the best father he can be to his two children, Leo and Beatrice. Lucas emphasizes the importance of preparation and research in parenting and believes that if all parents do the same, the world will be a better place. Tune in to gain insights into the life of a race car driver and a devoted parent.

In this episode of the Rec Parenting podcast, founder Ana talks with Christiana Figueres, an internationally recognized leader in climate change and a dedicated mother. Christiana shares her unconventional childhood growing up in a family devoted to public service and how that shaped her parenting style. She emphasizes the importance of being intentional and present with her children, even amidst her busy career. Christiana also discusses the impact of childhood traumas and her commitment to breaking the chain of ancestral trauma for future generations. The conversation delves into her experience of divorce and how she navigated the challenges while supporting her daughters. Christiana's passion for fighting climate change is explored, along with her optimistic perspective on the future. Overall, this episode highlights the power of conscious decision-making in parenting and the strength that can be found in the face of adversity.

Carrie Frais, founder of MumAbroad, shares her experience as an immigrant parent in this insightful podcast interview. She discusses the challenges and benefits of raising expat kids, the sense of loneliness and belonging, and the constant need for adaptation and integration. Carrie's journey as a mother in a foreign country led her to create MumAbroad, an online platform connecting expat parents. Through her work and personal experiences, she strives to encourage open conversations about the realities of motherhood abroad and provide a supportive community for others facing similar challenges. The interview also delves into Carrie's book, 'Living the Dream,' which offers raw and honest stories from nine immigrant women. It highlights the complexities of life abroad, including grief, loss, and the constant search for a sense of home. Overall, Carrie's insights provide valuable perspectives on the joys and struggles of being an immigrant parent.

In this engaging podcast episode, Ana interviews Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E, about all things parenting. Jeff shares insights into his own upbringing and the important lessons he learned from his hardworking parents. He also discusses the concept of work-life balance and how he prefers to focus on creating a harmonious life instead. Jeff opens up about the challenges of raising two teenage boys and the evolving dynamics of parenting in the digital age. He delves into the concept of parental guilt and shares his thoughts on finding a balance between work and family. Jeff also highlights the need for companies to support working parents and provides examples of progressive policies and structures that can benefit both employees and their families. Overall, this episode offers a valuable perspective on parenting and work-life integration from a leader who embraces the complexity of modern parenting.

In this podcast episode, Ana interviews Susie Wolff, a trailblazer in the world of motorsport. Susie talks about her upbringing in Scotland, her successful racing career, and her transition to motherhood. She emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between personal fulfillment and motherhood, and how being happy and fulfilled as an individual positively impacts her role as a mother. Susie also shares her experiences as a stepmother and the importance of creating a loving and supportive blended family environment. She discusses her role in the F1 Academy, where she works to increase female participation in motorsport and break down barriers for women in the industry. In 2017, Susie's hard work was formally acknowledged when she was awarded an MBE for her services and contribution to women in sport. Overall, Susie's story is one of determination, passion, and the power of believing in oneself.

In this episode of the REC Parenting Podcast, Ana speaks with Nancy Caogan, a celebrated British painter. Nancy shares anecdotes from her childhood, raised by a writer mother and an archaeologist father, and discusses how she balances her intensely passionate career with her role as a mother of three. She reflects on integrating her family into her work, feeling less guilt about her devotion to art, and encouraging her children to take part in her creative journey. The conversation dives into the complexities of parental guilt, organization struggles, and the joys of raising a family enriched by creativity.